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105000 0 1477 WORL WORLD Four US soldiers are killed BAGHDAD: Four US soldiers were killed in Iraq while gunmen abducted a female Iraqi television presenter in the northern city of Mosul, officials said. Three soldiers died when a roadside bomb detonated as they were evacuating a fellow soldier, the US military said. Eight soldiers were also wounded when the roadside bomb exploded. The soldiers were evacuating a soldier who'd been injured when his convoy collided with a civilian vehicle, the US command said in a statement. A fourth US soldier was killed by small arms fire in Mosul on Saturday. Iraqi TV presenter Raiedah Mohammed Wageh Wazan was abducted by several masked gunmen on Sunday night while she was returning to her house in Mosul's Al Shahwan neighbourhood, an official from her local television network said. Islamic militants meanwhile freed two Indonesian journalists taken hostage last week. In Brussels, EU foreign ministers called for the immediate release of a French journalist and her Italian counterpart 0
105001 2 1477 WORL WORLD Palestinian joy RAMALLAH: Palestinian women ululated with joy and gunmen fired into the air to welcome hundreds of prisoners who returned home yesterday in the largest Israeli prison release in nearly a decade.Some of the prisoners hugged their young children - born while they were in jail - for the first time. Others planned weddings, and some said they would visit the graves of relatives who died while they were incarcerated. But the mood of celebration over the release was tempered by Palestinian demands for the release of some 7,500 prisoners still held by Israel. "All I care about now is to make it up to my son ... I cannot describe how happy I was when I had him in my arms for the first time in my life," said Mohammed Abu Libdeh, whose four-year-old son Majd was born while he was in jail on weapons charges and for belonging to a militant group. 0
105002 3 1477 WORL WORLD Landslide claims 150 in Indonesia CIMAHI, Indonesia: Almost 150 people were believed to have died under hundreds of tonnes of garbage and earth when heavy seasonal rain unleashed a massive landslide in Indonesia yesterday, police said.The landslide struck in the early hours when people were asleep and flattened up to 70 homes built in the shadow of a dumpsite at Cimahi, near Bandung, around 200km southeast of Jakarta. Whole houses and trees lay buried under tonnes of earth and rubbish, with splintered rafters poking through the mass of earth and smashed roof tiles and wooden beams littering the area. One survivor, 22-year-old Neneng, lost six relatives in the landslide although her own house was only partially damaged. She said she and her husband were woken by a deep rumbling sound. "It sounded like the noise of a creaking old bed," she said. As many as 1,000 rescuers in search teams from the military, police and local residents desperately scoured the site, picking though piles of brick and rubble in th 0
105003 1 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Businesses 'told to gear up for new challenges' MANAMA: Bahrain's businesses may have to go through some painful adjustments once the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US comes into force, an American expert said last night. Inefficient businesses will find it difficult to compete in the new environment, according to visiting US professor at Bahrain University Dr Scott Waalkes. "Businesses should therefore shift from being inefficient to efficient," he told a seminar organised by the Bahrain Economic Society (BES) at its premises, in Adliya. The topic of his presentation was The Political Economy of US Trade Policy: Lessons for Bahrain. Dr Waalkes, a specialist in international politics and economics at Melone College, Ohio, is in Bahrain as a Fulbright scholar for one year. "The main economic lesson that Bahrain can learn from the US trade policy is that it should develop institutions that can limit the damage of self-interests," he said. The presentation focused on issues such as the ending of tex 0
105004 2 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Impact of FTA on economy probed MANAMA: The economic importance of the Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and its potential impact on the economy and the private sector was discussed in a meeting yesterday at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The meeting was held between the BCCI FTA Committee, headed by first deputy chairman Dr Tawfeeq Almoayed and a delegation representing officials from the technical bureau and specific committees at the US Congress. Dr Almoayed explained the role played by BCCI in supporting the government's efforts to successfully implement the FTA and in enabling companies and businessmen to get the most benefits from it. He also discussed investment opportunities, as well as exchange of trade and services, not only between Bahrain and the US, but also by making the kingdom an attractive centre for foreign investments and industries who wish to penetrate the US market. It is also aimed to make Bahrain a transit gateway for American products to go to other cou 0
105005 3 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Noriba most innovative bank MANAMA: Noriba Bank has been named the Most Innovative Islamic Finance House for 2004 as part of Euromoney magazine's prestigious Annual Islamic Finance Awards. The bank is a wholly owned subsidiary of Switzerland's UBS Group and the UBS global platform for Sharia-compliant banking. Euromoney cited Noriba's outstanding role in creating new products for commodities, equities and sukuks - as well as the innovative structure of the bank's 171 million euro real estate transaction in Germany. Noriba also received the award for Islamic Finance Product of the Year for its Range Murabaha Investments (RaMI), an innovative Sharia-compliant structured yield investment alternative that offers capital preservation - at the same time allowing investors the opportunity to optimise the risk-adjusted returns on their short-term investments. Noriba chief executive officer Mohamad Toufic Kanafani received the award at a gala ceremony in London, which was attended by Bahrain Monetary Age 0
105006 0 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Alcatel wins major Gulf communications project MANAMA: A multi-million dollar communications project, which will increase Internet capacity in the Gulf, has just been awarded to Alcatel. Flag Telecom yesterday announced it signed the contract with Alcatel for construction of Falcon, a multi-terabit, new generation dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) submarine cable system. The state-of-the-art system, which will span over 10,000km, will offer significantly higher quality capacity in the region to help address growing traffic demands from the growing take-up of broadband Internet services. DWDM is a method of providing increased broadband information delivery through existing fibre-optic systems. DWDM and optical networks are expected to form the future backbone of worldwide communications as they allow data transmission at terabits per second - a speed that was inconceivable in the past. One terabit is equivalent to a trillion binary digits. Falcon will provide multiple landings throughout the Gulf 0
105007 0 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Arig profits soar to $27m MANAMA: Arab Insurance Group's (Arig) net profits for last year soared 235 per cent to $26.5 million, from $7.9m in 2003. The annual accounts were approved by Arig's directors during a board meeting at its head office in the Diplomatic Area. They will be put to the annual general assembly scheduled for March 30. Last year's earnings represent a 16.4pc time weighted return on average shareholders' equity, compared to 6.4pc for the previous year, said the company. This performance has helped Arig to fully eliminate the residual accumulated losses of $23.5m brought forward from 2003, it said. As a result of the increased profits and capital contributions from the rights issue of $50m that was made during the year, shareholders' equity increased to $223.1m against $128.8m at the beginning of the year. Paid up capital is now at $200m. The book value of the Arig share increased 28.4pc to $1.13 per share from $0.88 per share at the end of 2003. Arig chief 0
105008 0 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Keep people above profits big companies are urged MANAMA: Mature corporations must place people ahead of profits, an international business forum was told yesterday. Companies should develop a culture that defines the role of its people positively and drives perception of the organisation externally, said MTC Group director general Dr Saad Al Barrak. "A failure to create such a culture can have a hugely detrimental effect on the business, even if the products or services are of top quality," he told the foruth Gulf Excellence Forum, at the Ritz -Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The Forum, organised by the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Kuwait-based Gulf Excellence Consultancy Company, is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. "MTC's culture of corporate excellence is one of the main ingredients in a recipe for success that has seen the group achieve a market leading position in the region's telecom sector," said Dr Al Barrak. "If the right culture is in place, 0
105009 0 1478 BUSI BUSINESS GFH announces 30pc dividend for shareholders MANAMA: Gulf Finance House (GFH) approved a dividend of 30 per cent for its shareholders at its annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday. Chairman Dr Fuad Al Omar said the dividend will total $42 million and is comprised of 23 per cent cash and seven pc in shares. "Last year was a strong growth year for GFH, as well as a milestone in terms of expansion and investment strategy to maximize returns to its shareholders and investors," said Dr Al Omar. "The robust dividend payout is a reflection of the bank's commitment to offer high yields to shareholders and investors. "In 2004, the bank steered ahead with an unprecedented enthusiasm, generating higher yields thanks to the support of the shareholders and investors. The success of the bank's strategy is reflected in a growth in its net profit, which was up by 233 per cent last year. The bank has already announced net profits of $56.9m for last year, compared with $17.1m in 2003. The bank's 2004 results indicat 0
105010 0 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Recruitment software deal MANAMA: Bahrain-based Ahli United Bank has appointed The Hiring Solutions Company, in Dubai, to implement a new state-of-the-art recruiting system. It means the bank is encouraging all potential employees to apply online. The system is expected to improve the bank's options while recruiting new staff, as well as recognising, retaining and motivating existing employees. Once the candidate's details are in the system, human resources officers process their applications online using the Sniperhire Applicant Tracking System (ATS). 0
105011 0 1478 BUSI BUSINESS Management courses on offer MANAMA: Registration is still open for the 12th University of Glamorgan (UoG)/Educational and Management International Consultancy (EMIC) Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. However, it will be closed shortly as the induction is scheduled for tomorrow at the Gulf Hotel. The course itself is due to start on March 24. Two award ceremonies to honour undergraduate and postgraduate students who successfully completed the programme last year took place at the UoG campus in July and December. There were over 40 Bahraini and GCC students among hundreds of MBA graduates, whose awards were presented by vice-chancellor Sir Adrian Webb. Academic relations manager and MBA programme manager Nada Abul said that EMIC is going to hold its annual ceremony during the second quarter of this year to honour the MBA class of 2004, which obtained degrees from the UoG through EMIC Bahrain. Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Aldwin Cooper will be present at the event 0
105012 0 1478 COMM COMMENTConspiracy theory..? It is appropriate that in the week in which the Kyoto Protocol finally came into effect, we have been given irrefutable proof that the earth is heating up at an unnatural rate - and that is being caused by human actions. Dr Tim Barnett, of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, presented a paper to a prestigious scientific conference in Washington that ought to dispel any lingering doubts over mankind's responsibility for climate change. Dr Barnett argues that climate models based on air temperatures are not always reliable. The real place to look for evidence of global warming, he says, is in the oceans. Having analysed millions of temperature readings made by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Dr Barnett has discovered that, over the past 40 years, the world's oceans have been steadily warming up. This cannot be explained by natural phenomena such as changes in solar activity, volcanic eruptions or long-term, cyclical, changes in our climate. The only explanation 0
105013 0 1478 COMM COMMENTThief's 51,000 reasons to say thank you I wonder if the 20-year-old Bahraini man forgiven for stealing BD51,000 from the company he worked for really appreciates just how lucky he is. He will have woken up in his own, comfortable bed this morning instead of in a hard bunk inside police cell. He would have faced possibly months in custody before a trial that may well have resulted in years in prison, for a theft of such magnitude. Instead he will have looked as he woke this morning through windows free of bars, with a chance to put his brief sortie into crime behind him and start afresh. "It is always good to give a youngster a second chance to come up in life," said a spokesman for the company from which he stole the money. The ability to forgive those who have wronged you is a real virtue and I hope life is full of future rewards for the man who forgave this young fool, when he could easily have washed his hands of him and let him go to jail. Some might say he is a fool himself, that he 0
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105015 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Bahrain's generosity is very impressive AS a visitor to Bahrain I was very impressed by the news item that the appeal made for Baby Fouz has been successful (GDN, February 18). It is gratifying to know that BD5,000 has been collected in just three days, exceeding the amount needed and which will be used for other needy cases which is the correct thing to do. It says much for the people of Bahrain who are willing to extend their help to someone they don't even know. It goes to show that there are caring people in this world whose hearts go out to a cry of help realising how lucky they are to afford everything in life. The Islamic Education Society deserves credit for launching this appeal and the people of Bahrain for responding in this manner. Now they should make sure that Baby Fouz definitely needs to go abroad in response to the Mohammad bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Centre in Bahrain who have "expressed its willingness to carry out the operation for free". If so, the money can be used for other 0
105016 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Setting a bad example WE have read a lot of letters about people breaking traffic rules but how about some of the police on motorcycles. I have seen them riding at speeds well above that marked on the roads. This behaviour sets a pretty sad precedent for the general public. Sammy Dias 0
105017 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Walking and talking EVERY morning I pass by Esteglal Highway. I see many diverse but enthusiastic walkers taking full advantage of the newly-constructed walkway near the New Indian School. I feel great when I see them enjoying both walking and talking. Should we expect soon similar spots in other parts of the Kingdom? May we know about the future plans for two huge vacant plots on Oman Avenue near the Joslin Diabetes Centre? Avid walkie-talkie EDITOR'S note: Municipalities and Environmental Affairs did not respond to this letter. 0
105018 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Glitch solution... THIS in response to the letter "Yahoo e-mail glitch" by Vijay Arora (GDN, February 18). I had the same problem on my home PC, and after trying various options I at last found a solution that worked. Maybe it will work for you as well. Try using the secure login option, available below the Sign In button. If this doesn't work try logging in using the other address of Yahoo mail such as http://mail.yahoo.co.uk or http://mail.yahoo.co.in Good luck. Kishan Kumar 0
105019 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Thanks Mr Khalifa I WAS really pleased to read the comment in the concluding paragraph of Ebrahim Khalifa's letter titled 'comments impolite' (GDN, February 17) - "We love Indians and respect them and we value their contribution as much as they value our contributions to their well-being." I praise Mr Khalifa for his positive thinking. This broadminded comment served the main purpose of my writing the letter titled 'Expatriate reality' (GDN, February 11). At the end, the lesson many of the GDN readers might have learned is 'Live and let others live.' As for your comment about my coming to Bahrain to make money to send my children (luckily I have only one daughter who was born in Bahrain) to Harvard University in the US, let me tell you this Mr Khalifa. Man made the 'money', but today money makes the man, and there is 'no free lunch' as Americans say. Ramanathan Menon 0
105020 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Black spot worries I REFER to the letter 'Accident blackspot' (GDN, February 16). His letter should make GDN readers worried. It is time the 'Concerned driver' buys the book Driving for Idiots and brushes up his knowledge on what to do when the light turns yellow. S Venkateswaran 0
105021 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Tender subject CAN I obtain information from the authorities regarding the Tender Board? Since Dr Abdulhussain Mirza was relocated to another ministerial post it is not clear who the new chairman is and whether the Tender Board members have also changed. A H M lA TENDER Board spokesman said: "Dr Abdulhussain Mirza continues to serve as chairman of the board. He was re-appointed last month to serve another term in office." 0
105022 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Camels galore! IN response to the letter "Disappointed" by Alex Dixon (GDN, February 19), I do have some information that may help next time his nephew is here in Bahrain. I suffered a similar thing when my brother came to visit over the last few weeks. He is slightly older (33) but he still wanted to visit camels and he actually drove me crazy asking to stop every time he saw one. Well his eagle eyes spotted a fantastic thing! In Janabiya there is a camel farm where we were allowed to pet stroke and generally get slobbered on by hundreds of camels including babies which were a month old. It was absolutely wonderful and I think my brother will now have an everlasting memory of Bahrain. The camels were extremely photogenic and very willing to pose. When we got there, there were even children petting the camels. The camels were extremely well looked after. We saw only one who had had a broken leg at some point. I am very willing to e-mail some of the photographs to Mr Dixon should 0
105023 0 1478 LETT LETTERS Why only Sri Lanka? THIS is regarding the article 'Tsunami survivors need more help' (GDN, February 20). I would like to mention a few points about the tsunami survivors in Sri Lanka. Why are charitable societies in the Kingdom concerned only about Sri Lanka? Hundreds more survivors suffer in Indonesia which is a Muslim country and neglected by many relief agencies. Especially Discover Islam is very particular about Sri Lankan survivors. Further in the article it said that 'train in Ampara' is an incredible and utter lie. I personally have very close contact with the area affected. There is no such tragedy. Before you write anything you must confirm with any geographical factors. Why are the widows being exposed by publishers? Is it the ruling of Islam that Discover Islam teaches? Further, why cant the writer give the Discover Islam Camp address in the area. It will be more transparent.. I am not blaming anyone, but these articles should depict the reality in the field. < 0
105024 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to host 'Olympics of IT' BAHRAIN is to host a global information communications technology (ICT) summit in May, in association with organisations in Hong Kong and Austria. The Global ICT Summit Bahrain 2005, being dubbed as the "Olympics of IT", will be run concurrently alongside the well-established Future IT Conference, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, from May 14 to 18. An agreement to jointly host the summit was formally signed between the Bahrain Internet Society (BIS), Creative Knowledge, Internet Professionals Association (IProA) of Hong Kong, and World Summit Awards (WSA) of Europe. More than 500 delegates are expected to attend the event. Present at the signing were IproA director Dr Elizabeth Quat, BIS chairman Ahmed Hujairy, WSA director in Austria Anastasia Konstantinova, and Creative Knowledge chief executive officer Waleed Kanoo. Also there were steering committee member Khalid Al Khateb, Professional Computer Association general secretary Gabriel Deek, WSA bo 0
105025 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Two convicted on pimping charges TWO Bahraini men have been convicted of pimping. One, aged 28, was sentenced to three years in prison or a BD5,000 fine. The other, aged 38, was sentenced to two years in jail or a BD3,000 fine. Neither defendant appeared for sentencing at the Lower Criminal Court. They were convicted of encouraging and assisting girls to work as prostitutes. The men were also charged with depending on what the girls earned from prostitution. They were arrested in April 2000 as they took two Moroccan girls, aged 19 and 22, by car to a rendezvous with a Saudi client, the court heard. They were spotted by a policeman patrolling in Nabih Saleh, who became suspicious and followed them. He told colleagues he saw two Moroccan girls sitting in the back of a car, with two Bahraini men in front. The car stopped near a car that was already waiting in that area with a Saudi man inside, said the policeman. "The two girls climbed down from the car of 0
105026 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL SUPERMALL! MANAMA: This is how the BD150 million Bahrain City Centre shopping and leisure resort will look. A ground-breaking ceremony was held yesterday for the project, in the Seef District, which will be the largest shopping complex in Bahrain and the second largest in the Gulf. The 1.5 million square feet mall will house the Middle East's largest, 20-screen cinema (run by Cineco) and more than 350 shops. It will also feature a 54,000 sq ft family entertainment centre and two hotels, with a combined total of 700 rooms. The resort will also be home to the largest indoor water park in the Middle East. The target opening date is 2007. 0
105027 1 1478 BNEW LOCAL Sword gang steals BD3,000 MANAMA Five masked youngsters, wielding swords, fled with more than BD3,000 in a daring robbery at a money exchange in Manama last night. They entered the exchange near the Karnataka Social Club at about 8pm when four staff members were still inside, a company spokesman said. The youths smashed the glass partition, jumped across the counter, threatened the staff and pulled open two of the three cash drawers. However, the raiders panicked when a staff member pressed the alarm. They fled the scene ignoring the third cash drawer which, according to sources, contained various currency bundles. The getaway car was found later in Jidhafs, an Interior Ministry statement added. The company spokesman hoped the robbers would be caught soon as the cashier's area was monitored by a closed-circuit TV. He also urged more police patrols in the area. 0
105028 2 1478 BNEW LOCAL Shantytown families defy order to leave MANAMA TWO Bahraini families yesterday defied a government deadline to evacuate make-shift homes they have been living in for generations. But a threat to forcibly evict them, or to cut off their electricity, was not carried out by the Works and Housing Ministry. A bulldozer was sent to the site of the mostly demolished shantytown in Segaiya. But it was only used to clear away the rubble left behind from the homes of other families who have resettled into 50 new two-bedroom homes that were built for them in Tubli for BD1 million, under directives from His Majesty King Hamad. The remaining families claim that they are unable to move into the new homes with their extended families, due to lack of space. A third family had also stayed behind in protest, but later moved in with their relatives in Tubli after burglars raided their wooden hut while they were out. They are reported to be living in a hallway near the entrance to one of the homes with several other member 0
105029 3 1478 BNEW LOCAL BD150m mall to be built in Seef MANAMA A GROUND-BREAKING ceremony was held yesterday for the BD150 million Bahrain City Centre shopping and leisure complex, in the Seef District. It will be the largest shopping complex in Bahrain and the second largest in the Gulf. The 1.5 million sq ft mall will house the Middle East's largest, 20-screen cinema (run by Cineco) and more than 350 shops. It will also feature a 54,000 sq ft family entertainment centre, called Magic Planet, and two hotels with a combined total of 700 rooms - which will directly link to the mall itself. The resort will also be home to the largest indoor water park in the Middle East, covering 135,000 sq ft and providing a temperature controlled aquatic experience to visitors all year round. It is being built by UAE-based regional property developer Majid Al Futtaim Investments and will be larger than the City Centre mall in Deira, Dubai. However, it will be smaller than the three billion UAE dirham (BD308m) Mall of the Emirates, also in Dub 0
105030 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL New Bahrain runway... MANAMA A new parallel runway is to be opened at Bahrain International Airport today. Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa will host a reception this morning at the airport, marking the occasion. 0
105031 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Brunei seeks to build trade ties BRUNEI Darussalam is celebrating its 21st National Day today, with plans to further cement its political, commercial and financial ties with Bahrain. The two countries enjoy a strong bond of friendship at the highest level, especially after the visit of His Majesty King Hamad to Brunei in September last year, said Charge D'Affaires in Bahrain Haji Mulok Jumat. "His Majesty's first visit to our country was to attend the Royal wedding of Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Al Muhtadee Billah," he told the GDN. "The historic visit was so memorable that it made our strong ties more colourful. "We are especially honoured that it was His Majesty's first official visit to our part of the world." Trade relations between the two countries took a new turn earlier this month when a high level delegation visited Bahrain to take part in the 10th Islamic Trade Fair, said Mr Jumat. The delegation was headed by Minister of Trade and Primary Resources Pehin Abdu 0
105032 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Traffic fumes 'major threat' BAHRAIN is choking on traffic fumes, environmental experts warned yesterday. Traffic congestion is a bigger threat than heavy industry, it was revealed at a seminar organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. It was held to mark the country's National Environ-ment Day, which falls on February 14. The seminar, held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, was attended by representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations. Harmful exhaust emissions are a major environmental issue, said Environment Protection and Wildlife Director Dr Ismail Al Madani. He said that studies carried out in Bahrain revealed that most pollutants, such as nitrogen-oxide, were found to be heavily concentrated in areas with high traffic congestion, rather than industrial areas. "This shows the extent of the contribution of vehicles to increasing the pollution percentage in developed areas," said Mr Al Madani. "There 0
105033 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL BD10,000 NBB cheque in aid of charity carnival A CHEQUE for BD10,000 has been donated to the organisers of a charity carnival by the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB). It will support the Islamic Affairs Ministry's first Zaka Fund Charity Carnival, which will be staged in April at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). NBB general manager Abdul Razak Hassan Al Qassim presented the cheque to Zaka Fund chairman Ali Mohammed Jaber Al Mussalam at the bank's offices, in Manama. The First Zaka Fund Charity Carnival will include a variety of family entertainment events to raise money and donations for the fund's various charity projects. These include assisting the needy and the elderly. Meanwhile, Mr Al Qassim also presented Mr Al Mussalam with the keys to a new Nissan Sunny. The vehicle is another donation from the bank to the Zaka Fund and will be used to conduct research in villages and remote areas - identifying poor families who are in greatest need of assistance. The Zaka Fund now 0
105034 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Homoeopathy clinic opens KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre, an Indo-Bahrain joint venture in Umm Al Hassam, opened a homoeopathy clinic yesterday, as part of its expansion. Former Health Under-Secretary, Shura Council member and Bahrain Wellness Resort chief executive Dr Abdulrahman Bu'ali opened the clinic. Dr Bu'ali praised the ministry for changing its policy to accommodate internationally accepted healing systems. "Homoeopathy, which is 200 years old and discovered by German physician Samuel Hahnemann, is an effective and statistically proven system, which assists the natural tendency of the body to heal itself," he noted. Dr Bu'ali said the National Health Services in the UK attached great significance to the medical treatment using homoeopathy. More speciality clinics will be opened at the centre soon, said managing director Dr M A Mohammed. Besides general practitioners, the centre now has specialists in general medicine, paediatrics, ear-nose-throat (ENT) surgery, orthopae 0
105035 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Competitions to mark Book Day A STRING of competitions for adults and children is being launched to celebrate World Book Day, on April 23. The celebration is being organised by the Education Ministry and Public Libraries Directorate. A World Book Day committee has been formed to organise the competitions and there are more than 60 prizes on offer. "Our aim for these activities is to encourage more people to use the eight public libraries we have scattered across Bahrain," said public libraries director Dr Mansoor Sarhan. "The Manama Public Library alone has 40,000 books in Arabic and 20,000 in English, which cover different fields of knowledge such as politics, economics, history and others. "We want to encourage people to come to the library and also benefit from the computer services in all libraries. Every user can use the computer to search for books, or do their own research. "Last year more than 1,300 children entered the competitions and this year I hope we will have a lot more 0
105036 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Askar issues to be probed THREE ministers will start visits to Askar village this morning to investigate a raft of complaints from residents. Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi will visit Askar Primary School for Boys today at 9am. Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder will also tour the village on Saturday at 1pm. This will be followed by a visit by Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa on Monday at 9am. It follows a visit by residents to His Majesty King Hamad last September to highlight problems they are facing, said MP Mohammed Al Ka'abi. "We submitted a letter with our requests to His Majesty, who thankfully ordered the ministers concerned to visit us and talk with us about our needs," he added. 0
105037 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Traditional medicine to go on show A DELEGATION from the Information Ministry will take part in Saudi Arabia's Al Janadriya Heritage and Cultural Festival from today until March 9. It will set up a wing highlighting Bahrain's traditional medicine, according to Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood. "Work on the wing's dcor is currently being carried out and it will feature photographs and a booklet highlighting the country's traditional medicine," he said. The delegation, representing various traditional handicrafts, will be led by Al Jasra Handicrafts Centre head Shaikha Wafa bint Saif Al Khalifa. Activities during the festival, which is held at Al Janadriya village in the desert outside Riyadh, include traditional Najdi sword dances, poetry readings, handicrafts and a camel race. 0
105038 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Usha for charity concert THOUSANDS of fans are expected to watch superstar Usha Uthup perform at the Indian Club, Manama, on Friday. The legendary Pop Music Queen of India, who is also fondly referred to as Didi, will be performing at the Berger - Sensation 2005 concert, to help raise funds for charity. It is jointly organised by the Indian Club and the Mavelikara Association. Usha, from Mumbai, is one of India's greatest talents. With her gifted, velvet, smooth voice she was the only artist to have recorded six albums in English under HMV/EMI records. Today she sings in more than 13 Indian and eight foreign languages. Her Bahrain concert is set to begin at 7pm. Tickets are BD5 (admit two) and BD2 (admit one). The title sponsor of the event is Berger Paints. The mega-sponsors are Supra, Solar Electronics Company and ICICI Bank. Other supporters are Bahrain Financing Company, Tenby, California Carpet and Al Towqeel Trading. 0
105039 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Donor steps in to help centre AN anonymous donor has given BD107,000 to help complete a new rehabilitation centre for mentally retarded children. The centre is being built in Isa Town by the Social Affairs Ministry and the donation will help complete construction work and provide furnishing and equipment. Work on the centre is almost complete, Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi said in a statement released yesterday. "Soon we will start on connecting electricity, furnishing the centre and placing various equipment and education facilities," she said. Dr Al Balooshi said the centre would benefit around 120 children with mild and medium mental retardation, aged eight and above. It will include nine classrooms, administration offices and a library. Dr Al Balooshi expressed her thanks to the donor, who wished to remain anonymous. She also called companies and banks to take the initiative in supporting the ministry in various projects catering to people with special need 0
105040 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL 720 women are appointed as school teachers MORE than 720 Bahraini female teachers have been employed since the beginning of the new academic year last September, Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi told MPs yesterday. "Everything is being done in a transparent matter and the names of those accepted are always published in daily newspapers," he said at the weekly parliament session. "We have nothing to hide and I challenge anyone to say employment procedures are not fair." Dr Al Nuaimi was responding to a question by MP Mohammed Al Shaikh on the number of female graduates accepted as teachers at schools. Unemployed female teachers have accused the ministry off snubbing them in favour of others less qualified than them or from abroad. Two years ago, the National Committee for the Support of Unemployed Teachers was formed to help find unemployed teachers at schools and to monitor employment policies. "We have supplied parliament with all the figures and lists we have and will never hesitate to give 0
105041 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL The New Genie adds magic to Tamil drama DRAMA lovers are in for a treat on Friday with a Tamil play being presented by amateur artistes in Bahrain. The newly-formed Madras Theatre is staging Bootham Pudithu (The New Genie) in association with the Young Goans Club. It will be held at the Bishop Tirinanzi Hall, Sacred Heart Church, Manama, at 6.30pm. Doors open at 6pm. The play is written and directed by Bahrain-based Abdul Qaiyum and supervised by Ferozeji, who has acted in more than 500 plays in the past 25 years, in Bahrain and India. Mr Qaiyum has staged a number of plays including Thiruthi Ezhudiya Theerpu, Kanchi to Madras, Bharathiye Parthela, Hijack and Raja Kaiye Vacha. A new website for Madras Theatre has been launched by Bahrain businessman and community member Amir Thambi at a special ceremony. The website www.madrastheatres.com was jointly developed by Madhurai Manimaran, who plays the genie, and Raja Rahmathullah. Visiting dramatist and Tamil actor A R Srinivasan officiall 0
105042 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL BD2,700 aid for tsunami victims St Mary's Orthodox Church in Salmaniya donated BD2,700 to the Indian Orthodox Church in Kerala, to aid victims of the tsunami disaster. Reverend Father Kurakose Thannikottu presented the cheque to George Matthew, representative of Indian Orthodox Church head Marthoma Matthew II, during a special ceremony. The money will go towards aid work in Kerala. The money was raised through donations from church members, who number more than 800. 0
105043 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL UK experts to give tips on autism UK authorities on nutrition deficiencies and speech problems will be sharing their expertise during several lectures and workshops to be held in Bahrain next week. Topics will include various areas related to speech pathology and dietary and nutritional intervention, with a particular emphasis on children who also suffer with behavioural and communication difficulties. The lectures and workshops will mainly be aimed at parents, teachers and health professionals, who are interested in finding out how to overcome problems of speech and dietary problems in children with autism and other related disorders. The speech pathology events will also be of benefit to those dealing with normal children who have speech problems. The workshops and lectures will be conducted by University of Sunderland Autism Research Unit director Paul Shattock and speech and language specialist Judy Pye, who has been working with autism for more than 20 years. The lectures will be held from 4p 0
105044 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Man sees car stolen in front of his eyes AN Indian man's car was stolen before his very eyes after he went to visit a sick friend. Ribu Kunhappan was returning to his friend's flat behind Awal Plastics, in Salmaniya, when he saw two men driving off in his 1982 Nissan Datsun. He had just got back from the petrol station after filling up his friend's car when the incident happened. Mr Kunhappan and his friend followed the culprits, but they realised he was on their tail and escaped by jumping a red light. "We called 999 and informed the police," said Mr Kunhappan, who is branch supervisor at the Zenj Exchange, Muharraq. "They asked us to follow the car, but we could not for long." The stolen vehicle's registration number is 35160. 0
105045 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Expert to give gardening tips GARDENING and landscape expert Jean-Paul Pigeat will speak at a dinner being organised at the Versailles restaurant, Regency InterContinental Hotel, next week. Mr Pigeat is director of the International Conservatory for Gardening and Landscaping in Chaumont-sur-Loire, France. He is visiting the country for the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which starts on March 3 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The dinner is being organised by the Bahraini French Business Club and will take place next Wednesday from 8pm under the patronage of Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh. Mr Pigeat will give a presentation on business prospects in gardening and landscaping. Tickets cost BD13 for members and BD15 for non-members. Alternatively, a table for eight costs BD95. For more information and tickets contact Michel Zab on 39644158. 0
105046 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Thwarted thief hits worker with cash box A LAUNDRY worker suffered minor head injuries when he was struck on the head with an iron cash box as he tackled and caught a thief. Pakistani Rana Tariq Mahmood spotted a Bahraini fleeing the Saba Laundry, Manama, with the cash box, containing BD130. Mr Mahmood chased the thief and tried to take the box from him, but the man turned and hit him on the head with it, said sources. A fight then broke out, during which both men were hurt. Mr Mahmood, 21, managed to overpower the assailant and take him back to the shop, where the police were called. Mr Mahmood was treated for minor head wounds and bruising at Salmaniya Medical Complex. There was no money missing from the cash box. 0
105047 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Open day on pregnancy THE latest developments in reproductive medicine and gynaecology were highlighted at an open day held last night at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB), Budaiya. Scores of people attended the event, which featured educational lectures on pregnancy and related subjects, an open discussion and free consultations for those in need. The lectures were presented by IHB IVF department head Dr Shafik Saleh and gynaecology and obstetrics consultants Dr Wafa Ahmed and Dr Shobha Srikanpiah. Pregnant women attending the consultations were also given a voucher entitling them to receive a free ultrasound at the hospital. The open day was held in celebration of the World Health Organisation Pregnancy Awareness Week, which started on February 16 and ends today. 0
105048 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Official is briefed on BD17m highway work Works and Housing Ministry assistant under-secretary for roads and sewerage Essam Khalaf yesterday inspected the highway to Durrat Al Bahrain Resort and was briefed on its progress. He also looked at the ongoing reclamation work for the flyovers. The project, which costs over BD17 million is being carried out by Ismael Khonji Consultants, High Point Randal and Sebarco WCT. The 25km three-lane highway links Hawar Highway, north of Askar Village to Durrat Al Bahrain site at the vicinity of Ras Al Bar. It will also be part of the peripheral highway linking Bahrain to the planned causeway with Qatar. Five flyovers will be contructed as part of the project, in addition to tunnels. Work started last June and is expected to be completed by June 2006. 0
105049 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Hairstylists set to make competition headlines... FIFTEEN participants will battle it out in a charity hair and make-up competition on Sunday at the Phoenicia Hotel. The Prom Queen Hair and Make-Up Competition is an on-the-spot event in which participants will have 30 minutes to style their model's hair and further 30 minutes to apply make-up. The winner will receive $300 (BD113.400) and the two runners-up will receive $200 (BD75.600) and $100 (BD37.800) each. They will also receive a trophy, while there is an additional prize for the best Prom King. The event is the last hair and make-up competition in a series of five. The four previous competitions took place last year at June Bride and Fantasy Hair and Make-up. Whoever scores top out of all five competitions will be given a ticket and an allowance to watch or compete in the Philippines National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Make-up, which is held at the World Trade Centre, in Manila, every March. Tickets to Sunday's event cost BD5 p 0
105050 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Respect Press freedom call by rights group MANAMA: A human rights watchdog yesterday called for freedom of opinion and Press freedom to be fully respected. Civil society institutions have no right to exert pressure on people's freedom of opinion, Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) said in a statement issued last night. It also warned against the campaign orchestrated via SMS messages and the Internet to intimidate columnist Samira Rajab and Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper. The threats follow an article published by Ms Rajab which dealt with the recent developments in Iraq. "Such campaign of threats and intimidation will only sap the freedom of opinion guaranteed by all international laws and conventions," said. It also urged all parties to abide by the ethics of constructive dialogue, stressing the importance of encouraging political and media views. Another political society warned of attempts to divide Bahrainis and incite sectarian feelings. "We call on all political forces to jo 0
105051 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Garden judging begins... JUDGING for gardens entered into the Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show began yesterday and will conclude today. The show is one of the features of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which is being held from March 3 to 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). A total of 22 gardens have been entered into the BGC competition, which is being judged by nine professional landscapers and gardeners. Gardens in Muharraq, Manama, Isa Town, Tubli and A'ali were judged yesterday. Judges will visit Budaiya, Awali, Janabiya and Saar today. The competition is divided into the following categories: best kept garden, best display of annuals, bougainvillaea, container gardens, best kept lawn, best display of shrubs and trees, best kept kitchen garden, best kept experimental garden, best kept patio garden and cactus garden (rock garden). BGC treasurer and publicity co-ordinator Tahera Jaberi said the judges are looking for healthy 0
105052 0 1478 BNEW LOCAL Tubli violators face parliamentary probe MANAMA: A six-man parliamentary probe committee was formed yesterday to look into allegations of illegal land sales and reclamation in Tubli Bay over the last three years. A proposal to form an investigation committee went out from MPs Yousif Al Hermi, Jassim Abdula'al and Abdulnabi Nasser during last week's session, but was postponed until this week. A proposal to consider the bay as a protected zone was submitted to the Cabinet last week, while Central and Manama Municipal councillors have also started their own campaign to protect the bay. The parliamentary committee will have four months to prepare a report, which will be discussed in parliament in the fourth term beginning in October. The committee is comprised of the three MPs, in addition to legal and legislative affairs committee chairman Hamad Al Mohannadi, Ahmed Abbas and Hassan Bukhamas. 0
105053 1 1478 SPOR SPORT KIEFER STUNS SAFIN DUBAI: Number two seed Marat Safin was beaten 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 by Germany's Nicolas Kiefer in the opening round of the Dubai Championships last night. Playing his first match since winning the Australian Open, the Russian never found his rhythm against an opponent who also won their previous meeting at the Toronto Masters last year. Kiefer, who often came to the net, mixed aggression and a deft touch to frustrate his opponent and although Safin served well at times it was not enough to give him any advantage. Neither player managed to earn a break point as the first set went to a tiebreak, which Kiefer dominated. The German then maintained his momentum as the second set got underway, breaking to love as Safin struck his first double-fault of the match to fall behind 1-0. A second double-fault allowed Kiefer to break again to lead 5-2 but he failed to serve out the match, putting a forehand wide down the line on break point. When the German served for the mat 0
105054 2 1478 SPOR SPORT Bahrain to host SuperCup race THE Bahrain International Circuit is all set to add another feature to its cap when it hosts the first ever Porsche Michelin SuperCup as a support race during the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held on April 1, 2 and 3. The Porsche SuperCup will be the opening round of the 2005 championship. The new Porsche 997 will also be tested on the circuit a week prior to the Bahrain Grand Prix. Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management (FOM) organisation has given special dispensation to the BIC to allow the German manufacturer the opportunity to test the new car. The car is 'so new' that the SuperCup teams have not had the chance to test the all new 997 and will be eagerly awaiting the opportunity to try the new car on the Sakhir circuit. The SuperPrix aims to bring together identically prepared Porsches to compete as a supporting event to Formula 1 races. The cars will be on an equal footing and competition will be fierce with lots of wheel-to-wheel 0
105055 3 1478 SPOR SPORT Hayden ton sets up big win for Aussies CHRISTCHURCH: Australian opener Matthew Hayden returned to his majestic best with a superb century as the world champions trounced New Zealand by 106 runs in the second one-day international yesterday. After being sent in to bat on a placid Jade Stadium pitch, Hayden lashed 114 off 124 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes, as Australia cruised to 314 in their 50 overs and then humbled New Zealand for 208 with nine overs to spare. Daniel Vettori staged a courageous resistance for New Zealand top scoring with 83 to equal the world record one-day score for a No 8 batsman, but his solo heroics were never going to be enough. The win highlighted the stark difference between the first and second ranked one-day teams in the world. Two big partnerships involving Hayden set up Australia's massive total, 99 for the second wicket with Ricky Ponting who scored 53, and 133 for the third wicket with Damien Martyn who scored 58. New Zealand's rare high point was when they took 0
105056 0 1478 SPOR SPORT Bahrain A team confident of netball victory BAHRAIN A team are high in confidence and hope to wrest the trophy from holders Dubai A when the 18th Inter-Gulf Netball Championships get underway tomorrow at the Al Bustan Hotel in Muscat, Oman. DHL are sponsoring Bahrain's four teams for the event, which involves 20 teams from eight cities around the Gulf. The teams are divided into two pools of 10 each playing on a round-robin basis followed by the knockout stage on the second day with the top four teams from each pool qualifying for the quarter-finals while the rest play in the plate competition. Five teams from Dubai are taking part, while Bahrain has four, with three each from hosts Oman and Al Ain, two from Abu Dhabi and one each from Tabuk, Dhahran and Kuwait. Dubai 'A' and Abu Dhabi 'A' are the sides to beat having dominated the event since Bahrain last lifted the trophy on home soil in 1999. Bahrain 'A' are putting out a strong side with seven members of last year's squad with Michelle Bradley, Robyn Henderson 0
105057 0 1478 SPOR SPORT 'Big Apple' begins Olympic pitch to commission NEW YORK: Stressing diversity and a lasting legacy, New York bid officials were pleased with the launch of a three million-dollar charm offensive they hope will bring the 2012 Olympics to the "Big Apple". A 13-member International Olympic Committee evaluation committee began four days of meetings with presentations from mayor Michael Bloomberg and deputy mayor Dan Doctoroff, multi-millionaire founder and major force behind NYC2012. "I was very pleased," Doctoroff said. "I think we managed to convey not just the essence of the plan but our vision for the Games. "We think we had a great day. In the end, what matters is what they think, not what we think." The IOC panel, which makes no public comment until tomorrow, spent eight hours viewing presentations. Members have been to Madrid and London and will see Paris and Moscow before making a report before a July 6 vote in Singapore. "We're a town with a tradition of putting on big events," Bloomberg said. "We hope to 0
105058 0 1478 SPOR SPORT Pakistan tour in doubt over Indian TV rights row BOMBAY: Pakistan's tour of India is in doubt because of a long-running court battle over TV rights, the head of the Indian cricket board has said. "The situation is grim since the International Cricket Council (ICC) rules say that a telecast is a must," Ranbir Mahendra, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), said yesterday. "TV is essential for the third umpire, and the ICC could refuse to post officials for the series. If the telecast issue is not decided by next week, they might step in." The dispute involves India's largest listed media firm Zee Telefilms and the cricket board. The Madras High Court is hearing a case against the board's decision to abandon a $308 million, four-year deal that Zee won in an auction. Pakistan are due to arrive on Monday to play three Tests and six one-dayers on their first full tour of India in six years following political tensions over the disputed region of Kashmir. Before the board backed out of the dea 0
105059 0 1478 SPOR SPORT Damas boost for Sadadi BAHRAIN'S Hassan Al Sadadi will be part of the Damas rally team which will compete in the Bahrain International Rally which gets underway tomorrow and finishes on Friday. The other two drivers are Dubai veteran Sadiq Fadel and German woman driver Edtih Weiss. Al Sadadi, who is now the longest standing competitor in the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC), will driver his Subaru Impreza WRX while the two other drivers will be in their Mitsubishi Evolution. The Dubai-based Damas, who only entered international motorsport last year, have been very active in local events in the UAE and support a number of drivers for events such as the FIA desert challenge and the UAE 4x4 championships. Al Sadadi, who won three points in the opening round of the championship earlier this month in the Abu Dhabi rally in Al Ain, will compete in all nine rallies with the rest scheduled for Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Lebanon, Cyprus, Syria and Dubai. Bahrain will also be represented by Abdu 0
105060 0 1478 SPOR SPORT Riders set for tough contest THE stage is set for His Majesty King Hamad's Showjumping Championship, one of the rounds of the Arabian League, which gets underway today starting at 10am at the Mounted Police Centre in Budaiya. Horses from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Australia, New Zealand, France, UAE, Lebanon, Germany and Bahrain will compete in the three-day event being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and is sponsored by BAE Systems. The top two riders with the best points tally from this 10-round League will be eligible to participate in the World Cup Grand Prix to be held in Las Vegas in April. One more round is scheduled next month in Damascus, Syria. Two classes will take place each day, starting with today's class one round with jump off which will be followed by the official opening ceremony at 12.45pm. Other classes are international two phase, World Cup qualifying competition, International Accumulator with Joker and the King's Cup. Bahrain will enter a st 0
105061 0 1478 SPOR SPORT Ahmed battles past Varun AHMED Al Mahoozi outplayed Varun Kapoor 6-3, 6-4 in the boys under-13 singles first round of the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship which got underway yesterday at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. In other under-13 matches, Abdulla Al Subaie and Abdulla Abdulreda recorded 6-1, 6-1 wins over Demetri Perera and Khalid Al A'ali respectively, Mohammed Rashid beat Ali Al Mahoozi 6-1, 6-0, Isa Al Shaikh defeated Harjot Singh 6-0, 6-1 while Ervin Ray Timola and Ahmed Abdulreda received walk-overs from Rohit Yashodar and Omar Momtaz respectively. Abishek Yam defeated Abhinav Mohan 9-1 in the boys under-10 best-of-nine singles opening match. In other matches, Parashar Chateerje beat Atul Balaji 9-0 and Salem Sami tamed Sabarish Kumar 9-0. Eight matches in the boys under-16 singles qualifying round are scheduled for today starting at 4pm. BTC chairman Yousef Haider attended yesterday's inaugural ceremony and the opening matches along with organising committee members 0
105062 0 1478 SPOR SPORT Aryan sets record in drag practice BAHRAINI driver Ali Al Aryan set a new record of 7.8 seconds in testing yesterday ahead of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship which begins with qualifying rounds tonight at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. Driving at a speed of 300 kms per hour, Al Aryan broke the record of Khalid Mohammed (8.1 seconds) of the MTC-Vodafone Unstoppabulls! Racing Team. Kuwait's Khalid Al Shatti came second in 7.9 seconds with a speed of 289 kmph. General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa visited the testing and tuning session and inspected the facilities at the BIC before today's qualifying races. Shaikh Fawaz was accompanied by Bahrain Motor Federation president Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, Drag Racing Club members and other officials. Over 85 drivers from Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia will take part in the qualifying races tonight at 8pm with the best 64 drivers qualifying for the final 0
105063 0 1478 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain LECTURE entitled Doctors for the Kingdom: the Work of the American Mission Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - 1913-1955, by AMH chief medical officer Dr Paul Armerding, Bahrain Historical and Archaeological Society, Juffair, 8pm. All welcome. Contact 17727895. pen Day, International Hospital of Bahrain, Budaiya Road. All welcome. pening of exhibition by Hollywood artist Syd Mead, Seef Mall, 10am. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Carousel - World of Imagination registration open for recreational clubs, Lingua Espanol (Spanish Club), Lingua Arabica (Arabic Club) and Shake 'n' Spear (Performance Club), Esteglal Highway, opposite the Education Ministry. For details, contact 17685012. Art exhibition by Egyptian Dr Huda Lutfi, Al Riwaq Art Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Performance by singer/guitarist 0
105064 0 1478 WORL WORLD Shi'ite leader set to become premier BAGHDAD: Iraq's main Shi'ite alliance proposed Ibrahim Al Jaafari for prime minister yesterday, signalling the softly-spoken doctor will almost certainly get the job after the alliance's success in last month's election. Jaafari, a religious Shi'ite and head of the Islamist Dawa Party, had faced competition from inside the alliance from former exile Ahmad Chalabi, once favoured by the Pentagon. But Chalabi withdrew as a candidate at a meeting in Baghdad, and the alliance unanimously approved Jaafari. "The priority now is security ... it affects all other issues, such as the economy and rebuilding," Jaafari told a news conference to announce his nomination. He said if he became prime minister he would work to improve the capability of security forces and increase their numbers. The bearded, 58-year-old still faces a challenge from incumbent interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi. But Allawi's list won only 14 per cent of the vote in the election, while the Shi' 0
105065 1 1478 WORL WORLD EURO ROLE LONDON: Bahrain sees a growing role for the euro in international currency reserves but is not in a hurry to diversify away from the falling dollar, the country's central bank governor said. Bahrain Monetary Agency Governor Rasheed Al Maraj also said that GCC countries planning monetary unification by 2010 could have a flexible exchange rate depending on the level of economic development. Speculation that the world's central banks, mainly Asian and Middle Eastern, are diversifying their vast foreign exchange reserves away from the falling dollar mainly to the euro has been a factor behind the greenback's three-year decline. Bahrain's foreign reserves stand at just above $2 billion. "So far the dollar has depreciated but we are not going to take action based on these small changes. Our income is primarily in the dollar. From that point of view we haven't lost much." Full report - Page 32 0
105066 2 1478 WORL WORLD Iran earthquake kills 420 and destroys villages TEHRAN: At least 420 people were killed when a powerful earthquake struck Iran before dawn yesterday, leaving weeping villagers to claw through the rubble of their mud-brick homes in search of missing family and friends. Whole villages were flattened by the force of the quake in the southeastern province of Kerman, the deadliest since December 2003, when more than 30,000 people perished in the ancient city of Bam, 200km away. Hospitals in the region were overwhelmed and officials warned that the casualty toll could rise further as rain and blocked roads made it difficult to reach stricken mountain villages. The quake measured 6.4 on the Richter scale. Most of the dead were in the Zarand region north of the provincial capital of Kerman. Villagers scrambled to pull bodies from the rubble of their houses, wailing in distress amid roads strewn with debris. Provincial Governor Mohammad Ali Karimi said 40 villages, which are home to more than 30,000 residents, w 0
105067 3 1478 WORL WORLD New alert over mutated flu virus WASHINGTON: A bird flu virus may mutate to a human form that becomes as deadly as the ones that killed millions during three influenza pandemics of the 20th century. Dr Julie L Gerberding, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said yesterday that scientists believe it is highly likely that the virus that has swept through bird populations in Asia will evolve into a pathogen deadly for humans. "We are expecting more human cases over the next few weeks because this is high season for avian influenza in that part of the world," Gerberding said in remarks at the national meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Although cases of human-to-human transmission have been rare, "our assessment is that this is a very high threat" based on the known history of the flu virus, she said. In Asia, there have already been a number of deaths among people who caught the flu from chickens or ducks. The mortality rate is very high - about 72 per ce 0
105068 0 1478 WORL WORLD Red Ken rules out apology over Nazi slur LONDON: Outspoken mayor Ken Livingstone yesterday refused to apologise over a "Nazi" slur that may have dented London's Olympic hopes and defiantly launched a tirade against the capital's main newspaper. He had been under pressure from Jewish leaders and Prime Minister Tony Blair to issue a formal apology for telling a Jewish reporter he was acting like a "concentration camp guard" after being cornered outside a party. The rumpus sparked fears that the bid by Europe's largest city to host the 2012 Olympics could be torpedoed because the row flared when Olympic officials were in town checking out London's credentials. But Livingstone, a member of Blair's Labour Party and one of Britain's most colourful politicians, has refused to budge. He insisted his remarks were not racist and accused the reporter from London's Evening Standard newspaper of "thrusting" a tape recorder in his face as he left the official engagement. He also accused the Standard and its national sister pa 0
105069 0 1478 WORL WORLD Fury over movie on priest BOMBAY: Christian groups in India yesterday demanded a ban on a Bollywood movie depicting a sexual relationship between a Catholic priest and a woman half his age, saying it hurt their sentiments. The film, called Sins, is set for release on Friday. Director Vinod Pande said the film was not intended to hurt anybody's sentiments. "It's about a forbidden love. There was no agenda whatsoever to hurt anyone." Joseph Dias, general-secretary of Catholic Secular Forum, said Christians would demonstrate in front of cinemas planning to screen the film. "Religion needs to be a personal affair and should not be a subject for entertainment or for commercial use." Print advertisements with the tag line "Crimes of Passion," show a young woman lying on the lap of a priest who has his arms around her. A silver chain and a crucifix wrapped around his hand grazes her bare shoulder. 0
105070 0 1478 WORL WORLD 'King of Pop' was really ill says judge SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson returned to court yesterday after a week's delay and the judge assured prospective jurors that the singer really had been ill and there was no plot to put off his child molestation trial. Jackson, dressed in black, chatted with his attorneys at the defence table before questioning of prospective jurors started. Judge Rodney S Melville told prospective jurors that he understood their frustrations over "a couple of false starts". He referred to Jackson's illness, which closed down jury selection for a week, and an earlier delay caused by the death of defence attorney Thomas Mesereau's sister. He told prospective jurors that the delays were not part of a calculated attempt by anyone to slow down the trial. "Mr Jackson really was sick. He really did have the flu," the judge said. "I talked to his doctor. ... I wouldn't let anyone take advantage of us that way." The judge said several names had been added to the defence's celebr 0
105071 0 1478 WORL WORLD No best man for Charles LONDON: Prince Charles will not have a best man when he marries fellow divorcee Camilla Parker Bowles, his office said yesterday, dashing hopes in the media that his two sons, William and Harry, would fill the role. According to British tradition, the heir to the throne is typically accompanied by two "supporters" when he takes his vows. Charles's brothers Andrew and Edward were given the honour when he married his first wife, the late Princess Diana. 0
105072 0 1478 WORL WORLD Kim willing to resume nuclear talks BEIJING: North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has said his country is willing to return to nuclear disarmament talks despite an earlier threat to withdraw from negotiations. Less than two weeks after the North announced it had nuclear weapons and was snubbing the talks indefinitely, Kim told Chinese envoy Wang Jiarui he remained committed to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula. "He hopes that the international community can understand that in the February 10 declaration, the North Korean side never opposed the six-party talks and that the DPRK (North Korea) would be willing to return to the six-party talks at an early date, if the conditions are right," Wang told Chinese television yesterday. l British waters brimming with Soviet mines and nerve gas wafting across UK soil were among apocalyptic scenes military chiefs painted in 1974, according to intelligence documents released yesterday. They portrayed a potential attack with Soviet airplanes and submarines mining the waters off 0
105073 0 1478 WORL WORLD Doctors cleared in Thai scandal BANGKOK: Three Thai doctors were acquitted on Tuesday on charges of conspiring to murder patients for their kidneys after a trial which spanned three years. The Bangkok criminal court ruled the doctors did not kill two female patients, both then in a coma, for their kidneys because they were brain dead before the organs were removed in 1997. However, the court said one of the doctors, then the director of the hospital, might have falsified letters from relatives consenting to kidney donations and ordered him detained pending any prosecution appeal which must be made within 30 days. Trade in human organs is illegal in Thailand, but some doctors say it has been known for hospitals to tiptoe around the law by transferring dying patients to other hospitals in return for money. 0
105074 0 1478 WORL WORLD India and UK halt military aid to Nepal KATHMANDU, Nepal: Communist rebels set off a dozen bombs west of Nepal's capital, hitting schools, government buildings and a power station, while fighting with government forces in the east killed 12 guerillas. India, meanwhile, confirmed it halted all military aid to Nepal after King Gyanendra grabbed power on February 1 and imposed a state of emergency. "In view of the current disturbed conditions in Nepal, it is a fact that no military supplies have been delivered since February 1," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters. The British government also said yesterday it had frozen military aid to Nepal. "The British government has decided to suspend a planned package of military assistance to Nepal, in the light of the disturbing situation there," Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said in a statement. "We are now considering with key international partners what our longer term policy for providing assistance to Nepal should be, including on assistance with a h 0
105075 0 1478 WORL WORLD Qurie scraps cabinet list RAMALLAH: Beleaguered Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie scrapped his proposed new cabinet line-up yesterday, bowing to pressure to make a clean break from the Yasser Arafat era with a radical overhaul of government. MPs and members of the dominant Fatah faction said Qurei had drawn up a new list dominated by technocrats and featuring only two members of parliament. Qurei put together his new list after a meeting of the dominant Fatah faction's central committee convened after Monday's aborted parliamentary session when he had hoped to win the approval for his 24-strong team. "There will only be two members from the legislative council on the new list," current minister without portfolio Qaddura Fares said. Parliamentary officials said Qurei would present the line-up for approval today. 0
105076 0 1478 WORL WORLD Bush rules out attack on Tehran BRUSSELS: US President George W Bush yesterday forcefully dismissed the idea that Washington is planning to attack Iran to keep the government in Tehran from developing nuclear arms. "This notion that the United States is getting ready to attack Iran is simply ridiculous," Bush told reporters after he met for 90 minutes at a summit meeting with the 25 European Union leaders. "Having said that, all options are on the table." 0
105077 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Hold-out residents leave shantytown THE last hold-out residents of a Segaiya shantytown abandoned the site their families lived in for generations yesterday, alleging they couldn't face further pressure and harassment from authorities. The two poor Bahraini families evacuated their wooden huts and shifted their meagre belongings from the over 40-year-old shantytown into the homes of relatives living in nearby Tubli. They had earlier defied a government eviction order, which expired on Tuesday but they say that the Capital Governorate exerted so much pressure on them that they couldn't hold out any longer. "A man from the governorate was visiting us every few days and pressuring us to move. He kept saying that no solution can be found for our problem," said Rabab Hussain Ghuloom, who has moved into her father's home in Zinj with her husband Younis Ahmed Ghuloom and their children Howra, 13, Salman, 10 and one-year-old Athra'. Her father Hussain was given the house as part of a gesture from His Majesty King Ha 0
105078 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Training success THE final group of 134 Bahrainis in the Alba Training For Bahrain scheme graduated yesterday. They received their diplomas in a ceremony held under the patronage of Oil Minister and company chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. The ceremony, held at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, was attended by Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, Industry Ministry Under-Secretary and board member Nader Almoayyed, Labour Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Alba chief executive officer Bruce Hall. Also present were senior officials from the Oil and Labour ministries, Bechtel company officials, Line 5 contractors, Alba's executive team, the graduates' families and VIP representatives from Bahrain's business and industrial sectors. The programme was an initiative jointly co-ordinated between the Labour Ministry, Alba, Bechtel and the construction companies engaged in Alba's Line 5 expansion project. It aimed to train 0
105079 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Political rights law on the way A NEW law that will shape the political landscape in Bahrain could finally be drawn up by April. However, it may be a far cry from the original proposal, which was slammed by the country's political opposition, who said it restricted their freedom. MPs are now in the process of re-writing the draft law, which has been described as a government bill in disguise. They are including recommendations made by the country's political societies, who were never consulted on the original document. "Most of the MPs, especially those on my committee, do not agree with the political societies law that was originally proposed," said MP Fareed Ghazi, who sits on parliament's legal and legislative affairs committee. "When we received the opinion of political societies, we took a lot of this onboard. "We will be using a lot of that, but it is not possible to say how much yet. We are still not finished." The original proposal for a new law governing political societi 0
105080 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Major expansion plan for schools GOVERNMENT schools serving Jaw, Askar and Al Dor villages are to undergo expansions, to accommodate more students. The progress of work on the projects was inspected by Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi during a visit to the area yesterday. He was welcomed at the Askar Primary and Intermediate Boys School by MP Mohammed Al Ka'abi, Southern Governorate Muni-cipal Council chairman Khalid Al Buainain, council members and residents. The expansion projects inspected by the minister covered the Askar school and the Jaw Primary and Intermediate Girls School. Work on the Askar school, which will start soon, will include constructing an additional building with six classrooms and a multi-purpose hall. "The expansion work will be completed soon as the new facilities will be used for the academic year 2006-2007, which begins in September next year," pointed Dr Al Nuaimi during the tour. The BD182,000 expansion work at the Jaw school includes a building for new cl 0
105081 1 1479 BNEW LOCAL BD70m expansion plan for airport MANAMA MANAMA: A BD70 million expansion programme for Bahrain International Airport was unveiled yesterday.Work will be carried out over the coming three years, said Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. He dismissed a report in an Arabic newspaper that a new airport was being built. "The report is baseless. We have no plans to build another airport, but we will make every effort to make our airport world class and one of the most modern in the region," said Shaikh Ali. He was speaking after opening the new BD8.9 million second runway at the airport. A consultant for the BD50m first phase of the airport expansion will be appointed shortly, said Shaikh Ali. The project, which includes new air bridges, aircraft stands, new lighting system and expanded baggage reclaim, check-in and immigration counters, is to be completed in 2008. The expansion projects will create hundreds of new jobs for Bahrainis, said Shaikh Ali. Work costing BD11m to 0
105082 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Workshop to probe economic reforms ECONOMIC reforms in Bahrain will be discussed today in a workshop being held under the patronage Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The one-day workshop, organised by the EDB at the Shaikh Hamad Palace, Gudaibiya, will highlight the performance of the national economy and launch a platform for the next phase of economic reforms. It also aims at removing the barriers to attracting local and foreign investment. Around 180 invited participants from ministries and government agencies, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, private sector, General Federation of Bahrain Workers, National Assembly and media representatives will be attending the event. They will also discuss the results of the Investors' Survey conducted by the EDB, in co-operation with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry," said the EDB. The workshop will include a presentation of main economic barriers facing Bahrain 0
105083 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Ordeal as man slashes Bahraini woman's tyres A KNIFE-wielding motorist slashed a Bahraini woman's tyres as she sat petrified in her car, after she blocked his garage entrance. One of his brothers then allegedly threatened her 26-year-old son with a knife, as he went to her rescue. Fatima Abdul Muhsin, aged 52, said yesterday that she thought the man would attack her and her 58-year-old sister. The sisters were in Naim to watch the Hussaini processions, when the incident happened. Ms Abdul Muhsin said she parked her car in front of a garage, which was already blocked by four other cars and went to watch the processions. When she came back, she found the angry garage car owner standing next to her car, demanding to know if it was hers. Although Ms Abdul Muhsin says she apologised to him over and over again, he took a knife from his car and slashed all four of her car tyres. "I parked my car in front of the garage at around 3.15pm," said Ms Abdul Muhsin. "The garage was already blocked by 0
105084 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Major showcase of 'flower power' PREPARATIONS are ahead of schedule for Bahrain's biggest and brightest garden event taking place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) next week. A total of 23 international exhibitors and 59 local exhibitors are taking part in the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF), which is being held from March 3 to 6. Countries taking part in the event include Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, France, Turkey, India, Belarus, Australia, UAE and the US. The fair, which will feature the Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show, is being organised by CTM Event Management, in association with the club. It will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife, Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. "At the moment, we are happy to say we are ahead of schedule. This year one of the achievements is that we have managed to enter the exhibition 0
105085 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Strong ties with Saudi praised MANAMA: Crown Prince and BDF Commander-In-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday conferred with Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and National Guard Commander Prince Abdulla bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud during which he delivered a written message addressed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud from His Majesty King Hamad dealing with strong brotherly ties linking the two countries and peoples. He also conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad and Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to Prince Abdulla. Present were Riyadh Governor Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and other officials. He later attended the annual camel race held on the sideline of the national cultural and heritage festival (Al Janadriya). Crown Prince also attended the dinner banquet hosted by Prince Abdulla. Crown Prince later returned home after leaving Riyadh and was seen off by Riyadh Deputy Governor Prince Sattam bin Abdul Aziz Al Sa 0
105086 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Car break-ins on rise during the holidays MORE than 30 cases of cars being broken into were reported in the Manama area during the Ashoora break, according to sources. In one case, vandals broke into a blue Toyota Camry belonging to 24-year old Pakistani Mohammed Iqbal. The car was parked near the Bab Al Bahrain, while Saudi-based Mr Iqbal was staying in a nearby hotel. The car windows were smashed but Mr Iqbal insisted that it was an act of vandalism because there was nothing inside of value. In a similar case, 53-year-old Saudi Yousif Ali, who had parked his car near the Al Dewania Hotel, found his windows smashed and immigration documents and BD20 missing. Sources said the increase in thefts from cars during the holiday was due to youths exploiting the mourning demonstrations and turning to vandalism. In one case, 26-year old Bahraini Aziz Ali Hassan said that someone attempted to set fire to his Mitsubishi while it was parked in the Hoora area. Mr Hassan said that the assailants were ob 0
105087 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Batelco maps out expansion plans BATELCO last night outlined its plans for the future, targeting a major expansion in the region. Outstanding performance for 2004 and focus on customer service were highlighted at its annual general meeting at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. Three new board members were also named - Hassan Juma was elected board chairman, Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa first deputy chairman and Roy Polley second deputy chairman. A raft of new contracts - both at home and abroad - will go some way towards fulfilling Batelco's vision of expanding throughout the region, said Mr Juma. In addition, the management has invested wisely in new technologies so that the company's products and services remain at the forefront of global innovation, he pointed out. More than 100 shareholders, company directors, senior management, employees and members of the Press were among those who attended. Performance for 2004 provided shareholders with plenty of good news, with a full year 0
105088 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Worker stabs himself in front of room-mates MANAMA: An Indian worker who stabbed himself in the stomach in front of flat-mates was said to be stable in hospital yesterday. Nagarajan Chinnaian, 30, walked into his Gudaibiya home while two of his flat-mates were having lunch on Tuesday, picked up a knife and plunged it into his stomach. "The room-mates panicked and went to a nearby pharmacy and told them about the incident," said sources. The pharmacy called for the ambulance and police. Paramedics gave Mr Chinnaian preliminary treatment, before taking him to Salmaniya Medical Complex. He underwent a four-hour operation the same day and the knife was removed. Police are waiting for him to recover enough to question him. Mr Chinnaian is from Madras, South India and works for a cleaning company in Bahrain. 0
105089 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Motorist killed MANAMA: A Saudi motorist was killed when he was hurled out of his car after it smashed into two palm trees in Bahrain yesterday. The accident happened at around 1.30am, at the new traffic lights near Seef Mall, on the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway. Hussain Saeed Al Qahtani, aged 43, was speeding and lost control of his car as he approached the lights, said a traffic police spokesman. The car went over the central reservation, hit two palm trees and landed on the other side of the road, facing oncoming traffic. Mr Al Qahtani was thrown out of the car and is said to have died at the scene. 0
105090 2 1479 BNEW LOCAL World class airport SEVENTEEN companies have submitted bids for the consultancy contract for the BD50 million first-phase expansion of Bahrain International Airport, it was revealed yesterday.The expansion project will make Bahrain airport one of the most modern and busiest in the region, said Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "Bahrain will continue its open sky policy of attracting more foreign airlines to its airport," he told newsmen. Shaikh Ali was speaking at the airport's new parallel runway which he opened for traffic yesterday. The opening ceremony was attended by Gulf Air president and chief executive James Hogan, Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Under-Secretary Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud and other senior CAA officials. "This is a major milestone in our airport development march," said Shaikh Ali. "We are proud of our partnership with national carrier Gulf Air, which is contributing substantially towards the growth of our airport. "I have a str 0
105091 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Top UN rating for Bahrain in Arab world on e-government BAHRAIN tops the Arab world in e-government readiness, a UN report has revealed. The kingdom stands second only to Israel in West Asia, ahead of Cyprus and Turkey. The UN Global E-Government Readiness Report 2004 was prepared by its Economics and Social Affairs Department. The report is titled Towards Access for Opportunity. "We are proud to stand first in the Arab world in e-government readiness, following an independent survey carried out by the UN," said Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) acting president Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatulla Al Khalifa. Among the e-government projects which gave an edge to Bahrain over other countries are His Majesty King Hamad's Future Schools Project and the Smart Card project initiated by His Majesty, said Shaikh Ahmed. "Other successful projects surveyed in Bahrain include the Government Data Network, which connects all government departments through a single network, and the e-voting project," said Shaikh Ahmed. 0
105092 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL A close shave for charity Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin had his hair shaved off in public yesterday, to help raise money for victims of the tsunami disaster. Mother-of-two Nicola Lindsay follows today with a similar charity bid. Between them they have raised over BD 3,000, with further donations coming from spectators at Bahrain Mall in Sanabis. Professional hairdresser Steve Grant chopped off the locks, which Mrs Lindsay said she would like to donate to a company which makes wigs for people with cancer. As well as the high profile haircuts there were a number of other fund-raising initiatives and fun-related activities. 0
105093 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Spotlight on intellectuals The annual meeting of the Arab Intellectual Forum will be held in Bahrain under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. A Press conference will be held at noon on Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel to announce the event, the Information Ministry said in a statement yesterday. Royal Court Cultural research director Ali Abdulla Khalifa will talk on "Moderation between Theory and Practice" at a symposium being held on the sidelines of the forum, it said. 0
105094 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Anti-corruption clamp strategy A BLUEPRINT on combating corruption has been drawn up and will be released in May. The drafting of the guidelines was completed yesterday at the end of a three-day workshop entitled Adaptation of the Transparency International Source Book. The worskshop was held by TI and the Bahrain Transparency Society and was attended by around 60 representatives from the TI's chapter members in Bahrain, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, Morocco, Algeria and Yemen. The Source Book has already been published in 20 languages as a resource for anti-corruption activists across the globe. However, participants in the workshops re-drafted the models described in the Source Book in a manner that fits the social, legal and economic situation in the region. Society president Dr Jassim Al Ajmi said the next step would be to hold a series of training workshops for anti-corruption activists and organisations on the means of implementing the tools in the Source Book. He said that the guide 0
105095 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Councillor vow over drugs den AN elected community leader pledged yesterday to pay out of his own pocket to demolish a derelict house being used as sex and drugs den. The vow came from Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed who said municipality officials had told him they had no money to demolish the building, in Mussala. The house, which was abandoned more than seven years ago, will cost BD250 to tear down, said Mr Al Sayed. Residents say it has become a magnet for criminals and a dangerous playground for children in the area. They previously approached the owner to tear it down, but the woman - a Bahraini widow who survives on a BD145 monthly social welfare allowance and her son's BD150 salary - was unable to raise the money. The family's income is divided among eight relatives who all live in another house in Hamad Town, one family member told the GDN. As a final resort, the family approached Mr Al Sayed to get the government's help in tearing down the house. H 0
105096 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL MTC-Vodafone backs pupils MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) is co-sponsoring a group of AMA Model United Nations Society members who are taking part in the 10th Harvard World Model United Nations Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, from March 26 until April 2. "We are proud of sponsoring this group of Bahraini students. Through our continuous commitment to education, we support a range of projects that seek to raise academic standards and expectations, and the skills of children and teachers," said MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) chief commercial officer Mahmoud Hashish. "We also aim to supporting talented young children by giving them opportunities not otherwise available to them, and supporting schools and educational initiatives that do the same. "Such programmes provides student with an excellent opportunity to test the practicability of their ideas, as well as learn how the decision-making process on a global level actually works." 0
105097 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Secrets of prayer are revealed by scholar ISLAMIC scholar Shaikh Habib Al Kadhimi has arrived in Bahrain from the UAE. He will be here until March 4. He started a series of lectures on the secrets of prayers last night, which will continue until Monday, at Momin Mosque, Manama. Shaikh Al Kadhimi is also leading Maghrib and Ishaa prayers and giving lectures on various topics in mosques around the country. This is his third visit to Bahrain. The Islamic Enlightenment Society, which is sponsoring Shaikh Al Kadhimi's visit, has been bombarded by calls from people wanting him to lead prayers in their areas. Society vice-chairman Hameed Al Basri said that hundreds of people were to attend Shaikh Al Kadhimi's lectures. "Shaikh Al Kadhimi presents Islam in a simple manner, something that makes him appealing to the young in addition to elders," said Mr Al Basri. "At the same time, Shaikh Al Kadhimi inspires a spiritual atmosphere that encourages people to listen, even if they didn't know about him 0
105098 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Stepping out for a healthy cause A WALKATHON starts at the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre, in Manama, today to mark the launch of Bahrain's second National Oral Health Survey. The event, which will be open to the public, begins at 9am. People taking part in the event will walk from the centre to the nearby Bahrain National Museum and back. It aims at spreading awareness on the objectives of the survey, which is being conducted by a 66-strong team of doctors, specialists, nurses and administrators. The survey, which will start on March 2, will be carried out in co-operation with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and will cover Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis. "The prevalence of dental care in Bahrain was estimated in the first national Pathfinder Oral Health Survey carried out in 1995 to be low, according to the WHO classification system," survey general coordinator Dr Azhar Naseeb told the GDN. "The results of the first survey also showed that dental care in Bahrain was lower than the glob 0
105099 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Father dies of heart attack in flat AN Indian father died of a heart attack in his flat in Budaiya yesterday morning. Painter Elimannil Madhavan Maheshan, aged 51, was found unconscious in the kitchen around 9am by his room-mate, who called an ambulance. Paramedics declared Mr Maheshan dead at the scene, from a heart attack. Relative K N Maheshan said Mr Maheshan has been in Bahrain for 25 years and had gone home for vacation only three times. "He went for his last vacation six years ago and has never seen his five-year old-daughter," said K N Maheshan. "He had complained of chest pain two days earlier, but assumed that it might be gastric problem and ignored it." "Yesterday morning he left for work, but missed his transportation and returned to his room. "Another roommate was sleeping in the room after his night shift. When he woke up and came to the kitchen he found Mr Maheshan lying unconscious. Mr Maheshan was a free visa worker, without a passport. "We are trying our bes 0
105100 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL A visionary in the spotlight A SEMINAR entitled Imam Hussain's Revolution: Mission and Vision will be organised by Al Wefaq National Islamic Society tonight. The seminar, which will be held in English at the society premises in Gufool near Al Zara'a Mosque from 8pm to 10pm, will be open to the public. Speaking at the seminar will be members of the society's development committee Fatima Nasser, Alia Yousef, Basma Hassan and Sabah Al Haddad. The committee's head Sakina Al Ikri said the objective of the seminar was to spread awareness on Imam Hussain's revolution to non-Arabic speakers in Bahrain. 0
105101 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Medical mission history re-visited A TALK on the history of an extraordinary medical mission to Saudi Arabia between 1913 and 1955 was presented last night at the Bahrain Historical and Archaeological Society, Juffair. The speaker was American Mission Hospital (AMH) chief medical officer Dr Paul Armerding, author of the book Doctors for the Kingdom: the Work of the American Mission Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Doctors for the Kingdom, released in 2003 and available internationally, tells the story of the medical mission of the Reformed Church in America in Saudi Arabia. By piecing together archival records, first-person accounts from the past century, and more than 100 photographs and maps, Dr Armerding chronicles the history and leaders of the extraordinary mission. 0
105102 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Bahrainis in quake-hit Iran safe NO Bahraini nationals were caught up in the earthquake that hit south-east Iran, according to Bahrain Embassy officials in Tehran. "We have been in contact with Iranian authorities present at the sites where the quake hit Zarand in Kerman province and it was confirmed that no Bahraini citizens were either killed or injured," Consul Hamad Al Bin Khaleel told the GDN. He said that the embassy, which is about 440 miles southeast of the quake area, had also contacted Kerman University officials, who confirmed that there were no foreign students studying there. "The quake hit a group of villages on the outskirts of Kerman and these areas are not normally frequented by Bahraini nationals," said Mr Al Bin Khaleel. "The embassy, however, will continue to monitor the situation and will provide all necessary help to Bahraini citizens in Iran." More than 400 people were killed in the quake, on Tuesday. 0
105103 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Expo to display skills of disabled AN art exhibition for works done by the disabled in Bahrain and Russia will be held in the kingdom next week. The exhibition, The Caravan of Hope, is being organised by the Social Affairs Ministry in co-ordination with the Russian Federation Embassy and the Russian Disabled Marathon Society. It will be held from Saturday to Monday at the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Rehabilitation Centre in Isa Town. The exhibition will be officially opened by Minister Dr Fatima Al Bulooshi at 9.30am on Saturday. 0
105104 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Traffic light to ease road peril A NEW traffic light started operation on the junction between Umm Al Nassan and Abu Shaheen Roads yesterday. The Works and Housing Ministry installed the traffic light at the junction, in response to a request made by the Southern Municipal Council through the General Directorate of Traffic. Ministry acting road planning and designing director Abdulnabi Sobah said the traffic light would help residents reach their homes easily and safely. "The area has a lot of traffic and this why the new traffic light was necessary," he said. "The junction has been re-asphalted and a new walkway for pedestrians has been installed, taking into consideration the number of schools located in the area." Mr Sobah said traffic over the junction has been monitored over the past year and statistics have shown that there were a lot of accidents happening there. This brings the number of traffic lights installed all over the country to 197. Present were directorate traffic 0
105105 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Heart surgery success for MP PARLIAMENT second vice-chairman Shaikh Adel Al Maawada returned home from medical treatment in Saudi Arabia yesterday. Shaikh Al Maawada underwent successful heart surgery earlier this month in Saudi Arabia, but his health deteriorated and he was re-admitted again for further treatment. Sources told the GDN that it was still unknown when Shaikh Al Maawada would return to parliamentary work, after being advised by doctors to rest and avoid stress. 0
105106 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Pupils get new shades MORE than BD1.3 million has been spent by the Education Ministry to build shades for students in government schools over the previous 10 years. Education Ministry services director Dr Ali Bahzad said the aim is to provide a comfortable educational environment to students. He said the ministry provided 4,184 shades in schools at the cost of BD1,389,200. These include 133 shades which have been put up over the last two years. 0
105107 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Forum on economy A FORUM on the informal or black economy is being held by the Labour Ministry at the Regency Intercontinental Hotel on March 2. The event, being held under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, aims to shed light on the size of the informal economy, define it and state methods of eliminating it. Those interested in attending the forum should call Ibrahim Al Mutawa on 17873861 or Batool Ghuloom on 17873840. 0
105108 3 1479 BNEW LOCAL Sailors warned of pirate attack BAHRAINI fishermen have been warned to be on the alert against pirates, following an attack on a Kuwaiti boat.The pirates were chased away by the American assault ship, Bonhomme Richard, after it received a distress call from the Kuwaiti boat in the northern Gulf. Bahraini fishermen have not encountered any pirates this year, but suffered a series of attacks last year, said Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife fisheries resources director Jassim Al Qaseer. Nevertheless, sailors must be very careful and not take such matters lightly, he said. "Sailors should never berth when aiding another boat in distress," said Mr Al Qaseer. "The way these pirates get their way basically is by putting up a show. "They would act as if their engine has broken down or their boat is sinking, which will get fishermen to come and offer help. "Once the two boats are tied together, weapons are be pulled out and the pirates take control of the 0
105109 1 1479 BUSI BUSINESS Islamic institutions 'must gear up for competition' LONDON: Islamic financial institutions in the region are being urged to gear up for some fierce competition from their international counterparts.They have been advised to standardise contracts and market practices, as well as increase consistency in documentation and disclosures to ensure market transparency and investor confidence. Standardised contracts are also expected to allow a deeper pool of reference assets for pricing purposes and encourage more active trading of instruments. The message was delivered by new Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) governor Rasheed Al Maraj in his first overseas speech since being appointed last month. Mr Al Maraj also highlighted the need for many Islamic financial firms to develop "critical mass". "At the moment, for instance, there are significant opportunities in project finance within the Middle East region - yet most Islamic banks operating in the region lack the capital resources required to make a significant impact in this market, 0
105110 2 1479 BUSI BUSINESS Right job for the right person key to firm's success MANAMA: A key management challenge is to put people in jobs where they add value, an international business forum was told yesterday.A flexible efficient organisation should carefully implement Change Management strategies to achieve positive business transformation, said American Express Middle East & North Africa president and chief executive officer Trevor Stokes. He was speaking at the final day of the fourth Gulf Excellence Forum at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. "No one likes change. We at American Express believe in it and we have made it a priority to tackle the situation, by considering headcounts and corporate structure," said Mr Stokes. "Serious consideration has gone into restructuring American Express' internal network, minimising our disruption and fallout, as well as adverse publicity and legal challenges. "With this in mind American Express' aim is to place people in jobs where they add value." Focusing on the pro-active approach 0
105111 3 1479 BUSI BUSINESS Ernst & Young wins top award MANAMA: Ernst & Young won the Best Islamic Assurance and Advisory Award at a major ceremony in London, UK.The Middle East's largest assurance and business advisory firm scooped the honour at the 3rd Annual Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards. Several institutions were recognised and 21 awards were presented across top-line financial service sectors. Ernst & Young was recognised for having completed the most extensive range of assignments for both the public and private sectors last year. "We are delighted to be recognised for our achievements over the past 12 months," said Ernst & Young Bahrain business risk services partner Ahmed Adil. The company was also recognised for its Islamic Financial Services Group (IFSG), which was established as part of its Middle East practice in 1998. It is based in Bahrain and offers turnkey solutions to clients in the Middle East and globally. 0
105112 0 1479 BUSI BUSINESS LMC named best sukuk house LONDON: Bahrain-based Liquidity Management Centre (LMC) has been named the Best Domestic Market Sukuk House 2005 at the Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards. They were held in London on Tuesday, in conjunction with Euromoney's Fourth Islamic Finance Summit. The global Islamic finance event was attended by chief executive officers and managing directors from numerous leading Islamic financial institutions throughout the GCC, Europe, North America and South East Asia. Each year Euromoney gathers together prominent figures from the world of Islamic banking to recognise companies that have made a significant contribution to the growth of the industry. LMC chairman Aref Kooheji said they were very encouraged by this award as it recognises the effort the centre put into creating and developing a vibrant domestic Islamic capital market. "The continued development of the Islamic capital market is a necessary precursor to the growth of the broader Islamic financial industry in which 0
105113 0 1479 BUSI BUSINESS Asry posts a record revenue MANAMA: Arab Shipbuild-ing and Repair Yard (Asry) yesterday reported the highest ever total revenue in its history last year, achieving $93 million. The company board also reviewed unaudited financial statements for last year in which the company achieved an operational profit of $9.4m. The meeting was headed by Asry chairman Eid Abdulla Yousif and attended by representatives of shareholding countries. The board also re-elected Shaikh Salman Humood Al-Sabah, representative of the State of Kuwait, as first deputy chairman and Khalid Ali Al Hosani, representative of the UAE, as second deputy chairman. The board reviewed last year's achievements including repairing 132 ships, up from 120 ships in 2003. It also discussed various administrative, financial and marketing matters including new development plans. It was also informed about the progress of work in projects currently being carried out by the company. 0
105114 0 1479 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai plans new bourse DUBAI: The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), the third bourse in the UAE, will open for trading on September 26, it said in a statement yesterday. DIFX said it set the date after signing a contract this week with AtosEuronext for the supply of an automated trading platform. AtosEuronext is a joint venture between pan-European stock market operator Euronext and French IT services firm Atos Origin . "Now we are not only talking about it. We are doing it," chief executive Steffen Schubert said, adding that the DIFX would probably list equities, bonds and depository receipts from its first day. 0
105115 0 1479 BUSI BUSINESS BMA signs pacts with Isle of Man agencies MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) signed a co-operation agreement yesterday (23-2) with the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission (IOMFSC) and the Isle of Man Insurance and Pensions Authority (IPA). The agreement, signed at the BMA, establish a general framework for mutual co-operation and assistance between the BMA and the IOMFSC and IPA. A separate memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the BMA and IOMFSC was signed by agency's banking operations executive director Waleed Abdulla Rashdan and the commission's chief executive John Aspden. A separate MoU between the BMA and IPA was signed by Mr Rashdan and the authority's chief executive David Vick. Mr Rashdan said they were pleased to sign these agreements with the Isle of Man authorities. with which they have always had close working relationships. "In an era of globalisation and increasing complexity of financial services, cooperation among financial regulators has become critical," he added.</ 0
105116 0 1479 BUSI BUSINESS Indian trade team to visit chamber MANAMA: AN Indian delegation of businessmen and investors will visit the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) today (Feb 24). The meeting will be held at the large meeting hall in the first floor of BCCI building in Manama, from 10am. During the visit the delegation will meet BCCI and government officials to discuss avenues of enhancing trade and economic relations between the private sectors of the two countries. BCCI chief executive Ahmad Najam Abdulla Al Najam said that the visit would be a good opportunity to get familiarised with the economic and investment opportunities available in both countries. "The visit will enable us to know about the opportunities and investment environment, in addition to providing the concerned sides in both countries with information and ways to increase the volume of trade exchange between them," he said. The Indian delegation comprises of 14 members representing several economic, trade and professional sectors. < 0
105117 0 1479 COMM COMMENTMemory lane... As another birthday comes, it's not the wrinkles on the brow but diminishing memory that frustrates me. Experts say neither botox nor cosmetic surgeons can help. Medical doctors excusez moi! Memory loss is an irreversible condition akin to wear and tear of most objects. It is due to the glut of information we are exposed to: print medium, television, radio and the Internet. The sensory overload ultimately gives way with age as the brain succumbs to the excess. Until recently I could remember places I had visited eons ago, phone numbers of milkmen, telephone repairmen, friends and acquaintances were on the tip of my tongue. I could remember the shirt my future husband wore on our first date and even the exact temperature the day I set foot in Bahrain in 1997. I could stow away oodles of useless facts, figures and numbers for easy retrieval. Not anymore. Ditto for the husband, which makes it doubly worse. Now I do not get annoyed anymore if he cannot remember where he put the ca 0
105118 0 1479 COMM COMMENTGift idea gets the bird... I thought life in Bahrain had little left to surprise me, until its own version of Monty Python's dead parrot sketch unfolded in our very own home. The plot emerges in an off-the-cuff conversation between our part-time houseboy Shukor and Sara, which goes like this: Shukor: "Does madam like falcons?" - a question posed out of the blue as they go about their domestic business. Sara: "Of course, I love all animals and wildlife." Shukor: "Would madam like one?" Sara: "Like what?" Shukor: "A falcon, madam! " Sara: "You have a falcon?" Shukor: "Yes madam, I give it to you?" Sara: "Oh no, I couldn't look after a falcon. I wouldn't know how and besides, we have cats." Shukor: "That's OK, it's dead." Sara: "You want to give me a dead falcon?" Shukor: "Yes madam, very decorative." It transpires at this point that the expired falcon is "preserved", which I take to mean stuffed and Shukor thinks it would make a f 0
105119 0 1479 COMM COMMENTTime for the hare to wake up and win Gulf race! I am green with envy every time I fly back to Bahrain after a few days in one of the neighbouring Gulf states and I really don't know why. As a Bahraini, I should be proud of the developments and huge leaps forward being taken by the likes of Dubai and Doha, which is following close at its heels and not the miserable melancholy soul I am as the plane circles to land on the dusty tarmac of our only runway at Bahrain International Airport. I should be proud to recall that what was sand and desert a few years ago in our neighbouring countries is skyscrapers and multi-faceted glass and concrete buildings and breath-taking world-class resorts today - which testify to the burgeoning trade and forward thinking that is embracing the future and its challenges at full speed. Why am I so envious? Is it in keeping with the Arab mentality that makes us jealous of our neighbours' successes and excesses and happy for any of their shortcomings, in the hope that we may one day beat them to the 0
105122 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Why are they spoiling Zallaq beach wildlife? AFTER reading "Give due respect to all living creatures" (GDN February 18), I just wanted to add my fourpence worth. What are they doing at Zallaq beach? My husband and I (during the warmer weather) swim there as often as we can, and we used to love snorkelling around the rocks near the beach. Now we see that they have removed the rocks. This was a natural habitat for many different types of fish. Now where will the little fishes hide? The beach needs a little work done on it agreed, the huts need work, etc., but the work should not be at the expense of the wildlife. Zallaq beach is one of Bahrain's lesser known 'attractions', if you could call all the mess that is there an attraction, but it is such a peaceful place there especially during the summer. Please don't spoil what little good things there are in Bahrain! RCMH 0
105123 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Bab clock slowing I HOPE the authorities take note of the following in Bab Al Bahrain: For the past few days the clock above Bab Al Bahrain arcade has been 15 minutes slow. On public holidays like Fridays etc. in front of the tourist office in Bab Al Bahrain there is a pole with writing on a wooden board that says THEORIST BAB AL BAHRAIN SOUVENIR SHOP. Do they mean 'tourist'. A small hole-like thing on the side of the main road - opposite Latif Shoes in Bab Al Bahrain - is still there causing inconvenience to those walking. P P Rasheed 0
105124 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Assembly role hailed His Majesty King Hamad yesterday received at Saffriya Palace Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi and parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. He expressed his appreciation for the significant role of both councils aimed at achieving further progress and prosperity, affirming the importance of continuing ongoing co-operation between both the legislative and executive authorities to meet citizens concerns. His Majesty also affirmed the kingdom's keenness to go forward with its policy aimed at providing a good living for citizens kingdom-wide through launching housing, educational and developmental projects. 0
105125 0 1479 BNEW LOCAL Crown Prince attends BDF marathon event SPORTING teams from the BDF competed in a marathon contest yesterday at the Military Sports Federation complex under the auspices of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Crown Prince was received by Defence Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chief of Staff Major General Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, BDF senior officers and secretary-general of the federation. Equestrian riders paraded as teams waved flags. A tug-of-war competition was held followed by show-jumping, skills demonstration and training as the BDF band entertained. The Crown Prince presented winning units with medals and awards, and the Royal Special Force with both the marathon and Commander-in-Chief's cups for excellence in all 2004 competitions and contests. Then the Defence Minister honoured top achievers in fitness tests along with coaches and players who have achieved success in local and overseas military sports events. 0
105126 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Yahoo! A solution THIS refers to the letter "Yahoo e-mail glitch" (GDN February 18). My advice to the letter-sender is to just download the latest and much-improved version of Yahoo! I found this out by accident because like you I couldn't access my account for several weeks. I always got the "Error 999" when I log in. So out of frustration, I just downloaded the whole thing again and voila! I never encountered the same problems again. Chingbee 0
105127 0 1479 LETT LETTERS IRA on Bush list? NOW that the IRA has declared that they will not engage in disarmament and that they are being implicated in both money laundering and apparently the largest bank haul ever in the UK, will George Bush be adding them to his list of terror organisations and even warn of an invasion? Bearing in mind that the cause has been funded primarily from the USA or organised crime I suspect that this causes something of a dilemma for Mr Bush. Wun Rule For Wun 0
105128 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Statistics dodgy ON Exhibition Avenue there is an interesting billboard claiming that 75 per cent of Bahrain uses Nokia. It would be interesting to know how this statistic was calculated and if a scrutiny is done to ensure consumer protection. In other news, 99 per cent of Bahrain's population eats rice. Pass the steak, please. Hussain 0
105129 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Why the cover-up? I WOULD like to comment on the "Muslim and proud to be one" letters. I have never heard something so stupid in my life. A woman, nor a man, should have to cover themselves to prevent crimes against them. This is absurd. If people cannot have enough respect for each other as to not commit crimes against each other, then they should be locked away. Even animals don't do this to each other. A woman should never have to suffer crimes against her because of some stone age concept some men have towards the world. Should men not wear suits and look nice because some women find that attractive? More should be done in every culture to rid us of these people. It's like saying you should steal a car because the owner didn't lock it. The doors are closed, but since the owner didn't lock them, it's OK to commit the crime. Or if I buy a nice car, I should never drive it outside the garage, so people don't become envious of me. How does your mind work? This is the y 0
105130 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Rudeness rules I READ with some interest Les' column (GDN February 16). The assertion is that SOME drivers in Bahrain drive the way they do out of ignorance. The fact that some ignore the road rules is surely down to two factors only, neither of which is ignorance. Remember, ignorance implies by definition a lack of knowledge and there is no excuse for that with the advertising campaigns and newspaper pictures of frequent crashes. It is simple... Fact 1. Rudeness rules! (but only through cowardice) Would they treat other people the same if they were walking on the footpath? Not without being challenged. But in a car you can run away. Fact 2. They break the rules because..... THEY CAN. After all, who is going to stop them? Some still believe that a driving licence is a God given right and that they are 10 feet tall and bullet proof. It seems they are!! (Does anything ever happen to the drivers that "lose control" and roll over or injure others? We never seem to hear of a 0
105131 0 1479 LETT LETTERS Double standards again CAN any pro-Bush American please answer me this question: 1. How come the Bush Administration is asking for Syria to pull out from Lebanon for violating UN resolutions, whereas Israel has been occupying Palestine for years and violates UN resolutions for not pulling out of Palestinian territories? 2. Why hasn't the US asked Israel to pull out until now? Besides going for publicity with the so-called road map. If you are a sincere person you'll reply to this message? Allen 0
105132 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Saudi riders in double victory SAUDI riders dominated the opening day of His Majesty King Hamad's Showjumping Championship, winning both class one and two competitions yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre in Budaiya. In the first welcome class one, Fahed Al Gued of Saudi Arabia finished first on Malak in 28.72 seconds and clinched a prizemoney of BD450. Al Gued was followed by Kuwaiti jockey Marzooq Al Saeedi (29.15) on Nike who took BD375 prize while third place and a BD300 award went to Ramzy Al Duhami (29.50), also of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi riders maintained their good form and took the second class through Prince Faisal Al Shaalan who steered Rathwan to victory in 55.20 seconds and claimed a BD600 prizemoney. Second place and a cash prize of BD500 was taken by Khalid Al Eid (57.91) of Saudi Arabia on Hasna while Bahrain's Ahmed Mansoor (58.59) managed third place trophy and BD400 award on Chamaecy Paris II. Al Gued thanked the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) for 0
105133 0 1479 SPOR SPORT BMW in talks on supplying engines LONDON: BMW are talking to both the Sauber and Red Bull Formula One teams about supplying them with an engine for 2006 but no deal has been done, the German carmaker said yesterday. "Nothing has been decided yet. We are talking to several teams," said motorsport director Mario Theissen. A spokesman confirmed Red Bull, the former Ford-owned Jaguar team bought by Austrian energy drink billionaire Dietrich Mateschitz in November, was one of them. Frank Williams, whose team has had an exclusive partnership with BMW for the past five years, said on Tuesday that Theissen had told him BMW had decided to go with Sauber as a second team. He said Williams had no problem with the decision. A Sauber spokesman said the team had been surprised by Williams' comments. "Our situation is completely unchanged," he said. "Peter Sauber is talking to several manufacturers about an engine supply for 2006 and there is no decision." Swiss-based Sauber have used Ferrari engines, ren 0
105134 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Raptors too hot for Nets TORONTO: Jalen Rose scored 30 points and played solid defence against former Toronto favourite Vince Carter to guide the Raptors to a 100-82 victory over the New Jersey Nets in NBA action yesterday. Rose shot 12-for-15 and stole the show against Carter, who notched 22 points in his first game against his old team but only shot 8-for-25. Chris Bosh added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Raptors, who seemed to be extra motivated with Carter on the opposing team at East Rutherford. Six Raptors scored in double figures, including Milt Palacio, who chipped in with 13 points. Toronto won on the road for only the fifth time in 26 games this season, improving to 22-32 overall. Jason Kidd picked up 20 points for the Nets, who had no one else in double figures. The Raptors led 71-64 after three quarters and an early 14-4 run in the fourth put the game out of reach. New Jersey slipped to 23-31, one game ahead of Toronto in the Atlantic Division. In Au 0
105135 1 1479 SPOR SPORT AGASSI WINS IN STYLE DUBAI: US veteran Andre Agassi coasted into the quarter-finals of the Dubai Open yesterday as world number one Roger Federer survived an opening round scare against Czech qualifier Ivo Minar. Agassi, who turns 35 in April, outplayed 23-year-old Spaniard Feliciano Lopez 6-1, 6-3 in their second round tie. He next plays Nikolay Davydenko, the improving sixth-seeded Russian, who overcame Slovak Dominik Hrbaty, 7-5, 6-3. Also into the quarter-finals is Nicolas Kiefer, who upset Australian Open champion Marat Safin in the first round. But the German had to battle for an hour and three-quarters while coming from behind to beat Hyung Taik-Lee of South Korea 2-6, 6-1, 6-3. Defending champion Federer was within a point of going a double break of serve down in the final set of his first round tie against his 20-year-old opponent from Prague before surviving 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). It took the champion almost two hours to quell the bold, aggressive Czech, who had 0
105136 2 1479 SPOR SPORT Bahrain Rally set for a close finish THE Bahrain International Rally, set to be flagged off this morning at 9.30am from the Bahrain International Circuit, is expected to throw up quite a tricky challenge to some of the leading drivers in the Middle East.The two-day second round of the FIA Middle East Rally championship has attracted 29 cars, including three drivers from Bahrain. Hassan Al Sadadi, with his English co-driver Keith Wake, will be part of the Damas Rally Team in his Subaru Impreza WRX while Ebrahim Al Busmait, with a yet to be announced co-driver, will be behind the steering wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo6. The third Bahraini in the fray Abdulrahman Ghuloom, with his wife Esther as co-driver, will be challenging in a Mitsubishi Lancer V. But the leading contenders will be Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE in his Power Horse-sponsored Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah. Oman's Nizar Al Shanfari, on the other hand, will be making his first appearance this season while 0
105137 3 1479 SPOR SPORT Bayern and Liverpool joy dampened by late goals LONDON: Bayern Munich and Liverpool, seemingly coasting to 3-0 victories in the Champions League on Tuesday, were hit by late goals that could seriously damage their progress to the quarter-finals in two weeks' time.Liverpool, 3-0 up against Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield, conceded a sloppy goal after a mistake by goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek three minutes into stoppage time to give the Germans hope. In a mirror image of what happened at Anfield, Bayern Munich were leading 3-0 against Arsenal in the other Anglo-German clash with time almost up when Kolo Toure pulled one back for the English champions with just a minute left of normal time. Now, instead of facing almost impossible tasks, Leverkusen and Arsenal would go through to the last eight with 2-0 wins in their home legs. Tuesday's other first knockout round, first-leg matches also ended in home wins with PSV Eindhoven beating last season's losing finalists AS Monaco 1-0 and Real Madrid defeating Juventus by the same score at the Sant 0
105138 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Exciting drag race on cards THE final of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship is scheduled for tonight at 8pm at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. Eighty-five drivers from Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE and Saudi Arabia competed last night in the qualifying round and the best 64 will race in today's final. Competition will be held in four categories - street, super street, pro street and pro. Tickets cost BD5 and are available at the Seef Mall, Dana Mall, Bahrain International Airport and the BIC. Meanwhile, the General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa yesterday received Kuwait's drag racing official Bassil Al Sabah, who is also heading the Kuwaiti delegation, at the BIC premises. A luncheon was held on the occasion which was attended by Salem Al Sabah Track Team manager Shaikh Ali Fawaz Al Sabah, Kuwaiti team supervisor Ali Al Faylakawi, referee committee chairman Abdulla Jaffer and other race supervisors and administrators 0
105139 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Al Qassimi guaranteed a place in Cyprus Rally Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE was yesterday guaranteed a place in the 2005 Cyprus Rally to be held from May 13 to 15. The organisers of the Cyprus Rally announced this decision during their Middle East launch at the Bahrain International Circuit yesterday. Al Qassimi won a spot on the basis of being the reigning Middle East Rally Champion. The Cyprus Rally will be the sixth of this year's 16-round FIA World Rally Championship. Clerk for the course at the Cyprus Rally Takis Kyriakides said that Hamed Al Wahaibi from Oman and Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah have already confirmed their participation. "This year's Cyprus Rally is also of particular importance to Middle East motor sport fans because some of the region's top crews will battle it out across the event's 18 special stages," added Kyriakides. "This offers a chance to the people of the Middle East to see close to home all the world's superstars driving the cars of major manufacturers." 0
105140 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Cebarco boost for Busmait Cebarco Bahrain yesterday announced the formation of the Cebarco Rally Team for the Bahrain International Rally. Cebarco chief executive officer Khalid Abdulrahim has sponsored Bahraini driver Ebrahim Busmait who will drive a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Abdulrahim said that sponsoring the team is in line with the company's strategy of targeting prestigious projects in the Gulf and making them a success. 0
105141 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Any Camp looks good to claim feature race TWO cup events are the highlights of the races at Sakhir tomorrow. Four supporting events are also on the cards with the first race set to begin at 2.55pm. The race for Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa Cup for Group Two imported horses, starting at 5pm, has attracted 10 horses. This race carries a cash prize of BD3,000 and will be run over 1,600 metres. Any Camp, owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by Fawzi Nass and to be ridden by P Whitmore, is the favourite to win this race. Reidies Choice, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by James Naylor and to be ridden by Nader A Aziz, and Day Fort, owned by Bahrain Racing Syndicate, trained by Abdulla Kuwaiti and to be ridden by Ali Al Saffar, are expected to give the favourite a run for its money. The second cup event is for the Shaikh Nawaz bin Rashid Al Khalifa Cup for Group Two locally bred horses. This race, starting at 4.35pm, carries a cash prize of BD3,000 and will be run over 1,200 metres. 0
105142 0 1479 SPOR SPORT TrackShare cars arrive at Circuit MOTOR racing fans in Bahrain can gear-up for another treat as TrackShare have arrived at the Bahrain International Circuit with two of their most exotic racings cars - a Porsche GT3 and a Ferrari Challenge. TrackShare is an English based company which runs track-day based events using a fleet of GT racing cars and high performance road cars. The TrackShare team of professional instructors will teach the basics of race craft. The instructor will be in the passenger seat beside you when you go on the track. TrackShare offer half hour sessions for BD270 which includes 10 minutes of instructions and 20 minute track time. They also offer half and full day sessions. Richard Westbrook, who is the chief instructor at TrackShare, is the current Porsche Carrera Cup GB Champion. 0
105143 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Martinez scuppers Myskina hat-trick bid DOHA: Spanish veteran Conchita Martinez ousted two-time defending champion Anastasia Myskina, the third seed from Russia, to advance to the quarter-finals of the $600,000 WTA Qatar Open yesterday. Martinez, who recently won her first singles title in nearly five years at Pattaya City, defeated French Open champion Myskina 6-4, 7-5 to set up a meeting with Slovak Daniela Hantuchova, a 6-0, 3-6, 6-3 winner over sixth-seeded Russian Elena Bovina. The Spaniard, who will be 33 in April, tactically and psychologically dominated play, forcing Myskina, 10 years her junior, to make numerous errors and surrender the initiative at key moments. Earlier, Maria Sharapova stormed into the last eight with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-1 win over Argentina's Gisela Dulko. "It was a good match to get through," said Wimbledon champion Sharapova. "I am still not a hundred per cent but I was happy to dictate the match today and get used to the conditions here in a proper match setting," said 0
105144 0 1479 SPOR SPORT O'Mahoney lifts Awali golf title GLORIA O'Mahoney emerged the overall winner in the Bahrain Duty Free Golf Championship at the Awali Golf Club premises. Gloria notched up 41 points with a gross score of 93 to clinch top position following a third flight win in the Christmas Hamper upon her return after almost a year off recovering from injury. More than 100 golfers lined up for this Stableford competition, sponsored by Bahrain Duty Free and played in spring-like conditions. Bahrain Duty Free general manager Maurice Burke presented the prizes to the winners. The club also hosted separate competitions for the seniors and juniors with Stephen Hardcastle claiming the seniors title with a 63 net and an 80 gross record. Hardcastle was closely followed by Dave Roberts (net 64, gross 84) and Kathy Goulden (net 66, gross 93) in second and third places respectively. Mathew Anthony and Derek Hutchinson bagged the junior foursomes competition and were followed by Mark Catterick and Austin Hurley wh 0
105145 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Injured Hayden doubtful SYDNEY: Opening batsman Matthew Hayden's long-awaited return to form has taken a blow with a shoulder injury putting him in doubt for Saturday's third one-day international in New Zealand, the team said yesterday. Hayden hurt his shoulder making a diving catch to dismiss New Zealand's Chris Cairns during Australia's 106-run drubbing of the Blackcaps on Tuesday night. Earlier Hayden lashed an impressive 114 from 124 balls to signal a return to form after a string of miserable batting performances which led to his being briefly dropped from the one-day squad. Australia's team physiotherapist, Alex Kountouri, said Hayden had a "grade one" strain to his right shoulder joint and that his arm was in a sling to take pressure off the joint. "At this stage there is a fair amount of swelling around the joint, so we will have a clearer picture as to how Matthew is progressing, once that swelling subsides," Kountouri said. 0
105146 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Kiwis recall Papps for one-dayers WELLINGTON: Opening batsman Michael Papps was recalled to the New Zealand cricket team yesterday for the third and fourth limited-overs internationals against Australia as coach John Bracewell responded to losses in the first two games. Papps, who has averaged 51 in his five previous limited-overs internationals, replaces Mathew Sinclair who had scores of 0 and 15 in the first two games of the five-match series. Uncapped middle-order batsman James Marshall joins twin brother Hamish in the 13-man squad for matches at Auckland on Saturday and Wellington on Tuesday. Australia won the opening match by 10 runs at Wellington last Saturday and the second by 105 runs at Christchurch last Tuesday. Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Hamish Marshall, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Jeff Wilson, Kyle Mills, Daryl Tuffey, Michael Papps, Andre Adams, James Marshall. 0
105147 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Wright may not renew India deal HYDERABAD, India: India's New Zealand cricket coach John Wright wants to leave after the upcoming series against Pakistan, saying he was unlikely to commit himself for another two years. "My contract ends in May this year and there is always a lot of speculation about what will happen in the future," Wright told reporters here yesterday. "I assume the next contract will be till the 2007 World Cup (in the West Indies). I don't think I am ready to commit myself till then. "I have not discussed the matter with the Indian board. My first priority is the Pakistan series." Pakistan are scheduled to play three Tests and six one-day internationals on their tour of India. 0
105148 0 1479 SPOR SPORT Pakistani tour is on say India NEW DELHI: Pakistan's cricket tour of India will go ahead as scheduled next month, Indian cricket chief Ranbir Singh Mahendra said yesterday, ending speculation the high-profile tour could be cancelled due to a TV rights row. Media reports said Pakistan's first Test tour of India in six years was in jeopardy due to a long-running legal battle over the awarding of television rights for cricket matches played in the country. But Mahendra, who took over as president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from Jagmohan Dalmiya last September, said there was no way the tour will be cancelled or even postponed. "The tour will go ahead as scheduled," Mahendra said. "Yes, there has been a delay on TV rights but that is because the matter is in court. We are confident something will be worked out. As soon as we hear from the courts, we will work on a war footing." Pakistan are due to arrive here on Monday to play three Tests and five one-day internationals on 0
105149 0 1479 WORL WORLD Tigers allege covert war COLOMBO: Tamil Tiger rebels accused the government of waging a secret war as Sri Lanka yesterday marked the third anniversary of its longest ceasefire amid fresh diplomatic moves to restart peace talks. Three years ago on February 23, Colombo and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) signed a Norwegian-brokered ceasefire in their 30-year war which claimed more than 60,000 lives. But talks have been stalled since April 2003. "The military has formed new paramilitaries to wage a covert war on the Liberation Tigers and our people," the rebels' political head S P Thamilselvan was quoted as saying on the Tamilnet.com website. "This covert war should be stopped immediately. The ceasefire and peace would fall apart if this continues," added Thamilselvan, who on Tuesday held talks with top Norwegian peace broker Erik Solheim. Relations between the rebels and government hit a low after the killing of top Tiger regional political chief E Koushalyan and five others two 0
105150 0 1479 WORL WORLD Bush warns Tehran over nuclear arms MAINZ, Germany: US President George W Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder yesterday jointly warned Tehran against acquiring a nuclear weapon, amid growing signs of transatlantic co-operation on Iran. The two leaders also set aside their bitter dispute over Iraq and agreed to co-operate on building democracy there, as Bush agreed to consider what Washington could do to help Europe-led overtures to the Islamic republic. "It's vital that the Iranians hear the world speak with one voice that they shouldn't have a nuclear weapon," Bush said on the second leg of a visit aimed at definitively repairing transatlantic ties damaged by the Iraq war. "We absolutely agree that Iran must say no to any kind of nuclear weapon, full stop," Schroeder said. At the same time, Bush sought to soothe European worries that he plans to use military force against Iran, saying that "all options are on the table," but stressing that "diplomacy is just beginning" and that 'Iran is not Iraq".< 0
105151 0 1479 WORL WORLD Queen sparks a right royal row LONDON: Queen Elizabeth's decision to stay away from the wedding of her son and heir isn't a snub to Prince Charles or his longtime love, the royal family insisted yesterday. But "royal watchers" and the British media, already amazed at signs of poor organisation surrounding the marriage that is just over six weeks away, remained unconvinced. "Royal bombshell" was how the popular daily, The Sun, described the announcement that the monarch will not attend the civil marriage ceremony of Prince Charles and fellow divorcee Camilla Parker Bowles on April 8. "Queen snubs the wedding," wrote the Daily Mail. Buckingham Palace and Charles' office denied that was the case, and pointed out that the Queen would attend a church blessing after the marriage. "The wedding will be blessed in front of family and friends. There will be a lovely reception afterwards. The civil ceremony was always meant to be low-key," said a spokesman for Clarence House, as Charles' office is known. A 0
105152 0 1479 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain American Women's Association's fund-raiser, World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya, 3pm-5pm. AWA members and their guests have a choice to take yoga, belly dancing or aerobics. Fee is BD5 per person. Contact 17612186. Indian Ladies Association's Annual Day Celebration, Gulf Hotel, Awal Ballroom, 8.30pm. Tickets BD5 for guests and BD2.500 for children aged below 12. Entrance is free to members and children aged below five. Contact Poonam Sharma on 39576051 or Kundan Shah on 39678592. Performance by International DJ Ian Pooley, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, 11pm-2am. Likwid resident DJ Karim Miknas goes on at 10pm. Tickets BD5 at the door and BD3 for Likwid ID holders and ladies. Grand Finale of the Children's Wing, Kerala Catholic Association, 8pm. Library open, Dilmun Club, 10am -1.45pm; Performance by Saudi Arabia-based band, The Therapists, 8pm. Tickets BD7.500 members and BD9.500 non-members. Contact 17690926. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. 0
105153 1 1479 WORL WORLD HEAT ON SYRIA BEIRUT: US President George W Bush demanded yesterday that Syria pull its security services as well as its army from Lebanon.However, he said that before seeking UN sanctions, Washington would see how Syria responded to international calls for it to quit Lebanon. UN resolution 1559, sponsored by the US and France, calls for all foreign forces to be pulled out of Lebanon and for militias such as Hizbollah to be dissolved. Syria maintains 14,000 troops in Lebanon, but is facing growing pressure to pull out following the assassination of former premier Rafiq Hariri in a massive car bomb on February 14. "We will see how they (the Syrians) respond before there are any further discussions about going back to the UN," Bush told a news conference he held with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in Mainz, Germany. Iran, Syria's main ally, accused the US of interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs and advised the Lebanese people not to be deceived by Bush's comments. "The L 0
105154 0 1479 WORL WORLD Palestinian cabinet vote postponed again RAMALLAH, West Bank: Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie's future was on the line yesterday as he shied away from a vote in parliament on his prospective cabinet, which has already begun to unravel. Barely an hour before MPs were to begin a session to vote on his ministerial team, a legislative council spokesman announced that the meeting was off. The speaker of parliament, Rawhi Fattuh, later announced that the vote would take place either today or on Saturday. "Our brother Abu Alaa will present the government which he is forming to the parliament today or else on Saturday," he said. Parliamentary sources attributed the delay to Qurie's failure so far to persuade a majority of the council's 83 MPs to back his list of ministers which has already been radically rewritten. Qurie was forced on Tuesday to scrap his original line-up, which had included 15 members of parliament, and has come up instead with a radically different list dominated by technocrats and featu 0
105155 0 1479 WORL WORLD Clinton praises China Aids fight BEIJING: Former US president Bill Clinton yesterday said China has made progress in fighting Aids since he last visited in 2003 and his foundation would give drugs and help train doctors battling the disease. Experts have criticised China for being slow to recognise a growing Aids problem, and the UN has said the country could have as many as 10 million cases by 2010 if precautions were not taken. "China has made impressive progress in building a comprehensive system of care for all Chinese patients in need," Clinton said at a reception in Beijing. The government has estimated China has 840,000 people with HIV or Aids, although activists and experts say a more accurate figure would be between one million and 1.5m. Earlier, Clinton signed an agreement with the Chinese Health Ministry for the Clinton Foundation to provide about $70,000 (BD26,460) worth of drugs to treat about 200 infected Chinese children. Clinton also announced the setting up of a fellowship to ta 0
105156 0 1479 WORL WORLD Britain needs tough laws to battle 'terror without limit' LONDON: Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday defended plans for a tough new anti-terror law by warning that Britain faces "terrorism without limit" and that hundreds of suspects were already under surveillance. The government triggered a storm of protest when it introduced its anti-terror bill that grants the home secretary, or interior minister, broad powers to restrict the movement of suspects. But Blair, speaking during the weekly question session in the House of Commons, argued that such measures were necessary to protect the country from a spectacular attack. "I think these people (terrorists) will kill thousands of our citizens if they could. I think this is terrorism without limit," Blair told parliament. "I think in these circumstances, for these limited numbers of cases my best judgement is that those considerations of national security have to come before civil liberties no matter how important those civil liberties are." The Prevention of Terrorism Bill 0
105157 0 1479 WORL WORLD UK soldiers convicted in abuse case OSNABRUECK: Two British soldiers were found guilty of charges relating to abusing Iraqi civilians by a court martial here in Germany yesterday. A third soldier had already pleaded guilty to one charge of assault after he was pictured standing on an Iraqi. The abuse took place after British troops rounded up looters who were stealing powdered milk from a humanitarian aid depot known as Camp Bread Basket, near the southern Iraqi city of Basra in May 2003. Judge Advocate Michael Hunter said the most senior of the three, Corporal Daniel Kenyon, 33, who was found guilty on two charges of failing to report that soldiers under his command had abused Iraqis, would face a jail sentence of up to two years. Sentencing was postponed until tomorrow. The seven British officers acting as a jury in the five-week court martial found Lance Corporal Mark Cooley, 25, guilty of suspending an Iraqi from a forklift truck and of simulating a punch on an Iraqi. The judge told him he faces 0
105158 0 1479 WORL WORLD Lebanon premier offers to resign BEIRUT: As international pressure increased on Syria to pull back its army from Lebanon, pro-Syrian Prime Minister Omar Karami signaled yesterday his willingness to concede to opposition demands to resign, but put his pro-Syrian government's fate in the hands of a supportive Parliament. US President George W Bush ratcheted up the pressure with renewed demands for Syria to withdraw its troops as well as "secret services" from Lebanon, while Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak dispatched his intelligence chief to Damascus to discuss with President Bashar Assad the ever-mounting international pressure. Iran accused the US of interfering in Lebanon's internal affairs and advised the Lebanese people not to be deceived by Washington's comments on the withdrawal of Syrian forces. Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi said Washington was trying to protect its chief ally in the region, Israel. US-European calls for a Syrian withdrawal have been unrelenting as repercussions from the February 0
105159 0 1479 WORL WORLD Women to get vote LONDON: Women may be allowed to vote in Saudi Arabia's next elections. Saudi recently held its first regular election, for city council members, but the vote was open only to men. Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal, in London for meetings with British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw and other officials, said his country's election commission had recommended that women participate in the next vote. "I would not be surprised if they do so in the next round of elections," he said. Two more phases of the municipal vote will be held in March and April. 0
105160 2 1479 WORL WORLD 12 killed in latest Iraq attacks BAGHDAD: Insurgent violence in Iraq killed 12 people yesterday, including an American soldier, police and the US army said.Police also found the bullet-riddled bodies of two Iraqi policemen and of a civilian and a Sudanese translator working for the US military, and reported the murder of a Shi'ite politician. "A Task Force Liberty soldier was killed by an improvised explosive device," said a US army statement, adding that the blast occurred near Tuz, around 200km north of Baghdad. In the northern city of Kirkuk, a police officer was killed and another wounded when an unknown person opened fire on them in a restaurant at breakfast time, police said. Two Iraqi civilians were killed and another seriously wounded when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the car they were travelling in near Kirkuk, police said. Also in Kirkuk, two civilians were injured in a car bomb attack on a US convoy in an industrial area, the city's police chief said. In the same city's eastern Wahda 0
105161 3 1479 WORL WORLD 1,100 die in cold wave NEW DELHI: Avalanches in Indian Kashmir, icy temperatures in Afghanistan and torrential rain and snow in Pakistan pushed the death toll yesterday from an extreme cold snap gripping South Asia to more than 1,100, many of them children.In Indian Kashmir army and civilian rescuers braved sub-zero cold and harsh Himalayan winds to search for survivors of avalanches that have claimed 229 lives since Saturday, police said. "Some bodies have been buried, some are inside a mosque and others scattered on the snow. The entire village is devastated," rescuer Ghulam Mohammed Wagay said in Watlingo village, one of a string of communities crushed by snowslides. The army was flying in doctors and nurses to avalanche-hit parts of southern Indian Kashmir, along with snowmobiles to reach remote regions. In Afghanistan frigid weather had claimed at least 350 lives - 211 of them children - as poor parents fed opium to their youngsters to ease their suffering from hunger, numbing cold and respiratory 0
105162 2 1480 BNEW LOCAL 'Keep pace with technology' call In the new world order, it is the survival of the technologically fittest, says a leading engineer.It is vital for any country or profession to keep with rapidly changing technology, says Institution of Engineers Pakistan - Bahrain Chapter's (IEP-BC) current and first elected chairman Ijaz Rana. Mr Rana is a senior civil engineer in the project and planning directorate of Bahrain's Works and Housing Ministry, where he has served for 30 years. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a fellow of Institution of Engineers Pakistan, based in Karachi. "IEP-BC as a professional body is committed to enhancing the capabilities of its members in their respective engineering fields, through exchange of information, skills and latest advances in their fields," he said. "We are locally affiliated with Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) and most of our formal meetings are held at BSE premises at Jufair. "IEP, headquartered in Karachi is our parent organisat 0
105163 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Man convicted of law firm swindle A BAHRAINI man has been convicted of swindling the law office he worked for out of cash paid by clients. The 36-year-old was sentenced to a year in jail, which will be suspended if he pays a BD200 fine. The 55-year-old lawyer who employed him filed a complaint with police that he had been pocketing fees paid by clients and had forged an employment certificate, falsely stating his position at the law office and giving a false salary. He said the defendant pocketed BD2,000 paid by a shipping company and twice pocket payments of BD500 and BD400 from another client. The lawyer said the defendant, who was earning BD170 a month, also misrepresented as a legal co-ordinator, after falsifying the certificate in the firm's name. But the defendant, who was arrested in March last year, denied all the charges. "One of the cheques in the amount of BD300 is mine and I took it as a loan from one of the clients and this is a personal matter between us," he told police. 0
105164 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Police 'must win people's trust' POLICE need to become part of the communities they serve in order to gain their trust, a visiting Japanese expert told Interior Ministry officials yesterday. Former Kanagawa Police Headquarters community police director and chief superintendent Koji Nakamura said that policemen and women need to feel loyalty to their communities as well as to other officers. "They should feel genuinely responsible for what goes on in their areas and do their best to solve the problems facing people." Mr Nakamura also said that intelligence gathering in Japan was totally separate from community policing. "This helps the public to gain trust in the police and eliminates the element of fear." He was presenting a lecture on community police at the Japanese Embassy's premises in Manama yesterday. Mr Nakamura said although he realised that Bahrain's situation is different because of culture, ethnicity and other factors, the Japanese system of community policing has a lot to offer 0
105165 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Muggers steal mobile phones POLICE are investigating a series of mobile phone thefts following a string of muggings across Manama. In one case the Indian victim was knocked to the ground after being hit over the head with an empty bottle, sources told the GDN. The 28-year-old was attacked by two Bahrainis near Al Dasma Bakery, close to the Manama Fort, as he was walking home at around 9pm. Meanwhile, a mugger stole a mobile phone from a 19-year-old Bahraini woman as she walked with her mother and sister near the Sacred Heart Church. Eman Jaffer Ali was talking on her phone when the culprit approached her from behind, twisted her arm, hit her on the head, snatched the mobile and fled. "My mother, my sister and I were heading to our car at 3pm after we watched the Hussaini processions in Manama," said Ms Ali. "I felt that someone was walking behind us, but I did not think much of it. "I was talking on my mobile with a friend when all of a sudden he twisted my arm, hit me on the 0
105166 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Woman 'slapped' in salon quarrel A ROW over the price of a haircut in a village salon escalated when the owner's sister-in-law hurled abuse at a female customer. The Bahraini woman followed the customer out of the salon, calling her names and allegedly slapped her face and tried to hit her with a bottle, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The defendant was fined BD20 after being convicted of verbally abusing the 22-year-old Bahraini customer, but was cleared of physically assaulting her. The victim's 26-year-old brother complained to police that the woman had attacked her and insulted her honour. "She slapped my sister on the face and also tried to beat her with an empty glass juice bottle," he told police. "She also tried to hit the car, but due to the timely intervention of two of the employees of the salon, she was stopped from doing that. "She called my sister a cheap woman, vulgar and not properly dressed. "She told my sister she was trying to attract young men with tight an 0
105167 1 1480 BNEW LOCAL BD10bn 'PRIZE' MANAMA MANAMA: A BD10 billion bonus for Bahrain, 150,000 new jobs and double the average personal income are the targets for sweeping economic reform. Bahrain must think big to succeed, Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa declared yesterday. "Until recently we have been in the forefront of countries in this region in terms of development and growth, but today's reality indicates otherwise," he said. "This should inspire us to be committed in facing all challenges for Bahrain to regain its former status and outstanding performance in all fields. "Our economic aspirations should always remain big - and very big. Modest objectives should never be, from today, within our national options." He was speaking at a one-day workshop on Bahrain's proposed economic reforms, held at Shaikh Hamad Place, Gudaibiya and attended by more than 180 people from all government and business sectors. Bahrain is c 0
105168 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL A chance to take part in Quran competition PEOPLE wishing to compete in Al Eslah Society's 18th annual Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Quran Competition are being urged to register before Monday. The competition, which will be held next month, is organised by the society's Wahat Al Quran Centre under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. "Over the past 17 years, we have had more than 2,560 people taking part in the competition," said centre director Bader Qamber. "This contest is named after the late former Education Minister Shaikh Abdul Aziz because of his contributions to education in Bahrain. "The competition is sponsored by the family of Shaikh Abdul Aziz, which has generously donated more than BD2,000 in prizes for this year's event." The first category is open to males and females of all nationalities aged 16 and above. Participants are required to memorise the 18th chapter of the Quran. The male and female 0
105169 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Fans rally to save reality TV star Ahmed BAHRAINI hopeful Ahmed Salahaddin, 20, is facing elimination from popular reality TV series Star Academy for the third time. His fans are being urged to support him once again tonight when the public votes on which contestant they want to stay on the show. He is again one of three competitors facing the exit, but will be allowed to remain if enough viewers vote for him. As in previous weeks, a party will coincide with the show tonight at 8pm on Mr Salahaddin's yacht, which is moored at Al Bander Hotel and Resort, in Sitra. The party is organised by www.bahrain2day.com, the Bahrain Youth Society and Murad Events Management. Event co-ordinator Mohammed Murad said the show's bosses think Ahmed has a lot of talent, but has not been performing as he should. "Ahmed is one of the most popular participants and the only Bahraini on the show," said Mr Murad. "He is well-loved by his peers on the show and fans all around the world. We hope he will continue the 0
105170 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Easy ride to school for students STUDENTS and parents will now get an easier ride to school, thanks to the help of a local contractor and the Works and Housing Ministry. The road located behind Bahrain School in Juffair had become a menace to parents and students due to the potholes that had formed over the last six months because of heavy construction and wet weather conditions, said Bahrain School parents, teachers and students organisation former president Hassan Al Husseini. However, thanks to a local contractor, who does not want to be named, and the Works and Housing Ministry almost all of the potholes have been filled. "Between 7.30am and 8am there are about 3,000 students that go to four schools in that area and about 1,000 of these students ride a mini-bus to school," said Mr Al Husseini, whose 18-year-old son Ebrahim attends the Bahrain School. "The usage of that road had almost come to a stop especially as mini-buses carrying children had to swerve to avoid the potholes, but by publicising this 0
105171 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL New Genie ready to cast a spell AMATEUR artistes are all set to entertain drama lovers with a Tamil play in Bahrain tonight. The newly-formed Madras Theatre is staging Bootham Pudithu (The New Genie) in association with the Young Goans Club. It will be held at the Bishop Tirinanzi Hall, Sacred Heart Church, Manama, at 6.30pm. Doors open at 6pm. The play is written and directed by Bahrain-based dramatist Abdul Qaiyum and supervision of the play is by Ferozeji, who has acted in over 500 plays during the last 25 years, in Bahrain and India. A website for the troupe, www.madrastheatres.com was jointly developed by Madhurai Manimaran, who plays the genie and Raja Rahmathullah. Amateur artistes Subramanian Shankar, Jaya Natarajan, Nanjil Basheer, Hansul Gani, Nanjil Thamu, Tiruchy Saravanan, Muthu Manimaran, Jaya Ramasamy, Mohammed Saleem, Mohammed Yousuf and Sylvester Nathan play the characters. Entry is free for all. For more information, contact co-ordinator Pandy Narayanan on 39288609. </ 0
105172 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Fund helps two injured labourers to go home TWO injured Indian workers have been flown home with help from a charity fund. N V Parmesan suffered multiple injuries when a wall collapsed on him while working. Edwin Rodriguez's legs were fractured when blocks fell on him at work. They have each been flown home this month thanks to the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF). ICRF has spent BD16,000 helping 135 needy Indians and given other support to the needy, since its inception in 1999, according to figures just released. It functions under the aegis of the Indian Embassy and is divided into different groups to take care of various activities. ICRF general secretary C R Nambiar said that it had been doing all it could to help those in need. Since its inception, it has helped send home 20 stranded housemaids, 40 critically ill people, eight rescued seamen and 40 runaway workers and other workers with labour problems. ICRF has also organised the local cremation of 12 bodies and the embalm 0
105173 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Charity bikers' event shelved CHARITY bikers event A La Carte in the Park, which was due to be held today, has been postponed until next Friday due to bad weather forecasts. The event, in aid of the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster, is being organised by Kooheji Marine Centre (KMC) in association with Al Bander and the Country Club. It will flag off at Al Bander Hotel and Resort at around 1pm and finish at around 2pm at the Country Club. Around 100 bikers are expected to take part. Several attractions are being lined up at the club afterwards, including a football match between bikers and Country Club members. Lunch will be available through several food outlets. KMC events co-ordinator Khalid Al Khan said all proceeds from the event will go towards victims of the tsunamis, which hit South East Asia in December, and sponsors will in return receive beneficial publicity. "Sponsorship is closed but bikers interested in taking part are welcome to call me on 39644741 or 17737747 0
105174 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Ladies honour 60 volunteers SUPPORTERS of the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) were thanked in a special awards ceremony held last night. The new executive committee was also inducted at the event, held at the Gulf Hotel's Awal Ballroom. Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra was the chief guest at the event, organised by the ILA's outgoing committee, headed by Vani Krishnan. Volunteers who run the ILA's Sneha centre for special needs children were among those honoured. The colourful evening included skits, games and spot prizes for adults and children. More than 60 service awards were presented to members and personalities who had supported the outgoing committee's term. A short skit in Hindi, Mujhe Akhbaar Padhna Hai, (I Want To Read Newspaper) written and directed by club member Manijeh Mistry, was also presented at the event. DJ for the evening was S Shivramakrishnan. The new committee members are: president Thanuja Anil, vice-president Parul Desai, general secret 0
105175 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Cold store robbed at knifepoint A COLD store was robbed at knifepoint by three Bahrainis, who stole BD100 in cash and mobile phone cards worth BD200. Indian salesman Abdul Rasheed, 23, was alone at the Bushra Cold Store, in Salmaniya, when the three men burst into the shop. "One man had a knife in his hand and he came straight to me, caught me by my shirt and put the knife to my neck," he told the GDN. "Another man stood by the door while the third man went to the cash drawer and took the money and phone cards." He said the man with the knife then pushed him to the floor before all three escaped in a car. "I managed to note the registration number of the car and have given it to the police," said Mr Rasheed, who is from Calicut, in Kerala, and has been in Bahrain for one-and-a-half years. 0
105176 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Power cut woes A power cut tomorrow between 1am and 5am will affect residents in the Diplomatic Area, East Hoora and Ras Ruman. Al Saffara high voltage power plant is being tested prior to operating the new 66KV cable feeding the third 220-66KV transformer. A second power cut is also scheduled on Wednesday from 1am to 5am. 0
105177 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Budding photographers vie for prizes Around 30 people participating in the Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) photography competition were judged by four professional photographers yesterday at the clubhouse in Juffair. The competition was divided into beginners and advanced level and both levels were divided into two categories: nature, gardens and landscape and still life of the rose or roses. The garden-themed competition is one of many being held as part of the BGC's 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show. The show is one of the features of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF), which is being held from next Thursday to March 6, at the Bahrain international Exhibition Centre (BIEC). Winners of the photography competition will be announced on the first day of the BGF and cups and prizes will be presented at a special ceremony on March 17 at the clubhouse. 0
105178 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Sermons schedule MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering Friday sermons in different languages today. The following is a schedule for the sermons provided by the Islamic Affairs Ministry: l Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Fateh Mosque, in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque, in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque, in Isa Town, Saar Mosque, in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira Bin Shoba Mosque, in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque, in Barbar. l Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque, in Manama, Othman Bin Afan Mosque, in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque, in East Riffa, and Adliya Mosque, in Adliya. l Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque, in Manama. l Bangladeshi: Al Farouk Mosque, in Manama, and Saar Mosque, in Saar. l English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, in Manama. l Sinhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, in Manama. Translations will be made following lunchtime prayers. 0
105179 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL 350 youngsters mark school annual day MORE than 350 youngsters from the New Horizon School (NHS) celebrated the school's second annual day celebration at the Al Raja School auditorium last night. The youngsters took part in various entertainment programmes at the event, attended by more than 1,800 parents and guests. Chief guest at the event was Education Ministry private education acting director Noora Mohammed Al Mannai. Guest of honour was Shura Council member Khalid Al Maskati. School chairman Abdul Rahman Yousif Bucheeri welcomed the gathering, while school principal Nirmala Jose presented the annual report. A vote of thanks was proposed by vice-principal Vasantha Mohan. The programme included an awards ceremony for students who fared well in academic and non-academic activities. Neptune House won the Best House award in extra-curricular activities and for academic and non-academic activities. Standard IB was selected the Best Class of the Year. Neha Anna D'Souza of 0
105180 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Youngsters show off art skills THE Lions Club of Riffa organised its annual walk-in essay and painting competition yesterday at Al A'ali Shopping Complex. Children were divided into two categories. Group A was for eight to 12-year-olds while group B was for 12 to 15-year-olds. The theme for the competition was Disaster Assistance. The essays and paintings will be the property of the club and will not be returned, said a club spokesman. "A picture is worth a thousand words. Colours and words express your feelings. The objective of the competition is to stimulate the inherent creativity of youngsters and to provide a forum to express their views," he said. The first two winners in each category will be announced and presented with their prizes during an awards ceremony, which will be held at the Hilton on March 2 at 8.30pm. The school, which sent the maximum number of participants, will also be honoured at the ceremony. The event was sponsored by the mall, Jawad Group, Iqbal Malik 0
105181 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Saudi band in debut concert A four-member Saudi-based band made their debut performance in Bahrain at a dinner-dance function held last night, at the Dilmun Club, Saar. More than 120 people came to listen to The Therapists, who performed a variety of songs from the 1960s to present day. The band members include lead vocalist and bass player Mark Wootton and lead guitarist and vocalist Keith Adams, who are both British, as well as vocalist and drummer Tanya Adams, from South Africa and rhythm guitarist and vocalist Terry Kehoe, from the US. 0
105182 2 1480 BNEW LOCAL Women's ordeal ends MANAMA: Twenty-six Sri Lankan women were flown home last night by their own government after allegedly being stranded in Bahrain for six months without pay.The women worked for Garment International and are believed to have come to Bahrain on three-year contracts. Sri Lankan Embassy consul general P B Higgoda said the government was sending them back because they were stranded here with no income. He added that the company had agreed to pay the workers the money they are owed "in due course". But a company spokesman, who refused to give his name, said they had already been paid. "They stopped working for us about a month ago saying that they wanted to go back," he said. The women's salaries were BD45 a month. 0
105183 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Walkers step out to back health survey SCORES of people took part in a walkathon yesterday to spread awareness about Bahrain's second National Oral Health Survey. The event, organised by the Health Ministry, began at the Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre, Juffair and took the participants to the nearby Bahrain National Museum and back. The walkathon aimed at teaching people about the objectives of the survey, which is being conducted by a 66-strong team of doctors, specialists, nurses and administrators. The survey, which starts on March 2, will be carried out in co-operation with the World Health Organisation and cover both Bahrainis and expatriates. It will cover five age groups - six, 12, 15, 35-44 and 65-74 - and will be conducted through interviews, questionnaires and oral health tests. A total of 6,098 people will be selected for the survey. 0
105184 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Annual sports day fun for students PUPILS of the Sacred Heart School, in Isa Town, competed in their annual sports day yesterday. More than 1,000 senior students aged 10 to 17 took part in the competitions. Chief guest was BDF Royal Military Training Centre Commandant Brigadier General Yousif Abdulla Bahzad. The guest of honour was Sacred Heart Church Parish priest Father Thomas Quadros. Events included a drill display by the junior and senior sections, a march past by the four houses of the school, track events and an awards ceremony. Green House was declared the overall champion, while individual champions were Khulood Ali (senior girls), Sami Jassim Aujan (senior boys), Beverly Lobo (intermediate girls) and Jesse Nocom (intermediate boys). Red House won the award for best marching. 0
105185 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Columnist Robin dies in tree fall GDN columnist Robin Lunn has died in a tragic accident while trimming a tree on his farm in the village of Tapawera, New Zealand. The 73-year-old Briton suffered fatal head injuries after falling 15 feet. He ran the farm with his wife Diane, but the couple previously ran a sailing school in the Western Isles, off Scotland, and later organised charter yachts in the Caribbean. They settled on the 40-acre homestead upon retirement. Mr Lunn took a course on the basics of livestock management and took care of the sheep and cattle, while his wife tended the garden and ran cookery courses. He spoke fluent French, German, Spanish and English and was planning to sell the farm and move to France. He visited Bahrain regularly to see his son Nicholas, who is head of Vision Communications, his wife Tanya and their two children - Christina, 14, and Imogen, six - who have lived here for about nine years. They have flown out to New Zealand for the funeral along wit 0
105186 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL 'Policemen' rob driver THIEVES posing as policemen stole a mobile phone from a 23-year-old Saudi motorist, who was parked in the Sheraton Hotel car park at 8pm. Three Bahrainis in their late teens and early twenties drove up next to the Saudi and told him they were policemen, sources told the GDN. They accused him of being drunk, took his mobile phone and fled. However, the Saudi took down the car's registration number and informed the police. The car was found the same night and two men inside were arrested. Police are still on the lookout for the third suspect. 0
105187 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Red tape 'hindering growth' CAPITAL and land shortages, combined with difficulties in getting quick access to power and water supplies are hindering economic growth in Bahrain, according to a survey. Some businesses are waiting for up to 10 months for electricity, says the survey, conducted by the Economic Development Board and the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Government interference and favouritism were also high on the list of complaints. The survey covered 650 companies from 15 sectors, with over 64,000 employees between them. Also included in the survey, which was presented at the workshop, were interviews with over 100 businessmen. According to the survey, 28 per cent of respondents said that the top priority was access to capital, followed by access to infrastructure (19pc), adequacy of laws and regulations (16pc), access to land (14pc), less government interaction (13pc) and law enforcement and the judicial system (10pc). The survey, which was presented at the work 0
105188 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Income could be doubled BAHRAIN could at least double household incomes over the next 10 years through a series of initiatives, it was declared yesterday. Per capita income could increase from the current BD5,000 a year to BD12,000 by 2015, said McKinsey & Co Middle East managing director Kito De Boer. The initiatives will also ensure that Bahrain re-captures its position as the pre-eminent economy in the region, he said. They will make it the preferred place to create and grow business, by both nationals and foreigners, Mr De Boer told the workshop. The initiatives would be a concrete start on economic reforms in Bahrain, he said. Mr De Boer said an intitiative to free up a bottleneck of projects would entail the establishment of a fair system to fast-track high priority and commercially sound projects, currently held up in the system. Another initiative entails the setting up of a professionally managed company to house the government's corporate assets and establish a timeline 0
105189 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Engineer faces jail for cheating A 69-year-old Indian engineer who swindled his Bahraini sponsor out of thousands of dinars has been sentenced to three years in jail, or a fine of BD2,000. He denied the charges but was convicted by the Lower Criminal Court, more than eight years after he was first arrested. The defendant, who was arrested on December 10, 1996, failed to appear in court to hear his sentence. Charges included pocketing BD10,000 in payment from two Bahraini citizens for work done by the construction company where the defendant worked. He deposited the cheque in his personal account and also used the company cheque book to issue cheques to several companies in the amounts of BD650, BD250, BD5,600. The defendant also bought building materials from a company worth BD1,193 and did not settle the bills, the court heard. He also failed to pay workers' salaries and air fares, totalling BD1,116.835. The defendant also failed to pay a BD311.355 electricity bill for the house 0
105190 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Awareness drive for RIA teachers STAFF from the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA), in Adliya, took part in an awareness challenge yesterday to keep them on their toes. The challenge took place at the British Club, in Adliya, and was completed by 15 staff members and their friends. It was conducted by coach Caroline Yarwood and reminded teachers what it's like to be a student. Participants took part in exercises that helped them step outside themselves and focus on their senses. The event was organised by RIA co-ordinator Christine Gordan, who also took part. "It helped us enhance our concentration and hone our listening and visual skills," she said. "We had great fun and will continue to have more awareness challenges." RIA caters to around 75 students and under half have special education needs. 0
105191 0 1480 BNEW LOCAL Thieves hit cars in spate of vandalism THIEVES raided a car parked outside the Windsor Tower Hotel and made off with a mobile phone and BD200 in cash. They gained entry to the vehicle by smashing the side window, sources told the GDN. However, the Saudi owner later left the country without allowing police to take fingerprints, which meant they were unable to proceed with the investigation. No more details were available. In another incident, BD50 in Saudi riyals was stolen from a Nissan Maxima also parked in Hoora. Saudi owner Majid Awad, 23, returned to his car after visiting friends to find the window smashed and the car stereo missing. The matter was reported to police. Meanwhile, a car stereo, two speakers, BD8.700 in cash and a wallet containing a CPR card, driving licence and insurance papers were also stolen from a car parked in Naim. The car, a 1993 Honda Civic, belongs to 20-year-old Bahraini Sayed Hussain Sayed Hameed. He parked his car near Naim Club and went t 0
105192 3 1480 BNEW LOCAL alert over economy BAHRAIN and the GCC could achieve fantastic rewards if they forge ahead with sweeping economic reforms - or disaster if they don't, an expert warned yesterday.The "prize" for Bahrain could be a BD10 billion top-up to its gross domestic product (GDP) over 10 years, said McKinsey & Co Middle East managing director Kito De Boer. But if the GCC as a whole fails to instigate reforms, its economic performance could fall behind countries which have embraced reforms and which are already beginning to catch up, he said. Mr De Boer was speaking at a workshop on Bahrain's economic reforms, opened by Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The one-day workshop, held at Shaikh Hamad Place, Gudaibiya, was one of series aimed at discussing economic reforms based on a report prepared by McKinsey & Co, commissioned by the EDB. It was attended by around 180 participants from ministries and government agencies, Bahrain 0
105193 1 1480 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain-India explore trade ties MANAMA: Indian businessmen held talks with Bahraini officials yesterday to enhance trade and economic ties between the private sectors of both countries.They met Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and government representatives at the Chamber, in Manama. Chamber board member Jawad Al Hawaj said the visit was a good opportunity to learn about economic and investment opportunities on both sides. "The visit also provided both sides information on ways to increase the volume of trade," he said. "Trade in the private sector has increased immensely between Bahrain and India over the years due to the strong commercial relationships." The Indian delegation comprises 14 members representing several economic, trade and professional sectors. Mr Al Hawaj added that Bahrain will continue to enhance business links with India's private sector. The Indian delegates gave a presentation on investment opportunities in India, which was followed by an interactive session 0
105194 2 1480 BUSI BUSINESS Diversifying services 'is vital' for Islamic banks MANAMA: Islamic banks need to diversify their products in order to compliment each other, according to a leading banker.New entrants into the industry must bring something different, which provides them with a sustainable competitive advantage, said Bahrain-based First Islamic Investment Bank chief executive officer Aatif Abdulmalik. "We need to diversify so that we can develop new sources of revenues rather than all of us competing in a narrow range of products on the basis of price," he said. Mr Abdulmalik also warned of the possible overheating of the stock market and real estate in the Middle East. "Although Dubai grabs most of the headlines, important developments are taking place throughout the GCC," he said. "According to Arab News, it is estimated that by the end of this year some $9 billion will be raised through initial public offerings in the six GCC states. "However, we have to be careful that investment decisions are based on economic fundamentals rat 0
105195 3 1480 BUSI BUSINESS Break-even results for Air Arabia in first year MANAMA: Air Arabia, which operates daily flights between Sharjah and Bahrain, has posted a break-even result in its first year of operation, it has been revealed.The first low-cost airline of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, Air Arabia announced that its revenue in the first year totalled BD21.6 million, with a similar expenditure over the same period. Air Arabia is the first airline in the Middle East region to post a break-even results in its first year of operation, said board chairman Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani. "I am very proud to announce that we have exceeded our own targets for last year," he said. "Due to the hard work of the whole Air Arabia team and the company ethics of running the organisation first and foremost as a commercial business, we have proved to ourselves that this is a financially sound organisation and in the process have created a new business niche for the region." The results so far are beyond our expectations, 0
105196 0 1480 BUSI BUSINESS Strong liquidity lifts IDB's Fitch ratings MANAMA: The Saudi-based Islamic Development Bank's (IDB) ratings were affirmed as AA in the long term and F1+ in the short term by international rating agency Fitch Ratings. Its rating outlook was said to be stable. "The ratings reflect the IDB's exceptionally high level of capitalisation, strong liquidity, preferred creditor status and strong support from member countries," Fitch Ratings said in a statement. "They also factor in the bank's ambitious five-year strategic plan, which will require additional market funding." The IDB operates mainly in below-investment grade countries, with main borrowers being Bangladesh, Iran, Algeria, Turkey and Indonesia. However, the bank's capitalisation is exceptionally high and its equity accounted for 90 per cent of total assets as of February 20 last year. The bank also holds a liquid assets portfolio accounting for 21pc of total assets. "As a Multilateral Development Bank (MDB), the IDB benefits from preferr 0
105197 0 1480 BUSI BUSINESS US pledges to help Russia join WTO BRATISALVA: The United States pledged yesterday to help Russia join the World Trade Organisation (WTO) this year, US and Russian Presidents George W Bush and Vladimir Putin said in a joint statement. "The United States and Russia are committed to working together to complete our bilateral negotiation for Russia's acession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2005," said the statement, released as the two leaders held a summit meeting. "The results of the negotiations will enhance commercial opportunities between our two countries, support economic reforms that Russia has made a priority, and further integrate Russia into the world economy," the statement said. It added: "We will work to identify areas for progress in our bilateral negotiation that will give momentum to Russia's accession to the WTO and to Russia's economic reform programme." Getting into the WTO is a priority for Putin, as Russia is the only major economic power not in the organisation. Putin has warne 0
105198 0 1480 BUSI BUSINESS Consumers dazzled by gold despite high prices LONDON: Surging gold prices failed to deter buyers in 2004, with net consumer demand seven per cent higher than a year earlier, although economic factors could yield slower growth in 2005, the World Gold Council (WGC) said yesterday. The final quarter of 2004 represented the fourth successive quarter of strong net consumer demand for gold, with quarterly rises of 6pc in tonnage terms and 18pc in dollar terms, compared with the same period in 2003, the WGC said in its latest quarterly report. "In 2004 as a whole, a higher gold price did not deter buyers, with net consumer demand 7pc higher than 2003 in tonnage terms and 20pc in dollar terms," the council added. "Even in most of the price-sensitive markets such as India, the rest of Asia and the Middle East, consumers are now not only comfortable with prices in excess of $400 per ounce, but also expect prices to at least hold firm," the WGC said. "As a result, the sharp price rise in November and early December had much les 0
105199 0 1480 BUSI BUSINESS India opens up real estate NEW DELHI: India yesterday liberalised rules for foreign investment in the real estate sector and also bowed to long-standing pressure to allow 100 per cent foreign direct investment in the construction development sector. "The cabinet cleared the proposal for 100pc foreign direct investment on the automatic route in the construction development sector," India's Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath told reporters after a cabinet meeting on economic affairs. Up until now, overseas firms have needed to win approval from India's bureaucratic Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to set up construction projects. Nath said the cabinet also cleared a proposal to allow foreign firms to build on plots of more than 25 acres (10 hectares). Previously foreign firms were only allowed to develop townships that were roughly 16 acres in size. By relaxing investment norms in the real estate and construction sectors days ahead of the national budget on February 28, Prime Minister 0
105200 0 1480 BUSI BUSINESS China urged to act on currency BEIJING: EU trade chief Peter Mandelson urged Beijing yesterday to delink the Chinese yuan from the US dollar and establish a exchange regime based on a basket of international currencies. "I would welcome if as a first step China's currency can soon be linked to a broader set of currencies than the dollar, in order to better reflect its trading patterns," Mandelson said in a speech. "Further reform beyond this will be essential for the perception that fair trading conditions exist although I am of course aware of the importance for China of preserving financial stability." The new EU trade chief was speaking to students at Beijing's University of International Busineses and Economics ahead of meetings with Vice Minister Wu Yi and Commerce Minister Bo Xilai. A series of industrialised nations, most vocally the United States, have complained bitterly for years that at the rate of 8.28 yuan to the dollar at which it has been fixed for a decade, the Chinese currency is great 0
105201 0 1480 BUSI BUSINESS German inflation to pick up modestly FRANKFURT: Inflation in Germany, the eurozone's biggest economy, looked set to pick up modestly this month, key regional data showed yesterday. In the eastern state of Brandenburg, the consumer price index (CPI) rose by 2.2 per cent on a 12-month basis in February, slightly faster than the 2pc recorded in January, the regional statistics office in Potsdam said in a statement. And in the nearby state of Saxony, the cost of living rose by 1.7pc year-on-year this month, also faster than the 1.5pc recorded in January, the regional statistics office in Kamenz said. The regional price data from six so-called indicator states - Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Brandenburg, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony - are used to calculate preliminary pan-German inflation. Lebanon trims growth forecast DUBAI: Lebanon trimmed its 2005 economic growth forecast to five per cent after the killing of former prime minister Rafik Al Hariri, but global investors remain committed to the 0
105202 0 1480 COMM COMMENTDoublespeak is insulting With less than six weeks to go before parliamentary elections, the situation is heating up dramatically in Zimbabwe. In an early Valentine's Day walk last Saturday, 500 WOZA women carried roses and spread the message "Choose the power of love rather than the love of power". They were obviously seen as a threat because 40 of the women were arrested by police in Bulawayo. Three days later and with just six weeks to go before elections, the MDC were holding a training session for their 120 parliamentary candidates at the Sheraton Hotel in Harare. The police said the meeting was illegal under POSA and proceeded to apprehend the MDC's election director Ian Makone and warn everyone else to leave immediately or they would also be arrested. On Thursday, 200 NCA protesters took to the streets in Harare distributing flyers and carrying placards calling for free and fair elections. This demonstration was also broken up by police, this time in riot gear, and the day ended with seven people in clinics 0
105203 0 1480 COMM COMMENTGuilty until proven innocent new mantra? When a government seeks more power over its people, it is rarely for their own good. We should all be very worried about Britain's Prevention of Terrorism Bill which, if it becomes law, will threaten UK citizens and visitors alike. It will give the British security forces the right to restrict, without charge or trial, the movements of terror suspects, including putting them under house arrest. Premier Tony Blair has tried to put the frighteners on the nation and when the bill was introduced in the House of Commons, he justified it with the assertion that Britain faced "terror without limit". "I think in these circumstances, for these limited number of cases, my best judgement is that those considerations of national security have to come before civil liberties, no matter how important those civil liberties are," he said. Dangerous words, which herald an era in which the presumption of innocence, the right to a trial and the right to liberty will disappear for anyone "suspected" o 0
105206 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Ministry must keep a jobs database WHEN a person resigns or retires, his or her company should recruit a new employee immediately because of the load on other staff or to give a chance to others for promotion. The Ministry of Labour should have small branches to take jobless people's applications and update the database. There should be one network through which jobless people can be contacted when there is an opening for a job. The offices should be open from 7am to 7pm. From this database, companies would also get help to find new workers for their companies. Abdul Hakeem 0
105207 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Thanks for nothing! THANK you Jet Airways for inviting me for an interview which was on February 12 and 13 in Dubai which is quite a distance from Bahrain and they are two different countries. On January 15 there was a full-page ad in the GDN on page 34. After seeing the ad, I applied thinking you will be coming and doing interviews here in Bahrain. I received a call from the airline office in India and when I told the gentleman that the ad was placed in Bahrain he said "what... no... !!!!" Now an airline which is one of the best in India wants to go international yet they have people in the office who can't give the information to applicants. SMK Jet Airways vice-president-inflight services Rajesh Verma: "I checked with my team. Our Inflight person remembers this call clearly as we do not receive many calls from Bahrain. The candidate wanted to be interviewed in Bahrain; since we do not have plans to go to Bahrain, immediately he was offered DXB/BOM as an alternate. Interviews in Bahrai 0
105208 0 1480 LETT LETTERS In the groove... IS there any club or organisation here in Bahrain which teaches people how to get their groove on? Or how to break dance and all that other stuff? I can't do? It would really help. Bootycall 0
105209 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Binding cultures I WOULD like to share this experience with others. I lived in Bahrain for six years before moving to Australia. When the time came to say goodbye to Bahrain there was, predictably, sadness and heartache. I could not make up my mind as to what to take along with me that would remind me always of Bahrain and its Arab culture. I was given a lot of suggestions ranging from buying Bahraini pearls to carrying dates with me. I wanted to buy a model of a dhow to take along but it seemed to capture only a single aspect of Bahrain. Time flew by and the departure date was upon us. In panic I made another visit to the Manama suq but came back empty handed again. I resigned myself to remembering Bahrain through my memories and my photographs. The time came to leave the house and just as I was leaving I saw on the wall, near my entrance door, three terracotta pieces that I had bought many years ago from the pottery shops at A'ali. These were a camel, an Arabic coffee pot a 0
105210 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Why not write to a prisoner? A FEW days ago I received a very poignant poem from a friend of mine. It gave me pause and set me thinking about what I have been doing for the past few years! It is something that raises a few eyebrows and yet brings so much pleasure and enrichment into my life. The poem very succinctly expressed what a difference small gestures like mine, can make in the lives of others. So what is it I do and why am I writing to the newspaper about it? Well, I write to around a dozen prisoners on Death Row in the US. I say around a dozen as the number changes from time to time. One was executed recently and another was eventually set free, when DNA evidence proved that it wasn't him! Far from all the horror stories that appear in magazines, the letters I receive from my friends are full of life, powerful insights - sometimes terrible news, but always humanity and friendship in equal parts. A little prison humour creeps in along the way, like the time that one of the prisoners 0
105211 0 1480 LETT LETTERS America is missing the real meaning of terrorism A LETTER to America. Look into the eyes of those who you see on the front pages of daily newspapers. You don't see a thing because you're blinded by their differences. Thank the angels, you are lucky that you're not eye to eye. Anyway their lives don't make sense to you. They are the persecuted on the land you've stepped on. America, all I respect of you are the colours red, white and blue. Each day you wake up in tranquillity without a fear to cross your eye. Whereas my brothers and sisters living in the countries you set your foot, wake in gratitude thanking God for letting them rise for another day. America, you worry about your education and the bills you have to pay. Whereas my brothers worry about their vulnerable lives and whether they will survive another day in the "paradise" that you have created for them with your might and money. Your biggest fear is getting ticketed while cruising in your Cadillac, but my people in Iraq have got a different 0
105212 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Women are respected in Islamic cultures THIS is in response to the letter "Women insulted" by Western and Proud to Be One (GDN, February 17). Respected Western sister, I am surprised that you felt insulted by the solution to your problem. YES solution! Our Muslim brother gave you the solution to your problem because it is your country which has the highest rate of rape and Aids cases. And it is because of your cultural dressing that the adultery rate increases. Every man and woman has sex hormones. And when a women walks on a street wearing a mini skirt and a tight blouse, it makes men uncomfortable which either results in illegal adultery or rape. Well, about the word "insult" you must have a second watch on the Western culture before using that word. A woman in Western culture is nothing else but an advertising tool. You want to sell any product just show women on the screen in tight clothing and your product will be sold. There was a famous advertisement about BMW cars in which a girl comes 0
105213 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Five-day week views too simplistic LES Horton's recent articulation of the case for a five day week and minimum wage, was far too simplistic. The basic premise put forward was these initiatives would be good for the Bahrain economy as they would generate increased consumer spending. This is undoubtedly true to a small degree. However, taking this premise to its logical conclusion why not a four or even a three day week and a minimum wage of BD10,000 per month - this would send consumer spending sky-rocketing and provide a nuclear boost to the economy? Of course the truth is more complicated. While there is a social argument for reduced working hours and, particularly, a minimum wage, both initiatives would generate inflation and reduce Bahrain's economic competitiveness unless matched by improved productivity, a point that was not made in the article. Another point that was not made is that the benefits of a minimum wage would likely be of greater benefit to subcontinent countries than to Bahrain. Much o 0
105214 0 1480 LETT LETTERS 'Inspirational' challenge to sanity GDN readers 'challenge'! Having read in depth, (over a hot cup of cocoa, believe me) one evening, I N Spirational's really, really, really, really interesting letter (GDN, February 20) (odd sort of name, female? male? Surely it cannot be a horse, as key boards are very small these days, and hooves so big). I have to confess to being quite mesmerised, and inspired, yes indeed, by the content of this missive and have not slept now for two days, owing to the soul stirring nature of this rallying call. It is an inspired call for action, a trumpet sound, for all of the GDN's readers, of all nationalities to stop ranting on about their opinions, their trivial problems, their visas and of course their views on subject matters general, that are not of interest to I N Spirational, nor one has to assume, Eleanor Roosevelt either, although I suspect that her concerns have been a tad diluted by her demise some time ago. (The fact that the writer can recall Eleanor Roosevelt's "shrewd" observ 0
105215 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Research libraries? CAN anyone tell me where are the libraries in Bahrain where publications on research methodology (for post graduate level) may be accessed? Sheerin Saleem 0
105216 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Question of geography COULD anyone please tell me when an area becomes a region? Eyam So M Portant 0
105217 0 1480 LETT LETTERS No indicators! IT'S hardly surprising that the standard of driving in Bahrain is so bad. Whilst on my way to work this morning a female driving instructor in a Toyota Echo overtook me on the inside lane at a speed of 100kph, no indicators to show what she was up to. If this is the way she drives and teaches watch the death count rise. Aryton Senna 0
105218 0 1480 LETT LETTERS A secure solution I THINK those who are having difficulty accessing their Yahoo e-mail (GDN February 18) should try signing in the secure mode. They will find that this avoids the problems they are experiencing. B Manzer 0
105219 0 1480 LETT LETTERS MMS glitch I'M writing about a matter relating to our mobile phone companies Batelco and MTC-Vodafone. To get straight to the point, I would like to thank the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) for ensuring that there is interconnection for both voice, and SMS messaging between the two companies. However, I am very concerned that the customers of Batelco, and MTC cannot communicate to each other via MMS. Basically what I'm saying is that in order for you to send an MMS message you can only send it within the network of the company you are subscribing to!! The TRA should make it mandatory for both Batelco and MTC-Vodafone sort out these issues. At a time when Bahrain is probably one of the first countries in the world to be covered by a 3G network I find it odd to see this minor lapse exist especially since Batelco interconnected via MMS with Wataniya of Kuwait and has not done so with MTC-Vodafone-Bahrain! A G A BATELCO spokesman said: "We thank your reader f 0
105220 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Music has no borders PAKISTAN-based popular new generation Urdu singer, Adnan Sami, has again proved that music has no borders, region, colour, creed or religion by singing the title song for a Malayalam film "Makalke" (for my daughter). Malayalam is one of the toughest Indian languages, hard to learn and pronounce due to sharp Sanskrit influence. Sami has put in a lot of effort to do the song justice and I am sure all music lovers enjoyed it. Congratulations and best wishes to the great musician. I hope the leaders of both countries understand the spirit and let us live our valuable lives without worrying about nuclear warheads and cross-border terrorism. Anil Rajasekharan 0
105221 0 1480 LETT LETTERS So many bonuses FURTHER to your reader's letter (GDN November 24) regarding bonuses for clothes, shoes, telephones and bad odours for sewerage and water drainage directorate employees, I would like to clarify the following: Sewerage and water drainage directorate employees are regularly paid all kinds of bonuses on requests submitted by their respective directorates, provided the terms are met. Thus, 189 employees have already been paid telephone bonuses, representing 38 per cent of the total number of employees. Bonuses on "type of work" (involving bad odours) have been paid to all employees, bar 16 for lack of proper clothes sizes. Employees will also be paid bonuses on shoes by next week as purchase vouchers are being prepared. As for annual performance-based bonus, I would like to refer you to the circular issued by Civil Service Bureau (CBS), to become effective starting this year. CSB has also set the terms governing the performance-based bonuses, the value of the bonus and 0
105222 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Women must fight for role in society DEBATE is raging over the issue of allocating a quota for women in the 2006 National Assembly elections. But so far it appears that higher concerned institutions are not in favour of the proposal. But the real issue which needs to be examined is why women in this modern kingdom are against themselves? And why they do not recognise their valid roles in society? Isn't it sad that 47 per cent of total electorates are unable to put forward their candidates for the assembly despite the fact that there is a large number of women in Bahrain? According to analysts two obstacles hinder the issue, one is the detrimental role of fundamentalists from Islamic societies who use their platforms to debate certain norms of outdated traditions and illusions with pretexts that women are not yet ready for the mission, while the second is the failure of civic and liberal societies to employ the proper leverage within the community. Maybe what we witness is the scenario described b 0
105223 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Dressing down... I WOULD like to respond to the letter by 'Realistic Muslim' (GDN February 18). Yes! I do agree with you. In fact the answer to your last letter lay in my previous post. Remember the black sheep thing. If you give a new Mercedes car to a kid, who has no experience of driving, he is bound to meet with an accident. It this case who are you going to blame the car or the kid? Definitely the kid. You gave an example of a girl, who was wearing an abaya, which was very tight. Why? Because she wanted the opposite sex to gaze at her and show some interest in her beauty. She wasn't dressed like Islam asks a woman to dress. Now let me explain the hijab and the obligations briefly according to Islam. 1) It should be loose and should not reveal the figure. 2) The clothes worn should not be transparent. 3) The clothes worn should not be glamorous to attract the opposite sex. 4) The clothes worn should not resemble that of the opposite sex THIS is a reply to Ebrahim for his comments (GDN February 17). Mr Menon was right when he said that Bahrain's economy relies on expatriates (Indians, Filippinos, Britons, Americans, Sri Lankans, whatever). I'm proud to be a Muslim and Arab when I think of the old legends that we had. Their names will remain shining in the sky. I'm proud of our prophet, his family and his followers. I'm proud of Ibn Seena, Jaber Bin Hayan, Ibn Batoota Al Khawarizmi ...etc. They have all given a lot to the world and to their own countries and best thanks to our Quran. We have here two different subjects. Firstly, Bahrain before its success. Bahrain had to invite and let expatriates in to help in developing the country. Why? Because they were more educated, experienced and talented. Expats played and are still playing a major role in Bahrain's development. What are the Bahrainis doing? Just destroying everything that comes on their way and they don't want a cheerful cou 0
105225 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Saudi visa hassle I AM an Indian passport holder having a Saudi residence permit. My two daughters age seven and four and myself are under my husband's sponsorship in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. After living for years in Saudi, we have still maintained our Saudi residence permit but have now chosen to live in Bahrain with my husband travelling to work daily by road to AI Khobar. We live in Bahrain on a 14-day visa which we renew every alternate week by travelling to Saudi. I now have secured a job in Bahrain with a sponsorship from the company and have a Bahraini residence permit for myself (which means that I do not have to travel to Saudi every 14 days to get my visa renewed). I wish to know the following: 1) Since my husband does not have a sponsorship in Bahrain, is it possible to have my children as my dependents under my sponsorship? 2) I do not want my children to have to travel to Saudi every 14 days just to have their visa renewed. So can you please offer any other suggestion 0
105226 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Tone nasty WITH reference to the letter about the Tamil Play by GP (GDN February 18), it is very clear from the tone that there is personal motive to degrade the image of the newly-formed drama troupe. This technique seems to be very mean and distasteful with a purpose to divide the Tamil community in Bahrain. The issue which he has started is baseless and makes us laugh to think of the immaturity of the contents. As far as I know so many actors and actresses connected with the drama are Hindus. The details given by GP in his letter are untrue. I request the concerned person whoever he/she may be to think twice before writing such prejudiced letters to the media. MKS 0
105227 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Best culture IT is distressing to see many writing on matters of trivial things relating to religion, race, nationality and so on in your columns. Sometimes it crosses the border by being very personal too. Even after thousands of years of human sufferings, inflicted through war, violence, vengeance and vicious thoughts, we are yet to learn that all these divisive ways of looking at life in general and human beings in particular, do not lead us to any path of peace and progress. But they do force us to face more and more distress and destructions. Let each one practice his/her religion sincerely. Let everyone be patriotic to the country they belong to. Let us be proud of our culture, language, race and so on. But all this without hurting others feelings and sentiments. In fact, we should treat others with as much respect as we want others to show on us. How come even this basic principle of "Live and Let Live" has not gained control over mankind, which alone can ensure peace and prosperity i 0
105228 0 1480 LETT LETTERS Islam is not cruel THROUGH his letter Shazad Ali (GDN February 9) observed that many people have commented on the recent spate of robberies but, according to him, the main thing missing is the solution. He very rightly finds the solution of it in Islam but with a wrong interpretation. He says the solution is in the implementation of Islamic law namely if a man or a women is caught stealing his/her hand be cut off. He says this punishment would automatically bring down the rate of such crime. People like Shazad Ali are the real ones who have portrayed Islam as harsh and cruel as far as its punishments are concerned. The West has always criticised Islam particularly on Islamic punishments and double marriage. And I think the main failure for this wrong portrayal is people like Shazad. Shazad has rightly stated about the effectiveness of Islamic punishments but he failed at the same time to say that Islamic punishments are subject to other conditions. For example in an Islamic state providing the o 0
105229 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Beaten Chelsea deny Barca tunnel bust-up LONDON: Chelsea insisted yesterday there had been no confrontation between manager Jose Mourinho and a member of the Barcelona coaching staff during their controversial 2-1 Champions League defeat at the Nou Camp on Wednesday night. The match saw Chelsea, who finished with 10 men after Didier Drogba was sent off, beaten after going a goal up at half-time. And Mourinho was furious that referee Anders Frisk had allegedly spoken to Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard at the interval, during which, some reports suggested, there had been a tunnel clash between Chelsea staff and Barcelona assistant coach Henk ten Cate. Mourinho was reportedly so angry he said the club would be making an official complaint to European soccer governing body Uefa. But a statement issued on Chelsea's official website yesterday said: "Following Chelsea's statement after the Barcelona match last (Wednesday) night, it is being reported through various media outlets that an incident occurred between Jose Mour 0
105230 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Wright set to discuss contract NEW DELHI: India's first foreign coach John Wright will discuss his future during the three-Test series with Pakistan, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Karunakaran Nair said yesterday. The former New Zealand captain, who took over in October 2000, completes his second term at the end of the series in April. Nair said the board wanted a coach who would stay on through the 2007 World Cup in West Indies. "Anyone we get, we would prefer if he would be able to take the team forward till the World Cup," Nair said. "We hope to get a good person. If John agrees to be there till 2007, it will be very good." Wright, 50, told reporters on Wednesday his future would depend a great deal on the outcome of the series between the traditional rivals. "I suppose there has always been speculation whenever it comes to contract time," he said. "When you have been on the job as long as I've been, you know you have to keep winning. Otherwise your used b 0
105231 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Leadership is the key to success in Six Nations Rugby Championship Twickenham, Sunday 13th February, was where my English supporting son and I went for a birthday treat. At 112 for two, given the poor skill, certainly poor value. Unlike the son and heir though, I was still fortified by Wales' impressive win in Italy and by the French vitamins won of the said son. The air of the Six Nations is full of the sound of chickens coming home to roost. England's at Twickers being headless! The most enjoyable was the sight of arrogant journos, who two years ago were claiming the Six Nations was a boring two horse race and England and France must join the 'Tri-Nations in a 'Super'. Well, as these immature pin brains should have known, everything to do with life is cyclical. If they had anything between the ears but statistics, they ought to have remembered that in any organisation values, leadership, integrity and moral fibre are key to success, before one talks of the details of training, skills and tactical plans. This year's Six Nations i 0
105232 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Bahrain 'A' seal spot in last eight BAHRAIN 'A' enjoyed an excellent day on the first day of the 18th Inter-Gulf Netball Championships being played at the Al Bustan Palace Hotel in Muscat, Oman by finishing second in Pool B after winning eight of their nine matches yesterday and qualifying for the quarter-finals. Bahrain's three other DHL-sponsored teams had varying degrees of success but nevertheless played well considering the standard of the opposition. Bahrain Veterans finished fifth in Pool B and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the quarter finals of the main competition while in Pool A Bahrain 'C' finished eighth out of the 10 teams and Bahrain 'C', made up mostly of schoolgirls finished bottom of the group. The highlight of the opening day was the magnificent performance of Bahrain 'A' who went into the last pool match with Abu Dhabi with the same record of eight wins from eight matches. Inspired by captain Teresa Clay, Bahrain gave last year's runners-up Abu Dhabi a fright early in the match wi 0
105233 1 1480 SPOR SPORT AL ATTIYA AHEAD Qatar's Nasser Al Attiya and co-driver Chris Patterson of Ireland set a scorching pace in the Bahrain International Rally and finished almost a minute ahead of the field at the end of the first day yesterday. The Qatari driver was impressive in his Subaru Impreza STI and timed 1:15:04.7 while the Power Horse World Rally Team of Khalid Al Qassimi (UAE) and co-driver Michael Orr (Great Britain) were in second position, 59.8 seconds behind. Bahrain's Hassan Al Sadadi and co-driver Keith Wake (Great Britain) of the Damas Rally Team were in seventh position more than six minutes behind the leader. Meanwhile, Bahrain's Cebarco team driver Ebrahim Busmait pulled out after his car caught fire due a short circuit. The second and final leg will be flagged off today at 10am. 0
105234 2 1480 SPOR SPORT Al Attiya on top in Bahrain Rally THE Bahrain International Rally got off to a thrilling start yesterday despite intermittent showers as Qatar's Nasser Al Attiya staged a brilliant rally to claim the first day's honours of this two-leg event.The rally, the second leg of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship, will conclude today at the Bahrain International Circuit. Al Attiya and co-driver Chris Patterson made a late rally in their Subaru Impreza STI after UAE's Khalid Al Qassimi set the early pace in his Power Horse-sponsored Subaru Impreza WRX Sti. By the end of the day, Al Attiya held a 59.8 seconds lead over Al Qassimi while SBK Group team of Suhail bin Khalifa Al Maktoum of the UAE and co-driver Nasser Al Kuwari of Qatar were in third place. Al Qassimi opened up a nine-second lead through the opening 13-km stage near the Bahrain Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir. But 2003 Middle East champion Al Attiya suffered windscreen wiper failure and a flat tyre in the third stage to fall 30 seconds beh 0
105235 3 1480 SPOR SPORT Saudi's Shaalan lifts second title SAUDI Arabia's Prince Faisal Al Shaalan bagged the World Cup Qualifier while Ibrahim Besharat of Jordan clinched the International Two Phase competition on the second day of His Majesty King Hamad's Cup Showjumping Championship yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre in Budaiya.It was the second win for Al Shaalan in the championship after having won the class two title on Wednesday. Al Shaalan bagged first place on Rathwan in 33.01 seconds and took the top prizemoney of BD750 without committing any faults after tough competition among 52 riders from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Egyptian rider Hady Samy (34.62 seconds) was second on Almandoob and collected BD625. Noaf Al Essa (37.82) of Kuwait rode Omnia to a third place finish and a BD500 award. Bahrain's veteran rider Ahmed Mansoor, who came third in class two on Wednesday, could only manage 15th position on Chamaecy Paris II. Twenty-five riders competed in the International Two Phase competition whic 0
105236 0 1480 SPOR SPORT National drag race a big hit THE first leg of the National Drag Race Championship was a big hit last night as more than 5,000 spectators enjoyed top-class action at the Bahrain International Circuit. Sixty four drivers battled it out in four categories - Street, Super Street, Pro Street and Pro. Drivers from Kuwaiti , the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain took part in the event. For the first time, a number of women participants also qualified for the finals. The race is part of a five leg championship to be held throughout the year, all in Bahrain. Results and race report in tomorrow's edition 0
105237 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Young Lions too strong for Young Blasters BAHRAIN Pest Control Young Lions (BPCYL) defeated Young Blaster CC by six wickets in the 12th round of the Winter Championship of the Jawad Business Group International Cricket League. Batting first, Young Blaster CC scored 129 for nine in 20 overs. Roshan Mahanama (26 not out from 33 deliveries) top scored while Janaka Prasad (21 from 17) and Rasika R (17 from 9) were the other main contributors. Manjulla Nilwakka (four for 34) was the pick of the bowlers. In reply, BPCYL reached the target scoring 130 for four in 19.1 overs, thanks to some useful knocks by Sanath Sirideva (36 from 40, three fours and a six), Ruwan Chinthaka (31 from 32) and Manjulla Nilwakka (26 not out from 22). Dushantha (three for 24) was the most effective of the Young Blaster bowlers. Excellent batting by Shiva Prasad (50 not out from 43, three fours and a six), M D Ali (32 from 32) and Roshan Rodrigues (26 from 20) helped Unique Vision to 156 for six in 20 overs. Mohammed Ismail (th 0
105238 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Crespo on target in Milan victory LONDON: Barcelona capitalised on a sending off to beat Chelsea while AC Milan took advantage of a goalkeeping error to win at Manchester United on a disappointing night for English clubs in the Champions League. Olympique Lyon won 3-0 away against Werder Bremen on the second night of matches in the first knockout round but holders Porto had to settle for a draw at home to Inter Milan and will struggle to hold on to their title in next month's second-leg. A tight game at Old Trafford, won 1-0 by Milan, was decided by a goal from Hernan Crespo, clearly enjoying himself on loan with the Italians after a disappointing season at Chelsea, but he was given a lot of help by United goalkeeper Roy Carroll. The Argentine striker scored in the 78th minute after Carroll spilled Clarence Seedorf's long range effort to give Milan their first competitive win on English soil. United manager Alex Ferguson sent on Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy with 30 minutes left for his first appearan 0
105239 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Pacers edge Heat in overtime thriller TORONTO: Jermaine O'Neal scored all three of his team's overtime baskets, including the winning jumper with 11 seconds to go, to lift the Indiana Pacers to a 93-91 victory over the Miami Heat in NBA action yesterday. O'Neal had 29 points, 14 rebounds and five blocked shots in Indianapolis as the Pacers won their fourth straight game, and 11th in a row against the Heat. Miami was without Shaquille O'Neal, who injured his left knee in the first quarter of Tuesday's clash with the Chicago Bulls. The Heat say O'Neal will have a scan when he returns to Miami today. He watched Wednesday's game from the bench. Reggie Miller added 23 points to the Indiana attack and Stephen Jackson chipped in with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Dwyane Wade piled up 38 points for the Heat but his desperation shot bounced off the rim at the buzzer. Miami rallied from an early 14-point deficit to force overtime. Damon Jones added 17 points for the Heat while Udonis Haslem picked up 11 poi 0
105240 0 1480 SPOR SPORT Webber signs 6-year 76ers deal TORONTO: The Philadelphia 76ers have acquired five-times All-Star forward Chris Webber from the Sacramento Kings in a six-player deal. The 76ers also picked up forwards Matt Barnes and Michael Bradley while forwards Brian Skinner, Kenny Thomas and Corliss Williamson will be heading to Sacramento, the two teams said on Wednesday, the eve of the NBA's trade deadline. Webber, the number one overall draft pick in 1993, will join up with Allen Iverson to give the Sixers a potent one-two punch. The 31-year-old Webber is averaging 21.3 points, 9.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 36.3 minutes over 46 games this season. The University of Michigan graduate has averages of 22.0 points, 10.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists in his 12-year career with Golden State, Washington and Sacramento, where he has played the past seven seasons. Barnes has averages of 4.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 81 games in his two-year career. 0
105241 0 1480 SPOR SPORT 'Doordarshan' to telecast India-Pakistan series NEW DELHI: An Indian court yesterday ordered public broadcaster Doordarshan to telecast the upcoming cricket matches against Pakistan, ending speculation the high-profile tour could be cancelled due to a TV rights row. Judge K P Sivasubramanian of the Madras High Court ruled in an interim order that Doordarshan be given the rights for the tour and asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organise the production of the telecast. "I am sure cricket fans will be happy now," a TV channel quoted the judge as saying. He said a final judgement would be made later on the petition filed by Zee Telefilms, India's largest listed media company, after it was denied the TV rights by the BCCI last September. The BCCI backed out of a four-year, $308-million deal with Zee after it was challenged in court by rival ESPN-Star Sports, jointly owned by Disney and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Doordarshan had also telecast the home series against Australia and South Africa 0
105242 0 1480 WORL WORLD Megrahi's solitary confinement ends LONDON: Lockerbie bomber Abdel Basset Al Megrahi was moved yesterday from the maximum security Barlinnie jail in Glasgow, Scotland, where he was being held in solitary confinement, a government source said. He has been transferred to Greenock prison, also in Glasgow, and will be integrated with other prisoners. The Scottish prison service declined to comment on the move, but the source confirmed it had taken place early morning. "It was considered inappropriate to hold a long-term prisoner in solitary confinement for a prolonged period, so he was moved to a prison where he will be integrated with other prisoners," the source said. Megrahi was jailed for life in January 2001 for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in December 1988 which killed 259 people on board and 11 on the ground. He had been in Barlinnie since 2002, held in solitary confinement for fears he might be attacked in retribution. The government source said possible ri 0
105243 0 1480 WORL WORLD 23 killed in Iraq violence BAGHDAD: A suicide bomber disguised as a policeman killed at least 15 people when he blew his car up at an Iraqi police headquarters yesterday, as Ukraine said it would pull its 1,650 troops in the war-torn country. Violence around the country killed at least 23 people, including two US soldiers, but the deadliest attack occurred when the bomber managed to drive his explosives-rigged car into the main police compound in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit as police gathered for their morning parade. The director of Tikrit hospital, Emad Juburi, said they had received 15 dead and 35 wounded, all policemen. In a potential blow to the US-led coalition in Iraq, the sixth-largest foreign military contingent in the country, Ukraine, said it would pull all of its 1,650 troops out of the country by the end of the year. "I believe that our troops will be withdrawn this year," Interfax news agency quoted Defence Minister Anatoly Hrytsenko as saying. A Ukrainian withdrawal is 0
105244 0 1480 WORL WORLD Palestine parliament backs cabinet RAMALLAH: Embattled Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie finally won approval for his cabinet yesterday as MPs overwhelmingly endorsed his radically overhauled line-up, which is dominated by technocrats. After he was twice forced to redraw his plans, 54 members of the legislative council voted in favour of the list and 10 voted against. There were four abstentions. Among the most notable appointments was that of Nasser Al Qidwa, a nephew of the late Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and current representative to the United Nations, as foreign minister. He replaces Nabil Shaath, who was promoted to deputy prime minister and will also serve as information minister. The Israeli government welcomed the new-look line-up, saying it offered the prospect of a brighter future. "It's an important step forward, a positive step towards a better future, but it's only a first step," Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom told reporters. Apart from Qurie, Shaath is the only mem 0
105245 0 1480 WORL WORLD 'Arab umbrella' sought for Syrian pullout RIYADH: Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Algeria are working on an "Arab umbrella" for Syrian troops to withdraw from Lebanon. Contacts on the international front are also under way to defuse the crisis sparked by the February 14 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, Arab diplomats in the Saudi capital said yesterday. These included an unannounced visit to Paris by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal, a Riyadh-based ambassador whose country is involved in the contacts, said requesting anonymity. Lebanese officials said in Beirut that Syria was due to redeploy troops toward the border in the east of the country. The planned redeployment comes as a result of contacts with Damascus by each of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Algeria, which will host the annual Arab summit next month. A UN-appointed commission arrived last night in Lebanon to probe Hariri's killing. The three-member team of Irish police officers led by deputy commissioner Peter Fitzgeral 0
105246 0 1480 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Performance by award-winning British DJ Femme Fatale, BJ's, Al Bustan Hotel, Adliya, doors open at 10pm. Contact 17742323. Tamil play by Madras Theatre, Bootham Pudithu (The New Genie), Bishop Trinanzi Hall, Sacred Heart Church, doors open at 6pm. Entrance free. Contact Pandy Narayanan on 39288609. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Areen Wildlife Park, 8am-4pm. Tour fees BD1 adults, 500 fils children. Contact 17836116. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Good Shepherd Foursquare Church worship service, 7pm, Alun Morris Hall, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama. Contact 17242488 or 39650720. Gulf Thrift Shop, open for selling, 9am-noon. Located behind Gulf Union Insurance, Shaikh Salman Highway, Road 5616, Flat 1, House 312, Area 356, 0
105247 1 1480 WORL WORLD Syria pullout deadline DUBAI: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan last night called on Syria to withdraw its forces from Lebanon by April, when he is due to present a report on the issue to the Security Council.He told Al Arabiya satellite TV channel that he was referring to a full withdrawal of Syrian troops, not a redeployment. Earlier, Syria said it was ready to work with the UN to implement a Security Council resolution requiring Syrian troops to leave Lebanon. International pressure on Syria to pull out its 14,000 troops and relinquish its political grip on Lebanon has increased since last week's assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri in a huge bomb blast in Beirut. "Syria expresses its keen interest in co-operating with the envoy of the secretary-general of the UN to accomplish his mission in the best formula possible," Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al Mualem said. 0
105248 0 1480 WORL WORLD Throat operation success for Pope VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II has undergone a successful tracheotomy to relieve his breathing difficulties, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls announced late last night. The spokesman said the 84-year-old head of the Roman Catholic Church would spend the night in his room at the Gemelli hospital in Rome after the successful surgery, which creates a temporary opening in the windpipe to relieve breathing problems. Earlier, Navarro-Valls said the Pope suffered the relapse the previous day, but was taken to hospital only yesterday. "The Holy Father suffered a relapse of the flu that affected him in recent weeks. For that reason he had to be taken to hospital at the Gemelli for specialised treatment and tests," Navarro-Valls told Vatican correspondents. A medical bulletin on the Pope's condition would be released today, according to the Vatican. Italy's Ansa news agency reported that the Pope had suffered a recurrence of the acute breathing difficulties which cau 0
105249 0 1480 WORL WORLD Rape culprits will be hanged says Musharraf ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf said yesterday that the culprits behind the rape of a female doctor which sparked an armed uprising in the volatile southwest will face hanging. However the military leader defended an army captain who is the chief suspect in the case, saying he believed the man was not guilty. Angry tribesmen rocketed Pakistan's largest gasfield, killing eight people, and stepped up attacks on government installations across the restive province of Baluchistan after the doctor was assaulted in early January. "The rape case is most unfortunate. Whoever has done it must be hanged," Musharraf, who is chief of Pakistan's powerful army, said. He added that he believed the accusations against the unnamed officer were baseless and the man was not involved, but said the perpetrators would be brought to justice. In an interview, doctor Shazia Khalid said she had no hope of seeing her attacker put behind bars and said she was now determined t 0
105250 0 1480 WORL WORLD Nepal King slams arms aid freeze KATHMANDU: Nepal's king yesterday called on Britain and India to reactivate military aid packages which they froze after he sacked the government, saying Nepal needed help to fight Maoist rebels. King Gyanendra, in his first meeting with journalists since his power grab, said the aid-freeze was sending out the wrong signal about the country's battle against "terrorism". "Now, clearly the message is some of our friends have decided to suspend aid, that too the military aid, and the Nepali people want to know what their message is," he said. "Are they telling us that we should not fight against terrorism, that we should put our democracy into jeopardy?" "As the Nepali people have chosen an agenda of peace, the international community must provide support to deal with the threat of terrorism," he added. The king says his main goal is to fight Maoist rebels, who have been waging an insurgency against the monarchy for nine years. "When we have chosen to uphold d 0
105251 0 1480 WORL WORLD Milan show an outdoor market MILAN: The current round of preview showings for the winter 2005-2006, resembles an open air market. It's all about pick and choose with designers displaying their talents in a myriad of varied styles. There are few common threads between the collections, no seasonal colour palette, no favourite fabric, no single look which marks the moment. At times, as at Armani, there is a real departure from trademark style. For next winter the designer is off on a Parisian tangent of flip mini skirts, enticing bustiers, and culottes - a far cry from the tailored style which put him and the "moda Milanese" on the international fashion map a quarter century ago. "It's time to let go of a mummified, self-satisfied style," said Mariuccia Mandelli, of Krizia, one of the cornerstones of the Milan fashion factory. Her show in the theatre of her Milan headquarters featured an androgynous look made up of crisp white masculine shirts, paired with loose tweed trousers. She also offered 0
105252 0 1480 WORL WORLD World War drama vies for top French award PARIS: A First World War drama A Very Long Engagement which was the centre of a surreal court battle is vying for glory in France's top film awards tomorrow, just 24 hours before all eyes turn to Hollywood and the Oscars. The French-language film, in which actress Audrey Tautou teams up again with Jean-Pierre Jeunet, her director in the whimsical global hit Amelie, was a huge box office success here. But it hit the headlines when a court ruled in November it did not qualify as a French film because it was produced by 2003 Productions which the judges said was essentially a front company for US studio Warner Brothers. The ruling, which rocked the film industry here, threatened the film's place in France's Cesar awards as well as its access to lucrative French subsidies. But despite the furore, "Engagement" is competing in 12 categories in Saturday's Cesar award ceremony, to be presided over by stunning French actress, Isabelle Adjani. Based on a novel, the film tell 0
105253 0 1480 WORL WORLD Record nominees for Nobel OSLO: A record 199 candidates have been nominated for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize including Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko, former US Secretary of State Colin Powell and the ailing Pope. This tops the previous record of 194 set last year, when the 10 million Swedish crown (BD548,100) prize went to Kenyan green activist Wangari Maathai. "Nominations have come from all around the world and with a broad scope of interest," Geir Lundestad, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, said yesterday. Each year the prize is handed out at a ceremony in Oslo on December 10, the date on which Alfred Nobel, who founded the prize, died in 1896. The awards committee never reveals any of the candidates but names are sometimes leaked by those eligible to make nominations including members of parliament, Nobel laureates and academics. This year's list includes 36 organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, in the 60th anniversary year of the atomic bombing o 0
105254 2 1480 WORL WORLD Seven killed in Kashmir siege SRINAGAR: Two Islamic militants were killed after attacking Indian Kashmir's administrative headquarters last night, ending a bloody siege which trapped 250 people and saw the deaths of five others."Both of the militants who had stormed the complex have been shot dead," said Border Security Force (BSF) spokesman Neeraj Kumar. "The firing has ended but the operation is not yet over," he said, adding that security forces were searching the heavily fortified complex to ensure there were no other rebels. K Srinivasan, deputy inspector general of the BSF who headed the operation, said three policemen and two civilians had also been killed in the gunfire. The guerillas attacked in the early afternoon, firing on security force personnel from positions inside the complex. The raid occurred while Srinagar's top administrator Shalender Kumar was in a meeting with two senior security force officers. All three were brought out safely, but some 250 government workers and member 0
105255 0 1480 WORL WORLD Man denies killing Indian envoy LONDON: A 49-year-old man yesterday denied kidnapping and murdering an Indian diplomat who was shot to death in Britain in 1984. Mohammed Aslam Mirza, appeared via a videolink at Birmingham Crown Court accused of killing Ravinder Mhatre. Mirza, who has no fixed address, spoke only to confirm his name and deny charges of murder, kidnap and false imprisonment. He remains in custody at Woodhill Prison in Buckinghamshire, central England. Mhatre, a 48-year-old deputy high commissioner based in Birmingham, central England, was kidnapped as he returned home from work in February 1984. His body was discovered at a farm in Leicestershire county, central England, two days after he went missing. He had been shot three times in the head, chest and neck. 0
105256 0 1480 WORL WORLD North England freezes in cold spell LONDON: Hundreds of schools were closed in northern England yesterday after a night of heavy snow storms and conditions looked set to turn icy as the country shivered in its longest cold spell this year. The Pennines, Yorkshire and parts of Lincolnshire bore the brunt of the wintry weather with an average snow cover of 10-to-15 centimetres and unconfirmed reports of drifts up to 30cm deep, said an official from the meteorological office. Council officials in the northern county of Yorkshire said more than 330 schools would stay shut due to the harsh weather. Light snow was also sprinkling over London and the rest of the south east with further showers forecast as a low weather system skirting northern France edged closer, the met office official said. "That situation will persist throughout the morning and much of first part of the afternoon," the official said. High pressures over Scandinavia and northern Europe coupled with low pressures to the west of Britain have cause 0
105257 0 1480 WORL WORLD British police 'more likely to search minorities' LONDON: Black and Asian people are far more likely to be stopped and searched by British police than white people, and the trend is increasing, according to official data published yesterday. Police "stop and search" powers have long been a sensitive issue in Britain, with members of ethnic minorities complaining that they are stopped more often than white people. British Muslim groups, meanwhile, say their communities are being victimised in the wake of the September 11, 2001, attacks. Yesterday, the Home Office said black people were 6.4 times more likely to be stopped and searched under ordinary criminal law than white people in 2003-04, compared with 5.8 times the previous year. The figures also showed Asians were 1.9 times more likely to be stopped and searched than white Britons, compared with 1.7 times in 2002-03. "Evidence suggests that this imbalance is not simply the result of people from black and minority ethnic groups committing a disproportionate numb 0
105258 3 1480 WORL WORLD British politicians facing IRA threat DUBLIN: British politicians and senior officials have been warned to increase their personal security because of a potential attack by the Irish Republican Army, the Irish Times newspaper reported yesterday.It said senior British Labour and Conservative members of parliament, ministers with sensitive portfolios, senior police, judges and military personnel were believed to be amongst those alerted to a potential risk. The warnings of potential IRA attack were issued after the existing threat level in Britain was reassessed and upgraded in the wake of the current security and political "turbulence", according to a British government spokesman quoted in the newspaper. The risk level was raised following the December 20 robbery of 26.5 million (BD19.17) from the Northern Bank in Belfast that has been blamed on the Catholic IRA by the authorities on both sides of the Irish border. Other factors are the Belfast murder of Robert McCartney, whose family claim was carried out by IRA memb 0
105259 1 1481 BUSI BUSINESS High oil prices 'affecting world economic growth' LONDON: High oil prices are damaging economic growth and top producers should avoid saying that prices will stay at current levels, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) said yesterday. "The price is extremely high. It is unreasonable and we have said for some time that it will hurt the economy," IEA Executive Director Claude Mandil said in an interview. "I don't think that all the noise being made on prices staying high for all this year is very helpful. I hope producers refrain from saying that prices should remain at this level," Mandil said. US oil prices have hit their highest level in four months after rising $6 a barrel in barely two weeks, and yesterday were trading at $51.18. Saudi Arabia's Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi said on Thursday that he expected oil prices to remain between $40 and $50 throughout this year. Asked if he was referrring to the Saudi minister's comments, Mandil said, "Amongst others, yes." Officials from the Orga 0
105260 2 1481 BUSI BUSINESS Software suite opened in hotel MANAMA: Red Sky Software, part of the Mofakro Group, officially launched its latest software suite at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Al Muharraq Hall. Red Sky Version 5.1 Suite's various software applications focus on computerising a company's accounts and payroll in addition to offering various other extensions based on the nature of the business. Group chairman Mohammed Adel Fakhro said the launch of this new suite of products represents an important step in the growth of the Mofakro Group. "It will allow us to sell our products in various countries around the Gulf and will help us achieve our vision of becoming a leading and well respected business entity," he said. Group operations manager Aqil Ali Khan said their continued success in the software business is further proof of the ability of their organisation to create and grow sustainable business enterprises. "As we expand into the field of finance, this expertise will greatly help us to demonstrate our 0
105261 3 1481 BUSI BUSINESS Stable yuan pledge by China bank BEIJING: China will keep its currency controls in place this year while pushing for foreign exchange reforms to acknowledge concerns of countries such as the United States which contend the yuan is undervalued, state media said yesterday. "China's central bank has vowed to keep the yuan exchange rate 'basically stable' for 2005, while pushing forward the reform of the exchange rate determination mechanism in an 'active and prudent manner'," the Xinhua news agency said. Citing a bank report released on Thursday, Xinhua said the bank had set a target of further reform of foreign exchange management and continuing to advance the convertibility of yuan, which is linked to the US dollar. While the US and some other developed countries said the yuan was held at an artificially low rate, Xinhua said "the Chinese leadership have noted that the country should improve its financial system first". Central bank governor Zhou Xiachuan said earlier this month in London that his governm 0
105262 0 1481 BUSI BUSINESS Canada timber claim against US to be probed GENEVA: The World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreed yesterday to investigate whether the United States had abided by an order to revoke illegal countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian lumber imports. Canada wants to be allowed to retaliate with some $3.4 billion in punitive duties on US goods in the long-running case if the US does not obey the WTO ruling. But the US says that changes it made to the system for assessing the duties late last year mean that they are now fully compatible with trade rules. "The panel has been appointed," said a trade official after a meeting of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). The panel has officially three months to reach a decision, but such verdicts normally take longer. Canada also asked the DSB for authorisation to go ahead with the sanctions, but although a panel was also set up to assess the claim, its work will be suspended pending the outcome of the other investigation, the trade official added. For about three year 0
105263 0 1481 BUSI BUSINESS India must cut deficit says Fitch SINGAPORE: India could graduate to an investment-grade debt rating by cutting its fiscal deficit by one point to 3.4 per cent of GDP next fiscal year, and by similar degrees in the following two years, Fitch Ratings said yesterday. That's a rate faster than India's government targetted under a 2004 law, in which it pledged to cut the fiscal deficit by 0.3 percentage points each year from an estimated 4.4pc in the current year ending March 31, 2005. The government, which is due to unveil on Monday its budget for the year starting April 1, has promised to reduce its chronically high fiscal deficit by selling stakes in state-owned companies, reforming its tax-collection system and widening the tax net to include more citizens. The government needs to cut the deficit to about 3.4pc of GDP next year, and keep cutting at the same one percentage point-per-year rate for another couple of years for Fitch to raise India's debt rating one notch to the lowest investment grade, BBB-, said Bri 0
105264 0 1481 BUSI BUSINESS Pipeline to spur ties NEW DELHI: Pakistan's Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said yesterday warming relations with India could get a further boost from a proposed $4 billion gas pipeline from Iran to India via Pakistan. Earlier this month, India said it would consider a pipeline from Iran via Pakistan to help meet its fast-expanding economy's appetite for fuel. Pakistan stands to reap millions of dollars in transit fees from the 2,775km energy corridor. India currently produces around 50 per cent of the gas it needs. New Delhi has said increasing gas imports was crucial to maintaining expected annual growth of 7pc to 8pc. 0
105265 0 1481 COMM COMMENTTime to unite "Don't judge a book by its cover" is a phrase that I have tried to apply to people since schooldays. Unfortunately, today most judge one another just by looking at them. People find the smallest of issues to fall out over, or argue about. It never ceases to amaze me, for instance, how nationality or religion can play a part in making someone's mind up about another human being. Why should the fact that I am a Christian, a Hindu or a Muslim make any difference? Why would nationality play a part in how I choose to behave in front of someone? I attended a wedding with my husband of some friends in Ireland, just after the US declared war on Iraq. A group of us were chatting about everything and anything for about half an hour, before an American couple asked where I was from. I replied and there was silence for about a minute and then awkwardness. It was as if they had just met me and I spoke a different language to them, which they could not understan 0
105266 0 1481 COMM COMMENTWhy bosses must give up big profits from cheap labour Bahrain must do more than think big to succeed. It must be big - big enough to impose its own laws, even when it hurts. As experts gathered to discuss the BD10 billion potential "prize" promised by proposed economic reforms, a very different story was unfolding elsewhere in the country. Thirty-six distressed Sri Lankan garment workers were being flown home by their own government, in a mercy mission to end their ordeal in Bahrain. Embassy officials said the women had not been paid their paltry salaries of BD45 a month for some time, though they would be "in due course" - while company officials claimed they had been paid in full. Either way, these desperately poor women went home with little or nothing, after being lured here with the promise of at least some sort of income with which to support their families back home. The garments industry in this country and elsewhere is notorious for its sweat shops, where immigrant workers are driven by hard shifts for very 0
105269 0 1481 LETT LETTERS Dazzling headlights are a real menace I AM sure that I am not the only one finding night driving in Bahrain blinding. I am not referring to dangerous drivers or law breakers; that's a norm here, but I am pointing out to the blinding headlights of incoming cars (and cars behind you with their headlights). Is there no law here which requires drivers to understand how to use their headlights and keep them maintained. You have some drivers whose low light is burnt so what they end up doing is putting on their headlights. Then you have others who have fog lights facing upwards. New cars are even coming with an option of raising or lowering the normal headlights but people tend to keep them raised. I guess, they don't even understand for what that option is given. And also there are those blue-ish headlights which are called halogen lights. Have any of you had these lights pointing in your direction?? Well, it's the car manufacturers who set these up on new cars, we can't blame the drivers. What I a 0
105270 0 1481 LETT LETTERS Crash rules please PLEASE, once and for all! Assuming that there are no serious injuries or fatalities, do you or don't you move a vehicle from the immediate scene of an accident, leaving roads and intersections dangerously blocked for any other traffic? Someone-in-the-know (and with authority), please answer this. Or, do you, as it would make sense, move vehicles to the side of the road to allow traffic to flow? G E l A General Directorate of Traffic spokesman said: "In the case of a comparatively minor accident where the parties are in agreement then the sensible and permissible action is to move the cars to a safer position and allow free flow of traffic. The parties should then telephone 199 being sure to give the exact location." 0
105271 0 1481 LETT LETTERS Road not marked ANOTHER new road in Bahrain - but more needs to be done. I am talking about the new, asphalted road (which was finally done) leading to the Bahrain Specialist Hospital, in Juffair. The road is very useful but there is something missing. It is not properly marked. Keep in mind that this is a two-way road, a lane for incoming traffic and a lane for outgoing traffic without a pavement in the middle, so if an accident happens there is a big chance it will be a head-on collision. It is a real danger if someone is not yet familiar with using this road as I am sure many are not. For example, there are no arrows indicating which road leads to where and even the road marking which splits the two lanes is not done according to Bahrain road regulations because the lane markings are spaced and that is totally wrong. It must be a thick white line - at least in this way drivers are aware of it being a two-lane road. So, a bad luck scenario is if someone driving there at night or even da 0
105272 0 1481 LETT LETTERS Young need taming A EUROPEAN friend who worked in Bahrain between 1984 and 1986 is asking me what has happened to Bahrain as she still reads GDN being in the UK now. She is amazed that the main capital city of Bahrain, Manama, is seeing daylight robberies and local youngsters hitting and snatching money from people on the roads. She says this is not the Bahrain she remembers and keeps close to her heart. It's high time that top government officials did something to tame the young from turning into goons when they are just entering the world of crime. If not controlled this bad behaviour can spread into our generations very soon. Imagine what kind of a father a 20-year-old will become when he himself is hitting, looting and snatching money on the roads? What values will he pass on to his children? Leaving the culprits and not catching them cannot be justified as being tolerant and it's high time strict actions are taken against them. Publishing their pictures in local news p 0
105273 0 1481 LETT LETTERS Visitor spooky ON Wednesday, December 22, 2004 a man was in our building, at Salmaniya, knocking on the door of each flat. He introduced himself as being from the Ministry of Labour and produced some type of identity card. In most of the flats the male members had not returned from work. In my flat he asked my wife about the number of residents and their details. He did the same with other flats in the building. As per my knowledge, no ministry personnel are permitted to do such investigations in accommodation, except by police in criminal circumstances. It is true that this person did not do anything unlawful but we do not know why he came and asked such questions, as normally only at the time of the national survey had I seen such enquiries, but that too will be done with advance notifications - published in newspapers. I was not in my flat when this happened. In future, my intention is not to open my door to any unknown person even if he tells me he belongs to so and so ministry. 0
105274 0 1481 LETT LETTERS Up in the air! I WENT to the airport on Wednesday because I was going to Jeddah by plane and then on to Mecca by car. The plane was due to leave at four but then it was delayed four times until the boarding time was at nine. It would have been no problem if at least they had just come and told us that the plane had been delayed. A Mad Flyer 0
105275 1 1481 BNEW LOCAL Chamber files report on labour market reform MANAMA MANAMA: A report outlining Bahrain traders and businessmen's response to proposed labour market reforms has been submitted to the Crown Prince. Compiled by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), it highlights the fallout of taxes, proposed economic reforms, the domestic manpower situation and the recommended labour fund. The document - drawn up by a high-level committee comprising BCCI members, businessmen, officials and academicians - followed a meeting presided over by BCCI president Khalid Kanoo last Tuesday. The BCCI has presented the report to Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 0
105276 2 1481 BNEW LOCAL Wages raised to offset dollar fall MANAMA ONE of Bahrain's biggest employers has increased the salaries of some expatriate staff to offset the effects of the slump in the dollar. Bapco, which employs around 3,000 people, has raised the level of its "inducement" allowance for overseas recruits who do not come from the US. The temporary allowance has been granted to expats from non-US dollar countries - such as the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada. American citizens are unaffected because of the dollar peg. It is the first time in the company's history that it has taken such steps to compensate workers for fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, according to human resources general manager Hussain Redha. "Our employees were basically complaining about it," he told the GDN. "Every month they send money home, but when they converted dinars to their own currencies it was worth less than before. "We recognised the problem and agreed to temporarily improve one of their allowances to face the 0
105277 3 1481 BNEW LOCAL New blueprint for education planned MANAMA BAHRAIN is to unveil a new blueprint on its educational reforms later this year. A project to reform the country's educational system is being studied by the Education Ministry with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). More than 50 national professionals are involved in the project and they are being supported by 12 international consultants, said UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. "The government has allocated $500,000 (BD188,500) towards the project," he told the GDN. "This is a demonstration of Bahrain's commitment to improve the education system. "We are thankful to the Bahrain government, especially the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, for their continuous support to the UN system." The project, said Dr Alloush, is mainly focusing on improving the content of education as well as the teaching methodology. "Advanced economies are those which are built on knowl 0
105278 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to host Arab engineers' summit BAHRAIN is finalising preparations to host the 23rd Arab Engineering Conference next month. The event will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Gulf International Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel, from March 14 to 16. It will be hosted by the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) under the theme Towards Development and Integration of Engineering Infrastructure in the Arab World. The event will feature three major sessions, said BSE information and community services director Dr Isa Qamber. These are: Development and integration of telecommunication and informatics network, Development and integration of power and water network, and Development and integration of transportation network in the Arab world. Encourage The first session will cover the need to encourage the private sector to invest in the field of telecommunication and information industry. The second session will discuss the establi 0
105279 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL HISTORIC GARDEN TO GET A FACELIFT MORE than BD75,000 is to be spent on renovations to the Central Market Garden, in Muharraq. The 3,886 square metre garden, near the Ramez store, has not been renovated since 1978, when the last housing project was built in the area. It is in a busy area, said Muharraq Municipal Council public relations and information committee chairman Salah Al Jowder. "The garden is located near the Muharraq Central Market, the old residential areas and most importantly two primary schools," he said. "Instead of having students wait for their parents outside both schools, it would be more appropriate to have them play in the garden, which is safer and more convenient." The schools are Amana bint Wahab Primary School for Girls and Hassan bin Thabet Primary School for Boys. Mr Al Jowder said that the garden would get a facelift to make it more appealing, rather than the miserable state it is in at the moment. "This garden used to be a haven for residents, but all o 0
105280 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Policeman denies harassing Filipina A JORDANIAN policeman has denied harassing a Filipina and violating her right to freedom of movement. He has also denied impersonating a traffic policeman by stopping her from driving off in her car. The Filipina shop worker, 36, has in turn denied making an obscene gesture to the policeman. The Public Security policeman, 24, filed a complaint that the woman made the obscene gesture to him and tried to ram his car, outside a cold store in Gudaibiya. He claimed that she worked with his fiancee and had threatened him through her and had repeatedly made trouble for him. The allegations stem from an incident in February last year, when the Filipina was detained by traffic police, then handed over to Public Security, after a complaint filed by the other defendant. The next day the Filipina also filed a complaint with police, saying that the defendant had repeatedly harassed her. She said she went to a restaurant in Gudaibiya with a girlfriend and as s 0
105281 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Wages raised to offset dollar fall ONE of Bahrain's biggest employers has increased the salaries of some expatriate staff to offset the effects of the slump in the dollar. Bapco, which employs around 3,000 people, has raised the level of its "inducement" allowance for overseas recruits who do not come from the US. The temporary allowance has been granted to expats from non-US dollar countries - such as the UK, South Africa, Australia and Canada. American citizens are unaffected because of the dollar peg. It is the first time in the company's history that it has taken such steps to compensate workers for fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, according to human resources general manager Hussain Redha. "Our employees were basically complaining about it," he told the GDN. "Every month they send money home, but when they converted dinars to their own currencies it was worth less than before. "We recognised the problem and agreed to temporarily improve one of their allowances to face t 1
105282 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Garden fair contest entries double TWICE as many people have entered the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF) competitions as compared to last year, say organisers. This year, more than 200 people have entered the scientific, furniture and pottery competitions being held as part of the BGF, which is taking place from Thursday to March 6 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The BGF is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. "This year's number of competitors is double as compared to last year," said BGF organising committee member Ameena Al Saleh. "For the scientific competitions, we received 22 entries for the research category, four for the poster and 50 entries for the model category," she said. "For the furniture competition, we received 62 entries. "We are really pleased with the response." The scientific competition 0
105283 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Intruder admits affair A BANGLADESHI man has admitted sneaking into a Bahraini man's house, for a late-night tryst with the maid. The 33-year-old defendant told police he had been having an affair with the maid for a month, when he was caught in July last year. But the 30-year-old maid, also Bangladeshi, has denied having an affair with the man or helping him sneak into the house, in East Riffa. Neither defendant turned up for the hearing at the Lower Criminal Court, so the case was adjourned until April 5. The maid's 23-year-old Bahraini employer said he was at home with friends, when one of them said he had seen a Bangladeshi man on the second floor, at around 1am. They heard the sound of running and chased and caught the intruder in the yard, he said. The male defendant told police he had been having an affair with the maid for a month and went round that particular night because she said needed money because of problems at home. But the maid said she found the man in 0
105284 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Sporting fun for young AROUND 250 St Christopher's School students competed for the Winner's House Trophy in a sports competition held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Saar. The seven to nine-year-olds were grouped into the school's four houses Kestrel, Merlin, Falcon and Osprey and competed in a variety of relay based athletic games. The winning house was Falcon, second was Kestrel, followed by Merlin and Osprey. Falcon House was presented with the Winner's Trophy by board of governors deputy chairwoman Kim Hijris. The event was organised by school physical education head Alistair Bond. 0
105285 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Spotlight on Asia growth THE impact of regional security efforts and economic development in Asia on the Gulf region will be the focus of a seminar being hosted by the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research today. The lecture, which will given by Kuwait University political science and international relations professor Dr Mohammed Saleem, will be held at the centre, Awali, beginning at 6pm. Centre secretary-general Dr Hassan Al Bastaki said the seminar would cover the rapid economic developments witnessed by Asian countries and the challenges facing the Gulf region under the current security situation. He said the seminar would focus on the economic, technological and scientific progress in China, Japan, India and Pakistan as well as the impact of such developments on Gulf countries. Dr Al Bastaki said the centre had extended invitations to various scholars to attend the seminar and take part in an open discussion which will follow. 0
105286 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Indian cameraman zooms in on Bahrain ONE of India's veteran cinematographers, A M Saigal, has arrived in Bahrain to shoot a documentary on the country's culture and development Popularly known as Jingli, Mr Saigal is due to start working on the programme shortly. He is here at the invitation of film company The Media Lab. "We hope to assist Mr Saigal in his effort to create a complete panorama on the rich Arabian culture and traditions, with special focus on Bahrain," said The Media Lab director Biju Mangalath. "Absorbing any sight as it is, with his lens, retaining every essence of liveliness has been a passion for him. "His work was well-acknowledged in the Indian film industry and received rave reviews." The documentary will feature different aspects of culture, as well as the commercial and economic development of Bahrain. "I am delighted to be in Bahrain, which boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years," he told the GDN. "I want to include in my film th 0
105287 0 1481 BNEW LOCAL Isa Town park traffic a threat THE Central Municipal Council has been asked to move a recently-built public park in Isa Town to a new location because its presence is said to pose a traffic threat to children. The Works and Housing Ministry's Roads Directorate said the garden, which was built at a cost of BD3,000, must be moved because it is too near Doha Avenue, which is a busy road. A ministry spokesman said the park was built without consulting the General Directorate of Traffic or the Roads Directorate, both of which would have voiced their opposition to the project in its early stages. "Children have to cross Doha Avenue in order to get to it, which could result in serious accidents," he said. "The park should be moved to a residential area or a more quiet location in order to avoid this risk." Councillor Isa Ali Al Qadi said he will try to appeal to the Central Governorate to intervene but if forced to move, he already has a location in mind. "We may move it to a space opposite th 0
105288 1 1481 SPOR SPORT AL ATTIYA RACES TO VICTORY MANAMA: Qatar's Nasser Al Attiya confirmed his championship credentials racing to a brilliant victory in the Bahrain International Rally yesterday. It was the second successive title for Al Attiya and his Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship following their victory in the first-leg in the UAE taking them four points clear of the rest of the field. The third-leg of the championship in Oman is set for next month. Al Attiya and Patterson in their Subaru Impreza STI finished the two-leg, two day rally in 2:37:30.8, 32 seconds ahead of Power Horse World Rally Team of Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE and Michael Orr of Great Britain. SBK Group team of Suhail bin Khalifa Al Maktoum of UAE and his Qatari co-driver Nasser Al Kuwari finished third, another 53.4 seconds adrift. Among the three remaining Bahraini teams, Abdulrahman Ghuloom and his wife Esther came in ninth just ahead of Jaffar Al Sadadi and Jassim Jamal. Hassan Al Sad 0
105289 2 1481 SPOR SPORT Prince Abdulla races to victory SAUDI Arabia's Prince Abdulla bin Metab signed off in style winning both competitions five and six in His Majesty King Hamad's Showjumping Championship, sponsored by BAE Systems, which concluded yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre grounds in Budaiya. Prince Abdulla proved too good in both classes and clinched a double. More than 50 riders from the Middle East and Europe took part in the three-day event.. In the 'accumulator with joker' competition five, Prince Abdulla steered Saam Taam to victory in 37.53 seconds and clinched a prizemoney of BD600 while UAE's Ahmed Ameen (39.99 seconds) finished second on Seekamp's Satina to claim BD500 and Khalid Al Hammad (42.08 seconds) of Kuwait on Flayat Star Ecoli was third and bagged BD400. Prince Abdulla maintained his momentum in the World Cup competition six which he won in 40.54 second on The Krallah. Prince Abdulla won DB900 and was followed by Jordan's Ibrahim Besharat (40.80) was second to claim BD750 on Qwinto and Khali 0
105290 3 1481 SPOR SPORT Al Attiya wins Bahrain Rally QATAR'S Nasser Al Attiya and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson extended their FIA Middle East Rally Championship advantage to four points by winning the Bahrain International Rally at the Bahrain International Circuit yesterday. The Qatari followed up his victory in the UAE Rally earlier this month by beating UAE's Khalid Al Qassimi by 32 seconds. Al Attiya began the second day's eight gravel stages in the deserts to the south of Manama with a 59 second advantage after Al Qassimi had been forced to complete three timed sections on Thursday afternoon with his Power Horse-sponsored Subaru Impreza WRX STi stuck in third gear. Al Qassimi duly clawed nine seconds back on the ninth and 10th stages. The event developed into a game of cat and mouse and there was a thrilling finish with Al Attiya taking a 47-second advantage into the final three stages as Suhail bin Khalifa Al Maktoum closed to within two seconds of Al Qassimi with one loop of timed sections to run. Bo 0
105291 0 1481 SPOR SPORT Any Camp triumphs ANY Camp and Ithbaat lived up to expectations to claim the two Cup events at the races in Sakhir yesterday. Any Camp, owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by Fawzi Nass and ridden by P Whitmore, bagged the Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa Cup for Group Two imported horses which carried a cash prize of BD3,000 and ran over 1,600 metres. Any Camp beat Reidies Choice by half-a-length while Day Fort and White Cliffs tied for third spot. Ithbaat, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and ridden by Gerald Avranche, followed suit racing to victory in the Shaikh Nawaz bin Rashid Al Khalifa Cup for Group Two locally bred horses which carried a cash prize of BD3,000 and ran over 1,200 metres. Ithbaat beat Cape Princess by a length while Nishba was third and Manayer fourth. In the supporting races, Tuwaisaan 1213, owned by Al Riffa, trained by S Yousif and ridden by Hassan Al Saffar, pipped Kuheilaan Umm Zorayr by a neck while Tuwais 0
105292 0 1481 SPOR SPORT Dubai beat Abu Dhabi for fifth straight netball title DUBAI 'A' defeated Abu Dhabi 'A' 13-12 to claim a fifth consecutive title in the 18th Inter-Gulf Netball Championships which concluded yesterday in Muscat. The four DHL-sponsored Bahrain teams returned home empty handed with Bahrain 'A' finishing sixth in the main competition after being knocked out in the quarter-finals. Bahrain 'B' finished fourth in the Plate competition, the Veterans fifth and the 'C' team 12th. The final, a repeat of last year's showdown, was thrilling as Abu Dhabi pressed for an equaliser in the dying seconds of the contest. Dubai, captained by Kirsty Smith, had goal shooters Jenny Hay and Michelle Hudson to thank for their success. Abu Dhabi, captained by Sarah Partridge, had good goal shooters in Angie Arkinson and the tall Anne Rainey but they ran out of time. Bahrain A, captained by Teresa Clay, looked in control of their quarter-final against Oman 'A' after taking a 6-2 lead but the hosts came back strongly and finished i 0
105293 0 1481 SPOR SPORT Riffa tame Al Shabab RIFFA stayed at the top of the table following a 4-1 victory over Al Shabab in the Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Veteran striker Mahmood Al Hanafi put Riffa ahead five minutes before half-time and Bahrain international Salman Isa scored a hat-trick as Riffa maintained their lead with 18 points, one point ahead of Al Najma, Al Ahli and reigning champions Muharraq who beat Busaiteen 3-1 in the early match. Al Shabab suffered their third defeat of the season and slipped to fifth with 15 points. Three second-half goals including two from Jordanian international Badran Al Shagran and an own goal from Busaiteen's defender Mohammed Saleh helped Muharraq share second position with Al Najma and Al Ahli. Yasser Amer gave Busaiteen a fifth-minute lead from a free-kick but Muharraq hit three goals after the break taking advantage of Busaiteen being reduced to 10 men after defender Hamad Adel was dismissed by referee Jaffer Al Khabbaz ear 0
105294 0 1481 SPOR SPORT Ljubicic stuns Henman DUBAI: Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic will meet Ljubicic next. The quarter-finals involving world number one Roger Federer and fourth seed Andre Agassi were postponed until today. The semi-finals will be played in the evening. Henman and eighth-seeded Ljubicic had to come on court seven times before completing their match in six hours 45 minutes. At times they did not even get as far as re-starting play before having to come off court again. "It's disappointing to play a match of this nature when I couldn't have been happier with the way I played in my two previous matches," said Henman, who has lost the last four of his five meetings with 25-year-old. Opportunity "To finish the event on this sort of note is not something I would have wished. I felt like I had a good opportunity and that I'd played a couple of really good matches, and I was ready to build on that. "But I felt that each time we re-started it took me longer to find my rhythm, and he doesn't give yo 0
105295 0 1481 SPOR SPORT Molik shocks Mauresmo DOHA: Fourth-seeded Alicia Molik produced an awesome display of power to shock top-seeded Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo in their rain-interrupted semi-finals at the $600,000 WTA Qatar Open last night. The Aussie world number 9 was too good for her world number 2 opponent especially in the second set, completing a 7-6 (13-11), 6-1 victory after rain stopped play for almost four hours with play tied 3-3 in the first set. Molik won a tough first set tiebreak after both players failed to get a break with the 25-year-old Frenchwoman surrendering the initiative despite holding set point on four occasions. Firing The 24-year-old from Melbourne led the tiebreak at 5-3 at one stage but Mauresmo came out firing on all cylinders to not only level the scores, but also lead her rival several times. But Molik, with her powerful serve and an equally aggressive allround game, fought back to level at 8-8, 9-9 and 10-10 before clinching the first set. Molik next meets either 0
105296 0 1481 SPOR SPORT Woods and Singh bow out of Match Play CARLSBAD, California: Vijay Singh and defending champion Tiger Woods suffered second round defeats at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship yesterday, leaving the $7.5-million event without its two biggest draws. Having never progressed beyond the second round here in five previous attempts, world number one Singh's 3&2 loss to American Jay Haas was not a total surprise. But Australian Nick O'Hern's 3&1 win over Woods will rank among the biggest upsets, the Australian ending the world number two's 13-match unbeaten streak at the La Costa Resort and Spa and his bid for an unprecedented third consecutive title. Phil Mickelson continued his red-hot play disposing of Argentine Angel Cabrera 4&3. Davis Love III underlined his match play credentials crushing Britain's Lee Westwood 7&6. "Davis played great he deserved to win," said Westwood. 0
105297 0 1481 SPOR SPORT South Africa batsmen too strong for Zimbabwe JOHANNESBURG: South Africa defeated Zimbabwe by 165 runs in the first of three one-day internationals last night at the Wanderers Stadium. Sent in to bat, South Africa made 301 for seven based on half-centuries by its three top-order batsmen, captain Graeme Smith, Adam Bacher and Jacques Rudolph. Zimbabwe was all out for 136 in 37.2 overs, with Andrew Hall and Makhaya Ntini taking three wickets each. Captain Tatenda Taibu topscored for Zimbabwe with 28. Zimbabwe won the toss and surprisingly sent South Africa in to bat and the hosts immediately laid the platform for a big total. Captain Graeme Smith scored 50 off 55 balls, while fellow opener Adam Bacher, playing for his place, scored a career-best 56 off 73 deliveries. Together they put on 87 in 16.4 overs, before Smith fell in off-spinner Stuart Matsikenyeri's first over, trapped leg-before as he missed a full toss. Bacher went 9.5 overs later, caught in the deep off Prosper Utseya, who produced an inspired spel 0
105298 0 1481 SPOR SPORT BFH project 'won't affect environment' THE Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) project is being developed on ecologically sound grounds, according to a study. The project will also give a facelift to Mina Manama, Bahrain's first major port which has long lost a significant part of its commercial effectiveness, said the study prepared by Posford Haskoning Environment Gulf (PHE Gulf). The Bahrain-based company was assigned to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the project by BFH. The government has subsequently approved the project on environmental grounds. The dredging and reclamation work for the project is being carried out according to guidelines set by national regulatory bodies and as recommended within the EIA, said PHE Gulf marine biologist Michael Arora. The EIA included primary data collection through surveys, including marine ecological dive work, hydrodynamic modelling, air dispersion computer modelling and water and sediment quality analysis. "The study area encompass 0
105299 0 1481 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. All Latin Fever salsa class, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lessons cost BD3 each or BD10 for four. Contact 39676349. Yoga (mixed), Bahrain Wellness Resort, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795962. Victoria Dance Centre Mummy and Baby Ballet 9.30am-10.30am, Preparatory and Primary Modern Jazz 3.30pm-4.30pm, Irish Riverdance Beginners and Juniors 4.30pm-5.30pm, Irish Riverdance Intermediates and Seniors 5.30pm-6.30pm, Irish Riverdance Advanced Adults 6.30pm-7.30pm. Contact 39876215. Charity Centre, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, 10am-noon and 3pm-5pm. Karate class, Karnataka Social Club, 6.30pm-8pm. General Directorate of Traffic inquiries hotline: 17872287 or 199; switchboard: 17872222. Manama Toastmasters Club weekly meeting, Crowne Plaza, Bahrain Conference Centre, 7 0
105300 0 1481 WORL WORLD Assad for direct talks ANKARA: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad has said he wants direct talks with the US to ease mounting tension between the two countries. "Talks on security issues must not be broken. The only way to do this is through dialogue," he told the daily Hurriyet newspaper yesterday. "But we cannot find the same attitude in some US circles," he added. Relations between Damascus and Washington have deteriorated since the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri in Beirut on February 14. 0
105301 1 1481 WORL WORLD AMBUSHED BAGHDAD: A roadside bomb killed three American soldiers north of Baghdad yesterday as 15 Iraqis died in other attacks. Eight other US soldiers were wounded, five of them "very seriously", when the troops were hit by a roadside bomb while on patrol near the town of Tarmiya. Iraq's government said a senior aide to Al Qaeda frontman Abu Musab Al Zarqawi had been arrested, along with a man who had acted as his driver. "Security forces conducted a raid in Anah (in western Iraq) on February 20 resulting in the capture of Talib Mikhlif Arsan Walman Al Dulaimi, also known as Abu Qutaybah," it said. In addition, a US Marine, two members of the Iraqi security forces, four civilians and four insurgents were also killed since Thursday. Yesterday, two women and a child were also killed near the refinery town of Baiji when their car was blown up by a bomb that exploded just after a US army convoy passed. Meanwhile, Major General Peter Chiarelli, head of Task Force Baghd 0
105302 2 1481 WORL WORLD Iran facing June nuclear deadline VIENNA: The US is ready to give European allies only until June to cajole Iran before Washington seeks UN sanctions over Tehran's nuclear programme, US diplomatic documents show. US officials in Vienna circulated a position paper for discussion to members of the UN nuclear watchdog's governing board on Thursday, as President George W Bush toured Europe. Washington will not push the International Atomic Energy Agency to refer Iran's case to the Security Council when it meets next week. But the next quarterly meeting in mid-June will differ. 0
105303 3 1481 WORL WORLD Two Zarqawi aides caught BAGHDAD: Iraqi forces yesterday captured a top aide to Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, who leads a bloody Al Qaeda-linked insurgency believed behind a relentless wave of car bombings, kidnappings, and beheadings across the country. The capture came as Iraq's most influential Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, endorsed Ibrahim Al Jaafari's nomination for prime minister. Political parties are wrangling for top posts in a new government - whose most pressing task will be dealing with the insurgency. The government said Talib Mikhlif Arsan Walman Al Dulaymi, also known as Abu Qutaybah, was captured during a February 20 raid in Anah, 240km northwest of the capital. "Abu Qutaybah was responsible for determining who, when and how terrorist network leaders would meet Al Zarqawi," it said. He "filled the role of key lieutenant for the Zarqawi network, arranging safe houses and transportation as well as passing packages and funds to Al Zarqawi. His extensive contacts and operationa 0
105304 0 1481 WORL WORLD Election bonanza for UK workers LONDON: Prime Minister Tony Blair, preparing for an election expected in May, said he would raise Britain's minimum wage by 20 pence, or 4.1 per cent, an hour from October. Blair said he would increase the hourly minimum rate to 5.05 ($9.65, BD3.600) from 4.85 for those aged over 22, a move he said would benefit some 1.4 million workers. The announcement, following recommendations from the Low Pay Commission, comes as unofficial campaigning begins for an election Blair's centre-left Labour Party is expected to win. "The benefit of Britain's strong and stable economy should be shared by every hard-working family in Britain, by middle income and lower income families alike," Blair said. The minimum wage will increase again to 5.35 per hour in October 2006 and 18 to 21-year-olds will see their rate rise to 4.25 per hour from 4.10. Labour unions greeted Blair's move. "We warmly welcome this increase in the minimum wage which is more than 10pc over two y 0
105305 0 1481 WORL WORLD Millions pray for Pope's recovery PARIS: Millions of Catholics around the world were yesterday praying for Pope John Paul II as he lay in hospital breathing through a tube in his neck, amid increasing fears for his life. The Vatican said that the leader of one billion Roman Catholics had spent a peaceful night in hospital and was breathing unassisted after surgery to pass a tube through his throat down into his lungs to help him do so. His tracheotomy means he will not be able to speak "for some days", Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls announced. But the Pope managed to have breakfast consisting of a cafe latte, yoghurt and small Italian 'biscotti', consuming it "with a good appetite". The 84-year-old Pope, who was taken to hospital on Thursday for the second time in less than a month after a relapse of flu, has reigned for 26 years and is for many younger Catholics the only pontiff they have ever known. Colombian Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo said last night he had visited the Pope in ho 0
105306 0 1481 WORL WORLD New push for Mars mission NOORDWIJK, Netherlands: European Space Agency scientists think that there was and could even still be life on Mars and want a new European mission to the red planet to take samples, a conference heard yesterday. "Mars is the most Earth-like planet in our solar system," said Agustin Chicarro, ESA Mars Express Project Scientist at the end of a one-week conference during which scientists from around the world discussed ESA's Mars mission findings so far. They found a large ice sea near Mars' equator that was formed less than 5 million years ago and believe volcanic activity is still continuing on the North Pole. The findings on Mars, one year after a European launch started an orbit around the planet, also serve as a stark warning to earthlings - Mars has no protective ozone layer and the surface is blasted by solar storms and ultraviolet light. Water vapour destroyed ozone on Mars and a recent increase of water vapour in Earth's stratosphere could be a potential threat to t 0
105307 0 1481 WORL WORLD Iran to welcome US help in talks BERLIN: Iran's chief nuclear negotiator Hassan Rowhani said yesterday he would welcome US assistance in talks with European nations over his country's controversial nuclear programme. "The negotiating partners are the three European nations" Germany, France and Britain, Rowhani said, but "Iran would welcome it if the US helped." Rowhani, who was speaking after a meeting with German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, did not clarify what he meant by "help". The Europeans are trying to persuade Iran to comply with international obligations in return for trade, security and technology deals. Fischer acknowledged that "the positions of each side are complex and difficult to reconcile" but said "the central aim is to ensure that the nuclear progress made by Iran is used solely for peaceful purposes." Tehran has also made a new offer in talks with the European Union over its controversial nuclear activities that would allow Iran to continue its civilian atomic energy pro 0
105308 0 1481 WORL WORLD Prisoners' woes to be tackled BELFAST: Britain appointed an official yesterday to oversee prisoners' complaints in Northern Ireland, where grievances over prison conditions have fueled extremist violence in the British territory. In his new job of prison ombudsman, Brian Coulter will field complaints from current and former prisoners about any complaints of abuse or other illegal treatment behind bars. Britain created the new post following a 2003 investigation into clashes inside Northern Ireland's Maghaberry Prison, the major facility for convicted members of rival paramilitary groups. Irish Republican Army dissidents, who come from Catholic districts, fought repeatedly in 2002 and 2003 with members of British "loyalist" groups, who come from Protestant districts. Both sides also attacked prison guards in an ultimately successful campaign to receive separate sections of the previously integrated prison. Coulter is currently chief executive of a Northern Ireland company that builds and maintains low- 0
105309 0 1481 WORL WORLD Charles' household rapped LONDON: Prince Charles' household may have prejudiced the hearing of a former personal assistant who is claiming sex discrimination and unfair dismissal by withholding vital documents in the case, an employment tribunal said yesterday. Elaine Day may have been denied a fair hearing because Clarence House produced the job evaluation documents only on Thursday, months after the tribunal first convened in November, chairwoman Carol Taylor said. "The tribunal is extremely concerned that, in breach of the tribunal order and in breach of the general duty of disclosure, the respondent (the prince's household) has failed to disclose documents relating to the annual performance review system," Taylor said. The documents, which relate to how an employee's work is appraised, arrived at the offices of Day's lawyers on Thursday, the day before the tribunal hearing resumed in Croydon, south London. Day, 45, who has told the tribunal that Charles' office is hierarchical and elitist, cla 0
105310 0 1481 WORL WORLD Love child reveals all PARIS: The late French president Francois Mitterrand lived for much of his 14 years in power not at the Elysee Palace but at the home of his mistress and their illegitimate daughter Mazarine Pingeot, according to her new book of memoirs. In Bouche Cousue (Sealed Lips) - to be published on Monday - Pingeot speaks for the first time of the 19 years she spent as a state secret, unable to acknowledge her father in public but greeting him every evening at their flat in central Paris. Now a 30 year-old novelist and lecturer, Pingeot paints a picture of an attentive father who spent more time and affection on his hidden second family than on his wife Danielle. But she also writes with anguish of her relationship with a man she could never openly call "Papa". "Officially I did not have a father. My classmates knew nothing of my home, of my evenings and weekends and holidays ... The pact of silence was more than a family affair. Apparently everyone was signed up to it," she writes in extr 0
105311 0 1481 WORL WORLD Israel plans more West Bank homes JERUSALEM: Israel plans to build 6,000 new homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank this year. In a move likely to irritate chief ally Washington, Israel also plans to give retrospective authorisation to 120 wildcat outposts in the Palestinian territory which had been earmarked for removal under the US-backed roadmap peace plan. The new homes - 2,100 - are scheduled for construction in the largest West Bank settlement - Maale Adumim just east of Jerusalem, which is already home to more than 20,000 settlers, Israeli daily Yediot Aharonot reported yesterday. The building work planned there by the Israel Lands Authority would require the eviction of several Palestinians. "Israel is preparing to pull out of the Gaza Strip but is strengthening its hold on the West Bank," the daily said. In Rafat, Palestinians demonstrated against work on a new section of the barrier separating the Jewish state from the West Bank. Israeli troops used tear gas to break up the protest 0
105312 0 1481 WORL WORLD Iraqi men in abuse photos located LONDON: The British military yesterday said it would investigate allegations by five Iraqi men who say they are the prisoners featured in photographs showing abuse by British troops. Three British soldiers are due to be sentenced by court martial for the mistreatment. Pictures of the abuse - which included an Iraqi hoisted on a forklift and two naked men simulating oral and anal sex - have provoked outrage in Britain. The victims were not identified and did not testify at the court martial on a British military base in Germany. Military police said they had been unable to locate them. But The Independent and Daily Mail newspapers said their reporters had easily tracked down the men, who still lived near Camp Bread Basket, where the abuse took place. The Independent carried an interview with Hassan Kardham Abdulhussein, who said he was the prisoner pictured being hoisted on a forklift. The newspaper quoted him as saying the abuse occurred after he w 0
105313 0 1481 WORL WORLD Woman jailed for killing son LONDON: An attention-seeking mother who killed her son by putting salt into his intravenous drip was sentenced to five years in a British prison. Petrina Stocker, 42, was convicted of killing her nine-year-old son David by putting 18 teaspoons of salt into his hospital drip. Prosecutors said Stocker suffered from Munchausen's syndrome by proxy, a psychological disorder in which parents cause illnesses in a child to draw attention to themselves. David Stocker was treated at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2001 for loss of appetite and lethargy. Lawyers said doctors had become concerned that Stocker was making her son ill, but that she kept a bedside vigil which prevented them from discovering what was wrong with the boy. Prosecuting attorney Nicholas Hilliard said Stocker put blood into the boy's urine samples and manufactured vomit samples, as well as interfering with his intravenous drip. The boy died in August 2001. 0
105314 0 1481 WORL WORLD UN team vows a fair Hariri murder probe BEIRUT: A UN team vowed impartiality yesterday in probing the murder of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, as Lebanon waited for powerful neighbour Syria to begin a promised troop redeployment. A day after Lebanese Defence Minister Abdel Rahim Mrad announced an imminent pullback of Syrian troops to the eastern Bekaa Valley, on the border with Syria, no troop movements on the ground were seen. The Syrian-backed government in Beirut is bracing for a threatened censure vote in parliament Monday, which could bring to a head a crisis sparked by the murder. The West has put pressure on Syria to pull its troops and an unknown number of secret service agents out of Lebanon following Hariri's assassination, which the opposition has blamed on the pro-Syrian regime and Damascus. The authorities in Beirut have denied any responsibility in the killing and agreed to co-operate with the UN team. The UN team led by Peter FitzGerald, deputy commissioner of the Irish police, said it will wor 0
105315 0 1481 WORL WORLD Maze to be turned into stadium BELFAST: Once home to some of the most dangerous men in Europe, Northern Ireland's notorious Maze Prison could become the site of a new sports stadium under plans published yesterday. A 30,000-seater stadium for soccer, rugby and Gaelic games is the centrepiece of the plan put forward by the Maze Consultation Panel, which also proposes retaining some reminders of the 360-acre site's troubled past. "We now have the real prospect ... to literally turn swords into ploughshares and provide a beacon of hope for Northern Ireland and beyond," panel chairman David Campbell said. Empty since 2000 after the release of most guerilla prisoners under the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement, the future of the Maze has been a controversial subject. The plan proposes retaining some of the former prison buildings -including the hospital where hunger strikers died and one of the eight so-called "H-Block" cell complexes - to be turned into an international centre for conflict study. A 0
105316 0 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Iran to assemble Mercedes cars TEHRAN: Iranian public sector auto giant Iran Khodro Diesel (IKD) will begin assembling limited numbers of luxury Mercedes-Benz cars this year, a company official said yesterday. According to the student news agency Isna, IKD will set up a company called Top Khodro to assemble the cars under the supervision of Mercedes-Benz, a division of German-US auto giant DaimlerChrysler. Mercedes Benz 350-E models will begin rolling off the production line later in 2005, with initial annual production limited to 2,500 units. The official was quoted as saying that only imported components would be used, with the price of each car ranging from 800 million to 1.3 billion rials ($90,000-$146,000). 0
105317 0 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Oil exports to fetch $28bn TEHRAN: Iran will earn $28 billion from crude oil exports by the end of the current Iranian year on March 20, state television quoted Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh as saying yesterday. With production of around 4.2m barrels per day, Iran is Opec's second exporter and has benefitted from a run of record high prices. The current Iranian budget had calculated oil prices of $19 per barrel. 0
105318 0 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Bank urged to halt wire transfers NEW YORK: US regulators have ordered the Jordan-based Arab Bank, the target of lawsuits by the victims of suicide bombers in Israel, to cease wiring funds and opening new accounts at its New York branch. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency cited the bank's inadequate controls on fund transfers, which have reportedly been under investigation for possible money-laundering violations. "The inadequacy of the branch's controls over its funds transfer business is especially serious in light of the high-risk characteristics of many of the transfers," the OCC said. 0
105319 0 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi shares at new high RIYADH: Saudi shares set a new record high yesterday, driven by strong oil revenues that have boosted corporate earnings and the cash holdings of investors. The all-share index of the largest Arab bourse rose to 8,945 points in early trading, a gain of 0.9 per cent from Thursday's close of 8,867. 0
105320 0 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Firms urged to use electronic gate facility MANAMA: The role of e-government in encouraging companies to electronically renew their commercial registrations (CRs) was highlighted at a workshop at the Bahrain Investment Centre yesterday. The event was organised jointly by the Commerce and Industry Ministry and the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait. Small and medium sized companies were urged to utilise the ministry's "electronic gate" for CR registration and renewal purposes. Present were ministry Assistant Under-Secretary Ali Radhi and other officials. 0
105321 0 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Asia growth probed MANAMA: The impact of economic growth in Asian countries on the Gulf region was the focus of a lecture held yesterday at the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research, in Awali. The lecture was given by Kuwait University political science and international relations professor Dr Mohammed Saleem. It focused on the impact of the current security situation in the region on the economies of Gulf countries, particularly in view of the situation in Iraq. Dr Saleem also highlighted the outstanding economic growth and progress in other Asian countries, such as China, India and South East Asia. He stressed that Gulf countries could learn from the experiences of these countries to further upgrade their global economic status. 0
105322 1 1482 BUSI BUSINESS Rail budget populist NEW DELHI: India unveiled a populist railway budget yesterday, leaving passenger and freight rates untouched for a second year and announcing a host of new trains for the country where rail is the main form of long-distance travel. Railways Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, known for his "common man" appeal, told parliament he planned to start 46 new trains, extend routes of 27 others and had ordered surveys to create 31 new lines. Yadav, whose regional RJD party is locked in a tight battle for re-election in the poverty-ridden state of Bihar, cut freight rates on items such as kerosene and cooking gas used by the poor and announced discounts to rural students as part of the package of concessions. India's more than 150-year-old British-built rail system that criss-crosses the nation of one billion people is one of the world's largest and is used by 13 million travellers daily. With 1.6m workers, it is the world's biggest civilian employer. As part of the 512-billion r 0
105323 2 1482 BUSI BUSINESS China vows to open up current account BEIJING: China will gradually open its capital account in 2005, another step in its plan to make the yuan currency fully convertible, state television said yesterday, quoting the country's foreign exchange chief. China, facing criticism from the West that a cheap yuan gives its factories an unfair competitive edge, has held its ground against demands it revalue - but has promised to progressively free up trading in the currency. "We will gradually ease the amount of renminbi that can be exchanged under the capital account, taking another step towards achieving full convertibility of the renminbi," the television quoted Guo Shuqing, head of the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, as saying. Guo also said China would support insurance companies, which took in 431.8 billion yuan ($52.2bn) in premiums last year, to invest in stocks overseas, potentially increasing the outflow of currency to balance huge inflows. "China will support insurance companies to set up insuranc 0
105324 0 1482 COMM COMMENTReform ourselves first... As an observer at the recent Economic Reform Workshop, I listened intently to highly articulate lecturers expounding impressive theories. In all fairness they tackled many issues, including red-tape, favouritism and bureaucracy - social illnesses afflicting many societies. Yet the real core of Bahrain's problem was, I felt, only partially tackled. For creation of a constructive society cannot be implemented by government initiatives alone, but from the grassroots. A classic example of this is post-Second World War Germany, when a determined workforce re-established its nation. Germany's famous economic mastermind was Ludwig Erhard, regarded as architect of West Germany's economic recovery, largely by abolishing post-war economic controls. His first action during late 1945 following continuous meetings with labour unions, was to demand maximum productivity from them for 10 years without strikes for any reason. This proved the turning point in the rise of a new economic gia 0
105325 0 1482 COMM COMMENTRain plays spoil-sport on day out in the sun I'm sorry, I didn't mean it, it was a foolish thing to do! Within hours of us putting up out a new sun shade it began raining and hasn't stopped since. Winter's over I thought and Sara does like to sit outside if she can, but that fair skin keeps her out of the direct sunlight. So, a quick trip to Home Centre, a wave of the plastic and we have an attractive new garden suite, complete with giant umbrella. Result? Non-stop rain. Hence the apology, since it is obviously all my fault. It's rather like planning a picnic in the UK, or Wimbledon starting - it's bound to bring rain with far more reliability than a whole campful of Red Indians dancing and wailing. I cannot remember a winter in Bahrain that has been so miserable for so long. The rain I can live with, for we will get a few days of it at the most and then it is over for the year. But this cold is driving me nuts. Warm one day, cold the next - the yo-yoing temperatures have kept me coughing and 0
105328 0 1482 LETT LETTERS Time we turned on the hate mongers! EVERY day we see, read and hear news of killings in Iraq, and other Muslim countries either targeted or through general bombings. Each act is proudly claimed by a faction of Bin Laden. Bin Laden and his clan of beasts have managed to represent Satanic thoughts and actions under the guise of a clean and pure religion for too long. It is high time that we as Muslims should turn on the hate mongers this infidel Bin Laden has working for him and supporting him. They have managed to coerce a holy word like Jihad to the deviant workings of their original master - Satan. Who are these people and their sponsors to call a country or a sect Muslim or Non Muslim. When did Allah appoint them judge and executioner in this universe. I call upon these people and especially those clerics who support them to show us where in the religion their actions are justified. These people who align themselves with the views of these so called Jihadis are a cancer to our societies and religion and need to 0
105329 0 1482 LETT LETTERS Crime biggest challenge IF left unchecked crime may become a big challenge in the future for Bahrain. The government has an immediate and important task to formulate a strategy to control this evil which seems to be spreading right under its nose. It is very dangerous to be lenient towards offenders now and make the entire country suffer later. Such an aggravated situation in the future will threaten not only orderly life but also destroy the peace and prosperity of the people. This will also undoubtedly shatter the economy and trade. So we appeal to the government and those responsible people of Bahrain who are holding the power, to initiate stringent measures to curb this menace. A long term strategy and planning to ensure maintenance of law and order at all costs must be framed and implemented in the interest of the peace and progress of the Kingdom of Bahrain. R Madhavan 0
105330 0 1482 LETT LETTERS Hit and run dilemma I HAD an accident on September 8, 2004, and to date I have not got a report to claim my insurance and get the car repaired. The reason given is that the hit and run car number 209620 driven by a young Bahraini was on rental and the rental company in Riffa have not been able to get the man who ran away. I don't know what to do and where to go as my contract has finished with the company and I have come on a visit visa to get this sorted out. Please help me get to the right people for solution. Traffic department has given a case number and they say wait. Raakesh A GENERAL Directorate of Traffic spokesman said: "At our request the GDN provided us with the car registration and traffic department case number. In such a situation we can only turn the matter over to the courts which is what we have done." 0
105331 0 1482 LETT LETTERS Hypocrisy of Bush THE West led by the US is in the forefront in calling Syrian forces to 'end its occupation' and withdraw from Lebanon. One cannot fathom on what basis George Bush demands the withdrawal of Syrian forces when the US is itself occupying countries like Afghanistan and Iraq while simultaneously stationing thousands of its soldiers in several other countries around the world right from Germany to South Korea. Any other person would at least be ashamed to give such a call when he himself is much more shamelessly involved in 'occupation' of other countries. Secondly, we haven't ever heard of the American president giving a call to the Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to 'end occupation' of Palestinian lands since decades. Thirdly, before forcing Syria to act on the UN Security Council resolution 1559, why not force Israel to implement the number of UN resolutions which it has been violating day-in and day-out since decades. Fourthly, the Syrian forces are neither 0
105332 0 1482 LETT LETTERS Syria must see sense A KEY player in the Middle East is parallel to radical politics and a backward economy, that is Syria. But those who know Syria very well say that the issue of policy making has been paralysed by a huge gap between the hardliners and those who seek reform including those who believe Syria is isolated because of many reasons mainly its presence in Lebanon. The formation of a common front with Iran, the old ally whose political aims are perplexing, is sadly a reflection of Syria's desperation. I wonder, with so much setback and ill wind in the Arab world, how come Syria is unable to apprehend true lessons of pragmatism and realities dominating the whole world? The feelings of sympathy by nationalists towards the unenvied position of Syria need to be translated into serious advice to the leaders in Damascus and to explain to them that the situation in Lebanon following the assassination of Rafiq Al Hariri has aggravated Syria's standing worldwide and that real steps have to be tak 0
105333 0 1482 LETT LETTERS Education courses? I AM looking for some information and I hope some of your readers may be able to help me out. I am interested to know if any of the universities in Bahrain offer undergraduate and/or postgraduate courses in special education? I would also like to know if the courses, if any, are in English or Arabic medium? I will be grateful for any information, contact addresses or any other bits of relevant information. Vandana 0
105334 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL A leap forward for tourism THE $750 million (BD283m) Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort crossed a significant milestone yesterday, with the official opening of its headquarters in Manama. The new headquarters, at Elite Suites, Sanabis, was officially opened by Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The ceremony was attended by Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, senior dignitaries, government officials, Al Areen management, investors, media and representatives from the Gulf Finance House (GFH) Group. The opening of the headquarters turns a new chapter in the evolution of the Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort and is a leap forward in the speedy implementation of the development, said Al Areen Holding Company board chairman Shaikh Ahmed Bin Ali Al-Khalifa. "Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort is a unique development that will complement the efforts of the Bahrain govern 0
105335 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Artworks by disabled on show at exhibition PAINTINGS and other artworks by disabled artists in Bahrain and Russia went on display at the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) Rehabilitation Centre, Isa Town, yesterday. The three-day exhibition, called The Caravan of Hope, is being organised by the Social Affairs Ministry in co-ordination with the Russian Embassy and the Russian Disabled Marathon Society. It was officially opened by ministry Under-Secretary Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa and Russian Ambassador Yuri Antonov. The show, which continues until tomorrow, is open to the public from 9am to noon and from 4pm to 6pm. 0
105336 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Thief raids lawyer's office A THIEF raided a Bahrain lawyer's office and stole 500 Egyptian pounds (about BD33) - but missed BD3,000. A security guard noticed that the door of the Modern Consultancy Establishment, of the fourth floor of the Bahrain Tourism Agency building, in the Diplomatic Area, was open during his regular rounds, at around 9pm. He informed an office assistant, who in turn informed his superiors. "We reached the office at around 9.30pm," said director Saleh Ahmed Mohammed. "We found the door broken, the office totally ransacked and a desk with two drawers busted," he said. "We immediately called the Hoora police." Computers, printers or and other machinery was untouched. 0
105337 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Pickpocket steals wallet with BD80 A PICKPOCKET stole a man's wallet, near Adhari Hotel in Manama, sources told the GDN. The 38-year-old Indian victim claims that the thief took his wallet, which contained BD85, a driving licence and bank documents, from his back pocket while he was trying to get into a pick-up at 8pm on Tuesday. The theft was reported to the police. 0
105338 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters have the last word during competition ORGANISERS of the Area 10 Toastmasters contest held at the Alba Club hailed the event as a success. The contest saw members from the Indian Club Toastmasters, Tamil Social and Cultural Association (Tasca) Toastmasters, the World Malayalee Council (WMC) Toastmasters, Alba Five Star Toastmasters and the Indian School Bahrain Toastmasters compete for places in a major competitions to be held in Jordan and Canada later this year. "There has been a tremendous growth in the number of Toastmasters clubs in Bahrain," noted Area 10 governor Gita Ponnuchamy. "We now have 20 clubs in Bahrain and hence the competition is getting tougher by the year. "This time the contests were more challenging to judge than in the past as there are more clubs in the area and there are highly motivated contestants." The event was sponsored by Alba. The results are as follows: WMC Toastmaster Alex Sen Varghese was the overall winner of the International Speech Contest. FIFTEEN hair and make-up artists will showcase their talents in a competition being held tonight at the Phoenicia Hotel. The Prom Queen Hair and Make-Up Competition is an on-the-spot event in which participants will have 30 minutes to style their model's hair, 15 minutes to apply the foundation and 30 minutes the rest of the make-up. "Their hair will be set, whether curly, straight, or coloured and they will just create the style," said stylist and Artistic Team leader Solomon Calalang, from Hairanoia Men's Salon, Manama. "We are looking for a blend between a traditional look and a new style, or trend for this year. "We are also looking for the total look of the woman. It's not a beauty contest, we look for creativity and a clean look." The winner of the competition will receive $300 (BD113.400) and the two runners-up will receive $200 and $100 each. They will also receive a trophy, while there is an additional trophy for the best Prom King. The ev 0
105340 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Way to self-awareness A SELF-AWARENESS experimental workshop will be held on Saturday at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Manama. Bahrain Meditation Centre director Aruna Ladva is conducting the workshop from 7pm to 9pm, with the support of businessman Jawad Al Hawaj. It is open to members of the public free-of-charge. For more information, contact the centre on 17712545 or e-mail meditate@batelco.com.bh or log on to www.bahrainmeditationcentre.org 0
105341 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Hawar project set to start WORK to turn Hawar Islands into a world-class tourist destination is expected to begin by the end of the year. Area MP Mohammed Al Dossari told the GDN that Hawar Islands were the perfect place to have recreational facilities, such as new hotels, resorts and chalets. "Most of Bahrain's beaches are now private lands while it is difficult to have facilities on those which aren't," he said. "Developing Hawar into a tourist destination will help provide people in Bahrain with a nearby destination to enjoy themselves in. "Hawar is a virgin island, where such tourism projects could be developed easily. "Bids for projects there will be issued in a few months time." Mr Al Dossari said Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa was the person behind promoting Hawar. "Hawar will continue being protected as a natural habitat for various birds and animals, but at the same time it will become a place where people can enjoy their time," he said. " 0
105342 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Father dies on holiday in India A BAHRAIN-based Indian father has died while on holiday. Mahendran Pillai, aged 42, died at a private hospital in Kollam, Kerala. He had been a driver with Universal Chemicals, in Sitra, for the last 10 years. His cousin R Srikumar said that Mr Pillai went home to his native Kottarakkara, Kerala, with his wife Smitha on December 31 and he was due to return by the end of next month. "Mr Pillai did not have any problem while he was in Bahrain. He was admitted in the hospital last week after he found blood in his nose," said Mr Srikumar. "Doctors said that he had internal bleeding and he died around 2pm on Friday." Mr Srikumar said the couple had been due to bring their seven-year-old son Sriram to Bahrain, to continue his education. He was being bought up by Mrs Pillai's mother while the couple were in Bahrain. Mr Pillai's body was cremated yesterday. 0
105343 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Saudi aces in Scrabble challenge TOP Scrabble players from Saudi Arabia will play against the Bahrain Scrabble League (BSL) on April 15. Dhahran Scrabble Group president Mohammed Osman said 10 to 12 players are expected to compete in the event, dubbed the Bahrain-Saudi Challenge. There are 10 Scrabble clubs in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Scrabble groups plan to hold a qualifying competition in Dhahran on April 14 for the 15th Gulf Scrabble Tournament, taking place in Bahrain in June. Gulf Scrabble players dean Ishtiaq Chishty said he plans to compete in the qualifying contest in Dhahran and will then take part in the Bahrain-Saudi Challenge the next day. The team tourney, for which the venue has not yet been determined, would be internationally rated. Ricky Gonzalez (Munirah, Saudi Arabia), ranked fifth in the Gulf, said he would donate two trophies to the seven-round team competition. BSL won the previous team contest held three years ago. Meanwhile, Ferrer Abordo won the week's nine-pla 0
105344 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Marketing push vital for Bahrain BAHRAIN has many impressive futuristic projects which can put it on the international stage, but needs to learn to market itself better, says visiting conceptualist, designer and artist Syd Mead. Projects as the Bahrain World Trade Centre and the Bahrain Financial Harbour need to be better promoted abroad, said Mr Mead, in Bahrain as part of a Gulf tour. "The dynamism and forethought that has gone into the design and fundamentals of these projects as well as leisure and tourism endeavours like Lu Lu Island are exactly what Bahrain needs to become a global name," he said. "The work being done will position Bahrain as the region's financial hub and place it on the international stage. "But Bahrain needs to learn how to get the message across so that world knows what is happening here." He was speaking at a Press conference at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre (GICEC) yesterday. Last night Mr Mead, whose company Syd Mead Inc 0
105345 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Expert tips on child speech therapy NUTRITIONAL deficiencies and communication difficulties will come under the spotlight at two lectures being held today, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The lectures are being conducted by visiting UK experts University of Sunderland Autism Research Unit director Dr Paul Shattock and speech and language specialist Judy Pye. Dr Shattock will speak about the Biological Basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Ms Pye on Communication, ASD, and Speech and Language Therapies. The lectures are being held from 4pm to 8pm. They are free of charge and all are welcome. Dr Shattock and Ms Pye will also be conducting separate workshops at the BIEC from 4pm to 8pm tomorrow. Ms Pye's workshop will be held under the title Communication Strategies and Approaches and Dr Shattock's on A Practical Guide to Biomedical Intervention in Autism. Places for the workshop are still available and the fee is BD10 per person. The lectures and workshops a 0
105346 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Registrations call REGISTRATION in all government primary schools for the academic year 2005/2006 begins on Saturday, announced the Education Ministry yesterday. Parents of children born in January 2000 are being urged to register their youngsters for grade one for the new academic year, which begins in September. Registration will continue until Monday at all primary government schools. Registration is only open at the schools with vacancies and the child's age and residence will be considered. Parents can only register their child in one school. Those wishing to register their children in schools away from their residential area, need to agree in writing that they will provide transportation and will not relocate the child to another school during the year. The names of those accepted will be announced on March 7. 0
105347 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL School to hold heritage festival IBN Khuldoon National School will hold its Fifth Annual Heritage Festival on March 17, from 6.30pm to 10pm, at the Children and Mothers Welfare Society hall in Isa Town. The event is being held under the patronage of society president Shaikha Lulwa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa. Proceeds collected from the festival will go towards the development and expansion of the school's premises. 0
105348 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Kerala channel to begin operations AN INDIAN channel will start its operations in Bahrain next month. Indiavision will set up an office in Bahrain with a reporter and cameraman to cover local issues, said Dubai-based regional editor Cynthia Chandran. Ms Chandran is on a three-day visit to Bahrain to shoot some of the tourist locations and to interview prominent community members in Bahrain. The 24-hour news channel, from Kerala, was launched two years ago and is planning to expand its operations to the Gulf. "Our main office will be based at the Dubai Media City, where we will overlook our operations in the region," noted Ms Chandran. "We plan to cover news, entertainment programmes, problems facing people, especially Indians, celebrations, viewers' opinions and many more. "We will have two Gulf news bulletins, which we will start telecasting from March 18." Ms Chandran is in Bahrain at the invitation of businessmen Razzak Muzhikkal and Manzoor P Moideen. 0
105349 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Egyptian photo expo A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition on the Egyptian Civilisation will be officially opened at the Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, on Tuesday (March 1). The event, under the patronage of Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, will feature the works of 13 top Egyptian photographers. It is being organised by the ministry's Culture and Art Directorate in co-ordination with the Egyptian Ministry. The exhibition will be open free of charge to the public from Wednesday and until Monday, from 8am to 8pm. All are welcome. 0
105350 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL 21 schools win research grant TWENTY-ONE schools have been selected by GPIC for promoting a national environmental awareness programme. These schools were selected out of 85 which presented research works under the Education and GPIC Environ-mental Research Scheme, launched at the beginning of the academic year in September. The best 21 research works were selected to be given financial support according to the conditions laid down for this purpose, said a GPIC spokesman. "The project was launched as part of GPIC's policy of promoting environmental awareness and support for environmental projects in the Bahrain community," he noted. "The scheme targets secondary schools for support and sponsorship of scientific research concerning the environment, and was jointly launched with the Education Ministry." For this purpose, GPIC allocated BD5,000 for financing environmental research works and projects selected by the scheme's secretariat. The Education Ministry, GPIC and environmental 0
105351 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL BD1,000 donated for aid relief TWO Bahrain Road Runners yesterday presented a cheque for BD1,000 to the Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) as a contribution to the Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund. Indians Mohammed Idris and Mohammed Javed presented the cheque to BRCS executive director Mubarak Khalifa Al Hadi at the society's headquarters in the Diplomatic Area. National Hotel Services Company (NHSC) sales executive Mr Idris and Crowne Plaza employee Mr Javed raised the money when they took part in the Bahrain Road Runners 27th Bahrain Full Marathon earlier this month. "We would like to thank all the people who donated money and especially to the management and staff at the Crowne Plaza and National Hotel Services Company," said Mr Idris, who lost six family members in the tragedy. "The run went well and we held a one minute silence for tsunami victims. We are very happy we did it and were able to achieve our goal of BD1,000." 0
105352 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Housing hopes for Dor villagers WORKS and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder yesterday promised to look into a plea for an extra 10 houses in Dor village. He was responding to a request by residents who said the extra homes will help reunite them with their relatives, who had to move to nearby Riffa because of the lack of development in their village. At present, the ministry is constructing 10 houses in the area, located next to Jaw and Askar, south of the country. Mr Al Jowder, accompanied by Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, were touring Askar, Jaw and Al Dor to look into people's problems and possible ways of helping them. The tour follows a visit by residents to His Majesty King Hamad last September to highlight problems they are facing. A letter was submitted with residents' requests to His Majesty, who ordered ministers to visit the villages and discuss residents' needs. Mr Al Jowder said a study was being prepared by the ministry to develop the three villages. 0
105353 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Jobless urged to be realistic JOBLESS villagers in Nuwaidrat were promised work within two months yesterday. But they must be realistic and stop hoping for government jobs, or positions and salaries they cannot achieve, said Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. He was speaking his meeting with the residents of the village. The visit was part of a series of tours by ministers to find out people's needs, under directives from His Majesty King Hamad. Almost 50 jobless men and women, Central Municipal Council chairman Ibrahim Hussain, Nuwaidrat Club president Ibrahim Khatam and other dignitaries from the area attended a meeting with Dr Al Alawi and other ministry officials, at the Al Ismail Matam in the village. Dr Al Alawi listened to some of the residents' problems, particularly over employment. One resident told how he had worked for 10 years for the same company, hauling his way up from labourer to a public relations position - but was still stuck on the same BD150 salary. Anoth 0
105354 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Terror aftermath 'Arab dilemma' ARABS will discuss the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the US at a regional forum starting today. The aim is to create a moderate response to the pressures thrust on the Arab world by the attacks. The two-day forum, organised by Jordan-based Arab Thought Forum (Al Muntada), will open today under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad at the Sheraton Hotel. Around 130 Arab decision-makers, prominent scholars and intellectuals will be attending the forum, under the theme Moderation - Between Theory and Practice. Al Muntadas founder Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan will be chairing the forum. Royal Court Cultural research director Ali Khalifa said that the forum was part of a series of events hosted in Bahrain aimed at promoting dialogue between civilisations and religions. "The theme of this forum is in line with the reforms project initiated by King Hamad to further promote Bahrain as a leader for dialogue initiatives and cultural 0
105355 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Gayo back in action FILIPINO Albert Gayo is making a remarkable recovery, nearly a month after being brutally attacked in his Mina Salman flat. The hairdresser and show organiser has only been out of hospital for a week and is still on a strict liquid diet. But he is already working on the organisation of two major fashion shows in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and preparing for a major Toastmasters contest. Since his entire right arm is still in a cast, he has not been able to cut hair at his beauty salon in Umm Al Hassam and probably will not be able to for some time. "Cutting hair is my livelihood, so this past month I haven't had any income, so I am concentrating on my event management. I am thankful that I have friends who support me and they help me a lot," Mr Gayo told the GDN yesterday. "I am working on a fashion show by a top British fashion house to be held by the end of March in Saudi Arabia. "Here in Bahrain I am working on a fashion show to be held mid-March at the B 0
105356 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Bone marrow plea boy dies A BAHRAINI boy has died after a BD100,000 appeal to pay for a bone marrow transplant raised just BD2,000. Abdulatif Abdulwahab, aged 15, suffered from leukaemia and doctors had said that his only hope was the transplant. He was admitted to the Salmaniya Medical Complex early last week following complications and died on Thursday from a brain haemorrhage, his father told the GDN. Abdulatif has been in and out of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital, in Riyadh, since October 2003 and has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy. He was taken there a month after he was first diagnosed with lymphoblastic leukaemia at the SMC. Abdulatif had needed an immediate bone marrow transplant, according to his medical reports. Riyadh hospital doctors had told the boy's father that they could only perform the operation if the cost was backed by a sponsor, or if he paid for it in cash. They said they would not operate on his son until he secured the payment of one milli 0
105357 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Plan to relocate garages on hold PLANS to remove 48 garages and welding workshops from two residential areas in Arad have been put on hold by the Muharraq Municipal Council. Owners of the garages and workshops have been campaigning in front of the council premises in Busaiteen since the decision was announced last Tuesday. The decision to relocate the garages and wielding workshops in blocks 4328 and 4334 to the new industrial area in Hidd was taken by the council at its meeting last Monday. The council has received continuous complaints from residents over the noise and fumes caused by the garages and welding workshops. Last month the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry issued a decision stipulating restricted working hours,to reduce the nuisance. But residents were still angry and this why the council took the decision to relocate garages and workshops. But Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Majeed Karimi said yesterday that garages and workshops would not be r 0
105358 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Celebrations begin to mark GCC Tree Week CELEBRATIONS to mark the GCC Tree Week began yesterday at the Muharraq Governorate. Festivities, organised by the Muharraq Municipal Council and the Muharraq Municipality, will continue at a number of Muharraq schools in addition to the Samaheej Club until tomorrow. The four schools celebrating the event in Muharraq are Hassan Bin Thabet Primary School for Boys, Busaiteen Intermediate School for Girls, Muharraq Technical Secondary School for Girls and Arad Primary School for Girls. Celebrations include musical performances, plays and speeches, highlighting the importance of planting trees to beautify our surroundings and their importance to the environment. Saplings are also being planted by students at the schools. Leaflets and brochures about the event have been printed, courtesy of cleaning company GCCC and are being distributed on students taking part in the festival. A survey on municipal services and facilities will be also distributed to Muharraq residents 0
105359 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Career Day planned PREPARATIONS are well underway for the sixth Bahrain University Career Day, which will be held next month. The three-day event will be held at the Sakhir campus, under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. Thirty-six private and public sector organisations from Bahrain and others from abroad have signed up for the event, which will be held from March 27 to March 29. Batelco is the event's gold sponsor. "We are presenting students with the opportunity to meet with potential employers face to face," said event organising committee head Nael Al Onais. "This sort of event is held at universities throughout the world to present students with the chance to secure a job as soon as they graduate. "Through our event last year, we managed to collect 7,500 CVs from students, something that reflects that the event is successful and is gaining popularity amongst students." Mr Al Onais said that only around 1,500 CVs we 0
105360 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain alert over danger food imports MANAMA: Bahrain has been put on the alert against contaminated food products from the UK. Suspect goods are being pulled from shop shelves and port inspectors have been ordered to stop any goods which may be contaminated. The alert follows a massive scare in the UK, where more than 400 processed food products were found to contain the banned dye Sudan 1, which has been linked to cancer. It is believed to have come from a tainted batch of Crosse and Blackwell Worcester sauce, which is also used in hundreds of other manufactured foods and ready meals. Around 400 food items have been pulled from shop shelves all over the UK. Bahrain Health Ministry inspectors have so far identified and confiscated three products containing the dye - Walkers Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps, Colman's Sea Food Sauce and Waitrose Shepherd's Pie. The products have been pulled from shop shelves here and inspectors are checking for any other contaminated items, the ministry said i 0
105361 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Rising crime 'is hurting stability' RISING crime is frightening people and threatening Bahrain's stability, says a leading MP. A call for tougher penalties and better policing is going out from the Parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national economy committee. "What Bahrain is witnessing today is saddening, especially with the huge increase in thefts, fraud, gunmen attacking banks and physical assault, most notably rape," said committee chairman Ahmed Bahzad. He said that the committee had submitted a report to parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani for discussion in parliament. "We have spent a lot of effort to prepare the report, which highlights the responsibilities of each concerned party and ways of combating such activities to return peace and stability to the kingdom, something that previously made the country unique," he said. "There are a lot of reasons for this rise, but heading them are the dramatic increase in the population, deteriorating social status, poor family upbringing, unemplo 0
105362 1 1482 BNEW LOCAL King urges collective security to achieve goals MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday said popular participation in running public affairs was the best way of governance and preserving security. "The best leadership ... is that which looks sincerely after the interests of the homeland and its people through popular participation such as we apply now," he said before chairing a meeting of the Higher Defence Council. "We perceive national security as collective security based on the social, economic, political and intellectual security of society and every individual in it ... which is how the advanced world perceives peoples' security," His Majesty said. He was speaking in presence of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He urged all national institutions to embrace this vision and work towards achieving this national objective. "We are all responsible for building the nation and defending its interests," he said.< 0
105363 2 1482 BNEW LOCAL LET'S PULL TOGETHER! MANAMA: A spirit of national unity is crucial in fighting crime and ensuring Bahrain's stability and economic success, said the Premier yesterday. Speaking at his weekly majlis, he stressed the vital importance of security for all citizens and residents. This is a top priority for pushing forward the wheels of economic development, he told the majlis, which was attended by Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, Shura Council and parliament chairmen Dr Faisal Al Mousawi and Khalifa Al Dhahrani, ministers, officials, religious figures, Shura members and MPs along with scores of citizens. The Premier underlined the obligation and duty of every Bahraini to become a basic partner in building their country. "This must become a solid pillar for our nation to ensure stability for all to achieve more progress and challenge any conspiracy or attempt to create unrest." He highlighted recent problems of theft and vowed that security 0
105364 3 1482 BNEW LOCAL BD50m university PRIME Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will lay the foundation stone for the new Euro University of Bahrain, with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, on Wednesday. The 100 million euros (BD50m) project has 10 European partners, who are all environmental engineering experts and academicians from Germany, Finland and France. Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife chairman and Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa is the university's honorary president. The university will be located in A'ali, near the Labour and Social Affairs Ministry complex, said founding committee chairman Dr Ahmed Al Janahi. "Shaikh Abdulla has directed us to take practical steps for implementing the project, which will be an edifice of higher learning for the next generation and the first university for environmental engineering in the Middle East," he told the GDN. "The Prime Minister has been behind the project right since 0
105365 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Manama pip Al Hala DEFENDING champions Manama clinched a crucial 72-71 win over arch-rivals Al Hala in a postponed Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball League preliminary round match last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. The victory gave Manama a joint lead with Muharraq with 19 points each from 10 matches at the end of the first-leg. Al Hala suffered their second defeat of the season and dropped to third place with 18 points. The second-leg will kick off after the on-going knock-out championship which will conclude on March 13. 0
105366 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Goosen storms into Match Play semi-finals CARLSBAD, California: South Africa's Refief Goosen dismissed Australia's Robert Allenby 4&3 to reach the semi-finals of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship yesterday, restoring order to an event rocked by upsets. A day earlier the $7.5-million tournament was stripped of its marquee names when world number one Vijay Singh, defending champion Tiger Woods and the hottest player on the PGA Tour Phil Mickelson were all shown the exit. While Goosen's match went according to form the other three quarter-finals featured minor upsets. American eighth Stewart Cink was dispatched 2&1 by 16th seeded compatriot Chris DiMarco. Number 14 David Toms gave the US two representatives in the final four with a 2&1 win over 11th seeded Australian Adam Scott. Scott's compatriot Nick had his run halted with a 3&1 loss to Britain's 42nd seed Ian Poulter. 0
105367 0 1482 SPOR SPORT 'Smartball' gets nod CARDIFF: A microchip-equipped ball designed to end disputes over goal-line decisions could be used at next year's World Cup after world football's rule-making body issued a green light for a trial of the new technology here yesterday. At talks here, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) agreed to trial a 'smartball' developed by sports equipment giant adidas which contains a microchip that bleeps when it crosses lines fitted with special sensors. The technology was presented to the Board yesterday and is to be used for both goal and side lines on an experimental basis at Fifa's under-17 World Championships in Peru in September. Fifa President Sepp Blatter insisted this was not the first step on the road to introducing video replays being viewed by a fourth official. 0
105368 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Indians recall Balaji and Nehra BOMBAY: India yesterday named four fast bowlers in a 14-member squad for the opening cricket Test against Pakistan, with Laxmipathy Balaji and Ashish Nehra making comebacks. Left-arm seamer Nehra and Balaji returned to bolster the pace attack after being out of Test cricket for nearly a year because of injuries. Both played their last Test match in April against Pakistan. Indian squad for first Test: Saurav Ganguly (capt), Rahul Dravid, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar, Venkatsai Laxman, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik, Zaheer Khan, Irfan Pathan, Ashish Nehra, Laxmipathy Balaji, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh. Board President's XI: Mohammad Kaif (capt), Dheeraj Jadhav, Satyajit Parab, Shikhar Dhawan, Venugopal Rao, Suresh Raina, Neeraj Patel, Parthiv Patel, Ramesh Powar, Shib Paul, Rudra Pratap Singh, Gagandeep Singh, Ranadeb Bose, Ram Kumar. 0
105369 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Sabah invited for Chinese snooker clash BAHRAIN'S rising snooker star Habib Sabah has been invited by the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) to participate in the China International Snooker Championship scheduled to be held from March 27 to April 4. Sabah is also the only player from the Middle East selected to compete in the nine-day event which has attracted 16 amateurs and 13 professionals from China, India and Thailand. Bahrain Snooker Association (BSA) president Shaikh Abdulla bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa said Sabah will be sent to UK on March 7 for an extensive two-week training camp to prepare for the event. 0
105370 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Zainal and Al Moataz triumph ALI Zainal and Abdulnasser Al Moataz were the joint winners of the Predictor Race organised by the Bahrain Roadrunners at the Al Ahli Club premises in Mahooz. The race is won by the person who finishes the race closest to their own predicted time and the pair predicted 40 minutes for the 6.7 kms distance and finished just two seconds behind in 40.02. Joyce Boswell claimed third place with only three seconds off her predicted 31.21 minutes. Junior Omar Isa, running the race for the first time, was in fourth place, five seconds adrift of his predicted 28 minutes for the shorter 4.7-km distance. A total of 31 runners took part in the race with seven participants finishing in less than 10 seconds off their times. For more information, contact Bahrain Road Runners chairman Adnan Al Qassab on 39685547 or member Joyce Boswell on 39465378. Results (in order of actual time and difference): 1 Ali Zainal (40.02 0.02), 2 A. Nasser al Moataz (40.02, 0.02), 3 Joyce Boswell (3 0
105371 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Pollock ruled out DURBAN: All-rounder Shaun Pollock will not return to the South African team for the second one-day international against Zimbabwe in Durban today, team management said yesterday. Pollock, who has a long-term ankle injury, missed the first match of the series in Johannesburg on Friday. Fast bowler Charl Langeveldt, who fractured his hand while batting in his Test debut against England in Cape Town in January, was likely to be called in. 0
105372 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Bayern stay top BERLIN: Sebastian Deisler scored the only goal from long distance as German league leaders Bayern Munich struggled to beat SC Freiburg 1-0 last night. Deisler beat two Freiburg defenders in the 52nd minute and fired an unstoppable shot from outside the box into the left corner of the goal. Bayern top the league with 47 points, three ahead of Schalke 04, who host Hanover 96 today. 0
105373 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Kermoal lifts Golf Day title PATRICE Kermoal took first place with 40 points in the annual Palm Association Charity Golf Day held on Friday at the Riffa Golf Club. Hyun Soo Kim was second with 38 points on the back nine and Tony Karaolis third, also with 38 points. Claire Cassidy won the 'Leading Lady' title with 38 points on countback and Dena Wales was the second 'Leading Lady'. "The event was hugely successful with well over 50 golfers taking part," said Phil Jones, Riffa Golf Club's golf operations manager. "The Palm Association is a very well-known local charity and our members and their guests are always happy to rally round to help raise money. We were also pleased to welcome a number of visitors who generously gave their support to this very worthwhile cause." Forthcoming events at the Riffa Golf Club l Friday, March 4: Ex-Grammarians KGS Medal Trophy in association with the Jaguar Monthly Medal Series 7.30am shotgun start. Open to members and guests l Friday, March 0
105374 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Junior swimmers win four medals BAHRAIN added four bronze medals yesterday at the third GCC Juniors Swimming Championship being held in Kuwait. After winning five bronze medals on Friday, Bahrain clinched four more in different categories. Sufyan Yousef opened the account yesterday for Bahrain winning the bronze in the under-17 400m freestyle competition. Khalid Baba followed suit finishing third in the under-10 50m butterfly event and Ali Baba took the third bronze of the day in the under-14 200m freestyle division. The team of Omar Yousef, Hisham Fawzi, Hisham Ali and Sufyan Yousef bagged Bahrain's fourth bronze in the 4X100m relay. The event will conclude today and the team will return home later tonight. 0
105375 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Lodge Keeper wins Qatar race LODGE Keeper, owned by Equestrian and Horseracing Club higher committee vice-chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, clinched the fifth race at the Qatar International Horseracing Championship organised by the Qatar Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Doha. Ridden by veteran French jockey Gerald Avranche, Lodge Keeper completed the 2,400m event in a record time of two minutes and 30.4 seconds. Second place was also taken by a Bahraini-based horse - Mutawassel, owned by Hussain Bu Kannan and ridden by British jockey Paul Whitmore, while Deni Smith steered Shaikh Ali bin Hamad Al Thani-owned horse Stephano to third position. 0
105376 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Federer too hot for Agassi DUBAI: Roger Federer overwhelmed Andre Agassi in only 52 minutes as he extended his record to 19 wins out of 20 this year and remained on course for his third title of the year at the Dubai Open. Federer also hit something like his best form for the first time this week, winning 6-3, 6-1, a semi-final beating which had Agassi, the former winner of all four Grand Slam titles, cooing in admiration. In today's final, he will take on Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic, the man he beat to take the Rotterdam title last weekend. Ljubicic scored a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Spain's Tommy Robredo Federer achieved a break with a wonder shot, a winning backhand lob played in full retreat and with his back to the net, and projected over Agassi's head with an instinctive flick. It earned the defending champion the biggest roar of the night, and although Agassi has been the most popular player in the tournament by far, the crowd had to settle for applauding the magnificence of Federer during the one-s 0
105377 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Rangers beat Kilmarnock to get closer to regain title GLASGOW: Rangers took another small step towards regaining the Scottish Premier League title with a 2-1 win at home to Kilmarnock last night. Goals from Dado Prso and Nacho Novo gave Alex McLeish's side the points, with Kris Boyd scoring a late goal for the visitors, which gives the Ibrox side a six-point lead over Old Firm rivals Celtic. The reigning champions however have played two games less. Martin O'Neill's side had to postpone their game against Inverness because of weather, and today they play away to Clyde in the Scottish Cup. After goals were chalked off for both Rangers and Killie early on, Rangers kept Killie goalkeeper Alan Combe busy. Combe prevented Rangers taking the lead in the 19th minute when Novo met a chip from Fernando Rickson with a first-time volley which looked goalbound but was parried at the last minute by the goalkeeper. Rangers then took the lead through a fantastic strike from Prso. Five minutes before the break a horrendous m 0
105378 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Aussies rout Kiwis to wrap up series AUCKLAND: An unbroken 136-run partnership by Michael Clarke and Mike Hussey and a terrorising spell of bowling by Brett Lee carried Australia to an 86-run win over New Zealand yesterday to wrap up the one-day cricket series with two matches to spare. The rescue partnership, an Australian record for the sixth wicket, began with the world champions struggling at 128 for five and carried them to 264 at the end of their 50 overs. In reply New Zealand offered meek resistance as Lee took the key wickets of Stephen Fleming and Chris Cairns, and sent recalled batsman Michael Papps to hospital, leaving the home side out for 178 with eight overs remaining. Brad Hogg cleaned up the tail with three of the last four wickets which fell in the space of 10 runs It was Australia's 11th win from their last 12 matches against New Zealand, and Fleming conceded his team had no answer. Clarke, after scores of nought and 23, notched 71 not out off 75 balls while Hussey, in only his third one-da 0
105379 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Scots beat Italy to end poor run EDINBURGH: It was ugly. It was disjointed. It was scrappy. And it was barely deserved. But It was also one of Scotland's most precious wins in their history. Their fears of landing their second wooden spoon on the trot were wiped out last night as they halted their Six Nations run of misery with an 18-10 win over Italy at Murrayfield. Full-back Chris Paterson kicked six penalties from six attempts to guide the Scots to their first Six Nations win since Australian coach Matt Williams took over at the start of last season. By contrast, Italy missed three kicks at goal and a converted try by centre Andrea Masi in the 78th minute after a charge down came too late to affect the result. The Italians, who have not won one of their three matches so far in the tournament, now look doomed to finish bottom of the table with games against world champions England and 2004 Six Nations winners France still to come. Italy's other points came from a first-half penalty from Roland de Marig 0
105380 1 1482 SPOR SPORT WALES SHOCK FRANCE PARIS: Two tries early in the second-half by Wales flanker Martyn Williams inspired Wales to a thrilling 24-18 comeback victory ending France's reign as Six Nations Grand Slam holders and keeping alive the visitors hopes of a first Grand Slam since 1978 here last night. France also scored two tries through Dimitri Yachvili and Aurelien Rougerie but the Welsh refused to let go and turned a 15-0 deficit into a remarkable victory. It will add further pressure on France coach Bernard Laporte, who was given warning of just how much he had fallen out of favour with the home supporters when he was booed when his name was called out prior to the match. Laporte was given a dream start in the fifth minute by Yachvili, who changed direction and ran through a gap to touch down for only his second try in 17 tests and then added the conversion. France's rediscovered flair produced a superb second try in the 13th minute as the previously pedestrian Yann Delaigue showed a clean pair of h 0
105381 2 1482 SPOR SPORT United win with Rooney double LONDON: Wayne Rooney kept Manchester United's bid to catch Chelsea at the top of the Premiership on track with a superb double strike to secure victory over battling Portsmouth at Old Trafford last night. A 2-1 win cut Chelsea's advantage back to six points although the London club, who play Liverpool in the League Cup final tomorrow, retain a game in hand. For most of the second-half, after Gary O'Neill had cancelled out Rooney's sweetly taken opener, it looked as if Portsmouth, the last side to beat United in the league, would defy the odds once more. But Rooney had other ideas. With 10 minutes left, the teenager collected a pass from Ruud van Nistelrooy in his stride and surged into the box before finishing with aplomb to make it six league wins in a row for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. While United continue to hold out hope, Arsenal's lingering hopes of retaining their Premiership title appeared to have been crushed after a 1-1 draw at relegation-threatened Southampton t 0
105382 3 1482 SPOR SPORT Sharapova pips Molik for crown DOHA: Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova staged a superb rally last night to smother the challenge of Alicia Molik 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 and win the $600,000 Qatar Open. "I was always positive, even after losing the first set," the Russian smiled after collecting her winner's cheque of $94,000. "I had a good game." However, the world number four and second seed found the going tough in the first set. Fourth seed Molik, brimming with confidence after her semi-final win over top seed Aelie Mauresmo on Friday, played aggressive tennis and knocked the wind out of Sharapova in the first set. The Australian world number nine broke Sharapova in the third game and held her serve in the next to take a 3-1 lead. Showing scant respect for the rising Russian, Molik fired four aces in all to win the first set 6-4 in 36 minutes. Molik, who had beaten Sharapova in the Zurich final last year, looked heading for a repeat of that win but Sharapova rebounded, breaking Molik in 0
105383 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Al Hekma tennis set REGISTRATION will continue till March 5 for the Al Hekma International School third Open Juniors Tennis Championship which gets underway on March 8 at the Bahrain Tennis Federation (BTF) courts in Isa Town. Organised by Al Hekma School under the supervision of the BTF, the four-day event will be open to junior players of different nationalities and consists of boys competitions for the under-12, 14, 18 and the girl's under-18 division. Registration forms are available at the federation and school premises. For further information, contact the school director Essam Abdula'al on 39677989 or BTF on 17687236 or fax 17781533. 0
105384 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Moees edges out Imad MOEES Ali beat Imad Fareed 6-4, 6-4 in the boys under-16 singles of the 10th BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championships at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. In other matches, Hamad Al Nuzuf eased past Abdulaziz Al Awadi 6-1, 6-1, Ozer Isik trounced Ihsan Osman 6-0, 6-0, Sharif Nashed beat Jamwel Contreras 6-1, 6-3, Hassan Abdulreda tamed Filip Sockor 6-1, 6-0 and Hazem Al Mousawi outplayed Rohan Mehra 6-3, 6-1. Ahmed Yousef, Simon Taylor, Isa Al Samak, Abdulla Fakhro and Ratan Rego received walk-overs from Fahad Zaman, Mohammed Qayed, Paolo Blasi, Jassim Abdulreda and Ross Henson, respectively. 0
105385 0 1482 SPOR SPORT Taekwondo open THE Bahrain Martial Arts Association is organising the Kingdom of Bahrain Open Taekwondo Championship on March 10. The one-day event will be held under the patronage of BMAA president Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and is open to all taekwondo schools. A technical committee will be making several visits to schools' training sessions. The committee: BMAA first vice-president Saleh Al Mahmeed (head) and includes Khalid Al Hassan, Adnan Shikho and national team coach Kim Young Li of South Korea. 0
105386 0 1482 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Carousel - World of Imagination Recreational Clubs. Registration now open for Lingua Espanol (Spanish Club), Lingua Arabica (Arabic Club), Shake n'Spear - Performance Club. For details, contact 17685012. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Circuit, British Club, 9am to 10am; line dancing 9.30am-11.30am; library 4pm-7pm; netball 7pm-10pm; salsa class, 8pm-9pm. Contact 17728245. Al Areesh Gallery for Child Art, Adliya, 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm. Contact 17813043 or 17259623. Ballet, karate and belly dance, Bahrain Ballet Centre. Contact 17693232. Yoga, Marina Club, 5.15pm-6.45pm. Ladies Only. Contact 17291527 or 39052254. Ladies and Kids Net 0
105387 1 1482 WORL WORLD Mubarak reveals poll reform CAIRO: President Hosni Mubarak yesterday said he had told parliament to amend Egypt's constitution to allow direct presidential elections in which anyone can stand and all citizens can vote by secret ballot. The announcement, welcomed by the opposition as a first step, comes amid US pressure on Egypt to accelerate democratic reform and follows months of unprecedented protests in which demonstrators have denounced the likelihood of Mubarak being elected to a fifth six-year term. In a televised speech, Mubarak hailed what he called an historic move signalling a new era of political reform. He said he had asked the constitution to be amended before May in time for the next presidential election. Detained opposition leader Ayman Nour ended a hunger strike after Mubarak's announcement. He was detained in January for questioning about allegations that his party submitted forged documents. 0
105388 2 1482 WORL WORLD Syria blamed for bombing JERUSALEM: Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz last night blamed Syria for a suicide bombing that killed four Israelis in Tel Aviv, and also froze plans to hand over security responsibilities in the West Bank to the Palestinians. The suicide bombing, which broke a two-week period of relative calm, has threatened to derail the informal February 8 ceasefire declaration made by Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. It also could spark new tensions between Israel and its arch enemy, Syria. Abbas angrily accused a "third party" of orchestrating the suicide bombing to sabotage the Mideast peace process, and his security officials directly said Hizbollah was involved. In Beirut, Hizbollah denied the accusations. Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility from Lebanon, reversing initial denials by its members in the Palestinian territories. The conflicting accounts created a rare sense of mystery around Friday night's attack, which killed four Israe 0
105389 3 1482 WORL WORLD 10 killed in Iraq attacks BAGHDAD: At least 10 people were killed and 11 kidnapped in Iraq as the interim government claimed yesterday that the noose was tightening on Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the man blamed for much of the violence. Three Iraqis died and 15 were wounded in clashes between gunmen and US marines in the rebel bastion of Ramadi, west of Baghdad. In a catologue of other violence, two people died in a bomb blast yesterday near the headquarters of Iraq's leading Sunni Muslim religious organisation. Three Iraqi women died when mortar rounds struck homes near Dhuluiyah and a Turkish driver burnt to death in the cab of his lorry hit by an anti-tank rocket. In another attack, carried out with a car bomb, an Iraqi soldier died and five were wounded at Mussaieb, south of Baghdad. Near Hilla, also south of the capital, a journalist with a US-funded Arabic language television station, Al Hurra, was seriously wounded and his driver killed. Meanwhile, police said 11 people, including 0
105390 0 1482 WORL WORLD Wedding delay threat LONDON: The planned marriage of Britain's Prince Charles to his longtime mistress Camilla Parker Bowles is set to end up in court to test its legality. The Daily Express said an investigation into the marriage is expected to be referred to family law judge Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss to test whether the civil wedding at Windsor Guildhall is legal. Other challenges have effectively put the April 8 ceremony on hold, it said. The register office service is overseeing the inquiry in which Butler-Sloss, president of the High Court family division, will be consulted informally by England's Registrar General Len Cook. Legal experts said that depending on the outcome of the discussion, the dispute may be referred to the court for a ruling, the newspaper reported. The British monarchy has been seriously damaged by the litany of errors overshadowing the wedding of Charles and Parker-Bowles, a new poll showed. Less than a third of those polled now believe that the pr 0
105391 0 1482 WORL WORLD Pope 'will not read message' VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul will join in today's Angelus prayers from his hospital room but will not read them out or greet the faithful from a window, the Vatican said as the Pope recovered from a throat operation to ease a breathing crisis. Vatican officials confirmed there were no plans for the 84-year-old pontiff to make a brief appearance at Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic hospital during today's blessing. Today will be the first time the Pope will neither appear nor have his voice heard at an Angelus service. Doctors have advised the Pope not to speak for several days as he recovers from surgery to insert a breathing tube into his throat. The Holy See's terse announcement came after officials met to decide if John Paul was well enough to make some written statement or gesture aimed at reassuring the world his recovery is progressing after his second breathing crisis in less than a month. But with the Pope in a delicate state, the Vatican said its undersecretary 0
105392 0 1482 WORL WORLD Russia and Iran shelve nuclear fuel deal TEHRAN: Russia and Iran, faced with last-minute disputes, put off an agreement yesterday to provide Iran with nuclear fuel and pave the way for it to open its first reactor, a deal that Washington has pushed Moscow to stop, claiming Tehran is trying to build a nuclear bomb. Top Russian and Iranian nuclear officials said signing of the agreement was expected to go ahead today in Bushehr, the southern town where Iran's first nucelar power reactor was built using Russian help. The snag in the agreement followed the summit between the US and Russian presidents in Slovakia, which touched on American concerns over Russian support for Iran's contentious nuclear programme. But Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said he is sure Iran does not intend to build nuclear weapons and that Russian co-operation with the Persian state would continue. Under the deal, Russia will provide nuclear fuel to Iran, then take back the spent fuel, a step meant as a safeguard to ensure it cannot be div 0
105393 0 1482 WORL WORLD Ulster man gives up BELFAST: A man has been arrested in Northern Ireland after turning himself in to police in connection with last month's murder of a Catholic in a bar in Belfast, police said yesterday. The IRA had said that it had expelled three members accused of the murder. Republican sources added that they understood the man who surrendered to police was one of those expelled. Police said the man was being questioned after going to a Belfast police station, with his lawyer. Robert McCartney, 33, was beaten and stabbed in front of some 70 witnesses on January 31 following a row in a Belfast bar. Gerry Adams, head of Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA, earlier made an unprecedented suggestion that witnesses should testify in court about the murder allegedly committed by IRA members. The rare, if not unprecedented expulsions followed a high-profile campaign by the victim's family to bring the killers to justice. The family met with Adams on Thursday. The murdered 0
105394 0 1482 WORL WORLD Indian boy's Nasa claim busted by news portal LUCKNOW: An Indian teenager from one of the country's most backward states appears to have fooled governments, the media and even the president into believing he had topped the world in a Nasa science exam. In a country hungry for international recognition, 17-year-old Saurabh Singh was feted as a national hero after announcing he had won Nasa's International Scientist Discovery examination, which he said he took at Oxford University. The Uttar Pradesh state government rewarded him with a 500,000 rupee ($11,500) prize and more than 100 members of the state's upper house each donated a day's salary to him. But as he was at the president's official residence awaiting an audience during the week, his story unravelled. An Indian news portal, rediff.com, contacted Nasa, which denied any knowledge of the exam. "Right now, no one knows where this examination comes from," Rediff quoted Nasa education official Dwayne Brown saying. A meeting planned with Prime Minis 0
105395 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Strong ties with Qatar are praised The Prime Minister yesterday received members of the Al Attiyah family headed by Qatari Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Power and Industry Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Attiyah and Qatari Monetary Agency Governor Abdulla bin Khalid Al Attiyah. They conveyed greetings from the Amir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Crown Prince Shaikh Tameem bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Thani, and their wishes of further progress and prosperity to Bahrain. The Premier hailed strong historical relations bonding both countries in addition to joint co-operation. He also asserted the kingdom's keenness to strengthen ties with Qatar for the benefit of both countries. 0
105396 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Unity key to growth says Premier The Prime Minister yesterday urged citizens to pull together to ensure Bahrain's economic success. Everyone has a role to play - whether in government or the private sector, he told his weekly majlis. He said that the government was encouraging everyone to contribute in their own way to help raise living standards. The Premier also praised the role of the recent meeting of the Economic Development Board chaired by the Crown Prince , considering it a major channel through which the government can listen to views of concerned bodies and private sector, in order to provide them with every facility to enable them to achieve further progress and prosperity. "Bahrain is very proud of its people who have proved to be qualified to carry out their national obligations, and what we are concerned about today is cementing existing relations among all segments of society and averting any kind of infiltration, as such attempts will never end unless we are armed with a national faith." 0
105397 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Worker acquitted MANAMA: A former government employee, accused of being in possession of official documents without authorisation, was acquitted by the High Criminal Court yesterday for lack of evidence. Mohammed Kawari, a former General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs employee, claimed he was handed some documents which he assumed were for him, which was why he kept them in his possession. He also denied they were confidential documents. 0
105398 0 1482 BNEW LOCAL Qatar mission MANAMA: Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa leaves today on an official visit to Doha at the invitation of Qatari Crown Prince Shaikh Tameem bin Hamad Al Thani. He will chair Bahrain's side to the fifth meeting of the Bahraini-Qatari Joint Supreme Committee. 0
105399 0 1483 BUSI BUSINESS Batelco signs Jordan deal MANAMA: Batelco has signed a roaming agreement with Xpress Telecommunications Company, in Jordan. It means Batelco customers will be given the option of connecting to the Xpress Telecommunications Company's network upon arrival in Jordan. The new agreement took effect on Saturday and means that Batelco mobile users can now use their handsets in 105 countries around the globe. 0
105400 0 1483 BUSI BUSINESS NBB to pay BD18m in dividend MANAMA: A BD18 million payout was approved for National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) shareholders at its ordinary general assembly meeting yesterday. The 40 per cent dividend follows a record-breaking year for the bank, which reported profits of BD28.6m last year. It is accompanied by a bonus shares issue of BD9m, at the rate of one additional share for every five shares held, which takes NBB's fully paid share capital to BD54m. Shareholders also recommended the allocation of BD1.4m to the donations and contributions programme, which represents 5pc of last year's profits. In addition, BD4.5m will be transferred from the general reserve to the statutory reserve. "During 2004, the global economy continued to post sustained recovery at a growth rate well in excess of the historic trend," said chairman Abdulla Ali Kanoo. "In Bahrain and throughout the GCC region, the positive steps of economic reforms and investments in major projects continued. "All time h 0
105401 0 1483 BUSI BUSINESS Management seminar set MANAMA: Management in the GCC will come under the spotlight at a seminar being held at 7pm tonight at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), in Juffair. The seminar, entitled People Management Issues in the GCC, will be presented by Labour Ministry manpower and development director Ahmed Al Banna. The paper was presented during the 31st Asian Regional Training and Development Organisation (ARTDO) International Management and Human Resources Development Conference held in Penang, Malaysia last year. The event is being organised by Bahrain Society for Training and Development (BSTD). It is free and all are welcome. 0
105402 0 1483 BUSI BUSINESS First Islamic Investment Bank gets new identity MANAMA: Bahrain-based First Islamic Investment Bank is changing its name to Arcapita. The bank announced the move in a Press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday, while the new logo and corporate identity will be introduced over the coming months. It also applies to the bank's wholly owned subsidiaries Crescent Capital Investments Inc, in the US, and Crescent Capital Investments (Europe) Limited, in the UK. The change is part of the bank's strategy to unite its businesses in the Middle East, Europe and North America and enhance its presence on the global scene. Its new name will become official on March 15. "We believe that a strong unified brand will allow us to build on our established relationship with our shareholders, investors and business partners and enhance our ability to deliver innovative investment opportunities that generate superior returns," said chairman Mohammed Abdulaziz Aljomaih. Meanwhile, chief executive offic 0
105403 0 1483 BUSI BUSINESS Business workshop on way MANAMA: An executive development workshop on the strategic alignment between business and human resources (HR) is being held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel from March 7 to 9. It is being held under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi and the Ideal Management Consulting (IMC) Company, in association with the Saudi-based Arabian Society for Human Resources Management (ASHRM) and the Bahrain Society for Training Development (BSTD). The workshop will be led by three leading international strategic business and HR consultants. They are Dr William Rothwell from Penn State University, US; IMC chief executive Nezar Al Basri; and IMC executive consultant Dr Eddie Smit. Dr Rothwell is an active author and editor of a number of books relating to HR management and performance and is best known for his extensive work in succession management. Mr Al Basri and Dr Smit also have extensive experience of HR training and development and business strategy. 0
105404 1 1483 BUSI BUSINESS Alba takes up '100-day safe start-up challenge' MANAMA: Alba embarks on a project to set a new world record for the fastest start-up of an Aluminium Reduction Line today. The launch of the '100 Day Safe Start-up' Challenge is one of the most ambitious challenges witnessed to-date by the global aluminium industry, said chief executive officer Bruce Hall. "Starting today, with the commissioning of the first pot, Alba is set to embark on the safe start-up of its new Reduction Line in just 100 days," he told a Press conference held at the Alba Line 5 Project site yesterday. "Our goal is to break the current world record by over 80 days and set a new record for the fastest start-up of an Aluminium Reduction Line. "This significant venture is set to bring Alba's $ 1.7 Billion Line 5 Expansion Project to its ultimate climax by establishing a reputation for the company as a world leader in the aluminium industry while further positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain in the limelight of the international arena." Wit 0
105405 2 1483 BUSI BUSINESS Crisis 'best test for workers' MANAMA: People demonstrate their potential best when they are placed in a crisis situation, a management seminar was told last night. It is also important for the management to establish effective communication links with the employees in a language they understand to get optimum results, said Alba chief executive Bruce Hall. Alba has established a mission to "encourage the release of the potential of every employee", he told the seminar organised by the Bahrain Management Society (BMS) at the Gulf Hotel. The topic of his presentation was Getting People to Produce. BMS president Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa chaired the seminar. People produce best when they are under pressure or placed in a crisis situation, said Mr Hall. "At Alba, we are set to embark on the safe start-up of the new Potline 5 Project in just 100 days, against the normal average required time of 180 days," he noted. "We are planning to achieve this by capitalisi 0
105406 3 1483 BUSI BUSINESS GFH names new chief economist MANAMA: Gulf Finance House (GFH) yesterday announced the appointment of Dr Ala'a Al Yousuf as chief economist. The appointment comes as part of the GFH's efforts to bring the best of intellectual capital to the bank and strengthen its senior management team. Dr Al Yousuf brings with him rich expertise from top international institutions including Standard & Poor's, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Prior to joining the GFH, he was Standard & Poor's Sovereign Ratings Group, London, Middle East and Africa director. GFH chief executive officer Esam Janahi said Dr Al Yousuf's proficiency and knowledge will add to the excellence of their core investment team. "His appointment comes at a time when GFH is taking a major leap forward in terms of new ventures and diversification plans," he continued. "Dr Al Yousuf's valuable experience gained in senior positions at renowned global institutions will enable the bank 0
105407 0 1483 COMM COMMENTHopeful, but not optimistic ... I'm not a fan of the Prime Minister of Israel, but it is important to acknowledge that whatever intentions the dynamic Ariel Sharon has unleashed will have a transformative impact on Israeli-Palestinian relations. Serious issues remain, not the least of which is Sharon's continued insistence on unilateralism on all critical issues (borders, settlements, Jerusalem, refugees). But what is now occurring both within the Israeli and Palestinian societies does give me some hope for the future. Here's why. Because Israeli policy still dictates what is and is not possible in US political discussions, it must be recognised that it was Sharon's begrudging acceptance of the concept of a "Palestinian state" - however limited his conception of that state-that opened the door for President Bush to use that term early in his administration. Whether Sharon was attempting to co-opt his domestic opposition, limit international criticism of his ruthless suppression of the Palestinian upr 0
105408 0 1483 COMM COMMENTWaiting in hope for passport to a secure future I've been covering the plight of the Segaiya shantytown families for almost two years now, but I don't think I've succeeded in getting the full story across in the way that I should have. It's sometimes difficult with news stories, which focus on the latest developments, to highlight the root cause of a particular problem. Why is it that these people were unable to improve their lives in the over 60 years that their families have been living here? Bahrain has gone through some amazingly good economic times, especially in the 1970s, when almost any business idea couldn't go wrong. The rural culture of some Bahrainis may have prevented them from taking advantage of opportunities available over the last few decades, but I don't believe this is the case in this specific situation. The shantytown, referred to locally as 'Al Dafna' and 'Mexico City', was never too far off from civilisation and the inhabitants had every motive to improve their lives. We have a te 0
105409 0 1483 COMM COMMENTAdoption proposal overlooks sensitivities of orphans Imagine growing up in an orphanage where, kind and caring as the staff may be, they can never offer the same kind of love and warmth of a real family. It is a dormitory lifestyle and in the darkness of the night, there is no mother to run to after a bad nightmare, no dad to help with your homework, no proud parents to stick those childhood drawings to the fridge. This is the life to which even more children will be condemned if Bahrain should adopt a proposal being put to parliament to ban permanent adoptions, so that the children involved "always relate to their natural parents". Adoption is a sensitive issue in the Islamic community and here in Bahrain male orphans face particular difficulties, since few will take a male who is not a relative into their home. This is because once they reach puberty, it is deemed unacceptable for them to be in the home with female family members to whom they are not related. As a result they tend to get left behind at the orphan 0
105412 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Forgiven thief now loose job canon IT was certainly a gesture from a kind hearted person to forgive the BD51,000 Bahraini thief. Being young, his mind got entangled between good and bad but it is nice to know that good sense prevailed. Being part of the business community, however, bothers me to think there is now a local boy, unemployed, who will look for a job elsewhere. The people of Bahrain and the business community have no idea who he is, what his name is even. I wonder if and when he is re-employed if he will again play the same game and since his identity has been withheld, it just scares me altogether should my HR department make the mistake of employing him. He was lucky once to be forgiven, only perhaps because he was caught. I pray he appreciates his next employer who signs his paycheque without knowing his past! A Bakr 0
105413 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Columnist Robin first class I WAS so sorry to read of the death of Robin Lunn in New Zealand. How I have enjoyed his editorials. Whenever I saw his name in print, it was compulsive to read his wide range of well informed and interesting subjects. How I wish I had kept his past articles to read again. Maybe some thought will be given to publish his words again, I hope so. I send sincere condolences to his family on the loss of a first class correspondent. Yvonne Trueman 0
105414 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Weather confusing IT'S raining in February. Can we have snow in December? Global warming, temperature fluctuations, unseasonal rains - it's all so confusing. The importance of the Kyoto Protocol stands paramount. Are we drawing a straight line? Miswin 0
105415 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Economy threatened A RECENT report published in the GDN carried proposals by some experts that a company has to pay BD600 annually for each expat worker. Can you imagine how this would affect that company and then in turn the country? Due to recent such remarks some businesses may shifting to the UAE. Therefore, I request those experts please do not disturb the economy of this beautiful island. Anthony 0
105416 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Give us a break! TWO news items which the media hypes about these days which are getting to be a bit too much are Prince Charles' upcoming marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles and Michael Jackson's trial. Please, news media give us a break! It goes to show how moral standards have gone down all around. So now Queen Elizabeth is not attending the civil ceremony marriage! Thank Heavens! Some face saving has been done here. And thank Heavens his two sons are not going to be the best men! What a shame if Princess Diana's two sons took this place in his marriage. The heir to the throne brandishing his wife as it were of 57 years to his 56 like newlyweds, altering the rules of royalty; which heaven knows why it wasn't done many, many years ago, thereby saving the life of Diana whose marriage was always marred by this divorced woman of his past just like the life of Princess Margaret may have gone another way if she had been allowed Charles' privileges. The other news showing such p 0
105417 0 1483 LETT LETTERS New sporting heroes THANK You, Narain Kartikeyan and Sania Mirza for stirring new sporting interests in India and diverting some of the country's hot obsession from cricket and Sachin Tendulkar! With Narain's debut in the upcoming F1 in Melbourne and Sania's first WTA win in tennis, these 'new kids on the block' are bringing to light that India's 'academic outlook' will need to accommodate 'sport' as a serious establishment. With Sania's recent wave in the country, Indian girls now have an 'ideal' and their latent sporting enthusiasm is slowly unfolding to the forefront. This calls all the more for the country to establish more intensive fitness regimes to sustain budding players. Sania's role model is the 'steel nerved gazelle', Steffi Graf and with no surprise to that. But she has to remember that the 'Frauelin Forehand' (Graf), had a bold combination of Martina Navratilova's attack and Chris Evert's defence and she could only achieve that because of her mental and physical tenacity. But 0
105418 0 1483 LETT LETTERS MPs get real MPs are complaining that the government is not co-operating and that vital issues are not approved. How many are aware of the issues under complaint? The list includes special retirement packages for MPs at a cost of many millions of dinars, whole life special diplomat status for them, permission to grow beards in all state institutions, granting a degree of Bachelor of Arts to those who complete courses in Quran recitation and the establishing of a commission to chase people and force them to prayers! The whole nation would be supportive if the list included developing education, health and social services, the boosting of the economy and businesses and promoting the welfare of mother and child. But one would certainly stand behind the government in rejecting the first list which in fact reflects selfishness, damage to national interests and restricting freedoms. Accordingly the excuse made by MPs that the government is non-co-operative shows how the deputies do need 0
105419 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Batelco a star I AM thankful to Mr Zohair from Batelco who called me this morning and asked me about a star dial which was not activated from June 14, 2004. His kindness has solved my problem now and I am very thankful. Mohammed Zulqarnian Qureshi 0
105420 0 1483 LETT LETTERS Police - please do something! A DARING robbery at a money exchange in Manama - "Sword gang steals BD3,000" (GDN, February 23) - that's just next door to our house. It's not the first in a series of robberies in this busy area. During Muharram, some thugs had broken car windows and side mirrors. I really hope the police are monitoring things around here. Something obviously needs to be done about the rising crime rate before we become the crime capital of Bahrain. The Incredibles 0
105421 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to restart kidney transplants KIDNEY transplant surgery will restart in Bahrain within a month, says a leading specialist. A new specialist from India will take charge of the surgical team from next week, said Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Yousif Khalil Almoayyed Nephrology and Renal Transplant Centre head Dr Ahmed Al Arrayed. Professor Dr V L N Murthy is the head of transplant programme at the Nizam Institute in Hyderabad and he will be leading a specially put together team at the SMC. Dr Murthy visited Bahrain in June last year to study the prospects of restarting kidney transplants at the SMC. "We are glad that Dr Murthy is joining the team. He came to Bahrain to evaluate the needs of the transplant programme and to study the surgical manpower needed," said Dr Al Arrayed. "We have already prepared three Bahrainis for transplant next month. They are undergoing treatment at the moment and are ready for transplant from related donors," said Dr Al Arrayed. The transplant programme st 0
105422 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Bid to restore Iraqi wetlands HIGH-LEVEL regional environmental officials will meet in Bahrain today to discuss ways of restoring the marshlands of Southern Iraq, which were drained by former Iraqi president Saddam Hussain after the 1991 Gulf War. The meeting is a joint effort organised by the Regional Organisation for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Geneva-based United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Also taking part is the Marine Emergency Mutual Aid Centre, based in Bahrain. The Iraqi marsh is considered by many to be the cradle of civilisation. For more than 5,000 years the Marsh Arab culture thrived in the 8,000-square-miles of wetlands fed by the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. The marshes boasted hundreds of species of birds and fish and periodic flooding created fertile farmlands. Some scholars believe the flooded, flat plain was an important part of the development of an agriculture-based culture that helped raise civilisation to new heights. The vast marsh was identi 0
105423 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Pupils to be honoured FIFTEEN New Millennium School students will show off their newly acquired communication skills at a valedictory function being held at 7pm tonight at the school's premises in Zinj. The event is being held as the culmination of the Bahrain Toastmasters Club's Sixth Youth Leadership Programme. During the eight-week programme, the 10- to 12-year-olds learnt how to become better thinkers and speakers and develop their leadership skills. It was conducted by toastmasters Shaukat Lokhandwala and Krishnan Ramachandran. The Bahrain Toastmasters Club is part of Toastmasters International, which helps people from all walks of life to overcome the fear of public speaking. 0
105424 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Union plea is rejected by court A COURT yesterday rejected a case filed by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions, demanding the right for government workers to start their own unions. The case against the Civil Service Bureau was rejected by the High Civil Court. Federation vice-president Sayed Salman Al Mahfoodh said the federation would appeal. "Everyone should be allowed to start their own labour union, whether working for the private sector or the government," he said. Mr Al Mahfoodh said this decision breached Arab and international treaties and the federation would appeal. "If this fails, and we hope not, then we will take our case abroad," he said. The Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society urged the government, the National Assembly and the federation to discuss the problem and come up with a solution. "Bahrain has seen a lot of development over the years in labour rights, but this decision undermines all achievements," it said in a statement. "There should b 0
105425 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Students raise cash for charity CHILDREN of St Christopher's Infant schools of Budaiya and Awali presented BD1,270 in cash to St Christopher's Cathedral Dean the Reverend Alan Hayday yesterday, as a donation to the Indian Ocean tsunami victims. More than 500 children raised the amount over a period of about three weeks. Staff at the schools decided to send out letters to parents indicating that the youngsters, aged from two to seven, should sacrifice something, such as a pocket money, sweets or a trip to the cinema, and give the money to charity. School secretary Carol Knott said the response from the children was overwhelming, some choosing to give up a day out, pocket money and even birthday presents and use the money towards a better cause. With this donation the cathedral has raised over BD7,000, which they are sending to Bishop of Colombo the Right Reverend Duleep de Chickera, who will donate the money to tsunami aid groups in the region. 0
105426 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Skills boost for council staff An intensive management training programme is being held at the Gulf Hotel this week for 13 British Council employees. The programme, which aims to develop individuals on both a personal and professional level, continues until Wednesday. The participants include members of the British Council of Bahrain, Dubai, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Nepal. British Council training consultants and course leaders Lisa Philpot and Doreen Hardy will be focusing on communication skills, relationship building and time and stress management. 0
105427 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Electronic items stolen fom flats THIEVES broke into two flats in a Manama building, near the Hoora Police Station and stole electronic goods worth hundreds of dinars. Indian N Devraj, who lives in one of the second-floor flats that was broken into, said the thieves stole two satellite receivers, one stereo and a CD player from his one bedroom apartment. They also broke in his neighbour's flat and stole a mobile phone and a video player. Mr Devraj said that it was not the first time that the building they are staying at has been broken into by thieves. Last year, the building's aluminium door was stolen. "This time, they just broke the aluminium door and broke two other doors to steal the electronic goods," he said. 0
105428 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Pupils pass with flying colours in global exam TWENTY-SEVEN New Millennium School pupils achieved top marks in mathematics and English in an international examination. The seven to 11-year-olds, in grades three to six, took the Australian Council for Educational Research examination last November, at the school premises in Zinj. Altogether, 144 pupils from the school took part in the examination. The winners in mathematics are: Aadi Nair (99.6 per cent), Harinee Ravishankar (99.3pc), Sahil Navani (99.3pc), Hitesh Sharma (99.3pc), Makarand Naveen Nair (98.8pc), Daniel Narain Das (98.8pc), K S Sushin (98.8pc), Arushi Aneja (98.1pc), Shabari Prathapachandran (97.3pc), Varun Khandige (98.1), Abhinav Mohan (97.3pc), Akshay Menon (97.6pc), Jyothsna Gurumurthy (97.6pc), Shakthivel Karthikeyan (95.3pc), Aditya Dugar (99.4pc), Juvareya Shoaib (99.4pc), Shikhara Reddy Nalla (98.5pc), Sangeeta Alagappan (98.5pc) and Gautam Senapaty (98.5pc). The winners in English are: Sangeeta Alagappan (98.5pc), Rahul Menon (97.1pc), Gautam Se 0
105429 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini attacked A 41-year-old Bahraini reported that he was attacked by a group of Bahraini youths in Manama. The five-member gang hit him, took his mobile phone and fled, sources told the GDN. Police are investigating. 0
105430 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Foul-mouthed mobile thief! A THIEF who stole two mobile phones added insult to injury when he used one of them to make anonymous abusive calls. One recipient of his foul-mouthed calls then called back and abused the original owner - who by then had reactivated his original number on a replacement phone. The phones were stolen from a car while it was parked near Matam bin Saloom, in Manama. "We arrived at my car to find its driver side front window broken and our phones missing," said Mahmood Jaffer, who was with a friend. "We filed a report at the Naim Police Station who told us that the thief might sell the phones in Saudi. "A few days later, after I cancelled the old chip and took a new one with the same number, I received a call from a person who kept on swearing at me. "I asked the guy if he knew me and he said that someone called from this number and swore at him a few days ago. "He also said that he tried calling earlier but received an out of coverage area message." 0
105431 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Society has right menu for charity THE Children and Mothers Welfare Society will be holding its annual 22nd Charity Dish next week. The event, under the patronage of Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa, will take place on March 7 at the society's premises in Isa Town. Proceeds raised will go towards supporting its welfare activities and projects. The event will include a competition for the best dish in five different categories. They are Bahraini main dish, Bahrain dessert, International main dish, International dessert and the bread category. Registration is now open for society members and the public and the deadline is on Sunday. Each applicant will get a secret number for his/her entries upon registration. Dishes will be accepted at the society on the day from 8am to 9am and the charity dish will be officially open at 10.30am. All dishes entered at the competition will be sold. The one-day event, which raises thousands of dinars for charity annually, will be open to th 0
105432 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Community rallies to help sick father AN Indian father who has been lying in hospital for two months following an accident at work has been sent home, thanks to help from community members. N V Pratheesh, 28, suffered multiple injuries when a wall collapsed on him on December 13. He was flown home to Calicut on Saturday night, accompanied by his neighbour M Satheesan. The tickets for their travel were given by the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) and Ecumenical Conference of Charity (ECC). Mr Pratheesh was in a coma for month and doctors at Salmaniya Medical Complex had little hope for his survival. An appeal was launched through the GDN last month for financial help to get him back to his native Kannur, in Kerala. It was made jointly by the Prathibha Charitable Society and the Payyannur Sauhruda Vedi organisation. Prathibha president K Satheendran said BD4,665 was raised for to send Mr Pratheesh home and pay for further treatment. "Mr Pratheesh cannot sit for a long time a 0
105433 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Nicola loses crowning glory for the victims RUGBY fans watching the televised Six Nations Union televised match between England and Ireland at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club were in for a hair-raising, half-time surprise last night. British mum-of-two Nicola Lindsay had all her hair shaved off her head, to help raise funds for tsunami victims. Professional hair-dresser Steve Grant wielded the razor. Mrs Lindsay raised about BD1,000 through corporate and individual sponsorships and donations made by spectators on the night of the match. She was scheduled to join Radio Bahrain disc jockey Krazy Kevin when he had half the hair on his head shaved at the Bahrain Mall in Sanabis last Wednesday. However, there were complaints from members of the public about a woman having her hair shaved in public and Mrs Lindsay decided to find a more private venue. "After the article in the GDN appeared about me having my hair shaved off, I heard that there were complaints about a woman shaving her hair in public," sai 0
105434 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL House raided by thieves A FAMILY home in Ras Ruman was broken into by thieves, who stole over BD1,000 in cash, a video camera and jewellery, estimated to be worth around BD1,000. Ethiopian Laila Nagash, aged 34, said that she, her Saudi husband and their young son left their flat to visit a family friend who lived nearby. She had earlier withdrawn the cash and kept it at home because she was to send it to support her family in Ethiopia. "I thought the money was going to be safe at home, instead of taking it with us," said Mrs Nagash. "Later that night, at about 11.45pm, my landlord called me because the police was there at my flat after they received a phone call from my neighbour. "My neighbour called the police after she heard noises in our flat." Thieves broke the lock of the front door to get inside. Police are still investigating. 0
105435 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Don't panic plea over food scare THE public is being urged not to panic following a food scare in the UK which identified hundreds of products suspected of containing a dye linked to cancer. Health Ministry inspectors have only identified three products on sale in Bahrain which are thought to contain the dye and have already pulled them from shop shelves. A ministry spokesman said that while the dye is linked to cancer, it was only dangerous if eaten in large quantities over a period of several years. "You are not going to get cancer from eating one packet of crisps, so there is no need to panic," he said. "Also, the contamination affected only foods produced over a certain period of time. It may come to light in the future that a few more goods contain the substance, but we believe we have identified all of the ones currently on the list." Health inspectors have so far identified and confiscated Walkers Worcester Sauce flavoured crisps, Colman's Sea Food Sauce and Waitrose Shepherds Pie, the min 0
105436 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Memorial for Garmco manager A MEMORIAL service for long-time Bahrain resident William Griffiths will be held at St Christopher's Cathedral in Manama, at 4.30pm on March 7. The 56-year-old, who was production, planning and control manager at Garmco for 17 years, died of cancer on January 23. He left Bahrain late last year to go to the UK on holiday following a three-year battle against the illness, which doctors thought he had beaten. He was admitted to hospital three times in his native Manchester before being discharged, with the knowledge doctors could do nothing more for him. Relative Brian Davis told the GDN from Manchester that Mr Griffiths died with wife Mary, their daughter Heather and son Craig, by his side. "He was wonderful person who always had time for everyone from all walks of life. He really loved the Middle East and Bahrain in particular," said Mr Davis. "He was a very competent and professional in his work and was very well respected." 0
105437 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Car damage claim A SAUDI man has complained against the General Dir-ectorate of Traffic for damaging his car while towing it for illegal parking. The man had first complained that his Ford car was stolen while it was parked in Ras Ruman. He later discovered it was towed off for illegal parking and was in the traffic directorate in Isa Town, said sources. When he went there he found it damaged and complained to the police. 0
105438 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Minister for forum Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa leaves for London today to attend a conference seeking to extend support to the Palestinian Authority (PA). The event, to be opened today by British Premier Tony Blair, is expected to urge support for the PA and institutions prior to implementation of the 'roadmap'. Israel's commitment to contribute to the success of PA's efforts will also be highlighted. G8 and the GCC nations will attend in addition to Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, European High Commission, the UN, the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the PA. 0
105439 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Flyover horror MANAMA: Six people, including a woman, were injured when their open-back truck crashed into the back of a minibus yesterday. Two Bahrainis and three Indian men were taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC), while another Indian was taken to BDF Hospital. The accident happened near the flyover on the Shaikh Salman Highway at around 12.50pm, when the truck crashed into the minibus from behind. Driver Bahraini Abdul Sadaq Ali Habib, 30, suffered fractures to both his legs. Bahraini Layla Hassan Ahmed, 27, Indians M Megharam, 51, Maligal Beeda, and Gaznal Khan, both 35, suffered minor injuries and were last night said to be under observation at the SMC. Sources said that the four Indians were sitting in the open-back truck, while Ms Ahmed was in the front. No details were available about the Indian man who was taken to the BDF Hospital. 0
105440 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Hairstylists race against time... MORE than 200 people turned out to watch a hair and beauty competition held last night at the Phoenicia Hotel. The Prom Queen Hair and Make-Up Competition featured 15 amateur and professional hair and beauty artistes from Bahrain. The on-the-spot event gave competitors 30 minutes to style their model's hair, 15 minutes to apply the foundation and 30 minutes the rest of the make-up. Up for grabs was $300 (BD113.400) for the winner and $200 (BD75.600) and $100 (BD37.800) for the runners-up. The competition, organised by the Artistic Team, was held to raise money for distressed Filipino workers registered at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Winners will be announced in tomorrow's paper. 0
105441 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Premier vows to safeguard national security THE Prime Minister yesterday pledged stronger measures to safeguard national security. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa was speaking at yesterday's Cabinet meeting which he chaired. He lauded His Majesty King Hamad's speech to the Higher Defence Council in which he outlined security strategies to meet challenges posed by regional and international developments. The Premier expressed Cabinet's support to all directives and goals underlined in His Majesty's speech, affirming importance of the role national security and citizens play in creating a secure society. He hailed the outcome of the GCC Excellence Forum, which has been held recently in Bahrain, and the opportunity it offered to the private sector in the GCC states, and its role in the economic development process. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa briefed the Cabinet about the issues listed in the 50th session of the Bahrain-Qatar Joint Supreme Committee me 0
105442 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Florist dreams of a green Bahrain BAHRAINI florist May Moona Bastaki has enjoyed a more than 30-year career in flower arranging, but her passion for creating a greener Bahrain is still as strong as ever. She is especially excited about the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which is being held from Thursday till Sunday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. It is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. "The Garden Fair was fantastic last year and I think it will help to open people's minds to make Bahrain a greener country," said Ms Bastaki, who is also a former Bahrain Garden Club (BGC) member and board member. "Bahrain used to be very green and this fair will hopefully help to make it green once again. "So many Bahrainis are interested in gardening, especially women. Before it used to be our fathers that were interested, but now it's women." 0
105443 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Ex-Segaiya families still face hardships SOME former residents of the newly demolished Segaiya shantytown say life continues to be a nightmare as they struggle to fit into new homes given to them as part of a BD1 million Royal gesture. The families say that at least three, and perhaps even more, houses are needed because some of the two-bedroom homes are shared by over 10 people. The last of the families evacuated the over 40-year-old shantytown last Wednesday, claiming that they couldn't stand further pressure and harassment from authorities. They moved in with relatives in Tubli, who were recipients of the gesture by His Majesty King Hamad. The families had earlier defied a government eviction order, which expired on Tuesday. But they say that the Capital Governorate exerted so much pressure on them that they couldn't hold out any longer. They said a governorate representative visited them every few days ordering them to leave and claiming that nothing could be done to address their plight. Rab 0
105444 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Lectures shed light on autism PARENTS, teachers and health professionals learnt more about the treatment of autism and other communication disorders at two lectures held yesterday, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The lectures were conducted by visiting UK experts University of Sunderland Autism Research Unit director Dr Paul Shattock and speech and language specialist Judy Pye. Dr Paul Shattock spoke about the Biological Basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Ms Pye on Communication, ASD and Speech and Language Therapies. The experts will also be conducting separate workshops at the BIEC from 4pm to 8pm today. Ms Pye's workshop will be held under the title Communication Strategies and Approaches and Dr Shattock's on A Practical Guide to Biomedical Intervention in Autism. Places for the workshop are still available and the fee is BD10 per person. The workshops will be of interest to those who are interested in finding out how to overcome problems of speech a 0
105445 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Heartbreak of daughter THE daughter of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon is to arrive in Bahrain on Friday. Mrs Montibon's Bahraini sponsor has arranged a tourist visa for the eldest of her two daughters, 25-year-old Maria Grace. Friends of Mrs Montibon, whose husband died last year, raised the BD125 needed for Maria Grace's Manila-Bahrain-Manila air ticket. Friends last saw Mrs Montibon on November 5 last year, but according to immigration records she has not left Bahrain. The Philippine Embassy is working with the authorities to find out what has happened to the 42-year-old debt collector. Mrs Montibon, who lived alone in a Manama flat, near the Awal Cinema, was reported missing by her sponsor in November. Her car, a Daewoo, is still parked in the parking lot adjacent to the cinema. Building owner Mansour Alnashaba yesterday informed officials at the embassy about a suspicious occurrence that happened last week. "A few days ago I noticed our Bangladeshi watchman cleani 0
105446 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Europeans 'more likely to be freed' PRISONERS held by the US government at Guan-tanamo Bay are 30 times more likely to be released if they are European than Arab, according to human rights activists fighting for their freedom. They say over 90 per cent of detainees holding European nationality have already been sent home, as compared to just 3pc of those with Arab citizenship. So far, just 11 of the 357 Arab nationals held at Guantanamo Bay have left the high-security facility, lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith told the GDN. However, he is expecting the last remaining Europeans to be sent home at any time and accuses the US government of showing bias towards Western detainees. "Soon 100pc of the European detainees will have been released when the French go home," said Mr Stafford-Smith, who is co-ordinating legal efforts to free the Guantanamo Bay detainees. "That compares to 3pc of the Arabs and tells you something important. "First, the US is being racist and, secondly, Middle East governments a 0
105447 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL BD40,000 raised for tsunami survivors MORE than BD40,000 has been raised so far for the victims of the tsunami disaster since the Hands Across the Water fund-raiser was held in Bahrain last month. "The donations coming in from companies and individuals have been great," Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin said yesterday. Krazy Kevin, whose real name is Kevin Howarth, teamed up with colleague Jo Lincoln last month to form a committee to host the major fund-raiser. Hands Across the Water was held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite, under the umbrella of the Tsunami Relief Fund. The hotel offered its services and staff free of charge for the event. All of the money raised will be sent to those affected by the disaster through Disaster Emergency Committee, an independent body which distributes funds evenly to people displaced by tragedies such as the tsunami. To get more funds pouring in, Krazy Kevin announced during Hands Across the Water that he would shave his head. He 0
105448 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Abused maids file complaint TWO Filipina housemaids have filed a complaint at the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain against their Arab employers, alleging months of physical abuse. The women, aged 39 and 24 years, were hired by the Palestinian couple and taken to Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, in June last year. Almost immediately the women suffered physical abuse from their female employer, who would "throw anything she grabs" at them, they claim. The women claim that their employers also failed to give them their BD75 a month salaries on time "They only paid us about once every three months and if we cooked food to eat ourselves they would deduct money from our salaries also," said one of the women. Up until last December, the Palestinian couple and their two children lived in Al Khobar and would often bring their housemaids on holidays in Jordan and Bahrain. "It was hard to escape in Saudi, because we were watched all the time. When we were in Jordan we tried running away," said the housemai 0
105449 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Shantytown to be demolished A SHANTYtown in Riffa, dubbed as Lebanon, will be bulldozed by the end of the year, it was announced yesterday. The area will then be levelled, so it can be developed for other purposes, said Southern Municipal Council technical committee chairman Adel Al Moraisi. About 20 to 25 shacks in the area, located in the Hunainiya Valley, between the two Riffas, will be knocked down to make way for investors wishing to build there. The area was called Lebanon by locals because conditions there are so bad, reminding people of Lebanon during its years of civil war. "The shacks are being used as homes, workers' camps and stores, by people who don't have the right to be there," explained Mr Al Moraisi. "Around 80 per cent of those using the land are expatriates or people without Bahraini passports. "Twenty Bahraini families living there have been promised new homes in a housing project nearby, initiated by His Majesty King Hamad early this month. "A few have 0
105450 1 1483 BNEW LOCAL SOLID LINKS DOHA: Work on the BD1.8 billion Friendship Causeway linking Bahrain and Qatar was given the go-ahead at a meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee last night. A memorandum of understanding on its construction was signed in the presence of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Qatar Crown Prince Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who co-chaired the meeting. It was signed by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and Qatar's First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al Thani in a ceremony at the Al Wajaba Palace. The 40km double-lane causeway is expected to take four years and nine months to complete. It will start at Askar village, continue along Bahrain's eastern coastline and end at Ras Ashiraj in Qatar. A second memorandum of understanding on youth co-operation was signed by Goys president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and his Qatari counterpart Shaik 0
105451 2 1483 BNEW LOCAL Battle extremists call by King MANAMA: The Arab world must shun extremism which breeds violence, His Majesty King Hamad urged yesterday. Extremism and violence are alien to the principles of Islam, he said in an address read out at the opening of a regional forum held in Bahrain. "The region has a civilised and open-minded heritage that is based on the respect of people's rights and aspirations by promoting insight and sound guidance in line with the teachings of the Holy Quran," said the King. His address was read out by Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa at a forum for Arab intellectuals, aimed at mapping out a moderate response to pressures on the Arab world following the terrorists attacks on the US in September 2001. The two-day forum, organised by Jordan-based Arab Thought Forum (Al Muntada), is chaired by the its founder Prince Al Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. More than 130 Arab decision-makers, prominent scholars and intellectuals are attending the forum at the Sherat 0
105452 3 1483 BNEW LOCAL 'Fight extremism' call to Arab world ACTION is vital to steer the Arab world away from extremism, it was declared in Bahrain yesterday. Arab intellectuals must help the region turn moderation from theory into practice, said Prince Al Hassan bin Talal of Jordan. He was speaking at the opening of a two-day regional forum being held at the Sheraton Hotel, which aims to map out a moderate response to the pressures thrust on the Arab world in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the US on September 11, 2001. The forum has been organised by the Jordan-based Arab Thought Forum (Al Muntada), under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. It is being held under the theme Moderation - Between Theory and Practice and is chaired by Prince Al Hassan, who founded Al Muntada. On the forum's theme, Prince Al Hassan said that it was not meant to be a public relations exercise or an effort to improve the image of the Arab people. "We need a strategy to upgrade the status of the region in the manner it reac 0
105453 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Water reserves to be boosted MANAMA: Emergency water reserves are to be significantly boosted to meet summer demand. This step was agreed by the Cabinet yesterday chaired by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The Prime Minister also gave the green light to amend working hours at hospitals and clinics to guarantee high-quality medical services. In another development, the Cabinet approved plans to build three-bedroom government apartments. Views on naturalisation by the Shura Council and parliament were also aired. 0
105454 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Kiwis include Cumming and Hamilton WELLINGTON: Craig Cumming and Lance Hamilton were added yesterday to the injury-hit New Zealand squad for the fourth one-day international against Australia in Wellington tomorrow. Cumming replaced injured batsman Michael Papps, who retired hurt after twice being struck on the helmet by fast bowler Brett Lee in Saturday's third match in Auckland. Hamilton, uncapped at international level, came in for paceman Daryl Tuffey, who was dropped after his opening over in Auckland cost 16 runs and lasted 14 deliveries, containing four no-balls and four wides. The Kiwis are already 3-0 down in the series and the Australians have said they plan to use the two remaining matches to experiment. The final game is in Napier on Saturday. Squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Nathan Astle, Craig Cumming, Hamish Marshall, James Marshall, Craig McMillan, Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Jeff Wilson, Kyle Mills, Lance Hamilton. 0
105455 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Isinbayeva sets new mark LIEVIN, France: Russian Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva set a world women's indoor pole vault record for the third time within two weeks yesterday. Isinbayeva, who set the outdoor world record at 4.92 metres in Brussels last September, vaulted 4.89 metres on her first attempt at the Lievin indoor meeting. She beat her previous mark of 4.88 metres set eight days ago in Birmingham. Isinbayeva, who has been tipped by the great Sergei Bubka to become the first woman to clear the five metres barrier, then attempted 5.05 but failed. 0
105456 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Racing hold Sevilla MADRID: Sevilla squandered their chance to close the gap on leading pair Barcelona and Real Madrid when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Racing Santander yesterday. Brazilian international striker Julio Baptista opened the scoring for Sevilla after 13 minutes. David Aganzo then equalised for Racing two minutes before half time. Dario Silva gave Sevilla hope that they would clinch the points 13 minutes from time but Mario Regueiro's header, also from a corner, grabbed Racing a share of the points six minutes from the whistle. 0
105457 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Ancic to meet Arthurs RALEIGH, North Carolina: Third seed Mario Ancic ousted defending champion Vincent Spadea of the US 6-1, 6-4 in the semi-finals of the Scottsdale Classic in Arizona and now faces unseeded Australian Wayne Arthurs, who fired 19 aces en route to a 7-5, 7-6 victory over Belgium's Christophe Rochus. Arthurs said he expected a tough match against the 20-year-old Ancic. "He has a big serve like mine," said Arthurs. "He's a very accomplished player who reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last year. "He's going to be in the top 20 very soon." The 33-year-old Arthurs dropped only nine points in 12 service games and did not face a break point. Arthurs will go into the final having held his serve in 51 consecutive games since the first set of the opening round against American Taylor Dent. The only break of serve in the match with Rochus was produced by Arthurs in the 12th game of the opening set. Neither player faced a break point in the 0
105458 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Fine Del Piero double takes Juventus clear ROME: Alessandro Del Piero scored twice as Juventus won 3-0 at home to lowly Siena yesterday to take sole ownership of top spot in Serie A and increase the pressure on title rivals AC Milan. Victory over the troubled Tuscans enabled Juve to go three points clear of AC Milan. Del Piero scored with an audacious back-heeled goal and a coolly struck penalty either side of a powerful header from Brazilian midfielder Emerson. Palermo improved their chances of qualifying for next season's Champions League with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Roma, courtesy of second-half goals from Marco Brienza and Luca Toni. The Sicilians' eighth home victory left them in sixth place, but saw them close the gap on third-placed Sampdoria - 1-0 winners at Brescia on Saturday - to just two points. Bottom club Atalanta, who already look doomed, came from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw away to Cagliari, while Lazio eased their relegation fears with a 2-0 home win against strugglers Pa 0
105459 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Toms dominates DiMarco in first round CARLSBAD, California: David Toms was a commanding 6 up through 18 holes over fellow American Chris DiMarco during last night's championship match at the $7.5 million WGC-Match Play Championships. Toms will have a second round to extend his lead and pocket the $1.3m in first place prize money as the final match runs over 36 holes at the San Diego-area La Costa Resort golf course. They were all square after the first nine before Toms took charge, winning seven of the next eight holes beginning at No 10 to go 7 up. DiMarco has his work cut out for him but he did finish the first round on a positive note birdieing No 18 to cut Toms' lead to 6 up. "I got off to a so so start, the course was wet and there was a lot of dew," Toms said. "But then I started to warm up and hit some fairways and kept the pressure on Chris all morning long. It is all about getting in my own little world and just do what I do best." Heading into the championship match DiMarco had only been extended to the 1 0
105460 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Celtic rout Clyde for semis spot GLASGOW: Craig Bellamy scored his first goal for Celtic as Martin O'Neill's men cruised into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with a 5-0 hammering of hopelessly outclassed Clyde yesterday. Bellamy, currently on loan in Glasgow after being discarded by Newcastle, rounded off the romp after a Stanislav Varga double, Alan Thompson penalty and Stilian Petrov goal had underlined the gulf between the Scottish Premier League champions and the first division outfit. Clyde could feel aggrieved, however, after being denied a perfectly good early goal when referee Craig Thomson harshly disallowed Craig Bryson's strike because he had blown for a Petrov foul. Celtic, who are bidding to repeat last season's league and cup double, will go into today's draw along with Hearts, Hibs and Dundee United, who produced the performance of the day to sweep past Aberdeen 4-1 at Tannadice. Striker James Grady grabbed a double and defender Alan Archibald and Scotland forward Stevie Crawford were 0
105461 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Webber plays down expectations SYDNEY: Mark Webber has virtually given up hope of winning next weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix, despite the massive hype in his homeland about his switch to Williams. Webber has been waiting a long time to have a real crack at winning his home grand prix and was hoping this would be the year after earning a Formula One drive for Williams, following a season with Minardi and two with Jaguar. The 28-year-old Australian, who went for a high-speed spin on the Sydney Harbour Bridge yesterday as part of a publicity stunt beamed around the world, is resigned however to waiting at least another season because of aerodynamic problems with his new car. Engineers have been working around the clock trying to iron out the problems and make the car go faster. But they concede that time has run out for next weekend's race. "We realise we've got a lot of work to do and we're not going to be at the sharp end straight away," Williams technical director Sam Michael said. 0
105462 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Dyer strike seals win for Newcastle LONDON: Bolton Wanderers' seven-match unbeaten run in the Premiership came to an end at Newcastle United yesterday when they lost 2-1. Lee Bowyer headed Newcastle in front after 35 minutes from Stephen Carr's inviting cross, only for Bolton to reply almost immediately with a sweetly-struck Stelios Giannakopoulos volley. Newcastle were the better side after the break and Kieron Dyer earned them the points after 69 minutes, seizing on a loose ball after Alan Shearer's shot was blocked. Newcastle, who had won only twice in the league since November, move up two places to 11th. Chelsea, who were playing Liverpool in the League Cup final yesterday, lead the table by six points from Manchester United. Later, Danny Graham kept alive Middlesbrough's fading hopes of claiming a Champions League spot with a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Charlton. The Londoners had been on course for the three points at the Riverside, which would have boosted their own claims for 0
105463 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Wade fires Heat to victory TORONTO: Dwyane Wade scored 25 points as the Miami Heat won for the first time without the injured Shaquille O'Neal, downing the Orlando Magic 101-98 yesterday. Wade scooped 14 of his points in the fourth quarter as the home team rallied to avoid losing three straight games for the first time this season. O'Neal missed the Heat's overtime defeat by the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday after sustaining a mild knee sprain against the Chicago Bulls the night before. Miami (41-16) travels to Orlando to complete a home-and-home set with the Magic, with O'Neal's status for that game uncertain. Michael Doleac started at centre in place of O'Neal yesterday and had 10 points. Christian Laettner was activated from the injured list and collected eight points in 20 minutes. Eddie Jones added 15 points for Miami and Damon Jones chipped in with 14. Grant Hill led the Magic with 28 points while Steve Francis had 16 points and Hedo Turkoglu 14. Jameer Nelson registered 0
105464 3 1483 SPOR SPORT Federer scores a hat-trick DUBAI: Top seed Roger Federer of Switzerland bagged his third consecutive title at the Dubai Open yesterday when he beat Croatia's Ivan Ljubicic 6-1, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3. The world number one now has a 20-1 record for 2005 after claiming his third title of the year, all at the expense of the eighth-seeded Ljubicic, whom he also beat in Doha and Rotterdam. But Federer, who had looked to be on course for an easy win when he took the first set 6-1, was pushed hard by the 25-year-old Croat who dug deep to secure the second set after a tense tiebreak. "I almost ran away with it. But it's not always easy to close a match out," admitted Federer. For a while 23-year-old Federer had profited from a very out-of-sorts performance from his Croatian opponent. After failing to convert three break chances in the third game, the normally big-serving Ljubicic played two unusually indifferent service games. As he went to change ends Ljubicic slung his racket towards his chair in 0
105465 1 1483 SPOR SPORT CUP OF JOY! CARDIFF: A week of turmoil ended in triumph for Chelsea as they came from behind to beat Liverpool and win the League Cup, their first silverware under the management of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese was not on the bench to see it, though, having been sent down the tunnel for his over-enthusiastic part in the celebrations that followed their equaliser 11 minutes from the end of regulation time. His over-reaction spoke most clearly of relief. After losing to Newcastle and Barcelona in the last week, for nearly 80 minutes yesterday Chelsea seemed to be heading for another defeat, let down once again by their inability to convert territorial supremacy into chances. Finally, though, their pressure told, and although the FA Cup has gone, Chelsea will believe the Premiership and the Champions League can still be theirs. Chelsea's rearguard - unbreached in their last 10 Premiership outings - has been the prop that has shored up the occasional shaky performance this season, yet L 0
105466 2 1483 SPOR SPORT Ireland win with O'Gara heroics DUBLIN: Ronan O'Gara marked his 50th cap by kicking 14 points in Ireland's 19-13 Six Nations victory against world champions England here at Lansdowne Road yesterday that kept his side's bid for a first Grand Slam in 57 years alive. Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll scored a decisive try on the hour mark as England lost a fourth successive Championship match for the first time since 1987. England's points came through a try from No 8 Martin Corry and a conversion, penalty and drop-goal from fly-half Charlie Hodgson. Ireland, who beat England by the same score last season, continue their Slam quest against France at Lansdowne Road in two weeks' time. England, by contrast, next face Italy at Twickenham in what is now a wooden spoon decider. On a blustery day, Ireland went ahead when O'Gara, playing behind a superb pack landed a fourth minute drop goal. But three minutes later England hit back with the only try of the first half. A break by flanker Lew 0
105467 0 1483 SPOR SPORT South Africa crush Zimbabwe DURBAN, South Africa: Captain Graeme Smith hit his third century in seven matches as South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by 131 runs at Kingsmead here yesterday to register their second successive win in the series. Smith made a career-best 117 as South Africa clinched the three-match series with a game to spare against a Zimbabwe team which was hopelessly outclassed. The home side hammered 329 for six against a depleted Zimbabwe bowling attack and despite being without most of their own front-line bowlers, South Africa restricted Zimbabwe to 198 for seven. It was the second successive time the hosts topped 300 after being sent in by Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu - they made 301 for seven when they won the first match by 165 runs in Johannesburg on Friday. Smith and Herschelle Gibbs (75) shared a fourth wicket stand of 134 off 137 balls as South Africa recovered from a shaky start. They were 67 for three when the pair came together in the 15th over. Smith made his run 0
105468 0 1483 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain GCC Treek Week celebration, Busaiteen Intermediate School for Girls, 8.30am; Samaheej Club, 4pm. The Caravan of Hope art exhibition, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Rehabilitation Centre, Isa Town, 9am-noon and 4pm-6pm. Carousel - World of Imagination Recreational Clubs. Registration now open for Lingua Espaol (Spanish Club), Lingua Arabica (Arabic Club), Shake n' Spear - Performance Club. For details, contact 17685012. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance Classes, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, beginners, 7.30pm; intermediate/advanced, 8.30pm. Lessons cost BD2.500 each. Contact Latin Fever 39676349. Madinat Hamad (Hamad Town) Women's Society weekly meeting, 7pm-9pm. Contact Fatima 39643396 or Amira 39126113. Victoria Dance Centre - Junior Musical Theatre and Pr 0
105469 0 1483 WORL WORLD Mubarak 'will triumph in multi-candidate vote' CAIRO: Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has agreed to let rivals compete for the presidency this year but analysts say he could still easily sweep a multi-candidate vote. With the state behind him, limits on nominations and monitoring and an electorate estranged from politics for half a century, Mubarak could stay in office till 2011. Already he has ruled Egypt for 23 years - longer than anyone else since Muhammad Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. Encouraged by the US and the domestic opposition, Mubarak took Egypt by surprise by proposing a constitutional amendment to end the old system of popular referendums on a single candidate selected in advance. Egyptian state television will not be airing presidential debates, the system could exclude some major political forces from the contest and international monitors will probably not have access to polling stations, they said. On top of these procedural disadvantages, anyone who takes on Mubarak faces the task of mobilising milli 0
105470 0 1483 WORL WORLD Belfast rally over murder BELFAST: Hundreds rallied in Belfast yesterday over the killing of a local man that led to criticism of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) from its own support base and added to pressure on its political ally Sinn Fein. The rally was held in support of the family of Robert McCartney, a 33-year-old forklift truck driver stabbed to death in a bar brawl last month. Police yesterday arrested a man in connection with the stabbing - less than 24 hours after outlawed IRA guerillas issued an unprecedented statement saying it had ejected three men from the organisation over the death. The man was later released without charge. Since his death, Robert McCartney's family have openly criticised the IRA - almost unheard of in the working-class Catholic neighbourhood where they live - accusing local IRA men of intimidating witnesses to stop them going to the police. The family charged that many of those involved in his death are members of the IRA and welcomed initial steps taken 0
105471 0 1483 WORL WORLD Congress wins Haryana polls NEW DELHI: India's Congress party bolstered a recent string of electoral wins by sweeping a key northern state, but late results yesterday showed it behind its chief rival in two other states that went to the polls in February. Haryana Chief Minister Haryana Om Prakash Chautala conceded defeat to Congress after it was forecast to get 66 seats in the 90-member assembly. Chautala's Indian National Lok Dal was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led federal coalition government that lost power in May 2004. However, the BJP surged ahead in late vote counting to come within striking distance of retaining power in Jharkhand. In Bihar, analysts expected a hung assembly raising the possibility of prolonged instability and federal rule in the lawless eastern state. "A Congress government will be formed in Haryana - it's a clean sweep," said pollster Yashwant Deshmukh. An outright win in Haryana is seen as strengthening Congress's hold over the federal coa 0
105472 0 1483 WORL WORLD Murdered lord's wife held NICE, France: The estranged wife and brother-in-law of an English lord who mysteriously disappeared on the French Riviera last November have been arrested on suspicion of murdering the aristocrat, French judicial officials said yesterday. Djamilia M'Barek, the 37-year-old third wife of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, the 10th Earl of Shaftesbury, was arrested in the seaside resort of Cannes on Friday and locked up in the nearby city of Nice, they said. Her brother, Mohammed M'Barek, 40, was arrested at his home in Munich, Germany, late on Saturday under a European warrant and was to be transferred to France. Both face charges of murdering 66-year-old Ashley-Cooper who disappeared in Cannes on November 6, the officials said. They added that Djamilia M'Barek - a former nightclub hostess whom Lord Shaftesbury married in 2002 - allegedly confessed during questioning to have taken part in his murder because he was in the process of divorcing her after having taken up with another bar w 0
105473 0 1483 WORL WORLD Surprise hospital appearance by Pope ROME: Pope John Paul II made a surprise appearance at his hospital window yesterday, his first since undergoing surgery on his throat last week. The 84-year-old pontiff waved to the applauding crowd outside the hospital, made the sign of the cross and touched his throat briefly as he lingered at the closed window for a couple of minutes. The Pope appeared alert and in relatively good form. Standing to his right and slightly behind him, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, smiled broadly through the glass. In the background, an official Vatican photographer could be seen taking pictures. The blinds on the 10th-floor window of the Gemelli hospital were drawn aside with theatrical timing moments after a senior Vatican prelate had performed the traditional Sunday Angelus blessing in the name of the absent Pope in St Peter's Square a few miles away. Vatican correspondents said the decision appears to have been taken at the last minute. The Vatican ha 0
105474 0 1483 WORL WORLD Bouteflika rapped on rights reform ALGIERS: Algerian women's groups yesterday accused President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of caving in to Islamic parties by watering down a long-awaited reform to improve women's rights in the country. Unexpectedly, Bouteflika this week ruled against abolishing a regulation that forces women to get permission from a family member or so-called tutor to marry, a requirement which critics have called discriminatory and out of date. "It is a grave discrimination against women, who will remain minors for life," Meriem Belaala, president of the rights group SOS Women in Distress, said. "The long-awaited family code reform will now mean little to Algerian women." Analysts say Bouteflika's decision not to drop the tutor clause from an amendment to the 1984 family code he approved last Tuesday showed Islamic parties still carried weight after a long-running militant uprising that has claimed the lives of 150,000 people. 0
105475 0 1483 WORL WORLD BAe alert in Saudi RIYADH: Defence firm BAe Systems yesterday said it had raised its security level in Saudi Arabia after receiving intelligence of possible terror attacks. But a Saudi official and a Western diplomat said they had no new information pointing to a planned strike by Al Qaeda supporters in the kingdom. "We've raised our security status from amber to red," a BAe spokesman said. "We got intelligence that there is a threat from terrorists. This threat is not specific to BAe. It's generic." 0
105476 0 1483 WORL WORLD Jackson sex trial to open today SANTA MARIA, California: Opening arguments get underway in MICHAEL JACKSON's child molestation trial today, promising a gloves-off legal brawl and an outcome that could leave the greatest pop icon of his generation behind bars for years. With its heady mix of wealth, celebrity, eccentricity and sex, the trial also promises enough sensational and salacious detail to keep the accompanying global media frenzy well fed for its expected lengthy duration. Jackson, 46, is accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy in 2003 at his sprawling Neverland ranch, not far from the Santa Maria courthouse where the trial is being held. The self-crowned "King of Pop" and father of three is also charged with plying the boy with alcohol and conspiring to kidnap him and his family. The case will in large part rely on the testimony of the boy, now 15, and his family, and whether or not the jury ultimately believes their version of events, or that supplied by Jackson's side. The high-profile defence 0
105477 0 1483 WORL WORLD France-Yemen in military pact SANAA: France and Yemen have signed a military and security co-operation agreement providing for joint exercises, exchange of intelligence and the supply of French military equipment to Sanaa, French Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said here yesterday. The pact, inked with Yemeni counterpart General Abdullah Ali Eleiwah, stipulates equipping six gunboats France had earlier supplied to the Yemeni coastguard, Alliot-Marie said. The minister, who also held talks with Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh during her visit, said that under the accord, joint exercises would take place between the two countries' naval forces and special forces. 0
105478 0 1483 WORL WORLD Saudi 'may allow women to vote' LONDON: Saudi Arabia may allow women to vote in future elections, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal said yesterday, but he warned the West to stop pushing for reforms. He said the first municipal elections earlier in February, open to men only, had been such a success it was possible the vote might be extended to women. "The commissioner of elections said after the elections for municipal councils that they went so well and testing the water proved so appealing that the commissioner is going to suggest to the government to have women vote in the next municipal elections," he told BBC television. The elections were the first stage of an unprecedented nationwide vote in the kingdom, 0
105479 0 1483 WORL WORLD Agassi impressed with Dubai DUBAI: US tennis star Andre Agassi left Dubai disappointed to have lost a semi-final to Roger Federer but delighted with the possibility of being a sort of self-styled ambassador for the Middle East. Agassi, whose father Mike represented Iran as an Olympic boxer, claimed to be amazed at the cosmopolitan culture and prosperity of the fast-developing Emirate and appears to believe he might help change some American perceptions. "It's been an incredible week for me and it's taught me a lot being here. You see so many different people living together peacefully that it's amazing to watch and it's a privilege to be here," he said. "Seeing a thousand cranes in action in Dubai impresses even me, someone who is coming from Las Vegas. If I were to take a message back home it would be 'come to the Middle East before you form any opinions'." 0
105480 0 1483 WORL WORLD Four miners killed by landslide TEHRAN: Four miners have been killed by a slide of ice and rocks near the Iranian capital, the students news agenccy ISNA reported yesterday. The report said the fatal slide occurred at a phosphate mine in the town of Jajroud, situated around 15km east of Tehran, and despite an order from the ministry of industries and mines for safety measures to be taken in the wake of recent record snowfall. 0
105481 0 1483 WORL WORLD Battle of the titans looms for Oscars HOLLYWOOD: Hollywood polished its jewels and ironed its designer gowns ahead of this morning's Oscars ceremony at which Clint Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby hopes to shoot down Martin Scorsese's The Aviator. As the stars preened, organisers of the 77th annual Academy Awards frantically put the final touches on the famed red carpet and show ahead of the start of Tinseltown's biggest night. "It's real busy in the house, we are in the final, frenzied hours now," said Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences spokesman John Pavlik at the Oscar show's buzzing venue, Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. More than 3,300 VIPs guests, including the world's biggest stars, were due to begin arriving at the foot of the massive red carpet to be greeted by a blaze of flashbulbs and the screams of 300 hand-picked fans. This year's ceremony, to be hosted by racy and irreverent comedian Chris Rock, has undergone a face-lift in a bid to woo new viewers. Some winners will be presented thei 0
105482 0 1483 WORL WORLD Paisley sets new terms DUBLIN: Northern Ireland Protestant leader Ian Paisley said yesterday that he would resume power-sharing with Catholic Republicans if the IRA and its political wing Sinn Fein abandoned criminality and insurrection. The Irish Republican Army's alleged involvement in a recent Belfast bank robbery and murder of a Catholic man have further damaged the Northern Ireland peace process, already reeling from a two and a half year suspension of Belfast's semi-autonomous government. Paisley, leader of Northern Ireland's biggest Protestant party the Democratic Unionist Party, said he did not want a lengthy period of direct rule from London and said he hoped a new deal could be brokered in his lifetime. "You could have hell every day, it wouldn't be easy but it could be done," Paisley said regarding the possibility of renewed power-sharing in an interview with Irish state radio RTE. The 78-year-old leader said he recognised the electoral mandate of Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's bigges 0
105483 0 1483 WORL WORLD Razzies lampoon Berry and Arnie HOLLYWOOD: US President George W Bush, Halle Berry and arnold Schwarzenegger were named worst actor and actress of 2004 at the Razzies, an irreverent spoof of the Oscars. Berry, "honoured" for her role in the action-flick flop Catwoman, actually showed up to collect her "award". "Thank you so much. I never in my life thought I would be up here," Berry quipped, clutching the golden plastic rasberry (whence Razzie) in one hand and the Oscar she won in 2002 for Monster's Ball in the other. In a take-off of an Oscars acceptance speech, Berry thanked the French director of the film, Pitof, and her manager. "He loves me so much that he convinces me to do projects even when he knows that it is shit," joked the actress, clad in a low-cut gown. On a more serious note, she said her mother had taught her to accept criticism at a young age. "As my mother told me, I take it graciously, I take your criticism," she said. However, she added, "I hope to God I never 0
105484 0 1483 WORL WORLD I can't give up adventure says Fossett AUSTIN, Texas: STEVE FOSSETT's taste for adventure is insatiable. Even as he prepares for a solo, non-stop flight around the world - a feat the 60-year-old American millionaire calls one of the last great aviation records - Fossett has already got plans in the works for two more record-breaking attempts. "There's no reason to stop," he said in a telephone interview said. "What I do will change - when I'm 90 years old I can imagine sending a remote-controlled airplane around the world." To date, Fossett has set 102 official world records in five sports, of which 62 remain unbroken. 0
105485 2 1483 WORL WORLD Palestinian talks in Cairo put off RAMALLAH, West Bank: Talks between the Palestinian leadership and the main factions, which were due to have been held in Cairo this week, have been cancelled after the bombing in Tel Aviv, officials said yesterday. "There are many reasons, but one of them is the operation in Tel Aviv," Jibril Rajub, a member of the national security council, said. "There has been a problem with Israel refusing to allow many delegations to travel to Egypt to take part in the dialogue. We need time to arrive at an agreement and reach a shared vision for a new programme," he added. Deputy prime minister Nabil Shaath confirmed that the meeting, scheduled to begin next Saturday, had been scrapped after the bombing claimed by Islamic Jihad. "The operation in Tel Aviv has made problems for us," he said. Rajub had travelled to Cairo to prepare for the talks which had been expected to include leaders of groups such as Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine as well as 0
105486 3 1483 WORL WORLD Khan network 'in Iran offer' WASHINGTON: Associates of Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan offered to sell Iran the makings of a nuclear weapons programme after a secret meeting in Dubai 18 years ago, The Washington Post reported yesterday. "The offer is the strongest indication to date that Iran had a nuclear weapons programme, but it doesn't prove it completely," a Western diplomat told the paper. Iran provided a copy of the offer last month to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which is investigating Iran's nuclear programme. Iran insists its nuclear activities have been solely geared toward producing nuclear energy. Meanwhile, Iran and Russia signed a landmark nuclear fuel accord that paves the way for the firing up of the country's first atomic power station, a project the US alleges is part of a cover for weapons development. Under the deal, which would cap an $800-million (BD302m) contract to build and bring the Bushehr plant on line, Russia will fuel the reactor on cond 0
105487 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Emergency services to test skills MANAMA: A massive mock exercise will be held in Bahrain today to test emergency services' abilities to handle a terrorist attack. It will start at 9am at the Mina Salman port with a mock terrorist attack on a US Navy ship, said sources. Emergency crews from the Interior Ministry, US military, Salmaniya Medical Complex, BDF Hospital, Coastguard, fire service, police and companies such as Bapco, Asry and others will take part, said the sources. Helicopters and ambulances will reportedly be used to take mock casualties to hospital. The US Navy Emergency Response Team (ERT) is taking part in the drill, US Navy assistant public affairs officer Josh Frey confirmed last night. 0
105488 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL 'Hate website' man held MANAMA: A suspect accused of inciting resentment against the government is being held in custody for 15 days pending investigation, the General Prosecution said last night. He was arrested following a tip-off from the Information Ministry that a website, Bahrain Online, run by him was broadcasting news, pictures and information inciting hatred. The suspect has admitted the charges as well as using a phone line registered in his sister's name. 0
105489 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Strong Qatar ties hailed DOHA: Strong links between Bahrain and Qatar were highlighted when Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Qatar Crown Prince Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani co-chaired the meeting of the Joint Supreme Committee in Doha last night. Ways of further strengthening economic co-operation, investments and youth co-operation topped the agenda. The Bahrain-Qatar Friendship Causeway will be a cornerstone of unity between the two countries, the Crown Prince said earlier as he arrived in Qatar. The ever-growing bilateral relations are heralding a promising future for joint co-operation, he said, adding that the meeting reflected both countries' keenness to consolidate these ties. The Crown Prince also conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad and Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to Qatar's leaders. He later attended a dinner banquet hosted in his honour by Shaikh Tamim. Present was the delegation accompanying th 0
105490 0 1483 BNEW LOCAL Alba set to cross new milestone MANAMA: A record-breaking early start-up and completion of Alba's Line 5 expansion will generate an additional revenue of $90 million (BD34m), it was revealed yesterday. The company is all set to create a new world record by launching the 100 Day Safe Start-up Challenge today. The start-up of the new Reduction Line in 100 days will break the current world record by 80 days and bring in an additional revenue of $70m (BD26.4m), said chief executive officer Bruce Hall. "Also, by starting the production two weeks ahead of schedule today, against the original scheduled date of March 14, we are getting an additional revenue of $20m (BD7.5m), of which $12m (BD4.5m) is net profit," he told a Press conference at the Alba Line 5 Project site. "The significant venture is set to bring Alba's $1.7 billion expansion project to its ultimate climax by making it the largest modern smelter in the world. "Out of 336 cells in Line 5, we will start with the production of two cells today, and 0
105491 0 1483 SPOR SPORT 30 drivers for Oman Rally The Oman Automobile Association (OAA) announced the running of Rally Oman 2005, the third round of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship which takes place on March 16 to 18. The event is being jointly organised by the OAA in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism and Intevents and will be held under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Sport Affairs. This year's event will be based at the Muscat Intercontinental Hotel, although the competitive action will take place over several timed special stages along twisty tracks in the Hajar mountains. The event's sole service park will be adjacent to the hotel in the heart of Muscat. Competitive action in Rally Oman will get underway with a super special stage on March 16. This will be located at the Oman Automobile Club, near Seeb International airport, and will also be repeated on March 18. In a total route of around 740 kms, there will be 265 kms of competitive action in a compact route between Muscat and Quriyat 0
105492 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Ramesh advances Ramesh Narayanan defeated Mohammed Hassan Abdul Rahman 6-0, 6-2 in a boys under-16 singles match yesterday in the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Juniors Open Tennis Championship being played at the Bahrain Tennis Club in Juffair. Other results: Boys under-16 singles: Khalifa Rashdan bt Sidarth Kumarah 6-0, 6-0; Ahmed M Ahmed bt Karim Ebada 6-1, 6-0. Girls under-18 singles: Latifa Al Mahmeed bt Malak Al Saffar 6-1, 6-1; Rina Kato w/o Lamia Mansoor; Yasmine Gaddalali bt Valek D'Souza 6-0, 6-0; Yasmine Ebada bt Maryam Hemdan 6-0, 6-0; Hadil A Raouf bt Amina Al Mahmeed 6-2, 6-0; Fatima Al Salem bt Baha Hemdan 6-0, 6-0; Tarryn Carlssonbt Marwa Ahmed 6-2, 6-1. 0
105493 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Indian Club team in quarters INDIAN Club - Air Sahara Blue and Consolidated Shipping clinched the last two quarter-final spots in the Indian Club-Gulf Cellar Indian Expatriate 7-a-side Cricekt Tournament with victories over GCC and Trust International - Red at the club premises. The Indian Club team won the toss and put GCC in to bat and dismissed them for 11 runs in 3.3 overs. They then reached the target in 2.1 overs for the loss of one wicket to seal victory by five wickets. In the other match, Trust International made 47 for 4 in six overs after electing to bat first. Consolidated Shipping, in reply, reached the target in 5.1 overs for the loss of three wickets with Jacinto Fernandes scoring 25 runs. Quarter-finals line up: Dilu Jewellers vs Indian Club Air Sahara Red; Riffa CC-Tylos vs Al Sarraj Jewellers. Tonight: 8.30pm - Trust International Red vs Consolidated Shipping; 9.30pm - Indian Club Air Sahara Blue vs Surprise. Semi-finals and final on March 4 starting at 6.30pm. 0
105494 0 1483 SPOR SPORT Yacoob for Dubai event Bahrain National Team golfer Nasser Yacoob is all set to play in the Dubai Desert Classic taking place from Thursday to March 6 at Emirates Golf Club's Majlis Course. Yacoob a scratch amateur golfer, will be playing alongside renowned international golfers such as Mark O'Meara, the defending champion, as well as Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie after qualifying at the Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am earlier this year. The $2.2 million tournament boasts a top prize of $366 000 and in addition Emirates, the official carrier for the event are sponsoring a daily hole-in-one prize of BD20,000. 0
105495 0 1483 WORL WORLD Woman's headless body found BAGHDAD: Iraqi police found the body of a headless woman in Baghdad yesterday, with a note attached denouncing her as a spy, security sources said. "A police patrol found a headless woman with a note attached, denouncing her a spy," said policeman Walid Khaled. The body was discovered at 8am in the western Al Adl district on the road leading out from the capital to the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah. "A piece of paper, with the word spy written on it, was found near the body of the woman dressed in a black robe," he said. Insurgents regularly kill Iraqis suspected of working with the government and US forces. Rebels often resort to fear tactics like drive-by shootings and the mutilation of bodies as they seek to control areas around the country. 0
105496 1 1483 WORL WORLD Eight killed in Iraq violence BAGHDAD: The US military yesterday announced the death in Iraq of three more of its soldiers, as insurgents shot dead five Iraqi policemen and at least five other people were killed in a bomb attack. Police also found the bodies of seven people, six of them Iraqi soldiers and the seventh a businessman who was working with US troops. As violence continued unabated Syrian authorities handed over Saddam Hussein's half brother to Iraq in an apparent goodwill gesture. Sabawi Ibrahim Al Hassan, who was also a former adviser suspected of financing insurgents after US troops ousted the former dictator, was captured in Hasakah in northeastern Syria near the Iraqi border. Al Hassan is No 36 on the list of 55 most-wanted Iraqis released by US authorities. The latest unrest came as one of the groups blamed for many attacks mocked claims by Iraqi security chiefs that the noose was tightening around its leader Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, the country's most wanted man. An Internet statement p 0
105497 1 1484 BUSI BUSINESS GFH rated best in Islamic real estate MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House (GFH) has been named Best Islamic Real Estate Finance House by the London-based Euromoney magazine. This year's award has been given as an acknowledgement of GFH's cutting-edge, Sharia-compliant investment initiatives in the real estate sector. This is the second consecutive year that the bank has won a Euromoney award, after being named Most Innovative Islamic Finance House last year. Euromoney has cited the bank's strategy of concentrating on infrastructure, real estate in particular, as being highly successful. GFH chief executive officer Esam Janahi said it was an honour. "Real estate, as an asset class, yields higher returns when compared to other conventional options," he said. "GFH has made use of lucrative opportunities thrown up by the GCC as well as overseas property markets." Mr Janahi said the bank designed its real estate-focused investment products with an eye on maximising returns to sharehol 0
105498 2 1484 BUSI BUSINESS BD30m sukuk issue a success MANAMA: A BD30 million ($79.5m) issue of Ijara sukuk (Islamic leasing bonds), placed by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), has been oversubscribed by more than 50 per cent. Subscriptions worth BD45.5m were received for the five-year issue, which commenced yesterday and matures on February 28, 2010. The issue carries a fixed rental return of 4.5pc per annum, which is payable twice yearly on August 28 and February 28 each year. This is the 11th Ijara sukuk to be issued by the BMA. It brings to a total of $1.21 billion the value of Ijara sukuk issued by the BMA, of which $1.14bn is currently outstanding. "We are gratified by the response to BMA's Ijara sukuk series, which has been very well received by the market," said BMA banking operations executive director Waleed Abdulla Rashdan. Subscribers to the latest issue were mainly conventional commercial banks, pension funds and insurance companies. The sukuk are being issued upon maturity of a $70m Ija 0
105499 3 1484 BUSI BUSINESS 280 firms sign up for key oil and gas forum MANAMA: Over 280 companies from 21 countries have signed up for the 14th Society of Petroleum Engineers Middle East Oil and Gas Show (MEOS 2005) to be held on March 12 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The four-day event, organised by Arabian Exhibition Management in co-operation with the London-based Overseas Exhibition Services, will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Key participants making a return appearance include GCC national oil companies Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Bapco, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation, Petroleum Development Oman and Aramco. "International oil companies also maintain a strong presence with ChevronTexaco, ExxonMobil, Petronas and Shell occupying significant exhibition space," said a statement issued by the organisers. "Service industry giants Compagnie Gnrale de Gophysique (CGG), Halliburton, Weatherford and Schlumberger amongst others consolidate this line up in addition to dedi 0
105500 0 1484 BUSI BUSINESS A common man's budget NEW DELHI: India's Communist-backed coalition government yesterday announced a budget aimed at helping the poor, saying it wanted to ensure the nation's new prosperity brought "relief to the common man". The Congress-led government's goal is "to eliminate the scourge of poverty", Finance Minister P Chidambaram told parliament as he earmarked 250 billion rupees ($5.7bn) for social programmes in his second budget since the Congress party won power last May. "Given the resilience of the Indian economy, it's possible to mobilize the resources and launch a direct assault on poverty and unemployment. That's the only way to bring immediate relief to the aam admi (common man)," he said. A quarter of India's over one billion people live below the poverty line even though India's economy, growing at nearly seven percent, is the world's fastest expanding major economy after China. The budget for the fiscal year to March 2006 steered clear of any bold economic reforms such as raisin 0
105501 0 1484 BUSI BUSINESS India opens up banking sector NEW DELHI: India's central bank moved to liberalise the country's banking sector yesterday, saying it will allow foreign banks to set up wholly owned units or buy stakes in private domestic lenders. Initially, however, foreign banks would only be allowed to buy stakes in ailing private domestic banks that the central bank says need to be revamped, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. The guidelines did not specify the percentage of equity the foreign banks would be allowed to buy in the private banks. Banking subsidiaries set up under the new rules should possess minimum capital of three billion rupees ($70 million). Until now, foreign banks have only been allowed to set up branches. The guidelines came hours after Finance Minister P Chidambaram announced in the annual budget yesterday. "The finance minister has announced that he wants to make Bombay a regional financial centre. This will definitely help it to go in that direction," said D H Pai 0
105502 0 1484 BUSI BUSINESS Ex-WorldCom chief in denial NEW YORK: Former WorldCom chief Bernard Ebbers took the witness stand yesterday, telling jurors he was unschooled in accounting and finance as he began defending himself against charges he orchestrated the $11 billion fraud that capsised the company he built. By contrast, Ebbers said, his former finance chief, Scott Sullivan, "had an uncanny knowledge of the technical details of accounting". Defence lawyers called Ebbers, 63, to testify as his trial on charges of fraud, conspiracy and making false regulatory filings opened its sixth week in Manhattan federal court. Ebbers described how his small Mississippi long-distance seller swallowed up ever larger companies to become the global telecommunications titan WorldCom. He said he focused on being a "coach" for the company. "I know what," Ebbers said. "I don't, to this day, know technology. I don't know finance and accounting." He was asked by his lawyer, Reid Weingarten, whether he had studied accounting. "The closest thing I've ev 0
105503 0 1484 BUSI BUSINESS Shares jump on corporate tax cut BOMBAY: Indian shares hit a record closing high yesterday, buoyed by budget proposals to cut corporate taxes and boost funding for the country's stressed infrastructure. But bonds slid on worries India would borrow more in the year to March 2006 as the budget estimated a higher-than-expected fiscal deficit next year, and central bank intervention limited gains in the rupee. The key Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index rose 2.19 per cent to a new closing peak of 6,713.86 points, comfortably topping the previous best close of 6,679.33 points struck two weeks before. The market reacted positively to a proposed corporate tax cut to an effective 33pc from 35pc. "This is a good budget. The thrust is on infrastructure as expected and focus is clearly on rural infrastructure," said Chandan Desai, a director at TAIB Securities. "The move to reduce corporate tax is a big boost for corporate India. Customs duty coming down will help them in a lot of raw materials they 0
105504 0 1484 COMM COMMENTA classic... in colour Jab Pyar Kiya Toh Darna Kya" (implying if you 'love' why fear acknowledging it?), is a signature tune for rebellious lovers in India, from the epic film Mughal - e - Azam, currently playing in Bahrain. The film is almost half a century old and was originally done in black and white. An Indian Classic, Mughal-e-Azam is the work of Karimuddin Asif, who took a record ten years and millions of rupees (big money in those times) to make this film. During the period it was made (1951-1960) colour film technology had arrived only towards the end of 1950s in India. Ambitious as he is believed to have been, Asif released the film in 1960 with the greater part of the film in black and white, and only a few reels in colour. Four decades from then to now the film has been revived entirely in wide screen colour, and digital sound. The story of the film is about Salim (enacted by veteran Indian actor Dilip Kumar), son of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who falls in love with Anarkali (enacted by M 0
105505 0 1484 COMM COMMENTUrgent efforts needed to ease traffic bottlenecks One of the most common remarks from expatriates in Bahrain used to be that getting to and from work was relatively stress-free. This was particularly true of people who had come here having worked in big cities such as London, where they were commuting from the suburbs. I remember one colleague remarking that commuting by train put nearly two hours on each end of his working day. Packed trains, particularly the London Underground, or traffic jams on the roads meant that getting to and from work was often more stressful than the job itself. I used to commute around 19 miles each day from Stafford to Wolverhampton, to get there in time for a 7.45am start and if I was late it was down to traffic or rail delays as often as it was to my own inability to get up on time. There was nothing more stressful than standing in the sleet on a railway platform, only to hear over the loudspeaker that your train would be delayed and, as a result, you would be arriving for work col 0
105508 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Let's keep Bahrain clean during holidays too DURING weekends and public holidays, Bahrain's roads and other, areas become so dirty with messy garbage everywhere and government municipality containers full of trash near shops, restaurants and residential areas. The authorities should have employees/cleaners working on a shift or calendar basis. Do we have to live dirty every time there is a public holiday, Eid, weekend or Ashoora. Surely the authorities can get more organised and serve citizens who pay municipality fees every month and make sure all areas all year are clean, whether there is a holiday or not. Other advanced, clean countries have a proper system that split working hours/days for cleaners. Can we have a fair, proper and advanced system to keep Bahrain clean all year. If Bahrain is developing, getting bigger and busier, they should also care and think of the face and image of the areas to be cleaned and not full of trash/ papers/full garbage cans all dirty and smelly. No one can walk or drive during weekends/p 0
105509 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Runaway success YES, surely all are delighted with the BD70m expansion plan for the airport. With due apologies to planners let me express my humble opinions. Let us place our confidence in the safe and able hands of these ingenious men. But with the current housing programme in progress around Busaiteen Galali and Am Waj Islands some of it may fall within the flight path of ascending/descending of aircraft and they may in future find a space problem. I could foresee a runway in future north of Dair Bamehji and Galali with reclamation and it could be linking the present excellent facility in a 'U' shape, with the scope of extending the runway length to either end, part of which may even protrude into the sea like old Hong Kong Kai Tak airport's runway. This could even provide wider scope for expansion at any later stage. I welcome opinions from other laymen as well. A J Thomas 0
105510 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Crossings defunct PELICAN crossings near the Kung Fu Restaurant and near Awal Pharmacy on Riffa Avenue (popularly known as the Pipeline Road) in East Riffa have been out of order for quite some time. We request the authorities to kindly rectify them. Satvika Sati 0
105511 0 1484 LETT LETTERS TV presenter scruffy I have just been watching Bahrain TV55's XO Kiddies. I could not believe my eyes or ears. The presenter looked as if she had dragged her clothes on after brushing her hair and her clothes must have come from a rummage sale! Surely presenters have an image to put across? Well rummage sale babe isn't it! But what really got to me was her language. Not only did she repeatedly say "Oh my God" or plain "God", she referred to one boy as a little arrogant boy and later on told the contestants that they were " So selfish"! Is this how Bahrain TV wants to project itself? I certainly would not allow my children to be on this programme! Lynn Short 0
105512 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Now you see it... THIS is in response to the letter "Yahoo e-mail glitch" by Vijay Arora (GDN February 18)‎ I have also faced the same problem in the past. But it has disappeared since changing the operating system to Windows XP Professional‎ Sajeevan 0
105513 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Place matters WITH reference to the column by Reem Antoon (GDN February 26) while I do agree with her on a lot of her points, especially why religion should make a difference she makes simplistic assumptions and fails to recognise the cornerstone of life in the Middle East: Islam. As a Christian she is free to marry whoever she pleases. Maybe she does not know it is against the law for a Muslim woman to marry a non-Muslim man. This is true in every Islamic governed country on earth. Yes, I wish we could live in a world where this didn't matter but the simple fact is the Middle East is made of Islamic countries whose laws are derived from Islam. Mike Losail 0
105514 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Stop the whining! I AM tired of all the letters to the GDN whining about traffic in Bahrain. People frequently obey the traffic lights, and everything else is not really that important. I enjoy not being harassed by traffic police. I enjoy being able to abandon my car in the middle of the road to use an ATM or visit a cold store, or block up a parking lot entryway so I don't have to walk five metres from a parking space to a coffee shop. Do the expatriates not remember how abusive the traffic police are in Britain and America? They snivel about everything from using a cellular telephone while driving to not wearing a safety belt. Oh, and they are ridiculous about watching bad behaviour on the road for pulling people over for drunk driving. As long as you don't cause an accident, you can do whatever you want here. You shouldn't have to obey the law if it conflicts with your personal agenda. A few traffic fatalities a month and some accidents, and a little chaos on the r 0
105515 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Play 'spectacular' WE take this opportunity to thank all those drama lovers who cheered us, encouraged us and gave their shoulders to ease our burden to make our play Bootham Pudithu a spectacular one. The response we received after the show through SMS, phone calls and email has made us forget the hurdles we faced and has heightened our enthusiasm. We sincerely thank the GDN for the excellent coverage and the kind co-operation extended to us. Madras Theatres director 0
105516 0 1484 LETT LETTERS Playboy priorities I FEEL that at last Bahrain can be proud. We are building a small atoll off the South-West coast where affluent people can lodge and sail their yachts. We have a golf course that is the envy of horticulturists the length and breadth of the island, and ONLY BD70 a round. We have an F1 track that will collect cigarette advertising from all over the world long after lung cancer has been eradicated from Europe. Oh yes, and we have a 15-year-old boy who died yesterday of leukaemia for the lack of donations by mansion owning, yacht sailing, golf playing, grand prix attending rich playboys and girls. I sincerely hope that we are all suitably proud. Max 0
105517 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Top honour for BAS... MANAMA: Bahrain Airport Services has been ranked ninth in the world for its outstanding performance. It stands neck-and-neck with New York and Cairns, Australia for excellence in airport services - a feat which has just won it two international awards from Cathay Pacific Airlines. One is for Best-Rated Baggage Handling within Cathay's worldwide system and the other trophy is inscribed for Outstanding Airport Performance 2004. On behalf of BAS's board and shareholders, chairman Jamil Wafa said: "This is a big honour for us and Bahrain International Airport and I would like to thank the management team and all BAS staff, particularly those involved with airport and passenger handling, for their fantastic joint efforts in making it possible," he said. 0
105518 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL BD35,000 payout MANAMA: The Interior Ministry was yesterday ordered to pay BD35,000 compensation to the family of a Bahraini who died near the American Embassy during an anti-US rally. A post-mortem and witnesses confirmed that rubber bullets randomly fired by security forces were the direct cause of Mohammed Jumaa Shakhoori's death, the Higher Civil Court of Appeal heard. The decision upheld a previous First Degree Court verdict, thus turning down the Interior Ministry's appeal. Shakhoori's family will each be paid BD5,000, in addition to an extra five pc covering legal expenses. 0
105519 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Pledge to boost ties DOHA: Bahrain and Qatar have pledged fast-track co-operation in aviation, trade, labour, energy, electricity, water, sport and media fields. This is in addition to signing a memorandum of understanding giving the green light to a BD1.8 billion Friendship Causeway between the two countries. A joint communique yesterday hailed the success of a fifth session of the Joint Supreme Committee, co-chaired by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Qatar Crown Prince Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Amir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani yesterday received Shaikh Salman. They confirmed the importance of co-ordination, consultations and joint action in the interests of both countries and regional stability. The next Joint Supreme Committee session will be held in Manama next year. During his audience, Shaikh Salman conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad and Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to the 0
105520 1 1484 BNEW LOCAL Worker's legs mangled MANAMA MANAMA: A worker suffered horrific injuries when his legs were caught in a fishing boat's propeller. One leg had to be amputated and he has to undergo extensive surgery on the other, at Salmaniya Medical Complex. The Indian man, named only as Najeer, 25, was brought in with one leg almost severed and the other crushed and broken in several places, sources yesterday. "Mr Najeer's left leg was amputated from the knee," they said. He will undergo skin graft surgery on the other leg today. Mr Najeer, originally from Kerala, was last night said to be in pain but stable in the intensive care unit. He was injured at the Sitra Fishing Port at around 9pm on Sunday night. It is understood his father-in-law is also in Bahrain. 0
105521 2 1484 BNEW LOCAL Yemen reforms boost MANAMA YEMEN may still be facing problems of illiteracy and poverty but its strides in political and economic reform are slowly but surely helping to change all of this, says Yemen Human Rights Minister Amat Al Aleem Alsoswa. Ms Alsoswa, who was visiting Bahrain for the first time, was speaking at a Press conference held yesterday at the Abdulla Al Zayed House for Bahrain Press Heritage, in Muharraq. "Yemen's unification took place in 1990 and this step has been the most significant one taken in the history of the country," said Yemen's first woman minister. "Yemen decided in 1990 that the only way out of Yemen's problems was to go down a democratic path and accept each others differences. Yemen is tribal, poor and different in regional places. "The economic situation is the problem. Yemen has a high population (22 million) and there are not enough jobs for everyone. "The only way out is to give people rights. The main thing is development, fighting for new supplies of 0
105522 3 1484 BNEW LOCAL People urged to turn reforms into reality MANAMA PEOPLE must pull together to turn a three-prong wave of sweeping reforms to the economy, education and the labour market into reality, it was declared yesterday. It will take the government, the private sector and the people working in partnership to pull it off, says a leading businessman. The reforms are being spearheaded by Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. They are built on three pillars - what has already been achieved, what is needed and a vision for the future, said Jawad Habib senior partner Jawad Habib. He was speaking at an open discussion with the Press yesterday following a one-day workshop on economic reforms. The workshop, opened by Shaikh Salman at Shaikh Hamad Palace, Gudaibiya. was attended by around 180 participants from the private sector, National Assembly, governmental and non-governmental organisations. It was the first in a series designed to create a nat 0
105523 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Kidney op plea for Bahrain boy MANAMA AN appeal has gone out to raise money for a kidney transplant for a dying three-year-old Bahraini boy. Alaa Abdulla Salman Abdulla's father says he has no choice but to buy a kidney in Pakistan, to save his child's life. Kidney transplants are due to restart in Bahrain, but Alaa does not have a donor. The Health Ministry will not pay for him to have the operation in a country where body parts are for sale. Now his family is appealing for $20,000 (BD7,560) for the operation in Pakistan, where he has been matched to a live donor who will sell one of his kidneys. Of this $16,000 (BD6,048) will be the cost of the kidney and operation, while the rest is for other expenses. Doctors at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) diagnosed Alaa as having chronic renal failure. SMC consultant paediatrician Dr Abbas Abdul Aal issued a medical report in November recommending an urgent transplant. Dr Abdul Aal told the GDN yesterday that buying body parts was against th 0
105524 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI POLICE slammed the brakes on thieves preying on cars in two separate incidents. A 17-year-old Bahraini was caught red-handed trying to steal from a car in Naim. The boy broke into the car and was rummaging through it for valuables, when a police patrol spotted and arrested him, at 3pm. The car belongs to an Indian resident of the area while the boy is from Hamad Town. In another incident, a gang of three Bahrainis, one of whom was only 15, were caught within an hour of stealing a car - after getting stuck in mud. The gang got stuck in the mud at a farm in Khamis, while they were joyriding. The car, an 88 Mitsubishi Lance, belongs to 43-year-old Egyptian Bassam Moosa. He came out of his apartment building on Shaikh Hamad Road, near Naim and his car was gone. "I immediately headed to Naim Police Station to inform them about the theft," said Mr Moosa. "When I got there and told them about the car, they told me that they had it. "Appar 1
105525 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL 23 employers banned from hiring Filipinos TWENTY-THREE companies and individuals in Bahrain are currently blacklisted from hiring Filipino workers. Another 15 companies are under investigation by Philippine Embassy officials. The blacklist is drawn up by the Philippine Overseas Labour Office at the Philippine Embassy. Labour Attach Alan Macaraya confirmed the number of blacklisted companies, which include hotels, manpower agencies, garages, beauty salons, restaurants and stores, as well as individual employers who have records of abusing their housemaids. Violations "To further strengthen the protection of our overseas Filipino workers deployed here in Bahrain and in the light of the culpable violations of the terms and conditions of employment, these individuals, agencies and companies are prohibited from sourcing manpower from the Phil-ippines," he said. Since August last year, only two companies have been cleared and removed from the embassy's blacklist. One was a Bahraini employer who 0
105526 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Gulf Air is streamling flights to meet demand Gulf Air is cancelling flights to Casablanca, in Morocco, and Colombo, in Sri Lanka, next month. Aircraft now operating to those countries will instead be used to fly passengers to other major destinations and cover routes with high demand, the airline said yesterday. It is part of the airline's efforts to streamline its operations in the face of difficult market conditions, said Gulf Air network vice-president Fareed Al Alawi. "However, our first commitment remains to our customers and steps are already in place to minimise any potential impact of this decision," he said. "Assistance will be provided to ensure seamless travel with minimal disruption when the change is implemented at the end of March. "Representation will be retained in Colombo through the appointed general sales agent, and the office in Morocco will remain open until other measures are in place." Gulf Air flights to Casablanca will be terminated on March 24, while services to Colombo 0
105527 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Nominations chance for top expat honour FILIPINOS are being encouraged to nominate who they think are the best workers within their community, for the Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in Bahrain 2005 awards scheme. The scheme, launched by the Philippine Embassy in January, will honour Filipinos of various working backgrounds for their excellence, said Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya. Nomination forms are available from the embassy premises in Zinj as well as from the Filipino Club, Bahrain Financing Company branches and other outlets. The search is a project run by the embassy in association with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the Philippines' Department of Labour and Employment. The 10 distinguished Filipinos will be honoured for their achievements in promoting Filipinos as world-class overseas workers. "Filipinos in Bahrain can nominate their friends or co-workers or anyone who they think are fit to be honoured for this award," said Mr Maglaya. "As long they have 0
105528 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Charity Dish aims to serve the needy ORGANISERS are hoping to raise thousands of dinars at the 22nd Charity Dish being held at the Children and Mothers Welfare Society in Isa Town on Monday. The event, under the patronage of Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa, is one of the society's main fund-raisers to support its welfare activities and projects, said society president Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. "At one point we raised as much as BD40,000 during one of the past charity dish events," she explained. "I hope many well-wishers will show up at the event and contribute with as much as their budget allows them and help out those who are in need of their support." Shaikha Lulwa said 20 tables have been booked for the event, which raised over BD12,000 last year. "The funds raised will go towards the society, the Hope Institute, the Information Centre for Women and Children, kindergartens and nurseries," she pointed. "At the moment, we support 135 needy families and without these fu 0
105529 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Five assaults among US troops revealed FIVE cases of sexual assault among US troops serving in and around Bahrain have been reported to a victim-support group since August 2002. They occurred in the ranks of the US Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and took place either in the country or offshore, according to the Miles Foundation. The non-profit organisation received a total of 307 reports of sexual assault among members of the US armed forces serving in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Bahrain. However, the Connecticut-based watchdog - set up to help US service members who are victims of violence - says the numbers could be higher. "We are certain there are additional reported cases that we are not aware of," Miles Foundation communications director Anita Sanchez told the GDN. "I don't want people to think 307 is the final number." Of the 307 assaults reported to the organisation, only four of the victims were men. However, in all five cases of sexual assault reported in and around B 0
105530 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Tasty soup is wholesome meal Grated Onion Soup This is a very thick and hearty soup and is much better served as a meal than as a starter. However, if you do want to serve it as a starter, add more stock to thin the consistency, remembering to check the seasoning. Method Peel the onions and thinly slice into rings. Melt the butter in a large pan and add the onions, stirring them to coat. Reduce the heat, cover and leave to sweat very gently for about an hour, stirring from time to time. When the onions have become meltingly soft, turn up the heat and allow any excess liquid to evaporate. Add the flour and mustard powder and cook over a medium heat for about five minutes, until beginning to brown, being careful not to allow the onions to catch and burn. Add the stock and the thyme leaves and bring to the boil, stirring until thickened slightly. Reduce the heat, cover with the lid and simmer for 30 minutes. After this time, check the seasoning, adding salt and freshly ground black pe 0
105531 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini hurt in crash A BAHRAINI man was badly injured when he was hit by a car as he crossed the Zallaq Highway, near the Bahrain University entrance yesterday. Ahmed Hassan Jaffar, aged 33, was hurled 26 metres by the impact, said traffic police. He was taken to the BDF Hospital with severe head injuries and a broken hip. Police said the Bahrain car driver was speeding when the accident happened at around 8.20am. In another incident, a driver escaped with minor injuries when his four-wheel drive vehicle somersaulted and smashed through metal railings rafter clipping the rear of a trailer, on the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Highway, at around 9am. Witnesses said the driver walked away from the wreckage and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The smash caused another accident, in which a woman driver was reportedly injured. She hit the back of another car which slowed down because of the first accident. No further information was available. 0
105532 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Clamp urged on women abusers A CALL went out yesterday for tougher punishment to combat crime against women. Shura Council member Faisal Fulad said more should be done to ensure the safety of women and penalise those who harass or abuse them. "Most of the time those involved in physical abuse acts, especially rape, get away without a genuine punishment," he said. "Community police, a pioneer policing scheme, should be used to halt violence against women by enabling its members to intervene in cases in which women are abused." Mr Fulad, who is also a human rights activist, said 42 per cent of the local population is made up of women. "There are 212,107 Bahraini women and 81,033 expatriate women in the country," he said. Mr Fulad was yesterday responding to Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who was present at the council's weekly meeting to answer a question by Mr Fulad on procedures taken by the ministry to limit violence against women. Many civil societ 0
105533 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Expo focus on Egypt civilisation A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition on the Egyptian civilisation will be officially opened at the Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, tonight. The event, under the patronage of Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, will feature the works of 13 top Egyptian photographers. It is being organised by the ministry's Culture and Art Directorate in co-ordination with the Egyptian Ministry. The exhibition will be open free of charge to the public from tomorrow until Monday, from 8am to 8pm. All are welcome. 0
105534 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Pottery chance for families A FAMILY pottery day is going to be held at the Bahrain Potters Society in Isa Town, beginning at 3.30pm, on Wednesday. The event will give the chance for both adults and children to express their artistic skills with clay supervised by artists who are members at the society. The artworks will then be displayed in an exhibition, which will be held at the society at a later date. A charge of 500 fils will be taken for the piece of clay but other than that the event is free to the public. For more information, contact Abdul Karim Al Bosta on 39647697 or Abdulilah Al Bosta on 39298217 or call the society on 17786969. 0
105535 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Rally against webmaster's arrest FRIENDS and family of webmaster Ali Abdulemam gathered outside the Public Prosecution building, in Manama, yesterday to demonstrate against his arrest on Sunday. The 27-year-old computer engineer with EDS company has been detained for 15 days over comments that appeared on his website Bahrainonline.org, which was shut down by the Information Ministry in 2002. However, the website - which has a membership of around 20,000 and gets around 80,000 hits a day - has continued to function using Internet servers outside the country. Yesterday his supporters covered their mouths with tape and staged a silent protest outside the Public Prosecution offices - symbolising their claim that he had been gagged. "There is no law governing the Internet," said his brother Hussain Abdulemam, who took part in the protest. "They keep blocking the website, but they don't even have a warrant." Abdulemam is now understood to be facing criminal charges that include spreading hatred 0
105536 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Press says farewell Dar Akhbar Al Khaleej Press held a farewell party for long-standing employee Cherian Varhese yesterday. Mr Varhese, aged 48, is returning to Kerala, India, after working in the company's camera department for 14 years. He joined the company as a plate maker in 1991 and rose to the position of camera operator. Mr Varhese will now rejoin his wife and two children in Kerala, where he hopes to start his own business. 0
105537 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Free health check-up to benefit workers A FREE medical check-up for workers of the Down Town Construction Company is being organised by the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) on Thursday at the company site in Sehla. Senior medical consultants and paramedical team will examine about 350 workers, starting at 7pm. The Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya is sponsoring the camp. A similar event will be held next month. The aim is to create greater health awareness amongst workers and provide them with free general medical check-up, as part of the Indian community services activities. "We have noticed that most of the workers, especially those working in remote areas are not aware of their health problems and continue to ignore their health problems until it reaches a critical stage," said ICRF general secretary C R Nambiar. "By providing medical check-ups, they are made aware of their basic health problems and are advised to pursue check-up and treatment at health centres or hospitals. "Ma 0
105538 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Black power turning Oscars tide HOLLYWOOD: The Oscar triumphs by black actors Jamie Foxx and Morgan Freeman at the Academy Awards indicate that Hollywood's decades-old race barrier could finally be crumbling. Foxx, 37, won the best actor award for his stunning portrayal of soul legend Ray Charles in Ray, while Freeman picked up the best supporting actor trophy for his role as a grizzled ex-boxer in Million Dollar Baby. Only once before have two black actors walked off with Oscar statuettes in the same year - in 2002, when Halle Berry became the first black woman to win best actress and Denzel Washington won best actor. This year's double honours came in a year where a record number of five acting nominations went to black performers, including two to Foxx, who also won a best supporting actor nod for his role in the thriller Collateral. "It shows Hollywood is continuing to make history," veteran movie star Freeman said backstage after receiving his award. "Things change. Life goes on. They never stay th 0
105539 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL All-suite hotel opens in Seef THE newly-built Mercure Grand Hotel in the Seef District opens its doors to customers from today. The 17-storey four-star property is part of French hotel giant Accor's network of 750 hotels in 47 countries. It's an all-suite hotel, with 72 one-bedroom suites and 48 two-bedroom suites, equipped with kitchenettes, televisions, ensuite or separate bathrooms and a business corner with Internet access. There are also smoking and non-smoking floors and suites for disabled guests. The penthouse on the top floor has a private swimming pool with panoramic views and is luxuriously furnished with two bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, library, large kitchen and maid's quarters. Sales and marketing manager Saleh Farajat said the new hotel targets both business travellers and families. The hotel, said Mr Farajat, has over 100 employees, including experienced and newly trained staff. "Our staff is fully trained at their jobs and the hotel is fully operational. The soft o 0
105540 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Mock terror drill a huge success EMERGENCY forces swung into action in a drill designed to test their ability to handle a terrorist attack in Bahrain yesterday. The exercise started with a mock terrorist attack on a US Navy ship at Mina Salman port. Firemen from four fire stations rushed to the scene to put out the fire and evacuate the people from the ship. Staff at the Salmaniya Medical Complex and BDF Hospital, some of them wearing special protective clothing, treated the mock casualties, as if it were a real incident. Some of the mock casualties were flown to the hospitals by helicopter. SMC Accident and Emergency chairman Dr Nabeel Ansari said 12 of the "casualties" were taken to the hospital and staff performed well. "Everything went smoothly, but this will help us assess any areas we are lagging behind in. It was also a way to assess the response time of the staff and hence we will have more drills in the future," he said. Such drills also helped improve co-ordination bet 0
105541 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Alba on countdown to greater success ALBA'S contribution to Bahrain's gross domestic product (GDP) will increase from eight to 12 per cent when the Line 5 Project starts full production in 100 days, it was revealed yesterday. Chief executive officer Bruce Hall was speaking as the company launched its "100 Day Safe Start-up" challenge, with the successful commissioning of the first two pots in the new new Line 5 Reduction Line. The event was marked with an on-site celebration and all Alba employees were presented with commemorative gifts for their efforts and commitment to this challenge. The start-up team is headed by Line 5 manager Ahmed Ghuloom and the ceremony was witnessed by top Alba management, headed by Mr Hall. "The entire team was in a jubilant mood and they expressed their joy by carrying Mr Ghuloom on their shoulders," said human resources and public relations manager Shaikh Bader bin Rashid Al Khalifa. The team is currently preparing to energise a further two pots today, he told the GDN. 0
105542 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL 8,500 visit wildlife park MORE than 8,500 people visited Al Areen Wildlife Park in January this year, according to new figures. New 50-seater tour buses may be bought for the park to cope with the increasing number of visitors, says the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. Environment and wildlife director general Dr Ismail Al Madani said that visitors during the Hijra New Year holidays totalled 1,380, the Eid Al Adha brought 3,954 and Eid Al Fitr 2,122 visitors. He said that last year's visitors to the park totalled 43,837, compared to 36,079 in 2003, 29,055 in 2002 and 25,353 in 2001. Dr Al Madani said that in view of the increasing number of visitors, the commission was reviewing the means of purchasing new 50-passenger buses, the re-surfacing of roads and the setting up of a ticket counter at the main gate. 0
105543 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Firm's clinic urged to treat villagers RESIDENTS of three Southern Governorate villages are demanding Alba allow them regular medical treatment at the company's clinic. People in Askar, Jaw and Al Dur say they used the clinic for general treatment, but Alba has now stopped this. Alba says it has always offered emergency treatment for villagers at the clinic. Southern Municipal Council chairman Khalid Al Buainain said Alba was obliged to treat the villagers. "Alba is one of the main polluters of the environment in the area and this is why it should offer residents treatment as a compensation," he said. "We will talk with Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh, when she visits the three villages soon." Mr Al Buainain said residents were being forced to travel a long distance to the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) and the BDF Hospital for minor medical treatment, while Alba was nearby. "Why deny residents help? Would offering residents treatment affect the company's budget? " he said. "I 0
105544 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL BD40m renovation plan for Riffa plant A 15-year scheme to update Bahrain's power network will begin next year, it was revealed yesterday. It will include a BD40 million renovation of the Riffa power station, said Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa. In the meantime, the ministry is doing all it can do to meet the demand this coming summer, he told villagers as he visited Askar, Jaw and Al Dur yesterday. But old equipment and other problems meant there could be no guarantee against breakdowns in the power or water supply, said Shaikh Abdulla. "The equipment we currently use is tested in countries where temperatures don't exceed 40 degree Celsius when compared to Bahrain's climate, which exceeds 50 degree Celsius during the summer," he said. "Other equipment is very old and anything could go wrong, because it is not designed to meet the high demand of today's population. "But everything has been accounted for as the ministry has already laid down its new plan, wh 0
105545 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL King praises GCC march HIS Majesty King Hamad, chairman of the current GCC Supreme Council session, yesterday received GCC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, visiting the kingdom to attend the first meeting of the consultative council's eighth session. Mr Al Attiyah praised His Majesty's sagacity and wise directives that reinforce the GCC march. He also praised the outcome of the Joint Supreme Committee meetings chaired in Doha jointly by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Qatar's Crown Prince Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Meanwhile, Mr Al Attiyah yesterday chaired the first meeting of the GCC consultative council's eighth session. Head of the consultative council Dr Bader Jassim Al Yacoub welcomed newly-appointed Bahraini representatives Dr Esam Abdulla Fakhro and Ms Sabah Yousif Al Moayyed and others. 0
105546 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Expat teachers' recruitment above board, says ministry Expatriate teachers have been recruited in accordance with Civil Service Bureau rules and regulations, the Education Ministry said yesterday. "These teachers have been recruited on a one-year contract to fill certain vacancies," assistant under-secretary for administrative affairs Hisham bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa said. He was responding to reports published in the local press alleging that those foreign teachers have been brought on tourism visas. "We had co-ordinated the move with former Labour and Social Affairs Ministry, Civil Service Bureau, making sure no Bahraini graduates were then on waiting lists", he said. 0
105547 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Sporting charity gesture WORLD Beat Fitness Centre yesterday donated BD407 to the American Women's Association (AWA) at its premises in Janabiya. The money was raised during a charity event at the centre last Thursday, where for BD5 per person, participants had a choice to take yoga, belly dancing, NIA exercise, pilates or aerobics classes for two hours. Children were entertained with a variety of games and stories throughout the event for a BD1 ticket. The AWA helps a number of charities each year through its community services programme. 0
105548 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Help restore Iraq marshlands plea A PLEA to help restore the marshlands of southern Iraq went out in Bahrain yesterday. The marshlands were drained by then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein after the 1991 Gulf War. Centre for the Restoration of Iraqi Marshlands director-general Ali Hashim urged the countries of the world to unite to resolve the environmental and humanitarian catastrophe, which is still being felt today. Mr Hashim said it was impossible to restore 100 per cent of the marshlands, but that he would be happy to see about 75pc rehabilitated. "Saddam halted the flow of water from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers because rebels had taken refuge there among the marsh Arabs, who themselves were opposed to him," he said. Mr Hashim was speaking at the opening of a two-day regional meeting by environmental authorities at the Regency Inter Continental Hotel yesterday. The meeting is a joint effort organised by the Regional Organisation for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the G 0
105549 0 1484 BNEW LOCAL Zinj hair stylist a cut above the rest HAIR stylist and make-up artiste Chris Fortes from Barberia Salon in Zinj took the first prize of $300 (BD113.400) at the Prom Queen Hair and Make-Up Competition held at the Phoenicia Hotel. The first runner up of the competition Mercidida Azur from Asfar Boutique in Isa Town received $200 (BD75.600) and Rodello Tinamisan from Black and White Salon in Manama won $100 (BD37.800). The competition was open to all amateur and professional hair stylists and make-up artistes. During the event, participants had 30 minutes to style their model's hair, 15 minutes to apply the foundation and 30 minutes the rest of the make-up. Meanwhile, the hair stylist to gain the most points overall from his participation in three hair and make-up competitions (Prom Queen, June Bride and Fantasy Hair and Make-up) was Yanni Garon from Hairanoia Men's Salon in Manama. Mr Garon won a ticket and an allowance to compete in the Philippines National Open Championship for Hairstyling and Make-up 0
105550 1 1484 SPOR SPORT VENUS BOWS TO ITALIAN DUBAI: Injury-hampered Venus Williams made a first-round exit at the Dubai Open yesterday, going out 7-5, 7-6 to Italian Silvia Farina Elia. After more than two hours of tennis that only the most devoted of fans could enjoy, the fifth seeded American capitulated more to a stomach injury and blisters on her racket hand than to her opponent. In another match, Indian teenager Sania Mirza came from a set down to beat Croatia's Jelena Kostanic 6-7, 6-4, 6-1 and set up a meeting with fourth seed and US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. "It was a really good match, I think," said Mirza, 18. "Maybe a few points in the first set could have made the difference and maybe I could have won in straight sets. "In the third set I told myself that I had to try and get the first two games and I knew that she was going to crack. And that is exactly what happened." Venus blamed the stomach injury she sustained the week before last at her previous tournament - the Antwerp Dia 0
105551 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Toms cruises to Match Play title CARLSBAD, California: David Toms cruised to the biggest victory in WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship final history by beating Chris DiMarco 6 & 5 yesterday. The win, worth $1.3-million, placed American Toms in the same class as Tiger Woods, who arrived at the La Costa Resort and Spa seeking an unprecedented third consecutive title before bowing out in the second round to Australian Nick O'Hern. In a dominating display never before seen at these championships, Toms needed just 31 of the scheduled 36 holes to seal his victory. The previous largest winning margin in a final was Briton Darren Clarke's 4 & 3 win over Woods in 2000. "I've won a few tournaments along the way but I never felt that type of ease on a golf course," said Toms, who had just four bogeys over 116 holes of play. Runner-up to former world number one Woods in 2003, Toms seized control during a brilliant morning round enjoying a blistering back nine to go six-up on his Ryder Cup team mate. Jus 0
105552 2 1484 SPOR SPORT Heavy security as Pakistanis arrive NEW DELHI: Pakistan's cricket team flew into India amid tight security yesterday for their first full tour across the border since 1999, determined to win matches on the field and friends off it. "We are here to win and make new friends," captain Inzamam-ul Haq told a Press conference at the start of the 50-day tour which includes three Tests and six one-day internationals. "I have always enjoyed playing here because people are crazy about cricket. I am not worried about security. My only concern is how my team plays on the tour." The 16-man squad and the support staff, led by coach Bob Woolmer, arrived at the heavily-guarded Indira Gandhi airport in the Indian capital by a Pakistan International Airlines flight from Lahore. Confident Gun-toting commandos kept a strict vigil as the tourists were whisked off in buses to their hotel. The 10-kilometre route from the airport to the hotel was dotted with security personnel in uniform and plainclothes. On their previous 0
105553 3 1484 SPOR SPORT Struggling Arsenal face tough FA test LONDON: Arsenal will be able to measure how far they have fallen this season when they play away to second division Sheffield United in a FA Cup fifth round replay today. The champions, 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea and four behind second-placed Manchester United in the English Premiership, were down to 10 for 55 minutes after Dennis Bergkamp's sending off in the 1-1 draw nine days ago. That was yet another glitch in a season that has gone downhill since Arsenal lost 2-0 to United at Old Trafford in October, the end of a record 49-man unbeaten league run. They have won only half of their 28 games in all competitions since and lost five, including two further defeats by United in the league and League Cup. Arsenal are in danger of finishing lower than second in the Premiership for the first time in their eight and a half years under Arsene Wenger. With their chances of progress in the Champions League seriously compromised by their 3-1 defeat at Bayern Munich 0
105554 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Sponsorship boost for King's endurance race THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the signing of an agreement last night at the Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort in Sanabis for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for March 17. Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa signed the agreement on behalf of the company which will sponsor the event. The race will be over 130 kms consisting of five stages and is open to junior and senior riders. Shaikh Nasser thanked the resort for sponsoring the championship which is the biggest event of the year, confirming that such support will contribute to the development of the sport in the Kingdom. Also present at the ceremony were Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, endurance committee chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, national teams manager Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and Breef officials. 0
105555 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Inter boss throws in towel after Milan derby defeat MILAN: Inter Milan president Giacinto Facchetti says the club have to forget about trying to catch up with the Serie A leaders and focus instead on the Champions League and securing a place in next year's European campaign. Inter's 1-0 defeat to AC Milan in their derby on Sunday night was their first defeat of the season in any competition but leaves them in fourth place in Serie A 14 points behind joint leaders Juventus and Milan with just 12 games remaining. "We mustn't think about the distance from the top any longer, but concentrate on third place as this becomes our true objective," Facchetti said. "We will try and prepare ourselves in the best way for the Champions League, which we have a great chance of doing well in," he added. Roberto Mancini's Inter side have a good chance of progressing to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after drawing 1-1 in Porto last week. Facchetti's comments struck a different tone than those made by Mancini after Sunday' 0
105556 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Prutton hit by double FA charge LONDON: Southampton's England Under-21 midfielder David Prutton faces a long ban after being charged with two counts of improper conduct by The Football Association (FA) yesterday. The former Nottingham Forest star has been charged with his failure to leave the field promptly during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal, pushing referee Alan Wiley and remonstrating with assistant referee Paul Norman. The second charge is for using threatening words and/or behaviour to a match official during the match. Prutton, who has publicly apologised, has until 8pm Bahrain time today to respond. His case will be heard by a disciplinary commission tomorrow with a maximum six match ban hanging over him for his actions following his dismissal for a foul on Robert Pires which was his second booking of the match. "It's an horrendous situation. I apologise to the referee and linesman, who were only doing their job," said Prutton, who reacted furiously to the red card and had to be restrained b 0
105557 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Fleming and Ponting defend Lee bowling WELLINGTON: Australian captain Ricky Ponting and his New Zealand counterpart Stephen Fleming came to the defence of speedster Brett Lee yesterday over allegations of dangerous bowling. New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum was involved in an angry exchange with Lee during Saturday's match in Auckland after he was struck on the arm by a waist high full toss from the Australian. New Zealand coach John Bracewell said on Sunday that Lee had been guilty of high full tosses - or beamers - against New Zealand batsmen four times this season. Lee's bowling has dismayed sections of Australia's media, with Sydney Morning Herald columnist and former Somerset captain Peter Roebuck demanding yesterday that the player be sent home for the Auckland incident. "Brett Lee must be dropped from the Australia side for the rest of this tour of New Zealand," Roebuck wrote. "(Saturday's) was merely the latest in a series of violent deliveries sent down by a pace bowler at best reckles 0
105558 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Zimbabwe include Streak in tour squad DURBAN: Former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak, who has not played international cricket since he led a walkout in April last year, rejoined the squad yesterday. "That's accurate, he gets in this evening," team manager Babu Memen said yesterday from Port Elizabeth, where Zimbabwe play their third one-day international against South Africa tomorrow. "It's very likely that he will play on Wednesday, and he will stay on for the Test series." Streak and the 14 other white rebels objected to Zimbabwe's racially slanted selection policies, and demanded that the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) investigate the behaviour of its board members. The ZCU fired the rebels, and the inexperienced team it was forced to select has lost 22 of 24 one-day internationals. The International Cricket Council suspended Zimbabwe's Test status until the end of last year, and in their first match after their return Zimbabwe handed Bangladesh their first Test victory in January. Rebel all r 0
105559 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Rose nets 26 in Raptors victory TORONTO: Jalen Rose scored 26 points, including eight straight in the latter stages of the fourth quarter, as the Toronto Raptors upset the Los Angeles Lakers 108-102 in National Basketball Association play yesterday. Rose scored 10 of the Raptors's last 12 points as Toronto finished the game on a 12-3 run after earlier blowing a 15-point lead. The win was the third straight for the Raptors, who are unbeaten since the All-Star break. Recently, there had been speculation that both Rose and Donyell Marshall might be dealt by the Raptors, but the pair stayed in Toronto as Thursday's trade deadline passed. Marshall added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Raptors, who had 13 three-pointers in the game. Kobe Bryant scored 31 points, had eight rebounds and eight assists for the Lakers, who lost their second straight contest after a season-high three-game winning streak. Los Angeles was coming off a 111-90 drubbing at the hands of the defending NBA champion Det 0
105560 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Aryan races to Pro-car victory ALI Abdulellah Aryan of DHL raced to victory in Pro-car category of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship, the first of the five-leg season, at the Bahrain Internati-onal Circuit in Sakhir. The MTC-Unstoppa-bulls!, owned by Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa, secured three podium positions, including Ammer Al Khan's victory in the Street Rear 4 and 6 Cylinder section. Sixty four drivers from Bahrain and other GCC countries competed over eight categories on the quarter mile strip at the BIC. Two days of testing and tuning and qualification was followed by the final races on Friday. Sponsored by DHL, Aryan powered his 1969 Camaro to victory in 7.6 seconds, ahead of Khalid Mohammed (Camaro 1972) of the Bulls! team and Tariq Hadi (Camaro 1969). The Street front four and six cylinder competition was won by Jassim Ali Ahmed (13.962 seconds) in a Honda Civic while Mohammed Al Shoomali clinched the Street V8 division title in 12.071 seconds in a Camaro 2000. " 0
105561 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Daigle bags $25,000 bonus with 60m win BOSTON, Massachusetts: Angela Daigle claimed an emotional 60m triumph at the US Indoor Athletics Championships yesterday and a $25,000 bonus. After five years as a professional athlete - meeting frustration after frustration along the way - the diminutive, oft-injured 28-year-old finally hit it big. Running in lane eight - and thus unnoticed by some rivals in the centre of the track - Daigle was a narrow winner of the women's 60m. And when her clocking of 7.09 seconds was announced, most of the 2,800 fans - along with Daigle - knew exactly what that time represented. It matched the fastest in the world this year, and gave Daigle the $25,000 Visa Championship Series paycheque for the best single women's performance in US Track and Field's four-meet series of indoor meetings. Danielle Carruthers had been tipped as the likely winner of the bonus, but needed a 7.94-second in the 60m hurdles, just prior to Daigle's race. Crossed Carruthers crossed the l 0
105562 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Suheel hits ton in Neon victory MOHAMMED Suheel smashed an unbeaten 100 from 43 deliveries, his second ton of the season, to steer Bahrain Neon XI to a nine-wicket victory over Young Blaster CC in the 13th round of the Jawad Business Group International Cricket League. Batting first, Young Blaster scored 132 for eight in 20 overs with Ruwan Buddhika (30 from 22, including two fours) top scoring and Martyn (26 from 18, four fours) making an useful contribution. Peer Mohammed 2-19), Mohammed Matheen (2-33) and Lawrence Pinto (2-25) shared the wickets. In reply, Bahrain Neon XI reached the target in 11.4 overs and losing just one wicket. Suheel led the way smashing 11 fours and six sixes with Wajid Ali (32 from 21, three fours and a six) playing an excellent supporting role. New Spirit CC scored an one-wicket victory over Mukhia CC as the latter notched up 130 for eight in 20 overs. Pawan Kathale (41), Amjad Yaseen (20) and Jitu Patel (16) were the main scorers while off spinner Unnikrish 0
105563 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Indian Club cricket set THE cricket section of the Indian Club will be organising a members only one day Seven-a-side Tournament on March 11 starting from 10am at their premises. Players must be above 14 years of age to participate. Entry fee is BD1 inclusive of lunch. The last day for entry is March 7. For further information contact cricket secretary Pravin Banjan on 39827465. 0
105564 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Rashid tames Hazem RASHID Al Obaidly edged past Hazem Al Mousawi 6-3, 6-3 and Ahmed Yousef outplayed Ozer Isik 6-4, 6-2 in the boys under-16 section of the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championships yesterday at the Bahrain Tennis Club courts in Juffair. In other matches, Simon Taylor eased past Sharif Nashed 6-0, 6-1, Khalifa Rashdan tamed Amer Shaikh 6-2, 6-3, Hassan Abdulreda received a walk-over from Ratan Rego while Hamad Al Nusuf, Abdulla Fakhro and Abdulla Ahmed recorded 6-0, 6-0 victories over Moees Ali, Isa Al Samak and Ramesh Narayanan respectively. Al Hala and Sitra book berths AL HALA and Al Ahli booked semi-final berths in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Cup Basketball Championship following victories over Nuwaidrat and Sitra last night at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall. In the first match, Al Hala scored a deserving 104-56 win over Nuwaidrat. Al Hala will take on the winners of tonight's match between last year's runners-up Manama and Al Najma. Al Ahli follow 0
105565 0 1484 SPOR SPORT Sri Lankan team scrape past Godfather CC SRI Lanka Club scraped to a thrilling three-run victory over Godfather CC in a Senior Division match of the Ernst and Young-sponsored BCA 50-Overs Senior Division Cricket League Put into bat, Sri Lanka Club notched up an impressive 316 for seven in 50 overs. Ajith Kumarasiri (46) and Ravi Peiris.(113 not out) added 124 runs for the fifth wicket to set the foundation for a solid total. Ravi Peiris hit 13 fours in all and received valuable support from Manju (17) and Mahesh de Silva (27 not out). Asanka Peiris (34) made the oher notable contirbution. Tariq Zaman (4-84) was the pick of the Godfather bowlers. Ghafoor (70 in 40 deliveries) and Hisham (44) added 74 runs as Godfather began chasing a stiff target. Imran Shaki (20), Aamer Sadeq (13) and Shoaib (52) kept up the run chase. Last man Naeem joined Tariq at the crease with 17 runs needed for victory but the pressure was too much and Godfather CC fell short by three runs with six deliveries remaining. < 0
105566 0 1484 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Carousel - World of Imagination Recreational Clubs. Registration now open for Lingua Espanol (Spanish Club), Lingua Arabica (Arabic Club), Shake n' Spear Performance Club. For details, contact 17685012. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance classes, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lessons cost BD3 each or BD10 for four. Contact Latin Fever 39676349. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 6pm and 8pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Ladies Cardio-Kick, 9am; World Beat Fitness Centre; pilates, 10am; dancing moms and babies (0-3 years) (pre-register four weeks), 4pm; ladies cardio-kick, 7pm; yoga (mixed class), 7.30pm. Contact 17612576. Baby ballet, 2.30pm; Victoria Dance Centre; grade 3 ballet, 3.30pm; grade 4 ballet, 4.30pm; advanced ballet and pointe work, 5.30pm; 0
105567 0 1484 WORL WORLD Jackson 'seduced cancer boy, 13' SANTA MARIA, California: Pop superstar Michael Jackson sexually exploited a teenage cancer patient at his Neverland ranch with pornography and talk of masturbation "'instead of bedtime books and discussions of Peter Pan," a prosecutor said last night. Making his opening statement in Jackson's child molestation trial, Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon said the singer invited the 13-year-old boy to his ranch then manipulated him "through exposure to strange sexual behaviour. "The private world of Jackson, instead of bedtime books and discussions of Peter Pan ... he's talking to them about masturbation," he said. Jackson, 46, is charged with molesting the boy, who had been told by his doctors he was dying, at the singer's ranch in the foothills of the central California coast. He is also accused of plying the boy with wine disguised in soda cans in order to seduce him, and conspiring to commit child abduction, extortion and false imprisonment. Jackso 0
105568 1 1484 WORL WORLD CAR BOMB KILLS 115 HILLA: A car bomber blew himself up next to dozens of police and national guards recruits yesterday as they lined up outside a medical clinic south of Baghdad, killing at least 115 people and wounding 132. Torn limbs, feet and other body parts littered the street outside the medical clinic in Hilla, south of Baghdad. A health official in Babil province said the death toll could rise. "The martyrs may more because there a number of body parts" to be counted, Mahmoud Abdul Reda said at the hospital. Morgue workers unloaded plastic body bags from pick up trucks as weeping relatives looked on. Babil province police headquarters said in an announcement that "several people" were arrested in connection with the blast. It did not elaborate. The blast came a day after Iraq announced the capture of a key insurgent leader in Syria. It was the deadliest single attack since the insurgency began nearly two years ago. The attack came as the clerg 0
105569 2 1484 WORL WORLD Pope begins voice therapy after op VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II has begun therapy to recover his voice following his throat operation, the Vatican said yesterday, dispelling concerns that he would be unable to speak again as spiritual leader of the world's one billion Roman Catholics. The 84-year-old pontiff had started rehabilitation exercises for his breathing and speech, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said in a statement. The statement underlined the progress made by the pontiff, who also suffers from Parkinson's disease, since undergoing a throat operation last Thursday. The Pope's general condition and vital signs "continue to be good" and he is eating regularly, said Navarro-Valls. "The Holy Father is eating regularly, spends some hours in an armchair and has begun exercises to rehabilitate breathing and speaking," according to the terse five-line statement issued at the Vatican. Questions have been raised about the Pope's continued ability to lead the Roman Catholic Church if he is unabl 0
105570 3 1484 WORL WORLD New push for Korean talks SEOUL: The United States and its allies could grant North Korea its wish for direct talks with the United States but only within six-way negotiations aimed at ending its nuclear ambitions, a South Korean negotiator said yesterday. North Korea said publicly for the first time on February 10 it had atomic weapons and was indefinitely suspending participation in six-party disarmament talks with South Korea, China, Russia, the US and Japan. South Korean, US and Japanese negotiators agreed at the weekend to broaden the scope of the talks in the hope of enticing the North back. South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Song Min-soon said participants could be more flexible. "We indicated that the wide-ranging forum of discussions can incorporate the positions of both sides, combine them," Song said on KBS radio, referring to what he called "differences on methodology". That may mean the North would be offered more chances to meet directly with US negotiators on the sidelines of the 0
105571 0 1484 WORL WORLD Aviator crashlands HOLLYWOOD: Clint Eastwood's boxing drama Million Dollar Baby yesterday dealt a knockout blow to Martin Scorsese's lavish biopic The Aviator, snatching the coveted best picture and best director Oscars. In an historic bout between two Hollywood heavyweights, the story of a female fighter mortally wounded the biography of Howard Hughes, which started out as the favourite to win top honours but ended up with five mostly minor Oscars. The $30-million (BD11.3m) Million Dollar Baby also won Hilary Swank the second best actress Oscar of her career as well a best supporting actor gong for veteran movie star Morgan Freeman. "I'm just lucky to be here, lucky to still be working," Eastwood, 74, said as he became the oldest recipient of the directing Oscar that should finally seal his reputation a respected director, as well as a movie tough guy. "I'm just a kid, I've got a lot of stuff to do yet," he said, thanking his "crack geriatrics team" that helped earn his film a total of fou 0
105572 0 1484 WORL WORLD Charles 'put personal life before royal duty' LONDON: Queen Elizabeth has distanced herself from the wedding of Prince Charles because she believes her son is putting "personal gratification before duty." Royal courtiers, quoted by The Sunday Telegraph, also said privately that the queen is "lukewarm" about the marriage and worried it could tarnish the monarchy itself. It was announced last Tuesday that the Queen and her husband Prince Philip would miss her son's April 8 civil marriage ceremony with Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor town hall in deference to their wishes for a "low-key" event. However, royal watchers in the British media called her planned absence a monumental snub even though the Queen and other family members planned to attend the service of dedication afterwards at St George's Chapel in Windsor. The courtiers told the newspaper that Prince Charles' private office had been outmanoeuvred by Buckingham Palace, the Queen's official residence in London. The Queen's private secretary Sir Robin Ja 0
105573 0 1484 WORL WORLD Superdads' stunt sparks alert LONDON: Three members of a fathers' rights group, dressed as Batman, Robin and Captain America, clambered onto a first-floor ledge at the British Foreign Office yesterday, prompting a security alert at the heart of government power in London. Police were seen at a window of the Foreign Office trying to talk to the protesters - from the Fathers 4 Justice group - who were perched above black iron security gates which protect neighbouring Downing Street, where the residence of Prime Minister Tony Blair is situated. The protesters, who reached the ledge using a ladder mounted at the back of a truck, unfurled a banner declaring: "Access denied. Don't let Labour stop you being a Superdad", a reference to the governing Labour Party, which Blair leads, and an expected May general election. "They are hardened protesters and they will stay up there as long as they can," said Richard Castle, the London co-ordinator of Fathers 4 Justice. Fathers 4 Justice campaigns for greater child- 0
105574 0 1484 WORL WORLD Charles moved by Lanka survivors COLOMBO: Britain's Prince Charles yesterday toured Sri Lanka's tsunami-hit eastern district of Batticaloa where, according to officials, he had been "moved" on seeing the devastation and speaking with fishermen who survived the thundering waves. Charles, on his way to Australia, inspected a fishing village which had been devastated by the tsunamis as well as another area which had been relatively spared due to the presence of mangroves, officials involved in the visit said. "He was very moved after seeing the devastation," an official said. "He took a keen interest in the mangroves which had saved some of the coastlines." The prince flew to the eastern coastal district of Batticaloa, 300km east of the capital, shortly after landing at Bandaranaike international airport here where he was met by Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar. "He spent about an hour and a half in the region visiting some tsunami survivors resettled in temporary shelters," a military official in Batticaloa sa 0
105575 0 1484 WORL WORLD Snowball crushes boy,10 LONDON: A 10-year-old boy has died in Scotland after being crushed by a giant snowball rolling down a hill, police and reports said yesterday. The boy died on Saturday in Torphins, Aberdeenshire, in northern Scotland, the local Grampian Police force said. In what appeared to be "a tragic accident", the schoolboy was playing with friends when a "giant snowball" they had been making rolled down a hill and engulfed him, a police spokesman said. Scotland's Daily Record newspaper, which named the child as Peter Strang, quoted a local church minister who gave a similar account. "It seems there was a giant snowball the boys had made themselves," the minister told the paper. "Apparently it rolled and unfortunately Peter was caught under it. The boys had just gone out there to play and then something like this happens. It's very difficult to find words to explain it all." 0
105576 0 1484 WORL WORLD Soccer star assaults student, 16 LONDON: Manchester United and Ireland football star Roy Keane grabbed a teenage boy round the neck, swore at him and swung a punch towards his face before stopping his fist at the last minute, a British court heard yesterday. The midfielder, who denies a charge of assault and a public order offence, clashed with the 16-year-old student near his home in Manchester, northwest England, last year, Trafford Magistrates' Court was told. Keane, 33, was walking his dogs when the boy rode past on a moped with a friend and beeped his horn to acknowledge the star. As the moped passed, Keane swung out with his walking stick, prompting the 16-year-old to turn around and make a crude hand gesture at the footballer. A few weeks later in September 2004, the pair were visiting a friend near Keane's home when they were approached by the sportsman who walked up to the teenager, swung at his face with his right fist and walked away. In reply, the teenager muttered an insult to his f 0
105577 1 1485 BUSI BUSINESS IMF-World Bank experts to review financial sector MANAMA: Experts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank will visit Bahrain in April as part of a financial sector assessment being undertaken by the kingdom. The team will be hosted by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), which is co-ordinating the review being conducted for the Financial Sector Assessment Programme (FSAP), a project of the IMF and World Bank. The objectives of the FSAP are to help countries to enhance their resilience to financial crises and to foster growth by promoting financial stability and financial sector development. The programme is designed to identify the strengths and vulnerabilities of a country's financial system, determine how key risks are being managed, ascertain the development and technical assistance required and assist in prioritising policy responses. FSAPs are undertaken voluntarily by countries and, since the programme's introduction in 1999, more than 80 countries have participated. "Undertaking the FSAP i 0
105578 2 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Satyam launches training plan for Arab workforce DUBAI: Satyam Computer Services has launched a programme to develop an Arab workforce in the Middle East. The global IT major announced a strategic alliance with Dubai-based Emirates Consulting Group to localise its team in the region. Satyam said extensive regional recruitments were being planned in the Middle East as part of an initiative to develop regional information and technology skills. Emirates Consulting Group is a member company of the Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders. Under the agreement, Satyam, a leader in the area of Enterprise Business Solutions, will provide real-time support for projects executed by the Emirates Consulting Group (ECG), with the aim of improving the local and regional IT talent pool. Besides taking responsibility for cost and delivery, Satyam will manage the 360-degree implementation of the projects. Rated at SEI CMM level 5, the highest quality standard for IT services companies, Saty 0
105579 3 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Investment chances probed MANAMA: A two-day conference on investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province opened in Bahrain yesterday. It is taking place at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa and will discuss latest developments in the oil and gas industry, as well as privatisation plans in the Eastern Province. Experts will discuss opportunities in Saudi Arabia potentially worth billions of dollars, according to analysts. Speakers will provide an overview of investors' perspectives on the country; the role of the private sector in petrochemicals; the financing of large-scale projects; gas development plans; future petrochemical expansion; establishing a railway network in the country; and Saudi economic prospects for the next decade. Senior representatives from Saudi Aramco, Saudi Basic Industrial Corp (Sabic) and other leading Saudi companies are due to attend the event, which has been organised by MEED Conferences. 0
105580 0 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Iran planning to set up trade centre in Bahrain MANAMA: An Iranian trade centre may be set up in Bahrain. The idea has been put forward by an Iranian business delegation, which is currently visiting the country. The move was discussed at a meeting between the delegation, headed by the Shiraz Trade, Industry and Minerals Chamber of Commerce president Abu Al Fadhel Shareef and Bhrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) president Khalid Kanoo. In a statement issued yesterday, the chamber said that some of the issues discussed also included further co-operation in the tourism, industry and banking services. It said that trade between Bahrain and Iran reached BD10.9 million last year, representing 0.5 per cent of Bahrain's total foreign trade. The chamber said that Bahrain's non-oil exports to Iran last year totalled BD2.2m, compared to BD12.8m in 2000. "We hope that our meeting with the delegation and others like it with the Iranian private sector would contribute to developing trade relations," it sai 0
105581 0 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Indian oil giant wins Egypt deal NEW DELHI: The overseas arm of India's state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and its US partner won exploration rights over an oilfield in Egypt, the company said yesterday. "The block covers an area of 290sq/km in the central part of the Gulf of Suez has potential reserves in place of more than 600 million barrels," said ONGC Videsh. ONGC Videsh will hold a 70 per cent stake in the the North Ramadan-Block No 6 oilfield in Egypt, while the remaining stake will rest with US consortium partner IPR Energy Red Sea, a subsidiary of Texas Independent. They edged out European rivals to bag the contract and plan to invest some $20 million in setting up drilling wells. India, which along with China is projected to become a global powerhouse in the next two decades, has launched a massive hunt for foreign oil to keep fuelling its economic growth engine. 0
105582 0 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Islamic finance forum planned MANAMA: Openness, inclusion and expansion will be highlighted at the International Islamic Finance Forum 2005 being held in Dubai from March 13 to 15 at the JW Marriott Hotel. The event, under the patronage of Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will bring together pioneering international policymakers, business leaders and the world's leading Islamic scholars for open and topical debates. Throughout the three-day forum, which will attract over 50 speakers and 400 delegates from around the world, experts will seek to identify the keys to successful conversion to Islamic finance and examine the technologies that must be implemented to combat the competition. Additionally, there will be a detailed look at how international and regional funds, including mutual, hedge, equity and alternatives, have awakened latent demand in investors. 0
105583 0 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain-Jersey trade is spotlight MANAMA: Potential partnerships between local businessmen and companies in Jersey will be discussed at a presentation at Al Ghazal Ballroom, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa tonight. Taking part in the event are representatives of Jersey-based companies and Jersey Finance, a semi-governmental organisation which promotes the banking and finance sector. Jersey Finance chief executive Phil Austin said Bahrain and Jersey have a lot to offer each other. "Bahrain has a lot of experience with Islamic banking which we can benefit from and we have a lot of experience with trusts," he said. "There are a lot of areas where Bahrain and Jersey-based companies can form partnerships. "Bahrain has been a financial centre for 30 years and Jersey for 50 years. Companies from both centres have similar products such as trusts, mutual funds and others. "Bahrain could benefit from Jersey's location in Europe and we can benefit from Bahrain's links in the Middle East." MANAMA: Potential partnerships between local businessmen and companies in Jersey will be discussed at a presentation at Al Ghazal Ballroom, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa tonight. Taking part in the event are representatives of Jersey-based companies and Jersey Finance, a semi-governmental organisation which promotes the banking and finance sector. Jersey Finance chief executive Phil Austin said Bahrain and Jersey have a lot to offer each other. "Bahrain has a lot of experience with Islamic banking which we can benefit from and we have a lot of experience with trusts," he said. "There are a lot of areas where Bahrain and Jersey-based companies can form partnerships. "Bahrain has been a financial centre for 30 years and Jersey for 50 years. Companies from both centres have similar products such as trusts, mutual funds and others. "Bahrain could benefit from Jersey's location in Europe and we can benefit from Bahrain's links in the Middle East." KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait's Energy Minister Shaikh Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah yesterday laid the foundation for two mega petrochemicals plants that will jointly cost some $3.4 billion to build. The two olefins and aromatics plants are being built as joint ventures between state-owned Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) of Kuwait and the US Dow Chemical Company. Both plants are scheduled to go on stream in early 2008, PIC managing director Saad Al Shuwaib said. The first plant for ethylene and derivatives, known as Olefins II, will have a production capacity of 800,000 metric tonnes of ethylene and 600,000 tonnes of ethylene glycol, he said. The existing capacity of 600,000 metric tonnes per year for polyethylene will be expanded to utilise the additional ethylene, Shuwaib said. "Since the start of the project in May 2003, we have completed several milestones, including completion of all the commercial agreements between our companies," Shuwaib said. The Aromatics P 0
105586 0 1485 BUSI BUSINESS Petrochem projects launched KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait's Energy Minister Shaikh Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah yesterday laid the foundation for two mega petrochemicals plants that will jointly cost some $3.4 billion to build. The two olefins and aromatics plants are being built as joint ventures between state-owned Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) of Kuwait and the US Dow Chemical Company. Both plants are scheduled to go on stream in early 2008, PIC managing director Saad Al Shuwaib said. The first plant for ethylene and derivatives, known as Olefins II, will have a production capacity of 800,000 metric tonnes of ethylene and 600,000 tonnes of ethylene glycol, he said. The existing capacity of 600,000 metric tonnes per year for polyethylene will be expanded to utilise the additional ethylene, Shuwaib said. "Since the start of the project in May 2003, we have completed several milestones, including completion of all the commercial agreements between our companies," Shuwaib said. The Aromatics P 1
105587 0 1485 COMM COMMENTPleasure or pain..? Hello! St Peter here... what? Oh it's you Satan! What can I do for you?' 'Well, I was thinking... perhaps we could have a game of football?' 'No point is there?' 'No point! Why not?' 'Well all the 'good' players come up here!' 'Ah, yes! But all the referees come down here!' The above true story, don't ask me how I know, illustrates an essential dichotomy that exists in human nature. On the one hand we want to be free to play as we like yet, at the same time, we admit the necessity of needing to be controlled. Ah, the pleasure! Oh, the pain! Nowhere do we witness such an apparent paradox as in the provision of what purports to be 'services', I use the term loosely and I include both public and private versions. Only very recently in this column Mo Fakhro argued persuasively for the application of the voucher system to education. This promises to construct a more effective and economically efficient distribution of that large spending 0
105588 0 1485 COMM COMMENTLocking up people for their views sends wrong signals The courts will decide whether the three men arrested in connection with remarks made on a Bahraini website have broken any laws. People who produce web pages are often amateurs who forget that in creating them they become publishers, subject to the same laws as other media, be it print or broadcasting. I have seen some of the locally created sites and some contain remarks that go beyond fair comment, in that they make libellous remarks about individuals. There have been well publicised cases in other countries where webmasters have been successfully sued, even though they did not originate the libellous material by their own hand. They have been sued in the civil courts because as publishers, they are responsible for the material produced by individual authors, just as a newspaper is responsible for any libel committed by an individual journalist, or even in a reader's letter. But the difference elsewhere is that these are normally civil suits and the website pub 0
105591 0 1485 LETT LETTERS School road mess is just unacceptable! COULD someone please explain to me why every year the 'School Road' (4791?) at lsa Town is waterlogged for weeks after it has stopped raining, thus making it impossible to park outside to collect our children. Surely, someone must have noticed that we have the same problem every year and an already dangerously busy road is reduced further in size due to the problematic situation caused by lack of available parking. We pay enough school fees, can the schools concerned not contact the powers that be and insist, as in other Gulf countries, that the roads be pumped of excess water. Is that really too much to ask? I would appreciate some feedback since the problem recurs every year. Frustrated lEDITOR'S note: The Roads Directorate did not respond to this letter. 0
105592 0 1485 LETT LETTERS Closed minds...? THERE is supposed to be a rock music concert at the end of March but no hall will allow a concert and the government is getting too strict. Do you really know what goes on in these rock concerts to stop it? Or to even get strict about staging it? I have been to mostly all of them and not once have I seen blood-shedding, sacrificing, or satanic mantra. Come on people, we're already bored in this country. There was no fun fair this year, no concerts. They put almost 40 policemen there already, why do you have to stop them? People are just showing their talent off. You are going to drive people out of this country if you become close minded and strict about harmless things. I hope you think about this long and hard and realise that there is no point in stopping them. I'm not satanic, I'm a Muslim and proud to be one. This letter was to let you know that you're making a big fuss out of nothing. Wooshi B 0
105593 0 1485 LETT LETTERS Caribbean beckons I WOULD like to go on holiday this summer to the Caribbean or maybe even South America but have not been successful in trying to find out how I could apply from here in Bahrain for tourist visas to the countries I'd like to visit. Are there any consulates in Bahrain where I could apply for tourist visas. I am American but my husband is Bahraini and our children are Bahraini passport holders. I know I may not need a visa but my family almost certainly do. We are also going with another family and they are from the Philippines. I am sure they need visas to visit these countries too. Elise lEDITOR'S note: The reader is advised to go to the following website: www.visaservice.co.uk This is a very comprehensive website giving information on visas world-wide. 0
105594 0 1485 LETT LETTERS Horsing around I AM a Canadian writer working on a series of true horse stories for Tundra Books (Toronto, Canada). I am currently researching a story from Bahrain that took place around 1996-97. A horse wintering in Manama with a small travelling circus apparently killed (or possibly only seriously injured - I have had this cited as both) a young boy who was teasing him. The horse was deemed dangerous but instead of being killed, he had all his teeth removed. He was later rescued by a local horseman and went on to be a jumper. I have been able to confirm this story through several people, but I have not been able to find out the name of the circus, where it was from, or if the boy was actually killed. The circus was set up for the winter months (1996) on a small plot around the corner from the US Embassy in Manama. I am wondering if anyone remembers anything about it. Any information or contact suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Judy Andrekson 0
105595 0 1485 LETT LETTERS Prices change daily EVERY day my wife goes to this cold store or that supermarket to buy Filipino food. She discovered that the prices change almost every day. Also every customer who visits there to buy Filipino products is given a different price by the salesman. Why don't Filipino foods have a fixed price and why are they so expensive? Is it because we Filipinos need to eat them to stay alive or else we will be dead? Who is the responsible agent for the control of Filipino products in Bahrain? Do they know that some cold stores are making money by increasing prices without authorisation? If I come across these cold stores where can I report this matter? Sayed Mehmood Jameel 0
105596 0 1485 LETT LETTERS Just wonderful! THE Tamil play Bootham Pudithu held last Friday was a superb. programme. I have not seen such a wonderful programme in Bahrain. Each and every artist immortalised the characters. The soundtrack was also excellent. Every dialogue had punch and it was delivered with a sense of timing in an effective manner. If this same drama was performed in Chennai in India, these people would have become famous. The title, graphics, stage sets, lighting, seating arrangements and the sequences were marvellous. There were few speeches and the audience enjoyed each and every dialogue and the whole auditorium was filled with laughter throughout the play. Thank you Madras Theatres, you have done a wonderful job. We need more of the same in future. Sreenivasan 0
105597 0 1485 LETT LETTERS House visits explained FURTHER to your reader's letter 'Visitor Spooky' (GDN, February 26) the Ministry of Labour had contracted the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research to conduct a Labour Survey by sample and many public announcements were made to make the general public aware of this. Labour Ministry spokesman 0
105598 0 1485 LETT LETTERS Don't shoot messenger THIS has reference to the problem faced with Yahoo. In order to access your e-mail, I have been opening my Yahoo messenger and clicking the link from there. This way it works. Hope this will help readers in overcoming error 999. Ramchandran Karal 0
105599 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Webmasters' release sought PROTESTS are mounting over the arrest of three Bahraini webmasters over comments that appeared on the Internet. Friends and relatives of Ali Abdulemam, Hussain Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi gathered outside the Public Prosecution building, in Manama, yesterday to call for their release. Mr Abdulemam was arrested on Sunday, while the other two were arrested on Monday. Reporters Sans Frontires, an international organisation dedicated to defending Press freedom, has added its voice to the protests. "Imprisoning someone for their journalistic work or posting an article on the Internet cannot be acceptable in any circumstances," said the organisation in a letter to Information Minister Mohammad Abdul Ghaffar. "This incident demonstrates that the 2002 Press Law is in urgent need of reform." The three were arrested because of comments that appeared on their website Bahrainonline.com, which is critical of the government. They are now facing charges tha 0
105600 1 1485 BNEW LOCAL CHANCELLOR WELCOMED MANAMA German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder arrives in Bahrain today on a one-day state visit. Mr Schroeder, who is accompanied by a 80-member delegation, will hold talks with His Majesty King Hamad and Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, said a German Embassy spokesman. The Premier and Mr Schroeder will lay the foundation stone for the new BD50 million Euro University, in A'Ali. The two leaders will be welcomed at the ceremony by Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Interior Ministry band, which won a recent competition in Bremen, Germany and folklore bands will perform at the ceremony, said Euro University founding committee board chairman Dr Ahmed Al Janahi. Euro University will be the first university in the Middle East to specialise in environmental science. Its architectural drawings were prepared by one of Germany's leading 0
105601 2 1485 BNEW LOCAL Role of 'informal economy' probed MANAMA HELP could be on the way for Bahrain's self-employed people, from flower-sellers to small business entrepreneurs. They are part of the "informal economy" and as such are not protected by the labour laws and there is no support for their families if they fall ill or die. Their situation will come under the the spotlight at a national seminar in Bahrain today. The seminar, starting at 9 am at the Regency InterContinen-tal Hotel, is being held under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. Titled Informal Economy, the event is being organised by the High Council for Vocational Training (HCVT) . The opening address will be given by Labour Under-Secretary and HCVT vice chairman Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Labour Ministry manpower development director and HCVT sub-committee on informal economy chairman Ahmed Al Banna will highlight issues concerning people working for the informal economy. Presentations will also be made 0
105602 3 1485 BNEW LOCAL Help for the abused MANAMA THE Gulf's first help centre for victims of domestic violence opens its doors in Bahrain today. The centre, which will offer free medical, psychological, legal and social assistance, will be run by the Bahrain Society Combating Domestic Violence and financed by Batelco. Society founding members, headed by chairwoman Dr Bana Bu Zabun yesterday met Batelco officials, who finalised the agreement to provide the centre with financial banking. Dr Bu Zabun said the centre would be open to the public today, making it the first of its kind in the Gulf, "offering all relevant assistance to victims of domestic violence". The new centre will be located next to Ruyan Commercial Complex on Budaiya Road. Dr Bu Zabun, who is also a family physician at Ibn Al Nafees Hospital, said that the centre would be open to all women, children and youngsters of all nationalities who fall victim to domestic violence. She said there was no contact number yet, but calls could be made to 0
105603 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Housing project put on fast track MANAMA THE Royal Court yesterday warned municipal councillors to speed up procedures for families benefiting from a nationwide scheme to renovate and rebuild needy people's homes. Following directives from His Majesty King Hamad, Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa ordered the presidents of the five municipal councils to immediately start implementing the Royal gesture as early as next week. Otherwise, they risk losing the project to the Royal Court, which will start its implementation immediately. Under the scheme, announced in 2003, 6,000 homes will be renovated or demolished and rebuilt over five years. Municipal Councils were requested to select families which need urgent aid from the scheme, which will cost between BD90 million and BD120m. Standards The meeting discussed progress of work on the project and ways of speeding it up. Shaikh Khalid urged the councillors to speed up the completion of the procedures required for fami 0
105604 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL 'Pay us' demand as workers protest More than 100 garment factory workers staged a demonstration yesterday, claiming they had not been paid. Some of Garment International's Sri Lankan employees' homes were destroyed in the tsunami disaster and they say their families are desperate for cash. The workers, mostly women, massed outside the factory in Sitra, demanding to be paid. Twenty-six of the Sri Lankan women were flown home last Thursday, by their own government. Sri Lankan Embassy Consul General P B Higgoda said his government intervened to send the women home because they were stranded without income. He said the company had promised to pay them in due course, but the firm said at the time that it had already paid them. Mr Higgoda said yesterday that the company had not paid its workers for six months. "The embassy was able to transfer 120 workers to a different factory, called Gulf Baraka Apparel," he said. "There were 182 workers in total. Twenty-six were flown home last week and 35 st 0
105605 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Cathedral set for fund-raiser YOUNGSTERS from various schools in Bahrain will showcase their talents in music and dance at a fund-raising carnival being held on Friday at the St Christopher's Cathedral compound, in Manama. Hundreds of people are expected to attend the fund-raiser, which is being held under the theme Out With the Old and In With the New and hosted by Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin. "This is a major fund-raising event for the cathedral. The cathedral is entirely self-supporting so we must rely on the giving of ordinary people to help us try to support the community, but we try to do our bit to raise funds," said St Christopher's Cathedral dean the Very Reverend Alan Hayday. "Up until this year our major fund-raising event was our annual fete, but we felt that it was tired and needed a change. "The response from the schools has been amazing. There will be various children's performances and it's a celebration of the talents of young people and children." After the initial opening 0
105606 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Kazerooni wins top prize at garden fair BAHRAIN'S top gardeners have been named, with the results out in a prestigious national contest. Standards this year have been higher than ever, say organisers at the Bahrain Garden Club. More than 20 gardens were entered into BGC's garden competitions, held as part of its 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show. The show is one of the features of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which is being held from tomorrow until Sunday, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The fair is being organised by CTM Event Management in association with the BGC. It will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. It will be open to the public from 4pm to 9pm on March 3 and from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm from March 4 to March 6. Entrance to the event is 500 fils for adults and free for children and students. Judges in the garden competitions were l 0
105607 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Lions Club to mark annual day LIONS Club of Bahrain is to mark the 27th Annual Lions Day with the UN event on March 12 at the Regency InterContinental Hotel, Manama. The event will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. It will begin at 8.15pm at the hotel's Al Hawar Room. UN resident co-ordinator Dr Khalid Alloush will be attending the function, as well as German Ambassador Wolfgang Lerke, Thai Ambassador Widhya Bhoolsuwan and Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra. The relationship between the Lions Club International and the UN began in 1945, at the end of the Second World War. US president Harry Truman, Britain's prime minister Winston Churchill and other world leaders signed the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. In the same year, Lions founder Melvin Joes and past international presidents Fred Smith and D A Skeen were asked to help develop the non-governmental organisation charter for the new global organisation. At the Bahrain event, new Lions Club of 0
105608 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Man dies while visiting mother A BAHRAIN-based Indian father died of a heart attack as he visited his mother in hospital. His mother died the next day - also from heart failure. Amrik Singh, aged 50, had travelled to Jalandhar, Punjab, to visit his mother in hospital, after she suffered a heart attack three days earlier. He was discussing possible by-pass surgery with her doctors in a private hospital, when he complained of chest pain. Doctors tried to treat him, but he died at around 10pm that night, said Jatinder Singh Gill, president of the Sikh Temple in Budaiya, where Mr Singh was treasurer. He said the mother died the following day and a joint cremation was held last Thursday. Mr Singh worked as a quantity surveyor in G P Zachariades Overseas. "He was fine when he left Bahrain. He had plans to take his mother for a specialised check-up," said Mr Gill Mr Singh travelled alone, leaving his wife Inderjit Kaur and daughter Reemi, 14, in Bahrain. They travelled to Ind 0
105609 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Licence plea for restaurant denied A REQUEST for a licence to build a first class restaurant in Gudaibiya was rejected in a move to control the number of alcohol outlets in the country. Manama Municipal Council members refused to issue a licence for the private investor who wanted to build the restaurant in block 326 in Gudaibiya because they feared he would sell alcohol beverages. They claim that their job was to represent the people's thoughts on municipal issues and therefore agreed against the construction of the restaurant. "We know that there are many places that sell alcohol in Bahrain although it is an Islamic country," said council member Mohammed Abdulla. "We also know that Islam is very clear in banning alcohol," he said. "The majority of Bahrainis are against the trade in alcohol and we feel that it is our obligation to act upon the wishes of the people who elected us. "Therefore, we are going to be very strict from now on when it comes to this matter. "We are not goin 0
105610 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL A classical treat for music lovers CLASSICAL music lovers are in for a treat on Monday as the Min Trio performs at the Sheraton Hotel, Manama. The concert is set to begin at 8.30pm, in Al Taj Ballroom. The Min Trio, considered one of the most versatile groups in today's world of classical music, consists of international soloists Min Yang (violin), Miranda Playfair (violin) and Elizabeth Burley (piano) from the BBC Symphony Orchestra. The Min Trio have regularly graced world-known stages such as the Royal Albert Hall and Barbican Centre, London, the Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Centre in New York and the Kennedy Centre for the Perfor-ming Arts in Washington, DC. The Min Trio will perform pieces by Handel, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, Gluck, Sarasate and Svendsen. Tickets are BD5 net per person. The hotel has created special dinner and show packages in two of its restaurants. The special Soie package offering a set menu and VIP seating for the performance will cost BD12++ per person. </ 0
105611 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Man beaten up by gang THREE Bahrainis in Gudaibiya beat up an Indian man for refusing to hand over his wallet and mobile phone, said sources. The incident happened at about 11pm near the man's flat. The victim, 26, said the three men blocked his way, and demanded that he give them his wallet and mobile. When he tried to get away, the men beat him and snatched his wallet, which contained BD30, his CPR and credit card. They were not able to get the victim's mobile phone. 0
105612 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL A 'Sassy' way to join the F1 fun! FASHION TV will be back in Bahrain for this year's Gulf Air Grand Prix Formula One event next month. The Fashion TV F1 After-Party returned to BJ's at the Al Bustan Hotel, Adliya, after its huge success at the venue after Bahrain's F1 debut last year. Set to be held on April 3, the party features guest DJ and top model, DJ Sassy. The event, sponsored this year by BMW and in association with Nivea Beaut and Moet and Chandon, will be the perfect way for participants and fans of F1 to let their hair down at what is proving to be the region's annual "chic" event. "When we first thought of doing this After Race Party none of us realised how big it would become," said BJ's sales and marketing director Steve Green. "We had all kinds of people attend last year from all over the world. "There were TV presenters from Europe, supermodels, the odd F1 driver and imagine our surprise when Prince Albert of Monaco turned up! "You can always tell when you have held a gre 0
105613 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL 15 speakers honoured FIFTEEN New Millennium School students were awarded certificates for completing a leadership programme at a valedictory function held at the school's premises in Zinj. The eight-week Bahrain Toastmasters Club's Sixth Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) taught the 10 to 12-year-olds how to become better thinkers and speakers and also helped develop their leadership skills. To help students practise their newly-acquired skills the valedictory function was conducted by the students and 11-year-old Sozy Paulose was master of ceremonies. During the function, the students gave individual talks on various subjects and conducted a debate. The certificates were presented by chief guest Indian Ladies Association former president and toastmaster Vani Krishnan to students Sozy, Akhshata D M, Anas Qureishi, Carissa D'Almeida, Farhat Lokhandwala, Freya Barna, Maansi Malhotra, Minash Bablani, Mohammed Usman, Navdha Khosla, Rahul Menon, Rohit John, Sangeetha Alagappan, Saurab Banthiya and 0
105614 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Humour takes centre stage A COMEDY is to be staged in Bahrain later this month. Hello Habibi will be staged on March 11 at 7pm at the Indian Club and will feature well-known stars from the Malayalam film industry. Organisers said that the show would be a combination of music dance and mimics. Some of the artistes in the show are Saikumar, Charmila, Taufique, Kochupreman, Suby, Baiju, Aji Mol, Kalabhavan Reneesh and Arafath. "We urge more sponsors to come forward and support the show," added organisers. Tickets for the show, organised by Gulf Gate Hair Fixing Centre were launched at the Bangkok Restaurant in Umm Al Hassam. Centre director Zakhir Hussain gave the first ticket to Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam president George Mathew. Tickets are priced BD 1(admit one, standing), BD2 (admit one), BD5 (Admit one, reserved), BD10 (admit two, VIP seating). More details will be announced closer to the date. For more information contact39645591, 36631005 or 39201604. 0
105615 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Chamber submits reforms report BAHRAIN traders and businessmen's response to proposed labour market reforms will be revealed at a meeting with the Press to be held today. at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry premises in Manama. The chamber submitted a report on the proposed reforms to the Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on Saturday. It highlighted the fall-out of taxes, proposed economic reforms, the domestic manpower situation and the recommended labour fund. 0
105616 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL New Rich flavour at Club 1 HE may be new to Club 1, but Richard Evans is already a familiar face to many regulars of the Bahrain social scene. After spending a year managing JJ's in 2003, Rich is back - this time handling the club at Metropolitan Hotel, Manama. "It just feels as if I'd gone on holiday, it's great to be back in Bahrain," said Rich, who has been working in the industry for 10 years. "I spent some time back in the UK and then four months in Dubai. When I was offered to manage Club 1 in Bahrain, I couldn't refuse. "I would chose Bahrain over Dubai any day." The social scene in Bahrain stands out from the rest, says Rich, whose first taste of the industry was working as an 18-year-old collecting empty glasses at clubs in the UK. "I have worked in the UK and Dubai and have been at clubs with over 3,000 people at one time," he said. "Of the countries I've ever worked in, Bahrain definitely has the most active social scene. "But what's great here is that eve 0
105617 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Spacecraft trial adjourned A COURT hearing on the fate of a Russian spacecraft, which has been stranded in Bahrain for over two years, has been adjourned once again until April 3. A High Civil Court judge had set the date for the lawyers of the two parties, who claim ownership of the shuttle Buran, to submit the relevant memorandums. The judge had already adjourned a hearing that was scheduled on January 18 to Monday for the submission of memorandums. The hearing was postponed on the request of the lawyers to present all relevant information. Six hearings into the ownership of the spacecraft have already taken place, during which Buran has been stored in parts at the Sitra storage yard of Pico, who negotiated with Singapore-based Space Shuttle World Tour to bring it here in 2002. Russian company NPO Moiniya originally sold the shuttle to Space Shuttle World Tour, which brought it to Bahrain to display it at the 2002 Summer Festival. The two companies are now arguing over the ownersh 0
105618 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Forum on status of women A SEMINAR entitled The Status of Muslim Women - A Divine Will or Inherited Illusion will be held on Sunday at the Bahrain Engineers Society in Juffair starting at 7pm. The event, held to celebrate the Women's International Day which falls on March 8, is being organised jointly by the Bahrain Women's Society, Bahrain Woman Society and the Riffa Cultural Charity Society. It will be conducted by clergyman Shaikh Ibrahim Al Jafeeri, politician Dr Abdulaziz Abul and lawyer Zeenat Mansoori. The event is open to the public. 0
105619 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Oral health drive targets students BAHRAIN'S second National Oral Health Survey will be launched at 11 primary schools across Bahrain today. The survey, which will be carried out in co-operation with the World Health Organisation (WHO), is being conducted by a 66-strong team of doctors, specialists, nurses and administrators. It will cover Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis aged six, 12 and 15 years as well as those aged 35 to 44 years and 65 to 74 years, covering all five index groups categorised by the WHO. It aims at providing information on the development of existing oral health services and programmes as well as the ability to analyse the trends in oral and dental diseases since the first survey, held in 1995, according to survey general co-ordinator Dr Azhar Naseeb. She said the survey would also provide data for strengthening oral public health programmes, studying the oral health status in various social groups, assessing risk factors and behaviours and highlighting the impact of preventive programmes, a 0
105620 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Batelco to launch new services BATELCO is launching its new General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Multimedia Messaging System (MMS) roaming service, it was announced yesterday. This gives customers who are travelling abroad the ability to stay in touch via a host of extra mobile services, including pictures, video clips, e-mail and access to the Internet. In another Batelco first for the Bahrain telecoms market, the company's Freetime and Valuetime (post-paid) mobile customers, who have MMS enabled handsets with MMS/GPRS settings, will be able to use the full service while travelling to a range of regional and global destinations, including Kuwait, the UAE, Singapore, the Philippines, the UK and the US. 0
105621 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Flower show site inspected Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Supreme Council for Women chairperson and wife of His Majesty King Hamad, yesterday visited the flower show site at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. She was welcomed by Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Commerce Under-Secretary Dr Abdulla Mansoor, assistant under-secretary for foreign trade Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa and other officials. Her Highness toured various pavilions of countries taking part tomorrow as well as the Bahraini wing displaying a large collection of roses. Kazerooni garden wins top prize - Page 15 0
105622 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Top business leaders to share ideas AN executive development workshop on the strategic alignment between business and human resources (HR) will be held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel from April 4 to 6. It is being held under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi and the Ideal Management Consulting (IMC) Company, in association with the Saudi-based Arabian Society for Human Resources Management (ASHRM) and the Bahrain Society for Training Development (BSTD). The workshop will be led by three leading international strategic business and HR consultants. They are Dr William Rothwell from Penn State University, US; IMC chief executive Nezar Al Basri; and IMC executive consultant Dr Eddie Smit. Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Successful Completion from Penn State University. 0
105623 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Images of a civilisation... A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition on The Egyptian Civilisation was opened last night at The Arts Centre, next to the Bahrain National Museum. It was opened by the Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar and is organised by the Directorate of Culture and Arts in association, with the Egyptian Embassy. Sixty-one photographs by 13 Egyptian photographers are on show providing images of the Egyptian civilisation, heritage and famous tourism attraction. Diplomats and other officials and guests attended the opening. The exhibition will remain open until Monday. It is open to the public from 8am to 1.30pm and from 4.30pm to 8pm. 0
105624 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Number of jobless halved THE number of unemployed Bahrainis has dropped by nearly half, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi told MPs yesterday. A total of of 6,293 Bahrainis were still listed as jobless with the ministry last year, compared to 11,777 in 2003. Dr Al Alawi said the ministry helped find work for 11,512 Bahrainis last year, compared to 2,332 in 2003. He was responding to a question by MP Mohammed Al Shaikh on the numbers of unemployed in Bahrain. Dr Al Alawi said 2,995 Bahrainis registered with the ministry resigned from their jobs for various reasons last year. "The reasons include low wages, finding better jobs, split shifts or lack of transportation," he said. "Other reasons are expat employees lobbying against Bahraini employees, the employer not willing to develop the employees' skills and capabilities, the job not reaching expectations of Bahrainis and the better benefits in government jobs," he added. MPs agreed to start a co-ordination committee betwee 0
105625 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Gulf education expo planned THE third Gulf Education Exhibition (GEE 2005) will be held at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from March 28 to 31. The exhibition, considered as the biggest of its kind at the local education level, gives students the chance to select courses for those wishing to study both in and outside Bahrain. This year's exhibition will feature delegates from universities in Bahrain, Jordan, Ireland, Canada, US, UK, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, France, Lebanon, India, Malaysia and Australia, offering a number of courses, including aviation, medicine, engineering, sciences and business management. The exhibition will be open daily from 9.30 am until 1 pm and from 4.30 pm until 9 pm. 0
105626 0 1485 BNEW LOCAL Free textbooks for the needy NEEDY students in Indian schools in Bahrain are being provided with free textbooks for the new academic year. The Charity and Assistance Association of Parents (CAAP) is giving a minimum of 100 textbooks free to needy pupils, who are studying at the Indian School, the New Indian School, the Asian School, the New Horizon School and Ibn Hytham Islamic School. Parents are requested to register their children's names by calling CAAP president P C Mathew on 39839579. Other contacts are Moni Odikandathil on 39668326 (Manama area); Mohammed Ali on 39191239 (Muharraq area) or T C Raveendran on 39250191 (Riffa area). 0
105627 1 1485 SPOR SPORT MIRZA MAGIC! DUBAI: Sania Mirza again suggested herself a new star in the making by producing a remarkable comeback from a large deficit and from injury to beat the US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova. The 18-year-old Indian needed a 10-minute time out for repairs to an ankle injury after an early fall and was then 0-4 and 30-40 down before recovering to a startling straight sets victory over the fourth-seeded Russian. The 6-4, 6-2 triumph, which was cheered by thousands of Indian expatriates who made it like a home match for Mirza, carried the Hyderababad teenager into the third round of the Dubai Open as a wild card. It followed her achievement in January in reaching the third round of the Australian Open as a wild card. What made it all the more extraordinary was that once Mirza started to move better and strike the ball more fluently, she frequently out-hit one of the heaviest hitters in the game, especially with her flat forehand drive. "My ankle was killing me," she sai 0
105628 2 1485 SPOR SPORT Australians too good for Kiwis WELLINGTON: World champions Australia underscored their overwhelming dominance of the one-day game by thrashing second-ranked New Zealand by seven wickets with 16 overs to spare at Basin Reserve here yesterday. After dismissing New Zealand for 233 on the penultimate ball of their 50 overs, Australian captain Adam Gilchrist led a rollicking response that saw the tourists reach the target in the 34th over for the loss of just seven wickets. Gilchrist and Simon Katich opened with a 78-run partnership in 60 balls, and destroyed the morale of New Zealand's bowling attack as Australia cruised through the fourth one-day match to stay on course for a 5-0 clean sweep. "We're getting a drubbing, there's no two-ways about that," New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming acknowledged. "On a very good wicket they once again demolished us." Despite the lop-sided nature of the series, Gilchrist said there would be no let up by the Australians. "We're determined, even though w 0
105629 3 1485 SPOR SPORT Duncan on target as Spurs win a thriller TORONTO: Tim Duncan hit a 19-foot jumper just before time expired to give the San Antonio Spurs a dramatic 94-92 win over the Cavaliers in National Basketball Association play in Cleveland yesterday. Duncan wound up with 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs after missing the first seven shots he took in the game. He took a pass from Tony Parker in the dying seconds and sank the winning basket moments before the final horn sounded. His shot completed a Spurs comeback, as San Antonio out-scored Cleveland 30-22 in the fourth quarter. Parker had 19 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Spurs, who handed the Cavaliers their third straight loss. Manu Ginobili added 17 points for the Spurs, but missed a pair of free throws with 19.2 seconds left that could have given the Cavs a four-point lead. Zydrunas Ilgauskas scored 26 points for the Cavaliers, including a game-tying dunk with 14.2 seconds remaining after Ginobili missed his free throws. 0
105630 0 1485 SPOR SPORT Pakistan frustrated by bad weather ahead of opener DHARAMSHALA, India: Pakistan's touring cricketers were greeted by rain and the prospect of a washout as they arrived in this scenic northern hill resort yesterday to kickstart their 50-day tour of India. The tourists, due to take on the Indian board president's team in the three-day tour opener from tomorrow, scrapped a scheduled practice session as incessant rain swept the area, better known as the home of Tibet's exiled leader, the Dalai Lama. With bad weather forecast to continue till the weekend, Pakistan's lone practice match ahead of the first of three Tests starting in Mohali on Tuesday threatens to be badly curtailed. "We have the best facilities but we are helpless before nature," said Anurag Thakur, president of the host Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, which is organising its first international match. "You can never predict the weather in Himachal Pradesh. Everybody is keeping their fingers crossed." The tourists, who arrived in New Delhi on Monday, took 0
105631 0 1485 SPOR SPORT 40 gear up for karate contest FORTY junior and senior players from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and Iraq are in the fray for the first GCC Kyokushin Karate Championship, organised by the Bahrain Kyokushin Karate School starting at 4pm today at the Juffair Youth Centre. The event consists of three categories for juniors under-10, 12 and 14 and four weight categories for the seniors under-70kg, under-80kg, under-90kg and +90-kg. A total of 14 players will take part from Kuwait which is the other country to field junior players. The remaining countries - Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Iraq will only be participating in the seniors section. Tournament director and school's manager Dr Hussain Al Derazi said the one-day event will be the first of its kind to be organised in the Kingdom and is sponsored by Media One Production. "We are delighted to have such a great response from all teams in the Gulf who confirmed their participation in the tournament," said Al Derazi. He added t 0
105632 0 1485 SPOR SPORT Australian comeback for Tyson SYDNEY: Former heavyweight champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson has signed on to train full time with Australian great Jeff Fenech and could try to relaunch his career Down Under, Fenech said yesterday. Speaking on Channel Nine television from Los Angeles, Fenech said the 38-year-old Tyson asked him to help revive his boxing career after the two trained together for five days on the US West Coast. "I'm a great friend of Mike Tyson, and it will be a pleasure to try to get him back on track," said Fenech, once considered one of the world's toughest boxers, who retired in 1996 after a career that saw him win titles in three weight divisions. Fenech said he wanted to bring Tyson to Australia in hope of reinventing his battered public image and his professional career. "I think that would be the best thing for him just to get away from everything here in America," he said. "Mike's a changed man, he wants to do the right thing," he said. "I think it will be 0
105633 0 1485 SPOR SPORT Boyd's team lift ladies golf crown THE team of Emma Boyd, Heli Spalding, Edith Williams and Marie Keith won the Inaugural Alosra Ladies Golf Day hosted by Riffa Golf Club with a net score of 61.90. Claiming second place were the team of Beatriz Niemeyer, Ann Pastural, Barbara Watkins and Tracy Karai with a net 64.70. The longest putt contest winners were Lorraine Wilson and Maureen Spencer. Alosra also sponsored a ladies golf clinic at the Club's Academy for non-golfers. More than 40 participated in the tournament with another 20 attending the clinic. The prize winners were presented with Alosra Supermarket shopping vouchers by Mike Eastwood of BMMI, the owners of Alosra. 0
105634 0 1485 SPOR SPORT Injured Lehmann ruled out SYDNEY: A shoulder injury has forced Darren Lehmann out of the running for a place in the Australian Test team to tour New Zealand. Lehmann lost his spot in the one-day side after a barren run with the bat this summer but was hoping to remain in the Test squad, which will be announced later this week. However, he announced yesterday he was unavailable for the three-Test tour because he needed a shoulder operation. "The shoulder would not stand up to the rigours of three international Test matches," Lehmann said in a statement. "I want to get the shoulder right so that I am fit and ready for selection for the Ashes later in the year." Australia's chairman of selectors, Trevor Hohns said: "Whilst it is disappointing for Darren that he is unavailable for selection to tour New Zealand, it is important that he has this surgery to enable him to continue his cricketing career in the future." Meanwhile, New Zealand opening batsman Nathan Astle joined his t 0
105635 0 1485 SPOR SPORT More Speed too good for More Power DHL More Speed defeated DHL More Power 33-6 last night at the Dilmun Sports Club in Saar to move to within two points of British Club African and Eastern Fosters Cameos in the first division of the DHL Bahrain Netball League. The decisive victory for More Speed ensured they maintain their slim title hopes despite playing a game more than leaders Cameos. More Speed didn't have it all their way in the first quarter as they finished just 6-4 ahead as More Power threatened to cause an upset. More Power did well in attack with goal shooters Cairen Harry and Emma Gray taking their chances after good supply by wing defence Victoria Atkinson, centre Rama Salem and wing attack Noel Witter. Player-of-the-match Linzi Potter, the goal keeper, and goal defence Helen Hind also had an excellent quarter keeping More Speed at bay. The second quarter saw More Speed step up a gear as they managed eight goals to their opponents' two with player-of-the-match and goal attack Sara-Jane 0
105636 0 1485 SPOR SPORT Dilu Jewellers pip Indian Club Red FOUR teams are all set to battle it out on Friday in the semi-finals of The Indian Club - Gulf Cellar Expatriate Seven-a-side Cricket Tournament starting from 6.15pm. Dilu Jewellers were one of the qualifiers defeating Indian Club Air Sahara Red on fewer wickets lost as both sides finished with 40 runs from six overs with the Jewellers losing four wickets to Indian Club's five. In other matches Al Sarraj defeated Riffa CC-Tylos by 10 runs, Trust International Red prevailed by 19 runs over Consolidated Shipping Lines and The Indian Club - Air Sahara Blue beat Surprise by three wickets. Tournament co-sponsors are Qatar Airways, Manoj Nair, Bahrain International Cargo Services, Air Sahara - House of Travels, Bahrain Neon, Bahrain International Cargo Services, Royal Cleaning and Pest Control Services, Chef's Corner and Creative Advertising. Brief scores (quarter fiinals): Dilu Jewellers 40 for 4 in 6 overs bt Indian Club Air Sahara - Red 40 for 5 in 6 overs losing few 0
105637 0 1485 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain GERMAN-speaking ladies coffee morning, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, 9am. Contact Andrea Al Mutawa on 17720101. Family pottery day, Bahrain Potters Society, Isa Town, 3.30pm. Entrance free. Contact Abdul Karim Al Bosta on 39647697 or Abdulilah Al Bosta on 39298217 or the society on 17786969. Carousel - World of Imagination Recreational Clubs. Registration now open for Lingua Espanol (Spanish Club), Lingua Arabica (Arabic Club), Shake 'n' Spear - Performance Club. For details, contact 17685012. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Performance by singer/guitarist Stefan Malinowski, Fiddlers Green, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, 9pm. Al Riwaq Gallery and Bookshop, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441 or email info@alriwaqgallery.org Yoga classes, Bahrain Wellness Resort, Budaiya, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795961 or 39803197. 0
105638 1 1485 WORL WORLD Bahrain pledges Palestinian aid LONDON: Bahrain yesterday joined the international community in pledging political and economic support to the Palestinians. "We offer to share with the Palestinian Authority the outcome of our democratic experience, good governance, popular participation, transparency and human resources development policies," Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa said. Addressing an international conference in London, he also reiterated Bahrain's commitment to help the authority until a just and permanent peaceful settlement is reached and an independent and viable Palestinian state established. He said Bahrain was ready to train Palestinian bankers at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance. Shaikh Mohammed later met British Minister of State for Middle East Affairs Baroness Symons and discussed the Middle East peace process. Meanwhile, Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayyad said donor nations had promised the authority $1.2 billion 0
105639 2 1485 WORL WORLD Fossett to fly over Bahrain in record bid SALINA, Kansas: American adventurer Steve Fossett flew over Africa yesterday after battling a series of equipment problems in the early stages of his bid to make the first solo non-stop flight around the world without refuelling. Fossett, who took off from here in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer on Monday for a flight expected to last between 60 and 80 hours, said he had to deal with a number of "dramas," particularly during takeoff, but the flight was going well overall. Fossett was at approximately 13,000 metres and had been in the air for 15 hours and 20 minutes. The GlobalFlyer was over Morocco heading over Bahrain and east at a speed of around 340 knots (630 kilometres per hour). "At this time everything is going very well," Fossett said in a radio hook-up at Mission Control in Salina. "I'm very happy with the situation and I think we've got a good chance." He said the takeoff of the GlobalFlyer, which is essentially a flying gas tank - 83 per cent of the total weigh 0
105640 3 1485 WORL WORLD Security reforms vowed by Abbas LONDON: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas told an international conference yesterday that he would reform the Palestinian Authority's unwieldy and competing security services - a key demand of Israel and world donors - and promised to track down and punish the perpetrators of last week's suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Palestinian Finance Minister Salam Fayyad said the Palestinians won pledges from the international community for at least $1.2 billion in financial aid for 2005 - "more than (was pledged) before - and even more is expected." Last year, the Palestinians received promises of just under $1bn in aid. The PA also won ringing support from the European Union, the US and other world powers for an ambitious raft of reforms intended to create a viable Palestinian state. British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who hosted the daylong global conference in London, said, "We've got a script that is clearer today than ever before." "Everyone now accepts the two-state solution.... D 0
105641 0 1485 WORL WORLD Keane is cleared of assaulting boy LONDON: Manchester United captain ROY KEANE was cleared yesterday of assault and criminal damage charges involving a 16-year-old boy who taunted him. The 33-year-old Keane showed no reaction as Judge Paul Richardson read the verdict at Trafford Magistrates Court. Keane was involved in a dispute on September 4 while walking his dog near his home in the Manchester suburb of Hale. The English Premiership star said he was taunted by the teenager, and was accused of damaging the boy's neck chain. The Ireland soccer international acknowledged in testimony that he was angry with the teenager, but denied grabbing him by the neck and shouting in his face. Keane is known for his temper. He missed the 2002 World Cup finals in South Korea and Japan after an argument with Ireland coach Mick McCarthy over the team's preparations and training facilities. Keane has returned to the Ireland fold under new coach Brian Kerr. 0
105642 0 1485 WORL WORLD Gunmen attack minister's car JENIN, West Bank: The leader of the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades opened fire yesterday on the empty car of Palestinian interior minister Nasr Yussef in the West Bank stronghold of Jenin, witnesses said. Zakaria Zubeidi, accompanied by gunmen from the militant group loosely affiliated to the mainstream Fatah, scarred Yussef's parked car with bullets at the Palestinian security services headquarters in Jenin. Yussef was reviewing security forces at the time and was unhurt, but a Palestinian policeman was wounded by the gunfire and taken to hospital. Wanted by Israel for years, Zubeidi has an immense popular base in Jenin and its refugee camp, a bastion of the Palestinian uprising. Members of his entourage said Zubeidi had fired on Yussef's car to vent his anger over the minister's visit to the cemetery in the Jenin refugee camp without co-ordinating with him. The rebel chief and his henchmen left the security compound firing into the air after the shooting. A P 0
105643 0 1485 WORL WORLD Saddam 'is cut off from the world' TOKYO: Saddam Hussein is isolated from the rest of the world but in good health and was overjoyed when he learned that Spanish troops had left Iraq, a spokesman for the former strongman's legal team said yesterday. Jordan-based lawyer Ziad Khassawneh said the ousted president who was captured by US forces in December 2003 "has good health now" but was "isolated from the whole world." "He is now in a very small cell. He is not allowed to meet either his attorneys or his family," Khassawneh said on a visit to Japan at the invitation of a civic group. "He doesn't have any TV, no radio and he is not allowed to read newspapers. He knows nothing about what is going on in Iraq or the world," he said. Saddam last met his defence counsel in December. 0
105644 0 1485 WORL WORLD Woman, 37, kidnapped and raped MANAMA: A 37-year-old Indonesian woman has allegedly been kidnapped and raped by a Bahraini, it was revealed yesterday. The woman was walking home near Awal Cinema in Gudaibiya at 2am, when two Bahrainis pulled up in a Mercedes and forced her into the car, sources told the GDN. They took her to a coastal area near Manama and one of the men allegedly raped her. The woman knew her attacker and a 39-year-old man has since been arrested, said sources. He reportedly denies the allegation. The incident allegedly took place last Friday. 0
105645 0 1485 WORL WORLD Hostage's video 'is disturbing' PARIS: The video of a kidnapped French journalist pleading for her life in Iraq shook media organisations yesterday, as the French government noted that the appeal was the first sign the reporter Florence Aubenas is alive. The editor-in-chief of the French newspaper Liberation, for which Aubenas works, Serge July, said he was "shaken" to see the video, while the French-based media rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it was "disturbing" and "extremely worrying". In her appeal an exhausted and gaunt looking Aubenas said her health was "very bad." "This is urgent now. Help me!" she said. The French authorities were cautious, saying they were studying the video carefully, in particular Aubenas' direct appeal for help from a French deputy, Didier Julia. Julia, an Arabic-speaking deputy in President Jacques Chirac's ruling UMP party, headed a failed mission to free two other French reporters who were kidnapped in Iraq last August. 0
105646 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS China spent $195bn to maintain currency peg BEIJING: China's central bank spent 1.61 trillion yuan ($195 billion) buying foreign currency last year to maintain the yuan's peg with the dollar, a rise of 40 per cent over 2003. The People's Bank of China also drained 669bn yuan from the banking system via open market operations last year, more than double the 282 billion yuan used in 2003, Xinhua news agency said citing a central bank report. China keeps its currency pegged to the US unit in a very narrow trading bank of about 8.28 yuan, a level which trading partners, especially the United States, say gives Chinese exports an unfair advantage. 0
105647 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS 'Money cannot fix' Palestinian woes LONDON: International financial aid will not improve life for Palestinians until fundamental political reform is undertaken by their government, a World Bank official said here yesterday. "You cannot substitute donor assistance and money for a fundamental change in the policy environment," Nigel Roberts, the organisation's country director for the West Bank and Gaza Strip, told a Press conference. "This remains one of the major messages that we try to convey both to the Palestinian leadership and the donors community," he said. "If the policy environment is wrong, money cannot fix it." Roberts' critique of Palestinian affairs came a day after an international meeting held in the British capital to support reforms promised by new Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas. The Palestinian Authority expects to receive $1 billion in donor aid this year with an emergency instalment from both the US and Japan of $131 million this month, a Palestinian official said. The donation 0
105648 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Jersey trade opportunities probed at forum MANAMA: Investment opportunities in Jersey came into focus last night at a seminar at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. It was led by Jersey Finance, which arrived in Bahrain on Tuesday with a 50-strong delegation, as part of Gulf tour. The group will also visit Abu Dhabi and Dubai before leaving the region next Thursday. They include senior representatives from the State of Jersey and Jersey Finance, as well as more than 40 senior finance industry professionals. Delegates are meeting senior government officials in each location to discuss the future development of bilateral links. The Jersey Finance team will also visit Qatar on a private visit. 0
105649 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Euro zone growth stagnates BRUSSELS: Euro zone economic growth stagnated in the fourth quarter of 2004, Eurostat confirmed yesterday, but capital investment offered some hope for the future despite a slowdown in export expansion. The European Union's statistics office kept its fourth quarter gross domestic product growth estimate unchanged at 0.2 per cent, compared with the previous quarter, and at 1.6pc from the same period of 2003. For the whole of 2004 growth was 2pc. 0
105650 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS $783bn Japan budget passed TOKYO: Japan's lower house yesterday passed an 82.18 trillion yen ($783bn) national budget for the fiscal year starting April 1, boosting overall outlays to deal with the country's rapidly ageing population but cutting spending in most other programmes including defence. The budget plan, which lifts overall spending 0.1pc, was passed with a vote of 281 to 187, said lower house spokeswoman Yuko Harada. It will now go to the less powerful upper house, where it is likely to be approved before the end of the month. 0
105651 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait stocks hit new high KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti shares shot to a new high in the week ending yesterday as the market continued to capitalise on a mega contract between a private Kuwaiti firm and the Pentagon, traders said. All market indicators set new records for the year amid hectic trading which revolved around Public Warehousing Co (PWC), which won the contract, its sister companies and a number of blue chips. The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) index finished the week, shortened by public holidays, on 6,781.80 points, up 2.3pc on last week's close of 6,632.60 points. The index is now 5.8pc above the 2004 close of 6,409.50 points. The US Defence Department on February 18 awarded PWC a $3.27bn contract to supply US military forces in Kuwait, Qatar, Iraq and Afghanistan. 0
105652 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Iran to reopen new airport TEHRAN: Iran's transport minister has said the capital's new airport will finally be reopened at the end of April, but most likely without the presence of a foreign consortium, a Press report said yesterday. The presence of Turkish-Austrian consortium Tepe-Akfen-Vie (TAV) at Tehran's new Imam Khomeini International Airport sparked a dramatic move by Iran's hardline Revolutionary Guards to storm and shut down the facility in May 2004. "We have separated the fate of Imam Khomeini International Airport from that of TAV," Mohammad Rahmati was quoted as saying by the Iran newspaper, saying he expected the facility to reopen between April 21-30 while the TAV issue is being worked out. The Revolutionary Guards shut down the airport just a day after it was opened. They argued that TAV also had dealings with arch-enemy Israel, and their presence at the airport south of the capital was a threat to national security. 0
105653 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain-Germany to sign pact MANAMA: An agreement on the protection and promotion of investments between Bahrain and Germany is due to be signed "very soon". German State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour Dr Bernd Pfaffenbach said talks were now entering the final stages. "I hope that in a short time from now we will be able to sign that agreement," he said in a meeting yesterday with Bahraini businessmen at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Spa. He also said that Germany was pushing for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and the GCC. "We want the FTA to be concluded as soon as possible." Yesterday's meeting was organised by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry. 0
105654 0 1486 BUSI BUSINESS ONGC clinches Qatari contract NEW DELHI: The overseas arm of India's state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has won a contract to explore and develop Qatar's offshore Najawat Najem oilfield, a company official said yesterday. "The Najawat oilfield is estimated to hold 300 million barrels of oil reserves," R S Butola, managing director of ONGC Videsh, told the Press Trust of India news agency. Butola said the Indian firm edged out a dozen companies to nail the contract. On Tuesday ONGC Videsh and its US partner won exploration rights for an oilfield at north Ramadan in Egypt. India, which is projected to become a global economic powerhouse in the next two decades, has launched a major hunt for foreign oil to keep fuelling its growth. Only 30 per cent of India's oil needs are met from domestic sources and this proportion is expected to halve as the country's appetite for energy grows as it continues to expand. l Dolphin Energy said yesterday it awarded a more than $67m contract to Nex 0
105655 1 1486 BUSI BUSINESS ABC posts $579 million profit after sale of units MANAMA: Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) yesterday reported a net profit of $579 million for last year. This includes $470m realised from the disposal of ABC's subsidiaries Banco Atlntico, Spain and International Bank of Asia Limited, Hong Kong. Net profit for 2003 amounted to $120m, including $49m contributed by the above-mentioned subsidiaries. Last year net profit from continuing operations, excluding the impact of Banco Atlntico, and International Bank of Asia Limited, totalled $109m, compared to $71m in 2003. Net interest income last year amounted to $152m, compared with $158m in 2003, resulting from the restructuring of the group's assets and the sale of its Brady bond portfolio, which, although depriving the group of high yielding assets, substantially improved credit quality, said the bank in a statement released yesterday. Non-interest income totalled $153m, compared with $259m in 2003 which, as an IAS 39 adjustment, had included an incom 0
105656 2 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Urgent need to rein-in deficit says Greenspan WASHINGTON: US Federal Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan urged Congress yesterday to act on the "pressing" problem of the budget deficit, while endorsing the idea of private accounts in the social security pension system. "Our budget position is unlikely to improve substantially in the coming years unless major deficit-reducing actions are taken," Greenspan told the Budget Committee of the House of Representatives. The powerful central bank chief warned that the budget deficit, if not brought under control, represents a major risk to the US economic outlook. "The US economy delivered a solid performance in 2004, and thus far this year, activity appears to be expanding at a reasonably good pace," he said. "However, the positive short-term economic outlook is playing out against a backdrop of concern about the prospects for the federal budget." Greenspan said the US economy cannot simply grow its way out of the deficit. The deficit hit a record in dollar term 0
105657 3 1486 BUSI BUSINESS Firms join forces to offer IT solutions MANAMA: Bahrain-based Khalid Almoayed and Sons (KAS) has joined forces with integrated business solutions provider HansaWorld. The partnership aims to meet the growing IT requirements of the Gulf business market, according to a statement issued by the KAS Group. A deal was signed by HansaWorld Middle East partner and chief executive officer Johan Ulander and Sofyan Almoayed, who is managing director of @Computers and iMachines - both divisions of the KAS Group. The two divisions will help localise and maintain HansaWorld's products as per the needs of the market. "While @Computers now has the golden partnership with HansaWorld for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions to serve all enterprises and businesses, iMachines will focus on catering exclusively to the market segment which includes the media, art design, and the printing sectors," said Mr Almoayed. The HansaWorld group has a network of daughter companies 0
105658 0 1486 COMM COMMENTThe purest bond... There are 52 weeks in a year, seven days in a week, and only one Thursday in a week - a day I always look forward to. After all it is rightly earned but to be smartly spent. One particular Thursday is notable and quotable. I was in the office, clearing up my desk cheerfully as time was flying towards the onset of the weekend. Suddenly one of our business acquaintances dropped in and we both started talking, less weekday business and more weekend business. The only topic which interested him, was vacation and not vocation. He was anxiously waiting to go to his hometown at the end of the contract. He was looking forward to the imminent change from work. He shared with me his plans and preparations prior to proceeding on vacation. Perhaps, we all behave in a similar manner in a similar situation. Based on our regular interaction, I had his clear picture in my mind's eye as a clean-shaven person. Frankly speaking, I had last seen him only a fortnight ago. Now, all of sudden, I notic 0
105659 0 1486 COMM COMMENTCentre a step in right direction A help centre for the abused is a major step in the right direction in a country where there is little or no protection for women or children who are victims of domestic violence. Does it not speak volumes, though, that it is having to be run by volunteers from the Bahrain Society Combating Domestic Violence and financed by a donor, in this case Batelco? Why is the government not at least helping to fund an organisation which will attempt to provide a vital social service that the state has so far failed to provide ? Interior Ministry figures given to the Shura Council put the number of reports of violence against women at 649 for last year. This may be the number actually reported to police, but the evidence here, as well as in many other countries, is that many cases of domestic violence go unreported. For the power of the abuser lies not only in the violence, but in the fact that it is carried out in secrecy within the family home, where outsiders cannot witnes 0
105662 0 1486 LETT LETTERS Car wash boy is a proud inspiration I JUST don't want this to go unnoticed. I met this young Bahraini man five years ago at the car park in front of Bahrain Financing in the Suq. I am honoured to say that this young man has been cleaning my car and my husband's car for at least five years now. Do you know what he does with the money he makes? He pays for his own college education with it. Instead of hurting and robbing Asian expats with small salaries, he chooses to work hard to get a better life for himself and his family. I would say he was raised well. His parents must be very proud of him. It's people like him that make Bahrain a great country. I've always called him Matthew but I doubt that's his real name. Whatever his real name is, let's make him an example to inspire young people to live honourably. To Matthew, keep up the good work. You should be proud of what you are doing. Cristy Yasui 0
105663 0 1486 LETT LETTERS Special birthday date I SPENT 16 years in Bahrain from 1979 to 1995 and loved it, I will always consider it home. I am in the middle of preparing a very special 50th birthday gift for a friend. Part of this will be giving her the Cliff Richard autograph that I got at Bahrain International Airport many years ago (I know it would come in useful one day and this lady is a lifelong fan!) I want to give her the date history and can only remember that he arrived on a Friday to give a concert on a Saturday and I think he stayed at the Diplomat as it was then. I think it was 1991 around November but that is where I hope that the GDN can help as I want to confirm the date of the show and pass this information to her so she knows when I ended up with the autograph. I was meeting my then boyfriend now husband at the airport from an away rugby match when we saw Cliff come through with bodyguards. I have tried searching on the Internet but have been stumped this time. Any help gratefully received!</ 0
105664 0 1486 LETT LETTERS Wake up to crime! ADDING to Zainab Nasser Ahmed's letter (GDN February 26), I would like to agree with her and give some of my own observations as well. A few years ago in Bahrain one could keep one's front door open, and in just a couple of years, the newspapers are full of incidents of thefts, robberies, murders and car accidents etc. Incidentally, the offenders are mostly young Bahrainis though poorer lower class expatriates from Asian countries are full in Bahrain. What does this trend show? Laws should be implemented for all alike and severe steps should be taken to stop this crime before it goes totally out of control. Like in my country, Pakistan, law and order has not been checked rather, our solution has been to build higher walls, barricades, grills and keep armed guards whereas the problem should be tackled and solved by strictly punishing all offenders. And as my impression here is that the leaders and government take heed of what people say, it is hoped the Bahrain auth 0
105665 0 1486 LETT LETTERS Dogs allowed in club? I WOULD just like to ask if The British Club allows members to bring tiny dogs with them, because I have noticed several cats living there? member A BRITISH Club spokesman said: "The cats referred to are strays. Members are not permitted to bring dogs into the club." 0
105666 0 1486 LETT LETTERS Good gesture, but... CONGRATULATIONS to you, the GDN reporter, for telling us the story of the employer who forgave his young Bahraini employee who stole a big amount from the company. The employer has made a highly appreciable gesture. Taking into consideration the age of that employee, it was a good ethical approach. It is good to see that there are people still living with such high morals. Also I would like to applaud the family of that boy who advised him of his mistake. But I am afraid, is the boy totally educated by you both in this matter. Make sure that he understands that, to make that money, many other employees of that company worked hard for many days. Those people who work hard for the company always dream that when the company reaches higher financial stability their life also gets the same. Here the boy had stolen those employees' dreams which they had been building up with their sincerity and honesty. Now by accepting his family's advice he escaped from the curse of tho 0
105667 0 1486 LETT LETTERS A love match... ANDRE Agassi's remarks about Dubai (GDN February 28) really are not surprising as Dubai has made tremendous progress and is indeed a magical city. What is poignant is his remark that "he was amazed at the cosmopolitan culture and prosperity of the fast-developing emirate." No other city of the Middle East can compare to Dubai and the electric atmosphere is not truly representative of the Middle East. But "you see so many different people living together peacefully" noticed Agassi and that should carry a message to world powers whose governments are all out to make unnecessary wars. Whereas people in general from all corners of the world are living in co-existence under strict enforcement of law and order. Free trade and visa policy invite people from all over the globe. There is much to be learnt from this. Mr Agassi, rather than "it being a privilege for you to be in Dubai", it is a privilege for the Middle East to have you as their ambassador and "take a messag 0
105668 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Hasty labour reforms 'may hurt growth' SWEEPING labour market reforms must be introduced gradually, say business leaders. They are urging delays of up to 18 months in enacting some of the measures proposed. Moving too quickly would only harm the growth of the private sector, therefore hurting the labour market and Bahrain's economic status in the region, says Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). The government must share responsibility in ensuring the success of the proposed reforms, drawn up for the Economic Development Board by McKinsey & Co Middle East. A report submitted by the BCCI to Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was detailed at to the media yesterday. The meeting was attended by BCCI president Khalid Kanoo, second vice- president Dr Essam Fakhro and board member Dr Hassan Kamal. Mr Kanoo said that the report, which was presented to the Crown Prince on February 23, focused on two main aspects of 0
105669 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Garden show sows seeds of triumph... Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show 2005 Presentation of Cups and 1st Prizes FLOWERS (CLASSES 1 - 19) 1 Antirrhinum - Three spikes: 1st Winner Elenjikkal Paulose; 2nd Winner Shahrazad Yateem; 3rd Winner Jehad Jaffer. 2 Aster - Three stems: 1st Winner Elenjikkal Paulose; 2nd Winner Shahrazad Yateem. 3 Calendula - Three blooms: 1st Winner Edmond Mutran; 2nd Winner Amal Saeed; 3rd Winner Shahzaman Shams. 4 Carnation (a) Three blooms (seed): (b) Three blooms (imported cuttings only): 3rd Winner Faika Alawadi 5 Cosmos - Three stems: 2nd Winner Mahfooda Alzayani. 6 Dahlia - (a) Three blooms from seed: 3rd Winner Amal Saeed (b) Three blooms from tuber: 7 Freesia - Three stems: 8 Larkspur - Three spikes: 9 Nasturtium - Three blooms: 1st Winner Shahzaman Shams; 2nd Winner Mary Yateem. 10 Marigold - Three stems: 1st Winner Faika Alawadi; 2nd Winner Edmond Mutran; 3rd Winner Amal Saeed.< 0
105670 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Play invite for the disabled BAHRAIN'S disabled people are being invited to attend the top hit play Right Always Prevails tonight at the Sanabis Cultural Centre. A sign language interpreter will be working off-stage, so that deaf people may enjoy the 70-minute play. It is being performed by Al Arooj Theatrical Troupe and is written and directed by troupe leader Jaber Hassan. The play stars Maki Jassim, Mohammed Sahwan, Hussain Al Salatna and Fadhel Zain. Mr Hassan said the play was last staged two weeks ago during Ashoora, which marked the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. "The play highlights what happened after the martyrdom of the Imam in the Battle of Karbala at the hands of Yazid's (an Umayyad ruler) army," he said. "It focuses on the meeting between Yazid and his troops and everyone blaming the other for the slaughter of the Imam." Mr Hassan said that a lot of events in the country neglected the disabled. "We have taken the deaf and mute i 0
105671 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Pakistan Club polls date set ELECTIONS for the new executive board of the Pakistan Club will be held at 4pm on March 18, at the clubhouse in Manama. Members who have up-to-date subscription are eligible to vote. Members have until March 11 at 9pm to clear their dues. The event's programme will include the treasurer's report for the year 2004. Chairman Mohammed Sajid Shaikh will speak about the highlights of events and activities held during the current committee's tenure. The elections will be followed by a dinner. Those who are interested to contest election for any office of the executive committee member should submit nomination forms to the executive committee members not later than 9pm on March 14. 0
105672 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Musical tribute to Arab legends CLASSICAL pieces by legendary composers Vivaldi, Rimsky-Korsakov, George Gershwin and Monti are to be played by Egyptian violinist Samy Ibrahim tonight at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama. The concert will begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are BD15 net, which includes a buffet dinner. Mr Ibrahim is to perform on the piano and violin on Monday at the same venue, starting at 7.30pm. The event, entitled Arabian Legends, is a musical tribute to the legends Um Kulthom, Abdel Wahab and Fareed Al Atrash. Tickets are BD15 net, which also includes dinner. 0
105673 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL 'La Strada' screening planned LA Strada, a film by Federico Fellini, will be screened at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, tomorrow. The 1954 film stars Anthony Quinn as Zampano, Giulietta Masina as Gelsomina and Richard Basehart as Il Matto (The Fool). Gelsomina is sold for a few coins by her very poor mother to Zampano, a fairground wrestler. She follows him on the road (la strada) and helps him during his shows. Zampano ill-treats her. She meets 'The Fool' and feels like going with him, but he puts confusion in her mind by pointing out that perhaps Zampano is in fact in love with her. The film, in Italian, is subtitled in English. Screening begins at 7pm. Tickets are BD10 net. For reservations e-mail lfccart@batelco.com.bh or call 17230123. 0
105674 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Pupils to get health tips... STAFF who will be taking the health care message into Bahrain's schools attended a training session yesterday. It was organised by the Health Ministry's health education department and held at the Rufaida Building, near Salmaniya Medical Complex. The event concentrated on setting out the course for this year's health awareness campaign in secondary schools. It was attended by almost 20 Health Ministry nurses and health educators. The session was led by National Programme for the Prevention of Hereditary Blood Diseases for School Students head and Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) hereditary blood diseases department chairwoman Dr Shaikha Al Arrayedh, health education head Dr Amal Al Jowder and school health co-ordinator Dr Mariam Al Mulla. 0
105675 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Driver held after car chase drama POLICE arrested a drink-driver in Manama after a high-speed car chase on the wrong side of the road. A police patrol spotted the Bahraini driving the wrong way in the left-hand lane of Exhibition Avenue, at around 3am. Police signalled him to stop but he continued on the wrong side of the road, putting both himself and other drivers at risk, said sources. He was eventually stopped after a car chase through Manama and was found to be drunk. Sources said the man struggled with police officers and shouted insults upon arrest. 0
105676 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini youths rob Indian man AN Indian man was treated for cuts and bruises after he was attacked by Bahraini youths near the Manama Central Market. Uttara Bedi, aged 41, was walking near the bus terminal at around 5am when two youths approached him and demanded money and any valuables he had on him. He handed over his mobile phone and wallet, containing BD50, his CPR and driving licence, said sources. The youths then pushed Mr Bedi to the ground and started punching and kicking him, before running away. Mr Bedi was treated for injuries to his upper body and face at Salmaniya Medical Complex, said sources. 0
105677 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Group lines up musical evening... THE Vadakara Sauhrudaya Vedi organisation is staging a musical programme tonight. Ghazal Sandhya will be held at 7.30pm at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam in Manama. It will feature Ghazals, folk songs, mimics and other cultural programmes. It will feature Sai Balan, K T Pradeep, Nijosh Kannur, Sanal Kannur and other artistes. Entry is only by donor pass. For more information, contact 39811315, 39064485 or 39527161. 0
105678 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Teenager found unconscious A BAHRAINI teenager was found unconscious at a roadside in Sanabis yesterday, having apparently overdosed on drugs. The 19-year-old Bahraini was last night said to be stable at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. 0
105679 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Net trio 'face long jail term' THREE Bahrainis arrested over comments that appeared on the Internet face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to their lawyer Ahmed Al Arayyedh. Ali Abdulemam, Hussain Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi were detained on Sunday and Monday, but no official charges have yet been brought. They were arrested over remarks posted on Bahrainonline.org, which regularly criticises the government, and are now facing charges that include spreading hatred against the government and disseminating false rumours. The website has been blocked by authorities, but is still able to function using servers outside the country. "The maximum jail sentence they are facing is nine or 10 years with bail," said Mr Al Arayyedh. A joint statement by the Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) and the Arabic Programme for Human Rights Activists yesterday called for the release of all three men. However, they also warned Web users to be responsible when sharing their thoughts online. 0
105680 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Schroeder praises reforms Bahrain has set an example to other countries in the region through its political and economic reforms, the German chancellor said yesterday. Bahrain has also contributed substantially towards stability in the region, he noted. Mr Schroeder described his visit as short but very successful, as he spoke to Bahraini and German media at the the airport VIP lounge at the end of his one-day official visit. "Bahrain's leaders shared my views that all conflicts in the region should be resolved through peaceful means," he added. "The democratic reforms pursued by Bahrain is a great example to other countries of the region. "Besides political reforms, Bahrain is now vigorously pursuing economic reforms. "We have offered German expertise to Bahrain in its industrial development process, including the building of new petrochemical and power-related projects." Mr Schroeder, who left for Yemen yesterday, earlier visited Qatar. On the political front, Mr 0
105681 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Water supply to be hit MANAMA: People living in Muharraq, Manama, Budaiya, Janusan, Saar, Sanabis and Samaheej will be affected by the shutdown of the water production units at the Hidd Power Station. The Electricity and Water Ministry announced yesterday the units will be shut for maintenance from Saturday until Thursday. As a result, water production at the station will completely stop. To make up for the loss, the ministry will partially compensate the water shortage by mixing ground water with the desalinated water, said the ministry. This will increase the water's salinity, added the statement, which apologised to the public for any inconvenience this may cause. The ministry also called upon people to use water wisely and store enough water to get them through this period. 0
105682 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Young potters shine Children and adults were given the chance to show off their artistic skills at the Bahrain Potters Society family day yesterday. The event, held at the society's premises in Isa Town, was attended by children, their parents and society members. Pottery works created by the children will be displayed in an exhibition, which will be held by the society at a later date. 0
105683 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain father dies MANAMA: Bahrain-based father-of-two Puzhikadu Sasi, aged 42, has died after falling ill on leave in his native Pandalam Pathanamthitta, Kerala. Mr Sasi had been in Bahrain for 18 years and worked for the Aradous Construction Company as a fabrication supervisor. He had two brothers in Bahrain who have flown home for his funeral. 0
105684 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Educational lectures are lined up at expo centre A SERIES of educational seminars and lectures are lined up at Al Fanar Hall, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, for fair visitors, announced organisers. The programme kicks off today with a talk by France International Conservatoire for Gardening and Landscaping director Jean-Paul Pigeat at 5pm. Mr Pigeat, who is representing the French Embassy, will give a presentation on the International Conservation of Parks and Landscaping of Chaumont-sur-loire. At 7pm, there will be a piano recital accompanied by an Iranian film about nature, which has been provided by the Iranian Film Museum. A presentation on flower arranging by Moulie', Saudi Arabia and France general manager Henri Molieh will be held tomorrow at 10am. At 5pm on the same day, there will be a talk, entitled Pathway of Colours into Islamic Pottery, presented by Dr Wasma Khalid Chorbachi. The next talk, at 7pm on the same day, will be presented by Ghassan Massry, who will be speaking on New 0
105685 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Blooming success for entrants THE Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show, has this year attracted an avalanche of competition entries, say organisers. The BGC opens today as one of the features of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF), which is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The four-day event is being opened by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. The fair, which is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, is being organised by CTM Event Management in association with the BGC. Around 1,000 entries were received at the BIEC yesterday morning and after more than three solid hours of careful judging almost 400 winners were announced last night. Shaikha Sabeeka will be presenting the seven most prestigious competition trophies to the winners today. Other cups and prizes for each competition will be presented at a special ceremony on Ma 0
105686 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL GCC-Germany talks on rail project soon Bahrain and Qatar have expressed interest in taking part in a German-led project to connect Gulf states by high-speed rail, the German Chancellor said yesterday. Schroeder said he had invited GCC members to Germany to discuss details of the proposed 2,000km railway stretching from Kuwait in the north to Oman in the south. "Bahrain is very interested in the project," Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar said following discussions with Chancellor Schroeder. The Germans have already sold their magnetic levitation, or maglev, technology to China to build a high-speed rail link between Shanghai and Hangzhou, and between Shanghai's Pudong International Airport and the city's eastern suburbs. That $1.2 billion (BD453 million) rail line uses a powerful magnetic field to suspend trains above the tracks. Its top speed is 430kmph. 0
105687 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Fund to hold blood camp A BLOOD donation drive will be held today in tribute to Imam Ali bin (Zainalabdeen) Al Hussain, great grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. The Fourth Zainalabdeen Campaign for Blood Donation is being organised by the Isa Town Charity Fund. It will be held at the Isa Town Health Centre from 5pm to 10pm, under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. Last year, 210 people showed up at the event and 180 of them managed to donate their blood. For more information contact fund vice-president Majdi Al Nasheet on 39689870. 0
105688 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Jazz lovers in for a treat... BIG band lovers are in for a treat tonight as a 13-piece full jazz band performs at the Dilmun Club, Saar, starting at 7.30pm. The Bahrain Big Band event is open to members and their guests. The band, which has a full line-up of trumpets, sax and rhythm section, will play a varied style of music, ranging from jazz to swing and a bit of rock and roll and hits songs. Tickets are BD7 for members and BD9 for guests, inclusive of a welcome drink and three roasts carvery dinner. For more information, contact the club reception at 17690926. 0
105689 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Singers invited for Gulf contest AMATURE singers talented in singing Gulf songs are being urged to visit the Regency InterContinental Hotel today and tomorrow to take part in a selection process for a mega GCC music talent show. The show, Najm Al Khaleej (The Star of the Gulf), will be broadcast on Dubai TV at a later date. A committee comprising top GCC singers will be present at the hotel from 9am to 9pm on both days to select the nominees. 0
105690 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL King names new judges HIS Majesty King Hamad issued a royal order yesterday making the following appointments: * Shaikh Ibrahim Rashid Al Mraikhi and Shaikh Rashid Hassan Al Bualaynain as deputy chief justices at the Sunni department of the High Sharia Court. * Shaikh Mansour Ali Hassan Hamadah, Shaikh Nasser Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Shaikh Ali Ibrahim Al Mubarak and Shaikh Hameed Ali Alasfoor as deputy chief justices at the Jaafari department of the High Sharia Court. * Shaikh Waleed Abdulmenem Ahmed Al Humood, Shaikh Abdulrahman Mohammed Khalifa Al Faddel, Shaikh Abdulrahman Dherar Abdulrahman Al Sha'er as judges at the Sunni department of the High Sharia Court. * Shaikh Faisal Abdullah Mohammed Al Ghareer and Shaikh Hamad Sami Al Faddel Al Doussari as judges at the Sunni department of the minor Sharia court. * Shaikh Ali Jassem Mohammed Ibrahim, Shaikh Baquer Isa Abdullah Al Mahrous, Shaikh Ali Adulhadi Abdullah Khalifa and Shaikh Mohammed Taher Sulaiman Al Madani as judges at the Ja 0
105691 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Two held for party racket POLICE arrested two US Navy servicemen in Adliya for hurling chairs out of their flat and onto a neighbour's roof. Bahraini Ahmed Hassan, 52, called the police after he was awoken by loud bangs on his roof. Another Bahraini resident of the area, 52-year old Saud Abdulaziz said that there had been a lot of noise coming from the flat from around 8.30pm, but as the evening progressed the disturbance became worse. "There seemed to be a party of some kind on the third floor of a building near my house," he said. "As it got later residents came out of their houses to protest at the racket, but the people ignored them and started throwing things out of the window." At around midnight, Mr Hassan and his family were awoken by the sound of wooden chairs being hurled from the third floor flat window, onto the roof of their house. "The chairs caused a lot of damage to the parts of the roof they hit and the bang as they hit was extremely loud," said Mr Abdulaziz. 0
105692 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Muharraq to get new theme park A NEW theme park is to built on the Muharraq coastline. It will include a modern fishing port, a maritime sports centre, a water garden, coffee shops and more. The theme park will be built on land between the Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Causeway and the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Causeway, linking Manama and Muharraq. Work has already begun on a one-kilometre walking circuit which will be part of the park. Muharraq Municipal Council public relations and information committee chairman Salah Al Jowder said that the area, managed by the Muharraq Municipality, would be utilised properly after years of neglect. "This area is being used by reckless young drivers who come during the night to manoeuvre and create havoc," he said. "Residents don't have a walkway and this area is most suitable for it." Work on the second phase of the project will begin as soon as the walkway is finished in June. "A hi-tech fishermen's dock and cabins for 300 Muharraq fisherme 0
105693 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Leaders vow to spur links The Prime Minister highlighted Bahrain's keenness to benefit from Germany's highly advanced industrial, technical and scientific expertise. During his talks yesterday with Chancellor Schroeder, the two leaders agreed to activate co-operation in air transport and doubling flights between the two countries. Oil, petrochemical and aluminium co-operation was also given the green light along with electricity and water, science and education. They also reviewed regional and international developments, with the Premier stressing the importance of Chancellor Schroeder's visit in cementing ties. The Chancellor thanked the Premier for his warm welcome, underlining Bahrain's achievements. He said these have become an example to be followed not only in the region but worldwide. Chancellor Schroeder noted Bahrain's attractive atmosphere as well as the encouragement it gives to attract investment. The Premier later hosted a luncheon banquet in honour of the chancellor at the Ri 0
105694 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Fast-food man is robbed by gang AN INDIAN fast-food deliveryman was ambushed and robbed by a gang of nine Bahraini youths. He was robbed of his motorcycle and BD20 - but managed to hang on to his mobile phone. Pizza Hut worker Kuzhiparambath Vijesh had just made a delivery in Ras Ruman, at around 1.30am when he was attacked "I saw around eight to nine Bahraini youths walking on the road. As I reached them, they pushed the motorcycle and I lost control and fell on the road," said the 24-year-old. "They dragged me and started beating me. One youth put his hands into my pant pocket and took out BD20, which was the shop's money," said Mr Vijesh. He said the youths tried to take his mobile phone and purse. "But I refused to give it. I pushed them and ran towards my flat, which was nearby. But I saw some of the men running behind me and I again ran to the main highway," said Mr Vijesh. "I saw a Pizza Hut minibus coming and since the driver knew me he stopped the vehicle. When the m 0
105695 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Treat in store for nature lovers NATURE lovers are in for a treat with the opening of a four-day garden show at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre today. Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, is opening the event. More than 20,000 people from around the world are expected to attend the event, which is being held under the King's patronage. The event, which continues until Sunday, features a whole range of activities that would appeal to the general public, as well as companies in horticultural and agricultural fields, say organisers It is being organised by CTM Event Management, in association with the Bahrain Garden Club (BGC). At the opening, Shaikha Sabeeka will be given a tour of the fair, which features the BGC 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show and a rose garden. The garden features roses from Bahrain, Syria, Egypt, Turkey and Iran. "I think the rose garden w 0
105696 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Lions Club of Riffa marks anniversary THE Lions Club of Riffa celebrated its 10th anniversary at its Charter Night at the Hilton last night. Chief guest at the event was Bahrain Red Crescent Society general secretary Sadiq Al Shehabi. Club board members were honoured during the ceremony, which was attended by more than 125 people. They are president Shahab Siddiqui, immediate past president Tariq Malik, vice-president Shaukat Lokhandwala, vice-president Khursheed Alam, secretary Mohammed Salim Ebrahim, assistant secretary Veena Arora, treasurer Earsil D'Cruz, directors Mohammed Iqbal, Razia Malik, Aftab Siddiqui, Eric Mistry, membership director Ashok Sharma, tail twister Erajuddin Ahmed and tamer Zulfikarali Moiz. This was followed by the induction of eight new members, Ketan Shanbhag, Deepa Shanbhag, Maisie Sequeira, Ella Mandeel, Moin Qureishi, Khalid Miyanji, Nag Bhushan Rao and Vikas Katiyar. The club is taking part in a global Lions campaign to raise funds for tsunami victims. Cash raise 0
105697 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Bay detainees interrogated? LAWYERS are concerned that Bahraini detainees at Guantanamo Bay may have been questioned by US interrogators posing as civilian attorneys. Their defence team is now planning to return to the high-security Camp Delta later this month to find out whether that is the case. "We have heard from a number of sources that interrogators at Guantanamo Bay have posed as civilian lawyers," said defence lawyer Joshua Colangelo-Bryan. "That is an issue that we want to explore with our clients. "Every time we have heard something from detainees - be it that they have been wrapped in an Israeli flag during interrogation or mistreated by female interrogators - there is subsequent confirmation by US government personnel. "At this stage, to initially disbelieve any allegations that detainees make I think is completely inappropriate." Lawyers from the New York-based Dorsey and Whitney law firm will make the trip to Cuba to visit the six Bahraini detainees on March 16. < 0
105698 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Northern Town reclamation work on way RECLAMATION work for the new Northern Town is expected to start by the end of this month. The timetable was revealed as Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder toured Karana yesterday. Mr Al Jowder told residents that they would be given houses in the new BD1 billion Northern Town, which will be located off Abu Sobh coastline, alongside other residents from the Northern Governorate. The 1,500-hectare town will include 30,000 homes for more than 150,000 people. It is the first of four new towns planned in Bahrain. Work to reclaim land for the new town is expected to begin before the end of the month, said Mr Al Jowder. The Works and Housing Ministry has started receiving tenders for reclamation work, which is expected to take 15 months. Mr Al Jowder told villagers the ministry was doing its best for them. "It is true villages are facing problems, especially related to housing and we will do our best to solve them," he said. "The ministr 0
105699 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Pioneering Bahrain role hailed BAHRAIN'S leadership role in environmental affairs in the region was praised yesterday by German Chancellor Ger-hard Schroeder. He hailed the steps taken by Bahrain to join hands with a German university in promoting the concept of environmental protection. Mr Schroeder was speaking at the new Euro University's foundation stone ceremony, held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday. The ceremony was held at the new university's premises in A'ali, near the Labour Ministry. The BD50 million Euro Univer-sity, the first in the Middle East to specialise in environmental sciences, is affiliated to the University of Han-over in Germany, said Mr Schroeder. "Germany is proud to share its know-how in environmental affairs with Bahrain," he added. The new university demonstrates the vision of Bahrain's leadership to educate the future generation on the importance of environment, said Mr Schroeder. This is another e 0
105700 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Play area plan for disabled children PLAY areas for children with special needs may soon be built in public parks and gardens in the Capital Governorate. A proposal to build a play area equipped for disabled children at Salmaniya Garden was presented at the Manama Municipal Council meeting yesterday. It was amended to cover all the gardens falling under the municipality's jurisdiction. Councillors also voted to make it a by-law that all new gardens must include play areas for disabled children. The proposal was unanimously accepted and will be sent to the Municipalities and Agricultural Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh for his approval. "Disabled children may not be able to use play equipment designed for normal children," said council vice-chairman Abdul Aziz Al Khajah, who presided over yesterday's meeting. "A family trip to the park may not be quite as fun for a child with special needs, since he might not be able to join his siblings. "That is why we thought we need to bring in equip 0
105701 1 1486 BNEW LOCAL NEW ERA OF LINKS MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday hailed German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's visit as a unique opportunity to expand European-Gulf dialogue. "Such ties are a pioneering example of the democratic development which is today the focus of world interest," he said. His Majesty and the Chancellor were speaking during talks in the presence of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. His Majesty praised such a valuable chance to review current international developments and also help enhance efforts to combat terrorism, as well as expanding economic dialogue - "the basis for integration between countries and blocs". "We are pleased that Bahrain will host the 15th session of the GCC-EU joint ministerial dialogue on April 5," he said. The Chancellor, in turn, hailed excellent Bahraini-German relations that augur well. "I held intensive talks with the Prime Minister of 0
105702 2 1486 BNEW LOCAL 'Informal economy' push A CALL went out yesterday to create a special organisation to study the problems of self-employed people in Bahrain. The call came from the delegates who attended a seminar on the informal economy, at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. The event was organised by the High Council for Vocational Training (HCVT), under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. Labour Under-Secretary and HCVT vice-chairman Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said the council would draft rules and regulations for the informal economic sector. "We shall try to carry out a survey to assess the magnitude of the problem in Bahrain," he added. Labour Ministry manpower development director and HCVT sub-committee on informal economy chairman Ahmed Al Banna highlighted various issues concerning people working for the informal economy. In Nigeria, 80 per cent of the working population is self-employed, the highest proportion in the world, according to an Inte 0
105703 3 1486 BNEW LOCAL 20,000 expected at Garden Fair MANAMA: A four-day gardening extravaganza opens in Bahrain today. The Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 will be opened by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad. The show is being held under the King's patronage and supported by Shaikha Sabeeka, who is also Supreme Council for Women chairperson. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend the event, which continues until Sunday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The event features international and local agricultural and horticultural exhibitors as well as the Bahrain Garden Club's 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show. A set of three commemorative stamps has been issued to mark the opening of the fair. The stamps, depicting various kinds of flowers and plants, were released by the postal directorate. They come in denominations of 100, 200 and 250 fils. In total, 50,000 stamps in each denomination have been printed. First Day C 0
105704 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Report dismissed MANAMA: An official Bahrain government spokesman last night dismissed allegations published in Kuwaiti Al Siyassah newspaper of a conversation between His Majesty King Hamad and Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. Expressing dismay, he said in a statement to the Bahrain News Agency that the allegations were "fabricated and involving exaggerations and inaccuracies". The spokesman also deplored the newspaper's failure to abide by ethics of the profession. 0
105705 0 1486 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain travel agents freed MANAMA: Six Bahrain travel and tourism agency owners were released yesterday after spending over a week in custody on charges of disturbing public order and staging a rally outside the Islamic Affairs Ministry. Two others have been remanded to custody while another is still on the run, sources said. The businessmen said they were protesting against violations of an agreement over a ban on Gulf companies transporting Bahraini passengers unless local buses are fully booked. They said the agreement was reached at their recent meeting with the ministry, the traffic directorate and Haj contractors' companies. 0
105706 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Robinson ruled out of Six Nations MANCHESTER: Ailing world champions England suffered another blow yesterday when it was revealed captain Jason Robinson will miss the rest of the Six Nations Championships because of a torn ligament to his right thumb. The full-back picked up the injury during England's 19-13 loss to Ireland - leaving them pointless after three matches - in Lansdowne Road at the weekend and will undergo surgery tomorrow in a Manchester Hospital. He is expected to be out of action for five weeks. 0
105707 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Nadia claims silver medal BAHRAIN bowler Nadia Aqeel, who is presently studying at Hull University in the UK, has won the silver medal at the British University Sports Association's 10-pin Bowling Championship. Nadia, the former Arab women's gold medal winner who is sponsored by Batelco, was leading until the last few frames. Because of her sterling performance, Nadia was chosen to be a member of the All-England University Bowling Team which will compete against Wales and Sweden in the coming months. Nadia was also selected to join the Rollrite Bowling team which is a world-wide maker of bowling products and this will offer her an opportunity to compete in many events in Europe. 0
105708 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Al Najma tame Shabab AL NAJMA outplayed Al Shabab 25-23 in their opening Group 'A' match in the Bahrain Handball League second round last night at the Umm Al Hassam grounds. Veterans Sayed Ali Al Falahi and Mohammed Abdulnabi inspired Al Najma to a great start in the decisive round in which four other teams - Barbar, Al Ahli, Bahrain Club and Al Dair will be vying for the crown. In Group 'B', Al Ittihad recorded a narrow 23-22 win over Samaheej after a neck-and-neck encounter. Al Tadhamon, Al Ittifaq and Tubli are also in this group in which the winners and runners-up will be promoted to the premier division next season. 0
105709 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Cross country riding set RIDERS from across Bahrain are making final preparations for Awali Riding Club's annual cross country competition which takes place tomorrow starting at 9am. The competition comprising five classes will be held in the desert behind the stables. The course is still open for walking inspection today from 2pm to 5pm and until 8.30am tomorrow. New to this year's competition is the Power Horse Speed Class, which has attracted a lot of interest from local riders. Other classes are the Bapco Pre-Novice for riders aged 15 and over, the Caltex Junior Class open to any rider aged 14 and under, the Batelco Novice Class open to any rider, and the Banagas Junior Novice Class open to any rider aged 16 and under. Sponsoring the event are Arabian Horse, A R Toorani, Aramex, Bapco, Batelco, Banagas, Caltex, Fun Land, Jassim Veterinary Centre, Power Horse and Things To Do. For more information contact Awali Riding Club on 17756525. 0
105710 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Rugby clash postponed BAHRAIN American Express first XVs match against defending champions Dubai Dragons tomorrow in the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union League has been postponed. Meanwhile, Bahrain returned from the Sharjah Rugby 10s Tournament with a 26-19 win over Lanka Lions in the final to clinch the Kooga Bowl. Trailing 19-0 at half time, Bahrain fought back brilliantly with two tries by Adam Knights and one each from Brendan Greaves and Rory Power with Power adding two conversions and Chris Reynolds one. 0
105711 0 1486 SPOR SPORT White Cliffs looks good for feature THE race for the Lexus Cup, in a card of seven races, is the feature event at Sakhir tomorrow. The Lexus Cup, starting at 5pm, has attracted 11 horses but White Cliffs is tipped as the favourite to win this race carrying a cash prize of BD1,500 and to be run over 1,600 metres. White Cliffs is owned by Fadhel Juma Abdulla, trained by Sami Saloom and will be ridden by Gerald Avranche. Thaqib and Grave Deed are the second and third favourites in this race. The first race of the day, starting at 2.30pm, is for Arabian horses to be run over 1,600 metres. Shuwaimaan 1034, owned by Al Jasrah, trained by A Redha Abbas and to be ridden by Abdulla Faisal, is tipped to win this race ahead of Al Hamdaany 1121 and Tuwaisaan 1180. The race for locally bred horses, starting at 2.55pm, is expected go in favour of Nisbha, owned by Raed Ahmed Yousif Alboainain, trained by Yousif Alboainain and to be ridden by Abdulla Faisal. Manayer and Ballistic is expected to give the fav 0
105712 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Faisal to lead Bahrain team SHAIKH Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa will lead the Bahrain national endurance team in the third GCC Championship scheduled for Saturday in Doha, Qatar. A team of 11 riders, representing stables of the Royal Endurance Team, Al Sayel, Ahmed Al Fateh and Al Talia, was approved by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Manal Fakhrawi, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Ali Isa, Salman Al Jalahma, Raed Mahmood, Mohammed Abdulsamad, Abdulaziz Adam, Salem Al Otaibi, Fahad Sulaiman and Ahmed Abdulamir are taking part in the event to be held over 120 kms and is divided into five stages. The Bahrain delegation also includes a group of officials led by Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and coaches Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Yousef Taher, Abdulhaq Qadoori, Abdulrahman Abdullatif, Khalid Flamerzi, Adel Ahmed, Khalid Al Khateri, Harib Abdulla and Hamad Al Meraisi. 0
105713 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Simon beats Abdulla SIMON Taylor beat Abdulla Fakhro 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 to book a semi-final berth in the boys under-16 singles category of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Juniors Open Championship yesterday at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. Results (all quarter-finals) Boys under-18 singles: Hamad Khalaf bt Taha Mohammed 6-0, 6-0; Hamad Fardan w/o Eleasar Caluag. Under-16 singles: Hamad Nusuf bt Ahmed Yousef 6-0, 6-1; Hassan Reda bt Rashid Obaidly 6-2, 6-3; Abdulla Ahmed bt Khalifa Rashdan 6-1, 6-0; Simon Taylor bt Abdulla Fakhro 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. Girls under-18 singles: Nariman Al Zan bt Latifa Al Mahmeed 6-0, 6-0; Hadil A Raouf w/o Fatma Al Salem; Tarryn Carlsson bt Yasmine Gadallah 6-4, 6-2. 0
105714 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Hodge in Australian Test squad SYDNEY: Australian selectors included Victorian middle-order batsman Brad Hodge yesterday in a 13-man squad for the three-Test series against New Zealand starting next week. Hodge and New South Wales left-hander Simon Katich would battle it out for the remaining place in Australia's strong batting line-up after Darren Lehmann and Shane Watson were ruled out through injury, Cricket Australia said in a statement. Hodge, the only uncapped player in the squad, has amassed an impressive total of 735 runs in the Australian domestic series, including a double century. The first Test starts in Christchurch on March 10. Australia: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gillespie, Matthew Hayden, Brad Hodge, Michael Kasprowicz, Simon Katich, Justin Langer, Brett Lee, Damien Martyn, Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne. 0
105715 0 1486 SPOR SPORT New faces included in Kiwi team NAPIER, New Zealand: Two newcomers were named yesterday to the New Zealand Test squad to play Australia next week as the Kiwis attempt to bounce back from a disastrous one-day series and an injury crisis. Wellington pace bowler Iain O'Brien was the biggest surprise in the squad for the Test to be played in Christchurch, starting on March 10. Otago opener Craig Cumming, who played in the fourth one-dayer in Wellington on Tuesday, has also been named in the Test squad for the first time and Auckland batsman Lou Vincent won a recall after a 14-month absence from the Test side. New Zealand Test squad: Stephen Fleming (captain), Craig Cumming, Lou Vincent, Hamish Marshall, Nathan Astle, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, James Franklin, Iain O'Brien, Chris Martin, Paul Wiseman. 0
105716 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Tyson may not get Aussie visa SYDNEY: Former world heavyweight champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson was unlikely to be granted a visa to fight in Australia, a government minister indicated yesterday. The American had signed a full-time deal in a bid to relaunch his career. But acting immigration minister Peter McGauran gave a strong indication yesterday Tyson, 38, would have little hope of meeting the character requirements necessary to be granted an Australian visa. 0
105717 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Karnataka lift knockout title KARNATAKA Cricket Club defeated Public Security by three wickets in a well contested match at the Public Security grounds to clinch the Ahli United Bank-sponsored 40-Over Knock-out Trophy. For the first time in Bahrain cricket, two relatively new teams set up a knock-out final after Public Security had defeated Bahrain Cricket Club (BCC) and Karnataka CC ousted Young Boys CC in the semi-finals. Public Security, who won the toss and decided to bat, were all out for 171 in 27.2 overs and Karnataka CC reached the target in 35 overs for the loss of seven wickets. Public Security got off to a sedate start and were 23 for no loss before the Karnataka CC bowlers grabbed three wickets in the space of nine runs thanks to Dharmesh Kumar (two for 40) and a brilliant piece of fielding which resulted in Rasheed Abbasi being run out without scoring. Saood Umar (35) was joined at the crease by top scorer Abbas Farrukh (50) and the pair put on an 89-runs stand. After the dismissal of 0
105718 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Batelco offer BD15,000 bonus to Challenge winner BATLECO will be sponsring three races over three weeks starting March 11 in conjunction with the Bahrain Equestrian and Horse Racing Club. The Batelco Al Dana Trophy, on May 11, the Batelco Broadband Stakes, on April 8, and the Batelco Gold Cup, on May 6, will make up the Batelco Challenge worth a combined BD35,000, including a bonus of BD15,000 for the horse winning all three races. Each of the three races, all handicapped events, carry a winner's purse of BD5,000 apart from prizes to the jockeys and owners. "We are delighted to sponsor the Batelco Challenge. A love for horses and a passion for racing are inextricably linked with the Kingdom of Bahrain and these three races will fuel added interest," said Batelco's chief executive Tony Hart. Batelco is also sponsoring a full day's events on May 6, the day of the Batelco Gold Cup. The company is funding the prize money for five races that day with the grand finale being the running of the Batelco Gold Cup which 0
105719 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Inzamam backs inexperienced players DHARAMSHALA, India: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq yesterday brushed aside criticism over his team, saying they were talented enough to raise their game against India in the upcoming Test series. "My team may be inexperienced, but not weak," Inzamam said after his side's practice session amid tight security on the eve of a three-day game against an Indian Board President's team. "I've been leading more or less the same team for the past two years and we've done well against India, especially in one-dayers. I am sure the boys will put in an impressive performance on this tour," he said. Pakistan will play three Tests and six one-day internationals on their high-profile tour of India, their first in six years. The opening Test begins at Mohali on March 8. The Pakistani skipper also played down Shoaib Akhtar's absence, saying his bowlers had delivered without the key fast bowler in recent matches. Shoaib had pulled out of the tour due a hamstring injury, leaving Pa 0
105720 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Barrichello is 'sick of losing' MELBOURNE: Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello, ever the faithful number two to world champion Michael Schumacher, says he is sick of being beaten and hopes to do something about it. The Brazilian has started every Formula One season since he joined Ferrari in 2000 with a fierce determination to be a championship contender. Every year, Schumacher has slapped him back into place. With rule changes favouring smooth drivers who nurse their tyres, Barrichello again made optimistic noises that things are looking up. "I'm sick of losing and I try to keep getting better and better," he told a news conference ahead of Sunday's season-opening Australian Grand Prix. "The day that I feel Michael is unbeatable is the day I go home and stay with my family. "I'm sorry if I lack a little bit of modesty, but I don't think the gap is big. The gap has been reducing quite dramatically through the years," added Barrichello, who finished runner-up and 34 points adrift of Schumacher l 0
105721 0 1486 SPOR SPORT East Riffa stun champions Muharraq MANAMA: EAST Riffa shocked defending champions Muharraq 3-1 in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League last night at the Isa Town Stadium. It was East Riffa's second successive victory while Muharraq suffered their first defeat of the season. East Riffa took a 2-0 lead at half-time with goals from captain Khalid Al Nusuf in the 31st minute and Omar Belal five minutes before the break. Muharraq pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute through former East Riffa midfielder Mahmood Abdulrazzaq, but Tunisian skipper Lutfi Al Trabulsi sealed the points for East Riffa from the penalty spot two minutes later. In another match, Manama bagged their second win of the season beating lowly Al Hala 2-1. Strikers Ismail Aziz (45th minute) and Isa Bahram (55th) were on target for Manama Rashid Al Obaidly scored for the losers in in the 75th minute 0
105722 0 1486 SPOR SPORT Iverson stars as 76ers pip Bucks TORONTO: League scoring leader Allen Iverson poured in 48 points to lead the Philadelphia 76rers to a 118-111 win over the Bucks in Milwaukee yesterday. Iverson, who had an NBA season-high 60 points against Orlando last month, had looked poised to improve on that effort, scoring 20 points in the opening quarter and hitting 30 at the half. However, the all-star game MVP could not keep up his relentless pace after the break, settling for his seventh 40-plus performance this season as the 76ers registered their first win since February 14. Iverson has feasted on the Bucks throughout his career reaching the 40-point plateau six times, including three times this season. Kyle Korver added 20 points to the Philadelphia effort while recently acquired Chris Webber chipped in with 15. Michael Redd had 35 points for the Bucks, including a perfect 14-of-14 from the free throw line. In Chicago, Tracy McGrady scored 32 points and Mike James added 26 as the Houston Rocke 0
105723 1 1486 SPOR SPORT GUTSY SERENA TAMES BOVINA DUBAI: Serena Williams overcame an early scare in windy conditions to beat Russia's Elena Bovina in three sets to reach the last eight of the Dubai Open here last night. The former winner of all four Grand Slams came through 1-6, 6-1, 6-4 but she was tense and erratic in the first set in only her first match since being taken ill in Paris a fortnight ago and only her second victory since losing the Australian Open final a month ago. Serena is seeded for another final with Lindsay Davenport, which would give her a revenge attempt for her defeat in the Australian Open final. The top-seeded American came through with a comfortable 6-2, 7-5 win over Zheng Jie, a Chinese qualifier, and now plays Conchita Martinez, the former Wimbledon champion from Spain. She beat Nathalie Dechy, the number seven seed from France, by 6-1, 6-2. So rattled was Serena by her early difficulties on her first visit to the Middle East that she smashed a racket and was given a code-of-conduct 0
105724 2 1486 SPOR SPORT South Africa beat Zimbabwe again PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa: South Africa completed a clean sweep despite an impressive return to international cricket by former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak in the third and final limited overs international at St George's Park last night. South Africa won by five wickets with 21 balls to spare but it was a close contest after South Africa gained crushing wins in the first two matches. Inspired by Streak, Zimbabwe made a remarkable comeback after being 35 for five early in the match. Streak hit 68 in a total of 206 for eight, then took the first South African wicket as the home side slipped to 79 for four. It should have been 79 for five but Justin Kemp was given not out by umpire Ian Howell when he edged his first ball from Tawanda Mupariwa to Zimbabwe captain and wicket-keeper Tatenda Taibu. Kemp, who was dropped on 21 and 30, went on to clinch victory for South Africa by hitting an unbeaten 78 off 81 balls with four fours and four sixes. Zimbabwe we 0
105725 3 1486 SPOR SPORT Mahmood wins under-10 crown KUWAIT and Bahrain dominated the first GCC Kyokushin Karate Championship, organised by the Bahrain Kyokushin Karate School and sponsored by Media One Production, yesterday at the Juffair Youth Centre. The Kuwaiti team won in four competitions, including two each in the junior and senior categories, while Bahrain clinched one event in the juniors and two in the seniors. Bahrain's Mahmood Mansoor bagged the juniors under-10 age group trophy while Kuwait claimed the remaining junior under-12 and under-14 group titles with Bader Al Hashash winning the former competition and Hashim Nayel lifting the latter crown. In the senior division, Bahrain clinched the under-80kg and under-90kg titles through Haytham Al Derazi and Sujeet Pilai respectively while Kuwait's Ali Al Mousawi and Haytham Makhsid took the under-70kg and +90kg titles. Forty junior and senior players from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Iraq and hosts Bahrain took part in the one-day event organised for the 0
105726 0 1486 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Bahrain Welsh Society's St David's Day Ball, Gulf Hotel, 7.30pm. Tickets BD20 members and BD22 non-members. Contact Garfield 39067926. Photography exhibition on The Egyptian Civilisation, The Arts Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, 8am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Bahrain Garden Club's Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, Halls 1 and 2, 4pm-9pm. Entrance 500 fils and free for children and students. Performance by International DJ Danny Marquez, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, Manama, 11pm. Tickets BD5 and BD3. Contact Arun 36766627. Clearance Sale, Um Al Dardaa Thrift Shop, Quranic Studies Centre, Adliya, next to Adliya Mosque, 4pm-8pm. Contact 17716300. Bahrain Big Band performance, Dilmun Club, Saar, 7.30pm. Tickets BD7 members and BD9 guests. Dance party, Cell U Com Chill Out Party, Delmon International Hotel, pool side, 6pm. Tickets BD1. Contact 39188816, 39 0
105727 0 1486 WORL WORLD Fossett bid is hit by fuel crisis SALINA, Kansas: American pilot Steve Fossett's experimental Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer was more than half-way home but running low on fuel yesterday, endangering his bid to make the first solo flight around the globe without refuelling. Fossett, speaking by radio to reporters at Mission Control here, called the previously undetected loss of an extra 1,181kg of fuel in the first three-and-a-half hours of the flight "a huge setback" that could force him to abort his quest. "I don't have a very high level of confidence at this point," Fossett said after his plane flew over China and headed towards Japan at altitudes of more than 45,000 feet (13,000 metres). The American adventurer said he would have to rely on tailwinds of at least 180 kph, the average up to now, to finish his attempt. "Without that tailwind we won't be able to get back," said project manager Paul Moore. Organisers said the fuel loss appeared to be contained and may have been the result of inadequate 0
105728 0 1486 WORL WORLD Beijing is silent as Tung quits HONG KONG: Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa yesterday looked set to resign, cutting short a turbulent eight-year tenure overshadowed by economic recession, policy gaffes and unease over China's interference. Local newspapers splashed Tung's resignation across their front pages, but the governments in both Beijing and Hong Kong refused to confirm or deny whether the territory's first post-colonial leader was stepping aside. Reports said Tung, handpicked by Beijing to be Hong Kong chief executive in 1997, handed in his resignation last month citing poor health. The Standard newspaper said it had been accepted by the Communist Party's ruling politburo. Analysts said Tung's decision was likely hastened by a Chinese leadership eager to bring an end to an unpopular administration which has rocked the confidence of the free-wheeling territory of seven million people. The South China Morning Post said Tung could be out of office by the end of this month, adding that civil service c 0
105729 0 1486 WORL WORLD Star gets death threats over 'kiss' LAHORE: A Pakistani movie star asked the government for protection after receiving death threats for reportedly filming a kiss in a Bollywood movie. Meera said she had been targeted by "extremist elements" and added that she had done nothing to be ashamed of in the film, the first ever co-production by the movie industries of India and Pakistan. "I have received life threats," a tearful Meera, who goes by one name, said from Bombay where she is working on the project, called Nazar, or "Sight". "I want protection. I want protection for me, my family. I want President Pervez Musharraf to ensure the safety of my family." Her father Sarwar said: "Yes, some people came, but we don't want to make an issue out of it." The young star has faced a media onslaught in her conservative home country for the supposed screen kiss. Last week anonymous culture ministry officials were quoted as saying they could even impose a heavy fine on her. However Culture Minister Moha 0
105730 0 1486 WORL WORLD Muslim schoolgirl wins dress case LONDON: A 15-year-old Bangladeshi Muslim schoolgirl in Britain yesterday won the right to wear full Islamic dress at school in a case at the heart of passionate debate across Europe over religious clothing. Britain's Court of Appeal overturned a previous court ruling to find in favour of Shabina Begum's claim that her school wrongly refused to allow her to wear a jilbab, which covers the body except for the hands and face. "What went wrong in this case was that the school failed to appreciate that by its action it was infringing on the claimant's Article 9 right to manifest her religion," Judge Scott Baker said, referring to religious freedom legislation. Begum started at Denbigh High School in Luton, north of London, in September 2000, and at first wore a shalwar kameez - consisting of trousers and a tunic - which school rules allowed. But as her interest in Islam deepened, she returned after the summer break in September 2002 wearing the jilbab and was ordered to go home 0
105731 0 1486 WORL WORLD BBC style of governance to be altered LONDON: The BBC will have to give up its 77-year tradition of self-governance under a British proposal fuelled by a damning inquiry last year into the public broadcaster's journalism in the run-up to the Iraq war. The BBC, known the world over for its radio and television broadcasts, will go on receiving more than 2 billion (BD1.45bn) a year from licence fees paid by all UK households with a TV set, under the first draft "green paper" from Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. "The licence fee retains a high degree of public support. And although not perfect, we believe it remains the fairest way to fund the BBC," Jowell said in Parliament. She said the world's best-known public broadcaster, which has been criticised for a heavy dose of reality shows and copycat programmes, should be monitored by an independent board of trustees to ensure it adheres to its public service remit. Jowell proposed abolishing the BBC's board of governors, which was singled out for criticism by last 0
105732 0 1486 WORL WORLD Raffarin rules out dialogue PARIS: French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin yesterday told parliament that there had been no demand from and no dialogue with the kidnappers of French journalist Florence Aubenas. Aubenas, a reporter for the left-wing French daily Liberation, made a desperate plea for help in a video broadcast aired the previous day, saying her health was "very bad". She appeared gaunt and exhausted in the undated broadcast. She and Hussein Hanun Al Saadi, her Iraqi interpreter, went missing on January 5 in Baghdad. Raffarin called on controversial parliamentary deputy Didier Julia, whom Aubenas called for by name in the video, to work with French intelligence, but warned the maverick centre-right MP not to take action on his own. 0
105733 0 1486 WORL WORLD 'Cursing stone' brings bad luck to UK town... THE "Cursing Stone" of Carlisle was intended simply as an innocent community art project, harking back to the British city's colourful past. But following floods, disease and a string of other local misfortunes, town elders are considering whether the 10,000 artwork should be removed and destroyed. The stone, a 14-tonne granite slab intricately engraved with a 16th-century diatribe against violent raiders, was commissioned by city councillors for the Millennium celebrations. Created by Carlisle-born artist Gordon Young, is now stands at the centre of the city, near its castle. The 1,069-word curse was originally levelled at "reiver families", who raided Carlise and other parts of the far north of England from just over the border in Scotland in the 16th century. However, since the work of art was installed, Carlisle has suffered the worst local flooding for more than a century, an outbreak of livestock disease foot and mouth and a rash of local job losses as factories closed. Even the city's be 0
105734 0 1486 WORL WORLD Row as Gibson buys island SUVA: Hollywood star and director Mel Gibson has purchased a Pacific island hideaway in northern Fiji, but the sale faces a legal challenge from villagers who claim their ancestors were forced off the island, an official said yesterday. The director of The Passion of the Christ and star of the Mad Max films purchased the 5,411-acre Mago Island from Japan's Tokyu Corporation for about $15 million (BD5.7m). The Fiji government's Cabinet approved the sale last month, principal lands officer Laisa Raratabu said yesterday. "We received all the papers from Mel Gibson's agents in mid-December last year and approval from the minister (of lands) and endorsement from the Cabinet came on February 9," she said. However, a landless tribe of indigenous Fijians say their ancestors were forced from the island in the 19th century and that they want it back. The 500 tribespeople are raising funds to challenge the sale in court, the Fiji Times newspaper reported. "Our island was sold for 2,000 coco 0
105735 0 1486 WORL WORLD Rains in Pakistan leave five dead CHAMAN, Pakistan: Five people were killed and thousands had to flee from their homes in Pakistan's remote southwest after torrential rain struck the usually arid region. Officials said five people had been killed in the past two days when rain caused many mud-walled houses to collapse near Chaman, a town near the Afghan border. Rain also forced a breach in a dam near the coastal town of Gawadar, forcing thousands of people out of their homes. 0
105736 0 1486 WORL WORLD False babies case four suspended DHAKA: Four police officers have been suspended from duty for registering a case against four Bangladeshi babies for looting and causing criminal damage. "Besides suspending the officers, a departmental inquiry has been started on how a case was recorded that seemed to be false and fabricated," Billalur Rahman, deputy commissioner of southeastern Chittagong Police, said. "The plaintiff will also face punishment if the case proves false," he added. The case sparked an outcry in Bangladesh after the four babies were forced to appear in court on Monday to face the accusations against them. The infants were among 10 people named in a case filed with police. "I was a bit surprised when I saw the babies appearing as accused people in my court and I granted them bail," magistrate Ali Noor said. The case has been adjourned until later this month. The babies charged all belonged to members of an extended family. Their relatives said the allegations stemmed 0
105737 1 1486 WORL WORLD Saddam tribunal judge shot dead BAGHDAD: Gunmen in Iraq killed a judge and lawyer working for the tribunal that will try Saddam Hussein and members of his former regime, a day after the secret court referred five of the ousted dictator's aides to trial for alleged crimes against humanity, officials and a relative of the slain men said yesterday. While a tribunal official indicated the shootings may have been due to a personal dispute, one of the judge's surviving sons disagreed. He said the two were assassinated either because they worked for the court, or because they were minority Kurds. News of the deaths came as two car bombs exploded in the capital, killing 10 Iraqi soldiers and wounding dozens of others. The first blast targeted an Iraqi army base in central Baghdad, killing six troops and wounding at least 25. A second car bomb an hour later at an army checkpoint in south Baghdad killed four soldiers, police said. National Security Adviser Mouwafak Al Rubaie vowed the government would hunt down those re 0
105738 2 1486 WORL WORLD New Nepal clamp on Press KATHMANDU: Nepal cracked down on news coverage of the long-running Maoist insurgency as security forces went in hot pursuit of rebels after a heavy battle in the country's west, officials said. Editors have been told they may only publish information provided by the security forces or face punishment, the information and communications ministry said. "Unless any publication or broadcasting house acquires information (from) sources of security bodies, publishing interviews, articles, news, information, reading materials, opinion or personal views that directly or indirectly instigate or support terrorist and destructive activities and terrorism will be punished," the ministry said. Information and Communications Minister Tanka Dhakal defended the action and called on the media to "restrain itself". "This measure is not censorship," he said. Meanwhile, hundreds of students held a anti-monarchy demonstration at Ratna Rajya college in Kathmandu to protest the King's 0
105739 3 1486 WORL WORLD Malaysian blitz on illegal aliens PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has arrested 563 illegal immigrants, including 30 Europeans and two Americans, in the first two days of a nationwide blitz which will intensify in the coming weeks. Home Affairs Minister Azmi Khalid, however, pledged to spare asylum seekers protected by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) from the operation following expressions of concern from the agency. The controversial operation to deport hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants, some of whom will be whipped as punishment, began on Tuesday after the end of a four-month amnesty which had been extended twice at Jakarta's request. Among those detained were 370 Indonesians, 108 Filipinos, 18 from Burma, 16 Thais, eight Bangladeshis, four Nepalese, three Pakistanis, and two each from India and Vietnam, Azmi said. Twenty-three French nationals, five Britons, two Americans, a Croatian and one Italian, all believed to be professionals, were also picked up for breaching their visitors' visa.< 0
105740 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Centre to stage Mideast exhibition MANAMA: The Society of Petroleum Engineers Middle East Oil and Gas Show Conference (MEOS 2005) is being staged at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre next week. For the very first time a number of innovative, forward-thinking companies will be exhibiting at the event, supported by Wales Trade International - the international trade arm of the Welsh Assembly Government. One of the participating companies is Geoscience Wales Limited, who will be showing at MEOS for the first time, demonstrating a brand new application for risk reduction in oil exploration. The event runs from March 12 to 15. 0
105741 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Egypt stocks rise CAIRO: Egyptian stocks rose to record highs yesterday, helped by textile stocks, Orascom Projects, Tourism and Development and Alexandria Iron and Steel, which announced a dividend, traders said. The benchmark Hermes index finished 1.3 per cent higher at 36,078.33 points - a record closing high. The broader CIBC index gained 2.2pc to close at 154.64 points. Alexandria Iron and Steel last traded 10.9pc higher at 660.05 Egyptian pounds ($113.80). 0
105742 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS BA passenger traffic up 1.4pc LONDON: British Airways said passenger traffic in February rose 1.4 per cent year-on-year as the number of people travelling first and business class recovered. BA said market conditions remained unchanged and ticket prices were expected to continue to fall due to stiff competition in short-haul markets. "All market segments remain price sensitive and yield declines are expected to continue," BA said in a statement. BA said it carried 7.82 million passengers in February, compared to 7.71 million in the same month last year. 0
105743 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Morocco gets loan RABAT: Morocco has been granted a more than 136 million euro ($180m) loan by the African Development Bank to build a solar power plant, officials here said. The power plant will be built near a large dam in the Fes region at Ain Beni Mathar, 200km) east of the capital. The project aims to help safeguard Morocco's energy supply and "the diversification of energy sources as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions", the country's Map news agency said. 0
105744 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Aerospace hub KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia plans to give the country's former main airport Subang a new lease of life by turning it into a regional aerospace hub for aircraft maintenance, parts manufacturing and flight training, reports said. Transport Minister Chan Kong Choy was quoted by The Star newspaper as saying that the cabinet had approved a plan to turn Subang airport on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur into an aerospace park. Among core activities planned are maintenance and overhaul for civil and military aircraft and a centre for chartered flights and corporate jets, Chan said. 0
105745 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Grant cancelled MANILA: The World Bank's private sector arm, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) revealed yesterday it has cancelled a $70m syndicated loan for a vital toll road project in the Philippines after the local builder failed to get a strategic foreign partner. The loan to have helped finance a project to rehabilitate and extend the toll road was approved in October 2003 but IFC country manager Vipul Bhagat said it had been cancelled nearly five months ago. 0
105746 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Travel firm Tayyar plans IPO RIYADH: One of Saudi Arabia's leading travel agencies, Al Tayyar, plans to go public within two years and set up its own domestic airline, CEO Nasser al-Tayyar said. The firm, which has 130 branches nationwide and six abroad, has already sold 40 per cent of its shares to firms and individuals within the travel industry. "We decided to start the process gradually by selling shares to strategic partners before we offered them to the public," Tayyar said. Tayyar said the shares were snapped up by 25 buyers. These include the national carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines and the owner of Hilton hotels in Jeddah and Medina. "We were not simply after finance. We wanted people who worked in the industry so that it would be to our mutual benefit," Tayyar said. He expects the Ministry of Trade and Industry to approve the registration of his company in the next two months. By law, the firm must then launch a public share offering within two years. 0
105747 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Minister wins top honour at Islamic forum MANAMA: Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa has been awarded an outstanding contribution award for Islamic finance development. Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) financial institution supervision executive director Anwar Khalifa Al Sadah received the award on his behalf. A BMA delegation, led by governor Rasheed Al Maraj, took part in the Fourth Annual Islamic Finance Summit, in London. The Euromoney conference was attended by senior officials from the Middle East, South East Asia, Europe, and North America. Issues and debates were discussed under the theme Developing a Comprehensive Islamic Financial System. Mr Al Maraj gave the opening address to a leading gathering of key officials from the Islamic finance industry. He highlighted some of the challenges facing the industry in order to continue building on the success to date. "The various episodes of financial stress that occurred in different markets across the world during th 0
105748 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Bank of America in $460m deal NEW YORK: Bank of America Corporation yesterday agreed to pay $460.5 million to settle a lawsuit accusing it of hiding risks from WorldCom investors when it helped the phone company sell billions of dollars of bonds. The settlement is the second in a class-action lawsuit filed in 2002 on behalf of hundreds of thousands of people who bought WorldCom stock and bonds before the long-distance company sought bankruptcy protection in July of that year. Citigroup, the world's largest bank, last year paid $2.58 billion to settle its part of the case. Bank of America's settlement might increase pressure to settle on the other 14 banks still in the case, including J P Morgan Chase & Company and Deutsche Bank AG. Defunct auditor Arthur Andersen LLP is also a defendant. A trial is slated to begin on March 17. "This is a very positive sign that one of the big underwriters agreed to a settlement, exactly along the lines of the formula for the Citigroup settlement," said New York State 0
105749 0 1487 BUSI BUSINESS SocGen sets sights on $580 billion wealth of Indians SINGAPORE: French bank Societe Generale is making a push to tap the $580 billion in wealth owned by rich Indians living at home and overseas, saying the country offers more opportunities than neighbouring giant China. SG Private Banking has recently set up an eight-member team to serve rich Indians and South Asians living overseas, who collectively hold about $300 billion, said Daniel Truchi, Asia-Pacific chief executive of SocGen's private banking arm. "This is the first step for further development in India where we intend to develop some private banking onshore," Truchi said. The wealthy who live in India own about $280bn, the bank estimates. Rising incomes and rapid growth in Asia's fourth-biggest economy, poised to expand by about 7pc in the current fiscal year through March, are drawing foreign banks to India. French group BNP Paribas said last month it expects its private banking business in India to grow by 30pc annually over the next few years. 0
105750 1 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Oil surges to record high LONDON: The price of Brent North Sea crude oil rocketed to a new record high of $53 per barrel here yesterday and crude futures approached record levels in New York above $55 on strong speculative fund buying, traders and analysts said. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in April surged $1.78 to $53 per barrel in late afternoon deals on strong buying following reports of a decline in US natural gas inventories and bullish Opec comments, Bache Financial trader Christopher Bellew said. The London price smashed the previous record high of $51.94 per barrel reached last October 27, also due to freezing weather in parts of the northern hemisphere and concerns about a production cut by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec), analysts said. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in April, meanwhile soared as much as $2.15 to $55.20 a barrel in early deals yesterday, the first time it had risen above $55 since late October.< 0
105751 2 1487 BUSI BUSINESS Malaysia lender to begin talks over Saudi venture KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's third largest lender RHB Bank has obtained central bank approval to begin talks to sell up to 30 per cent in its new Islamic banking arm to the Saudi-based Dallah Albaraka Group (DAG), reports said yesterday. Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, chairman of parent RHB Capital, was quoted by The Edge financial newspaper as saying that negotiations were expected to be concluded soon. "The move is in line with our aspirations to become a major provider of Islamic banking and finance products and services regionally, and eventually globally," he said. The group's new unit RHB Islamic Bank Bhd is expected to begin operations on March 16. The Saudi group had previously owned a minority stake in Malaysia's first Islamic bank, BIMB Holdings, but had sold its shares late last year "in preparation for its new role in RHB Islamic Bank." DAG is one of the world's top Islamic financial groups, with operations in 43 countries. Malaysia's central bank Tue 0
105752 3 1487 BUSI BUSINESS US economy 'on thin ice' MANAMA: The US economy may be skating on thin ice, with a housing market bubble which looks set to eventually burst, says HSBC Securities (USA) chief economist Ian Morris. Despite good signals from the cyclical performance of the economy, Mr Morris feels that serious underlying structural problems remain. "The current account deficit is increasingly unsustainable, while the consumer boom is built on a housing boom wealth effect that looks unjustified by the fundamentals and has driven household savings to virtually zero," he said. "With growth likely to slow later in the year, rates are likely to remain on the low side over the medium term, while the dollar is likely to further decline." Mr Morris was presenting his outlook for the US economy at an HSBC presentation held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel yesterday. The event was attended by clients and investors. Mr Morris said that the housing market was booming in the US due to irrational exuberance in a simila 0
105753 0 1487 COMM COMMENTPlagued by our silly mistakes George Bernard Shaw once remarked, "A life spent in making mistakes is not only honourable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing." We all make mistakes, but some of them are more memorable than others. After each of my exams, I always face the same question again and again. "Did you make any silly mistakes?" You see I am one of those few people who make the challenging questions in an exam correct, yet I always make an extremely silly mistake in the easy ones. Oops Which mistakes can actually be called silly? Is there anything known as a wise mistake? So why is there so much fuss over silly mistakes? We know, English is a crazy language and so we have to accept the phrase, "Silly mistakes". The difference between mistakes and silly mistakes is the same as that between Jayyid and Mumtaz petrol. In one of my earlier English exams, I had to rearrange some jumbled sentences to make a meaningful story. I succeeded in rearranging the sentences but I didn't copy the 0
105754 0 1487 COMM COMMENTBahrain must get priorities right over labour issues My heart went out to the women who protested outside a Bahrain garments factory, demanding that they be paid their already meagre wages. Most touching of all was that, in the midst of their desperation, their faces were full of humour and smiles for the camera. Our reporter tells me that when he went to see what the protest was all about, these poor women swarmed around him, each wanting to tell their story. They and their embassy say that they have not been paid for six months and that losing even that pathetic BD45 a month has been disastrous for them. That some of them are from parts of Sri Lanka devastated by the tsunami makes their plight even more desperate. It may be that the company is in genuine trouble, but I would not mind betting that those who own it have other business interests and that they will not be going hungry this weekend. They will not be worrying about how to get money back to a foreign land to feed a poor family, or to help rebuild a home 0
105757 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Dazzling headlights a big nuisance here... YES, I for one agree with Bruce McCoy's letter regarding car headlight nuisance (GDN February 27). May I point out a few facts. 1. The replacement of headlights in garages is not monitored by the Traffic Department. Therefore the way the new lights are 'stuck in' is any how and not aligned. 2. The traffic department do not check the alignment of headlights and fine people for inappropriate headlight alignment. 3. In the l960s inappropriate head lighting and or alignment was against the law, and fineable, here in Bahrain. 4. Some people do deliberately fix their headlights so as to cause a nuisance. This should carry a higher fine since it is part of the 'look at me' syndrome especially if on new cars which are still under warranty 5. In this country fog lights should not be a specification on new cars being imported, they are not needed. They are non-effective in dust storms. 6. In most European countries especially England the police will pull dr 0
105758 0 1487 LETT LETTERS We must protect the 'Tree of Life' RECENTLY, we visited the various tourist places of Bahrain. On the way we decided to have a look at the 'Tree of Life' which we heard is one of Bahrain's most attractive tourist spots. To see the huge solitary 'Tree of Life' with its branches spreading out and touching the ground was an amazing experience. It is a well-known fact that the tree is approximately 400 years old, but the life expectancy of this type of tree from the accasia family is less than 100 years. Therefore it has exceeded the life expectancy for its species by over 300 years. Its source of water still remains a mystery. It was amazing to see the tree, but at the same time we felt a lot of disappointment as well as anger to see things which compelled me to write this letter. We saw people relaxing on the branches of the 'grand' tree, dumping rubbish such as plastic covers and beverage bottles beneath the tree. We also had a painful look at the branches of the tree being cut. People have writt 0
105759 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Still no water FEBRUARY 7 was the third day that we, the residents of Block 424 in Jidhafs, were without water. Day 1. I repeatedly called the emergency water repairs on 17814111 without any response and was finally told "yes we are aware of it - a contractor has burst a pipe and we are working on it and will be on by 10.30pm". Well 10.30pm came and went without any water. Called again - no response - got really frustrated and gave up. Went to mum's for a shower. Day 2 (6am). I called again - ring ring ring - no response. Finally, after trying for one-and-a-half hours someone picked up the phone. I explained the situation only to be told that I needed to call the Budaiya branch. Tried again - lucky this time - only had to try for 25 minutes to then be told, "No. Call emergency repairs". Called all day only to be told (when the phone was eventually answered), yes we are aware it will be on this afternoon. Again no success, another night of buying bottles of water to flush the toilets 0
105760 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Stone Age better THIS is in reference to a letter by "Not a Muslim and it wouldn't matter if I was" (GDN, February 24). Women don't suffer from anybody else's crimes, but our own. I would like people to stop associating this ideology with terms like "pre-historic" or "barbaric". That is not for you to decide, it's not your call. I respect your statement, wherein you said that you respect women regardless of what they wear. Good, one area we agree on, but this notion is sadly not believed to be true by every human on this earth. The cover I spoke about did not specify what type of cover I was referring to, and everybody jumped in and said that the full cover (abaya) is what I was talking about. Thank you for doing that, that was what I was expecting. The Stone Age was much better, sex, violence was not so open as it is now. Do you know why? We've triggered it by becoming more promiscuous and permitting our kids and family to watch sex and violence openly. The cover increases the respect 0
105761 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Suffering in silence THIS is in response to Shazad Ali, "Women are respected in Islamic culture" (GDN, February 25). I feel that there are a few points that need to be explained. One is that no matter where you go in the world, you will find an equal number of rape/adultery cases. The cause for difference in these rates lies in the stigma attached to women raped in certain societies. In Western countries, I have personally witnessed the care and support offered to rape victims. However, in many developing countries, this support is not offered. Instead, the society puts the blame on the victims and they have to suffer a lot. There are so many rape cases in such countries, which go unreported. In some countries, most rape cases take place among family members. To avoid scandals such cases go unreported and the victim has to suffer in silence. The other point is that no woman can be blamed for being raped, no matter what her attire composes of. Men who rape women are those who cann 0
105762 0 1487 LETT LETTERS MPs should concentrate on solving real issues WE need the clarification of MPs' exact job/goal from them and the authorities. MPs should be wise, mature, educated and should have some goals to achieve, instead of wasting their time and long hours in meetings to talk about female singers who come to Bahrain to sing for one day and leave. This will not affect the economy in Bahrain nor will it solve any existing problems. Instead of sitting and talking about females all the time, how to dress, university or cinema segregation, they should spend their time on how to develop the country. Do they know what problems we have in Bahrain? Maybe this can help them to know if they are not updated. They should try and solve the unemployment and housing problems, improve Gosi benefits so people could take early retirement, be happy and feel secure. Those positions could be filled with new graduates. Reduce interest rates on bank loans as all need to buy or build houses and prices are much higher than what people earn. Have a fast 0
105763 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Stop bragging about how much better we are IT was with immense frustration that I read the opinions of "Muslim and proud to be one" and that of Shazad. Where do I even begin. I suppose the comment about women wearing short skirts making men so uncomfortable that it leads to rapes and infidelity. How ridiculous is that comment?! First of all, the person who is raped is a victim. No one in their right mind would ask to be raped. Also if you have flicked through the GDN lately you may have noticed that young boys/men are being raped here in this lovely Muslim country of Bahrain. Were the rapists Muslim? Some of them. Yes. Were the boys wearing mini skirts or something of that nature that made the rapist so "uncomfortable" that they just couldn't control themselves? Of course not! Are you so naive to believe that no girl/women who adhered very strictly to all Islamic dress codes has never ever gotten raped? Are you serious?! I think you need to accept that a rapist is a sick min 0
105764 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Live, love and struggle... THIS is for those intellectuals who use the letters column to educate others on the religion to which they belong. God is not present where the devil (or the evil) is. God is present where there is execution of His will. God is present where there is gratitude for His gift. God is present where "two or more people take the name of the Omnipotent" and never mind how difficult their life is. Live and love and struggle together, we can find green grass of happiness even in the midst of a terrifying winter. Here is where God is our friend and if we are unhappy it is because God, despite our prayers and all the rest of it, is nowhere next to us. The evil one is using us to hurt the ones we love and by doing so we distance ourselves from the bridge God had built. The heartbreaking news is that repeatedly we let evil destroy what God had built and built and again built, and we let evil win because in our soul's mirror there is still dust and we have not clearly seen in it the Will of G 0
105765 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Try to preserve what remains of Bahrain's rich natural heritage I FOUND the points expressed by Monther Al Arrayedh in his Viewpoint article entitled "Why is half of Bahrain still uninhabited" (GDN, March 1) rather confusing. I for one could not quite work out if he is an advocate of the concrete jungle, a social reformer, or a latent environmentalist. Yes, Bahrain is one of the world's smaller countries; yes, it does have a high population density and yes land and property prices have soared in recent years. However, Mr Al Arrayedh so has the population of Bahrain, the standard of living and consequentially the expectations of its people. As is the norm in any civilised country, certain areas both natural and historic have been set aside and designated as protected areas. Areas incidentally that define Bahrain, its history, its heritage, its character, and its culture, protected not just for the benefit of a few birds Mr Al Arrayedh but also for the benefit of your children and your children's children. I for one 0
105766 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Donor card number? I HAVE been trying to contact the kidney donation centre through the number printed in the GDN on February 27 but cannot get through. Is there a direct contact number relating to donor cards? LE A HEALTH Ministry spokesman said: "Yes, the direct number is 17289946." 0
105767 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Arab lobbying is need of the hour IN response to Allen's letter (GDN February 24), on the US government's double standards in dealing with Syria Vs Israel or Arabs Vs Israel are clear and the Arabs are partially to blame for this. What Israel spends on lobbying and public relations in Washington annually is 40-50 times of what the Arab countries spend COMBINED... So yes, the Israelis have been clever enough to win the hearts and minds of many powerful congressmen and senators and the American public. Blaming the double standards on Bush is quite naive to say the least. These double standards have been going on while Bush was still wearing diapers. The Arabs/Muslims have a good story to tell and need to promote their cause more efficiently but for a host of reasons they are not doing this... and why? Partially because they lack any control or influence on the US media or are too stingy or maybe because the Arabs have not grasped the importance of lobbying, media and public relations and feel it's a waste of m 0
105768 0 1487 LETT LETTERS A sad loss... THE death of Goa's stalwart of the Konkani stage Mr Peter D'souza widely known among the Konkani people as Bab Peter in Bahrain on February 19 brought great grief to his fans worldwide. Bab Peter was one of the rarest jewels produced by the Konkani stage of Goa. He was known for his scintillating performances on every stage he performed. His speciality was in composing and singing songs in a unique way. Through this field he managed to carve a niche for himself in the hearts of all the lovers of Konkani songs and dramas. Young and old appreciated the traits of this late Thespian. His songs were as a whip to all types of injustice in the society. His association or name to any stage programme was sufficient to have large spectators. People mostly knew him as an actor, composer, singer, writer, director and producer. He had to his credit several dramas, over 400 songs and several audio cassettes which all are the masterpiece. He along with his wife, anoth 0
105769 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Image changing A FEW years ago, India was one dark hole in global consciousness, but there are enough dots to point to India's changing image. India still remains a complex and exotic land in the larger Western mind - a home to palaces, noisy bazaars, yoga and spiritual philosophy- but there is also a realisation among the newer generation in the West that India is also much more than a collage of native images. The nuance is beginning to develop, an appreciation that while parts of India grapple with poverty, there are other parts beaming with optimism and confidence as never before. The idea of India as an amalgam of parallel universes, each as real as another, is finally catching on. Indians are now found in large numbers as much in America's Fleet Street and Wall Street as on Main Street. The reason is that, generally speaking, and with perhaps the exception of Gulf countries, the vast majority of overseas Indians, whether first or older generation, tend to be well-educated, if not very well-educa 0
105770 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Quiz sensational THE quiz competition that was held on February 24 at the Kannada Sangha was a sensational crowd-puller compared to the earlier ones. In that it offered the young and the not-so-young the opportunity to participate as a team. A big 'thank-you' to quiz master Lolakshi Rajaram, timer Shanti Pinto, score-keepers Rajanna and Bhaskar and co-ordinators Ramesh, Sadanand and Haleem. A word of appreciation goes to the audience for their participation which was terrific. The spontaneity of youngsters responding to football, cricket and music related clues is incredible. Their tolerance for team-mates blurting wrong answers displayed understanding and healthy approach. Quiz events, undoubtedly throw a fun-loving learning occasion for young children to catch a wide spectrum of topics that at times we tend to take so much for granted and at the same time strengthen social interaction of the families. On behalf of all the 50 participants comprising the 10 teams, the captain of 0
105771 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Leave entitlement? I have two questions for the Labour Ministry: 1 Are weekend days off ie Thursdays and Fridays included in employees' leave entitlement as per the Bahrain Labour Law chapter 11 article 84? 2 Does Bahrain Labour Law in respect of annual leave entitlement apply only to government employees? We are all aware that their leave entitlement does not include weekend days off (Thursday and Friday) and all other official holidays are not included in their leave entitlement. Romeo M. Cubacu LABOUR Ministry employment director Ausamah Al Absi said: "The answer to the first question is 'no'. Regarding the second question there are two ways to calculate leave, either as working days or calendar days, and to see which method applies one must refer to the individual contract as this is a contractual matter". 0
105772 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Job offer dilemma MY wife is on a family visa and is a registered nurse holding a valid licence from the Ministry of Health. She has had a job offer from the Ministry of Health. Is there a law in Bahrain which allows this? To my knowledge there is a law that allows a registered nurse here on family status to work for a hospital by providing a no objection letter or release letter which allows the Ministry of Health to transfer sponsorship locally. Name and address supplied EDITOR's Note: The Labour Ministry has advised readers that nurses whose qualifications have been certified by the Ministry of Health may obtain a local work permit according to the perspective of that ministry but point out that individual visa issues and changing sponsorship would need to be checked with the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence. 0
105773 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Can I resign? I AM an Asian expat working as an engineer for a well-known company here in Bahrain for almost two years under an unspecified type of contract agreement. Lately, I have received a job offer from another company also here in Bahrain granting me a better career opportunity. Can you please advise me on the following: *Do I have the right to resign (with a 30 days notice) from my old company and accept a new job from another Bahrain-based company? *Is it possible for me and my family to transfer locally without exit from Bahrain if the new company/sponsor is willing to pay all the expenses of my old company/sponsor for the residence permit, working permit etc. What are the rules/guidelines for a local job transfer? Name and address supplied EDITOR's note: The Ministry of Labour has advised readers that : "Under Ministerial Order 21 of 2002 local job transfer can be effected in the following confirmed circumstances: - The contract agreement or residen 0
105774 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Three hours for a simple transaction! ON February 26 at 4.30 pm, I proceeded to Habib Bank's main branch, Manama to remit money to my country. The queue was very long as l approached the counter around the Maghrib prayer. There was only one clerk who was performing different jobs like remittance, making drafts, attending telephones etc. and only one machine and one cashier for this purpose. I asked him could I proceed for prayer. He said "of course you can". I asked him when I return from prayer could he put me again in the queue. He said "no let me have your remittance card and your remittance paper will be ready when you return and you can proceed to the cashier without standing in the queue". But the thing I was afraid of happened to me. The staff including the remittance clerk asked me to wait in the queue. I told him that I had been in the bank since 4.30. They replied that they aren't responsible for me standing from 4.30 or morning. Due to this terrible situation I returned to my house withou 0
105775 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Please help tsunami orphans Your article "Tsunami Survivors Need More Help" (GDN February 20) highlighted the problems of children who lost their parents in the tsunami, many of whom have not yet found a home. I urge your readers to support Gokulam - Bhaktivedanta Children's Home, where 100 tsunami orphans from all over the country of Sri Lanka have found refuge. Many of these children are from the war-torn areas of the North and East, and now live in peace with their new brothers and sisters. The government recently assigned Gokulam to accept the orphans because of its high standards in childcare. The home stands out among child service organisations in the country, with every child receiving three nutritious meals a day, along with complete education, recreation, and healthcare. Gokulam has developed a child sponsorship programme to help raise funds for its growth. By welcoming the 100 children who lost parents in the tsunami, the home will be doubling the number of children in its care, and must therefor 0
105776 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Occupation of Lebanon unjust I REFER to Abdur Rauf's letter 'Hypocrisy of Bush' (GDN February 27) in which he claims that the Syrian forces neither demolished houses nor carpet-bombed the Lebanese citizens. Shame on you! Your offensive letter has insulted many Lebanese people, if not all. I have never encountered such ignorance in my life. It is pathetic that your hatred for the US remains stronger than your love for humanity and justice. Have you not heard of the Syrian Stalinist Baathist regime that has stripped Lebanon of its democracy and freedom, raped its land, killed its citizens and assassinated its leaders for decades? Have you not heard of the hundreds of Lebanese 'civilians' jailed in Syria since 1990? Have you not heard of the Syrian Mukhabarat infesting Lebanon? Ramzi Irani's murder is a classic example of the Mukhabarat's activities on Lebanese soil. Have you not heard of the Dammour village massacre? And the list goes on. It is shameful to turn a blind eye to the atrocities committed by Syria agai 0
105777 0 1487 LETT LETTERS What rubbish! IN response to the letter 'Give us a break' (GDN February 28) concerning Prince Charles and Michael Jackson, I cannot believe that you even took time to write such rubbish. It is without a doubt that people like you are actually bringing these issues outlined to the front of people's minds. Who cares, and why bother. Even in the UK no one cares, so why should you? Don't you have anything else to do in life?? I say this as you must not be an educated person as Mr Jackson has not actually been committed of any wrongdoing. I don't know what planet you're on, but a man is innocent until proven otherwise. Besides he has helped the world more than most countries and deserves some respect for that. You should be more concerned about the response to me. Rahul Baxi (the usual suspect) 0
105778 0 1487 LETT LETTERS On reflection... FOR a high-school science experiment, I need about 12-car headlight reflectors. To be more environmentally conscious, I would rather use second-hand ones. Even if you don't happen to have 12 reflectors, but can help me with a few, please e-mail me at padwad2003@yahoo.com. Pad-Wad 0
105779 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Why no lifts? I WOULD be pleased to be informed as to why the escalators in the Batelco Building in Manama are always out of action. For paying telephone bills, I have to walk up two flights to the payment office. People do not know which stairs to use and therefore people are going up and down the same steps which is dangerous. There are many offices and shops in the building and this situation does not help any visitors. Pramod A BATELCO spokesman said: "We are sorry, but the escalator in Batelco Commercial Centre has remained switched off because of a problem with one of the main building transformers - leaving the building without full power capacity. "It has not been possible to repair the transformer and a replacement had to be ordered from Europe. "The replacement has recently arrived in Bahrain and will be installed immediately. It is therefore anticipated that all the facilities in Batelco Commercial Centre will be fully operational again in mid March. "T 0
105780 0 1487 LETT LETTERS Great hospitality, but... I HAVE been living in this beautiful and friendly country for more than two decades. I am sure that my fellow readers will agree that the hospitality of Bahrain is great and everyone lived here in peace and harmony. To me it is my second home. I used to tell very proudly that one should see Bahrain as an example because it is one of the safest and secure places in the world one can live in. The women could walk through the streets at midnight without fear. Even not locking the main door of the house/flat one could sleep without any fear. It was one of the crime free countries. Now the situation has changed. When you look at the newspaper every day, it is filled with crime reports. I feel that it is high time the authorities concerned should act and protect the people and their property from thugs, who are trying to tarnish the image of this country. T George 0
105781 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Father 'kidnaps' son MANAMA: A Bahraini father allegedly kidnapped his son from his Filipina wife and fled the country despite a Jaafari Sharia court order granting her guardianship. The wife appealed for help to Bahrain Solidarity Committee for Fighting Violence and Discrimination against Women. Committee chairperson Ghada Jamsh-eer said a case has been filed with the Prosecutor General's office. 0
105782 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Watchman fined for strip show A PAKISTANI watchman was fined BD100 in his absence after exposing himself to two Filipina housemaids who were walking in the street. He stripped naked and invited them to join him inside the building where he worked, which was under construction in Umm Al Hassam. The 35-year-old was standing on one of the upper floors of the building at around 6pm when he exposed himself to the women, aged 36 and 37. He was convicted on charges of committing immoral acts in a public place. The women's 53-year-old Bahraini sponsor, who lives in a nearby villa, called the police after they told him what had happened. In his defence, the man claimed he was applying oil to his body after taking a bath and was giving himself a massage. 0
105783 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Winners are honoured The Photographer of the Year award went to Ali Al Riffai at the Click 2005 photography competition gala dinner held at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza. The portrait category was won by Ebrahim Ali followed by Raza Mohammed Abdeen in second place. The landscapes category was also won by Mr Al Rifaai followed by Abdulla Ali Dashty. Mr Al Rifaai was also in first place in the Life in Bahrain category followed by Kamal Birdi. Abinav Misra won a special Jaguar category for photographs related to Jaguar cars or the brand name. The competition was organised by Red House Marketing, publishers of Bahrain This Month and Woman This Month. The event was judged by US Navy photojournalist David Levy, Bahrain Art Society photo club vice-president Shaikha Hanan bint Hassan Al Khalifa and Awal Photographic Society chairman Kelvin Appelgren. The evening featured live music from the Bahrain Jazz Quartet. The event's main sponsor is Jaguar. 0
105784 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Three jailed for stealing sand THREE Bahraini youths were jailed for a week after they were caught stealing sand from a farm in Dimistan, near Hamalla. They were caught red-handed by police as they were loading the sand on to a six-wheel truck at around 3.30pm. A passing police patrol car spotted the culprits, aged 18, 20 and 21, and followed them as they drove to Hamad Town. They were arrested after stopping at a roundabout and both the truck and the sand were seized. The three youths, all from Hamad Town, pleaded guilty to stealing in the Lower Criminal Court. 0
105785 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Demo to highlight plight of jobless THE National Unemployed Committee will hold a demonstration today in front of the Seef District traffic light calling for a solution to the unemployment and minimum wages problem. The event, at 3.30pm, is the first of a series of demonstrations being held to highlight the plight of the unemployed and their families and the suffering Bahrainis are facing due to low wages. 0
105786 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain Big Band takes stage A BAHRAIN-BASED 13-piece full jazz band performed at the Dilmun Club, Saar, last night. Music lovers were treated to the performance of the Bahrain Big Band, which has a full line-up of trumpets, sax and rhythm section. Their repertoire included jazz, swing, rock 'n' roll and golden hits. The event also featured a three roasts carvery dinner. Meanwhile, the club is also preparing to celebrate St Patrick's Day by having an Irish weekend on March 17 and 18. An evening of dinner and dance will be held on March 17, featuring Irish band Get Reel, at Candles Restaurant. Tickets are BD10 for members and BD12 for guests, which includes dinner. On March 18, the programme will feature the Travellin' Be'rbellies in the Bulls Head lounge from 5pm for an After St Patrick's Day Party.Entrance is free for members and BD1 for guests. On March 31, the club is hosting a Pre-Formula One Party with a live band and DJ, starting at 8pm. Finalised detail 0
105787 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Participants in GIS course honoured TWENTY-ONE participants took part in a four-day training course in ArcGIS Engine and Server held at the MicroCenter Institute of Technology, Zinj. It was organised by MicroCenter in collaboration with the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) which is a world leader in the application of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) technology. The candidates, most of whom are from ESRI distributor companies, came from different countries in the Middle East. In addition participants from Aramco from Saudi Arabia, Bapco, Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) and the Bahrain Royal Court also took part in the course. Labour Ministry manpower development director Ahmad Al Banna attended the graduation ceremony, held at the institute. 0
105788 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Singers flock to talent hunt Amateur singers flocked to the Regency InterContinental Hotel yesterday to take part in a selection process for a mega GCC music talent show. The show, Najm Al Khaleej (Gulf Star), will be broadcast on Dubai TV at a date yet to be finalised. A three-member judging committee comprising top GCC musicians and led by Bahraini Ahmed Al Jumairi, was present to select possible candidates talented in singing Gulf songs. The committee will be also be present at the hotel from 9am to 9pm today to select the nominees. The show's crew will also visit Qatar, Kuwait and Oman to select other candidates. The UAE's candidates have already been selected. 0
105789 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL New group calls for release of website trio A NEWLY-FORMED national committee backing a group of Bahrainis arrested over comments that appeared on the Internet is planning to hold talks with authorities to seek their release. Ali Abdulemam, Hussain Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi were detained on Sunday and Monday over remarks posted on bahrainonline.org. Even though no official charges have yet been brought, they could face charges for spreading hatred against the government and disseminating false rumours. The three Bahrainis, who have been detained for 15 days under investigation, may face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, according to their lawyer. The Committee of Solidarity with Detainees of Conscience in Bahrain was set up Wednesday evening, comprising representatives from the dissolved Bahrain Human Rights Centre, legal rights activists, family members and electronic publishing rights activists. In its first statement, the committee said that it would be contacting officials and ask for the imme 0
105790 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Scholars to address charity dinner event ALL is set for Discover Islam's charity dinner event at the Crowne Plaza tonight . The event, which starts at 7pm, is being held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, who will personally attend the event. Tickets, priced BD20 per person, are still available from Discover Islam and its volunteers. Prominent scholars will address the audience at the dinner, which will feature a presentation on aid presented by Discover Islam to tsunami-hit areas in Sri Lanka. Organiser Ahmed Rifat said he expected a crowd of about 500 people. "We are almost through with the preparation and we urge more people to come forward and support the cause," he said. Mr Rifat said there would be a charity auction and other fund-raising activities during the event, which will include separate seating areas for women. "We urge more sponsors to come forward and support the event," he said. The main sponso 0
105791 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL UN to issue key report GOOD governance in the Arab world will be the focus of an important document to be issued by the United Nations (UN). The third Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) will be issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) by mid-March. The theme of this year's report is "freedom and good governance". "The report is extremely rich and focuses on the different aspects of good governance in the Arab countries," said UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. Last year's report focused on the challenge of building a knowledge society in Arab countries. It found that Arab countries need to close a "growing knowledge gap" by investing heavily in education. "The Arab states should also encourage greater interaction with other nations, cultures, and regions of the world," said the authors of the report. "Openness, interaction, assimilation, absorption, revision, criticism and examination cannot but prompt creative knowledg 0
105792 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Creative way of using waste material from plants MORE than 200 people entered the scientific, furniture and pottery competitions held as part of the BGF. The scientific competition was divided into three categories: research, poster, or model and was open to all government and private nursery, primary, intermediate and secondary schools, as well as for adults. The aim of the competition was to encourage creativity and gardening experiments. The furniture competition was open to all government and private secondary schools and adults. Participants were required to design and build a piece of furniture made out of material from discarded plants and trees such as tree leaves, palm trees, trunks and broken or cut branches. The furniture piece had to made with the intention of being usable in the home, office or garden. Results for the scientific, furniture and pottery competitions are as follows: Scientific Competition for Primary Schools: Arad Primary School for Girls teacher Mariam Mohammed Isa; A 0
105793 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Fight against racial bias probed at Geneva talks BAHRAIN's moves to combat racial discrimination came under the spotlight at an international meeting in Geneva yesterday. Government and human rights officials were attending the 66th meeting of the UN Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which started in Geneva on February 21. The meeting, which will conclude on March 11, is also being presented with similar reports from Lao People's Democratic Republic, France, Luxembourg, Nigeria, Austria, Ireland and Azerbaijan. Bahrain's government report was presented by Bahrain's Permanent Representative at the UN Office in Geneva Saeed Al Faihani. It consisted of two periodic reports, which were originally due on April 26, 2001 and 2003 respectively. The reports highlighted efforts to combat discrimination in the country through education, rights set out in the Constitution and the signing of international treaties, among other things. Shortfalls The dissolved Bahrain Human Rights Centre and t 0
105794 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL An 'Oasis' in full bloom A NEW rose, named Oasis of Bahrain, was bred especially for the fair. It was named by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. She was presented with the new new hybrid rose, when she opened the fair yesterday. The new yellow and pink shaded hybrid rose was created by Moulie Flower Shop in Paris, especially for the fair. Moulie Flower Shop founder Mr Moulie presented Shaikha Sabeeka with a bouquet of the roses at the event. Mr Moulie asked Shaikha Sabeeka to name the rose and she has chosen Rawdhat Al Bahrain (Oasis of Bahrain). "It took me two years to create this variety. We work on about 10 varieties a year," said Mr Moulie, who founded his business 30 years ago. "We are one of three companies in France working on creating and growing varieties of flowers. "We have 300 different varieties of roses, which we have created in the last 30 years."</ 0
105795 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Arranging flowers A VARIETY of educational seminars and lectures are being held at the Al Fanar Hall, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, as part of the fair. A presentation on flower arranging by Moulie', Saudi Arabia and France general manager Henri Molieh will be held today at 10am. Later at 5pm there will be a talk, entitled Pathway of Colours into Islamic Pottery, presented by Dr Wasma Khalid Chorbachi. The next talk, at 7pm tonight will be presented by Ghassan Massry, who will be speaking on New Product Presentation: Efficient Irrigation Products. At 10am on tomorrow Germany OASE and Company business unit manager Michael Henkel will talk about Fountain Technology. His talk will be followed at 5pm by Works and Housing Ministry treatment operations division manager and engineer Amal Majeed Al Aradi, who will discuss the Reuse of Treated Sewage Effluent in Bahrain. At 7pm, there will be a piano recital accompanied by an Iranian film about nature, which has been pro 0
105796 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Sermons schedule MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering Friday sermons in different languages today. Following is the schedule for the sermons, provided by the Islamic Affairs Ministry: l Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Fateh Mosque in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque in Isa Town, Saar Mosque in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira Bin Shoba Mosque in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque in Barbar. l Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque in Manama, Othman Bin Afan Mosque in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque in East Riffa and Adliya Mosque in Adliya. l Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama. l Bangladeshi: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama and Saar Mosque in Saar. l English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. l Singhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. The translations will be made following the lunchtime prayers. 0
105797 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL UK artist offers painting tips ALL the places for the watercolour painting classes being offered at Arabesque Gallery in Umm Al Hassam have been booked. The course begins today and will consist of four two-hour lessons. British artist Gill Goode will be conducting the classes from 9.30am to 11.30am on Tuesdays for beginners and on Saturdays for artists with some experience. Evening classes will be held from 4.30pm to 6.30pm on Sundays and Mondays for beginners. Students will learn about the different types of paper, various brushes, how to stretch paper, the use of masking fluid and painting techniques. 0
105798 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Father dies on trip to the shops A 42-YEAR-OLD Indian father died of a heart attack while he was shopping in Manama. V A Vijayaraghavan collapsed in Megamart, in the Lulu Centre, after complaining of severe chest pains. Shop staff called an ambulance that took him to Salmaniya Medical Complex, but he died as soon as he reached the hospital. Mr Vijayaraghavan worked as administration manager with Riyada Consulting, in the Diplomatic Area, and has lived in Bahrain for the last 15 years. Riyada Group chairman Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said his death was a great loss. Mr Vijayaraghavan leaves behind a wife, Mallika, and nine-year old daughter Indulekha, who is a student at the New Indian School, in Isa Town. He collapsed on Tuesday at around 6.30pm and his body will be repatriated on Monday to his native Trichur, in Kerala. 0
105799 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Maths honour for students TWO mathematics wizards scored 100 per cent in an international maths exam. New Millennium School students Sameer Qadri and Dhananjay Kamat also scored 99.5pc in the English Language examination conducted by Australian Council for Educational Research Limited in November at the school campus in Segaiya. They were among 27 students, aged seven to 11 years, who scored distinction in Mathematics and English. Altogether, 144 students took part in the examination. 0
105800 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Batelco scheme targets tourists A NEW promotion aimed at international visitors to Bahrain was launched by Batelco yesterday. Visitors who use Batelco's mobile service will be eligible to win cash prizes amounting to $8,000, in addition to enjoying other benefits of switching onto Batelco network - such as the General Packet Radio Service and Multimedia Messaging System roaming. Visiting roamers - including those visiting Bahrain for the Grand Prix Formula One weekend next month - will have the chance to win a first prize of $5,000 and six runners-up prizes of $500 each. The promotion runs until April 3. 0
105801 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Scrabble in French ... FRENCH Scrabble was played for the first time in the 20-year history of the Bahrain Scrabble League (BSL) in games at the Hilton this week, when visiting Parisian Irene Akber wanted to compete. BSL chairman Roy Kietzman brought a French set which has different letter values than in English and had a game with Ms Akber, the mother-in-law of Bahrain champion Adeeb Ahmad. Victory went to Ms Akber. Meanwhile, the two-month 35th play-offs. including the election for the five-member BSL committee, begin at 8pm on Monday at the Hilton. Nominations include Mr Kietzman, Adeeb Ahmad, Sonorita Chauhan, Oswald Fernandes and Mujeeb Rahman. Other nominations are welcome. 0
105802 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL A BD500 gesture of support THE Bahrain Caledonian Society yesterday donated BD500 to the Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Centre for Hearing and Speech Development, Isa Town. The society, in association with its platinum sponsors British Airways and E K Kanoo and its gold sponsors Computer World and Norwich Union, presented the cheque to the centre in support of its kindergarten for children suffering from hearing impairment. The centre falls under the umbrella of the Bahrain Child Development Centre. Amongst other things, the centre works with deaf children, mostly from severely underprivileged backgrounds, to help them integrate into day-to-day life. As well as general learning activities, the centre teaches the children lip-reading skills from an early age and fully encourages the active participation of parents and other family members in the learning process. The society aims to promote Scottish culture and to raise funds for local charities through its corporate sponsorship programmes and from t 0
105803 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Fans urged to vote for reality TV star Ahmed FANS of popular reality TV series Star Academy are again being urged to rally behind Bahraini contestant Ahmed Salahaddin, who is facing the boot from the show for the fourth time. The 20-year-old is one of three participants facing the door, but he will be allowed to stay if enough viewers vote for him tonight. As in previous weeks, a party will coincide with the show tonight at 8pm on his yacht, which is moored at Al Band-er Hotel and Resort, Sitra. The party is organised by www.bahrain2day.com, the Bahrain Youth Society and Murad Events Management. Star Academy airs live from 9.30pm. Event co-ordinator and supporter, Mohammed Murad, is concerned that Ahmed - who has survived three previous votes - could be finally kicked out. "Ahmed hasn't been performing well lately, but that doesn't mean he is not talented or capable of becoming a top star," said Mr Murad. "We have our fears like every week when Ahmed has been nominated for the exit, but hopef 0
105804 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Bikers rev up for tsunami fundraiser CHARITY bikers event A La Carte in the Park will kick off at Al Bander Hotel and Resort today. The bikers will begin riding at around 1pm and finish at around 1pm at the Country Club, Budaiya. The event, in aid of the victims of the Indian Ocean Tsunami disaster, is being organised by Kooheji Marine Centre (KMC) in association with Al Bander and the Country Club. Around 100 bikers are expected to take part. Several attractions are being lined up at the club afterwards, including a football match between bikers and Country Club members. Lunch will be available through several food outlets. KMC events co-ordinator Khalid Al Khan said all proceeds from the event will go towards the tsunami victims and sponsors will in return receive beneficial publicity. "Sponsorship is closed but bikers interested in taking part can call me on 39644741 or 17737747," he said. Other sponsors include Gulf Hotel, 3K (Kar Kare Kentre), LG, Bahrain Yacht Club, Phoenicia 0
105805 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL BD3,500 raised in relief fund appeal Hundreds of Keralites in Bahrain were among the donors to a relief fund for tsunami victims, launched by the UAE-based Malayalam radio channel, Radio Asia 1557 AM and 94.7 FM. The response to an appeal from the radio in the recorded voice of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was overwhelming, said general manager Brij Bhalla. "Contributions came in collectively and individually from our listeners from all over the Gulf, including Bahrain," he told the GDN. A total of Rs401,014 (about BD3,500) was raised, and the money was handed over to the chief minister by Radio Asia programme director Vettoor Sreedharan. 0
105806 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Speech contest set THE Area 10 Toastmasters Competition between the Manama Toastmasters Club, NSS (Pakistan School) Toastmasters, Filipino Club Toastmasters and Al Quaid Toastmasters will take place today at the Bahrain Carlton Hotel, Adliya. The contest, which will see competitors competing in the international speech, speech evaluation, humorous speech and table topics categories, will be held from 8am to 5pm. All are welcome. 0
105807 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Search still on for forgery fugitive POLICE are still hunting for a Syrian man accused of forging bank statements from the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK). An arrest warrant was issued last April by the Public Prosecution, but he has never been found. He allegedly got hold of three statements belonging to one of the BBK's female customers, but replaced her name and CPR number with his own. The defendant also got his hands on an official BBK stamp, which he used to authenticate the documents, the Lower Criminal Court heard. However, the forgery was spotted when he applied to Standard Chartered for a car loan and submitted the statements as proof that he had money in a BBK account. It showed up after Standard Chartered sent the three monthly statements to the BBK for verification. Checks revealed that the dates when the account was opened did not match and the transactions were different, according to a BBK lawyer. The 26-year-old is now facing charges of forgery and fraud, but failed to show 0
105808 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Malkiya market to be renovated A BD25,000 project to renovate a bazaar in Malkiya is expected to begin by the end of the month. The Northern Municipal Council has doubled the budget originally allocated for the 400sq m bazaar. It will feature more than 40 stalls, which will accommodate both traders originally operating there and others who sell their goods nearby on the road. Area municipal councillor Sayed Amir Mohammed said the market will be completely renovated. "The bazaar has a lot of customers from the village and other neighbouring villages, who buy fish, fruits, vegetables and even clothes," he said. Mr Mohammed said the stalls are old and crumbling, tiles are broken and the place looks like an old cemetery because there is no electricity. "Other bazaars and markets in Bahrain have all been renovated and it is time this well-known bazaar got a facelift too," he added. "The bazaar was originally a garden in the 1960s, but it developed into a bazaar thanks to merchants fr 0
105809 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Blooming lovely! MANAMA: Bahrain swung open the doors to a stunning garden in the desert yesterday. The Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which continues until Sunday, is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. It was opened by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. Shaikha Sabeeka paid tribute to the memory of the late Amir HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who for many years patronised the Bahrain Garden Club's Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show, now held as part of the giant fair. She also praised the efforts of all those behind making the event such a success. More than 700 people, including government officials, ambassadors and other dignitaries, attended the opening. Countries taking part in the event include Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, France, Turkey, India and Belarus, Australia, UAE and the US. 0
105810 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain - a rose by any other name..! THE beauty and importance of the Bahrain rose is being showcased at the Bahrain Garden Fair (BGF). Around 1,000 rose plants from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Bahraini are being exhibited at the fair in a traditional Arabic courtyard. The courtyard has been especially created for the even, which continues until Sunday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The Bahrain rose is famous in the history of the country, with Bahrainis still using it in all aspects of culture, including food, medicine, adornment and other traditional practices. At the courtyard visitors can find out about the history and purpose of the Bahrain rose and see some of the ways that it is still used today. There are also professional braiders, (known as Achafas), who are demonstrating their skills by braiding girls' hair with rose buds and materials. In addition there are women grinding petals to make into medicinal herbs, and a demonstration of rose water being made. 0
105811 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Activist to appeal over sex conviction A BAHRAINI human rights activist, sentenced to two months jail over a tryst with an Indonesian housemaid in her employer's home, is appealing against the conviction. National Committee for Martyrs and Victims of Torture spokesman Abdul Raoof Al Shayeb was sentenced in his absence on February 27. He is in Geneva, where he has been attending meetings of the United Nations Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Mr Al Shayed was arrested on March 30 last year along with an Indonesian domestic worker. He was convicted of having a sexual relationship with the maid and entering the home of her employer without permission. Mr Al Shayeb is expected to arrive back in Bahrain either tomorrow or on Sunday, said committee member Mahmood Ramadhan. He said the committee had paid BD300 bail to ensure that Mr Al Shayeb is not arrested when he arrives at the airport. His lawyer, Mohammed Al Mutawa, said that the amount paid was to ensure that Mr Al Shaye 0
105812 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Sex-drugs den razed A DERELICT house in Mussalla which had been turned into a sex and drugs den was torn down yesterday. Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed, who represents the area, had vowed to demolish it at his own expense if the municipality did not do it. He said he had asked the municipality to tear down the house six months ago, after repeated complaints from residents, but there was no budget. But the municipality sent in the bulldozers yesterday, saying that it had merely been waiting for legal approval. "There is nothing unusual here," said Northern Municipality director general Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan. "The owners of the house could not pay to tear down the house on their own so they appealed to the Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Minister for an exemption of the demolition and municipality fees. "We were waiting for court approval and once we got it, we demolished the house." Residents of the area said the house had become a magnet 0
105813 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Maid swindle agent is jailed A BAHRAINI clearing agent was handed a six-month jail sentence in his absence after he recruited a Bangladeshi housemaid for a client - then signed her over to someone else. He was convicted of breach of trust in the Lower Criminal Court, but the sentence will be suspended upon payment of a BD500 fine. The 37-year-old, from Muharraq, also failed to cancel his client's Commercial Registration (CR) and transfer an Indian employee to another sponsor, as he agreed. At the time he was working for the Documents Clearing Agency in Muharraq. "I gave him all the necessary documents along with the passport of the Indian worker," said the 42-year-old victim, who is a retired BDF officer from Hamad Town. "He did not complete any of these jobs for me even though I kept asking him. Then he started to avoid me. "I came to know later on that he recruited the housemaid in my name and gave her to somebody else." As a result, he said the Labour and Social Affai 0
105814 1 1487 BNEW LOCAL PLEA TO SYRIA CAIRO: Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo yesterday urged wisdom on Syria, which has come under intense international pressure to pull its troops out of Lebanon. In Riyadh, Saudi officials told Syrian President Bashar Al Assad that he must heed the calls or face strains in Saudi-Syrian ties. He promised Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah to study the idea of a partial withdrawal by later this month. Ahead of the Cairo talks, Damascus told Arab nations it insists on keeping 3,000 troops and early-warning stations inside Lebanon to maintain its security. Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa stressed the situation in Lebanon remained "serious". The one-day meeting was chiefly aimed at preparing for a March 22-23 Arab summit in Algiers. lRussia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov yesterday pushed for Syrian troops to pull out of Lebanon. However, he told BBC that the withdrawal must be conducted in such a way that it doesn't break the "fragile balance i 0
105815 2 1487 BNEW LOCAL Visa snag delays search for mum A FILIPINA travelling to Bahrain to search for her missing mother has been delayed by a visa glitch. Maria Grace Montibon, 25, was due to arrive in Bahrain tonight, to help look for her mother Gracie, who vanished four months ago. But she has had to reschedule her visit because her tourist visa has not reached her in time. Maria Grace, who is Mrs Montibon's eldest daughter, is now booked to fly from the Philippines to Bahrain next Friday. Mrs Montibon's Bahraini sponsor has arranged Maria Grace's tourist visa. Friends of Mrs Montibon, whose husband died last year, raised the BD125 needed for Maria Grace's Manila-Bahrain-Manila air ticket. Friends last saw Mrs Montibon on November 5 last year, but according to immigration records she has not left Bahrain. The Philippine Embassy is working with the authorities to find out what has happened to the 42-year-old debt collector. Mrs Montibon, who lived alone in a Manama flat, near the Awal Cinem 0
105816 3 1487 BNEW LOCAL Magnificent display of flower power A MAGNIFICENT display of flowers, vegetables and plants from around the world went on show yesterday at the second Bahrain Garden Fair. Thousands of people from all over the world are expected to visit the fair, which is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. The event, which continues until Sunday, was opened by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. Shaikha Sabeeka was given a two-hour tour of the fair, which features the BGC 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show, a rose garden courtyard, a local and international garden and flower exhibition and educational lectures and workshops. "Shaikha Sabeeka is amazed at the garden fair, she has been four times and she wants to come back again. We are now waiting to see the public's reaction," said BGF 2005 organising committee chairwoman Shaikha Maysa Abdulrahman Al Kh 0
105817 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Bassey tribute show a success AN enthusiastic crowd of about 200 people attended the Bahrain Welsh Society's (BWS) St David's Day Ball, held at the Gulf Hotel last night. The annual event featured a Shirley Bassey tribute act. British singer Joane Copeman, who flew in from the UK especially for the event, performed in the Surely Bassey Show and sang the legendary Welsh singer's hits such as Hey Big Spender and Diamonds Are Forever. A charity auction was also held, with items including a rugby ball autographed by the Welsh Rugby Football team and two Formula One tickets from the Bahrain International Circuit, going under the hammer. Funds raised from the auction will go towards the Bahrain Institute for Special Education. The evening, sponsored by Gulf Air and Gulf Cellar, was rounded off with music and dancing to DJ Elroy. 0
105818 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Soorya offers family cards SOORYA Bahrain members can now take their children to shows organised by the group. A new membership category has been added to the group's viewership scheme. A Family Card is now available, allowing members to bring up to two children, aged seven to 17 years, to all Soorya art shows. "We have been receiving requests from members that we find a way around the issue of accompanying children to events," said Soorya committee member P M Mohanraj. "In keeping with the spirit of the Soorya cultural movement which believes in Affordable Art for All, we have now introduced the new Family Card category for our viewers. "Regular Viewer category cards which are currently BD10 for two will be upgraded to Family Viewer category upon payment of an additional BD5. "Similarly, Donor cards which are BD25 for two reserved seats, can be upgraded to Family Donor card for an additional BD5. "Thus, our new Family Cards will be priced at BD15 and BD30 respectively an 0
105819 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL 'Hate websites' to be blocked MANAMA: The Bahrain government is planning to block Internet sites inciting hatred against prominent figures, ministers and leading officials, sources revealed last night. Batelco keeps blocking such sites from time to time for spreading rumours and hatred against the government. 0
105820 0 1487 BNEW LOCAL Classical treat for music lovers EGYPTIAN violinist Samy Ibrahim performed to classical music lovers at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, last night. He performed pieces by legendary composers Vivaldi, Rimsky-Korsakov, George Gershwin and Monti. Mr Ibrahim is in Bahrain as a special guest of La Fontaine. He is to have another con-cert at the popular venue on Monday, starting at 7.30pm. The event, entitled Arabian Legends, will feature Mr Ibrahim performing on the piano and violin. It is a musical tribute to the legendaries Um Kulthom, Abdel Wahab and Fareed Al Atrash. Tickets are BD15 net, which also includes dinner. 0
105821 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Chelsea face Uefa charge LONDON: Uefa have begun disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea after their players were late for the second-half of last week's Champions League defeat at Barcelona and coach Jose Mourinho snubbed the post-match news conference. A Uefa spokeswoman said yesterday the Premiership leaders had until March 14 to send a written statement in their defence, before Uefa's Control and Disciplinary body meets on March 24 to examine the case. Chelsea, who had striker Didier Drogba red-carded at the Nou Camp, lost the knockout round first leg 2-1. 0
105822 0 1487 SPOR SPORT O'Driscoll is ruled out of relief match LONDON: Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll pulled out yesterday from playing in tomorrow's IRB Rugby Aid match tsunami fundraiser at Twickenham. The gifted centre had been due to lead a northern hemipshere side against a team from the southern hemisphere. But last weekend's 19-13 Six Nations victory over England in Dublin - where O'Driscoll scored a decisive second-half try - was the midfielder's first match back following a hamstring injury which forced him to miss Ireland's win over Scotland. Ireland are on course for their first Grand Slam since 1948 and a week after the tsunami match continue their bid against Six Nations champions France in Dublin. An IRB spokesman said that O'Driscoll had been withdrawn as a "precaution" after sustaining a few "minor injuries" against England. Former England back-row Lawrence Dallaglio will captain the team in O'Driscoll's absence although the talismanic Irishman will be pitchside. Teams: North - 15-Chris Pater 0
105823 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Cairns turns down Test return offer WELLINGTON: Chris Cairns has turned down an offer to rejoin New Zealand's injury-hit Test team for this month's three-match series against Australia. Cairns retired from the Test arena last year to concentrate on one-day cricket as the demands of playing both were taking a toll on his body. With the Kiwis battered by injuries in the lead-up to the series, New Zealand coach John Bracewell asked Cairns to consider making a comeback next month but the all-rounder said he was unable to play. "I've closed that chapter of my career," Cairns said yesterday. "I've still got a goal to play the next World Cup and if I play Test cricket I could ruin that. It's about me following a dream and I still think I can get there." Bracewell said he fully understood Cairns' position. "His response was basically that he was flattered by the offer but he had drawn a line under that," Bracewell said. "He also didn't really think his ankle would last the rigours of a Test 0
105824 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Dutch coach Michels, 77, dies AMSTERDAM: Rinus Michels, the coach who invented the total football played with such verve by Ajax Amsterdam and Holland, has died aged 77. He had undergone heart surgery in a hospital in the Belgian town of Aalst when he died. Michels coached Ajax from 1965 to 1971 when a team led by the incomparable Johan Cruyff won four Dutch titles. They won the first of three successive European Cups, against Panathinaikos in 1971, after losing the 1969 final to AC Milan, before Michels accepted a big-money move to Barcelona whom he coached from 1971 to 1975. Ajax's other two European Cup wins, against Inter Milan and Juventus, were under the Romanian Stefan Kovacs who allowed Cruyff to run the show. Cruyff then joined Michels at Barcelona and they won the Spanish title in 1974. Michels, known as The Sphinx, coached Holland, with Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol and Johnny Rep, in the 1974 World Cup where they played the best football but lost the final 2-1 to West G 0
105825 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Drivers in a spin over new rules MELBOURNE: Formula One drivers are in a spin about the new rules on qualifying, fearing the introduction of Sunday morning sessions could be a real turn off for fans. Under the new rules, to be unveiled at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, each of the cars will run a single qualifying lap on Saturday. They will return the following morning to run a second lap with the combined times from the two runs deciding the starting grid. McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa said the format was too confusing for spectators. "We have got to go back to basics," he said. "They (spectators) need to know the guy that's quickest is on pole position...you don't want the guy sitting in front of the tv with a calculator." The format has been introduced by the sport's world governing body following complaints that last year's single-lap qualifying session was boring. Briton Jensen Button said the rules would present new challenges to the teams but he was unsure about 0
105826 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Paes out of singles play NEW DELHI: Leander Paes, India's most successful Davis Cup player, will not play the singles in the Asia-Oceania group one first round tie against China starting here today. Paes, the team captain with a 71-30 win record in Cup play, decided instead to field Harsh Mankad and Prakash Amritraj on the grass courts of the R K Khanna Tennis stadium here. "I don't think I could have taken the load on all three days," Paes, 31, said after the draw was finalised yesterday morning. Paes, however, will team up with erstwhile partner Mahesh Bhupathi in the doubles. The pair won four Grand Slam titles and reached the semi-finals at the Athens Olympics last year. 0
105827 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Capriati pulls out OAKLAND, CA: Jennifer Capriati has pulled out of next week's tournament at Indian Wells because she still hasn't fully recovered from surgery on her right shoulder, WTA spokeswoman Gina Capulong said yesterday. Three-times Grand Slam winner and former world number one Capriati hasn't played since losing in the second round of Philadelphia last November. She underwent an operation on January 28. The WTA also confirmed that Justine Henin-Hardenne will not enter the event. 0
105828 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Karthikeyan yet to confirm Bahrain visit INDIAN Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan is yet to confirm his to visit after competing in the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 20, according to the Bahrain International Circuit. A decision by Karthikeyan's management team in this regard is expected to be announced shortly. If the visit to Bahrain comes through, a Press conference and meeting with the Indian community in the Kingdom are being planned. Karthikeyan is set to make history on Sunday when he gets into a Jordan car and becomes the first Indian to drive in a Formula One race. 0
105829 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Ethnic Crafts overcome New Spirit ETHNIC Crafts CC defeated New Spirit CC by 23 runs in the 14th round of matches in the Jawad Business Group Winter Cricket Tournament at the Sanabis grounds. Batting first Ethnic Crafts notched up 170 for three in 20 overs with a blistering knock from Mohammed Ajmal (52 from 22 deliveries including four fours and three sixes) and good contributions from Mohammed Abid (40) and Rizwan Younis (39) and Reyaz (23) with S Zameer (three for 35) the pick of the New Spirit bowlers. New Spirit, in reply, finished on 147 for nine in 20 overs with Krishnakumar (69) and all-rounder Zameer (34) doing the bulk of the scoring. M Abid (four for 35) and Ishtiaq (two for 30) did the most damage. Brief scores: JBG Winter Championship (14th round) - PWC Logistics CC 113 for 9 in 20 overs (Anil Thomas 61, Deelipraj Nair 21; Arvindkumar 5-21, M A Aleem 3-23) lost to Elames Trading and Contracting CC 113 for 5 in 19.4 overs (Moideen Anwar 35, Godfrey Pareira 21; Shrihari V K 2-6) by 5 w 0
105830 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Young Star set for Alpha Fire showdown YOUNG Star CC and Alpha Fire Qatar CC are set to meet in the final of the Island Cricket League Coca-Cola Cup after defeating Bukannan CC and Pak Golden CC respectively. In the first semi-final, Pak Golden notched up an impressive 188 for seven with Nasir (48), Rais (28) and Naseem (28) scoring the bulk of the runs. Alpha Fire Qatar, in reply, reached the target in the last over to win by four wickets after scoring 189 for six. Adnan (54) top scored with Noushad (45) and Asad (22 not out) being the other scorers. Young Star won the other semi-final by five wickets after Bukannan scored 177 for seven, with the main scorers being Naeem (54), Ishfaq (36) and Faisal (34); while Raiz (three for 45) and Aqeel (two for 41) did the most damage. Young Star then reached the target scoring 178 for five with M Raiz (86 not out from 56 deliveries) steering his side to victory along with useful knocks by Jalani (31) and Younas (29). In other matches, Bongio Samaj CC 0
105831 0 1487 SPOR SPORT 'Tougher battle' ahead of Ferrari MELBOURNE: Ferrari's Michael Schumacher has his work cut out if he is to extend the longest reign in Formula One history and secure an astonishing eighth crown. The German, now the oldest driver at the age of 36, starts the season as favourite for a sixth successive title in a billion dollar sport facing an uncertain future while powerbrokers fight over its finances. Yet Schumacher, for whom retirement still seems far in the future, faces a tougher challenge than last year's one-sided procession when he won 13 of the 18 races and added more records to his collection. McLaren, with the formidable pairing of Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya and Finland's Kimi Raikkonen, and resurgent Renault threaten to thwart his plans. An all-new Williams line-up and BAR, runners-up last year, may not be in a position to win Sunday's Australian season-opener but they too could be eyeing victories later on in a 19-race marathon that constitutes Formula One's biggest calendar yet. Ferra 0
105832 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Riffa romp home as Malki strikes STRIKER Abdulrahman Al Malki slotted a last-minute goal as Riffa scored a precious 1-0 victory over Al Najma in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Al Malki, who came in as a substitute in the second-half, was set up by the other striker Salman Isa before he beat Al Najma goal-keeper Abdulrahman Abdulkarim from close range. Riffa took their tally to 21 points, a point ahead of Al Ahli who clinched a well-deserved 3-1 victory over Bahrain Club in the other match. Al Najma struggled to their second defeat of the season and slipped to third with 17 points. Nigerian striker Jessy John scored a goal and made a wonderful save from the penalty spot to inspire Al Ahli to a dramatic victory against Bahrain Club. John scored the third goal in the 82nd minute and three minutes later saved a penalty kick after he replaced the dismissed goal-keeper Ali Meshaima. Despite missing seven experienced players, Al Ahli took 0
105833 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Top sports cars take part in drag race at BIC THE ultimate in top of the line street legal sports cars took part in a quarter mile drag race at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) yesterday on the first of a two-day motoring event organised by the owner's club, Speed Trip. The day also featured an autocross, in which participants were penalised two seconds for displacing a cone, in keeping with international standards. The results of both competitions will be made available today. The event, co-organised by the Saudi Automobile Association (SATA), continues today with the Sprint Challenge race, at the same venue. It features some stunning examples of the finest in automotive technology belonging to motor sports aficionados and Speed Trip members from Jeddah, Riyadh, the Eastern Province, Kuwait and Bahrain, in their Porsches, Ferraris, BMWs, and Nissan 350Zs. Superstars including the Carrera GT, Modena Champ Stradale, GT3 Cup, and Radicals were also in the fray. Meanwhile, more than 100 Harley-Davidson b 0
105834 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Els sets early pace in Dubai DUBAI: Two time champion and pre-event favourite Ernie Els yesterday shot an opening round 66 (-6) to take a one-shot lead in the 16th Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates Golf Club. The man known as the Big Easy was far from laid back as he put the foot down on the back nine to power to the top of the leader board one shot ahead of Ryder Cup stars David Howell and Miguel Angel Jimenez on 67 (-5). One shot further adrift in the Dubai Aluminium-sponsored event are Aussie Jarrod Lyle and English newcomer and surprise package Sam Osborne on 68 (-4). Tricky lies proved no obstacle for Els and there's now an ominous look about the leader board as the world number three chases a unique hat-trick of Desert Classic titles in the $2.2-million tournament. Despite enjoying a three-week lay-off, Els appeared to show no signs of rustiness as he got down to business over the 7,264-yard Majlis Course. While Els is a familiar name at the sharp end of PGA European Tour events, t 0
105835 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Wanderers lift Energade Cup BCA Wanderers defeated The Indian School B team by 102 runs to claim the Energade Cup Under-13 Inter Schools Cricket Tournament at the Sri Lanka Club ground in Riffa. Electing to bat after winning the toss, Wanderers scored 235 for eight in 40 overs thanks to a solid opening partnership of 72 runs by Vigneshwaran (37) and Devesh Nambiar (68). An excellent piece of fielding by The Indian School finally broke the partnership when Vigneshwaran was run out with a direct hit to the stumps. Ananth Bahl didn't last long as he gifted a simple catch to Hardil. Abhishek (16) joined Devesh for a small partnership before Abhishek was dismissed by Karthik and was soon followed by Prashanth Bhatia (14) who was run out. The remaining batsmen failed with only Devesh, who hit five boundaries, occupying the crease for a long time before being caught off Hardil. The pick of the Indian School bowlers were Karthik G (three for 28) and Hardil (two for 29). The Ind 0
105836 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Bahrain team gear-up for endurance championship THE Bahrain national endurance horseride team took part in a training session yesterday in Doha ahead of the third GCC Endurance Championship scheduled for tomorrow at the Seleen Endurance Village, starting at 6am. Led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, who will be arriving today, the Bahraini team will be taking part in both the junior and senior races. The senior race is over 120 kms while the juniors event is over 100 kms. Manal Fakhrawi, the only woman rider taking part in the race, is part of the Bahrain team. Manal, who will be competing in the junior race, said she is delighted to represent the Kingdom in such a prestigious event and is keen to achieve a good result. Bahrain's team training was supervised by coaches Yousef Taher, Khalid Al Khateri, Khalid Flamerzi and Adel Abdulla. The Bahrain horses will undergo a veterinary test today between 2pm and 4pm. The team me 0
105837 0 1487 SPOR SPORT Spurs battle to hold off Raptors TORONTO: Manu Ginobili scored 17 points and backcourt partner Tony Parker chipped in with 15 as the San Antonio Spurs held off the Toronto Raptors to collect a 92-86 home victory yesterday. Trailing by 21 in the third quarter, the Raptors trimmed the deficit to six with two minutes to play but a layup by Parker and jump shot by Ginobili put the Spurs back in command. The win improved their record to an NBA-best 44-13 and a sparkling 25-2 at home. Tim Duncan was held to 13 points but added 11 boards while Chris Bosh had 16 for the Raptors, who lost for the first time in four games. Performance In Cleveland, Ray Allen scored 31 points to power the Seattle SuperSonics to a 103-86 win over the Cavaliers, spoiling Dan Gilbert's debut as team owner. Gilbert, who paid $375 million for the Cavaliers, watched from courtside as his new investment absorbed a season-high fourth consecutive loss. LeBron James turned in a solid performance for his new boss by na 0
105838 1 1487 SPOR SPORT JANKOVIC CRUSHES MIRZA HOPES DUBAI: World number one Lindsay Davenport and fellow American Serena Williams advanced to the semi-finals of the $1-million WTA Dubai Open last night as Switzerland's Patty Schndyer saved a match point on her way to defeating French Open champion Anastasia Myskina and India's Sania Mirza bowed to Jelena Jankovic. Top seed Davenport eased past Spanish veteran Conchita Martinez 6-1, 6-4, to set up a meeting with Schnyder, who earlier ousted third seed Myskina 6-7 (0/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-4. Serena, the second seed, ended the run of Slovak Daniela Hantuchova 6-4, 6-3, and next meets Jelena Jankovic, the unseeded Serbian who abruptly ended the run of 18-year-old Indian 6-2, 6-2. Australian Open champion Serena was focused on the task in hand against Hantuchova after dropping a set to Elena Bovina the night before. "I didn't want to get off to a slow start against Daniela because she's got back to form," said world number four Serena. "I definitely have been practising hard 0
105839 2 1487 SPOR SPORT Hewitt to take on Peya in Davis Cup opener SYDNEY: World No 2 Lleyton Hewitt will lead off Australia's Davis Cup first-round tennis tie against 144th-ranked Austrian Alexander Peya on grass here today. Australia's second singles player Wayne Arthurs, who won his first career ATP Tour final in Arizona last weekend, will take on Austria's number one player Jurgen Melzer in the other singles today. Australian captain John Fitzgerald designated Arthurs to team up with doubles specialist Todd Woodbridge in tomorrow's doubles against the Austrian pair of Julian Knowle and Peya. In Sunday's reverse singles, Hewitt will take on Melzer, ranked 34 in the world, in the battle of the national number ones and Arthurs has a match with Peya. "Hopefully, I can go out there and give the boys a one-nil start and put the pressure on Melzer," said Hewitt, who hasn't played since losing the Australian Open final to Russian Marat Safin here on January 30. "I think that could be a huge bonus for us. If I can go out there and get 0
105840 3 1487 SPOR SPORT Pakistan batsmen flounder in opener DHARAMSHALA, India: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq had little to cheer about on his birthday as his batsmen floundered against pace in a practice match ahead of a Test series against India here yesterday. Pakistan were wobbling at 83 for 4 against a Board President's team before reaching 165 for 5 in their first innings at stumps on the opening day of a three-day game. Inzamam, who turned 35 yesterday, steadied the innings with a 72-run stand for the fifth wicket with Asim Kamal (43 not out) but was dismissed when looking well-set. The Pakistani captain made a fluent 35 before falling leg-before while attempting to sweep off-spinner Venugopala Rao. Pacemen Gagandeep Singh, Rudra Pratap Singh and Shib Shankar Paul rattled Pakistan's top order as they shared three wickets to put the tourists on the back foot after Inzamam had won the toss in overcast conditions. Just 45 overs were completed due to bad light and drizzle at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, hosting it 0
105841 0 1487 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Fund-raising Carnival, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, noon. Entrance 500 fils and free to children aged 12 and under. All welcome. Charity Carboot Sale, American Express Rugby Football Club, Saar, 8am-noon. Each car space cost BD5. Entrance free for buyers. Contact 39570254. Charity bazaar, National Evangelical Church, Manama, 8am-5pm. Entrance free. All welcome. Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 educational lectures and seminars: Flower arranging presentation by Moulie Saudi Arabia and France general manager Henri Molieh, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, Al Fanar Hall, 10am; talk entitled The Pathway of Colours into Islamic Pottery by Dr Wasma Khalid Chorbachi, 5pm; New Production Presentation: Efficient Irrigation Products, 7pm. Discover Islam's Charity Dinner in aid of the victims of the tsunami disaster, Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, 7.30pm. Tickets BD20 per person. Children aged below 12 admitted free. 0
105842 0 1487 WORL WORLD 20 killed in China blast BEIJING: At least 20 people, most of them children, were killed in northern China when explosives stored in the home of a mine operator blew up near a school. Local press reports said at least 20 died and the Beixinzhuang elementary school was badly damaged in the blast in Huogou village, Shanxi province. However, the Communist Party secretary of Kecheng township, which governs the village, said only 10 people died. "The latest confirmed figure is 10 dead, eight adults and two children," the secretary, surnamed Cao, said. "The adults were all men and the two children were girls. Seven people have been injured. The owner of the explosives also died," he said. The state-run Xinhua news agency put the death toll at 11. A journalist from the local Shanxi Metropolitan Daily said police had cordoned off the area and were refusing to allow reporters near the school. The explosives were being stored in the home of local mine operator, Lu Maolin, who died in the b 0
105843 0 1487 WORL WORLD IAEA blasts Iran over nuclear row VIENNA: Iran was taken to task for lack of co-operation with international nuclear investigations at a UN atomic agency meeting which wrapped up yesterday but room was left for European Union-Iran talks that seek guarantees Tehran is not developing atomic weapons. For the first time since the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) began a probe of Iran's nuclear programme in February 2003, its board of governors did not adopt either a formal statement or resolution on the matter at what are regular meetings at the agency's headquarters in Vienna. Diplomats said this was at least in part because the initiative has passed to talks taking place between the European Union and Iran to get Tehran to abandon uranium enrichment in return for trade and security benefits. The IAEA's 35-nation board called on Iran to do more to co-operate with UN inspectors but also backed the EU-Iran talks. The EU-Iran talks resume in Geneva next week, with Washington possibly ready to sign on to 0
105844 0 1487 WORL WORLD Sheen's pregnant wife seeks divorce LOS ANGELES: Actress Denise Richards, who is six months pregnant with her second child by husband Charlie Sheen, filed for divorce from the former bad-boy star after less than three years of marriage. The 34-year-old Richards cited "irreconcilable differences" as grounds for the split and is seeking full custody of their daughter Sam, who will turn one next week, and the unborn child, court filed in Los Angeles documents showed. The model-turned-actress, whose movies include the James Bond flick The World Is Not Enough and Wild Things, also requested that Sheen support her and that he be granted visitation rights to the children. Richards and Sheen, 39, met when they worked on the movie Good Advice and their romance blossomed when she guest-starred on his then hit television situation comedy, Spin City. The couple married on June 15, 2002. Sheen, whose film credits include Platoon, Wall Street, Major League and the aviation spoof Hot Shots, was previously married for five 0
105845 0 1487 WORL WORLD Blair recalls his debut in rock band LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he still wonders whether he could have made it as a rock star after singing in a band during his student days. "It never happened for me, even though I was desperately keen to carry on," said Blair, who sang in a band called The Ugly Rumours at Oxford University in the 1970s. "I've always wondered: could I have actually ever done it?" he told the music and entertainment magazine Word, extracts of which were published in the Times newspaper yesterday. The 51-year-old prime minister recalled strutting to "Honky Tonk Woman" and pined for his former trim frame. "I was certainly a lot better at moving than I was at singing and I was a lot slimmer in those days," he said. Despite growing up to become one of Europe's most powerful politicians, Blair said he remained awe-struck by rock stars. "I only met Paul McCartney quite recently, when I was prime minister, but I was completely in awe of him," he said. He 0
105846 0 1487 WORL WORLD Chill costing Britons 300m LONDON: Britain's big chill could add more than 300 million to heating bills as people turn up their thermostats. Energy-switching service energyhelpline.com estimated households are spending an extra 23m a day on top of normal bills to keep warm. The company said the total additional cost of a cold snap that has seen parts of the country buried in snow could be as high as 322m if the freezing weather continues until the end of this week. The price of wholesale natural gas, which heats 70 per cent of British homes, has hit seven-year highs in the last few days. Parts of southern England, central Wales and the Scottish highlands were hit by temperatures as low as -6 to -7 degrees Celsius overnight on Wednesday and there were few signs of any immediate respite. "It will warm slightly into the weekend but there really doesn't seem to be an end to it, although the weather will lose that really bitter feel it has at the moment," said a Met office spokesman. 0
105847 0 1487 WORL WORLD Star's bedroom examined SANTA MARIA, California: Jurors in the Michael Jackson case got their first look yesterday at the singer's master bedroom suite where he allegedly molested a 13-year-old boy. The panel was shown videotape from a November 18, 2003, raid of Jackson's Neverland ranch that included shots of his cluttered bedroom, but none of the sexually explicit magazines that Santa Barbara County District Attorney Thomas Sneddon has said were found in the suite. The video, shot by Sheriff's Department photographer Albert Lafferty, showed a sparkling bedspread, pictures of Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Temple, several TVs and stacks of videos. Two rooms that investigators called the "doll room" and the "toy room" were filled with dolls, mannequins and figurines of such characters as Batman, Superman and C-3PO, Boba Fett and R2-D2 from Star Wars. The close-up look into the location of the alleged crime came a day after a prosecution witness said under cross-examination she believed some of the a 0
105848 0 1487 WORL WORLD Rapper Rascal held LONDON: British rapper Dizzee Rascal has been arrested for allegedly carrying an illegal pepper spray, police sources said yesterday. Mercury prize winner Rascal, real name Dylan Mills, was a passenger in a car which was stopped by police. The 20-year-old rapper and the 34-year old driver were both arrested in Bow, east London, and charged with several offences before being released on police bail. The driver was charged with being in possession of a pepper spray, a baton and cannabis. Rascal hit the limelight in 2003 after he won the prestigious Mercury award and became an overnight sensation with his bleak take on urban life. Gang violence, depression and poverty were among the subjects on his album "Boy in da Corner", which includes the lyrics "I am a problem for (Prime Minister) Anthony Blair". After winning the 20,000 pounds prize, the singer pledged to donate the money to underprivileged children. "I come from nothing, I come from the under 0
105849 0 1487 WORL WORLD Housemaid tortured by Malaysian couple KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian domestic helper was raped and tortured by having chilli powder rubbed over her face and private parts. Seow Eng Aik, 37, is on trial in northern Penang state charged with three counts of raping the 20-year-old. Seow's wife Tan Seok Hoon is also on trial charged with abetting him on one occasion, the Star newspaper reported. The victim was doing housework at her employers' flat last July when Tan pulled her by her t-shirt, the report said. "I was taken into her room. Shortly afterwards she left the room and returned with some pounded chillies," the maid was quoted as telling the Sessions Court in Penang. The chilli was then rubbed on her face and her private parts, she added. Seow had pleaded not guilty to raping the maid. 0
105850 0 1487 WORL WORLD Pyongyang to resume missile tests SEOUL: North Korea yesterday ended a self-imposed moratorium on testing long-range missiles and said "hostile" US policy was forcing it to develop its nuclear arsenal, prompting immediate condemnation from Japan. The moratorium was announced in September 1999 - one year after it sparked global concern by test-launching a missile over Japan. North Korea said it was agreed when dialogue was under way with the former US administration of Bill Clinton. It said current US President George W Bush had cut off talks when he took office in 2001, making the moratorium invalid. "Accordingly, we are not bound to the moratorium on the missile launch at present," said a foreign ministry statement explaining why North Korea is boycotting new six-nation talks on its nuclear weapons. In a statement adopted by consensus, the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) 35-nation board of governors "expressed its serious concern" at North Korea's decision to abandon the six-way talks. 0
105851 0 1487 WORL WORLD 14 die in Pakistan rains QUETTA, Pakistan: At least 14 people were killed and more than 25,000 driven from their homes as torrential rains lashed southwestern Pakistan, still recovering from last month's devastating floods. A man and his four children died when the roof of their house collapsed before dawn in Ganji Dori village 25km south of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. His wife and two other children were injured, while a girl in the nearby Khat Kucha village died when the roof of her house fell. Eight others died and 23 were injured in different parts of the province on Wednesday, government spokesman Raziq Bugti said. 0
105852 0 1487 WORL WORLD Driver held for murder BANGKOK: A Thai hire-car driver has been arrested and charged with the murder of a British man found stabbed to death near the southeastern resort town of Pattaya. Bernard Norman Lee Court, 52, was found dead by a local villager in roadside bushes on Wednesday morning with ten stab wounds and a slit throat, said police Major Tossapol Somnuek from Chonburi province. Hours later police arrested Jatupol Bangcheun, 26, a hire-car driver from Pattaya, who was in possession of $156 (BD58) a digital camera and a video camera. "He confessed that he attacked and killed the Briton in order to take his property," Tossapol said 0
105853 0 1487 WORL WORLD Traffic woes in France PARIS: A railway strike in northern France meant that many people had to take their cars onto the dangerously slippy roads, creating havoc around cities such as Amiens, Lille, Valenciennes and Calais. The situation in the Calais region was rendered more chaotic by the closure of sections of the A16 highway to truck traffic. Repairs to a loading dock in the port of Calais reduced sailing capacity by a third and caused long lines of traffic on roads leading to the harbor. However, the tunnel under the English channel from Sangatte, near Calais, to Folkstone was open to both automobile and truck traffic. A spokesman for Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport said there were "major disruptions" to traffic, with a large number of flights cancelled or delayed due to heavy snowfall overnight. 0
105854 0 1487 WORL WORLD Gas leak forces UK evacuation LONDON: Several thousand people were evacuated yesterday from the centre of Warrington, in the north of England, due to a gas leak, Cheshire police and gas company officials said. A 700 metre radius was evacuated shortly after 10am when a contractor working on a redevelopment projet accidentally hit a medium-pressure plastic gas pipe. "We should have everything on site sorted out by early afternoon, when people will be allowed back into the area," said a spokesman for gas transporter Transco. 0
105855 0 1487 WORL WORLD And the best-dressed are... PARIS: Five A-list British-style icons have stormed onto Vanity Fair's international best-dressed list along with the editor of French Vogue and a French philospher, the magazine announced yesterday. Rolling Stones musician Charlie Watts and actress Sienna Miller were voted in alongside model Kate Moss, appearing for the third time on the Vanity Fair list which also features such American stars as chat-show hostess Oprah Winfrey and actor George Clooney. Joining them on the list to be published in the April edition of the magazine due out today were British socialite Jemima Khan, the ex-wife of former cricketer Imran Khan and British actor Jude Law. Booted off this year however was British footballer David Beckham. Editor-in-chief of French Vogue Carine Roitfeld, who said her personal style was "French, classic, sexy and risky", made her debut on the list, drawn up following a poll of 2,500 fashion industry shakers and movers. Also holding up the French flag for s 0
105856 0 1487 WORL WORLD Four life terms for hotel arsonist LONDON: An arsonist who started a fire in a hostel for the homeless, killing four residents, was given four life sentences yesterday. Garry Dudley, 31, was told by a judge at London's Old Bailey court that he would have to serve at least 28 years. On Easter Sunday last year, Dudley, who was angry because he had not been given his own council house, told staff and residents at the Fairlawn hostel in Edgbaston, Birmingham that he intended to start a fire. He lit furniture in a common room, which 30 firefighters were unable put out in time to save three men and a woman from dying of smoke inhalation. A jury at Birmingham Crown Court last December found Dudley guilty of four charges of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. "Four people tragically and needlessly died," Judge Adrian Fulford told the court. "This was a spontaneous reaction to your circumstances in my view. It was a terrible thing to have done. In my view you pose a high degree of danger 0
105857 0 1487 WORL WORLD Army teams to rescue snow-hit SRINAGAR, India: Indian army teams headed yesterday to Kashmir villages cut off for a month by huge snowdrifts as officials said they feared the death toll from avalanches and cold could exceed the nearly 300 reported. The army rescue parties, travelling in groups of 10 or 12 people, were struggling on foot through snowdrifts to reach the isolated villages, reeling under the heaviest snow in two decades. Authorities were worried that the number of dead could exceed the 292 bodies already found in snowbound southern Kashmir as dozens of villages along the Pir Panjal range in the Himalayan foothills remained blanketed by thick snow. 0
105858 2 1487 WORL WORLD Fossett flies into record books SALINA, Kansas: Low on fuel and exhausted, US adventurer Steve Fossett claimed last night what many consider the last great aviation milestone: the first solo, non-stop, non-refuelled flight around the world. Fossett, who took off from Salina Municipal Airport in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer at 6.47pm on Monday (0047 GMT on Tuesday), touched down at 1.48pm (1948 GMT) after deploying a small trailing parachute in the final glide to reduce his speed. Thousands of people, including the sponsor of the flight, Virgin Atlantic founder Sir Richard Branson, lined the runway under cloudless blue skies and cheered as Fossett rolled to a stop after an historic flight which lasted 67 hours and one minute. "That was something I wanted to do for a long time, a major ambition," a jubilant Fossett said immediately after emerging from the plane. Fossett, a 60-year-old millionaire, has now set records for around-the-world journeys in sailing, hot air balloons and jet airplanes. 0
105859 1 1487 WORL WORLD US death toll hits 1,500 BAGHDAD: The number of US troops killed in Iraq has topped 1,500, a count showed yesterday after the military announced the deaths of three more Americans. Meanwhile, car bombs targeting Iraqi security forces killed at least four people. Two suicide car bombs exploded outside the Interior Ministry in eastern Baghdad, killing at least two policemen and wounding five others. Officials at nearby Al Kindi hospital said 15 people were injured in the blasts. Another car bomb targeting a police convoy exploded in Baquba, 60km northeast of the capital, killing one Iraqi policeman and a civilian. Six police and 10 other civilians were also wounded. Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi extended the state of emergency, first announced nearly four months ago, for another 30 days until the end of the month. The order remains in effect throughout the country, except in northern Kurdish-run areas. The latest reported American deaths brought the toll to 1,502 since 0
105860 0 1487 WORL WORLD Abbas-Bush to meet RAMALLAH: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas will hold talks with US President George W Bush at the White House at the end of the month. The visit follows a meeting in London this week where Abbas won European Union, UN and US support for an ambitious package of reforms intended to create a viable Palestinian state living in peace with Israel should an elusive peace ever become reality. It will be the first trip to the White House by a president of the Palestinian Authority since Bush took office in January 2001. No specific date has yet been set however. 0
105861 3 1487 WORL WORLD Tribal gang rape verdict quashed MULTAN, Pakistan: A Pakistani court yesterday overturned the convictions of five men sentenced to death in 2002 for raping a woman on the orders of a tribal council for her brother's alleged affair. The death penalty of the sixth convict in the attack on Mukhtiar Mai, who went on to become a rights campaigner, was commuted to life imprisonment by a two-member bench of the high court in the central city of Multan. Mai, in her early 30s, burst into tears after her lawyer informed her about the judgement and said she would challenge the judgment. "I will not sit calmly, I will appeal against this decision," she said, accompanied by her brother. "I can no longer feel safe or secure. I fear they will take their revenge." Mai was raped for more than an hour in the village of Meerwala in Punjab province in June 2002, as punishment for her brother's alleged affair with a woman of a powerful rival clan. The case shocked the country and sparked international outrage. Later 0
105862 2 1487 WORL WORLD 66 stand trial for abusing children ANGERS, France: One of France's biggest-ever criminal trials - a case in which 66 men and women are accused of raping children "sold" by their parents for pitiful sums of money and cigarettes - opened yesterday in the western city of Angers. The case is expected to last four months and is being heard in a specially constructed wooden hall in the law courts built to accommodate the 60 lawyers, many of the 45 victims, and the accused, who face sentences ranging up to life imprisonment if convicted. Sixty lawyers are involved in the trial, and the 430-page prosecution case will take four clerks three days to read out to the three judges and the nine-person jury to be selected. Proceedings are closed to the public but covered by news reporters, 150 of whom have been accredited. Outside, police blocked the street and bystanders watched with curiousity as the defendants arrived in a number of vans. The testimony to be heard from the victims, who were aged from six months to 12 0
105863 1 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Oil prices ease on buying LONDON: World oil prices eased yesterday a day after rocketing higher on frenzied speculative buying that was sparked by concern over tight supplies amid strong global demand. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in April, fell 17 cents to $53.40 a barrel in early deals. Crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange had surged by as much as $2.15 to $55.20 a barrel during Thursday trading - a level approaching the all-time high of 55.67 hit on October 25. It later closed at $53.57 , up 52 cents. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in April lost 19 cents to 51.76 dollars a barrel on Friday. Brent had on Thursday closed up 73 cents at $51.95 a barrel after surging at one point by as much as $1.78 to reach a new high point of $53. The previous high had come on October 27, when Brent reached $51.94. The surge came amid growing concern that the global economy was likely to need more oil to keep up with economic 0
105864 2 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai go-ahead for budget airline Air India Express DUBAI: Dubai's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has permitted budget carrier Air India Express to operate scheduled flights to Dubai in what appears to be a policy reversal, a report said. Air India Express is likely to be the first low-cost airline to serve Dubai International Airport, according to official sources quoted by Gulf News. Sanjeev Talwar, Air India's regional director, said the airline will launch its services to the Gulf on April 29. "It will initially connect Abu Dhabi and Muscat to all the major destinations covered by Air India. However, the Dubai-bound flight will connect only Kerala for the time being." He said the flight schedules and ticket prices have not yet been finalised. Air India Express, the budget airline of Air India, was launched last year. It recently received its first aircraft. Talwar said Air India Express will maintain its own office in the region under a separate management, independent of his own office. Recently, the Indian gover 0
105865 3 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Budget talk by Indian tax expert MANAMA: A talk on the Indian budget 2004-2005 will be held at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair, on Monday. The event, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Bahrain Chapter, will begin at 7pm. The main speaker will be a senior attorney of the Supreme Court of India and tax expert H P Ranina and the chief guest will be Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra. "Mr Ranina will mainly concentrate on the impact of the budget on Non Resident Indians (NRIs) and on the Indian economy," said chapter chairman Rajeev Nanda. "He will also highlight investment opportunities in India." The talk, sponsorsed by Citibank (NRI services), American Express Bank and Al Ahlia Insurance, will be followed by an interactive session and dinner. The co-sponsors of the programme are State Bank of India, Arab Financial Services (AFS), Trafco, Alba, Bahrain India International Exchange Company, Norwich Union, Micro Centre and Al Jazira Cold Store, among others. KUWAIT C ITY: Hyundai Heavy Industries Company, the world's top shipbuilder, said yesterday it had won combined orders worth $1.1 billion from Kuwait and Iran to build container ships. Hyundai's deal came after media reports that the top three Korean shipyards had won long-term contracts from the Middle East for a combined $10bn to build lucrative liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers. Second-ranked Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering and Samsung Heavy Industries said they would disclose the details of other deals once they were signed. Korean shipbuilders have enjoyed a boom in ship orders as a result of soaring demand for LNG, driven by energy-guzzling China and India, and falling gas output in the United States and Europe. Despite a surge in orders, Hyundai and other Korean shipbuilders have suffered from a rising won and higher steel prices that have gnawed at their bottom line. Hyundai Heavy would deliver eight container ships worth 851.1bn won ($846 m 0
105867 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Qatar Airways managers learn to train staff MANAMA: Qatar Airways conducted a "train the trainers" course for its airport managers from around the world at Al Safir Hotel. The programme was aimed at certifying managers as trainers so they are properly equipped to train their staff. Right, front row, from left, are training instructor Adel Misk, Mohammed Ashraf (Cochin, India) and Qatar Airways Bahrain training co-ordinator and organiser Marilen Ibayan. Back row, from left, are Al Safir rooms division manager Stephen Daniel, Naser Al Muhisen (Kuwait), K Abdul Jalil (Muscat), Magdi Cheraghdin (Khartoum, Sudan), and Hassan Al Shami (Sanah, Yemen). 0
105868 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS OpeC's options 'are limited' PARIS: Resurgent tension drove oil prices higher this week and pressured Opec to keep markets supplied as the organisation looked ahead to its meeting in Isfahan, Iran on March 16. Opec was facing the end of winter in the northern hemisphere and many expected a production cut to offset a drop in demand for heating fuel that would otherwise push prices lower. But a late-season cold wave in North America and northern Europe has driven oil prices up to record highs, and Opec could find it hard to cut output just now. "Opec won't do anything (in Ispahan) because it can't to anything," forecast Frederic Lasserre, an analyst at Societe Generale. "Lowering its output quota would be a provocation, raising it would be inappropriate and imprudent." The analyst said Opec had "very little room to manoeuvre, aside from reassuring everyone about the situation in the market." "Opec is not concerned by the cold wave because it can't technically resolve something that will be over thre 0
105869 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Lebanon 'faces economic crisis' BEIRUT: Economists warned yesterday that the prolonged political crisis in Lebanon could further undermine an economy already in shambles with a gigantic debt that has spiralled past $35 billion. "We are on a crossroad. It is necessary to find a quick solution to the political crisis, or else the capital inflow will dry up," said Shadi Hanna, an official at the leading Byblos Bank. Fears have been rising for the stability of the Lebanese economy since the February 14 assassination of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri, which caused a political crisis after the opposition pinned blame on the regime and its Syrian backers. Economist Marwan Iskandar said "we have 10 days to clear the political atmosphere and form a government that would be acceptable to all sides and which would prepare for the elections" due by the end of May. "If this happens, then we can hope for an economic revival. But if the crisis persists, it will cause a financial and monetary crisis which in turn will cause 0
105870 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Jury debates WorldCom chief's fate NEW YORK: A jury began deliberations yesterday in the trial of former WorldCom chief executive Bernard Ebbers, who could face a lengthy prison term if convicted of fraud in the biggest corporate collapse in US history. Ebbers, 63, is accused of being the mastermind of a $11-billion fraud that forced the telecom giant into bankruptcy in 2002. Jurors began deliberations after a six-week trial in US federal court in New York. Ebbers faces charges of securities fraud, conspiracy and filing false reports with regulators. If convicted, he could receive a maximum prison sentence of around 85 years. The Ebbers trial is the latest in a series of attempts by prosecutors to nail senior executives for charges of cooking company books, hampering federal investigations and using companies as their own personal piggy banks. Ebbers's defence lawyers, meanwhile, contend that the CEO delegated most authority and that the fraud was orchestrated by former chief financial officer Scot 0
105871 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Beijing to aim for 8pc growth BEIJING: China will aim for slower growth of eight per cent, keep a tight grip on economic controls and push ahead with reforms to its fixed currency in 2005, Premier Wen Jiabao said. The government would maintain "stable and healthy" monetary and fiscal policies, Wen said in excerpts of an annual report to be delivered to parliament today, setting the agenda for guiding the world's seventh largest economy in the coming year. "In the light of current economic conditions, macroeconomic controls cannot be relaxed," said Wen, who is trying to shepherd the economy through challenges from overhauling ailing banks to finding jobs for millions of workers laid off from state firms. Reflecting his role as point man on the economy, Wen said consumer price inflation would be about 4pc, similar to last year's rate of 3.9pc. The 8pc economic growth forecast contrasts with the usual 7pc forecast issued in previous years and which is routinely exceeded. China's gross domestic product w 0
105872 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS GM selects Opel over Saab plant FRANKFURT: General Motors, the world's biggest car maker, said yesterday it had chosen its German unit Opel over Swedish subsidiary Saab to make its mid-size cars in future in return for big concessions from the German workforce in pay and working hours. "GM has decided to build specific Opel and Saab models, based on a common platform, at (Opel's main site) Ruesselheim from 2008," GM Europe announced. German Economy and Labour Minister Wolfgang Clement hailed the announcement as good news at a time when unemployment in the eurozone's biggest economy is currently at a postwar high of 5.2 million or 12.6 per cent of the workforce. GM Europe said that following an "intensive" analysis of both the Ruesselsheim site just outside Frankfurt and Saab's Trollhaettan plant outside Goeteborg in Sweden, it had found the German plant was $260 million more cost-effective than the Swedish factory. The analysis examined each factory in terms of output capacity, investment, labour costs, 0
105873 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS China will scrap farm tax by 2006 BEIJING: China will scrap a 2,000-year-old policy of taxing farmers across the country by 2006, two years ahead of schedule, according to excerpts of a report to be delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao today. Beijing would also try to hold grain prices steady and keep output on an uptrend, he said. Rising food prices have exacerbated inflation in the world's seventh-largest economy over the past year. Wen said the abolition of the tax brought to an end a two-millennia history of "taxing grains to serve the emperor" and was the first step in rural tax reform. "But there's still a long way to go." Chinese leaders, wary of a yawning gap between urban and rural incomes and its potential to spark social unrest, have been trying to ease the tax burden on the country's hundreds of millions of peasants. Wen said China would continue to offer direct subsidies to grain farmers and boost financial support for those buying seed and farm equipment in 2005. Subsidies for China's maj 0
105874 0 1488 BUSI BUSINESS Project tips for engineers MANAMA: The Project Management Institute (PMI) Arabian Gulf Chapter held a presentation at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, in Juffair. Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) project management team member and senior systems analyst Azad Chalikuzhi gave a presentation on Project Management Professional (PMP) certification and preparation. PMI Bahrain chapter director Majeed Al Gassab said project managers should be qualified to undertake important assignments to ensure quality of service. The presentation was planned to educate Bahraini engineers on how to gain these types of qualifications. Around 100 engineers, both members and non-members of US-based PMI, attended the event. Mr Chalikuzhi, who is a PMP member, highlighted the application requirements and processes and how to prepare for the exams. He also told participants about post-certification requirements. 0
105875 0 1488 COMM COMMENTGhosts, spirits and beyond... The other day, during a long wait in a taxi at traffic lights in Manama, the driver pointed to a rather impressive but totally deserted-looking building on the opposite side of the road and told me it was haunted. "Nobody lives there, nobody ever wants to live there even for free", he said. "There is a story about that," he continued but the lights turned green and we moved on. I would have loved to have heard the story but there was no time. It is not often that you find a jovial and talkative taxi driver. The next time I passed by the same building, I asked the taxi driver (this one was a friendly, elderly gentleman), "Do you believe in ghosts and do you think the building over there is haunted?" He said that he didn't know anything about that but that he believed in good shabahs and bad shabahs existing in Bahrain. He quickly added that most spirits in Bahrain are good and harmless. He told me how he often felt the "presence" of a shabah moving about in his own house, some 0
105876 0 1488 COMM COMMENTIf only plants could survive my 'caring' touch ... There are two skills which I have long admired in other people, both of which result in lasting legacies for generations to come. One is the ability to build, whether it be one man building a home for his family, or a giant project like the Bahrain Financial Harbour, which requires the skills of many, from architects to hod-carriers. These things will still be standing long after those who designed or physically erected them have gone to their graves, barring earthquakes or some other disaster. Likewise, a gardener leaves something of beauty that, if continually cared for, will give pleasure to others for generations. Trees in particular can last for centuries and I have often thought that one day, when Sara and I settle elsewhere, that I would like to plant a young oak on which children or young lovers may carve their names a century or more from now. So it is with a great deal of envy that I see the efforts of those who have produced some of the gardens, flowers 0
105879 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Why it is not a sin to be beautiful! SHAZAD Ali asks for a solution to rape, Aids and adultery (GDN, February 25). The solution is simple: men need to show some restraint and not give in to their most basic urges. For those other "proud Muslims" who want women to cover themselves up, or better still hide themselves away completely, never forget this fundamental truth: it is not a sin to be beautiful; the sin is lust. Let's not pretend the blame lies anywhere other than with the criminal - to suggest otherwise is to make women victims twice over. With the kind of mentality we see in many of the arguments put forward, which generally amount to little more than subjugation of women, it is hardly surprising that so many men are not gentlemen. Bring your children up to have some respect for others and it will not matter what anyone wears. Incidentally, if every child had healthy respect for others instilled, this would also solve all problems relating to racism, poverty and inconsiderate driving, amon 0
105880 0 1488 LETT LETTERS 'Love day' nonsense BOYS and girls, ladies and gentlemen, now that Valentine's Day is over it looks as if you are looking forward to the new Valentine's and there's no reason why you shouldn't. What was that all about. What has chocolate, flowers, toys, cakes, animals got to do with Valentine's. Oh, of course it is love day. Nonsense, there's no such thing. For those so-called romantic people do they really need all that stuff to say I love you. It's as if without chocolate, flowers, toys, cakes and animals your loved one will not recognise you on that day. Nonsense. My condolences to those people who paid a heavy price on Valentine's Day - in return they got nothing. Marta Radecon 0
105881 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Forgiveness fiasco ONE more criminal is going to get away without any punishment. A 20-year-old has stolen BD51,000 from the company he worked for. That same company withdrew the case against him for these reasons: - He returned the money (after? days). - He sincerely apologised and regretted his 'act'. - They want to give a youngster a "second chance to come up in life". - They don't want to spoil his future! And all this is making the front page news (GDN, February 22). I'm a bit confused. Am I supposed to like what that company has done? Are they for real? Fatma 0
105882 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Garment shop licence? WOULD anyone please be able to tell me how one obtains a licence to open a garment shop here in Bahrain? For example if the fabric has to be imported from India would I need another licence? Who do I contact ? The Merchant of Venice *EDITOR'S NOTE : The Ministry of Commerce has advised readers interested in starting a new business that they should first contact the Commercial Registration directorate at that ministry, telephone 17531835 in order that the various issues can be dealt with directly. 0
105883 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Film night a debacle THOUSANDS of miles away from home, I switched on the television expecting the mother of all Indian award nights. The world was watching our 50th Filmfare Awards. Our creativity: The first glimpse of the stage made my heart sink. The camera was more professionally handled in my wedding video. Our organisation: An actress comes to receive her award in something looking like a bathrobe because she is to perform soon after. Anchors taking cues and introducing the presenters, looking as lost as a kid in the forest. Our manners: A veteran member of the industry speaks about the old times, and the anchor moves on with the word 'anyway's. The 'most POWERFUL man' according to the jury in the industry gets his kicks making racist comments on a man who makes music. The world was watching. To call this 'celebration' a disaster would be an understatement (of golden jubilee proportions!). As with our films, we only seem high on quantity. Our answer to the Oscars. Yeah right!< 0
105884 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Chance to explore suq I HAVE found an excellent parking spot in the suq area, one that has been there for years but I have never attempted to try it - Yateem Centre's underground car park. It is ideally located and the staff are very courteous. I have been told that there will be more parking in the future in this area and hopefully this will bring more people to the suq. The difference here in Bahrain is the feeling of tradition and even though we are growing and new developments are coming in the country, we need to keep all the old favourites. The Yateem Centre has all the charm of old Bahrain but full of shops which are new, exciting and affordable. Keep up the good work. Sue Thompson 0
105885 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Bad driving example WHILE driving this morning on my way to work, there was a learner's car ahead of me who suddenly made a right turn without giving a signal (I suppose he was the instructor on the way to pick up his student). How can an instructor teach his students if he himself does not know how to follow simple rules?! No wonder we have a lot of irresponsible drivers! Alex 0
105886 0 1488 LETT LETTERS Thoughtless remarks cruel I'M writing in reference to Lynn Short on her article "TV presenter scruffy" (GDN, March 1). First of all this is a children's show not a fashion show. I thought you would have at least taught your kids not to judge someone by the way they look! I hope now you are happy. Not only have you annoyed a lot of frequent viewers of the show but you have also made a 15-year-old girl (the presenter!) feel terrible and extremely self conscious. You have made someone who loves children feel terrible that a parent was annoyed, that someone would be so cruel. I would just like to say that I'm glad she's using words such as 'selfish' and 'god', it is better than kids learning the more informal muck you hear on the streets. Perhaps it would give children a tiny insight into some of the realities faced in life, better than not showing them at all! If this was in the UK you could be sued, even worse still. So Miss Short why don't you sit back and think, think before y 0
105887 1 1488 BNEW LOCAL MPs push for ban on sectarianism MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain's MPs are seeking a ban on "sectarian" proposals to help consolidate national unity. An amendment in this regard, to be submitted by the Al Menbar Islamic Society, is expected to be discussed when parliament convenes for an extraordinary session today. The bloc is seeking to amend two articles so as to ban any moves seen as "sectarian". "We are deeply concerned because a series of proposals submitted lately to parliament fuelled sectarian tensions and threatened to drive a wedge between Sunnis and Shi'ites," an MP from the bloc, Dr Saadi Mohammed, said. "Such sectarian proposals smear the parliament's image and threaten to destabilise the reforms initiated by His Majesty King Hamad." Under the amendment, any MP suspected of breaching this code would face harsh measures ranging from a warning to even losing his legislative membership. 0
105888 2 1488 BNEW LOCAL Burglars strike in Diplomatic Area MANAMA MANAMA: Burglars vandalised and trashed two offices in a building in the Diplomatic Area early yesterday, looking for money. Bahrain Gas and Egyptian Al Ahram newspaper were last night assessing damage from the raids at their offices in Al Hassan Building, although no money was stolen. A middle-aged Bahraini, caught by the police later, admitted to the raids along with three others. "There was BD1,000 in the drawer but thankfully they never thought about breaking it and went straight to the safe, which was empty and hard to break," Al Ahram correspondent Sami Kamal told the GDN. The raiders were unable to break into the German Embassy's office in the building. The newpaper has its offices on the fifth floor of the building while Bahrain Gas is on the second floor. An Interior Ministry statement said last night the damage was minor. 0
105889 3 1488 BNEW LOCAL $1m plan to help combat diseases MANAMA INTERNATIONAL health experts have started working in Bahrain under a $1 million (BD378,00) project to control major diseases and upgrade the Health Ministry's diagnostic services. The project is getting technical support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The prime objective of the project is the control of hereditary blood diseases, HIV/Aids and sexually transmitted diseases, as well as non-communicable diseases in Bahrain. Several visiting consultants from the World Health Organisation (WHO) have started working with Health Ministry officials on the project, said UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. "The primary task for the visiting team is to help the Health Ministry to build a databank on the diseases under study," he told the GDN. "The project aims to control the diseases through building national capacities, health education and raising public awareness. "It will also involve methods for impro 0
105890 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Sowing seeds for a greener Bahrain MANAMA VISITORS of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF) are being encouraged to help beautify the island by growing more flowers, plants and trees in their gardens. The BGF, which opened on Thursday and ends tomorrow is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. The Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry, which is one of the local exhibitors at the fair, is teaching visitors how to grow different types of plants and flowers to help Bahrain become a greener place. "We are trying to educate people to make Bahrain greener, so we have posters showing how they can grow four types of flowers - roses, carnations, chrysanthemums and lisianthus (eustoma)," said Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry plant wealth directorate director Shaikh Mohammed Abdul Wahab Al Khalifa. "We can grow these flowers in Bahrain during four months of the year - half of 0
105891 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Water cuts for six days MANAMA: Residents in parts of the Northern, Muharraq and Capital governorates will experience water cuts from today until Thursday. This will be caused by the shutdown of water production units at Hidd Power Station for maintenance, according to the Electricity and Water Ministry. Muharraq, Manama, Budaiya, Janusan, Saar, Sanabis and Samaheej will all be affected. However, the ministry will partially compensate by mixing ground water with the desalinated water. This will increase the salinity of water and lead to a drop in water quality. The ministry has apologised to the public for any inconvenience and called on residents in the areas to conserve water. 0
105892 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Unido to train young traders A NEW programme to train young Bahraini entrepreneurs will be launched by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) next month. Eleven such programmes have been successfully completed by Unido through its Arab Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training (Arceit). The 11th programme was held from February 1 to 28 in association with the Commerce and Industry Ministry, the Bahrain Development Bank and the Bahrain Businesswomen's Society. Sixteen potential Bahraini entrepreneurs joined the programme. The four-week classroom training was followed by business counselling and support services. Trained entrepreneurs were assisted in finalising their business ideas and in obtaining necessary information to prepare their business plans, said Unido Investment and Technology Promotion Office head Dr Hashim Hussein. "The participants were also assisted in the process of project implementation including technology choice, international 0
105893 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Marathon effort by Bahraini, 18 MANAMA AN 18-year-old Bahraini is aiming to raise 1,400 (BD1,008) for a UK charity when he takes part in the 25th Flora London Marathon next month. AJ Coyne Durazi is taking part in the gruelling 26-mile (41.6km) race on April 17 to raise money for Sense, a charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf and blind. The charity also supports people who have sensory impairments with additional disabilities. The runner, who is on a gap year between college and university, said that he decided to run in the marathon after some friends proposed the idea to him. Although he has never run a marathon before, he took up the challenge and decided to make it even more worthwhile by raising money for charity. "It started off as a bit of a dare, I was at a party with some friends and we all put our names forward and my name was chosen, so I thought why not," said AJ, who currently lives with his Irish mother Maura Coyne in Warwickshire, UK. "I was looking at 0
105894 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Bikers rev up to raise funds MANAMA THE charity event, A La Carte in the park, was held yesterday to help raise funds for the victims of the tsunami disaster. About 100 bikers rode from Al Bander Hotel and Resort in Sitra to the Country Club in Budaiya. The event was organised by Kooheji Marine Centre in association with Al Bander and the Country Club. Several events were held at the club, including a football match between bikers and club members. Other sponsors included Gulf Hotel, 3K (Kar Kare Kentre), LG, Bahrain Yacht Club, Phoenicia Tower, Bahrain Motorcycle Club, Concorde International Hotel, the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Crowne Plaza hotel and the Regency InterContinental Hotel. 0
105895 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Patients' woes A CALL has gone out for more female staff at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC). Southern Municipal Council vice-chairman Ali Al Mohannadi said yesterday that complaints are on the rise among residents about the lack of female professionals in a number of fields at the kingdom's main government hospital. Health Ministry officials acknowledged the problem, but said not many women opted to work in some medical professions. Mr Al Mohannadi said that many women refused being treated by men - because they do not want men to touch them. "It is against our religion to have a man touch a woman's legs or hands or any other part of her body, if they are not related," he explained. Mr Al Mohannadi said there was only one female orthopaedic consultant at the SMC. "There are many women who feel shy to talk about their medical problems with male consultants, because there are a lot of things women can't talk to men about," he said. "I don't know what the problem i 0
105896 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Dog lovers are urged to join charity walk MANAMA DOG lovers are being urged to sign up for the Bahrain Society of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) annual sponsored walk. Participants can bring their own dogs along for the four kilometre walk in the desert, just south of Awali, or borrow them from the society's sanctuary. The dog walk will be held on Friday from 10.30am, but registration will open between 9.30am and 10.15am. It is one of the biggest fund-raising events of the year for the society. Walkers should collect their sponsorship money before the event and present it to organisers on the day when they register. Sponsorship forms, a map to the venue and information sheet are available at the sanctuary in Shakhura, the BSPCA Thrift Shop in Budaiya, the British Club in Adliya or St Christopher's Junior School, in Isa Town. Dogs should be on a lead at all times, have up-to-date vaccinations and be in good health. Those who want to borrow a BSPCA dog should visit the sanctuary in advance to reserve an animal for a 0
105897 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Health risks from mobile phone bases to be probed RISKS posed to health and the environment by mobile phone base stations and towers will be the subject of a public lecture on Wednesday. It has been organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife in co-operation with the World Health Organisa-tion. The event, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, starts at 9am and will be conducted by WHO International Electro-magnetic Fields Project (EMF) member and Internat-ional Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection chairman Paolo Vecchia. "The objective of the lecture is to address fears over health risks that may be caused by radiation from mobile phone base stations and towers," commission pollution control department head Mirza Khalaf said. He said that people often hear about electro-magnetic radiation (EMR), "but don't know what it is and are concerned about the health and safety implications of emissions from mobile phone stations and towers". Surveys have indicated tha 0
105898 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Award-winning artist's works to go on show AWARD winning Bahraini artist Ebrahim Busaad is showcasing his latest work, entitled Music of Passion, at a solo exhibition at Dar Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya. Music of Passion consists of a series of 46 paintings. Forty of them are black and white acrylic and ink paintings, which follow a 30cm by 30cm format, while the remaining six are larger coloured oil paintings. "I am constantly researching and experimenting," said Mr Busaad, who is an accomplished painter, photographer and calligrapher. "Art is like life - always changing, always unfolding. An artist needs to be in constant motion, keeping up with life and its challenges; the work reflects the artist's perception of the world around him." Mr Busaad is fresh back from winning the grand prize in the 2005 Emaar International Art Symposium, which was held last month as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. He was awarded the prize for painting with three black and white acrylic on canvas pieces. The symposium gathered 0
105899 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Pupils take stage A FUNDRAISING carnival was held at St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, yesterday. Hundreds of people attended the charity event, which was held under the theme Out With the Old and in With the New and hosted by Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin. There were various children's presentations, including a performance by the St Christopher's Senior School Band, followed by songs by St Christopher's Infant School (Budaiya) pupils and classical tap by Victoria Dance Centre. The Rainbows, Brownies and Guides, aged from five to 15 sang campfire songs, followed with performances by the Philippine School Band, which consisted of 24 majorettes, aged eight and nine. Pupils from the Philippine School also staged various cultural dances, followed by British School of Bahrain students, aged seven to 10, who performed songs from various musicals. The grand finale featured performances by 109 Indian School Band players. Other activities included a raffle draw, children's games, face 0
105900 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to host two key global conferences MANAMA THE Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE) is finalising plans for two key conferences. The 23rd Arab Engineering Conference will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Gulf International Convention Centre, Gulf Hotel, from March 14 to 16. It will be hosted by the BSE under the theme Towards Development and Integration of Engineering Infrastructure in the Arab World. The event will feature three major sessions, said BSE information and community services director Dr Isa Qamber. These are: Development and integration of telecommunication and informatics network, Development and Integration of Power and Water Networks and Development and Integration of Transportation Networks in the Arab world. The first session will cover the need to encourage the private sector to invest in the field of telecommunication and information industry. The second session will discuss the establishment of an Arab exchange for power and wate 0
105901 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Healthy eating is vital for children MANAMA Getting kids to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables can be a nightmare for some parents. Meal times can end up more stressful than a busy day at the office ! Your body digests food better when you are relaxed, so it is important to put the fun into healthy choices and allow yourself the luxury of a battle-free meal. Children learn eating habits from their parents. A child that is given regular balanced meals and healthy snacks will eat the same way during adulthood. Most cases of childhood obesity are down to a diet containing far too much fat and sugar. The amount of processed snacks and meals available in today's supermarkets far outweighs the healthy choices. If you are worried about your child's weight, it is important to take on the task of improving their eating habits without any pressure on the child. An overweight child should never be made fun of or called fat, this will only make them feel bad about the way they look. It will affect their self-est 0
105902 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Mission SlimFive volunteers from TrimDown Slimming Club have taken on the GDN weight loss challenge and this is their second weigh-in. Find out how this fortnight went and who lost or gained weight ! The group lost a total of 4.7kg this week. Zoe Read Age: 30 Occupation: IT Dept Administrator Weight at Start of Challenge: 101.6kg Ideal Weight: 66.5kg Current Weight: 100.6kg Weight lost since last weigh-in: Gain 0.6kg Total weight loss since start of challenge: 1kg This fortnight has been a much harder challenge for Zoe, who had a tonsillectomy and was on a restricted diet during recovery, which included plenty of soothing ice-cream! She expected to gain weight, because she was aware that her calories were much higher than normal. Illness affects your appetite and motivation levels. It is very difficult to lose weight when you have a limited amount of energy. The good news is that Zoe has made a full recovery and is determined to follow the plan as closely as possible this week. Zoe has already lost around 20kg with TrimDown and is now hoping to start losing weight again. Chris Arran Age: 48 Occupation: Per 0
105903 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Her success story! Name: Angela Simpson Age: 16 Occupation: Student Start Weight: 85kg Weight Now: 63.5kg Total Weight Lost: 21.5kg Start Dress Size: 16 Present Dress Size: 10 Time Taken: Five months When Angela Simpson moved to Bahrain from Canada she was only 13 years old, she had been a very sporty child and her weight was never an issue. Once in Bahrain, her level of physical activity diminished and she started gaining weight. Her mum was extremely concerned. "I just didn't know how to fix it. I tried to enroll her in a gym but at the time she was too young and I wanted to be sure she lost weight sensibly," she said. When she contacted me in January 2004, we spoke in length about how TrimDown worked. Angela was only 15 at the time, so it was essential for her to have a supportive family, who would encourage her progress. "I felt uncomfortable as I got bigger," said Angela. "When I looked at photos of myself with friends I was always the big one. I just wanted to feel better about myself." Angela was extremely lucky to have great friends and was never subjected to comments about her weight. She is, so tall she hid her extra weight well, but she 0
105904 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Jeweller jailed for dud cheques A 44-year-old Bahraini jeweller has been jailed for six months after being convicted of issuing dud cheques. He issued three dud cheques in the total amount of BD7,770 to the Bank Milli Iran, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The jeweller, who was arrested last September, told police the cheques were given to the bank only as a guarantee against a loan. He said that once the cheques bounced, he gave the bank cash instead and had a receipt to prove this. His defence lawyer said he was pleading not guilty because the cheques were intended only as a guarantee. "The bank was not supposed to cash these cheques because the defendant was settling the monthly instalments of the loan as agreed with the bank," he said. The lawyer said the bank was supposed to return the cheques as soon as the defendant had paid the last instalment He said the defendant had settled the amount of the cheques in cash as soon as they bounced. 0
105905 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL More teams join charity raft race PREPARATIONS are in full swing for this year's Bahrain Raft Race on April 22. More sponsors and teams have come onboard for the charity event, which is organised by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in association with Al Bander Hotel and Resort, in Sitra, where it will be held. Organisers are hoping to raise more than BD30,000, including BD18,000 from sponsorship alone. Confirmed sponsors include Alba, BBK, HSBC, Batelco, Standard Chartered, Merrill Lynch, Airmech and more are expected to join, said public relations chairman Raed Al Samahiji. "Teams onboard so far include Asry with two teams, the Hilton, Bahrain Airport Services, Batelco, Alba and M&I," he said. "The committee is working hard on the raffle first prize, which will hopefully be a luxury car, and sponsors are welcome. "Raffle tickets will be limited to 1,000 tickets at BD20 each." Mr Al Samahiji said companies are invited to either sponsor the event, enter a team or both. "Individuals ca 0
105906 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Rights group lines up events to mark day MANAMA AMNESTY International's National Partnership Committee (Al Sharaka) is holding a number of activities to mark International Women's Day, which is celebrated on Tuesday. Al Sharaka, which was set up late last year to take part in a global Amnesty International (AI) campaign to draw attention to violence against women as a human rights issue, discussed the activities in a meeting on Thursday at the Crowne Plaza. The group's media director, Fawzia Rabea, said it would issue a statement on the occasion to highlight violent acts committed against women around the world. It will be issued during a seminar at the Alumni Club on Tuesday in co-operation with Bahrain Women's Society, Al Reef Women's Society and Al Riffa Women's Society. "During the event we will be distributing petitions denouncing violence against women in various countries, which will be sent to AI as part of its global campaign," she said. The countries include occupied Palestine, Russia, Guatemala, Libe 0
105907 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Fund-raiser for tsunami-hit MORE than 500 people attended a charity dinner held at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Manama, last night to help raise funds for tsunami victims. It was organised by Discover Islam under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. Two main speakers addressed the event, which also included a charity auction. Former Kuwaiti health minister Dr Abdul Rahman Al Awadi, who is now the executive secretary of the Regional Organisation for the Protection of Marine Environment in Kuwait, was one of them. He has chaired many post-tsunami conferences in the region and addressed several workshops. Colombo-based Life Skills Training International chief executive officer Munshif Hussain, who flew in from Sri Lanka especially for the event, was the second speaker. Mr Hussain has conducted more than 60 workshops on Sri Lanka's tsunami experience. 0
105908 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL New Batelco networking solution for businesses BATELCO has launched a new service to provide flexible, secure and cost-effective business communications solutions. The multi protocol label switching (MPLS) service allows organisations to network their various sites over a single integrated IP-based network, enabling them to build a communications system that acts like an extension of their private corporate network. "Batelco's MPLS Network strategy is to provide customers with a full suite of integrated communications services that deliver the best combination of performance, security and reach and allow a clear migration path from traditional to IP networks," said chief executive Tony Hart. It is now available to all business customers who will benefit from the cost effective, flexible and convenient communications solutions, he added. The result is a fast and efficient means of making scattered places seem like local sites, from workers' homes and domestic branch offices to international locations and company headquarters.< 0
105909 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Bahrainis stage rally for minimum wage MORE than 3,000 people demonstrated in the Seef District yesterday, seeking an increase in minimum wages and more jobs for Bahrainis. The demonstrators, some with bread in their hands, sought to highlight the plight of the jobless and the sufferings of families due to low wages. It was the first of a series of demonstrations organised by the National Unemployed Committee, which is currently under establishment. Its information committee head Ali Mushaima said the unemployment issue should be solved now before it caused more damage. He thanked Bahrain's charity funds for helping the unemployed but pointed out that they would be incapable of helping everyone. This, he said, underlined the need for an increase in minimum wage. Mr Mushaima said his committee was happy with Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi's promise of jobs to unemployed residents in Nuwaidrat and hoped the programme would be extended to help other villages with a high rate of unemployment. Mr Mushai 0
105910 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain treat for pupils The St Christopher's School Under-19 boys' rugby and football teams entertained a team of boys from Dubai over the weekend as part of an exchange visit that saw the Bahrain pupils travel to Dubai in December last year. The children from Dubai, on a two-day visit, arrived in Bahrain last Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday played a friendly match against their Bahrain counterparts at American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar. Other activities included an afternoon at the Bahrain Sailing Club, dolphin watching, swimming and a game of beach volleyball. Yesterday, the children had another friendly match at Alba Ground, Riffa, and an afternoon shopping spree at Seef Mall before having lunch at Chilli's Restaurant. The children left Bahrain yesterday for Dubai. 0
105911 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL School lines up music festival FOLLOWING the huge success of Young Musicians of the Gulf 2005 last month, St Christopher's School is all set to hold its very own music festival this week. The Seventh Annual St Christopher's Music Festival, based on local authority music festivals in the UK, runs from tomorrow until Wednesday at the school, in Isa Town. It aims to draw together young musicians of all levels from a number of Bahrain schools to perform in a series of competitive music events. Competitors from St Christopher's School, The British School of Bahrain, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, Sacred Heart School and the Bahrain Music Institute are taking part in this year's contest. A total of 102 entries have been received in this year's contest for the instrumental heats, competing in three levels of ability. Instrumental competitors will compete against others of the same level, relating directly to the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), the world's leading mu 0
105912 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Arab honour for doctor MANAMA SYRIAN-BASED Arab Board for Medical Specialities (ABMS) awarded College of Medicine and Medical Sciences (CMMS) vice-dean Dr Faisal Al Nasir with a certificate of appreciation and trophies for his work and services to the board. Dr Al Nasir has been representing CMMS on the board for the past 12 years. He has contributed to the development of family medicine in the Arab world, its training, post-graduate education and assessment, said ABMS secretary general Dr Mofeed Jokhadar. He has been looking after the ABMS examination for post-graduate doctors in family medicine around the Arab world for many years. 0
105913 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Career expo preparations in full swing MANAMA PREPARATIONS are underway for Career Expo 2005, which will be held in December this year, announced Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. Assistant Under-Secretary for Training Abdul Elah Al Qassimi will chair the event's steering committee for the seventh consecutive year. The three-day event will be held at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) and aims to give youngsters an A to Z choice of careers in Bahrain. Career Expo is a non-profit, voluntary, community effort organised annually for the past six years by the Rotary Clubs of Manama, Salmaniya and the Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya, in co-ordination with the ministry. A skill contest, a quiz and raffle draw are planned. 0
105914 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL UK expert to give photo tips BRITISH photographer Tom Wichelow will be in Bahrain today and tomorrow to meet a group of young photographers from Ibn Khuldoon National School. The students all took part in the Bahrain in Transition photo workshop organised by the British Council, Al Riwaq Art Gallery and the school in December last year. Mr Wichelow, who ran the workshop, is in Bahrain to edit the large amount of photographs that were generated by the youngsters late last year for an exhibition, entitled Bahrain in Transition, which will open at Al Riwaq Art Gallery on March 27. The exhibition is sponsored by the British Council and will showcase the work of the participants, as well as work by Mr Wichelow himself. Tomorrow, at 7pm, Mr Wichelow will be giving a talk about his work at the gallery. The talk is open to all. 0
105915 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Knowing thy self... A SELF-AWARENESS workshop will be held today at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Manama. The workshop, which will be held from 7pm to 9pm, will be presented by Bahrain Meditation Centre director Aruna Ladva. Ms Ladva will give participants an introduction to meditation, and teach them how to be aware of their self by demonstrating various exercises and answering questions. The workshop, which is being supported by Jawad Al Hawaj, is free and all are welcome. For more information contact the centre on 17712545. 0
105916 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Private firm to build harbour A PRIVATE firm will take over construction and management of a new harbour being planned for the Ras Raya coast, located between Samaheej and Dair. Dala Property Development Company will build the harbour, which will include retail outlets such as cold stores and workshops, as a commercial venture at a cost of around BD2 million. The harbour was originally planned for the second phase of a multimillion dinar project to rehabilitate Bahrain's fishing infrastructure. The BD4.5m first phase, which includes the rehabilitation of harbours in Muharraq, Sitra and Budaiya, is already underway and is expected to be completed in the second half of this year. The government is preparing to implement the second phase of the plan, which also covers harbours in Askar, Hidd, Galali, Karzakkan, Tubli and Sanabis. The new initiative by Dala frees up some of the BD4.5m budget which is expected to be approved by legislators to be used to provide even more services at the other five harbours 0
105917 0 1488 BNEW LOCAL Experts to offer gardening tips AGRICULTURE and related issues will come under the spotlight at several lectures and workshops being held at Al Fanar Hall, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, as part of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005. At 10am today Germany OASE and Company business unit manager Michael Henkel will talk about Fountain Technology. At 5pm, Works and Housing Ministry treatment operations division manager and engineer Amal Majeed Al Aradi, who will discuss the Reuse of Treated Sewage Effluent in Bahrain. At 7pm, there will be a piano recital accompanied by an Iranian film about nature, which has been provided by the Iranian Film Museum. The first lecture tomorrow, at 10am, will be presented by Ghassan Massry, who will speak on the Intelligent Use of Water: Irrigation for a Growing World. At 5pm, Moulie', Saudi Arabia and France general manager Henri Moulie will give a presentation on flower arranging, followed at 7pm by France International Conservatoire for Gardening a 0
105918 1 1488 SPOR SPORT INJURED SERENA RETIRES DUBAI: Serena Williams' unbeaten record in 2005 came to a bizarre and unhappy end when an arm injury caused her to serve at snail's pace for three-quarters of an hour before retiring in the semi-finals of the Dubai Open. The Australian Open champion thus conceded defeat to Jelena Jankovic, the unseeded Serbian by 6-0, 4-3 retired, and there were only a few moments, when Serena took two games in a row to lead 2-1 in the second set, when she looked capable of surviving. The rest of the time a stunned crowd witnessed the world's hardest hitter attempt to contain and rally from the baseline, produce a cataract of errors and even attempt a few at drop shots in an effort to win points more quickly. Serena was evidently in discomfort from the start and was soon fighting hard to control her frustration. Several times she missed the court by yards, once she missed a smash by 10 feet, and eventually, in the eighth game, she hammered her racket twice fiercely on the ground and shattered it 0
105919 2 1488 SPOR SPORT Schumacher slow in second testing MELBOURNE: Michael Schumacher made an inauspicious start to the defence of his world championship at the Australian Formula One Grand Prix yesterday. The German was forced to retire from the season's first official practice session because of an electrical fault and could only manage the fourth fastest time in the second session. His best effort of one minute 26.081 seconds was almost two seconds outside the lap record he set at Albert Park last year, and seven-tenths of a second behind McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa. Although yesterday's practice session does not count towards qualifying and this year's times were generally slower because of new regulations, Schumacher's performance may be the first sign that Ferrari will not have everything their way this year. The Italian manufacturer won 15 of the 18 races last year with Schumacher taking the chequered flag a record 13 times on the way to an unprecedented seventh world title. Schumacher's domination over his riv 0
105920 3 1488 SPOR SPORT Thaqib wins feature race THAQIB raced to a thrilling one-and-half length victory to claim the Lexus Cup, the feature event in a card of seven races, at Sakhir yesterday. Thaqib, owned by Mohammed Nabeel Al Zeera, trained by Fadhel Al Asfoor and ridden by Nader Aziz, beat Grave Deed to win the top prize in this BD1,500 race ran over 1,600 metres. Adaleel was third and Quick Act fourth. Shuwaimaan 1034, owned by Al Jasrah, trained by A Redha Abbas and ridden by Abdulla Faisal, won the race for Arabian horses ran over 1,600 metres. Shuwaimaan beat Al Hamdaany 1121 by 10 lengths while Al Musannah 1082 was third and Tuwaisaan 1180 fourth. The race for locally bred horses ran over 1,200 metres was won by Suave who beat Castanet by half-a-length. Suave is owned by Abbas Al Mahoozi, trained by Talal Al Alawi and was ridden to victory by Trevor Naughton. Ballistic was third and Manayer fourth. Lightning Arrow, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, trained by James Naylor 0
105921 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Karthikeyan fined for 'speeding in pit lane' MELBOURNE: After waiting years to get a start in Formula One, it was no surprise that India's rookie driver Narain Karthikeyan was in a hurry to get on the track for practice at the Australian Grand Prix yesterday. When the lights signalled the start of the first session for the new season, Karthikeyan roared out of the pit lane in his gleaming yellow Jordan and set off around the twisting Albert Park circuit for the ride of a lifetime. The only problem for the 28-year-old from Madras was that his hasty exit was a little too quick for the officials. He was clocked leaving the pit lane at 86.2 km/h - exceeding the allowable speed limit of 80 km/h. He was found guilty of speeding and race stewards fined him $6,750. "I was pushing very hard," Karthikeyan said. "Now I just need to calm down a bit because I was under pressure to perform." Karthikeyan managed just six laps in the first 60-minute session when an oil leak forced him back to the team garage. T 0
105922 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Al Athim lifts two titles in 'Speed Trip competition' Abdul Rahman Farried Al Athim, driving a Porsche 911 Turbo, won in two 'high performance categories' in the Sprint Challenge and the Autocross and was third in the 'power to weight - positions gained' at the two-day motoring event organised by the owner's club Speed Trip which concluded yesterday at the Bahrain International Circuit. The competition was split into four sections - Autocross and Drag Race which were conducted on Thursday and Sprint Challenge and Power To Weight - Positions Gained yesterday. Khalid bin Sultan, driving a BMW M3 CSL also, enjoyed double success winning in the 'high performance categories' in Autocross and the Sprint Challenge. Porsches, Ferraris, BMWs and Nissan 350Zs were among the participating cars. Among the other activities on the final day was a display involving more than 100 Harley Davidson bikers who travelled between BIC and the Country Club to help raise funds for the victims of last December's tsunami disaster. Co-sponso 0
105923 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Holders Spain on brink of exit PARIS: Holders Spain endured a nightmare start to the defence of their Davis Cup crown yesterday when the decision to axe Rafael Nadal as well as the absence of Carlos Moya sent then slipping to a 2-0 deficit at the hands of Slovakia after the opening day's singles. Elsewhere, world number one Roger Federer's decision to skip the first round weighed heavily on Switzerland as they went down 1-0 to the Netherlands. Meanwhile, former winners Australia opened up a 2-0 lead over Austria while Argentina enjoyed a solid start to lead the Czech Republic 1-0. Russia were 1-1 with Chile, France and Sweden too were locked at 1-1 as were Romania and Belarus. The World Group's other tie this weekend is between 31-time winners the US, with Andre Agassi returning after a five-year absence, taking on Croatia in Los Angeles. In Bratislava, Spanish left-hander Feliciano Lopez lost the opening singles rubber to Slovak Karol Beck 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 before Fernando Verdasco fell to Dominik 0
105924 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Kallis hits fastest 50 as Zimbabwe dismissed for 54 CAPE TOWN: Zimbabwe took a pounding from South Africa in arguably the most one-sided day in Test history at Newlands yesterday when the tourists were bowled out for just 54 before the home side stormed to 340 for three in reply. It was Zimbabwe's lowest ever Test score although they managed to avoid breaking the record for the worst ever innings - 26 made by New Zealand against England in 1954-1955. But that was no consolation as they were left hapless by a South African team who reached 340 for three in just 50 overs and smashed numerous records along the way. Zimbabwe captain Tatenda Taibu admitted it was the worst day he had suffered in his Test career but said he would tell his players not to give up. Captain Graeme Smith (121) and AB de Villiers (98) hammered 217 for the first wicket at better than six runs an over as South Africa raised serious doubts about Zimbabwe's continued status as a Test nation. Further humiliation was piled on Zimbabwe when Kallis th 0
105925 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Razzak to Pakistan rescue DHARAMSHALA, India: Pakistani all-rounder Abdul Razzaq warmed up for the upcoming Test series against India with an aggressive half-century in the tour opener here yesterday. Razzaq hammered an 82-ball 63 with two sixes and 10 fours as Pakistan were all out for 273 in their first innings after resuming at 165 for five on the second day of a three-day match against a Board President's team. Pakistan could not get much-needed bowling practice ahead of the first Test against India as they sent down just 22.2 overs before bad light stopped play. The hosts reached 91 for one in reply at stumps, with Test-discard Mohammad Kaif batting on 42 and opener Dheeraj Jadhav on 30. The opening match of a three-Test series begins at Mohali on March 8. Earlier, Razzaq held the innings together with his impressive knock and helped Pakistan add 104 runs for the last four wickets after the tourists had been struggling at 169 for six in the morning session. Razzaq applied hims 0
105926 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Jimenez surges ahead of favourite Els DUBAI: Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez upstaged tournament favourite Ernie Els to take a two-shot lead in the Dubai Desert Classic second round yesterday. Jimenez, the European Tour's form player last year with five victories, fired a sparkling seven-under-par 65 to overhaul overnight leader Els at the Emirates Golf Club. The cigar-puffing Ryder Cup player reeled off eight birdies and a solitary bogey at the par-four ninth, his final hole, to complete a hot but relatively calm day at 12-under 132. South African Els, bidding this week for an unprecedented third Desert Classic crown, had to settle for second place after adding a flawless 68 to his first-round 66. Jimenez, who opened with a 67, surged to the top of the leaderboard with a run of four birdies in the first six holes. He then picked up a further four shots, including a chip-in for birdie at the par-three seventh, before stumbling at the last where he failed to get up and down from greenside rough. 0
105927 0 1488 SPOR SPORT FA slammed over Cup changes LONDON: The Football Association have been blasted over their decision to change the format of the FA Cup for next season. The 2006 FA Cup final will be staged a week early on May 13 in the first match at the new Wembley Stadium in order to help England's World Cup preparations. Sides in the Uefa Cup will also not play fifth round or quarter-final replays, and those in the Champions League will not replay quarter-finals. But Blackburn manager Mark Hughes claimed the FA Cup was being devalued because of the changes. The FA announced the changes on Thursday in order to secure the same four-week preparation period for England in the build-up to the World Cup finals which other countries will enjoy. 0
105928 0 1488 SPOR SPORT Katy claims four Awali riding titles KATY Lyons dominated the one day Awali Riding Club's annual cross country competition yesterday winning four titles. Over 30 riders from Twin Palms Riding Centre, Sahara Riding Centre, Wadi Ali Stable, Dilmun Club stable and hosts Awali Riding Centre took part in the event. In the opening Class One for Pre Novice riders, Katy riding DHL Kola negotiated the 1.4-km course and 12 obstacles just 0.25 seconds off the optimum time of three minutes 30 seconds. Emily Hamilton riding Simon (0.66 seconds) was second and Abdul Aziz Al Rumaihi riding Busheeya (2.50) third. Class Two for Juniors, also over 1.4 kms and consisting 12 obstacles, was won by Natasha Owen riding Glen. She was just 0.66 seconds outside the optimum time of three minutes 45 seconds. She was followed by Flora Hamilton riding Muffy (9:94) and Safia Dawani on Smudge (14:43). Katy's second success came on DHL Cajun Prince and in Class Three for Novice's sections. She was just 0.65 seconds of the six minute 0
105929 0 1488 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Bahrain Garden Club's Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre's Hall 1 and 2, 9am-1pm and 4pm-9pm. Entrance 500 fils and free for children and students. Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 programme: piano recital accompanied by an Iranian film about nature provided by the Iranian Film Museum, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre's Al Fanar Hall, 7pm. Performance by the Dilmun Dixielanders, JJ's Irish Restaurant, Al Bustan Hotel, 9pm. Contact 17742323. Photography exhibition on The Egyptian Civilisation, The Arts Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, 8am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Carousel - World of Imagination Recreational Clubs. Registration now open for Lingua Espaol (Spanish Club), Lingua Arabica (Arabic Club), Shake n' Spear - Performance Club. For details, contact 17685012. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 3 0
105930 1 1488 WORL WORLD TOTAL PULLOUT WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush last night stepped up calls for a total Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon, warning the Damascus government that there could be "no half-hearted measures". "Syria, Syrian troops, Syrian intelligence services must get out of Lebanon now," he said in a speech in the town of Westfield, New Jersey. Bush also welcomed Saudi Arabia joining international calls for Syria to pull its 14,000 troops out of Lebanon, where anti-Syrian feeling has mounted since the assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri last month. Separately, Bush told the New York Post newspaper that he wanted Syria's longtime presence in Lebanon and influence on its political affairs ended by May, when Lebanese parliament elections are to be held. During a speech today to his parliament, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad is expected to announce a troop pullback to eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border - but not a full withdrawal, according to Syrian and Lebanese officials. 0
105931 2 1488 WORL WORLD Italy furious over shooting of journalist ROME: Italy demanded an explanation from the United States last night after US armoured vehicle fired at the car of an Italian journalist after she was released from her captors in Iraq. The journalist was injured and one Italian secret service agent was killed in the shooting. Another agent was injured, the report said. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said he has asked the US ambassador for explanations about the shooting. "Given that the fire came from an American source I called in the American ambassador," Berlusconi told reporters. "I believe we must have an explanation for such a serious incident, for which someone must take the responsibility." The Apcom news agency said that Giuliana Sgrena, a reporter for the communist daily Il Manifesto, was in a hospital in Iraq with a shoulder injury. The shooting occurred at a roadblock, the report said. There was no immediate reaction from Italian authorities. Earlier, the Italian government had confirm 0
105932 3 1488 WORL WORLD $275m Jackson debt 'sparked kidnap plot' SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson is faced with a "crushing" personal debt of more than $275 million (BD104m) that is due at the end of this year, prosecutors claimed in documents seen yesterday. The debt and the new danger posed to his flagging business empire by an explosive television documentary spurred Jackson into hatching a plot to kidnap his child molestation accuser and the boy's family and keep them prisoner, prosecutor Gordon Auchincloss said. "I am informed that the defendant Michael Jackson was facing a dire financial crisis at the time of the charged offences," Auchincloss wrote in a request to have the superstar's financial records subpoenaed at his child sex trial. "I am also informed and believe that Jackson faces a crushing amount of personal debt mounting to well over $275m which will be due and payable in December of this year," he said in the document dated February 23, 2005. The prosecutor said the broadcast of British journalist Martin Bashir's docum 0
105933 0 1488 WORL WORLD Seven suspended over IRA murder DUBLIN: Sinn Fein, political ally of the IRA, has suspended seven party members under mounting pressure over a brutal Belfast stabbing that has driven the party to one of the lowest ebbs in its 100-year history. The January killing of 33-year-old Robert McCartney sparked unprecedented criticism of Sinn Fein and Irish Republican Army guerillas from within one of their traditional heartlands. The row was likely to overshadow the party's annual conference, starting last night. Sinn Fein had hoped the weekend meeting would be an occasion to celebrate its centenary. Instead, it is on the back foot and working hard to avoid ostracism from the political mainstream. In further bad news for the party, a poll yesterday showed its support in Ireland had slipped. Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said late on Thursday he had suspended the members over their suspected links to the murder of McCartney, a forklift truck driver, in a Belfast bar. He passed the names of susp 0
105934 0 1488 WORL WORLD Five facts about Sinn Fein DUBLIN: Following are five facts about Sinn Fein. * Sinn Fein ("We Ourselves") first emerged in the early 1900s, when Ireland was still governed by the UK. It was reorganised in 1917 to press for an Irish republic and remains committed to the reunification of Ireland, replacing the two partitioned areas created in 1920, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. * It is the only political party with elected representatives in both the Republic of Ireland and the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland. * Sinn Fein is the largest Catholic party in the North and has four members of the British parliament although they do not take their seats there as part of their objection to British rule of the north. It is the fastest growing party in the Republic, where it has five members in the 166-seat parliament. * It signed up to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended 30 years of sectarian violence in the province. That accord established a Belfa 0
105935 0 1488 WORL WORLD Racism row policemen are warned LONDON: Twelve British policemen will be disciplined following a TV documentary that uncovered racism at a police training college, investigators said yesterday. They also recommended police recruits should be vetted for signs of racist tendencies. Four trainers will receive written warnings while seven police constables and one sergeant will be given formal advice by a senior police officer, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) said. The Secret Policeman programme, which was screened by the BBC in 2003 after a reporter went undercover at a college in Cheshire, has already forced the resignation of 10 officers. "It is vital that the police service can permanently improve recruit training and ensure that each and every police officer supports the need to treat everybody fairly regardless of their race, religion or colour," said Nicola Williams, the IPCC commissioner who headed the probe. The commission recommended speeding up disciplinary procedures 0
105936 0 1488 WORL WORLD Martha Stewart freed BEDFORD, New York: US domestic diva MARTHA STEWART left prison yesterday at the end of a five month term for lying about a share deal, with her reputation and finances back on the rise. Smiling and waving, the 63-year-old head of a vast media empire left Alderson women's prison just after midnight and was flown in a private jet to her private estate north of New York city where she will now have to spend five months under house arrest. Stewart said in a statement on her website: "The experience of the last five months in Alderson, West Virginia, has been life altering and life affirming." She added: "You can be sure that I will never forget the friends that I met here, all that they have done to help me over these five months, their children, and the stories they have told me." Stewart and her daughter Alexis flew back to the family's 62-hectare country estate at Bedford, where she will be confined for the next five months. She will have to wear an electronic bracelet o 0
105937 0 1488 WORL WORLD Lagerfeld displays a dazzling range PARIS: German designer KARL LAGERFELD yesterday dazzled the Paris fashion crowd with his sporty, comfortably chic autumn-winter 2005-06 ready-to-wear collection for Chanel - offered to both women and men. "Winter sports don't discriminate between the sexes," Lagerfeld said following the show, staged on a mirror-edged catwalk lined with silver gates. "Chanel took a lot from men - it's time to give something back to them." And so the German designer sent men down the runway in the same chunky knits, tweed jackets, cashmere trousers and strands of pearls that he offered for women, creating a new wardrobe for the daring metrosexual. Despite the novelty of including men in his show, Lagerfeld's focus remained firmly on the modern Chanel woman. He unleashed a veritable assault of ideas, including his latest reinvention of the house's classic tweed suits. This season, he shortened the sleeves of jackets to reveal sweater sleeves and layered knee-length skirts over cozy cashmer 0
105938 0 1488 WORL WORLD Burglar paid 4,000 by BBC for story LONDON: The BBC came under fire yesterday after it emerged that the national broadcaster had paid a convicted criminal, whose accomplice was shot dead during a burglary, 4,000 (BD2,910), for his story. BBC television admits having paid Brendan Fearon, 35, for his account of the high-profile incident in 1999, in which a farmer, Tony Martin, opened fire on two burglars, wounding Fearon and killing 16-year-old Fred Barras, who was shot in the back as he fled the scene. The BBC has argued that Fearon's version of events is of strong value to the public. "The BBC's guidelines are very clear that payments to convicted criminals are only justifiable when there is exceptional public interest in what a contributor has to say and where there is no other way of obtaining such a contribution," it said in a statement. Martin, now 60, was jailed for life over the killing, although his sentence was later commuted to five years, and the case sparked a fierce debate in Britain about the right of 0
105939 1 1489 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain 'needs strategy to attract investments' MANAMA: Bahrain needs a coherent vision for the future which encourages investments in its economy, businessmen said yesterday. Participants in a Bahrain Businessmen's Association meeting held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa last night said that bureaucracy, lack of proper enforcement of laws, labour regulations and other hurdles are preventing the private sector from playing its rightful role in the development of the country. The event focused on issues faced by young entrepreneurs. Businessman Saqer Shaheen said that while Bahrain has many advantages including an educated population, it has lost focus in recent years. "We'd like Bahrain to regain its former position as the commercial centre of the Gulf. It's difficult but not impossible," he said. "There is an unclear vision. We as entrepreneurs don't know which businesses to focus on or what sectors Bahrain is trying promote." Mr Shaheen also said that something should be done to instil Bahr 0
105940 2 1489 BUSI BUSINESS major shamil bank shake-up opens new chapter MANAMA: Shamil Bank has announced a number of promotions as part of a restructuring plan, which will see the bank place more emphasis on retail and investment banking. "This is a new era for Shamil Bank as we move to maintain our winning strategies for strong positioning in Sharia-compliant banking," said chief executive Mohammed Hussain. "We have therefore restructured the team affecting these promotions based on individual performance and growth potential." The bank will also be introducing new products that give priority to retail and investment banking, said Mr Hussain. The new appointments are: Yousif Abdulla Al Khan (head of information technology); Rashid Hasan Al Olaiwi (head of customer services); Abdulrahman Rashid Al Jowder (local corporate senior manager); Abdulnasser Ali Bukamal (senior manager of banking operations); Mounther Hussain Al Sabbagh (manager of investment banking); Yasser Hamad Al Jar (manager of financial control); Isa Ali Buchir (assistant ma 0
105941 3 1489 BUSI BUSINESS GIB 'playing key finance service role' MANAMA: Gulf International Bank (GIB) was the primary provider of project and structured finance services in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region last year, according to global database Dealogic ProjectWare. It said the volume of project finance in the Mena region increased to $18.5 billion last year, compared with $11bn in 2003. The number of transactions also went up from 15 to 22. GIB played a lead arranger role in the $9.3bn Qatargas II Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility, which was the largest global oil and gas project financing deal last year and the first ever LNG-chain integrated financing. Other major deals in which GIB played a key role included the $493 million Al Ezzel power project financing in Bahrain and the $550m Sohar IWPP financing in Oman. "Our leading position in regional project finance is attributable to both our skills and regional market knowledge," said GIB's chief executive officer Dr Khaled Al Fayez. GIB was top o 0
105942 0 1489 BUSI BUSINESS Middle East insurance sector in spotlight MANAMA: Over 400 financial industry representatives will take part in the Second Middle East Insurance Forum, which will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The event, under the patronage of Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) Governor Rasheed Al Maraj, is being organised by Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group in cooperation with the BMA. It takes place against a backdrop of accelerated economic reforms, demographic growth, privatisation of government assets and healthcare, greater awareness, growth of Takaful insurance, compulsory insurance and improvements of the regulatory environment. The Arab insurance industry's growth has seen radical changes in non-life insurance, which in 2002 increased by 13.3 per cent and reached $5 billion, and in life-insurance premiums which grew by 20.6pc to reach $1.1bn. Expert speakers will discuss these and other major developments facing the Arab insurance industry, such as global and regional trends in ins 0
105943 0 1489 BUSI BUSINESS Bapco chief to address Dubai forum MANAMA: Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed will be one of the speakers at the 13th Annual Middle East Petroleum and Gas Conference in Dubai next month. The conference, from April 3 to 5, is the longest running annual oil conference in the region. The event, widely acclaimed for facilitating high-quality information exchange, intellectual debate and outstanding networking opportunities, has been held annually in the Gulf since 1993, with national oil companies in the region vying to host the event. After Dubai, Bahrain holds the record for hosting the conference four times in its 13-year history, the last occasion being last year. The conference will be held under patronage of Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and hosted by the Emirates National Company. This year's theme is Changing Cycles or a New Plateau: A Dramatic New Paradigm in Middle East Oil. Other key speakers include UAE Energy Minister Mohammed Dhaen Al Hamli, Conoco Phillips chairm 0
105944 0 1489 COMM COMMENTThere are jobs for you - just apply! Eighteenth Century English poet and critic Samuel Johnson, writing about sceptical people, said: "Truth is a cow that will yield such people (sceptics) no more milk, and so they are going to milk the bull". This perfectly illustrates how misguided were those who demonstrated on Friday outside the Seef Mall, holding pieces of bread and complaining of low wages and unemployment. Ironically, yesterday's Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper (Page 2), carried a Situations Vacant advertisement offering a huge range of work FOR BAHRAINIS ONLY. The jobs available are: civil structure engineer, mechanical piping engineer, quantity surveyor, land surveyor, AutoCAD operator, construction supervisor, secretaries, computer operators, clerks, crane operators, excavator operator, shovel operator, heavy mechanics, electricians, welders, pipe fitters, carpenters, steel fixer, rigger, light and heavy duty drivers. Yes, jobs ARE being advertised - but where are the takers? Do such demonstrators expect them 0
105945 0 1489 COMM COMMENTTribute to a dying friend's bravery... My friend Tim who has been so ill back home, is now in the final days of his life, comforted at last by the kind of deep sleep that only heavy doses of morphine can bring, His family are around him and though they are deeply saddened, his brother says that his face is free of pain for the first time in months. I am full of admiration not only for Tim's bravery in facing this appalling illness, but also that of his immediate family in providing him love and comfort throughout. My own sadness is heightened by the fact that since he has been unable to speak for some time and is now rarely conscious, I am not able to speak to him for one last time and, if I could find the words, to say goodbye. I am oddly cheered by the fact that he made it to his 50th birthday, which as it happened was on Friday, though he will have been barely aware of it, if at all. We have known each other since we started infants school and had never dreamed in our youth that our friendship would 0
105948 0 1489 LETT LETTERS Plain stupidity cause of most car accidents THERE are only two reasons why a person can 'lose control' of their vehicle: mechanical failure and stupidity. Mechanical failure is a comparatively rare occurrence these days, so it is obvious that in the majority of cases where someone 'loses control' of their vehicle, stupidity is the cause. Stupid people should be prevented from risking other people's lives on the road by losing not only their vehicles (i.e. having them confiscated by the police), but also their driving licences. While we are on the subject of road safety, why haven't the police told Electronovation to remove their huge patriotic signboard from the pavement outside their shop on Riffa Avenue? Drivers trying to turn onto Riffa Avenue at the East Riffa Post Office junction have to pull right out into the slow lane in order to see if the road is clear, because the signboard is blocking their view of oncoming traffic. Keep death off the roads 0
105949 0 1489 LETT LETTERS What a nerve! WITH reference to the letter "Stop the whining", (GDN, March 1) I find it shocking that some people have the nerve to write that it's okay to flaunt laws. You say that we can do whatever we want as long as we don't cause an accident. My friend, it is because of people like you who do whatever you want that accidents take place and innocent people suffer. When you park in the middle of the road to run for your errands you nail other people in traffic lines. Yes, you may have an urgent need to do something but you fail to understand that there are also other people who have the same or more urgent needs who are willing to take a minute to search for a proper parking spot so as not to cause discomfort to the rest of the people. If you are really tired of reading all the letters regarding traffic problems then grow up and be part of the solution and not the problem. Sammy Dias 0
105950 0 1489 LETT LETTERS Driving freedom great THIS is a letter in response to the letter "Stop the whining" (GDN, March I) I have to confess I could not agree more with the author. I too enjoy the freedom that driving in Bahrain offers, the freedom to do exactly as one pleases so long as no one gets hurt. (A policy by the way that I suggested to US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld for Iraq but it was rejected out of hand, for reasons that still, to this day, remain unclear to me) The odd dent or scratch is surely a cheap price to pay for being able to experience this wonderful freedom. I was just thinking as I drove home the other day how nice the policemen in Bahrain are. It used to be said that London 'Bobby's' (named, by the by, after Sir Robert Peel who invented policemen - we all know that) were the finest in the world. Now we can bestow this honour on Bahrain's finest. I thought of this as I as swinging round the roundabout near the Old Palace, foot on the dashboard, mobile in one hand, "cold one" in the other 0
105951 0 1489 LETT LETTERS Leak delays explained FURTHER to the complaint (GDN, January 28) regarding "Millions of gallons of water wasted", we would like to thank the reader for his efforts and co-operation. However the delay in leak repair was due to certain following factors: 1. With regard to the difficulty in reaching the Water Emergency Centre, there was a communication problem with the centre's switchboard which was replaced with a new digital exchange (number 17814111) on January 27, 2005. 2. It was difficult to locate the exact area of leak due to the fact that the road number published in the newspaper was wrong and there was no contact number mentioned as well. 3. According to the centre's records, the complaint by the reader was registered on January 6, at 5.30am regarding the leakage on the Road 3202, Area 635 at Ma'ameer industrial area. Apparently a leak was found on a 12mm service connection which was attended and the alIedged leak could not be spotted easily as the water seepage in the nearby channel res 0
105952 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Dhahrani blasts MPs MANAMA: Bahrain's MPs were yesterday told to show more restraint while criticising the government and shun lavish lifestyles. Parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani angrily told MPs yesterday to attend committee meetings regularly and curb tendencies to seek excessive media coverage. "Show the public that you are really worth the wages you are being paid and serve the interests of your constituencies who voted for you not so that you can drive new Mercedes," he said. 0
105953 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Clamp on lingerie mannequins urged A NEW call has gone out to ban scantily-clad mannequins from shop windows. The displays are spurring improper behaviour by youths and embarrassing women, says a Central Municipal councillor. The Central area includes Isa Town, A'Ali, Sitra, Zayed Town, parts of Riffa, Sanad, Tubli and surrounding areas Mannequins clad in lingerie should be moved away from the display windows and into designates areas for women in the shops, said Abbas Mahfoodh. A similar proposal was presented at the Muharraq Municipal Council in November last year. "I have been approached by a number of women who say that young men make impolite gestures to them whenever they walk past shops displaying such clothing in their windows," said Mr Mahfoodh. "They say the situation has now become unbearable and are demanding that such mannequins be removed." Mr Mahfoodh, who represents Tubli and surrounding areas, said he was not the only councillor getting complaints. "I appr 0
105954 1 1489 BNEW LOCAL TIME FOR UNITY MANAMA MANAMA: The Prime Minister yesterday urged citizens to stop politicising every social problem. Progress unhindered by politics was the key to future security and prosperity, he told his weekly majlis. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa highlighted the dangers of politicisation, instead calling for civilised, positive dialogue. "We should not be involved in discussions away from development priorities," he told ministers, government officials, Shura and parliament members, dignitaries, businessmen, media and citizens. "We should be marching forward towards more reforms, correcting faults, not looking backwards to any cry that plants obstacles in our way," he said. Unity among all sectors of Bahrain's people was the key to preserving achievement and building on them. He pointed out that no country in the world, big or small, was problem-free. However, more advanced countries dealt more wisely with them without resorting to politicisation. "We shoul 0
105955 2 1489 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain scoops GCC environmental awards MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain has scooped four out of five GCC environmental awards. The awards are given every other year by the GCC secretariat-general to honour member states for environmental protection. Awards are given out for the Best Environmental Research, the Best Environmental Personality, the Best Environmental Awareness Programme, the Best Educational or Research Establishment in Serving the Environment and the Best Industrial Establishment that Abides to Environmental Standards. Bahrain's Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife director-general and vice-president Dr Ismail Mohammed Al Madani was named Best Environmental Personality for 2003-2004. Mr Al Madani was presented with the award for his efforts and accomplishments in environmental protection over 20 years. The Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research was named Best Educational or Research Establishment, while the industry award went to Alba. The Youth and 0
105956 3 1489 BNEW LOCAL Custody battle child 'not in Bahrain' MANAMA A TODDLER at the centre of a custody battle has reportedly been taken out of Bahrain. Filipina Lecita Flores believes her Bahraini ex-husband has fled the country with their two-year-old daughter Sara. He has reportedly been detained in Kuwait, but there is no trace of Sara, Ms Flores said yesterday. She said she last saw Sara in January and talked to her on the phone a month ago. Ms Flores said she suspected something was wrong when her daughter said: "My mummy is dead". "I knew somehow my ex-husband was going to take her even further away from me," she said yesterday. "Why would they teach my daughter to say that I was already dead?" She said Kuwaiti Immigration officials confirmed that her ex-husband had entered Kuwait by car on February 4, but gave no details of Sara. Philippine Embassy officials in Bahrain checked with Bahrain authorities and were last month informed that Sara was definitely "out of Bahrain". Ms Flores said 0
105957 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Harvesting fruits of the past... MANAMA SCHOOLCHILDREN are being encouraged to make their own henna, rose jam and other traditional products, in a bid to preserve the history and heritage of Bahrain. The Education Ministry is demonstrating some of the techniques for making various traditional products at the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF), which is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). The fair, which concludes today, is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Shaikha Sabeeka, who is chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, opened the fair on Thursday. The Education Ministry is one of almost 60 local exhibitors participating in the event. Al Kayrawan Intermediate School for Girls agricultural teacher Saeda Al Alawi said they were showing visitors how to make henna, rose jam from rose petals, paper from plant materials and coffee from date seeds, as well as how to grow mushroom 0
105958 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Work on social centre begins WORK on a new BD120,000 social centre for the disabled has started after initially stalling over a car parking dispute. The plan is to convert an abandoned post office in Diraz into a social centre, but the Northern Municipality at first refused to issue the building permit. It said that one-third of the 18 metres x 18m land should be set aside for parking. However, it reversed its decision following the intervention of the Northern Municipal Council, the then Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Dr Mohammed Al Sitri and Works and Housing Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Roads Essam Khalaf. The project was given the go ahead and is expected to take eight months to complete. It is being paid for with a donation from the Al Matrook family. "We thank the Al Matrook family for its generous donation, which proves their desire to help needy people in the country," said Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. "These people are in desperat 0
105959 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Hawker jailed for selling porn CDs AN Indian street hawker has been jailed for two months for selling pornographic films. The 28-year-old was caught selling pirated CDs near Bab Al Bahrain, the Lower Criminal Court heard. He admitted selling pirated and pornographic CDs as well as being in the country illegally, since he was no longer with his original sponsor. The court ordered that he be deported as soon as he completes his sentence. He was arrested on February 13, after a plainclothes policeman saw him selling pirated foreign and pornographic films in the street, near Bab Al Bahrain. Sponsor The defendant told police he arrived in Bahrain four years ago as a labourer, but after three years left his sponsor to work on his own. He said that for the month prior to his arrest he had been buying pirated films CDs from hawkers in the traditional market in Isa Town. "I buy one CD for 500 fils and sell it for BD1," he said. "I was standing near Bab Al Bahrain in Manam 0
105960 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL $100,000 raised at charity dinner THE charity dinner organised by Discover Islam raised well over $100,000 (BD37,800). The fund-raiser in aid of the Tsunami Relief Fund was held, under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza. It was attended by a crowd of more than 500 people. "Our brothers and sisters who have been affected by the tsunami are numberless and we have to extend our hands to help them," said Shaikh Abdulla. "The Bahraini government under the visionary leadership of His Majesty King Hamad and the wise leadership of the Prime Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa have supported the efforts in helping the tsunami victims and organisations involved in this endeavour. Concerns "Rehabilitation and restoration are the prime concerns in helping the victims to get back to normal life soon and everybody should support this mission." Shaikh Abdulla said conti 0
105961 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Hit play treat for disabled BAHRAIN's disabled people enjoyed the top hit play Right Always Prevails at Sanabis Cultural Centre. A sign language interpreter was working off-stage, so that deaf people understood the 70-minute play. It was performed by Al Arooj Theatrical Troupe and written and directed by troupe leader Jaber Hassan. The play stars Maki Jassim, Mohammed Sahwan, Hussain Al Salatna and Fadhel Zain. The play highlights what happened after the martyrdom of the Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed in the Battle of Karbala at the hands of Yazid's (an Ummayyad ruler) army. It focuses on the meeting between Yazid and his troops and everyone blaming the other for the slaughter of the Imam. Meanwhile, the play will also be performed in an open area in Aker on Thursday. It will start at 8.30pm and tickets cost BD1. 0
105962 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Ministers under fire GOVERNMENT ministers have been accused of meddling in parliament's business. They have also been criticised for taking too long to answer written questions from MPs, causing delays to parliament's business. A call has also gone out for ministers to be questioned openly in parliament, instead of behind closed doors at specific committee meetings. The accusations came as MPs met at an extraordinary full session yesterday, to discuss changes to parliament's by-laws. They are discussing possible changes, in a report submitted by the parliament's legislative and legal affairs committee. Committee chairman Ali Al Mohannadi said that by law ministers had no right to meddle with proposals before they had been submitted to them in writing. "We are facing trouble with some ministers, who interfere in proposals submitted by individuals, during the parliamentary session and before those proposals have been sent to them," he said. "According to the law, minist 0
105963 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Three held for street assault POLICE arrested three Bangladeshi men after they were found beating another man in Hoora, said sources. Thirty-seven-year-old Abu Al Khalam, also Bangladeshi, was cowering beneath the three men when a passing patrol was alerted to the incident. It is unclear what the motive of the attack was, but it is thought to be money-related. Mr Al Khalam was injured in the attack but did not receive hospital treatment. Upon investigation, two of the attackers were found to be staying in Bahrain illegally without a valid work permit or CPR. 0
105964 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Driver hurt in car crash A BAHRAINI driver was injured when his car flipped over after a tyre burst on the Shaikh Salman Highway yesterday. The Bahraini, said to be in his 20s, was in the fast lane, near Rally Town, when his rear left tyre burst, at around 1.30pm. His car swerved to the right lane and clipped a Saudi-registered car driven by 35-year-old Pakistani Arif Rasheed, then flipped over the metal guard rail and into the sand. "I was on the right lane heading back to Saudi, when I saw the car on the left lane heading towards me," said Mr Rasheed, who works as a driver in the Saudi Hanco transportation company. "The car hit me, tumbled over the iron guardrail and landed on the sand on its side. Mr Rasheed was uninjured but the Bahraini driver was taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex suffering from injuries to his neck and left arm. Nobody else was in the car at the time. 0
105965 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Two offices ransacked by raider A RAIDER ransacked two offices in the Al Ahli House office complex in Manama, after apparently sneaking in while a watchman was using the bathroom. Indian Mohan Nan said he left his post at the reception for just a few minutes. "The offices were not open at the time, so there were only three watchmen on the premises," said the 39-year-old. "The front door would have been unlocked, but I certainly wasn't aware someone had come inside," he said. Twenty minutes later Mr Nan was startled by a large Bahraini man charging through the reception and out of the front door. "I was very shocked and I told the other watchmen to search the floors," he said. Two offices belonging to investment companies were found forced open and turned over, but nothing was stolen. Mr Nan insisted that he heard no unusual sounds or banging during the break-in, which happened at around 4.30pm, possibly because of nearby construction work. 0
105966 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Tax cut benefit for 64 families A TOTAL of 67 more families, who live in rented homes, are to benefit from the municipal tax cuts scheme. The decision was made yesterday by Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh. Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Juma Al Ka'abi said 9,707 families now benefit from the scheme. The gesture, which aims to help needy families, has led to a drop of BD53,000 in the ministry's monthly income. Families benefitting from the scheme are also entitled to receive free garbage bags on a monthly basis. 0
105967 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Bahrainis flee with Kuwaiti's mobile phone A KUWAITI man complained to police that two Bahrainis stole his mobile phone and fled after he lent it to them to make an urgent phone call, sources said. The Kuwaiti, 23, claims that he was sitting in his car at the Seef Mall's car park when the two approached him and asked to borrow his phone. When he gave it to them, they ran to their car and sped off. 0
105968 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Sporting fun for young MORE than 80 youngsters from the St Christopher's Infant Schools of Budaiya and Awali took part in a Sports Day at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club, yesterday. The children, who are aged from three to four, took part in a number of different activities, including the Tunnel Race, Quoit Balancing and the Water Relay. Parents were also allowed to take part in some of the races. 0
105969 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Club's grand raffle draw prize is won HOLDER of ticket number 03012 won the grand prize of a Toyota Echo Sedan Model 2005 during the Filipino Club's Grand Raffle Draw. The other winning numbers are as follows: 16686, 00839, 16812, 10801, 02462, 01327, 00946, 17977, 15055, 02937, 00170, 02235, 18522, 18703, 01252, 00285, 02512, 16915, 16901, 01029, 15533, 16909, 15613, 03259 and 02801. Winners are requested to claim their prizes at the club in Zinj tomorrow, from 4pm to 10pm. They need to show their CPRs or passports to claim their prizes. The charity event was supported by Cathay Pacific, Bahrain Financing Company, El Bulakeno Jewellery, Lyn Fiel, Allied Bank, Bahrain Tourist and Travel Bureau, Caravan Cargo Group, Concepcion Family, Travelers Tribes, FC Hairdressers Barbers Cosmetologists Guild, FC Tennis Group, Filipinas Cargo, Movenpick Hotel, The Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Cubao Cargo, Gulf Hotel, Forex Cargo, Sheraton Hotel and Gulf Cellar. 0
105970 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Reality TV show exit for Ahmed TWENTY-year-old Ahmed Salahaddin has been voted out from popular reality TV series Star Academy. This was the fourth time Ahmed has been nominated for an exit. A delegation consisting of supporters Murad Events Management director Mohammed Murad, www.bahrain2day.com director Fahad Mandi and Bahrain Youth Society president Ali Sharafi went to the studio in Beirut, Lebanon, to cheer Ahmed live. The live show is also broadcast on LBC at 9.30pm every Friday, where fans choose one competitor from three contestants to stay. One of the remaining two is chosen to stay on by their peers on the show, while the third is eliminated. There are now seven competitors from all Arab countries. Eight have already been eliminated. Star Academy is a Beirut-based reality TV show broadcast 24-hours-a-day on the Star Academy channel. A brief one-hour show is broadcast daily on LBC at 8pm. 0
105971 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Schools train for model UN forum Around 290 students from schools around Bahrain took part in a training session for the 11th Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun), to be held at the Abdulrahman Kanoo School in Isa Town on Thursday and Friday. The forum is being organised by The Rotary Club of Adliya, under the direction of Bahmun chairwoman and Rotarian Dr Lina Lewis. Almost 20 per cent of this year's entrants are from Bahrain's government schools, playing the role of country ambassadors and diplomats. The training session, held at the school, briefed the youngsters on the forum's required smart dress code, research topics and necessary preparation. This year's proposed issues for discussion include securing the role of women as participants in peace talks and post-conflict reconstruction, implementing disarmament and arms control and eliminating the growing of drugs such as opium and cocaine and encouraging farmers to produce other crops. This year's forum will be held under the patronage of I 0
105972 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Health talk by doctor at hotel A SYMPOSIUM on the management of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract will take place at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel next Sunday. The event starts at 8.30pm and Dr Seraj Aldin Zakria, from Egypt, will deliver a talk on the subject. It has been organised by Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, which is based in Julphar, UAE. For more information, contact Dr Sadaqat Aleem on 39184341. The event is mainly of interest to doctors, but all are welcome to attend. 0
105973 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Ideal setting for singers' show THE Manama Singers' Opera Choruses in the Courtyard is all set to be an entertaining evening. The concert will take place at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, in Manama, from 7.30pm on Thursday. The group is a Bahrain-based amateur choir with some 50 members from all over the globe. They perform under the baton of Alistair Auld, who is also head of music at St Christopher's Senior School, in Isa Town. As he explained, his heavy involvement in the acclaimed Young Musicians of the Gulf Competition over recent weeks has not diluted his commitment to the Manama Singers and he is as busy and enthusiastic as ever rehearsing the choir for two forthcoming concerts. "We feel extremely lucky to be performing in two of Bahrain's premier locations over the next few months," said Mr Auld. "On Thursday we will be singing operatic choruses and arias in the stunning surroundings of La Fontaine, and on May 5 we will sing the Mozart Requiem at the Bahrain National 0
105974 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Top gardeners reap rewards GPIC and Alba are still celebrating sharing the Best Kept Industrial Garden award at the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF). Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa presented the Southern Governor and the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup for Best Kept Industrial Garden to Alba chief executive Bruce Hall and GPIC training superintendent Hanan Al Maskati. GPIC and Alba jointly won the award after entering the Bahrain Garden Club's 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show, which is being held as one of the features of the BGF. Mr Hall was delighted with winning the award and congratulated all Alba employees on the distinguished achievement. He also emphasised the company's determination to continue its environmental protection programmes, which have been implemented since the smelter's commissioning. "This award is certainly a source of great pride for t 0
105975 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL New BMW even more dynamic THE new BMW 3 Series Saloon was launched by Euro Motors at its showroom in Sitra last night. "The new BMW 3 Series is more dynamic and more spacious than ever before - the car is both a midrange saloon and a sports driving machine," said Euro Motors managing director Zayed Al Zayani. The top-of-the-range BMW 330i boasts a six-cylinder, 258 brake horse power (bhp) engine and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds. This makes this new three-litre, the most powerful and lightest six-cylinder in its segment. The BMW 325i is also making its debut in Bahrain, with a maximum BMW 3 Series - 2 engine output of 218 bhp at 6500 rpm and acceleration to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Rounding off the line-up, the BMW 320i is the most powerful four-cylinder in the range. All models come with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission gearbox which allows the new 3 series to accelerate even faster than before and achieving a higher top speed. All this comes on even less fuel and 0
105976 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Prize day for charity... PRIZES for the winners of this year's Charity Dish at the Children and Mothers Welfare Society were presented to its president Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa yesterday. The prizes were donated by 10 individuals and companies. They are Blata Antiques Shop, Al Bustan, Al Hawaj, Akbari, Elle Lingerie, Al Zain, MaxMara, Shaikha Haya bint Ali Al Khalifa and Fatima Ameen. The 22nd Charity Dish will be held tomorrow at the society's Isa Town premises. The event, under the patronage of Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa, is one of the society's main fund-raisers to support its welfare activities and projects. About 20 tables have been booked for the event so far. Funds collected will go towards the society, the Hope Institute for Handicapped Children, the Information Centre for Women and Children, kindergartens and nurseries. The Charity Dish will also include a competition for the best dish in five different categories. They are Bahraini main dish, B 0
105977 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Human rights in spotlight A WORKSHOP on Human Rights Basics will start today at the Northern Governorate, Budaiya. The two-day event is being organised by the governorate in co-ordination with the Bahrain Society for Human Rights under the patronage of Governor Ahmed bin Saloom. It will be led by activists Abdulnabi Al Ekri, Ahmed Al Hujairi, Abdulredha Hassan and Zainab Al Durazi and will focus on basic human rights principles, human rights guaranteed by the United Nations, society and human rights and international campaigns to spread human rights. 0
105978 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Scrabble aces gear up for play-off event THIRTEEN Scrabble enthusiasts are gearing up for the first games of the 35th Scrabble Play-off tournament, which will kick off tomorrow at the Hilton, beginning at 7pm. The two-month qualifying play-offs determine the seven contestants from Bahrain for the 15th Gulf Scrabble Tournament, which will also be held at the Hilton in June. The play-offs will see a league-style format where no trophies or prizes are to be won, although players will be awarded prizes based on skill. After the first game, Bahrain Scrabble League members will take time off to elect a new five-member committee. Meanwhile, the 34th Scrabble play-offs awards programme will be held at the Hilton on March 14. Acting Pakistan Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam will be guest of honour at the ceremony. In other developments, Nestor Javier won the week's competition at the Yateem Centre, with Oswald Fernandes heading division B. 0
105979 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL 100 tune up for contest MORE than 100 pupils from six Bahrain-based schools are taking part in the Seventh Annual St Christopher's Music Festival, which opens today. The festival , based on the local authority (municipal) music festivals in the UK, will be held daily until Wednesday at St Christopher's School's junior hall in Isa Town. It aims to draw together young musicians of all levels from a number of Bahrain schools to perform in a series of competitive music events. Competitors from St Christopher's School, The British School of Bahrain, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, Sacred Heart School and the Bahrain Music Institute are taking part in this year's contest. The schedule for today's heats is as follows: level one piano from 9am to 10.30am; level three strings from 11am to 11.45am; level two piano from 11.55am to 1pm; level three voice from 1.15pm to 1.45pm; and level two woodwind from 1.50pm to 2.20pm. The heats continue tomorrow and Tuesday and the schedules a 0
105980 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Latest Lexus series vehicles launched THE new Lexus GS Series was launched by exclusive Lexus and Toyota distributor Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre last night. The series includes the GS 300 and the GS 430. Several hundred guests attended the launch event. The GS Series stable now offers the fastest sports sedan from Lexus. The GS 430 has a 4.3-litre, V8 engine with the largest ever displacement (279 HP) and output for a Lexus sedan. The GS 300 has an all new 3.0-litre, V6 engine (228 HP) which replaces the 3.0-litre in-line engine. The all-new GS300 and GS 430 thoroughbreds are now on display at the Lexus and Toyota showroom in Sitra. 0
105981 0 1489 BNEW LOCAL Lectures lined up A FLOWER arranging workshop is one of three educational events being held today at the Al Fanar Hall, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The events are being held as part of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which concludes today. The programme kicks off at 10am with a lecture by Ghassan Massry, who will speak on the Intelligent Use of Water: Irrigation for a Growing World. At 5pm, Moulie', Saudi Arabia and France general manager Henri Moulie will give a presentation on flower arranging. At 7pm, France International Conservatoire for Gardening and Landscaping director Jean-Paul Pigeat, who will speak on Innovation and Plant Creation. Lectures will be in English. All fair visitors are welcome. 0
105982 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Ponting hits ton in Kiwi whitewash NAPIER, New Zealand: A belligerent batting display by captain Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist steered Australia to a 122-run win over New Zealand in a record-laden one-day match here yesterday to give the world champions a clean sweep of the five-match series. Ponting relished the flat batting pitch as he cracked 141 off 127 balls, while Gilchrist was merciless, hammering 91 off 61 balls as Australia reached 347 for five and then restricted New Zealand to 225 for eight. New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming said his team had no answer throughout the series. Ponting, who also picked up the man-of-the-match award, said Australia had achieved their first target of the tour which has three Tests still to come. In a run of records, Ponting passed Greg Chappell's highest score against New Zealand of 138 not out in Sydney in 1980-81 when he hit consecutive sixes off Craig McMillan off the final two balls. In his majestic innings, Ponting cracked 10 fours and five sixes fo 0
105983 0 1489 SPOR SPORT CEFL chief meets committee members THE Companies and Establishments Football League (CEFL) organising committee chairman Mazin Al Omran met the committee members and discussed the format of this season's competitions. The committee reviewed the suggestion of dividing the teams taking part in the league into two groups. The suggestion will be submitted at the general assembly meeting to be held within three weeks. The committee also received letters from two companies - Jawad and Projects - to field their teams for the new season. Present at the meeting were treasurer Majeed Askar, fixtures secretary Mohammed Ebrahim of Bapco, general secretary Mohammed Murtada of Y K Almoayyed and Ahmed Mahmood of GPIC. 0
105984 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Filipino basketball team to visit Bahrain A PHILIPPINE all-star basketball team will be in Bahrain on April 28 and 29 to play a series of friendly matches with Bahraini clubs and the Bahrain national team, according to Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) president Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa. Shaikh Mohammed said the event is being arranged by the Guirgisco Group of Companies in co-operation with the BBA. The team will comprise of Philippines Basketball Association superstars including Alvin Patrimonio, Allan Caidic, Ato Agustin, Samboy Lim and Zaldy Realubit. For more information contact Guirgisco Group office on 17714757. 0
105985 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Khalid beats Isa for final slot KHALID Fakhro beat Isa Al Shaikh 6-2, 6-3 and Ahmed Abdulreda defeated Khalid Falah 6-1, 6-3 in the boys under-13 semi-finals of the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship being held at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. In the boys under-10 singles semi-finals, Abishek M tamed Parashar Chatterjee while Ayman Jaffar outplayed Abishek Konar 9-5. The finals in the under-10 and under-13 are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. Today's fixtures: 4pm - Under-16 singles semi-finals: Hamad Al Nusuf vs Simon Taylor, Hassan Abdulreda vs Abdulla Mohammed; Boys under-18 singles semi-finals: Abdulrahman Shuwaiter vs Hamad Khalaf, Hamad Al Fardan vs Karim Abdulrida; 5pm: Girls under-18 semi-finals: Nariman Al Zan vs Yasmine Ebada, Hadeel Abdulraouf vs Tarryn Carlson. 0
105986 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Inverness battle to hold Rangers GLASGOW: Rangers suffered a hiccup at the top of the Scottish Premier League after losing a late goal in a 1-1 draw at home to Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Barry Ferguson scored his first goal since returning from Blackburn Rovers when he struck after 57 minutes but Inverness levelled in stoppage time through ex-Celtic player Brian Prunty. Yesterday's draw leaves Rangers with 72 points from 29 matches ahead of Celtic on 65 from 26 games. "It's an indication of how you can never take anything for granted," Rangers manager Alex McLeish told BBC Scotland as he reflected on the two points his team had surprisingly dropped. "We didn't taken anything for granted because we knew they were a team on form. I just felt the tempo was too slow in the first half." Inverness manager Craig Brewster added: "To come away with a point from here and in the manner we did, with scoring in the last minute, I don't think many people would have believed it". Celtic visit third-p 0
105987 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Wigan edge past Ipswich LONDON: A Nathan Ellington penalty sent Wigan back to the top of The Championship on goal difference after a 1-0 victory over title rivals Ipswich Town yesterrday. Ellington tucked home the spot kick just before the break to hoist Wigan on to 69 points, just ahead of Sunderland who were 2-0 winners at Burnley on Friday. Ipswich stay third on 66 points while fourth-placed Derby County moved onto 60 after a first-half free kick by Spanish midfielder Inigo Idiakez secured a 1-0 win over Plymouth Argyle with the Devon side having earlier missed a penalty. 0
105988 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Smith wins KGS Medal Trophy competition JASON Smith notched the KGS Medal Trophy competition, organised by Riffa Golf Club at its premises. Smith managed a net score of 71 and was followed by Peter Falk in second place with net 73 and Hyun Soo Kim was third also on 73. All three winners also qualify for the Jaguar Medal Series Finals, along with Rajiv Mittal, Nigel Brough and Brendan Kavanagh, the three Jaguar qualifiers from the 13 to 36 handicap section. The club staged a two-title tournament over the weekend combining the monthly Jaguar Medal Series qualifier with the annual Ex-Grammarians KGS Medal Trophy. The Ex-Grammarians KGS Medal Trophy was presented to Smith by Riffa's golf operations manager Phil Jones while Jaguar's after-sales manager Jeff Glasgow awarded the trophies to the six qualifiers from that event. 0
105989 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Lara dropped for home series LONDON: West Indies captain Brian Lara is one of seven senior players who will not be selected for the home series against South Africa and Pakistan because of a sponsorship dispute. The dispute centres around a potential clash between the West Indies' main official sponsor Digicel and the seven players' personal deals with Cable and Wireless. In a statement West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) president Teddy Griffith said Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul would not be selected until the WICB was satisfied that their personal contracts would not infringe on the team deal made with Digicel. 0
105990 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Jimenez stays ahead as Els rallies DUBAI: Ernie Els recovered from a bad start yesterday to stay one stroke behind leader Miguel Angel Jimenez after three rounds of the Dubai Desert Classic. Els, a two-time Dubai champion, hit two solid shots to reach the green on the 458-yard, par-4 opening hole, but he putted four times to record a double bogey. The South African soon regrouped and made seven birdies to finish with a 5-under 67 for a 15-under 201 total. Jimenez, who put together a bogey-free round of 4-under 68, stayed one shot clear of Els at 16-under 200. "I still don't know what I did there on the first hole," Els said. "I guess you are never too old to learn. "You have got to respect the old game. I did try on each of those putts. The only reason I can think of is that the practice green was a bit too fast than the ones out there." Jimenez, looking for his first title of 2005, started with a par and had a two-stroke advantage over Stephen Dodd, who birdied the fourth hole to move to 1 0
105991 0 1489 SPOR SPORT South Africa win Test within two days CAPE TOWN: Zimbabwe became only the third team in modern times to lose a Test inside two days when they were beaten by an innings and 21 runs in the first Test by South Africa here at Newlands yesterday. The hosts laid the foundations for the humilating thrashing by skittling out Zimbabwe for 54 runs on Friday in their first innings. Only twice since 1945-46 has a match ended in two days - when England beat the West Indies at Leeds in 2000 and when Australia defeated Pakistan in Sharjah in 2002-03. Zimbabwe at least put up sterner resistance in their second innings with a defiant innings of 72 by Dion Ebrahim and some late slogging by Andy Blignaut almost forcing the hosts into batting again - but the tourists were finally bowled out for 265. Mainly due to Ebrahim, Zimbabwe put up a reasonably respectable showing on the second day after being thoroughly outclassed on the first day when they were bowled out for a record low total of 54 and South Africa raced to 340 for thr 0
105992 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Anbar achieves 'gold standard' in eight-km race VETERAN Ali Anbar was the only runner to achieve a gold standard in the eight-km standard race organised by the Bahrain Roadrunners at Awali. This is a race for participants to rate themselves upon international eight-km standards taking their age groups into consideration. Fourty four runners took part in the race and various runners achieved one gold, two silvers and 16 bronze standards. Ali Anbar, who is in the M45 category, ran a fine race to finish in third place and achieve the gold standard with 20 seconds to spare in 30.40 minutes. The race was however won by men's open category runner Ahmed Hussain who achieved a silver standard in 28.38 minutes. The only other silver standard went to M45 Barry Shackleton who was returning after a few weeks break. Shackleton finished seventh overall in 31.50. Finished Sawab Hassan finished second overall with a bronze in 30.22. M40 category Abdulla Al Dossary made a comeback and had to battle to beat Marcel Nour 0
105993 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Slovakia send Spain crashing BRATISLAVA: Davis Cup holders Spain lost their title here yesterday crashing out in the first round of the Davis Cup World Group as Slovakia took an unassailable 3-0 lead. The Slovakian pairing of Karol Beck and Michal Mertinak downed Rafael Nadal - a hero of last year's Davis Cup triumph - and former French Open winner Albert Costa in straight sets 7-6 (7/3), 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) in 2 hours and 36 minutes. The unheralded Mertinak belied his singles world ranking of 186 and 135 in doubles by dominating at the net and firing down serves of over 200km per hour regularly. The Slovaks finally clinched an excellent victory on their second match point hammering home their advantage on the indoor hard court, a surface on which the clay-court bred Spaniards never settled. In Moscow, Marat Safin and Mikhail Ykuzhny teamed up to give Russia a 2-1 lead over Chile in another World Group match. The duo combined to defeat Adrian Garcia and Fernando Gonzalez 6-3 6-4 6-3 in the double 0
105994 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Samira creates waves BAHRAINI swimmer Samira Bitar, who represented Bahrain at the Athens Olympics and is sponsored by the Batelco Rising Star Programme, was a member of the Las Cruces Aquatic Club which won the New Mexico State Short Course Championships in the US. This was the first time that Las Cruces Club had won the short course championships against state swimming powerhouses like Albuquerque and Las Alamos. Samira posted her personal best times in the 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and the 1,650m freestyle. She improved her old times by 10, 13 and six seconds respectively. She also posted respectable times in qualifying for the 200m freestyle, the 200m breaststroke and 1,000m freestyle which are all new events to her. Samira is presently a grade-nine student at the Las Cruce High School in Las Cruces, New Mexico and trains two hours each morning before classes and two hours after school apart from weight training and medicine ball strength training three times a week. Two weeks ago 0
105995 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Chelsea stay on course for title LONDON: Alex Ferguson admitted his Manchester United side had left themselves with a mountain to climb after a goalless draw with relegation-threatened Crystal Palace allowed Chelsea to pull further clear at the top of the English Premiership. Chelsea beat relegation fodder Norwich City 3-1 to extend their lead to eight points thanks to goals from Joe Cole, Mateja Kezman and Ricardo Carvalho. The Blues also have a game in hand on United who have nine matches remaining. Elsewhere, a Thierry Henry treble for Arsenal saw them cruise to a 3-0 home win over Portsmouth while Liverpool's hopes of Champions League qualification were further dented by a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle. Chelsea's England midfielder Cole skipped through a couple of challenges on 22 minutes before driving in a spectacular left-foot strike to open the scoring at Carrow Road. Leon McKenzie equalised with a precise header on 64 minutes, the goal being the first time Chelsea's Czech Republic goalkeeper P 0
105996 0 1489 SPOR SPORT Formula One pit stop action will be missed The new Formula One season will be well underway by the time you read this and in the next couple of hours the first Grand Prix winner of 2005 unveiled. One may have noticed many changes on the grid as well as in the paddocks and possibly on the podium too at the end of the race. The absence of Eddie Jordan at Albert Park was expected but somewhat strange given the veteran's domineering demeanour in front of his former yellow car at almost all the races for more than a decade till this very day. The familiar slogan promoting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on the nose of the Jordan car is also gone. But what I will miss the most is the dramatic pit stop action due to the new rules which have forced the teams to use the same set of tyres for both the qualifying and the race. As long as I can remember, the pit stops were one of the highlights of watching Formula One on television and my admiration for the paddock crew who worked frantically yet with precision grew 0
105997 1 1489 SPOR SPORT DAVENPORT LIFTS TITLE DUBAI: Lindsay Davenport consolidated her position at the top of the world rankings with the 46th title of her career here yesterday but she had to struggle to beat unseeded Serbian Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in the final of the Dubai Open. Davenport, who had been unwell during her narrow semi-final victory over Patty Schnyder, slowed up from the middle of the second set onwards, and needed all her experience to escape from a difficult final set. During this, the top seeded American was a break down at 1-2 and was required to save break points at 3-3 and 4-4 before squeezing home for victory in two hours. "In the public's mind, they were expecting me to win, based on the ranking and my experience, but once the match started and I saw how she was playing I knew it was anybody's match," said Davenport. She succeeded because her superior weight of shot was slightly more effective than the superior movement of a wonderfully athletic opponent, and because she was slightly b 0
105998 2 1489 SPOR SPORT Bahrain riders lift two titles THE Bahrain national endurance horseride team accomplished a new achievement by winning two titles in the third GCC Endurance Horseride Championship in Doha yesterday. In the juniors race over 100 kms, Bahrain won the individual title for the third successive time thanks to Mohammed Abdulsamad who was among 24 riders from across the GCC. The Bahraini team of Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Raed Mahmood, Ali Isa, Salman Al Jalahma and Khalid Al Ruwaie followed suit by winning the title in the 120-km seniors race. Bahrain also clinched second and third places in the seniors individual category through Shaikh Faisal and Isa, respectively. Bahrain's juniors team of Abdulaziz Adam, Fahad Sulaiman, Salem Al Otaibi, Ahmed Abdulaziz and Manal Fakhrawi were the runners-up in the teams section while Ahmed came third in the individual category. The seniors individual race was won by Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE, Qatar took the juniors team title, Khalid Al Attiy 0
105999 3 1489 SPOR SPORT Fisichella fastest in first qualifying MELBOURNE: Michael Schumacher has virtually given up hope of winning today's Australian Grand Prix after a freak storm ruined his chances of qualifying near the front of the grid. The world champion finished 18th in yesterday's first qualifying session after he was caught in a torrential downpour the moment he drove his Ferrari onto the Albert Park circuit. Schumacher's time of one minute 57.931 seconds was almost 25 seconds behind Italian Giancarlo Fisichella, who managed to set the fastest flying lap just moments before the weather turned foul. The only drivers to finish behind the German were Japan's Takuma Sato and Brazilian Felipe Massa, both of whom failed to complete their laps. "All I can say about today is that we were unlucky. The weather has so often played in my favour that I can accept it was not the case this time," Schumacher said. "I had seen the rain clouds approaching and I hoped they would stay away a bit longer but it didn't happen and we only 0
106000 0 1489 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain BAHRAIN Garden Club's Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre's Hall 1 and 2, 9am-1pm and 4pm-9pm. Entrance 500 fils and free for children and students. Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 lectures and workshops, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, Al Fanar Hall, lecture by Ghassan Massry on the Intelligent Use of Water: Irrigation for a Growing World, 10am; Moulie' Saudi Arabia and France general manager Henri Moulie presentation on flower arranging, 5pm; France International Conservatoire for Gardening and Landscaping director Jean-Paul Pigeat's talk on Innovation and Plant Creation, 7pm. All welcome. pening of the art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Seminar on Reality of Muslim women in society, Bahrain Engineers Society, Juffair, 7pm. All welcome. Lecture on Saudi women's experience in municipal elections, Badriya Ali Majlis, Hidd, 8.30pm. Contact 394661 0
106001 0 1489 WORL WORLD Sinn Fein is defiant DUBLIN: Members of Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Catholic party, were defiant at their annual conference in Dublin yesterday despite mounting criticism over a Belfast stabbing and the party's alleged criminal links. "Do you see a sense of crisis in here? No, absolutely not," said Sean Kerr, a Sinn Fein district councillor. "We see ourselves as locked in a struggle for the reunification of our country and that's the thing that drives our party." Party members rejected suggestions Sinn Fein, a political ally of the IRA guerilla group, was facing an internal crisis. "There might be a sense of crisis in the peace process, but there's no crisis in republicanism," a Sinn Fein member said. Leaders sought to defuse the crisis over the January 30 knife slaying of Robert McCartney, a 33-year-old forklift operator, by announcing that seven party members suspected of involvement in the killing have been suspended. McCartney's sisters, who have waged a rare public 0
106002 0 1489 WORL WORLD Nepal monks in pro-king march KATHMANDU: Nearly 2,000 Buddhist monks yesterday marched through Nepal's capital in support of the king, in the biggest rally since the royal leader sacked the government and took power last month. The rally came a day after police arrested half a dozen activists as they tried to protest in a Kathmandu market. One of Nepal's main political parties had planned a large anti-monarchy protest, but their efforts were thwarted by security forces. "We want peace. And only the king can bring back peace," said Sange Lundup, a lama from the capital's Renchen Dukpe Gachhal monastery. The monks waved portraits of the king and the queen, and placards that said: "Long live his majesty" and "Our king, our country: We love you more than our life." King Gyanendra seized power on February 1, imposed emergency rule and suspended civil liberties, claiming he was forced to act because successive governments had failed to end an eight-year Maoist rebellion that has killed more than 0
106003 0 1489 WORL WORLD Wedding ruling soon LONDON: A local registry is expected to rule soon on nine formal objections that have been filed against Prince Charles' plans to marry his longtime companion Camilla Parker Bowles, an official said yesterday. The objections will be examined by the Registrar General, Len Cook, who will have to decide on their validity in the coming days, a spokesman for the General Register Office of England and Wales said. The spokesman said that if any of the objections were upheld, no certificate of marriage could be issued and the prince would have to go to court to overturn the objection. Under British law, anyone with a reason to oppose a wedding can issue a formal objection to the relevant registry office, which must investigate the claim and - if necessary - pass the matter up to the registrar general. The objections were received by the registry office in Cirencester, Gloucestershire, southwest England, where Charles and Camilla own properties. Charles in the midst of th 0
106004 0 1489 WORL WORLD Actress faces the heat after onscreen kiss ISLAMABAD: A kiss is just a kiss, a sigh is just a sigh, goes the song in the Hollywood classic Casablanca. But a single smooch in a steamy movie made by India's Bollywood movie industry has left a film star from neighbouring Pakistan facing death threats as well as sparking a fiery moral debate. The row broke out with a media report saying that popular actress Meera faced possible disciplinary action by Pakistan's culture ministry, including a heavy fine, for locking lips with an Indian co-star. "My life is ruined. I have done nothing, yet I am harassed constantly," the 27-year-old said in Bombay, the nervecentre of Bollywood. Meera says she has been targeted by "extremist elements" for her role in Nazar, or Sight, the first co-production between the two countries. "I have not done anything in the movie which contravenes the norms of my country. I am only an actor and I do my job with honesty and professionalism," adds the unmarried actress. Commentators say the 0
106005 0 1489 WORL WORLD Palestinian clamp on weapons HEBRON, West Bank: Palestinian police seized bombs and other weapons in the West Bank for the first time in more than four years yesterday, a senior Palestinian security official said. The official said that police raiding the West Bank town of Dura, south of Hebron, also arrested 16 suspects in the start of a new crackdown by the Palestinian Authority against lawlessness in the Palestinian territories. Israel has demanded the Palestinians disarm gunmen as a condition to renewing peace talks under the US-backed "road map." Jihad Abu Omar, a senior Palestinian security official in Dura, described those targeted in the crackdown as "fugitives of the law" suspected of torching three Palestinian Authority vehicles, including a bulldozer. "More than 120 Palestinian security officers from all the security forces began a campaign to put an end to the chaos ...criminals and those who have vandalised public institutions and public property," Abu Omar said. He said police seized a 0
106006 0 1489 WORL WORLD Blunkett not dad of Quinn baby LONDON: Former British home secretary David Blunkett, who resigned last year amid a scandal linked to his former lover, is not the father of her second son. "The test was undertaken shortly after the birth. This has established that Blunkett is not the child's father," the spokesman for the Labour MP said, confirming a report in the Sun tabloid. "He is pleased that this has been clarified and wishes to make clear that as far as he is concerned, there have never been, despite inaccurate Press reports several weeks ago, any legal proceedings in relation to that child," he added. In its report, the Sun quoted a source as saying "This is a bombshell that Blunkett is not Lorcan's father". The paper said that Lorcan, born on February 2 to Kimberly Quinn, may also not be the son of Quinn's husband Stephen, publisher of the British edition of Vogue magazine. The newborn and his two-year-old brother William are at the centre of a public row between Blunkett, 57, and Quinn, the 44-year-old 0
106007 0 1489 WORL WORLD I'm being stalked says Janet SANTA MONICA, California: Janet Jackson is seeking a restraining order against a man she says has been stalking her for nine years and tried once to bring a box cutter and knife to a New York studio where she was rehearsing for a TV appearance. The US pop singer said in a motion in Superior Court that she has become increasingly frightened of Robert Gardner, 46, of New York, since he was stopped by security guards as he tried to enter the rehearsal for NBC network's Saturday Night Live in April. "It is only a matter of time before he has the opportunity to harm me," she wrote. She is also seeking to restrict Gardner from contacting her family, as well as current and former employees. 0
106008 0 1489 WORL WORLD Liberals demand Iraq exit strategy LONDON: The leader of the opposition Liberal Democrats criticised the government yesterday for its handling of the Iraq war, and demanded an exit strategy for British forces. In a keynote speech at his party's conference, Charles Kennedy urged voters to choose the Liberal Democrats over Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour Party and Britain's largest opposition group, the Conservative Party, during a national election expected on May 5. "Tony Blair took us to war in Iraq on the basis of the supposed threat of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction," Kennedy said in Harrogate, a city in northern England. When the weapons couldn't be found, Blair then switched to saying that the reason for the war was the removal of Saddam, Kennedy said. "Of course Britain should honour its legal and moral responsibilities with regard to the situation in Iraq. But we need to focus on a proper exit strategy - as we warned at the outset. That should mean a phased withdrawal of British troops to c 0
106009 0 1489 WORL WORLD Jordanian minister to visit Israel JERUSALEM: Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Mulki was to visit Israel yesterday on his country's highest-ranking visit to the Jewish state for four years, as he strives to breathe fresh life into Jordan's relations with its neighbour. Mulki headed first to the West Bank town of Ramallah where he held talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas about progress since last month's landmark peace summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh at which Israel and the Palestinians pledged to end more than four years of violence. "It was a positive and useful meeting," deputy prime minister Nabil Shaath told reporters. "We discussed how to complete the results of the Sharm El Sheikh summit and how to return to the peace process," Shaath said, saying Mulki had offered Jordan's help in a number of areas including the transfer of security responsibility in Palestinian cities and the release of prisoners. 0
106010 0 1489 WORL WORLD Earthquake jolts Taiwan TAIPEI: A strong earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter scale rocked high-rise buildings in Taiwan early today, the Seismology Centre said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties. The quake struck at 3.06am with its epicentre 6.2km north of the eastern coastal town of Suao and 8.5km underground. A quake with a magnitude of 4.2 struck seven minutes before the major quake. There were a series of aftershocks including one measured at 5.00 on the Richter scale at 3:16am and one with a magnitude of 4.7 at 3:27am, the centre said. 0
106011 0 1489 WORL WORLD Trial blow for Jackson accusers SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's lawyer yesterday savaged the credibility of his child abuse accuser's sister, forcing her to admit she lied and casting doubt on claims the family was kidnapped. Trial jurors were also shown a video in which the cancer patient who accused Jackson of molestation and his mother lavished praise on the star, describing him as a father figure who they called "daddy Michael." Jackson's lawyer Thomas Mesereau assaulted prosecution claims that the singer plotted to abuduct the family and hold them prisoner until they agreed to make that video. "It went very good," Jackson said as he left court after the first week of evidence in his trial. During cross examination, Mesereau tore into the family's story, getting the 18-year-old woman to concede that she, her mother and two brothers had not tried to raise the alarm when they went out on a shopping spree while allegedly being held prisoner by Jackson aides. The woman also admitted that ai 0
106012 1 1489 WORL WORLD Assad pullout vow DAMASCUS: President Bashar Al Assad yesterday said Syria will move its troops to the Lebanese-Syrian border in a two-step pullback that should satisfy demands for a complete pullout. It was not clear whether Assad meant he would keep some troops within Lebanon's border, and one Lebanese opposition leader suggested the president was playing on words. But Syrian Emigrants Minister Bussaina Shaaban later said his country will withdraw all its troops. "We will withdraw our forces stationed in Lebanon fully to the Bekaa region (in the east) and later to the Lebanese-Syrian border areas," Assad said in a carefully worded address to parliament. He said he had agreed with Lebanese President Emile Lahoud to hold a meeting of the Syrian-Lebanese leaderships this week to approve the withdrawal plan. The US, however, said the statement "was not enough". l His Majesty King Hamad last night telephoned President Al Assad, hailing his announcement as serving the interest 0
106013 2 1489 WORL WORLD Shi'ite leader in appeal for unity BAGHDAD: The spiritual leader of Iraq's Shi'ite majority yesterday called on bickering politicians in the clergy-backed United Iraqi Alliance to set aside differences and form a government more than a month after landmark elections. The US military said it launched an "aggressive" investigation into the shooting at an American checkpoint that killed an Italian intelligence agent, who died in the arms of an Italian journalist that had just been freed after a month as a hostage of Iraqi insurgents. Giuliana Sgrena, 56, injured in the shooting near Baghdad airport, flew home to freedom yesterday after spending the night in a US military hospital. A roadside bomb killed three Iraqi army soldiers in Baghdad's Bab Al Mu'adam area early yesterday, according to Wisam Muhsin, an official at Al Kindi hospital. Another four soldiers were injured. Alliance members meeting in central Baghdad agreed to try form a government and convene the 275-member National Assembly by March 15. 0
106014 3 1489 WORL WORLD Living in fear MULTAN, Pakistan: A woman who drew international attention after being gang-raped in Pakistan in a retaliatory "honour" attack said yesterday she is fearful after several of the alleged perpetrators were ordered released from prison. Mukhtar Mai in June 2002 was raped by four men on the orders of a village council that wanted to punish her family. She said her life was in danger. "There are all kinds of dangers for me now," Mai told a news conference in the capital Islamabad. "They can kill me. They are a threat for my family ... I appeal to the government not to free them." Mai said she won't be safe in her village of Meerwala - 565km southwest of the capital, Islamabad - where the crime took place. Mai urged the government to provide her protection. The assault was ordered after Mai's brother, 13-year-old brother Abdul Shakoor, was accused of having sex with a woman from a more prominent family, though Mai's family says the allegations were fabricated to cover up a sex 0
106015 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Help for overworked doctors on the way MANAMA: Urgent moves to help overburdened family doctors were ordered yesterday by the Prime Minister. Their increasing workloads and enormous responsibility they now shoulder was causing concern. He told the Cabinet session steps must be taken to help health centres and family doctors cope with the burgeoning number of patients. Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who chaired the meeting, ordered immediate improvements in their working conditions to eliminate obstacles they face. Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh also presented a report highlighting plans and programmes aimed at changing working conditions for family physicians. 0
106016 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain 'must allow UN to hear racism cases' BAHRAIN has been urged to allow the UN to receive and consider complaints of alleged racial discrimination inside the country. It comes just days before the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is due to announce recommendations on ways to tackle racism in Bahrain. Bahrain submitted its latest racism reports to the committee in Geneva on Thursday and Friday, which it is obliged to do having signed the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination in 1990. But it has not yet agreed to article 14 of the convention, which states the committee can consider complaints from individuals or groups who claim to suffer discrimination inside Bahrain. UN country rapporteur and CERD expert Ralph Boyd said more could be done to combat racism inside the country. "Despite the progress made by the government of Bahrain, the country rapporteur said it had much work to do to fully satisfy the implementation of the conven 0
106017 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Young musicians shine at festival FIVE young musicians were yesterday selected as the first group of finalists in the St Christopher's Music Festival 2005. This year's contest sees the participation of 102 pupils from St Christopher's School, Sacred Heart School, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, The British School of Bahrain and the Bahrain Music Institute. There are also two independent entries this year - violinists Esther Lauesen and Elizabeth Lauesen, who both performed in the strings level three category in yesterday's heats. Forty-four students competed in the piano level one, strings level three, piano level two, voice level three and woodwind level two categories in yesterday's heats. Yesterday's winners are as follows: Level one Piano - Georgia Nixon from St Christopher's. Level three Strings - Hadi Makarem from St Christopher's (Viola). Level two Piano - Ornello Piyumi Sayasundra from The British School Level three Voice - Laura Bradley from St Chr 0
106018 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to host education talks EDUCATION experts from all around will gather in Bahrain next month to take part in a conference on providing quality education in universities. The three-day event, the Fifth Education Conference, is being organised by Bahrain University and will be held from April 11 to 13. More than 90 papers will be presented at the event by former education ministers and specialists. Papers will also be presented by academics from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, Egypt, Sudan, Kuwait, Algeria, UAE, Britain, US and Australia, in addition to professors from the university and other private universities in Bahrain. Educational methods and curricula department head Professor Khalil Shubbar said that the conference's main aim would be to develop the quality of education provided by the university and other universities in the kingdom. "This event presents us with the opportunity to meet other experts from all around the world as they speak about their experiences in the field," he said.</ 0
106019 1 1490 BNEW LOCAL LAWBREAKERS WARNED MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain vowed yesterday to crack down on lawbreakers who threaten national unity.It will not tolerate sectarian acts, declared Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. He briefed the Cabinet and also held an urgent meeting with National Assembly members over violations committed during Ashoora. The Cabinet condemned the acts, which it said threatened national unity and the one-family spirit, reinforced by reforms initiated by His Majesty King Hamad. People who abuse the atmosphere of openness and democracy will face the full force of the law, Shaikh Rashid told parliament and Shura Council members in a meeting at the National Assembly yesterday. He said some people abused Ashoora to spread hate messages through chanting slogans and hanging posters, which called for division between community members. Regardless of their faith, people should not encourage such violations or allow matters to escalate, at a time when the leadership is planning for a bet 0
106020 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini artist's music of passion MUSIC of Passion is the theme of an art exhibition, which opened last night at Dar Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya. Almost 50 paintings by award winning Bahraini artist Ebrahim Busaad are on display at the event. The majority of them are black and white acrylic and ink paintings, which follow a 30cm by 30cm format, while the remaining six are larger coloured oil paintings. The exhibition, which will run until March 16, is being held under the patronage of Under-Secretary of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Everyone is welcome to visit the event, which is open from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm from Saturday to Wednesday and from 10am to 1pm on Thursdays. For more information, contact the gallery on 17717707. 0
106021 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL BD69,300 fraud charge denied A BAHRAINI man has denied swindling the car hire company he worked for out of BD69,300, by selling vehicles without permission and pocketing the cash. The 33-year-old is charged with fraud and embezzlement, but the case was adjourned until April 10, with a court order that he find a lawyer to defend him. He worked for a car hire firm and falsified papers to sell five cars without permission to unsuspecting buyers, it was alleged at the Lower Criminal Court. The defendant is also accused of selling the car he himself hired from the company and pocketing BD12,000. He is also accused of failing to pay BD1,700 in rental fees for the car, the court heard. The alleged offences came to light after he vanished from work and when a Bahraini man complained that the company had not transferred the ownership after he bought three of its cars, the court heard. But the defendant claimed that he sold the cars as part of his normal duties with the company and all the paperwork w 0
106022 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Ladies lining up beauty contest THE NEW Committee of the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) is gearing up for its maiden programme at the end of this month. The programme, entitled Beyond Beauty, is a beauty contest and will be held at 7pm on March 30, at the Crowne Plaza. Members and non-members will vie for the ILA Queen 2005 and ILA Princess 2005 titles. The first category is for women aged 25 years or over, while the second category is for 16 to 25 year olds. "Attractive prizes are on offer and there will also be many prizes for surprise categories at the event," said new ILA president Thanuja Anil. "We urge sponsors to come forward and support our first programme. We are planning it in a big way and we are confident that it will turn out well." Other committee members are general secretary Jasbir Ahuja, vice-president Parul Desai, treasurer Suchitha Mandhana, assistant treasurer Raj Kumari, entertainment secretary Shagufta Nasser, assistant general secretary Sangeetha Palicha and members Dee 0
106023 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL No title specified A CLASSICAL concert is to be staged at the Sheraton Hotel's Al Taj Ballroom tonight, starting at 8.30pm. It will feature the Min Trio, which comprises of international soloists Min Yang (violin), Miranda Playfair (violin) and Elizabeth Burley (piano) from the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for the show are BD5 net per person. Buffet or dinner packages are available from BD10++ per person to BD14.500++. 0
106024 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Wallet is snatched A BOGUS official robbed an Indian man after demanding to see his CPR card in the street. He snatched a mobile phone and wallet containing BD60 in cash and the CPR card from the 27-year-old man, near Baisan International Hotel, Manama, said sources. The victim told police that the Bahraini man stopped him in the street at around 6pm and ordered him to show his CPR card. But when he took out his wallet, the man snatched it, grabbed his mobile phone and fled. 0
106025 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Feel wonderful with healthy looking skin Look good and feel great, whatever your age, with healthy living advice from expert HELEN EVANS There is a great temptation at this time of year to indulge in a bit of mid-day spring sun. One of the downsides of building up a tan in the summer months is that it fades and can leave you with a pallid look in the winter. During the hot summer months, the air-conditioning can dry the top layer of skin, which can leave it dry and flaky, making the pores prone to clogging, leading to spots. There is nothing more attractive than fresh looking, healthy cared for skin. If your skin shines with health, you feel wonderful. Everything you do or don't put into your mouth is likely to affect the quality of your skin. A clogged, pasty, spotty skin can often betray a diet high in processed junk food and a lack of fresh fruit and vegetables. The amazing thing is that your skin can be completely transformed by a change in diet. Open any glossy magazine and 0
106026 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Tailor is attacked by gang of Asians A GANG of thugs attacked a 23-year-old Bangladeshi man in Manama, beat him up and stole his watch, necklace and BD215 in cash. Abaya tailor Humanun Kabir had just closed the shop where he works near Bab Al Bahrain, at 9pm. He was heading to his apartment nearby when two Bangladeshis stopped him and asked where he was going. "I told them I was going home, but all of a sudden they pushed me to the ground and started hitting me," said Mr Kabir. "They took my wristwatch, snatched the chain off my neck, reached into my pocket and took the money that I had, which was around BD215." He said several more men, all Bangladeshis, joined in the attack. "There were too many of them, I could not do anything to stop them. They left me with a bloody mouth and bruises all over my body," he said. "I went to my apartment to tend to my wounds and waited until the next morning to go to the Naim Police Station and tell them what happened. "I was able to identify 0
106027 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Passport is stolen from guard's flat A THIEF sneaked into a house in Manama, stole a Pakistani passport and embassy documents and fled. The passport belonged to 45-year-old Pakistani Interior Ministry security guard Bin Yamin Naz Ali, who lives in the house with eight other Pakistanis. "I came back from work at around 10.45pm to find the bag in which I kept my passport and Pakistani Embassy documents missing from the cupboard where I kept it," said Mr Ali. "I went to the Naim Police Station straight away and filed a complaint. Mr Ali suspects that the thief entered the house from the garage, which has no lock and was able to find his way through the house to his first-floor room, unseen by the other tenants. "My roommate went to the mosque to perform evening prayers and left the room unlocked," said Mr Ali. "I suspect that the thief took advantage of that gap and was able to get into the house from the garage and into my room. "There were only two or three people in the house at the t 0
106028 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Cafe helps tsunami victims HARD Rock Caf has donated BD2,200 towards the Tsunami Disaster Relief. "For over 30 years, the Hard Rock's philosophy has been Love All, Serve All," said Hard Rock Caf Bahrain managing director Khalid Al Ahmed. "The original founders were from the outset determined that this commitment would not only apply to their restaurant's customers, but that they would strive to reach out into the wider community beyond." The cheque was presented to Bahrain Red Crescent Society representative Mohammed Ebrahim Hassan by restaurant manager Verna Magpitang in a ceremony held at the caf, in Hoora. Over the years, the restaurant has donated BD1,000 to the Child Care Home in 2001, BD2,500 to the Health Ministry in 1999 and BD1,117 to help a cancer patient in 1998. 0
106029 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Thief caught by alert shop staff A THIEF who tried to steal a BD80 gold chain from a jewellery shop was caught by sharp-eyed staff. The Indian man pocketed the chain at Bride of Bahrain Jewellers, in Bab Al Bahrain. But a salesman saw him and alerted the store's Egyptian accountant Sharif Ali Hassan, who stopped him at the door. "I was talking with one of the salesmen at the shop when all of a sudden the other salesman yelled my name and asked me to stop the customer," said Mr Hassan. "I turned to see the Indian customer trying to escape, so I jumped at him by the door and caught him just before he walked out. "The salesman said that a chain was missing so I asked the thief to return it. "He took it out of his pocket and gave it to me, he showed no resistance. "We then handed him over to Naim police." 0
106030 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Labour market focus of expo THE Second Universities and Career Exhibition begins today at Omaima Secondary Commercial School for Girls in Isa Town. The three-day event, organised by the school, aims at introducing commercial secondary students to opportunities in today's labour market. School headmistress Mariam Jan said that ministries, national universities and companies have been invited for the event. "Preparing students for the labour market is responsibility that everyone should shoulder, from the school to future employers," she said. "The Education Ministry is keen on providing students with the best education possible through continuous updates to the curricula, ensuring that students easily get accepted at universities, find jobs and are capable of handling them." Participants at the event include the Education Ministry's cultural, scholarship and university information affairs directorate, the Labour Ministry, Gulf University, AMA University, New York Institute for Technology, Ahli 0
106031 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Supervisor dies of TB A BAHRAIN-based Indian father has died back in his hometown in Kerala. Sasi Thankappan, 38, died in a private hospital in Pandalam after battling tuberculosis for more than three months. He had been working as steel workshop supervisor with Aradous Construction Company, in Umm Al Hassam, for 14 years. Company general manager G K Nair said that Mr Thankappan's death was a big loss to the company. "Mr Thankappan was diagnosed with tuberculosis at the International Hospital of Bahrain and he was referred to Salmaniya Medical Complex," said Mr Nair. "But he preferred to take treatment in his hometown." He said Mr Thankappan had been showing good signs of improvement, but died last Tuesday after a sudden deterioration. Mr Thankappan leaves behind a widow, Sindhu, eight-year-old daughter Sandhya and four-year-old son Sharan. A condolence meeting was held at the company's labour accommodation in Al Daih last night. "Mr Thankappan was the s 0
106032 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Sowing seeds of global event THE Bahrain Garden Fair (BGF) could bloom into a global event, says an international expert. The four-day fair, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, concluded yesterday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). It was supported and opened by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and chairwoman of he Supreme Council for Women. Jean-Paul Pigeat, who is the director of International Conservatory for Gardening and Landscaping in Chaumont-sur-Loire, France, said he was impressed with the BGF and had great expectations for future events of its kind. "I think it is a good fair for the second time," said Mr Pigeat, who came to Bahrain especially to lecture at the event. "It begins to be important and this year for the first time they have many countries like Dubai, Sharjah, Syria and Iran participating. I think it is important to have these countries to show what is happening in the Gulf. "The fair's not a great 0
106033 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Health minister to visit village HEALTH Minister Dr Nada Haffadh will meet with Karranah village residents today at the Karranah Youth Centre at 8.30am. His Majesty King Hamad has ordered ministers to visit residents and listen to their problems and fulfil their requirements. The visit is being organised by the Northern Governorate in co-ordination with the Northern Municipal Council, the Karranah Charity Fund and the area's MP. Karranah is a village located off Budaiya Highway. 0
106034 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Pupils ready to take up musical challenge NERVES may make you miss a note or two, but there's no denying that competitions such as the St Christopher's Music Festival prove to be a useful platform for young musicians, say pupils taking part in this year's event. The GDN took time out to talk to a few of the 102 children taking part in this major contest being held at St Christopher's Junior School in Isa Town. Bahraini Ebrahim Sami was pleased with his performance on the piano, although he admits to having made a couple of mistakes. "I was not nervous but I know I made a few blunders but I think overall I did well," said the 11-year-old Al Noor International School pupil. It was his first time to ever perform on the piano in public, having only taken up music four months ago. "I'm on level one piano so I am quite new, but I am enjoying this competition and I will definitely join the future music festivals," he said. Fellow Al Noor International School pupil Ayia Abdel Nasser, also 11, performed Tch 0
106035 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Top Indian DJ rocks party SCORES of people attended the Cell U Com Chill Out Party at the Delmon International Hotel's poolside. The event featured a fashion show with the latest designs from Truworths, Woolworths, Identity, Indigo Nation and Scullers. Music was provided by celebrity Indian DJ Tashim, who was flown in especially for the event. The event is organised by India-based Brigade Events in association with the hotel. 0
106036 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Free check-ups THE International Hospital of Bahrain is offering free clinics for particular consultants every Monday starting from today. Every Monday from 4pm to 8pm consultants in general surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, dentistry, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and neurosurgery will open their clinics free of charge. Additionally, consultant endocrinologist Dr Srinivas Bontha is opening his clinics free of charge for consultations to the community from 8am to noon and 2pm to 6pm every day (except Fridays) until March 15. There will be a 50 per cent discount on all procedures except medication. Consultants can be seen by pre-booking an appointment on 17598222. 0
106037 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Villagers in plea for new homes AN URGENT call for more government houses in Nuwaidrat went out from villagers yesterday. The Works and Housing Ministry is currently in the primary stages of a plan to build 280 houses and provide 319 land plots by March 2007. But residents say this is not enough. They urged Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder to increase the number of houses to 500, during his visit to their village yesterday. The visit was part of a series of tours by ministers to find out people's needs, under directives from His Majesty King Hamad. Residents from Nuwaidrat and its neighbouring areas flocked to a public meeting, which was held at the Nuwaidrat Club. Mr Al Jowder also toured the village with ministry officials, municipal councillors, governorate representatives, village dignitaries and news reporters. He visited several dilapidated houses where families are living crammed under one roof, waiting for their turn for government homes. Mr Al Jowder ga 0
106038 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Farewell to Rotarian Khalid A FUNERAL service will be held today for Rotarian Khalid Rahman, who died at BDF Hospital on Saturday evening. The British Pakistani Bahrain-resident had been taken to the International Hospital of Bahrain on Wednesday following a heart attack at his home in Riffa. He was transferred to BDF Hospital on Saturday, where he died at 10.50pm, said his friend Tahir Hameed. Mr Rahman, 44, was a former member and secretary of the Rotary Club of Adliya and a keen member of the Riffa Golf Club. "He was an active member and energetically involved, particularly in community service," said Rotary Club of Adliya president Khalid Fakhro. "He was a really nice guy, always smiling, very generous and compassionate people's person, he knew everyone's name. Rotary will miss him," commented another member. Mr Rahman came to Bahrain as a child, where he attended Bahrain School. He had gone on to etch a career in investment banking and had worked at Arig and GIB before m 0
106039 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Directory launched TELE-GULF Directory Publications has released this year's edition of the Gulf Directory. An annual business-to-business guide, the directory is more comprehensive than ever before with updated listings for each category. Business listings, the directory's main feature, has been arranged under two separate categories: company-wise alphabetical listing and classified listing. The Gulf Directory is in its 26th year of publication and is available in both print and online versions. 0
106040 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Kerala association holds get-together THE Kerala Catholic Association (KCA) Prasangavedi (speech forum) held its annual get-together at the Bangkok Restaurant, in Umm Al Hassam. More than 50 members and their families attended the event, which also included the induction ceremony of the forum's new committee, headed by Denny Jose. The GDN's Soman Baby was chief guest, while American Mission Hospital general practitioner Dr Babu Ramachandran was guest of honour. 0
106041 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Cabinet hails Bahrain-Qatar ties Bahrain's Cabinet yesterday commended the outcome of meetings of the Bahraini-Qatari Supreme Committee held recently in Doha under the co-chairmanship of Bahraini Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and his Qatari counterpart. Yesterday's session, chaired by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, lauded the role played by the committee in pushing bilateral relations forward and broadening prospects of co-operation between the two countries. The Cabinet also lauded the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the construction of a causeway to link Bahrain and Qatar and praised the other steps taken during Doha meetings to bolster bilateral ties. Ministers also reviewed the visit by German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. Talks between His Majesty King Hamad, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Mr Schroeder will have a positive impact on Bahrain-German ties in all fields, they agreed. They commended t 0
106042 2 1490 BNEW LOCAL Two students die in crash MANAMA: Two Bahrain University students were killed in a head-on car crash in Malkiya yesterday morning. Fatima Azad Mohammed Ali and Fatima Nasser Abdulla, both aged 20, were in a car driven by Ali Nasser, brother of Fatima Nasser. It was in a head-on collision with a pick-up on Zayed Bin Amira Avenue, Malkiya. Mr Nasser, pick-up driver Abdul Mohsin Ali Mohammed and his passengers Sadeq Hassan Abdul Wahab and Yousuf Mohammed Duraizi, all escaped with minor injuries. 0
106043 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Six charged with drug smuggling released SIX Bahraini men arrested with 350 kilograms of hashish have been released from custody. The men, one of whom is in the BDF, were freed by the High Criminal Court on condition that they reside at their normal addresses. They have been charged with possessing 350kg of hashish, following their arrest last November. Police swooped on two houses in Isa Town and seized three large suitcases full of hashish, according to papers submitted to the court. The men have reportedly admitted possessing the hashish. Sources said the hashish was part of a larger consignment smuggled in by boat from Iran. A Saudi man thought to be the ringleader behind the smuggling was reportedly in Bahrain at the time of the arrests. He escaped and is thought to have fled the country, said sources. They said a Bahraini accomplice went out to sea to rendezvous with the smugglers. The consignment was reportedly off-loaded from a larger boat onto a speedboat, which 0
106044 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Man injured as thief steals car AN Egyptian man was injured chasing after a thief who stole his car. The 31-year-old victim left his car engine running while he nipped into a supermarket in Hoora at 1.30am. While inside the supermarket, he saw a man get into his car and start to drive away. He ran after it, but tripped and fell as the tried to grab the moving vehicle. Passers-by took the man to the Salmaniya Medical Complex, where he was treated for bruises. Police later found the car abandoned in the Seef area The thief had ripped out the CD player and stolen the man's mobile phone and sunglasses. 0
106045 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Children display sports skills MORE than 130 reception class children from the St Christopher's Infant Schools of Budaiya and Awali took part in a Sports Day at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club, yesterday. The children, aged four to five-years old, took part in a number of different activities, including the space hopper race, water relay and penalty kick competition. 0
106046 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Thugs rob man at knifepoint THREE Bahraini thugs robbed an Indian man at knifepoint while he was walking home from work. Ebrahim Mohammed, aged 49, was walking in the Ras Ruman area at around 11.30pm, when the youths appeared in front of him and demanded his wallet. "They came very close to my face and I felt very scared and tried to run, but I could not," said Mr Mohammed. "One of them took hold of me by the arms, while one of the others produced a knife and held it to my throat." He said that the youth with the knife threatened to kill him if he didn't give them his valuables. "They did not let me move at all and just held me where I was with the knife to my throat," said Mr Mohammed. The thieves took BD 150 cash, a SimSim card worth BD 20 and CPR from Mr Mohammed, before throwing him to the ground and running away. Mr Mohammed, who works in Al Ahad Coldstore in Jidhafs, said that he feared for his life during the attack. The stolen CPR card was found on a nearby roadside t 0
106047 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Collection boxes are snatched A THIEF snatched two charity collection boxes from a laundry near the Central Market, ran to a getaway car outside and escaped. Super Laundry employee Achuthan Kutty said the thief dashed in, grabbed the boxes and fled. "I was sitting by the cash counter while my colleague was in the back room," he said. A bald-headed Bahraini, in his late 20s, suddenly dashed into the shop, grabbed the boxes and ran out, said the 40-year-old Indian. "He got into a car which was waiting for him near the door and drove off. It all happened in a blink of an eye. They must have planned it," said Mr Kutty. Another man was driving the car, he said. "It was so fast I couldn't even take the car's registration number," said Mr Kutty. Mr Kutty said he reported the incident to Naim police. 0
106048 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Pupils help schools hit by tsunami ABOUT 100 boxes of stationery are being sent to schools in Thailand hit by the tsunami disaster, thanks to children at the Dilmun School. Pupils aged three to 11, from nursery to year six, took part in the collection. School head teacher Pauline O'Keeffe presented the boxes of stationery to Royal Thai Embassy Minister Consular Waesong Daleng yesterday during a function held at the school premises in Adliya. The pupils also donated BD650 to help tsunami victims in January. About 250 children, aged four to 11, raised the money by doing odd jobs like cleaning shoes, walking people's dogs, helping their parents at home and others. "The children were very enthusiastic to support the cause. We were overwhelmed when some children came forward to donate their pocket money and Eid money to help the tsunami victims. The school is really very proud of them," said Ms O'Keeffe. The cheque was presented to Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin who had organised a fund raising pr 0
106049 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Tragedy stuns family AN entire village is in mourning today for two Bahrain University students killed in a horrific road accident in Malkiya yesterday morning. Six Bahrainis were involved in the accident, which killed Fatima Azad Mohammed Ali and Fatima Nazer Abdulla, both aged 20. They were travelling from their Malkiya homes to the university, in a car driven by Ali Nasser, brother of Fatima Nasser Abdulla. It was in a head-on collision with a pick-up on Zayed Bin Amira Avenue, Malkiya, at around 9am. Traffic police said Mr Nasser lost control of the car and crossed to the wrong side of the road, into the pick-up's path. Fatima Nasser Abdulla died on the operating table at the BDF Hospital, at around 11.15am. Fatima Azad Mohammed Ali died at 3.55pm in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Mr Nasser suffered minor injuries and was treated at the BDF hospital. Pick-up driver Abdul Mohsin Ali Mohammed and his passengers Sadeq Hassan Abdul Wahab and Yousuf Mohammed 0
106050 0 1490 BNEW LOCAL Society to elect board ELECTIONS for one of Bahrain's leading youth societies will be held on Wednesday. Eleven have nominated themselves for the new board of the Bahrain Youth Forum Society. They are society secretary-general Hussain Al Eskafi, Rashid Al Ghayeb, Shaima Al Jowder, Enas Al Fardan, Bassim Soroor, Sayed Hamza Al Alawi, Mahban Jawadi, Ali Abdulkarim, Sayed Amjad Jalal, Hashim Mohammed and Yousif Al Alaiwat. Sixty-eight members are eligible to vote in the elections being held at the Bahrain Society for Human Rights in Adliya at 7.30pm. Seven will be elected for the board and two as reserves. Mr Al Eskafi said the current board would hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss changes to the society's by-laws immediately before the elections. "We have been assessing our performance over the past two years and have found that there are some by-laws which need changing to ensure that the society performs better than it does now," he said. "Our society has been successful i 0
106051 3 1490 BNEW LOCAL Sword gang raids petrol station SWORD-wielding robbers tied a petrol station worker to a chair and snatched more than BD200. Four masked men ambushed 44-year-old Rajaram Naik as he worked alone at the Budaiya Service Station, near the Toyota showroom, at around 3.20am. Three of the men were carrying swords, Mr Naik told the GDN yesterday. He said he was in one of the two cabins at the Budaiya Road station, when the four Bahraini men attacked. "The other glass cabin was locked and I was inside the second cabin," he said. "Suddenly four men barged inside and demanded the keys to the main office. "They tied me to a chair with rope and one man stood guard over me." "The other three men went to the main office and smashed the glass door with the swords, got inside and took BD100 from the drawer. "The man standing over me searched my pocket and took BD111, the night's collection." Mr Naik said he could not resist because the man who stood over him was brandishing a sword. They escaped b 0
106052 1 1490 BUSI BUSINESS Stage set for Meos MANAMA: Preparations are in full swing for the 14th Middle East Oil & Gas Show and Conference (Meos 2005), which opens at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre on Saturday. The event includes a technical conference programme organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and the exhibition of oil and gas related products and services. It is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. This year's conference has attracted over 190 technical papers and posters to be presented by leading international experts. It is being held under the theme Meeting the Global Demand Challenge and will feature 20 technical sessions, covering topics related to Maintaining Plateau in Mature Fields, Exploitation of Marginal Fields, Unconventional Hydrocarbon Resources, Reservoir Character-isation and Modelling and Improved/Enhanced Oil Recovery. "There is no question that the global demand for energy will increase over the next two decades 0
106053 2 1490 BUSI BUSINESS KFH profits soar by 250pc MANAMA: Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain) yesterday announced that its net profits soared by 250 per cent to $30 million as compared to $8.6m in 2003, representing a 25pc return on average equity for last year.The bank also witnessed a 75pc increase in total assets, which grew to $465m last year from $267.8m at 2003 year-end. Total operating income for the year also grew substantially, rising by 160pc to $52m versus $20m in 2003. Chairman Bader Abdul Muhsen Al Mukhaizeem said the board is extremely pleased with the results. "Having advanced our position significantly last year, we are confident that we stand poised to make even greater strides this year as our investments in a number of key projects progress," he said. KFH general manager Abdulhakeem Alkhayyat said the bank maintained a sharp focus on introducing new products and financing instruments last year. "The past year witnessed the successful start of Durrat Al Bahrain project and additional investment activities con 0
106054 3 1490 BUSI BUSINESS BSB's net gains rise 25pc MANAMA: Bahraini Saudi Bank's (BSB) net profit grew by 25.4 per cent last year, the bank announced.The announcement was made at the bank's annual general meeting (AGM), which was held at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry's premises in Manama under the chairmanship of chairman Shaikh Fahad Mohammed Al Athel. The bank made a net profit profit of BD1.88 million last year, as compared to BD1.5m in 2003. Controlled operating expenses also resulted in a direct saving of BD0.27m ($0.72m), a reduction of 8.6pc, it said. This substantially improved the bank's cost to income ratio, which stood at 58.2pc last year compared to 66.0pc in 2003. The capital adequacy ratio, which measures total qualifying capital held in relation to its risk weighted assets, was 44.9pc, well above the minimum requirement of 12pc prescribed by the Bahrain Monetary Agency for banks operating in Bahrain. According to Shaikh Fahad, the major source of funding continues to be customer deposi 0
106055 0 1490 BUSI BUSINESS Opec wary of surging prices VIENNA: Seeking to cool market sentiment, the Opec yesterday said it is concerned over stubbornly high prices that defy a well-supplied market and adequate global stocks. The statement by Opec's president and secretary-general Shaikh Ahmed Fahad Al Ahmed Al Sabah was issued in a clear attempt to dampen speculative buying that last week briefly drove prices above $55 a barrel before they settled in the still historically high lower $50s. Some analysts are expecting the Opec to cut production to boost oil prices at its March 16 meeting in Iran. 0
106056 0 1490 BUSI BUSINESS HSBC unit buys AME Info stake MANAMA: HSBC Private Equity Middle East announced that it has acquired a significant stake in AME Info. AME Info is an online regional business resources and business news provider. HSBC Private Equity Middle East director David Price said it is one of the most recognised business brands in the region with a proven track record. AME Info CEO Klaus Lovgreen said the involvement of HSBC increases its range of opportunities because the company now has the support of one of the world's leading financial institutions. 0
106057 0 1490 BUSI BUSINESS MTC-Vodafone in VeriSign deal MANAMA: MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) yesterday announced the signing of a security consulting services agreement with Internet and telecommunications network infrastructure provider VeriSign. Under this agreement, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) will leverage VeriSign's global security consultants to build a world-class security management infrastructure. "We consider this a highly strategic initiative. Security breaches, hacking, and malicious attacks are becoming increasingly complicated, causing damage and interruption to businesses across the globe," said MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) IT and customer services chief operations officer Khalid Muhtadi. "With the increase in mobile usage for Internet and data services access, there is increased risk of attacks on mobile devices. "With the launch of our nationwide 3G services and highly competitive and tailored corporate services, we recognise the need to provide advanced security features to pre-empt any threats to our customers." BA s 0
106058 0 1490 COMM COMMENTLebanon complex as ever... The continuing signs of ferment in evidence in the streets of Beirut are being heralded in the US as signs that "another Middle East domino is falling". The Bush Administration has been quick to latch on to the demonstrations as a validation of the President's democracy campaign. But as horrific as the assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri was and as inspiring as the mass mobilisation of the "cedar revolution" has been, the demonstrations don't tell the whole story of what is happening in Lebanon today. A recent poll of 1,250 Lebanese, representing all religious groupings in the country, establishes that while an emerging consensus exists on some questions, on several key issues a deep sectarian divide still plagues the country. And they must be tended to if Lebanon's unity and internal security are to be insured. The poll was conducted during the last week by a Lebanese polling firm, Information International, in conjunction with Zogby International. First, the good news. 0
106061 0 1490 COMM COMMENTCustody fight mum must get justice Children are often the greater victims when marriages break down, particularly if there is a bitter custody battle. Filipina Lecita Flores is in Bahrain for one reason only, to fight for the custody of her two-year-old daughter Sara - a battle already won once in the courts of Kuwait. Her Bahrain ex-husband does not dispute that he left Ms Flores behind in Kuwait, where they lived as a family, while he brought Sara to Bahrain. That he was able to divorce the mother of his child without that mother's knowledge and while she was in another country, speaks volumes about some of the flaws in this society. The result has been a cat-and-mouse game which has brought Ms Flores to Bahrain as a guest of the Philippines Embassy, so she can seek through the proper legal means a second court decision on who should care for Sara. But now it is believed that the ex-husband has left Bahrain with Sara - something which should not have happened had authorities been doing their job properly 0
106062 0 1490 COMM COMMENTIf people can't budget...why not do it for them? Notice how Manama seems so busy in the first few days of the month and then becomes dead by the time you get to the middle of it? It doesn't take a genius to figure out that the reason is that most people become increasingly conservative with their spending as their salaries start to run out. They spend like crazy when they first get their wages and then horde any left-over cash until their next pay-day, which for most people, falls during the last few days of the month. These spending patterns go virtually unnoticed in large cities but in a small place like Bahrain, it can bring things to a virtual standstill. There's been no scientific research into this theory in Bahrain to my knowledge, but I've surveyed restaurant, cafe, nightclub and retail shop managers, who confirm it. Imagine what visitors must think if they have the misfortune of landing in Bahrain on a weekday during one of these monthly quiet periods! They'd stay for a couple of days, get bored 0
106063 0 1490 LETT LETTERS Why we all adore Bahrain so much! WE love Bahrain, we miss Bahrain a lot. A homely place to live in, that's Bahrain. Congratulations to all the winners of the Bahrain Garden Club Vegetable and Flower Show and also kudos to all participants of the show. Me and my boys were constant winners for the past four years of our participation in the show. Now we have moved to Dubai. My son was the winner of the Bond Cup for two consecutive years and myself the Kleen Globet cup winner. We really miss taking part in the show. It was our hard work and keen interest that contributed to the results and also the encouragement from my husband and my loving friends in Bahrain. There are no words to describe how we miss Bahrain. That's our second home. My love and regards to the place I worked for almost 12 years. The NBB home for the elderly. I miss my old babas and mamas and the kind hearted colleagues at the work spot. Now the flower shows, the work place, the Asian School where th 0
106064 0 1490 LETT LETTERS Breath of fresh air IT is like a breath of fresh air to have flowers and plants at the Bahrain Garden Fair. May the association continue to grow and make this fair an oasis of blossoms in Bahrain. I have however one question. Being a Pakistani, I was surprised to see that Pakistan was not taking part in the fair. Pakistan's horticultural society is of world standard and we have contestants as well as judges taking part all over the world. Last year a contestant Farida Kalim came third in an international flower show in Paris, using Pakistani crops and plants, only being beaten by some European contestants. The "Olympics" of Flower Shows is being held in Islamabad, Pakistan in 2008, I think, in competition from countries like Russia etc. Pakistan being an Islamic and neighbouring country should be represented at this magnificent show. S Babar 0
106065 0 1490 LETT LETTERS Thanks, guys! I WOULD like to sincerely thank the employees of the customer services directorate of the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) for the kind assistance provided when my spouse sought their help in getting the electricity disconnected. They went out of their way to help her. I had shifted my residence and requested the MEW to disconnect the electricity. Due to the non-availability of the watchman, it was not possible to disconnect during the visit of MEW personnel. When I was not able to obtain an appointment for this process, I requested my spouse to get it done. She went to the customer services directorate and the extremely kind hearted personnel went out of their way in performing this service, though it was not their duty to do so. Sincere thanks on behalf of myself and my spouse for their efforts. Venkat 0
106066 0 1490 LETT LETTERS Looks good, but... FEBRUARY 26, 5.35pm at the traffic lights at the Al Fateh Highway - Shaikh Daij Avenue Junction. A traffic police car with its flashers on, parked in full view of the flowing traffic. A stream of cars turning left in to the Shaikh Daij Avenue from the straight lane in Al Fateh Highway. Two smartly uniformed traffic police officers waving these cars in, prompting them to keep moving. A fine example of meticulous traffic control. The scene was so perfect, for once it looked as though I was going to be fined for being in the right lane. S. Venkateswaran 0
106067 0 1490 LETT LETTERS Show of humanity MY dear wife and I would like to offer our sincere thanks to Mr Azzam the security police officer (Identity Number 622) who so kindly assisted my wife in single handedly moving her car when it stopped due to battery failure on the Arad highway few days ago. I would like to thank him for his humanity and kindness and his further assistance in controlling the traffic so I could reposition my car to assist my wife and for helping us to jump start the car as well. I was deeply touched by his sincere help and kind smiling face. Mr Azaam you are a credit to your police force and to your country. Thank you once again and may Allah bless you abundantly with good health, happiness and prosperity for your kindness. Mrs Oxana Kadatskaya and Mr Achut Bhandarkar 0
106068 0 1490 LETT LETTERS Good luck Matthew WITH reference to the letter (GDN March 3) about Matthew who cleans cars in the car park behind the post office, I too have known him for several years and would like to think the few dinars I have passed his way have helped towards his studies. I visit Bahrain two or three times a year and when there last week, Matthew told me he has one more semester then he will be looking for a job. Please note employers, you would do well to consider employing this enterprising young man. Lynn Collins, Hampshire, UK 0
106069 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Sixers pip Hawks with late free throws TORONTO: Marc Jackson hit a pair of free throws with 1.2 seconds remaining and Allen Iverson stole the ensuing inbounds pass to give the Philadelphia 76ers a 98-97 win over the Hawks in Atlanta yesterday. Iverson scored 33 points to lead the Sixers scoring as Philadelphia handed the reeling Hawks their 11th straight loss. Jackson's winning free throws capped a 13-point night for him, including a perfect seven-for-seven from the free throw line. Iverson went 13-for-13 on his foul shots as Philadelphia went 30-for-34 (88.2 per cent) from the line. Chris Webber added 18 points and eight rebounds for the 76ers, who moved to within one game of the .500 mark (29-30) with the victory. Despite being cheered on by just their third sell-out crowd of the season, the Hawks slipped to an NBA-worst 10-48. Al Harrington had 19 points and nine assists to lead the Hawks, who led 74-69 after three quarters. Josh Childress added 16 points for Atlanta. In other 0
106070 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Isinbayeva breaks pole vault record again MADRID: Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva, left, broke the world indoor women's pole vault record for the fourth time this year, providing the climax of a triumphant three days for Russia at the European indoor championships. After the last of her rivals had bowed out yesterday, Isinbayeva soared over the bar at 4.90 metres to break the mark she had bettered last month in Donetsk, Birmingham and Leivin. It was the 13th record of her short career. Russia finished the championships with nine gold medals, six ahead of second-placed Sweden. Hosts Spain had to wait until the dying stages to claim their first gold when Cuban-born Joan Lino Martinez won the long jump with his fourth leap of 8.37 metres. The Spanish crowd had earlier erupted in fury when Luis Flores crashed to the track after colliding with Pole Piotr Klimczak at the end of the third leg of the men's 4x400m relay. 0
106071 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Stead seals victory for Blackburn LIVERPOOL: Jonathan Stead's first goal of the season gave Blackburn Rovers a 1-0 win away to Everton here at Goodison Park that moved the visitors further away from the Premiership relegation zone and checked their hosts' Champions League ambitions. Victory took Mark Hughes's men seven points clear of the bottom three and into 14th place in the table. Everton remained fourth, in the final Champions League spot available to English clubs and, after Liverpool's 1-0 defeat by Newcastle on Saturday, they stayed eight points clear of their fifth-placed city rivals although the Reds do have a game in hand. "It's a massive win, especially with Southampton (who beat Tottenham 1-0 on Saturday), putting the pressure on us," Stead told Sky Sports afterwards. A see-saw match was still in the balance when substitute striker Stead, on for the injured Dickov, struck with 19 minutes left. 0
106072 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Els claims title DUBAI: Ernie Els eagled the final hole yesterday to win the Dubai Desert Classic by one stroke over Miguel Angel Jimenez, who had led for most of the tournament. Els, who shot a 68 and finished with a 19-under 269 at the 7,264-yard Majlis Course of Emirates Golf Club, had been trailing Jimenez and Stephen Dodd by one shot on the final tee. But the South African reached the 547-yard, par-5 18th green in two and then sank an 18-foot putt for eagle. Jimenez also reached the green in two, but then left his first putt 10 feet short and missed his birdie attempt to finish the round with a 70. The five-time winner on the European Tour last year finished with a par and in a tie for second with Dodd at 270. "The putt on the 18th was just about perfect," Els said. "I feel sad for Miguel. He is a perfect gentleman and never lost his composure. But we all play to win and I have lost some in similar circumstances before." Jimenez blamed his putting for the l 0
106073 1 1490 SPOR SPORT FISICHELLA TRIUMPHS MELBOURNE: Italy's Giancarlo Fisichella won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix for Renault yesterday as Ferrari's seven times world champion Michael Schumacher failed to finish. Brazilian Rubens Barrichello finished second for champions Ferrari, ahead of Fisichella's Spanish team mate Fernando Alonso. Briton David Coulthard gave the new Red Bull team a strong debut with fourth place after running as high as second while Australian Mark Webber was fifth for Williams. While Fisichella started on pole and won with a 5.5 second margin, celebrating only the second win of his career, Schumacher was never in contention. The German, winner of 13 of last season's 18 races, capped a miserable weekend with retirement 13 laps from the finish after a collision with compatriot Nick Heidfeld's Williams. Heidfeld shunted Schumacher off into the gravel at turn three and although the Ferrari driver was pushed back on to the track, he pitted and retired. Heidfeld also stopped. BUCHAREST: Victor Hanescu beat Vladimir Volthckov in three tight sets yesterday as Romania overturned a 2-1 deficit to beat Belarus 3-2 and reach the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup. Hanescu triumphed 7-6 (7-2), 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) at Brasov to set up a quarter-final against either Croatia or the United States. Andrei Pavel had earlier levelled the tie 2-2 when he beat Max Mirnyi 6-1, 7-6 (7-0), 4-6, 6-3. Last year's semi-finalists Belarus face a play-off from September 23 to 25 to retain their top-flight status. In Moscow, Australian Open champion Marat Safin endured a trademark emotional roller-coaster ride before leading Russia into the Davis Cup quarter-finals and a rematch against France, the team they beat to win their only title three years ago. Safin beat Fernando Gonzalez 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 in just four minutes short of four hours at Moscow's Olympic Stadium to give his country an unassailable 3-1 lead over Chile. Nikolay Davydenko then rounded o 0
106075 3 1490 SPOR SPORT Bahrain seeks coach as Juricic quits MANAMA: Bahrain Football Association (BFA) yesterday announced the resignation of national team coach Srecko Juricic of Croatia. The BFA is now looking for a new coach before Bahrain's 2006 World Cup second round qualifying match against North Korea on March 25. In an official statement, BFA general secretary Ahmed Jassim said they received a letter from the 50-year-old coach requesting to be relieved from his job. The announcement was made after a meeting held at the BFA premises which was attended by BFA teams committee head Yousef Hassan, team manager Abdulrazzaq Mohammed and coach Juricic. Juricic, whose contract ends on August 31 next year, explained his motives behind the decision. An emergency meeting, headed by BFA president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, was held following the coach's resignation and discussed several names to replace Juricic. The new coach is expected to be revealed by this weekend. "We were surprised to get such a response from coach Juricic. He 0
106076 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Celtic close gap on Rangers with win EDINBURGH: Champions Celtic closed the gap on leaders Rangers with a 3-1 Scottish Premier League win away to Hibernian here at Easter Road yesterday. Victory left Martin O'Neill's men four points behind their arch Glasgow rivals but with two games in hand on them. First-half goals from Stilian Petrov and John Hartson left Celtic comfortably in charge before Craig Bellamy made the game safe with the 'Bhoys' third in the 69th minute. Hibs managed a last minute consolation through Guillaume Beuzelin's late volley, defeat leaving the home side third but a huge 21 points behind second-placed Celtic. The visitors went ahead as early as the fifth minute when, from their first attack, Petrov scored from close range. Celtic striker Chris Sutton, out on the right, sent in a low through ball which although it was missed by Hartson found Petrov at the far post who smashed the ball into the net after a couple of touches. Bellamy, banished from Newcastle after a row with 0
106077 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Second drag race set THE second round of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship, organised by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club (BDRC), will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The championship has created a huge level of interest throughout the GCC with participants coming from all over the region to take part in the four categories of the championship. The test and tune procedures for the race will be held today at the BIC from 7pm to 11pm. More than 60 cars such as Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs will take part in the test and tune. Ali Aryan, Khalid Abdulla and Tariq Al Hadi lead the strong Bahraini challenge along with other big names from the Gulf. Tickets for the Test and Tune are BD2 and gates will be open from 6pm. Tickets for the second round of the five-leg championship is BD5 for Wednesday and Thursday. Around 5,000 people attended the opening round held last month. "It gives us great pleasure to host the drag race champion 0
106078 0 1490 SPOR SPORT Endurance win hailed THE Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent cables of congratulations to Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa over the national team's achievement at the third GCC Endurance Horseride Championship in Doha on Saturday. The team won two trophies - the juniors individual and seniors team titles. 0
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106080 0 1490 WORL WORLD William picks Sandhurst LONDON: Prince William will follow his younger brother Harry to Britain's elite Sandhurt military academy, The Sunday Times reported. William, who graduates from Saint Andrews University in Scotland in June, would enrol at the military school in January 2006, when Harry would be starting his third term of a yearlong course, it said. Twenty-year-old Harry was accepted last year at Sandhurst, after declaring a desire to follow his father and grandfather into the military. William, 22, also revealed in an interview last November that he was using Harry as a "guinea pig" at Sandhurst while contemplating a future military career. In that interview, he pledged that as an army officer he would fight alongside "his men", saying: "The last thing I would want to do is be mollycoddled". The Sunday Times also reported that William was poised to lose his protected status from Britain's invasive media when he graduated from Saint Andrews in June. Up until now, the princ 0
106081 0 1490 WORL WORLD Singer, 23, chosen first 'Indian Idol' NEW DELHI: Abhijeet Sawant, a 23-year-old singer in a Bombay orchestra with boyish good-looks, has been chosen as the first "Indian Idol" in a competition modelled on the popular American Idol format. Sawant walked away with a 10 million rupee (BD83,160) singing contract with Sony BMG, a luxury car and a week's holiday with his family in Switzerland. His moment of glory late on Saturday came at the end of a five-month countrywide search for a singing star. In the final round, Sawant, the son of a Bombay civic officer, beat off competition from 21-year-old Amit Sana, who hails from the eastern industrial city of Bhillai. Sawant and Sana were chosen from a group of 129 singers, culled from over 21,000 aspirants in the talent hunt that began in October across 10 Indian cities. 0
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106083 1 1490 WORL WORLD Ex-hostage 'was targeted by US' ROME: The Italian journalist who was wounded by US gunfire in Baghdad said yesterday she does not rule out the possibility that troops shot at her car deliberately, because the United States disapproved of Italy's intervention to win her freedom from Iraqi captors. Giuliana Sgrena made the sensitive comments from a Rome hospital where she is recuperating from a shrapnel wound to the shoulder. In other developments, Iraq's new parliament will hold its first session in 10 days time, more than a month after the country's historic vote, officials in the Kurdish and Shiite blocs who are negotiating a governing coalition said yesterday. Iraqi forces backed by US soldiers meanwhile stepped up operations in and around Samarra, north of Baghdad, tracking leads that number one fugitive Abu Musab Al Zarqawi may be in the area, an Iraqi security official said. An Italian intelligence officer was killed when US troops at a checkpoint fired at Sgrena's vehicle on Friday as they headed to the a 0
106084 0 1490 WORL WORLD Christians back Sistani for Nobel BAGHDAD: A group of exiled Iraqi Christians in the United States have launched an online petition nominating Iraq's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, drawing more than 6,000 signatures from around the world. Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani "gave Muslims all around the globe a good example how to follow peaceful ways to resolve complex social (and) political challenges that face them, condemning terror and emphasising ... rule of law," the petition said. I'm an issue, says Blair LONDON: Prime Minister Tony Blair said his personal standing with voters will be an issue in an upcoming national election. "I am an issue, I always will be," Blair said. "Whoever is the prime minister will be. ... If you are afraid to take criticism, you should go and do another job." Six villagers killed COLOMBO: Tamil Tiger rebels blamed a breakaway faction for the murder of six villagers in eastern Sri Lanka, but the military said the main guerilla group was responsible 0
106085 0 1490 WORL WORLD Nuclear waste 'dumped' LONDON: Highly radioactive waste has been dumped in Britain's seas and washed ashore, and nuclear research station workers covered up the pollution. The owner of the Dounreay nuclear plant in Caithness, in Scotland, faced a criminal prosecution over a series of leaks, which have sent more than 50 radioactive particles onto a nearby public beach. Herbie Lyalls, a health physics surveyor at the plant from 1960 to 1989, gave The Sunday Times a dossier that describes high-level radioactive waste washed down drains intended for low-level waste, and later flushed out into the sea. It also claimed that radioactive materials were handled inappropriately, and may have led to at least two deaths from cancer. The paper said Lyalls had spoken out about the pollution despite facing prosecution under the Official Secrets Act. 0
106086 0 1490 WORL WORLD Jackson trial resumes SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial resumes today after an opening week of testimony that was packed with lurid details and mutual accusations of conspiracy and deceit. Currently on the witness stand is the elder sister of the then 13-year-old cancer victim Jackson stands accused of molesting at his fantasy-style Neverland Ranch two years ago. The first member of the accuser's family to testify, the young woman, now 18, faces further cross-examination from Jackson's imposing lead lawyer, Thomas Mesereau. In a trial in which so much hangs on witness credibility, Mesereau scored key points on Friday as he got the sister to concede that she and her mother had lied about key details of the case in an interview with social workers. Heaping scorn on the prosecution claim that the family was held captive at Neverland, Mesereau also made her acknowledge that they never tried to alert anyone to their alleged plight during visits to a passport office and a cr 0
106087 0 1490 WORL WORLD Learning to be nice BRITAIN'S education department is investing in a multi-million pound project to teach primary school children how to behave and "manage their anger", The Sunday Telegraph reported. Under a new 10-million (BD7.18m) programme, teachers will instruct children on how to express feelings, forgive classmates and give compliments. Guidance documents for school headmasters quoted by the weekly said teachers had to "provide the emotional and social guidance that some pupils currently lack", blamed in part on the breakdown in family and community ties. A pilot programme is already in place in several hundred schools. Next month it will be extended to the 20,000 primary schools in England. 0
106088 0 1490 WORL WORLD Boy smitten by reality TV star A SEVEN-year-old Jordanian boy stole his father's hard-earned salary to buy prepaid phone cards to vote for his favourite female candidate on a television reality show. Jamal was so enamoured by Algerian candidate Salma Al Ghazali, who appears on the Star Academy reality show broadcast on Lebanon's LBCI satellite channel, that he decided to steal his father's salary to pay for his declaration of love. According to Petra news agency the boy stole his father's modest salary - 420 dinars (BD222) - and bought prepaid telephone cards which he generously distributed to youths on condition they call and vote for Salma. After frantically searching for the envelope with his hard-earned cash, Jamal's father was tipped off by a neighbour who had seen the boy handing out phone cards to his mates. The father was able to recover $394 (BD149) after cashing in phone cards that his son had not yet distributed. Dognapper on trial A YOUNG Iranian woman has gone on trial for 0
106089 2 1490 WORL WORLD I am not Saddam says Assad WASHINGTON: Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, under pressure to withdraw troops from Lebanon, insisted he should not be compared to Saddam Hussein and that he wanted to co-operate with international demands. Assad told Time magazine Syria has suffered most from the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri, whose killing led to stepped up calls for Syria to pullout from Lebanon. When asked who had killed Hariri, Assad told the weekly: "The most important question is, Who had the benefit of it? "As president, I can't tell you this country or that. But who suffered most from it? Syria. Syria was the biggest loser. The Lebanese, definitely, they lost ... But Syria lost more." At the end of the interview, which was conducted last week, Assad said: "Please send this message: I am not Saddam Hussein. I want to co-operate." The Lebanese opposition has blamed the February 14 explosion that killed Hariri on Beirut's pro-Syrian regime and Damascus. The a 0
106090 3 1490 WORL WORLD US scientists battle over Darwin theory WASHINGTON: The US science community is embroiled in a caustic fight over the theory that a higher intelligence and not Darwinist evolution is largely responsible for life on Earth. Intelligent design, which holds that only an unspecified superior intellect can account for the complexity of life forms, is increasingly appearing in science forums and journals as an alternative to evolution theory. Evolution has been widely accepted ever since CHARLES DARWIN's Origin of Species revolutionised biological sciences 145 years ago. But the new theory's support by a handful of biologists and non-scientists has put Darwinists on the defensive, while encouraging conservative Christian groups who consider evolution hostile to Biblical teachings. Pro-evolutionists brand the new idea an unscientific melange of politics and religion. "It is at its bottom a Christian religious movement," said Barbara Forrest, a professor of philosophy at Southeastern Louisiana University and a leading c 0
106091 0 1490 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Competent Toastmasters Night meeting by the Falcon Toastmasters, Bahrain Carlton Hotel, Adliya, 8pm. Contact 39588653. Photography exhibition on The Egyptian Civilisation, The Arts Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, 8am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance Classes, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, beginners, 7.30pm; intermediate/advanced, 8.30pm. Lessons cost BD2.500 each. Contact Latin Fever 39676349. Madinat Hamad (Hamad Town) Womens Society weekly meeting, 7pm-9pm. Contact Fatima 39643396 or Amira 39126113. Victoria Dance Centre - Junior Musical Theatre and Primary Ballet, 3.30pm-4.30pm; Senior Musical Theatre, Grade 1 Ballet and Monday Madness Hip Hop & Funk Juniors, 4.30pm-5.30pm; Monday Madness, Hip Hop & Funk Seniors, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Contact 39876215. La Fontaine Centre of Contempora 0
106092 0 1491 BNEW NULL Sweet success for Charity Dish SCORES of women supported the Children and Mothers' Welfare Society 22nd Charity Dish held yesterday at the society premises in Isa Town. They bought different cuisines in their bid to raise thousands of dinars for programmes which cater for women and children at the one-day event, opened under the patronage of Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa. Assistant Under-Secretary for Social Affairs Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa was also present at the opening, which featured 20 tables set up by individuals and organisations. Stalls at the event featured traditional Arabic food, pickles, rice dishes, sweets, pastries and cookies - all donated by companies, societies, schools, embassies and individuals. Society president Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said it was great to see many well-wishers show up and support this worthy cause - which has so far raised tens of thousands of dinars since its inception 22 years ago. "The money we raise will go to help fu 1
106093 0 1491 BNEW NULL Hi-tech university e-centre on way WORK on a BD250,000 state-of-the-art e-learning centre at Bahrain University, in Sakhir, is due to be completed in two months. Construction of the MTC-Vodafone centre is going as planned, according to centre director Dr Khalid Buqahoos. However, e-learning courses are already being offered at the campus from a temporary base in the College of Business Management. "We have started offering 10 courses. Seven of them are being completely throughout the Internet, while three are a combination of the conventional educational method and e-learning through the Internet during this semester," said Dr Buqahoos. He said that the course web page included everything needed for students. "It includes e-mail, chat and discussion rooms, the required course texts and references," said Dr Buqahoos. A CD, in addition to printouts with course materials, is also being distributed to the students. The courses are being offered at the same rate to that of regular cours 1
106094 0 1491 BNEW NULL New laws needed to protect women NEW laws should be implemented to protect the rights of women in Bahrain, says a women's group. The call came from Amnesty International's Nat-ional Partnership Committee (Al Sharaka) yesterday in preparation for the International Women's Day, which falls today. The implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is vital, said group media director Fawzia Rabea. "Even though the convention was ratified by Bahrain in June 2002, many measures that entail the step are yet to be carried out," she remarked. The group also called for the implementation of the family law, all international conventions that protect the rights of women and scrapping all laws that deny women their full rights, which are guaranteed by the constitution. Al Sharaka, which was set up late last year to take part in a global Amnesty International campaign to draw attention to violence against women as a human rights issue, said laws regulating nati 1
106095 0 1491 BNEW NULL Technology honours for graduates THE Birla Institute of Technology International Centre held its second graduation ceremony yesterday. It was held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. Chief guest was Labour Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Also there were centre executive council chairman Jalal M Jalal, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi vice-chancellor Dr S K Mukherjee and senior officials from the Labour and Education Ministries. Mr Jalal and Mr Mukherjee congratulated the students on their achievement and wished them luck in their future endeavours. Twenty-four students received diplomas and 18 received Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology (IT). "We are happy that 16 of the 24 diploma graduates are already employed, while two are pursuing their higher studies and three more are expecting to be employed shortly with the help from the centre," said cent 1
106096 1 1491 BNEW NULL Man dies in wall collapse MANAMA MANAMA: A worker was killed and four others were injured when a wall they were building collapsed yesterday.Lalu Ravi, 31, who was virtually decapitated and killed on the spot, was helping to erect a concrete wall for a shed at Manama Textile Mills, behind Alba.The accident happened at around 11am. Iyyaswamy Buadi, 30, sustained serious back injuries and fractures, while the other three, named only as Soman, Ganeshan and Jayaprakash, suffered minor injuries. Mr Buadi underwent surgery at the Salmaniya Medical Complex, where his condition was said to be stable. Mr Ravi, Mr Buadi and Jayaprakash worked for Abdulrahman Al Mansoori Contracting Company. Soman and Ganeshan were working for another sub-contractor. Mr Ravi was from Kollam, Kerala and had been in Bahrain for the past three years. A company spokesman said Mr Ravi's body would be sent home as quickly as possible. "We are getting the papers cleared and we will send one of our staff along with M 1
106097 0 1491 BNEW NULL Breakthrough for women MANAMA: A national strategy for the development of Bahraini women will be launched today. It will be launched at a ceremony held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. There will be speeches by the King and Shaikha Sabeeka, outlining the national strategy, drawn up by the council. The event, at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is by invitation only. It will also include a speech by Information Minister and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar and a film on women's accomplishments in Bahrain. 1
106098 0 1491 BNEW NULL Go-ahead for display ban on lingerie mannequins A PROPOSAL to ban scantily-clad mannequins from shop windows was unanimously approved by the Central Municipal Council yesterday. The proposal is the second of its kind, following a similar move at Muharraq Municipal Council in November last year. It says that lingerie and other women's clothing should be displayed in specially designated areas inside the shop, where only women are allowed. The proposal was presented after a number of angry women approached their municipal councillors complaining that they have been harassed by young men loitering outside such shops. "A number of women have approached me regarding the matter," said Central Municipal Council member Mahfoodh, who represents Tubli and surrounding areas. "They say that young men would perform impolite gestures to them whenever they walk next to a shop displaying such clothing in its windows." Mr Mahfoodh said other councillors had received similar complaints. "I came up with a proposal 1
106099 0 1491 BNEW NULL Burglars raid Gudaibiya flat THIEVES stole around BD250 worth of goods from a ground floor flat in Gudaibiya, two weeks after a burglary occurred at a neighbouring apartment. The incident occurred while the owner of the building, who is also a tenant, went out for 45 minutes to a neighbour on the third floor. Mohammed Saud, 52, reported that he left the apartment at around 9pm and returned shortly afterwards to discover the main door broken into. "They stole a sound system, a receiver, around BD50 in cash and four watches," he said. "Around two weeks ago, someone had burgled one of my tenants on the same floor." 1
106100 0 1491 BNEW NULL Engineers to hold key presentation THE Institution of Engineers Pakistan is organising a technical presentation at 7pm tonight. The talk, entitled Engineering and Environ-mental Issues of Reclamation Projects, will be held at the Bahrain Society of Engineers in Juffair at 7pm. The event, which will feature a question and answer session, is open to all. 1
106101 0 1491 BNEW NULL Science issues to be probed THE Third Science Colleges Societies Council Conference begins today at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The two-day event is organised by Bahrain University's College of Science in co-ordination with the Arabian Universities Federation, under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. The event, which starts at 9am, will include speeches by council secretary general and college dean Dr Haifa Al Maskati and acting federation secretary general Dr Ahmed Al Bassyoni. Dr Al Maskati said the event was an opportunity for those in charge of Arab science colleges to meet and discuss current problems, taking into consideration advancements in field of information technology. 1
106102 0 1491 BNEW NULL Bills worth BD4.7m are waived THE government spent BD4.7 million waiving the outstanding electricity and water bills of 25,252 Bahraini homes last year, it was revealed yesterday. The move followed the orders of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to scrap the unsettled bills of needy Bahraini families in June last year. Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa said the gesture was aimed to assist Bahraini families enjoy electricity during the difficult summer months. He was speaking at the Shura Council session in response to a question presented by member Habib Maki on measures taken by the government to implement the gesture. Mr Maki also asked whether there was truth behind alleged reports that the gesture covered well off people. Shaikh Abdulla assured him that dignitaries and businessmen were all excluded from the gesture. He said the majority of people who benefited from it were those who sent letters to the Royal and Premier's court 1
106103 0 1491 BNEW NULL Extra air miles... GULF Air is giving away extra free air miles to celebrate its 55th birthday this month. For 55 days from yesterday until April 30, members of the Gulf Air Frequent Flyer programme, travelling in either first or business class, will receive five times the normal number of bonus miles. "Gulf Air officially celebrates being 55 on March 24, but as this is such a landmark birthday we wanted to share the occasion with our loyal customers over a longer period," said Gulf Air loyalty programmes manager Louise Robertson. 1
106104 0 1491 BNEW NULL Right to equality isn't act of charity! GRANTING women their place in society is not an act of charity but a right, which should be guaranteed by the law. Women play an important role in development and civilisation and legislation should be developed to ensure that they are given their rights, the Bahrain Women's Society said yesterday. "To achieve prosperity, women should be given a bigger role and the respect and dignity they deserve," it said. "This is not hearsay but a reality cemented by research and figures and today's needs and demands." The statement, issued to mark the International Women's Day being commemorated world-wide today, said developed nations are those which have realised the importance of women in society. "This realisation has helped them change their stone-age mentalities by treating women as equals," it said. "In return, this enabled women to take part in decision-making and economical and social reforms, activities which have helped provide a better future. The 1
106105 0 1491 BNEW NULL Plan for state-run kindergartens rejected A PROPOSAL to set up a network of government-run kindergartens was rejected yesterday, because of the cost. It would cost the Education Ministry BD156 million in the first five years to establish kindergartens, including building costs, salaries and operating expenses, Shura Council members were told at their weekly session. Education Ministry Dr Majid Al Nuaimi said committing the government to build kindergartens would result in huge financial obligations far exceeding the ministry's capabilities. He was responding to a proposed article to the new Education Law, which stipulated the ministry set up government kindergartens (for children aged three to five) in areas where there are none. The proposed article also called on the ministry to encourage the private sector to set up kindergartens, while monitoring their education and administrative standards. "The international trend is to allow the private sector set up kindergartens in view of the high costs and to 1
106106 0 1491 BNEW NULL Balancing home and career 'a big issue' THE biggest issue facing many women today is the burden of having to balance a successful career with bringing up a family, says a visiting Islam educator and activist. Briton Erica Timoney, who converted to Islam in 1981, says working mothers need the support of their husbands and the community to help them overcome the struggle between balancing the needs of work with family life. "Women want the burden to be lifted from them as they feel the responsibility is always on them to work, keep the children on track and keep the home," said Mrs Tim-oney, who is visiting Bahrain at the invitation of Discover Islam. "Many things are on our list of priorities and at the moment it's on working and this needs readjusting. Mrs Timoney, who home educated her two children Hassan, 18 and Salma, 16, up until GCSE level, said women needed to be given the opportunity to leave their careers to raise their children and also the support to be able to return to work. She said challeng 1
106107 0 1491 BNEW NULL Bahrain role in fight against terror hailed BAHRAIN won high praise yesterday for its role in combating terrorism and keeping the country and region safe. Italian Defence Attach Colonel Rosario Privitelli said that he had seen the effective action being undertaken by local authorities to ensure a safe environment for those who live here. "The stability of this region affects the entire world," he told journalists on board the Italian frigate Grecale, which is visiting Bahrain on a six-day port call. "There is no denying that this is a very important part of the world and that is why you have all these countries trying to ensure a safer environment for all. "The threat of terrorism in this region is the same that we have around the world. "Bahrain is doing a great effort in this area." Col Privitelli arrived in the region in August last year and is based in Kuwait. The Italian Navy frigate is in the region as part of the coalition forces; and in Iraq the Italian contingent is currently based 1
106108 0 1491 BNEW NULL Mideast mission for Italian frigate ITALIAN maritime and land forces are pledging their continuous support and presence in the Middle East as part of the global war against terrorism. Their strong involvement in the region began in 2001 and is part of a wide coalition that aims to guarantee a safe and secure environment, says Commander Andrea Gueglio, commanding officer of the Italian Navy frigate Grecale. The Grecale, with a crew of more than 200, is in Bahrain on a six-day port call - 20 days after arriving in the region as part of the coalition forces assigned to Task Force 152. The 123-metre-long warship was designed to perform a great number of missions, with its principal role as the defence of naval forces and convoys from submarine attacks. "In the historical point of view, the Italian Navy has been actively operating in this area since 2001," said Cmdr Gueglio. "In the last 20 days we have been operating in the Gulf, we have not encountered any type of threat, but we are aware that it is the 1
106109 0 1491 BNEW NULL Expo offers career tips for youngsters The Second Universities and Career Exhibition began yesterday at Omaima Secondary Commercial School for Girls, Isa Town. The three-day event, organised by the school, aims at introducing commercial secondary students to opportunities in today's labour market. Participants include the Education Ministry's cultural, scholarship and university information affairs directorate, the Labour Ministry, Bahrain University, Gulf University, AMA University, New York Institute for Technology, Ahlia University, Gulf University, Gulf College and the Australian Bureau. Alba and PriceWaterHouseCoopers are also taking part in the event. The exhibition will be open daily for students from 9.30am to 11.30am, while parents wishing to visit the exhibition are welcome tomorrow from 4pm to 8pm. 1
106110 0 1491 BNEW NULL Record entries for art contest A RECORD number of entries have been received for the Children's Arts and Literature Competition this year, say organisers. A total of 3,300 children, aged between seven and 18, entered the competition, which is 1,000 more than last year. The competition is being held under the umbrella of the annual Children's Arts and Literature Festival. It is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Hala bint Daij Al Khalifa, wife of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Competition categories based on the theme Who Am I included: creative and journalistic writing, poetry, theatrical performance, music, web design, photography and art. At the final round of semi-finalist interviews, conducted at the Salman Cultural Centre, Umm Al Hassam, judges unanimously expressed their admiration for the flourishing talents and impressive standard of work submitted by the children in Bahrain. Nizar Maaroof, who is the main judge fo 1
106111 0 1491 BNEW NULL Benefits of laser surgery stressed THE latest techniques in laser and coblation tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils) came under the spotlight at two lectures held at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB). Scores of ears, nose and throat (ENT) consultants, as well as general practitioners and medical students, attended the lectures, which were presented by visiting surgeon from Beckum, Germany Dr Robert Dennerlein and IHB ENT surgeon Professor Akram Khairy. Dr Dennerlein spoke about the latest techniques in laser tonsillectomy versus traditional tonsillectomy procedures. He highlighted the advantages of laser treatment, particularly that it greatly reduces procedure time and speeds recovery. Prof Khairy spoke about coblation assisted surgeries, a technique which combines radio-frequency energy with saline to remove unwanted tonsil tissue and minimises the damage to surrounding areas. He said that the new technique meant less post-operative pain and quicker post-operative recovery tim 1
106112 0 1491 BNEW NULL Shura rejects bid to outlaw old cars A PROPOSAL to ban old cars from Bahrain's roads was rejected by the Shura Council yesterday. Forty per cent of vehicles on Bahrain's roads have exceeded their estimated life-span, said a written report to the council by Interior Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. But they are only allowed on the roads if they pass annual inspections, he said in a report to the council's public utilities and environment committee. The council stressed the importance of including a provision regulating the use of old cars in a new traffic law, being drafted by authorities. The objective of the amendment to Article 11 of the Traffic Law was the reduction of the number of cars on the road, as well as reducing the risk of accidents and pollution. It was proposed by Abdulrahman Jamsheer, Khalid Al Maskati, Mohammed Radhi, Dr Fakhriya Dairi and Abduljaleel Al Tareef and stipulated that the General Directorate of Traffic would be responsible for setting a vehicle' 1
106113 0 1491 BNEW NULL Six more young musicians make the grade SIX more young musicians were selected as finalists during the second day of the Seventh Annual St Christopher's Music Festival yesterday. The second day of the heats, held at St Christopher's Junior School hall, Isa Town, included voice, strings, bass, woodwind and plucked strings categories. Eleven finalists have been selected so far in the festival, which involves more than 100 children from St Christopher's School, Sacred Heart School, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, The British School of Bahrain and the Bahrain Music Institute. Yesterday's results are as follows (all students are from St Christopher's School unless stated otherwise): Level one voice: first place went to Emma Sykes, second place to Dominic Hudson and third to Megan McMurdo. Level two strings: Krantzl Aro Narte (British School of Bahrain); Zalina Rosli and Fiona Quirke-Witter. All three musicians performed on their violins. Level two brass: trumpeter Edward Mark 1
106114 0 1491 BNEW NULL Lover remanded over shop tryst AN INDIAN shop worker has been detained in custody for having sex with an under-age Bahraini girl, who worked with him. The two fell in love and planned to get married, but the girl's mother called the police when she heard about the affair, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The defendant, aged 26, admitted having sex with the girl who, at 20, is under the legal age of consent. Their year-long affair was discovered when the girl was admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex with high blood pressure, after a row with her mother. Her mother went to the hospital, where the girl told her that she and the defendant were in love and wanted to get married. The 48-year-old mother called the defendant to the hospital, confronted him and then called the police. The defendant, who was arrested on February 8, admitted having sex with the girl and told police they were in love and planned to marry, the court heard. The girl also told police they were in love and plan 1
106115 0 1491 BNEW NULL University's student forum shut AN online forum for University College Bahrain (UCB) students has been taken offline by its administrators, who fear a backlash from the university. The website, called UCBForums, was being used by students to post student complaints and comments about the university, its administration and faculty. A forum member told the GDN that the students decided that the forum should be shut down because they had heard that it had angered certain members of the administration. "We have many issues with the university. We are upset about many things, which we are powerless to change," he said. "The forum is being shut down because we are afraid that keeping it may cause us more problems." The student council also recently resigned, reportedly because the members say that the university's administration was interfering in its activities and putting obstacles in its path. "The students are very upset. We don't feel that the university respects us." UCB officials 1
106116 0 1491 BNEW NULL Batelco boost for women's golf marathon BATELCO donated a cheque for BD5,000 in support of a women-only 24-hour golf marathon, which is being held later this month to raise money for Bahrain Mobility International (BMI). The cheque was presented by Batelco corporate affairs senior manager Ahmed Hussain Al Janahi to marathon organiser and Awali Golf Club member Julie Frosdick, at the club's premises yesterday. BMI liaison officer and fund-raiser Dreena Rogers and marathon golfers also attended the presentation. All money raised from the golf marathon will go towards buying a mobility bus, which is urgently needed by the BMI. Around 25 to 30 women golfers are expected to take part in the event, which is being held at the club from noon on March 23 to noon the following day. Anyone wishing to get involved in the event they should contact Mrs Rogers on 39615356, or to register for the event contact Mrs Frosdick on 17754285. BAHRAIN'S labour reforms will bring the best of both worlds, reducing the exploitation of expatriate labour and also protecting Bahraini workers, says a government official.The reforms, outlined in a study by McKinsey and Company, will make Bahrainis more competitive by attaching fees to the employment of expatriates. But crucially, expatriates will have the right to leave their employers if they choose to, said Labour and Social Affairs Ministry employment director Osama Al Absi. This is expected to result in fairer treatment of expatriates while at the same time giving Bahrainis more opportunities. "Expats will be able to find new jobs, whether for better pay or better working conditions," he told the GDN. "The wages of expatriate labour has been kept artificially low because of sponsorship regulations, which employers are abusing." Mr Al Absi, a member of the labour and economics reforms committee, said that current estimates showed that 13 per cent to 16pc of t 1
106118 3 1491 BNEW NULL Rich 'cashing in on homes plan' WEALTHY Bahraini property owners are trying to cash in on a scheme to renovate needy families' dilapidated homes.They have been applying for free renovation of homes they don't even live in. Dilapidated homes must be inhabited by Bahrainis to be included in the nationwide renovation and rebuilding scheme. Some of the houses put up for consideration are owned by Bahraini families who are very well off, but are rented out to foreign workers, said Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed. He urged councillors to choose those houses that are owned and lived in by Bahrainis. A scheme to renovate or rebuild 6,000 dilapidated houses nationwide, at a cost of up to BD120 million, has been launched under a gesture from His Majesty King Hamad. "Derelict houses must be lived in by Bahrainis not just owned by them," said Mr Al Sayed. "We have encountered a number of cases that have applied for the rehabilitation scheme, but whose owners are actually pretty well of 1
106119 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Sweet success for Charity Dish SCORES of women supported the Children and Mothers' Welfare Society 22nd Charity Dish held yesterday at the society premises in Isa Town. They bought different cuisines in their bid to raise thousands of dinars for programmes which cater for women and children at the one-day event, opened under the patronage of Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa. Assistant Under-Secretary for Social Affairs Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa was also present at the opening, which featured 20 tables set up by individuals and organisations. Stalls at the event featured traditional Arabic food, pickles, rice dishes, sweets, pastries and cookies - all donated by companies, societies, schools, embassies and individuals. Society president Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said it was great to see many well-wishers show up and support this worthy cause - which has so far raised tens of thousands of dinars since its inception 22 years ago. "The money we raise will go to help fu 0
106120 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Hi-tech university e-centre on way WORK on a BD250,000 state-of-the-art e-learning centre at Bahrain University, in Sakhir, is due to be completed in two months. Construction of the MTC-Vodafone centre is going as planned, according to centre director Dr Khalid Buqahoos. However, e-learning courses are already being offered at the campus from a temporary base in the College of Business Management. "We have started offering 10 courses. Seven of them are being completely throughout the Internet, while three are a combination of the conventional educational method and e-learning through the Internet during this semester," said Dr Buqahoos. He said that the course web page included everything needed for students. "It includes e-mail, chat and discussion rooms, the required course texts and references," said Dr Buqahoos. A CD, in addition to printouts with course materials, is also being distributed to the students. The courses are being offered at the same rate to that of regular cours 0
106121 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL New laws needed to protect women NEW laws should be implemented to protect the rights of women in Bahrain, says a women's group. The call came from Amnesty International's Nat-ional Partnership Committee (Al Sharaka) yesterday in preparation for the International Women's Day, which falls today. The implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women is vital, said group media director Fawzia Rabea. "Even though the convention was ratified by Bahrain in June 2002, many measures that entail the step are yet to be carried out," she remarked. The group also called for the implementation of the family law, all international conventions that protect the rights of women and scrapping all laws that deny women their full rights, which are guaranteed by the constitution. Al Sharaka, which was set up late last year to take part in a global Amnesty International campaign to draw attention to violence against women as a human rights issue, said laws regulating nati 0
106122 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Technology honours for graduates THE Birla Institute of Technology International Centre held its second graduation ceremony yesterday. It was held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, under the patronage of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. Chief guest was Labour Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Also there were centre executive council chairman Jalal M Jalal, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi vice-chancellor Dr S K Mukherjee and senior officials from the Labour and Education Ministries. Mr Jalal and Mr Mukherjee congratulated the students on their achievement and wished them luck in their future endeavours. Twenty-four students received diplomas and 18 received Bachelor's degrees in Information Technology (IT). "We are happy that 16 of the 24 diploma graduates are already employed, while two are pursuing their higher studies and three more are expecting to be employed shortly with the help from the centre," said cent 0
106123 1 1492 BNEW LOCAL Man dies in wall collapse MANAMA MANAMA: A worker was killed and four others were injured when a wall they were building collapsed yesterday.Lalu Ravi, 31, who was virtually decapitated and killed on the spot, was helping to erect a concrete wall for a shed at Manama Textile Mills, behind Alba.The accident happened at around 11am. Iyyaswamy Buadi, 30, sustained serious back injuries and fractures, while the other three, named only as Soman, Ganeshan and Jayaprakash, suffered minor injuries. Mr Buadi underwent surgery at the Salmaniya Medical Complex, where his condition was said to be stable. Mr Ravi, Mr Buadi and Jayaprakash worked for Abdulrahman Al Mansoori Contracting Company. Soman and Ganeshan were working for another sub-contractor. Mr Ravi was from Kollam, Kerala and had been in Bahrain for the past three years. A company spokesman said Mr Ravi's body would be sent home as quickly as possible. "We are getting the papers cleared and we will send one of our staff along with M 0
106124 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Breakthrough for women MANAMA: A national strategy for the development of Bahraini women will be launched today. It will be launched at a ceremony held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. There will be speeches by the King and Shaikha Sabeeka, outlining the national strategy, drawn up by the council. The event, at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, is by invitation only. It will also include a speech by Information Minister and Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar and a film on women's accomplishments in Bahrain. 0
106125 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Go-ahead for display ban on lingerie mannequins A PROPOSAL to ban scantily-clad mannequins from shop windows was unanimously approved by the Central Municipal Council yesterday. The proposal is the second of its kind, following a similar move at Muharraq Municipal Council in November last year. It says that lingerie and other women's clothing should be displayed in specially designated areas inside the shop, where only women are allowed. The proposal was presented after a number of angry women approached their municipal councillors complaining that they have been harassed by young men loitering outside such shops. "A number of women have approached me regarding the matter," said Central Municipal Council member Mahfoodh, who represents Tubli and surrounding areas. "They say that young men would perform impolite gestures to them whenever they walk next to a shop displaying such clothing in its windows." Mr Mahfoodh said other councillors had received similar complaints. "I came up with a proposal 0
106126 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Burglars raid Gudaibiya flat THIEVES stole around BD250 worth of goods from a ground floor flat in Gudaibiya, two weeks after a burglary occurred at a neighbouring apartment. The incident occurred while the owner of the building, who is also a tenant, went out for 45 minutes to a neighbour on the third floor. Mohammed Saud, 52, reported that he left the apartment at around 9pm and returned shortly afterwards to discover the main door broken into. "They stole a sound system, a receiver, around BD50 in cash and four watches," he said. "Around two weeks ago, someone had burgled one of my tenants on the same floor." 0
106127 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Engineers to hold key presentation THE Institution of Engineers Pakistan is organising a technical presentation at 7pm tonight. The talk, entitled Engineering and Environ-mental Issues of Reclamation Projects, will be held at the Bahrain Society of Engineers in Juffair at 7pm. The event, which will feature a question and answer session, is open to all. 0
106128 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Science issues to be probed THE Third Science Colleges Societies Council Conference begins today at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The two-day event is organised by Bahrain University's College of Science in co-ordination with the Arabian Universities Federation, under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. The event, which starts at 9am, will include speeches by council secretary general and college dean Dr Haifa Al Maskati and acting federation secretary general Dr Ahmed Al Bassyoni. Dr Al Maskati said the event was an opportunity for those in charge of Arab science colleges to meet and discuss current problems, taking into consideration advancements in field of information technology. 0
106129 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Bills worth BD4.7m are waived THE government spent BD4.7 million waiving the outstanding electricity and water bills of 25,252 Bahraini homes last year, it was revealed yesterday. The move followed the orders of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to scrap the unsettled bills of needy Bahraini families in June last year. Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa said the gesture was aimed to assist Bahraini families enjoy electricity during the difficult summer months. He was speaking at the Shura Council session in response to a question presented by member Habib Maki on measures taken by the government to implement the gesture. Mr Maki also asked whether there was truth behind alleged reports that the gesture covered well off people. Shaikh Abdulla assured him that dignitaries and businessmen were all excluded from the gesture. He said the majority of people who benefited from it were those who sent letters to the Royal and Premier's court 0
106130 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Extra air miles... GULF Air is giving away extra free air miles to celebrate its 55th birthday this month. For 55 days from yesterday until April 30, members of the Gulf Air Frequent Flyer programme, travelling in either first or business class, will receive five times the normal number of bonus miles. "Gulf Air officially celebrates being 55 on March 24, but as this is such a landmark birthday we wanted to share the occasion with our loyal customers over a longer period," said Gulf Air loyalty programmes manager Louise Robertson. 0
106131 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Right to equality isn't act of charity! GRANTING women their place in society is not an act of charity but a right, which should be guaranteed by the law. Women play an important role in development and civilisation and legislation should be developed to ensure that they are given their rights, the Bahrain Women's Society said yesterday. "To achieve prosperity, women should be given a bigger role and the respect and dignity they deserve," it said. "This is not hearsay but a reality cemented by research and figures and today's needs and demands." The statement, issued to mark the International Women's Day being commemorated world-wide today, said developed nations are those which have realised the importance of women in society. "This realisation has helped them change their stone-age mentalities by treating women as equals," it said. "In return, this enabled women to take part in decision-making and economical and social reforms, activities which have helped provide a better future. The 0
106132 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Plan for state-run kindergartens rejected A PROPOSAL to set up a network of government-run kindergartens was rejected yesterday, because of the cost. It would cost the Education Ministry BD156 million in the first five years to establish kindergartens, including building costs, salaries and operating expenses, Shura Council members were told at their weekly session. Education Ministry Dr Majid Al Nuaimi said committing the government to build kindergartens would result in huge financial obligations far exceeding the ministry's capabilities. He was responding to a proposed article to the new Education Law, which stipulated the ministry set up government kindergartens (for children aged three to five) in areas where there are none. The proposed article also called on the ministry to encourage the private sector to set up kindergartens, while monitoring their education and administrative standards. "The international trend is to allow the private sector set up kindergartens in view of the high costs and to 0
106133 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Balancing home and career 'a big issue' THE biggest issue facing many women today is the burden of having to balance a successful career with bringing up a family, says a visiting Islam educator and activist. Briton Erica Timoney, who converted to Islam in 1981, says working mothers need the support of their husbands and the community to help them overcome the struggle between balancing the needs of work with family life. "Women want the burden to be lifted from them as they feel the responsibility is always on them to work, keep the children on track and keep the home," said Mrs Tim-oney, who is visiting Bahrain at the invitation of Discover Islam. "Many things are on our list of priorities and at the moment it's on working and this needs readjusting. Mrs Timoney, who home educated her two children Hassan, 18 and Salma, 16, up until GCSE level, said women needed to be given the opportunity to leave their careers to raise their children and also the support to be able to return to work. She said challeng 0
106134 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain role in fight against terror hailed BAHRAIN won high praise yesterday for its role in combating terrorism and keeping the country and region safe. Italian Defence Attach Colonel Rosario Privitelli said that he had seen the effective action being undertaken by local authorities to ensure a safe environment for those who live here. "The stability of this region affects the entire world," he told journalists on board the Italian frigate Grecale, which is visiting Bahrain on a six-day port call. "There is no denying that this is a very important part of the world and that is why you have all these countries trying to ensure a safer environment for all. "The threat of terrorism in this region is the same that we have around the world. "Bahrain is doing a great effort in this area." Col Privitelli arrived in the region in August last year and is based in Kuwait. The Italian Navy frigate is in the region as part of the coalition forces; and in Iraq the Italian contingent is currently based 0
106135 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Mideast mission for Italian frigate ITALIAN maritime and land forces are pledging their continuous support and presence in the Middle East as part of the global war against terrorism. Their strong involvement in the region began in 2001 and is part of a wide coalition that aims to guarantee a safe and secure environment, says Commander Andrea Gueglio, commanding officer of the Italian Navy frigate Grecale. The Grecale, with a crew of more than 200, is in Bahrain on a six-day port call - 20 days after arriving in the region as part of the coalition forces assigned to Task Force 152. The 123-metre-long warship was designed to perform a great number of missions, with its principal role as the defence of naval forces and convoys from submarine attacks. "In the historical point of view, the Italian Navy has been actively operating in this area since 2001," said Cmdr Gueglio. "In the last 20 days we have been operating in the Gulf, we have not encountered any type of threat, but we are aware that it is the 0
106136 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Expo offers career tips for youngsters The Second Universities and Career Exhibition began yesterday at Omaima Secondary Commercial School for Girls, Isa Town. The three-day event, organised by the school, aims at introducing commercial secondary students to opportunities in today's labour market. Participants include the Education Ministry's cultural, scholarship and university information affairs directorate, the Labour Ministry, Bahrain University, Gulf University, AMA University, New York Institute for Technology, Ahlia University, Gulf University, Gulf College and the Australian Bureau. Alba and PriceWaterHouseCoopers are also taking part in the event. The exhibition will be open daily for students from 9.30am to 11.30am, while parents wishing to visit the exhibition are welcome tomorrow from 4pm to 8pm. 0
106137 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Record entries for art contest A RECORD number of entries have been received for the Children's Arts and Literature Competition this year, say organisers. A total of 3,300 children, aged between seven and 18, entered the competition, which is 1,000 more than last year. The competition is being held under the umbrella of the annual Children's Arts and Literature Festival. It is being held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Hala bint Daij Al Khalifa, wife of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Competition categories based on the theme Who Am I included: creative and journalistic writing, poetry, theatrical performance, music, web design, photography and art. At the final round of semi-finalist interviews, conducted at the Salman Cultural Centre, Umm Al Hassam, judges unanimously expressed their admiration for the flourishing talents and impressive standard of work submitted by the children in Bahrain. Nizar Maaroof, who is the main judge fo 0
106138 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Benefits of laser surgery stressed THE latest techniques in laser and coblation tonsillectomy (surgical removal of tonsils) came under the spotlight at two lectures held at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB). Scores of ears, nose and throat (ENT) consultants, as well as general practitioners and medical students, attended the lectures, which were presented by visiting surgeon from Beckum, Germany Dr Robert Dennerlein and IHB ENT surgeon Professor Akram Khairy. Dr Dennerlein spoke about the latest techniques in laser tonsillectomy versus traditional tonsillectomy procedures. He highlighted the advantages of laser treatment, particularly that it greatly reduces procedure time and speeds recovery. Prof Khairy spoke about coblation assisted surgeries, a technique which combines radio-frequency energy with saline to remove unwanted tonsil tissue and minimises the damage to surrounding areas. He said that the new technique meant less post-operative pain and quicker post-operative recovery tim 0
106139 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Shura rejects bid to outlaw old cars A PROPOSAL to ban old cars from Bahrain's roads was rejected by the Shura Council yesterday. Forty per cent of vehicles on Bahrain's roads have exceeded their estimated life-span, said a written report to the council by Interior Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. But they are only allowed on the roads if they pass annual inspections, he said in a report to the council's public utilities and environment committee. The council stressed the importance of including a provision regulating the use of old cars in a new traffic law, being drafted by authorities. The objective of the amendment to Article 11 of the Traffic Law was the reduction of the number of cars on the road, as well as reducing the risk of accidents and pollution. It was proposed by Abdulrahman Jamsheer, Khalid Al Maskati, Mohammed Radhi, Dr Fakhriya Dairi and Abduljaleel Al Tareef and stipulated that the General Directorate of Traffic would be responsible for setting a vehicle' 0
106140 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Six more young musicians make the grade SIX more young musicians were selected as finalists during the second day of the Seventh Annual St Christopher's Music Festival yesterday. The second day of the heats, held at St Christopher's Junior School hall, Isa Town, included voice, strings, bass, woodwind and plucked strings categories. Eleven finalists have been selected so far in the festival, which involves more than 100 children from St Christopher's School, Sacred Heart School, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, The British School of Bahrain and the Bahrain Music Institute. Yesterday's results are as follows (all students are from St Christopher's School unless stated otherwise): Level one voice: first place went to Emma Sykes, second place to Dominic Hudson and third to Megan McMurdo. Level two strings: Krantzl Aro Narte (British School of Bahrain); Zalina Rosli and Fiona Quirke-Witter. All three musicians performed on their violins. Level two brass: trumpeter Edward Mark 0
106141 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Lover remanded over shop tryst AN INDIAN shop worker has been detained in custody for having sex with an under-age Bahraini girl, who worked with him. The two fell in love and planned to get married, but the girl's mother called the police when she heard about the affair, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The defendant, aged 26, admitted having sex with the girl who, at 20, is under the legal age of consent. Their year-long affair was discovered when the girl was admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex with high blood pressure, after a row with her mother. Her mother went to the hospital, where the girl told her that she and the defendant were in love and wanted to get married. The 48-year-old mother called the defendant to the hospital, confronted him and then called the police. The defendant, who was arrested on February 8, admitted having sex with the girl and told police they were in love and planned to marry, the court heard. The girl also told police they were in love and plan 0
106142 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL University's student forum shut AN online forum for University College Bahrain (UCB) students has been taken offline by its administrators, who fear a backlash from the university. The website, called UCBForums, was being used by students to post student complaints and comments about the university, its administration and faculty. A forum member told the GDN that the students decided that the forum should be shut down because they had heard that it had angered certain members of the administration. "We have many issues with the university. We are upset about many things, which we are powerless to change," he said. "The forum is being shut down because we are afraid that keeping it may cause us more problems." The student council also recently resigned, reportedly because the members say that the university's administration was interfering in its activities and putting obstacles in its path. "The students are very upset. We don't feel that the university respects us." UCB officials 0
106143 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Batelco boost for women's golf marathon BATELCO donated a cheque for BD5,000 in support of a women-only 24-hour golf marathon, which is being held later this month to raise money for Bahrain Mobility International (BMI). The cheque was presented by Batelco corporate affairs senior manager Ahmed Hussain Al Janahi to marathon organiser and Awali Golf Club member Julie Frosdick, at the club's premises yesterday. BMI liaison officer and fund-raiser Dreena Rogers and marathon golfers also attended the presentation. All money raised from the golf marathon will go towards buying a mobility bus, which is urgently needed by the BMI. Around 25 to 30 women golfers are expected to take part in the event, which is being held at the club from noon on March 23 to noon the following day. Anyone wishing to get involved in the event they should contact Mrs Rogers on 39615356, or to register for the event contact Mrs Frosdick on 17754285. BAHRAIN'S labour reforms will bring the best of both worlds, reducing the exploitation of expatriate labour and also protecting Bahraini workers, says a government official.The reforms, outlined in a study by McKinsey and Company, will make Bahrainis more competitive by attaching fees to the employment of expatriates. But crucially, expatriates will have the right to leave their employers if they choose to, said Labour and Social Affairs Ministry employment director Osama Al Absi. This is expected to result in fairer treatment of expatriates while at the same time giving Bahrainis more opportunities. "Expats will be able to find new jobs, whether for better pay or better working conditions," he told the GDN. "The wages of expatriate labour has been kept artificially low because of sponsorship regulations, which employers are abusing." Mr Al Absi, a member of the labour and economics reforms committee, said that current estimates showed that 13 per cent to 16pc of t 0
106145 3 1492 BNEW LOCAL Rich 'cashing in on homes plan' WEALTHY Bahraini property owners are trying to cash in on a scheme to renovate needy families' dilapidated homes.They have been applying for free renovation of homes they don't even live in. Dilapidated homes must be inhabited by Bahrainis to be included in the nationwide renovation and rebuilding scheme. Some of the houses put up for consideration are owned by Bahraini families who are very well off, but are rented out to foreign workers, said Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed. He urged councillors to choose those houses that are owned and lived in by Bahrainis. A scheme to renovate or rebuild 6,000 dilapidated houses nationwide, at a cost of up to BD120 million, has been launched under a gesture from His Majesty King Hamad. "Derelict houses must be lived in by Bahrainis not just owned by them," said Mr Al Sayed. "We have encountered a number of cases that have applied for the rehabilitation scheme, but whose owners are actually pretty well of 0
106146 1 1492 BUSI BUSINESS BHC posts 79pc rise in profits MANAMA: The Bahrain Hotels Company (BHC), which owns the Gulf Hotel and the Ocean Paradise Resort, in Zanzibar, has announced a 79 per cent increase in net profits for last year, compared to 2003.Its net profits reached BD3,323,568 last year, up by BD1,468,626 from the previous year. Gross operating revenue also increased by 21pc to BD16,979,256. The results were announced at the company's annual general meeting, at the Gulf Hotel yesterday. Shareholders approved a dividend payout of BD2,566,555 (25pc). They also approved directors' fees of BD80,000, charity donations of BD40,000 and an allocation of BD10,000 to "national promotional institutions". Meanwhile, 10pc (BD332,357) of the net profit will be transferred to the statutory reserve and the remainder of BD294,656 will be transferred to retained earnings. "It has been an outstanding year for the Bahrain Hotels Company," chairman Farouk Almoayyed said in the annual report. "Trading results have been among the best on re 0
106147 2 1492 BUSI BUSINESS Record gains for reinsurer MANAMA: Bahrain-based reinsurer Trust International Insurance Company has announced record results for last year.The company posted a net profit of $10.9 million, which is up from $5.3m in 2003. Despite a higher level of technical reserving, the profit from underwriting operations rose to $3.4m against $3.1m the previous year. The company's gross premium reached $66.5m, compared to $62.6m in 2003. A cash dividend of 10 per cent and a stock bonus issue of 20pc were approved at its annual general meeting. "The results are a clear reflection of the strategy we followed in the past few years, which focuses on quality risk selection and on developing a well-balanced book of business from our target markets," said chairman and chief executive officer Ghazi Abu Nahl. "We attained healthy returns from our investments portfolio, owing to a solid structured approach we have been following in recent years." The company has branches in Cyprus and Malaysia, with a networ 0
106148 3 1492 BUSI BUSINESS 400 to attend insurance conference MANAMA: Over 400 financial industry experts will converge on Bahrain for the Second Middle East Insurance Forum, which opens at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa today. The two-day forum is organised by Lebanon's Al-Iktisaad Wal Aamal group in co-operation with Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA). It is being held under the patronage of BMA Governor Rasheed Al Maraj. Participants include insurance executives, regulators, and other delegates. The Bahrain Financial Harbour, which hopes to promote its prestigious Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC), is a platinum sponsor for the event. The event starts at 9am. 0
106149 0 1492 BUSI BUSINESS Bank plans to widen horizons MANAMA: Bahrain's Ahli United Bank is seeking acquisitions as it eyes the Iraqi and Iranian markets for expansion to help boost its growth, its chief executive said. "We are in many discussions with banks over possible combinations. It is part of our strategy to form acquisitions and mergers with other parties in the region," Adel El Labban said. Ahli United posted a 20 per cent gain in net profits to $85 million for the first nine months of last year. It is yet to report full 2004 results. $240m deal closed DUBAI: Emirates Group has closed a $240 million financing agreement for aircraft engines with a US government agency, company representatives said. The deal with the Export-Import Bank covers 22 GE90 General Electric and Rolls Royce engines. This is the first financing of engines by Emirates and also the first time it has used support from the Ex-Im Bank, officials said. Oil stumbles LONDON: World oil prices fell yesterday amid profit taking and calming comments from 0
106150 0 1492 COMM COMMENTGoing round in circles... Why do goldfish get such a bad press? Just because they put fish in bowls, people think they have nothing on their minds other than swimming in circles humming "Round, round, get around, I get around" by the Beach Boys. If you type the phrase "attention span of a goldfish" into the Google search engine on the Internet, it registers 2,790 hits. And now the British prime minister's wife has made matters worse by calling her memoirs The Goldfish Bowl. As if it's not bad enough having the reputation of being practically brainless, the poor goldfish are now being associated with politicians. Is there no end to their humiliation? In fact, research on goldfish suggests that they have perfectly functional working memories. The simplest thing you can teach a goldfish is which direction to turn when it reaches a T-junction. When food is placed at one end or the other at the top of a T-shaped tank, the fish quickly learn which direction to flip their fins. This simple fact formed the basis for a number of e 0
106151 0 1492 COMM COMMENTFamilies losing out big time in battle of the sexes! Have you ever heard of the International Men's Day? It is so obvious. It smacks you in the face and smirks at you every day. It is celebrated 364 days a year (365 days every Leap Year) to glorify those selfish creatures who think that the whole world rotates around their little finger. All they have to do is lift it and everything comes to a standstill, in anticipation of their petty desires - whether it is a war, spreading famine and disease, ultra-smart ideas like annihilating mankind by nuclear, chemical or biological warfare... all the way down to playing dirty politics. On the family front, they break up families, cheat on their wives and abuse their children. On the personal front, they break hearts and spirits. The world is after all their playground to do with as they please, with women created to serve and please them. But the overall picture is not that bleak. In appreciation of women, who have shouldered the burden of seeing them in good 0
106152 0 1492 COMM COMMENTArrogance of lunatics on our roads appalling Another two lives lost in a needless, avoidable accident on Bahrain's roads. Two young friends with bright lives ahead of them consigned to their graves, a good 50 years too early. What must these girls' parents be feeling this morning? Life will doubtless seem worthless for a while, as they try to come to terms with the grief. But even as I drove home on the night of the accident, the heartbreak of the families still in my mind, the lunacy continued. A middle-aged Bahraini man in a Mercedes swung across three lanes, missing the front of my car by inches, when he decided to change direction just as we were exiting the Sitra causeway near Mina Salman. It happens so often that normally I would have cursed and moved on without a second thought. But it struck me that this arrogant buffoon, presumably wealthy given the model of car, was very possibly a father to children about the same age as the two girls who died so horribly in Malkiya on Sunday. Yet h 0
106155 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Why can't we ban porn channels? I READ that a hawker was caught selling porn videos in the market (GDN, March 5). I congratulate Public Security for arresting him. I know that porn videos are not allowed in Bahrain but I am surprised they are available on digital satellite channels. Why does no one complain about that? Why doesn't the government ban these channels? They are now available on Asiasat. If selling porn is illegal then how come porn channels are not illegal and why aren't they stopped? I request the satellite services to lock these channels and Public Security to take action against such services. Mohammed Ali 0
106156 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL 'Strengthen unity' call His Majesty King Hamad last night urged Bahrainis to strengthen national unity to help achieve development goals. Addressing Bahrain Journalists Association's new board members, he stressed the need to push civic freedom within the framework of the law. He praised the vital role played by the Press in highlighting social issues as part of a strategy to consolidate national unity and promote moderation and openness. He urged journalists to highlight the nation's rich culture and heritage. His Majesty also said that a new media strategy would be launched soon. The King lauded Bahraini woman's role in the nation's development marking the International Women's Day, which falls today. "Bahraini women have proved their competence in all areas and must play an active political role in the next parliamentary elections." "But granting women special privileges would be unconstitutional," he added. 0
106157 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Audience held THE Prime Minister yesterday received Parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani and reviewed matters of common interest, praising parliament's role in strengthening the principles of democracy by drawing up laws that lead to economic progress and prosperity. He later received a group of MPs. representing an independent group headed by MP. Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Mousa and praised their constructive contribution. 0
106158 0 1492 BNEW LOCAL Violators slammed Violations committed during Ashoora rituals, either by defaming national symbols or broadcasting pictures and documents were yesterday condemned. Such acts do not serve national interests and are only seeking to turn back development, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry board members said following their audience with Prime Minister. Addressing BCCI chairman Khalid Kanoo, First Deputy chairman Yousif Saleh Al Saleh and Second Deputy chairman Dr Essam Abdulla Fakhroo, the Premier praised the role of the chamber in strengthening ties with the private sector in the other Islamic countries and exploring economic and investment opportunities. While hailing BCCI's contribution in spearheading economic and business activities through holding conferences and exhibitions, he reiterated the government's keenness to support the private sector to boost the national economy and pump money into strategic investment projects. 0
106159 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Sensible move ONE of the most sensible things introduced lately by the traffic department is the yellow box. If you happen to be at least once at traffic lights in front of the Regency/Chamber of Commerce intersection you can see the chaos created by selfish motorists. Thank you, keep it up. A J Thomas 0
106160 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Peace message... FURTHER to the article 'MPs push for ban on sectarianism' (GDN, March 5), how can there be such a thing as a Sunni or Shi'ite Muslim? In the Quran I have read that "the religion is given to you by Allah, do not divide your religion". Also the Quran states "Your mission is to live in peace and harmony". There is no mention of Sunni or Shi'ite that I could find in the Quran. I for one need no further explanation. Name and addresss supplied 0
106161 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Taxis not progressing DESPITE all the dramatic improvements and development in Bahrain over the last few years stepping into a taxi is still like travelling back in time to some Third World country - old and clapped out cars, with drivers who will invariably try any trick in the book to rip off the passenger, the most common being the meter hidden behind a tissue box or switched off. Having just visited Dubai I noticed the message in all their (clean and new) taxis advising that "Your trip is free if the meter is not working". Now there's an idea. I N Spire 0
106162 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Mystery bridge WHILE driving from Janabiya to Riffa on the Janabiya Highway, at the traffic light there is a road to the left with a sign showing Manama. The same sign board also displays a sign of a bridge. When you drive down little further, there is one more sign board displaying a bridge. If you continue driving, the road does not lead to a bridge. I am curious to know what does the sign of the bridge mean. Suresh Sati 0
106163 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Problem solved? THIS is a reply to the letter written by Ramchandran Karal 'Don't shoot the messenger' (GDN, March 2), who has expressed his way of signing in to Yahoo through Yahoo Messenger. This is the problem of Yahoo providers. If you note that when you sign in to Yahoo through the web, then there is a mode below the space where you enter your user ID and password. There are two mode options there, the standard and the secure. If you select the secure mode then you won't face the Error 999 problem again. Mohd Javed 0
106164 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Drama superb THE drama Bootham Puthithu staged by Madras Theatre was simply superb. It was a good and interesting sign to see people turning out in large numbers in spite of the inconvenience caused by the rain. It was a marvellous and laudable effort by the organisers to bring life to an endangered art. I urge more of a variety of Tamil programmes in future. Chandramouli 0
106165 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Pilot an inspiration! I HAVE just finished reading an article on Page 54 of this month's Bahrain this Month. The article is about a Bahraini, amputee airline pilot, named Mohammed Ahmed, a young man who is a great role model for the youngsters on this island. An inspiration to us all. God bless him and his family. God speed to him in all that he does in the future. Brilliant. This is someone whom Bahrain can truly be very, very proud of. Thanks to Paul Balles for the article. Mohammed Al Mahmeed 0
106166 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Boy's death unnecessary HOW shocking that a 15-year-old boy with leukaemia is allowed to die because of lack of money. How can doctors and nurses just stand by and watch it happen? I understand he was in one of the most advanced and prestigious hospitals in the world, but somehow they seem to have adopted the Western sickness - pay up front! Whilst one sees this lack of humanity in the US with their failing medical system, it is appalling to see this happening in wealthy affluent Arabia. Let's make sure it doesn't happen again. Seymour Sentz 0
106167 0 1492 LETT LETTERS Another dead dugong? SEEING another dugong on the shores of a Bahrain beach, dead yet still bleeding, causes us to ask if there is a ministry responsible for marine life around the shores of Bahrain? If so, is anyone monitoring their numbers, state of health etc? Are investigations held as to why these mammals have died and can - or should - anything be done to prevent this? Does anyone know? BL and SD 0
106168 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Mourinho raps Uefa over remarks LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho insisted yesterday he had not asked for Italian referee Pierluigi Collina to take charge of his side's vital Champions League match against Barcelona. Chelsea go into today's round of 16 second leg at Stamford Bridge trailing 2-1 after a controversial match at Barcelona's Nou Camp. Mourinho alleged that Barca's Dutch manager Frank Rijkaard had been spotted entering referee Anders Frisk's dressing room at half-time, before the dismissal of Blues striker Didier Drogba. Uefa director of commuinications William Gaillard said earlier yesterday that Mourinho had said Collina should referee the clash but Mourinho blasted European football's governing body for those remarks. 0
106169 1 1492 SPOR SPORT Ljubicic stars as Croatia stun US PARIS: Ivan Ljubicic vanquished Andy Roddick in five sets yesterday to lift Croatia to a stunning Davis Cup victory over a powerful US lineup and into the World Group quarter-finals.Ljubicic - already with four ATP finals appearances to his credit this year - capped a superb weekend with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (13-11), 6-7 (7-9), 6-2 victory over the third-ranked player in the world. He had already beaten eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi in straight sets to open the tie, and teammed with Mario Ancic to beat the top-ranked doubles duo of Bob and Mike Bryan on Saturday. "I have no words, really," said Ljubicic, who battled a sore knee late in the match but said it hardly hindered him. "Today I felt really good - I could go forever, I had the feeling," said Ljubicic, who saved four set points before surrendering the fourth-set tiebreaker, but then immediately broke Roddick in the first game of the fifth. "In the fifth, I started with the break," he said. "Once you're a br 0
106170 2 1492 SPOR SPORT Inzamam keen to lead by example MOHALI, India: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said yesterday India would plan to capitalise on the absence of his key paceman Shoaib Akhtar by preparing a fast track for the opening Test here."I think Akhtar's absence has prompted India to leave grass on the pitch," Inzamam said on the eve of the first Test of a three-match series. But he felt Akhtar's absence would not be a big handicap, saying he had support bowlers to deliver in the pressure series, Pakistan's first in India in six years. "I think the pitch will help seamers more than spinners on the first couple of days. If it (grass) remains on the track, it will give equal chances to both the teams as we have adequate back-up," he said. Shoaib had pulled out of the tour due to a hamstring injury. Inzamam, leading an inexperienced side, said it was up to senior players to show the way to youngsters against a full-strength Indian side. "Pressure is always there in the India-Pakistan series," he said. " 0
106171 3 1492 SPOR SPORT TIGER ON TOP TORONTO: Tiger Woods regained the world number one ranking after winning a gripping duel with Phil Mickelson to register a one stroke victory at the Doral Open yesterday.Trailing Mickelson by two shots at the start of play, Woods mounted one of his patented charges to card a final round six-under 66 at Miami's Doral Resort for a 24-under 264 total. The victory was Woods's second of the season and returned the 29-year-old American to the top of the rankings, ending Vijay Singh's 26-week reign as number one. Woods had held top spot for a record 264 consecutive weeks before being dethroned by the Fijian last September. The triumph earned Woods $990,000 and a high-performance sports car which he said he would give to caddie Steve Williams, who is still recovering from injuries he sustained in a motor racing accident in January in New Zealand. "I just felt like I had to keep making birdies, pars just weren't going to get it done," said Woods, who broke the 72-hole tournament re 0
106172 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Belal is on target for East Riffa OMAR Belal scored a 45th-minute goal to inspire 10-man East Riffa beat Manama 1-0 in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League replayed match last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Football Association announced yesterday that Bahrain Club had won their match against Al Ahli 3-0 after the latter allowed a professional player to take the goal-keeper's position during the match which does not conform to the Fifa rules. The match, which was played last Thursday, was won by Al Ahli 3-1. The decision kept Al Ahli on 17 points and share second place with title holders Muharraq and Al Najma, four points behind leaders Riffa. Al Najma ease past Bahrain Club AL NAJMA extended their winning run in the Bahrain Premier Division Volleyball League beating Bahrain Club 25-14, 25-21, 25-18 last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. It was Al Najma's fourth successive win of the season which gave them a joint lead with Al Nasser with eight point 0
106173 0 1492 SPOR SPORT ICC move base to Dubai LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed yesterday it would be quitting London's Lord's Cricket Ground, its home for 96 years, and relocating its main office to Dubai in August. In a statement, cricket's world governing body said it would also be moving its financial centre from Monaco to the UAE capital. ICC president Ehsan Mani said: "Over recent years the ICC has operated from split headquarters, with the cricket administrative and anti-corruption elements in London and the commercial and financial operations in Monaco. "The Board has been committed to unifying its administration for some time and after considering a range of offers from around the world, the directors were of the view that Dubai provided the best way forward for the international game," the Pakistani head of cricket's world governing body added. "The package on offer to relocate the ICC to Dubai was very attractive and preparations are now in an advanced stage to move to the Emirate in 0
106174 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Murali may miss tour COLOMBO: Spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa are set to miss Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand because of injury, team physiotherapist CJ Clarke said yesterday. Muralitharan will resume bowling on March 17 after shoulder surgery in February. That leaves him with too little time to regain full fitness ahead of the first Test in Napier starting on April 4. While there is a slim chance he could make the second Test in Wellington starting on April 11, Sri Lanka will be wary about pushing him back too soon and risking further injury. "Murali's shoulder is still stiff although we expected that until the end of the six-week period," said Clarke. "He will gradually start rehabilitation and bowling again but the New Zealand tour is unrealistic." The 32-year-old off-spinner, who is getting married later this month to an Indian in Chennai, is contracted to play county cricket for Lancashire during the first half of the English summer. Clarke was non-committal about 0
106175 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Another high profile cricket series on the cards As India and Pakistan clash in the first Test of yet another high profile cricket series starting today in Mohali, India, my mind races back to 1996 when I made my maiden trip across the border for the World Cup. I did not cross the Wagah border with 'a suitcase in one hand, a portable typewriter in another and a heart heavy with emotion' as my predecessors so touchingly wrote after a 'historic series' in the late 70s. It was a small hop across the border in a heavily guarded plane and even to this day I remember the long bus ride from the plane to the terminal building at the Lahore airport - it took almost twice the flying time. Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have always been a war by proxy given the political rhetoric and the passion for the game among the hundreds of thousands of fans in the two countries. As a result, there has been some great cricket played between India and Pakistan, including a match being won with a last-ball six, a bowler claiming al 0
106176 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Bage claims John Smith Medal event MIKE Bage was the overall winner in the John Smith's Medal competition held at the Awali Golf Club premises. More than 100 golfers took part in this competition, sponsored by John Smith's of BMMI. Results (net, gross): John Smith's medal: Michael Bage (64, 85). Lost on countback: Adnan Razaq (64, 70), Colin Ingledew (64, 86). Flight one: 1 Adnan Razaq (64, 70), 2 Alan Sheepwash (65, 77), 3 Bill Finlay (66, 71), 4 Sultan Ahmed (66, 70). Lost on countback: Pete Rogers (66, 73). Flight two: 1 James Stewart (65, 79), 2 Peter Anderson (65, 79), 3 Arsenio Amameda (67, 84), 4 Sid Davies (68, 82). Flight three: 1 Colin Ingledew (64, 86), 2 John Kerr (69, 92), 3 Gail Ford (70, 99), 4 Magda Roberts (71, 93). Lost on countback: Jane Wyndham (71, 99). Best gross: Diab Sager (67). 0
106177 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Bahrain Open Golf scheduled AWALI Golf Club will host the 42nd Bahrain Open, sponsored by Batelco, on Thursday and Friday. Last year's champion David Park, currently resident professional at the club, will be defending his title against a huge field of strong opposition including past winners Abdulla Sultan, Nasser Yacoub and Diab Sager. The tournament kicks off with a social evening tomorrow during which the draw and order of play will be announced. 0
106178 0 1492 SPOR SPORT Uefa warning for Mourinho LONDON: Jose Mourinho has been told to keep his nose out of Uefa business after insisting he knew before the decision was announced that Italian referee Pierluigi Collina would take charge of tonight's Champions League match between Chelsea and Barcelona here at Stamford Bridge. Uefa director of communications William Gaillard dismissed the Chelsea manager's assertion, insisting the decision to appoint Collina had been made all the more difficult by Mourinho's comments. Robinson escapes ban LONDON: England head coach Andy Robinson has escaped a touchline ban for criticising South African referee Jonathan Kaplan after losing to Ireland in Dublin two weeks ago. English Rugby Football Union Disciplinary Officer Jeff Blackett, asked to investigate Robinson's comments by the International Rugby Board, found Robinson made no direct criticism of the referee although he expressed his anger at the fact that the video referee was not consulted on two disallowed tries. Robin 0
106179 0 1492 WORL WORLD Rape victim leads rally ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani gang-rape victim led an International Women's Day rally yesterday less than a week after a court controversially acquitted her alleged attackers in a high-profile case. Several hundred women carrying banners and placards walked behind Mukhtiar Mai through the central city of Multan on the eve of the UN awareness day, witnesses said. "I shall continue my struggle for the rights of women till the last breath of my life and I will not bow before tyranny, exploitation, tradition or customs," she told the march. Mai says she has received death threats since promising to appeal the court's decision. The 30-year-old was raped for more than an hour in the village of Meerwala in Punjab province in June 2002, as punishment for her brother's alleged affair with a woman of a powerful rival clan. 0
106180 0 1492 WORL WORLD Unique insight into Sartre's works at expo PARIS: To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of one of the 20th century's greatest philosophers, the French National Library is launching a new exhibition of the writings of JEAN-PAUL SARTRE. Many of the 400 documents collected in the exhibition have never been published and give a unique insight into the workings of the founder of French existentialism. Sartre, born on June 21 1905, was a prolific writer, churning out works of philosophy as well as novels, plays and political criticism until his death in April 1980. The exhibition traces the stepping stones in his life from his childhood described in his autobiography Les Mots (The Words), to major social and political events of the century. At the heart of Sartre's work was a yearning for freedom, coupled with the individual's overwhelming sense of responsibility. The exhibition follows his life, his post-war writings, the establishment of leftwing daily Liberation, as well as his refusal of the Nobel Prize 0
106181 0 1492 WORL WORLD SYRIA DELAY DAMASCUS: Syria and Lebanon yesterday announced that the withdrawal of Syrian troops to Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley would be completed by the end of the month but delayed a final pullout until after negotiations. The announcement, made after Presidents Bashar Al Assad and Emile Lahoud held talks, said Syrian troops will pull back from northern and central Lebanon to the east, near Syria's border. In Washington, a White House spokesman denounced the announcement as "a half measure" and demanded that the troops leave immediately. Saudi Arabia urged Damascus to pull all of its troops out of Lebanon "in the near future" while in Beirut, at least 150,000 protesters demanded that Syria leave quickly. Yesterday, Syrian army forces started packing and leaving some mountain positions near Beirut. A military convoy of seven trucks and two jeeps headed toward an area near the village of Bouarej on the main Beirut-Damascus highway that links the capital to the Bekaa, a val 0
106182 0 1492 WORL WORLD Al Qaeda raids kill 33 in Iraq BAGHDAD: Guerillas yesterday launched a series of attacks in Iraq that left 33 people dead and dozens wounded. Bulgaria said one of its soldiers killed in Iraq last week was likely shot by friendly fire from coalition troops. Al Qaeda claimed responsibility in an Internet statement for much of yesterday's bloodshed - violence in and around Baquba, northeast of Baghdad, where 15 people died. Another car bomb killed 12 people in Balad, southeast of Baquba. Police said the Baquba assaults included a car bomb, three roadside bombs and small arms attacks at three checkpoints. In Baghdad, gunmen killed two police and wounded a third in a drive-by shooting in the eastern slum of Sadr City. Two civilians were also killed when a roadside bomb targeting a joint US-Iraqi military convoy exploded in the west Baghdad neighbourhood of Amiriyah. Meanwhile, saboteurs blasted an oil pipeline near Samarra, northwest of Baghdad. Fireballs and black smoke rose from the 0
106183 0 1492 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain SUNSET Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Photography exhibition on The Egyptian Civilisation, The Arts Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, 8am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Salsa dance classes, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lessons cost BD3 each or BD10 for four. Contact Latin Fever 39676349. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 6pm and 8pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Ladies Cardio-Kick, 9am; World Beat Fitness Centre; pilates, 10am; dancing moms and babies (0-3 years) (pre-register four weeks), 4pm; ladies cardio-kick, 7pm; yoga (mixed class), 7.30pm. Contact 17612576. Baby ballet, 2.30pm; Victoria Dance Centre; grade 3 ballet, 3.30pm; grade 4 ballet, 4.30pm; advanced ballet and pointe work, 5.30pm; tapping for adults and teens, 6.30pm. Contact 39876215. King Fahad Causeway (linking 0
106184 1 1492 WORL WORLD Zarqawi 'leading Iraqi insurgents' DUBAI: The most wanted man in Iraq, Jordanian-born militant Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, is in good health and leading operations, his group said in a statement yesterday, as Iraqi and US troops stepped up efforts to find him. "Our sheikh Abu Musab, may God watch over him, is in good health. He is preparing for battles and is leading the fight in Iraq," read a statement from the Organisation of Al Qaeda of Jihad published on an Islamist website. The authenticity of the message could not immediately be verified. "You will soon hear a speech from our sheikh," it said. Since Saturday, commandos from Iraq's interior ministry and US troops have closed off entrances to Samarra and launched raids in the city and surrounding areas in search for suspects that might lead them to Zarqawi. The Iraqi government also released new pictures of the militant, who is blamed for the worst bombings in Iraq, showing him bearded and in conversation with an individual. The British military yeste 0
106185 0 1492 WORL WORLD UK 'superbug' infections fall LONDON: Infections with the hospital "superbug" MRSA in England, which have been blamed in an increased number of patient deaths, have fallen to their lowest level in recent years, according to official figures last night. But Health Secretary John Reid acknowledged MRSA "remains a problem" and announced the National Health Service would pilot a new rapid swab technique to identify patients with the bug within hours rather than days. Opposition parties treated the figures with caution. The Liberal Democrats said they did not tell the whole story and called for the government to publish what it called the facts about the true level of infection in the health service. MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which is resistant to drugs, can cause skin infections, sepsis and toxic shock. Hospitals have come under fire for slack hygiene and cleanliness standards. The figures from April to September 2004 showed 3,519 NHS patients were infected with MRSA compared with 3,940 in the previous six month 0
106186 0 1492 WORL WORLD Supermodel named UN ambassador GENEVA: Supermodel LIYA KEBEDE, best known as the face of cosmetics giant Estee Lauder, was named a goodwill ambassador by the UN health agency yesterday. The Ethiopian-born model said she hoped her efforts for the World Health Organisation would raise awareness of the difficulties mothers and children face in the developing world - where millions die each year, often from easily preventable conditions. "Having lived in Ethiopia, I've known a lot of women who have died during childbirth," the 27-year-old said. "Imagine being pregnant and having to think about being able to survive or not," said Kebede, a mother of a four-year-old son. She said she hopes that "these women and children's deaths no longer go unnoticed and unchallenged." 0
106187 2 1492 WORL WORLD Fischer in trouble after lock-up row TOKYO: A despondent BOBBY FISCHER, the US chess legend fighting against deportation from Japan to the US, spent four days in solitary confinement after a tussle with guards, his supporters said yesterday.At breakfast last Wednesday, Fischer asked for an egg and reached for the shirt of an official at the detention centre. The shirt tore and 14 or 15 guards rushed to suppress Fischer, his supporters said. "In the struggle, Mr Fischer's fist punched the face of one of the officials," said his fiancee MIYOKO WATAI, who met him yesterday for 30 minutes at the Ushiku immigration lock-up in central Japan. Fischer's friend Saemi Palsson, who also met with the chess legend, said: "He felt he was provoked." The former grandmaster's friends had earlier accused Japanese authorities of stopping them from seeing him last week as they try to win Tokyo's agreement to allow him travel to Iceland, which has offered him residency. Fischer, 61, was detained in July when attempting to fly out 0
106188 0 1492 WORL WORLD Chef chases away robbers with cleaver A GERMAN chef armed with a meat cleaver and pans chased away two armed men who were trying to rob his cash till. One of the robbers brandished a gun and demanded the cook hand over cash, but his accomplice found that the till was broken and jammed shut, police said yesterday. The would-be thieves eventually fled empty-handed from the restaurant in the eastern city of Halle when the 48-year-old chef started throwing pots and keys. Net tappers file suit A Dutch Internet provider filed suit against the government yesterday to recover costs it said it incurred to install client-tapping technology. XS4ALL said it has spent $660,000 (BD25,000) since 2001 to comply with a law requiring it to be able to monitor which websites each client visits and to read their e-mail. These would be handed over to police and prosecutors with a court order. "XS4ALL thinks it is unreasonable that the state doesn't compensate these costs," the company said in a statement. "There's 0
106189 0 1492 WORL WORLD 'Black only' classes theory... Black schoolboys should perhaps be taught some subjects separately to ensure they do not fall behind their white peers, one of Britain's leading campaigners for racial equality said yesterday. Trevor Phillips, head of the Commission for Racial Equality, said the controversial proposal might help black boys improve their exam results, get better jobs and play a greater role in British society. "We need to look for some new ideas because this is costing the whole community - not just the black community or the individuals - a great deal," Phillips told BBC Radio. "These boys are unemployable. They end up in a situation where, in a sense, they can't participate in society." Phillips, who is black, said he had been inspired by a project in the southern United States, where black boys had been taught English in isolation from other pupils. He said the project had raised the boys' literacy by 12 per cent in a few months. "It may not be translatable (to Brit 0
106190 0 1492 WORL WORLD Three more Munch works are stolen Three works by Norwegian artist Edvard Munch have been stolen from a hotel in southeastern Norway, six months after the painter's masterpieces The Scream and Madonna were swiped from an Oslo museum. A painting called The Blue Dress, dating from 1915, and two lithographs, a self-portrait of Munch and a portrait of Swedish author and playwright August Strindberg, were snatched off the dining room wall of a hotel. An alarm aimed at protecting the pictures was reportedly not on at the time. "The robbery happened at (hotel) Refnes Gods on Sunday evening at around 11pm," Jan Pedersen, who is leading the police inquiry, said. "An employee was getting ready to leave and walked through the dining room, where she surprised two men, each holding a picture. "One man dropped his picture, but they got away with three pictures." Pedersen said both men were in their early 20s and had dark hair." The Refnes Gods hotel, which is located on the Jeloeya island outside Moss, ha 0
106191 3 1492 WORL WORLD Jackson 'showed us sex sites' SANTA MARIA, California: The younger brother of Michael Jackson's accuser told the jury in the singer's child molestation trial yesterday that Jackson showed him and his brother Internet sex sites during a visit to his Neverland ranch in which they slept on his bed and the pop star slept on the floor.The account by the 14-year-old boy added to confusion about the prosecution's timeline of the case, however. The boys' sister testified earlier that her brothers slept in Jackson's room during their first night to Neverland. The new witness said he and his brother slept with their father on their first night there and slept in Jackson's room later. Jackson, 46, is accused of molesting the then 13-year-old boy - a cancer survivor - at Neverland, giving him alcohol and conspiring to hold the family captive in 2003. The brother said that first they looked at the Internet and then watched episodes of The Simpsons. The brother said that Jackson's assistant Frank Tyson and J 0
106192 1 1493 BUSI BUSINESS New BMA rules 'aim to push insurance sector' MANAMA: New regulations being penned by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) will give the insurance industry room to help it catch up with the country's banking sector, says its head. BMA Governor Rasheed Al Maraj said the time has come to raise the profile of the insurance industry by creating new products specifically targeted to meet the needs of the region. "The BMA has recognised this by including in its rulebook rules dealing specifically with takaful and retakaful companies and for captive insurers," he said. "It is now up to industry players to take advantage of this regulatory infrastructure and invest in this market that offers such strong potential." The lack of public awareness of insurance products, said Mr Al Maraj, has been one of the major reasons why the insurance industry has made little inroad in this region. "Our challenge is to increase public awareness through direct consumer education and other means," he noted. The new regulations will 0
106193 2 1493 BUSI BUSINESS BNH registers 43pc increase in profits MANAMA: Bahrain National Holding Company (BNH) announced net profits of BD3.43 million last year, which is up by 43 per cent on 2003. Underwriting profits also increased last year by 117pc to BD2.149m, against BD990,000 the previous year. Total gross premiums rose to over BD22.79m, an increase of 19pc against 2003, while shareholders equity increased by 17pc to BD25.8m. The return on each share rose to 34.8 fils, compared to 24.4 fils in 2003. The board will now recommend an increase in the paid capital of the company to shareholders at its ordinary general assembly meeting. "The group's portfolio discipline and diversified investment strategy minimised the impact of increasingly volatile global financial markets during 2004 and net investment income totalled BD1.66m," said BNH chairman Qassim Mohamed Fakhroo. A cash dividend of BD1.54m will be proposed to shareholders, along with charity donations of BD40,000, the transfer of BD315,000 into the legal reserve, BD1 0
106194 3 1493 BUSI BUSINESS More telecom operators and high-speed Net 'priority' MANAMA: More fixed-line telephone operators and cheaper broadband Internet access have been singled out as two of the main requirements facing the Bahrain telecom market. The recommendations were made by an expert panel that visited the country in January last year. It was here to evaluate the performance of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and received evidence from the TRA itself, the Transportation Ministry, the Department of Legal Services, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Bahrain Consumer Protection Society, Batelco, MTC-Vodafone and a number of other licensees and potential licensees. The panel returned in January this year to conduct a workshop on the review, which was published this week. "Initially, new licensees will be dependent in part on spectrum availability and - crucially - on Batelco to deliver these opportunities at fair and non-discriminatory prices and on time," says the review. "This is our chief point." The 0
106195 0 1493 BUSI BUSINESS MTC-Vodafone offers new facility MANAMA: MTC-Vodafone customers can now send and receive e-mails automatically from a handset. It follows a deal signed with Smartner Information Systems to bring its mobile office solution to the Bahrain market. Smartner Duality Always-on Mail allows new e-mails to be automatically forwarded to mobile devices. MTC-Vodafone is the first operator in the Middle East to bring the true push solution to its individual, small business and corporate customers. No user interaction is required. "We are very excited to be the first operator in the Middle East to provide our customers with the push e-mail service and help them migrate to the new era in mobile technology," said MTC-Vodafone IT and customer services chief operations officer Khalid Muhtadi. 0
106196 0 1493 BUSI BUSINESS Star Cement is planning to widen horizon DUBAI: Star Cement Bahrain, which acquired Hyundai Tiger Cement Bahrain, plans to invest $25 million to expand its production capacity to 1.2m tonnes per annum, it was announced yesterday. At present, it has a capacity of 500,000 tonnes. The company has two plants in the UAE, one in Bahrain, one in Bangladesh and a Bulk Cement Terminal in Sudan. Star Cement business development manager Ahmed Salahuddin said the company plans to have an optimum balance of technology and expertise, backed by strong investment to ride the huge market boom propelled by rapid expansion of GCC economy. The company recently consolidated its cement manufacturing capabilities spread over Middle Eastern, Indian sub-continent and North African regions under the brand name Star Cement. The latest move brings together manufacturing subsidiaries in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Sudan under the brand name. Star Cement is part of the $1.8 billion Emirates Trading Agency-Associated Constructions and Investments (ETA ASCON) 0
106197 0 1493 BUSI BUSINESS Bombay shares at new high BOMBAY: Bombay shares ended at a new high for the fourth straight session yesterday, lifted by techs and pharmas, as foreign and domestic funds stepped up purchases on expectations robust economic growth would boost profits. The benchmark 30-share Bombay index closed 0.52 per cent higher at 6,915.09 points after notching a new peak of 6,929.59 points earlier in the day. Gainers were ahead of losers 1,165 to 952, and 304 million shares changed hands. The market has now gained 5.2pc since the government's pro-growth federal budget on February 28, which boosted infrastructure spending. The National Stock Exchange index finished 0.41pc up at 2,168.95. "Until now, it was the foreign funds which were buyers while the local mutual funds were selling. But now local funds have turned net buyers as well," said Bharat Shah, director at Vikram Kenia Securities. Net purchases by foreign funds have topped $2.56 billion so far this year, compared with the record $8.5bn for 0
106198 0 1493 COMM COMMENTMessages in the margin... Henry VIII was forever scribbling in the margins of his books. This most literate king collected an extensive library, and regarded the margins of his books as useful places to demonstrate his learning, pass billets-doux to his lovers, or simply to vent the royal ire. Enraged or inspired by an author, he would pick up a pen and respond at once, in Latin; and, being a king, he didn't have to worry about being fined for returning a defaced book to the library. On the title page of a volume challenging his divorce of Catherine of Aragon he scrawled: "The basic premise of this book is worthless," and then threw the author in the Tower. (The poor man was later hanged, drawn and quartered at Smithfield, a forthright method of dealing with literary critics that is now, sadly, unavailable). Perhaps the most important piece of marginalia ever written - revealed in Professor James Carley's new book The Books of King Henry VIII and His Wives - appears in another of Henry's tomes, Augustinus de Ancona's Com 0
106199 0 1493 COMM COMMENT'Superbug' destroys a legacy... At last the deaths of so many people in Britain's hospitals from the so-called superbug MRSA is becoming a serious political issue, spurring the government into some sort of action. The deaths themselves failed to do so, it is only the very real possibility of losing an election over it that has got Premier Tony Blair off his backside. If he and the army of experts, who have been dithering for years over how to combat this killer bug, had asked my mother, she could have told them. For as a young nurse on the wards in the build-up to Second World War, a senior nursing sister ordered her on to her knees to scrub the floors under and around the patients' beds and, when she had finished that, to wash the walls. When my mother complained that she was meant to be a nurse not a cleaner, the sister angrily pointed out that keeping patients and their surroundings clean had as much to do with getting them well as any medication. She was right and it is a principle that goes 0
106202 0 1493 LETT LETTERS Why all the fuss about Charles and Camilla? IT is a matter of wonder why Britons make a hullabaloo about the impending marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. These two may not fit your perceptions of a public couple as they are not your usual flamboyant icons but that is looking at it from a petty and shallow angle. Isn't it highly admirable that they have stuck to each other for more than three decades through thick and thin, have not let public or parental pressure separate them especially in an era where many relationships do not last for a couple of years? Talk about character, loyalty, companionship and relationship. I for one have great admiration for Prince Charles and wish both him and Camilla a very long and a happy married life. You really are an example to be looked up too. Never mind Diana, she was never really meant to be. An example of a public perception went wrong. God rest her soul in peace. Varghese Koshy 0
106203 0 1493 LETT LETTERS Ministry hotline not so hot! STAR LETTER MANY of the public must have realised that the Hotline - 17 227447 or 17 209817 given at the back of the electricity and water bills are not so hot enough, in order to make the payment by phone. To wait for your luck, one whole day or two after trying many times, to get these lines is too much for a customer in this modern age, when everything happens very fast. Another funny thing is the one voice mail system attached to these hot (?) lines! Suggestion, please remove the voice mail message system to which you cannot respond. It is time for the department to look into the possibility of placing some modern system which will help customers to make the payment immediately and quickly any time, by phone - something like Batelco payment system. (Please don't suggest to go personally and pay!!). Anian *AN Electricity and Water Ministry spokesman said: "The Hotline payment service contains five lines for the customers calls. However due to the big numbers of incoming calls, so 0
106204 0 1493 LETT LETTERS Banking on access I WOULD like to inform you that I hold an NRI Citibank account and have been trying to access my account through the Internet for the past week but to my surprise I find that the links connected to money transactions are not working. All the links in the site work except the links connected to the transactions (WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT LINK OF COURSE). Due to this me and my friends are not able to transact money to others neither get money nor check our amount in the summary etc. This has created an area of tension among us. Syed *A CITIBANK spokesman said: "We were aware of the Internet problem and had been monitoring the resolution with our India office. All Citibank systems were up and running during the entire course of the reported period. However, to enable us to resolve the reported specific link access problem, we engaged with the various Internet service providers to identify the possible reasons behind the outage that may have resulted in customers in some spe 0
106205 0 1493 LETT LETTERS Amazing photography! RECENTLY Red House Marketing hosted a nationwide photography contest. The results were announced at a wonderfully arranged event hosted by this firm and their sponsors at a reputable hotel. As one of the runner ups, I would like to thank all involved as well as the chance to win despite being an amateur photographer. There was a varied display of amazing photography and I would suggest more people take part next year. As a constructive suggestion, maybe next year an exhibition open to the general public and participants would be a big plus. Kamal Birdi 0
106206 0 1493 LETT LETTERS More double talk! FROM the Guardian, March 6: "In a wide-ranging interview with The Observer, (Tony) Blair ...........called for a debate on the nature of risk in modern life, warning of the danger of panicking over scare stories based on flimsy evidence". Iraqi WMD on 45 minutes warning comes to mind. M V 0
106207 1 1493 BNEW LOCAL NEW DAWN FOR WOMEN MANAMA MANAMA: New laws are on the way to protect women, His Majesty King Hamad declared yesterday. New family legislation will give women justice and equality in line with the Sharia law, he said. It will protect women from violence and "bridge the gap" between legislation and its implementation. The King was speaking in an address which was screened at a ceremony marking the launch of a national strategy for the advancement of Bahraini women. The ceremony, held at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, was attended and also addressed by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. The strategy has been drawn up by the council. Its ultimate aim is the integration of women into decision-making positions in the country, "a role the Bahraini woman has proved and is proving she is capable of doing", said the King. He issued directives to all government and civic organis 0
106208 2 1493 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain's First Lady calls for national partnership MANAMA MANAMA: A call for a new national partnership went out yesterday from Bahrain's First Lady. Society must work as one to ensure the success of a pioneering national strategy for the advancement of women, said Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. Talk is not enough, it must be backed by action, said Shaikha Sabeeka, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. She was speaking at a ceremony to launch "a national initiative based on conviction, self-motivation and determination, which will be followed by actions". "Mothers, sisters, wives and daughters are our main concern," said Shaikha Sabeeka. "When we refer to actions aimed to develop the status of Bahraini women, we mean an overall social development. "Women are the lifetime partners and mothers of future generations." Shaikha Sabeeka called upon the kingdom's official bodies, private sector and civil society to back the strategy. 0
106209 3 1493 BNEW LOCAL Plight of poor families spurs minister to act MANAMA THE plight of families living in one of Bahrain's poor villages touched the heart of a government minister yesterday. An urgent clean-up and renovation programme for Nuwaidrat was promised by Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh. "What I have seen here today was unexpected and unacceptable for any Bahraini," he said after touring the village. "Frankly speaking, I would not have understood the level of degradation if I did not come here and see for myself." Mr Al Saleh promised a crackdown on industries caught polluting the area. Factories will also be forced to find alternative ways to get rid of their waste rather than dumping it into open sewage streams. The contracted cleaning company for the Central Governorate will also be called in to clean up the mess it caused by dumping debris in the area's open lands, said Mr Al Saleh. The visit was part of a series of trips by ministers to find out people's needs, under directives from 0
106210 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL 'Together we begin our march...' MANAMA SOCIETY should work as one family to promote the empowerment of women, says Bahrain's First Lady. It will take a collective effort to ensure the success of a pioneering national strategy for the advancement of women, said Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. She was speaking at a ceremony to launch the strategy, held yesterday at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event coincided with International Women's Day, celebrated worldwide yesterday. Present was Shaikha Hala bint Daij Al Khalifa, Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, ministers, members of the Royal family, council members, diplomats and women's society representatives. The strategy, under the theme Women, Capable Partners in Building and Developing, aims at upgrading the role of women. It focuses on participation in the political and decision-making processes. THE basis of a national strategy for the empowerment of Bahrain women being spearheaded by the Supreme Council for Women was outlined yesterday at a ceremony to mark its launch. The main objective is to ensure the equal participation of women in all fields in the country, council secretary-general Lulwa Al Awadhi told the gathering yesterday. "We will work to nurture women by protecting them, empowering them and raising their awareness of their rights as well as ensuring their well-being in both health and environmental issues," she noted. The council, said Ms Al Awadhi, would work to enhance women's capabilities through developing their knowledge and skills in order to make them qualified contributors in building their families, society and the country. "Our aspiration is for women to contribute as effective decision-makers in the development of the country," she said."This will culminate in shaping women as qualified and capable partners in building our nation." 0
106212 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL New partners in nation's progress WOMEN in Bahrain yesterday praised the huge steps being taken to empower them and ensure that they play their rightful role in society. They say even though women have been handed out their political rights, some mentalities will have to be changed for them to be able to use these tools for being an effective partner in the development process. Bahraini artist Balqees Fakhro said women have received a lot of their political rights in a very short time span, reaching new positions which were not possible before. "A very strong achievement is the appointment of a woman as the Social Affairs Minister," she said. "In other advanced countries women take up that position and I'm very happy that our government has done the same." Another achievement, said Ms Fakhro, was granting women the right to vote and nominate themselves in general elections. "The results were disappointing however, as many women voted for men rather than women," she said. "I'm against v 0
106213 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Legal system 'is too slow' MANAMA ALLEGED rapists are escaping prosecution be-cause Bahrain's legal system is too slow, say human rights workers. The newly-named Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) has reported more than 20 cases of alleged rape and physical abuse of foreign housemaids to the police over the past two-and-a-half years, but says none has resulted in a conviction. Of those, six are still pending in the courts having dragged on for up to a year-and-a-half. But more than double that number of women have dropped cases because they got fed up and decided to go home, according to the MWPS. In one case still underway, the defendant admitted in court last June beating Indian housemaid Anita Devi Verma, but has still not been sentenced. The complaint was first filed in October 2003, 18 months ago. The MWPS is now appealing for a lawyer to come forward and represent foreign workers in the Bahrain courts. "We have had over 12 serious cases of alleged sexual and physical abuse whe 0
106214 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Jobs 'mafia' slur angers minister MANAMA AN MP yesterday accused Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi of running a sectarian employment mafia. Dr Al Alawi dismissed the slur, which was made from the chamber floor during the weekly session. "You are running a sectarian employment mafia," Shaikh Jassim Al Saeedi told the minister. But Dr Al Alawi said he treated all people equally, "regardless of their sect, colour and faith". "Who are you to accuse to me of such a thing, someone who may be just good to be an usher at the National Assembly's gates," he said. "Being a minister hasn't mattered to me ever and it never will, because all that I care about is serving people." Shaikh Jassim had sent a written request to Dr Al Alawi last month, seeking the names and positions of those employed in the ministry. He received a detailed written reply from Dr Alawi, who was in parliament yesterday to explain it. Shaikh Al Saeedi also asked Justice Minister Dr Mohammed Al Sitri for a list of his ministry's 0
106215 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Orient Express theme for Chaine dinner ORIENT Express is the theme of the Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner, which is being held at 8pm on March 17 at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. A six-course gourmet meal, called 'diner amical' is being devised by the hotel's executive chef Michael Stiller and his kitchen brigade. Following the theme, the gastronomic train leaves from London with stops in Paris and Venice before reaching its destination in Istanbul. "Specialities which reflect those cities' culinary prowess on the Orient Express route will be created for the evening," said hotel food and beverage director Franck Royer. Eight new members will also be inducted while five members will be promoted to a higher rank in the guild. 0
106216 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Youngsters set for grand final MANAMA PROMISING young musicians are to compete in the grand final of the St Christopher's Music Festival 2005 tonight. The last group of finalists of the annual competition was selected during the third day of the heats held at St Christopher's Junior School in Isa Town yesterday. More than 100 children from St Christopher's School, Sacred Heart School, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, The British School of Bahrain and the Bahrain Music Institute participated in this year's event. The results of yesterday's heats are as follows (students are from St Christopher's School unless stated otherwise): Level one woodwind: first place went to Francesca Collis, second to Jonathan Walsh and third to Andrea Jacqueline Sequeira. All three pupils performed on the flute. Level two plucked strings: Al Noor International School pupil Fahad Faisal won the first prize. In at second was Noora Yousif, from the same school. Both pupils performed on the oud. Level one brass: 0
106217 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Days-off shuffle backed by MPs MPs yesterday backed a move to bring private companies operating a five-day week in line with the government weekend. Government offices take Thursdays and Fridays off, but companies which work five days take either Thursday or Saturday. A proposal to make the official weekend Friday and Saturday was dropped by MPs at yesterday's parliament session. All those on a five-day week should be off on the same two days, MPs decided. But they voted to leave it to the Cabinet which two days those should be. The proposal was put forward by parliament public utilities and environment committee chairman Abdulaziz Al Moosa and vice-chairman Ghanim Al Buainain, financial and economic committee chairman Jehad Bukamal, legislative and legal affairs committee vice chairman Ali Al Samahiji and MP Abdulnabi Nasser. The proposal was then studied by the legislative and legal affairs committee, which then referred it for yesterday's weekly session. The Cabinet will now study t 0
106218 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Narrow escape! FOUR Saudi girls escaped serious injury when their car somersaulted on the Al Esteqlal Highway yesterday. Three passengers, aged 14, 15 and 18 years, were all treated for bruises at the BDF Hospital. Traffic police said the 20-year-old driver, who had just two months driving experience, was startled when she came close to another car as she switched from the fast to middle lane. She swung back to her lane, clipped the sidewalk and the car flipped over several times before landing in the sand in the middle of the central reservation. The driver was unhurt. 0
106219 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Mobile phone threat MOBILE phone base stations and their potential risks on our health and the environment will be the focus of a public lecture being held at 9am today at the Crowne Plaza. The lecture will be presented by WHO International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project member and International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection chairman Paolo Vecchia. The event is being organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife in co-operation with the World Health Organisation (WHO). During his three-day visit, Mr Vecchia will also help the commission update its guidelines and requirements. The visiting expert has been serving at the National Institute of Health (ISS) in Rome since 1973. He has worked in the field of Non-Ionising Radiation (NIR), performing both basic research and control activity aimed at the protection of people. The lecture is free and all are welcome. 0
106220 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Zafar notches best score MANAMA BAHRAINI Mohammed Zafar, aged 15, chalked up the best score, 560 points, and most bonus words, five, at the opening of the 35th Bahrain Scrabble play-offs, at the Hilton. Ben Filio with 'teasels' and Oswald Fernandes with 'reseated' tied on the top move to date, 91 points. Adeeb Ahmad earned a red scroll of honour. After the first 12 of 78 games in the two-month spring play-offs, Ahmad, Filio and Mujeeb Rahman claimed two victories each while Beboy Balaba, Fernandes, Hashim Kalathil, Roy Kietzman, Connie Ordenes and Zafar each had a single win. Thirteen top exponents are competing. Ferrer Abordo is not participating in the play-offs, as Bahrain Scrabble Committee by-laws grant him a reserved seat at the 15th Gulf Scrabble Tournament at the Hilton in June, due to his competing in the previous World Scrabble Championship. Balaba was a last-minute entrant this week while Ali Adnan is sitting these play-offs out due to anticipated absences from Bahrain, but he was t 0
106221 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Testing time for public speakers... MANAMA A ONE-DAY speaking competition is being held for Area 15 Toastmaster members and guests on Friday, at the Elite Suites, Sanabis. Area 15 covers five clubs: Bahrain Toastmasters, BKS Toastmasters, Falcon Toastmasters, Sri Lankan Symposium and the New Horizon School Toastmasters. Up to 100 members and guests are expected to participate in the event, which features international speech, humorous, evaluation and table topic contests. The contest begins at 8.30am and ends around 3pm. It is being organised by Area 15 organising committee, contest chairman George Thomas and Area 15 governor Ahmed Rizvi. Toastmasters International is devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking. To register for the contest, or for more information contact Mr Thomas on 39615409. 0
106222 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Lawyers to visit detainees' families LAWYERS acting on behalf of Bahraini detainees at Guantanamo Bay could fly here next month to meet their families. A meeting of activists, lawyers and relatives of detainees is due to take place somewhere in the Middle East in four to six weeks. However, it is hoped those representing Bahrainis will visit the country to hold talks with their loved ones. The same lawyers are due to visit the six Bahrainis at Guantanamo Bay next Wednesday. "We will bring the US lawyers and activists to meet detainees families in the region," said Nabeel Rajab, who sits on a committee formed in Yemen last April to support detainees from the region. "It should happen in around four to six weeks in one of the countries in the region. "We will try to take at least one Bahraini family, but we will also try to bring one of the lawyers representing Bahrainis here. "Hopefully it will put pressure on Arab governments to step up efforts to obtain their release." Mr Rajab criticised pr 0
106223 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL 'Mistake' costs worker his life A MISTAKE cost a Bahraini worker his life, his employers said yesterday. Hussain Khalil Hilal, aged 20, of Diraz, was killed instantly in an accident at Asry on Monday. He opened a grit storage tank without depressurising it and was hurled into the air, his employer, blasting and painting contractor Nam Premator said in a statement. Mr Hilal was working in an open area at Asry when the accident happened, at around 11am. "Mr Hilal was thrown several metres in the air before he fell to the ground. He suffered severe head injury and died on the spot," said a spokesman. He said Mr Hilal was a machine operator and had been with the company since 2002. "The accident happened when Hussain opened the cover of the grit storage tank while it was still under pressure. A full investigation is underway to find out the reasons for this accident," said a statement released by the company. It described Mr Hilal as a "well trained and diligent employee". Three Ba 0
106224 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Pupils to display diplomacy skills THE biggest ever Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun) begins tomorrow at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo School, Isa Town. More than 350 secondary school students, aged 15 to 18 years, will be displaying their negotiation skills and understanding of world affairs at the 11th Bahmun, organised by the Rotary Club of Adliya. The participants are representing government and private schools in Bahrain. Three international schools are also sending pupils to the event, the Dhahran Ahlia Girls' School and Dhahran Ahlia Boys' School of Saudi Arabia and the American International School of Abu Dhabi. More than 220 youngsters took part last year. "This is the biggest participation Bahmun has ever seen," Rotary Club of Adliya Model United Nations Assembly (Muna) chairwoman and director of international relations Dr Lina Siam-Lewis said yesterday. "This year's Muna has attracted more students from the private and government schools. "The students will play the role of countr 0
106225 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Orange rally planned for Internet trio A DEMONSTRATION will take place from 8pm tomorrow outside the police station where three Bahrainis are being held for comments that appeared on the Internet. It will be held outside Hoora Police Station, which is where Ali Abdulemam, Hussain Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi have been detained since February 27 and 28 respectively, while investigations are underway. The demonstration has been organised by a committee set up to campaign for their release. Those taking part are being encouraged to wear orange ribbons - a global symbol for democracy. The three men were arrested for comments that appeared on www.bahrainonline.org, which is critical of the government. However, critics say their arrest goes against freedom of speech. 0
106226 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL UN set to study Bahrain report MANAMA A UN committee will sit in May to discuss whether Bahrain is meeting its obligations under an international torture treaty. The 34th session of the UN Committee Against Torture will take place from May 2 to 21 in Geneva and consider reports from Albania, Bahrain, Canada, Finland, Switzerland, Togo and Uganda. Bahrain is obliged to submit a report, having acceded to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in March 1998. A shadow report will also be submitted to the UN by the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) and the National Committee for Martyrs and Torture Victims. The BCHR has been dissolved in Bahrain, but is continuing to function on the international level having been licensed in Scandinavia. The UN committee will examine both reports before issuing observations, findings and recommendations to the government. Bahrain submitted its official report last May, while the unofficial shadow report is due to 0
106227 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Top youth society to hold elections ELECTIONS for one of Bahrain's leading youth societies will be held tonight. Eleven people have nominated themselves for the new board of the Bahrain Youth Forum Society. They are society secretary-general Hussain Al Eskafi, Rashid Al Ghayeb, Shaima Al Jowder, Enas Al Fardan, Bassim Soroor, Sayed Hamza Al Alawi, Mahban Jawadi, Ali Abdulkarim, Sayed Amjad Jalal, Hashim Mohammed and Yousif Al Alaiwat. Sixty-eight members are eligible to vote in the elections, being held at 7.30pm at the Bahrain Society for Human Rights premises in Adliya. Seven will be elected for the board and two as reserves. The current board would hold an extraordinary meeting to discuss changes to the society's by-laws immediately before the elections. A one-hour radio show about the society will be broadcast from 5.30pm by Radio Bahrain's Arabic station today. Three current board members Ibtisam Al Sheno, Ms Al Jowder and Ms Al Fardan, will speak on the show in addition to guests Gene 0
106228 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Farewell party for member THE Bahrain chapter of India's PSG College of Technology alumni association held a farewell dinner for member N Balaranganathan. Mr Balaranganathan has since left Bahrain, after completing his three-year contract as project manager with Yokogawa Middle East. He has been transferred to the Yokogawa India, in Bangalore. The college is based in Coimbatore, south India. 0
106229 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Religious talks set THE Heavenly Worship Centre is organising a series of special meetings at the Topspot Hall, Palace Inn, Adliya, beginning from tomorrow. Visiting pastor M A Varughese from Bangalore will deliver the lectures in English and Malayalam during the programme, which continues until Monday. The talks in English will be held tomorrow at 7pm and on Friday at 10am. On Saturday, a special message will also be delivered in English at 7pm. The talks in Malayalam will he held on Sunday and Monday, beginning at 7pm. The church is affiliated to King's Revival Church International. For more information, contact 39458130 or 39898827. 0
106230 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Key GCC ministerial issues discussed Positive results of the Zayed GCC Summit and the meeting of the Bahrain-Qatar High Joint Co-operation Committee meeting were highlighted when Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa met Shura Council, Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee members. He also briefed them on Bahrain's participation in the forthcoming Arab Summit in Algeria and the GCC Ministerial Council meeting, to be held in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi and Minister of State for Shura and Parliament Affairs Dr Abdulaziz Al Fadhel also attended. A planned meeting between GCC foreign ministers and their European Union counterparts on April 5 was also discussed. Shaikh Mohammed also revealed that Bahrain was following up, through its Doha-based embassy, cases of fishing boats in territorial waters of both Bahrain and Qatar. 0
106231 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Minister reviews new traffic laws Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday chaired a meeting at the traffic directorate and reviewed new laws prior to presenting them to the Cabinet. Preparations for the GCC's 21st Traffic Week "Your Driving is the Symbol of Your Ethical", were also discussed. The minister urged directorate personnel to respond swiftly to road accidents and provide more facilities for traffic movement. Present were Ministry Under-Secretary Major General Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and other officials. 0
106232 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Bus blockade of ministry slammed MANAMA MANAMA: A bus blockade of the Islamic Affairs Ministry and Ahmed Al Fateh Islamic Centre recently was slammed yesterday. The blockade, which started at 11 am on February 16, disrupted traffic and caused outrage among people wishing to pray or report to the Ministry. Trapped ministry employees were also prevented from picking up their children from schools or honouring work commitments, Islamic Affairs Ministry said in a statement, dismissing the incident as "unjustified and unprecedented". Police had to intervene at 4pm to lift the blockade. Meanwhile, the case is being investigated by the General Prosecution. "This serious development represents a serious violation of law sovereignty and individual freedoms", the statement said, regretting that no legal channels were sought to settle the violators' grievances. 0
106233 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Green group in push to save Tubli MANAMA THE Environment Friends Society is inviting people interested in environmental protection to visit Tubli Bay tomorrow. The visit, at 4pm, will also include members of the media and environment specialists along with others working towards saving the bay. Society president Khowla Almohanadi said there has been a number of events to help protect the area, which is a safe haven for wildlife. "We've promised members of the society to take this mission in making the bay a better place than it currently is," she said. "This trip will be part of a series of trips to different areas every Thursday to spread awareness on environmental issues." Anyone interested in registering for the trip may contact the society on 17421413 or society member Hassan Ali on 39125027. The meeting point will be at the McDonald's, opposite the American Embassy in Zinj. 0
106234 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Assad greeted HIS Majesty King Hamad yesterday sent a cable of good wishes to Syrian President Dr Bashar Al Assad, marking his country's national day. The Premier and the Crown Prince sent similar cables to Syrian leaders. His Majesty thanked HIS Majesty yesterday received a cable of thanks from the GCC track and field organising committee for hosting their meeting in Bahrain. Kuwait links hailed KUWAITI Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah yesterday received a message from the Prime Minister, dealing with strong bilateral ties. The message was delivered by the Prime Minister's Adviser for Economic Affairs Abdulla Saif. Deal on books EDUCATION Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi left for Saudi Arabia yesterday to sign an agreement to jointly purchase with Saudi and Kuwait advanced mathematics and science books. Dr Al Nuaimi will also attend a GCC ministerial educational meeting and second conference of the Arabian Gulf Univer 0
106235 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Lebanese musician sings praises of Bahrain orchestra A TOP Lebanese musician yesterday voiced his praise for the Bahrain Music Orchestra. Well-known musician Marcel Khalife is in Bahrain to promote the orchestra and ensure that it gains the publicity and exposure it deserves. "The orchestra is full of excellent members - from maestro Khalifa Zaiman to young and talented performers," Mr Khalife told a Press conference held at the Crowne Plaza yesterday. "I was astonished with the group's performance at the 13th Bahrain International Music Festival last October that I decided to return and join forces with them," he said. "This visit has not been arranged and I just came here to present the group with three new musical pieces that I have composed especially for them - as a gift of admiration for their work." Mr Khalife said the three works were part of a package designed for the group. "It is not over and by the time the group completes practising and perfecting these works, which I believe will take at least four 0
106236 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain date for boy band Westlife MANAMA WESTLIFE take the stage at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa on April 13. The award-winning boy band from Ireland comprises Nicky Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan. They will be performing all their greatest hits with live musicians on stage. The show will be held at the hotel's Beach Garden. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 9pm. Tickets, priced at BD22 (standing only) are now available from Hava Java in Seef Mall and Al A'ali Shopping Complex. "Fans can expect a live 90-minute experience featuring the number one hits of Westlife," said Mirage Promotions managing director Elissa Murtaza. "We are very pleased to have been given the opportunity to present this unforgettable act in Bahrain. "It will be an exceptional night for music lovers of all ages." Rhythm and Blues newcomers, The Bombay Rockers, will open the event with material from their first album - Introducing. Don't let their names fool you, the duo are no 0
106237 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Best paws forward... ALL the dogs being cared for by the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) have been booked for the society's annual sponsored walk on Friday. Several people are on the waiting list at the sanctuary in Shakhura, in case any of those who are renting the dogs should drop out. Pet owners are also invited to bring their own dogs along for the four-kilometre walk in the desert, just south of Awali. The event will begin at 10.30am, but registration will be open from 9.30am to 10.15am. It is one of the biggest fund- raising events of the year for the society. Walkers should collect their sponsorship money before the event and present it to organisers on the day when they register. Sponsorship forms, a map to the venue and information sheet are available at the sanctuary in Shakhura, the BSPCA Thrift Shop in Budaiya, the British Club in Adliya or St Christopher's Junior School, in Isa Town. Dogs should be on a lead at all times, 0
106238 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Look-alike treat for Elvis fans BRITISH Club members and guests have something to look forward to next week. An evening featuring comedy and Elvis is being held at the club's Windsor Room, starting at 9pm. Elvis fans are in for a treat as a look-alike, Elvis Brettini, aka Damian Brett, will be performing at the event. Damian was enticed from a career as a successful tri-lingual sales professional to become a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. His professionally trained vocal skills developed during his early years singing in his school choir and have allowed him to sing just like Elvis. "People know what they want from an act like mine," said Damian. "They know the difference between a good Elvis and a bad Elvis. Damian has performed all over Europe and the US, including appearances at the Stardust in Las Vegas, as well as the International Elvis Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Laughter will be provided by stand-up comic Andy Leach, who has been performing since the age of 0
106239 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Humour in the air TABLE Manners, by English playwright Alan Ayckbourn is to be staged at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar, later this month. The comedy is being presented by the Royal Society of St George in association with The Culture Vultures and BMMI on March 23 and 24, starting at 8pm on both nights. Table Manners is part of Alan Ayckbourn's 1973 trilogy of plays known as The Norman Conquests. All three plays are set in the garden, living room and dining room of Annie's home in the country. Tickets for Table Manners are BD7. The price does not include dinner, however early and late dinner bookings are available. For more information, contact Annie on 39223446 or Kate on 39448910. 0
106240 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Real taste of Lebanon A LEBANESE food festival is being held at the Gulf Hotel's Zahle restaurant on Saturday, starting at 8pm. The two-week festival will feature a special set menu and entertainment by a Lebanese dancing troupe flown in especially for the event. Dinner and entertainment will be held from 7pm to 11pm. Meanwhile, the hotel is also organising other festivals and they include the Norouz Festival at the Takht Jamsheed Restaurant from March 21 to 27 and the Royal Thai Dance and Food Festivity from March 23 to April 28, at the Royal Thai restaurant. Finalised details will be announced soon. 'Hello Habibi' shelved ORGANISERS have postponed the Malayalam comedy show, Hello Habibi. The show was to be held on Friday at the Indian Club, Manama, and feature stars Saikumar, Charmila, Taufique, Kochupreman, Suby, Baiju, Aji Mol, Kalabhavan Reneesh and Arafath. Organisers are hoping to stage the show before the end of this month. Finalised det 0
106241 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Lankan stars to take centre stage SEVEN Sri Lankan stars are to entertain their fans in Bahrain tomorrow. The concert, Nirmala Stars Night, is to be held at the Palace Inn's Falcon Hall, Adliya, starting at 8pm. Award-winning playback singer Sunil Edirisinghe is the main star of the show, which will also feature film star Roger Senevirathna, singers Deepika Priyadarshani, Amith Walpola and Pushpakumara Mahanama and comedian Sri Lal Abekon. Mr Edirisinghe, who has won the President's Award as well as the equally prestigious Sarasavi Award, has sung in thousands of films and television shows in Sri Lanka. This will be the singer's third visit to Bahrain. Mr Senevirathna won the Best Actor trophy in last year's Sumathi Television Awards. Music will be provided by Bahrain-based Sri Lankan band Sumiuru, featuring Kumara, Jagath, Roshan, Akash, Prasad and Ruwan. The show is being presented by Sudesh Karunathilake in association with the Palace Inn. Tickets, which are to be availa 0
106242 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Singers tune up for 'opera' night THE Manama Singers' Opera Choruses in the Courtyard tomorrow promises to be a highly entertaining evening. The concert will take place at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, from 7.30pm. The group is a Bahrain-based amateur choir with some 50 members from all over the globe. They perform under the baton of Alistair Auld, who is also head of music at St Christopher's Senior School, in Isa Town. The concert programme is varied with favourites from Verdi, Bizet and Puccini - to name but a few - and features solos, duets and trios. Tickets for the concert are BD12, which includes a welcome drink, canaps and a buffet dinner after the performance. Tickets can be booked in advance from La Fontaine on 17230123, The Bookcase, Budaiya Road on 17690566 and the Arabesque Gallery, in Adliya, on 17722916. 0
106243 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL New rules for Gaelic games THE second annual Bahrain Gaelic Festival will take place on Friday April 1, at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Saar. With a change to last year's rules, a total of 10 teams, consisting of ten members each will be able to enter the tournament this year, but at least two members of each team must be female. "To keep things interesting, some of the games will include mandatory female participation," said organising committee member Dermot Wallis. "Each team must have at least two women in order to keep everything fair." One new part of this year's event will be the Highland Wrestling event. Children's events will include a relay race and egg and spoon races with prizes given for almost every child taking part. Teams wishing to enter the competition should contact Steve Ritchie on 39673145 for an entry form. The cost of registering a team is BD 100. Live music and a range of different activities for adults and children will be on offer a 0
106244 0 1493 BNEW LOCAL Hippies are hip again! A HIPPIE Party is being held at the Warbler, Baisan International Hotel, tomorrow. The 60s and 70s-inspired party invites everyone to come dressed for the occasion. Prizes will be presented to those who turn up in costume. There will also be a variety of contests throughout the night. The entire club will be decorated in 60's and 70's style and the staff wearing full costume. Music will be presented by DJ Justin. Easter fun at Gulf Hotel AN Easter party for families is being held later this month at the Gulf Hotel, Manama. The Easter Egg-stravaganza takes place on March 27, starting at noon and will feature a traditional Easter Sunday lunch buffet. There will also be a treasure hunt, face painting, a pets corner with chicks and rabbits, and egg decoration and best Easter bonnet competitions for children. Tickets are BD11++ and children aged between five and 12 will get a 50 per cent discount. School heritage drive 0
106245 1 1493 SPOR SPORT KAMAL SAVES PAKISTAN MOHALI, India: Little-known Asim Kamal and Inzamam-ul-Haq saved Pakistan from a batting embarrassment with gutsy half-centuries under pressure in the first Test against India here yesterday. Pakistan were tottering at 30 for two and then 191 for six after being sent to bat on a seamer-friendly track, but left-handed Kamal (91) and skipper Inzamam (57) came to their team's rescue with responsible knocks. Pakistan were all out for 312 in their first innings just before the scheduled close on the opening day. India will bat today. Kamal, who scored 99 on his Test debut against South Africa at Lahore two years ago, missed out on a century again when he was bowled by seamer Laxmipathi Balaji. Balaji, out of Test cricket for nearly a year due to injury, made an impressive comeback with five for 76, his maiden five-wicket haul in six Tests. India had seized the initiative in the first two sessions when they grabbed six wickets on a lively pitch, with fast bowlers Irfan Pathan a 0
106246 2 1493 SPOR SPORT Battling Barbar tame Al Najma DEFENDING champions Barbar clinched a crucial 32-29 victory over arch rivals Al Najma in a Group 'A' match of the Bahrain Handball League second round last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Late goals from national team left winger and the team's top scorer Mahmood Abdulqader secured Barbar's second successive victory in an exciting match of the six-team league round robin competition. Leading 13-12 at half-time, Barbar players co-ordinated well and their goal-keepers, Tayseer Mohsin and substitute Hassan Al Nasheet, brought off wonderful saves to deny many scoring opportunities by Al Najma's Sayed Ali Al Falahi, Mohammed Abdulnabi, Sayed Majeed and Jassim Mohammed. Ahmed Al Tajer, Jaffer Abdulqader and captain Hussain Abdulla made further contributions to Barbar's triumph. Barbar are at the top of the group with six points from two matches while Al Najma, whose veteran 41-year goal-keeper Mohammed Ahmed was in poor form and conceded many goals, were handed their first 0
106247 3 1493 SPOR SPORT BIC set for 'glittering' F1 race OFFICIALS at the Bahrain International Circuit have stepped up preparations to host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on April 1, 2 and 3. "We are pushing ourselves in every manner to host a thrilling race for the entire family," said BIC general manager Martin Whitaker. "We understand the task is not easy, but the challenge is right in front of us and we promise to host a glittery event," added Whitaker. The main preparations for the prestigious event have centered around an ambitious advertising programme, the aim of which has been to further increase awareness of Formula One racing within the Arab world. "This has been achieved through a highly successful and popular promotional campaign. The success of this programme has been reflected in a huge number of tickets sold," said. Samer Al Shaikh. The campaign started in Beirut, continued through to Kuwait, Dubai and Jeddah before ending in Al Khobar. 0
106248 0 1493 SPOR SPORT 70 drivers set for drag race MORE than 70 drivers from Bahrain and other GCC countries are set for the second round of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship, organised by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club, to be held tonight and tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. The qualifying races will start tonight at 7pm and the finals tomorrow night at the same time. Club vice-president Sameer Uchi said registration will be open today till the start of the qualifying races. 0
106249 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Goys chief attends meeting in Egypt The General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa chaired the Bahraini delegation at the 28th Arab youth and sports ministers meetings in Sharm Al Shaikh, Egypt. Shaikh Fawaz also discussed means of co-operation with sports ministers from Jordan, the UAE, Tunisia, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan Syria, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Yemen and Egypt. Shaikh Fawaz was accompanied by Goys sports affairs director Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, clubs affairs director Dr Saeed Al Yamani, sports facilities section head Abdulrahman Askar and Tariq Al Meraikhi from the president's office. 0
106250 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Ayman bags U-10 crown AYMAN Jaffar bagged the boys under-10 singles title in the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship defeating Abishek M 9-1 in the final yesterday at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. Today's fixture: 5pm - boys under-13 singles final. 0
106251 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Energade 'A' score over More Speed in a thriller DILMUN Energade 'A' outplayed DHL More Speed 22-17 in a well-fought Division 'A' match in the Bahrain DHL Netball League Division One. With this defeat DHL More Speed failed to take over the lead from the British Club Cameos who received a walk-over from Sri Lanka Club last night at the Bahrain Rugby Club premises in Sa'ar. Players-of-the-match were goal shoot Beth Nunn for Dilmun Energade and wing attack Latetia Russell for DHL More Speed. In another Division 'A' match, Dilmun Energade 'A' tamed DHL More Power 21-4. Goal defence Sue Hall and wing attack Noel Witter were adjudged players-of-the-match for the winners and losers respectively. Dilmun Energade 'B' stayed at the top in Division 'B' following a deserving 25-6 victory over DHL More Reliability. Players-of-the-match were centre Chantell Cull for Dilmun Energade 'B' and wing attack Clare Harry for DHL More Reliability. The another match, DHL More Reach beat Dilmun Energade C 13-8. Goal shoot Hel 0
106252 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Bikers gear up for event THE Bahrain Motorcycle Club under the umbrella of the Bahrain Motor Federation is organising its second round of the Bahrain Desert Motorcycle Championship on Friday starting at 1pm near Shaikh Isa bin Salman highway in Saar. The first round was won by Munther Abdulla while Tareq Hassan finished second and Mohammed Al Khenaizi third. Club chairman Isa Al Awadi said registration will continue until tomorrow. For further information contact Al Awadi on 39693837. 0
106253 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Asad powers past Shakthi ASAD Ali reached the boys under-12 singles second round of the third Al Hekma International School Open Juniors Tennis Championship beating Shakthi V Karthik 6-1, 6-0 yesterday at the Bahrain Tennis Federation courts in Isa Town. In other boys under-12 singles first round matches, Sayed Mohammed overwhelmed Haitich Charma 6-0, 6-0, Ankeet Farchini beat Liam McMahon 6-4, 6-0 and Chandra Adeep received a walk-over from Nick Vanderto. In the girls under-18 singles, top seed Hadil Ali qualified for the semi-finals after a comfortable 6-0, 6-0 victory over Neha Lal. Tarryn Carlsson followed suit beating Dabya Al Junaid 6-0, 6-0, Rina Kato defeated Aysha A Rabea'a 6-1, 6-0 and Yasmine Ebada eased past Dine Rose 6-0, 6-0 in the same division. Other results: Boys under-14 (first round): Aklish Josowami bt Francis Jiniyal 6-0, 6-3, Filip Sotcher bt Rotchki Carthijian 6-2, 6-4, Ismail Naar w/o Karthik Krishnan. Boys under-18 singles (first round): Hazim Al Moosawi bt Abdull 0
106254 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Windies in talks to end contract row LONDON: Grenada prime minister Keith Mitchell said considerable progress was made during four hours of talks on Monday aimed at resolving the contract dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and its top players. Captain Brian Lara and six other senior cricketers have not been invited to play in the home series against South Africa and Pakistan due to the dispute which centres on a potential clash between the West Indies' main official sponsor Digicel and the players' personal deals with Cable & Wireless. The selectors have snubbed Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Dwayne Smith, Fidel Edwards and Ravi Rampaul in a list of 22 players invited to make themselves available for the home series. May stands down SYDNEY: Australian Cricketers' Association (ACA) chief executive Tim May announced his resignation yesterday after eight years in the job. May, 43, a former Test and one-day international bowler, has been a high-profile fixtu 0
106255 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Holmes in line for award LONDON: British middle-distance runner Dame Kelly Holmes found herself in line for a new prize when the nominations for the Laureus World Sports Awards were unveiled yesterday. Holmes, winner of the 800 and 1,500 metres gold medals at last year's Athens Olympics, has been shortlisted for the World Sportswoman of the Year award. Meanwhile, a host of sporting greats are in contention for the World Sportsman of the Year Prize - Michael Phelps, winner of six Olympic swimming gold medals in Athens, Morocco's 1,500 and 5,000m Olympic champion Hicham El Guerrouj, America's six-times Tour de France cycling winner Lance Armstrong and Switzerland's triple 2004 Grand Slam tennis champion Roger Federer. Also nominated are two motor racing aces, Germany's seven-times Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher and Italy's Valentino Rossi, for his fourth World MotoGP championship. Holmes's rivals are Russia's Olympic pole vault winner Yelena Isinbayeva, Sweden's heptathlon gold medal 0
106256 0 1493 SPOR SPORT Endurance riders set for His Majesty's horseride REGISTRATION is open for His Majesty King Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) on March 17 at the endurance village premises in Sakhir. A large number of riders from Bahrain are expected to participate in this prestigious competition which is sponsored by Al Areen Desert Resort and to be held under the patronage of His Majesty. Breef also sent invitations to associations of other GCC countries to take part in the one-day event. Meanwhile, Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi returned home after officiating part of the third GCC Endurance Horseride Championship held in Doha recently. Muharraq volleyball team leave BAHRAIN league champions Muharraq will leave today for Qatar to take part in the 24th GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship starting on Friday in Doha. Muharraq, who won the GCC title for eight consecutive times since 1995, will take on Al Arabi of Kuwait on Saturday in 0
106257 0 1493 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Bu Saad, Dar Albareh Gallery, Adliya, 10am-1pm and 4pm to 8pm. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Riwaq Gallery and Bookshop, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:info@ alriwaqgallery.org" # info@alriwaqgallery.org. Yoga Classes, Bahrain Wellness Resort, Budaiya, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795961 or 39803197. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 6pm and 8.30pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, a historical monument on Hoora Avenue featuring a creative spa, pilates studio and restaurant. Ante-Natal Yoga, 4pm. For appointments call 17230123. King Fahad Causeway (linking Saudi Arabia and Bahrain), service facility area includes an elevated restaurant, cost per vehicle BD2. General Dir 0
106258 1 1493 WORL WORLD Top Iraq official shot dead BAGHDAD: Al Qaeda militants shot dead a senior Iraqi official while a senior Shi'ite official said the country's new government line-up would be unveiled after the first freely elected parliament in half a century convenes on March 16. The deputy director of the interior ministry's naturalisation department, Ghazi Mohammed Issa, was killed in broad daylight outside his Baghdad home by masked gunmen in a car. * US soldiers abused at least one wounded prisoner in Iraq and showed disrespect to dead Iraqis as well as Iraqi civilians, according to a video made public. The nearly 27-minute video, dubbed "Ramadi Madness", was made early last year by members of the Florida National Guard who served in Iraq as part of the 124th Infantry Regiment and was investigated by the US military as part of its probe of alleged abuses committed by American troops in Iraq. 0
106259 2 1493 WORL WORLD Equality an elusive dream PARIS: Despite gains in women's rights and the increasing role of women in the workplace, female social and economic equality remained an elusive dream in many countries as the world marked international Women's Day yesterday. But US first lady Laura Bush said in Washington that even in the Middle East, where women's freedoms by Western standards are among the most curtailed in the world, there was hope of a better future. "All people who love freedom hope that we are witnessing the start of a new era of expanding liberty and growing opportunity for women worldwide," she said at a meeting with leaders from 15 Muslim nations. Several thousand women, who began a symbolic march in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo in support of a charter of equal rights, argued however that the gender revolution has passed many women by, leaving them trapped by exploitation, oppression and violence. The march was expected to proceed in relays through 50 countries before reaching Burkina Faso, a poor A 0
106260 3 1493 WORL WORLD King Tut wasn't murdered CAIRO: The results of a CT scan done on King Tut's mummy indicate the boy king was not murdered, but may have suffered a badly broken leg shortly before his death at age 19 - a wound that could have become infected. Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities secretary-general Zahi Hawass announced the results of the CT scan about two months after it was performed on Tut's mummy. Hawass said the remains of Tutankhamun, who ruled more than 3,300 years ago, showed no signs that he had been murdered - dispelling a mystery that has long surrounded the pharaoh's death. "In answer to theories that Tutankhamun was murdered, the team found no evidence for a blow to the back of the head, and no other indication of foul play," according to a statement released by Hawass' office. "They also found it extremely unlikely that he suffered an accident in which he crushed his chest." Hawass said despite ruling out the murder theory, he had no idea how Tut actually died. "I have two theories - 0
106261 0 1493 WORL WORLD 15 beheaded LATIFIYAH: The Iraqi army said it found 15 beheaded corpses, both men and women, on an old military base near Latifiyah south of Baghdad yesterday. The army raided the old Hatin army base, now believed to be used by insurgents, and found the corpses. The raid followed reports that some Shi'ite pilgrims on their way to Karbala and Najaf had disappeared near Latifiyah. 0
106262 0 1493 WORL WORLD Laughter good for the heart ORLANDO, Florida: Laughter is good for the heart because it prolongs life while depression increases the risk of an early death, according to two new studies. A good bout of laughter every day provides similar cardiovascular benefits as excercise because it stimulates the bloodflow, said Michael Miller, who headed a research team at the University of Maryland. On the other hand, depression - or the lack of laughter - is often linked to unhealthy habits such as smoking and drug addiction and increases the risk of death by 44 per cent, said Wein Jiang, who led a study of 1,000 heart patients for the University of North Carolina. Miller said laughter produced a "magnitude of change ... in the endothelium ... similar to the benefit we might see with aerobic activity, but without the aches, pains and muscle tension associated with exercise." While laughter should not replace excercise, he said, "we do recommend that you try to laugh on a regular basis. Thirty minutes of exer 0
106263 0 1493 WORL WORLD Diana returns ... in a ballet LONDON: Princess Diana pirouetted into Britain yesterday in an offbeat ballet that critics say casts a harsh light on the royal family. A jodhpur-clad Camilla Parker Bowles takes her riding whip to Prince Charles while an angelic Diana battles to win acceptance by the House of Windsor. The Nutcracker it isn't. But internationally renowned Danish choreographer Peter Schaufuss certainly struck it lucky with the timing. The ballet about Diana's ill-fated marriage to Charles is being staged as Charles and Camilla's own wedding plans for next month descend into farce over disputed venues and legal rows. "I had no idea they were going to announce their marriage at all. It came as a surprise," Schaufuss said after flying in for the ballet's British premiere. To critics who accuse him of bad taste in creating instant history less than eight years after Diana's death in a Paris car crash, he replied: "In today's world you cannot wait to do things. "If you look at t 0
106264 0 1493 WORL WORLD British police 'must fight racism in ranks' LONDON: Britain's police forces must take a tougher stand against bigotry within their "perma-frost" ranks, which were thawing at the top but frozen at the core, the racial equality watchdog reported yesterday. Announcing the result of a 15-month investigation, the Commission on Racial Equality (CRE) report praised the police services in England and Wales as having made "significant progress in the area of race equality." But it warned that change was hampered by "ice in the heart" of the services, and recommended they draft a new offence of "racial misconduct" and implement other measures to fight discrimination. Push for Iran reforms WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush yesterday urged Iran to heed "the concerns of the world" about its nuclear programmes and called on Tehran to embrace democratic reforms. "We look forward to today when Iran joins in the hopeful changes taking place across the region. We look forward to the day when the Iranian people are free," Bush said in 0
106265 0 1493 WORL WORLD EU to set up watchdog STRASBOURG, France: European leaders marked International Women's Day yesterday by calling for equal working rights for women and agreeing to set up a gender institute that will combat sex discrimination. The institute, which should open by 2007 and have an annual budget of about $11.7 million, will raise awareness of gender equality and ensure that it's part of all EU policies, said European Commission chairman Jose Manuel Barroso. "Women must have easy access to work and be properly paid," Barroso said in his remarks at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. "It's a question of mindsets. Mentalities must evolve, women's issues must be enhanced. It is crucial to increase the employment rate of women." In Paris, French President Jacques Chirac announced that the government will present a draft law within days on workplace equality between men and women. 0
106266 0 1493 WORL WORLD Charles marriage gets green signal LONDON: Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, and his long-time companion Camilla Parker Bowles last night received the green light for their wedding next month after all formal legal objections against their union were dismissed. Len Cook, Registrar General for England and Wales, said he was "satisfied that none of these objections should obstruct the issue of a certificate" for the couple to marry at Windsor town hall, west of London, on April 8. A spokeswoman at Clarence House, the office of Prince Charles, said the royal couple were "pleased" that the marriage certificate could now be issued. The main grounds for objection were that the law did not allow the prince to marry in a civil ceremony. But Cook ruled that the relevant legislation, backed more recently by the European Convention on Human Rights and 1998 Human Rights Act, did not prevent the royal marriage. If any objections had been upheld, his office said, no certificate of marriage could be issued 0
106267 0 1493 WORL WORLD Sonia hopes over key bill NEW DELHI: Ruling Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi said yesterday she was optimistic that a key bill to ensure greater representation of women in the Indian parliament would see the light of day. The controversial Women's Reservations Bill that would reserve 33 per cent of seats for women has been hanging fire in parliament since it was first mooted in 1996. "There is no development without empowering women," she told a forum to mark International Women's Day. 0
106268 0 1493 WORL WORLD Actress Wright dies of heart attack NEW HAVEN, Connecticut: Teresa Wright, the willowy actress who starred opposite Gary Cooper and Marlon Brando and won a supporting Academy Award in 1942 for Mrs Miniver, has died. She was 86. Wright died on Sunday of a heart attack at Yale-New Haven Hospital, her daughter, Mary-Kelly Busch, said yesterday. Pope to give Easter blessing VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II, who is currently being treated in a Rome hospital, will give his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To Rome and the World) blessing on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said yesterday. But a key moment in the celebration of Holy Week, the Way of the Cross procession around the ancient Colosseum late on Good Friday, may for the first time be held without the Pope. 0
106269 0 1493 WORL WORLD Chechen leader killed MOSCOW: Chechen rebel leader Aslan Maskhadov has been killed by Russian troops fighting to quell a long rebellion in the mainly Muslim Caucasus region. He had a $10 million (BD3.78m) reward on his head. He was blamed for a string of attacks in Russia, including one on a school in Beslan in which at least 326 hostages - half of them children - died. Suspects 'exploited US law' WASHINGTON: Dozens of terror suspects on US watch lists received government approval to buy guns legally in the US last year, according to a congressional investigation released yesterday. The Government Accountability Office report said people associated with terrorist groups had taken advantage of loopholes in US gun laws that do not automatically bar a person belonging to such a group from buying a gun. UN urges ban on cloning UNITED NATIONS: A deeply divided UN General Assembly yesterday passed a declaration urging governments to ban all human cloning, including for medi 0
106270 0 1493 WORL WORLD New op for Clinton NEW YORK: Former US president Bill Clinton is to undergo new surgery tomorrow, six months after a quadruple by-pass operation on his heart. The new surgery is to remove fluid and scar tissue from his left chest cavity, the Clinton Foundation announced yesterday. The operation will be under general anaesthesia and Clinton, 58, will stay in hospital for three to 10 days. 0
106271 0 1493 WORL WORLD Three slain in fresh violence COLOMBO: Three men were shot dead as the death toll from a fresh wave of violence in Sri Lanka rose to 10 amid diplomatic moves to end a deadlock in the island's peace bid, officials said yesterday. The three men were gunned down in separate incidents on Monday and yesterday in what the military described as an upsurge in rebel internecine clashes. Seven had been killed on Saturday. "We are noticing an increase in clashes," military spokesman Daya Ratnayake said. "The indications are that this killing cycle will continue as both factions try to demonstrate their strength." The de facto number two in the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) led an unprecedented split in March last year and since then the main rebel outfit has been trying to retake control over the east where the renegades are active. The LTTE has accused the security forces of colluding with the breakaway group of V Muralitharan, better known as Karuna, an allegation rejected by the government. Scandina 0
106272 0 1493 WORL WORLD Woman, 104, granted visa CANBERRA: The Australian government granted permanent residency yesterday to a 104-year-old Chinese woman who theoretically faced deportation after losing a last legal appeal for a visa. In a late-night statement, Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone said she had exercised her discretionary powers to grant a visa to Cui Yu Hu "as my department had always intended". Vanstone denied there was ever any intention to remove Hu from Australia, citing a letter the woman was sent last month telling her the department was doing all it could to help her. Hu, who received a letter of congratulations from Prime Minister John Howard on her last birthday on February 18, has lived in Australia since 1995 when she arrived on a 12-month visitor visa. When she tried to leave, no airline would take her because she was deemed too old and frail. She was later denied an aged-parent visa to be able to stay in the country with her adopted daughter who settled permanently in Australia in 1996. QUETTA: Five tribal militants suspected of involvement in a string of attacks on government installations in Pakistan's southwest have been arrested, police said. They were arrested on Sunday in a raid on their hideouts on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of the southwestern province of Baluchistan. "They have confessed their involvement in dozens of bomb blasts and rocket attacks in Quetta and other parts of Baluchistan in recent weeks," the provincial police chief Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob said yesterday. He said at least 20 other tribal militants have been arrested in the province over the last one month. 0
106274 0 1493 WORL WORLD Lanka-Tigers 'must share tsunami aid' COLOMBO: Sri Lanka urgently needs a mechanism to ensure tsunami aid is distributed fairly, including to Tamil Tiger-held areas, the EU's external relations commissioner said yesterday. Following in the footsteps of former US presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush as well as Britain's Prince Charles, Benita Ferrero-Waldner visited the war-torn, wave-ravaged east and met Sri Lankan tsunami survivors who face an uncertain future living in makeshift shelters made from canvas and metal sheets. "The most important is of course to get the joint mechanism," Ferrero-Waldner said as she visited the eastern district of Batticaloa, where the Tigers control pockets of jungle. "It is crucial for us," she added. "The aid has to go where it's really needed and it has to be fair and balanced distribution." A delegation of senior Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels heads to Europe this week to lobby governments from Sweden to Germany to support their case for a mechanism to ens 0
106275 0 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Alternative investments analysed MANAMA: The value of alternative investments in diversifying an investment portfolio was highlighted at a seminar in Bahrain yesterday. Bahrain-based Investcorp organised the event, which stressed the importance of alternative investments following the 1990s market collapse. In 1999, US institutional investors allocated $200 billion to alternative investments, but in just four years this figure doubled to around $400bn. "Today, alternative investments are a critical component of your strategic asset allocation," Investcorp chief operating officer Gary Long told investors at the seminar. Both institutional and private investors attended the event, which also featured presentations from specialists in private equity, hedge funds, real estate investment and technology ventures. 0
106276 0 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Garmco attains record production MANAMA: Gulf Aluminium Rolling Mills (Garmco) produced a record 138,300 metric tonnes of aluminium products last year, the company said in a statement yesterday. It said that production exceeded its estimations for the year of 138,000 metric tonnes. "The company was able to achieve this despite a number of obstacles, including the blackout that hit the country in July last year and caused malfunctions in a number of its main machinery in the production line," said the statement. It added that its target for this year is to produce 145,000 metric tonnes. 0
106277 0 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Two-day telecom seminar held MANAMA: Almoayed Telecom and US-based Agilent Technologies organised a two-day seminar at the Sheraton Hotel. Companies from Bahrain and other GCC countries attended the event. Agilent Technologies specialises in the test and measurement industry, while Almaoyed Telecom is the distributor of Agilent products and solutions in Bahrain. 0
106278 0 1494 BUSI BUSINESS US insurer to set up regional HQ MANAMA: The US-based New Hampshire Insurance Company (NHIC) has been licensed to offer non-life reinsurance services in Bahrain. It is a subsidiary of the American International Group (AIG) and will establish a branch office here, which will serve as its headquarters for the region. The company is the second AIG affiliate to establish operations in Bahrain after the American Life Insurance Company (Alico), which was set up here in 1961. It will serve insurance companies in the domestic and regional market, offering services including casualty, property and marine insurance. NHIC will also write reinsurance business related to crisis management and the financial and energy sectors. "We are delighted to welcome NHIC to Bahrain's well-diversified financial sector," said Bahrain Monetary Agency director of licensing and policy Ahmed Abdul Aziz Al Bassam. NHIC, based in New York, has a capital of over $500 million and carries a rating of AAA from Standard and P 0
106279 0 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Securities settlement systems to be probed MANAMA: A regional workshop on reforming payment and securities settlement systems will begin on Tuesday. It is being organised by the World Bank in co-operation with the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) and the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA). The three-day course at the Gulf Hotel is aimed at policy-makers and market participants and ends next Thursday. It will provide cutting-edge information and guidance on the reform of domestic payments and securities settlement systems and explore some of the elements that are considered key to successful reform. BMA banking operations executive director Waleed Abdulla Rashdan said the BMA is delighted to join hands with the World Bank and AMF to host such an event. "The subject of the upcoming event is of particular significance in an era of globalisation and increasing cross-border and multi-currency transactions," he said. "Strengthening the financial architecture, of which payment and securities settlement systems are an 0
106280 0 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait go-ahead for HSBC MANAMA: HSBC Bank Middle East has been issued a licence to establish a branch in Kuwait. It was granted by the Central Bank of Kuwait upon approval by the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers. HSBC Bank Middle East chief executive officer and deputy chairman, David Hodgkinson, said the bank is pleased to return to Kuwait after an absence of over 30 years. "Kuwait is a significant regional trading economy and a branch presence in this market will materially strengthen HSBC's coverage of the Middle East region," he said. "We see considerable business potential, particularly for our corporate and investment advisory business and our corporate banking, trade and private banking services." A HSBC branch is now due to open in Kuwait "as soon as practically possible". 0
106281 2 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Technical forum highlight of oil and gas exhibition MANAMA: A technical conference programme organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will be a major highlight of the 14th Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference 2005 (MEOS). Held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the event will run parallel to the exhibition of oil and gas related products and services from Saturday until Tuesday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. This year's conference has attracted over 190 technical papers and posters to be presented by leading international experts. Taking place under the theme Meeting the Global Demand Challenge, 20 technical sessions will cover topics related to maintaining plateau in mature fields, exploitation of marginal fields, unconventional hydrocarbon resources, reservoir characterisation and modelling and improved/enhanced oil recovery. MEOS will showcase the latest in technology and provide an unparalleled forum for exchanging best practices in deve 0
106282 1 1494 BUSI BUSINESS New 22-storey tower to house insurance centre MANAMA: Work has started on a 22-storey insurance centre at the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) with an initial investment of $50 million. A ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the Bahrain International Insurance Centre (BIIC) was held at the BFH's Client Relations Centre in Manama yesterday. Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister Abdulla Saif, Bahrain Monetary Agency Governor Rasheed Al Maraj, Finance Ministry officials, dignitaries and BFH officials attended the ceremony. Insurance officials taking part in the second Middle East Insurance Forum also attended the event. The centre is being established with the investment of Saudi businessman Shaikh Saleh bin Al Rashed. Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi said that he was confident that BIIC would further strengthen the insurance sector and encourage the creation of innovative insurance mechanisms, adding more value to the financial services industry of the country and the region.</ 0
106283 3 1494 BUSI BUSINESS Outsourcing data centre is launched MANAMA: Bahrain's first data centre, which will enable companies to outsource the backing up their databases for security purpose, was launched by Lightspeed Communi-cations. The iVault solution, driven by technology provided by Gulf Business Machines (GBM), will allow financial institutions and others to securely host their mission-critical systems. Following global regulatory trends such as the Sarbanese-Oxley Act and the Basel II Accord, the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) issued guidelines for financial institutions to meet tight standards for business continuity. To address this need, Lightspeed Communications have created an outsourcing model to assist organisations to meet these standards. LSC managing director Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa said the company also plans to set up an overseas disaster recovery facility before the end of the year. "This will back up the information that we have here in another country," he said. Shaikh Abdulla adde 0
106284 0 1494 COMM COMMENTDoing women no favours... They're both 63, and have spent all their working lives telling us what to do - how to boil an egg, how to lay a table, how to rustle up the perfect dinner party, how to fold a napkin. How have I got through several decades and many marriages without one of their manuals? I can't be typical - because Delia Smith and Martha Stewart are both multi-millionaires, and they've made all that cash out of stating the blindingly obvious, in books, on television, in videos and by sticking their names on everything from wooden spoons to biscuits. Their empires have grown and grown, their domestic authority absolute. These 60-plus goddesses of domesticity have always seemed so serene, so self-satisfied, so nauseatingly confident. The rest of us feel guilty every time we open a can. So how we all chuckled this week when both of these modern-day saints embarked on a serious bit of emergency rebranding; God forbid we get to glimpse anything other than the official version of their perfection. Saint Delia's halo 0
106285 0 1494 COMM COMMENTJunk 'text' a pain in the... Turned on my new, personal office email this morning to find three new messages - each one an advertisement forwarded by Batelco. It seems there is no escaping junk mail, even in cyber space. My mobile regularly bleeps at me and, seeing the text message signal, I always open it in anticipation of another love note from Sara. But often it is just 'junk text' - the latest one from Showtime, urging me to catch an "exciting" episode of Survivor. There is nothing new about junk mail, it is only the medium that has changed. Back home in the UK my doormat was regularly covered in brochures from various companies trying to sell me something, from double-glazing to lingerie. Even here, I regularly get home at night to find leaflets stuffed in the gate, more often than not advertising restaurant home delivery services. Pull up at a set of traffic lights and some poor Asian, no doubt paid peanuts for standing for hours in the sun, will thrust a brochure at y 0
106288 0 1494 LETT LETTERS Why not publish the photos of criminals? I WOULD like to comment on the growing criminal problems being faced in our loving country. A peace lover before stated in a letter that the photos of wrong-doers whether young or old should be published in all newspapers in Bahrain. In addition, there should be a special programme telecast by Bahrain TV in both Arabic and English, showing the videoed interviews and explanations as to why those criminals did that barbarian act? There should be a public correction institute that complies with religious and moral teachings to guide the wrong-doers for a certain period of time and help them become peace loving people. The Interior Ministry should daily release names and photos of the wrong-doers (criminals) in a crime watch page in newspapers around the country. F G T 0
106289 0 1494 LETT LETTERS Security a spoilsport SOME friends arrived from overseas and with the rally being on and Track Share from the UK here, a great opportunity to see the F1 track in all its glory. Alas, no one knew where the race was, what time it started, best viewing point or who was in it. As for trying to get into the track for a tour or to see Track Share and take advantage of flying around the track in a Ferrari or Porsche we could not get past security who claimed the track was closed, but we could hear the cars in the distance and your resident DJ from Radio Bahrain with his hair on fire at 250kph in the passenger's seat of a GT3 Porsche, telling everyone to come down and enjoy the experience. Be nice if someone had told the security guards. By the time we had bribed our way in with friends from Power Horse (the official sponsors), the rain had set in and was closed for the day. J Murphy BAHRAIN International Circuit operations director Mark Hughes said: "When we hold General 0
106290 0 1494 LETT LETTERS Just a thought... IF the parents of the so-called 'rowdy' children who make rude comments to women as they pass in front of lingerie shops and scantily clad mannequins were to actually teach their children some manners and respect, my guess would be that our MPs won't get these sorts of complaints, precious government time will be used on stuff that actually matters, and the sexy mannequins can stay right where they are. Mike M 0
106291 0 1494 LETT LETTERS I beg to differ... LAST August when I first came to Bahrain I received a letter from my employer which stated that "crime is almost unheard of" in the kingdom. I beg to differ. On my drive into work I was dismayed to find that on pages 3,4,11 and 13 of the GDN there were multiple stories regarding robbery at sword point, break-ins or just your common or garden mugging in Manama. I have lived in many cities in the world but would suggest to you that at a pro rata basis Manama must suffer from more muggings and aggravated burglaries than New York, London or Bogota! Max 0
106292 0 1494 LETT LETTERS Awards a joke I READ the article about Bahrain winning GCC environmental awards (GDN March 6). I am not being mean but is this a joke? Did the people who issued these awards actually drive around this country and see what is actually happening. With all due respect to Dr Madani, please visit one of the last natural mangrove swamps left on the island at Tubli Bay which is also a famous bird nesting area. Well Dr Madani, there is so much garbage dumped there it is going to shortly be ruined. I have been fighting and turning people in to the police department for over three years and the government agency is doing nothing about this. Every day Indians are there with six wheel trucks (these are statistical facts not racist statements I have the evidence) and dump the worst garbage and junk at will. Nobody stops them. I have had the privilege of escorting three people from different nations Sweden, USA and England that were visiting the highest levels of the Bahrain government last year and 0
106293 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Experts to probe use of antibiotics THE Sensible Use of Antibiotics is the focus of a workshop, which is being held today at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. Scores of medical professionals are expected to attend the event, which is being held from 7am to 3pm at the BDF Hospital, under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. It aims to discuss how to contain the problems of resistance, poor practice and drug overuse, while providing the best antibiotics potent according to the World Health Organisation strategy. For more information, contact CTM Event Management on 17535828. 0
106294 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL New F1 attractions lined up BAHRAIN International Circuit (BIC) will be pulling out all the stops for this year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in April. The team at BIC has developed a wide range of new entertainment activities for the event on April 1,2 and 3, which are designed to captivate the thousands of race fans and families travelling to the track in Sakhir. Some of this year's activities include an F1 Driver autograph and photograph session, laser show, fireworks and family fun in the BIC F1 village. Mini Cooper driver Russ Swift will be making Mini magic on the drag strip in front of the Oasis Complex during the event, with the Mini Cooper Stunt Driving Display. Daring fans will also be able to get a bird's eye view of the circuit with the new tethered hot air balloon for spectators. There will also be a variety of stage shows in Arabic and English, climbing wall, bouncy castles, face painting, henna drawing, Arabic and English DJs and stilt walkers on offer during the weekend. In 0
106295 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL 130 children in close contest ABOUT 130 children from the St Christopher's Infant Schools of Budaiya and Awali competed in a Sports Day held at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar, yesterday. The Year Two students, aged six and seven, took part in different activities including football, rugby, basketball, egg and spoon and sack races. They were split into four teams - Red, Yellow, Blue and Green - where they competed for points. The Yellow and Green teams came first with a tie of 600 points for the first time ever while the Red team was second with 585 points, followed by Blue in third with 580 points. 0
106296 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Group heads for tourism exhibition AN Information Ministry delegation will take part in the International Tourism Exchange Exhibition, which begins in Berlin, Germany, tomorrow. The delegation, headed by Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood, will be accompanied by a 16-member delegation from the private sector. More than 10,000 exhibitors from around 178 countries will be displaying their tourist attractions in the five-day exhibition. In a statement, Mr Al Mahmood said Bahrain's participation in the event reflects the kingdom's keenness to market its tourism sector and highlight various investment incentives. He said the delegation would also promote the Gulf Air Grand Prix, which begins in Bahrain on April 1. Mr Al Mahmood said more than 141,139 people visited the exhibition last year in addition to 75,019 tourism companies representatives and 6,700 journalists. Organised by the German National Tourist Board (DZT), the exhibition also aims at providing clear indicators about the fu 0
106297 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Booklet targets schoolchildren AN education booklet on insurance will be distributed in schools across the country by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) and the Bahrain Insurance Association (BIA). The illustrated Taamina Insurance Guide contains information on all aspects of insurance, as well as cartoons to make it more appealing to children. "The booklet is part of a communication campaign to the public at large," said BMA financial institutions supervision executive director Anwar Al Sadah. "There needs to be more education and awareness of the insurance industry in the region. 0
106298 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL 'UN session' to begin THE 11th Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun) begins today at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo School, Isa Town, with the participation of more than 350 children. The biggest mock United Nations Assembly to be ever held in the kingdom is being organised by the Rotary Club of Adliya. The children, all aged between 15 and 18, are representing government and private schools in Bahrain, as well as three international schools in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The students will play the role of country delegates, Press corps and runners. This year's two-day event is being held under the patronage of Information and Foreign Affairs Ministry Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar, who is also the guest speaker. On both days, Bahmun will begin at 8.30am. However, the VIP opening ceremony will take place at 5pm today, which will be attended by ambassadors and other guests. The event is open to the public free of charge and people are encouraged to attend and observe the delegates in ac 0
106299 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Awareness drive held PUPILS at the Adawia Primary School for Girls in Gudaibiya learned more about waste reduction and environmental protection at a one-week campaign, which ended at the school yesterday. The event, organised by the Environment Friends Society in collaboration with the school's environment committee, aimed at increasing the awareness of students of different kinds of pollution and ways in which they can be reduced. "We have been organising awareness campaigns over the last five years and about 60 students took part in this week's awareness programme," said society board member Mohammed Kadhem. The week culminated with a talk yesterday by society president Khawla Al Muhannadi, society member Sadiq Abdulghaffar and Mr Kadhem. They also presented awards to students who took part in the programme. During the week, an exhibition of paintings on the environment completed by the students went on display. 0
106300 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL British School helps raise cash for charity Staff and students at the British School of Bahrain helped to raise money for local charities yesterday, with a mufti day in the theme of British Red Nose Day. Over 450 youngsters, aged from three to 18-years-old came to school wearing red clothing, for a minimum fee of 500 fils. Prizes were also given for the best costumes. Red Nose Day or Comic Relief is being held in Britain on Friday to raise money for people in need worldwide. 0
106301 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL British DJ set to rock techno fans in Bahrain A TOP British deep house and techno disc jockey is set to take the stage at Likwid, City Centre Hotel, Manama. DJ Louis Osbourne performs for one night only tomorrow, beginning at 11pm. Coming from a musical background, it was inevitable that he was to be an entertainer of some description. Being the eldest son of famous British rocker and MTV reality comedy show star Ozzy Osbourne, Louis has done well in establishing himself in the industry through hard work. The 29-year-old, who has been DJ-ing for the past 11 years, was brought up in Birmingham, England. He didn't initially take an interest in being a musician until his first experience of going to a 'Rave' party when he was 16. "I travelled to this Rave in February 1992, Fantazia at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter, completely on my own, and discovered a whole sub-culture that absolutely fascinated me," he recalled. Message He was an early follower of more mainstream House Music and 0
106302 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Laundry worker found hanging INDIAN laundry worker, Sadiq Khalil Shaikh, 45, was found hanging in his Budaiya flat yesterday. He leaves a wife and a 15-year-old daughter, National Laundry officials said. 0
106303 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Purse stolen from office A PURSE containing a mobile phone, BD6 in cash and a credit card was stolen from a law firm in the Diplomatic Area. The purse, which belongs to a Bahraini office secretary, was allegedly taken by two men posing as clients, said sources. 0
106304 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL F1 party deal signed MOT and Chandon has agreed to sponsor the second annual Fashion TV Formula One After-Party in the Gulf. The event, being held on April 3 at BJ's, Al Bustan Hotel, Adliya, will feature guest DJ and top model DJ Sassy, said organisers. "It will be the perfect way for participants and fans of F1 to let their hair down at what is providing to be the region's annual 'chic' event." Last year's After Race Party was attended by many VIPs, including F1 drivers, supermodels, TV presenters from Europe and even Prince Albert of Monaco. 0
106305 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL French official to visit ALLIANCE Francaise of Paris secretary-general Jean-Claude Jacq is to visit Bahrain. He will be visiting the Alliance Francaise de Bahrein in Isa Town on Sunday at 10.30am. At 6pm on Sunday, he will be attending the Alliance graduation ceremony at the residence of French Ambassador Malika Berak in Manama. 0
106306 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Charity setback MANAMA: A proposal to allocate one per cent of revenues generated by the sale of stamps for charity funds was turned down yesterday. "It would be difficult to fairly distribute the money among 158 charity funds," a Finance Ministry spokesman said, describing the proposal submitted to parliament as "unconstitutional". Sales of stamps generated up to BD2.5 million in 2003. Meanwhile, a project to privatise the postal directorate is under study. 0
106307 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Embassy move rapped MANAMA: The Al Menbar Society yesterday slammed attempts by the US Embassy to coax political associations into nominating women candidates for parliamentary elections in 2006. MP Mohammed Khalid called the move an "interference in Bahrain's internal affairs following an offer by the US embassy delegation to sponsor women candidates at a meeting with representaives of several political associations and leaders. "I wonder why the Foreign Ministry hasn't summoned the American ambassador to seek clarifications or even issue an official statement," Mr Khalid said. 0
106308 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Festival ends on high note SOME of Bahrain's most talented young musicians gave a spectacular performance during the grand final of the Seventh Annual St Christopher's Music Festival last night. The event, which began last Sunday, featured more than 100 children from St Christopher's School, Sacred Heart School, Al Noor International School, The Indian School, The British School of Bahrain and the Bahrain Music Institute. A packed audience attended the grand final at the St Christopher's Junior School hall in Isa Town. The festival is based on the local authority (municipal) music festivals in the UK. It aims to draw together young musicians of all levels from a number of Bahrain schools to perform in a series of competitive music events. The results were announced as follows (all pupils are from St Christopher's unless stated otherwise): Level One winner is Emma Sykes, who sang Wouldn't It Be Lovely by Loewe. In at second place was Georgia Nixon who played Arabesque on the piano; 0
106309 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL DJ to come clean at mane event! DISC jockey Krazy Kevin will have the rest of his hair shaved off for charity on Wednesday. He is calling the event, Hair Shave II, where professional hairdresser Stephen Grant will be finally shaving his head clean at the Bahrain Mall, Sanabis, starting at 6pm. Krazy Kevin, who is a popular DJ at Radio Bahrain and host of television show FMTV Hits on Channel 55, had half his hair shaved off last month to help raise money towards the Tsunami Relief Fund. More than BD40,000 has been raised for the victims of the tsunami disaster so far since the Hands Across the Water fund-raiser in January. Krazy Kevin, whose real name is Kevin Howarth, teamed up with colleague Jo Lincoln to form a committee to host the major fund-raiser. Under the umbrella of the Tsunami Relief Fund, the Hands Across the Water was held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite. All the money collected, and still being collected, will be sent to those affected by the dis 0
106310 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Japan trade ties discussed BAHRAIN Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Khaled Kanoo yesterday met Munira Nakamoula, director of the Middle East and North Africa bureau at the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. They discussed ways of boosting economic ties between their business sectors by increasing co-ordination and co-operation between the chamber and the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Trade. Mr Kanoo briefed the Japanese official on the nature of Bahrain's economy and its finance and banking pioneering status, inviting Japanese companies and establishments to benefit from Bahrain as a centre for their activities in the region. 0
106311 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Students for forum Sixteen Bahrain University female students will take part in an international students conference in Abu Dhabi. The three-day conference, which will open on Monday, is being organised by UAE Zayed University marking World Women's Day. Four Supreme Council for Women Youth Committee members are also taking part in the event which is being held under the theme "First Students Conference on Women's World Leading Roles". They are Jawaher Al Mannai, Eman Zouhair, Hanadi Al Faleej and Noura Ali. Former Finnish premier Gro Harlem Brintland, Canadian Premier Kim Kimpel and Scotland Parliament deputy Windy Alexander will be the main speakers. 0
106312 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Shaikha Hind resigns MANAMA: Social Affairs Assistant Under-Secretary Shaikha Hind bint Salman Al Khalifa has resigned from her post, said a ministry official yesterday. No more information was available for the reasons for her resignation from the position she has held since December 1999. 0
106313 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Hunt for 'ideal women' starts PIONEERING women, or caring mums and wives could be honoured under a new awards scheme. The Central Municipal Council is launching its own "ideal woman" contest. The idea of the competition was proposed by council chairman Ibrahim Hussain, who was inspired by the Ideal Arab Mother and Family Awards, held annually as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival. The council was originally set out to choose one woman from the governorate and name her as the Ideal Central Governorate Woman. However, councillors changed their minds and decided to have four prizes instead. The competition will cover Riffa, Sitra, Isa Town, A'ali and all of their neighbouring areas. A committee comprising members from the Supreme Council for Women, various women's societies and others will choose the winners. The competition is still in its preliminary stages, but full details will be worked out in time for the next Arab Women's Day, which falls each year on February 1. 0
106314 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Residents urge sermon broadcast A CALL to broadcast Shi'ite Friday sermons on television has gone out from Muharraq residents. A petition signed by 270 residents will be submitted to Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar next week. Residents submitted a similar petition to former Information Minister Nabeel Al Hamer last year, but say they never got a reply. Muharraq Municipal Council legislative and financial affairs committee chairman Majeed Karimi said Sunni and Shi'ite residents had signed the petition. "If this fails again, then we will collect the signatures of all Muharraq Governorate residents and to my knowledge there are 10,000 eligible to sign," he said. "It is unfair that the sermons for a certain sect are being broadcast live on TV, while sermons of other sect were not being broadcast." Mr Karimi said that the Constitution guaranteed everyone equal rights and His Majesty King Hamad has always stressed that there was no differ 0
106315 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL BD11,600 fraud bid is denied A BAHRAINI businessman has denied swindling a Kuwaiti company out of BD11,600. The 43-year-old defendant is accused of pocketing the money, given by the Kuwaiti company to buy 10 Yamaha boat engines. But he says the bought the engines for the company from another dealer in June 2003, but by November last year the company had still not collected them. He said he was then asked by the company's new manager to sell the engines. The defendant said he had managed to sell one for BD1,400, which he had sent to the Kuwaiti company. But he said he could not find a buyer for the others and was BD2,900 out of pocket after spending money renovating the engines. The company claims the businessman took the money but never delivered the engines, then dodged all efforts to contact him. The case was adjourned until May 14, to allow the defendant to produce documentation. 0
106316 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Specialist workshop on food safety FOOD Security in the Middle East will come under the spotlight at a workshop being held on Monday at the Crowne Plaza. It will focus on the question: Will there be enough food for our children? Scores of health professionals, wholesale and retail meat trade representatives and veterinarians are expected to attend the event, which will be conducted by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) representatives, as well as an Australian government expert and local industry specialists. Middle East/Africa MLA regional manager David Jones, who has been based in Bahrain for eight years, will talk about the role of the MLA in bringing healthy Australian red meat and livestock to the Middle East. "MLA has been active in the Middle East for more than 30 years," said Mr Jones. "We value the importance of this region. Throughout the year we work to develop strong relationships with key government personnel and industry." Among the diverse activities undertaken by MLA, Mr Jon 0
106317 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL BD340,000 bill! MORE than BD340,000 is to be spent on training Bahraini job-seekers in the hospitality industry this year. The BD341,796 budget was approved at a meeting of the Specific Council for Training in Hotel and Catering (ACTHC), chaired by Aqeel Raees. The budget incorporates a number of training and employment programmes, ranging from basic skills to advanced levels. The council allocated BD307,090 to enrol 300 Bahrainis in apprenticeship programmes covering food preparation, food and beverages service and housekeeping and fast food service. It also allocated BD27,566 to sponsor two Bahrainis to travel abroad to obtain their higher diploma in hospitality management. The rest of the budget will be designated to various other training programmes. The council also adapted a programme to qualify university graduates holding baccalaureate degrees to take up high positions in selected departments, such as accounting and engineering, in order to replace non-Bahraini 0
106318 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Family's long wait for a new home... A BAHRAINI family is still waiting for its house to be rebuilt seven months after it was torn down by the Works and Housing Ministry. The house, in Riffa, was bulldozed as part of a scheme launched by His Majesty King Hamad to renovate 6,000 homes over a period of five years. Its owner and her family were moved into an apartment while the work was carried out last August. However, Southern Municipal Council vice-chairman Ali Al Mohannadi said she is still waiting for construction of her new house to start. He added that the site of her old house has now been turned into a dumping ground by other residents. "The owner visited her old home and was stunned to see the place she spent her whole life has been turned into a place where insects and rats breed," he told the GDN. Meanwhile, another family moved out of its home in Riffa at the same time is still waiting for its house to be knocked down. "There are many of those previously evacuated who have y 0
106319 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Cancer risks from mobiles ruled out THERE is no convincing evidence that exposure to radio frequency (RF) waves emanating from mobile phone antennas cause cancer, or shorten human life, says a top World Health Organisation (WHO) expert. "Current scientific evidence indicates that exposure to RF fields, such as those emitted by mobile phones and their base stations, is unlikely to induce or promote cancers," said WHO International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project member and International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) chairman Paolo Vecchia. "Several studies of animals exposed to RF fields similar to those emitted by mobile phones found no evidence that it causes or promotes brain cancer. "Three recent epidemiological studies found no convincing evidence of increase in risk of cancer or any other disease with the use of mobile phones." Prof Vecchia noted there was also no convincing scientific evidence to prove that mobile phone antennas caused radio wave sickness, which is dia 0
106320 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Tourist admits passport fraud A SAUDI tourist has admitted fraud, after trying to check into a Bahrain hotel using someone else's passport. Staff at the Middle East Hotel noticed that the passport had expired and it transpired that it actually belonged to another Saudi man, the Lower Criminal Court heard. They tried to get the tourist to produce his own passport, but he would not, so they took him to the police station. The offence took place in January this year, the court heard. The defendant did not turn up for the hearing, so the case was adjourned until April 20. He turned up at the hotel at around 1am, with a Bahraini security guard from another hotel, the court heard. The defendant checked in, but staff later noticed that the passport had expired in December 1999 and was in another man's name. He told police that he found the passport in a car, after being given a lift by a friend and two other Saudi men. "I went to the Middle East Hotel with my friend and there 0
106321 1 1494 BNEW LOCAL DEMOCRACY 'THRIVING' MANAMA: Democracy thrives on different viewpoints, said the Premier yesterday. He told MPs when he visited parliament that clashes of opinion should never be an obstacle to progress. "The spirit of collective responsibility places us above such minor things," he said during talks with chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani and other MPs. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa also highlighted the importance of ongoing co-operation between the country's leadership and parliament. "Such blessed co-operation will enable us to rationalise our thoughts. We are strong through collective co-operation, evaluating and appreciating the great efforts being exerted by parliament's chairman, members and committees in further strengthening the national march," he said. He was accompanied by Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Premier's Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi and other officials. 0
106322 2 1494 BNEW LOCAL Councillors draw up trips schedule MUNICIPAL councillors in Muharraq have finally introduced a system to decide which of them gets to go on overseas trips - almost three years after they were first elected. Until now they were chosen at random, which sparked rows because some claimed they were being overlooked when travel opportunities came up. At the same time others complained that they were being forced to go on trips they didn't even want. However, Muharraq Municipal Council public relations and information committee chairman, Salah Al Jowder, hopes to have put an end to the squabbling by drawing up a schedule. He said it was unfair that certain members had travelled more than four times, while others had gone only once. The new schedule means that Muharraq councillors will now take it in turns to go on official trips. "Isa Al Majid and I have only travelled once, but we want to travel to learn more about the municipal experience of other countries," said Mr Al Jowder. "The coun 0
106323 3 1494 BNEW LOCAL Shrimp catch drops by half A SHARP decline has been recorded in Bahrain's annual shrimp catch by the Public Commission for The Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. The yield has dropped from 2,000 tonnes to less than 1,000 during the open season, which ends on Monday, commission fisheries director Jassim Al Qaseer told the GDN yesterday. "The first reason is excessive shrimping, the second is reclamation which is destroying breeding areas and the third is due to damage to the shrimp growth cycle," he explained. Mr Al Qaseer advised to stop trawling the waters for shrimps even before the season's shrimping ban goes into effect on Tuesday, if they want the future yield to improve. "Many fishermen have already stopped shrimping and others should follow suit in order to protect shrimps for a better yield when the season reopens on July 15," he said. The closed season, said Mr Al Qaseer, allows the shrimp to breed and grow. "This will help ensure the stock is not 0
106324 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Fewer public holidays proposed MANAMA: A proposal to cancel several public holidays was discussed by parliament's legislative and legal committee yesterday. These include New Year, Labour Day, Prophet's Birthday and Hijri New Year. 0
106325 0 1494 BNEW LOCAL Water production resumes MANAMA: Hidd Power Station yesterday resumed water production, a day ahead of deadline following the completion of maintenance work. The shutdown affected residents in Muharraq, Manama, Budaiya, Janusan, Saar, Sanabis and Samaheej. 0
106326 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Drag race finals set SIXTY four drivers qualified for the final round of the Bahrain National Drag Racing Championship scheduled for tonight starting at 7pm at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) premises in Sakhir. More than 70 drivers from Bahrain and the GCC took part in last night's qualifying round which consisted of eight categories - street front, street rear, street v8, super street front wheel, super street rear wheel, super street v8, pro street and pro-car. This is the second round of a five-race series championship. 0
106327 0 1494 SPOR SPORT MeCar races to be backed by Ford and Almoayyed FORD Middle East and Almoayyed yesterday announced their full support of the MeCar Racing Series scheduled for today and tomorrow at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. It is the first Mecar race in 2005 with 14 Bahraini and overseas drivers in the fray. The test drives will be held today while the races are scheduled for tomorrow starting at 8am and expected to continue until 5pm. Entry fee is BD1. The series will be known henceforth as the 'Ford-Almoayyed Mecar Racing Series, powered by Motorcraft'. The 17-race series features specially prepared race cars powered by Ford engines. The races will be paced by the stunning new 2005 Mustang GT. Motorcraft and Ford Genuine Parts have also joined as the 'Official Parts Supplier' to MeCar. "We are thrilled to become headline sponsors with the leading racing series in the Middle East," said customer service for Ford Middle East director George Goddu. "Ford Motor Company has a rich racing tradition that provides gr 0
106328 0 1494 SPOR SPORT One-day star Lee set for Test return WELLINGTON: Australia are considering bringing back express paceman Brett Lee for the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch which starts today. Lee has not played a Test in more than 14 months but is poised to return after terrorising the Kiwis in the recent one-day series. Captain Ricky Ponting told reporters yesterday that the team would not be finalised until the morning of the match. However, he said Lee's form in the one-day series, which Australia won 5-0, was a compelling reason to include him. "I think at the moment that Brett's got a bit of a psychological edge over some of the New Zealand batsmen," said Ponting. With Shane Warne the lone spinner and fast bowlers Glenn McGrath and Jason Gillespie almost assured of their places, Lee is vying with Michael Kasprowicz for the third paceman's role. Kasprowicz has kept his place over the past year with a series of strong performances but Lee's superior form in the one-day arena is expected to s 0
106329 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Tuffey faces Kiwi probe CHRISTCHURCH: Dumped New Zealand bowler Daryl Tuffey's cricket fortunes took another dive yesterday when he faced an inquiry into alleged "serious misconduct". New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has not released any details of the incident, although it is understood to have occurred in November when Tuffey was based at NZC's high performance centre near Christchurch. The incident was apparently videotaped by two British tourists. Lawyer Hugh Rennie, who is conducting the inquiry for NZC, said further investigation was needed and a decision was expected in two weeks. Rennie said the incident was alleged to be a matter of "serious misconduct". 0
106330 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Yasmine sails past Marwa YASMINE Ebada sailed past Marwa Mohammed 6-0, 6-0 to reach the semi-finals of the third Al Hekma International School Open Juniors Tennis Championship being held at the Bahrain Tennis Federation courts in Isa Town. Other results: Boys under-12 singles (2nd round): Asad Ali bt Neal Ramohander 6-4, 7-5; Ervin Ray bt Chandradeep 6-0, 6-0; Isa Al Shaikh bt Ankit Varshney 6-1, 6-1; Sayed Mohammed bt Varun Kapur 6-0, 6-4; Rohid Thomas w/o Ali Al Araifi; Nikhil Bolar w/o Fahad Fawaz. Boys under-14 singles (2nd round): Rashid Al Obaidly bt Moeez Ali 6-0, 6-0; Rohan Mehra bt Akhilesh Goswami 6-1, 6-3; Ahmed Al Araifi bt Filip Sochor 6-2, 6-2: Ivaan Jaison bt Mohammed Al Thawadi 3-6, 6-4, 6-2; Abdulla Abdulnabi vs Karim Ebada 6-3, 6-7 (6-8, 6-2; Edward Marks bt Ismail Naar 6-0, 6-1; Anirudh Kumar w/o Abdulrahman Rashid; Gota Kato bt Omar Mumtar 6-1, 6-0. Boys under-18 singles (2nd round): Abdulkarim Abdulnabi bt Tariq Jaffer 6-0, 6-0; Khalifa Rashdan w/o Rasim Al Hussaini; Hassan 0
106331 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Golfers set to tee off in Bahrain Open THE 42nd Bahrain Open Golf Championship sponsored by Batelco is set to get underway today with the first golfers teeing off at 7am at the Awali Golf Club. Around 100 golfers from Awali, Riffa and Bahrain Golf Club will be joined by participants from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and England. The two-day event, which was first held in 1964, will be played over 36 holes. Last year's champion and Awali Golf Club professional David Park will among the favourites to win this year's event. A hole-in-one on the par three sixth hole is worth a brand new car, courtesy Euro Motors. Among past champions vying for the title will be Bahrain national team members, Abdulla Sultan, Nasser Yacoob, Diab Sagar and Hamad Mubarak. Riffa Golf Club's challenge will be led by its professional Phil Jones and Emma Boyd of Awali Golf Club will be the sole woman in the field. Event sponsors: Batelco, Bapco, Gulf Cellar, African and Eastern, NHSC, The Property Shop, Na 0
106332 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Khalid triumphs KHALID Fakhro clinched the boys under-13 singles title in the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship defeating Ahmed Abdulreda 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-3 in the final last night at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. The next final will be held on Saturday when Abdulrahman Shuwaiter takes on Karim Abdulredha in the boys under-18 singles match starting at 5pm. 0
106333 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Trust International win sevens crown A FINE knock by Vishwas Subramaniam helped Trust International Red lift the Indian Club-Gulf Cellar Indian Expatriate Seven-a-side Soft Ball Cricket title with a 16-run win over Indian Club Air Sahara Blue at the club premises. Subramaniam hit four sixes off the last four balls of their innings to lift Trust International to 57 for three in six overs after being put in to bat by Indian Club. The last over was bowled by Xavier who conceded one run off the first two balls before Subramaniam began his fireworks. Indian Club, in reply, could not keep the scoreboard moving and lost wickets at regular intervals to be all out for 41 in 5.5 overs. Earlier in the semi-finals, Trust International Red defeated Dilu Jewellers by three wickets while Indian Club Air Sahara Blue overcame Al Sarraj Jewellers by two wickets. Brief scores: Final: Trust International Red 57 for 3 in 6 overs (Vishwas Subramaniam 25 n o; Mark Almeida 2 for 3) bt Indian Club Air Sahara Blue 41 0
106334 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Bahrain take on Dubai BAHRAIN American First XVs take on Dubai Hurricanes in an Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union League match tomorrow at its premises in Saar. The match kicks off at 1pm. Bahrain welcome back three Arabian Gulf internationals Chris Matthews, Eddie Pereira and Rob Subbiani. Ashley Harris will also be back for his first match in a year. Gareth Brown is set to make his debut and youngsters Aaron Dalgarno and Adam Knights keep their places in the side. Meanwhile, Dubai Dragons will be aiming to make it 10-out-of-10 and move a step closer towards a second successive Arabian Gulf League title when they travel tomorrow to Muscat. Weekend fixtures Today: Abu Dhabi v Dubai Exiles. Tomorow: Bahrain v Dubai Hurricanes; Muscat v Dubai Dragons; Sharjah Wanderers v Doha. Bahrain squad: Mark Brogan, George Johnson, Aaron Dalgarno, J P Le Roux, Gareth Brown, Thomas Ritter, Ashley Harris, Adam Knights, Gregg Haeeis, Chris Matthews, Chris Reynolds, Matt Gibbs, 0
106335 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Al Ahli beat Bahrain Club AL AHLI beat Bahrain Club 30-28 in the Bahrain Handball League second round Group 'A' match last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. After they were held 28-28 by Al Dair last week, Al Ahli notched their first win in this six-team round. Bahrain Club suffered their second consecutive defeat and remained bottom with two points from two matches. Group 'A' second round matches are being held on a round robin basis and over two legs. In Group 'B', Tubli got off with a crucial 26-21 victory over Al Ittifaq after they took a 12-10 lead at half-time. Al Ittihad, Samaheej and Al Tadhamon are the other teams in this group in which the top two teams will be promoted to the premier division next season. 0
106336 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Bahrain deny bid to sign Sidka BAHRAIN has not made any bid to sign former coach Wolfgang Sidka of Germany, according to national team manager Abdulrazzaq Mohammed. The Bahrain Football Association also firmly denied a report from Kuala Lumpur yesterday which said that Bora Milutinovic and Sidka head the list of candidates to replace Srecko Juricic as coach of Bahrain. Croatian Juricic surprisingly quit as Bahrain coach last week after steering the team to the semi-finals of last year's Asian Cup in China and the final round of Asian 2006 World Cup qualifiers. Much-travelled Milutinovic has coached a record five teams at the World Cup finals, China being the last in 2002. He is now manager of Qatari club Al Sadd. German Sidka previously had a two-year spell in charge of Bahrain from 2001 to 2003. Frenchman Bruno Metsu, who guided Senegal to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, has also been mentioned as a possible replacement for Juricic. Bahrain travel to Pyongyang to play North K 0
106337 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Beleaguered United to focus on English title LONDON: Manager Alex Ferguson struggled to find the positives after Manchester United's Champions League elimination by AC Milan. United now have a clearer fixture list as they pursue Chelsea for the Premiership title and lessons learned in two tough games against the Italians will pay dividends in the future, Ferguson said. Milan won the first knockout round tie 2-0 on aggregate after a 1-0 home victory in the second-leg on Tuesday night thanks to a fine headed goal from Argentine Hernan Crespo. "The result frees up our fixture list a bit. Chelsea still have a lot of matches to play and you've got to remember that football is unpredictable," Ferguson said. "Just four weeks ago Juventus had a six-point lead in Serie A and now they're level with Milan. The same kind of thing could happen to us." Second-placed United are eight points behind Chelsea with nine games to play. Chelsea reached the last eight after Jose Mourinho's team eliminated Barcelona after a 4- 0
106338 0 1494 SPOR SPORT James and Gooden star as Cavaliers win TORONTO: LeBron James and Drew Gooden notched 23 points apiece to help the Cleveland Cavaliers romp past the Orlando Magic 111-92 in NBA action yesterday. The host Cavaliers snapped a six-game losing streak by claiming their first victory since February 23. James also had eight assists and seven rebounds while Gooden, who was replaced as a starter for the previous two games, chipped in with five rebounds and five assists. Zydrunas Ilgauskas added 18 points for the Cavaliers, who received 13 points and eight assists from Jeff McInnis. Orlando, without Grant Hill due to a sore left shin, had its three-game winning streak ended. Hill is expected to miss today's game at Toronto but the team says the injury is not serious. Steve Francis led Orlando with 21 points while rookie Jameer Nelson had 17. In Philadelphia, Jason Richardson scored 22 points as the Golden State Warriors beat the 76ers 104-85. Mike Dunleavy added 21 points for the Warriors, who wo 0
106339 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Armstrong backs Paris Olympic bid PARIS: Six-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong yesterday backed Paris as the best city to host the 2012 Olympics. "To be honest, I think Paris deserves the Games," Armstrong said before setting off on the third-leg of the Paris-Nice cycling race, quoted by Le Parisien/Aujourd'hui en France newspaper. "I think it was already the best candidate in 2008. The Games finally went to Beijing, probably for other reasons. But the candidacy of Paris is excellent, that's for sure. "A few days ago, I went past the Stade de France and I think it would really be a great place for the opening ceremony. Paris is one of the world's legendary cities." 0
106340 0 1494 SPOR SPORT Daij claims title in schools cycling DAIJ Bu Zaid won the individual race while Isa Town School clinched the team competition in the first Primary Schools Cycling Championship, organised by Salahuddin Primary Boys School from its premises in East Riffa. Daij finished ahead of Hisham Al Sada of Salahuddin Al Ayoobi School while third Mohammed Mahdi of Sanad School was third. Isa Town School clinched the team event winning all seven gold medals and were followed by Sanad (seven silver) and Al Dhia (seven bronze) School. Nine schools took part in the event which was organised in co-operation with the Bahrain Cycling Association (BCA). The race was held over 1.7 kms with 54 students in the fray. The championship was held under the patronage of Education Ministry physical education head Dr Shaikha Al Jaeeb who honoured the winners at an awarding ceremony. Also present were BCA member Mansoor Hassan, BCA technical co-ordinator Ebrahim Mattar and other officials. Results: Individual: 1 Daij Bu Zaid 0
106341 1 1494 SPOR SPORT SEHWAG LEADS INDIAN CHARGE MOHALI, India: Virender Sehwag put Pakistan's attack to the sword with a rapid and unbeaten 95 to strengthen India's position in the opening Test here yesterday. Let off twice, the opener provided a breathtaking display of aggressive batting as India reached 184 for one at stumps in reply to Pakistan's first-innings total of 312 on a rain-hit second day. Rahul Dravid was the other unbeaten batsman on 39 when bad light stopped play 10 overs before the scheduled close. Just 40 overs were possible due to rain, but those were enough to thrill nearly 20,000 spectators who braved the inclement weather. Sehwag made sure the home fans watching did not leave the stadium disappointed as he dominated an entertaining 113-run stand for the opening wicket with Gautam Gambhir (41) to put his team on course for a big total. The free-hitting Sehwag, who scored a triple-century against Pakistan at Multan last year, continued to feast on the tourists' attack with one six and 12 four 0
106342 2 1494 SPOR SPORT Crunch victory thrills Mourinho LONDON: Jose Mourinho has admitted that he enjoyed Chelsea's stomach-churning triumph over Barcelona even more than watching his former club FC Porto triumph in last season's Champions League final. The acrimony that marred the first-leg encounter between the two sides lingered until the end but it failed to prevent them from delivering an epic encounter that Chelsea finally shaded courtesy of John Terry. The Chelsea skipper's late header completed a 4-2 win on the night that put his club into the last eight of the tournament 5-4 on aggregate. Having seen his side pilloried as a cynical, negative force in football after the first leg, Mourinho could not disguise his delight at the outcome. "I enjoyed the end of this game much more than some other games that were more important for me," he said in a reference to last season's final. "This was not a game where you knew at half-time who was going through. Until the last second, if they score we go out." Chelsea had s 0
106343 3 1494 SPOR SPORT Warrad best bet to claim main event THREE cup events are the main attractions at the races tomorrow in Sakhir. Fifteen leading horses are in the fray in the Batelco Al Dana Challenge starting at 5.05pm. This race for Group Two imported horses carries a cash prize of BD5,000 and will be run over 1,800 metres. Warrad, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and to be ridden by Gerald Avranche is tipped to win this race ahead of Bezique and Any Camp. The race for Group Three imported horses will be for the Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa Cup. This race, starting at 4.40pm carries a cash prize of BD2,000 and will be run over 1,200 metres. Of the seven horses in the fray, Historic Treble, owned by Hassan Oun Hassan Mubarak, trained by Sami Saloom and to be ridden by Avranche, looks good to win this race. Moarban and Ijtihad are the second and third favourites. The Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa Cup for locally bred horses carries a cash prize of BD2,00 0
106344 0 1494 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Opera Choruses in the Courtyard, concert by the Manama Singers, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, 7.30pm. Tickets BD12. Contact 17230123. Italian Food Festival, Gulf Hotel, La Pergola, noon-3pm and 7pm-11pm. Contact 17713000. Hippie Party, Warbler, Baisan International Hotel, 9pm. Tribute to the greats, performance by musician Del James, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Mondo restaurant, 9pm. Ticket BD12. Contact 17531666. Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Bu Saad, Dar Albareh Gallery, Adliya, 10am-1pm and 4pm to 8pm. Library open, Dilmun Club, 10am -1.45pm. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Performance by singer/guitarist Stefan Malinowski, Fiddlers Green, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, 9pm. Italian International Circus, Al Ahl 0
106345 0 1494 WORL WORLD Nepal students protest power grab KATHMANDU: Hundreds of students in Kathmandu defied a ban on rallies yesterday and protested against King Gyanendra's power grab in one of the biggest shows of dissent since the monarch's sacking of the government, witnesses said. "Protests were organised by seven student unions in over a dozen campuses," a student of Ratna Rajya college said. Demonstrators were shouting, "Long live democracy!", he said. Dharma Koirala, assistant campus chief at Ratna Rajya college, said, "Riot police entered our campus to stop the protests but no one has been arrested." The protests, banned since Gyanendra declared emergency rule last month, followed the arrests on Tuesday of at least 176 political activists in Kathmandu and Nepal's southeast following large demonstrations, witnesses said. Some 140 of those arrested in the southeast were freed yesterday, government officials said, but 36 held in Kathmandu were still in detention. Gopal Upadhyay, head of the pro-left All Nepal N 0
106346 0 1494 WORL WORLD Row over Jericho stalls handover JERICHO: A planned Israeli army pullback from cities in the occupied West Bank stalled yesterday when talks to turn over Jericho to Palestinian control broke down in a persisting dispute over army checkpoints. And a report slamming Israel for building scores of illegal West Bank outposts has become a political hot potato as the United States increases pressure on the Jewish state to end all settlement activity. Security chiefs met in Jericho to finalise a deal in principle by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz on Tuesday to launch pullbacks after a delay caused by a February 25 Palestinian suicide bombing. But the meeting quickly dissolved after Israel again balked at Palestinian demands for a removal of all army roadblocks in the region around Jericho to restore free movement between the desert oasis and other West Bank cities. Palestinian national security force chief Haj Ismail Jaber told reporters that Israel was refusing to d 0
106347 0 1494 WORL WORLD Blair refuses to tone down bill LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday rejected further concessions over his battered anti-terrorism bill and dared his opponents to vote it down just weeks before expected national elections. Confident about the "verdict of the country", a combative Blair told a restive parliament that he rejected Conservative demands for the bill to expire on November 30 unless it is redrafted and reintroduced. "We can review it but it should not be subject to a sunset clause," Blair told the House of Commons during a heated weekly question-and-answer session. "We have made concessions we think are reasonable." Home Secretary Charles Clarke had hours earlier announced fresh concessions after the bill suffered many setbacks in both houses of parliament, where rebels from the ruling Labour party sided with the opposition in several rounds of voting. Clarke told the BBC his government was ready to offer amendments allowing a judge to review every measure used to keep watch on terror s 0
106348 0 1494 WORL WORLD Israel stalls on pullout promises JERICHO: Talks on Israel ceding control of West Bank towns to the Palestinian Authority stalled last night, as Israel voiced caution after a top Palestinian official said militant groups were set to observe a truce. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz agreed late on Tuesday that Jericho would be handed over first and then Tulkarem "in the coming days". But less than 24 hours later, two rounds of follow-up talks between commanders on securing the process broke down in Jericho after Israel baulked again at Palestininan demands for a removal of all army roadblocks between the desert oasis and other West Bank cities. The transfer of security in five West Bank towns - Ramallah, Bethlehem, Qalqilya, Tulkarem and Jericho - was one of the key issues agreed at a summit in Egypt last month between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. 0
106349 0 1494 WORL WORLD 30 Iraqis shot dead on border BAGHDAD: Thirty people were found shot dead in a known troublespot on the Iraq-Syrian border yesterday and a suicide truck bomb attack on Baghdad's agriculture ministry and a hotel occupied by US contractors killed four and wounded 40. Also in Baghdad, outgoing planning minister Mahdi Al Hafidh escaped an assassination attempt that killed two of his guards. The attack happened near the Saudi embassy in Mansur area on the capital's west side. Security forces retrieved the bodies of at least 30 people, all shot in the head or chest, near the restive border town of Qaim. "We have now 30 bodies and the search is ongoing to find the others," police said in Ramadi, the region's capital. The dead were found in a village called Al Rumana on the lush bank of the Euphrates River and one officer said they could be Iraqi soldiers. The victims were dressed in civilian clothes and had been dead for a week. One of the dead was identified as a policeman who had gone missing a wee 0
106350 0 1494 WORL WORLD Kuwaiti women may vote in 2007 KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti women are just a step away from winning their suffrage, women activists amd their supporters said yesterday. "Things won't take too long. We are highly optimistic because some MPs opposing women's rights have changed their position and the government is with us," leading activist Fatima Al Abdali said. Kuwaiti women and their liberal supporters made 10 unsuccessful bids since 1971 to win the right to vote and candidacy which is strongly opposed by a powerful Islamist-tribal alliance in parliament founded some 43 years ago. "I am highly confident that Kuwaiti women will take part in the 2007 general elections. I am very optimistic," Kuwaiti writer Laila Al Othman said. "I believe they (MPs and government) should do it themselves otherwise pressure will come from outside," said Othman, who insisted that the current global situation no longer tolerates double-standard policies on human rights. MPs agreed on Monday to a government request to ask i 0
106351 0 1494 WORL WORLD Jagger daughter wins court ban on sex video LONDON: A British judge yesterday banned the broadcast of video footage showing model Elizabeth Jagger engaging in "sexual activities" with her boyfriend in a nightclub. Jagger, daughter of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger and Texan supermodel Jerry Hall, sought the injunction against John Darling, manager of Kabaret's Prophecy Nightclub in London. High Court judge Rodger Bell ruled that Jagger, 20 and boyfriend Calum Best - son of former soccer star George Best - had a "legitimate expectation of privacy" when they engaged in sexual activities just inside the club's doors on February 17. The couple were captured on a closed-circuit television camera that they had failed to notice. "Although the claimant may be said to be guilty of misconduct in a most general sense, she was not in my view on the present information guilty of such moral turpitude as to prevent her seeking her remedy from the court," the judge said. Bell barred the broadcast or publication of the footage or an 0
106352 0 1494 WORL WORLD Talks with terrorists urged MADRID: Leaders need to set aside lofty morals and try to negotiate with suicide bombers and other terrorists, members of the Northern Ireland and Sri Lankan peace processes told the Madrid summit yesterday. "We have the highest number of suicide bombings in the world in a secular, nationalist conflict," Ram Manikkalingam, the special adviser to Sri Lankan President President Chandrika Kumaratunga, told the summit marking the March 11, 2004 Madrid bombings. Norwegian envoy Erik Solheim hoped to reduce tension by meeting yesterday with the Tamil Tiger rebels' chief negotiator Anton Balasingham in London, while a Muslim man was shot, the latest in a string of killings in Sri Lanka's east that have threatened a fragile cease-fire, officials said. Meanwhile, a rebel delegation led by political chief S P Thamilselvan prepared to kick off a European tour today. 0
106353 0 1494 WORL WORLD Iran slams new Bush broadside TEHRAN: Iran reacted angrily yesterday to fresh criticism from George W Bush, telling the US president to "open his eyes" and "stop labelling freedom-seeking nations as terrorists". "America's full support of Israel's state terrorism is so obvious and outrageous that leaves the US with no right to comment on terrorism," foreign ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi was quoted as saying in the Iranian media. "It is about time the US president opened his eyes to the realities and stop exploiting the term democracy, labelling freedom seeking nations as terrorists and following racist beliefs of the Zionists," Asefi said. On Tuesday, Bush said "the time has come for Syria and Iran to stop using murder as a tool of policy and to end all support for terrorism", and added that he looked forward "to the day when Iranian people are free." As a key supporter of the Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hizbollah, Iran has been feeling directly targetted by calls for Syrian troops to pull out of 0
106354 0 1494 WORL WORLD Delhi Test invite for Musharraf NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would welcome a visit by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to watch an ongoing cricket series between the two countries, a spokesman for Singh said yesterday. Musharraf said last week he would like to watch some matches during the Pakistani team's current tour of India, the first full series between the teams on Indian soil since 1999, if an invitation was extended by New Delhi. "The Prime Minister will be very happy to welcome Musharraf if he wants to watch a cricket match in India," Sanjaya Baru, the prime minister's spokesman, said. It would be the first visit by Musharraf to India since a failed summit between the countries in 2001. India's NDTV news channel said Singh's office had asked the foreign ministry to formally send an invitation to Musharraf. However in Pakistan, Foreign Ministry spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani said Musharraf had not received an invitation from New Delhi. Earlier, India's cricket board 0
106355 0 1494 WORL WORLD Hamas warns Israel over truce GAZA CITY: Hamas ruled out yesterday any formal halt to anti-Israeli attacks as long as the Jewish state continues to "deceive and procrastinate". A senior official from the rival Islamic Jihad also said any lasting truce depended on Israel. "Nothing encourages us to declare a truce while Israel continues to procrastinate and its policies of deception," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said. And Jihad's Nafez Azzam said "the declaration of a permanent truce depends on what Israel will offer in return and so far, it has not kept its promises." Earlier, Palestinian national security adviser Jibril Rajoub said all armed groups were ready to observe a ceasefire - 12 days after a Tel Aviv suicide bombing and following months of unofficial cooling down. "The statements made by Jibril Rajoub are not exact. He was speaking in his name and the name of Fatah and he has no right to speak on behalf of all the factions," added Abu Zuhri. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas 0
106356 0 1494 WORL WORLD Seven rescued from gunmen BEIJING: Chinese police rescued seven hostages held at gunpoint following a kidnapping for ransom in east China's Jiangxi province, state media said yesterday. One of the kidnappers was shot dead and the other wounded by police during the rescue, the Xinhua news agency said. Armed with guns and knives, they broke into the apartment of Chen Gang, vice chairman of Jiujiang's Fujian Chamber of Commerce in Jiujiang city, on Tuesday. The men seized seven people in the apartment, including Chen's wife, three children, Chen's brother, sister-in-law and a friend, and demanded $120,481 (BD45,541) in ransom, Xinhua cited police saying. Chen was not in Jiujiang at the time. Following hours of negotiations, the kidnappers yesterday reduced the ransom to 600,000 yuan and released the three children and two male hostages, demanding that the men return with the ransom money in the evening. After failing to persuade the kidnappers to surrender, police launched a carefully 0
106357 0 1494 WORL WORLD Op success for Maradona BUENOS AIRES: Former world soccer champion Diego Maradona is in "perfect health" after undergoing gastric bypass surgery in order to help him reduce weight. The 1986 World Cup winner is "in a perfect state of health" after Saturday's operation, his surgeon Eduardo Bolanos told Argentinian radio station Mitre. "He is a perfect patient. He has an excellent temperament and he collaborates fully" with medical staff, Bolanos said. Bolanos said Maradona, 44, would remain in hospital in the Colombian city of Cartagena for two weeks and be fed a liquids-only diet. "He should return to his ideal weight" of around 80kg, Bolanos said. 0
106358 0 1494 WORL WORLD Chief to speak out HONG KONG: Hong Kong leader Tung Chee-hwa is poised to announce his resignation this afternoon, ending a week of feverish speculation over his future. Tung had been expected to break his silence on the rumours during a visit to Beijing on Saturday, where he is to be formally appointed to top Chinese government advisory body, Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC). But his staff have postponed his journey to the capital, which had been planned for this afternoon, so he can make the announcement, the source added. Tung is now thought to be going to Beijing tomorrow. Meanwhile, The Standard newspaper reported that Beijing had sent intelligence agents to Hong Kong to investigate how word of Tung's elevation to the CPPCC was leaked - news which triggered speculation over his future. 0
106359 0 1494 WORL WORLD Lucas to be honoured LOS ANGELES: Career-achievement prizes? Maybe for your ordinary, down-to-earth directors, not your interstellar filmmaking overlords. Star Wars creator George Lucas is receiving a "galactic-achievement award" next week at ShoWest, an annual convention of theatre owners in Las Vegas. The honour being presented on March 17 comes two months before the debut of the final instalment in Lucas' sci-fi saga, Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, chronicling the transformation of young hero Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) into the dark lord Darth Vader. 0
106360 0 1494 WORL WORLD Islamists rally ISLAMABAD: Several thousand Islamists protested yesterday against policies of President Pervez Musharraf, a key ally in the US-led war on terrorism, that they said are turning Pakistan into a secular state. Shouting "Down with Musharraf" and "friend of America is a traitor to Islam," about 5,000 followers of Islamic parties rallied amid Musharraf's calls for people to combat extremism and stop the misuse of mosques and madrassahs. 0
106361 0 1494 WORL WORLD Dan Rather weighs anchor after 24 years NEW YORK: Dan Rather, one of America's best known television news anchors, gives his final newscast early today under a cloud of criticism about a discredited report several months ago on US President George W Bush's military service during the Vietnam War. Rather anchored CBS Evening News for 24 years, the longest continuous tenure in the anchor chair for a network newscaster. Rather, 73, is becoming a full-time reporter for the network's 60 Minutes documentary series. Among the three major US television networks, CBS ranks last in its nightly newscast in terms of number of viewers. Even in his last full week on the air, Rather finished a distant third in the ratings. On his final broadcast, the 24th anniversary of the day he replaced Walter Cronkite, Rather will end his series of reflections on some of the biggest stories he's covered - this time talking about the September 11 terrorist attacks - and briefly talk to viewers about the end of his tenure, said Jim Murphy, 0
106362 0 1494 WORL WORLD Producers of Oscar film condemned PARIS: The euphoria surrounding France's Oscar-nominated hit Les Choristes (The Chorus) soured yesterday when the father of a girl who sang for the soundtrack angrily condemned the "exploitation" of his child and demanded a cut of the film's profits. Francis Hartmann, whose daughter Lucile was a member of the Lyon-based Saint-Marc choir, threatened to bring the film's production company Galatee to court if it does not agree to a financial settlement. "Seeing that the film generated more than 100 million euros (BD51m) in revenue I do not see why our children should not receive their proper share," he said. 0
106363 0 1494 WORL WORLD Two activists shot dead in Pakistan KARACHI: Gunmen riding on a motorcycle opened fire on a jeep carrying two activists of an ethnic-based political party in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi yesterday, killing both and then fleeing, police said. The shooting occurred in the Karachi residential neighbourhood of Liaquat Abad, said Tariq Jamil, the city's police chief. He said the victims - Naushad Dandi, 38, and Mahmood Hussain, 32 - were members of the Mutahida Qami Movement (MQM). "It seems to be a case of target killing, but we are investigating," Jamil said. MQM is part of an alliance that rules southern Sindh province, of which Karachi is the capital. Supporters of MQM and its breakaway faction, the Mohajir Qami Movement, or the Refugee People's Movement, are often accused of attacking each other's supporters in the city. 0
106364 1 1494 WORL WORLD Four killed in Iraq explosion BAGHDAD: Gunmen and a suicide truck bomb wreaked havoc early yesterday at Iraq's agriculture ministry and a neighbouring hotel, killing four people and wounding dozens, the Iraqi defence ministry said. Al Qaeda's Iraq contingent, headed by Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, claimed the attack in an Internet statement, saying it targeted the Al Sadeer hotel, where many US contractors were staying, which it branded "a bastion of the Jews". The US embassy in Iraq reported 30 American contractors were wounded. The garbage truck exploded, gouging a six-foot deep and 12-foot wide crater in the parking lot, directly behind the eight-floor hotel. The blast knocked out all of the hotel's windows and left behind heaps of debris. An annex to the ministry was partially charred. Elsewhere, 41 bodies were discovered at two sites in Iraq, and officials say some of the badly decomposed corpses are Iraqi soldiers who were kidnapped and slain by insurgents. But others are civilians, including 0
106365 2 1494 WORL WORLD IRA must go, say UK and US BELFAST: Britain and the US, outraged by an IRA offer to shoot a group of suspected murderers, yesterday demanded that the guerillas disband and take the gun out of Northern Irish politics. Leaders in Ireland also expressed outrage and disbelief at the IRA's unprecedented public offer to kill the four men - including two of its own expelled members - linked to a Belfast slaying. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the offer defied description while US special envoy to the British province Mitchell Reiss added: "It's time for the IRA to go out of business." The condemnation came as police said they had arrested a man over the crime which has unleashed a wave of fury against both the IRA and its political ally in the republican movement, Sinn Fein. Ten people have previously been arrested and released without charge over the killing of 33-year-old forklift driver Robert McCartney in a Belfast bar fight on January 30. Blair threatened to exclude Sinn Fein from Nor 0
106366 3 1494 WORL WORLD Food poisoning kills 27 children MANILA: At least 27 elementary school children died and another 100 were admitted to hospital after eating a snack during morning recess yesterday in the southern Philippines, officials said. Francisca Doliente, said her nine-year-old niece Arve Tamor was given some of the deep-fried caramelised cassava by a classmate who bought it from a regular vendor outside the San Jose school. "Her friend is gone. She died," Doliente said, adding that her niece was undergoing treatment. The roots of the cassava plant, a major crop in Southeast Asia and other parts of the world, are rich in protein, minerals and vitamins A, B and C. However, it is poisonous without proper preparation. Eaten raw, the human digestive system will convert part of it into cyanide. Even two cassava roots contain a fatal dose. "Some said they took only two bites because it tasted bitter and the effects were felt five to 10 minutes later," said Dr Harold Gallego of Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospita 0
106367 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Doctors warned of antibiotics danger DOCTORS were yesterday urged to be careful when prescribing antibiotics to their patients as they could do more harm than good. More than 200 regional and international medical professionals attended a workshop on the Sensible Use of Antibiotics held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The aim of the event was to discuss the sensible use of antibiotics and how to contain the problems of resistance, poor practice and drug overuse, while providing the best antibiotics potent according to the World Health Organisation strategy. The event, held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh, was organised by the BDF Hospital. At the event Dr Haffadh highlighted the need for antibiotic prescriptions to be limited and for the public to be educated about health issues such as how to increase their immunity to diseases. "After the discovery of new types of antibiotics, it was discovered that the germs and viruses also started getting used to these antibiotics and 0
106368 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Tax 'must finance airport projects' A CALL has gone out to use a BD3 departure tax to pay for beautification projects at Bahrain International Airport (BIA). The tax, which is levied on all departing passengers, is estimated to bring in millions of dinars every year. Muharraq Municipal Councillors want that money to be used to plant trees at the entrance, erect a monument to Bahrain's traditional heritage and put up signs to welcome visitors, among other things. "The airport reflects the country and should give visitors a general idea of what to expect as soon as they arrive," said Muharraq Municipal Council legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Majeed Karimi. "The problem is the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry has a limited budget. "Allocating money to keep the place beautiful all the time, as well as carrying out regular maintenance work, is difficult for the ministry." The total number of passengers using the airport is expected to reach six million this year. The airpor 0
106369 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Sports honour for young champions AL NOOR International School held its 12th annual sports day at its Sitra campus yesterday. Education Ministry Private Education and Educational Services Assistant Under Secretary Dr Khalid Al Alawi was the chief guest at the opening ceremony while the chief guest at the closing ceremony was Education Ministry Physical education director Dr Shaikha Al Jeeb, who presented prizes to the winners. Also present at the event were school chairman Ali Hassan, principal Hassan Al Mehri, directors Mohammed Mashood and Jamsheed Ali and other school officials and staff. More than 1,300 students took part in the competitions, attended by about 2,000 parents. Four houses competed in the event - Diamond, Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire - which saw 331 medals, 15 trophies and two shields presented to the winners. Ruby house won the overall championship with 169 points followed by Sapphire House with 103 points, Diamond House with 90 points and Emerald House with 79 points. Rub 0
106370 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Dialogue and trust 'can solve issues' IT takes structured dialogue and trust to solve issues affecting nations, said Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar. The minister, who has seen first-hand how important world issues were settled when he served as Bahrain's Ambassador to the UN, was speaking last night during the official opening of the Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun), at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo School, Isa Town. Dr Abdulghaffar, who was the event's key speaker, shared his UN experience with more than 350 students, aged 14 to 18. "Hours before the occupation of Kuwait in August 1990, I was presenting my credentials to the UN," he recalled. "When Iraq invaded Kuwait a few hours later, I saw the whole world change at the UN. "I saw how the problem was dealt with and what I learned is that it requires structured dialogue and trust to solve the issue." Dr Abdulghaffar congratulated the Rotary Club of Adliya for the forum's ongoing success 0
106371 1 1495 BNEW LOCAL Health centre plan wins praise MANAMA A COMPANY won praise yesterday for funding a new BD2 million health centre in Nuwaidrat, Sitra.Yousif bin Ahmed Kanoo Group is building and equipping the health centre, which will benefit around 25,000 residents in the village and neighbouring areas."Companies and individuals should follow in the footsteps of the Kanoo family, which took the initiative to finance a number of projects in various sectors," said Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi. He was speaking during a meeting with the Press at the Yousif bin Ahmed Kanoo Group office building, next to Bab Al Bahrain, in Manama. The meeting was attended by group chairman Abdulla Ali Kanoo, Mubarak Jassim Kanoo, Abdul Aziz Jassim Kanoo, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Khalid Kanoo, Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Abdulaziz Hamza, Shura Council member Abdulhassan Bu Hussain, Central Municipal Councillors and dignitaries from Nuwaidrat. "This is not the first project that the Kanoo family has supported 0
106372 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Students 'keen to air views' YOUNGSTERS have opinions that the world needs to hear, say participants at this year's Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun) conference, the kingdom's largest secondary-school level simulation of the UN. More than 350 students from various government and private schools in Bahrain, as well as three international schools from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are voicing their ideas at the mock UN assembly organised by the Rotary Club of Adliya. The event, which annually educates students about the UN and other contemporary international issues, was opened yesterday at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo School, Isa Town. The young 'diplomats' had a chance to debate and discuss several issues during the conference's first day. For most of the students, preparations began as early as November last year. Preparations included getting information from the Internet, libraries and staying up-to-date with the news by reading newspapers and watching updates on television. In the child 0
106373 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL US team visits institute A 12-member congressional staff delegation from the US visited the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) while in Bahrain on an orientation and fact-finding visit, organised by the Finance Ministry's directorate of economic planning. The delegation visited NYIT's existing campus in Juffair and after a short tour, were briefed by university dean Dr Nigel Thorpe and operations director Professor Peter Mack on the degree and non-degree courses on offer. The briefing highlighted the rapid expansion in both the numbers of students and the range of undergraduate and graduate degree courses available at the Bahrain campus. The tour concluded with a visit to NYIT's new campus in Adliya, where Spring Quarter courses will begin in mid-April. Besides the complete renovation of the former American Embassy building, the ambitious project involved the building a new two-storey block with 25 large classrooms, computer laboratories and design studios. The first NYIT, Bahrain 0
106374 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Daughter's search for missing mum begins MARIA Grace Montibon-Reyes, the daughter of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon, will arrive in Bahrain tonight in an attempt to solve the mystery behind her mother's four-month disappearance. She will be met at Bahrain International Airport by her mother's friends and Bahraini sponsor. Her BD125 plane ticket was paid for by friends of Mrs Montibon, who was last seen on November 5. Immigration records show that Mrs Montibon, whose husband died last year, has not left the country. The Philippines Embassy is working with Bahraini authorities to find out what has happened to the 42-year-old debt collector. She lived alone in a Manama flat, near the Awal Cinema, and was reported missing by her sponsor. Her Daewoo car is still parked in the parking lot adjacent to the cinema where she left it. Embassy officials are also checking hospitals and detention centres across Bahrain, but so far there has been no report of Mrs Montibon or a Filipina matching her n 0
106375 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Carnival fun for pupils Over 1,000 people attended a carnival at Shaikha Hessa Girls School, in Awali, yesterday. Entertainment was provided by Radio Bahrain DJ Krazy Kevin and the event also featured games and food stalls. Money collected during the fund-raiser will go towards the school's development. 0
106376 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Spotlight on safe water Medical students in Bahrain learned more about reducing the transmission of diseases from unsafe drinking water. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Medical University of Bahrain (RCSI-MUB) explained how access to safe drinking water continues to pose serious problems, especially in developing countries where one-third of the population has no access to safe water. Members of the public were invited to attend the presentation, conducted at the RCSI building in the Seef District. Diarrhoea is one of the most common complications occurring from contaminated water and is responsible for four per cent of all global deaths, killing around 2.2 million people each year. The students presented a technique for removing harmful pathogens from water by using the sun's energy over a sustained period. "The Sodis Technique has been tested in Africa and results reveal a 10pc reduction in diarrhoea and 24pc reductions in severe diarrhoea," said RCSI Medical Physics senior l 0
106377 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Family fun lined up at rugby club A FAMILY Day is being held at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar, today, starting with a brunch at 12.30pm. "We are thrilled to be able to offer such an array of activities for all ages at the club this weekend," said club manager Annie Hall. There will be a Formula One promotion at the event, which will feature Bahrain International Circuit representatives hosting a number of activities for club members and their guests. At 1pm, the American Express 1st XV Team will take on The Dubai Hurricanes in a home fixture. Rounding off the afternoon will be entertainment from Australian band Red Shoes. All are welcome. There is no entrance fee for club members. Guests will be asked to pay a visitor fee of BD1 at the gate. Children under the age of 12 are admitted free and must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact 17695809. 0
106378 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Four wheels of car are stolen THIEVES stole all four wheels from a one-year-old Toyota Camry while it was parked outside the owner's apartment block, in Hoora. Ashraf Hafiz Imam, 33, found his car propped up with bricks when he was leaving home for work the next morning at 8.30am. "I came out to go to work and was shocked when I found my wheels had been stolen," said Mr Imam. "I'm not sure who did it, but I hope they are caught." The incident was reported to police. 0
106379 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Dog walk invite DOG lovers are set to take part in the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (BSPCA) Annual Sponsored Dog Walk today. Pet owners are invited to bring their own dogs along for the four-kilometre walk in the desert, just south of Awali. All dogs being cared for by the BSPCA at its sanctuary in Shakhura have already been booked up for the walk. The event will begin at 10.30am, but registration will be open from 9.30am to 10.15am. It is one of the biggest fund-raising events of the year for the society. Walkers should collect their sponsorship money before the event and present it to organisers today when they register. Dogs should be on a lead at all times, have up-to-date vaccinations and be in good health. No puppies are allowed. 0
106380 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Moments I delight you Moments I delight you should not vanish I want to love you more until the day I perish Why do I love you so much? Sometimes I feel I am insane Sometimes I feel my heart is in pain Each time you touch me my feelings are the same Even if you are gone the feelings remain Though you love me so I can't complain This bond of love is so strongly chained Don't make me love you more than this Because if I loose you I may never cherish I want to hold you tight and that moment should not vanish I want to love you more until the day I perish I don't know if I go to sleep and I would never wake up again I wonder what will happen to me if I am not able to see you again If I go to heaven I will search for you Once I find you I will never let you go And that beautiful moment shouldn't vanish I want to love you more until the day I perish If with bricks of care I could 0
106381 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Letters to my beloved... Around the world I am Through the life Only to write letters Letters in thousands Gutted into the air With that last letter That I wrote The earth can be covered Guinness to record my name Won first in letters Sky my letters Thigh the floor Lad my letters, for Bird's eye view of the earth To catch the sun Watch my letters For one-fold umbrella to the earth Unfold my letters For a sea-less land Solve the sea Dissolve my letters Climb my letters Watch Mount Everest Deep in the valley Oh God!!! From where these thoughts And how recorded? There you are And I pray you only!!! - Syed Mohamed 0
106382 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Art winners hold key discussion THE 104 winners of the Children's Arts and Literature Competition met for a roundtable discussion yesterday at the Salman Cultural Centre in Umm Al Hassam. They were invited to share their views and experiences of the competition, and discuss ideas on how it could be improved and achieve greater participation. The youngsters, aged between seven and 18 years, were selected out of 3,300 entrants. Competition categories based on the theme 'Who Am I' included: creative and journalistic writing, poetry, theatrical performance, music, web design, photography, and art. There are 13 winners in each competition category and the 104 winners will be notified of their placing at an official awards ceremony set to take place at the Bahrain National Museum on Wednesday. The awards will be presented by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, the youngest son of the Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. All the winning entries will g 0
106383 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Society organises visit to Tubli Bay SCORES of people visited Tubli Bay yesterday to learn more about its environmental significance to the country. The visit, organised by the Environment Friends Society, included members of the media and environment specialists, along with others working towards saving the bay. The event aimed at introducing people to the uniqueness and richness of the bay, one of the biggest natural marine and wildlife hubs in the country. A proposal to consider the bay as a protected natural reservation has been submitted by Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh to the Cabinet, which will take a decision soon. The visit was a part of a series of trips to different areas every Thursday to spread awareness on environmental issues. 0
106384 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Protesters seek release of trio SUPPORTERS of the three Bahrainis arrested on comments that appeared on the Internet demonstrated outside the Hoora Police Station where they are detained last night. During the demonstration, organised by a committee set up to campaign for their release, supporters wore orange ribbons - a global symbol of democracy. This demonstration is the first in a series of events organised by the committee. The three Ali Abdulemam, Hussain Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi have been detained since February 27 and 28 respectively, while investigations are underway. They were arrested for comments that appeared on www.bahrainonline.org, which is critical of the government. 0
106385 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Parents briefed on pupils' skills AROUND 50 parents attended a meeting at the Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Hearing and Speech Development Centre in Sanad yesterday. At the event, parents were given the opportunity to speak with doctors and teachers about their children's progress, as well as be updated on the latest medical developments for the treatment of speech and hearing difficulties. "We hold these meetings every three months and the main purpose is for parents to come and listen to us about the latest in this field and what has been achieved in the last three months," said speech consultant Dr Omar Al Sharif. "They can also tell us about any problems they are having with hearing aids, or transportation, or getting their child to wear hearing aids and they can also talk with other parents," he said. "We also give parents a report on what their child has achieved in the last three months and a programme for parents to follow at home. This is extremely important as they shouldn't just rely on 0
106386 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Sermons schedule MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering Friday sermons in different languages today. The following is a schedule for the sermons provided by the Islamic Affairs Ministry: Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Fateh Mosque in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque in Isa Town, Saar Mosque in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira bin Shoba Mosque in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque in Barbar. Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque in Manama, Othman bin Afan Mosque in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque in East Riffa and Adliya Mosque in Adliya. Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama. Bangla: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama and Saar Mosque in Saar. English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. Singhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. Translations will be made following lunchtime prayers. 0
106387 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Iraqi cleric to deliver lectures POPULAR Iraqi clergyman Sayed Mohammed Baqer Al Fali is in Bahrain to give a series of lectures, starting tomorrow. The lectures, which continue until March 22, are being held at Hussainyah Dar Al Hussain in Hamad Town, roundabout 21. This is Mr Al Fali's second visit to Bahrain after a 23-day visit last year, where he toured ma'tams around the kingdom to give lectures on various issues, ranging from youth problems to globalisation. Hussainyah director Mohammed Al Saie said Mr Al Fali's lectures were well-loved and acknowledged all around the world, by Muslims and non-Muslims. Mr Al Saie said when Mr Al Fali came last year, he was scheduled to speak at the Hussainyah only. Due to public demand, plans had to be changed and he was made to speak all over the country. "His lectures in Bani Jamra were so crowded, that many people were forced to sit outside to listen," he explained. 0
106388 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Youth forum board elected SEVEN young people won seats at the new board of the Bahrain Youth Forum Society. They are Hussain Al Eskafi, Rashid Al Ghayeb, Enas Al Fardan, Bassim Soroor, Sayed Hamza Al Alawi, Ali Abdulkarim, Sayed Amjad Jalal. Mahban Jawadi and Hisham Mohammed were elected as reserves. Fifty-eight members were eligible to vote in the elections, held at the Bahrain Society for Human Rights premises in Adliya. Only 42 members attended the elections. Present were representatives from the Bahrain Human Rights Society, the National Democratic Institute and Social Affairs Ministry to monitor elections. A meeting to decide on board positions will be held on Monday. 0
106389 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Reality TV star Ahmed welcomed A WELCOME-HOME party for Bahraini Ahmed Salahaddin, who was booted off the popular reality TV series Star Academy last week, was held last night at Al Bander Hotel and Resort. The 20-year-old was knocked out last Friday and flew back to Bahrain this week. He signed autographs and talked with fans about his experience on the show, which continues to broadcast live on LBC at 9.30pm every Friday. Every week three contestants are nominated to be kicked off the show, but fans choose one of them to stay. One of the remaining two is chosen to stay on by their peers on the show and the third is eliminated. There are now seven competitors from all Arab countries. Eight have already been eliminated. Star Academy is a Beirut-based reality TV show broadcast 24 hours a day on the Star Academy channel. A brief one-hour show is broadcast daily on LBC at 8pm. 0
106390 0 1495 BNEW LOCAL Two Bahmun children will be chosen to visit the UN TWO children from this year's Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun) will be selected to go to the UN in New York, to submit the resolutions they come up with at this year's major event. Bahmun academic co-ordinator Yvonne Ahmed told the GDN yesterday that several of the students were being evaluated, with two to be chosen for the opportunity-of-a-lifetime. "I know many of the youngsters feel that their voices are not heard, but here is their chance," said Ms Ahmed. "Two students are to go to the UN to submit the resolution hopefully to the Secretary-General Kofi Annan himself." This is the first time in Bahmun's 11-year history that participants of Bahmun are to go to the UN. "Each school have also nominated students to be selected to go to the UN," said Ms Ahmed. "We have brought in evaluators to come and observe the students at Bahmun." "This is being done to mark Rotary International's 100th anniversary," said Ms Ahmed, who was in charge of tr 0
106391 2 1495 BNEW LOCAL Villagers fight to protect graves KARANAH villagers are campaigning to protect their graveyard from being built on. The graveyard was sold to a private landowner years ago and residents fear it may one day be developed, says Northern Municipal Council technical committee chairman Juma Al Aswad."The owner is facing a problem selling the land because nobody is willing to buy it from him, because they know it is a graveyard," he said. "Residents will do whatever they can to stop any development project, even if it means standing in front of the bulldozers." Mr Al Aswad, who is also Karanah Residents Committee chairman, said that a petition signed by the residents had already been sent to Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, urging the ministry to buy the land and register it as Waqf (endowment). Residents, led by Mr Al Aswad, met the minister, who promised to look into the situation. "The village's graveyard is divided into two separate parts, both owned by 0
106392 3 1495 BNEW LOCAL Drying underwear in public 'offensive' FAMILIES in the Northern Governorate could soon be banned from hanging their underwear out to dry in public. The ban has been proposed by municipal councillors, who say it is offensive to Bahrain's Islamic traditions.It would only affect residents living on main roads in Budaiya, Saar, Diraz, Shakhura and some parts of Hamad Town. Councillors have now submitted their proposal to Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh, who is expected to reply within two weeks. "Buildings on main roads are being taken over by foreign labourers," said Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed. "This is because Bahrainis prefer moving into the quieter areas inside villages, away from the noise of cars. "These foreigners are not properly acquainted with our country's culture, where it is sometimes offensive to do things that might be totally acceptable where they come from. "We have received numerous complaints from residents regarding the matter 0
106393 1 1495 BUSI BUSINESS HSBC to invest $180m in Indian operations BOMBAY: Global banking giant HSBC yesterday said it will invest $180 million in its fast growing retail and commercial banking business in India.The bank said the investment would be carried out by investing $150m in new capital and another $30m in retained profits generated by local operations during the year ended March 2004. "India, along with China, Brazil and Mexico, has been identified by the HSBC group as one of the markets where we see strong growth over the next few years," Niall S K Booker, chief executive officer of HSBC in India, said in a statement. Booker said the bank's Indian operations have shown strong growth, adding that "the additional capital is expected to support our growth strategy." The latest investment represents the second tranche of funds to be injected by HSBC into its Indian unit. An earlier investment of $150m was made in March 2003. Last year, HSBC acquired a 14 per cent stake in India's UTI Bank. 0
106394 2 1495 BUSI BUSINESS India one of most 'expensive' markets BOMBAY: A rush of funds into India has made its assets pricey, raising a near-term hurdle to Standard Chartered Bank's plan to boost its Indian private equity operation, the bank's global head of the business said."It is one of the most expensive markets in Asia today," Karam Butalia said, adding that the bank aimed to grow the business tenfold to as much as $300 million in the next two to three years. The main share index in India, Asia's fourth-largest economy, hit a record 6,954.86 points on Wednesday, setting new peaks for the fifth day in a row, as foreign funds stepped up buying on expectations that seven per cent annual economic growth would boost corporate earnings. "Our private equity investments in India will rise to between $200m and $300m in the next two to three years," said Butalia, who oversees about half a billion dollars in private equity investments across the world. "That would be a tenfold increase," he said, while lamenting the rising prices of Indian busines 0
106395 3 1495 BUSI BUSINESS High fiscal deficit is 'worrying' NEW DELHI: India's stubbornly high fiscal and revenue deficit at federal and state levels is an area of concern for the government, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh told parliament yesterday. "There is a clear revival of investment and a growing confidence in the Indian economy. But the area of concern is the high levels of fiscal and revenue deficits at the state level and the centre," Singh told parliament. However, the immediate impact of the spending needed to achieve the government's educational, health, infrastructure and other goals has been felt on the fiscal deficit. The deficit for the financial year to March 2005 is projected to fall to 4.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) from 4.8pc the previous year, in line with a law obliging the government to cut the deficit by 0.3 percentage points each year. For the following year Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram has said the deficit would fall by only 0.2 percentage points to 4.3pc due to public spending demands. 0
106396 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS US warns over Delhi-Tehran project NEW DELHI: The United States has cautioned India over an ambitious gas pipeline project with Iran while noting Washington's concerns about Iran's nuclear programme, a newspaper said yesterday. The Indian Express reported that US Ambassador to India David Mulford conveyed Washington's concerns to Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, who received Cabinet approval last month to begin formal talks on the 2,775km pipeline, which would cut through Pakistan. Mulford told Aiyar that the US is facing "serious difficulties" with Iran over the nuclear issue and there was no solution in sight, the newspaper reported. He said Washington appreciated New Delhi's interest in the project but felt it was his duty to highlight American concerns, it said. Aiyar is scheduled to visit Tehran in June to secure a formal deal. Iranian energy officials have said the pipeline could be operational by 2009. The agreement would be for the delivery of gas in the Indian 0
106397 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS World 'ignoring risks of surging crude price' PARIS: Oil prices at record highs, the dollar in the dumps - warning lights are flashing but no alarm bells are ringing about the world economy, and some economists say the wake-up call could prove painful. The price of oil surged on Wednesday to a record high of $54.30 per barrel in London, compared with less than $30 in early 2003. Almost simultaneously the dollar crumpled, boosting the euro to $1.34 for the first time since early January on renewed concerns about the gaping US budget and current account deficits. The tandem moves weighed on equity markets worldwide, with most falling on Wednesday and remaining under pressure yesterday. Despite the levels on oil and the dollar, however, there seems to be little concern. Politicians, who last year came out in droves to complain about high oil prices, particularly in the US, or strains in the currency markets, a sensitive issue for Europeans, are remaining discreet for now. That restraint shows an adjustment to th 0
106398 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS Bangladesh shutdowns caused loss of $2.2bn DHAKA: National strikes cost the economy of impoverished Bangladesh between $1.6 and $2.2bn each year and should be replaced with peaceful protests that do not deter foreign investors, a UN study said yesterday. "The direct cost is three to four per cent of gross domestic product ($1.6bn to $2.2bn) but there are so many imponderables, the biggest one being the loss of foreign direct investment," Jorgen Lissner, country head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), told AFP. Schools, colleges and shops shut during strikes while private vehicles stay off the roads. People who defy a shutdown risk having their vehicles or property attacked by strike supporters. "In Asia, the world's most populated region, nothing is more important than jobs and anything that stifles the creation of jobs is undermining economic stability," he said. Both main political parties have relied heavily on protest strikes while in opposition, despite pleas from business leaders and donors 0
106399 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS fuel costs will rise by $578m says BA LONDON: British Airways expects fuel costs to rise by 300 million ($578m) next year as global oil prices threaten new record highs, Finance Director John Rishton said on a webcast yesterday. He said the outlook on fuel was "based on where Brent is today". Rishton also forecast 3-4 per cent revenue growth in 2005-06 while reiterating a slightly more conservative 3-3.5pc forecast for this year. British Airways shares were down 1.16pc at 275-3/4 pence versus London's FTSE 100 Index which was down 0.54pc as of 1230 GMT. Chief Executive Rod Eddington, who this week announced he would step down to make way for former Aer Lingus boss Willie Walsh in September, has slashed staff and cut back the number of plane types in use to lower costs. Fuel is second to staffing in costs for the carrier. US crude prices averaged a record high $41.48 in 2004 and have pressed higher in 2005, averaging $48.51 so far. 0
106400 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS Oil rates fall by 2pc NEW YORK: Oil prices fell more than two per cent from near-record highs yesterday as traders turned their attention to swelling stockpiles in the US, the world's largest energy market. US light crude dropped $1.22 to $53.55 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, after coming within 2 cents of last October's all-time high of $55.67 on Wednesday. London Brent was down 66 cents to $52.72, after touching a record of $54.30 on Wednesday on the International Petroleum Exchange. 0
106401 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS BT wins $3.5bn Reuters deal LONDON: British telecoms operator BT Group has won a contract worth around $3.5 billion (2.6bn euros) to supply British news and information giant Reuters with network services for the next eight and a half years, the two companies said in a joint statement yesterday. Under the deal, BT was to provide and manage secure data networks for Reuters products and services worldwide. The statement also announced that BT was to acquire Reuters' financial services "extranet" unit, Radianz, for $175m. Aeon-Carrefour tie-up TOKYO: Japan's largest retailer Aeon said yesterday it had reached an agreement to take over the local outlets of Carrefour of France, the world's second-largest retailer after US giant Wal-Mart. The deal will help Aeon expand its operations while ending months of speculation that the French firm was trying to exit the highly competitive Japanese market after struggling to turn a profit. They said Aeon would buy all the shares in Carrefour Japan, which opened i 0
106402 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS Exports to be doubled NEW DELHI: The best of India's economic story is yet to be told, with the government is aiming to double exports to $150 billion over the next four years, Commerce Minister Kamal Nath said yesterday. "India is at a point of relaunching itself. The best of India, the climax is yet to come," Nath said at the opening of a conference organised jointly by the Commonwealth Business Council and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Promising robust growth, the minister said exports were growing 25 per cent annually and would cross the $75 billion mark in the current financial year ending March 31. He said the government "seeks to double India's share in global merchandise trade and to reach a level of exports of $150bn four years from now. "Increased foreign trade is a critical element of our economic strategy as it generates economic activity, resulting in greater employment generation, which is one of our principal goals," Nath said. 0
106403 0 1495 BUSI BUSINESS BMW drives into profits MUNICH: BMW, the German maker of luxury cars, said yesterday it booked record earnings in 2004, thanks largely to the launch of a number of new models. BMW also sparked a sharp rise in its share price by unveiling plans for a share buy-back programme. In 2004, BMW booked a 14.1-per cent rise in bottom-line earnings to 2.22 billion euros ($2.9 bn) and operating profit also sped ahead by 10.9 per cent to 3.55bn euros, the car maker said in a statement. Both numbers were higher than analysts had been expecting and BMW said 2004 had been the most successful year in its history. In the wake of the strong performance, BMW said it would pay an increased dividend of 0.62 euros per ordinary share for 2004, compared with 0.58 euros for 2003. And the dividend for preference shareholders would be upped to 0.64 euros per share from 0.60 euros. As already reported earlier this year, BMW - with its BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands - booked a 6.8-pc rise in sales to 44.335bn eur 0
106404 0 1495 COMM COMMENTWorth a devil's ransome... The news that children's author Arthur Ransome was a spy came as a bit of a shock to admirers of his Swallows and Amazons books, particularly as nobody seems quite sure which side he was spying for. In other parts of the children's literature section, however, suspicions were aroused long ago. "What a great adventure this is," Anne said as she and her friends climbed through the window of the big house. "We'll wait inside and surprise Arthur Ransome when he returns from his morning walk. He'll be delighted to meet five of his greatest fans." The looked around them and saw that the only furniture in the room was a desk and a chair. On the desk was a typewriter and something that looked like a wireless set with a pair of headphones. Dick flicked the switch marked 'ON' and a crackle came out of the headphones together with a voice talking in some language he did not recognise. "That not the BBC World Service," Dick said in an anxious voice. "No it's not," Julian confirmed. "That's Ru 0
106407 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Bands can keep our young off streets THIS is regarding increasing problems with Bahrain's youth concerning (rock) concerts. I am a Bahraini living in New Zealand and have learned how easy it is to keep the younger generation off the streets by allowing this kind of entertainment. It even gives many of the younger ones who sit inside their homes playing their instruments a chance to release it as a band. I know this because I got the chance in this country. So keep an open mind. Just because there is a band it does not mean the members are not capable of doing anything else with their lives but play music, although it will take us a long time to get over our patriotic cultural behaviour. Ashe 0
106408 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Rich above the law? WE always hear about the great actions of undercover police acting as customers to trap poor expat ladies who are forced into prostitution to support their families back home. I would like to know why this special team neglect the polished prostitution by the rich in clubs and smart hotels? If it is a crime, then the punishment must be the same for all. We are coming across several crimes like sword gang attacks, muggings of expats etc. If the concerned authorities ask these undercover police to work sincerely on these type of crimes and bring them down, the country will definitely regain its image as a peaceful and safe heaven. Ramesh M 0
106409 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Culture abandoned AMONG the reasons given by MP Ahmed Bahzad for the rise in crime is "the attitudes and beliefs brought in by expatriate workers". How so? Nearly all the victims of thefts, assaults, mugging and rape have been expatriates. What attitudes and beliefs do expatriates have that invite these crimes on themselves? Nearly all the perpetrators of these crimes have been Bahrainis. How do they abandon their culture and their religion to commit these crimes? Francis G 0
106410 0 1495 LETT LETTERS For the record... IN response to your article "Two Held for Party Racket" (GDN March 3), I would like to set the record straight. I attended the party and was very disappointed to read that the Navy's name got dragged into this, thus linking the social behaviour of one to the whole organisation. There was indeed a party in the building and after midnight only a few guests still remained. Nothing was ever hurled out of a window during the course of the evening at residents, or at the police later, as the article states. Three chairs were indeed thrown from the balcony and one landed onto the roof of the next door house, at the end of the night when the party was over, by one remaining partygoer. Neither myself, any of the other guests, or the host of the party condone such behaviour. It is unfair to put the blame on a whole group of people for the irresponsible actions of one bad seed. The article makes it seem like a wild and uncontrollable party with malicious intent, when in fa 0
106411 0 1495 LETT LETTERS We love you Bahrain! RECENTLY I moved to the UK from Bahrain. Me and my siblings are missing Bahrain so much and just want to send our love to all our friends out there, specially all the teachers and students of the Asian School ... luv Bahrain! Remita Raj 0
106412 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Great new DJ talent I WOULD like to say thank you to Radio Bahrain for new talents like DJ Moe J. Many thanks to all the people there, good luck and bring on more new talent. Sarah Short 0
106413 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Drag race thrilling, but... CONGRATULATIONS and heartfelt thanks to competitors and organisers of the National Drag Race Championship for providing a thrilling and spectacular Thursday night finale at the Bahrain International Circuit, worth every fil of the entrance charge, well done! On the night tickets for the Oasis Stand sold out at the booths but enterprising 'ticket touts' standing close to the booths were doing a thriving business selling used two-day tickets resulting in spectators, some with young children, sitting down anywhere they could, including the concrete stairways which eventually became totally blocked. On my nearest staircase alone I counted over 120 'extra' bodies. In a panic situation which historically has happened at sporting events, it was a recipe for disaster, fortunately on this occasion it didn't occur. In fairness to the 'public attendants' they were overwhelmed by sheer numbers and just lost control. L E D Shott Bahrain International Circuit operat 0
106414 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Women should stay at home IT was sad to read the comments attributed to the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) about the need for domestic staff for poor Bahraini families so the women can go out and work and leave their children for at least eight hours per day with an uneducated nanny. Will this help their family's future? Women should be able to stay at home and take good care of their children (these children are Bahrain's future). Their husbands should be earning enough money to take proper care of their family. In the United States, there has been a movement going on since the 1960s to destroy the family by forcing the women to leave their children. This is done under the banner of equal rights. So, the men's salary has been reduced and now to sustain a family comfortably both husband and wife have to work. The result is the gradual decline of American education system and a subsequent decline in the intelligence Americans. Americans are becoming "dumber". Kids come home from school (if they a 0
106415 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Jobs rethink needed I READ with concern the news item - "Hasty labour reforms may hurt growth" (GDN March 3) . The whole exercise of implementing the proposals of imposing substantial levies on employers of expats may seem to be logical and in the interest of improving job opportunities for the Bahrainis. A dispassionate look and an in-depth study of the whole matter will reveal that these proposals are going to be dangerously counter productive, by stalling the progress, not only of trade, economy and development of Bahrain but also will totally fail to improve the employment prospects of Bahrainis. Time and again, it has been established that locals are not prepared to accept certain types and segments of work, irrespective of the remuneration, as they consider them below their dignity to perform these works. That any job that has to be attended in the interest of the public is as honourable a job as any other one, must be inculcated in the minds of one and all. Surely it is better to earn by sweating t 0
106416 0 1495 LETT LETTERS One hidden, one exposed ONE woman is totally hidden from the public; the other is totally exposed. These two extremes say a great deal about the clash of so-called "civilisations." The role of woman is at the heart of any culture. Apart from stealing Arab oil, the impending war in the Middle East is about stripping Arabs of their religion and culture, exchanging the burka for a bikini. I am not an expert on the condition of Muslim women and I love feminine beauty too much to advocate the burka here. But I am defending some of the values that the burka represents for me. For me, the burka represents a woman's consecration to her husband and family. Only they see her. It affirms the privacy, exclusivity and importance of the domestic sphere. The Muslim woman's focus is her home, the "nest" where her children are born and reared. She is the "home" maker, the taproot that sustains the spiritual life of the family, nurturing and training her children, providing refuge and support to h 0
106417 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Answer to Yahoo E-mail problems THIS is in response to the Yahoo e-mail problem. When you sign in, do not check the "remember my ID on this computer". I faced the same problem a few months ago until I realised that I had checked this box on my PC at work. After removing it, I could sign in wherever, whenever with no problems at all. D H Browne 0
106418 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Medical views are inaccurate I agree with the sentiments in the letter written by Seymour Sentz (GDN March 8) expressing sorrow over the death of the young leukaemia patient. However, his comments about the medical system in the US are inaccurate, uninformed and make no 'sense' at all. His comment, "Whilst one sees this look of humanity in the US with their failing medical system.." is ill informed. Mr Sentz will be happy to learn that the medical system in the US is far from failing, let alone inhumane. The vast majority of treatments he and his loved ones might require to prolong their own lives are the result of research carried out in that 'failing' system. The American government, universities and private companies invest billions each year in research for the benefit of all. Mr Sentz's complaint seems to stem from America's refusal to adopt a socialist, 'universal' healthcare system. He suggests that Americans who can't "pay up front!" are somehow excluded from the benefits of that system. < 0
106419 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Police must act to stop violence on the streets The daily routine of reading sad stories in the newspaper about muggings and robberies makes one wonder why the law and order situation has broken down so rapidly. I can't believe it that just the other day, a robbery at a money exchange took place in an extremely crowded area of Manama and at the shocking time of the evening where the traffic moves at a snail's pace due to the various clubs and restaurants in that area. Being a resident of Manama for a number of years, I have gradually seen the deterioration of the law and order situation in this part of Bahrain. Earlier police were regularly seen on the beat and there was order in the area. It is a scary thought to go out of the house for the fear of someone waiting in small alleys just to attack an innocent Asian. The hatred and anger is being directed mainly towards Asians, people who have contributed towards the growth and development of Bahrain for a number of years without a pat on their backs or a simple thank you. The s 0
106420 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Islam teaches right way to dress in public THIS letter is in response to the letter of XERXES (GDN March 5). Respected reader, the natural beauty of a woman is not a sin I agree and this is a gift from our God. But showing your beauty worldwide in front of other men, among which there are bad men also, is a sin. Who says? Well Islam says. Now you may say "so what, I am not a Muslim". Well I hope you are a Christian and most of the Westerners are Christian then let me give you the reference from the holy Bible. In the Bible it is written in the New Testament "For if a woman will not veil (cover her hair) herself then she should cut of her hair but if it is disgraceful for her to have her hair cut off or to be shaved, she should wear a veil (scarf)" (1 Corinthians 11 :6) My friend our creator has all the solutions to our problems but we don't understand it. As I wrote in my letter that Aids, rape and adultery was not present in Afghanistan, the reason behind that is the Islamic culture and dressing. In Afghanistan the me 0
106421 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Dress code makes sense IF you think we are talking about Muslims then that's your mistake! We are speaking about Islamic rules that protect women and not about Muslims. But I must agree that certain letters lack a proper presentation. Let's get to the point instead of beating around the bush. I have to pass through quite a few cut roads in Manama which are not often visited by families. Or I better say that these roads were no less than a home for bachelors. Passing comments were quite common but once a terrible man followed right up to my doorstep which was a long way from the place where he actually saw me. I was quite disturbed after this incident. Since then I have noticed a few things which could be useful for every woman. In case you have to travel unaccompanied by a man of good health: 1. It is preferable to follow the Islamic dress code or at least wear less exposing clothes which are neither transparent nor translucent and loose enough to hide your figure. 2. It is always bette 0
106422 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Deadline for Syria pullout is unrealistic IT is absolutely unreasonable for George W Bush to set a deadline for Syria to pull out lock, stock and barrel from Lebanon. The people of the USA have elected him to be the president of that country and his authority prevails over their territory only. What right has Bush got to ask Syria to get out of Lebanon, when his own troops are illegally occupying Iraq? If he has anything to complain against any other sovereign country he can use the UN as the forum. He killed scores of innocent people of Afghanistan just because he believed one terrorist was hiding there. But Bush can send his troops to any country and kill innocent people under some pretext or other. Bush will decide whether any country is run democratically or not. If according to him it is not, he will invade it. He will also declare any country run by a dictator as democratic and offer full US assistance. Such action by Bush is nothing but state terrorism to threaten any country to obey his wishes. Where a 0
106423 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Inspirational saga... TO pick up from where Colin Henderson (GDN February 25) left off about I N Spirational, check this out for issue or inspiration: "In Anno Domini 2005, there inhabited a beautiful island in the Middle East called Bahrain, a couple of things called I N Dimwitted aka I N Spirational aka I N Spire and lvor Cactusmind aka Ivor Smallmind aka lvor Corolla. Is it a case of lost/separated siblings at birth or a case of two like (no)minded soul mates finding each other? Ah, the plot thickens." Notice the striking similarity between these things, multiple personality disorder, hopeless, quote the same late ex-presidents late wife, pick on Les Horton, are mighty uninspiring and think that Asians don't matter, don't enjoy holidays or fatter paychecks. Will these two find each other finally, will the reunion be covered by the GDN, will it be a (Not) happy ending and will these two decide to live (Not) happily ever after and vanish from the pages of the GDN and into therapy? 0
106424 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Satire falls flat THIS is in response to Sammy Dias' letter (GDN March 6), in which he complains bitterly about the letter Stop the whining (GDN March 1). Sammy, you are obviously one of those unfortunate people suffering from SHF (Sense of Humour Failure). Everyone I spoke to found the letter to be very amusing, as it highlights all that is wrong with drivers bad habits on the roads in Bahrain, and does it in a light-hearted albeit slightly sarcastic manner. Satire is a well accepted form of writing, and often serves to make a stronger point than a serious piece of writing would. No-one denies that the behaviour on Bahrain's roads ranges from the mind-boggling and bizarre to the downright dangerous, but it was refreshing to read a letter which highlighted these issues so eloquently and with such humour. Sammy, I suggest you get down from your self-righteous podium, and try to get help for your SHF problem, before you die of boredom! Still Laughing 0
106425 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Barred by club I TOOK my wife (who happens to be Vietnamese) to the Wrangler on Monday evening. On entering, my wife, not myself was requested to show some form of identification. Due to having had various ID documents pick-pocketed over the past few months neither of us now carry any ID on our persons when out at night. My wife was refused entry to the restaurant based purely on her racial extraction. I find this highly insulting to people of all races who want to go out at night for a quiet meal. Name and address supplied A Wrangler spokesman said: "The reader is requested to contact Amitabh, telephone 39685300." 0
106426 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Labour reform overdue I SAW the news on labour reforms and felt so happy both for expats and nationals. This is long overdue. Many unscrupulous employers bring in cheap labour withholding passports and they have made a living out of cheap labour, thus bringing a bad name to this lovely country. Many have come in and suffered because they don't have the right to change jobs, being under the threat of their sponsors. I believe that individuals must be able to apply for jobs from other countries and come to Bahrain with their own money. The sponsorship route is riddled with blackmails and counter threats. I have known an MBA being paid BD250 when the market offered him at least 10 times that salary. But the employers sent him back causing too much heartbreak. There is an unemployment problem with nationals. As usual the government is right in bringing them in to the workforce. I thank Mr Al Absi, and the Mackinsey team for their efforts and hope Bahrain too becomes as attracti 0
106427 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Careless lunatics menace on roads LES Horton's column about arrogance of lunatics on the road (GDN March 8) could not be more accurate. The new billboards testifying that our driving habits are a reflection of our manners are all very well and good. However, why on earth would an arrogant lunatic care about how his manners are perceived? Twenty per cent of the driving population in Bahrain who create havoc on the roads for the other 80pc will never change. All the billboards, yellow lines painted at the intersections, and grotesque photographs of car accidents on the front page of this paper mean nothing to them. Until the authorities who are accountable for empowering our police force realise that they have a social responsibility to ensure the safety on our roads, the killing will go on and the police force will continue to be considered a joke. On the slightly lighter side of life - and the source of less menacing jokes than our police force - is the current issue of displaying lingerie on ma 0
106428 0 1495 LETT LETTERS Views on traffic are unbelievable HAVING lived and visited Bahrain for much of my life, I cannot believe I finally saw a letter (GDN March 1) regarding traffic that defied all common sense and logic! To actually say in no uncertain terms that traffic laws are there to be broken is absolutely ludicrous! 'People frequently obey the traffic lights, and everything else is not really that important. I enjoy not being harassed by traffic police. I enjoy being able to abandon my car in the middle of the road to use an ATM or visit a cold store, or block up a parking lot entryway so that I don't have to walk five metres from a parking space to a coffee shop." This person must not actually know how to use his legs to walk, or is so fat that a five-metre walk will kill him! 'Do the expatriates not remember how abusive the traffic police are in Britain and America? They snivel about everything from using a cellular telephone while driving to not wearing a safety belt. Oh, and they are ridiculous about watching bad b 0
106429 0 1495 LETT LETTERS 'For sale' cars hogging parking space I RECENTLY happened to visit a friend residing at the old Al Dasmah supermarket building (opposite the Police Fort, Salmaniya signal, adjacent to Athens supermarket). This building has a small compound/open space facing the main road (Police Fort) where vehicles (in particular with 'For Sale' stickers) are parked 24 hours a day. This area is crowded during almost all hours of the day and it is extremely difficult to find parking. On checking with my friend who resides in this building I was shocked to hear that even all the building residents themselves do not get parking in this small compound. An attempt was made earlier to highlight this issue. That's not all, the open area has been used for a particular activity - buying and selling used cars. This has caused a lot of inconvenience over the years as given to understand by my friend and no one seems to take any action. To add to this, near this plot of land there are two or three hotels run by expats who reside ther 0
106430 0 1495 LETT LETTERS From the mouths of babes... I VISITED Bahrain last October to meet my relatives and friends. I stayed with a friend in Gudaibiya at night but had my breakfast, lunch and dinner at my brother-in-law's place in Manama. I left Bahrain in November. Since then I have been toying with the idea of sharing with someone an amusing experience I had with my five-year-old nephew Adityan. As we know, children are very intelligent, sensitive, keen observers and they ape their elders without any difficulty. Adityan had proved to me that he had all these good qualities by demonstrating them. While in Manama, whenever I found time I spent a lot of it writing news stories and articles for the publication I work for in India. Adityan used to sit on the sofa, very close to me and observe with great fascination what I was doing. The very first day, while I was leaving for Gudaibiya for the night, Adityan came running to the lift and pushed something inside my pants pocket. When I retrieved it later, I found a white env 0
106431 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Strikes hit IOC team's Paris visit PARIS: France's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games received a hard knock yesterday as trade unions staged a nationwide day of strikes, demonstrations and transport stoppages just as an IOC team began an inspection tour of the proposed Paris sites. Much of the capital's metro and bus system was at a standstill, half of flights to the two airports were cancelled or delayed, classrooms and government offices were closed, and a mass demonstration was expected to draw tens of thousands later. The city's mayor Bertrand Delanoe even said the protests could be an asset, if Paris could take the disruption in its stride. But many organisers and politicians conceded that the strikes could harm France's chances - in what is likely to be a tight race against other candidate cities - by reinforcing its image as a country prey to pressure from trade unions and the street. With urban transport -- along with security -- one of the key issues under the inspectors' gaze, the fact that so mu 0
106432 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Alonso the driver to watch out for in Malaysia LONDON: Giancarlo Fisichella deserves all the accolades that come with being the first Italian in 20 years to lead the Formula One world championship. That said, the Roman would be wise to watch out for Renault team mate Fernando Alonso when the action resumes in Malaysia next week. While Fisichella was a worthy winner in Sunday's weather-influenced Australian season-opener, cruising from pole to chequered flag, the Spaniard's performance in Melbourne was pure dynamite. Alonso's red-blooded charge through traffic from 13th to third place was the more impressive performance in the circumstances. "It was brilliantly aggressive," said Renault's head of engineering and chief strategist Pat Symonds. "There were four clear overtaking moves and that's normally impossible around Melbourne. "He was the driver of the day. Giancarlo didn't need to be, he was so far ahead." Alonso might have finished second had he not been held up for lap after lap by the Sauber o 0
106433 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Marshall slams maiden Test ton CHRISTCHURCH: Hamish Marshall scored his maiden Test century and Craig Cumming added 74 as the rookie internationals worked over the Australian attack to carry New Zealand to 265 for three on day one of the first cricket Test here yesterday. Marshall, in only his third Test innings, and Cumming on debut, restored some pride in the fragile New Zealand side which was whitewashed 5-0 by Australia in the recent one-day series. At stumps Marshall was not out 103 with Nathan Astle on 29 as Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was left to ponder the wisdom of two pre-match decisions. The first was the extraordinary move to leave out Brett Lee, who had terrorised New Zealand in the one-day matches, and then after winning the toss Ponting chose to bowl for the first time in his captaincy on a placid pitch. As the New Zealand innings progressed and the partnerships grew, the batsmen gained in confidence. Marshall showed a maturity beyond his international experience as he steere 0
106434 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Al Noami sets early pace AIL Sagar Al Noami of the Bahrain Golf Association (BGA) leads the field by a stroke after carding a one-under par gross 69 yesterday on the first day of the two-day Batelco-sponsored 42nd Bahrain Open Golf Championship at Awali Golf Club. In second place is Khalid Salim Hamed (70) of the BGA a stroke behind with Paul McLean of Bowood Golf and Country Club in England and Nasser Saad Al Mahsni of BGA both carding scores of 71 followed by Awali Golf Club's Malcolm Wood and Abdulla Sultan Saleh of BGA on 72s. Defending champion David Park (73) is four off the pace in joint seventh place after having a disastrous triple bogey on the seventh hole and is one of seven players on the same score. Al Noami collected a couple of birdies and an eagle, while Clark Windross of the Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia recorded four birdies - the most by anyone in the first round. Conditions were muggy and rather warm for the field of 92 golfers despite a breeze which created a dust haze. 0
106435 1 1495 SPOR SPORT INDIANS TAKE COMMAND MOHALI, India: Sachin Tendulkar fell short of a world record 35th Test century by just six runs as India surged into a commanding position in the opening Test against Pakistan here yesterday. Tendulkar scored a painstaking 94 to help India post a massive 447 for six in reply to Pakistan's first innings total of 312 for a lead of 135 runs with four wickets in hand.Nearly 30,000 spectators skipped a heartbeat when Tendulkar drove seamer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan uppishly to Asim Kamal, who held a brilliant low catch at gully to deny the master batsman a world mark. The new ball did the trick as Rana struck with his fourth delivery, inducing a false stroke from Tendulkar who had been batting with extreme caution during his 202-ball knock containing 11 fours. Venkatsai Laxman (33) and Irfan Pathan (one) were at the crease when bad light stopped play six overs before the scheduled close. Tendulkar also fell 27 short of becoming only the fifth batsman to complete 10,000 Test runs after Austr 0
106436 2 1495 SPOR SPORT Real loss stuns fans in Madrid MADRID: Real Madrid players reacted to their elimination from the Champions League with a mixture of disbelief and despair yesterday. "No words can explain how disappointed we are by this defeat," said club captain Raul after their extra-time defeat against Juventus in Turin."We tried our hardest but we just couldn't score a goal. It's a very difficult time for us and for the fans." Holding a 1-0 advantage after the first-leg at the Bernabeu, Real lacked inspiration against a workmanlike but unspectacular Juve at the Delle Alpi. The Italians levelled the tie with an opportunist strike by substitute David Trezeguet late in the second-half and snatched victory with a snap shot from Uruguayan forward Marcelo Zalayeta five minutes from the end of extra-time. "I don't know what we did wrong for them to knock us out," said David Beckham. "Juve are a great team but so are we, and there wasn't a big difference between our play and theirs. I just can't explain it." The En 0
106437 3 1495 SPOR SPORT Stoudemire leads Suns past Spurs TORONTO: Amare Stoudemire poured in 44 points and Shawn Marion added 18 points and 17 rebounds to help the Phoenix Suns defeat the San Antonio Spurs 107-101 in a battle of the NBA's two best teams yesterday.Steve Nash contributed 11 points and 15 assists as the Suns delighted the home crowd by moving into a tie with the Spurs at the top of the standings with identical 47-14 records. Tony Parker grabbed a season-high 30 points for the Spurs, who were missing All-Stars Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili because of injury. San Antonio provided the Suns with a stern test, though, closing to 103-98 with 1:20 to play. In Boston, Antoine Walker picked up 15 points and nine rebounds to guide the Celtics to a 95-91 win over his former team, the Atlanta Hawks. Walker, acquired at the trade deadline from last-place Atlanta, also made two important defensive plays late in the game as the Hawks suffered their 23rd consecutive road defeat. Paul Pierce led the Celtics in scoring with 0
106438 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Shearer on target in Newcastle victory PIRAEUS, Greece: Newcastle took a major step towards the Uefa Cup quarter-finals here last night with a 3-1 demolition of Olympiakos, who finished the match with only nine players. It was the sixth successive win for Graeme Souness's side, but left a sour taste with Olympiakos. The Greeks' first European loss at home this season came on the 80th birthday of their founding. Spanish referee Arturo Ibanez red carded two Olympiakos players in the first-half and the hosts were subsequently forced to play catch-up. Newcastle took a 1-0 lead at the 12th minute when veteran striker Alan Shearer blasted a penalty kick in the upper left corner past goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis. Olympiakos defender Grigoris Georgatos had brought down Kieron Dyer in the penalty box and the Greek was immediately sent off, much to the displeasure of the standing-room only crowd of 33,000 fans. Olympiakos fought back and managed to draw level only four minutes later when skipper Predrag Djordj 0
106439 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Rathod double ton sets up Awali win SANJAY Rathod smashed an unbeaten 234 to help Awali CC defeat Godfather CC by 234 runs in the only Senior Division match played in the Ernst and Young-sponsored BCA 50 overs League at the Awali grounds. Batting first after winning the toss, Awali sent the opponents on a leather-hunt amassing 394 runs for six in their 50 overs after losing the first two wickets for just 23 runs. Rathod, who has been in scintillating form this season, thrilled the spectators playing one of the best innings at Awali without offering a chance as he hit 30 fours and three sixes. Ashwini Sharma (55) and Khalid Khalil (35) offered good support for Rathod, while Naeem and Ghafoor (2 for 64 each) were the pick of the Godfather CC bowlers. Godfather were never in the hunt and only contributions from Ghafoor (29), Amir (21), Mumtaz (20) and Nadeem (20) helped push the score to 160 all out in 29.1 overs. Much of the damage was done by Anwar Siddique with five for 64. Bahrain Cricket C 0
106440 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Falcons fly out for Manila 10s clashes THE Gulf Air Bahrain Falcons left for the Philippines to take part in the 17th Manila Tens International Rugby Tournament which will be played tomorrow and Sunday. The squad will be led by Rory Power with Trefor Elliott as vice-captain and tour manager and the other squad members are Mike Burton, Bob Phillips, Garry Adriaan, Simon Tucker, Brendon Janson, Brett Van Harmelen, Nabs Al Busaidi, Rob McMurdo, Dave Marshall, Mike Kruger, Shaun MacPherson, Lee Palmer, Robert Jones and David Halford. This tournament is the largest social 10s tournament in Asia and will see 28 teams in the fray from New Zealand, Africa, Europe and Mongolia. Bahrain will play in Pool F along with Hong Kong, Singapore and an international invitational team from the Philippines the Lankins which includes a number of Gulf Internationals along with the legendary David Campese a former Australian international. 0
106441 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Azad seals victory for Jinnah CC A fine all-round performance by Salim Azad helped Jinnah CC defeat Al Siraj Jewellers by 69 runs in the Island Cricket League's Standard Chartered Bank Knockout Tournament. Batting first Jinnah piled up 191 for nine with openers Masood (30) and Shahid giving their side a good start. Azad (61 from 26 deliveries) boosted the run rate while Noor (4-29) and Siraj (3-41) did the most damage. In reply, Al Siraj despite a good start with 53 from five overs could never maintain the fast start with Azad (5-28) dashing any hopes of victory. Bukannan CC enjoyed an 8-wicket win after restricting Coca-Cola CC to 109 for nine with Ashfaq (23 not out) and Hanif (21) being the main scorers with Mumtaz (4-36) the best Bukannan bowler. In reply, Bukannan reached the target scoring 113 for two thanks to a fine 52 not out by Faisal Kareem. In other matches, Pak Golden CC beat Muharraq XI by seven wickets, Meeran Garage CC won by four wickets over Ahmed Sharif Furniture and Bo 0
106442 0 1495 SPOR SPORT AMA claim basketball title AMA International University notched the basketball title in the first President of Goys Universities Championship defeating Arab Open University (AOU) 31-20 in the final yesterday at the Juffair Youth Centre. Eight teams - University of Bahrain (UoB), Canadian University (UCB), Gulf University (GU), Science Health College (CHS), Arabian Gulf University (AGU), New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), the AOU and AMA International Universities - took part in the basketball competition. The teams were divided into two groups of four each with the group winners and runners-up qualifying for the semi-final knock-out. The AOU team finished second while NYIT, who outplayed UCB 19-15, were third. The finals of the two-day event will be held today starting at 9am with the girls soccer and basketball competitions followed by the boys soccer matches which will commence at 4pm. Today's finals and the prize-distribution ceremony will be held under the patronage of Goys presid 0
106443 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Lankans drop injured Murali for Kiwi Tests COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will miss the upcoming Test series in New Zealand because he is still recovering from an injured shoulder, it was announced yesterday. Muralitharan, out of Test cricket since August last year, was not included in an 18-man training squad for the two-Test tour which was postponed from January due to the Asian tsunamis which ravaged Sri Lanka on December 26. The 32-year-old, who underwent corrective surgery last month, will target a return with English county Lancashire after getting married to an Indian girl later this month. "It is unfortunate Murali will not be around in New Zealand, but he needs time to recover," said Sri Lanka's chairman of selectors Asantha De Mel. The off-spinner claimed a world record 532 victims in 91 Tests before the injury, but was later surpassed by Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne who has so far grabbed 567 wickets in 121 Test matches. Muralitharan played his first international m 0
106444 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Busaiteen hold Al Shabab BUSAITEEN and Al Shabab battled to a dull 0-0 draw in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League second-leg last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Al Shabab are presently sharing second position with Al Najma, reigning champions Muharraq and Al Ahli with 17 points each. Busaiteen are on 15 points from 10 matches. In the other match, Al Hala and Bahrain Club shared the points after another goalless draw. Bahrain Club stayed sixth with 14 points while Al Hala claimed their second point of the season but stay at the bottom of the table. Today's fixture: 6.30pm - Muharraq vs Al Ahli. Volleyball fixtures THE Bahrain Volleyball Association (BVA) have rescheduled the Bahrain Premier Division Volleyball League matches. BVA assistant general secretary Habib Mohammed said the match between Al Ahli and Al Najma will be taking place tomorrow at 7pm at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall while Dar Kulaib match against Busaiteen is rescheduled for Mond 0
106445 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Benitez hails Liverpool victory LEVERKUSEN, Germany: Liverpool will take their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with pride, after a note-perfect second-leg performance against Bayer Leverkusen earned them a 6-2 aggregate victory. "No one will underestimate Liverpool after a result like this," Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez said after two goals from Luis Garcia and one from Milan Baros had given the English side a second 3-1 win. Liverpool, the four-times European champions, were beaten by Bayer Leverkusen when they reached the quarter-finals in 2002. 0
106446 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Hadeel to clash with Yasmine for title HADEEL Ali beat Tarryn Carlsson 6-4, 6-2 and Yasmine Ebada eased past Rina Kato 6-2, 6-0 to book berths in the final of the Al Hekma School Juniors Tennis Championship being held at the Bahrain Tennis Federation courts in Isa Town. The event, which is being organised by Al Hekma School in co-operation with the Bahrain Tennis Federation for the third consecutive year, will conclude today with the finals of the boys under-12, 14, 18 and girls under-18 singles. In the boys under-18 singles quarter-finals, top seed Abdulkarim Abdulnabi bet Khalifa Rashdan 6-0, 6-1 to set up a semi-final clash with Hassan Abdulnabi who defeated Ahmed Yousef 6-1, 6-1. Hamad Al Nusuf and Abdulla Mohammed will clash in the other semi-final after Hamad defeated Hamad Khalaf 6-1, 6-3 while Abdulla outplayed Hazem Al Moosawi 6-1, 6-1 in the quarter-finals. Top seed Rashid Al Obaidly reached the boys under-14 singles final following a convincing 6-1, 6-1 win over Ahmed Al Araifi. Rashid earlier defe 0
106447 0 1495 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Isa is winner of junior three class SHAIKH Isa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa steered Galopin to the top spot in the junior three class on the opening day of the Bahrain Open Showjumping Championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre premises in Budaiya. Competition was held in three junior classes yesterday and the event will conclude today with three classes for the seniors starting at 9.15am. Competing among 10 riders, Shaikh Isa finished the class in first place clocking 33.51 seconds without making any faults. In second place was Elaine Galbraith (35.55 seconds) on Tobi while Safia Dawani (38.04) came third on Arctic Rose. Ali Mirza bagged the junior one class in which 18 riders were in the fray. Riding Gino, Ali emerged winner in 28.98 seconds and without committing any fault. He was followed by Jordan Gillespie (32.54) on Fine Art in second place and third was Isa Janahi (33.17) on Double Trouble. Twenty-two riders t 0
106448 0 1495 WORL WORLD Sinn Fein fined over IRA links LONDON: Britain's parliament yesterday fined the Irish Republican Army's political ally Sinn Fein for crime by the guerilla group. The sanction comes a day after the United States called on the IRA to "go out of business" following the outlawed group's admission it had offered to shoot two of its members involved in the fatal stabbing of Belfast Catholic Robert McCartney. Legislators agreed without a vote to strip Sinn Fein's four MPs of state funding worth around 450,000 (BD319,788), the latest blow to a party reeling under allegations the IRA carried out a massive bank robbery and shielded McCartney's killers. "In a place that cherishes the fundamental principles of democracy, it is indeed deeply dispiriting to have to impose penalties on members who have not lived up to those principles," senior British government minister Peter Hain said. The IRA, which called a ceasefire in its violent campaign against British rule in Northern Ireland in 1997, draws its support fro 0
106449 0 1495 WORL WORLD Catholics want rebels to disarm BELFAST: Most Catholics in Northern Ireland want the Irish Republican Army to disarm and disband right now, according to an opinion poll published yesterday. The survey of about 1,000 adults, published in the Belfast Telegraph newspaper, was conducted immediately before the IRA's latest widely criticised move on Tuesday - a public offer to shoot four men involved in the outlawed group's most recent killing in Belfast. The IRA and its allied Sinn Fein party have grown politically isolated since British and Irish authorities blamed the IRA for a massive Belfast bank robbery on December 20, the killing of a Catholic civieeper scepticism about whether the IRA robbed the Northern Bank of a world-record 26.5m. While 88 per cent of people polled from Northern Ireland's British Protestant majority said the IRA did it, just 32pc of Catholics felt the same way. The biggest group of Catholics, 44pc, said they didn't know. 0
106450 0 1495 WORL WORLD Anti-terror strategy outlined MADRID: UN chief Kofi Annan unveiled a five-point global strategy against terrorism yesterday in Madrid, on the eve of commemorations in the city marking the first anniversary of the March 11 train bomb attacks. The plan, outlined at an international conference on terrorism in the Spanish capital gathering several heads of state and government, called for deterring terrorism and punishing states helping terrorists - but not at the expense of human rights. "Upholding human rights is not merely compatible with a successful counter-terrorism strategy. It is an essential element in it," he told an audience which included Spanish King Juan Carlos and the presidents of Afghanistan, Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Pakistan and Portugal. High security surrounded the gathering. A Nato Awacs surveillance plane circled high overhead while 7,000 police fanned out in and around Madrid. That security presence was to continue today, when Annan and the other high-profile visitors attend 0
106451 0 1495 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Performance by British deep house and techno disc jockey Louis Osbourne, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, 11pm. Resident DJ Karim Miknas performs at 10pm. Tickets BD5 and BD3 for Likwid ID holders and ladies. Performance by the Bahrain Big Band, Bahrain Yacht Club, Sitra, 2.30pm-5.30pm; barbecue, 4pm. Contact 17700677. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Areen Wildlife Park, 8am-4pm. Tour fees BD1 adults, 500 fils children. Contact 17836116. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Good Shepherd Foursquare Church worship service, 7pm, Alun Morris Hall, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama. Contact 17242488 or 39650720. Gulf Thrift Shop, open for selling, 9am-noon. Located behind Gulf Union Insurance, Shaikh Salman Highway, Road 5616, Flat 1, H 0
106452 1 1495 WORL WORLD NUCLEAR SHOCKER ISLAMABAD: Abdul Qadeer Khan, the Pakistani scientist at the centre of a nuclear black market, gave Iran centrifuges, Pakistani said yesterday.Centrifuges are used to purify uranium for use as fuel for nuclear weapons. Pakistan has admitted in the past that Khan, dubbed the father of Pakistan's atomic bomb, smuggled nuclear secrets to North Korea, Iran and Libya, but has not given specifics as to what he supplied. "He has given centrifuges to Iran, but the government was in no way involved in this," Pakistani Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said. Khan, revered in Pakistan as the man who secured for Pakistan the nuclear arms capability to balance that of India, admitted to proliferating nuclear materials last year and made a televised apology to the nation. Khan remains under close guard at his home in Islamabad and authorities have refused to allow experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency to question him. 0
106453 0 1495 WORL WORLD Syria begins army pullout BEIRUT: Thousands of Syrian troops are leaving Lebanon under a two-phased pullout plan. Lebanese Defence Minister Abdul Rahim Mrad said: "The first stage of the (Syrian military) redeployment could involve 6,000-7,000 troops out of 14,000." "Most of those withdrawing are going to Syrian territory," he said. However, Syria received a boost as pro-Syrian politician Omar Karameh returned to head a Beirut government in defiance of the opposition. Also yesterday, the New York Times newspaper said that the US administration is ready to accept pro-Syrian Hizbollah militant group as a player in mainstream politics in Lebanon. However, White House spokesman Scott McCellan swiftly denied the report, saying: "It's wrong." 0
106454 0 1495 WORL WORLD Rally call by US activist LONDON: US civil rights activist Jesse Jackson launched a call for greater diversity in the business world yesterday, during a London stay focused on rallying black Britons to flex their political muscle and vote. Side by side with London mayor Ken Livingstone, Jackson unveiled a joint "transatlantic accord" between his non-profit Wall Street Project and the Greater London Authority, to push businesses in both cities to bolster minority numbers. Livingstone's "Diversity Works for London", to be formally announced today, is expected to earmark 10 million (BD7m) over a decade to help businesses stay in line with racial equality laws and encourage minority hiring in their ranks. 0
106455 0 1495 WORL WORLD 'Democracy in Mideast' welcomed LONDON: British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw yesterday welcomed the "emergence of democracy" in the Middle East. He said that a combination of factors were leading to encouraging political developments in the region, including the proliferation of information on the Internet and satellite television. Straw also cited events in the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, Iraq, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia to show how democracy was beginning to spread. "It's clear that something very important is going on," Straw said. "It will be for historians to judge - at greater distance and detachment than I can offer - just how much the end of the Saddam regime in Iraq, and the free elections there in January, have contributed to what is now happening," Straw said. 0
106456 0 1495 WORL WORLD Clinton resting after surgery success NEW YORK: Former US president Bill Clinton underwent surgery in a New York hospital yesterday to correct complications from a quadruple heart bypass operation six months ago. Clinton arrived at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital just before dawn to prepare for the surgery to remove the scar tissue and fluid from his chest, which had been causing discomfort in recent weeks. Television reports said surgeons finished the two hour operation and would hold a Press conference later on Clinton's condition. A statement released by the hospital said the operation was a success and the 58-year-old former president was "resting", reports said. Though the complication is unusual, Clinton and his physicians have said the operation is low risk. He is expected to spend between three and 10 days in hospital after the two-hour surgery, which is to be carried out with an incision or with a video-assisted thoracoscope inserted between the ribs. Clinton was upbeat about the n 0
106457 0 1495 WORL WORLD 11 die in helicopter crash MOSCOW: A military helicopter crashed in Russia's rebel region of Chechnya yesterday, killing at least 11 soldiers, local officials said. The Mi-8 transport helicopter crashed as it flew to the south of local capital Grozny, an interior ministry spokesman said, possibly as a result of flying into power lines. "Our latest figures show 11 people died and two have been taken to hospital," local Interior Ministry spokesman Ruslan Atsayev said. Both Itar-Tass and Interfax news agencies quoted military sources as saying 12 soldiers had died in the crash. Meanwhile, an Islamic fundamentalist judge emerged as the likely successor to Chechen rebel commander Aslan Maskhadov, raising the prospect of the separatist conflict turning decisively into a religious war more than a decade after it first erupted. Abdul-Khalim Sadulayev was backed both by supporters of Maskhadov - who was killed in a Russian raid on Tuesday - and by Chechnya's most feared warlord, Shamil Basayev, who yesterda 0
106458 0 1495 WORL WORLD Huge quantities of drugs seized MANAMA: Huge quantities of drugs have been seized over the past two years in Bahrain, the Interior Minister has revealed. They include 16kg of heroin, 804kg of hashish, 3,825,605 pills of various types and quantities of cocaine and opium, said Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in reply to MP Isa Abu Al Fateh during a recent Parliamentary session. But the ministry has no authority to destroy them according to prevailing laws. Only the Justice Ministry can make that decision, he said. 0
106459 2 1495 WORL WORLD 50 killed in Mosul bombing MOSUL: At least 50 Iraqis were killed and 100 wounded when a suicide bomber blew up at a Shi'ite funeral in Mosul yesterday. The attacker struck as mourners flocked into a hall next to the Sadreen mosque, where a service was being held for Hisham Al Araji, the Mosul representative for radical Shi'ite leader Moqtada Sadr. Meanwhile, the majority Shi'ites political alliance, which swept the elections, was putting the final touches on a deal with the Kurds to form a coalition ahead of the new parliament's first session next Wednesday. "Most likely it will be signed on Sunday," said Adnan Ali, an aide to the frontrunner for prime minister, Shi'ite Ibrahim Jaafari. In Baghdad a police chief, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Obaiss, was shot dead along with two of his companions as they drove through the Al Saidiyah neighbourhood. Another police chief was killed south of Baghdad. 0
106460 0 1495 WORL WORLD Outrage over sex scenes BRITAIN'S censors have no regrets about allowing a ground-breaking film showing real sex to be screened uncut, despite receiving numerous protests ahead of its release today. Dubbed by its director Michael Winterbottom as the most sexually explicit film in mainstream British cinema, 9 Songs explores a relationship via a succession of intense sex scenes, complete with natural sound rather than the usual musical background. A British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) spokeswoman said it had received a stream of complaints since October's decision to show the film uncut with an 18 rating. "We have probably received about 100 letters - only one was in favour of our decision," she said yesterday. "The rating was given within the BBFC's guidelines. There is nothing illegal or harmful shown in the film." The hour-long story of the relationship between Matt and Lisa, played by actors Kieran O'Brien and Margot Stilley is told in retrospect, with minimal dialogue, in short chapters in the bedroom. 0
106461 0 1495 WORL WORLD US musical to be staged LONDON: New York comes to London this week with the British capital's first staging of the Leonard Bernstein musical "On the Town" in more than 40 years. The English National Opera is putting on a full-scale production after director Jude Kelly was approached by the original lyric writers. So taken were Betty Comden and Adolph Green by Kelly's award-winning Singin' in the Rain that they encouraged her to stage the 1944 show On the Town, best known for the 1949 film version starring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra. 0
106462 0 1495 WORL WORLD Grisham to tell a true story now NEW YORK: John Grisham's next legal thriller will have a new twist: It will all be true. The author of The Firm, The Client and other best sellers is writing a work of nonfiction, his first, about a death-row inmate who nearly died for a murder he didn't commit. The book, not yet titled, is scheduled for publication in 2006. "It's a natural story for John to tell," Stephen Rubin, president and publisher of Doubleday Broadway, said. "It has many of the same themes present in his novels - legal suspense, the death penalty, wrongful conviction, even baseball. It's the ultimate true legal thriller." According to Doubleday, Grisham thought of the book after reading the obituary of Ronald Keith Williamson, a promising athlete drafted in the early 1970s by the Oakland Athletics. 0
106463 0 1495 WORL WORLD Pope to extend stay in hospital VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul will remain in hospital "for a few more days," though he will be back at the Vatican by March 20, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said. "On the advice of his doctors, the Holy Father will prolong his stay in hospital for a few more days," he said. He gave no precise date for his discharge from Rome's Gemelli polyclinic. However, he confirmed that the 84-year-old pontiff would be out of hospital before Easter Holy Week ceremonies, which this year begin on March 20 with Palm Sunday. "He will spend Holy Week at the Vatican," the spokesman said. In the meantime, the Pope needed to remain in hospital "in order to complete his convalescence, which is progressing regularly," he said. "I do not expect to issue another communique before Monday, March 14," he said. Before that, he said the Pope will make another appearance at his hospital window for the traditional Sunday Angelus, which according to the Vatican, will take 0
106464 0 1495 WORL WORLD Jackson arrives late in court SANTA MARIA, California: Mercurial superstar Michael Jackson, wearing slippers and pyjamas, yesterday turned up more than an hour late for a court showdown with his child sex accuser after an angry judge issued a warrant for his arrest. In a dramatic turn of events, tough-talking trial judge Rodney Melville ordered that the star be arrested and said he would lose his $3 million (BD1m) bail unless he turned up at court within an hour. "I'm forfeiting his bail, I'm issuing a warrant for his arrest, and I'm holding the order for an hour," Melville said after the star failed to turn at 8:30am to hear his alleged victim testify against him. The judge issued the stunning order even after Jackson's lawyer Thomas Mesereau said the star was being treated in a hospital emergency for a "serious back problem." Just over an hour later, a dishevelled and distressed- looking Jackson, 46, wearing slippers and what appeared to be pyjamas, arrived at the courtroom about two minutes after 0
106465 0 1495 WORL WORLD Suicide rate falls LONDON: The number of suicides in Britain fell to its lowest level in 30 years in 2003, according to official figures published yesterday. There were 5,755 adult suicides that year, the Office for National Statistics said, the smallest number since 1973. Men accounted for about three-quarters of all self-inflicted deaths in 2003. But the male suicide rate fell to 18.1 per 100,000 men, the lowest figure since 1978. 0
106466 0 1495 WORL WORLD Poisoned children buried MABINI: Weeping relatives watched as the coffins of some of the 27 schoolchildren who died after eating improperly prepared cassava root were lined up for burial at a Roman Catholic chapel in the central Philippines. Overcome with grief, Lorenza Asas, mother of 7-year-old Sherwin Asas, stomped her feet on the floor. "I can't accept that my son is dead," she said, as her relatives tried to calm her. The victims, aged 7-13, bought the deep-fried caramelized cassava from vendors during snack time at the San Jose school in Mabini town on the central Philippine island of Bohol. Another 103 people were hospitalised with severe stomach pains and diarrhoea. Starchy cassava roots, while rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, are poisonous without proper preparation. The human digestive system can convert part of them into cyanide if they are eaten raw. At a foothill cemetery, parents, residents and officials watched 12 coffins placed into side-by-side concrete niches. "May 0
106467 0 1495 WORL WORLD Hong Kong's leader Tung resigns HONG KONG: Hong Kong's leader Tung Chee-hwa resigned yesterday, citing health reasons for cutting short an eight-year tenure plagued by economic recession, policy blunders and unease over China's interference. Tung, hand-picked by Beijing to head the southern Chinese territory after its return to Chinese control in 1997, said failing health and stress had forced him to step down with more than two years left of his term in office. "It is time to resign," an ashen-faced Tung told a Press conference. "I think that is the responsible thing to do." Tung said he had tendered his resignation to Chinese government officials yesterday afternoon. Former Hong Kong governor and EU commissioner Chris Patten said he was not surprised by the resignation. "He's done eight difficult years and (I'm) not surprised he's feeling a bit tired and wants to take things a bit easier," Patten said. 0
106468 0 1495 WORL WORLD Nepal vows to restore rights KATHMANDU: Nepal will soon restore civil liberties suspended after King Gyanendra seized power and declared a state of emergency last month, the foreign minister said yesterday. Ramesh Nath Pandey's comments came a day after Kathmandu released eight political leaders detained last month after Gyanendra launched a crackdown against political activists to prevent protests. "The temporary suspension of certain rights of the people, applicable to emergency situations elsewhere in the world, will be restored sooner than later," Pandey said. He said the security situation had improved after the king's decision to assume power and people's confidence in the government's ability to protect them had increased. 0
106469 0 1495 WORL WORLD Agent Orange suit dismissed NEW YORK: A federal judge yesterday dismissed a lawsuit charging that American chemical companies committed war crimes against some four million Vietnamese citizens by making Agent Orange, the military defoliant that allegedly caused birth defects, miscarriages and cancer. "There is no basis for any of the claims of plaintiffs under the domestic law of any nation or state or under any form of international law," US District Judge Jack B Weinstein in Brooklyn wrote in a 233-page ruling. "The case is dismissed." Lawyers who filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Vietnamese citizens argued that Agent Orange, which is laden with the highly toxic chemical dioxin, was a poison barred by international rules of war. Seven killed by lightning in Rajasthan NEW DELHI: Seven people, five of them women, were killed and 18 injured yesterday when they were struck by lightning in west India. The incident occurred in Bharatpur district of western Rajasthan state. Those killed were in the fields ha 0
106470 3 1495 WORL WORLD Pakistan tanker blaze kills six KARACHI: At least six people were killed and around 95 injured when fire broke out yesterday aboard an oil tanker in the Pakistani port city of Karachi and quickly spread to the surrounding area. Navy spokesman Lt Commander Salman Ali said the fire broke out during "maintenance work" on the boat. "It was absolutely an accident. It occurred because of a human error," he told reporters in Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province. Ali said a total of 101 people were brought to PNS Shifa Naval Hospital after the incident. "I confirm that six people died and 95 are being treated," he said, adding that as many as 54 people were listed in serious condition. The spokesman refused to give any other details, however. A doctor said that 90 injured had been brought to the facility, many in critical condition. The doctor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, feared many other sailors could still be trapped on the ship, and that hospital officials had been put on emergency call t 0
106471 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Artistic journey into the past... IN the Place of Soul is the theme of an art exhibition, which opens at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, this week. Around 60 exhibits by four artists from Bahrain and Holland will go on display at the event, which opens at 7pm on Tuesday. There will be mixed media and collage paintings by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin and Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, paintings by Dutch Ali Koers and ceramics by German Brigitte Reuter. The artists previously joined hands for an exhibition entitled About the Place, in Holland in May 2003. "For me, In the Place of Soul is about memories of life, old places and all we do in life that is kept inside our soul," said Mrs Al Amin, who is a member of the Bahrain Arts Society and the Awal Women's Society. "I always feel that I want to go back to the old days and bring the past into the presence. "I find myself in this art. I feel when someone sees my paintings, they see me. I feel they reflect my personality. "If you look at my pai 0
106472 3 1496 BNEW LOCAL The torture cell New allegations of torture have been made by Bahraini detainees at Guantanamo Bay. ABDULRAHMAN FAKHRI reports in the first of a four-part series... A BAHRAINI detainee at Guantanamo Bay was urinated on by US soldiers, had cigarettes put out on him, was made to walk on barbed wire and was told he was going to be killed, according to his lawyers. The latest allegations, which were made by Juma Mohammed Abdul Latif Al Dossary, date back to when he was first detained by US forces in Afghanistan three years ago. The GDN has already reported how he allegedly had a soldier's boot put in his mouth, was beaten so severely by US soldiers that he vomited blood, had tea poured over his head and was given electric shocks during interrogation. The latest claims were made during the same interview with lawyers, who visited Guantanamo Bay last October. However, they can only be released now after the US Defence Department reviewed their notes and deemed the information to be unclassified. 0
106473 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Nanny 'had sex on girls' school roof' A DISABLED girl's nanny has been caught having sex on the roof of the child's school with a mechanic. The naked couple were spotted by teachers who reported them to the headmistress, Bahrain's Lower Criminal Court heard. She is also charged with having sex with the Arad school's Bahraini watchman. The Sri Lankan nanny, 30, had been working in Hidd for a BDF officer. She looked after his handicapped daughter and one of her duties was to take the girl to school. Both the Indian mechanic, 31, and watchman are charged with committing adultery, indecent exposure and having sex with the maid many times at the girls' school. She told the court that she took the little girl to the school in Arad area every day and stayed there until it closed. "In the school, I met this Indian mechanic who was there in the school to maintain air-conditioners. Once he asked me to have sex with him and I agreed and he took me to the roof of the school and we did it there dur 0
106474 2 1496 BNEW LOCAL Driving home the safety message A HOST of activities have been lined up in Bahrain for the 21st Gulf Traffic Week, which starts today and ends on Friday. It is being marked simultaneously in all GCC countries under the theme Your Driving Reflects Your Manners. The events, which will be held in co-operation with the General Directorate of Traffic and Education Ministry, include honouring ceremonies, traffic campaigns, competitions, seminars and visits to hospitals, among others. Traffic awareness and public relations supervisor, Major Mohammed Bin Dayna, said one of the highlights will be the third Transportation and Roads Forum, which will be held under the patronage of Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The forum will take place on Wednesday at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel and highlight the first draft of the national traffic safety plan. The week will conclude with a painting competition for children organised in co-operation with the Bahrain Contemporary Arts Association at Al A'ali C 0
106475 1 1496 BNEW LOCAL GPIC bonanza for shareholders MANAMA MANAMA: Gulf Petrochemicals Industries Company (GPIC) shareholders are set to cash in to the tune of $96 million in dividends after the company announced it will distribute its entire net profits from last year. The move was approved by shareholders at GPIC's ordinary general meeting. It came after the company reported a 60 per cent increase in net profits, compared to 2003. GPIC saw production of ammonia, methanol and urea reach 1.287m tonnes last year, of which 1.046m tonnes was exported. It also achieved 3.17m working hours without a lost time accident, which equalled 956 working days for GPIC employees. Meanwhile, on-site contracting staff achieved 1.01m working hours, which equalled 493 working days. The total number of working hours without a lost time accident was 4.18m hours. 0
106476 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Young 'diplomats' debate key global issues More than 350 students taking part in the Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun) conference took a bow yesterday after debating on key international issues for two days. The students, from government and private schools as well as three international schools in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, spent their time lobbying for resolutions to make the world a better place to live in. This year's event, organised by the Rotary Club of Adliya was held at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo School in Isa Town, under the patronage of Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar. The students, aged between 15 and 18, were presented with certificates at the closing ceremony, held at the school yesterday. The six top delegates, Ratan Dominic Rego from the General Assembly, Sarah Yousif Abdulkarim from the Security Council, Shagoul Arafeen from the Economic and Social Council, Samar Ahmed Al Ansari from the Human Rights and Aditya Das from the Press Corps were al 0
106477 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Shops at airport could be taxed SHOPS at Bahrain International Airport could soon be ordered to pay municipal tax. It follows complaints from shopkeepers outside the airport, who are upset because they already have to pay the levy. The proposal has been put forward by Muharraq Municipal Council legislative and financial affairs committee chairman Majeed Karimi. He is now investigating whether those inside the airport are being given an unfair advantage. "Until now the status of these shops at the airport is unclear," Mr Karimi told the GDN. "But I am certain that the Muharraq Municipality is not collecting any municipal tax from them - even though they are using municipal services. "The airport is a public facility, but shops there are not." Shopkeepers outside the airport are particularly upset because they say they earn less than their competitors inside the terminal. "This is creating trouble between us and the shopkeepers outside," said Mr karimi. "They compla 0
106478 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL BD640 stolen in Hoora car raid A WALLET containing 500 Kuwaiti dinars (BD640) was stolen from a car parked in Hoora, sources told the GDN. They also took immigration documents from the Kuwaiti-registered vehicle, which was raided while owner Ali Adil was visiting friends. When he returned to his car the following morning he found the passenger window smashed and his wallet and documents missing. The incident, which is thought to have happened between 1am and 3am, was reported to police. 0
106479 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL 44-year-old school to get a new sports hall PUPILS at one of the oldest schools in Bahrain, the Samaheej Primary and Elementary Boys School, could finally get their own sports hall. It means they could say goodbye to unpleasant workouts in the hot summer sun, as well as shivering in the cold during winter. The new addition to the 44-year-old school would benefit up to 1,000 students, who now have to make do with open-air facilities. It has already been approved by the Muharraq Municipal Council, but is now waiting for the go-ahead from Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. Empty land near the school has been earmarked for the project at the suggestion of Muharraq Municipal Councillor Hussain Isa Ahmed Yousif. He said the new hall would not only assist the children's physical education, but also allow the school to play a more active role in the community. "This hall could be used to hold all sorts of celebrations, either for schools or other civil establishments in the area. "In addition, 0
106480 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL 'Guests' run away with Saudi's cash THIEVES allegedly stole 1,000 Saudi riyals (BD100) and two mobile phones from a Saudi's hotel room while he slept. Mishal Mohammed, 22, said he invited two Bahraini youths up to his room at Al Farsan Hotel, but fell asleep at around 3am. He claims that when he woke up both youths were gone, along with his cash and phones. The matter was reported to police. 0
106481 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Lions Club celebrates anniversary THE Lions Club of Bahrain is celebrating the 27th Annual Lions Day tonight at the Regency InterContinental Hotel, Manama. The event will also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter. It will begin at 8.15pm at the hotel's Al Hawar Room. Scores of people are expected to attend the event, including UN resident co-ordinator Dr Khalid Alloush, German Ambassador Wolfgang Lerke, Thai Ambassador Widhya Bhoolsuwan and Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra. A new Lions Club of Bahrain member Aloma Jayasundera will also be inducted at the celebration. The relationship between the Lions Club International and the UN began in 1945, at the end of the Second World War. US president Harry Truman, Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other world leaders signed the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. In the same year, Lions founder Melvin Joes and past international presidents Fred Smith and D A Skeen were asked to help develop the non-governmental o 0
106482 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Needy get BD51,000 to set up businesses LoanS worth BD50,900, have been distributed to needy families to help them start their own cottage industries. The gesture is being spearheaded by Al Eslah Society to help poor people earn their living and improve their conditions. Society human welfare committee executive director Khalid Abdulkarim said that 363 people have benefited from the scheme, which is being run according to Islamic banking laws. "The society's long-term loans start from BD100 and go up to BD600," he said. "Those borrowing money should invest their money in a successful project - something which will help them make more money and develop their business as they go along." Mr Abdulkarim said that work on the project began in 2001 in co-ordination with the Social Affairs Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). "Under an agreement with both parties, the society should collect BD18 from beneficiaries in the first month and divide the rest of the amount in instalm 0
106483 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL New pact a boost for scientific research The Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) and Al Moalem Institute (AMI) have joined forces to explore the possibilities of forming links with the JUST Consultative Centre in Jordan and offer their courses and services in Bahrain. Courses on Science and Technology will include a wide range of services to the public, such as consultation, continuing education programmes, technological investment and research programmes. The JUST Consultative Center director Dr Khalil Ereifej and AMI managing director Aqeel Abdulrasool signed an official contract to seal the joint venture. 0
106484 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL A record of abuse... DORSEY and Whitney represents six Bahrainis who are being detained at the high-security US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Allegations of abuse were made during interviews they conducted with the Bahrainis in Guantanamo Bay last October. All notes taken during client interviews at Guantanamo Bay are considered classified until they have been reviewed and deemed unclassified by the US Defence Department. The legal team had to provide all notes to US military personnel immediately after each interview. They were then sent by military personnel to a secure facility in Crystal City, Virginia, where counsel with security clearance are permitted to review classified materials. In violation of a court order and military regulations, the notes taken from Bahraini detainees were sent via regular mail, rather than secure post. As such, notes taken with one Bahraini client, Essa Ali Abdulla Al Murbati, never arrived at the secure facility. According 0
106485 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Range of art to go on display MORE than 1,000 framed paintings, coins, stamps, maps and other artefacts from around the world will go on display at an exhibition being held on Tuesday at the Bapco Club, Awali. The three-day event is being held by Sheema Framing and Gallery, Adliya. This is the gallery's first solo show although it has previously taken part in several joint exhibitions in Bahrain. The exhibition includes a variety of items such as oil paintings from Bahrain, Syria and Egypt, old black and white photographs of Bahrain, Bahraini stamps, coins and maps and Dilmun seal replicas. Limited edition Formula One oil paintings created by Bahraini Abbas Al Mosawi and replicas on canvas will also go on display. Other items to be showcased include traditional Indian paintings created on Indian silk and Indian spotless marble, Iraqi oil paintings, as well as Iraqi and Afghani jewellery. Iraqi stamps, bank notes, coins and currency, as well as Russian and Ukraine currency are additiona 0
106486 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Key oil and gas seminar opens A MAJOR oil and gas conference will be opened in Bahrain today by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The 14th Society of Petroleum Engineers Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2005) is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. An exhibition of oil and gas-related products, featuring more than 280 companies from 21 countries, is taking place on the sidelines. The technical conference has also been organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers under the theme "meeting the global demand challenge". The event aims to deals with issues at the cutting edge of industry development and provides delegates with the opportunity to exchange ideas and know-how. More than 1,200 people are expected to attend the event, which features a welcome speech by Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. Other keynote speakers include Iraq Deputy Oil Minister Ahmed Al Shamma, MEOS 2005 chairman and Kuwait Oil Company chairman a 0
106487 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Training centre opened A NEW training centre was opened at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Manama. The Administration Training and Development Centre, set up by Human Performance Improvement (UPI), is located at the fourth floor of the chamber's building and will offer various training programmes to the private sector. Labour Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, who opened the premises on behalf of Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, said the centre would be instrumental in offering training programmes in line with labour market requirements. Chamber second-deputy president Esam Fakhro said the aim behind opening the centre was to assist the private sector to choose the type of training required and contribute to Bahrainisation efforts. 0
106488 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Key tips on strategic planning PERSONAL strategic planning is the focus of a lecture on Monday at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. It starts at 7pm and will be conducted by independent training and development consultant Martin Horan, who is based in Dublin, Ireland. He will discuss topics such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats; analysis marketing audit; leadership; management; and other issues based on his work with executives and organisations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Mr Horan is a founding member of Bahrain Society for Training and Development (BSTD) and was head of management training at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF). He was also training director for Samba, Saudi Arabia, in the 1990s and now presents a weekly radio programme in Dublin called the Martin Horan Development Show. His lecture is being organised by the BSTD, which can be reached on 17825518 for more information or to register. 0
106489 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Fun day at club SCORES of families showed up for the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club Day held yesterday at the club in Saar. The day included a match between the Dubai Hurricanes and the American Express 1st XV team, food and drinks, a Formula One promotion and live entertainment from the Red Shoes band flown in from Australia. 0
106490 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Shop manager pockets watch AN Al Hawaj shop manager stole a watch and then pretended robbers had snatched it. Auditors asked about the missing watch, but the manager instructed staff to tell them it was among those taken during a robbery, Bahrain's Lower Criminal Court heard. The Bahraini manager, 28, was jailed for one year. He could avoid prison by paying a BD1,000 fine. He pleaded not guilty on March 8, to embezzling cash and goods belonging to Al Hawaj's East Riffa branch. A lawyer, representing the company, said that the defendant had breached trust and also embezzled money. He sold a watch to a customer and pocketed BD200 given by a shaikh as advance payment. He also took away a watch worth BD159.900 to show a customer and did not bring the money or watch back to the shop. "When the person in charge of the store's watch section asked him about it during an auditing process the defendant told him to include the watch among ones missing during a robbery sometime ago. "Th 0
106491 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Report on changes to building law ready A REPORT that recommends changes to Bahrain's building laws is due to be completed next week - almost a year after it was supposed to be handed in. The recommendations include allowing the construction of taller buildings as a direct result of an increase in land prices. It will be passed on to Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa by the specially-formed building legislation committee. It should have been ready in April last year, but was not completed until January. However, it was further delayed after municipal councillors requested more time to review it, according to committee head and Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed. The report will now be sent to the Premier to approve amendments to the existing building laws. Mr Al Sayed said the long process highlighted a lack of co-operation between government officials and municipal councillors on the committee. "I imagined the representatives would go back and enlighte 0
106492 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Contest winners to be honoured Ninety-three winners of a competition for children will be presented with their prizes at a ceremony on Wednesday at Bahrain National Museum. The event will be patronised by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Up to 3,000 children took part in this years' competition which featured painting, poetry, music, photography, website design, short stories, and theatre, Children's Festival Organising Committee chairperson Shaikha Marwa bint Rashid Al Khalifa said. 0
106493 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Evergreen plans for Bahrain's highways PLANS are in place to transform Bahrain's dusty arid roadsides into lush green gardens. The idea is to decorate the country's new highways with traditional plants and evergreens. Work has already started next to the Central Market interchange, in Manama, and should be completed sometime this month, according to landscape consultant John Davies. "In these new designs we have not only included the date palm and native Middle Eastern shrubs, but also a huge variety of seasonal flowers and evergreens," he told the GDN. John A Davies Landscape Consultants was charged with designing the roadside gardens, which will be planted by the Works and Housing Ministry. Mr Davies added that plans are also in place for the new Seef interchange and the area will be landscaped as soon as building work is complete. "With these projects we are returning some of the greenery back to Bahrain," he said. "It has been my job to select suitable plants, shrubs and trees for t 0
106494 0 1496 BNEW LOCAL Expat, 68, bids farewell A SENIOR member of the Indian community is leaving Bahrain for good after 48 years. Kishor Tirathdas Asarpota, 68, leaves today to join his sons and grandchildren in the UAE. Popularly known as Kishorbhai, Mr Asarpota has been vice-chairman of the Thattai Hindu Mercantile Community (THMC) and chairman of the Chinmaya Society for several years. He has also served as the secretary and treasurer of the THMC, in addition to being a founder member of a number of societies, including the Bhatia Mitra Mandal. Mr Asarpota said he is leaving Bahrain with fond memories, but is sad to be leaving so many friends. "It is in this country that I have spent my longest span of life with full freedom," he said. Mr Asarpota has worked at Yousuf Mahmood Hussain Pharmacy, in Manama, for more than 30 years as financial controller. The society and the THMC jointly organised a farewell party for Mr Asarpota at the THMC auditorium, Manama. Society president Bhaskar 0
106495 1 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Brown 'under pressure to increase taxes in budget' LONDON: British Finance Minister Gordon Brown may hand out a few mild sweeteners in his budget on Wednesday, but analysts say tax rise in future years are likely. Pouring funds into creaking public services over the current economic cycle has left the Chancellor of the Exchequer little leeway in the next one to meet his fiscal golden rule, which states he may borrow only to invest. For years critics have been needling Brown on his fiscal stewardship even as his growth forecasts have proved remarkably accurate and as the elusive strong corporate tax revenues he predicted for months are now flowing in. But analysts say even if Brown sticks to his pledge to offer no big giveaways in his ninth budget, it seems inevitable that taxes will have to go up, perhaps as soon as next year, to get the nation's finances back on a solid footing. "Whether or not the Golden Rule is technically met in this cycle, the big picture is one of a major deterioration in the fiscal position over the last 0
106496 2 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Gates tops world's richest list with $47bn LOS ANGELES: With $46.5 billion, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is still the world's richest person, while Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, worth $12bn, is the wealthiest media tycoon and Jeffrey Katzenberg and Martha Stewart are newly minted billionaires, according to data released by Forbes. Actually, Stewart might have been a billionaire on and off, depending on where shares of her company, Martha Stewart Living Ominimedia, were trading. But strange timing has kept her from the Forbes list of the world's billionaires until now, said Peter Newcomb, a Forbes magazine editor. The day Stewart went to prison, Newcomb said, she was worth $350 million. Now, as she finishes her sentence under house arrest, she clocks in as the world's 620th wealthiest person, with $1bn. Stewart, in fact, is in a tie with dozens more, including Harry Potter author J K Rowling, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and DreamWorks Animation topper Katzenberg. "Michael Eisner is not on the list, whic 0
106497 3 1496 BUSI BUSINESS UK hints at real estate reforms LONDON: British finance minister Gordon Brown yesterday hinted at reforming home-buying tax in the forthcoming budget. As house prices have more than doubled since the Labour party swept to power in 1997, Brown is under pressure to reform so-called "stamp duty" to help more first-time buyers into an increasingly unaffordable market. "He's not going to have a huge amount of money to throw around. So it looks like what there is will be fairly carefully targeted," said Jonathan Loynes of consultancy Capital Economics. The lowest threshold for paying tax on a property purchase - 60,000 - has not been raised since 1993. Mortgage lenders say the tax now affects three quarters of first-time buyers, compared with around a quarter in 1997 and are urging Brown to raise the threshold in line with higher house prices. The opposition Conservative party has accused Prime Minister Tony Blair's government of causing a housing crisis for first-time buyers. It dubbed stamp duty a "ste 0
106498 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Schroeder to boost pace of growth BERLIN: German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said he was considering short-term measures to boost economic growth. "We want to look if we can do something short-term, if the resources are there," Schroeder said after talks with German industry leaders. He suggested local authorities could be encouraged to increase investment spending and rejected calls for a rise in value-added tax to fund a cut in unemployment insurance. But Schroeder gave few other details of his plans before a keynote speech in parliament and talks with opposition leaders next Thursday. Schroeder is under pressure to try to boost growth as unemployment has hit a post-war peak of 5.2 million before the state election in North Rhine-Westphalia. Schroeder said in the text of a speech earlier this week that he would unveil "additional measures" to boost Europe's largest economy, which contracted slightly at the end of 2004. However, he later dropped the passage, placing a question mark over 0
106499 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Warner Music planning to raise $750m WASHINGTON: Warner Music Group, the smallest of the world's four big record companies with a roster of artists that includes Madonna and Green Day, filed yesterday to raise up to $750 million in an initial public offering of common stock. The company, in its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, did not disclose the number of shares to be sold or the estimated price per share. Those details are expected in future filings. Warner Music was bought from Time Warner last year for $2.6 billion by a group of private equity partners that was led by the music group's chairman and chief executive, Edgar Bronfman Jr. Stockholders plan to sell shares in the offering, but the filing did not say which stockholders would sell or how many shares they would offer. Recorded music accounts for 83 per cent of Warner Music's revenue, and the music publishing business accounts for 17pc. The company posted a profit in its fiscal first quarter ended December 31 of $36 million amid 0
106500 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS British unions vote for strike LONDON: British local government workers have voted in favour of a strike on March 23 if talks over pensions fail. A joint statement by five unions representing 1.4 million workers described talks with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott last night as constructive. But unions said their members would support a strike if there was no agreement. The government wants to raise the public sector pension age to 65 from 60, starting from 2006 for new civil servants and from 2013 for existing workers. It argues that change is needed because people are living longer. But unions are angry that local councils, many of which are struggling to cope with deficits, have whittled away pension benefits over several years. Some of those shortfalls began when the previous Conservative government in the early 1990s allowed councils to tap into pension funds to help the transition from the very unpopular poll tax to the council tax. With membership in decline in recent years, unions, 0
106501 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Greenspan worried over US trade gap NEW YORK: Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said he was not "overly" concerned about the record US trade gap and heavy consumer debt loads, but the nation's budget outlook gave him pause. "The resolution of our current account deficit and household debt burdens does not strike me as overly worrisome, but that is certainly not the case for our fiscal deficit," Greenspan told the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. "Our fiscal prospects are, in my judgment, a significant obstacle to long-term stability because the budget deficit is not readily subject to correction by market forces that stabilise other imbalances," he said. The Fed chief said rapid globalisation may have allowed the United States to carry large trade and budget gaps so far without economic harm. "Has something fundamental happened to the US economy that enables us to disregard all the time-tested criteria for assessing when economic imbalances become worrisome?" Greenspan asked rhetorically. BOMBAY: Reserve Bank of India governor Yaga Venugopal Reddy said that diversification of foreign exchange reserves was being discussed within the bank and it was a subject of ongoing debate amongst all central banks. India's foreign exchange reserves are at a record high of $135.66 billion, the sixth largest in the world, and have been rising thanks to robust trade inflows and portfolio investment in the rapidly growing economy. Japan with $840bn and China with $609.9bn stand first and second respectively in terms of foreign exchange reserves. "Yes it is being discussed. We are always discussing. It's a continuous process," Reddy said in response to a question whether diversification of reserves was being discussed by the central bank. Reddy was speaking on the sidelines of a fixed income and money market dealers conference and his comments come just a day after Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said foreign exchange reserves should be diversified, triggering a de 0
106503 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS World Bank in Iraq partnership WASHINGTON: In its first major investment in Iraq's banking sector, the World Bank's private-sector lending arm said it would buy a minority stake in Credit Bank of Iraq in partnership with Kuwait's biggest bank, National Bank of Kuwait. The International Finance Corporation, which has $18 billion invested in private-sector projects in developing countries, said the acquisition was critical to revive Iraq's banking sector, which for years was under state control and in dire need of fresh capital. "A well functioning financial sector is crucial for Iraq's overall development," said Sami Haddad, the IFC's director for the Middle East and North Africa. "The IFC's investment ... will strengthen not only the financial industry but the national economy as a whole," Haddad said. The IFC said it and the National Bank of Kuwait planned to increase the capital of Credit Bank of Iraq in stages. The National Bank of Kuwait was among the first three foreign financial institut 0
106504 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Impact of budget is discussed MANAMA: The Indian budget 2004-2005 came under the spotlight at a talk organised at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. Supreme Court of India senior attorney and tax expert H P Ranina spoke at the event, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Bahrain Chapter. Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra was the chief guest. Mr Ranina discussed the main issues related to the budget for the year, concentrating on those, which will affect Non Resident Indians (NRIs) and the impact of the budget on the Indian economy. He also discussed investment opportunities in India. 0
106505 0 1496 BUSI BUSINESS Global oil demand is set to grow LONDON: World oil demand will grow even faster than expected this year as a harsh end to the northern winter and robust growth in the United States and China pump up consumption, the International Energy Agency said yesterday. Estimated demand growth this year has been revised up by 290,000bpd to 1.81 million bpd, taking annual global consumption to 84.3m bpd, the IEA said in its monthly Oil Market Report. "The revision is attributed primarily to very cold weather in late February and early March, a more robust view of US economic growth and the impact of this and other factors on China's oil demand growth prospects," said the IEA, which advises industrialised nations on energy policy. Strong demand helped pull down commercial OECD oil stocks by 3m barrels in January to 2.57 billion, keeping forward demand cover steady at 51 days, the IEA said. 0
106506 0 1496 COMM COMMENTLining their pockets... Many people who watch Africa cannot understand how poor countries can sustain leaders who rapidly become some of the richest people on earth. How do they do it? Take Mobutu in the Congo, he was estimated to have accumulated a personal fortune of over US$4 000 000 000.00. This huge sum could have almost paid off the international debts of the country at the time. Then one of the last military leaders in Nigeria accumulated a fortune at the astonishing rate of over a billion dollars a year during his tenure. That is US$2.7 million (BD1m) a day! The new leader of Mozambique, one of the poorest countries on earth, is not only a long time Marxist but is now the richest man in the country. Even in chaotic and impoverished Angola, the leadership lives in a lavish manner and has enormous sums of money stashed in secret overseas accounts. Just how is this sudden wealth achieved? First of all they do it very secretly - using their power at home to withhold the information from the watchful 0
106509 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Arabic music on the buses maddening! ANYONE unlucky enough to use public transport buses knows that they are not so regular and sometimes you have to wait for more than 30 minutes, which is normal provided that just a few people use them. We can handle this, but at least - keep them clean! Especially those little buses. Their seat covers seem to have never been cleaned. Let someone from the company sit there ... would they feel comfortable? I don't think so! No one expects much luxury in a bus, but they should be at least clean enough. And one more thing about buses - the radio stations they play. Drivers always play some Arabic stations. I can stand the music there, but when it comes to religious programmes ... I feel like jumping through the window as fast as possible! Nothing against this, but after all this is not a mosque. The driver can force the passengers to listen to it, and most of them are not Muslims and even don't know Arabic. So why not just play Radio Bahrain, for example? The music there is fine, th 0
106510 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Water, water... WATER shortage on an island !!" Water, water every where but not a drop to drink. Well that's understandable as the water is really saline and our government will have to spend a lot in order to provide sweet drinking water on tap but then this would reduce the millions they have to allocate to beautification projects and rehabilitation projects which seem to take years to even start. I have been living in Gudaibiya for some time now. Our building which is new is in a crowded location. Has five flats on each of the four floors but water just enough for two flats. There was a shortage in February for a week and even now for the past four days residents are struggling and smelling. There is no water to bathe, no water to wash, no water to brush, no water to clean. But then we live on an island with water everywhere. Will someone in the water ministry do something about this! A disappointed resident AN Electricity and Water Ministry spokesman said: We are continually 0
106511 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Traffic jams awful TRAFFIC congestion in Manama gets worse by the day, so anything the authorities can do to alleviate the problem is surely welcome. So now we have yellow "boxes" at major intersections. Wonderful idea. What a pity most drivers think they're part of a beautification scheme. Has any real effort been made to educate motorists on the purpose of these boxes? How about some signs or even the occasional traffic policeman on duty? Start booking drivers who stop in the boxes - now that might achieve something... Malcolm Maries 0
106512 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Yellow peril? WE have the new (box junctions) - lines that have been painted across traffic light junctions, but not a single motorist understands what they are for. Very few motorists ever use their indicator signs when changing lanes or turning left or right, and few wear seat-belts. Why does the Traffic Department not produce a professional series of TV advertisements - on Channel 4 & 55 in English and Arabic to educate our people (as they do in the other countries)? TV is the best media because it is viewed by everyone. Nasreen 0
106513 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Mark ups huge WE find that substantial discounts on prices of various consumer products are offered in the market regularly, under some pretext or other, like festive seasons, annual clearance sales etc. Even after selling a significant portion of their products at such reduced prices, in the name discount and incurring huge sums by way offering prizes by lucky draws to the purchasers of their products, the firms manufacturing these items are making huge profits. Common people fall a prey to these unethical marketing tactics. This clearly establishes the fact that the actual prices charged on these products should, in reality, be exhorbitantly high. People are forced to pay very high prices than what actually should be charged. It is a moral offence, even if not a legal one, to fix prices with unreasonably high profits? Should there not be a mechanism to check such unethical practices of the Trade and Industries? Who are the authorities who should deal with such social offences? It wi 0
106514 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Wedding fair? I SUGGEST that the Women's Council has a fair on wedding occasions with pavilions from all over the world representing their customs and traditions. I hope my suggestion sounds good. Str 0
106515 0 1496 LETT LETTERS Speedbreaker please THIS is a request for the road and repairs directorate to provide a speedbreaker. There is urgent need of one on road 2912, in front of Makaba Gardens Saar, Budaiya. The cars on this road are driven too fast heading towards the highway. An accident is waiting to happen with other vehicles trying to come out of the compound or kids cycling. There is no sign requesting them to slow down, or road humps for kids playing. Resident Makaba Gardens Saar 0
106516 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Indian team retained MOHALI: India have retained their 14-member squad for the second Test against Pakistan starting at Calcutta's Eden Gardens on March 16. The national selectors again ignored middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif, keeping faith with Vangipurappu Laxman and left-hander Yuvraj Singh. Laxman, who was under pressure going into the match after scoring only two half-centuries in his last 15 innings, struck 58 after recovering from a shaky start. Squad: Saurav Ganguly (captain), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Vangipurappu Laxman, Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Irfan Pathan, Anil Kumble, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra, Yuvraj Singh. 0
106517 2 1496 SPOR SPORT Kasparov quits professional chess MADRID: Garry Kasparov, right, the world's top-ranked chess player for the past 20 years, has announced his retirement from the professional circuit. The 41-year-old Russian made the announcement at a news conference yesterday in the southern Spanish town of Linares, which hosts a prestigious tournament every year. The chess world has been bitterly divided since 1993 into two rival federations with rival champions, and Kasparov said he was disappointed with a failed campaign to reunify the title. He said he would continue to play chess, write books about it and take part in tournaments, such as so-called knockout events in which he plays many opponents at once, or in speed-chess games. But he is saying goodbye to lucrative, top-level professional play. 0
106518 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Green ahead as Els survives DOHA: Richard Green of Australia shot a four-under 68 yesterday to take a one-stroke lead over Swedish golfers Pierre Fulke and Robert Karlsson after the second round of the Qatar Masters. Ernie Els, the only top-50 ranked player in the field, bounced back with a 69 after opening with a 73. No 3 ranked Els is seven strokes off the lead going into the third round. Green had a composite nine-under 135. Fulke shot 70 and Karlsson carded a 67, both in at 136. Thai golfer Thaworn Wiratchant shot a 68 and was a further stroke behind. Three players were three shots off the lead: Frenchmen Raphael Jacquelin (68) and Gregory Harvet (67), and David Park (70) of Wales. "You can never write Ernie off," Green said. "I wouldn't mind betting he puts together a 6-under or something like that tomorrow." Els, who won the Dubai event last week, said he would need a "quality weekend" to be in contention at Qatar. A strong finish would allow the South African to close in on No 1-ranked Tiger 0
106519 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Ghazwan bags a grand double SAMI Ghazwan notched the adult five and Grand Prix titles while Hussain Al Daylami took the adult four class crown in the Bahrain Open Showjumping Championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), which concluded yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre premises in Budaiya. Ghazwan, who is one of Bahrain's top veteran riders, completed the adult five class in style and maintained his momentum to win the first two positions in the Grand Prix class. Sixteen riders took part in the Grand Prix and Ghazwan steered Amira to claim first position in 63.77 seconds with four faults. Ghazwan also took second place on Raheeb in 69.98 seconds and four faults. Third was Elyas Mohammed (71.47) on Tashan. In the adult five class, Ghazwan rode Amira to a first place finish in 27.23 seconds, ahead of Mohammed (31.80) on Tashan and Musallam Ali (36.44) on DHL Golden Girl. The other adult four class was won by Al Daylami on Fumwari and in 36.54 seconds. 0
106520 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Al Mahsni claims Bahrain Open golf NASSER Saad Al Mahsni edged out Abdulla Sultan in a second hole play-off to claim the title in the Batelco-sponsored 42nd Bahrain Open Golf Championship which concluded yesterday at the Awali Golf Club. The Bahrain Golf Association (BGA) duo of Al Mahsni and Sultan carded 144 for a four over forcing the championship into a play-off. In a dramatic finish, Al Mahsni looked set to grab the title but Sultan stayed in contention with a timely eagle. Both players were at par after the first hole play-off but a bogey by Sultan at the second play-off hole handed the title to Al Mahsni. Sultan had handed over the title to Diab Sagar 1997 in a similar way. Both Al Mahsni and Sultan had to wage a spirited battle from their overnight fourth and 14th places. Overnight leader Ali Sagar (69) fell off the pace and finished sixth overall while the only other player to card par on the first day Khalid Salem Hamed ended ninth, Defending champion David Park carded a 0
106521 1 1496 SPOR SPORT INDIA AHEAD MOHALI, India: Fast bowler Laxmipathy Balaji and spinner Anil Kumble shared five wickets as India exposed Pakistan's batting limitations to move closer to winning the opening Test here yesterday. Pakistan had few in-form batsmen against a full-strength Indian attack as they reached 257 for six at stumps on the fourth day after trailing by 204 runs. Skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq (86), Yousuf Youhana (68) and Asim Kamal (48) offered stiff resistance, but their efforts were still not good enough to steer their team to safety. India look set to wrap up the match on the fifth and final day today for a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series as Pakistan are just 53 runs ahead with four wickets in hand. All-rounder Abdul Razzaq was batting on 22 with Kamran Akmal (nine). Balaji, out of Test cricket for nearly a year due to an abdomen injury, made an impressive comeback, finishing with three for 67 following his maiden five-wicket haul in the first innings. Veteran leg-spinner 0
106522 3 1496 SPOR SPORT McGrath leads Aussie fightback CHRISTCHURCH: A mesmerising six-wicket spell of swing bowling from Glenn McGrath pulled Australia back into the first Test against New Zealand to wrap up the first innings at 433, with the tourists 141 for three in reply at the stumps here yesterday. McGrath's six for 40 in a scintillating 10-over burst began when New Zealand had reached 388 for five and the innings ended just 45 runs later. His mastery, coupled with a mature 146 by novice New Zealand Test batsman Hamish Marshall, left the honours even at the end of the second day on the placid Jade Stadium wicket. Australia made a flying start in reply to New Zealand's 433, batting at a run-a-ball for the first six overs and with Justin Langer becoming the fifth Australian to top 1,000 Test runs against New Zealand alongside Allan Border, David Boon, Steve Waugh and Greg Chappell. But Langer was to fall soon after, bowled by James Franklin for 23, and Matthew Hayden, who survived a controversial not out from the third um 0
106523 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Campbell in driver's seat with sizzling round of 64 TORONTO: Chad Campbell fired a sizzling eight-under-par 64 to grab a two-stroke lead over fellow American Brett Wetterich after the first round of the $5.5-million Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in Florida yesterday. Fiji's Vijay Singh, who surrendered the world number one ranking to Tiger Woods at the Doral Open last Sunday, had to be content with a one-under-par round at the Country Club at Mirasol. Singh was joined on 71 by Davis Love III, runner-up the last two years, world number seven David Toms, winner of the WGC-Match Play Championship two weeks ago, and 2008 European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo, making his first appearance on the 2005 PGA Tour. Campbell, who led through much of last month's rain-hit Nissan Open only to lose to Australian Adam Scott in a playoff, racked up eight birdies, an eagle and two bogeys on the Sunrise course to rocket to the top of the leaderboard. Playing the front nine last, Campbell had a flawless finish to his round, making six b 0
106524 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Streak and Blignaut to Zimbabwe's rescue CENTURION, South Africa: Heath Streak and Andy Blignaut punished an injury-hit South African bowling attack as Zimbabwe staged a recovery on the first day of the second Test at Centurion Park yesterday. After being virtually down and out at 115 for seven, Zimbabwe reached a respectable total of 269 and kept South Africa in the field for most of the day. South Africa were 13 for no wicket at the close after facing three overs. Streak made 85 and Blignaut hit a quick-fire 52. The pair, who only returned to the Zimbabwe side in time for last week's first Test after almost out a year out of international cricket following a dispute which split the country's cricket, put on 76 for the eighth wicket. Streak and Graeme Cremer added another 73 for the ninth wicket, with Cremer defending grimly in an innings of 12. The Zimbabweans were aided by the absence of three South African bowlers through injury while Streak and Blignaut launched their fightback. They were Zimbabwe's last re 0
106525 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Ahmed and Rashid bag Al Hekma tennis crowns AHMED Abdulreda won the boys under-12 title, Rashid Al Obaidly the boys under-14 crown while Hamad Al Nusuf and Yasmine Ebada lifted the boys and girls' under-18 honours respectively in the third Al Hekma International School Open Juniors Tennis Championship which concluded last night at the Bahrain Tennis Federation premises in Juffair. In the boys under-18 singles final, Hamad recovered after losing the first set to clinch a 1-6, 6-0, 6-3 victory over Abdulkarim Abdulreda. Yasmine followed suit in the girls under-18 singles final clash beating Hadeel Ali 6-0, 6-0 in a one-sided encounter. The boys under-14 singles title was won by Rashid who outplayed Gota Kato 6-2, 7-5 in a close match while Ahmed eased past Isa Al Shaikh 6-1, 6-2 in the boys under-12 singles final. BTF president Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa attended yesterday's finals and awarded the winners in presence of Al Hekma School's Dr Muna Al Zayani, BTF members, organising committee memb 0
106526 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Warrad triumphs WARRAD beat Day Fort in a thrilling race to claim the Batelco Al Dana Challenge title at the races yesterday. Warrad, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and ridden by Gerald Avranche, won the race by a short head and claimed the top prize in this BD5,000 event. Designer, owned by Mohammed Jassim Mohammed Nama, trained by Taleb Ali and ridden by Hussain Makki, followed suit by beating Moarban by a similar margin to claim the Shaikh Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa Cup which carried a cash prize of BD2,000. Coincidentally, the third cup event was also won by the same margin as Mozhera, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by De Croutte and ridden by Avranche, edged out Ajeera to lift the Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa trophy which carried a cash prize of BD2,000. Rahn, Tuwaisaan 1180 and Ajmal Al Ayam won the three supporting races. HORSE RACE RESULTS 1st race: 1 Ajmal Al Ayam (ownedAl Mohammed Nabeel 0
106527 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Aryan races to second straight title ALI Aryan of DHL raced to his second successive victory setting a new record of 6.93 seconds to win the Pro-car category title in the second-leg of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. Khalid Mohammed of the Unstoppabulls! Racing team of Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa again had to settle for a second place while Hisham Al Mulla was third. The event was a huge success with more than 40 drivers from Bahrain and other GCC countries, including a number of women , putting up a thrilling show in front of a huge group of enthusiastic motor racing fans. In the Pro Street category, Nader Hussain clocked up his second win with Mahmoood Shahabi second and Shaikh Salman bin Isa third. Other second time winners were Amer Al Khan driving in the Street Rear 4, Mohammed Al Shumali in the Street V8 and Daij Hassan in Super Street Rear Wheel categories. The event was organised by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club (BDRC). 0
106528 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Aryan races to second straight title ALI Aryan of DHL raced to his second successive victory setting a new record of 6.93 seconds to win the Pro-car category title in the second-leg of the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. Khalid Mohammed of the Unstoppabulls! Racing team of Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa again had to settle for a second place while Hisham Al Mulla was third. The event was a huge success with more than 40 drivers from Bahrain and other GCC countries, including a number of women , putting up a thrilling show in front of a huge group of enthusiastic motor racing fans. In the Pro Street category, Nader Hussain clocked up his second win with Mahmoood Shahabi second and Shaikh Salman bin Isa third. Other second time winners were Amer Al Khan driving in the Street Rear 4, Mohammed Al Shumali in the Street V8 and Daij Hassan in Super Street Rear Wheel categories. The event was organised by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club (BDRC). 0
106529 0 1496 SPOR SPORT McCann first in Bahrain duathlon CHIRS McCann won the fifth Bahrain Duathlon, organised by the Bahrain Road Runners under the umbrella of the Bahrain Athletics Association at the Sailing club yesterday. Seventy runners took part in the event which involved a three-km run, 20 kms of cycling and a five-km run. In the men's open category, McCann won in one hour, five minutes and 58 seconds while Joe Kintz was second in one hour, six minutes and 58 seconds and Naji Ahmed (1:14:54) third. In the women's category, Caroline Cahill (1:24:20) finished first and she was followed by a very strong cyclist Ruth Tucker (1:27:29) and Saudi Arabian-based runner Dianne DuToit (1:30:48). Full results and pictures in tomorrow's edition 0
106530 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Riffa Club and Busaiteen win titles RIFFA Club athletes dominated the juniors category winning both the individual and team titles while Busaiteen clinched the seniors individual and team trophies in the Clubs Cross Country Race, organised by the Bahrain Athletics Association from the National Stadium in Riffa. BAA president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa attended the event and honoured the winners. Juniors: Team - 1 Riffa (16 points), 2 Budaiya (36), 3 Busaiteen (55), 4 Al Shabab (64), 5 Muharraq (68), 6 Bahrain Club (72). Individual: 1 Amir Abdulla (Riffa, 13.57 seconds), 2 Salah Hamad (Busaiteen, 15.08), 3 Jamal Al Setaikh (Riffa, 15.15), 4 Ali Khalifa (Budaiya, 15.22), 5 Nayef Ahmed (Riffa, 15.55), 6 Khalifa Yahya (Bahrain Club, 15.59), 7 Maher Naji (Riffa, 16.06), 8 Ayman Hassan (Budaiya, 16.22), 9 Ali Ebrahim (Al Shabab, 16.25), 10 Abdulla Hamad (Riffa, 16.26). Seniors: Team - 1 Busaiteen (10 points), 2 Al Shabab (38), 3 Budaiya (51). Individual: 1 Ma'ali Tawar (Busaiteen, 39.15 minutes 0
106531 0 1496 SPOR SPORT Dubai rout Bahrain BAHRAIN American Express First XVs went down 57-14 to Dubai Hurricanes in an Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union League match yesterday at its premises in Saar, writes AIDAN Payne. James Tometski converted all six Hurricanes' tries and kicked five penalties for a match total 22 points. Bahrain hardly got a look in early on. Tometski kicked a penalty after four minutes and Matt Tiller had his try converted for a 10-0 lead soon after. Four more penalties and a converted Jason Brown try by Tometski gave the visitors a 29-0 lead at half-time. Bahrain made little impact despite the efforts of Rob Subbiani, J P Le Roux and Matt Gibbs. Things improved slightly in the second-half for Bahrain with Chris Matthews converting tries by Gareth Brown and Subbiani after some hard work by Adam Knights and Ryan Connolly. Hurricanes added further tries by Jason Knox, Lee McLean, skipper Dominic Parker and 'a kick and run' effort by Tometski who converted all four. 0
106532 0 1496 WORL WORLD Pakistan gang rape verdict overturned ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Islamic court yesterday asked five men found guilty of gangraping a woman but later acquitted to appear before it, saying a high court that let them go had no jurisdiction to deal with the matter. The men had been ordered to rape Mukhtaran Mai by a village council as punishment for her brother's suspected affair with a woman from the powerful Mastoi tribe. Mai's brother was also kidnapped and sodomised by Mastoi men. The rape and the acquittal shocked Pakistan and raised an international outcry over the treatment of women. The Federal Sharia Court said that a high court in the central city of Multan, which struck down a lower court decision that found the men guilty of the July 2002 rape of Mai, had no jurisdiction to rule on the case. In its March 3 appeal hearing the Multan High Court quashed the convictions of five of the six men sentenced to death in the case, citing lack of evidence, and commuted the death sentence of a sixth man to life impriso 0
106533 0 1496 WORL WORLD Leaders urge calm after Mosul bombing MOSUL: Iraq's religious leaders yesterday called for calm amid fears of revenge attacks a day after a suicide bomber killed 50 Iraqis and wounded more than 100 in a packed Shi'ite funeral tent in Mosul. Grieving families cancelled a planned public funeral procession for the victims in the northern city after a mortar shell slammed into the site of the carnage 24 hours earlier. Sunni Muslim leaders, fearful of reprisals, urged calm in the city, Iraq's third largest and one of its most ethnically and religiously diverse. "It was terrorist attack meant to spark civil war but I think the Sunnis and Shi'ites will not succumb," said Islamic Party spokes-man Nureddine Hayali. Iraq's Shi'ite clerics urged cool heads after the latest calamity. The office of Grand Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani, the spiritual guide for Iraq's Shi'ites, said the revered cleric was calling for "unity and solidarity among all Iraqis despite the attacks targeting the innocent". Al Sistani has 0
106534 0 1496 WORL WORLD Syria pulls out troops from North Lebanon BEIRUT: Syrian forces ended a nearly 30-year presence in north Lebanon yesterday but the pro-Syrian government in Beirut remained under pressure to secure their withdrawal from every inch of Lebanese territory. And Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said yesterday she hoped Lebanon's naming of a pro-Syrian prime minister was a "temporary" measure. In an interview, she said the movement of Syrian troops in Lebanon is "clearly not a bad thing but it is also not compliance" with UN resolution 1559, which calls for the full withdrawal of Syrian troops and police. Friday's pullback, part of an operation affecting 6,000 troops that began Tuesday, was also unlikely to satisfy Lebanon's emboldened anti-Syrian opposition, which is demanding a total evacuation. Opposition parties have in addition spurned a plea to join a national unity government issued on Thursday by newly re-appointed, Syrian-backed Prime Minister Omar Karameh. A Christian opposition movement, Qornet Sh 0
106535 0 1496 WORL WORLD Eight top terror suspects released LONDON: Eight foreign terror suspects, including a radical cleric who has been accused of being Osama bin Laden's "spiritual ambassador in Europe," were granted bail yesterday after being imprisoned for up to three years under Britain's emergency anti-terrorism laws. The court ruling, which imposed heavy bail conditions on the eight men, came as Britain's parliament struggled to pass new powers to control the movement of suspected terrorists. The freed suspects included Abu Qatada, a cleric accused by several European governments of having extensive contacts with terrorists worldwide, including links to Al Qaeda. Justice Duncan Ouseley set strict bail conditions for the eight men, including a nighttime curfew, restrictions on whom they can meet and on their access to mobile phones and the Internet. Qatada will also be prevented from preaching at mosques or leading prayers. The men were held under laws passed in Britain in the wake of the September 11, attacks in the US, w 0
106536 0 1496 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance classes, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lessons cost BD3 each or BD10 for four. Contact Latin Fever on 39676349. Yoga (mixed), Bahrain Wellness Resort, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795962. Victoria Dance Centre Mummy and Baby Ballet 9.30am-10.30am, Preparatory and Primary Modern Jazz 3.30pm-4.30pm, Irish Riverdance Beginners and Juniors 4.30pm-5.30pm, Irish Riverdance Intermediates and Seniors 5.30pm-6.30pm, Irish Riverdance Advanced Adults 6.30pm-7.30pm. Contact 39876215. Charity Centre, St Christophers Cathedral, Manama, 10am-noon and 3pm-5pm. Karate class, Karnataka Social Club, 6.30pm-8pm. General Directorate of Traffic inquiries hotline: 17872287 or 199; switchboard: 17872222. Manama Toastmasters Club weekly meeting, Crowne Plaza, Bahrain Conference Centre, 7.30 0
106537 1 1496 WORL WORLD GUANTANAMO CRISIS HITS US WASHINGTON: The Pentagon is desperate to cut by more than half the number of detainees at its prison camp in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the US has been accused of abusing and torturing inmates. And, Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is pressing the State Department to increase pressure on some unresponsive countries to take custody of some of their nationals, a senior defence official said. The camp holds about 540 suspected Al Qaeda and Taliban prisoners, including six from Bahrain. The military said 211 prisoners had left the prison, including 62 who have been transferred to their home countries. But some countries have largely ignored US requests for transfers, officials said without identifying the nations. Hundreds of detainees are sought to be transferred to prisons in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Yemen, The New York Times newspaper reported. Officials said that the transfers would be similar to the CIA transfers of captives to other countries, but subject 0
106538 0 1496 WORL WORLD New call to Israel GAZA CITY: Thousands of members of Hamas and rival Islamic Jihad rallied in the Gaza Strip yesterday, sending a message to Israel that only it could bring a halt to anti-Israeli attacks. The head of Hamas in Gaza City, Mahmud Al Zahar, told reporters the "cooling down period" currently being respected by Hamas and other Palestinian factions could only "continue indefinitely if Israel offers concessions". "No one is optimistic about continuing this cooling down period indefinitely. Israel must offer something in return otherwise the resistance will continue," Zahar said. More than 7,000 Hamas supporters took part in the rally marking the first anniversary of Israel's assassination of Hamas founder and spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The gathering was held in an empty lot near Yassin's home. Zahar said Hamas would decide in "the coming days" whether it would sign on to a ceasefire due to be discussed at inter-Palestinian talks on March 15 in Cairo. "It will de 0
106539 0 1496 WORL WORLD Protest over nuclear row halts parliament ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's political opposition stormed out of parliament yesterday over government statements that nuclear pioneer Abdul Qadeer Khan provided Iran with centrifuges, which can be used to enrich uranium. The government said for the first time on Thursday that Khan had given the key atomic technology to Pakistan's neighbour, which is coming under heavy pressure from the US over its own nuclear programme. Washington believes the technology has enabled Iran to enrich uranium to a level required for making nuclear weapons, despite Tehran's insistence that its nuclear programme is for peaceful means only. Opposition lawmakers were angered over the parliament chair's refusal to hold a debate on the statements made on Thursday by Information Minister Sheikh Rashid, which they said were meant only to curry favour with Washington. "Once again Pakistani leadership is playing into the hands of the US to serve its sinister motives against Iran," said opposition lawmaker Lia 0
106540 0 1496 WORL WORLD New election challenge for Sinn Fein DUBLIN: Polling in an Irish by-election will be the first test of the fallout for Sinn Fein from alleged crimes committed by its outlawed Irish Republican Army (IRA) military wing. In the commuter constituency of Meath, just north of Dublin, local councillor and former IRA man Joe Reilly is one of the seven candidates. In the 2002 general election Reilly got over nine per cent of the first preference vote, up from 3pc in 1997. Sinn Fein has five MPs in the 166 member Dail, Ireland's lower house of parliament. The Meath by-election follows the appointment of former Prime Minister John Bruton of the main opposition Fine Gael party as the European Union's special envoy to the United States. A second by-election is being held in North Kildare southwest of Dublin as a result of former finance minister Charlie McCreevy becoming EU Commissioner for Internal Markets and Services. Police warned the public to be on the lookout for crooks and stolen Northern Bank not 0
106541 0 1496 WORL WORLD Female Zarqawi aide held BAGHDAD: US troops have detained a female member of the Al Qaeda group headed by Iraq's most wanted man, Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, US military officials in Iraq said. She is "someone who was picked up" within the last 30 days "and is part of the Zarqawi network... She is at Camp Cropper", said Major General William Brandenburg, the head of US military detention operations in Iraq. She is one of three females in custody and the only known female arrested who worked for Al Zarqawi's Organisation of Al Qaeda of Jihad in the Land of Two Rivers. The other two female detainees are Rihab Rashid Taha, a scientist who became known as "Dr Germ" for helping Saddam Hussein make weapons out of anthrax, and Huda Salih Mahdi Ammash, a biology researcher known as "Mrs Anthrax". Camp Cropper, home to 110 detainees, is the high security prison inside the compound of the Baghdad airport, where Saddam and some of his top lieutenants are held. The general said that if Al Zarqawi, who has 0
106542 0 1496 WORL WORLD Settle Kirkuk issue 'now' BAGHDAD: Iraqi Kurdish chief Massoud Barzani warned yesterday that the fate of northern Iraq's oil-rich city of Kirkuk must be determined now. In an interview on Al Arabiyah television: "We do not agree on postponing this matter until after the constitution, we must agree on the issue of Kirkuk now," Barzani said, the day after the election-winning Kurds and Shi'ites said they were about to cement an agreement for governing the country. The Shi'ite United Iraqi Alliance UIA), the country's largest vote-getter, and the second-placed Kurds have said they agree that Kirkuk, whose Kurdish population was largely expelled by Saddam Hussein, should be settled under the terms outlined by article 58 of Iraq's interim constitution (TAL). But Barzani, who heads the Kurdistan Democratic Party, which controls the northern provinces of Arbil and Dohuk, was insisting the steps to be taken under the provision be spelled out now. The Kurds, whose 77 seats give them the second-largest share in th 0
106543 0 1496 WORL WORLD Iran to display seized UK boats TEHRAN: Iran said yesterday it planned to put on display three British naval boats it seized last year, but Britain denounced the move and said talks were continuing for the vessels to be returned. Iran's state television said the boats would be displayed on the shores of the Shatt Al Arab waterway, which divides southwestern Iran from Iraq, during Iran's New Year holidays which begin on March 21. "This is not a constructive way to resolve this dispute," a British Foreign Office spokesman said in London, adding that talks were continuing to get the boats back. Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized the three British patrol boasts, which were being delivered to Iraqi police, in the Shatt Al Arab last June and arrested eight British servicemen aboard. The men were released after three days but their boats and equipment, including weapons and navigational gear, were kept. 0
106544 0 1496 WORL WORLD Rafsanjani leads in poll survey TEHRAN: Former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani holds an early lead in voting intentions for Iran's June 17 presidential elections, according to an opinion poll released by the official Irna news agency yesterday. But the survey of 7,100 people in 11 cities suggested none of the aspirants to replace reformist President Mohammad Khatami will muster the 50 per cent vote needed for an outright win, making a runoff election between the top two contenders likely. According to the Irna poll, 13.9pc said they would vote for Rafsanjani, a mid-ranking cleric who was president from 1989 to 1997 and currently heads a powerful policy body known as the Expediency Council. A pragmatic conservative who favours economic liberalisation and improved ties with the West, Rafsanjani, 70, has yet to say if he will stand. 0
106545 0 1496 WORL WORLD Envoy to push for deadline on withdrawal DAMASCUS: UN special envoy Terje Roed Larsen will not back up calls for a Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon with threats on his Damascus mission this weekend, a spokesman for the world body said yesterday. According to the Washington Post, he will give Syrian President Bashar Al Assad an ultimatum when they meet today in Damascus, threatening political and economic isolation if Syria does not fully withdraw from Lebanon. But Roed-Larsen, "by the nature of his mandate and that of the secretary general, cannot carry threats", Beirut-based spokesman Nejib Friji said, contacted from Damascus. He said Roed-Larsen would "repeat the positions he expressed during his last meetings with Syrian and Lebanese officials as well as the Lebanese opposition, calling for dialogue, cooperation and calm". UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said that his envoy would ask Damascus for a date for the withdrawal of its troops required under Security Council Resolution 1559. 0
106546 0 1496 WORL WORLD Tehran-EU fail to strike nuclear deal GENEVA: EU-Iran nuclear talks ended yesterday in Geneva apparently still deadlocked over Europe's demand that Tehran give up uranium enrichment, a fuel process which can also make atom bombs. "The talks were not easy," a European diplomat said in Geneva, while an Iranian diplomat here described the negotiations as "very intense" and said the participants were "exhausted." "Even if there are differences, there was no question of breaking off the talks. Discussion was frank but constructive," the European diplomat said. In Brussels, foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany, which are negotiating for the European Union, warned in a report that the Geneva talks were making slower progress than hoped. The European trio said they expected "at least preliminary results ... in the period ahead" but that if an agreement failed to take shape, Europe would eventually back a US call for Iran to be referred to the UN Security Council, which could impose economic sanctions o 0
106547 0 1496 WORL WORLD MPs irresponsible says Blair LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair last night denounced MPs who were blocking his anti-terrorism bill as "grossly irresponsible" as he went on national television in a bid to break the deadlock in parliament. In a live broadcast from Downing Street, Blair insisted the government could not accept opposition demands for changes to the burden of proof in the anti-terror bill or a sunset clause, under which it would expire in a year. He promised parliament a chance to amend the disputed legislation after the next election but would not accept opponents' demands that the bill should have only a limited shelf life. Blair ruled out further compromises. 0
106548 0 1496 WORL WORLD US judge shot dead in Atlanta court ATLANTA, Georgia: A gunman yesterday shot and killed a judge and wounded three other officials in a courtroom in Atlanta, Georgia, before fleeing the scene, police said. Police said the 34-year old suspect, identified as Brian Nichols, carjacked a vehicle and escaped. "The suspect is at large right now," Sheriff's department Sergeant Clarence Huber told reporters outside the courtroom. The suspect, who was on trial for rape apparently grabbed the gun from a deputy, shot and killed Fulton County Superior Court Judge Rowland Barnes, local television reported. A court reporter and two deputies also suffered bullet wounds, witnesses said. Barnes was one of the most senior judges in Atlanta, handling high-profile and controversial cases. Last month, he sentenced to probation an Atlanta ice hockey star, Dany Heatley, who killed a teammate in a car crash. Barnes agreed to a plea from the family of Graham Snyder not to put Heatley in jail. Barnes also made national headli 0
106549 0 1496 WORL WORLD Schoolboy, 13, gets life for raping teacher LONDON: A 13-year-old boy in Britain was ordered detained for life yesterday for raping his teacher. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was 12 at the time he raped his teacher last November during a one-to-one session at a special needs centre. Afterwards, he stole her car and drove it for 50km before dumping it. The boy, who has severe learning difficulties, admitted at an earlier hearing to the rape at a centre in Durham, north England, and the car theft. "These problems are not of your own making but it is plain that until these problems are dealt with you are very likely to commit other offences, other offences as serious as this, so the public has to be properly protected until such time as your problems have been assisted," the judge said. 0
106550 0 1496 WORL WORLD Mosque blaze 'suspicious' LONDON: A fire that badly damaged a mosque in the southeastern English town of Worthing yesterday is being treated as suspicious, officials said. The blaze on the ground floor was discovered by two community members when they arrived for morning prayers. The mosque, established 13 years ago, suffered substantial smoke damage. There was a break-in of some sort," a fireman said. 0
106551 0 1496 WORL WORLD 'Spendaholic' star is almost bankrupt SANTA MARIA, California: Prosecutors last night painted Michael Jackson as a "spendaholic" on the verge of bankruptcy, as they argued to win access to the his financial records. The claims came a day after the US pop icon dramatically turned up at his child sex trial late, wearing pyjama bottoms and slippers and narrowly avoiding jail time after the judge issued a warrant for his arrest. Prosecutors claimed that the faded "King of Pop," who produced the biggest-selling album in history, was buckling under the weight of up to $400 million (BD151m) in liabilities. They allege that Jackson conspired to kidnap the 13-year-old boy who accused him of sex abuse and hold him and his family prisoner in a desperate bid to limit damage to his crumbling financial empire that would be caused by the adverse publicity. "We have more than reason to believe that Michael Jackson is on the precipice of bankruptcy," said Deputy District Attorney Gordon Auchincloss during a hearing devoted to 0
106552 0 1496 WORL WORLD Leno takes off on singer BURBANK, California: Hours before the judge in the Michael Jackson case was expected to rule on whether Jay Leno can tell jokes at the singer's expense, The Tonight Show host found a way to slip in a quip without opening his mouth. After arriving "late" for the taping of his show, Leno stepped out of a black limousine wearing pajamas and accompanied by several bodyguards. One of the bodyguards held an open umbrella over Leno's head as the comedian remained silent when asked why he was late. Earlier in the day, Jackson had arrived late to court wearing pajama bottoms and a T-shirt under a coat. His lawyers explained the pop star had come straight from a hospital where he had been treated for a back injury. Leno, who has been subpoenaed to testify at Jackson's trial, has asked the court to exempt him from a gag order preventing everyone involved in the case from discussing it. "They're ruling on my gag order to see if I'm allowed to tell Jackson jokes," he told his audience. 0
106553 0 1496 WORL WORLD Fitness guru may have her hip replaced LOS ANGELES: Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda, whose workout videos helped spark the fitness craze of the 1980s and '90s, may undergo hip replacement surgery in the near future. No date for such an operation has been set, but if the 67-year-old star undergoes the procedure it would only be after getting through a heavy promotional schedule for her autobiography, due out next month, and her first film in 15 years, publicist Pat Kingsley said. "I've got her pretty booked up through May, but I don't know what happens after that,'' Kingsley said, adding that "if she does (undergo a hip replacement), it will be after that." Fonda did undergo outpatient arthroscopic surgery to her left knee on Thursday and was back home recuperating, Kinglsey said. Fonda, who had retired from acting when she married media mogul Ted Turner in 1991, returns to the big screen in May - four years after their divorce - as a meddling mother out to keep her son from marrying Jennifer Lopez in the film 0
106554 0 1496 WORL WORLD Pope shown speaking ROME: The Vatican yesterday released a video showing Pope John Paul speaking at a Mass in his hospital suite, the first time his voice has been heard in public since throat surgery last month. The 84-year-old Pope murmured a blessing in a barely audible mumble at the end of the Mass, which was attended by senior Tanzanian clerics and filmed by a Vatican television station. In a subsequent meeting, Tanzanian Cardinal Polycarp Pengo and Bishop Severine Niwemugizi are shown telling the Pope in English that Tanzanians are praying for him and love him. The Pope has been in hospital since February 24, when he underwent a tracheotomy to help ease severe breathing problems. 0
106555 0 1496 WORL WORLD Comedian Dave Allen dies LONDON: Irish-born comedian Dave Allen, famed in Britain for his sit-down comic routines with a whisky in one hand and cigarette in the other, has died aged 68. He passed away in his sleep on Thursday night, but the cause of his death was not known, his agent said yesterday. "He had been ill over Christmas but then was OK. This has come as a surprise," said Vivienne Clore. The former journalist made his breakthrough in Australia in 1963 when, during a tour of the country, he was offered a television slot called Tonight With Dave Allen. He appeared in a series of the same title back in Britain in the late 1960s before hosting The Dave Allen Show and Dave Allen At Large for the BBC where the popular format of his stool routine interspersed with guest appearances took off. Allen would target both sex and religion, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, in his routines, drawing the ire of lobby groups, and his use of strong language also landed him in hot water. 0
106556 0 1496 WORL WORLD Killer's wife is charged with murder BRUSSELS: The wife of French serial killer Michel Fourniret was charged yesterday with the murders of three girls, prosecutors said, adding that she had gone back on a number of accusations against her husband. Monique Olivier has confirmed that she lured three young women as au pairs to her home between July 1992 and January 1997 "knowing that Michel Fourniret was going to kill them," prosecutor Arnoud d'Aspremont Lynden said. "She has therefore been indicted for murder," he said, adding that she has been questioned by an investigating magistrate during the day. "But she has gone back on previous statements concerning the murders of six or seven young girls she had accused Michel Fourniret of murdering, without giving any explanation," he added. Fourniret, a carpenter who is also being detained in Dinant, was arrested in Belgium in June 2003 over the abduction of minors and sexual misconduct. 0
106557 0 1496 WORL WORLD Yushchenko 'secretly treated by US doctors' WASHINGTON: A team of US doctors secretly travelled to Vienna in December to treat Ukraine's Viktor Yushchenko for dioxin poisoning, at his family's request, The Washington Post said yesterday, quoting US officials and doctors involved in the effort. Doctor Gregory Saathoff, team leader for the US medical mission, said the US government was not directly involved in the effort, to avoid accusations of interference in Ukraine's presidential election, but an unnamed top US official said the US State Department had provided logistical support for the team. Saathoff provided only broad details of the team's role in treating Yushchenko, but Michael Zimpfer, director of the Vienna clinic where the treatment took place, said the US team had provided expertise on a "difficult, vexing case" and also a "qualified second opinion" on the treatment to follow. Four injured in Tiger attack COLOMBO: Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels hurled a hand grenade into the office of a rival Tamil group yesterday in Sr 0
106558 2 1496 WORL WORLD Blair seeks $25bn in Africa aid LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair threw his weight yesterday behind an ambitious campaign to double aid to Africa with an extra $25 billion (BD9.4bn) yearly, denouncing the "obscenity" of misery on the continent. "It is, I believe, the fundamental moral challenge of our generation," Blair said at the launch of his multinational Commission for Africa report which coincides with Britain's chairmanship of the G8 group of leading industrial countries. "There can be no excuse, no defence, no justification for the plight of millions of our fellow beings in Africa today," Blair said. "In a world where prosperity is increasing... it is an obscenity that should haunt our daily thoughts that four million children will die in Africa this year before their fifth birthday," he added. The 17-member commission, launched by Blair in February 2004, labelled widespread poverty and economic stagnation in Africa "the greatest tragedy of our time", and proposed a sweeping series of actions by 0
106559 0 1496 WORL WORLD Jakarta centre 'facing threat' WASHINGTON: The US embassy in Jakarta yesterday warned of a "possible bomb threat" at the World Trade Centre Mangga Dua in northern Jakarta between March 11-14, according to a statement posted on the embassy's web site. "Americans in Jakarta should avoid the area surrounding this facility," the embassy said. The statement did not say what prompted the alert. Fatwa against Laden MADRID: Spain's leading Islamic body has issued a religious order declaring Osama bin Laden to have forsaken Islam by backing attacks such as the Madrid train bombings a year ago. The Islamic Commission of Spain timed its "fatwa" for yesterday to coincide with the first anniversary of last year's attacks, which killed 191 people and were claimed in the name of Al Qaeda in Europe. The commission's secretary general Mansur Escudero said the fatwa had moral, rather than legal weight and would serve as a guide for Muslims. "We declare ... that Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda o 0
106560 3 1496 WORL WORLD Spain in silent tribute MADRID: Traffic came to a halt and people stood still on Madrid sidewalks yesterday as Spain showed its grief, solidarity and anger on the first anniversary of the March 11 train bombings that ranked as the country's worst-ever terrorist attack. The five-minute silence from midday left the capital in suspension, its citizens remembering the day a year ago 10 bombs planted by Islamic extremists blew apart four commuter trains, killing 191 people and wounding 1,900. Motorists stepped out of their cars to bow their heads under the bright sunlight. Office workers exited buildings to stand quietly next to pedestrians who looked straight ahead, or at the ground. Trains across the country halted. Spanish King Juan Carlos and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero stood solemnly in silence, as television screens everywhere scrolled the long list of the victims' names. Juana Leal placed flowers and two lit candles on the platform of El Pozo station in a working-class district to mark 0
106561 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Trading in bank shares suspended MANAMA: Trading in Bahraini Saudi Bank shares has been temporarily suspended following directives from stock exchange head Mr Fouad Rashid. It was issued following a request from capital market supervision directorate at Bahrain Monetary Agency and is effective from today. 0
106562 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Reliance strikes deal BOMBAY: Reliance Industries, India's largest private sector company, yesterday said it has signed a deepwater oil exploration and production agreement with the government of Oman. The pact, it said, was for exploring oil in block-18 off the Batinah coast in the Gulf of Oman, spreading across 18,000 square kilometres. "Reliance will be the operator of the block with 100 percent working interest," the company said. 0
106563 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS UAE-Singapore FTA talks SINGAPORE: The UAE is aiming to start talks on a free-trade agreement with Singapore before the end of the year after the countries signed an economic pact, a report said yesterday. The Straits Times quoted visiting Emirati Minister of Economy and Planning Shaikha Lubna Khalid Al Qassimi as proposing that a feasibility study for the planned free trade pact be carried out and completed within six months. Al Qassimi and Singapore Trade Minister Lim Hng Kiang on Friday signed an economic and technical co-operation accord covering trade, industry, transport and logistics services, infrastructure development, oil and gas, education, tourism and investments. 0
106564 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Merger clearance for Mittal WASHINGTON: Mittal Steel said it had obtained approval from US regulators for its acquisition of US International Steel Group, clearing a major hurdle in the deal to form the world's largest steel maker. Mittal Steel and ISG said in a joint statement that a registration statement on its proposed merger lodged with the US Securities and Exchange Commission "has been declared effective as of March 11, 2005. " ISG and Mittal will each hold special meetings of their shareholders on April 12 to give final approval to the proposed merger. Mittal Steel will become the world leader in terms of steel shipments, far outstripping the current world number one, Arcelor, according to its chairman Lakshmi Mittal. 0
106565 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Spotlight on Islamic finance MANAMA: The growth of the multi-billion dollar Islamic finance sector will be the highlight of the International Islamic Finance Forum (IIFF), which opens today at the JW Marriott Hotel in Dubai. Around 400 financial experts, business leaders and leading Islamic scholars are attending the event, which is being held under the patronage of Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Over the next three days more than 50 speakers will discuss and debate the growth of Islamic finance. They will focus on issues related to openness, inclusion and expansion of the sector, where global deposits are estimated to be in excess of $202 billion worldwide with a predicted average growth of between 10 and 20 per cent. 0
106566 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Opec 'may hold output' KUWAIT CITY: Opec ministers who meet in Iran next week are likely to maintain the current output ceiling, Opec president Shaikh Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah said yesterday, stressing the cartel would take measures to stabilise soaring oil prices. "I think we will continue with the same ceiling" of 27 million barrels per day (bpd), he told reporters when asked what he expected Opec to do when it meets in the Iranian city of Isfahan on March 16. "We have to be very careful because there is still overproduction," said Shaikh Ahmad, who is also Kuwait's energy minister. But he also said that the group would "study the market situation with the aim to stabilise prices and market supply." 0
106567 0 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Oman-US aim for accord by year-end MUSCAT: Oman and the US said yesterday they hoped to conclude a free trade agreement before year's end as Muscat sought to ease Saudi concerns about bilateral deals between Gulf partners and Washington. "We are looking for a quick deal, most certainly much earlier than the year-end," Assistant US Trade Representative Catherine Novelli told a Press conference after the first of three-day negotiations on the pact. Novelli said the second round of talks would take place in Washington by mid-April. Trade and Industry Minister Maqbool bin Ali bin Sultan said that there was "no clash between GCC economic integration and the signing of free trade agreements with the US (by GCC member states)." 0
106568 1 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Investcorp in major bid to boost its share value MANAMA: Bahrain-based Investcorp has announced a major initiative to enhance its share value and broaden its liquidity base. The company, which has a 23-year track record of successful fee generating transactional and investment management activity, has developed an objective methodology for the valuation of its shares. A group of strategic shareholders of Investcorp has opened a portfolio managed account with an independent portfolio manager, the Securities & Investment Company (Sico), said chief operating officer Gary Long. A second similar account has been set up with, and will be managed by, Sico on behalf of Investcorp Treasury. Twice a year for a limited period, the two managed accounts will buy Investcorp shares and sell them to third parties on the open market at the latest fair value determined using the valuation methodology, said Mr Long. "We based it on an industry standard approach that is widely accepted and understood," he told the GDN. 0
106569 2 1497 BUSI BUSINESS Top executives' opinions sought on growth hurdles MANAMA: World Economic Forum's (WEF) Executive Opinion Survey (EOS) was sent out by the Economic Development Board (EDB) yesterday to sample the opinions of key business executives on the business environment and obstacles to growth. This is the third successive year that the EDB has partnered with the WEF in administrating the survey, the results of which will be published in the WEF's Global Competitiveness Report (GIR) 2005-2006 due for release later this year. The WEF is an international organisation that brings together key representatives from the international business community, with senior policy-makers in government and has for over 20 years worked to further the global understanding of what constitutes competitiveness. The survey captures information about such areas as the overall macroeconomic environment, the tax and regulatory environment, the labour market, irregular practices in the economy and the quality of a country's infrastructure and education. The 0
106570 0 1497 COMM COMMENTSave nature's buffer zones More than a month has passed since the planet was jolted into reality by the 15-metre tsunami generated by the 9.0 Richter scale earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia. The human loss is still rising. The immense loss in life and property and the nightmarish scenes boggles the mind. What is more disturbing is the fact that the severity of the disaster could have been greatly lessened had healthy mangrove forests, coral reefs, sea grass beds and peat lands been conserved to a healthy state along the now devastated coastlines, as reports from affected areas indicate. In India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, areas in Pichavaram and Muthupet that have dense mangroves suffered fewer human causalities and less damage to property compared with areas without mangroves. It seems that mangroves acted as Nature's buffer zone reducing the fury of the water. Awareness is growing in the affected region that tsunami damage was worsened by poor environmental management of coastal areas. After witnessing first hand th 0
106571 0 1497 COMM COMMENTLet's drive lunatics off our roads... The alarm goes off. You are fully awake and are ready for the beginning of a long week at work. You get into your car. Something makes you pause: "Is it really worth it?" you ask yourself. I am not speaking here about the futility of going to work and repeating the same chores everyday; I am not talking about the monotony of life where every day repeats the day before it and I am not even going anywhere near the stalemate we feel in some quarters as far as real development of any value is concerned. Leaving your house in the morning, every morning, is inevitable - if you muster the energy to get out of bed, that is! Do you know what it is that drives me crazy every time I am in my car going somewhere? It is the way other people drive. Their selfishness and their arrogance gets under my skin. Their total lack of manners and respect for other road users, be it pedestrians, drivers, cyclists or even cats, makes my blood boil. Look at the way they zigzag 0
106574 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Unity not diversity I AGREE whole-heartedly with a recent letter rejecting sectarianism. "Do not divide yourselves into sects" is mentioned on several occasions in the Quran. S Babar 0
106575 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Fast-developing Bahrain is a superb country I WISH I had been born in Bahrain and held a Bahraini passport because I spent my whole childhood in Bahrain. Although I am 21 years old I am still doing my law degree and hoping to work in Bahrain, a beautiful and very fast developing country. God bless Bahrain and His Majesty King Hamad. God bless his Kingdom. My best wishes and salaam to all Bahrainis. Mamun Hossain 0
106576 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Environment protected? DAWAT Al Bahrain is a very large development which will probably have an effect on the marine environment. Can anybody tell me what mitigation is being done to help as a result of the effects of this wonderful development? C S Nake 0
106577 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Days wasted at Traffic THANK God that the Shura Council has decided not to outlaw old cars. Les Horton's column (GDN, March 8) says all that needs to be said. My newish modest Mazda was slammed into as I slowed at traffic lights just before Christmas by a big new Mercedes. The driver thought he could skim past me to my left and jump the lights, catching the back left half of my car. If I had not still been moving slowly both myself and my passenger (a mother of three young children) would have been badly injured. My friend's neck was painful for weeks after the incident. I wasted the whole of that day, plus the next three successive days trying to get the accident sorted out at the Traffic Department because the driver had left the scene. I sat for hours at the Traffic Department waiting for the culprit to turn up and he sent his driver who had not even been driving the car. If that was not arrogance I don't know what is? Since then I am driving my very ancient well-maintained Toyota st 0
106578 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Good luck Mathew! NICE to read about Mathew (Mahdi) the car cleaning student (GDN, March 3 and 7). Thanks Christy and Lynne. I did not know Mathew was working to study. Today I handed him the newspaper cuttings of your letters. Although he reads the GDN he was pleased to have the cuttings to keep. Such a personable young man. My family and I all wish him every success. Good luck Mathew in all you do. Sue Al-Mahmeed 0
106579 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Don't blame drivers I sympathise with Les Horton's comments about local drivers, both male and female (GDN, March 8) but I must disagree. People will act within the bounds of which they are allowed - if they are allowed to drive in such a manner, of course they will - why not? When I first came to Bahrain, I was told not to worry about driving after drinking alcohol, or about speeding, or jumping red lights, or any other act which would attract a heavy fine in most civilised cities. Here, I was told, there are no traffic police, no fines, no speed cameras, no breath-alcohol checkpoints. In fact drivers can do anything they like - except park in the wrong place in the city centre. Imagine, the least dangerous act, parking, and that's the only one that attracts a fine. Does the government not realise the millions of dinars they are missing out on by having such an incompetent traffic department? Don't blame the drivers - we all do as much as we are allowed to get away with. F M Awle 0
106580 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Useless award? DOES the GCC have an award for the most useless environmental representative? If it does how can the general public make a nomination and vote? J Dory 0
106581 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Beggars dilemma DO we or don't we? Do we give alms to beggars or don't we? Either sitting in front of supermarkets or waiting at signal stops, it seems beggars have been on the increase in Bahrain. I am in a constant dilemma, whether to give money to beggars or not. However, torn by emotions at times, I do gift them once in a while. Yet, after paying alms to them I can't help thinking if I was furthering unemployment in the country. Can something be done about them? Can they be picked up by rehabilitation centres and simply told to find jobs or are there really no jobs around for them anymore? With this thought in my mind, as I drive myself to a petrol bunk I find hoards of cars awaiting their tanks to be filled with barely two guys running around filling the petrol. An irony I thought, on one side we see beggars and unemployment, on the other we see a dearth of people for a job. Who's working on getting the beggars and the unemployed jobs in the island? An island resider 0
106582 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Taxis overcharging A FEW taxi drivers refuse to operate the meter while others are hell-bent on overcharging and I have also found a few without meters altogether. Maybe Bahrain should try and duplicate the taxi system in Dubai so that commuters can ensure a fair ride. Name and address supplied 0
106583 0 1497 LETT LETTERS Are masts safe? PHONE masts in Bahrain are safe, according to the World Health Organisation report by Abdulrahman Fakri (GDN, March 5). We're all going to come live in Bahrain then... because they're not safe anywhere else. Check out www.powerwatch.org.uk, www.feb.se and the many other sites that tell of the thousands of people suffering from electro magnetic field (EMF) health effects from the use of wireless technologies. Ian Harper 0
106584 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Net trio face hearing MANAMA: The Bahraini moderator of an online discussion forum detained on charges of defaming the government will appear before a prosecutor today and then decide if he will go on hunger strike, his lawyer said yesterday. Ali Abdulemam, editor of the bahrainonline.org website, has been in detention for 15 days, said lawyer Ahmed Al Arayedh. He was arrested on February 27, and two technicians - Hussein Yussef and Mohammad Al Musawi - were arrested on March 1 for inciting hatred and spreading rumours. 0
106585 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Road safety drive picks up speed THE 21st Gulf Traffic Week kicked off yesterday with a number of activities held throughout the country. The events, which are being held in co-operation with the General Directorate of Traffic and Education Ministry, included road traffic campaigns at Bab Al Bahrain, Budaiya and the Jaber Al Ahmed Al Sabah Highway, Sitra. Other activities include traffic festivals and honouring ceremonies held at public schools in various areas. Today's road traffic campaigns will be carried out at the Dry Dock Road, Exhibition Avenue, Saar roundabout and Riffa Road. Other activities include an honouring ceremony for ideal drivers at the General Directorate of Traffic premises in Isa Town, traffic competition at the Muharraq Primary Girls School and traffic officers visit to BDF Hospital to talk to road accident victims. A daily programme on traffic awareness is also broadcast live on Bahrain Television and radio stations. The traffic week is being marked simultaneously i 0
106586 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Road safety to be highlighted A ONE-day forum on Bahrain's National Strategy for Safety on the Road will be held on Wednesday at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The event, the third of its kind, is being organised by Bahrain University's Centre for Transport and Road Studies under the patronage of Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Centre director Dr Abdulrahman Janahi said the forum was part of a series of events being organised by the centre to highlight various issues related to road safety. They include road engineering, vehicles maintenance and insurance. "Bahrain is preparing a new strategy for safety on the road and feedback and recommendation from those concerned will certainly help set it up sooner than expected," he said. "There is an urge to develop and enhance current safety on the road plans, through the participation of everyone in society to ensure that accidents become something of the past in the long run through a specific timeframe." Dr Janahi 0
106587 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Scrabble honours set THE 34th Scrabble playoffs awards ceremony will be taking place at the Hilton tomorrow. Six winners will be awarded with the Bahrain Scrabble League's top prize, the Crystal Orbs, which include the Player of the Year Award. The winner of the 19th Bahrain Cup championship, Adeeb Ahmad, will be also be presented with his prize for top placement in the tournament. Acting Pakistan Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam is guest of honour at the event and will be presenting the prizes. The champion is expected to play an exhibition game immediately following the awards, which allows fans to team up against him. The awards programme begins at 8pm and is open to the public. Meanwhile, the Bahrain-Saudi Challenge will take place at Yateem Centre on April 15. Players in both countries are already signing up for the contest, which is likely to have 10 to 12 competitors per team. In other matters, Shiraz Amith won the competition this week at Yateem Centre 0
106588 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL TIME LIMIT ON DEBATE OVER MPS' PROPOSALS SCRAPPED PROPOSALS submitted by MPs cannot be scrapped following the end of their four-years terms or a Cabinet reshuffle, MPs decided yesterday. Under current parliament by-laws any proposal that does not get discussed is automatically scrapped when the new term begins or the Cabinet members change. The by-laws were under discussion for the second extraordinary parliamentary meeting in a row at the National Assembly in Gudaibiya. This current rules waste MPs' precious time on proposals that get thrown out the window, said legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Hamad Al Mohannadi. "When new MPs get elected they are likely to come up with similar proposals, something which need re-investigating," he said. Meanwhile, MPs decided to give ministers the authority to remove anything they say from being included in the records. The decision contradicts another proposal which states that anything a minister says should be recorded and can be used as evidence. 0
106589 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Thieves steal car stereo A CAR stereo and a spare tyre were stolen from a Toyota Corolla while it was parked near the Middle East Hotel, Gudaibiya. The thieves apparently opened the car using a duplicate key. The incident on Wednesday, reported to the Gudaibiya police station, was discovered by the owner's brother Indian Anil Kumar, 32, at 9.30pm the same night. 0
106590 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Boy dies of breathing problems THE body of a one-year-old boy who died of breathing problems was repatriated to India last night . Samarth died on Friday morning as his father Sanjeev Katario was taking him to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) for treatment. Mr Katario said doctors at the hospital declared Samarth dead on arrival. "Samarth did not have any other problems except for some problems related to the adenoid. But we never expected to lose him forever," he told the GDN. Samarth is the only son of Mr Katario, who works as manager with Bramco and is from New Delhi. 0
106591 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Statistics review THE GCC Under-Secretaries for Statistics are to meet in Bahrain today and tomorrow. Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) acting president Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatalla Al Khalifa will open the meeting at the Gulf Hotel at 9am today. The meeting will discuss the unified census for GCC states and ways to strengthen the capacity of statistics organisations in the Gulf. 0
106592 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Murder mystery a little too long A Place of Hiding by Elizabeth George ... New English Library On the small island of Guernsey Guy Brouard is a local hero. He may be a relative newcomer to the community but he has lots of money and is quite happy to throw it around in his chosen role of benefactor. Yet underneath the faade resentment seethes against the patronising landowner and when his body is discovered on the beach the pool of would-be killers to investigate should be large. Despite this the police home in on just one person, a woman who had flown in just days before the death and has no apparent motive to kill. She was seen following Brouard as he left the house for his morning swim and since there hasn't been a cold-blooded murder on the island for years the police reason that it's much more likely that the foreigner did it than a local. China River appears almost resigned to her fate, but her brother Cherokee is determined to rescue her from the clutches of the law and seeks out an old fr 0
106593 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Only for Jane Austen fans The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler ... Viking It was only a matter of time before someone wrote a story based around a book club, just begging for members of real-life groups clubs to buy it, ponder it, discuss it and send it straight to the best-seller lists. For fans of directed group reading this will be a must-have, for those who prefer to read alone the joys of book clubs, both real and imaginary, will remain a mystery even if they do plough through this novel. Fowler's book club is made up of diverse characters, including a bitter young lesbian, an eccentric dog breeder, an unhappy fantasist and the token man, who exhibits a distressing tendency to science fiction. Through their joint exploration of Jane Austen's works they become friends, lovers and confidants, while their characters are fleshed out a little by glimpses of their lives outside the book club. It is a great idea in theory, highlighting the way very different people can find 0
106594 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Spotlight shines on women A CULTURAL festival celebrating International Women's Day begins on Tuesday at Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Moh-ammed Al Jowder Hall at Al Eslah Society in Muharraq. The two-day event, organised by the society's Muharraq, Hidd and Manama women's committees, will be held under the patronage of Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. It is being held under the theme Eve ... Development Is With You and will include two lectures, which begin at 6.30pm on both days. On Tuesday, a lecture entitled Women In The Holy Quran will be given by Bahrain University Sharia lecturer Dr Ruqaya Al Alwani. On Wednesday, a lecture on the role of civil societies in backing the country's developmental projects and programmes will be given by Kuwaiti women rights activist Dalal Al Tawheed. The events are open for women only. The International Women's Day fell on March 8. 0
106595 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Workshop to highlight food safety measures A WORKSHOP on food safety during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held in Bahrain from April 1, is being organised by the Health Ministry. It will be held next Saturday at the ministry's premises in Salmaniya at 8am. Representatives from hotels, tour agencies, first and second class restaurants, Gulf Air, Bahrain Airport Services, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and municipal councils will be attending the event. The four-day workshop aims at highlighting the measures taken by the ministry's Food Monitoring Department to prepare for the Formula 1 event. "The measures aim at ensuring that the food being prepared, transported and presented at the Bahrain International Circuit is safe for consumers," said food inspector and workshop organiser Jaffar Al Mutawa. The workshop, which will be conducted in English and Arabic, is supervised by food monitoring department head Dr Abdulla Ahmed. 0
106596 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Building's window frames are stolen THIEVES raided an apartment building in Gudaibiya, stole some aluminium windows and then fled. The windows were spotted along the stair landings of the three-storey building. They took one complete window frame, a part of another window and a screen from a third window, which cost around BD100. The burglary was discovered by the building's 50-year-old landlord Nassir Al Nuaimi when he went to collect rent from the tenants on Tuesday. The theft was reported to Gudaibiya police station. 0
106597 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Bangladeshi hurt in attack A 35-year-old Bangla-deshi man was admitted to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) after he was attacked by a group of Bahrainis in Gufool, sources said. The Bangladeshi was driving his motorbike at around 3.30pm when he was pushed off it and attacked by the seven-member gang. They hit him and stole his mobile phone and wallet containing BD220 in cash, his CPR card and ATM card, he said. Police are investigating the incident. 0
106598 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Gripping look into murderer's mind The Rottweiler by Ruth Rendell ... Arrow Books Rendell turns the tables on most murder mysteries by revealing the identity of the killer very early on in this book, a twist which offers readers an intrigue of a different kind. The Rottweiler is a serial killer, who gets his kicks out of garrotting women, then stealing mementos from their bodies. When he attacks someone a little too close to home the focus of the police investigation becomes a small block of flats in Star Street, London. There the murderer lurks in a group of misfit tenants, all of whom drift in and out of their lonely landlady Inez Ferry's antique shop on the ground floor. It is here that the tension mounts, as Inez discovers some of the Rottweiler's souvenirs among her wares and slowly realises that what should be a faceless killer isn't just out there terrorising the city - he's living with her. Rendell has excelled herself with this complex and ambitious novel. By naming 0
106599 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Pedestrian is killed in crash horror MANAMA: A Bahraini man was killed in a horrific accident in Hoora yesterday. Yousif Ahmed Mubarak, 55, was killed on the spot near the Old Batelco Building when he was hit by a Nissan Sunny, driven by a Filipina. Mr Mubarak was thrown in the air due to the impact. He sustained severe head injuries and internal bleeding. His body was last night said to be at the Salmaniya Medical Complex mortuary. Traffic police are investigating. 0
106600 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Detainee branded 'enemy combatant' ACCORDING to the US government, Juma Mohammed Abdul Latif Al Dossary is detained for being an "enemy combatant", defined as someone who supported Taliban or Al Qaeda forces, or associated forces engaged in hostilities against the US and its coalition partners. He is accused of being a member of Al Qaeda when he travelled from the US to Afghanistan, via Bahrain and Iran, in November 2001. It is claimed that he was present at Tora Bora where Osama bin Laden is thought to have gone into hiding. He allegedly crossed the border into Pakistan in December 2001 without any documentation or authorisation and surrendered to Pakistani authorities. In 1989, he allegedly travelled to Afghanistan where he was trained to use an AK-47 at Al Siddeek training camp. Mr Al Dossary has maintained his innocence, claiming that he had gone to Pakistan to help distribute aid and food to refugees when he was seized three years ago. After graduating from secondary school, Mr Al Doss 0
106601 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Chance to catch art exhibition ART lovers still have time to catch an art exhibition called Music of Passion, which is being showcased at Dar Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya until Wednesday. Forty-six paintings by award winning Bahraini artist Ebrahim Busaad are on display at the event. The majority of them are black and white acrylic and ink paintings and contrast light and dark tones, detailed and simple patterns and various perspectives. Some of the paintings are based on a traditional Islamic circle design. There are also several coloured oil paintings depicting scenes of traditional Bahraini village life. Bahraini women feature in most of the paintings and wear traditional patterns on their clothes and painted hands. The artist also features birds and a lute and in several of the paintings the woman takes on the appearance of a lute and the man is symbolised by a bird. Mr Busaad currently works as Education Ministry senior art specialist in textbooks. Mr Busaad graduated wit 0
106602 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Second term for Dr Ghubash ARABIAN Gulf University President Dr Rafia Al Ghubash will serve for a second four-year term following a decision by GCC Education Ministers at a meeting held in Riyadh. According to the decision, Dr Al Ghubash will start serving her second term from May 1. The ministers praised the Dr Al Ghubash's efforts, which they said were instrumental in upgrading the university's performance. The meeting also approved appointments of new employees and faculty members at the university. 0
106603 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Food festival a big draw SCORES of people attended the opening of the Lebanese Food Festival which opened at the Gulf Hotel last night. The festival, which continues until March 24, is being held at Zahle Restaurant and the timings, from 8pm to 1am nightly except Fridays. Al Wazyr traditional folkloric dancing troupe has been specially flown in from Lebanon to provide live entertainment. The nine-member troupe dressed in the traditional Lebanese costumes will perform folkloric dances, which reflect the rich and ancient Lebanese culture. A belly dancer will also perform at the event, sponsored by Gulf Air and Gulf Cellar. Meals for the event are prepared by Chef Hussain Faqih. 0
106604 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Youngsters to learn art techniques at workshop A VARIETY of activities for young artists and adults alike are being launched this month at Dar Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya. Activities include workshops for young artists and participants aged 15 and above and a women's art criticism meeting. All activities are being conducted by Brazilian artist Luciana Farah, who is a visiting curator at the gallery. Ms Farah is currently working on a comparative study of Western and Islamic art techniques. The two-month young artist workshop, which is being held from the third week of this month, is intended to encourage creativity and personal expression, provide instruction in the use of materials and techniques for rendering images and introduce children to art history and culture. For children aged seven to 10 years, there will instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and photography. For children aged 11 to 15, there will be more in-depth instruction in one or more of these processes. E 0
106605 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Queen's secret mission... The Secret Voyage of Sir Francis Drake by Samuel Bawlf ... Penguin Sir Francis Drake is one of the best-known sailors in history, as famous for his daring circumnavigation of the globe as for his exploits as a gentleman pirate in the 16th century. However, Bawlf believes that his story has only been half told for the last 400 years. For Bawlf's studies have led him to conclude that Drake was more than just one of England's finest explorers, he was in fact one of the greatest the world has ever seen. In contemporary reports of Drake's three-year round-the-world expedition there are six months unaccounted for and the author believes he has solved the mystery of that missing time. He argues that Drake was on a secret mission for Queen Elizabeth I, the quest for a northwest passage through the Americas and direct, fast access to the riches of the East. This would have given the English a crucial advantage over their bitter rivals, the Spanish, 0
106606 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Region 'plays key global energy role' THE Middle East has an increasingly crucial role to play to help the world meet an increasing demand for oil and gas, Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed said yesterday. He said this region has to bear most of the burden of maintaining current production and also must add the immense production capacity that will be required to meet rapid growth in the world energy market. "Today the world has only about 40 years of oil reserves and about 60 years of gas reserves. The Middle East has 65 per cent of the world oil reserves and 40pc of the total world gas reserves while its share in world oil consumption is only 6pc and 8pc for gas," said Dr Al Sayed. "This clearly shows that to meet the increasing global demand for oil and gas, this region has a crucial role to play." He was speaking at the opening of the 14th Middle East Oil & Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2005) at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Dr Al Sayed said the landscape of the oil industry has c 0
106607 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Left alone with rats and snakes! New allegations of torture have been made by Bahraini detainees at Guantanamo Bay. ABDULRAHMAN FAKHRI reports in the second of a four-part series A BAHRAINI detainee at Guantanamo Bay was made to observe a couple having sex in an adjacent room, wrapped in American and Israeli flags and was severely beaten until he lost consciousness, say his lawyers. According to latest allegations made by Juma Mohammed Abdul Latif Al Dossary on his conditions in the prison camp, interrogators also threatened to kill his family and told him that he would be killed or detained for the rest of his life. On several occasions, US officers insulted Islam, put Mr Al Dossary's flip-flops on his copy of the Quran and insulted the Holy Book. The latest claims were made during an interview with lawyers, who visited Guantanamo Bay last October. However, they can only be released now after the US Defence Department reviewed their notes and deemed the information to be unclassi 0
106608 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL 'Open skies' boon for GCC aviation BAHRAIN'S open sky policy will greatly contribute towards the region's aviation development, says a top airline boss. Bahrain is the only other GCC country with which Qatar enjoys an open sky policy, said Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker. "This reflects the vision of the leadership of our two great brotherly countries," he told a media delegation from Bahrain. "The policy has substantially helped in the development of the aviation sector in the GCC in general and our two countries in particular. "Currently, Qatar Airways operates five flights daily between Doha and Bahrain, and we may increase it further, if there is demand." Mr Al Baker was speaking at his office at Qatar Airways headquarters in Doha to members of the Bahrain media delegation, who were earlier taken on a familiarisation tour of Seychelles, which is one of the airline's new destinations. The delegation, headed by Qatar Airways Bahrain area manager Mohammed Ali, also att 0
106609 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL 35 nations for Asian IT summit DELEGATIONS from 35 countries, including 18 ministers, have confirmed their participation in the third Asia IT Ministers' Summit, which opens in Bahrain next week. The event will be held on March 21 and 22 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the patronage of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. There has been an enthusiastic response from about 35 countries that have already confirmed their participation with full ministerial delegations including about 18 ministers, said Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BCEB) projects manager Abdulla Rashid Shafeea. Another 18 countries are expected to confirm their participation in the coming two weeks, he told a Press conference yesterday. "This landmark event is a continuation of the dialogue between Asian IT ministers on how to develop the IT infrastructure in their respective countries and how to benefit from the latest developments of the global information and communicatio 0
106610 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Lions Day is marked SCORES of Lions Club of Bahrain members and guests celebrated the 27th Annual Lions Day held last night at the Regency InterContinental Hotel, Manama. The event also featured the 60th anniversary celebration of the signing of the UN Charter and the induction of new Lions Club of Bahrain member Aloma Jayasundera. Those at the event included UN resident co-ordinator Dr Khalid Alloush, German Ambassador Wolfgang Lerke, Thai Ambassador Widhya Bhoolsuwan and Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra. The relationship between the Lions Club International and the UN began in 1945, at the end of the Second World War. US president Harry Truman, Britain's Prime Minister Winston Churchill and other world leaders signed the UN Charter on October 24, 1945. In the same year, Lions founder Melvin Joes and past international presidents Fred Smith and D A Skeen were asked to help develop the non-governmental organisation charter for the new global organisation. Over the years, 0
106611 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Iraq 'opens new era of investment' IRAQ'S oil industry is ripe for investment, said Iraqi Deputy Oil Minister Ahmed Al Shamma. He invited regional and international companies to look at opportunities available in his country, calling the current period a new era for investment. "There is a need to drill 200 new wells this year to maintain Iraq's 3.6 million barrels per day production of oil," said Mr Al Shamma. "There are also 13 storage tanks which need rehabilitation. Export facilities in the Gulf must also be upgraded and expanded "Two gas fields are to be developed soon and they will be followed by two others later." Exhibition He was speaking at the opening of the 14th Middle East Oil & Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2005) at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre yesterday. The event, which continues until Tuesday, includes a technical conference programme organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and an exhibition of oil and gas related products and services.< 0
106612 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL First kickboxing school opens THE first kickboxing school in Bahrain is to be opened in Hamala today. General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa is to open the new BD60,000 Zen-Do Bahrain Kickboxing Club. Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdulla Al Queiz as well as other VIPs, guests and Zen-Do members will also be present at the event. "I am extremely honoured that Shaikh Fawaz has agreed to launch the club," said Zen-Do Bahrain founding director Suhail Algosaibi, who is also the centre's head instructor. Zen-Do Bahrain is the Kingdom's first ever custom-designed kickboxing club, with 196 active students. The school offers classes for all age groups. "A student is considered 'active' if he or she attends a class at least once during a three-week period. "Conversely, an 'inactive' student is someone who has not come in for a three week period. "Zen-Do has been operating since October 2002 in a smaller location," said Mr Algosaibi. Mr Algosaibi 0
106613 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Searching for her mother... FILIPINA Maria Grace Montibon Reyes is in Bahrain in a bid to speed up the search for her mother Gracie Montibon, who has been missing for over four months. Mrs Reyes, 24, arrived here from Manila on Friday night looking for answers about her mother's whereabouts. She claims officials from the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) failed to give her any or offer her family assistance. There were also no Philippine Embassy officials present at the Bahrain International Airport to meet Mrs Reyes. Instead, she was met by her mother's Bahraini sponsor and his family as well as Mrs Montibon's good friend Merle Agpalo. Mrs Reyes, who is Mrs Montibon's eldest daughter, flew in after friends of her mother raised money to purchase her air ticket. Her three-month tourist visa, which was initially rejected by the Bahraini immigration, took some time to be approved the second time it was submitted by her m 0
106614 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Minister leaves for GCC forum in Riyadh Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa leaves today for Riyadh heading Bahrain's delegation to the 94th session of the GCC ministerial council. A number of political, security and economic issues in addition to environmental issues will be discussed at the session said GCC's secretary-general Abdulrahman Al Attiyah. Participants will also review the issue of the three UAE islands controlled by Iran as well as latest developments in Iraq, the peace process and the phenomenon of terrorism at the session which will be held under Bahrain's chairmanship. The council will also review a memorandum submitted by the GCC General Secretariat on the decision of the GCC's supreme council on education and other topics pertaining to cultural and judicial co-operation. The ministers will also review co-operation in the financial, economic, electricity and transport fields, "in addition to the GCC states' relations with other countries and economic blo 0
106615 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Mystery over raid on Manama flats POLICE are investigating an alleged burglary of an apartment building in Manama where thieves are said to have raided the premises and assaulted its tenants before fleeing with several heavy household items. More than 60 Asians live in the building and some were home at the time of the incident. They were in the process of clearing out their belongings after 55-year-old Bahraini landlord Abdul Aziz Khalil, who bought the building recently, ordered them to leave. They claim a group of Bahrainis attacked them in broad daylight, entered each of the six apartments, stole whatever they were able to get their hands on and hit whoever tried to interfere. The thieves stole three water heaters, four air-conditioners, four water mixers and 10 light fixtures before escaping. One of the tenants called the landlord and told him about the robbery. "I received a call at around 5pm from one of the tenants telling me that they are under attack by a group of Bahