Europe proposals not enough: Iran

Transcription

1 baseball Page 31 THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Established in 1977 / THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 / SHAWWAL 7, 1439 AH emergency number 112 NO PAGES 150 FILS Europe proposals not enough: Iran Iraq in clash with pro-iran militia BAGHDAD, June 20, (Agencies): Iraqi police surrounded the headquarters of an Iran-backed militia and detained one of its members after an armed clash Wednesday left three people wounded in Baghdad, a security official said. The powerful Hezbollah Brigades militia is part of the Hashed al-shaabi paramilitary units that battled the Islamic State group (IS) in Iraq. A shootout erupted after a police patrol in the Iraqi capital stopped a car, only for a convoy of Hezbollah Brigades members to arrive, an interior ministry official said on condition of anonymity. Opinion The men in five vehicles opened fire and the police responded. Two policemen were wounded and one of the members of Hezbollah Brigades, he said. The police then quickly surrounded the militia headquarters where the fighters had holed up, the official said, closing down one of Baghdad s main thoroughfares. The siege was lifted after the person behind the shooting was arrested, the official said. The flareup in violence was rare for the Iraqi capital, No need to join global agreements: Khamenei LONDON, June 20, (Agencies): Iran s nuclear chief said on Tuesday that Europe s proposals to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal after the US withdrawal from the pact were not satisfying for Tehran, warning that all sides would lose if Iran is sidelined by the West, the IRNA state news agency said. IRNA reported that the head of Iran s Atomic Energy Organisation, Ali Akbar Salehi had shown Iran s dissatisfaction with European proposals to save the nuclear deal in a meeting with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Referring to Iran s important regional role, Salehi was quoted as saying: if it continues like this, all sides will lose. Iran has no need to join global agreements on areas such as terrorism and money laundering, the country s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Wednesday as the issue divides parliament. Describing parliament as mature and wise, Khamenei said lawmakers must independently make legislation on issues such as terrorism or combating money laundering. Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 8 Yemen graveyard for Iranian expansionism By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times WHEN the Arab coalition led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fought the Houthis who turned against the Gulf Cooperation Council s settlement of the Yemeni crisis and started to invade the remaining Yemeni areas, a group of people claiming to have good intentions emerged and agreed in one voice. This group affirmed that the Kingdom and the coalition dipped themselves in a pool which they cannot come out of, and that historically, Yemen has been the graveyard of invaders. Interestingly, these people did not see at the time the magnitude of the disaster caused by the coup in Yemen. The Houthis were merely a Trojan horse for the Iranian invaders with the ambition of reaching the cities of Makkah, Madinah and Baqee to launch their operations to invade Gulf countries. Throughout the past four years, those with ill intentions repeated many slogans and preoccupied themselves with the amount of money spent in fighting against the Persian expansionism scheme. They estimated astronomical figures although they did not, for a single second, realize that what have been spent is minimal compared to the cost if Iran accomplishes its scheme. None of them said, at least, that US$/KD /75 Euro/KD Yen/KD British /KD KSE pts at closing June 20 See Page 29 Dow pts at 21:30 June 20 See Page 30 Nasdaq pts at 21:30 June 20 FTSE pts at closing June 20 Nikkei pts at closing June 20 Gold $1, per oz (London) NYMEX crude $65.54 per barrel Brent crude $74.42 per barrel 3-month $ LIBOR rate 2.33% the Mullah regime put itself in the fix and started digging its own grave in Yemen where it cannot allow itself to be devoured. Also, no one among them saw the high price which the region would have paid in terms of politics, economy, society and culture once the Yemeni governorate of Saada transforms into a new Dahieh (suburb in South Beirut) under the control of those wrapped in black like Abbasid s ruler of Yemen and even Hassan Nasrallah who rules Beirut. Today, everyone is convinced, even the ones in doubt, that if it were not for the coalition s intervention in Yemen against the Iranian invaders; the elements of the Revolutionary Guard would have been in Buraida farms, Qassem and Dammam. They would have invaded Manama, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. Therefore, the crocodile tears shed for the audacious coalition initiative were not out of concern for the interest of the Gulf region. Instead, it was the role taken up by the fifth column which was carefully knitted for media and political Continued on Page 8 ahmed@aljarallah.com Follow me on: ahmedaljarallah@gmail.com Newswatch DUBAI: Air Arabia has an overall exposure of $336 million to Dubaibased private equity firm Abraaj, which has filed for provisional liquidation, the airline said on Wednesday. The carrier said in a statement ed to Reuters that it had appointed a legal representative to protect its business. Shares in Air Arabia, the only listed airline in the United Arab Emirates, plunged 7 percent this week because of the link between the airline and Abraaj. (RTRS) BEIRUT: A Bahraini opposition group and human rights organizations warned Tuesday that the government s case against the country s leading Shiite opposition figure contains tampered evidence. Ebrahim Sarhan, a legal adviser for the defense of Sheikh Ali Salman, secretary-general of Continued on Page 8 Portugal s forward Cristiano Ronaldo (left), vies for the header with Morocco s defender Mehdi Benatia during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Portugal and Morocco at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 20. Portugal beat Morocco 1-0. (AFP) See Page Yemen coalition takes key airport KHOKHA, Yemen, June 20, (AFP): Yemeni forces seized Hodeida airport on Wednesday in a major step towards retaking the rebel-held port city after a week of fighting that has left nearly 350 people dead. Fresh clashes later erupted between UAE-backed government forces and the Iran-allied rebels on a road linking the airport to Hodeida port on the Red Sea coast, a Yemeni army source said. The city, a crucial entrypoint for imports and humanitarian aid, is the target of a massive operation launched last week by a Saudi-led coalition fighting on the side of the government. Pro-government forces announced the capture of Hodeida airport in the morning, a day after breaking through the perimeter fence. The airport was completely cleared, Thank God, and is under control, the coalition commander for the Red Sea coast, Abdul Salaam al-shehi, said in a video distributed by the United Arab Emirates official WAM news agency. UAE Foreign Minister Anwar Gargash tweeted that the US quits UN s rights council WASHINGTON, June 20, (AP): The United States is leaving the United Nations Human Rights Council, which Ambassador Nikki Haley called an organization that is not worthy of its name. It s the latest withdrawal by the Trump administration from an international institution. Haley said Tuesday the US had given the human rights body opportunity after opportunity to make changes. She lambasted the council for its chronic bias against Israel and lamented the fact that its membership includes accused human rights abusers such as China, Cuba, Venezuela and Congo. We take this step because our commitment does not allow us to remain a part of a hypocritical and self-serving organization that makes a mockery of human rights, Haley said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, appearing alongside Haley at the State Department, Jordan concerned Syria attacks in southwest AMMAN, June 20, (Agencies): The Syrian army stepped up shelling of opposition-held parts of the southwest as it mobilises for a campaign to regain the area bordering Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, opposition sources said. Violence erupted at the frontline town of Kafr Shams, near the Syrianheld Golan Heights, and further east in the town of Busra al Harir, which was struck by dozens of mortars from nearby army positions, the sources said. Syrian state media said militants had escalated attacks on civilians in the area which is part of a de-escalation zone agreed by the United States and Russia last year with the aim of containing the conflict in the southwest. An offensive in the southwest would risk a major escalation of the sevenyear-old war. The area is of strategic importance to Israel, which is deeply alarmed by Iranian influence in Syria. Washington has warned it will take firm and appropriate measures in response to violations of the de-escalation deal. US-allied Jordan is increasingly worried about a spillover of violence and has been engaged in stepped up diplomatic efforts to preserve the de-escalation zone which it also helped to broker last year, a Jordanian source said. Rebels say Iranian-backed fighters allied to President Bashar al-assad have boosted their numbers in the area, though a commander in the regional alliance fighting in support of Assad denied Tehran-aligned forces had a big presence there. Elite government troops known as the Tiger force, which have spearheaded a campaign that recaptured the Eastern Ghouta region near Damascus, have also been mobilised for the attack. The pro-damascus newspaper al- Watan said there were growing indications about preparations for the start of a wide military operation to liberate the south. Assad said earlier this month the government, at Russia s suggestion, was seeking to strike a deal in the southwest similar to agreements that have restored its control of other areas through withdrawals of rebel forces. But he also said there had been no results yet and blamed Israeli and Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 8

2 LOCAL 2 Embassy in Tokyo warns Kuwaitis of post-quake landslides, floods NCCAL to hold Int l Music Festival from June 23 to 28 new generation, while showcasing Arabic and foreign creativity. The first International Music Festival was held in KUWAIT CITY, June 20, (KUNA): The National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) will hold the 21st International Music Festival sponsored by Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri, during the period between 23rd until 28th of June. The festival honors the memory of late artist Marzouq Al-Marzouq. A musical night will be held on Saturday, led by maestro Rashid Al-Nuwaisher, with a number of young artists performing some of Al-Marzouq s tunes. Meanwhile, Chinese band Guanchi will take the stage a day later, in addition to performances by Turkish and Bahraini musicians. Folk Art will also be a part of the festival as Al-Zayed Folklore band performs on Tuesday at Kuwait National Museum. NCAAL holds the musical gala annually coinciding with the International Day of Music to highlight Kuwaiti heritage in the minds of the Kuwait s Embassy in Tokyo on Wednesday warned citizens there of dangerous post-quake landslides and floods, especially the western country. In a statement to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), the embassy advised all Kuwaitis in Japan to take extreme caution Coordination between GRP, PAM to support private sector: Al-Sabeeh Municipal panel okays modifi ed planning of university city and to follow all instructions issued by local authorities in this regard. It also said Kuwaiti citizens who may need help or find themselves encountering an emergency situation, should call the embassy at any time on the following telephone number: , or via consular@kuwait-embassy. or.jp. Last Monday, a magnitude-6.1 earthquake jolted western Japan, killing at least three people and injuring some 230 more. The international community should assume full responsibility over refugees and countries hosting them, an Arab regional group said Tuesday. The group, tasked with immigration and asylum, said Arab countries have unique circumstances because they have been hosting refugees since 1940s as a result of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands. These countries have suffered economic, social, political, security and demographic challenges. The group, consisting of 17 countries including Kuwait, called for addressing root causes of the asylum as well as creating suitable circumstances to allow return of refugees. The group members commended the Arab countries for hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees since Millions of Syrians fled to neighboring countries following outbreak of the conflict in their country in March Municipal Council s technical committee meeting. KUNA photo Special needs people can submit all transactions online KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Supervisor of reception halls at Public Authority for the Disabled Maha Al-Omairi affirmed the completion of furnishing of the hall in Sabahiya, indicating that it will be open soon, reports Aljarida daily. She revealed that the hall will provide services to residents of Area 10 in Adan, Sabah Al-Salem, Jaber Al- Ali, Mangaf, Fintas, Mahboula, Fahaheel and Egaila areas. Meanwhile, Al-Omairi stressed that people with special needs are now able to submit all their transactions online, adding, For example, they can request for a driver, housemaid, aid for those below 21 years old and renewal of disability certificate. She said despite the shortage of staff, this did not negatively affect the workflow or delay the completion of transactions, affirming that things are all under control. KUWAIT CITY, June 20, (KUNA): Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Economic Affairs Hind Al-Sabeeh has revealed that there would be a coordinative meeting between officials of the Government Restructuring Program (GRP) and Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in order to support work in the private sector. Al-Sabeeh made the statement on Tuesday while she was receiving well-wishers of Eid Al-Fitr at the headquarters of the GRP. Regarding the merging of the PAM and GRP, she said there is a government decision on this matter, referring that the budgets and employees of the two bodies were merged. She stated that some companies, which committed violations in issuing residencies, were referred to justice that will have its final say in this question. She stressed that carrying out charitable projects outside the country should be approved by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, and the Foreign Ministry to avoid the suspension of activities. She pointed out that there is coordination among the Ministries of Labor and Foreign, Interior and Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, and Central Bank of Kuwait regarding the charitable projects carried out overseas. There were little violations from charities in terms of collecting donations during the Holy Month of Ramadan, she said, noting that no charity complained with suspending projects. She explained that the State of Kuwait is coordinating with the Gulf states and countries exporting domestic workers to reach identical views on this regard. Making new decisions on organizing labor market will be studied with Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kuwait Trade Union Federation to ensure that these decisions achieve the aspired goals, she said. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Minister of State for Municipal Affairs Hussam Al- Roumi on Wednesday stressed the significance of cooperation with the Kuwait Municipal Council to speed up work to achieve vital projects. Fruitful cooperation between the Council and the executive body of the Kuwait Municipality serves public interests, as it shortens duration of procedure, Al-Roumi told reporters during a visit to Municipal Council s chief Eng Usama Al-Otaibi. For his part, Al-Otaibi praised the minister s continuous communication with the Council, voicing optimism about cooperation among the state institutions, which helps remove obstacles facing state projects. In the meantime, the Kuwait Municipal Council s technical committee on Wednesday approved a modified structural planning for the Sabah Al-Salem Kuwait University City Al- Shadadiyah. Head of the committee Abdulaziz Al-Megel told reporters that they had also agreed to allocate a plot of land for firefighters club. In the meantime, the committee referred a host of proposals to the city s executive body, mainly moving theaters from the residential area, and building a theatrical complex. Hussam Al-Roumi Photo by Mohammad Morse Labor Minister Hind Al-Sabeeh receives one of the well-wishers. Al-Awadhi News in Brief Condolences sent: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim on Tuesday sent two cables to Speakers of Japan s House of Representatives Speaker Tadamori Oshima, and House of Councillors Chuichi Date expressing condolences and sympathy over the victims of the Osaka quake, leaving scores dead or injured. (KUNA) Sheikh Nasser returns on Sat: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Sabah Nasser Al-Ahmad will return to the country on Saturday, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Sheikh Nasser Sabah travelled to London where he underwent some medical tests which yielded good results, affirming that he is in good health condition. Al-Asfour Two paid weekends should be given Opinions differ on CSC decision to up employees working hours KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Less than one year after Civil Service Commission (CSC) issued a decision to cancel all waivers for the fingerprint attendance system, government circles have been awash with arguments concerning another CSC decision to increase the amount of time spent each day at work to seven hours in 24 sectors, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Some are of the view that the decision came out of the blue without prior notice and thereby unwarranted. They considered a large section of employees do not comply with the official working hours, indicating those employees cheat on the fingerprint system by obtaining permission or exit permits during official working hours. Therefore, the thought of increasing working hours will not make much difference. In contrast, another section of opinions welcomed the decision seeing it as a measure to oblige employees to stay longer at work, and yield positive outcome in the long run. They stressed the decision should be complemented by increasing the number of weekend days to ensure employees have enough rest for better productivity and refreshed activities. Chief Executive Officer of Aayan Real Estate Company Ibrahim Al- Awadhi stated the decision cannot resolve the crisis of low productivity and it s neither capable of bringing out any positive outcome. He declared productivity of government employees is limited and unconnected to the annual evaluation of the activities of Al-Attar employees in their various offices. He affirmed an increase in productivity depends on competency, experience, and clamping down on administrative corruption and nepotism. Putting things in the right perspectives will contribute to solve many problems, he added. For her part, Kuwait University don Sanaa Al-Asfour objected to decision of Civil Service Commission to increase working hours in some ministries. She shared sentiment of the first respondent, saying productivity has no link with extended working hours but competency and ability of each employee to produce and accomplish their target within the shortest time during the week days with high effectiveness, efficiency and profitability. She reiterated several employees comply with official working hours but are unable to complete their assignments. Meanwhile, expert economist Salman Al-Attar said the idea of increasing official working hours is economically viable, but employees should be given two paid weekends to refresh their activities. In return, it will reflect on productivity, quality and performance. Adopting this idea will limit the rate of early exit of government workers and organize the system of holiday among them. Employees will be able to gain more while working in a comfortable environment, and I strongly believe that increasing the working hours and weekend days in manufacturing sector will encourage a more organized method of maintenance. Awareness on heart health vital: Secretary-General of Kuwait Cardiac Society (KCS) Dr Rashid Al-Owaish affirmed that raising awareness on the significance of heart health is the most important duty to society, reports Al- Anba daily. In an interview, Dr Al-Owaish pointed out that KCS is working hard to increase awareness on healthy lifestyle and eating habits, in addition to the danger of high cholesterol and obesity that lead to high blood pressure. He also recommended ways to maintain the ideal weight through sports and quitting smoking, noting Kuwait has registered two achievements in the Guinness B ook of Records and the second achievement is the mobile unit of cardiovascular diseases enlightenment.

3 LOCAL 3 From left: HH the Amir with HH the Crown Prince, Speaker Al-Ghanim and HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad. From left: HH the Crown Prince with Speaker Al-Ghanim, HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad and Minister Al-Jabri. HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince receive senior State officials KUNA photos His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace Wednesday His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. His Highness then received National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim. His Highness also received His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Meanwhile, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace Wednesday National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim. His Highness then received His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. His Highness also received Information Minister and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri. (KUNA) Enforce more measures, policies to prevent, fi ght heart diseases Info minister appreciative By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Dr Hind Al-Shoumar, a member of Kuwait Heart Foundation, urged for enforcement of more measures and policies in various sectors for preventing and fighting heart diseases and non-communicable chronic diseases as part of Kuwait s obligation towards the United Nation s declaration issued in September 2011, and the 2015 UN Charter for global objectives towards sustainable development. In her statement, Dr Al- Shoumar affirmed that there are major challenges countering the efforts exerted by various organizations for spreading awareness on heart diseases and the risk factors that lead to such diseases. She urged for more efforts to be implemented for enforcing policies on anti-smoking and various items issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its effort to fight tobacco use. Dr Al-Shoumar explained that the risk factors that lead to heart diseases are obesity, sudden increase in weight, unhealthy diet, Kuwait Today Prayer Timings Fajr... 03:13 Sunrise... 04:49 Zohr... 11:50 Asr... 15:23 Maghrib... 18:50 Isha... 20:23 Weather Expected weather for the next 24 hours: By Night: Relatively hot with light to moderate freshening at times specially over coastal areas and north westerly wind, with speed of km/h. By Day: Dusty and hot with moderate to fresh, strong at times north westerly wind, with speed of km/h. Station Max Min Rec Exp Kuwait City Kuwait Airport Abdaly Bubyan Jahra Failaka Island Salmiyah Ahmadi Nuwaisib Wafra Salmy days forecast - Weather Thursday, June 21 Expected weather... Dusty and hot Max Temp...45C Min Temp...35C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Friday, June 22 Expected weather... Dusty and hot Max Temp...44C Min Temp...34C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Saturday, June 23 Expected weather... Hot + rising dust Max Temp...44C Min Temp...32C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Sunday, June 24 Expected weather. Hot + rising dust over open areas Max Temp...46C Min Temp...33C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Marine Forecast Station Max Min Sea Today s Rec Exp Surf Waves Ht Dirn South Dolphin ft SE Umm Mudayrah ft SE physical inactivity, smoking and increase in cholesterol level in blood, among other factors. The risk becomes higher when all the factors exist at the same time. She stressed that the challenges related to heart diseases and non-communicable chronic diseases as well as the repercussions that follow necessitate setting up and enforcing comprehensive national policies in various sectors of the society. Dr Al-Shoumar insisted that both governmental and non-governmental organizations must cooperate to achieve the main objectives instead of leaving the entire burden on the health facilities. She indicated that some of the responsibilities that non-health agencies could adopt include increasing taxes and charges of tobacco products and unhealthy food, and implementing policies for prevention of air pollution, which is one of the main risk factors for heart diseases. Dr Al-Shoumar went on to say other measures such as intensifying plans and strategies that encourage regular physical activities that target all layers of the society should also be implemented. Beacon M ft SE Beacon N ft SE Qaruh Island ft SE Umm Al-Maradim ft SE Sea Island Buo Salmiyah ft SE 4 days forecast - Marine Thursday, June 21 Expected weather... Dusty and hot Sea state...rough Wave height ft Max Temp...45C Min Temp...35C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Friday, June 22 Expected weather... Dusty and hot Sea state... Moderate to rough Wave height ft Max Temp...44C Min Temp...34C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Saturday, June 23 Expected weather... Hot + rising dust Sea state... Moderate to rough Wave height ft Max Temp...44C Min Temp...32C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Sunday, June 24 Expected weather. Hot + rising dust over open areas Sea state... Moderate to rough Wave height ft Max Temp...46C Min Temp...33C Wind Direction...NW Wind Speed km/h Tide times at Shuwaikh Port 1st high tide...06:21 2nd high tide...17:32 1st low tide...23:34 2nd low tide...12:03 Sunrise...04:48 Sunset...18:50 Recorded yesterday at Kuwait Airport Max temp...46c Min temp...34c Max Rh... 30% Min Rh... 09% Max Wind... N 53 km/h Total Rainfall in 24 hrs...0 mm Recorded yesterday at South Dolphin Min/Max/ Air Temp...32/40C Min/Max Rel Hum... 22/47% Wind Direction/Wind Speed... N/47 km/h Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht...N/- ft Min/Max Sea Surface Temp...-/- C Sea Current... Downdraft Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Meteorological Dept. deaths Sabecha Hasan Al-Ghareeb, widow of Abdullah Shami Ahmad Al-Qasem, 80 years old, buried on Wednesday. Condolences: (Men) Rawda, Block 5, Street 57, House 25, Tel: (Women) Omariya, Block 3, Street 1, House 14; Haya Ali Abdullah Al-Amer, wife of Salah Abdul Rahman AlShayei, 36 years old, buried on Wednesday. Condolences: (Men) Eshbeliya, Block 3, Street 322, House 25, Tel: (Women) Mishref, Block 1, Street 3, House 8, Tel: ; Saad Salah Saad Al Mutairi, 16 years old, buried on Wednesday. Condolences: (Men) AndAl-ous, Block 4, Street 20, House 61, Tel: (Women) Riqqa, Block 6, Street 3, House 239, Tel: ; Noora Abdullah Abdullah Nasser Al Eraifan, widow of Mohammad Sulaiman Nasser Al Eraifan, 59 years old, buried on Wednesday. Condolences: (Men) Old Jahra, Block 1, Street 2, avenue 3, House 145, Tel: / (Women) old Jahra, Block 2, Street 4, avenue 2, House 1, beside Kathma school, Tel: ; Mohammad Abdul Muhsen Jasem Al Shayji, 78 years old, to be buried on Thursday at 09:00 am. Condolences: (Men) Rumaithiya, Block 1, Jaman Al-Heraiti Street avenue 14, House 15, Tel: (Women) Zahra, Block 8, Street 822, House 24, Tel: June 20, 2018 of lawyers contributions Kuwait 3rd in terms of percentage of citizens with bank accounts Ahmadi governor with the members of the Organizing Committee of the Ramadan Qu ran Memorization and Recitation Contest. Ahmadi governor hosts some members of Qu ran Recitation panel Ahmadi Governor recently hosted in his offi ce some members of the Organizing Committee of the Ramadan Qu ran Memorization and Recitation Contest the governorate organized under the slogan Ahmadi is Different during the Benevolent Month. The delegation included Supervisor General of Move to set period of summer, annual leave for expats Proposal submitted to top panel of Municipality KUWAIT CITY, June 20: A proposal to determine the period of summer and annual holidays for expatriates working in various sectors at Kuwait Municipality has been submitted to the Higher Committee, reports Al-Rai daily quoting a reliable source from the Municipality. The proposal stipulates that expatriate employees who intend to go on leave during summer will be allowed maximum of 30 days. This is due to the lack of employees in administrative departments and the secretariat, especially in the months of July and August. Most employees apply for long vacation leaves up to 60 days, indicating this could lead to delay and accumulation of transactions, the source explained. The source went on to say that in case the committee approves the proposal during its meeting on Sunday, there will be consultation with the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to ascertain the legality and validity of this move in line with the applicable laws at CSC. Once the proposal is approved, productivity will increase and there will be more flexibility in the completion of transactions, the source pointed out. He added 70 percent of expatriate employees go on annual leave during summer and 25 percent of them are taking long vacation leaves. Meanwhile, the government intends to reduce the percentage of promotion by selection for general, technical and assistant jobs in the budget of governmental bodies from 20 to 10 percent of the total number of employees eligible for promotion, reports Al-Rai daily quoting sources. Sources explained this is in line with the decision taken by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) during its meeting (number 13/2016) on Aug 8, 2016 to amend the degrees allocated for promotion by selection. KUWAIT CITY, June 20, (KUNA): Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri on Wednesday praised the achievements of Kuwaiti lawyers in spreading law awareness and education. In his meeting with the Assistant Secretary of Kuwait Lawyers Society (KLS) Abdulrahman Al-Tahoos, Al-Jabri said that the Ministry of Information is ready to cooperate with KLS in the fields of media, education and awareness, and to shed light on its activities, read a statement by the ministry. The two parties discussed ways to cooperate and support the local media in order to strengthen the role of KLS in serving the legal profession, lawyers and the Kuwaiti society as a whole, the statement continued. The Kuwaiti minister also met with famed Kuwaiti poet and researcher Dr the contest Hamoud Nasser Al-Amer, and member of the panel Technical Instructor and Imam at the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Sultan Al-Faqeeh. The governor affi rmed that Kuwait will always remain at the forefront of caring for the Holy Qu ran and its sciences. In meantime, Minister of Justice, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Fahd Al-Affasi recently received wellwishers on the occasion of Eid Al- Fitr among officials and employees in the two ministries at the Ministries Complex, reports Al-Qabas daily. During the event, Al-Affasi addressed the officials regarding the need to facilitate transactions, and work towards development and achievements in all sectors. Al-Affasi told the daily that the ministries under his leadership are keen on removing obstacles and expediting the development process. While reaffirming his commitment to serve the country and citizens, the minister disclosed that the Ministry of Awqaf will adopt mechanisms for the promotion of moderation, raising public awareness on the risks and challenges, and protecting the youths from foreign or extreme ideologies. Yacquob Al-Ghunaim, showering him with praise for his immense contributions to Arabic literature. Meanwhile, almost 75 percent of Kuwaiti citizens who are above the age of 25 years have bank accounts. This puts Kuwait in third place among Arab countries in terms of percentage of citizens with bank accounts, reports Al-Anba daily. According to a banking report, the United Arab Emirates came first in the index with 88 percent of citizens possessing bank accounts, followed by Bahrain in second place with 85 percent, Kuwait and Jordan in third place with 75 percent each, and Saudi Arabia in the fourth place with 70 percent. The Gulf countries, with their advanced and widespread banking services, are among the top countries in terms of enforcing financial integration. The United Arab Emirates was the first Arab country to kick off integrated banking service based on the directives of the Central Bank for protecting salaries and allowing exchange companies to provide services to individuals who cannot deal with banks. According to a recent report issued by Arab Banks Association, only 30 percent of adult Arab citizens have bank accounts. Except for the Gulf countries, all other Arab countries are among the most deprived in the world in terms of banking services. The Gulf countries enjoy high level of integrated banking services but countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria enjoy moderate level of integrated banking services. The level of integrated banking services in Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia and Mauritania is among the lowest. The report revealed that 93 percent of the Arab youths of ages between 15 and 24 years do not bank accounts in any of the state financial bodies. Since only 24.5 percent of Arab women have bank accounts, Arab women are considered to be deprived from banking facilities. The report indicated that a wide gap between the two genders in terms of possessing bank accounts and enjoying integrated banking services is common in most Arab countries. Kuwait Airways Corporation (KAC) said on Tuesday that its Flight No. 743 heading to Saudi Arabia s Al- Dammam returned to Kuwait International Airport because of malfunction. The flight landed safely at the airport after taking off, international safety standards were implemented, the corporation said in a press statement. Passengers were received at the airport and obtained required hospitality, it added. Another plane flew to the planned destination at 8:30 pm (Kuwait time). The corporation apologized to travelers for any disturbance due to this incident, it noted.

4 LOCAL 4 Decent living provided for most needy families Team of Kuwaiti engineers at work KUNA photo MP Muhammad Al-Dallal has affirmed the significance of the visit of Kuwait s parliamentary Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee to the French Parliament in Paris as it was aimed at strengthening parliamentary cooperation between Kuwait and Paris. In a press statement, Al-Dallal disclosed the objectives of the visit include consolidating ties in various fields. He confirmed the delegation benefited from the visit considering they were briefed on the rules of procedure, mechanisms for expressing opinions and looking into legislation, as well as the functions of specialized parliamentary committees. Besides Al-Dallal, the delegation consisted of MP Khaled Al-Shatti and officials from the committee s technical bureau. The visit is part of the committee s commitment to fortify ties with the French Parliament one of the world s oldest legislatures. MoE to hire experts Biometrics soon in schools KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Concerned authorities at the Ministry of Education have completed preparations for the signing of contracts to enable execution of the electronic fingerprint attendance system for teachers and administrative staff in various schools beginning the next academic session, reports Al- Jarida daily. The ministry s decision is compliant with the directives of Civil Service Commission, indicating the fingerprint system should be implemented on all government employees in their various sectors. Indications are rife that the system will be implemented at beginning of 2018/2019 academic year, a source said. He reaffirmed the ministry has since prepared necessary drafts for the contract related to supply, installation, operation and maintenance of electronic fingerprint devices to ensure close monitoring of resumption and departure of teachers and administrative staff in their various schools. He noted the ministry has contacted the Fatwa and Legislation Department to solicit opinion concerning the conditions and clauses of the contract. The contract and amendments from Fatwa and Legislation Department will thereafter be forwarded to the State Audit Bureau and Central Tenders Committee to pave the way for floating of tender. KUWAIT CITY, June 20: A team of Engineers Without Borders from Kuwait continues to carry out humanitarian and development projects in the country, reports Al-Rai daily. The volunteers led by Engineer Zainab Qarashi, has carried out renovations on family homes in Kuwait with support from a number of local companies. The daily added, the team has until now carried out repairs and renovated three of the six houses that needed urgent attention and was not within the capacity of the concerned families. The aim of the project is to provide a decent living environment for the largest possible number of needy families in the country, meet the needs of people with disabilities who are living in such houses. This is in addition to rehabilitation and providing health facilities to the occupants of such houses. The project is based on the status of the families and their physical and moral reality. The team then carries out the estimates and materials required for construction are calculated. The technical and financial report is presented to a number of potential partners before starting the project in accordance with the needs of the family. The Project Manager is Eng Nader Faleh. He is supported by Engineers Hassan Kamal, Fadilah Al Najjar, Ahmed Al Kandari, Ghadeer Al Marhoun, Yousef Al Houti, Salem Al Shaikh, Alaa Al Shammari. DIWANIYA A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION Trust on US policies elusive Abandon sectarian agendas THE Yemeni army control of the Al-Hodeida airport with the help of the coalition countries and the defeat of the Houthi militias on the fourth day of military operations on that airport will turn the balance of power and result in Tehran re-calculating its activities in Yemen, columnist Waleed Ibrahim Al-Ahmad wrote for Al-Rai daily. The pressure on the Houthis must continue, and any calls for calm does not work with people who favor the coup, who in the absence of political oversight took control of the situation and tightened their grip on the people with a military machinery aimed at drawing a new map with sectarian agendas based on exporting the Khomeini revolution abroad and dominate the Middle East map entirely. The stability of the region will not be achieved as long as the sectarian agendas still surface. We have suffered a lot because of these agendas that are now manifesting themselves in Syria and Yemen and are almost on the verge of appearing in Bahrain if our countries do not awaken in due course of time to stop the sectarianism and shut the door in the face of the rebellion. Iran s loss in Yemen is too big, and its loss in Syria is greater after Russia seized and pocketed most of Syria because it is Russia which has turned Bashar Al- Assad into a spectator on the reserve bench. To such an extent, he can neither say a word, no or yes. The evidence of this is the hidden conflict which has come out in the open the conflict between Russia and Iran over the domination of conflicting areas after President Vladimir Putin asked the Iranians to leave the Syrian scene and Tehran rejected it, and this is likely to come out in the open very soon. In light of this Iranian expansion in the region (Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Lebanon), some unfortunately expect the United States to intervene in everything to rescue this part of the world from its crisis. In fact, the policy of Washington, and even the approach of US President Donald Trump, neither has criteria nor balance. In this context we have seen how Trump sometimes praises Tehran s response to its nuclear file and at another time it demands blockade on the country and the imposition of the most severe economic sanctions, as it happened. Al-Ahmad Not just that, sometimes you find Trump defending your policy and this is what exactly occurred with us in the Gulf crisis, in a moment he turns you upside down and abandons you! In this connection we cite the recent turnaround in his policy while dealing with the reckless North Korean leader Kim Jong-un who he had repeatedly criticized on every occasion. When he finally met him, he told him in an interview with Fox News channel that he (Jong-un) was the head of his country and the strong leader, his people listen to him with great interest, and I hope that my people will do the same thing when I talk to them. In conclusion, Trump said I do not rule out the possibility of seeing the North Korean president in the White House. In the end, we would like to say that all of those who trust the US policy in solving the struggles in the region have strayed too far. Also: Perhaps these are the last months for the Houthis, after successive defeats inflicted on them by the Arab alliance led by Saudi Arabia and the legitimate Yemeni forces, columnist and attorney Riyadh Al-Sanea wrote for Annahar daily. In other words, following this development and persistent Houthis military and strategic position is just a matter of time and perhaps this can be attributed only to their arrogant stubbornness. The knockout punch thrown at the Houthis and their supporters by the Arab coalition and the legitimate forces is represented by the downfall of Hodeida port which is the lifeline for the Houthis because all rockets and weapons even before aid and food came through this port. The port of Hodeida for nearly four years had become an artery for Iranian weapons delivery to the Houthi militias. The city of Hodeida is of great importance and its liberation, which started on Wednesday, will change the balance of power considerably for the Yemenis. The Al-Hodeida port situated on the coast of the Red Sea is the second largest port of Yemen after Aden and occupies a strategic location close to the international shipping lines, which is the source of life for more than eight million Yemenis living in the provinces of Hodeida, Taiz and Sana a. The port s shipping corridor is more than 10 nautical miles wide, about 200 meters long and 10 meters deep. It can accommodate ships with a maximum load of 31,000 tons. The Houthi militias seized the port of Hodeida in mid-october 2014 because this port represents the major marine outlet for the capital. The militias have taken control of the maritime traffic between Yemen and the world through this port. The militias have also secured large financial revenues by controlling it and using it to introduce weapons and ballistic missiles smuggled from Iran and all logistical support, serving as a base for terrorist operations across the sea, as well as the deployment of naval mines. The legitimate forces backed by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, managed to control the port after heavy fighting between government forces and the Houthis, which killed 39 fighters from both sides, including 30 Houthis and 9 legitimate forces. Thanks to this strategic victory, the aid to the Houthis will be reduced, and the port of Hodeida will return to its natural position as a humanitarian corridor and a gateway to foreign trade. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, Allah sends to Muslim nation those who renew the religion in every century. We consider Imam Muhammad bin Abdulwahab as the one who renewed the religion in the 19th century and many people consider Imam Hassan Al-Banna as the one who renewed the religion in the 20th century when the regulations of Islam were about to be demolished due to the fall of the Ottoman Caliphate and the Western occupation of Arab countries based on Sykes- Picot treaty, Mubarak Fahad Al-Duwailah wrote for Al-Qabas daily. During that era, Islam was missing from the daily lives of Muslims. It was only limited to insides of mosques where the attendees were mostly the elderly whose lives were on the verge of ending. In 1928, Imam Hassan Al-Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood Group, kicking off a new spirit that widely spread throughout the Islamic world especially in Egypt, Syria, Iraq and India as well as some West Arab countries. Islam was introduced as a way of life and as a constitution that organizes people s lives. People quickly responded to the comprehensive concept of Islam that matches human nature. This is why the Muslim Brothers were on the forefront of confrontations that broke out in 1948 between the Arab military forces and the Israelis. They did quite well as per the testimonies of the commanders of Arab armies at that time. However, it was the betrayal of some Arab officers that prevented the Arab triumph. The Muslim Brotherhood Group was exposed to punishment by King Farouq of Egypt based on directives issued by Britain in this regard. Shortly after in 1949, Imam Hassan Al-Banna was assassinated. Nevertheless, the calling of the Muslim Brotherhood Group was never linked to individuals, something that the enemies of Muslim Brotherhood Group did not realize. This explains the increasing of the numbers of Muslim Brothers after the martyrdom of the founder Imam Hassan Al-Banna. Within three years, they became the most outstanding public power in Egypt. This fact obligated Jamal Abdulnasser to ask the Muslim Brothers support to dismiss the king of Egypt who was a mercenary of Britain. They agreed to cooperate under the condition that Islamic laws or Sharia will be enforced. Shortly before the execution of the agreement, Abdulnasser and his followers broke their commitments and fabricated the incident known as Manshia Incident regarding the attempt to assassin Abdulnasser in Abdulnasser aimed at gaining the support of people. He used the alleged incident to dissolve the Muslim Brotherhood Group and send large number of the members to prison as well as execute many of their leaders. It was later discovered that accusing Muslim Brothers of that incident was illogical. How is it possible that the supposed accused shot nine bullets from a short distance at a person who looked like Abdulnasser but none of the bullets hit the target? (Reference books I was President of Egypt by Muhammad Najib, page , and Secrets of Free Officers Movement by Husain Muhammad Hamoudah, pages ) Afflictions against the members of the Muslim Brotherhood Group continued and many of them remained in prison for decades where they were tortured. Others left the prison and continued conveying their message based on the principles of martyr Imam Hassan Al-Banna, which reject violence and call for the use of peaceful methods to achieve targets. Recently, we see some attacking Imam Hassan Al- Banna using mean methods based on fabrications and lies, and depending on sources related to British intellectuals. However, the group is proceeding on the right track. It may suffer from a disease on the way but it will never die. It is necessary for professional political observers and those with strategic visions to expect the rules of the game of world economy to change from next month. A lot of indications can be possibly drawn from some events that have occurred or are expected to occur this month, Saleh Ghazal Al-Enezi wrote for Al-Nahar daily. Therefore, successful countries and huge economic institutions are the ones who can read the near future and its implications correctly. They react positively and start planning well for that uncertain future. Some events that have huge international impact and have occurred or are about to occur these coming days include four events that have a great impact on the geopolitical map. First is the relationship between the United States of America and Europe and some other countries such as Canada and Brazil in terms of exchange of trade and custom fees that has reached a dead-end. Certainly the implications of the conflict will result in the USA and Europe separately looking for new markets for their products. Second is the implementation of the new US sanctions on Iran which will create a new economic situation in terms of compliance of some trade partners of the Iranian government to the US sanctions as they exit from the Iranian partnership and find new partners that are non-compliant with the US sanctions as alternatives. Third is the USA s withdrawal from the final communiqué of the G7 summit recently held in Canada, which means the USA will withdraw from all the agreements that were signed between the seven countries in the summit. The US President Trump s refusal to sign the G7 communiqué imposes a new trade reality drawn by the six G7 countries and also a new trade reality drawn by the United States away for the other six countries. Finally is the meeting between North Korean leader and President Trump which was positive as expected. The Americans were keen to finalize the meeting for several reasons, most importantly to create a new political environment in the East Asia and Far East which is capable of establishing a new economic reality that contributes to turn the old trade polarization equation, the three axes of which were China, Russia and the United States. The ink of the speech delivered by His Highness the Amir on the advent of the last 10 days of Ramadan in which he urged everybody to be on the same page against rabble rousers who threaten the national unity hardly dried out before one of them showed up in a WhatsApp video clip, Saud Al-Samakah wrote for Al- Seyassah daily. The man held a new Kuwaiti passport demanding or protesting non-inclusion of the image of camel and a poem to symbolize Bedouin. According to his backward claim by which he wanted to destroy the national cohesion of Kuwait in the form of incitement, Bedouin and tribes cover 60 percent of society. Hence, in which category should the trivial inciter put the remaining 40 percent? First of all, we wish to tell the retarded racist man and his ilk appearing in the terrain that original members of the tribes are not what he claims, as he has reduced them to 60 percent. All Kuwaitis belong to different tribes. This means the entire Kuwaiti society belongs to tribes with Bedouin origins. Therefore, tribe and rural dwelling is an honorable reference for every Kuwaiti rather than a dent or insult, so the retarded man should understand the difference between origin and life situation. The legislator remained silent over many issues. He did not criminalize or ban certain acts, but at the same time, he did not allow them such as standing to salute the flag or the national anthem, Dr Saleh Al-Atiqi wrote for Al-Qabas daily. I remembered this when the newspapers and other media platforms published reports about two men from the judiciary in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia who did not stand in recognition of the flag or national anthem. I also remembered that the same happened in Kuwait where one of the MPs committed a similar act. Now the question is: What is the basis of these people in not honoring the flag or national anthem. Religiously, there is no text in the Holy Quran or Sunnah which forbids saluting the flag or national anthem. Many protocols have become regular practices over time without prejudice to their purposes such as standing as a sign or respect for a person in a particular position. Compiled by Zaki Taleb

5 LOCAL 5 State to increase production of non-associated gas up to 500 mln cubic feet per day Oil price hike to record budget surplus in fi scal 2018/ 19 KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Governmental and private investments support the average growth of non-hydrocarbons about 3.5 to 4 percent from 2018 to 2021, reports Al-Shahed daily. Concurrent with the increasing prices of oil compared to prices recorded in the previous years is the opportunity for the State to record a budget surplus in fiscal 2018/2019. According to statistics viewed by the daily, the expected oil revenue for the present fiscal year exceeds KD billion. This means the revenue will cover the KD 20 billion expenses inserted in the budget. The budget for fiscal 2019/2020 will be KD 20 billion as well, while it will be increased to KD 21 billion in the 2021 budget. The Ministry of Finance said the estimated oil revenue is KD 15 billion, while the estimated expenditure is KD 20 billion based on the KD 50 per barrel price of oil. The revenue is expected to increase by KD 6 billion, giving the chance for the budget to fulfil about seven percent of the total national income for fiscal 2018/2019 due to the increasing price of oil. A budget deficit of KD 7.9 billion is expected if the price of oil remains at the estimated value of KD 50 per barrel. The statistics showed that the economic reforms implemented during the period of oil price decline in Kuwait is considered the least compared to those enforced in other Gulf countries. There are some indicators that the budget will achieve surplus of about eight percent of the total national income in fiscal 2018/2019. Such indicators include the country s plan to spend KD 37 billion in the coming five years. About 70 percent of the aforementioned amount will be allocated for oil explorations in and outside Kuwait. In addition, the country intends to increase production of non-associated gas up to 500 million cubic feet per day by the end of Bahra oil field reserve shows very promising black gold deposits Development of fi eld will raise oil production Ambassador of Kuwait to Austria and Permanent Representative of Kuwait in international organizations in Vienna Sadiq Marafi e receiving Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity and Water Bakheet Al-Rashidi. Citizens complaints capture ministry s attention Postal sector one of country s main priorities, says Boushahri KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Minister of Housing Affairs and State Minister for Services Affairs Eng Jinan Boushahri disclosed that developing the postal sector is one of the main priorities of the ministry currently, as the sector is considered as important and vital, reports Al-Anba daily. Speaking to journalists during an inspection tour of the postal sector in Qortuba areas and the sorting center at Kuwait International Airport, she revealed that the ministry is currently working on finalizing a bill to establish Kuwait Post Company which will be submitted to the Parliament to discuss it in the next legislative term. The minister affirmed the high importance of the postal sector due to its direct link with citizens in terms of their online transactions, adding that it is also of great importance to the local economy as it increases the efficiency of e-commerce to and from Kuwait especially when considering the small and medium-sized youth projects. Eng Boushahri explained that the sector is currently in a transition phase through the introduction of a new organizational structure that will be adopted within a month to overcome the previous disadvantages related to delayed arrivals or loss of consignments. The observations and complaints of citizens had captured the ministry s attention and it followed up the complaints that were either made at the postal centers or were published on social media. The ministry has been exerting renewed efforts for introducing radical changes in the sector to provide fast and safe service to the citizens consignments. Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Postal Affairs at State Ministry for Services Affairs Abdullah Al-Azmi, who was accompanying Minister Boushahri, praised the efforts exerted by the minister and her direct support in ensuring the postal sector is in line with global and GCC postal standards in order to serve citizens and residents and for the postal sector to keep up with modern technology. KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The surveys and technical studies conducted recently at the Bahra oil-field which extends until the Sabah Al-Ahmad reserve, show very promising black gold deposits, reports Al-Rai daily quoting reliable oil sources. The sources, without going into details about the numbers or quantities, described the reserves at the Bahra oil field as good and will contribute to raising Kuwait s oil production. In this context, the sources pointed out that work is under way on how to improve the production rates of the field as required. The sources confirmed that the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is about to sign a cooperation agreement with the management of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Reserve to develop, improve and raise the production capacity of the Bahra oil field more than what it currently produces. The sources pointed out that part of the field is located inside the reserve, and the prospect of developing the field means the KOC will need to have access to the reserve and as a result some plants may be damaged. Production The production process in the field was relatively complex over the past few years, before the KOC conducted the necessary technical studies and surveys on how to develop and improve its production as required. At the same time, it pointed out that enhancing and improving production from the Bahra oil field would require a lot of work and effort. It would therefore be better to find a formula for cooperation with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Reserve in order to facilitate and coordinate the entry and exit of special machinery and equipment. While the sources pointed out that the development of the field will allow the production in larger quantities, the geological formation of the field is relatively complex, which affected the production during the last period. The sources said that the agreement to be signed with the Sabah Al-Ahmad Reserve and the Kuwait Oil Company will pay attention to the reserve and re-cultivate and rehabilitate what may be damaged during technical operations resulting from the drilling and the entry and exit of men and equipment. Old Kuwaiti passports will be rendered invalid as of July 1, 2018, the Interior Ministry said on Wednesday, citing an executive order issued by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. As per the Kuwaiti minister s instructions, urgent cases will be given priority when issuing the current e- passport, such as patients seeking medical treatment abroad, read a statement by the Kuwaiti interior ministry. It added that that six centers interspersed nationwide have been authorized to issue e-passports, all of which will be receiving applicants all week long from 8 am to 1:30 pm and 4 pm to 8 pm. KUNA photo National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim with state offi cials on arrival after IPU meeting. Speaker returns home after IPU meet National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim returned home on Tuesday after participating in the meetings of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Executive Committee in Geneva. Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Mohammad Al-Jabri and several state offi cials received Al-Ghanim at Kuwait International Airport. Al-Ghanim s accompanying delegation consists of MPs Ouda Al-Ruwaie and Ali Al-Deqbasi. (KUNA)

6 LOCAL 6 MoH obtains approval to extend contract with health insurance co Sulaibiya clinic decides to apply open-door policy KUNA photo The atmosphere in Salalah in Sultanate of Oman s Dhofar Province during the autumn season from June to September every year is magical when compared to the neighboring areas where high temperatures are witnessed during the summer season. 80 pc of contract payment covered Penalties to be imposed on delaying consultancy firms By Mohammed Ghanem Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Minister of Public Works and State Minister for Municipality Affairs Engineer Hossam Al-Roumi affirmed the ministry maintains the current agreement for the correctional institution complex, saying penalties will be implemented against the consultancy firms in case of delay. While responding to a parliamentary question raised by MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei, the minister said suspension of the agreement will lead to re-floating and reawarding of contract to another company at a higher cost due to difference in prices within the two different periods, which the contract will cover, and further delay. He reaffirmed the ministry had made a stride considering the rate of work done, which is almost 50 percent of the agreement. He added all necessary payments have been made to cover beyond 80 percent of the contract. He indicated the delay in handing over the agreement was due to the complicated nature of the project having to do with high level security and technology specifications. He stressed the ministry from the inception has been coordinating with Kuwait Municipality, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate, and Directorate General for Civil Aviation alongside the beneficiary authorities. He revealed the Ministry of Health is one of the beneficiaries and the delay is attributed to the presence of the 128-bed space prison hospital and clinics. He further explained that some observations were made concerning necessary standards to ensure compliance with the security nature of the project that warranted convening of several meetings with heads of medical councils in the presence of the Minister of Public Works and his Interior counterpart. He pointed out that it took two years to obtain approval of the Ministry of Health, beginning Nov 2015 to Nov Another reason for the delay of project is Kuwait Municipality, which ensured abidance to the requirements of beneficiary authorities. He cited small space allocated for the project and the need to ensure it accommodates the requirements of the Ministry of Interior for construction of 5000 cells for the male section and 1000 cells for the female section of the central prison compelled the consultants to extend design of the prison as skyscraper. KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Ministry of Health (MoH) has obtained approval from the supervisory bodies to extend its contract with the company in charge of health insurance for expatriates for six months from July 28, 2018 until January 2019 without any cost, reports Al- Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources disclosed the recent bidding for the health insurance of expatriates was cancelled and the tender will be floated again after amending the regulations. Sources clarified it is difficult to stop this service until the next bidding, taking into consideration the dire consequences. On the other hand, sources confirmed that the ministry obtained approval for renewing its contract with a local company in charge of e-payment services in health insurance centers, hospitals and clinics. The contract was renewed for three years starting from May 8, 2018 at a total cost of KD 3 million. Sources pointed out the high demand for such e-payment services in the facilities of the ministry led to renewal of the contract in order to ensure that services are offered to the public without any obstacle. Sources added the decision to increase health fees for expatriates, which was implemented in October last year, played a crucial role in the rising demand for financial stamps in all public health facilities. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has endorsed the proposal to form teams for the evaluation of pharmacists and technicians recommended to occupy pharmacy-related jobs in governmental and private sectors, reports Al-Anba daily. These teams will look into the qualifications and work experience of license applicants including pharmacists, technicians and assistant pharmacists. They will also set the terms and conditions for engaging in the profession as per the requirements of governmental and private sectors in a bid to improve pharmaceutical services. For there, the officials of Sulaibiya Clinic have decided to apply the open-door policy by removing all the doors inside the clinic, reports Al-Qabas daily. However, the patients have been expressing their surprise and concern for the last few days over the lack of doors in the clinic. They stressed the need for respecting the dignity and privacy of patients especially since other visitors wait outside the clinic rooms, as well as the need to ensure confidentiality of the patients information. Volunteers distributing food packets Rahma Int l aid benefits mln people About million people this year benefi ted from the Iftar meal project carried out by Rahma International affi liated to Social Reform Society in 44 countries throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and the Arab world. The Holy Month of Ramadan this year came at a time when several countries are suffering from various calamities - from wars in Syria, Gaza Strip and Yemen to famine and Duty timings start from Sunday Interior to activate CSC decision regarding offi cial work timings KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Ministry of Interior starting from Sunday will activate Civil Service Commission s decision regarding the official work timings, and the step has been viewed as translating recommendations to overcome traffic problem at the beginning and end of working hours, reports Al-Rai daily. The daily quoting a source added the Ministry of Interior with its administrations beginning Sunday will resume duty at 8:00 am and close at 3:00 pm instead of the previous timing, which started 7:30 am to 2:30 pm. He said the ministry presented this recommendation to Civil Service Commission for approval as part of measures to ease traffic congestion. He affirmed the new timing will cover all administrations of the ministry; whether technical or services. However, mandatory shifts will be scheduled based on the ministry s three-shift policy. He stated the ministry has been implementing the fingerprint attendance system in the technical and services departments, and intends to cover all other departments by September. This means that followup of work will be done electronically without any form of laxity, he said. Also, Director of Personnel Affairs at Kuwait Municipality Osama Al-Omairi affirmed the sector abides by the decision of Civil Service Commission concerning work timings, saying there is no cause objecting to the decision since it usually happens each year after Ramadan. He noted the municipality has already issued a ministerial decision in that regard and it is wrong for people to look drought in Africa. All these caused thousands of people to fl ee their homes. About 1.25 million children below the age of fi ve are suffering from malnutrition. All the above painful scenarios made Ramadan this year not only a season of goodness but a season of relief from all calamities with the donations that came from goodhearted people. at the recently circulated ministerial decision as a new issue, because it is a usual annual phenomenon, while the circular is completely in line with the decision of the commission. In the same vein, spokesperson of the Ministry of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Shatti declared employees of the ministry are used to unlimited bonus. He added this impression is applicable to the technical section comprising of medical, nursing and technical staff, or administrative staff in all departments. He assured the ministry complies with the decision of Civil Service Commission in terms of regulation of working hours and work mechanisms within the ministry. He said the ministry organizes the system of services and shifts depending on the nature of job and provides services even after the usual working hours. Meanwhile, Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Administrative Affairs in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor Dr Fatmah Al-Mulla revealed the work timing of his staff starting from Tuesday is 7:00am to 1:30pm for women and 7:00am to 2:00pm for men. Commenting, Director of Administration Hamad Sayer affirmed that the ministry has yet to receive any contradictory circular with regard to the amended working hours but such will be implemented anytime it is received. He reaffirmed the current working hours is as stated above and employees can only substantiate attendance through the fingerprint system. The commission specifies 180 days or 1260 hours as the minimum requirement for a staff to qualify for the annual bonus. News in Brief Exam cheating on the rise: The make-up exams for the scientific and literary majors in the 12th grade started recently, reports Al-Rai daily quoting a source from the educational sector. The source revealed that cheating during exams is on the rise with the use of earphones and cheating sheets, affirming the educational districts follow the same procedures in the regular exams to combat cheating. The source said the make-up exams will continue until June 27, 2018 for the scientific major and June 28, 2018 for the literary major. He added the results will be announced two or three days after the day of the exams. Citizen dies in fire: A 70-year old Kuwaiti citizen died in a fire that broke out in a tent inside a farm in Abdali area. According to security sources, when the Operations Room of Ministry of Interior received information about the fire, firefighters, securitymen and paramedics rushed to the location. Upon arrival, the farm owner told firefighters that one of his relatives is trapped inside the tent. Firefighters immediately tried to rescue the individual but his charred corpse was discovered. They extinguished the fire before it spread further. Investigations were launched to determine the cause of the fire. The corpse was referred to the Forensics Department, and the farm owner was referred for investigations. Arrested for colliding: A 1992-born Bedoun man was arrested for driving recklessly and colliding with a number of vehicles on Fahaheel Road, reports Al- Seyassah daily. In a press release, General Department for Public Relations and Security Media explained that videos went viral on social media of a man driving a Ford car without a number plate. In the video, the car can be seen being driven recklessly and colliding with a number of vehicles. Officers from Public Security sector immediately conducted investigations, and discovered that the driver is a Bedoun man born in 1992 and resident of Taima area. He was arrested and referred to the concerned authorities where several cases were filed against him.

7 LOCAL 7 KUNA photo Commander of the Kuwaiti Air Force Major General Abdullah Al-Foudari poses for a picture with the Kuwaiti troops in Restoration of Hope in Saudi Arabia. Kuwaiti troops win praise Remarkable calm as 57 pc Commander of the Kuwaiti Air Force Major General Abdullah Al-Foudari has commended the air arm of the Kuwaiti army taking part in the operation Restoration of Hope, in Yemen. The remarks of Kuwaiti Air Force came as he paid an inspection visit to the Kuwaiti troops in the operation stationed in Saudi Arabia a day earlier, read a statement by the Defense Ministry s Moral Guidance and Public Relations Department on Wednesday. Al-Foudari conveyed Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah s greetings to the troops. He also urged them to remain committed to fulfilling their duties, assuring the soldiers of the Kuwaiti leadership s steadfast support. (KUNA) report for work after break Random drugs, liquor test on MoI staff eyed Lt Gen Khaled Al-Mekrad with the promoted officers. KFSD promotes 3 officers Director General of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) Lieutenant General Khaled Rakan Al-Mekrad promoted three officers from Colonel to Brigadier. According to a press release issued by KFSD, the promoted officers passed all the relevant courses that qualified them for obtaining the new ranks. These officers are Director of Public Relations and Media Department Brigadier Khalil Al-Amir, Director KFSD photo of Vehicles and Equipments Department Brigadier Eng. Mousa Husain Akbar, and Director of Inspection and Auditing Office Brigadier Eng Walid Ahmed Al-Yassin. Lieutenant General Al-Mekrad congratulated the officers and conveyed congratulatory message from Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh for the promotion which was in appreciation for their dedication and efficiency. Police arrested an Asian citizen at the airport for smuggling a huge quantity of subsidized food items to an unidentified Arab country. The food items included powdered milk, cooking oil, sugar, rice, tomato paste and other goods. The items were confiscated and the Asian was referred for probe to relevant authorities. It is 25 yrs ago KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Criminal Court has released a policeman on KD 1,000 bail after he was charged with falsifying the Kuwaiti nationality, reports Al-Qabas daily. According to case papers, the Syrian father of the accused had added the name of his son to the file of a Kuwaiti citizen at birth. The defense lawyer requested the court to release his client saying it happened 25 years ago. KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The government offices witnessed a remarkable calm as employees went back to work after the Eid Al- Fitr holidays, reports Al-Qabas daily. The daily added, most government offices witnessed a crowd of visitors while the attendance of employees did not exceed 57 percent. However, the officials at the Ministries Complex and at other government agencies said the absence was legal or what they called in accordance with the law saying the absent employees were either on annual leave or have sent in sick leave document. The officials added, no one is allowed to remain absent without a valid reason. In the meantime, the officials stressed those who were absent without excuse shall be referred to the legal affairs department, pointing out that ministers have stressed on completion of the transactions without delay in the best interests of the people without any hindrance of work. The officials added personnel from the Civil Service Commission visit the ministries to ensure no one is absent without a valid reason. Random tests eyed: The Interior Ministry will carry out random tests on employees of all institutions which are affiliated to it to ensure none of them are on drugs or alcohol, reports Al- Shahed daily. The daily added, the ministry will form several teams comprising personnel from the Criminal Evidences and Criminal Investigations departments in addition to personnel from the General Department for Drugs Control. The daily quoting security sources said those who are found to be addicted to drugs or alcohol will be discharged from duty and sent for rehabilitation. Debtor arrested: During a security campaign organized by the General Security Sector of the Ministry of Interior in the Ahmadi governorate, police have arrested an unidentified person who was wanted by law and had been sentenced in absentia for failing to pay KD 47,000 debt, reports Al-Anba daily. The man has been handed over to the Sentences Enforcement Department During the campaign the police also impounded 22 vehicles and four ATVs and issued 67 traffic citations for violators of traffic laws. Stealing from cars: Police have arrested an unidentified young bedoun for breaking into cars and stealing valuables, reports Al-Anba daily. The daily added, the suspect was caught after several people filed complaints with the police. He was caught red-handed selling stolen goods at the Friday market. Sleeping at signal: Police have arrested an unidentified Egyptian motorist for driving under the influence of drugs, reports Al-Rai daily. The daily added, the suspect was caught fast asleep behind the steering wheel, waiting for the red traffic light to turn green. Police have also seized from the man a quantity of drugs. Court Cases Verdict overturned Jail for damaging teacher s car Court ruling nullified KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Ja afariya Family Court of Appeal nullified the verdict of First Instance the Court that denied a woman the right of custody to her son, because she travels often as a member of a Kuwaiti sporting team, says Al-Seyassah. Lawyer Ali Al-Mousawi representing the plaintiff appealed the previous ruling, saying his client could always hand over the child to a trusted hand whenever she is away; stressing, it is legally acceptable even at the Court of Cassation. He emphasized the child is very young and his interest is to live with his mother. By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The Misdemeanor Court sentenced a female student s mother to two-week imprisonment with hard labor for damaging the car of her daughter s teacher. The teacher explained that her student s mother, following a heated dispute, had parked her car in the school driveway. When she was backing her car out, the mother intentionally slammed her car into hers. The school s guard also testified against the mother. The plaintiff counsel Lawyer Abdulmohsen Al-Qattan highlighted the criminal intention on the part of the defendant to inflict harm on the vehicle of his client, stressing the availability of incriminating evidence deliberate damage as stated by Article 249 of the Penal Code. No penalty: The Misdemeanor Court of Appeal refrained from pronouncing penalty against a Kuwaiti man alleged to have taken possession of a car he rented from a car rental office. The Court of First Instance earlier sentenced the suspect to three months in prison but he appealed the verdict through his representative lawyer Mohammad Al- Sayegh. The lawyer argued on the prosecuting officer not having sufficient proof to indict his client for betrayal of trust and criminal act. He pleaded with the court to declare his client innocent and refrain from pronouncing a penalty against him.

8 LOCAL 8 KSHR hopes every refugee child will have the right to education Need for int l community to stand in solidarity with refugees KUWAIT CITY, June 20: The World Refugee Day is marked on June 20 every year as a reminder of the courage of millions of refugees around the world who took the decision to leave their homes due to various circumstances that forced them to search for an alternative homeland and a new life that is free of obstacles and challenges. According to a press release issued by Kuwait Society for Human Rights, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) believes the time has come to highlight to world leaders that the international community stands in solidarity with refugees. The international community launched #weareallrefugees campaign in 2016 to which more than 20 million people around the world reacted. It will continue to trend until a global charter for refugees which is expected to be issued this year is adopted. Kuwait Society for Human Rights (KSHR) has participated in the regional consultations of Arab civil society bodies on the International Convention on Migration in preparation for the Global Agreement on Secure, Organized and Systematic Migration as a preparatory process for the development of the Global Refugee Charter this year. The society hopes that every refugee child will have the right to education, every refugee family will have a safe place to live and every refugee gets a decent work or learns new skills that will enable him to support his family and integrate into society so that they can become effective members of society rather than depend on it. Kuwait Society for Human Rights appeals to world leaders to facilitate the passage of refugees whose countries suffer from wars or whose lives are in danger, explaining that complicated circumstances have led them to leave their homes and all their past life behind them. The society would like to emphasize the need to help the refugees instead of leaving them alone to face these challenges. It reiterated that refugees should be treated as humanely as possible to ensure they have the right to a decent living and safe life. Yemen graveyard Continued from Page 1 misguidance in order to drive the Gulf into the jaws of the monstrous Mullahs. Unfortunately, some of those who shed such tears did so maliciously due to apathy and shortsightedness boosted by the foolish concept of seeking help from the enemy to achieve delusional gains by breaking the back of the brother. For the past four years, the fight against the Houthis and their Iranian backers was an operation almost similar to a very precise surgery which takes into consideration the civilian population who are the victims of that gang. At the same time, the operation preserved the infrastructure of a country which needs comprehensive development after eight years of severe internal conflict. Undoubtedly, the result which the coalition forces and the legitimate Yemeni Army will achieve is the collective wish of the Yemenis. It will be crowned by populace uprising against the Houthis not just in Sanaa, but also in all their strongholds where they will be expelled indefinitely. This is due to the fact that logic does not allow a small number of people to rule about 26 million Yemenis and impose on them a culture which is based on the Persian Mullah s heresy. Europe proposals Continued from Page 1 Of course some of the provisions of international conventions may be good but there s no need to join these conventions, citing these provisions, the supreme leader told a gathering of MPs, according to his official website. Khamenei cautioned against signing up to global conventions when we are not aware of the depth of their aims or (when) we know that they have problems. Earlier this month Iran s parliament voted to suspend discussion of joining the UN Terrorism Financing Convention for two months, as Tehran waits to see whether its nuclear deal with world powers survives after the US pulled out of the landmark accord. Debate among Iranian lawmakers on joining such global agreements is often furious, with conservatives warning signing up to the terrorism financing accord would cut off Iranian support to key regional allies Hezbollah and Hamas. The military wings of both groups are designated as terrorist organisations by the United States and European Union, among others. But the government has argued international cooperation is essential to confront terrorist groups which have targeted the country. Iran s commitment to the UN convention is a condition for being removed from the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a spot shared with North Korea. Being on the blacklist of the intergovernmental body has added to Iran s woes in accessing global banking. Iran s struggle to access international markets has been further compounded by the US decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal. The remaining parties to the accord Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia have committed to staying in the deal. But their companies risk falling foul of US sanctions if they continue to do business with Iran. The Chief of Staff Iran s President is saying that the administration plans to create two new government ministries commerce and roads and add them to the Cabinet. The semi-official Tasnim news agency on Tuesday quotes Mahmoud Vaezi as saying the ministries will be headed by younger and new faces, without elaborating. The portfolios are currently held under the Ministries of Industry and Urbanization, respectively. The changes are part of reforms by President Hassan Rouhani aimed at achieving better government performance, and must still be approved by parliament. The Cabinet currently has 31 members. Yemen coalition Continued from Page 1 liberation of Hodeida is the beginning to ending the war. The choice in Yemen is between the state and militia, between order and violence, between peace and war, he wrote, referring to Houthi militiamen. At least 156 Houthis and 28 soldiers were killed in the fight for the airport, according to Hodeida hospital sources. That raised the death toll in the week-old battle for the city to 348. No civilian casualties have yet been confirmed. On June 13, Yemen s army and its allies launched their offensive to clear Hodeida of rebel fighters who have held it since 2014, raising UN concerns for vital aid shipments and food imports through the city s docks. The airport is disused but housed Speaker Al-Ghanim presides over National Assembly Office meet US quits MP voices objection to panel s decision to OK a number of bills By Ahmed Al-Naqeeb Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Speaker Marzouq Al- Ghanim presided over the National Assembly Office meeting on Wednesday, during which a number of items in the agenda were discussed in accordance with the regulations. Secretary of the Assembly MP Awda Al-Rowaie disclosed the meeting focused on issues that must be prioritized due to their public impact, while others were postponed awaiting additional reports from the concerned parliamentary committees and other governmental bodies. He said preparations for the end of the legislative term were also tackled, hoping the Assembly will complete all important items before the end of the term including the State budget which will be discussed in a closed session. Furthermore, member of the Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee MP Ahmed Al-Fadel voiced objection to the committee s decision to approve a number of bills and proposals; such as abolition of the Central System for Remedying the Status of Illegal Residents (CSRSIR). He pointed out these bills and proposals were rushed and approved on the sidelines of a parliamentary session. He clarified that the committee was supposed to meet on May 29, 2018 but the meeting was postponed until the next day coinciding with a parliamentary session. He asserted the bills and proposals tabled for discussion were not important enough to rush into approving them during a session; indicating some of the approved proposals were signed by a a major rebel base just inland from the coastal road into the city from the south. It lies eight kilometres (five miles) from the city s port, through which three-quarters of Yemen s imports pass, providing a lifeline for some 22 million people dependent on aid. UN envoy Martin Griffiths held four days of talks in the rebel-held capital Sanaa in a bid to avert an all-out battle for the city but flew out on Tuesday without announcing any breakthrough. The United Arab Emirates and other members of a Saudi-led coalition that intervened in support of the government in 2015 have accused regional arch foe Iran of using Hodeida as conduit for arms smuggling to the rebels. Tehran has denied the allegation. The United Nations has warned any attack on Hodeida port could cripple shipments of desperately needed aid to the 8.4 million Yemenis facing imminent starvation. The Norwegian Refugee Council said the fighting had already disrupted water supplies, putting people at high risk of contamination. As of 19 June, the water supply has been disrupted in several areas and people are reportedly relying on water from mosque wells, it said in a statement. Continued from Page 1 said there was no doubt that the council once had a noble vision. But today we need to be honest, Pompeo said. The Human Rights Council is a poor defender of human rights. The announcement came just a day after the UN human rights chief, Zeid Ra ad al-hussein, denounced the Trump administration for separating migrant children from their parents. But Haley cited longstanding US complaints that the 47-member council is biased against Israel. She had been threatening the pull-out since last year unless the council made changes advocated by the US. Regrettably, it is now clear that our call for reform was not heeded, Haley said. Still, she suggested the decision need not be permanent, adding that if the council did adopt reforms, we would be happy to rejoin it. She said the withdrawal notwithstanding, the US would continue to defend human rights at the United Nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu s office called the US decision courageous, calling it an unequivocal statement that enough is enough. The move extends a broader Trump administration pattern of stepping back from international agreements and fo- committee member, not the chairperson or rapporteur. The MP further stated he will not stand in favor of the way these cases were approved, so he intends to raise the issue in the upcoming session. He hopes the National Assembly Office will take action because the committee has violated regulations. About the decision to require Kuwaiti students on scholarship abroad to pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the MP believes it has been blown out of proportion for political gains. He stressed that MPs should not stand in the way of rums under the president s America First policy. Although numerous officials have said repeatedly that America First does not mean America Alone, the administration has retreated from multiple multilateral accords and consensuses since it took office. Since January 2017, it has announced its withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, left the UN educational and cultural organization and pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal. Other contentious moves have included slapping tariffs on steel and aluminum against key trading partners, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel s capital and moving the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv. Opposition to the decision from human rights advocates was swift. A group of 12 organizations including Save the Children, Freedom House and the United Nations Association-USA said there were legitimate concerns about the council s shortcomings but that none of them warranted a US exit. This decision is counterproductive to American national security and foreign policy interests and will make it more difficult to advance human rights priorities and aid victims of abuse around the world, the organizations said in a joint statement. Added Kenneth Roth, the executive director of Human Rights Watch: All Trump seems to care about is defending Israel. On Twitter, al-hussein, the UN human rights chief, said it was Disappointing, if not really surprising, news. Given the state of #HumanRights in today s world, the US should be stepping up, not stepping back. And the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank close to the Trump administration, defended the move, calling the council notably incurious about the human rights situations in some of the world s most oppressive countries. Brett Schaefer, a senior fellow, pointed out that Trump could have withdrawn immediately after taking office but instead gave the council 18 months to make changes. Haley has been the driving force behind withdrawing from the human rights body, unprecedented in the 12- year history of the council. No country has ever dropped out voluntarily. Libya was kicked out seven years ago. The move could reinforce the perception that the Trump administration is seeking to advance Israel s agenda on the world stage, just as it prepares to unveil its long-awaited Israeli-Palestinian peace plan despite Palestinian outrage over the embassy relocation. Trump s son-in-law and senior adviser, Jared Kushner, is visiting the Middle East this week as the White House works to lay the groundwork for unveiling the plan. Israel is the only country in the world whose rights record comes up for discussion at every council session, Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim presiding over a meeting. pro-reform decrees or decisions. Commenting on the decision, MP Omar Al-Tabtabaei asserted that this issue should not keep MPs busy as they need to focus on the bigger picture of developing the educational system as a whole and stay away from political squabbles. He then unveiled his intention to submit a proposal on the development of the educational system, hoping it will be amongst the priorities in the next legislative term. In another development, in a bid to cover the country s need for professional manpower, MP Mohammed Al- under Item 7 on the agenda. Item 7 on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has been part of the council s regular business almost as long as it has existed. The United States current term on the council ends next year. Although the US could have remained a nonvoting observer on the council, a US official said it was a complete withdrawal and that the United States was resigning its seat effective immediately. The official wasn t authorized to comment publicly and insisted on anonymity. That means the council will be left without one of its traditional defenders of human rights. In recent months, the United States has participated in attempts to pinpoint rights violations in places like South Sudan, Congo and Cambodia. The US pullout was bound to have ripple effects for at least two countries at the council: China and Israel. The US, as at other UN organizations, is Israel s biggest defender. At the rights council, the United States has recently been the most unabashed critic of rights abuses in China whose growing economic and diplomatic clout has chastened some other would-be critics, rights advocates say. The Chinese government expressed regret over Washington s decision to pull out of the council. In Beijing, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said the council is an important platform for countries to discuss human rights and that Beijing has been committed to supporting the group s work. But the Chinese government is often accused by Western countries of human rights violations and by rights groups of seeking to undermine the mechanisms of the UN human rights council. In March, a Chinese diplomat repeatedly interrupted a speech by a prominent Chinese dissident to block him from addressing the UN Human Rights Council, a failed attempt that bared China s sensitivity on human rights. The foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, dismissed the US criticism that the council is problematic because it includes China and other authoritarian governments, saying that claim is a total disregard of facts. Everyone without bias can see clearly China s great achievement and progress in terms of human rights, Geng said. There are 47 countries in the Human Rights Council, elected by the UN s General Assembly with a specific number of seats allocated for each region of the globe. Members serve for three-year terms and can serve only two terms in a row. The United States has opted to stay out of the Human Rights Council before: The George W. Bush administration opted against seeking membership Iraq in KUNA photo Huwaila has submitted a proposal to form a higher central committee which will be tasked to determine professions necessary for pushing the wheels of development. He said the committee will coordinate with the Ministry of Higher Education and other concerned bodies regarding the scholarship grants to ensure that those who wish to pursue higher studies will choose specializations which are line with the actual manpower needs of the local job market, considering the public schools are increasingly pumping out new graduates every year. when the council was created in The US joined the body only in 2009 under president Barack Obama. Continued from Page 1 which has seen clashes drop off dramatically since a sectarian conflict over a decade ago. The Hezbollah Brigades joined the Hashed alliance which came under the command of Iraq s prime minister after an appeal in 2014 by Iraq s top Shiite cleric to stop IS rampaging across the country. Iraq declared victory over IS in December last year after a punishing offensive that saw the Hashed on the front lines alongside government troops. Independent of the authorities in Baghdad, the Hezbollah Brigades are also fighting on the side of President Bashar al-assad in Syria. The group was targeted Sunday in air raids laid at Israel s door that reportedly left some 50 people dead in eastern Syria, where forces on the ground are battling IS remnants. Israel has pledged to take all steps to stop key Assad backer Iran or its proxies building up a military presence in Syria. Iraq s biggest tribe has appealed for weapons to defend itself against the Islamic State jihadist group after several of its members were abducted and killed in a central desert region. The Shammar are a particular target for IS because they sided with the government in the battle with the jihadists, who were expelled from their last urban strongholds last year. We hold the security forces responsible for protecting civilians... failure to do so is a failure of duty, Shammar leader Sheikh Abdallah Hmeidi Ajeel al-yawar said in a statement late Tuesday. If the security forces are unable to control these areas inhabited by the Shammar and other tribes... the commander-in-chief (of the armed forces Prime Minister Haider Abadi) should open the door for volunteers to join the ranks of the army and form a brigade of sons of the region to protect themselves. A minibus driver was the latest member of the Shammar tribe to go missing on Tuesday in Wadi al-safa in Salaheddin province, according to the police. On Sunday, IS attacked several Shammar villages in Jazira, the vast desert stretching from the west of Baghdad right up to the Syrian border, and abducted 30 people. The bodies of seven of them were later found. Syria attacks Continued from Page 1 American interference. He said the territory would be recovered by force if necessary. One major objective for the government is recapturing the border crossing with Jordan that served before the conflict as a vital trade gateway for goods moving across the region. Its closure has hit both the Syrian and Jordanian economies hard. Rebels say elite army troops backed by Iranian-backed local militias have been escalating hit and run attacks on their posts in a so-called Triangle of Death, which connects southern Damascus countryside with Deraa and Quneitra provinces. A rebel commander said a bomb injured several fighters in Naba al Sakr town, saying it was one of a growing number of such attacks blamed on Iranian-backed militias in the area. They are moving more reinforcements and there have been several infiltration attempts which we have so far repelled, said Abu Ayham, a rebel commander in the Salah al Din brigades operating in Quneitra. Residents and opposition sources say that in the few days they saw larger movements of troops with armoured vehicles and tanks along two main highways that cut through rebel areas. The last two days have seen wider skirmishes, an air strike and rebel ambushes along two main highways being used by the army to reinforce the city of Deraa, which is split into areas controlled separately by the government and rebels. The army and rebels have also been exchanging gun fire and shelling in a frontline in Deraa city. Employees and hospital staff in two government hospitals in Sweida and Deraa provinces have also been put on high alert, according to a resident contacted by phone from Deraa city. Syrian government troops and affiliated forces committed war crimes and a crime against humanity in their long siege of eastern Ghouta through heavy bombardment and deliberately starving 265,000 people, UN investigators said on Wednesday. About 20,000 rebel fighters entrenched in the besieged area, some belonging to terrorist groups, shelled the nearby capital of Damascus in attacks that killed and maimed, amounting to war crimes, they said. Newswatch Continued from Page 1 Al-Wefaq, said the ruling the court is set to issue Wednesday will be based on testimony from unidentified witnesses and false evidence. Sarhan spoke at a press conference in Beirut. (AP) TUNIS: A Tunisian presidential commission on Wednesday unveiled a raft of proposed liberal reforms, including equal inheritance rights for women and decriminalising homosexuality, set to face fierce opposition from conservative Muslims. The proposals from the commission set up by President Beji Caid Essebsi to bring the legal code in line with a 2014 constitution come as the North African country tries to make good on reforms promised by its revolution seven years ago. (AFP) JERUSALEM: Israeli warplanes struck Hamas positions in Gaza after Palestinian militants there fired dozens of rockets and mortars at southern communities early Wednesday, the military said. The Palestinian fire came hours after the Israeli military said it struck Hamas infrastructure in response to arson balloons launched from Gaza into Israel. (AP) TEHRAN: An Iranian defence lawyer has been arrested after claiming a man executed this week for killing three policemen was innocent, Iran s Fars news agency said Wednesday. Zeinab Taheri was taken into custody after an arrest warrant was issued against her for making false statements and because of her lies propagated online claiming (the defendant) was not guilty, the conservative-linked agency said. (AFP) AMMAN: The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRW) stressed on Tuesday that it needs a $250-million additional support for its emergency aid and services in the second half of this year. This came during a two-day meeting of UNRWA s consultation committee held at the Dead Sea region, the agency said in a press statement. (KUNA)

9 INTERNATIONAL 9 World News Roundup Immigration Asylum requests fall Trump sees his policy winner WASHINGTON, June 20, (Agencies): Calling the shots as his West Wing clears out, President Donald Trump sees his hard-line immigration stance as a winning issue heading into a midterm election he views as a referendum on his protectionist policies. You have to stand for something, Trump declared Tuesday, as he defended his administration s immigration policy amid mounting criticism over the forced separation of children from their parents at the US-Mexico border. The chorus of condemnation includes Democrats, as well as Trump Republicans, who are increasingly worried that reports about bereft children taken from their parents could damage the GOP s chances in November. Still, Trump believes that his immigration pledges helped win him the presidency and that his most loyal supporters want him to follow through. He made a rare trip to Capitol Hill late Tuesday to meet with GOP legislators and endorse a pair of bills that would keep detained families together, among other changes, but he remains confident that projecting toughness on immigration is the right call, said five White House officials and outside advisers who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. It s amazing how people are surprised that he s keeping the promises he made on the campaign trail now, said Trump political adviser Bill Stepien. Signaled While the White House signaled Trump may be open to a narrow fix to deal with the problem, the president spent the day stressing immigration policies that he has championed throughout his surprise political career. He has resisted calls to reverse the separation policy, saying any change must come through Congress. In a speech to a business group earlier Tuesday, Trump said he wanted to see legislation deal with family separation, which, he said, We don t want. He also emphasized border security and again made the false argument that Democrats are to blame for the family separation problem. Said Trump: Politically correct or not, we have a country that needs security, that needs safety, that has to be protected. Several White House aides, led by adviser Stephen Miller, have encouraged the president to make immigration a defining issue for the midterms. And Trump has told advisers he believes he looks strong on the matter, suggesting that it could be a winning culture war issue much like his attacks on NFL players who take a knee for the national anthem. Former Trump senior adviser Steve Bannon said the president is emphasizing the policies that brought him to the White House. I think this is one of his best moments. I think this is a profile in courage. This is why America elected him, Bannon said. This is not doubling down, it is tripling down. Voracious Still, Trump, a voracious watcher of cable news who is especially attuned to the power of images, appeared to acknowledge later Tuesday that the optics could be doing damage. During his closed-door meeting with lawmakers on the Hill, Trump said his daughter Ivanka had encouraged him to find a way to end the practice, and he said separating families at the border looked bad, according to several attendees. He said, Politically, this is bad, said Rep Randy Weber, R-Texas. It s not about the politics. This is the right thing to do. Meanwhile, the number of people fleeing war or strife for more stable parts of the world declined significantly in 2017, although the United States registered a sharp increase in asylum applications during US President Donald Trump s first year in the White House. In a report on broader migration trends, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development said the biggest exodus came for a third-year running from Afghanistan, Syria and Iraq. The report comes as immigration is shaping politics in Europe and the United States. The European Union is bitterly divided over migration and has struggled to reform its asylum rules which broke down in 2015, focusing instead on tightening its borders and preventing new arrivals. Meanwhile, Trump, who has made a tough stance on immigration a pillar of his presidency and promises a wall along the US-Mexico border, faces outcry over his administration s policy of separating immigrant parents and children along the frontier. US President Donald Trump (second right), and First Lady Melania Trump (right), meet with Spanish King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia (left), in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC on June 19. (AFP) America Hagin to leave WH: The White House aide who led the planning for President Donald Trump s meeting last week with North Korea s Kim Jong Un has decided to leave the Trump administration to return to the private sector. Joe Hagin, the White House deputy chief of staff for operations, has served in every Republican White House since the Reagan administration. He held the same title in George W. Bush s White House. Hagin s departure comes as the Trump administration continues to set records for staff turnover. More than 60 percent of those who served in senior positions at the beginning of the administration have exited. No successor has yet been identified. A White House official said that after departing Singapore last week, Trump made a rare appearance in the staff cabin of Air Force One to praise Hagin for organizing the Kim summit and led White House staff in a round of applause for the aide. Hagin was recruited to the Trump White House by former chief of staff Reince Priebus to bring a seasoned hand to a West Wing that had few experienced veterans. He had planned on staying only six months to a year, and considered leaving in the spring, but delayed due to planning for the Singapore summit. (AP) Graft retrial starts: Ex-New York Senate leader Dean Skelos and his son returned to a Manhattan courtroom Tuesday for the start of their retrial on corruption charges. US District Judge Kimba M. Wood told prospective jurors that Skelos and his son, Adam, were facing public corruption charges and she was seeking jurors who could be fair fact finders who would base their conclusions only on evidence they see and hear in court. The panel of jurors was selected by 6 pm and Opening statements were likely to begin on Wednesday. The trial is likely to last a month. Potential jurors filled out questionnaires last week and lawyers had analyzed them before the formal start of jury selection Tuesday. At least one woman was stricken from the pool of potential jurors after indicating on a questionnaire that she doesn t support Republicans. Skelos and his son were convicted in 2015 of extortion, conspiracy and bribery. Dean Skelos, a 70-year-old Republican, was sentenced to five years in prison. His son got 6ó years. But neither had to serve time. (AP) Sailors honor survivor: Ray Emory survived the early morning attack on Pearl Harbor that killed nearly 2,400 servicemen in shower of bombs and explosions nearly 80 years ago. The 97-yearold never forgot those who died that day, spending the past few decades doggedly pushing for the remains of those buried as unknowns to be identified and returned to their families. Emory Clutching a walker and stepping tentatively, Emory returned to Pearl Harbor for one last visit before he leaves his Hawaii home to live in Boise, Idaho, with his son. He expected to stop at the pier where his ship, the USS Honolulu, was moored on Dec 7, 1941, and stay for three or four minutes and then go home. Instead more than 500 sailors stood side-by-side on ships and piers to surprise him. They greeted him with salutes as he arrived on a golf cart and shouted cheers of Hip, Hip, Hooray! Lt Ryan Donohue, chief engineer on USS O Kane, said it was important for sailors to remember those who sacrificed on Dec 7. (AP) Spanish royal couple visit WH to finish up US trip President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on Tuesday welcomed Spain s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to the White House. King Felipe described his first Oval Office meeting with the president as a great end to a perfect visit. The royals are in the US to mark the 300th anniversaries of the founding of New Orleans and San Antonio, stopping in both cities with historical ties to Spain before arriving at the White House. Trump called it really a tremendous honor to have the royal couple in the Oval Offi ce. The president also praised the outstanding relationship between the US and Spain over the years and, I think, especially right now. Excellent trade relationship, military relationship. Just about everything you can have. So we love Spain. Trade was expected to fi gure prominently in their talks. The king was expected to discuss concerns in Europe about the Trump administration s decision to impose tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and US tariffs on Spanish black olives. Mrs Trump was scheduled to host Queen Letizia for tea in the Red Room. The fi rst lady recently resumed her schedule of public appearances following surgery last month to treat a benign kidney condition. (AP)

10 INTERNATIONAL 10 World News Roundup Britain UK to lose database access Britain s Prince Louis will be christened next mth: palace LONDON, June 20, (Agencies): Prince Louis, the third child of Britain s Prince William and wife Kate, will be christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury next month, Kensington Palace said on Wednesday. Louis, the fifth in line to the British throne who was born on April 23, will be christened at a private service on July 9 at The Chapel Royal of St James s Palace in central London. As customary with such royal occasions, the service will be conducted by the spiritual leader of the Anglican communion, Justin Welby. Since his birth, Louis has not been seen in public although his family did issue official photographs of the new royal last month. Unlike b r o t h e r Prince William George, 4, and sister Charlotte, 3, the baby prince did not attend May s wedding of his uncle Prince Harry to his American wife Meghan. Harry, Meghan join queen: The former Meghan Markle visited Britain s Royal Ascot for the first time Tuesday, receiving a rapturous welcome as she and Prince Harry joined Queen Elizabeth II for the opening day s carriage procession. Thousands of race-goers cheered from the stands as the royal family arrived in several horse-drawn carriages and travelled to the royal box. Harry wore a top hat and tails for the occasion, renowned for its strict dress code, while Meghan chose a white shirt dress and a matching black and white hat. The couple will present a trophy for one of the races. Earlier Tuesday, officials said Harry and Meghan will make their first official trip abroad to Ireland next month. Kensington Palace said that the royal couple will travel to Dublin for two days starting on July 10. The palace said Harry and his wife, now formally known as the Duchess of Sussex, are looking forward to learning more about Ireland s history and meeting people shaping its future. Tindall gives birth: Queen Elizabeth II s granddaughter Zara Tindall has given birth to a baby girl. Buckingham Palace said Tuesday the baby is the second child of Zara and Mike Tindall, a former English rugby player. The baby was born Monday and has not yet been named. The palace said the baby weighs nine pounds three ounces (4.2 kilograms). The palace says the queen and other senior royals are delighted with the news. The baby is the seventh greatgrandchild of Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip. Zara Tindall is the daughter of Princess Anne and Mark Phillips, who are divorced. She is an accomplished equestrian who won a silver medal at the London Olympics in May faces showdown: British Prime Minister Theresa May was facing a new showdown with pro-eu MPs on Wednesday over parliament s role in the final Brexit deal, which could influence her entire negotiating strategy. After months of debate, MPs were to vote on the last contested amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill which set out how much power lawmakers will have if the government fails to agree a departure deal before Brexit in March May says she expects to get an agreement, but warned that any attempt to tie her hands could weaken her negotiating position with Brussels. She averted a rebellion by pro-eu MPs in her Conservative party last week with a promise of a compromise on parliament s powers, but within days they had rejected her proposal as inadequate. The MPs instead worked with peers to introduce their own amendment to the unelected upper House of Lords, which agreed by a landslide on Monday, sending it back to the lower House of Commons. The main opposition Labour party is backing the amendment but it has its own rebels who could vote with the government on Wednesday afternoon. The vote will be tight, a government source told AFP. UK to lose access: The UK will eventually lose access to EU-only police databases after it leaves the bloc, the European Union s chief Brexit negotiator said Tuesday. Let s be clear: based on the UK s positions, our cooperation will need to be organised differently, Michel Barnier said during a speech in Vienna. It will rely on effective and reciprocal exchanges, but not on access to EU-only or Schengen-only databases. Barnier said it was understandable that the UK s recent paper on security expresses a desire to keep the benefits of EU membership. However, he said this would not be possible because of the UK s decision to leave the EU, its institutions, structures and safeguards. Barnier said those institutions had been crucial in creating the trust necessary for enabling the current intense cooperation between member states on security matters. Extremist plotted attack: An extremist who plotted a suicide attack on British Prime Minister Theresa May wanted to decapitate her in a bomb and knife assault, a court heard Tuesday. Naa imur Zakariyah Rahman, 20, allegedly wanted to make big news by storming Downing Street as May spoke outside her office. Rahman was fully prepared to die in the attack, England s Old Bailey central criminal court in London heard. He was arrested in November last year. Before his arrest prevented it, he was, he believed, just days away from his objective, which was no less than a suicide attack, by blade and explosion, on Downing Street and, if he could, upon the Prime Minister Theresa May herself, said prosecutor Mark Heywood. US Navy personnel hold the American flag over the casket of US WWII Navy sailor Julius Pieper during a reburial service at the Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France, on June 19. Seventy four years to the day after their ship hit a mine off the coast of Normandy and sunk, Julius Pieper was finally reunited with his twin brother Ludwig. (AP) Islamists could attack with ricin: German Intel Threat acute as attacks double in 17 THE HAGUE, June 20, (Agencies): Jihadist attacks on European targets more than doubled last year, Europe s police agency said Wednesday, warning the risk of more unsophisticated attacks by the so-called Islamic State group remains acute. Last year, a total 33 terror attacks were reported on the continent and Britain of which were successful, killing 62 people, while the rest were foiled or failed, Europol said in a annual report issued in The Hague. That figure compared with 13 reported attacks in 2016, of which 10 were successful leading to 135 deaths. Europe Jean-Marie turns 90: Jean-Marie Le Pen, longtime leader of France s farright who was sidelined in a family feud over his anti- Semitic remarks, is spending his 90th birthday in a hospital, still under treatment more than a week after checking in. Le Pen turned 90 on Wednesday. A Father s Day visit by daughter Marine Le Pen raised questions about his health. Marine Le Pen has given her father the cold shoulder since divesting him of membership in the National Front in 2015, removing his title of honorary president-for-life in March and this month changing the party name to National Rally. (AP) Eurofighter N-role: Germany is pressing Washington to clarify whether it would let the Eurofighter Typhoon carry nuclear bombs as part of shared Western defences, an issue that could help decide whether Berlin orders more of the jets, sources familiar with the matter said. Although not a nuclear power, Germany hosts some US nuclear warheads under NATO s nuclear-sharing policy and operates a number of Tornado warplanes that can deliver them. New jets will need to be certified by Washington to carry out nuclear missions, a process which can take years. (RTRS) Tymoshenko to run: Ukrainian opposition leader and political veteran Yulia Tymoshenko said on Wednesday she would run for president in elections due next year. I will run for the presidency of Ukraine, she said during a questionandanswer video posted on her official Facebook page. Tymoshenko Tymoshenko led an opinion poll conducted in May by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation and the Kievbased Razumkov think-tank, with support among likely voters of 13 percent. Incumbent President Petro Poroshenko came fourth in the poll. (RTRS) Extremism However, the increase in the number of jihadist terrorist attacks in 2017 ran parallel to a decrease in sophistication in their preparation and execution, Europol s 2018 Terrorism Situation and Trend report said. A young woman was charged Tuesday with attempted murder and advocating terrorism, after she injured two people with a boxcutter in a supermarket in southeast France at the weekend. The 24-year-old woman struck a customer waiting at the checkout, as well as a cashier who tried to intervene on Sunday morning at a supermarket in Seyne-sur-Mer, near the Mediterranean port of Toulon. Both victims were taken to hospital, but their wounds were not life-threatening. A source in Germany s BfV domestic intelligence service said on Wednesday that Islamists could stage an attack in Germany at any time with the lethal toxin ricin. A week ago, a 29-year-old Tunisian, named by authorities as Sief Allah H., was arrested in Cologne on suspicion of planning an Islamist-motivated attack and building a biological weapon using ricin.

11 INTERNATIONAL 11 North Korea Seoul ups pressure on Kim Show concrete plan on denuclearization BEIJING, June 20, (AP): South Korea urged North Korea on Wednesday to present a plan with concrete steps toward denuclearization, raising the pressure on its leader Kim Jong Un as he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a visit designed to convey the countries growing closeness. Kim and Xi held a second day of talks at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, whose grounds China s official Xinhua News Agency described in unusually lyrical terms as being full of verdant greenery and splendid flowers, adding to what the propaganda outlet said was the close and friendly atmosphere of the talks. The pomp and circumstance looked geared toward showing off the major improvement in relations between the communist neighbors, along Bolton with China s important role in keeping North Korea on track. But it cast no new light on the main question that hangs over the previously reclusive North Korean leader s surge in diplomatic activity in recent months: What next steps, if any, will Kim take to dismantle his country s nuclear program? At his summit with US President Donald Trump last week in Singapore, Kim pledged to work toward denuclearization in exchange for US security guarantees. The US and South Korea also suspended a major joint military exercise that was planned for August in what was seen as a major victory for North Korea and its chief allies, China and Russia. Progress Chinese state media quoted Xi as hailing the warming friendship with Kim but included no mention of any specific discussions on making progress on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Xi said China is pleased that the momentum for dialogue and easing of situation on the Korean Peninsula has been effectively strengthened, according to Xinhua. In Seoul, South Korean President Moon Jaein urged North Korea to present actionable plans on how it will scrap its nuclear program, and for the United States to swiftly take unspecified corresponding measures. It s necessary for North Korea to present far more concrete denuclearization plans, and I think it s necessary for the United States to swiftly reciprocate by coming up with comprehensive measures, Moon said. Moon s office said he made the remarks to Russian media ahead of his trip to Moscow later this week. Moon, who has met with Kim twice in recent months, said the North Korean leader is willing to give up his nuclear program and focus on economic development if he s provided with a reliable security guarantee. Moon described Kim as forthright, careful and polite. China backs the North s call for a phased and synchronous approach to denuclearization, as opposed to Washington s demand for an instant, total and irreversible end to the North s nuclear programs. Accompanied by an elaborate escort of motorcycles and black sedans, Kim left for Pyongyang later in the day, ending his third visit to China this year. State television showed Kim visiting an agricultural technology park and rail traffic control center in Beijing, accompanied by Beijing s top official, Cai Qi. Kim s motorcade had earlier been seen leaving the North Korean Embassy on Wednesday afternoon as police closed off major roads and intersections in central Beijing. Gawking pedestrians watched the passing motorcade that included Kim s limousine a black Mercedes-Benz Maybach with gold emblems on the rear doors. Meanwhile, Trump s national security adviser John Bolton says North Korea is facing a decisive and dramatic choice on whether to give up its nuclear program and ballistic missiles. Interest Bolton told Fox News Fox & Friends on Wednesday that the US will find out soon enough because diplomatic engagement will proceed quickly. He says Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others will be meeting with North Korean officials. Bolton says the US has no interest in lengthy talks. He says that until the US gets real evidence of denuclearization, all US sanctions will stay in force. Following this month s summit with Kim in Singapore, Trump tweeted last week that there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. In related story, Lt Col Hwang Myong Jin has been a guide on the northern side of the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two Koreas for five years. He says that since the summits between Kim and the presidents of South Korea and the United States, things have quieted down noticeably in perhaps the last place on Earth where the Cold War still burns hot. A lot of things have changed. Listen to how quiet it is, he said as he stood on the balcony of a large building overlooking the blue and white barracks and concrete demarcation line that mark the boundary between North and South. The South used to blast psychological warfare propaganda at us, he said. But since the summits, they have stopped. Now there is a peaceful atmosphere here. Indeed, all is quiet deceptively so in the DMZ these days. On Thursday, as Kim Jong Un was in Beijing for his third summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the northern part of the zone was buzzing with busloads of Chinese tourists taking selfies and eating ice cream cones outside the surprisingly well-stocked souvenir shop near the DMZ entrance. A group of ethnic Korean high school students from Japan filed out of their tour bus as North Korean People s Army soldiers watched disinterestedly with automatic rifles slung over their shoulders. Inside the souvenir shop, still more tourists, from Europe, looked over hand-painted propaganda posters. American tourists are still banned from visiting North Korea under an order issued last year by President Donald Trump that restricts all non-essential travel. This photograph released on June 19, by China s Xinhua News Agency, shows North Koran leader Kim Jong Un (right), and Chinese President Xi Jinping (left), waving to children after reviewing an honour guard during a welcome ceremony in Beijing s Great Hall of the People. (AFP) South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha speaks during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, on June 20. Kang said Wednesday that the recent decision to suspend a major joint military drill between Seoul and Washington is not irreversible and could quickly come back if North Korea does not take proper denuclearization measure in return. (AP) Asia Pipe Russia gas to Koreas, Japan : New pipelines could be laid to bring Russian gas through North Korea to the South and even on to Japan following the diplomatic thaw with Pyongyang, Seoul s leader suggested Wednesday. President Moon Jae-in was speaking to Russian news media before a three-day visit to Moscow starting Thursday, with the presidential Blue House releasing the transcript. Russia and South Korea agreed in 2008 to lay gas pipelines through the North to bring Russian natural gas to the South. But the project failed to take off due to tensions over the North s nuclear weapons programme. Restoring inter-korean railroads and linking them to trans-siberian railways would also enable overland transport from trade-dependent South Korea to Europe, Moon added. This will bring huge economic benefits to the South and the North as well as Russia, he said. At the unprecedented summit between the North and the US in Singapore last week, US President Donald Trump showed Pyongyang s Kim Jong Un a video showing the North transformed by economic growth. The summit, Moon said, had succeeded beyond all expectations, although some analysts said little of substance was agreed. In a joint statement afterwards the North Health National stunting rate dropped to 19 pct last year Slight children s health gains in N. Korea GENEVA, June 20, (AFP): New data from North Korea show a slight improvement in children s health, the United Nations reported Wednesday, saying the isolated nation had made a step forward by providing better information about the condition of its people. The findings published by the UN children s agency UNICEF were based on surveys of more than 8,500 North Korean households conducted by the government s Central Bureau of Statistics. While North Korean children continue to confront major health challenges, the data show that the national stunting rate, a key indicator of malnutrition among children, dropped from 32.4 percent in 2009 the last time the surveys were conducted to 19 percent last year. But the figures on stunting varied significantly across the country. In the capital Pyongyang, 10 percent of children were affected by stunting, while in the rural Ryanggang province the rate was 32 percent. Pyongyang s cooperation with UNICEF in collecting and releasing the committed to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, without making an explicit commitment to give up its weapons. The two rivals also agreed to establish new ties and work to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean peninsula. But Moon said that Chairman Kim has expressed his willingness to give up his nuclear arsenal and focus on economic build-up should the North be guaranteed safety. At earlier summits of his own with Kim, Moon added, the North Korean turned out to be frank and straightforward and despite his age, maintained his composure throughout their long talks. data has also improved substantially since 2009, the agency s east Asia and Pacific director Karin Hulshof told reporters in Geneva. This new seriousness and improved openness about data is in UNICEF s view a real step forward, she said. Hulshof declined to tie North Korea s increased cooperation to changes that followed the death of leader Kim Jong Il s in December His son and successor Kim Jong Un has made a series of outreaches to the international community, including an historic nuclear summit US President Donald Trump this month. But UNICEF said the improved cooperation on children s health pre-dated the latest diplomatic developments. I would just like to remind everyone that these data were collected in 2017, so that is sometime before the latest summits, Hulshof said, noting the agreement to carry out the fresh surveys was reached between UNICEF and Pyongyang in The data also indicated that a full third South Korea must import the vast bulk of its oil and gas. But despite their geographical proximity Russia is only its sixth-biggest supplier, providing just 5.5 percent of total needs. (AFP) Pyongyang may soon return remains: North Korea may soon return a first out of 200 sets of remains of American soldiers who died during the Korean War, after an agreement reached last week by Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump, a US official said Tuesday. Preparations continue to receive the remains, the US official told AFP on condition of anonymity. It could happen in the of North Korea s drinking water is contaminated, posing another major threat to healthy growth among children. UNICEF said those water problems were likely linked to poor systems for managing human waste. And, while the stunting figures indicate nutrition has improved for some, only one in three children age six to 23 months receive the minimum acceptable diet, Hulshof said. A separate UN-led report last year found chronic food shortages in North Korea, with around 41 percent of the population or some 10.5 million people undernourished. The UN official credited increased humanitarian aid for the gains made and voiced hope that better data would allow international agencies to more effectively target their assistance in the country. Hulshof said UNICEF would now move on to a detailed analysis of the data to put the numbers in context. But, she added, the data is already providing us with a lot of food for thought. next few days. The US and North Korean leaders agreed to the repatriations during their historic June 12 summit in Singapore. On several occasions in the past, DPRK officials have indicated they possess as many as 200 sets of remains they had recovered over the years, the Pentagon said in factsheet updated Monday about those reported missing in action during the Korean War of The commitment established within the Joint Statement between President Trump and Chairman Kim would repatriate these as was done in the early 1990s and would reinforce the humanitarian aspects of this mission. (AFP)

12 INTERNATIONAL 12 World News Roundup Subcontinent Musharraf barred from polls Modi party pulls out of governing alliance NEW DELHI, June 20, (Agencies): India s ruling party withdrew Tuesday from an alliance government in the disputed Kashmir region in what analysts described as an attempt to appear tough on militancy before a general election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said it was pulling out of the governing coalition in Jammu and Kashmir state because of worsening terrorism and violence. The Hindu nationalist party had ruled in the restive state since March 2015 when it struck an unlikely alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a local political outfit which has advocated more autonomy for Kashmir. It has become untenable for the BJP to continue in the alliance government in Jammu and Kashmir, senior BJP leader Ram Madhav told reporters in New Delhi, referring to India s only Muslim-majority state. Today there is an increase in terrorism and violence, radicalisation is spreading fast. Madhav said the state government had failed to curb radicalisation or guarantee civilian rights in the volatile territory disputed with Pakistan. The state s chief minister Modi Mehbooba Mufti, who hails from the PDP, tendered her resignation after the alliance lost the majority to rule. The state s governor, a figurehead who is appointed by New Delhi, will rule Jammu and Kashmir until fresh elections are held or a new coalition is cobbled together. The move was seen as the BJP walking back its involvement in the troubled state, which has been racked by conflict for decades but which has witnessed an upsurge of violence under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision allows the BJP to act tough on Kashmir before a general election next year in which Modi will seek a second term in office, analysts said. What it (BJP) will do between now and elections is increase its political rhetoric against the separatists in Kashmir, said Manoj Joshi from the New Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation. It will be political rhetoric of how the BJP will save the situation in the Kashmir region of the state, he told AFP. The decision means Modi s BJP controls one less state. But it will still govern 18 of India s 29 states outright or in coalitions. The PDP, which draws its support from the mainly Muslim north of the state, has long demanded the removal of a draconian law that gives Indian forces sweeping powers to search, enter property and shoot on sight. The BJP, whose base lies in the Hindu-dominated south, said the law was needed to curb insurgents fighting for Kashmir s independence or for its merger with Pakistan. The fighting has left tens of thousands of people, mostly civilians, dead. Authorities bar Musharraf: Pakistan s elections oversight body has rejected the nomination of former military ruler Gen Pervez Musharraf, barring him from running for office in elections to be held next month. The Election Commission of Pakistan on Tuesday rejected Musharraf s candidacy for a National Assembly seat from the northwestern constituency of Chitral. Musharraf is facing a treason case in Pakistan, lives in self-exile in Dubai and failed to appear before the country s top court earlier this month. Subsequently, the court last week withdrew permission to allow Musharraf to run for office. Election authorities also rejected nomination papers of former premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, longtime politician Imran Khan, and former lawmakers Aysha Gulalai and Mahtab Abbasi from Islamabad. They can appeal. They are also contesting from other constituencies. 30 Afghan security forces killed: Taleban fighters killed around 30 Afghan security forces in multiple attacks in western Afghanistan, officials said Wednesday, in the deadliest clashes since the militant group ended its ceasefire. Militants stormed at least two bases belonging to government forces in Badghis province overnight and ambushed a convoy of reinforcements. Officials said the group may have used the three-day truce, that ended Sunday, to plan the attacks. More than half of the fatalities came from the ambush and roadside bomb blasts that hit a reinforcement convoy, provincial governor Abdul Qhafoor Malikzai told AFP. The other soldiers and police were killed when militants raided their bases, Qhafoor added. The Taleban claimed responsibility for the attacks in a WhatsApp message to journalists. Provincial council chief Abdul Aziz Bek confirmed the death toll and accused the Taleban of taking advantage of the suspension in fighting to do reconnaissance in the area. During the ceasefire the Taleban had sent informants to collect information about the bases and plan the attack, he told AFP. Don t leave Afghanistan too rapidly : The battlehardened Army commander nominated to take over US military operations in Afghanistan warned senators Tuesday that if America leaves the fight too rapidly, there is a risk Islamic State militants could merge with al-qaeda and plan attacks against the US or its allies. Lt Gen Scott Miller, a former Army Delta Force commando who heads US Joint Special Operations Command, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that, if confirmed, he ll reassess the troop numbers in Afghanistan to see if the force size is right. Any abrupt US withdrawal, he said, could trigger consequences similar to what happened in Iraq in Three years after the US pulled all troops out of Iraq after negotiations with the government there failed, the Iraqi military collapsed and many forces ran or surrendered to the Islamic State group as it seized swaths of territory across the country. A disorderly and precipitous withdrawal would have negative effects on US national security, Miller said. I would be concerned about ISIS and al-qaeda s ability to merge and project external operations one, because I know they want to, and I know they re constantly looking for that opportunity. Miller is expected to be easily approved by the Senate. He would take control of a war that has dragged on for 17 years and led to frustration and pointed questions about America s path to success there. Kashmiri Hindu devotees known as Pandits light oil lamps and offer prayers during the annual festival at the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tul Mul, outskirts of Srinagar, India on June 20. Hundreds of thousands of Hindus had abandoned the valley for Hindu-dominated areas farther south after the separatist insurgency erupted in A few families stayed behind to look after ancestral farmlands or businesses. (AP) Jade rings are displayed at the Gems Emporium in Naypyitaw, Myanmar on June 20. Myanmar annual Gems Emporium began Wednesday and runs until June 29. (AP) Survivors and family members react as they meet each other at the Lake Toba ferry port in the province of North Sumatra on June 19, after a boat capsized on June 18. (AFP) Asia Indonesia searches for 192 missing: Divers and an underwater drone on Wednesday joined a fleet of rescue vessels in Indonesia s search for at least 192 passengers missing two days after an overcrowded wooden ferry sank in one of the world s deepest volcanic lakes in Sumatra. Authorities are unable to confirm how many were aboard when the vessel sank on Monday in bad weather, since it did not have a manifest. Four were confirmed dead and 18 survivors picked up, but officials fear the death toll could be much higher. Tearful relatives waiting for news gathered at the small port of Tigaras on Lake Toba. Search teams expect to find many more trapped victims once they know where the vessel came to rest in the lake, which is 450 m (1,500 feet) deep. We have the coordinates from when it sank, but we need to verify them, said Budiawan, a search and rescue official. A team of 25 divers, including marines, was searching for the vessel, along with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that can operate up to a depth of 380 m (1,247 ft), he added. The first team of divers encountered poor visibility and freezing cold when it got to a depth of 50 metres (164 ft), said Muhammad Syaugi, head of the national search and rescue agency. (RTRS) Coronation threatens poll delay: Thailand s prime minister said Tuesday his military government will hold elections only after a coronation ceremony for the new Thai king, casting fresh doubt on promises the polls will be held by next February. The junta seized power from an elected government in May 2014 and has repeatedly pushed back promised dates for holding new polls. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha told reporters his government is preparing for the coronation of King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun, mentioning apparently for the first King Maha Philippines Move to recover Marcos wealth rejected Aquino charged in budget case MANILA, June 20, (Agencies): Former Philippine President Benigno Aquino has been indicted in a $1.35 billion criminal case over his failure to get congressional approval to use state funds to jump-start major government projects, authorities said Wednesday. The money became a source of controversy during Aquino s term from , with critics claiming he used it to barter for favours from legislators. He has always denied any wrongdoing. The charge, filed last week by a special anti-corruption prosecutor but only made public Wednesday, alleges that Aquino violated the constitution s separation of powers. In the indictment, prosecutor Conchita Morales alleged Aquino wrote a series of instructions to his budget minister to funnel 72 billion pesos ($1.35 billion) into a special initiative in June Without the approval of the said memoranda by respondent Aquino, (the budget ministry s fund release order) would not have been issued, Morales said in a statement. Aquino branded the initiative, the Disbursement Allocation Programme, an attempt to speed up public spending in the notoriously bureaucratic nation in order to boost economic growth. The scheme redirected money left unspent in agencies budgets to other parts of the government that needed funding for projects. The programme began in 2012 but time in public that the election will take place only after the ceremony. No date has been set for the coronation, bringing the timing of the polls into question. Vajiralongkorn assumed the throne after the death of his father in The most important thing that the Najib Aquino was forced to halt it two years later, after the Supreme Court ruled it violated a constitutional provision which gives the legislature sole power to authorise government spending. Also: MANILA: The Philippine Supreme Court has rejected efforts to claim almost $1 billion in damages from the estate of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his cronies, saying the government had failed to prove alleged graft related major infrastructure projects. The court made the decision in April but it was only made public on Tuesday. The government had alleged that Marcos, several former government officials and businessmen had accumulated ill-gotten wealth through the Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (CDCP), which won state-funded infrastructure projects. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a five-year plan to spend 300 billion pesos ($5.6 billion) to modernise the outdated military, defence officials said on Wednesday. A previous 15-year upgrade plan failed to take off in the mid-1990s, leaving the Philippines with outdated hardware, including warships from World War Two and helicopters used by the United States in the Vietnam War. NCPO is now considering is making preparations for the royal coronation ceremony, Prayuth said. Do not forget, all Thais, this is an important issue. The NCPO is the National Council for Peace and Order, the ruling junta s formal name. Prayuth s mention of the election came in response to a reporter s question whether it would take place before the coronation or not. He replied After, of course and After the royal coronation as he walked away from reporters at a Government House news briefing. (AP) Malaysia could extend tax breaks: Malaysia could extend new tax incentives for foreign investment in areas such as technology if companies promise to create betterpaid jobs for Malaysians, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Tuesday. His comments could reassure investors in Southeast Asia s third biggest economy after Mahathir started a review of major projects sanctioned by former premier Najib Razak, especially the ones involving Chinese firms, following an unexpected election victory last month. Mahathir told Reuters in an interview that his government would welcome investment from China or any other country if companies were willing to commit to projects that would create jobs for skilled workers in areas like technology and research and development. Before we needed jobs, so people who had huge assembly lines employing manual labour, they were welcome. But now we want intellectual workers, Mahathir said. To attract investments, Mahathir said in some cases the government could extend tax breaks beyond 10 years, the outer limit of the tax incentives currently on offer. Up until now, the Mahathir Malaysian Investment Development Authority has allowed companies investing in the country to claim income tax breaks for between five and 10 years. (RTRS) Rainsy faces royal insult charges: Cambodia s former opposition leader faces royal insult charges punishable by a jail term, according to a court summons, the first prominent figure to be accused under the new law. The adoption of the law in February triggered alarm from rights groups who warned it would become another tool for Prime Minister Hun Sen to stifle dissent. The strongman premier is seeking to prolong his 33-year grip on power in a general election next month and has used the courts to cripple his opponents. Since the lese majeste law was approved three people have been charged for Facebook comments deemed insulting to King Norodom Sihamoni, a symbolic head of state who has steered clear of politics since taking the throne in Now Sam Rainsy, the former leader of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), is under investigation after calling into question the authenticity of a public letter from Sihamoni urging people to vote. A prosecutor on Wednesday issued a warrant summoning Rainsy to appear in court next month to answer questions over a case related to insulting the king of Cambodia on a Facebook page, according to a copy of the document seen by AFP. (AFP) Australians trust in US sinks: Australians trust in the United States as a global power is at its lowest in over a decade, and they have more confidence in the leaders of China and India than they do in President Donald Trump to do the right thing regarding world affairs, according to survey released on Wednesday. The telephone poll of 1,200 Australian adults commissioned by the Lowy Institute found 55 percent trusted the US to act responsibly in the world, down six 6 percentage points from a year earlier. It was the lowest rating since the Lowy Institute started conducting its annual poll in 2005, and showed perceptions of the United States in one of its closest Pacific allies had deteriorated since Trump was elected in November There s a clear correlation between confidence in the president and trust in the country, said Lowy research director Alex Oliver. When American presidents are unpopular, trust in the country falls, she added. Just 30 percent of Australians had confidence in Trump to do the right thing regarding world affairs, according to the poll, while China s President Xi Jinping scored 43 percent, and India s Prime Minister Narendra Modi notched 37 percent. The poll by the independent Sydneybased policy think tank, was held between March 5 and March 25, before Trump s June 12 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un which world leaders have said would help de-nuclearise the Korean peninsula. (RTRS) E. Timor to swear in PM: East Timor will swear in as prime minister on Friday its former president and independence fighter Jose Maria de Vasconcelos, putting an end to months of political deadlock in the tiny Southeast Asian nation. President Francisco Guterres dissolved parliament in January after Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri s minority government faced a legislative stalemate. I have issued a decree on the nomination of Mr Taur Matan Ruak as prime minister, Guterres told a news conference on Wednesday, using a popular name for Vasconcelos. Vasconcelos belongs to a three-party coalition, the Alliance of Change for Progress (AMP), that won 34 of the 65 seats up for grabs in May s parliamentary election, the fifth since independence from Indonesia in Guterres said he had accepted the nomination of Vaconcelos as he had the approval of all the AMP parties and would not bring the government into a difficult situation. The AMP coalition includes the National Congress for Timorese Reconstruction (CNRT) party of independence hero Xanana Gusmao. The country s first president and a former prime minister, Gusmao is expected to be take up a special ministerial post to advise Vaconcelos, an AMP official has said. There had been speculation Gusmao would seek to become prime minister again. A 2017 parliamentary election produced no clear winner, with Alkatiri s Fretilin party winning just 0.2 percent more votes than CNRT, and forming a minority government. Asia s youngest democracy has struggled to reduce poverty, stamp out corruption and develop its rich oil and gas resources. The energy sector made up about 60 percent of gross domestic product in 2014 and more than 90 percent of government revenue. Election candidates campaigned on promises to develop education and healthcare and boost agriculture and tourism in the country of 1.2 million people with a land area slightly smaller than Hawaii. (RTRS)

13 INTERNATIONAL 13 Africa Eritrea-Ethiopia thaw talks shape Floods kill 18 in Ivory Coast ABIDJAN, June 20, (Agencies): Flooding caused by overnight torrential rain killed 18 people in Ivory Coast s economic capital Abidjan, the interior ministry under minister Sidiki Diakite said on Tuesday. The downpour which started at 11:00 pm on Monday continued until 6:00 am on Tuesday, causing flash floods up to 2.5 metres (more than eight feet) deep. Rescue teams saved 136 people, two people were hospitalised, and searches were under way for other casualties, he said, adding that emergency medical centres had been set up across the seaside city. A city of five million, Abidjan suffers from infrastructure problems Diakite and many homes are built in flood-prone areas. The affected areas ranged from the posh Cocody neighbourhood, where many embassies and the presidential palace are located, to the teeming working-class Yopougon neighbourhood. Gambia protest toll hits 3: A 24-yearold student who was hit by police gunfire at an environmental protest in western Gambia died on Wednesday, bringing the death toll from the violence to three, his campaign group said. Amadou Nyang, who was shot by Police Intervention Unit personnel during the protest, passed away at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital early Wednesday morning, said Pa Jobe, head of an association calling itself the Faraba Banta Village Development group. Local people have been protesting at Faraba Banta, located about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the capital Banjul, over the mining of sand which is sold to the construction industry. The activity, they say, is badly polluting rice farms. Hope in the Horn of Africa: Eritrea s president broke weeks of silence on Wednesday to respond positively to conciliatory overtures from bitter foe Ethiopia, raising hopes of a fresh start in the Horn of Africa. A brutal, fruitless border conflict between the two countries ended nearly two decades ago. Since then, both have maintained a war footing with shots occasionally fired, and backed each other s rebels. Their long cold war has stymied economic development, frozen political relations and helped justify domestic repression but it may now be thawing, thanks to an unprecedented concession from Ethiopia, long demanded by Eritrea. On June 5, new prime minister Abiy Ahmed announced earlier that his country would at last abide by a 2002 international ruling that gave the disputed town of Badme, and other territory, to Eritrea. Zambia dump collapse kills 10: At least 10 subsistence miners were killed when a mine dump collapsed in Zambia s secondlargest city and copperbelt mining hub Kitwe on Wednesday, police said. So far we have retrieved 10 dead bodies and seven bodies of those injured, said Copperbelt province police commissioner Charity Katanga. Operations to retrieve bodies at the dump known locally as Black Mountain were ongoing, she added. Zambia has some of the world s largest copper reserves. The metal accounts for 80 percent of the country s export earnings. 9 soldiers in Nigeria killed: Boko Haram fighters killed nine soldiers and wounded two others in northeast Nigeria, according to military sources, just days after 43 civilians died in deadly suicide bombings. Both attacks came as the government, which says the jihadists are on the verge of defeat, urges those displaced by the conflict to return to their homes across the war-torn region. Troops from 242 battalion Nigerian Army stationed at Gajiram, some 80 kms (50 miles) north of the Borno state capital, Maiduguri, came under attack on Monday afternoon. The Borno state police initially said its officers and soldiers engaged the terrorists and promptly repelled the attack. There was no casualty on the side of the police, it added. But military communications seen by AFP said nine soldiers were classed as KIA killed in action while two others were WIA wounded in action. Pedestrians look at the wreckage of a vehicle lodged in a storm drain on a street in Abidjan on June 19, in which a man was reportedly found dead after fl oodwaters receded following an overnight downpour in the city. Eighteen people have died in Abidjan, Ivory Coast s economic capital, during fl ooding caused by torrential rain overnight, Interior Minister Sidiki Diakite said. (AFP) Lat/Am Constituent Assembly elects Cabello: Venezuela s all-powerful Constituent Assembly on Tuesday elected Diosdado Cabello as its new president, a month after he was slapped with US sanctions. Cabello, deputy leader of the ruling Socialist Party, was elected by a show of hands of the 545-member Assembly and replaces Delcy Rodriguez, a former foreign minister who President Nicolas Maduro last week appointed as his vice-president. Rodriguez had headed the all-powerful, pro-maduro Constituent Assembly since its inception in I swear I will do what I have to to defend the Constitution... I swear I will accompany our beloved brother President Nicolas Maduro in constructing Bolivarian socialism, Cabello said as he was sworn-in. A former speaker of parliament, Cabello was targeted by US sanctions along with his wife and brother. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who announced the sanctions on May 18, said figures like Diosdado Cabello... exploit their official positions to engage in narcotics trafficking, money laundering, embezzlement of state funds and other corrupt activities. (AFP) Brazil SC acquits Hoffmann: Brazil s Supreme Court on Tuesday acquitted the head of the once-dominant leftist Workers Party of charges of corruption and money laundering. Gleisi Hoffmann, a senator, is the latest in a long string of high-ranking politicians, including many from the Workers Party, caught up in Brazil s sprawling Car Wash corruption probe. Her husband Paulo Bernardo, a former planning and communications minister, stood trial at the Supreme Court as part of the same case against Hoffmann. He, too, was found not guilty. Prosecutors accused the couple of receiving a million reais in 2010, or $568,000 at the time, embezzled from state oil company Petrobras. The money from the company was allegedly used in a campaign slush fund. (AFP) Court to consider Lula appeal: Brazil s Supreme Court was scheduled to rule Tuesday on the latest effort by former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to be freed, pending new appeals to his 12-year corruption sentence. Lula, 72, has been behind bars since April after being convicted of accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe from the big Brazilian OAS construction company. However, with the leftist firebrand still leading in polls ahead of presidential elections in October, his lawyers argue that his case was politically motivated. On Tuesday, June 26, a panel of Supreme Court judges is scheduled to rule on an appeal for Lula to be freed while he attempts to overturn his sentence. He was imprisoned, as required by the hotly contested current law, after having failed in a lower court appeal. Lula s imprisonment makes his bid for a political comeback extremely unlikely, despite continued popularity on the left. (AFP) Cabello Lula Abdo to name brother as fin min: Incoming Paraguay President Mario Abdo will name his half-brother and former central bank board member Benigno Lopez as finance minister when he is sworn in on August 15, the transition team said on Tuesday. Lopez, a lawyer, ran the landlocked South American country s social security agency under the administration of current President Horacio Cartes. Major changes to Paraguay s economic policy are not expected under Abdo, who is a member of Cartes conservative Colorado party. Abdo had previously announced that Lopez would play an important role in his government. Future interior minister Juan Ernesto Villamayor defended Abdo s decision to name a family member as finance minister, arguing in broadcast comments that Lopez was qualified for the job. (RTRS) 3 more killed in Nicaragua: Three people were shot dead in the city of Masaya as security forces and allied groups tried to regain control of the area, a human rights group reported Tuesday, the two-month anniversary of political unrest that has shaken Nicaragua. Alvaro Leiva, director of the Nicaraguan Pro-Human Rights Association, said 40 people were also wounded in the clashes in Masaya that came a day after talks on finding a solution to the country s crisis were again suspended. In the face of this excessive attack involving incomparable forces, the citizens are putting up a physical resistance within their means because they have to protect their lives, Leiva said. Beginning early in the morning, forces allied with President Daniel Ortega s government moved to dismantle roadblocks maintained by protesters for over three weeks between Managua and Masaya, which is about 15 miles (25 kms) southeast of the capital. They accused the demonstrators of having kidnapped the city. (AP)

14 INTERNATIONAL 14 World News Roundup Climate Extremes risks rise by 50 Narco-deforestation boosts disaster risks SAN JOSE, June 20, (RTRS): When La Mosquitia, a heavily forested region on Honduras Caribbean coast, began to experience unusual flooding, David Wrathall, a climate and disaster expert who was living there, headed into the forest to take a look. What he found was a surprise: Huge sections of forest had been cut by drug trafficking gangs and turned into cattle ranches aimed at laundering illegal drug profits. When I went to see what was happening I found very extensive new paddocks, many buildings with great security and very big ranches tucked into the large forests, Wrathall, now an Oregon State University professor of natural hazards. With the forests that had long absorbed heavy rainfall felled, the La Mosquitia region began to face worsening flood risks and now finds itself one of five Central American hotspots for what is increasingly known as narco-deforestation, or the loss of forests to drug-related activity. Such deforestation is a growing problem in the region, particularly in Honduras and Guatemala, Wrathall said Wrathall recently at the University of Costa Rica. Without forests that act as a natural shield against extreme weather and help regulate rainfall, communities are becoming more vulnerable to natural disasters, he said. And with drug groups operating in the area, communities also find themselves more constrained in where they can travel making escape to safer locations during disasters more difficult, he said. Their land is taken by drug traffickers. They have no room to grow. All their activities, their houses, their roads and their use of the land are confined to a small space. If there is a flood event, they have no resilience, Wrathall told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview. Bernardo Aguilar, the executive director of Fundacin Neotrpica, a Costa Rica-based organisation that promotes community management of natural resources, said drug trafficking is now one of the biggest problems facing forests in Central America. Drug trafficking has become a major cause of deforestation in the region because transportation routes have been established throughout the Central American region, said Aguilar, a scientist. According to a study published last year in the journal Environmental Research Letters, cocaine trafficking could be responsible for about 30 percent of deforestation in Central America. Drug traffickers cut forests to create airstrips for small planes, build clandestine roads and launder money on livestock farms, a 2015 study published in the journal Science found. The drug traffickers are washing huge amounts of money through livestock, which is an industry that is not very well regulated in Central America, said Texas State University geographer Jennifer Devine, who has studied the problem. Cities face rise in heat, flood risks: In just 30 years, cities around the world will face dramatically higher risks from extreme heat, coastal flooding, power blackouts and food and water shortages unless climate-changing emissions are curbed, urban researchers warned Tuesday. Today, for instance, over 200 million people in 350 cities face stifling heat where average daily peak temperatures hit 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) for three months of the year, according to a study released by C40 Cities, a network of major world cities pushing climate action. But by 2050, more than 1.6 billion people in 970 cities will face those conditions, researchers predicted. The number of people who are both in poverty and battling brutal heat usually without air conditioning will rise tenfold, they said. This is a wake-up call, said Kevin Austin, deputy executive director of C40 Cities, at an international meeting in the South African city of Cape Town on adapting to climate change. The magnitude of people affected by heat will be (much) greater than today if we continue to increase greenhouse gases at this rate. But cities can take action to directly curb the risks, besides working to cut emissions, he said. In Seoul, for example, a major elevated thoroughfare through the center of the city has been removed, opening up access to the river and lowering urban heat in the area by at least half a degree Celsius, he said. South Korea s capital also has planted more than 16 million trees and created shaded cooling centres for those without air conditioning. We want to encourage cities to adopt more of these solutions and implement them as quickly as possible. In the worst case scenario, they will need to do them quickly, Austin said. Protect hard-won climate gains : The world must reject fear and despondency wrought by political setbacks and protect hard-won gains to tackle climate change such as the Paris agreement, Norway s former prime minister said in an interview on Tuesday. Decisions such as US President Donald Trump s move to pull out of the 2015 Paris deal mark a tipping point for the climate, Gro Harlem Brundtland told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. If meaningful action is not taken to protect our hard-won gains in the face of... fear and despondency, the damage to our ecosystem could be irreparable, said Brundtland, Norway s first female prime minister. Trump announced last year his decision to abandon the Paris accord, claiming it would cost the United States trillions of dollars in lost jobs and damage to business. The reaction to President Trump s decision, both inside the United States and abroad, paradoxically gives us hope, Brundtland said on the sidelines of the biennial Barbara Ward lecture convened by the International Institute for Environment and Development in London. Below the federal level, US states, cities, businesses and citizens have made it clear they reject the administration s climate policies and are committed to making Paris succeed, she said. An equally urgent task, said Brundtland, is to figure out how to finance climate action worldwide. Brundtland said wealthy countries must financially support developing nations shift to a low-carbon future, for example by finding private investment for green technologies such as electric cars. In this March 30, 2018 file photo, people sit in a flooded St Mark s Square in Venice, Italy, as high tides inundated the city. Across the globe seas have risen about three inches in 2018 since (AP) This handout picture released by the IGS-CNRS/AMU UMR 7256, taken on Oct 11, 2017 and obtained on June 12, 2018 shows a Pandoravirus Quercus viewed via electron microscopy. French researchers announced the discovery of three new Pandoravirus in the world. (AFP) Discovery Whale meat poses health hazard: The Faroe Islands ritual pilot whale hunt is not only highly controversial, eating the whale meat also poses a health hazard, public health authorities in Denmark s autonomous North Atlantic territory warn, advising against eating it. In a centuries-old tradition known as the grindadrap, pilot whales swimming close to shore during their summer migration are surrounded by Faroese in small boats, who herd them into shallow waters and beaches where they kill them with knives, turning the water red. The meat is then distributed to locals. The practice is ecological and respectful, says Fisheries Minister Hogni Hoydal, who also argues it is a key part of the Faroese tradition of living in a sustainable way off their marine resources. But the head of the Faroe Islands public health administration, Pal Weihe, advises against eating it. We find it so problematic for the health of the Faroese to eat it that we have asked them to make this cultural sacrifice, he told AFP, stressing: It is a sacrifice not to consume this very traditional food anymore. (AFP) Summer drinks may lack fizz: A British trade group says there s a shortage of carbon dioxide in Northern Europe, sparking fears that drinks may lack fizz just as thirsty soccer fans fill pubs for the World Cup. Gavin Partington, director-general of the British Soft Drinks Association, says the shortage is due to the closure of several production sites for various reasons, including seasonal maintenance. But industry publication Gasworld says the situation is worse this year because normal maintenance has coincided with technical issues at chemical plants that also produce carbon dioxide. That shortage comes just as the World Cup is getting underway in Russia, driving up demand for beer and soft drinks. Partingon says UK soft drink makers are taking active steps to supply customers, including looking for alternative sources. (AP) Op against wildlife crime: A monthlong global operation against illegal trade in wildlife and timber has resulted in the seizure of thousands of live animals and tons of meat and ivory, international police agency Interpol announced on Wednesday. Among those arrested were flight attendants carrying turtles in their baggage and a hunter who posted his illegal trophies on social media. Some 1,400 suspects have been identified worldwide, Interpol said. The operation, codenamed Thunderstorm, involved police, customs, border, environment, wildlife and forestry agencies in 92 countries, the statement said. The 1,974 seizures, worth millions of Science Spat shows power of food wording What lab-grown meat be called? NEW YORK, June 20, (AP): If meat is grown in a lab without slaughtering animals, what should it be called? That question has yet to be decided by regulators, but for the moment it s pitting animal rights advocates and others against cattle ranchers in a war of words. Supporters of the science are embracing clean meat to describe meat grown by replicating animal cells. Many in the conventional meat industry are irritated by the term and want to stamp it out before it takes hold. It implies that traditional beef is dirty, says Danielle Beck, director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen s Beef Association. The spat shows the power of language as a new industry attempts to reshape eating habits. It s why the $49.5 billion US beef, poultry, pork and lamb industry is mobilizing to claim ownership of the term meat. Squabbles over language are erupting across the food business as established definitions for mayonnaise and milk are also challenged by the likes of vegan spreads and almond drinks. What gets to be considered meat is a particularly touchy subject as new companies come up with substitutes they say are just like the real thing. Impossible Burger s plant-based patty bleeds like beef. Companies such as Memphis Meats are growing meat by culturing animal cells, though it could be years before products are on shelves. Big meat producers like Tyson Foods and Cargill Inc are among Memphis Meats investors. There s some confusion over how meat grown by culturing animal cells will be regulated. The US Department of Agriculture oversees meat inspections, while the Food and Drug Administration oversees other aspects of food safety, including the standards of identity that spell out what ingredients can go into products with specific names. The FDA which in the past has called out Kraft s use of the term pasteurized process cheese food plans to hold a public meeting to discuss cultured meat next month. In the meantime, all sides are scrambling to frame the issue in their own words. The Good Food Institute, an advocacy and lobbying group for meat alternatives, is embracing clean meat, which channels the positive connotations of clean energy. Other options it tested: Meat 2.0, Safe Meat and Pure Meat. Green Meat was dismissed early on. Nobody wants to eat green meat, said Bruce Friedrich, co-founder of the Good Food Institute. The National Cattlemen s Beef Association is fighting to defend what it sees as its linguistic turf. Our marching orders were to protect beef nomenclature, says Beck. The cattlemen s group prefers less appetizing terms such as in vitro meat, synthetic meat or even meat byproduct for meat grown through cultured cells. dollars, include 43 metric tons of wild meat including bear, elephant, crocodile, whale and zebra 1.3 tons of elephant ivory, 27,000 reptiles, almost 4,000 birds, 48 live primates, 14 big cats and the carcasses of seven bears including two polar bears. Several tons of wood and timber were also seized. In this operation, these countries focused during the month of May on all sort of wildlife crimes whether they be plants, Life at high altitude shapes the human body, but how? PARIS, June 20, (AFP): Living the high life growing up, in other words, at extreme altitude forces a developing human body to conserve energy, and that can translated into shorter arms, according to a study published Wednesday. Nepalese men and women born and raised at 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) and up are more likely to have curtailed forearms compared to people of similar ancestry from lowland areas, scientists reported in the journal Royal Society Open Science. Intriguingly, adjoining parts of the anatomy the upper arms and hand remain the same for both groups. A similar pattern was uncovered in earlier research among Peruvian children, reinforcing the notion that harsh mountain conditions were somehow responsible. It was interesting to see that they both followed the same growth patterns, lead author Stephanie Payne, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge, told AFP. The findings raise a host of questions, starting with this one: What is For meat alternatives more broadly, it likes fake meat. The US Cattlemen s Association, a smaller group, also petitioned the USDA in February to enforce that beef and meat only be used for animals born, raised and harvested in the traditional manner. And in October, the former head of the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance considered a way to possibly halt the use of clean meat after hearing the term. You will see that we left the conference and immediately investigated the term Clean Meat from a trademark perspective, wrote Randy Krotz, then-ceo of the group, according to an obtained through a public records request by Property of the People, which advocates for government transparency. Krotz noted that another party had already applied for the trademark, but said the alliance was able to claim the Twitter That account does not show any activity. Anne Curzan, a professor of English at the University of Michigan, says the term clean meat highlights the positive and pushes into the background aspects that may make people uncomfortable. It is smart branding to try to keep the product from being associated with frankenfood, Curzan says. It s just the latest front in the war of words in food. Last year, the dairy industry revived its quest to abolish terms like soy Hoydal Jordan it about an high-altitude living that makes the body shape-shift? This is most likely an adaptation to improving oxygen uptake, said Payne. For similar reasons, indigenous peoples of the Himalayas and Andes often have barrel chests, the better to expand lung capacity and take in more oxygen. Although air contains 21 percent oxygen at all altitudes, it feels as if there is less of it in the mountains due to lower air pressure. Using the measure of effective oxygen, the level drops by just under 40 percent at 3,500 metres compared to sea level. In high-mountain regions, low oxygen availability results in inefficient conversion of food into energy, which means that there is less energy available for growth. This become especially true when combined with a nutrient poor diet. But what possible advantage is there to diminished forearms and lower legs, which also tend to be foreshortened among mountainfolk? And why not other parts of the body? milk and almond milk, saying that milk is defined as being obtained from a cow. That came after a vegan spread provoked the ire of the Association for Dressings and Sauces, of which Hellmann s is a member, by calling itself Just Mayo. Even grains aren t immune from controversy. With cauliflower rice becoming popular with low-carb eaters, the rice industry is punching back with its own term for chopped-up vegetable substitutes: rice pretenders. Here s an overview of how the science works: A sample of animal cells is taken and replicated using a culture that fosters their growth. The FDA says animal cells can currently be produced from starter cells in machines where the cells are cultured to grow. Now companies are working to commercialize the process with techniques that allow complex tissues to form, the FDA says, similar to strategies being explored for human organ replacement. Cultures provide nutrients, vitamins and minerals to help cells grow, but the ones currently on the market are too costly for commercially viable products, according to the Good Food Institute, which advocates and lobbies for meat alternatives. Companies are working on lower-cost alternatives, says Matt Ball, a spokesman for the Good Food Institute. Certain types of meat are also more structurally complicated. animals, timber, said Sheldon Jordan, Canada s director general of Wildlife Enforcement. The results were spectacular. He added that wildlife crime is the fourth largest crime by value in the world, estimated to be worth $115 billion a year. Interpol said two flight attendants were arrested in Los Angeles carrying live spotted turtles to Asia in personal baggage. Both suspects have been charged with smuggling protected species. (AP)

15 Film Documentary focuses on farming practices Portman and Safran Foer target factory farming NEW YORK, June 20, (AP): Natalie Portman and Jonathan Safran Foer hope they can change the world one dinner plate at a time. The actress and the author have teamed up to produce the documentary Eating Animals, an indictment of the factory farm system that argues we are feeding ourselves all wrong. The film takes viewers from a Perdue contract farmer in Fairmont, North Carolina, who is knee-deep in both debt as well as chickens suffering horrific abnormalities, to a small free-range farm in Thornton, Iowa, where the animals roam freely. The filmmakers visit various farms to make the case that animals confined indoors in massive factories, fed antibiotics, genetically altered and bred for the most meat isn t inevitable. I literally cannot conceive of the person who isn t a psychopath who would walk into a factory farm and say, Looks good to me, Foer tells The Associated Press. We don t all have to reach the same conclusion but we have to begin at the same starting point, which is, These are the facts of the world. This is how our farming system works. And we have a choice. Directed by Christopher Quinn, the film is the feature-length adaptation of Foer s critically acclaimed book of the same name. But while the book is a whirlwind and freewheeling expression of the author wrestling with the notion of meat, the film largely looks at the issues facing livestock farmers. I was telling a story not documenting something, said Foer, who began exploring the origin of meat as he was becoming a first-time father. And the film is a documentary, rather than something in the storytelling tradition. It does things the book can t do and doesn t do, just as the book does things the film can t do. Narrates Portman, who narrates using portions of Foer s text, says filmmakers never intended to just show 90 minutes of horrific footage smuggled out of inhumane factory farms or their environmental consequences. The point was to make something watchable. We want people to see it. You don t want someone so disturbed that they want to leave or not watch anymore. You want to continue the conversation, she says. The focus of the film is these farming practices that we ve lost the traditional, really American ways that really pay attention to the beauty and the detail and the hard work it takes, and the respect for the land and animals that s really being disrespected. While humanity faces huge complicated issues global warming, education, immigration Foer and Portman argue the future of factory farms can be decided by individual consumers. Their solution is to get people skip meat every once in a while multiplied by millions. Foer, whose other books include Everything Is Illuminated and Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, and who is a vegetarian (Portman is vegan), knows converting people to a meatless diet is unlikely to happen overnight. Instead, he asks carnivores to identify when meat is important to them say Thanksgiving, birthdays, July 4, family reunions and summer barbeques. Eat the meat then, Foer says, but not when it isn t significant. Hungry at the airport? Don t automatically reach for that old turkey sandwich. Find another option. Dining at a Chinese restaurant? Skip the General Tso s chicken and order noodles. If we just remove the times when we don t even care about it, that would solve the problem, Foer says. Foer and Portman anticipate that the film may trigger reactions, with some perhaps thinking it goes too far and others believing it doesn t go far enough. We re so used to thinking about the last step like, Hey, wait a minute, you wear leather shoes or Hey, wait a minute. You step on ants as opposed to there s this huge problem in front of us, says Foer. We can make fixes actually pretty quickly if we re not afraid of hypocrisy. The fear of being a hypocrite stops so many people from taking the first step because they have to acknowledge they re not taking the last step. Portman sees hope for the end of factory farming in the vast demands for change currently roiling society, including the #MeToo movement and the gun-safety protests. There is definitely a new generation who is paying a lot more attention to this and we do see the possibility for people questioning and overturning the status quo in a short amount of time, she says. Variety Features THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 This image released by Paramount Network shows (from left), Wes Bentley, Forrie Smith, Luke Peckinpah, Kevin Costner, Dave Annable, Denim Richards and Cole Hauser from the series Yellowstone, premiered on June 20. (AP) See Page 22 LOS ANGELES: Italian director Paolo Genovese, whose concept movie Perfect Strangers involving smartphones and personal secrets is making a global splash, is set to make his English-language debut with The First Day of My Life, a New York-set suicide dramedy with echoes of Frank Capra s classic It s a Wonderful Life. Based on Genovese s novel of the same title, which has become a bestseller in Italy, The First Day of My Life revolves around four characters on the brink of taking their lives who make a pact with a stranger with supernatural powers. The mystery man gives them a chance to travel forward in time to see for a week how their friends and relatives would react to their deaths and what the world would be like without them. On the last day of the week, the four potential suicides have the option of deciding whether to live or jump off the Manhattan Bridge. (RTRS) LOS ANGELES: New Zealandborn director of Shrek, Andrew Adamson has joined forces with Tim White to produce Shelved, a major live action-cgi fantasy film. The picture about two slacker robots who fret about being replaced by humans, is to be set up as a New Zealand-China co-production with a production budget in the range of $20-40 million. Shelved is expected to be the first of several films that will be jointly-presented by Chinese fund Super Entertainment and New Zealand effects and services company Digipost, as its diversifies and expands into a role as a producer. Shelved was revealed on Tuesday in the margins of a New Zealand Film Commission presentation at the Shanghai International Film Festival. (RTRS) LOS ANGELES: Robert Zemeckis is in final negotiations to direct Warner Bros. adaptation of Roald Dahl s classic book The Witches, studio sources tell Variety. Sources say a deal is expected shortly. Zemeckis will also pen the script, with his partner Jack Rapke producing through their banner ImageMovers, along with Alfonso Cuaron and Guillermo del Toro. Del Toro had long been attached to direct, but a scheduling conflict led the Oscar winner to vacate the director s chair. Based on the 1973 novel, the film follows a seven-year-old boy who has a run in with real-life Film The Catcher stranger-than-fiction espionage thriller Berg s double life as secret agent Zemeckis LOS ANGELES, June 20, (Agencies): Baseball pro Moe Berg wasn t much of a star in the diamond but he was an MVP in the theater of war, risking his life behind enemy lines as an Allied spy. Berg traded in his catcher s mitt for a trench coat and a high-stakes mission to monitor and assassinate, if necessary the Nazis chief nuclear scientist. His amazing story is dramatized in the stranger-thanfiction espionage thriller The Catcher Was a Spy, starring Paul Rudd, Paul Giamatti and a host of other big names, and opening in US theaters on Friday. This is a weird World War II story that no one really knows about, director Ben Lewin ( The Sessions ) told a preview audience in Santa Monica, southern California, earlier this month. You unpeel the onion and it s more and more puzzling and fascinating. A secretive and eccentric man with a steel-trap intellect, Berg was born in Harlem, New York, in 1902 to a pharmacist and a housewife. He studied at Princeton, where he was notorious for his mastery of a reputed 12 modern and ancient languages, often practicing Sanskrit from behind home plate during training sessions. Shortstop Berg played shortstop in the minor and major leagues before switching to catcher, appearing for several top teams including the Boston Red Sox and earning a law degree on the side from Columbia University. His spy career started on a 1934 goodwill baseball tour in Tokyo alongside Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Berg put on a kimono and sneaked onto a hospital rooftop to film the harbor and Navy shipyards. Years later, after Japan s attack on Pearl Harbor, he showed his footage to President Franklin Roosevelt s Office of Strategic Services, which later became the CIA. Historians say Berg believed his material was used to plan the first US aerial attack on Japan, in This has never been confirmed, but the OSS was impressed enough to send him on courses in lock-picking, pyrotechnics and killing. The agency arranged for Berg to attend a Zurich lecture by Werner Heisenberg, the Nobel Prize-winning quantum physicist in charge of Nazi attempts to create an atom bomb, to assess how close they were. He arrived with a gun in one pocket and a cyanide pill in the other, with instructions to assassinate Heisenberg if the scientist appeared to be on the cusp of a breakthrough. Berg got no such impression and later decided against an assassination attempt during their one and only meeting, as they walked in the direction of Heisenberg s hotel after a social event. There was a real meeting between Berg and Heisenberg. Nobody really knows what happened or what was said, Lewin said. People who were given accounts of that meeting, pretty much like us, made up the content. What we know is that both men walked away alive. Based on Nicholas Dawidoff s bestseller of the same name, the movie boasts a star-studded support cast that includes Guy Pearce, Sienna Miller, Jeff Daniels, Mark Strong and Tom Wilkinson. Some filming took place at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, but most scenes were shot over 32 winter days in Czech Republic capital Prague. Berg left the CIA in 1954 and never worked again, beginning a nomadic existence and living on the hospitality of friends and family. He died at the age of 70 and remains the only majorleague player whose baseball card is on display at the headquarters of the CIA. Rudd told the Internet Movie Database at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where the movie premiered in January, that there were still many unanswered questions about Berg. This is an interesting spy story in that it s very cerebral, it s not James Bond, he said. A lot of the action is what s going on in people s minds. Del Toro witches. Warner Bros. had previously adapted the book in 1990 with Anjelica Huston playing one of the title characters, but sources close to the project say Zemeckis version will be more rooted in the original source material, while the Huston pic was a loose adaptation. (RTRS) Also: LOS ANGELES: Netflix is going behind bars. The streamer has ordered a new series of Inside the World s Toughest Prisons, the factual series that looks inside notorious jails. The SVOD service acquired the earlier version of the show, which was commissioned for Viacom s Channel 5 in the UK. It then started talking to the producers of the series, London-based Emporium Productions, about how to work up new episodes as a global original for the Netflix audience. A new presenter, Raphael Rowe, has been added. A journalist, he served 12 years in a high-security prison in the UK for a murder he did not commit. In the fourparter, he embeds himself with prisoners in each jail for a week, sharing a cell with real inmates and taking part in their daily lives while incarcerated. He also joins the guards to discover the tactics they adopt to keep the peace in these volatile environments. Rowe ventures into prisons in Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Ukraine and Belize in the new series, encountering extreme punishments, squalor and gang warfare. Going back inside to film this series was one of the most challenging decisions I ve made, Rowe said. Taking on the persona of a prisoner in order to immerse myself in the daily life and routine of convicted criminals and the conditions they are held in around the world was dangerous. The conditions in these prisons are so tough for very different reasons, and the prisoners we spoke to offer an insight that is both captivating and chilling. Emporium was set up in 2015 by producer Emma Read and independent television production group Hat Trick. The series reveals the unique attitudes to prisoners in different countries and cultures and the varied ways we balance human rights and public security, Read said. She executive produces alongside Gabe Solomon for Emporium. Olivia LaRoche commissioned the show for Netflix and also exec produces. LOS ANGELES: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom has some dino-sized footprints to fill at the domestic box office. Though the sequel will fall short of its predecessor s monstrous debut, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom will easily score a triple-digit launch. The Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment film is stomping toward a domestic debut around $130 million to $140 million when it opens in approximately 4,450 locations. The fifth film in the Jurassic franchise, which carries a production budget of $170 million, began its overseas rollout earlier this month and has already pocketed $372 million from 51 international markets, including China. (RTRS)

16 NEWS/FEATURES 16 People & Places Film Netflix of Africa? Nigeria sees rush to get Nollywood online LAGOS, June 20, (Agencies): A glamour blogger, a filmmaker and a tech mogul are competing to create a homegrown African rival to Netflix, but poor internet connections and intense competition are proving daunting obstacles. They dream of popularising access to films made in Nigeria, which is home to the world s second biggest movie industry in terms of production behind Hindilanguage Bollywood. With nearly $4 billion in revenue and almost 2,000 productions every year, films made in what is known as Nollywood are largely sold on the streets and to idling motorists caught in traffic as pirated copies for just a few dollars. Local start-ups and Nollywood stars understand the interest in changing the distribution of films that are hugely popular across Africa, where cinemas are few and far between. With such a huge potential market, video-on-demand platforms have sprung up in Lagos, Nigeria s commercial capital and home to the country s film industry. And competition is already fierce. Ikeji Blogger Linda Ikeji one of Nigeria s biggest names on social networks recently launched Linda Ikeji TV (LITV) to great fanfare. It offers dozens of films, series and programmes inspired by US shows but with a Nollywood twist for a monthly fee of 1,000 naira ($2.80, 2.35 euros). We are hoping to be to Africa what Netflix is to the world, Ikeji wrote on her Instagram page, which has some two million followers. Humour She promised glamour, sass and humour, particularly with reality shows such as Football Wives or Highway Girls of Eko, a show on real-life prostitutes in Lagos. The 37-year-old former model-turned-businesswoman made her fortune through advertising revenue on her site, which tracked the lives of Nigeria s rich and famous. She said she had invested half-a-billion naira of capital in the project. As well as buying video, she is also making original content from her own studios in Lagos. Before the end of the year, Nigerian company Envivo is expected to launch its own platform with an initial investment of more than $20 million, said filmmaker Chioma Ude, who is the firm s marketing director. (US telecoms giant) Cisco wants a big footprint in Africa, and as our technical partner, they will provide all the tecnology, from the network to the video compressions, etc, the founder of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) told AFP. A viable economic model for the promoters of Nollywood online still needs to be found, given the lack of widespread high-speed internet coverage. Only 34 percent of Africans have internet access compared with more than 50 percent in the rest of the world, according to the 2018 Global Digital report. But Africa showed the biggest progression in internet users last year, especially through mobile telephones. Serge Noukoue, organiser of the annual Nollywood Week in Paris, said price was everything and the African consumer wanted to pay as little as possible to watch a film. Even irokotv, the pioneer on the continent, doesn t really make a profit, he said. They have had a lot of success in fundraising but what subscribers actually bring in is less conclusive. Jason Njoku founded irokotv in 2010 but said he made a mistake to count on streaming from the start. It simply couldn t work, he explained. Data costs were prohibitive, as is access to reliable broadband across huge swathes of the continent. Our customer service team was inundated with queries. We totally rebuilt our product and rebuilt our entire company around the African consumer and their habits. That led to an application that ate less data and which allows free mobile downloads of video files. There is original content, while films have also been subtitled in French, Swahili and Zulu to make them more accessible to other African countries. Competitors have emerged elsewhere in Africa in recent years, including Kenya s BuniTV ($5-a-month) or South Africa s Magic Go ($8-a-month). If these online platforms don t make money yet they re a bet on the future for when connections are better, said Noukoue. A lot of projects have been created but there will not be room for everyone in the market in the long term. Competition will be fierce. Giants of the sector such as Netflix, which in 2016 launched in Africa, could outshine the continent s video-on-demand pioneers in years to come. Netflix doesn t yet have a real Africa strategy but it s started to produce original African content. That will be a gamechanger. It has considerable means at its disposal that the others don t have. Also: LOS ANGELES: Extraordinary Entertainment, the Chinese company recently launched by Beijing-based Renny Harlin and DJ Parmar, has set a three film deal with India s B4U. The deal was unveiled in the margins of the Shanghai International Film Festival. The deal between the two is described as a co-development agreement. Details on financing and distribution were not disclosed. The first film is Operation Wild a large scale action adventure written by Brian Brightly with Harlin set to direct. The film will co-star prominent Indian and Chinese actors, currently not identified. The story involves two elite combat warriors from China and India who lead covert forces to shut down a global wildlife poaching criminal organization. B4U is a leading Indian entertainment company which operates Bollywood movie and music channels, in over 100 countries. It releases movies per year, including recent titles Queen, Airlift and Kaabil. These films will highlight the emotional bond and cultural values that are common between the people of China and India, said B4U CEO Ishan Saksena. The enormous success of co-production films like Kung Fu Yoga and other Indian films has helped pave the way for Indian content in China. Building on this, we are excited to develop our new China-India film slate beginning with Operation Wild and our partner B4U, one of India s most renowned Entertainment companies, said Extraordinary s CEO Parmar. Indian model and winner of the Miss World 2017 Manushi Chhillar poses for a picture during the grand finale of the Femina Miss India 2018 event in Mumbai on June 19. (AFP) Simone Variety This image released by Oscilloscope Laboratories shows a scene from the documentary The King. (AP) Ferrell DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla: For hours, the fans came in a steady stream to mourn and pay their respects at the spot where rapper XXXTentacion was gunned down, some leaving behind expressions of sympathy along a fence and on the sidewalk. No arrests have been announced in the shooting of the 20-year-old rapper, who Broward County sheriff s officials say was ambushed by two suspects as he left an upscale motor sports dealership Monday afternoon in his electric BMW. His attorney, David Bogenschutz, said investigators told him the 20-year-old rapper, who pronounced his stage name Ex Ex Ex ten-ta-see-yawn, had visited a bank shortly before the shooting and possibly withdrew cash to buy a motorcycle. (AP) TRYON, NC: The dilapidated wooden cottage in North Carolina that was the birthplace of singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone now has the protection of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust said in a news release Tuesday that it will develop and find a new use for the house in Tryon where Simone was born in Last year, four African- American artists purchased the home. National Trust President and Chief Executive Officer Stephanie Meeks says the trust will work with the home s new owners and the community to honor Simone s contributions to society and to inspire new generations of artists and activists. (AP) LOS ANGELES: A heavy metal singer convicted in a murder-for-hire plot to kill his estranged wife has reunited with his Grammy-nominated band and performed with the group in San Diego over the weekend. Tim Lambesis and his band As I Lay Dying performed together Saturday for the first time since May That s Film Robbins to be feted at Karlovy festival King guilty of Elvis crime-excess By Mark Kennedy It s usually a bad sign when critics start questioning your film before it s even finished. But director Eugene Jarecki had to endure worse. While making the documentary The King, he actually got gruff from a member of his own film crew. After a car breaks down, Jarecki takes the opportunity to ask the driver of the truck hauling it to be fixed what he thinks of the film so far. The crewman responds that he s not sure what Jarecki s intention is and doesn t really buy the tenuous analogy he s developed so far. Who needs film critics, huh? Credit Jarecki for including the exchange in his meandering, overstuffed and sometimes fascinating film about Elvis Presley and America. The director seems to acknowledge that he may have bitten off way too much here but he still thinks the idea is worth chewing. The idea is this: Get Elvis old 1963 Rolls-Royce and invite a wide group of people to sit in its back seat and talk about Presley as they drive through key locations in The King s life, from his lowly beginnings in Tupelo, Mississippi, to his sad end in Graceland. So far, so good. We get Emmylou Harris to call him a Greek tragic figure and Chuck D to explain why he once wrote blistering lyrics that Elvis was no hero to me. John Hiatt even starts to cry in the back seat, profoundly sad for a fellow musician who was trapped in his fame. But Jarecki seems to want more, something deeper and profounder. Perhaps the rise and fall of Elvis Presley is a reflection of post-world War II America as it morphed from small to imperial to then sick and bloated? Maybe he s even a reflection of the history of the entire country from poor and fragile in 1776 to the hottest thing on the planet as a superpower to later addicted to pills and destined to die on a golden toilet at age 42? All this plays out as the Clinton-Trump election comes to its nail-biting conclusion, complete with CNN and Fox news announcements about the race, when Lambesis was arrested after an undercover agent recorded him saying he wanted his wife killed. Lambesis gave the agent $1,000 in cash muddying the focus of the film. Are we Fat Elvis? Is Trump? Throughout The King, you can feel Jarecki desperately working, slicing, trying to make connections. What could have been a gentle, personal travelogue is reworked and reworked until it s often guilty of the last sin of Elvis excess. This film is cluttered with half-thoughts and tenuous connections, like footage from 1933 s King Kong making frequent appearances without much purpose. (The King. In New York. OK, we get it). Dig The best parts are when African- American critics like Chuck D and Van Jones dig into Elvis, a man who made a fortune taking black music and making it palatable for whites. Yet Presley never marched for civil rights or used his fame to help the very people he plundered. Other valuable spots are when the filmmakers explore poverty, race and the decline of the American dream at the hands of corporations, slick imagery and heaps of cash. But, wait. Wasn t this supposed to be about Elvis? There are also some curious appearances. Dan Rather is shot very cinematically along the skyline of Manhattan, but adds little. Ethan Hawke has some interesting stories about Elvis time at Sun Records but they could have been told by studio boss Sam Phillips son, who is weirdly not much included. Speaking of Hawke, he s clearly a smart guy but what is he doing here? Why is Alec Baldwin in the Rolls- Royce? Mike Myers? They have interesting things to add as cultural observers but there are moments in The King where it seems like an extended episode of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. The film weirdly toggles between speaking to real figures in Elvis life like friend George Klein and Presley s pianist Tony Brown and discussing his cultural impact with presumably more exciting celebrities with questionable expertise. (Ashton Kutcher actually makes a powerful witness to the uncomfortable nature of sudden worldwide fame). and instructions on how to kill Meggan Lambesis, including her photo, address, security-gate code and dates he would be with their children to give him an alibi, Left to right: Katherine Kelly Lang, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Thorsten Kaye pose during the closing ceremony of the 58th Monte-Carlo Television Festival in Monaco on June 19. (AFP) Then there s that moment when the Rolls-Royce breaks down and everyone tries to make THAT an analogy of post-industrial America. Actually, Jarecki comes into some good-natured ribbing for even using Elvis Rolls- Royce, which is, of course, an English car. More than one observer wonders why he didn t use one of Presley s old Cadillacs, a more perfect symbol of America s trials and tribulations. That s what this whole film feels like forever looking for an analogy that fits. The King, an Oscilloscope Labratories release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America for for language, some disturbing images and brief drug use. Running time: 109 minutes. One star out of four. Also: LOS ANGELES: The Karlovy Vary Film Festival, the leading movie event in Central and Eastern Europe, will honor Tim Robbins with its award for outstanding contribution to world cinema, the fest announced Tuesday, and the actor will screen two pics he directed and wrote, the acerbic polemic Bob Roberts and the tribute to pre-wwii music and politics Cradle Will Rock. Robbins, who also wrote music for several of his films, including Bob Roberts with brother David, will perform with The Rogues Gallery Band. Terry Gilliam will also roll into the Czech Republic spa town for the fest, running June 29 to July 7, to screen The Man Who Killed Don Quixote, his disaster-prone take on the Cervantes classic that took 18 years to complete and premiered in Cannes. Anna Paquin will also be feted, screening the family grief road movie The Parting Glass along with the film s director, her husband Stephen Moyer, screenwriter and co-star Dennis O Hare and producer Cerise Hallam Larkin. Character actor Rory Cochrane will also hit the ornate west Bohemian town, screening Scott Cooper s Hostiles, in which he plays one of the unruly cavalry soldiers charged with escorting a Cheyenne chief home. (Agencies) prosecutors said. (AP) LOS ANGELES: Anchorman star Will Ferrell is set to direct and appear in a Netflix movie based on the Eurovision Song Contest, a glitzy annual musical extravaganza known for its over-the-top costumes, media reports said on Tuesday. The 50-year-old A-lister will also cowrite Eurovision with Andrew Steele, former head writer of Saturday Night Live, on which Ferrell starred for years. Ferrell was reportedly inspired by a visit to this year s Eurovision and is thought to have been a fan since being introduced to the contest by his wife of 18 years, Swedish actress Viveca Paulin. The movie is being interpreted as an attempt by Netflix to appeal to its customers abroad. The deal gives Netflix a comedy that will mean as much or more to an offshore streaming subscriber base more familiar with the song competition, said Mike Fleming Jr, film editor for entertainment website Deadline. And Ferrell becomes the latest feature comedy star to set a star vehicle at Netflix, at a time when star-driven comedies are struggling mightily on the big screen. (AFP)

17 NEWS/FEATURES 17 Music Back to Life Neil & Liam debut first father-son music video LOS ANGELES, June 20, (RTRS): There have been a few father-son dynasties of note in rock, but not many who ve actually made an album together as equals. A new entry into those rare annals is arriving in the form of Neil and Liam Finn s debut as a duo after many solo albums (and, in Dad s case, albums with Crowded House and Split Enz), Lightsleeper. The September release is being heralded with their first music video, for the song Back to Life. Variety sat down with Neil and Liam while they were both in town for the show and video shoot a rare confluence since Liam, 34, now lives in LA with his wife and their baby, while Neil, who just turned 60, is a commuter from their native New Zealand. In a wide-ranging interview, Liam and Neil talk about how they became fast friends with Mick Fleetwood over in their home country, getting him to sit in at length on Lightsleeper. They re not too upset that the Mac tour, which ironically had its germination in their album sessions, is playing a slight bit of havoc with any immediate ideas they might have had for hitting the road as a duo behind the new Liam record. Any fans who want to see Finns even more than Fleetwood will have to make do for a while with the Back to Life clip, which director Kristofski says was so last minute, such a small window before Neil and Liam had to sound check for their performance that night. The Finns describe the video as a little piece of theater representing the way we try to summon up the gurus of our songs, like Orpheus challenging them to bring life to those loved ones who have departed. But alas, the gurus seem listless and unconcerned, trapped in their own cycles of drama and intrigue. Sounds like backstage at a rock and roll show, all right. Variety: When Neil got the new gig, it was fortunate that you didn t yet have a tour booked behind this album that you would have had to think about canceling, wasn t it? Liam: We had routings proposed for our stuff. But to be honest, I was more encouraging of him taking that gig than of us getting to tour our record, just because it would be ridiculous not to go and have a jam with Fleetwood Mac. Dad was a bit spun out by the proposition at first, because we were in the middle of doing one of his shows in New Zealand, but we were all like, You ve got to go and do that! Neil: Yeah, You can stand in a room and play great songs with Fleetwood Mac and have a sing with Stevie and Christine; you ve got to do that. It was a delightful thing to be asked to do, and enormously flattering, but it did spin me out for a few days. And it makes a different trajectory for our project, which we are pretty excited to finally put out there, because we put a lot of work into it. It s been a couple of years in the making, as well as almost a lifespan of playing together, but we d never decided that writing together what we wanted to try before now. Variety: What was the trigger for finally writing and recording a duo album? Liam: Because we d started doing shows playing both of our songs for the first time, it just made sense that we d made some songs together to have as a focus of a set. And so in a way, because we ve achieved that, it doesn t really matter if we don t do a traditional kind of album campaign. Because in the end it s kind of more of an art project for us something that we get to indulge any kind of idea we have for making a video. We did this tour of New Zealand, of small, rural halls, places that we never even knew existed in our own country, and we made a film about that along the way that ll come out later in the year. I feel like nobody knows what s going on in the music industry anymore. So we just kind of want to make stuff we re really proud of and that we would want to listen to or watch, and also create memories for us, because we re a pretty close family, and since doing this kind of stuff, we ve actually gotten to spend more time together. And it s been pretty valuable with me having a kid. It was coincidental: We d planned this before my wife got pregnant, but it became a very auspicious thing to be making an album with my dad while going through that with my wife. And then we literally finished tracking it and finishing the vocals in the week leading up to the birth. Neil: We didn t know what sort of record we should make together. There might have been some vague initial impression that it would be possibly based on Liam s predilection for sonic wildness, and that we might have done something quite raucous. But in the end we kind of got attracted to these things that we were jamming that were quite lyrical and almost cinematic. So it turned into sultry lounge that s what we kind of thought of it as our genre. Variety: What did your dynamic as collaborators turn out to be like? Neil: We were good at curbing each other s excesses, but when I think about it, we actually encouraged each other s excesses a little, I think out of supportiveness. That s good with family, because those kind of things maybe end up being quite infuriating within bands sometimes... Liam s got a body of work which I m incredibly impressed by and proud of on his behalf. He s written hundreds of really good songs, and he s been doing it since he was 16 years old. So I kind of feel like at this point we can come together more now as equals than we would have if we tried to do that when he was 18 and needing to establish his own identity, while I was very much being consumed and defined by my career. It s a really good time for us to do it. Variety: Neil, you ve been through so many years and incarnations of working with your brother, in Split Enz, Crowded House and the Finn Brothers. Does that set you up to work with a son, or is it just a completely different animal? Neil: In some ways, there are similarities, because some of the family sensitivities run very deep. You can t even unravel them sometimes. There are weird little buttons that get pushed, and you kind of get this slightly breathless feeling about the mysterious stuff that bubbles deep within - the same with Tim as it was the same with Liam. But with both Liam and Tim, there s an overwhelming sense of preserving this very important familial thing that we ve got, and that chemistry that you get from playing with a family member is undeniable. So, you know, just keep that front and center and preserve it, and lift that up, and other shit doesn t need to be talked about. British actor Paul Anderson (left), and French actress Audrey Fleurot perform in a scene from Tartuffe, Moliëre s play adapted by British playwright Christopher Hampton and transposed in Trump s America, at the Hay Market Royal Theater in London. (AFP) Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys performs onstage at the Coca-Cola Roxy on June 19, in Atlanta. (AP) Jackson Variety Gaga NEW YORK: The life of Michael Jackson will be coming to Broadway in a musical incorporating the King of Pop s tunes penned by a leading US playwright. Producers of the musical announced the project on Tuesday without revealing a title and said they aimed for a premiere in The musical, which is being co-produced by the late King of Pop s estate, will be written by Lynn Nottage, a two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Nottage, a professor in the theater department of Columbia University, most recently won acclaim for Sweat, a play about a blue-collar town in Pennsylvania that sees an eruption of ethnic tensions with immigrants as industrial jobs vanish. The play, for which Nottage traveled to Pennsylvania to do first-hand research, premiered in 2015 and was later seen as a prescient look at the people who voted in President Donald Trump. The Jackson musical will incorporate his music and feature choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, a prominent force in ballet. Wheeldon has written original works for the Royal Ballet in London based on Lewis Carroll s Alice s Adventures in Wonderland and Shakespeare s The Winter s Tale. In New York, Wheeldon has written both a ballet and a musical based on An American in Paris, Gene Kelly s 1951 movie inspired by the music of George Gershwin. (AFP) LOS ANGELES: Lady Gaga is five-foot two inches tall and still growing. I m actually five-foot three and three quarters, she clarified at Saturday s MTV Movie and TV Awards. The New York-born pop magnet, whose Gaga: Five Foot Two won best music documentary at the MTV event, has been largely out of the public eye since ending her Joanne World Tour in January, which grossed over $95 million in ticket sales. Sitting backstage after the MTV taping, draped in black, she tells Variety she s been holed up in the studio, readying for what could be the most pivotal year of her career, which will see her first major movie role in A Star Is Born opposite Bradley Cooper, a two-year Las Vegas residency that kicks off in December, and oh yeah, she s working on a new album. I m just always making music, I ve always been that way and I think you see in Five Foot Two that I m a studio rat, the 32 year-old says. Netflix and Live Nation Prods. verite- Stage Bilingual play makes history in London Trumped-up Moliere shines in UK LONDON, June 20, (Agencies): For the first time in the history of London s West End theatre district, a play is being staged in English and French Moliere s classic Tartuffe, transposed into Donald Trump s United States. The comedy at the Theatre Royal Haymarket stars two television regulars from either side of the Channel Paul Anderson in the title role as a US evangelist, and Audrey Fleurot as Elmire. Anderson is known for his role as Arthur in Peaky Blinders, a crime drama series about a 1920s gang in Birmingham, while flamboyant redhead Audrey Fleurot played lawyer Josephine Karlsson in the Paris police and legal drama Spiral. In the modern take on the 1660s play, Orgon, portrayed by Sebastian Roche, is a French media tycoon in Los Angeles, who falls under the spell of radical evangelist Tartuffe. Tartuffe has hoodwinked Orgon so comprehensively that he looks set to steal his fortune, drive away his son, seduce his wife Elmire and marry his daughter. The play is going down well with a young and enthusiastic audience calling for encores. However, newspaper critics have not been so keen. The Times said Merde, what a mess, calling it a pretentious shambles and excruciating, while The Daily Telegraph said it was frankly maladroit and induces tears of frustration. Is it provocative to stage a bilingual play in Britain as it heads for the EU exit door? Tartuffe has always been a scandalous play, right from its origins when it was banned, and the provocation inherent in the play continues, director Gerald Garutti told AFP. Divides It s a play which divides opinions, between those who favour a form of openness, and those who tend more towards withdrawal, autonomy, insularity and something more closed. And clearly politics and ideology have a stake in it, he said, in reference to Brexit. Garutti prefers to go by the acclaim from the stalls, where a Netflix-happy style doc, released in September, featured Gaga in her most vulnerable state yet, from rehearsing a high-wire performance at the Super Bowl to more down to earth generation is able to juggle with the languages and the surtitles, which crop up in several places around the stage. And in Christopher Hampton s adaptation, a final surprise twist anchors the play in the realities of the modernday United States under President Trump. I wanted to keep as much as possible of the original text and in thinking of the idea of a religious guru, I naturally thought of California, Hampton told AFP. From that came the idea of an American Tartuffe with whom all the members of the family have to speak in English. Besides Trump, the Me Too movement was a strong part of my thinking. Like all the great plays, Tartuffe remains relevant in a slightly different way with the passage of time. Each era throws up its share of virtue-spouting hypocrites who cannot practice what they preach, whatever it is they are preaching. Especially when desire, in the form of Fleurot dressed in a siren s robes, enters the mix, in a spicy seduction scene with the falsely puritanical evangelist Tartuffe. At the start of rehearsals, the French team said we don t touch Moliere!. But in the end, it s interesting to bring things up to date, so long as we don t distort the play, Fleurot told AFP. Working with two languages was also a challenge. Roche said: It s an interesting gymnastic switch between French and English, it s a very different rhythm. There is also a different sound. To play Tartuffe, Anderson wears a white linen tunic which covers up his tattoos. The risk element is what I liked about it, not doing something the people would expect me to do, he said. The inspiration for his interpretation came partly from his own imagination but also from dark manipulators such as the Russian monk Rasputin and the Californian serial killer Charles Manson. There is a slight Charles Manson in him, in the charming side, in the charismatic side, said Anderson. He was very charismatic, regardless of being a monster. The play runs until July 28, with moments like cooking at home, sitting poolside, and having a meltdown on the set of American Horror Story. All my insecurities are gone, I don t Bruce Springsteen performs onstage at the Asbury Lanes in Asbury Park, New Jersey. (AP) tickets ranging from 15 to 90 ($20 to $118; 17 to 102 euros). Also: LOS ANGELES: Kenya Barris and Pharrell Williams will collaborate on a stage musical about Juneteenth, the African-American holiday honoring the date that US Army ships forced Texas landowners to free the last of their slaves. It is viewed as the last day of slavery in the United States. It s a familiar subject for Barris. The Season 4 premiere of his hit ABC series Black-ish had a musical episode that focused on an 1865 version of the Johnsons, the family at the center of the sitcom. Barris will write the libretto with Peter Saji, his Black-ish colleague. Williams is a 10-time Grammy winner, whose songs include Happy and Freedom. He will compose the music and lyrics, and produce under his company I Am Other with partner Mimi Valdes. Saji will also produce the show. The collaborators didn t share many plot details, but did reveal that it will focus on two different African American families, one story will unfold in the present, while the other will be set during the Civil War. The show hopes to contribute to a larger push to make Juneteenth a national, or even international, holiday, Barris said in a statement, adding that seeing that happen was in his life goals column. LOS ANGELES: The thing about doing a play is: You gotta really like it. That s actor BD Wong s philosophy, anyway. You need to enjoy it more in a play than a television show or in a film, I think, Wong said in the latest episode of Stagecraft, Variety s theater podcast. Because you have to do it every night repeatedly, and you want to be 100% behind it. The play he s currently 100% behind is The Great Leap, the new Off Broadway play by Lauren Yee. The production, now playing at the Atlantic Theater Company (where recent Tony champ The Band s Visit originated), marks Wong s first New York stage stint since Pacific Overtures in feel insecure about who am I as a woman, she says in the docu. (RTRS) LOS ANGELES: Self-described old homeboy Bruce Springsteen was on hand Monday night (June 18) to usher in a new era at the grand reopening of Asbury Lanes, the combination bowling alley, bar and live music venue, in Asbury Park, New Jersey. We didn t know if we would ever see Asbury come back or not, in our lifetime, so it s been a joy watching what s been happening in town over the past 10, 15 or 20 years, he told a crowd of less than 800 people. I walk down the boardwalk now, I feel like the Ghost of Christmas Past, he said, praising the art and communities for the rebirth of the seaside community that nurtured his own artistic growth. But that s okay. It s fun to watch Asbury s future unfold in front of me. With that, Springsteen introduced the evening s entertainment, which included photographer Danny Clinch s Tangiers Blues Band and Portland, Oregon s Portugal. The Man, to an audience that included celebs Hugh Jackman, former Entourage star Adrian Grenier and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. (RTRS)

18 18 h o r o s c o p e By Jacqueline Bigar Happy birthday for Thursday, June 21, 2018: This year you express unusual creativity and problem-solving talent. Others find you intriguing. Sometimes you can be a bit too deep in your daydreams. Your thoughts are often profound, and you tend to avoid getting caught up in irrelevant issues. If you are single, you could meet someone of significance after the summer. You might find conflict inevitable between you. If you are attached, work on being more vulnerable with your sweetie. Your relationship will grow as a result. A fellow CANCER shares his or her ups and downs with you. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult. Capricorn - (Dec 22 - Jan 19) *** You could be dealing with a lot of pressure that you would prefer to avoid. Indulge in a stress-buster. Squeeze in some exercise. When you see a conflict arising, make sure it is not the result of a misunderstanding. Try to identify with other ways of thinking. Tonight: Out late. Aquarius - (Jan 20 - Feb 18) ***** Allow greater understanding to come forward. Your way of thinking could use some reviving. Try to eliminate a blind spot or break past a barrier. Pressure builds, and you might be having a difficult time maintaining the status quo. Tonight: Let someone else take the lead. Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20) **** You have a way about you that intrigues a friend or loved one. Your way of thinking adds a new dimension to the brainstorming process. Make plans with this person without making a commitment beyond tonight. Set aside some time for yourself. Tonight: Dinner for two. Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19) **** You could feel mildly conflicted. Understand where you are coming from as well as how others are dealing with the fast changes happening around you. Someone close to you could be controlling and difficult. Avoid having a knee-jerk reaction. Tonight: Be near good music. Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20) *** Maintain an even pace, and discover what a situation holds for you. You could feel as if someone has pushed you too far for your own good. Remain in touch with your needs. Listen to feedback, but know that you don t need to embrace any of it. Tonight: Accept an invitation. Gemini - (May 21 - June 20) ***** Be sensitive to others, as they might need your support. Let your creativity come up with a dynamic idea. Expect some confusion to arise at some point. You will gain understanding and become less aggravated. You might see a reason to take action. Tonight: Opt for togetherness. Cancer - (June 21 - July 22) ***** Don t push so hard to achieve your goals. You will be able to see the big picture. Confusion surrounds conversations and meetings. You could feel manipulated by what is going on and by key people who don t hesitate to express their opinions. Tonight: You call the shots. Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22) **** Reach out to a loved one at a distance. You ll know when to express what you feel. You might want to have a conversation that is kept between the two of you. You have very different approaches to problems. Recognize and respect new ideas. Tonight: Friends seek you out. Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22) **** Be aware of the cost of continuing as you have been. Be more in touch with your feelings. Honor others suggestions. Pressure builds when dealing with a child or loved one. You are on top of your game, and your perceptions are probably right-on. Tonight: Make it your treat. Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) **** You have a way of behaving that grabs others attention. Your charm magnetizes those around you. You witness the results of your desirability. Pressure comes from a domestic or personal issue. Recognize your limitations. Tonight: Do not let a misunderstanding go too far. Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21) **** You could avoid a problem by being more direct. A loved one touches you emotionally through a statement or gift. You have a lot on your mind to think about and consider. How you feel emotionally about other situations could determine your reaction. Tonight: Not to be found. Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec 21) **** A meeting and/or a group of friends support you even if they don t agree with you. They let you know where they are coming from and why. Anger could erupt at any given moment, causing you to change direction. Confusion occurs from out of the blue. Tonight: Make plans. Born today: Actress Jane Russell (1921), singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey (1985), Duke of Cambridge Prince William (1982) home decor indoor gardening beauty tips taste buds mirror wall art fl ava soothe achy back muscles meatballs sweet and sour Mirrors are an inexpensive form of décor. It instantly open up small spacesby refl ecting natural and artifi cial light, they give the illusion of depth. Make them work in your space by creating and hanging your own multiple-mirror artwork. Come to think of it, aren t mirrors a smart choice for a row home? A long narrow space, often lacking in windows. Mirrors visually increase the size and refl ect more light into the space. For a mirror that matches your space and personality, play with different color combinations. For a real eye-catcher, use different shapes of mirrors. Phalaenopsis amboinensis Flava is from Indonesia. It has arching spikes up to 18 inches long with long lasting fl owers opening sequentially. The fl ower has bright golden yellow background with lighter yellow barring, which make this species very desirable. Site: Best grown in full shade, leaves tend to rapidly lose colour if grown in bright light or partial sunshine. Temperature: 16 C / 60 F Water: Water should be given all year round. Allow the pot or mount to dry out before offering more water Letting the hot water from a shower wash over tired, sore muscles can help loosen them and relieve some of the pain. Try massaging the muscles that hurt after the hot water has run over them a few minutes. Massaging sore muscles helps to relax them and loosen them up easing the pain. Stretching tired, achy muscles can help to relieve some of the pain. Ingredients: 3 cloves garlic; 1/2 tsp. black pepper; 1 tsp. salt; 500 g (1 lb) minced meat; 300 g (10 oz) canned pineapple pieces; 1 red and 1 green pepper; 3 tbsp. fi sh sauce; 2 tbsp. rice vinegar; 3 tbsp. sugar; 1 tsp. starchfl our; 10 tbsp. oil Method: Chop garlic and mix with pepper and salt. Add garlic mixture to the minced beef and mix well. Form meatballs with 2 cm diameter. Drain pineapple pieces. Dice pepper into bitesize pieces. Mix fi sh sauce, rice vinegar, 5 tb water, sugar and starchfl our. Heat oil in a wok or a pan. Add meatballs and fry. Stir in pineapple and pepper and stir-fry for one minute. Add sauce mixture, bring to boil and simmer for two minutes. Dear Abby Man learns he s not 1st to propose marriage By Abigail Van Buren Dear Abby: I met the love of my life eight months ago. Everything about our relationship is perfect. We both love our families, fine food, games and, most importantly, each other. We met at an antique store and now have an extensive stamp collection together. Wanting this joy to last forever, I proposed to her. I couldn t imagine a happier life for both of us, until I discovered that she is already engaged. Her mother informed me that she had accepted a proposal from a close friend of ours months ago. At first I was devastated, but now I understand the situation. She felt obligated to accept his proposal, yet I know she will only find true happiness by marrying me. How do I go about bringing this up to her? I m very non-confrontational, and don t want her to feel awkward or uncomfortable. Should I tell her what I know or wait for her to come to me? Please help. In love but confused Dear in love: Something Abigail is defi nitely wrong with this picture. Sometimes confrontation is healthy. Don t waste another moment waiting for the girl to level with you. Tell her what her mother told you and ask if it is true. If it is, she needs to explain. Although you may be ready to settle down and get married, she may not be emotionally mature enough to marry either one of you. Dear Abby: Today, June 21 the first day of summer is the annual ASK Day (Asking Saves Kids). Children are out of school and visiting other people s homes. This is a moment to remind parents to ask if there are guns in these homes and if they re stored safely out of kids reach. Will you help us get the word out about our campaign? Prevention saves lives, and we re grateful for your consideration. Bettina Lanyi, Asst. Director of Partnerships, Brady Campaign Dear Bettina: I m pleased to spread the word. Readers, the ASK Campaign is a collaboration between the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Its goal is to ensure kids safety by encouraging parents to ASK if there is an unlocked gun in the homes where their children play. For more information, I encourage you to visit askingsaveskids.org. There you will fi nd various resources, including tips for parents and others on how to bring up the sometimes-awkward topic of safe storage. There are also brochures and fl yers in English and Spanish, and suggestions about how to work with groups in your community to bring public awareness to the ASK program. Dear Abby: My investment adviser got married four months ago. He and his wife have invited me to a celebration of their marriage. It is not a formal affair, but an evening BBQ at their condo rooftop. Should I bring a gift? And if so, what would be appropriate for an investment adviser? Betty in Florida Dear Betty: A token gift would be thoughtful. Something they could use at one time or another might be a nice picture frame for their home. Be sure to include a thoughtful note with it, wishing them a lifetime of happiness together. 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) Kuwaiti youth reenact pearl diving through an annual event where they sail in traditional dhows to go diving for pearls just like their ancestors. Ghazy Qafaf KUNA what s on today emergency THURSDAY 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 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 fi rm resolve. The TIES Center is the social and educational hub for English Speaking Muslims in Kuwait. For more information, please call or info@tiescenter.net or visit St Paul s Church weekly activities: English worship services on Fridays at am and on Sundays at 6.30 pm. The Friday English service has separate sessions for children and youth. A Mandarin language speaking congregations meets separately on Fridays at am in the Youth Centre at St Paul s. A combined service with the English and Mandarin language congregations is held on the first Friday of every Site for checking travel ban month. A family service is held on the second Friday of every month with presentations from different organs of the church. The Church of Pakistan has services in English every Thursday at St Paul s at 5.35 pm and for Urdu language speaking members every Friday at Diwaniya of the NECK Centre, Kuwait City at 5.45 pm. Please contact Fr Michael Mbona on mobile or call at Church house on or to chaplain@stpaulskuwait.com or mrmbona@gmail.com For Mandarin speaking congregation contact Revd Zhu Peijin on and her address is greenolivettc@hotmail.com Contact person: Fr Michael Mbona Mobile: mrmbona@ gmail.com FRIDAY KWS to hold AGM: Kokan Welfare Society (KWS) Kuwait hereby declares it will hold its Annual General Meeting on Friday 22nd June All registered members are invited for this meeting. Venue will be declared soon. During the process, annual report and election of offi ce bearers will be conducted. Ali Chogle has agreed to be the Election Commissioner. Only eligible candidates who wish to contest for the indicated post may contact him at or at info@kwskwt@gmail.com to fi le their nominations in prescribed form. Last date to fi le nomination is 17/06/2018. Last date for withdrawal is 19/06/2018. For further details please contact , , Free IFRA coaching classes: Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) will be starting free refresher/coaching classes for existing referees, new recruits, those aspiring to be referees and even those who would like to learn about the laws of the game at IEAS Salmiya (Don Bosco). Classes will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm every Friday. Those interested may call or get in touch with any IFRA member You are such a positive, charming, and absolutely adorable daughter. I am so proud that I get to call you my daughter because no other person could ever hope to compare to you. Happy birthday to my perfect little girl! From Baba, Amma, Anish and Afroz. number 112 Civil ID info: for registration. FBC tournament: Filipino Badminton Committee (FBC) is inviting all badminton enthusiast in Kuwait to join their regular badminton tournament being held every Friday from 8 am to 7 pm at Kuwait Disabled Sports Club, Bin Khaldoun Hawalli. Over 10 badminton courts are now available for badminton practices and tournament and it is open for all nationalities and from different badminton organizations. Exclusiveprivate court are also available on per hour rental. For more information, please contact Dr Chie Umandap Arnis/Eskrima training: Eskrimador- Kuwait a member of Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation now opens a new batch of training. Learn the Philippine national sports, which is Arnis/Eskrima with the authentic style and techniques. Training schedule will be every Friday from 11:00 am to 1:00 Kaifan Sports Complex-Karate Gym. Text or call # Herms. Tagalog Khutba for Filipinos: The Ministry of Awqaf, Islam Presentation Committee, & Kuwait Philippine Cultural Center (KPC Center) invites all Filipino Muslim & Muslima to hear Khutba (Sermon) in Tagalog every Friday at Marzouq Al-Badr Mosque, Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq St (at the back of Ambassador Supermarket and SM Supermarket, near Salhiya Police Station & Kuwait Airways Bldg) in Kuwait City. There will be a community started and lunch after Friday prayers at KPC Center in Farwaniya. For further information, please call KPC Center, Tel

19 19 PARIS a guy thing CMMN SWDN GMBH GMBH GMBH click Abloh makes debut bow Black empowerment PARIS, June 20, (AFP): Virgil Abloh paid tribute to his friend and longtime collaborator Kanye West as the US designer took star billing as Paris men s fashion week began Tuesday. Relations between the pair have been tested since Abloh was named head of menswear at Louis Vuitton in March, with the rapper saying it was hurtful to lose his muse and erstwhile artistic director. West has made no secret of his own ambitions to lead a major luxury brand as a designer, and revealed last month that he had also once been in talks with Louis Vuitton s owner, French fashion magnate Bernard Arnault. Abloh the son of Ghanaian immigrants will show his own Off-White label in Paris Wednesday before making his debut bow with the world s biggest luxury brand on Thursday. As he put the finishing touches to his collections he posted a photo of Kanye West to his 2.3 million Instagram followers with legend, The architect of it all. West s wife Kim Kardashian responded with emojis of a heart and two fires to signal her approval. The rapper who has his own Yeezy line for Adidas remained silent. But he told US radio star Charlamagne tha God in a wide-ranging interview last month that there were no hard feelings. These things are hurtful when you are working with a talent like... Virgil and somebody comes through and says Bam! I am going to take Virgil. There is some validation in that someone that I came up with is now the head (of menswear) of Louis Vuitton, West added. Abloh, 38, is only the second black man to rise to the top of a big Paris fashion house, with French designer Olivier Rousteing responsible for both Balmain s men and women s lines. As well as his nod to his former employer, Abloh dropped hints on social media that he 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. was about to give the aristocratic Vuitton label a strong dose of black empowerment and streetwear style. Vuitton s previous designer, Briton Kim Jones who makes his own debut for Dior Homme on Saturday often referenced British colonial and safari chic in his clothes. Abloh grew up in Illinois where his seamstress mother taught him her trade as he studied engineering and later architecture. He has made it clear his clothes will be much more street. He posted films on Instagram of cotton plants and ceramic neck chains, in what could be seen as references to slavery, as well as a Louis Vuitton record box inspired by hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash, where you can put your coat in while DJing, shielding it from smoky clubs and spilled drinks. Abloh had worked hand in glove with West for more than 15 years. They designed clothes together on Photoshop and were $500-a-month interns under Karl Lagerfeld at Fendi in Rome in 2009 even though the rapper already had a string of Grammy awards under his belt. West said that he only found out about Abloh taking over at Vuitton as the appointment was announced in March. He (Abloh) made the call two minutes before it hit the Internet... He had told me he was looking at Versace too... but he knew he was going to Louis Vuitton, he added. West admitted days later in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter that the news had weighed on him. It s not bad or good, he said. Abloh has built up a celebrity following at Off- White with high-profile collaborations with Nike, Jimmy Choo and Moncler. Such has been the buzz that fashionistas jostled each other to get into his show in Paris last March. CMMN SWDN 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 CMMN SWDN 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/ CMMN SWDN CMMN SWDN GMBH Fashion GMBH Latest Advisory for OCI card holders: All those having OCI Cards are required to carry both their OCI Card and passport to travel to India so that they do not face any difficulty in immigration clearance. From October 2018, ICAO will accept only machine readable travel documents, hence, existing PIO Cards, which are handwritten will therefore, become invalid. Thus it will be necessary upon PIO Cardholders to obtain machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of existing hand written PIO Cards before October 2018 to avoid any inconvenience. Oct 7 Brazilian Elections 2018: In view of the presidential elections on 7th of October 2018 (first round), Brazilian voters in Kuwait are informed of the obligation to re-register at the consular section of the Brazilian Embassy in Kuwait. In the process of re-registration, the voter must complete the following steps (please pay attention to the deadline of each step): Step 1 (to be fulfilled until 09/05/2018): a) fill the form on the website of the Superior Electoral Court ( tse.jus.br/eleitor-e-eleicoes/servicos/ eleitor-no-exterior/pre-atendimentoeleitoral-no-exterior-titulo-net); Above and below: Models display creations by GMBH and CMMN SWDN during the men s Spring/ Summer 2019 Collection fashion show on June 19, in Paris. (AFP) b) print and sign the form. Step 2 (to be completed by 16/05/2018): c) attend the consular section of the Embassy of Brazil in Kuwait, which runs from Sunday to Thursday, from 08 am to 12 noon, to present the following documents: Brazilian official document of identification (identity card, professional card issued by a federal organization, birth or marriage certificate, passport, Brazilian labor ID). Documents must have the following data to confirm one s identity: name of the father, name of the mother, date and place of birth. In the case the document does not provide the mentioned data, the voter must present another document to complete the information; Proof or statement that certifies your residence in Kuwait; Personal attendance is mandatory for finalizing the application. The address of the Brazilian Embassy in Kuwait is Mubarak Al Abdullah Area, Block 1, Street 116, Villa 47 phone /2. General Q8BBall Season 13: Q8BBall is beginning our 13th season with Boys U13 (ages 10-13) and U17 (ages 14-17). We train three times a week and play regular games throughout the year with schools and clubs. In June 2018, we plan to travel for camp and tournaments in the US. Contact Coach T for information. 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 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: Continued on Page 20

20 20 KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Hyundai Motor announced a multi-year partnership with Chelsea Football Club, which will see the Hyundai brand logo presented on the sleeve of the new Blues jersey in all domestic competitions from next season until 2022, as the Global Automotive Partner. The deal with Chelsea is the first time that Hyundai has ventured into the UK football market. The new partnership extends Hyundai s long-standing presence in football at the highest level, having been continuously engaged in national and international competitions for the last 20 years. With this partnership, Hyundai will not only be visible on the jersey but also through car displays at the club, home matchday presence including LED perimeter branding, and various media and digital content rights. The announcement comes as Hyundai launches a new video featuring Chelsea stars Olivier Giroud, David Luiz and Tiémoué Bakayoko. The entertaining short film sees the Blues players attend a photoshoot unlike any they have experienced before, as a group of dedicated Chelsea fans take center stage and assume the Partnership places fans at its heart Hyundai Motor becomes global partner of Chelsea Football Club roles more commonly associated with their club heroes. Benefits Over the course of the partnership, Hyundai will work closely with Chelsea to develop a range of initiatives and benefits for the club s supporters, as part of its ambition to bring ease to mobility and make football more accessible to fans. For 20 years, Hyundai has been bringing the dynamism, passion and excitement of football to fans around the world. We are thrilled to begin a new partnership with Chelsea a successful and ambitious club that matches the global scale and challenging spirit of Hyundai, said Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing & Product at Hyundai Motor. He added, Just as we always place the customer first, so we have always positioned fans at the heart of our activities throughout our long-running engagement in football. We will be taking the same approach with Chelsea fans as we kick off this new partnership. Along with our existing partnership with Olympique Lyonnais, this marks the start of a new pan-european sponsorship approach that will include other top clubs in Europe. Chelsea Commercial Director Chris Townsend OBE said, We are delighted to be announcing our new partnership with Hyundai that will see this iconic brand appear on the sleeve of our match shirts from next season. At Chelsea we pride ourselves on partnering with some of the world s leading companies and we look forward to working closely with Hyundai as they seek to reward, engage and entertain our global fanbase. The logo on the new jersey will be seen in action for the first time on July 23rd, as Chelsea head to Australia to play a friendly fixture against Perth Glory, ahead of the 18/19 season. Hyundai has been a FIFA Top Partner since 1999, was engaged with UEFA for 18 years to 2017, and remains heavily involved with national teams as well as individual clubs, including Olympique Lyonnais in France among others. The Videos are available under the following links: 90s: com/ /72949ae809 60s: bc843c0bca Photos from the event NBK shares Eid happy moments with children of NBK Children s Hospital National Bank of Kuwait s (NBK) family paid a visit to NBK Children s Hospital at Sabah Medical district to share Eid happy moments with children. NBK Public Relations Offi cer, Joanne Al Abdul Jaleel said that NBK staff have always devoted a considerable part of their time to comfort the children and present them with felicitations and gifts in addition to different fun activities such as face painting and balloon designing. This comes as part of NBK s corporate social responsibility program. Sharing the happy moments of Eid Al Fitr and other similar occasions with children is our pleasure. We are proud that NBK devotes such attention to supporting Kuwait society and providing compassion and support for those in need, including sick children, she added. The visit to the hospital was emotional and overwhelming for both the children and NBK staff. NBK is committed to support its Hospital project by promoting initiatives and events all the year round. This is part of the bank s social responsibility to fulfi ll the children s time and entertain them while undergoing treatment. This includes all year round activities, a library corner, movie night, events for the medical staff and fun events that are organized occasionally. NBK s initiative refl ects the bank s high sense of duty and responsibility towards the community and helping those in need. It is a well rooted tradition that has been carried out by NBK each year in its efforts to continuously have an active role in Kuwait s society. Find Your Voice seminar on June 22 A flyer of the event. Find the right words and your audience will find you. This is the premise on which the globally recognized organization Toastmasters International s leadership and educational program is based. Toastmasters International, with the intrinsic values of IRSE (Integrity, Respect, Service, Excellence) is a nonprofit organization based in Colorado, USA, engaged in development of speaking and leadership skills of its more than 352,000 members in 141 countries through 16,400 clubs. In Kuwait, there are currently more than 60 clubs with nearly 1,500 members. To bring the benefits of Toastmasters to wider public, Toastmasters in Kuwait have organized a seminar Find Your Voice on June 22, 2018 at 6 pm at Gulf University of Science & Technology (GUST), Mishref, where renowned speakers will present their views. If anyone would like to attend this free entry event, please register through the link below: 1KQRDcrdqnl3. For more information regarding Toastmasters, please visit and to join any of the Toastmasters clubs (English & Arabic) in Kuwait or more information regarding the above event, please contact us at Gulf Cables lifts Al-Roudan Tournament Trophy KIB sponsors Ramadan Football Tournament KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Kuwait International Bank (KIB) concluded its sponsorship of the 39th edition of the Late Abdullah Mishari Al- Roudan s Ramadan Indoor Football Tournament, which was held under the auspices of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The Gulf Cables team was crowned as winners, while the Late Sheikh Khalid Al-Yousef s juniors won the final match. The tournament s closing ceremony aimed at honoring sponsors, which included KIB, and was attended by a number of sponsors including: Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Al-Abdullah, National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, Mohammad Al-Jabri, Minister of Information, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Khalid Nasser Adbullah Al-Roudan, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Abdullatif Al-Roudhan and Crown Prince Diwan Advisor Nasser Al-Roudhan, and many more. During conference, Nawaf Najia, Manager of the Corporate Communications Unit at KIB, received this prestigious award on behalf of the bank. He also expressed his delight at participating in the tournament, which is held annually during the Holy Month of Ramadan and is one of the most highly anticipated events taking place in the sports community across the GCC. Najia commented: KIB s participation in the tournament came as a 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 result of its sponsorship as well as its participation with a team of highlyskilled, professional football players. We also encourage our football team to participate in this tournament, which continues to receive great support from HH the Amir of Kuwait year after year. Our participation in this tournament came as part of our strong commitment to supporting 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 A photo from the Al-Roudan s football tournament finale. young local athletes across different areas. A national financial institution, KIB is dedicated to promoting the sports culture through its comprehensive social responsibility program and new strategic direction, a true Bank for Life. Najia also lauded this year s 39th edition of the Al-Roudan tournament for its remarkable success in 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! amassing a large crowd of fans, as well as its organization and display of sportsmanship. He also pointed out that KIB intends to always participate in this tournament, as it believes it is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments across the GCC with regards to its fan base and outstanding organization. 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. Continued on Page 21 click General Continued from Page 19 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 disrespectful poses are strictly prohibited). If you would like to book a tour, please contact us: Tel: / / gmvisits@gmail.com Fax: Share your story with Amricani: Do you or any of your family members, acquaintances or friends happen to have a story with the American Missionary hospital in Kuwait (Mustashfa Lemraicani) during the years from , the official period of offering medical services in Kuwait? New winner of KD 125,000 announced Burgan Bank holds Yawmi qtly draw KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Burgan Bank announced Shhwar Mohammed Bahader Alboulshi as the new KD 125,000 cash prize winner in the Yawmi Quarterly Draw. The winner expressed his excitement for being the winner of the rewarding cash prize with Yawmi Account from Burgan Bank. The Yawmi Quarterly draw offers customers chances to win higher rewards, entitling one lucky customer to win KD 125,000 cash prize every three months. To enter Burgan Bank s Yawmi Quarterly Draws, customers should maintain a minimum amount of KD 500 in their account for 2 months prior to the draw date. Additionally, every KD 10 in the account will entitle customers to one chance of winning. For more information about the Yawmi Quarterly Draw, customers are advised to visit their nearest Burgan Bank branch, or call the bank s Call Center at where customer service representatives will be delighted to assist with any questions on the Yawmi account or any of the bank s products and services. Customers can also log on to Burgan Bank s for further information.

21 21 Overheard in the Souk the grapevine Some guys have all the luck. Some guys get all the break, goes the oldie but goodie hit song of Rod Stewart. As I was going around in one of the new malls in Kuwait during the Eid holiday to while away time, I have overheard a group of people giggling and one of them said Wow, you re so lucky! I tried going near them without appearing guilty of eavesdropping. They are all working as domestic workers in the country and they were given a day off during the Eid holiday. As they went on, I gathered that one of them will be travelling with her employer to the UK next week where they will stay for a month and come August, they will be going around the Scandinavian countries. I was also tempted to blurt out Wow but I kept my mouth shut. Then my eyes opened wide when another one said, she will be travelling with her Madam to the US. Whoa! Well, some guys indeed have all the luck! Though we all know of some not-so-lucky people working at home. We celebrate stories of success as we also continue to hope and pray that all goes well to the rest. It always feels good to hear happy stories. New research puts forth the idea that marriage may protect against heart disease, stroke and associated risk of death. The analysis included 34 studies with more than two million participants, married with the unmarried. In comparison, the latter were associated with increased odds of cardiovascular diseases. The findings have prompted researchers to suggest that marital status should be included as a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and likely survival in its own right. But more importantly, this new information is another piece of ammunition in the arsenal of overbearing parents compelling their children to get married and settle down, and husbands who often complain about their wives, should be thankful that the nagging may be keeping them alive. Getting credit or acclaim for something you didn t do is wrong but claiming heroism and gallantry for something which was done by others is the worst kind of evil. A staff at an institution bravely faced danger in order to save others. This person whose presence of mind is impeccable did what Tongues Wag needs to be done to save lives. Endless thanks and congratulations were given by those who witnessed the incident. For that person it was enough. Few days later this valiant staff found out that someone was claiming that it was him who saved the day. Whatever mischievous schemes lurking in their corridors that led to this deceit we don t know. But one thing is for sure truth will definitely prevail and the liar will have his fair share of limelight. click General Continued from Page 20 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 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 July Under the revamped Scheme, number of scholarships Food World s 50 Best Restaurants honoured with awards Italy s Osteria Francescana scoops top prize again BILBAO, Spain, June 20, (AFP): Italy s Osteria Francescana was crowned the world s best restaurant for the second time on Tuesday at an awards ceremony put on by British trade magazine Restaurant, beating out top eateries in Spain and France. Run by chef Massimo Bottura, the restaurant in Modena, Italy pipped last year s winner, New York s Eleven Madison Park, in the World s 50 Best Restaurants awards, after first taking the honour in It is the only Italian establishment to have won the annual accolade. This is amazing, this is something we built all together, Bottura told the awards ceremony held in Bilbao in Spain s northern Basque Country, famous for its avant-garde haute cuisine. I am going to use this spotlight to show that chefs in 2018 are much more than the sum of their recipes. The top restaurants list s organisers praised Bottura s contemporary cuisine, which challenges and reinvents Italian culinary tradition while make use of the finest produce from the Emilia-Romagna region. His father wanted him to become a lawyer but when he was 23 years old Bottura, who was famous for rustling up culinary delights for his friends, dropped his law studies to open a Trattoria in Campazzo, in the countryside around Modena in the Po River Valley. On his days off, he would study with French chef Georges Cogny, who had a restaurant two hours away. Palate He said to me: always follow your palate, because you have a great palate which will make Modena known around the world, Bottura said during an interview with AFP in He opened Osteria Francescana in 1995 after spending time in New York and Monaco. Spain s El Celler de Can Roca, which took the top honour in 2013 and 2015, came in second while third place went to Mirazur in southern France. Restaurant magazine, owned by William Reed Media, launched the awards in 2002 and they are now as coveted by restaurants as Michelin stars, although the methodology used to select the best restaurants has faced criticism, especially from several French chefs who say it remains unclear. There are no criteria for putting a restaurant on the list, which is based on an anonymous poll of more than 1,000 chefs, restaurant owners, food critics and other industry insiders from around the world. Each member gets 10 votes and at least four of those votes have to go to restaurants outside their region. The top 10 included two Peruvian restaurants, Central which slipped to number six from fifth place last year, and Maido which climbed to number seven from eighth place. The only Asian restaurant in the top 10 was Bangkok s Gaggan, whose owner-chef Gaggan Anand has won praise for his modern spin on his native Indian cuisine. Spain continued to dominate the line-up with three restaurants in the top 10, including El Celler de Can Roca, while France had two including Mirazur. The 2018 list of 50 best restaurants included eateries in 22 countries but over half were in Europe. Six are in the United States, six in Latin America and six in Asia. Tuesday s ceremony also handed out individual chef awards. Britain s Clare Smyth, who catered the dinner at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last month, was named best female chef and has been enhanced from 100 to 150 with introduction of 50 scholarships for children of Indian workers employed in the Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. The Scheme is now applicable to four categories of applicants: (i) Persons of Indian Origin (ii) Non-Resident Indians (iii) Children of Indian workers working in ECR countries (including Kuwait). (iv) Children of Indian workers in ECR countries - studying in India The institutions that are covered under this Scheme are: (i) NITs, IIITs, Schools of Planning and Architecture This March 18, photo shows baked chicken thighs with preserved lemons and artichoke hearts. (AP) Recipe offers a much quicker way to make lemon pickles Serve baked chicken thighs with lemon pickles By Sara Moulton Preserved lemons, aka lemon pickles, are a delicious and unique treat that have long delivered a ton of salty and acidic crunch to the cuisines of North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia and to America in recent years. You can buy lemon pickles at a specialty store (or online) or you can make some at home. But both options have their problems. Lemon pickles from the store are often left to overstay their welcome and become rancid on the shelf, while making them at home can take up to a month because thats how much time they need to cure. Plus, youre generally forced to make a big batch because a minimum critical mass is required to produce enough juice to cover the lemons as they cure. This recipe offers a much quicker way to make lemon pickles. Usually, the lemons are cured whole. Here they are sliced thin, layered with salt and left to cure at room temperature for 12 to 48 France s Cedric Grolet best pastry chef. Peru s celebrity chef Gaston Acurio, who is known for combining classic European techniques with typical ingredients from the Andean country, was given a lifetime achievement award. The top restaurant award has gone to Spain seven times, the most of any country. In addition to El Celler de Can Roca s two wins, ground-breaking Spanish chef Ferran Adria s El Bulli, which he closed in 2011, took the prize a record five times. This year was the first time the ceremony was held in Spain. The event has been held before in London, New York and Melbourne. Also: JAKARTA: In the slums of Jakarta, Indonesia s poor are getting a taste of how the other half live thanks to a new programme that aims to take a (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 - spdcindia.gov.in/login/index.php. Last date for submission of applications was extended till Oct 14, Nodal officer hours your choice although the longer they cure, the softer the texture and the stronger the flavor. Once cured, theres nothing left to do but rinse off your lemon pickles and decide which of a whole range of dishes they should glorify. You can add them as a garnish to soups, stews and roasted vegetables, chop and combine them with fresh herbs to top fish, slide them into a grilled cheese sandwich, or stir them into grain dishes. What about those artichokes? Theyre in the recipe because they play so nicely with lemons. Ive called for frozen or canned artichokes, although youre welcome to use fresh artichokes if you have the energy to cut them into hearts. (Theyll be delicious.) If you do roll with the canned or frozen kind, just be sure to pat the artichokes very dry and cook them in a hot pan to achieve a nice golden color. The beauty of this recipe is that once the lemon pickles are good to go, it takes no time at all to throw everything together. Baked chicken thighs with artichoke hearts and lemon pickles bite out of its mammoth food-waste problem. Called a Blessing to Share, the service supplies leftover wedding dishes to some of the poorest members of society in the sprawling capital. Even as it struggles with poverty and malnutrition, the Southeast Asian nation bins more edible food per person than any other country except Saudi Arabia, according to an Economist Intelligence Unit survey last year. Indonesia s 260 million citizens each throw out an average of almost 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of food annually, ahead of the United States in third spot, the survey said. Start to finish: 13 hours, (40 minutes hands-on) Servings: 8 2 1/2 lemons, preferably thinskinned 3 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 8 medium chicken thighs One 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained, or one 9-ounce box defrosted frozen artichoke hearts 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, parsley or dill Rinse the lemons well and slice them crosswise 1/4-inch thick. Arrange half of the slices in one layer (or slightly overlapping) in the bottom of a noncorrosive baking dish or pie plate and sprinkle half the salt evenly over the slices. Repeat with the remaining slices and salt, cover and leave at room temperature for at least 12 hours and up to 48 hours. Rinse the lemons and remove the seeds. Only half will be used in this recipe; keep the second half, covered, in the refrigerator for other uses. The pickles will keep for two weeks in the fridge. The country s food waste problem can be partly chalked up to local hospitality, which calls for ample helpings at all celebrations. Hosts often err on the side of abundance, and many hungry revellers eyes are bigger than their stomachs meaning lots of uneaten food. Globally, about 30 percent of food produced every year is tossed out or spoiled about 1.3 billion tonnes which translates into some $1 trillion in economic costs, according to the UN s Food and Agriculture Association. That s where a Blessing To Share comes in. There are lots of weddings in This picture taken on March 19, 2018 shows a guest putting food on her plate during a wedding at a hotel in Jakarta. (AFP) Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large ovenproof skillet heat the 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt on the skin side, reduce the heat to medium and working in batches if necessary (if all the chicken doesnt fit easily in the pan), cook the chicken skin side down until the skin is nicely browned. the pieces to a plate and repeat with the remaining chicken if it didnt all fit in the pan the first time. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat left in the pan. Pat the artichoke hearts very dry using paper towels. Add them to the skillet and cook them over medium-high heat, turning them occasionally until they are golden. Turn off the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, skin side up, and add half the pickled lemon slices. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes or until it is just cooked through. the chicken, artichokes and lemon slices to each of eight plates and pour some of the juice from the bottom of the skillet over each portion. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve right away. (AP) Indonesia and lots of extra food, said programme founder Astrid Paramita. And there are lots of hungry people unfortunately, so this programme is trying to close that gap between the rich and needy. So far the programme is fairly limited, but Parmita has big plans and hopes to expand to other cities and also start sourcing edibles from company meetings and conferences. Since starting in November, about 50 weddings have participated in the programme with about 1.6 tons of food collected for distribution through a local food bank. For 60-year-old scavenger Efendi, getting a meal from one couple s lavish nuptials across town was a welcome surprise. I didn t expect this suddenly I m getting free food, he said. for SPDC is P. Bharadwaj, Deputy Secretary (OIA-II), Ministry of External Affairs, 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. Continued on Page 22

22 22 Wiig departs Apple comedy Yellowstone boasts Costner, strong Native American star LOS ANGELES, June 20, (Agencies): Yellowstone has everything a worthwhile Western should, including breathtaking vistas, battles over land and Kevin Costner in the lead role. There s also something rare in the contemporary Paramount Network series to debut Wednesday: prominent Native American story lines and parts, including one filled by an actor formidable enough to stand up to Costner and his ranching baron. Gil Birmingham plays Thomas Rainwater, a tribal chief and casino owner who s ready and able to oppose those whose interests conflict with the well-being of the people he represents. Birmingham, of Comanche ancestry on his father s side, has played his share of Native Americans and others on TV and in films including Hell or High Water and Wind River, both written by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone. Through my career, a rather long career of struggling, mostly, I ve been asked, What would be your dream character? and this is it, Birmingham said of his role on Paramount Network s first drama series since its rebranding from Spike TV last January. Playing a fully realized, modern Indian character is an opportunity that doesn t come often enough and one that counts beyond entertainment, the actor said. Many people don t even think that we (Native Americans) still exist, that we re just historical artifacts that once upon a time existed, he said, crediting Sheridan with a great leap forward in the 10-part series and on the big screen. Birmingham tips his hat as well to Costner and his 1990 Oscar-winning period drama Dances with Wolves, which really did open the door for people for maybe the first time... to see the beauty and the depths of the native culture. Costner, also an executive producer on Yellowstone, said authenticity is his goal with any project. That s particularly important in the show s portrayal of Native Americans, he said, for whom a terrible wrong has occurred and not been remedied. Sheridan got the balance letter perfect, with the nuance and imperfection that characters of every ethnicity warrant, he said. The series, set in Montana, was filmed there and in Utah. Costner stars as John Dutton, a die-hard Westerner determined to keep his family s holdings intact. There are pressures from without including land developers, oil and lumber interests and the adjacent Indian reservation and Yellowstone National Park and from within, courtesy of his family. Dutton s offspring include Kayce (Luke Grimes), estranged and living on the reservation with his Native American wife, Monica (Kelsey Asbille); lawyer Jamie (Wes Bentley), eager to please his dad, and heir apparent Lee (Dave Annable), who s running the family operation with Dutton. The sole daughter, Beth (Kelly Reilly), more than keeps up her end, filling in for her late mother as family matriarch and doubling as a cutthroat business negotiator. The role of Thomas Rainwater was Birmingham s for the taking after he proved himself to Sheridan in Wind River and Hell or High Water, which earned the filmmaker an Oscar bid for best screenplay. Birmingham couples technical proficiency with artistic expression in his work, Sheridan said, and Rainwater s character required particular deftness. It s the ability to be cunning without it being misconstrued as evil, said Sheridan, who recalled advising Birmingham that Rainwater needed to be seen as an equal force to people who have a real disregard for the rule of law, and yet never lose his goodness. The actor has a personal connection with his character s story. Rainwater grew up unaware of his ancestry because his adoptive parents withheld his background from him, while Birmingham s late father downplayed his native heritage. Couch slouch Birmingham left home at 14, ultimately attending the University of Southern California and working as a petrochemical engineer. A foray into bodybuilding served as an improbable wake-up call to embrace the arts. I was more intrigued by the aesthetic ability to form a body like a sculpture. In my creative desire, I just knew I couldn t do the engineering anymore. It didn t speak to me, to my spirit, he said. Another unlikely step he got a part in Diana Ross music video Muscles propelled him into acting, although the guitar had captured his imagination as a youngster and he d hoped for a musical career. That dream has yet to be fulfilled, but Birmingham said it allowed him to make an instant connection with fellow actor-musician Jeff Bridges when they had just a few days to rehearse their roles as longtime friends in Hell or High Water. Birmingham marvels at what s happened since he decided as a teenager he would rather be on the street in San Francisco (before becoming a ward of the court and entering a boys home) and find his own path. The events of my life unfolded in such a way that they placed me in places I never would have imagined. And the only way that I could move forward was to trust, Birmingham said. Also: LOS ANGELES: Kristen Wiig has departed Apple s adaptation of Curtis Sittenfield s upcoming collection of short stories, You Think It, I ll Say It, Variety has confirmed. An Apple Worldwide Video spokeswoman confirmed the exit is a result of conflicts with Wiig s shooting schedule for Wonder Woman 1984, in which she plays the villain Cheetah. The 10-episode straight to series order marked Apple s first scripted comedy order. The role would have been Wiig s first return to television since her stint on NBC s Saturday Night Live. Sources say Apple is still eager to develop the series and that producers are regrouping. Wiig has focused predominantly on feature films since SNL, including her lauded role on 2011 s Bridesmaids, for which she earned an Oscar nom as a co-writer on the original screenplay. She also appeared in 2017 s Downsizing, starring Matt Damon, and Paul Feig s 2016 women-led reboot of Ghostbusters alongside Melissa McCarthy, Chris Hemsworth, and fellow SNL players Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon, and Cecily Strong. LOS ANGELES: Former Doctor Who star David Tennant will play the father of a severely learning-disabled girl in There She Goes, a new comedy for the BBC from Sharon Horgan s production company Merman. The five-part series will go out on the pubcaster s BBC Four channel. Tennant and Jessica Hynes ( Shaun of the Dead ) star as Simon and Emily, respectively, the parents of 9-year-old Rosie, played by Miley Locke. Edan Hayhurst appears as Ben, Rosie s brother. Shaun Pye ( Todd Margaret ) penned the series. The producers said that each episode would shine a light on day-to-day life with Rosie, from simply trying to take her to the park to explaining that every day isn t her birthday. Sky Vision is selling the series internationally. Merman also won a second-season order for Motherland, its comedy about modern parenting and family life. The shows were announced as part of the BBC s new comedy slate. Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy commissioning, told a London event Tuesday that in a world where there s more competition for established talent from an array of competitors, we want to broaden and cement our commitment to finding the very best of new wave talent. tv highlights Sports Chess Round Robin Challenge: Regisclick General Continued from Page 21 For more information, please education@darmuseum.org.kw 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 www. tiescenter.net. Bridge game: Bridge tournament is being held every Sunday and Wednesday at 20:00 A flyer of the event. Ladies Night Potluck: Bring a dish to share with friends and swap ideas for summer activities in Kuwait. The timing of dinner is perfect for those who are fasting beyond Ramadan. Tuesday, June 6:45pm (ladies only); Villa No 67, Street 413, Block 4, Shuhada Area, Kuwait; Phone: +(965) ; info@tiescenter.net Cinema Cinema programme from Thursday 21/6/2018 to Wednesday 27/6/2018 hours, played at the Graduates Club, next to Kuwait Engineering Society. Interested Bridge pairs or individual players please contact Mohammed Merchant, Tel: , , IMA-Summer Islamic classes: Indian Muslim Association (IMA) 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. The classes will continue until Aug 19, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Indian Community School, Junior Branch, Salmiya, Kuwait. Interested parents can register their kids at IMA official website or can contact for more details. trations are open for chess coaching and the Annual Round Robin Challenger Series. Send your name, Civil ID No., mobile number, age, rating to saviosgomes@gmail.com with CCR in the subject. No entry fee. Kwt-Brits football supporters: A new football supporters website for British expats living and working in Kuwait has been set up by an Everton supporter, Trevor Powell. The Kuwait Brits Football Supporters Association (KBFSA) site aims to provide contact information for supporters of each others whereabouts and also in the future hopes to organise social events such as quizzes and even five-aside matches on a home international teams basis. We need expats to register their support and hence we can then start to cast around for a suitable meeting venue. The site can be accessed at Free fitness classes: Free fitness classes at B.FIT studio in Salmiya! Classes include Zumba, Masala Bhangra workout, aerobics, toning & much more. Contact for further information. Hurry and enroll now! Courses Islamic and Arabic courses: Islamic and Arabic courses are being offered at the Enlightenment into Islam Center starting from 5:00-7:00 pm. Registrations can be done at the main office Women s Committee in Qurtoba. For more information contact: , , and IPC Arabic Course: IPC Rawdah Ladies Section will commence the Arabic Conversation Course. The students must have successfully completed at least 3 levels of Arabic. Placement test will be taken by those who took Arabic class outside IPC. Class is every Friday from 9-11 am. IPC Rawdah Islamic classes in French: The Enlightenment into Islam is offering Islamic Classes in French for ladies. Timings 4:30 to 7 pm. Every Wednesday. Please register at the office (Women s Section), 2nd floor. For more information please contact us. Telephone , , , Fax (attention Enlightenment into Islam) IPC Islamic Courses: Say: O my Lord, let me grow in knowledge. IPC is offering Islamic courses in English (for ladies only). Muslims and non-muslims are welcome. 1. Tilawa Surah Ar-Rad and Surah Ibrahim Sundays at 5:30-7:00 pm; 2. Principles of Tafsir (part 2) - Sundays at 7:00-8:30 pm; 3. Tajweed 3 - Tuesday, at 5:30-7:00 pm; 4. Jesus in Surah Mariam (part 2) - Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30 pm. Instructor: Sr Zeinab Hassan Ashry Place: IPC - Women Section Al-Rawdah, Area 3, Street 30, House 12, opp 4th Ring Road. ipc_sch@yahoo.com, Telephone: Embassies Indian Embassy notice: Indian nationals are issued Emergency Certificates (EC) to facilitate their one-way travel to India due to urgency or deportation, under the circumstances of loss of passport or nonretrieval 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 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 Continued on Page 24 Adventures of Petey and Friends :10, 16:55 Avenues 18:00 Avengers: Infinity War :00, 00:05 (Daily Exc Sat) 12:15, 17:00, 00:05 (Sat) Deadpool :50 14:05, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 23:55 (Thu, Fri) 11:40, 14:05, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 23:55 (Sat) 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 23:55 (Sun, Tue, Wed) 19:00, 21:30, 23:55 (Mon) Fanar 13:05, 18:35, 20:30, 00:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 18:35, 20:30, 00:45 (Fri) Sharqia 00:45 Avenues 14:30 (Daily Exc Thu) 12:35, 15:05, 17:30, 20:00, 22:20, 00:50 (Daily Exc Fri) 19:35 (Thu) 15:05, 17:30, 20:00, 22:20, 00:50 (Fri) Marina 13:25, 23:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 23:15 (Fri) Distorted :35, 23:35 (Daily Exc Fri) 23:35 (Fri) Avenues 19:40, 00:45 Incredibles :30, 16:00, 17:40, 18:30, 21:05 11:45, 19:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 14;30, 17:00, 19:30 (Fri) 19:15 (Fri) Ajial 16:15, 18:45 Bairaq 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:30, 17:00, 19:30 (Fri) Fanar 11:30, 14:15, 16:45, 19:15, 21:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:15, 16:45, 19:15, 21:45 (Fri) Sharqia 11:30, 16:05, 17:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 16:05, 17:15 (Fri) Avenues 16:35 11:45, 13:00, 14:15, 15:30, 17:25, 19:30, 22:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 12:00, 17:00 (Daily Exc Thu, Fri) 12:00, 17:05 (Thu) 14:15, 15:30, 17:25, 19:30, 22:05 (Fri) 17:00 (Fri) Laila 18:00 Marina 12:30, 15:00, 17:30, 20:00 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:00, 17:30, 20:00 (Fri) Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom :15, 21:45, 00:20 22:00, 00:40 11:50, 12:25, 13:00, 14:25, 15:05, 15:40, 18:20, 20:00, 20:20, 21:00, 22:35, 23:00, 23:40 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:25, 15:05, 15:40, 18:20, 20:00, 20:20, 21:00, 22:35, 23:00, 23:40 (Fri) Ajial 15:55 Bairaq 12:10, 13:15, 15:45, 21:15, 23:45 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:45, 21:15, 23:45 (Fri) Fanar 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00, 00:30 (Fri) Sharqia 12:15, 14:45, 19:45, 22:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:45, 19:45, 22:15 (Fri) Avenues 19:30, 22:05, 00:40 (Daily Exc Thu) 11:30, 14:00, 19:10, 21:50, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 12:10, 14:45, 16:50, 20:00, 22:35 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:30, 22:05, 00:40 (Thu) 14:00, 19:10, 21:50, 00:30 (Fri) 14:45, 16:50, 20:00, 22:35 (Fri) Laila 15:30 Marina 15:45, 18:15, 20:45 Ablah Tam Tam - (Arabic Film) :05, 13:05, 14:05, 14:55, 15:05, 16:05, 17:05, 18:05, 19:05, 20:05, 21:05, 22:05, 23:05, 00:05, 00:10, 01:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:05, 14:55, 15:05, Ajial 16:05, 17:05, 18:05, 19:05, 20:05, 21:05, 22:05, 23:05, 00:05, 00:10, 01:05 (Fri) 23:30 (Daily Exc Thu) 22:15, 23:30 (Thu) Bairaq 21:00, 23:00, 00:55 Fanar 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 22:55, 00:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 22:55, 00:15 (Fri) Sharqia 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 21:30, 23:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 14:30, 16:30, 21:30, 22:30 (Fri) Avenues 11:30, 12:40, 13:30, 14:40, 16:40, 18:40, 20:30, 20:35, 21:40, 22:30, 23:35, 00:25, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:30, 14:40, 16:40, 18:40, 20:30, 20:35, 21:40, 22:30, 23:35, 00:25, 01:10 (Fri) Laila 22:35 Marina 11:30, 13:40, 19:40, 22:30, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:40, 19:40, 22:30, 00:30 (Fri) Leilet Hana Wa Srour - (Arabic Film) :15, 12:50, 13:15, 14:20, 15:20, 16:25, 17:25, 18:30, 19:30, 19:55, 20:35, 21:35, 22:05, 22:40, 23:45, 00:45, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:30, 14:20, 15:20, 16:25, 17:25, 18:30, 19:30, 19:55, 20:35, 21:35, 22:05, 22:40, 23:45, 00:45, 01:10 (Fri) Ajial 21:25 Bairaq 14:45, 16:50, 18:55, 22:00, 00:05 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:30, 14:45, 16:50, 18:55, 22:00, 00:05 (Fri) Fanar 11:45, 13:50, 15:55, 18:00, 20:05, 22:10, 00:25 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:50, 15:55, 18:00, 20:05, 22:10, 00:25 (Fri) Sharqia 14:00, 18:35, 20:40, 22:45, 00:50 Avenues 11:35, 12:15, 13:40, 14:30, 15:25, 15:45, 16:45, 17:50, 18:55, 19:55, 21:00, 22:00, 22:25, 23:05, 00:05, 00:35, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:40, 14:30, 15:25, 15:45, 16:45, 17:50, 18:55, 19:55, 21:00, 22:00, 22:25, 23:05, 00:05, 00:35, 01:10 (Fri) Laila 20:30 Marina 11:30, 15:30, 17:35, 21:35, 23:40 (Daily Exc Fri) 13:30, 15:30, 17:35, 21:35, 22:40 (Fri) Race 3 -Hindi Film :35, 14:35, 16:55, 17:35, 20:35, 23:35, (Daily Exc Fri) 14:35, 16:55, 17:35, 20:35, 23:35 (Fri) Ajial 18:25, 21:15 (Daily Exc Sun, Tue, Wed) 16:00, 18:25, 21:15 (Sun, Tue, Wed) Bairaq 18:15 Fanar 15:35, 21:00,00:05 Sharqia 18:30 Avenues 12:15, 15:15, 17:30, 18:15, 21:15, 00:15 (Daily Exc Fri) 15:15, 17:30, 18:15, 21:15, 00:15 (Fri) Plaza 16:00 (Daily Exc Fri, Tue, Wed) 16:00, 21:45 (Tue, Wed) Kaala - (Tamil Film) Ajial 16:00, 19:10 (Thu) 16:00 (Fri, Sat, Mon) Tik Tik Tik (Tamil Film) :25 (Daily Exc Thu) Ajial 17:10, 21:45 (Daily Exc Thu) Plaza 21:45 (Fri, Sat) Abrahaminte Santhathikal (Malayalam Film) :45 (Daily Exc Thu) 18:45, 21:25 (Thu) Ajial 15:45, 18:40, 21:30 Plaza 19:00, 21:45 (Thu, Sun, Mon) 16:00, 19:00 (Fri) 19:00 (Sat, Tue, Wed)

23 23 Health Acidosis related to severe cases Common diabetes drug is safe for patients with CKD KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Results of a large-scale study suggest that the oral diabetes drug metformin is safe for most diabetics who also have chronic kidney disease (CKD). The study of more than 150,000 adults by Johns Hopkins Medicine investigators found that metformin s association with the development of a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis was seen only among patients with severely decreased kidney function. A report on the study appeared online June 4 in JAMA Internal Medicine. Metformin is the first-line medication for treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults and the fifth most commonly used drug in the United States. However, there has been a longstanding concern in the medical community about prescribing metformin for people with both diabetes and CKD because it may cause lactic acidosis, says senior study author Morgan Grams, MD, PhD, M.H.S., an associate professor of medicine and epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Lactic acidosis is a rare but serious complication, occurring when lactate-a product of glucose breakdown-builds up in the bloodstream, producing symptoms such as severe muscle pain, cramps, nausea and weakness. Because patients with CKD may be at increased risk of metforminassociated lactic acidosis, health care providers historically avoided prescribing metformin in this population. The Food and Drug Administration recently revised its labeling of metformin so the drug could be used more by CKD patients, says Grams, and some regulatory and professional society guidelines cautiously support use of the drug by diabetic patients with moderate kidney disease. But data addressing the drug s safety for patients with moderate to severe kidney disease had been inconclusive, she says. A better assessment of acidosis risk could provide reassurance that millions of people with diabetes and CKD may be able to safely use metformin, Grams says. Past studies show that metformin has multiple benefits beyond controlling blood sugar, including less weight gain, a lower risk of heart attack and even higher long-term survival than other medications that patients take to control blood sugar. About 380 million people worldwide and 29 million people in the United States are affected by diabetes. Approximately 19 percent-or around 5 million-of those in the U.S. with diabetes also have CKD, Grams says. Our study demonstrates that the first-line and common diabetes medication is safer in patients with CKD than once thought, Grams says. From a public health perspective, the potential benefits of using metformin for patients with diabetes and CKD are vast, given the increasing number of people affected with both diseases worldwide. For the new study, Grams and her co-authors analyzed medical records from a group of 75,413 patients with diabetes managed by Geisinger Health System in Pennsylvania. They looked at patients estimated glomerular filtration rates (egfrs-a measure of kidney function), medications prescribed for diabetes management, hospitalizations for acidosis, demographic information, cigarette smoking status and presence of cardiovascular disease. The research team used computer-based statistical models to analyze the risk of developing acidosis among metformin users compared with nonusers. The researchers adjusted for conditions such as cardiovascular disease and smoking status. Overall, Grams and her colleagues found an association between metformin use and acidosis only in patients with severely decreased kidney function, defined as an egfr of less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. A normal egfr is considered to be over 90 ml/min/1.73 m2. The researchers observed more than double the risk in patients with severely decreased kidney function who used another type of diabetes medication. In addition, the researchers compared new metformin users with new users of another class of diabetes medications called sulfonylureas within different categories of CKD stages. They replicated their results in a group of 82,017 patients from MarketScan-a database of inpatient and outpatient claims data from 350 private health systemsstudying records from 2010 to The Geisinger patients averaged age 60, and 51 percent were female. Of the patients, 45 percent (34,095) were taking metformin at enrollment in the study and 13,781 of the remaining patients were subsequently prescribed metformin during a 5.7- year follow-up period. This photo taken on June 18, 2018 shows people taking part in a yoga session in Yangzhou in China s eastern Jiangsu province, ahead of International Day of Yoga on June 21. (AFP) Fathers antidepressant use doesn t worsen babies health risks PTSD tied to risk of autoimmune diseases NEW YORK, June 20, (RTRS): People who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other stress-related psychiatric issues may be more likely to develop autoimmune diseases than individuals who don t, a Swedish study suggests. Researchers studied 106,464 people diagnosed with stress disorders. 126,652 of their siblings without stress disorders, and more than 1 million other individuals in the Swedish population who didn t have stress disorders. They were able to track half these people for at least 10 years. During the study, individuals with PTSD were 46 percent more likely to develop an autoimmune disorder, and more than twice as likely to develop at least three autoimmune disorders, compared to adults without stress disorders. Severe or prolonged emotional stress causes alterations in multiple bodily functions through dysregulation in the release of stress hormones, said lead study author Dr Huan Song of the University of Iceland in Reykjavík and the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. When PTSD patients took commonly prescribed anti-depressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during their first year after diagnosis, however, their risk of developing autoimmune disorders appeared to decline. PTSD patients who took SSRIs for at least 320 days that first year after diagnosis were 82 percent more likely to develop autoimmune disorders than individuals without stress disorders, the study found. When PTSD patients took SSRIs for 179 days or less, however, they had more than triple the risk of autoimmune disorders. The main message to patients suffering from severe emotional reactions after trauma or other life stressors is to seek treatment, Song said by . There are now several treatments, both medications and cognitive behavioral approaches, with documented effectiveness. Most people experience significant trauma or stress at some point in their lives, including the loss of loved ones and exposure to various disasters or violence, researchers note in JAMA. While many people gradually recover, some people can develop severe and lasting psychiatric illnesses. Previous research has linked stress disorders to an increased risk of autoimmune disorders, but much of this work has focused on men who developed PTSD related to military service. Immune problems can often run in families, and studies to date also haven t offered a clear picture of how much shared parentage or life circumstances might explain the connection between stress and autoimmune disorders. When people have an autoimmune disorder, the body s immune system attacks healthy cells. Common autoimmune disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis and Crohn s disease, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Roughly 9 in every 1,000 people diagnosed with stress disorders in the study developed autoimmune disorders each year, researchers calculated. That compares to about 6 in 1,000 people in the population without stress disorders, and 6.5 in 1,000 siblings. It s a bit surprising that there is not a big difference between siblings and general population, said Dr Johnny Ludvigsson, a researcher at Linkoping University in Sweden who wasn t involved in the study. One would have expected more importance of genetic background, Ludvigsson said by . The connection between stress and autoimmune disorders was stronger for endocrine problems like diabetes and weaker for skin and blood conditions. Still, the results offer fresh evidence of the complex ways the brain can influence the immune system, and visa versa, said Dr Michael Eriksen Benros, head of research at the Mental Health Centre Copenhagen in Denmark. There clearly is bidirectional interplay between the immune system and the brain, Benros, who wasn t involved in the study, said by . Long-term psychological stress can influence multiple bodily systems including stress hormone levels and the autonomic nervous system resulting in impairment of immune functioning, Benros added. This can lead to increased autoimmune disease activity and trigger exacerbations of autoimmune diseases or make individuals more prone to acquiring infections that together with genetic factors are believed to be the main etiological factors for autoimmune diseases. Fathers use of antidepressant medications around the time mothers become pregnant does not increase babies risk of preterm birth, birth defects, autism or intellectual disability, according to a study in the BMJ. Study leader Sven Sandin of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City told Reuters Health by that while it has generally been assumed that paternal use of antidepressants holds no risk for a developing baby, this previously had not been well-studied. The results were not a big surprise, he said, but are nevertheless important, since there has been extensive research into the risks of mothers taking antidepressants, but less attention paid to fathers. Depression and anxiety disorders are very common and many potential fathers take antidepressant medication to treat these illnesses, he wrote. The findings from this study are reassuring for men using antidepressant medication, showing that this does not increase risk of autism, intellectual disability or birth defects for their infants.

24 24 click Embassies Continued from Page 22 and that he/she should travel only on the EC issued to him/her. Chinese Embassy notice: Documents issued in Kuwait and to be used in China mainland shall first be notarized and legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kuwait, and then be legalised by Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. Specific requirements and information for document legalisation, please refer to the website of Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. For documents issued by member countries of the Apostille Convention*, after getting Apostilles from the competent authorities, they can be used in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR of China directly. *Refer to the Convention of Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents Chinese Embassy notice: Please be noted that effective starting today, the photo used in a Chinese visa application must meet the requirements (for details, please visit the website of Chinese embassy Application with non-compliant photos will not be processed. Thank you for your attention and cooperation. Indian Embassy notice: India has further liberalized grant of visas to nationals of USA, Canada and Japan. Fee structure is as below: 1. Visa fee for USA nationals: (a) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of ten years duration KD 36; (b) Business visa: Multiple Entry of one year duration KD 51; (c) Business visa: Multiple Entry of ten years duration KD Visa fee for Canadian and Japanese nationals: (a) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of six months duration KD 14; (b) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of one year duration KD 22; (c) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of ten years duration KD 42; (d) Business visa: Multiple Entry of one year duration KD 39; (e) Business visa: Multiple entry of ten years duration KD Visa fee for Kuwaiti nationals: (a) Tourist visa: Multiple Entry of six months duration KD 14; (b) Business visa: Multiple Entry of One year duration KD 39; (c) Business visa: Multiple Entry of Five years duration KD 64. All applicants may visit Passport and Visa Centres of CKGS at (a) 17 Floor, Behbehani Building, Sharq, Kuwait : Tel. No ( indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com) or ; (b) Complex Kais Alghanim, 4 Floor, Mecca Street, in front of Annod Complex, Fahaheel, Kuwait: Tel. No ( indiavisa.kuwait@ ckgs.com). (c) Jleeb Al Shuyoukh (Abbasiya) 2nd Floor, Jleeb Al Shuyoukh Block 1, Street 1, Xcite Building, Kuwait Tel. No ) ( indiavisa.kuwait@ckgs.com). CKGS s website is In emergency cases, Indian Embassy accepts visa applications directly at its Visa Wing from applicants. Indian Embassy notice: All Indian nationals in Kuwait holding hand written passports are advised once again to apply for urgent reissuance of new passports, in lieu of handwritten passports, under the following circumstances: The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had set a deadline of Nov 24, 2015 for globally phasing out of all non-machine Readable Passports. From Nov 25, 2015 onwards, foreign governments may deny Visa or entry to any person travelling on a non-machine Readable Passport. The Government of India has been issuing Machine Readable Passports since The Passports, however, issued before 2001 and particularly those issued during mid 1990s with a validity of 20 years will fall in the category of non-mrps. All handwritten passports with pasted photographs are also considered non-mrps. Indians living in Kuwait holding handwritten passports as explained in Para (b) above, are advised to apply urgently for re-issue of their passports well before the deadline in order to avoid any inconvenience in obtaining valid visa for international travel. For more details related to passport services, visit the website Pages/Passport.aspx or call Tribhuvan Kumar, Assistant Consular Officer at Tel: , Extn-261 or Shri. K.K. Pahel, First Secretary (Consular) on Mob: Brazilian Embassy notice: A Embaixada do Brasil solicita a brasileiros/as que efetuem e/ou atualizem sua matrícula consular. (formulário na página: The Embassy of Brazil requests Brazilian citizens to register or to update their consular registration (form Conceptis Sudoku The grid must be so completed that every row, column and 3x3 box has every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive contract bridge By Steve Becker Tomorrow: Keep your eye on the ball. Challenger Eugene Sheffer Crossword Answer to yesterday s puzzle 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 4 Minutes 58 Seconds Your Working Time Minutes Seconds Yesterday s solution Word by Word Son Like father, like son. Al walad sorah an abeeh. Numbers 7893 Seven thousand eight hundred ninety three Walad Sabat alaf wa thaman maaha wa thalatha wa tesown

25 ADIA buys stake in pensions firm Barwa Bank and IBQ in advanced merger talks The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) said on Tuesday its private equity department would acquire a stake of up to 21.4 percent in Pension Insurance Corporation Group from funds advised by private equity fi rm J.C. Flowers & Co. Hamad Shahwan Aldhaheri, executive director of ADIA s private equity department said the investment, subject to regulatory approvals, demonstrates the department s ongoing strategy to seek out principal investments in market-leading businesses. PIC Group has become one of the world s biggest investors in bulk annuities, which cover the pension obligations of defi ned benefi t, or fi nal salary, pension schemes for staff. ADA was advised on the transaction by Credit Suisse, Ernst & Young, Oliver Wyman and Allen & Overy. J.C. Flowers was advised by Evercore and Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. (RTRS) Qatari lenders Barwa Bank and International Bank of Qatar are in advanced talks to merge after discussions for a three-way merger with another bank collapsed last week, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. The proposed merger between the two banks could be announced as early as next week, one of the three sources close to the deal said. The value of the transaction was not immediately available. The two banks had total assets of 81.7 billion riyals ($22.45 billion) at the end of last year, according to their financial reports. Barwa Bank and International Bank of Qatar were not immediately available to comment. Last week Islamic lender Masraf Al Rayan and conventional lenders Barwa Bank and International Bank of Qatar (IBQ) had announced that they had ended talks for a three-way merger. The talks had begun in December 2016, but sources said the talks stalled over the valuation. A shake-up has long been mooted in the Qatari banking sector, given that 18 local and international commercial banks serve a population of 2.6 million. The argument for consolidation has become more compelling after a diplomatic boycott by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, which could further dent the banking sector growth, analysts said. Banking consolidation has accelerated in the region in recent years with deals in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman. (RTRS) Market Movements Change Closing pts INDIA - Sensex , JAPAN - Nikkei , AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries , HONG KONG - Hang Seng , S. KOREA - KRX , GERMANY - DAX , EUROPE - Euro Stoxx , Change Closing pts PHILIPPINES - All Shares , FRANCE - CAC , Business Kuwait to benefit from OPEC policy shift By National Bank of Kuwait Central bank leaves lending rate on hold in June KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Although oil prices have eased back a touch over the past few weeks, we have revised up our forecast for economic growth this year on fresh assumptions about oil production in light of an expected change in output targets by the OPEC group in June. Weak credit data for May, however, suggest that non-oil growth is struggling to gain momentum, although some of this may be related to seasonal factors and we still look for a mild pick up in 2H18 once the new expansionary budget begins to take effect. It appears that parliament is softening its opposition to the new debt law and is linking it to budget reforms. The law would allow the government to borrow up to KD 25 billion from KD 10 billion previously and extend debt maturities to 30 years. However opposition to the law remains substantial. Having seen a big rally in previous months, crude oil prices fell back in late May and early June. The price of Kuwait Export Crude declined from a peak of nearly $76/bbl in mid-may to $72 towards the end of the month, following similar trends in the global benchmark, Brent. The initial fall reflected the view that crude may have risen too far, too fast, but more fundamentally on news that the OPEC group whose supply restraint has been central to price strength would raise production by up to 1 million b/d when it meets on 22nd June. Prices have since edged up again, with KEC at $74 in mid-june. Although the meeting could well be a fractious one with strong opposition from other OPEC members to any increase in output (Iran, Iraq), we think that some easing of supply restraint in H218 is likely to be adopted by the group driven mainly by Saudi Arabia (which already increased its output last month), to offset some of the 0.5 million b/d plunge in output in Venezuela over the past year and possibly future sanctions-driven losses in Iran. Kuwait s oil sector is likely to benefit from any relaxation in production targets. It has stuck faithfully to its share of output cuts initially announced in 2016, reducing production by nearly 5% to just over 2.7 million b/d at present. If the group s output rises by 1 million b/d and Kuwait s share of this is similar to its share of the original cut, it would imply Kuwaiti production rising by 80,000 b/d or 3% to nearly 2.8 million b/d. We have altered our oil production and GDP forecasts to reflect this change in assumptions. Previously we had expected the deal to unwind at the end of the year. If it is brought forward to July, then some of the production increase we expected for 2019 will fall this year instead. Oil sector GDP is therefore now seen rising 1.5% this year and the same in 2019, versus 0% and 1.5%, respectively, before. This will lift overall GDP growth to 2.5% this year from 1.8% previously. Real estate sales dip Real estate sales declined by 15.1% m/m in April to reach KD 300 million compared to KD 353 million in March. However, sales levels are still high relative to the 2017 and 2018 monthly averages of KD 181 million and KD 277 million, respectively. The monthly decline was partly due to the base effect of stronger sales in March, which were the highest since December The number of transactions, on the other hand, increased by 19% Gulf oil producers yet to agree on unified position Iran signals compromise for modest rise in OPEC output Bakheet Al-Rasheedi, Kuwait s Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity and Water poses with other OPEC ministers at the 7th OPEC International Seminar in Vienna, Austria. (KUNA) 7th OPEC Int l Seminar kicks off in Vienna The 7th OPEC International Seminar kick started in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday under the theme, Petroleum cooperation for a sustainable future. Kuwait s Minister of Oil and Minister of Electricity and Water Bakheet Al-Rasheedi is taking part in the two-day major event. The seminar, held at Vienna s Imperial Hofburg Palace, provides fresh impetus to key petroleum industry issues and challenges, helping to enhance existing avenues of dialogue and cooperation, while stimulating new ones. The event features presentations by officials from energy and oil ministries, executives from oil companies and financial firms, and other representatives from international organizations and research institutions. It also seeks to reinforce OPEC s longstanding commitment to strive towards a secure and stable market in support of a healthy m/m to 679 from 575 in March. Investment sector sales remained particularly strong in April, whereas commercial sales fell back after a bumper March. Year-to-date, average monthly sales and transactions in 2018 have been higher than the monthly averages for 2017, suggesting that 2018 may be a more active year for real estate if current trends continue. Prices appeared to stabilize in April, posting slightly positive m/m changes across the various sectors, with the exception of the investment apartment subsector, where prices continued to decline. The stabilization in prices might be explained by a rise in demand due to the large price falls seen in 2017 and 1Q2018 as a result of the market-wide oversupply. Credit growth slows further Credit growth slowed to just 1.5% y/y in April, its lowest rate since 2011, but private sector deposit growth global economy. It will also highlight the need for continuing promotion of cooperation and dialogue with all oil industry stakeholders, including producers and consumers. The seminar is held every three years and brings together experts and decision makers of the oil industry to exchange views on its present and future, as well as the challenges of the world s power market, minister Al-Rasheedi told KUNA on the sideline of the Vienna gathering. He stressed the importance of the 2018 seminar that offers producers and consumers the chance to discuss the best strategies to maintain stability of the market. Al-Rashidi pointed to Kuwait s active participation in the international seminar through the country s ministry of oil. The Kuwaiti minister will address the second day of the seminar and will also hold meetings with participant decision makers. (KUNA) VIENNA, June 20, (RTRS): Iran signalled on Wednesday it could compromise on a small increase in OPEC oil output when the group meets this week, as Saudi Arabia scrambled to convince fellow members on the need for a larger rise in production. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meets on Friday to decide on output policy amid calls from major consumers such as the United States and China to cool down oil prices and support the global economy by producing more crude. Iran said on Tuesday OPEC was unlikely to reach a deal, setting the stage for a clash with kingpin Saudi Arabia and non-member Russia, which are pushing to raise production steeply from July to meet growing global demand. But on Wednesday, Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said OPEC members that had overdelivered on cuts in recent months should return to compliance with agreed quotas. That would effectively mean a modest boost from producers such as Saudi Arabia that have been cutting more deeply than planned despite production outages in Venezuela and Libya. OPEC could keep the same deal with compliance going back to 100 percent, said an OPEC source who is aware of Iran s stance. OPEC Secretary-General Mohammad Barkindo said he was confident there would be a deal on Friday. Russia has proposed OPEC and non-opec raise output by 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd), effectively wiping out existing production cuts of 1.8 million bpd that have helped rebalance the market in the past 18 months and lifted oil to $75 per barrel. Oil was trading as low as $27 in OPEC members Iran, Iraq and Venezuela have opposed a relaxation of production cuts, fearing a slump in prices. But a decision to increase output was strong. Credit contracted by KD 166 million m/m, driven by the usual start-of-quarter decline in lending for the purchase of securities and a decline in business credit, following two months of solid growth in that sector. Household lending remained resilient, however, supported by a pickup in installment loans, usually used for the purchase of homes. Meanwhile, private deposits were boosted by corporate dividend payments which were paid a month later than usual pushing the money supply up 4% y/y to its strongest pace in 17 months. Credit growth is expected to pick up in the coming weeks on financing of some major oil development projects as part of KPC s plan to raise oil production capacity to 4 mb/d by Trade surplus rises Recent strength in oil prices has led to an improvement in the external trade could be taken with Iran refusing to sign up, as has happened before in OPEC. Iran has so far been the main barrier to a deal, with Zanganeh saying on Wednesday OPEC should not yield to pressure from US President Donald Trump to raise output. He said Trump had contributed to the rise in prices by imposing sanctions on Iran and Venezuela, which will likely lead to lower exports. Zanganeh said he would leave Vienna on Friday even before OPEC holds talks with non-opec producers the next day, but efforts were underway on Wednesday to convince Iran to participate in a deal. Sources said Saudi Arabia did not want to be seen as putting too much pressure on Iran and hence Russia was instead trying to convince Tehran. Zanganeh was due to attend a ministerial committee on Thursday, two sources said. Iran is usually not part of the committee, which includes Russia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Algeria and Venezuela. Adding to the complications was the lack of a unified position among usually aligned Gulf oil producers ahead of the Friday meeting, according to two sources familiar with the talks. Some of Saudi Arabia s traditional allies the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain believe Riyadh was too quick to respond to US calls for higher output, and have been rattled by close Saudi coordination with Russia, sources said. There are different views on how much to increase production and whether such a move should be gradual, one source said following a meeting of Gulf oil ministers on Tuesday evening. Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar al-luaibi said on Wednesday he hoped there would be agreement when OPEC meets but added: The oil market has not reached the level of stabilisation. position. The merchandise trade surplus widened in 1Q18 to KD 2.3 billion an estimated 23% of GDP from KD 1.9 billion in 4Q17. The pick up mostly reflects a 5% rise in oil revenues to KD 4.4 billion led by higher prices for Kuwait Export Crude which rose 8% q/q to an average of $63/bbl. Oil revenues account for nearly 90% of all merchandise exports. Continued on Page 26

26 BUSINESS 26 Walt Disney raises bid for Fox assets banking by smart speaker arrives Walt Disney Co raised its bid for the bulk of Twenty-First Century Fox Inc s coveted media assets to $71.3 billion on Wednesday, sweetening its deal with cash as it looks to upend Comcast Corp s $65 billion offer. The new cash-or-stock offer would be an incentive for Fox s largest shareholder, Rupert Murdoch, who owns 17 percent voting shares along with his family. He would be hit with a large capital gains tax bill under Comcast s allcash offer. Disney s previous offer was all stock. Disney and Comcast are looking to bulk up their content with Fox s stable of well-known television shows and movie franchises, such as the X-Men superheroes and The Simpsons, to better compete with fast-growing digital rivals Netflix Inc and Amazon. com Inc. Fox s international assets such as Star India appeal to both Disney and Comcast, which are seeking to expand their global footprint. Disney s revised offer of $38 a share, which would be split in cash and stock, is $10 a share higher than Disney s first bid in December Comcast s last bid was for $35 a share in cash. Disney will also take on about $13.8 billion of Fox s net debt, implying a total transaction value of about $85.1 billion. (RTRS) Hey Alexa, what s my bank account balance? Big banks and fi nancial companies have started to offer banking through virtual assistants Amazon s Alexa, Apple s Siri, and Google s Assistant in a way that will allow customers to check their balances, pay bills and, in the near future, send money just with their voice. And with the rapid adoption of Zelle, a bankto-bank transfer system, it soon could be possible to send money to friends or family instantly with voice commands. But the potential to do such sensitive tasks through a smart speaker raises security concerns. Virtual assistants and smart speakers are still relatively new technologies, and potentially susceptible to being exploited by cyber criminals. Regional banking giant US Bank is the fi rst bank to be on all three services Alexa, Siri and Assistant. The company did a soft launch of its Siri and Assistant services in early March and this month started marketing the option to customers. We want to be there for our customers in any possible way that we can, said Gareth Gaston, executive vice president for omnichannel banking at US Bank. (AP) Median house price up 4.9 pct from a year ago US home sales fall in May, prices hit record high Fed chair signals gradual hike of interest rates in tame inflation era Low US unemployment rate pushing up infl ation File photo shows, twenty dollar bills are counted in North Andover, Mass. The percentage of small businesses raising their prices in May jumped to the highest level since 2008, at a net 19 percent, according to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business. And more seem set to follow suit. A little more than a quarter of small businesses said they plan to raise their prices over the next three months, the highest level since (AP) Forecasts a facade of optimism ECB frets about trade war cost SINTRA, Portugal, June 20, (RTRS): Behind a facade of optimism, European Central Bank officials are growing increasingly concerned that a looming trade war could derail the eurozone s recovery and complicate its exit from years of easy money, central banking sources told Reuters. There was an eerie calm at the ECB s annual get-together of policymakers and academics at the bank s hallmark policy forum in the Portuguese hilltop town of Sintra. Just days earlier, President Mario Draghi had pulled off the major feat of announcing the upcoming end of the ECB s 2.6 trillion euro stimulus programme, while keeping the euro and bond yields in check. Yet conversations with high-ranking officials and policymakers suggested the growing fears of a trade war waged by Donald Trump s US administration against its main trading partners were casting a shadow over the economy and the ECB s own policy path. Protectionism will have a bigger impact than now estimated, one of the sources said. Unwinding ECB accommodation is Kuwait to Continued from Page 25 But imports also contributed, falling 3% q/q to KD2.6 billion. Import growth was strong last year, reaching a five-year high of 10% for 2017 in a sign that demand in the economy was strengthening. Annual import growth remained positive in 1Q18 at 3% y/y, but down from 12% in 4Q17. One of the reasons for last year s strength was unusual growth in capital goods imports, which reached 20% but slipped to just 1% y/y in 1Q18. Consumer-oriented imports were also soft at 4% y/y, affected by weakness in car imports; autos account for 9% of all goods imports. Stock market sees mild rally Boursa Kuwait s All Share index ended May in the red, though subsequently regained most of its losses on improved global sentiment and oil prices, as well as regional dynamics. However, the stock market is still underperforming, with its current retreat over 2Q18 (-4.2% quarter-to-date) more than offsetting the rally it experienced the previous quarter. The index is down 0.9% year-to-date. Average daily trading activity in the first five months of the year dropped by half compared to its average in 2017, dropping to KD 11.5 million per day. Kuwaiti investors were net sellers during that period, taking advantage of foreign investor buying ahead of the FTSE upgrade. This pushed the 3-month average share of foreign activity in the bourse to a record 22%. June also saw the private placement of crane operator Integrated Holding Company, which raised more than KD 130 million and was more than twice oversubscribed, reflecting the pent-up also a risk. I don t think it s been fully priced in and markets will wake up one day. The ECB declined to comment. Extending bond purchases into 2019 was not a realistic option, barring a large economic shock. But Draghi went out of his way on Tuesday to stress the ECB will be prudent when timing its first rate hike in eight years in the autumn of 2019, and any further hike will be gradual. And some sources already believed the ECB s new economic forecasts, unveiled barely a week earlier, may prove too optimistic as indicators of future activity keep disappointing. Just look at the leading indicators: they keep surprising on the downside, one of the sources said. There is a facade of optimism in the forecasts. The ECB already expects the eurozone economy to slow over the next three years, growing by 2.1 percent this year, 1.9 percent the next and 1.7 percent in Draghi emphasised last week the forecasts did not factor in the effects of trade measures that have not been implemented yet a likely reference US demand for investing opportunities in Kuwait. With more than 1,000 shareholders, the firm is eligible to list on the premier market, which may further support domestic activity. The lull of the summer months will see trading remain somewhat subdued, but it is expected to pick up around September when the inclusion of Boursa Kuwait into FTSE Russel s Emerging Market index starts to be phased in. The bourse recently adopted FTSE Russell s industry classification benchmark, hoping to bring the market closer in line with international standards, all while facilitating foreign buying. Dinar steady versus the US dollar The Kuwaiti dinar was steady in the month to mid-june, almost unchanged versus the US dollar at $3.31/KD1, though up slightly against the euro and the pound. The moves reflect the recent strengthening of the dollar against other currencies on the back of political ructions in Europe, strong US economic data and the prospect of rises in policy interest rates by the Federal Reserve. As expected, the Fed hiked interest rates by a further 25 bps in mid-june, moving the target range to %. Unlike other currencies in the region which have pegs to the US dollar, the Kuwaiti dinar is pegged to a basket of currencies dominated by the US dollar, and the central bank (CBK) chose not to raise its policy rate in June so as not to harm non-oil economic growth. The CBK indicated that it will use other monetary policy instruments to keep interest rate differentials to maintain the attractiveness of the dinar, and that banks have the capacity to raise their deposit rates while keeping the cap on their lending rates. The CBK then raised its repo rates by 25 bps and now banks raised their deposit rates by the same amount. tariffs on steel and aluminium that took effect after the forecasts cut-off date. The risk of a trade war can t be quantified and if central bankers can t measure something, they prefer not talking about it, a third source added. Trump slapped tariffs on steel and aluminium from Canada, Mexico and the European Union, threatened to kill the North American Free Trade Agreement and is studying new tariffs on car imports, a particularly important issue for Germany. The EU, Canada and Mexico have all responded to the US move, announcing counter-measures and legal challenges at the World Trade Organization. While the US tariffs impact a relatively narrow group of products, titfor-tat responses could spiral into a fully-fledged trade war, which would slow growth and make currency moves unpredictable. The exchange rate is a key variable for the eurozone. Much recent growth has come from German exports, and less competitive countries at the edge of the bloc such as Italy, Greece and Portugal can ill afford a stronger euro. WASHINGTON, June 20, (AP): The US Federal Reserve will likely keep raising short-term interest rates at only a gradual pace, Fed chair Jerome Powell said Wednesday, partly because there are few signs, so far, that the ultra-low US unemployment rate is pushing up inflation. In a speech in Portugal, Powell said that with the unemployment rate at an 18-year low of 3.8 percent and inflation near the Fed s 2 percent target, the case for continued gradual increases in rates is strong. Still, Powell suggested that the Fed is unlikely to accelerate its increases out of concern that the low unemployment rate will lead to accelerated inflation. An ultra-low jobless rate in the past has at times pushed up inflation as companies raise prices so they can pay more to keep workers. But Powell noted that the sharp drop in unemployment since the Great Reccession ended in 2009 has occurred without much apparent reaction from inflation. Powell s speech underscores that the Fed is struggling with the question of how low the unemployment rate can go before it becomes unsustainable and leads to much faster price increases. At a press conference last week, Powell confessed that the relatively slow wage gains in the US, even as the unemployment is so low, is a puzzle. Powell s remarks at a central banking forum come just a week after the Fed raised its benchmark short-term rate for the second time this year. Fed policymakers signaled they will likely hike rates twice more this year. That was an increase from previous projections that they would do so only three times. Powell acknowledged that in the late 1960s, when the unemployment rate fell below 4 percent for roughly four years, inflation eventually hit 5 percent. That forced the Fed to raise interest rates and led to a mild recession. But he said that period provides little guidance to what the Fed should do now. Changes in the US economy make such an outcome less likely now, Powell said. American workers are more likely to be college graduates than in the late 1960s, and moreeducated workers tend to have lower unemployment. World risk appetite picks up German bond yields pull back from lows LONDON, June 20, (RTRS): German bond yields pulled back from 2-1/2- week lows on Wednesday as world stock markets put aside trade war fears and rallied, taking the shine off safehaven bond markets. An escalation in trade tensions between the United States and China, plus dovish rhetoric from the European Central Bank that has boosted confidence a rate hike remains some way off, have pushed down bond yields in recent days. But having hit more than two-week lows, yields on 10-year bonds in the single currency bloc were unlikely to fall much further without a fresh impetus, analysts said. In addition, ECB President Mario Draghi said on Wednesday that while not optimistic about an escalation in the trade conflict between the United States and its partners, it is still too early to assess the monetary policy impact Commerzbank rates strategist Rainer Guntermann said: I suspect safe-havens such as Bunds and Treasuries could be put to the test as risk sentiment shows signs of stabilising. Most 10-year bond yields were little changed on the day. Germany s Bund yield was steady at 0.37 percent, but above a 2-1/2 week low of 0.35 percent hit on Tuesday. On the other hand, it was a strong day for stock markets, with a pan-european stock index rising nearly half a percent on the day. Monetary policy will remain loose even though it is on track to end bond purchases at the end of the year and possibly raise rates next summer, ECB policymaker Francois Villeroy de Galhau said on Wednesday. Market rate hike expectations have been pushed back by three months to September 2019 since the ECB s guidance on the outlook for rates at last week s central bank meeting. Money market pricing suggests just one 10-basis-point rate hike is fully priced in by investors next year. There was some outperformance of peripheral bonds after Germany and France on Tuesday agreed to create a budget for the euro zone and hailed a new chapter for the currency union. Italy s 10-year bond yield briefly dipped to a 2-1/2-week low at percent, before rising again. Its spread over Germany was close to its lowest level this month at 218 bps. Meanwhile, the country s two-year borrowing costs were 3 bps lower at 0.58 percent. Yesterday s joint statement by France and Germany could help to improve sentiment in the euro zone at the margin, UniCredit said in a note. WASHINGTON, June 20, (RTRS): US home sales unexpectedly fell in May as an acute shortage of properties on the market pushed house prices to a record high. The National Association of Realtors said on Wednesday that existing home sales slipped 0.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.43 million units last month. It was the second straight monthly decline in sales. April s sales pace was revised down to 5.45 million units from the previously reported 5.46 million units. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast existing home sales rising 1.5 percent to a rate of 5.52 million units in May. Sales rose in the Northeast, which accounts for a small fraction of the market. They fell in the West, South and Midwest. Existing home sales, which make up about 90 percent of US home sales, dropped 3.0 percent on a year-on-year basis in May. They have declined on that basis for three straight months. Home sales have largely treaded water this year as strong demand depletes the supply of properties on the market, causing house prices to rise faster than wages. Supply has been especially tight at the lower end of the market, which accounts for a large portion of the housing market. With mortgage rates rising back to seven-year highs, purchasing a home could become even more expensive for first-time buyers. Housing demand is being driven by the lowest unemployment rate in 18 years. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose eight basis points to an average of 4.62 percent last week, according to mortgage finance agency Freddie Mac. Mortgage rates are likely to rise further after the Federal Reserve increased interest rates last week for a second time this year and forecast two more rate hikes before the end of There were 1.85 million previouslyowned homes on the market in May. While that was up 2.8 percent from April, housing inventory was down 6.1 percent from a year ago. Supply has declined for 36 straight months on a yearon-year basis. At May s sales pace, it would take 4.1 months to exhaust the current inventory, up from 4.0 months in April. A six-to-seven-month supply is viewed as a healthy balance between supply and demand. The median house price increased 4.9 percent from a year ago to an all-time high of $264,800 in May. That was the 75th consecutive month of year-on-year price gains. US financial markets were little moved by the data. US Treasury yields rose after Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the US central bank should continue with a gradual pace of rate increases. Stocks on Wall Street were trading mostly higher while the dollar was almost flat against a basket of currencies. Builders have struggled to plug the inventory gap, citing higher prices for lumber as well shortages of land and labor. The NAR is, however, optimistic the inventory situation will improve later this year. The Commerce Department reported on Tuesday that housing starts increased 5.0 percent to a rate of million units in May. Housing completions increased 1.9 percent to a rate of million units last month. Draghi welcomes reform plan Hardline allies in new attack against Merkel over budget BERLIN, June 20, (AFP): Chancellor Angela Merkel s hardline allies on Wednesday took aim at her backing for a new eurozone budget, German media reported, opening up another front in their attack against her. Merkel s Bavarian sister party CSU had on Monday already given her an ultimatum to curb migrant arrivals or risk pitching Germany into a political crisis that could rattle Europe. But the CSU now also take issue with an agreement announced Tuesday by Germany s and France s leaders to set up a common budget for the eurozone which will fund investments in poorer member states. We were always very sceptical about a eurozone budget. Simply because it s a form of additional budget, Bavaria s state premier leader Markus Soeder told Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Is it separate from the German legislature? Does it mean that the fundamental stability of the euro will be challenged? All that must be clarified, he said. Ahead of a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz in Linz on Wednesday, Soeder confirmed that his party will call a coalition panel to examine the issue. Germans are deeply opposed to any transfer union that sees their taxes flowing to eurozone laggards. And Merkel herself had initially appeared lukewarm to the idea of a budget for the bloc. But she has since offered a key concession in backing French President Emmanuel Macron s call for such a fund. However, she said in a recent interview that the total sum should be at the low tens of billions range far less than what Paris had hoped for. The CSU s attack on the eurozone reform proposal came in a week already marked by a deep rift between the Bavarian party and Merkel over her liberal refugee policy that allowed more than a million asylum seekers to enter Germany since Merkel s decision had proven divisive, and voters in September s elections handed her poorest score ever and gave seats for the first time to the far-right anti-islam AfD. Several high profile crimes by migrants including a deadly 2016 Christmas market attack by a failed Tunisian asylum seeker have also fuelled public anger. Germany s Interior Minister Horst Seehofer of the CSU has been one of the fiercest critics of Merkel s refugee stance. The frustration tipped over on Monday, when he gave Merkel a fortnight to find a European deal to curb new arrivals by a June EU summit, failing which he vowed to order border police to turn back migrants. Coming to Merkel s rescue on the explosive issue of immigration, Macron on Tuesday said after talks with her that Paris and Berlin have agreed to seek an EU deal to send back migrants registered elsewhere in the bloc. Meanwhile, European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said Wednesday that a plan for reform of the 19-nation eurozone agreed by Paris and Berlin this week was a move in the right direction. The recent document produced by France and Germany is to be welcomed, it s an encouraging step in this direction and it s an important step, Draghi told a central banking conference in Portugal. Although vague, it s the first time we are having a proposal by governments, he added, saying that means now finally we have something we can work on. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and French President Emmanuel Macron met outside Berlin Tuesday, agreeing a slate of reform ideas for the single currency bloc including Paris long-sought-after joint budget. German Chancellor Angela Merkel (center left), and French President Emmanuel Macron (center right), welcome the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Junker (center), at the German government s guesthouse Meseberg Palace prior to a meeting in Meseberg on June 19. (AP)

27 BUSINESS 27 US trade war threatens to erode support of farmers will China hit Hollywood and N.Korea diplomacy? President Donald Trump s tariff battle with key buyers of US apples, soybeans and corn threatens the support of some of his biggest backers - US farmers now seeing their livelihoods in jeopardy. Farmers overwhelmingly supported Trump in the 2016 election, welcoming how he championed rural economies and vowed to repeal estate taxes that often hit family farms hard. Now those same farmers are seeing crop prices fall and export markets shrink after Trump s tariffs triggered a wave of retaliation from buyers of US apples, cheese, potatoes, bourbon and soybeans. A lot of people in the ag community were willing to give President Trump the benefit of the doubt, said Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade. The reason you are seeing people increase the pressure now is because the pressure is increasing on them. Now the impact is really starting to hit. It is not something you can just take lightly. His group, along with the US Apple Association, will start running television ads on Tuesday attacking Trump s tariffs in Pennsylvania and Michigan, apple-growing states that could play a role in which party controls Congress after the November elections. Trump, a Republican, has said farmers will not become a casualty in any trade war, fl oating ideas like subsidizing those hurt by tariffs. (RTRS) China may look beyond tit-for-tat tariffs in the looming trade war with the United States, analysts say, with a range of creative options at its disposal, including targeting Hollywood fi lms or dragging its feet on North Korea. Fears of a debilitating trade war between the United States and China are rising after US President Trump said up to $450 billion in Chinese goods nearly all of its exports to the US could be in the fi ring line for higher taxes. Beijing immediately responded, calling Trump s threat blackmail and warning it could hit back with strong countermeasures combining quantitative and qualitative measures. But with only $130 billion of imports from the US last year, how would China hit back? Why is Beijing retaliating? Retaliation has to be done, if you don t retaliate you lose even more, so that s why you have a trade war, said Yukon Huang, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace who has discussed the trade tensions with top Chinese officials. Other countries have learned from Japan s experience, Huang said, alluding to the Asian giant s historical trade tensions with the US, which cooled off only after Tokyo accepted quotas on exports to the US, reduced its import tariffs and allowed its currency to appreciate. (AFP) Beijing threatens to impose tariffs on US energy products Oil traders ready for musical chairs as China tariffs loom NEW YORK, June 20, (RTRS): Oil markets are bracing for a reshuffle of global trade flows as China threatens to impose tit-for-tat tariffs on imports of US energy products, including crude. China, which has bought an average 330,000 barrels per day (bpd) of US crude oil this year, is threatening to place a 25 percent tariff on various US commodity exports, including crude oil, although it is so far unclear when such a measure would come in place. The decision came in response to US President Donald Trump saying he was pushing ahead with hefty tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports. And it triggered an aggressive response by Trump, who on Monday threatened to slap a 10 percent tariff on $200 billion of Chinese goods in addition to the import duties previously announced. The tariffs could restrict the flow of US barrels going to China a business now worth almost $1 billion per month An import duty would make US oil less competitive than other crudes, almost certainly resulting in a sharp fall of Chinese purchases, forcing US oil firms to find other buyers. In the first three months of this year, US crude made up around 5 percent of China s total crude imports, according to Chinese customs data. It ll take the (US oil) industry a few months to find new outlets, said Scott Shelton, a broker at ICAP in Durham, adding that US crude flows to Europe and the Mediterranean will likely pick up. Outside China, however, WTI remains at a $10 per barrel discount to Brent. Many traders expect this discount to widen further should the flow of US oil to China slow, meaning that other producers would have to deal with high volumes of cheap American oil becoming available in other big markets, including Europe. China, in turn, is likely to replace the US oil with increased purchases from top suppliers Russia and Saudi Arabia. Saudi and Russia are already pushing for an increase in production at a meeting of The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) this week. I think it would create a carousel affect where China then buys more alternate grades and other importers buy more US grades, a trader with a global merchant said. The United States, where oil production has risen by almost a third in the last two years to a weekly record of 10.9 million bpd, relies heavily on exports to maintain market balance. Exports surged to an unprecedented 1.76 million bpd in April from 1.67 million bpd in March. European countries, including Italy and the Netherlands, accounted for the bulk of the increase in April US crude exports. Chinese media slams Trump trade moves as Beijing touts sincerity BEIJING, June 20, (RTRS): The Trump administration has blood lust when it comes to pushing its trade agenda against China and wants to suck the lifeblood from China s economy, a state-run newspaper said on Wednesday, stepping up the angry rhetoric over their dispute. President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to hit $200 billion of Chinese imports with 10 percent tariffs if China follows through with retaliation against his previous targeting of $50 billion in imports, aimed at pressing China to stop what the United States sees as Some traders expect US barrels to get trapped if the dispute between the world s two biggest economies turns into a fully blown trade war, which in turn would force own the price of US crude even further. There is going to be a sales lull that will keep these barrels trapped and the widening of the spread that we see will persist and get worse before it gets better, said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. For China, the world s biggest importer of crude oil, relatively higher Brent prices means oil would become more expensive. the theft of its intellectual property. The world s two biggest economies appeared increasingly headed toward open trade conflict after three rounds of high-level talks since early May failed to reach a compromise on US complaints over Chinese trade practices and a $375 billion trade deficit with Beijing. While Trump is said to have rejected China s offer early this month to increase purchases of US goods by $70 billion, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Wednesday the two sides had made progress in their three rounds of talks. This would put Chinese refiners at a disadvantage, said John Coleman, senior analyst of North American crude markets at Wood Mackenzie. As the trade dispute between Washington and Beijing heats up, the world s top oil producers are set to gather in Vienna, Austria, on June 22 to set global output strategy. Producer group OPEC, which is effectively led by Saudi Arabia, has been withholding supplies since 2017 to prop up prices together with non- OPEC members like top producer Russia Russia and Saudi Arabia are both During the consultations China showed ample sincerity and goodwill. I hope the US side pays attention to this point, he told a daily news briefing. China has accused the United States of extreme pressure and blackmailing and vowed to retaliate, and financial markets have been hit hard by the escalating trade dispute. Shanghai stocks staged a modest 0.3 percent recovery after tumbling nearly 4 percent on Tuesday to a two-year low, buoyed by soothing comments from the central bank chief and in state media, and a burst of share purchase plans. In an editorial, the English language pushing for an increase in output to make up for losses in supplies in Venezuela as well as looming US sanctions against Iran. Russia s flagship Urals crude oil is one of the grades preferred by China s independent refiners, known as teapots. Middle East flows to Asian countries such as India have also picked up over the past two months as Brent s premium over the Dubai benchmark has widened. Middle East light grades such as Murban, therefore, would now have an even easier time finding a home in China Daily, often used by the government to get its message out to the world, said the United States had failed to honour an agreement on rebalancing trade, a reference to a deal stuck in May for China to significantly increase purchases of US goods and services. Faced with this heightened intimidation from the US, China has no choice but to fight back with targeted and direct measures aimed at persuading the US to back off, since it appears that any concessions it makes will not appease the Trump administration, which wants to suck the lifeblood from the Chinese economy, the newspaper said. China, traders said. Overall, however, traders do not expect serious supply shortfalls to result from Chinese crude tariffs against the United States. The world s an awfully big place, consuming an awful lot of oil, so you may not have it that much harder for to go elsewhere, said Spencer Dale, chief economist at oil major BP. You may see some differences in... oil flows (but) I don t see it, at the moment, as a source of major disruption... Some of that oil which would ve been supplied by US into China will go elsewhere, he added. Trade tensions began in China EU business lobby says time running out for China reforms BEIJING, June 20, (RTRS): Time is running out for Beijing to fulfil its reform promises if it hopes to maintain stable growth, a top European business lobby said on Wednesday, contending that the roots of US-China trade tensions began in China. Despite the Chinese government s repeated pledges to further open its economy, 46 percent of respondents in the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China s annual business survey said they thought the number of regulatory obstacles they face in China would increase over the next five years. European Chamber President Mats Harborn said at a briefing on the group s survey that 2018 had to be the year when Beijing delivered on its promises, and that it should make serious commitments to defuse trade tensions. We believe also that time is running out for China to continue its reform process, Harborn said. The reforms are needed for China to maintain stable and sustainable growth. Surprisingly soft activity data for May showed China s economy is finally starting to cool under the weight of a multi-year crackdown on riskier lending that is pushing up borrowing costs for companies and consumers. US President Donald Trump threatened on Monday to hit $200 billion of Chinese imports with 10 percent tariffs if Beijing retaliated against his previous announcement to target $50 billion in Chinese imports. The United States has alleged that China is stealing US intellectual property, a charge denied by Beijing. Beijing has accused the United States of extreme pressure and blackmailing and vowed to retaliate, the rhetoric from both sides raising the risks of a damaging trade war. Let s make no mistake that the root cause of the problem started here in China, Harborn said, referring to Chinese industrial policies that foreign businesses have long decried as discriminatory. Harborn added that the chamber did not support the use of tariffs to resolve such disputes. Reciprocal market access remains a particular concern, according to the survey, with 100 percent of firms in the information technology and telecommunications sector reporting Chinese companies enjoyed better access in Europe than European companies had in China. Sixty-two percent of companies in all industries said they had less favourable market access in China than their Chinese competitors had in Europe. Chinese President Xi Jinping has repeatedly vowed to widen market access for foreign investors and cut foreign ownership caps in certain industries, as Beijing tries to position itself as champion of global trade in the face of what it calls US protectionism. Western governments, which share Washington s concern about Chinese trade abuses if not Trump s threat of hefty tariffs against China, have urged Chinese officials to match their anti-protectionist talk with action. Foreign business groups say the changes have been too little, too late. But the chamber s survey also showed European firms increasingly viewed their Chinese competitors as challengers to their business. Sixty-one percent of respondents said domestic Chinese firms were already equally or more innovative than European enterprises for various reasons, including increased R&D spending and targeted acquisitions of foreign high tech firms. Meanwhile, a sophisticated hacking campaign launched from computers in China burrowed deeply into satellite operators, defense contractors and telecommunications companies in the United States and southeast Asia, security researchers at Symantec Corp said on Tuesday. Trump says getting there in Canada-Mexico NAFTA talks WASHINGTON, June 20, (Agencies): US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday progress was being made in slow-moving talks to update the NAFTA trade accord between the United States, Canada and Mexico, but he held out the prospect of striking bilateral pacts if a three-way deal could not be reached. We re trying to equalize it. It s not easy but we re getting there, he told a group of US small business executives. We ll see whether or not we can make a reasonable NAFTA deal. Renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump called a disaster for the United States, was a goal he had set out during his election campaign. Negotiations to modernize NAFTA started last August and were initially scheduled to finish by the end of December That deadline has been extended several times as Canada and Mexico struggle to accommodate far-reaching US demands for change, such as a sunset clause that would allow one nation to pull out after five years. Canada and Mexico reject the idea. At a news conference in Mexico City, Mexican foreign minister Luis Videgaray said he expected the next negotiating meeting of ministers to be held in July. The Canadian government believes a deal to update NAFTA is still possible despite a US move to impose tariffs on Canadian and Mexican steel and aluminum, Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in Ottawa on Tuesday. Trade frictions between the United States and Canada have been particularly strained in recent weeks, with Trump taking umbrage at remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that were critical of the heavy US tariffs. EU to impose duties on US imports on Friday after Trump trade tariffs European fi rms say China business more diffi cult BRUSSELS, June 20, (Agencies): The European Union will begin charging import duties of 25 percent on a range of US products on Friday, in response to US tariffs imposed on EU steel and aluminium early this month, the European Commission said on Wednesday. The move confirms a tit-for-tat dispute that could escalate into a full trade war, particularly if US President Donald Trump carries out his threat to penalise European cars. Vice President Mike Pence, front of group at left, tours the facility at Nucor Steel Auburn Inc. in Auburn, N.Y., Tuesday, June 19. (AP) US slaps duties on Chinese aluminium Senate ready to battle Trump over ZTE WASHINGTON, June 20, (Agencies): US senators who back a clampdown on China s ZTE Corp said on Tuesday they intend to fight for the measure, and urged fellow lawmakers not to give in to White House pressure to give up on the legislation. In a rare break with President Donald Trump s policy, the Republican-led Senate voted on Monday for a sweeping defense policy bill that included a provision that would kill the Trump administration s agreement to allow ZTE to resume business with US suppliers. Trump is expected to lobby hard against the amendment to the defense bill, one of the few major pieces of legislation Congress passes every year. He has scheduled a meeting with Republican lawmakers at the Capitol on Wednesday where Senate aides said he would discuss the issue. Shares of the Chinese telecommunications firm and its US business partners fell after the bill passed, although the measure could still be killed when Senate and House of Representatives lawmakers meet in the coming weeks to forge a final, compromise version of the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA. White House officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Senator Chuck Schumer, the chamber s top Democrat, praised the bill s passage in the Senate on Tuesday. Noting that the ZTE measure was backed by some of the chamber s most conservative Republicans, including some who are very close to the White House, as well as its most liberal Democrats, Schumer said he was heartened by support for the amendment. He urged members of the House, where Trump s fellow Republicans control a much larger majority than in the Senate, to support the ZTE measure. They should not let President Trump pressure them into reducing American security, both economic and defense, Schumer said. They should not let President Trump pressure them into allowing ZTE to spy on every one of us which they could well do. Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican Trump ally and co-author of the ZTE amendment, said he was pleased it was adopted. As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he would be part of the conference forging the compromise NDAA between now and the end of July. We ll have to reconcile our provisions with the House. I m hopeful that we can move them in our direction, but that ll be the subject of negotiations in the coming weeks, Cotton said on the Hugh Hewitt radio show. Meanwhile, the United States on Tuesday said it was imposing steep import duties on Chinese imports of alloy aluminum sheet valued at nearly $1 billion which Washington says have been dumped on the US market. Trade relations between the world s two top economies on Tuesday were at the brink of all-out conflict, with US President Donald Trump having threatened late Monday to place tariffs on almost all of Chinese exports to the United States. Tuesday s announcement was part of a process begun in November that marked the first time in 33 years that the US Commerce Department had selfinitiated the process of imposing antidumping import duties by itself not at the behest of US manufacturers. The Commission formally adopted a law putting in place the duties on 2.8 billion euros ($3.2 billion) worth of US goods, including steel and aluminium products, farm produce such as sweetcorn and peanuts, bourbon, jeans and motor-bikes. We do not want to be in this position, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said in a statement, adding that the unilateral and unjustified US decision had left the EU with no choice. She called the EU response proportionate and in line with World Trade Organization rules and said that they would be removed if Washington removed its metal tariffs. EU steel and aluminium exports now facing US tariffs are worth a total of 6.4 billion euros. Donald Trump hit the EU, Canada and Mexico with tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminium at the start of June, ending exemptions that had been in place since March. Canada has announced it will impose retaliatory tariffs on C16.6 billion ($12.5 billion) worth of US exports from July 1.. Mexico put tariffs on American products ranging from steel to pork and bourbon two weeks ago. Some of the products chosen are designed to target the states of Republicans, who are seeking to retain control of both chambers of Congress in November elections. The EU also has in reserve potential tariffs of 10 percent to 50 percent that it could impose on a further 3.6 billion euros of US imports in three years time. Meanwhile, European companies complain they still face a difficult business climate in China despite Beijing s pledges of openness, with about half saying it has become tougher in the past year, according to a survey released Wednesday. The study comes as President Xi Jinping looks to portray the world s number two as being at the forefront of the globalisation while trade tensions with the United States rise. The root of the tension we see today starts with a China that has not opened up and reformed as quickly as it promised in its rhetoric, said Mats Harborn, president of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. Among the litany of complaints for European companies were the uncertain legal environment, higher cost of labour, regulatory headaches and the Great Firewall that censors much of the global internet. As its economy matures, the longstanding inefficiencies in China s business environment are rendered all the more glaring, according to the report by the EU chamber. Harborn told reporters that the regulatory environment is actually holding the economy back. Time is running out for China to continue its reform process, Harborn said, noting 2018 must be the year Beijing acts. Instead Beijing has backtracked in some areas. New cybersecurity regulations make it more costly to jump the firewall, requiring businesses to sign up for expensive and problem-plagued government-approved virtual private networks that allow users to circumvent filters and access the global internet. Two-thirds of companies believe that censorship and blocking of certain sites has a negative impact on their business, while only 23 percent say the statesanctioned VPNs are efficient.

28 BUSINESS 28 Seoul bitcoin hacked Hackers stole more than $30 million worth of cryptocurrencies from South Korea s top bitcoin exchange, sending the unit s price falling around the world on Wednesday. The virtual currency was priced at $6,442 dollars late afternoon in Seoul, down about 4.4 percent from 24 hours earlier, after the latest attack on Bithumb raised concerns over cryptocurrency security. Hyper-wired South Korea has emerged as a hotbed of trading in virtual units, at one point accounting for some 20 percent of global bitcoin transactions about 10 times the country s share of the global economy. (AFP) Name: Kuwait Sharia Compatible Indices Providers: Al Madar Finance & Investment Co. Description: Index of Sharia compatible companies traded on the KSE Website: Bloomberg Today s Today s closing Prev closing % 1-week 3-month YTD 12-month 24-month Index name ticker value as of value value change change change change change change Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Composite AMIC June 20, % 0.09% -4.86% -3.76% -9.53% 7.47% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Kuwait Only AMIC June 20, % 0.15% -4.81% -3.60% -8.45% 7.23% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Active AMIC June 20, % 1.01% -4.81% -8.39% % -1.98% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Banking Sector AMIC June 20, % 0.12% -0.42% 2.07% 7.03% 18.00% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Investment Sector AMIC June 20, % 0.79% 4.72% -5.65% % -4.50% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Insurance Sector AMIC June 20, % -2.11% % % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Real Estate Sector AMIC June 20, % -0.18% -7.54% -3.50% -7.46% -0.50% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Industrial Sector AMIC June 20, % -0.23% 0.04% 3.68% 6.12% 26.27% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Services Sector AMIC June 20, % 0.32% -9.39% -9.75% % 10.93% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Food Sector AMIC June 20, % 4.36% % % % % Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Islamic Sector AMIC June 20, % 0.08% -1.67% 0.33% -0.26% 18.64% Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Non Kuwaiti Sector AMIC June 20, % -1.46% -5.83% % % 16.39% S&P 500 SPX June 19, , , % -0.87% 1.87% 2.79% 12.60% 33.38% DJ Islamic Index. DJIM June 19, , , % -1.45% 1.53% 3.01% 13.22% 33.75% Japan s top business leaders warn of future threat Silicon Valley-style coding boot camp seeks to reset Japan Inc Asia business sentiment slips from 7-year high on trade fears India govt grounds Air India stake sale plan NEW DELHI, June 20, (RTRS): India has shelved a plan to sell a 76 percent stake in ailing state-owned carrier Air India due to lack of interest from bidders and the airline is now reviewing its funding needs to remain competitive, a government official said on Wednesday. The government is still committed to privatising Air India and will review the sale process soon, Junior Civil Aviation Minister Jayant Sinha told reporters at a briefing in New Delhi, without giving a specific timeline for when a new plan is Companies cite mounting trade friction as chief risk KUALA LUMPUR, June 20, (RTRS): Business confidence among Asian companies slipped for the first time in three quarters, on mounting worries that US President Donald Trump s protectionist policies would trigger tit-for-tat reprisals and undermine the global trading system. The Thomson Reuters/INSEAD Asian Business Sentiment Index, A woman walks past an electronic board showing Hong Kong share index outside a bank in Hong Kong on June 20. Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday as traders sidelined tariffs that the US and China have threatened to impose on one another, focusing on positive housing data instead. (AP) likely to be announced. It will continue to support the lossmaking airline s financial requirements, Sinha said. India last month failed to attract buyers for the government s stake in the debt-laden carrier, in a blow to Prime Minister Narendra Modi s credentials as a reformer willing to step away from running money-losing businesses ahead of an election next year. Shelving the sale could exacerbate the carrier s financial woes and hurt the government s efforts to cut debt, representing a six-month outlook from 61 firms, fell to 74 in the second quarter from a seven-year high of 79 in the prior three months. The survey was conducted over June While a reading above 50 indicates a positive outlook, this is the first time the number has dropped since September The risks to growth are increasingly real now, said Antonio Fatas, a Singapore-based economics professor at global business school INSEAD. Trade war is not a risk but a reality, he said. US tariffs are going up against China but also against some of its traditional allies, such as Canada and the European Union. They are all about to retaliate and today we do not see an easy way out, Fatas said. Trump has riled key allies with his protectionist policies, including the imposition of steel and aluminium tariffs on the European Union, Canada and Mexico. On Monday, he threatened to hit China with new tariffs on $200 billion in goods. analysts said, adding that then the focus, at the very least, should be on improving Air India s operations to ensure it does not lose more money or market share. Government would probably wait for the right market conditions to proceed with the stake sale and probably in the meantime, they could look at offloading some of the non-core assets, said Teresa John, economist at Nirmal Bang Institutional Equities, adding she does not expect the sale to happen before the election. Solution Companies can try to go around tariffs by moving production to other countries, this is costly and inefficient. It is a short-term solution but not optimal, Fatas said. However, Malaysia-based RHB Banking Group s chief economist, Arup Raha, noted that some Asian economies, with strong external balance sheets, are relatively resilient to global turmoil. Besides, global growth, especially in the US and China, is still good. Also, wage growth in Asia is signalling domestic strength, Raha added. China s GDP has expanded at a steady 6.8 percent for three straight quarters, though there are concerns overly rapid credit growth and trade frictions could pose risks for the world s second-largest economy. By industry, retail and leisure was the most bullish, while construction and engineering as well as autos were the weakest. Most sectors expressed concern about trade tensions and higher interest rates, the survey showed. Respondents to the survey include Oil Search, Hero MotorCorp, Mahindra & Mahindra, Suzuki Motor, Asahi Group, SoftBank Group, Metropolitan Bank & Trust, SM Investments, Ayala Corp, Delta Electronics and Intouch Holdings. TOKYO, June 20, (RTRS): Barely six months after inaugurating a tiny software-coding boot camp in a basement in Tokyo, Silicon Valley transplant Kani Munidasa stood before some of Japan s top business leaders in February with a warning: software was threatening their future. A Sri Lankan native with a Japanese mother and wife, Munidasa was speaking at the invitation of Nobuyuki Idei, a former chief executive of Sony Corp. Idei had offered to become an adviser to the boot camp, called Code Chrysalis, whose mission of bringing Japan s software engineering up to global standards and helping its companies transform aligned with his own. Idei-san told me, Tell it as it is; don t sugar-coat anything. They need to hear that change has to happen, Munidasa said, recalling how he showed up at the executives meeting in a T-shirt and hoodie. Long known as a monozukuri or manufacturing - powerhouse, Japan is in danger of getting left behind as artificial intelligence, robotics, and machine learning sweep through industries from cars to banking, Idei and others say. Japanese companies have traditionally treated software as a means to cut costs rather than add value, and codewriters as second-class citizens. Entrylevel software engineers in Japan make about $40,000 on average - less than half their U.S. counterparts. Programmes like Code Chrysalis are trying to change that by injecting Silicon Valley training methods into Japan s slow-to-change corporate culture. Coding, soft skills like public speaking and even physical fitness are all on the agenda. Since Code Chrysalis opened last July, a dozen students have graduated from its 12-week course, with six more in the pipeline. The camp currently accepts up to eight applicants per session. For the students, the benefits are clear: their salaries increased by an average of nearly 80 percent after graduation, according to Code Chrysalis. Japanese companies are desperate for skilled developers, with top IT recruiter Computer Futures seeing 2.3 Airbus seeks China deal PARIS, June 20, (RTRS): Airbus is in talks to rescue a plane sale to China thrown into doubt earlier this year shortly after a perceived gaffe by two European envoys over China s sensitive historical relationship with Japan, people familiar with the matter said. The Airbus talks come as France s prime minister embarks this week on a trip to Beijing and as the United States threatens new tariffs on Chinese goods. French officials cautioned there were no signs of an imminent airplane deal. job openings for every applicant so far this year, and most positions being filled by foreigners. Educators and industry leaders hope programmes such as Code Chrysalis will be transformative for Japan. Even if the numbers are small, I think (Code Chrysalis) can have a big impact, Idei told Reuters, noting that Japan had focused too much on physical goods in the post-internet age. The United States has Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, said Idei, now CEO of his consultancy, Quantum Leaps. China s got Baidu, Alibaba and Tencent. Japan doesn t have a single platform company. That s the No. 1 difference. Japan s English-language education, notoriously focused on standardised testing, has hindered the development of good programmers, industry insiders say. Without a good grasp of the language, programmers are always a step behind, waiting for translations to access cutting-edge tools and methods. Toyota is making English the common language for the 1,000 software engineers it plans to employ at a new automated-driving unit launching in Tokyo next month. James Kuffner, CEO of the unit, Toyota Research Institute-Advanced Development (TRI-AD), said Japan s computer science education was also overly based on textbook learning. Recalling the horrible and boring lectures he sat through at the prestigious University of Tokyo as a post-doctoral research fellow in 1999, Kuffner said the classes did little to prepare students for the real world. Coding boot camps are a step in the right direction, he said. I want to figure out a way to fix the education system because it s also important for our company, said Kuffner, who still serves as an adjunct associate professor at Carnegie Mellon s Robotics Institute. I would love to make a university where (everything) you did was project-based. Munidasa and his co-founder, Yan Fan, tailored their course around project-based learning, teaching exclusively in English. State-controlled China Eastern is seeking 150 single-aisle jets like the Airbus A320 or the competing Boeing 737, industry sources said. China s ICBC Financial Leasing has also expressed interest in placing an Airbus aircraft order, the sources said. The fate of a landmark Chinese order for 180 Airbus jets was left uncertain in January when French President Emmanuel Macron unexpectedly failed to clinch the order during a Beijing visit. China often marks such visits with industrial deals. 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 12, 2018 KD June 5, 2018 Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 12, 2018 USD June 5, 2018 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 12, 2018 KD June 5, 2018 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 12, 2018 USD June 5, 2018 NBK Kuwait Equity Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly June 7, 2018 KD May 31, 2018 Gulf Equity Investment Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly June 7, 2018 USD May 31, 2018 Regional Bond and Sukuk Investment Fund NBK Capital Weekly June 7, 2018 USD May 31, 2018 Gulf Bank Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly April 30, 2018 USD March 31, 2018 Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly Jan 31, 2018 KD Dec 31, 2017 Markaz Real Estate Fund Bi-annual April 30, 2018 KD March 31, 2018 Al Ahli Bank Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly May 31, 2018 KD March 31, 2018 Burgan Bank Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly April 30, 2018 KD March 31, 2018 Boubyan Bank Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly April 17, 2018 KD April 3, 2018 Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly June 13, 2018 KD May 29, 2018 Boubyan Capital Investment Co. Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co June 12, 2018 USD May 29, 2018 Boubyan Multi-Asset Holding Fund Boubyan Bank Jan 30, 2018 USD Sept 30, 2017 Kuwait Investment Co. Local Fund Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly June 7, 2018 KD May 31, 2018 Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly June 11, 2018 KD June 4, 2018 Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 21, 2018 USD March 14, 2018 Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 USD May 8, 2018 European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 Euro April 30, 2018 Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 21, 2018 USD March 14, 2018 North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly March 29, 2018 USD Feb 28, 2018 National Investment Co. (NIC) Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly March 31, 2018 KD Feb 28, 2018 Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Zajil Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly May 31, 2018 USD April 30, 2018 Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) Mumtaz Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 30, 2018 KD April 26, 2018 MIDAF Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 30, 2018 KD April 26, 2018 Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 30, 2018 KD April 26, 2018 FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 30, 2018 KD Dec 31, 2017 Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 30, 2017 KD Dec 31, 2017 Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 26, 2018 USD April 19, 2018 Mawazeen International Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 26, 2018 USD March 19, 2017 Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 12, 2018 USD March 15, 2018 Funds Fund Manager Valuation Valued date Currency Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co. Al Rou yah Fund KMEFIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD Nov 30, 2017 Global Investment House Index Funds GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly June 7, 2018 KD May 10, 2018 Equity Funds Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly June 14, 2018 KD June 7, 2018 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly June 14, 2018 KD June 7, 2018 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly June 14, 2018 USD June 12, 2018 Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly June 10, 2018 SAR June 5, 2018 Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly June 14, 2018 USD June 12, 2018 Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly June 5, 2018 USD May 8, 2018 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly June 14, 2018 KD June 7, 2018 Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC) Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly June 13, 2018 KD June 6, 2018 Al Basha er GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly May 31, 2018 USD April 30, 2018 KAMCO KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly April 30, 2018 KD Feb 28, 2018 KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO May 31, 2018 USD April 30, 2018 Wafra International Investment Co. Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2018 KD April 30, 2018 Al Aman Investment Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly May 31, 2018 KD Dec 30, 2017 Tharwa Investment Co. Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 KD Feb 1, 2018 Tharwa Islamic Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly May 31, 2018 KD Feb 1, 2018 Bank Al-Bilad Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily June 6, 2018 KD May 20, 2018 Commercial International Bank CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2018 EGP June 14, 2018 CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly June 14, 2018 EGP June 7, 2018 CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly June 7, 2018 EGP May 24, 2018 Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly June 3, 2018 EGP May 2, 2018 Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2018 EGP June 14, 2018 Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2018 EGP June 14, 2018 Misr El Mostakbel CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2018 EGP June 10, 2018 KFH Capital Muthanna Islamic Index Fund (MUDX) KFH Capital Investment Co Daily April 30, 2018 KD Feb 24, 2018 Muthanna GCC Islamic banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Co Daily April 30, 2018 KD Feb 24, 2018 Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Co Weekly June 29, 2017 KD Feb 28, 2017 Noor Financial Investment Co. Noor Islamic Fund Noor Financial Investment Co Monthly Nov 30, 2016 KD Sept 30, 2015 CapCorp Investment Co. CapCorp Local Fund CapCorp Investment Company Weekly Sept 28, 2017 KD Aug 30, 2017

29 BUSINESS 29 Turkish lira hit by fears of post-election uncertainty The Turkish lira weakened slightly on Wednesday, pressured by investors' concerns that parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24 could unleash political uncertainty. Opinion polls have shown a tight race for parliament with President Tayyip Erdogan's AK Party and its allies possibly losing their majority by a thin margin. They also show the presidential vote may go to a second round, with Erdogan expected to beat the main opposition candidate, Muharrem Ince. Investors say such an outcome could lead to political deadlock and even force repeat elections. "Given that Erdogan at least will win the presidential election in the second round... an Erdogan defeat in the parliament would be the worst-case scenario for the markets," said Morten Lund, an analyst at Nordea Markets. The lira stood at against the dollar at 1230 GMT, weakening from Tuesday's close of It hit a series of record lows in May, weakening as far before recovering after the central bank raised interest rates. Since then, the political uncertainty has eroded about 2 percent of the lira's value against the dollar in the past week. (RTRS) Kuwait rebounds with modest gains Osoul Investment Co rises 10%; Humansoft dips 90 fi ls By Iliasu Abubakari Arab Times Staff KUWAIT CITY, June 20: Kuwait stocks bounced back with modest gains on Wednesday, clawing back losses from the first session after Eid closure. The All Share index rose 2.33 points to close at 4,829.0 points. The Premier Market index climbed 9.82 points to end at 4, points while the Main Market was down points. The volume turnover meanwhile swells to million shares changed hands, percent rise from the previous session. The sectors closed diverged during this session. Consumer goods outshone with 1.05 percent gain while insurance shares tumbled 1.59 percent, the worst performing shares of the day. In terms of volume, real estate notched the highest market share of percent while banks trailed with percent contribution. Among the top gainers, Livestock Transport and Trading Co surged 14 fils to KD while Heavy Engineering and Shipbuiding Co rose 13 fils, erasing last session s losses to KD National Petroleum Services Co extended gains to trade 9 fils up and Agility advanced 6 fils to KD and trading 5.75 percent higher from the start of the month. The best performing stock, Osoul Investment Co spiked 10.0 percent and The Energy House Co plummeted 5.3 percent, the worst performer of the day. The most traded stock, Jiyad Holding Co rose 0.81 percent on the back of 4.8 million shares. Zain closed up 3 fils after trading 4.5 million shares and trading 8 percent higher so far this month while National Industries Group added 1 fil to KD Boubyan Petrochemical Co edged down 1 fil whereas Kuwait Projects Co and Mezzan Holding closed flat at KD and KD 0.71 respectively. Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co gained 4 fils to KD and KGL was up by the same amount on the back of 1.08 million shares. Mabanee Co and GFH Financial Group did not budge from their earlier close of KD and KD respectively. Ajial Real Estate Entertainment Co climbed 2.86 percent to KD while First Dubai For Real Estate Development jumped 5.84 percent. Gulf Cement Co and Kuwait Cement rose 3.62 percent and 0.24 percent respectively. The market opened on a strong footing and edged lower in early trade. The index continued to swing between small gains and small losses well past the mid-session. The bourse, however, recovered some losses in the final moment with modest gains. CBK rose 4 fils on the back of 2.5 million shares as banking shares rebounded with slight gains in the second session after Eid holidays. KFH closed up 2 fils after trading nearly 2 million shares and AUB dialed up 2 fils. Warba Bank and Burgan Bank added 1 fils apiece to KD and KD respectively. Sector bellwether, NBK sank 1 fil to KD and trading 3.32 percent from the start of the month. Al-Mutahed eased 2 fils to KD and Boubyan Bank closed down 5 fils at KD after trading 1.1 million shares. KIB slipped 1 fil to KD on the back of 1.3 million shares. Humansoft Holding Co plunged 90 fils to KD and Jazeera Airways Mideast Stocks Negative sentiment weighs on Dubai Saudi s shares down amid profi t-taking ahead of MSCI DUBAI, June 20, (RTRS): Saudi stocks declined on Wednesday as investors cut risk ahead of a decision from global index compiler MSCI on whether to include Saudi Arabia and its $526 billion bourse in its emerging market indexes. It would not be surprising to see some profi t taking in the Saudi market after a strong run up into the MSCI inclusion date, said Saleem Khokhar, head of equities at First Abu Dhabi Bank. Valuations of Saudi equities are at the higher end of historic ranges even though the medium-to-longer term underlying fundamentals for companies remain strong. The main Saudi index shed 1.3 percent. Banks led the declines on the Riyadh bourse. MSCI is set to announce its decision Wednesday afternoon New York time. Al Rajhi Bank lost 2.1 percent. Banque Saudi Fransi lost 4.3 percent, Riyad Bank lost 2.9 percent, and Saudi British Bank lost 4 percent. The region s biggest stock market is up almost 13 percent so far this year and has outperformed Gulf markets in anticipation of the MSCI inclusion, which could trigger billions of dollars of infl ows into Riyadh s Tadawul-listed stocks. In Dubai, negative sentiment continued to weigh on local stocks after Dubai carrier Air Arabia on Monday said it had an investment in private equity fi rm Abraaj s funds, the private equity group which last week fi led an application for provisional liquidation. Air Arabia said on Wednesday the exposure to Abraaj would have no material impact on its operations and liquidity. The Dubai Financial Market General Index was down 0.6 percent to 2,923 points. Dubai Islamic Bank, the emirate s biggest shariah-compliant lender, declined 1.2 percent. Air Arabia, the budget airline, lost 0.9 percent. The rumours in the stock market surrounding the possibility of shrank 18 fils to KD VIVA tumbled 12 fils while Ooredoo was up 1 fil to KD Real estate shares slipped during this session as Salhia Real Estate Co sank 2.08 percent and National Real Estate Co dipped 2.83 percent. Aayan Real Estate Co lost 2.94 percent while MENA Real Estate Co rose 6.90 percent, extending gains in the last session. Mashaer Holding Co and Al- Mazaya Holding Co eased 2.17 percent and 0.67 percent respectively. Taameer Real Estate Investment Co closed down 2 percent and Kuwait Real Estate Holding Co fell 1.82 percent to 27 fils. Reflecting on the day s upswing, the lossers outperformed as 48 stocks ended lower whereas 42 advanced. Of the 104 counters active on Wednesday, 19 closed flat. 3,000 deals worth KD 14.5 million were transacted, a sharp rise of percent in value from last session. Specialities Group Holding Co involvement or lending to Abraaj, especially through the banks, have been really affecting shares of banks since Monday, said a stockbroker who declined to be named due to commercial sensitivities. Abu Dhabi s index shed 0.3 percent with the United Arab Emirates largest lender, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), falling 1.2 percent and property developer Aldar losing one percent. In Qatar, the benchmark declined 2.4 percent, weighed down by lenders. Qatar National Bank declined 4.4 percent, while Commercial Bank of Qatar lost 5.8 percent. Outfl ows from emerging markets exchange traded funds weighed on the Qatari index amid withdrawals from those funds over the Eid holidays on concerns about a strong dollar, said Akber Khan, head of asset management at Al Rayan Investment in Doha. Saudi Arabia The index declined 1.3 percent to 8,166 points. Dubai The index lost 0.6 percent to 2,923 points. Abu Dhabi The index slipped 0.3 percent to 4,550 points. Qatar The index declined 2.4 percent to 8,882 points. Kuwait The index gained 0.2 percent to 4,815 points. Bahrain The index declined 0.5 percent to 1,301 points. Oman The index was mostly unchanged. Egypt The index gained 0.5 percent to 16,143 points. declined 4.84 percent while Kuwait Resorts Co fell 4.04 percent. AlRai Media Group Co gained 1.90 percent, trimming last session losses to KD while Al-Madar Finance and Investment Co climbed 2.27 percent. Kuwait Finance & Investment Co added 3.37 percent whereas Arabi Holding Group Co shed 2.57 percent. National Investments Co sank 1.98 percent to 89 fils and Securities House Co lost 3.16 percent. Meanwhile, Asiya Capital Investment Co and Kuwait Investment Co edged down 3.67 percent and 0.89 percent respectively. KAMCO Investment Co fell 1.18 percent to 84 fils whereas Commercial Facilities Co was down 0.61 percent to 164 fils. The market ended higher last week but has been mixed so far this week. It has gained points from the start of the month and trading percent lower so far this year. Boursa Kuwait is the second largest market in the region with 175 listed stocks. Exports may be diverted due to clashes at oil ports: sources Libya oil output down to 600, ,000 bpd VIENNA, June 20, (RTRS): Libya's oil output has been slashed to between 600,000 and 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) from more than one million following clashes at its Ras Lanuf and Es Sider oil terminals, a Libyan oil source said on Wednesday. The National Oil Corporation (NOC) is looking at options to divert some oil exports from Ras Lanuf to Brega and Zueitina terminals, the source said. Ras Lanuf and Es Sider have been closed since June 14, when armed factions opposed to Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) attacked the two ports, forcing the NOC to close them and declare force majeure on exports. The attack has caused a drop in oil production of 450,000 bpd, NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla said on Wednesday. He added that NOC subsidiary Arabian Gulf Oil Company (AGOCO) had also lost an unspecified amount of production due to a technical problem. AGOCO exports crude oil from Hariga terminal in Libya's far east. Two oil storage tanks at Ras Lanuf, tanks No. 2 and 12, were set on fire during the oil crescent fighting, shrinking storage capacity there by 400,000 barrels. An NOC team visited the site to asses the damage and reported that one of the storage units was still burning at a low level, Sanalla said. More than half the storage tanks at Ras Lanuf and Es Sider had been damaged in earlier fighting, reducing capacity at two of Libya's biggest export terminals. Brega and Zueitina, which are located east of Ras Lanuf and Es Sider in Libya's eastern oil crescent, have remained operational and under the control of the LNA. The LNA has said it is preparing a counter offensive to take back Ras Lanuf and Es Sider, launching a series of air strikes against their rivals in the area. The NOC has blamed the attack on the terminals on militias led by Ibrahim Jathran, who blockaded oil crescent ports for several years before losing control of them in September 2016 to the LNA. The LNA has also blamed the Benghazi Defense Brigades, a grouping of anti-haftar fighters that has previously tried to take the oil crescent and advance on Benghazi, which has been fully controlled by Haftar since late last year.

30 BUSINESS 30 Commerce chief denies transactions involved insider trading Ford bets its future on new Detroit hub the Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross made a trade betting that the stock in a shipping company with Russiangovernment ties would fall, a transaction coming just days after he learned of a possible negative news story about his investment in the company. Ross reported on a government form released Monday, as required by federal ethics rules, that he shorted stock in Navigator Holdings in October. The New York Times reported Tuesday that the transaction came three business days after a Times reporter submitted questions to Ross about Navigator. The transaction, listed as worth between $100,000 and $250,000, was first reported Monday by Forbes. Ross rebuffed any suggestions that he shorted the Navigator stock based on confidential information to make a profit. He said the transaction was part of his effort to divest from Navigator and that he did not stand to gain if the stock fell, or lose if it rose, at the time. In short selling, a person borrows bottomline shares of a stock and sells them. The aim is to then replace the borrowed shares with others bought later at a lower price, reaping a profi t from the difference. Navigator counts a Russian gas producer with ties to the Kremlin among its major customers. President Donald Trump tapped Ross, a billionaire investor in distressed companies, to be his administration s point man on trade and manufacturing as Commerce chief. (AP) Bill Ford Jr, the great-grandson of the American carmaker s founder, stood in front of thousands Tuesday in Detroit, with an abandoned train station in the background, and entwined the company s future with that of the dilapidated building behind him. This station is a symbol, Ford declared. We re making a big bet on our future. The company -- one of America s Big Three automakers bought the Michigan Central Station building, a Beaux Arts gem opened in 1913 that has stood abandoned and decaying for three decades, to make it the centerpiece of a new urban high-tech campus. The once proud building has faded, but is poised for much the same renewal that Detroit residents and businesses hope will mark the Motor City s post-recession, postbankruptcy renaissance. At an event, the Ford Motor Company unveiled its lofty plans: a space of 1.2 million square feet (111,500 square meters) spanning several city blocks, where the company s employees, and those of partner firms and startups, will work on innovations such as autonomous driving and electrification. (AFP) World stocks recover from selloff, NEW YORK: Higher rates, tax benefits and steady business fueled by economic growth helped FedEx Corp boost its fourth-quarter profit 10 percent to $1.13 billion. Chairman and CEO Fred Smith said Tuesday that he is optimistic that the package-delivery company will increase its earnings and profit margins. On a conference call with analysts, however, he warned against a looming trade war. History has shown repeatedly that protectionism is counterproductive to economic growth, Smith said. He said governments should encourage open markets and reduced barriers to trade.(ap) NEW YORK: Amazon, JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway have picked well-known author and Harvard professor Dr Atul Gawande to transform the healthcare they give their employees. The three corporate titans said Wednesday that Gawande will lead an independent company focused on a mission they announced earlier this year: figuring out ways to improve a broken and often inefficient system for delivering care. Healthcare researchers have said any possible solutions produced by this new venture will be felt well beyond the estimated 1 million workers the three companies employ in the United States. (AP) MILWAUKEE: Foxconn Technology Group plans to invest in a $30 million recycling system that will significantly reduce the amount of water it has to draw from Lake Michigan for its proposed manufacturing complex in southeast Wisconsin, the company said Tuesday. Taiwan-based Foxconn announced that the zero liquid discharge system will virtually eliminate the return of manufacturing waste water into the nearby lake. Foxconn said in an ed statement that the recycling system is expected to reduce water intake by more than 3.5 million gallons (13.25 million liters) per day. (AP) NEW YORK: Verizon is pledging to stop selling information on phone owners locations to data brokers, stepping back from a business practice that has drawn criticism for endangering privacy, The Associated Press has learned. The data has allowed outside companies to pinpoint the location of wireless devices without their owners knowledge or consent. Verizon said that about 75 companies have been obtaining its customer data from two little-known California-based brokers that Verizon supplies directly LocationSmart and Zumigo. Though Verizon is the first major US wireless carrier to end sales of such data to brokers that then provide it to others, Verizon did not say it was getting out of the business of selling location data. (AP) NEW YORK: Starbucks says it will accelerate its store closings in the US next year as it tries to boost sluggish sales. The Seattle-based company announced Tuesday that it will close 150 underperforming stores in heavily penetrated markets, up from the usual rate of 50 closings a year. The company also said it expects 1 percent growth in global sales for the third quarter, a period that encompassed an uproar over the arrest of two black men at a Philadelphia Starbucks. Starbucks closed its US stores on May 29 to conduct racial-bias training for its employees. (AP) LONDON: Intel Corp topped a list issued on Monday ranking how well technology companies combat the risk of forced labour in their supply chains, overtaking HP Inc and Apple Inc. Most of the top 40 global technology companies assessed in the study by KnowTheChain, an online resource for business, had made progress since the last report was published in But the study found there was still room for improvement. The sector needs to advance their efforts further down the supply chain in order to truly protect vulnerable workers, said Kilian Moote, project director of KnowThe- Chain, in a statement. (RTRS) NICOSIA: Cyprus says French energy company Total is seeking to broaden the scope of its work in an ongoing search for hydrocarbons off the east Mediterranean island nation. Energy Minister Yiorgos Lakkotrypis says Total is looking to expand its activities in Cypriot waters in a variety of ways. He didn t specify what those ways could be because talks are still in progress. Lakkotrypis was speaking Tuesday after senior Total executive Stephane Michel met with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades. (AP) SYDNEY: Australia s dominant telecommunications company Telstra Wednesday announced plans to axe 8,000 jobs a quarter of its workforce as part of a drastic new strategy to cope with an increasingly competitive industry. The decision by the company, one of Australia s largest employers, is part of a shake-up targeting an extra Aus$1 billion (US$750 million) in cost-cutting by 2022, on top of Aus$1.5 billion previously announced. It will also split its mobile and infrastructure divisions into separate businesses. (AFP) SINGAPORE: Noble Group shares surged more than 50 percent Wednesday after the embattled commodities trader sealed a deal with a major investor, paving the way for a debt restructuring. The former stock market darling had been teetering on the brink of collapse after being hammered by plunging commodity prices, a ratings downgrade and allegations of irregular accounting practices. It sold off assets and embarked on a US$3.5 billion debt restructuring, but the plan ran into opposition from a major shareholder, Goldilocks Investment Co. (AFP) SYDNEY: Australian stores of US chain Toys R Us will shut down after administrators said Wednesday they were unable to find a buyer, the latest victim of the growth of online retail. Toys R Us Australia was put into administration last month after a failed auction to sell the stores, just months after the retailer s US and British stores wound down their activities. Administrators McGrathNicol had kept the 44 Toys R Us and Babies R Us outlets in the country open as they searched for a buyer or looked for options to recapitalise the business, without success. (AFP) yields rise on Powell comments Oil prices up; gold steadies as soaring dollar offset by global trade woes NEW YORK, June 20, (Agencies): Stocks on world markets edged higher on Wednesday, recovering from a recent selloff on rapidly escalating China- US trade tensions, while Treasury yields rose after the Federal Reserve chairman said the US central bank should continue with a gradual pace of interest rate increases. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the pace should stay the same given that the labor market does not seem to be overly tight. The S&P 500 edged higher along with the Nasdaq, with technology shares providing support. Boeing also rose after selling off on trade war worries the day before. The Dow Jones Industrial Average erased its year-to-date gains on Tuesday after President Donald Trump s latest tariff threats against Chinese goods. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell points, or 0.18 percent, to 24,655.49, the S&P 500 gained 6.34 points, or 0.23 percent, to 2, and the Nasdaq Composite added points, or 0.72 percent, to 7, The pan-european FTSEurofirst 300 index rose 0.46 percent and MSCI s gauge of stocks across the globe gained 0.41 percent. Powell s comments boosted yields in the US Treasury market. Benchmark 10-year notes last fell 5/32 in price to yield percent, from percent late on Tuesday. Before Powell s remarks, US yields had been little changed. The euro held slim losses against the dollar as European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said the factors holding back local wages are subsiding and the ECB is confident inflation in the eurozone would move toward its 2-percent goal. The dollar index fell 0.09 percent, with the euro down 0.03 percent to $ In commodities markets, copper prices eased again after an inventory rise highlighted healthy supplies, extending declines from Tuesday tied to trade war worries. Copper lost 0.94 percent to $6, a tonne. US crude rose 1.63 percent to $66.13 per barrel and Brent was last at $75.19, up 0.15 percent. US The Nasdaq hit a record on Wednesday as Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Alphabet touched all-time highs, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average struggled to shrug off concerns over a rapid escalation in the US-China trade spat. Twenty-First Century Fox climbed 6.9 percent after Walt Disney sweetened its offer for some of the company s assets to $71.3 billion, looking to topple Comcast s bid. The S&P 500 was on pace to post its first gain in three sessions, boosted by the gains in media stocks. Viacom rose 2.7 percent, while Dish Network and Discovery were up 1.3 percent. The so-called FAANG stocks rose, with Facebook up 3.1 percent and Alphabet and Amazon.com gaining nearly 2 percent. Markets skidded on Tuesday after President Donald Trump s latest tariff threats against Chinese goods rang alarm bells over an escalating US-China trade spat. The United States is also under fire from other countries for its protectionist measures. The European Union will start charging import duties of 25 percent on a range of US products from Friday after Washington imposed tariffs on EU steel and aluminum at the start of June. At 12:44 a.m. EDT the Dow Jones Industrial Average was up points, or 0.05 percent, at 24,712.31, the S&P 500 was up points, or 0.39 percent, at 2, and the Nasdaq Composite was up points, or 0.98 percent, at 7, Of the 11 main S&P index sectors, eight were higher. Shares in Boeing rose 1 percent and kept the Dow from slipping back into the red. The planemaker was considering plans of a new mid-market jet that could enter service in Chip stocks, which derive a large part of their revenue from China, were also trading higher. Shares in General Electric Co, the last remaining original member of the 30-stock Dow, fell 0.7 percent after being booted from the index. Walgreens, which will replace GE, gained 5.2 percent. UK Britain s top share index rose on Wednesday amid a broad-based rebound in Europe as immediate worries over the impact of a trade spat between the United States and China eased, but housebuilder Berkeley slumped after a profit warning. The FTSE 100 climbed 0.3 percent following three straight sessions of losses, while the domestically focused FTSE 250 gained 0.4 percent. The FTSE opened 1 percent higher, but gains in sterling put pressure on it later in the day. The pound jumped after Prime Minister Theresa May won a crucial Brexit vote in parliament. Multinational consumer stocks led the rebound on the FTSE, having suffered the worst falls in the previous session. Cigarette makers British American Tobacco and Imperial Brands got a boost from broker Liberum, which recommended investors buy them in spite of increased regulatory risks. Oil majors BP and Royal Dutch Shell were the biggest drags, down 1.1 and 0.9 percent respectively, as oil markets stayed tense ahead of Friday s OPEC meeting. Crude prices rose slightly, but remained under pressure ahead of the meeting that may increase global production. Europe European shares climbed on Wednesday but the modest rebound failed to erase the previous session s losses as investors fears about an ongoing trade dispute between the United States and China lingered. The pan-european STOXX 600 edged up 0.3 percent, while Germany s trade-sensitive DAX managed only a 0.1 percent gain. The growing Sino-US trade conflict has already hit markets and with both protagonists showing no signs of willingness to back down, many analysts fear the worst is yet to come for markets. Niggling trade worries were evident in a fourth straight day of losses for the auto sector, down 0.6 percent, and further falls in Airbus shares which have been sensitive to the China-US tariff tit-for-tat. Banking stocks supported the market, with Spain s Banco Santander and Italy s Unicredit rising 1.4 percent and 2.8 percent respectively after the Franco-German agreement to further the integration of the Eurozone. Italian bank Banco BPM sold nonperforming loans (NPLs) at a higher than expected price, also boosting sentiment around the banking sector particularly in the context of political uncertainty in Italy. Italy s bank stocks index jumped 2.2 percent in its best day since June 11. Healthcare stocks were the biggest boost to the index. Roche was the main driver, rising 2.6 percent after a report said the Swiss pharma firm could soon announce an acquisition of US cancer drugmaker Tesaro. Asia Asian equities rose Wednesday on bargain-buying after the previous day s battering, but investors remain anxious as the threat of a China-US trade war hangs over markets. Shanghai and Hong Kong bore the brunt of the sell-off Tuesday after Beijing warned it would retaliate in kind to Donald Trump s threat of tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods, amounting to much of its exports to the US. The standoff follows weeks of fruitless talks between the world s two biggest economies, with the White House accusing China of a string of unfair practices including cyber-theft and forced technology transfers that are hurting American jobs and companies. Hong Kong was up 0.8 percent after dropping 2.8 percent Tuesday, while Shanghai ended up 0.3 percent a small dent in the previous day s 3.8 percent loss. Tokyo ended 1.2 percent higher while Sydney gained by a similar percentage, Singapore added 0.7 percent and Seoul put on one percent. There were also gains in Wellington, Taipei and Bangkok. Key figures Tokyo Nikkei 225: Up 1.2 percent at 22, (close) Hong Kong Hang Seng: Up 0.8 percent at 29, (close) Shanghai Composite: Up 0.3 percent at 2, (close) Oil Oil prices rose on Wednesday, supported by reports of a drop in US commercial crude inventories and the loss of storage capacity in Libya, but under pressure ahead of a meeting of OPEC exporters which may increase global production. Brent crude was up 50 cents at $75.58 a barrel by 1335 GMT. US light crude was $1.05 higher at $ US crude inventories fell by 3 million barrels to million barrels in the week to June 15, according to an American Petroleum Institute report on Tuesday. Traders said a drop in Libyan supplies due to the collapse of an estimated 400,000-barrel storage tank also helped push up prices. Looming large over markets, however, were meetings scheduled on June in Vienna of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with other big producers, including Russia. Saudi Arabia is trying to convince fellow OPEC members of the need to raise oil output, sources familiar with the talks said on Wednesday. Russia, not in OPEC but the world s biggest oil producer, is also pushing to loosen supply controls introduced to prop up prices in Gold Gold steadied near a six month low on Wednesday as a dollar rally to 11 month peaks was offset by festering global trade tensions, while platinum hit a 2-1/2 year trough. Trade tensions between the United States and China are showing no signs of easing. On Tuesday, a White House trade adviser said that Beijing has underestimated the US president s resolve to impose more tariffs. This was after Washington threatened on Monday to impose a 10 percent tariff on $200 billion of Chinese goods after Beijing decided to raise tariffs on $50 billion of US goods in response to similar tariffs on Chinese goods announced Friday. Gold, seen as a safe haven asset, usually gains from geopolitical or economic tensions, but has struggled this time around because the dollar has risen strongly, making dollar-priced gold costlier for non-us investors. Spot gold was flat at $1, an ounce, as of 1230 GMT. The metal fell to its lowest since Dec 22 at $1,270 an ounce on Tuesday. US gold futures for August delivery were down 0.2 percent at $1, per ounce. 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 June 20 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 DRAFT Singapore dollar Malaysian ringgit gm Bahraini dinar gm Jordanian dinar Indonesian rupiah Omani riyal Egyptian pound New Zealand dollar All rates in KD per unit of foreign currency

31 SPORTS 31 Rays end Astros 12-game win streak Cavs clueless about LeBron future Ayton eyes top pick in NBA NEW YORK, June 20, (Agencies): Towering Bahamian teenager De- Andre Ayton is poised to be chosen with the top pick in the NBA on Thursday, with the Phoenix Suns set to snap up the 7ft center who compares himself to Shaquille O Neal. Barring a major shock, the 19-yearold Ayton is widely expected to be selected by the Suns, who finished the season propping up the Western Conference with a dismal record of 21 wins against 61 defeats, the worst record in the NBA. Ayton, a dominant force in college basketball last season for the University of Arizona Wildcats, is seen as the closest thing the draft gets to a sure thing. The teen has already impressed the Suns during a workout, with general manager Ryan McDonough describing the youngster as a rare but raw talent. Entering the 2018 NBA, the Cleveland Cavaliers must operate without knowing the status of LeBron James, who can opt out of his contract before the end of the month. James, Cleveland.com reported, has been in touch with the team through his representatives. However, James himself is not certain whether he will return to Cleveland, according to the report, and therefore cannot share his intentions with the franchise. Sterling Brown filed a lawsuit against the city of Milwaukee and its police department, stemming from an incident in which a stun gun was used during an arrest for a parking violation in January. Brown, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, is the son of a Chicago police officer. Milwaukee police chief Alonso Morales issued an apology on behalf of the officers he said acted inappropriately. Brown was talking with officers while waiting for a citation for illegally parking in a disabled spot outside a Walgreens. Officers swarmed Boston Red Sox s Mookie Betts (left), beats the throw to Minnesota Twins fi rst baseman Joe Mauer on a pickoff attempt during the fi fth inning of a baseball game on June 19, in Minneapolis. (AP) MLB Scoreboard WASHINGTON, June 20, (Agencies): Results and standings from the MLB games on Tuesday. LA Dodgers 4 Chicago Cubs 3 Washington 9 Baltimore 7 NY Yankees 7 Seattle 2 Milwaukee 3 Pittsburgh 2 St Louis 7 Philadelphia 6 Atlanta 11 Toronto 4 Cleveland 6 Chic W. Sox 3 Cincinnati 9 Detroit 5 Chicago Cubs 2 LA Dodgers (10 Inns) 1 Minnesota 6 Boston 2 Tampa Bay 2 Houston 1 Texas 4 Kansas City 1 Colorado 10 NY Mets 8 LA Angels 5 Arizona 4 Oakland 4 San Diego (10 Inns) 2 San Francisco 6 Miami 3 American League American League East W L PCT GB NY Yankees Boston Tampa Bay /2 Toronto Baltimore /2 American League Central W L PCT GB Cleveland Detroit Minnesota /2 Chic W. Sox Kansas City /2 American League West W L PCT GB Houston Seattle LA Angels /2 Oakland Texas National League National League East W L PCT GB Atlanta Washington /2 Philadelphia /2 NY Mets Miami National League Central W L PCT GB Milwaukee Chicago Cubs /2 St Louis Pittsburgh Cincinnati /2 National League West W L PCT GB Arizona LA Dodgers /2 San Francisco /2 Colorado San Diego MLB Linescores In this Jan 25, 2018 fi le photo, Arizona forward DeAndre Ayton (13) shoots in the second half during an NCAA college basketball game against Colorado, in Tucson, Arizona. (AP) Brown and took him down because he didn t immediately follow orders to remove his hands from his pockets. Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics are expecting All-Star reinforcements by Aug 1. BASKETBALL Kyrie Irving, coming back from knee surgery, and Gordon Hayward, out since his debut with the team Oct. 17 with a fractured left ankle, are progressing toward fiveon-five pickup games and should be cleared weeks in advance of the start of training camp, Stevens said. Former NBA guard Nate Robinson says the pressure he faced from coaches while playing in the league caused him to experience depression and led him to therapy. Robinson, who played for eight teams across his 11 seasons in the league, said in an interview with American League Seattle New York x Gonzales, Rumbelow (7) and Zunino; German, Cole (8) and G.Sanchez. W_German 2-4. L_Gonzales 7-4. HRs_Seattle, Cruz (18). New York, Hicks (10), Torres (14), Andujar (9), Stanton (17). Chicago Cleveland x6 9 3 Rodon, Rondon (7), Cedeno (8) and Narvaez; Clevinger, Ramirez (8), McAllister (9), Allen (9) and Gomes. W_Clevinger 6-2. L_Rodon 0-2. Sv_Allen (15). Texas Kansas City Hamels, Diekman (8), Kela (9) and Chirinos; Hammel, T.Hill (6), Maurer (7), B.Smith (8) and S.Perez. W_Hamels 4-6. L_Hammel 2-8. Sv_Kela (17). Boston Minnesota x6 5 1 Sale, R.Scott (8), Kelly (8), Velazquez (8) and Leon; Berrios, Hildenberger (7), Duke (8), Rodney (9) and Garver. W_Duke 3-2. L_R.Scott 0-1. HRs_Boston, Devers (12). Tampa Bay Houston Snell, Stanek (8), Alvarado (9), Romo (9) and Ramos, Sucre; Verlander, Rondon (7), Peacock (8) and Stassi. W_Snell 9-4. L_Rondon 1-2. Sv_Romo (4). HRs_Tampa Bay, Cron (16). Interleague Baltimore Washington x Hess, M.Castro (5), Givens (6), T.Scott (7), Wright Jr (7) and Ca.Joseph; J.Rodriguez, Miller (6), K.Herrera (8), Doolittle (9) and Kieboom. W_Miller 5-0. L_T.Scott 0-1. Sv_Doolittle (19). HRs_Baltimore, Rickard (5), Mancini (9), Peterson (2). Washington, Turner (8). Atlanta Toronto Soroka, Moylan (5), S.Freeman (6), Biddle (9) and Flowers; J.Garcia, D.Barnes (4), Biagini (5), Guilmet (7), Loup (9) and Maile. W_S.Freeman 2-3. L_J.Garcia 2-6. HRs_Atlanta, Culberson (4), Camargo (7). Detroit Cincinnati x Boyd, Saupold (5), VerHagen (6), B.Farmer (7) and Greiner; Romano, D.Hernandez (8), W.Peralta (9), Floro (9) and Barnhart. W_Romano 4-7. L_Boyd 4-5. HRs_Cincinnati, Hamilton (3), Votto (7). Arizona Los Angeles x5 8 0 Koch, Salas (6), Chafi n (7), McFarland (8) and J.Murphy; Pena, Alvarez (5), Bedrosian (6), J.Anderson (7), Parker (8) and Maldonado. W_Bedrosian 4-1. L_Koch 5-4. Sv_Parker (8). HRs_Arizona, Goldschmidt Bleacher Report that coaches were constantly asking him to tone down his fun-loving personality, which caused him to question himself among other things. After Real Madrid clinched the Spanish league championship, Slovenian star Luka Doncic will head to Brooklyn and attend the 2018 NBA on Thursday night at Barclays Center, according to an ESPN report. Per ESPN, Doncic will fly to New York on Wednesday and be joined by his mother, her boyfriend and his grandmother at the draft. The Washington Wizards and New York Knicks will play the NBA s ninth regular season game in London when they meet at the O2 Arena in January, the league announced on Wednesday. The meeting will mark the third time the Knicks have played in London after visits in 2013 and 2015 but it will be the first game there for the Wizards. The game is part of the NBA s efforts to expand its brand globally and will be carried by its broadcast partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa and on NBA League Pass International. Bringing regular season NBA games to London has become a staple of the sports calendar, Benjamin Morel, the NBA s senior vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said in a release. And is testament to the popularity of our league that fans from across Europe will descend on The O2 for another great game. The previous eight games have sold out and Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr said he was looking forward to playing in front of the London crowd again. I am excited to return to London, he said. We had a great experience during our last visit in 2015 playing in front of passionate fans and are looking forward to another trip overseas. (16). Los Angeles, Calhoun (2), Kinsler (10). Oakland San Diego (10 innings) Blackburn, Pagan (6), Casilla (7), Trivino (8), Treinen (10) and Lucroy; Lauer, Castillo (7), Stammen (7), Yates (8), Hand (9), Cimber (10) and Lopez. W_Trivino 4-1. L_Cimber 3-3. Sv_Treinen (16). HRs_Oakland, Piscotty (5), Lowrie (10). National League Los Angeles Chicago Maeda, Liberatore (4), Hudson (5), Alexander (6), Garcia (7), Edward Paredes (8), Jansen (9) and Yasmani Grandal, Austin Barnes; Chatwood, Steve Cishek (6), R.Rosario (6), Strop (7), Wilson (9) and Gimenez. W_Edward Paredes 2-0. L_Wilson 1-2. Sv_Jansen (18). HRs_Los Angeles, Pederson (9). St Louis Philadelphia Weaver, Brebbia (6), Holland (7), Gomber (8), J.Hicks (8) and Molina; Velasquez, Hunter (7), Rios (8), Dominguez (9) and Alfaro. W_J.Hicks 3-1. L_Dominguez 1-1. HRs_St. Louis, Wong (5), Carpenter (12), Pham (12). Philadelphia, Herrera (11), Santana (11). Milwaukee Pittsburgh F.Peralta, Jennings (7), Jeffress (7), Knebel (9) and Pina; Taillon, Glasnow (6), E.Santana (8), Crick (9) and Cervelli. W_F.Peralta 2-0. L_ Taillon 4-6. Sv_Knebel (7). HRs_Milwaukee, Aguilar (14). Pittsburgh, Marte (9). Los Angeles Chicago (10 innings) R.Hill, Goeddel (7), Fields (8), Edward Paredes (9), Stewart (10) and Austin Barnes, Yasmani Grandal; Montgomery, Bass (7), R.Rosario (8), Steve Cishek (9), Hancock (10), Zastryzny (10) and Willson Contreras. W_Zastryzny 1-0. L_Stewart 0-1. HRs_Chicago, Schwarber (13). New York Colorado x Vargas, Robles (3), Beck (5), T.Peterson (7) and Plawecki; Marquez, Shaw (7), Rusin (7), Ottavino (7), W.Davis (9) and Iannetta. W_Marquez 5-7. L_Vargas 2-6. HRs_Colorado, Gonzalez (7), Arenado (14), Story (16), Desmond (15). Miami San Francisco x Straily, E.Hernandez (2), Ziegler (5), Conley (7), Steckenrider (8) and Realmuto; D.Rodriguez, Blach (6), Melancon (7), W.Smith (8), S.Dyson (9) and Posey. W_D. Rodriguez 2-1. L_Straily 2-3. Sv_S.Dyson (2). HRs_San Francisco, Posey (5), Hernandez (8). Blake Snell #4 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches in the fi rst inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 19, in Houston, Texas. (AFP) Surging Escobar sparks Twins past Red Sox 6-2 HOUSTON, June 20, (AP): C.J. Cron homered early and Wilson Ramos hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning to lift the Tampa Bay Rays to a 2-1 win on Tuesday night to snap a 12- game winning streak by the Houston Astros. Blake Snell (9-4) allowed just three hits and one run in seven innings, but had to pitch around a career-high seven walks for his fifth straight win. Sergio Romo pitched for the third straight game, taking over with one out in the ninth and allowing one hit for his third save a night after blowing the save in Houston s 5-4 win. The Astros went 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position to come up one victory shy of setting the franchise record for longest winning streak in franchise history. Hector Rondon (1-2) took the loss by allowing two hits and one run in one inning. Yankees 7, Mariners 2 In New York, Domingo German pitched two-hit ball over a career-high seven innings and Giancarlo Stanton hit one of New York s four home runs in the Yankees victory against the Mariners. Miguel Andujar and Aaron Hicks each belted a two-run shot off Marco Gonzales (7-4) in the fifth. Hicks homered for the third straight day and finished with three hits from the leadoff spot as the Yankees boosted baseball s best record to 48-22, moving a season-best 26 games above.500. Coming off a four-hit game, Stanton sent a solo drive to straightaway center field in the first. Aaron Judge had an RBI single in the seventh, and rookie phenom Gleyber Torres added his 14th home run in the eighth. The first two batters of the game reached against German (2-4) on a double and an error. The rookie right-hander then retired 19 in a row until Nelson Cruz homered in the seventh. Dodgers 4, Cubs 3, 1st Game Cubs 2, Dodgers 1, 2nd Game In Chicago, Albert Almora Jr hit a game-ending RBI single in the 10th inning, and the Cubs beat the Dodgers 2-1 to salvage a split of their day-night doubleheader. Kris Bryant sparked the winning rally with a leadoff triple against Brock Stewart (0-1). After Javier Baez was walked intentionally, Almora hit a liner into right field. Rob Zastryzny (1-0), the fifth Cubs reliever, got Yasmani Grandal to fly out with the bases loaded in the top of the 10th to earn the win. The rematch of the last two NL Championship Series was set to begin on Monday night, but the opener was postponed by a mixture of poor weather and a limited power outage at Wrigley Field. It s the only scheduled visit for Los Angeles, leading to the day-night doubleheader. Los Angeles began the long day at the iconic ballpark with a victory on pinchhitter Kyle Farmer s two-run double in the ninth. Edward Paredes (2-0), the fifth of six Dodgers relievers, got one out in the eighth to earn the win in the opener. Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth for his 18th save. Justin Wilson (1-2) came one pitch away from earning his first save. Nationals 9, Orioles 7 In Washington, Trea Turner went 4 for 4 with a homer, Anthony Rendon drove in three runs and the Nationals extended their recent domination of the Orioles. Adam Eaton had two hits and two RBIs for the Nationals, who trailed 5-1 in the fifth inning before rallying to make it six straight wins over Baltimore. Washington is 4-0 against its neighboring interleague rival this season, outscoring the Orioles by a combined The Nationals trailed 6-5 before getting six hits in a four-run seventh. Rendon delivered a two-run double off Tanner Scott (0-1) that put Washington ahead, and Turner capped his four-hit night with a double. Justin Miller (5-0) pitched two innings of relief, newcomer Kelvin Herrera worked a perfect eighth and Sean Doolittle gave up a solo home run to Joey Rickard while earning his 19th save. Brewers 3, Pirates 2 In Pittsburgh, rookie Freddy Peralta allowed two hits in six stellar innings, Jesus Aguilar hammered his 14th home run of the season and the Brewers cooled off the Pirates. Peralta (2-0) struck out seven without issuing a walk, surrendering only singles to Corey Dickerson and Colin Moran in the fourth but otherwise keeping the Pirates firmly in check. Aguilar finished 2 for 3 and drove in all three runs off Jameson Taillon (4-6). Aguilar hit a two-run shot to the seats in right-center in the first and doubled down the line in left field in the third. Corey Knebel worked around a two-out walk in the ninth for his seventh save for the firstplace Brewers. Braves 11, Blue Jays 4 In Toronto, Johan Camargo hit his first career grand slam and went 4 for 5 with five RBIs, and the Braves beat the Blue Jays to snap Toronto s home winning streak at seven games. Camargo hit his seventh home run off Jaime Garcia (2-6) in the second, singled in the fourth, hit an RBI single in the fifth and doubled and scored in the eighth. He struck out in the ninth. Charlie Culberson also connected and Ender Inciarte had three hits and three RBIs as the Braves won for the sixth time in seven games. Reliever Sam Freeman (2-3) worked 2-1/3 innings for the BASEBALL victory. Reds 9, Tigers 5 In Cincinnati, Joey Votto ended a long homer drought with his third career grand slam Tuesday night, powering the Reds to a victory that ended the Tigers longest winning streak in two years. Sal Romano (4-7) had a second straight solid outing, limiting the Tigers to four singles over seven shutout innings. Billy Hamilton also homered as the Reds pulled away to a 9-0 lead. The Tigers had won five straight and moved within a game of.500. They haven t been to the break-even mark since they were a season-best 4-4 on April 8. They ve wasted five chances to get back. Trailing 9-0, Detroit finally broke through in the ninth when Wandy Peralta walked home a run and Leonys Martin followed with a double. Matthew Boyd (4-5) took the loss. Indians 6, White Sox 3 In Cleveland, Mike Clevinger struck out 10 and allowed one run in 7-2/3 innings, and the Indians defeated the White Sox. Clevinger (6-2) beat Chicago for the third time this season and was in command after giving up a first-inning run. The right-hander retired 13 straight between the second and sixth while allowing five hits. Clevinger, who struck out a careerhigh 11 against the White Sox last week, was pulled after two walks in the eighth. He has held Chicago to three earned runs in 21 1/3 innings over three starts. Francisco Lindor s two-run single was the key hit in the second when Cleveland scored four times. Carlos Rodon (0-2) allowed four runs in 6-1/3 innings. Rangers 4, Royals 1 In Kansas City, Mo, Cole Hamels allowed four hits over seven innings, Delino DeShields doubled home two runs and the Rangers beat the Royals to extend their winning streak to a seasonhigh four games. The Royals have lost eight straight, Los Angeles Dodgers Austin Barnes hits an RBI single off Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Mike Montgomery during the sixth inning of a baseball game on June 19, in Chicago. (AP) matching their season high, and 14 of 15. They own a major league-worst home record and their overall mark is the worst in franchise history after 73 games. Hamels (4-6) picked up his first win since May 22. The run off him in the fifth was unearned and he has yet to allow an earned run in 20 innings over three starts at Kauffman Stadium. Keone Kela pitched a spotless ninth for his 17th save in as many chances. Cardinals 7, Phillies 6 In Philadelphia, Matt Carpenter hit a tiebreaking solo homer with two out in the ninth, helping the Cardinals edge the Phillies. Carpenter also had a tying two-run double in St. Louis four-run seventh. Tommy Pham homered and singled for the Cardinals, and Kolten Wong also went deep. Odubel Herrera and Carlos Santana connected for the Phillies. Seranthony Dominguez (1-1) struck out the first two batters in the ninth and had Carpenter in a 0-2 hole. But Carpenter lined the next pitch, a 98-mph fastball, over the wall in right to extend his homer streak to three games. Twins 6, Red Sox 2 In Minneapolis, Eduardo Escobar hit two go-ahead doubles, a two-run delivery off Chris Sale in the sixth inning and one that sparked a four-run eighth for the Twins in a victory over the Red Sox. Robby Scott (0-1), just recalled from Triple-A, relieved Sale to start the eighth and walked the first two batters. Joe Kelly entered, and Escobar s one-out line drive bounced in front of Jackie Bradley Jr and skipped past the center fielder as two runs scored. The official scorer later changed his ruling from a single to a double, giving Escobar a majors-leading 32 for the season. Robbie Grossman broke the game open with a two-run triple. Rockies 10, Mets 8 In Denver, Nolan Arenado, Trevor Story and Ian Desmond homered in succession during a six-run third inning, German Marquez pitched effectively for six innings and the Rockies snapped an eight-game home losing streak by beating the Mets. Carlos Gonzalez also went deep for the Rockies, who won at home for the first time since May 29. Arenado finished a triple shy of the cycle with four RBIs in a game that was delayed 1 hour, 20 minutes because of heavy rain. Marquez (5-7) allowed four runs on six hits in picking up his first win in nearly a month. Athletics 4, Padres 2 (10 Inns) In San Diego, Stephen Piscotty homered with two outs in the ninth inning to tie the game and Jed Lowie hit a two-run shot with two outs in the 10th to lift the Athletics over the Padres. Piscotty s shot into the second deck came off closer Brad Hand. Hand was trying for his 22nd save and retired the first two batters before Piscotty homered on a 2-2 pitch, his fifth. Adam Cimber (3-3) allowed Marcus Semien s one-out single in the 10th and retired Chad Pinder on a fly to right before Lowrie connected for his 10th homer Ȧngels 5, Diamondbacks 4 In Anaheim, California, Mike Trout drove in two runs, Kole Calhoun and Ian Kinsler added solo homers and the Angels held on to beat the Diamondbacks. Trout continued his torrid hitting in June by slapping a sharp first-pitch single to left-center with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, and a throwing error by Jarrod Dyson allowing Kinsler to score as the Angels took a 4-2 lead. Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer in the ninth, but Blake Parker got Jake Lamb to line out to left for the third out and end a three-game losing streak. Giants 6, Marlins 3 In San Francisco, Buster Posey homered in the first, Gorkys Hernandez hit a two-run drive in the second and an RBI double later, and the Giants held their lead this time to beat the Marlins 6-3 in another night of plunking by both pitching staffs. Marlins starter Dan Straily (2-3) and manager Don Mattingly were automatically ejected in the second after Straily hit Posey on the left arm with a pitch. Both sides had been warned by plate umpire Andy Fletcher the previous inning after Giants rookie starter Dereck Rodriguez beaned Lewis Brinson as tempers flared for a second straight game.

32 SPORTS 32 Poms call up Curran and Overton for final two Australia ODIs England eye magical 500 after smashing new ODI record NOTTINGHAM, United Kingdom, June 20, (AFP): England one-day captain Eoin Morgan said the sky s the limit for his record-breaking side, with a total of 500 firmly in their sights after their rout of Australia. Morgan s men posted a new all-time ODI record of 481 for six at Trent Bridge en route to a 242- run thrashing of their arch-rivals to go an unbeatable 3-0 up in the five-match series. Morgan Man-of-thematch Alex Hales top-scored with 147 on his Nottinghamshire home ground, just as he had done when making 171 in England s 444 for three the previous ODI record total against Pakistan at Trent Bridge two years ago. Opening batsman Jonny Bairstow made 139 on Tuesday, his fourth hundred in six ODIs that included a century in a shock loss to Scotland just before this series. Meanwhile Morgan, who missed the second ODI in Cardiff on Sunday with a back spasm, smashed England s fastest fifty at this level, off just 21 balls. I think (we re) definitely very close (to 500), said Morgan. In the position we found ourselves today, with six overs to go, we d have never imagined certainly after that game against Pakistan that we d CRICKET come close, pass, maybe stare down the barrel of scoring 500. The sky s the limit with these guys, Morgan added after England, the 2019 World Cup hosts, cemented their place at the top of the ODI rankings in style. England might well have broken the 500-barrier had they not lost both Hales and Morgan, who put on 124 for the fourth wicket, off successive balls in the 48th over. When Morgs came out, he said If we re ever going to (get 500), now s the time but we didn t quite get there, Hales told Sky Sports. Former England captain Michael England s Jonny Bairstow plays a shot during the One Day International cricket match against Australia at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England, on June 19. (AP) Atherton, commentating for Sky, labelled the match a perfect storm in that a talented England batting line-up were able to make the most of a good pitch on a ground with relatively short boundaries, while facing an inexperienced attack. World champions Australia were without their injured Ashes-winning fast-bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. For Australia captain Tim Paine, the hurt was even worse than the blow to the face he suffered while keeping Sri Lanka captain Chandimal banned for ball tampering GROS-ISLET, Saint Lucia, June 20, (AFP): Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal will miss his side s third Test against the West Indies after being found guilty of ball tampering by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday. Chandimal was found guilty of changing the condition of the ball during the second day s play of the second Test, which concluded at Gros Islet on Monday. It is clear that Dinesh Chandimal applied an artifi cial substance to the ball, namely saliva containing the residue of something he had in his wicket in Cardiff. It s tough. I thought I had some headaches in Cardiff after 25 overs when I hit my head, but I had a few more out there today to be honest, he said after Australia s 14th defeat in 16 completed ODIs. mouth, an action which is prohibited under the ICC Code of Conduct, said match referee Javagal Srinath after the judgement. The player was suspected of using saliva and a sweet to tamper with the ball and give it more spin after television images picked it up. The Sri Lanka captain got two suspension points and was fined 100 per cent of his match fee. The points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player, Chandimal will now miss the day/night Barbados Test, starting from Saturday. Meanwhile, England have added pace bowlers Sam Curran and Craig Overton to their squad as they go in search of an unprecedented 5-0 oneday international series whitewash of arch-rivals Australia, it was announced Wednesday. Poetry in motion, Stoute reaches Royal landmark NEW DELHI, June 20, (AFP): The Ashes between arch rivals England and Australia will kick off the mammoth new World Test Championship in July next year, according to a world governing body schedule released Wednesday. The nine top-ranked sides in the world will compete in the new touranment, with each side playing six series on a home-and-away basis against mutually selected opponents in a two-year cycle. The five-test ashes will kick off the first championship in July next year, with the top two teams to square off in a June 2021 final. Other Test series in the programme include the West Indies three-test CRICKET tour of India and New Zealand hosting Sri Lanka, both in July, while the last league game will be in April 2021 with the West Indies visiting Sri Lanka. Meanwhile Pakistan, who start their Test championship journey in October next year in Sri Lanka, have not been given a series against India amid growing political tensions between the two countries. South Africa will kickstart their campaign in India in October The ICC gave its nod to the Test championship last year as part of measures to boost the flagging fortunes of the traditional five-day format beloved of purists but with often lacklustre spectator and television viewer numbers. ICC chief executive David Richardson called it a genuine solution that gives fans around the world the chance to engage regularly with international cricket that has meaning and the possibility of a global title at the end. The new Future Tours Programme (FTP) released by the ICC features all series and tournaments of Test, ODI and Twenty20 cricket for the Poet s Word pulls off a shock in Prince of Wales Stakes ASCOT, United Kingdom, June 20, (AFP): Michael Stoute became the most successful trainer in Royal Ascot history as Poet s Word pulled off a shock in the feature Prince of Wales s Stakes on Wednesday. Michael Stoute set a new record for winners at Royal Ascot on Wednesday when Poet s World sprang a surprise in the Prince of Wales s Stakes moving on to 76 but he touchingly said his late great friend Henry Cecil s 75 wins was more impressive. (AFP) SA to kickstart campaign in India in Oct 2019 Ashes to start new World Test Champ ship Kings plan to extend D Doughty Hoffman traded twice in 1 day WASHINGTON, June 20, (RTRS): Left winger Mike Hoffman was traded by the Ottawa Senators to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday on the heels of allegations his fi ancee harassed captain Erik Karlsson s wife. Hoffman then was acquired by the Florida Panthers only a few hours later. Hoffman was shipped out along with ECHL defenseman Cody Donaghey and Ottawa s fifthround choice in the 2020 draft. The Sharks in return gave up a sixth-round pick in 2020, Hoffmian defenseman Julius Bergman and forward Mikkel Boedker. The Los Angeles Kings plan to extend defenseman Drew Doughty this offseason before he enters the fi nal year of his contract, general 2023 period. New Test entrants Ireland and Afghanistan will play against each other in February next year and go onto play 12 five-day games each between 2019 and Afghanistan have matches scheduled at their home base India and away against Australia, while Ireland will host New Zealand and travel to England. The 12 Test playing nations and The Netherlands will also participate in a 13-team one-day international League that will act as a qualification pathway for the 50-over 2023 World Cup. The 72-year-old Barbados-born trainer moved to 76 career wins at probably the most famous racing carnival in the world having jointly held it with his former great rival and friend the late Henry Cecil. Stoute -- most famous for training the great Shergar who later was kidnapped from his stud in Ireland -- had played down the prospect of breaking his and Cecil s record. Stoute, who has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, said the thought of the record hadn t been playing on his mind. I came here last year needing one winner and none of my runners won, so I haven t been thinking about it, said Stoute. Stoute as has been his wont said that Cecil s record was more impressive. Sure I have had more cracks at it than he did in terms of five day weeks, he said. These five day meetings haven t manager Rob Blake said. Blake added that the team will turn its attention to negotiations with the former Norris Trophy winner after this weekend s draft. The Kings can begin discussing an extension with Doughty, who has played seven years of an eight-year deal he signed in September of 2011, on July 1. In response to a report that the Columbus Blue Jackets are testing the market for left wing ICE HOCKEY Artemi Panarin, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen issued a statement saying the team wants Panarin to be a Blue Jacket for many years. Sportsnet s Elliotte Friedman reported that Panarin who is entering the fi nal year of his contract has told the team he is not willing to consider an extension at this time, prompting Columbus to test the market for the 26-year-old. Hosts India along with the seven highest-ranked sides in the ODI league at the end of March 2022 will directly qualify, while the bottom five sides will get a second chance to enter through qualifiers. The structure of the men s FTP ( ) includes: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and 2023 ICC World T and 2021 World Test Championship Cycle (final 2021) Cycle (final 2023) All bilateral Tests, ODIs and T20Is outside of the above competitions HORSE RACING been around so long and there we are. To be honest I spent more time looking to get off the mark at Royal Ascot and have my first winner! Stoute, who has accrued five Epsom Derbies amongst many other major wins, used an analogy of his beloved cricket when he reflected on his favourite moments at the meeting. My first win was in the Jersey Stakes which is a favourite of mine and particular satisfaction for me is Shareef Dancer. He was a very expensive yearling and the first horse Sheikh Maktoum al-maktoum sent me. He won the King Edward VII Stakes here having had a blip in his first run and then beat Caerleon and (Epsom Derby winner) Teenoso in the Irish Derby. Of course there was my win for Queen Elizabeth II in the Ascot Gold Cup with Estimate but that has been well documented so I thought I would change the bowling a bit, he added chuckling. Stoute, who accepted the trophy from Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and engaged in a long chat with the heir to the throne, said he would not be retiring anytime soon. I love the game, I have a great staff and supportive owners so I hope to keep going for a while, he said. Poet s Word was given a sublime ride by James Doyle tracking Frankie Dettori on the odds-on favourite Cracksman throughout the race. Dettori hit the front halfway down the finishing straight but Doyle came upsides him and then made light of the seven lengths that Cracksman had beaten Poet s Word by last October in the Champion Stakes easing away to victory. Stoute said it was due reward for his horse after some near misses in elevated company. He is a very honourable horse but has just met some good ones before I am glad he did this today and got one, said Stoute. We came here with hope which is often a good thing to come with. As for his winner s future plans Stoute said they would have a sit down and think about it. KLAKSVIK, Denmark, June 20, (AFP): For elite swimmer Pal Joensen, representing Denmark twice in the Olympic Games just didn t feel right. The Faroe Islands native would have much preferred to compete under the flag of Denmark s autonomous territory in the North Atlantic. The sports-crazed islands are already members of the International Paralympic Committee, FIFA and several other international federations but have been campaigning for 40 years to compete in the Olympic Games separately from Denmark. Representing the Faroe Islands has always given me enormous pride... (but) when you all of a sudden can t do that, it causes some emotional turmoil, the 27-year-old told AFP, on the sidelines of a rowing competition the Faroese national sport in the second largest city Klaksvik. Competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London and then in Rio OLYMPICS de Janeiro 2016 felt like a weird conundrum, he said. Should he have stayed true to his roots and passed on the Games, or was he right to swallow his pride and swim under the Danish flag? Denmark is not who, innerly, I feel I represent, said the four-time silver medallist at the European Championships, something made possible by the Faroese swimming federation s international recognition. With support from a Londonbased communications agency, the Faroese have launched a campaign for Olympic recognition which appears to enjoy broad consensus among the population regardless of differing opinions on the territory s full independence. I myself am a unionist (with Denmark) and I can say that we are supporting this full out. It s not a struggle between us and Denmark, says Rigmor Dam, Faroese minister for culture and sports. (But) we are culturally and sportingly an independent country from Denmark: we have our own language, our own culture, our own history and our own sports (competitions), she adds. And Denmark doesn t disagree: both the government in Copenhagen and the Danish National Olympic Committee are backing the Faroes aspirations to compete independently. The International Olympic Committee s (IOC) charter is, however, an obstacle. Years after the Faroe Islands first broached the subject, the IOC made amendments to its charter in 1996 which requires a member to be an independent state recognised by the international community. Other territories such as the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico were admitted before the amendment. In an to AFP, the IOC reiterated that it can t recognise the national Faroese Olympic Committee in view of the current rules of the Olympic Charter and the current status of the Faroe Islands. Football is one of the eight sports where the Faroese are recognised by an international federation. After being admitted to FIFA in 1988, the Faroe Islands made their mark by beating teams like Austria and Greece twice. Football in the Faroe Islands benefitted hugely from FIFA recognition. It would give all sports a massive lift if we could get the Olympic recognition we deserve, said Atli Gregersen, captain of the current Faroese squad. You see the flag, you sing the national anthem, you get so proud, then your level goes up like 400 percent, he added. More than a third of the Faroe Islands 50,000 inhabitants are members of a sports club. But only two have participated in the Olympics under the Danish flag. As Copenhagen is more than two hours away by plane, islanders are generally resigned to competing only among themselves. And young athletes are said to end their careers prematurely because there is no chance of one day representing their nation at the highest level. Swimmer Signhild Joensen, 17, has already made the qualifying time for the Tokyo Olympics in I am from the Faroe Islands and I want to show the world where I come from and I want to show our flag, she told AFP. Going to the Olympics would not be the same if I joined the Danish team. Jon Hestoy, vice president of the Faroese Olympic bid, called on the IOC to return to its fundamental values. Come on, apply the Olympic spirit. Let s participate, let s do sports! he told AFP. We would probably do really terribly. But the only thing I really want is that when the Faroese athletes walk into that stadium, there is a sign in front of them saying Faroe Islands. Baker fi nally fi nding spot in limelight DES MOINES, IOWA, June 20, (RTRS): No longer is Ronnie Baker that other guy in the fast lane with America's best sprinters. Back-toback Diamond League victories have brought the 24-year-old new attention Competitors run during the Atlantic Airways Torshavn Marathon on June 3, in the city of Torshavn, on the Streymoy Island, the largest of Faroe Islands in this Atlantic ocean archipelago nation. (AFP) Our own sports Sports-crazed Faroe Islands quest for Olympic recognition Joensen as he heads to this week's US national championships in Des Moines, Iowa. A victory in Friday's 100 metres, he hopes, will earn him even more acclaim, something that has eluded the Kentucky native despite his world indoor 60m bronze medal in March and outdoor victories over world champions Justin Gatlin and Christian Coleman and Canadian triple Olympic medallist Andre De Grasse the past two years.

33 SPORTS 33 France-Austria-Britain sequence of races poses fresh logistical challenge for teams Hamilton boosted for ground-breaking F1 triple-header LE CASTELLET, France, June 20, (RTRS): Lewis Hamilton can expect a welcome boost in engine power this weekend as Formula One embarks on an unprecedented tripleheader at a French grand prix returning to the calendar after a decade s absence. Le Castellet s Paul Ricard circuit last hosted a Formula One race in 1990, before 10 of the current 22 drivers were born, and has been reconfigured from the one fondly remembered by older generations. France s most recent grand prix was at Magny-Cours in 2008, the year Hamilton won his first world championship with McLaren, and it remains a rare country that has yet to see the Mercedes driver triumph. If the four-times world champion does so on Sunday, he will take another record from Soccer Roundup West Ham sign Fabianski retired great Michael Schumacher; that of the most wins at different grands prix. The pair are tied on 22 at present, although Hamilton already holds the record for different tracks (25) after winning in Azerbaijan this year. Hamilton is one point behind Ferrari s Sebastian Vettel after seven races, with the German taking the lead in Canada two weekends ago when he celebrated his 50th career win. Ferrari and other rivals had an engine upgrade for that race and Mercedes did not. Reigning champions Mercedes had delayed the introduction of their planned upgrade due to what they said was a quality issue, a problem that also affected customer teams Williams and Force India. Wilshere to leave Arsenal, German keeper Leno joins LONDON, June 20, (Agencies): Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere said on Tuesday that he was leaving the Premier League club after 17 years, while the north London side earlier announced that Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Bernd Leno was moving to north London. Wilshere, who was left out of the England World Cup squad, said on his Instagram account BkOCXr9B43r/?hl=en that he would leave Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June after discussions with manager Unai Emery, who replaced Arsene Wenger last month. West Ham have signed Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from Swansea, the English Premier League club announced Wednesday. The 33-year-old joined the London side in a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee following Swansea s relegation from English football s top flight. Hungary have named former Brescia defender Marco Rossi to replace Belgian Georges Leekens as national team coach, the country s Football Association (HFA) announced on Tuesday. The Italian coach, 53, has a twoyear deal and his task is to take the 1938 and 1954 World Cup finalists to the Euro 2020 tournament, when Hungary will host four matches. Huddersfield Town have signed midfielder Juninho Bacuna from Dutch side FC Groningen for an undisclosed fee, the English Premier League club announced Wednesday. The 20-year-old, a Netherlands Under-21 international, has agreed a three-year deal with the Yorkshire side that will run until The Terriers will then have the option to sign him for a further season. Czech Ivan Hasek will replace Diego Maradona as coach of UAE side Al Fujairah SC, Czech media reports said Wednesday. Hasek, 54, has signed a oneyear deal to return to the club he previously managed in , Tyden daily reported. Maradona resigned in late April after failing to win promotion and then signed a three-year contract with Belarus side Dinamo Brest, to oversee strategic development. Leicester City have signed Poland s goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski practices during a training session at the Sputnik sports center in Sochi on June 20, as part of the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament. (AFP) midfielder James Maddison from second-tier Norwich City on a fiveyear deal, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but reports in the British media suggest the deal was worth around 20 million pounds ($26.35 million). Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths expects the Glasgow giants to have a difficult opening game as they bid to reach the main draw of the Champions League after they were paired against Alashkert. The Hoops, who completed a second successive domestic treble last season, face the Armenian side on July 10 in the first of four potential rounds of qualifying if they are to reach the group phase. Orlando City SC CEO Alex Leitao says he d like to have a new coach hired in the next week, but iconic Brazilian midfielder Kak isn t a candidate. Leitao, speaking to ProSoccerU- SA.com in a phone interview, shot down rumors that Kak could fill the position vacated by Jason Kreis, who was fired last week with the team in the midst of a six-game losing streak. New Zealand women s football coach Andreas Heraf was placed on special leave Wednesday as officials launched an investigation into his running of the team after a player revolt. Following complaints from players, New Zealand Football (NZF) said it had appointed an independent investigator to review the environment surrounding the national team, known as the Football Ferns. That should change as of this weekend, with Mercedes planning on making the change and Hamilton determined to hit back hard in the first of three races on successive weekends. I m really going to make sure that we come back strong at the next race, he said after Canada. The France-Austria- Britain sequence of races poses a fresh logistical challenge for teams hitherto committed only to Hamilton back-to-back weekends, with the 21-round season hurrying to the Russia s Karen Khachanov returns a ball to Japan s Kei Nishikori during their match at the ATP tennis tournament in Halle, western Germany on June 20. (AP) halfway point. The three-in-a-row format was scheduled specifically to avoid a clash with the World Cup soccer final in Russia on July 15. France should be an interesting race. We don t often get to race on a track where we have little to no historical data, said team boss Toto Wolff. It makes preparing for the weekend a bit trickier than usual, but that element of the unknown also adds to the challenge. The triple header... will test all F1 teams to their limits, but also offers the chance to score a lot of points over the course of three weeks which is precisely what we re setting out to do. McLaren s Fernando Alonso and Ferrari s Kimi Raikkonen, 36 and 38 respectively, are the only current drivers to have won a grand prix on French soil although former double world champion Alonso won the Le Mans 24 Hours at the weekend. Renault will have plenty of support for their first home race, as will the country s Formula One drivers Romain Grosjean (Haas), rookie Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso) and Esteban Ocon (Force India). Sauber s Charles Leclerc is the most local of the lot, growing up in Monaco, about three hours up the road from the circuit between Marseille and Toulon. Wawrinka frustrated by Querrey at Queen s Club LONDON, June 20, (Agencies): Stan Wawrinka showed glimpses of his Grand Slam winning form but was bundled out of the ATP 500 Fever-Tree Championships by former Queen s Club champion Sam Querrey on Wednesday. The Swiss squandered several set points in the opening set and although he took the second on a tiebreak he capitulated in the decider after dropping serve at 1-2, losing 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-1. His frustration boiled over as he buried his racket frame into the lush centre court turf, taking a sizeable divot in the process, before snapping it over his knee. Big-serving American Querrey, champion in 2010, calmly ticked off the next three games to move into the quarter-finals where he will meet either top seed Marin Cilic or Gilles Muller. Wawrinka s ATP ranking has plummeted to 261 after his first-round loss at the French Open, having reached the final a year ago, but the good news is that his knees appear strong again after two surgeries last August. He struck the ball with authority in the second set and played a solid tiebreak but his lack of sharpness told as he was sent packing by the fifth seed. Querrey joined fellow American Frances Tiafoe in the last eight after he beat Argentine Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Frenchman Jeremy Chardy maintained his impressive form on grass with a 7-6 (6), 6-3 defeat of young Russian Danil Medvedev. In Halle Westfalen, Germany, Karen Khachanov handed Japan s Kei Nishikori a second straight loss on German grass, beating the seventh seed 6-2, 6-2 on Wednesday at the ATP Halle event. In 2017, the 36th-ranked Russian also beat Asia s top player in the second round here, when Nishikori was forced to quit with a hip injury. Nishikori has a mixed record at the Wimbledon tune-up event, dominated over the past decade and a half by Roger Federer with nine titles. The number 27 Japanese is coming back from wrist injury problems and working to rebuild his ranking, which Two-time major champion Green dies Johnson reigns as number one WASHINGTON, June 20, (Agencies): Dustin Johnson overcame injuries and personal issues to become a major golf champion, the long-hitting American star with a low-key attitude grabbing the world number one ranking in After losing the top spot to compatriot Justin Thomas in May, the 33-year-old son-in-law of ice hockey legend Wayne Gretzky bounced back with a PGA Tour win in Memphis to reclaim the top ranking. Even after a disappointing third place finish in the US Open -- where he led by four shots through 36 holes only for his putting touch to desert him at the weekend Johnson -- Johnson, a man figuring to take a leading Ryder Cup role, was promptly installed by Westgate Las Vegas Super- Book as the early 12-1 betting favorite to win the British Open. US Open winner Brooks Koepka, a good friend of Johnson, sounded like someone who would take that bet.johnson joined the US PGA Tour in 2008 and has won at least once in each of his 11 seasons, capturing January s Tournament of Champions in Hawaii before collecting his 18th US PGA title at Memphis. Two-time major winner Hubert Green, who shook off a death threat en route to a US Open triumph, died from complications after a lengthy battle with throat cancer. He was 71. Green was a dominant force during the 1970s and 1980s when he won 19 times on the PGA Tour, including at the 1977 US Open and 1985 PGA Championship, and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in His one-shot US Open triumph at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma, came despite being informed by tournament officials after 14 holes that a GOLF death threat was made against him saying he would be shot when he reached the 15th green. Green, who is survived by his wife and three sons, also represented the United States on three Ryder Cup teams and was undefeated in singles play. Australian golfing great Peter Thomson, who won the British Open five times, died Wednesday aged 88 after a long battle with Parkinson s disease, his family said. He had been suffering from Parkinson s disease for more than four years and lost his brave battle at home in Melbourne surrounded by family, a statement said. Thomson was the first Australian to win the British Open, TENNIS claiming the famous claret jug on five occasions between 1954 and 1965, including three consecutive wins. Only American Tom Watson in the modern era has matched the feat. While he won dozens of tournaments in Europe, Australia and Asia, Thomson only played a few seasons in the United States, winning the Texas Open in But he did tee-off more regularly on the American senior circuit, winning nine times in 1985, setting a record that may never be broken. Khachanov ambushes Nishikori for a second year in Halle America s Sam Querrey reacts to Switzerland s Stan Wawrinka during their men s singles quarter-fi nal match at the ATP Queen s Club Championships tennis tournament in west London on June 20. (AFP) once placed him firmly in the Top 10. He began 2018 by playing a lowerlevel Challenger tournament before returning to the ATP in February. The 28-year-old reached the semifinals here in 2014 and 2015 but also exited injured in 2016 and a year ago, when he quit against Khachanov trailing 3-2 in the first set. I made too many unforced errors, I had a lot of mistakes, Nishikori said. He was playing good, but nothing special, I couldn t make a first serve and I should have stayed back more at the baseline. Khachanov hits a flat ball and that makes it not so easy on grass. I need to train more before Wimbledon. Khachanov advanced to the Friday quarter-finals against Spanish fourth seed Roberto Bautista Agut, a 6-4, 7-5 winner over Dutchman Robin Haase. Khachanov managed seven aces against his Japanese opponent, who was broken four times. The Russian 22-year-old stands 1-1 with Bautista Agut, after splitting wins on clay and hardcourt. In Birmingham, England, Magdalena Rybarikova, who climbed almost 90 places last year to reach a career-high No. 17 in March, showed she might rise even further after rallying against Kristina Mladenovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 Wednesday to advance to the quarterfinals in Birmingham. The Slovak accelerated toward victory against the former top 10 player from France with an array of slice ground strokes, clever approaches and sharp volleys. The range of shots worked excellently on the lush surface at the grass-court Nature Valley Classic and helped her take control midway through the second set. Rybarikova last year reached the Wimbledon semifinals. She is a former champion here, winning the title in In the first round she beat thirdseeded Karolina Pliskova for the loss of only five games but found it tougher against Mladenovic. I started to play very well, Rybarikova said of her improvement from the fourth game of the second set against Mladenovic. She served great to begin with and I struggled with my returns, but I kept fighting and my game improved a lot. I think I d been a bit passive. The key was when I played more crosscourt slices and drops and made an early break in the second set. That s the way I am trying to play on grass. I am thankful that I have the game to do that. This court here really suits my game. At the changeover in the fifth game of the second set, Mladenovic s morale appeared to plunge, and afterward her error ratio rose sharply with her standard dropping significantly. The third set of a match which lasted nearly two hours took only 22 minutes, and long before the end the outcome had ceased to be in doubt. Rybarikova next faces Slovenian qualifier Dalila Jakupovic, who on Tuesday overcame a difference in rankings of almost 100 places and saved four match points while beating seventh-seeded Elise Mertens of Belgium. MOTOR RACING Broom closet tryst Becker battles mounting woes BERLIN, June 20, (AFP): A controversy over Boris Becker s claim that he enjoys diplomatic status from the Central African Republic has added to the clouds hanging over the German ex-tennis star battling financial and marital woes. The three-time Wimbledon champion last week sought diplomatic immunity from bankruptcy proceedings in Britain, citing his appointment as a sports attache for the CAR in April. But in a dramatic turn of events, the African country said a diplomatic passport Becker was holding is a fake. Undeterred, Becker, 50, insisted in a filmed interview in Germany that it is a fact that I am, today, a diplomat of the country. The bizarre case has again put the spotlight on Becker, whose off-court indiscretions has been piling up since he first shot to fame as Germany s Becker Grand Slam winning poster boy in 1985, aged just 17. The tennis star, who remains the youngest champion at Wimbledon, has over the decades kept tongues wagging not only with his aces but also a broom closet romp with a model, a tax evasion trial and a string of failed businesses. Before the diplomatic row erupted, news of Becker s separation from his TENNIS second wife, Dutch model Sharlely Lilly Kerssenberg, kept the tabloids busy for weeks. Becker s love life was already the subject of headlines back in the 1990s. He married actress and designer Barbara Feltus in December 1993 and their son Noah Gabriel named after Becker s friends French tennis star Yannick Noah and singer Peter Gabriel was born a month later. But he found himself at the centre of a media frenzy after it emerged that during his wife s second pregnancy he cheated on her in the linen closet of a London hotel. As a result of the tryst, Anna Ermakova was born in March 2000, to the Russian model Angela Ermakova, which led to Becker s divorce in January 2001 that cost him millions. Becker only recognised Anna as his daughter after an embarrassingly public paternity dispute. Although Boom Boom Becker won six Grand Slam trophies, amassing more than $25 million in prize money, costly settlements of his various romantic entanglements helped whittle away that wealth. NFL Roundup Ravens sign Hurst Colt s Vinatieri no plans to quit WASHINGTON, June 20, (Agencies): Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri has 559 career field goals and needs just seven more to become the NFL s career leader, but if he has his way, he ll be around long enough to put a lot of distance between his mark and Morten Andersen s 565. Vinatieri, 45, is beginning his 13th season in Indianapolis, a career in itself for some players, though he spent 10 seasons before that kicking for the New England Patriots. He has been in five Super Bowls, winning four. So why stop now? I love it as much today as I had when I started 23 years ago, Vinatieri told the Colts website. I m not looking to hang them up anytime soon, unless something happens that needs to be that way. The Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with first-round tight end Hayden Hurst on a four-year contract, according to multiple reports, putting all 12 of the team s 2018 draft picks under contract. The deal, like those for all firstround picks, comes with a fifthyear team option for Terms have not been reported, but the deal should be worth around $10.4 million over the first four years, with a signing bonus around $5.7 million, based on his draft slot. Cole Beasley doesn t need a lot of prodding to bring up how much he thinks outsiders will overlook Dallas receivers now that the Cowboys have moved on from Dez Bryant. The new dean of the group sees opportunity rather than uncertainty at a position that lacks a big name, and the history of big production that usually goes with it. Dallas isn t necessarily looking for a new No. 1 receiver while also trying to replace 15-year tight end Jason Witten, who retired as the franchise leader in catches and yards. Headlined by holdovers Beasley and Terrance Williams and newcomers Allen Hurns and Tavon Austin, the Cowboys think their strength could be in numbers and matchups.

34 34 Stop the homophobic chanting Mexican striker Javier Hernandez has appealed to his country s football fans to stop their homophobic chanting at World Cup matches, arguing it could lead to further fines from FIFA. Hernandez posted a message on Instagram on Wednesday asking fans to end their derogatory chants during their opponents goal kicks. To all Mexican fans in the stadiums, don t shout puto, Hernandez said. Let s not risk another sanction. Mexico caused a major shock by beating Germany 1-0 in their opening game in Group F. They next play South Korea on Saturday. Mexicans have long shouted the word slang for a male sex worker which gay rights groups argue is homophobic. Although the Mexican team has appealed before for an end to the chants the players even released a video on the subject in 2016 some supporters have not relented. Thousands of Mexican fans have flooded into Russia for the World Cup and some chanted the abuse during the match against Germany on Sunday, prompting FIFA to announce disciplinary procedures earlier this week. (RTRS) Saudi Arabia fans cheer in the crowd before the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On- Don on June 20. (AFP) Colombia weary but brave in defeat Japan win lifts mood after earthquake TOKYO, June 20, (RTRS): Japan on Wednesday basked in the glow of its World Cup soccer team s historic win over Colombia, a victory that has lifted the nation s mood after an earthquake struck its second-biggest metropolis Osaka. Fans watching Tuesday night s match at pubs and outdoor bars in the downtown Tokyo area of Shibuya celebrated when Japan clinched a 2-1 victory, exchanging high-fives with strangers on the street and flooding into Shibuya s famous scramble crossing, prompting scores of police to come out to ensure order. On Monday, a magnitude 6.1 earthquake had struck Osaka, killing five people and injuring hundreds more. Newspapers splashed photos of jubilant Japan players in their blue jerseys on front pages on Wednesday, and government spokesman Yoshihide Suga highlighted that it was the first time an Asian team had beaten a South American side at the World Cup. This was a historic start, Suga said. Veterans and young players worked together as one to show the power of teamwork and a certain Japanese-ness. It was a win worth savouring over a team that had beaten Japan 4-1 at the 2014 tournament in Brazil although Colombia played nearly the entire match with just 10 men after defender Carlos Sanchez was sent off for blocking a shot on goal with his arm less than three minutes into the game. When that happened, I thought this might lead to a miracle, said 35-year-old Sayoko Fujisawa, who was watching the game at home and screamed when Yuya Osako headed in the second-half winner. I was hopeful, but that we won was beyond my expectations. University student Tatsuya Abe said that a loss to 10 men would have been tough to take for Japan, who had fired head coach Vahid Halilhodzic two months before the tournament and brought in Akira Nishino as his replacement. If we d lost, everyone would ve been in shock and unable to recover, he said. A lot of people were negative (about the team) before the game, with the last-minute change of the coach and other stuff. But with this win, Japan as a whole is going to turn positive. Abe, 19, added that Tuesday s win would bring some cheer to Japan in the aftermath of the quake. This win will lift people s spirits, he said. The second half of the match, shown live on public broadcaster NHK, received a viewer rating of 48.7 percent in the Kanto region that includes Tokyo. In Kansai, which includes Osaka, 44.1 percent of viewers tuned in, according to ratings agency Video Research. Abe said he planned to travel 20 hours later this week from Niigata, in north-central Japan, to Ekaterinburg, Russia, for Japan s next Group H match against Senegal on Sunday. If they beat Colombia, they can defeat their next opponent, too, Abe said. I think they can get as far as the last eight. That would be a first for Japan, who got as far as the last 16 in 2002 and Colombia arrived at the World Cup lauded as one the most attractive teams, spearheaded by the influential James Rodriguez and with expectations of going far in the tournament. It took just three minutes into Tuesday s game against underdogs Japan in Saransk for their plans to unravel. Although they still played with great style and bravery, and even drew level Poland s midfi elder Piotr Zielinski (left), vies with Senegal s midfi elder Cheikh Ndoye during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group H football match between Poland and Senegal at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 19. (AFP) Africa showing few signs of making breakthrough NIZHNY NOVGOROD, Russia, June 20, (RTRS): Africa s muchawaited and coveted tilt at World Cup glory looks as far off as ever after a dismal round of opening fixtures for the continent s teams at the tournament in Russia. Not even a win for Senegal in their first Group H in Moscow on Tuesday could temper an otherwise disasterfilled opening six days of the tournament for African hopes. Five defeats in the six games featuring African teams offered little hope of new benchmarks being set with Senegal s 2-1 triumph over Poland the only bright point. It s a bit too early to say why the African sides are not doing well, said Senegal coach Aliou Cisse after his side s unconvincing win, in which they took advantage of two errors to take all three points. Both Egypt, record winners of the African Nations Cup, and Morocco could both be effectively eliminated inside the first week, while Nigeria and Tunisia failed to offer any glimpse of potential as they lost their opening encounters. No African country has ever got as far as the World Cup semi-finals and only three times has the continent had a side progress to the last eight. There s definitely been a decline, said former Nigeria international Peter Odemwingie, who played at the last two World Cups and is now working as a BBC pundit in Russia. Nigeria had one of the best African squads ever at the 1994 World Cup. We were knocking on the door. We won the 1996 Olympics by beating Brazil and Argentina with all their stars. That period was like, yes, it s coming. Yet despite those previously positive signs, the fabled prediction by Brazilian World Cup legend Pele that Africa would have a world champion by the turn of the century is now 18 years overdue. Cisse, who was captain of the talented Senegal team that got to the last eight in 2002, is optimistic, however, it will eventually come. I m certain that one day an African team, an African country, will win the World Cup, he said. But it would take time, he added. It s a bit more complicated in our countries. We face realities that are not there in other continents, he said, referring to infrastructure, budget and organisational problems. But Africa is full of quality and we re on the way. We fully trust our football, we have no hang-ups, Cisse added. after Japan after had taken the lead with the penalty from Sanchez s deliberate handball, their 10 men grew ever more weary in the second half. Given the build-up, it was a sobering moment for Colombia, as well as for the thousands of fans who had turned the Mordovia Arena into a sea of yellow. The players made a huge effort. Think about covering the same area of the pitch with one Nishino man less, coach Jose Pekerman said. After that huge effort and scoring the goal, we were tired and worn down, and it was very hard for us to recover possession and Japan had its opportunities. WC Diary Replace Sterling : Former England defender Jamie Carragher believes Marcus Rashford should replace fellow forward Raheem Sterling for the World Cup fixture against Panama on Sunday, explaining that the Manchester United player is better suited to the side s system. Skipper Harry Kane bagged a brace, the second in stoppage time, as England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening Group G match on Monday but Sterling was unable to prevent his scoring drought from extending to 21 matches for the national side. (RTRS) Pressure terrifically high : Germany star Thomas Mueller says the reigning world champions are feeling the pressure as they prepare for this weekend s game against Sweden at risk of an unthinkably premature exit. Joachim Loew s team are in a vulnerable position after starting their defence of the World Cup with a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico in Moscow on Sunday. (AFP) Warning fires Lukaku up: It may have needed a half-time rocket from captain Eden Hazard to jolt Romelu Lukaku into action in Belgium s World Cup opener but coach Roberto Martinez believes the striker has the hunger to fulfil his ambition of global domination. The Chelsea playmaker gave Lukaku a piece of his mind in Sochi on Monday after Belgium had huffed and puffed but failed to blow Panama s modest defensive fortress down before the interval. At half-time, I told him we needed him. He d been hiding out a bit up front, Hazard told reporters. (RTRS) Hassen out of World Cup: Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen s World Cup is over after just 16 minutes of action due to an injured shoulder suffered in Monday s 2-1 loss to England, team officials said. Hassen was forced off early in Volgograd and will not recover in time to continue in the tournament. He will instead return to his French second division club Chateauroux for further treatment. (RTRS) Poland coach at a loss: Poland coach Adam Nawalka struggled to explain his team s off-key display on Tuesday as they produced a lethargic, error-ridden performance to lose 2-1 to Senegal in their opening game of a World Cup Group H they had high hopes of winning. An own goal by Thiago Cionek late in the first half and an appalling defensive mix-up that let M Baye Niang score into an empty net on the hour put Senegal clear, with Grzegorz Krychowiak s header in the 86th minute changing nothing. (RTRS)

35 35 England should mount bid with Ireland England deserve to host the World Cup finals in 2030 and should mount a joint bid with Ireland, banned former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday. I think that England, or the islands, they deserve to organise the World Cup, Blatter, in Russia to attend the World Cup as a guest of President Vladimir Putin, told Sky Sports. They had it in 1966 so it s a long time ago. (I was told that) it could be with Wales and Scotland together but I said why not Ireland altogether? With 48 teams you need more than one country to host it. England bid for this year s tournament but lost out to Russia despite being one of the favourites. Blatter, who led soccer s world governing body for 17 years, is serving a six-year ban for unethical conduct after FIFA was rocked by a global corruption scandal in The ban on Blatter from all football activities was imposed shortly after the Swiss attorney general s office began criminal proceedings against him on suspicion of criminal mismanagement and misappropriation. (RTRS) (From left to right), Sergio Aguero, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi jog during a training session of Argentina at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Bronnitsy, Russia, on June 19. (AP) Fan Zone Morocco fans cheer during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Portugal and Morocco at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 20. (AFP) Denmark looking for 2nd win Eriksen the dangerman as Australia bid to shape destiny KAZAN, Russia, June 20, (AFP): Captain Mile Jedinak says Australia cannot afford to focus solely on dangerman Christian Eriksen when they face Denmark looking for the win that could save their World Cup campaign. A gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat to France in their Group C opener has left the Socceroos targeting a win on Thursday as they seek to qualify from the group stages. Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eriksen, who scored 11 of Denmark s goals in qualifying, is the key threat for Age Hareide s side at the Samara Arena. But Jedinak, who scored from the penalty spot against France, says improving on a disciplined performance which saw Antoine Griezmann hit a VAR (Video Assistant Referee)-assisted penalty before an Aziz Behich own goal in the dying minutes is also key for Australia. We know he (Eriksen) is a fantastic player and obviously he s got a huge role to play for them, said Jedinak. But we re not trying to focus on that. We ll definitely focus on them as whole and as a collective. We have to worry about ourselves as well, and how we re going to implement our Denmark vs Australia bein SPORTS 1HD, bein MAX 1HD, bein MAX 2HD 15:00 local style on them. A solid defensive display against France won Australia plaudits but Bert van Marwijk s men are on the ropes. And with the psychological advantage of a 1-0 win over Peru from their opening game, in which goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel produced a string of fine saves to deny the South Americans, the Danes can afford to be more flexible with their strategy. Australia, on the other hand, showed little attacking threat against France, their best opportunity coming from a deflected header that had goalkeeper Hugo Lloris scrambling to save early on. Schmeichel, the son of Manchester United goalkeeping great Peter, will prove another formidable obstacle to Australia s plans. Kasper has already beaten his father s record for the longest time Australia s forward Tim Cahill (left), and teammate forward Mathew Leckie takes part a training session at the Samara Arena in Samara on June 20, on the eve of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between Denmark and Australia. (AFP) Uruguay s fan shouts as he waits for the Group A match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at the 2018 soccer World Cup in Rostov Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 20. (AP) without conceding a goal 534 minutes to Peter s 470. And against Australia, he will look to extend that streak. Nothing surprises me about him any more. He has conducted his whole A performer on stilts is seen outside the stadium before the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don on June 20. (AFP) career so well, said Peter Schmeichel, in comments made in his role as television pundit. Australia s Trent Sainsbury, too, impressed on his World Cup opener against the French. Iran fans are seen outside the stadium before the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Spain at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 20. (AFP) A Portugal fan waits for the beginning of the Group B match between Portugal and Morocco at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 20. (AP) A Uruguay fan gives a thumbs up ahead of kick off of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don on June 20. (AFP) Argentina rally behind Messi NIZHNIY NOVGOROD, Russia, June 20, (AFP): Argentina are rallying around captain Lionel Messi as the South American giants prepare for their crucial Group D clash with Croatia here on Thursday. Messi made an unhappy start to the World Cup on Saturday, missing what would have been a winning penalty as Argentina were held to a 1-1 draw by minnows Iceland. It was a result that has renewed doubts about Argentina s ability to mount a sustained challenge at this World Cup, four years after they reached the final in Brazil. Another adverse outcome on Thursday and many may even start to consider the unthinkable that Argentina could be on their way out at the group stage, mirroring their shock first round exit in Legend Diego Maradona called the Iceland result a disgrace and warned coach Jorge Sampaoli he would not be able to return to Argentina with similar performances. Adding to the sense of disappointment, Messi s missed penalty was accompanied by 11 unsuccessful shots, the most in a World Cup game without return by a single player since Italy s Luigi Riva in Argentina s players however have been quick to close ranks around the Barcelona superstar. We are all with him, he knows that he can count on the support of all of us more than ever, said Argentina striker Argentina vs Croatia bein SPORTS 1HD, bein MAX 1HD, bein MAX 2HD 21:00 local Paulo Dybala. We are here to help him every moment, and of course we will be at his side, Dybala added. Defender Cristian Ansaldi meanwhile insisted Messi was in good spirits despite the Iceland setback. We all know what Messi represents to our team and to our country, Ansaldi said. Not only is he the best player in the world on the pitch, he is also best player off the field. He s in good shape and that s good for us. Despite the solitary point against Iceland, Argentina can take solace from a performance which saw them muster 26 shots and have 72 per cent possession against Iceland. Sampaoli is reportedly considering several changes for the game, including drafting in young forward Cristian Pavon for Angel Di Maria for more creativity up front. Crucial Croatia showdown looms Portugal s Cristiano Ronaldo (left), is challenged by Morocco s Mehdi Benatia during the Group B match between Portugal and Morocco at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 20. (AP) Peru s Guerrero looks likely to start France vow to up the ante, rivals flounder YEKATERINBURG, Russia, June 20, (AFP): With their title rivals failing to fire, France have vowed to ramp up the intensity and put their stamp on the World Cup with victory over Peru on Thursday. Didier Deschamps team were far from fluid against Australia in their opening game in Russia, needing VAR Similarly in midfield, Paris Saint- Germain s Giovani Lo Celso could start as Argentina seek more attacking options, possibly at the expense of Lucas Biglia. Their jobs would be to supply Messi and goalscorer against Iceland Sergio Aguero with the kind of service on which they would thrive in a potential formation. (the Video Assistant Referee) and consequent Antoine Griezmann penalty, then an own goal about 10 minutes from time, to snatch a 2-1 win. But, while unconvincing, a French side featuring a misfiring front three of the usually prolific Griezmann and starlets Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele at least avoided embarrassment. With holders Germany losing to Mexico and Spain, Argentina and Brazil all drawing their opening games, the Peru clash is a prime opportunity for the French to stake their claim as the team to beat in Russia. We took stock of what was done well or not so well and all agree that we will have to increase our physical intensity and improve our attitude in general, Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, the France vice-captain, said on Tuesday. Other teams (among the favourites) did not win or even lost. We won, but we know that there are things to improve on. We know what direction we need to go in. Deschamps, a World Cup winner as a player in 1998, has an impressive selection of forwards to choose from and could give Olivier Giroud a start. Talking to the press ahead of the Group C game in Yekaterinburg, the most eastern city at this World Cup, Varane leapt to the defence of Mbappe, who faded after a strong start against Australia. This is a player that is 19 years old and who did what few or no players did (in playing for France at such a young age). He has a lot of talent, said Varane, 25. The defender Griezmann also backed Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, who struggled for consistency in the Premier League last season and at times found himself on the bench. Pogba, 25, told French television at the weekend that he was the most criticised player in the world. Not bitter, was Varane s assessment of Pogba, before adding to the press: If you could be a little bit more positive as well, that would be cool. France s talented but young squad will be favourites against a Peru side beaten 1-0 by Denmark in their opener. But Peru, backed by their vocal fans who have travelled in numbers, were the better side for long spells against France vs Peru bein SPORTS 1HD, bein MAX 1HD, bein MAX 2HD 18:00 local the Danes and missed a golden opportunity to go in front when Christian Cueva ballooned his penalty over Kasper Schmeichel s crossbar. Another defeat for Peru, who will again be sporting their distinctive red sash shirts, could spell the end of their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds, in their first World Cup since 1982.

36 PRIME TIME thursday (all times are kuwait local) 07:00 halep vs stephens/tennis... bein sports 9 hd 09:00 gasquet vs mayer/tennis... bein sports 8 hd 10:30 federer vs bedane/tennis... bein sports 8 hd 11:10 kyrgios vs murray/tennis... bein sports 9 hd 13:00 haase vs bautista/tennis... bein sports 8 hd 15:00 denmark vs australia/soccer...bein sports max 2 hd 18:00 france vs peru/soccer... bein sports 1 hd 21:00 argentina vs croatia/soccer... bein sports 2 hd 36 Sports Latest sports scores at Ronaldo rescues Portugal as Saudis, Egypt and Morocco eliminated Uruguay, Russia reach knockout stage An Spain fan attends the Russia 2018 World Cup Group B football match between Iran and Spain at the Kazan Arena in Kazan on June 20. (AFP) Left: Uruguay s midfielder Carlos Sanchez (left), fights for the ball with Saudi Arabia s defender Yasser Al-Shahrani during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match between Uruguay and Saudi Arabia at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don on June 20. (Right): Saudi football fans wearing paraphernalia and masks defaced with their national team s colours and national emblem pose for a picture inside a fan tent in the Red Sea coastal resort of Jeddah on June 20, ahead of their Russia 2018 World Cup Group A football match agaisnt Uruguay. (AFP) Suarez scores ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia, June 20, (AFP): Uruguay booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage along with Russia on Wednesday, as Luis Suarez scored the winner on his 100th international appearance in a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Rostov-on-Don. The South Americans take on the hosts in their final Group A match on June 25 with top spot on the line, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia have been eliminated after both suffered back-to-back defeats. Russia and Uruguay will face one of the top two from Group B in the last 16 either Portugal, Spain or Iran. The 31-year-old Suarez, whose previous two World Cups both ended in bans after his infamous 2010 handball against Ghana and bite on Italy s Giorgio Chiellini four years later, took advantage of a goalkeeping error by Mohammed Al-Owais to put Uruguay ahead midway through the first half. Oscar Tabarez s side missed plenty of opportunities to add further goals, but a toothless Saudi outfit never seriously looked like snatching a point. Uruguay, semifinalists eight years ago in South Africa, have now reached the knockout stage for the third straight time, while Saudi Arabia will try again in their search for a first World Cup win since 1994 in their final game against Mohamed Salah s Egypt. Suarez made a bright start, looking to make amends for his poor performance in the opening 1-0 win against Egypt, firing a left-footed volley from Cristian Rodriguez s knockdown which was blocked by Ali Al-Bulayhi. The Saudis managed to have plenty of early possession, although without looking overly threatening, only to gift Uruguay a 23rd-minute lead. Al-Owais winning only his second cap after replacing Abdullah Al-Muaiouf in goal completely missed a floated Carlos Sanchez corner and Suarez tapped in his 52nd international goal unmarked at the back post. That strike was Suarez s sixth World Cup goal and made him the first Uruguayan to score in three separate finals. Juan Antonio Pizzi s Saudi Arabia continued to look far more assured on the ball than they did in the 5-0 drubbing by Russia on the opening day of the tournament, with Hatan Bahbri firing a wild volley over shortly after Neymar returns to Brazil training MOSCOW, June 20, (AP): Brazil is making sure everyone knows Neymar is perfectly fit at the World Cup A day after he limped out of training and raised further doubts about his physical condition in Russia, the Brazilian soccer federation was quick to tell the world the team s biggest star was just fine. Brazil had a closed practice session Wednesday, two days before its game against Costa Rica in St. Petersburg, but the federation posted photos and a video of Neymar in action in training with the rest of the squad. Brazil practicing and Neymar participating normally in the team s activity, the federation said in a Twitter post. One of the photos showed the playmaker touching the ball with his injured right ankle. Take a look at Neymar practicing in Sochi! read the post linking to the video which showed the playmaker training without any sign of a limp. The images showed him exchanging passes and making challenges. In a longer version of the video sent to journalists, Neymar took free kicks. Neymar practiced the whole time, the federation later said on its website. seeing a long-range effort tipped away by Fernando Muslera. Uruguay began the second period with greater purpose, and Suarez came close to a second when Al-Owais palmed clear his low free-kick. The three points and a last-16 spot should have been wrapped up just after the hour mark, but Sanchez headed over when unmarked at the back post from a wonderful Edinson Cavani cross. Cristiano Ronaldo followed up his opening game heroics at the World Cup with the only goal in a 1-0 win for Portugal against Morocco as the European champions edged closer to the last 16. Iran s Sardar Azmoun (left), and Spain s Sergio Busquets challenge for the ball during the Group B match between Iran and Spain at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Kazan Arena in Kazan, Russia, on June 20. (AP) World Cup Results/Standings MOSCOW, June 20, (AFP): World Cup results and standings on Wednesday: Portugal 1 Morocco 0 Uruguay 1 Saudi Arabia 0 Group A P W D L GF GA PTS Q Russia Q Uruguay E Egypt E Saudi Arabia Group B P W D L GF GA PTS Portugal Iran Spain E Morocco Group C P W D L GF GA PTS France Denmark Australia Peru Group D P W D L GF GA PTS Croatia Argentina Iceland Nigeria The Real Madrid star struck in the fourth minute in Moscow to surpass Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskas as Europe s all-time leading scorer with 85 international goals. Victory sent Portugal top of Group B on four points ahead of Spain s game against Iran in Kazan, as a second straight defeat for Morocco condemned the African nation to an early exit in their first World Cup appearance since Morocco coach Herve Renard opted for a back four, with Manuel Da Costa and Nabil Dirar coming into the side, to provide added protection against the absolutely exceptional Ronaldo after Portugal s Cedric (left), and Morocco s Noureddine Amrabat (right), challenge for the ball during the Group B match between Portugal amd Morocco at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 20. (AP) Denmark vs Australia bein SPORTS 1HD, bein MAX 1HD, bein MAX 2HD 15:00 local France vs Peru bein SPORTS 1HD, bein MAX 1HD, bein MAX 2HD 18:00 local Argentina vs Croatia bein SPORTS 1HD, bein MAX 1HD, bein MAX 2HD 21:00 local his hat-trick against Spain. But his plans were torn apart within minutes at the Luzhniki Stadium as Ronaldo wriggled free of the imposing Da Costa to bury an unstoppable header past a helpless Monir El Kajoui. It was Ronaldo s fourth goal of the tournament, more than his combined tally at three previous finals, and left him trailing just Iran s Ali Daei (109) on the list of top international goalscorers. The Real Madrid forward threatened a second soon after, swivelling on the edge of the area and scuffing just wide after a powerful run from left-back Raphael Guerreiro. Mehdi Benatia forced a smart low save from Rui Patricio at a corner for Morocco, before Hakim Ziyach skipped his way into the Portugal area, his goal-bound effort blocked by an outstretched leg. Joao Moutinho then nipped in ahead of Mbark Boussoufa to get a vital clearing touch in the six-yard box as Morocco consistently targeted the right side of the Portuguese defence. See Also Pages 34 & 35 Group E P W D L GF GA PTS Serbia Brazil Switzerland Costa Rica Group F P W D L GF GA PTS Mexico Sweden Germany South Korea Group G P W D L GF GA PTS Belgium England Tunisia Panama Group H Japan Senegal Colombia Poland Note 1: Top two teams from each group reach last 16. Note 2: Standings read as played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against and points. Note 3: Q denotes qualified, E denotes eliminated 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: Fax: advt@arabtimesonline.com Annual Subscriptions: Individuals KD 45/- Companies and Offi cial Departments KD 75 Airmail charges extra for overseas Tel: Fax: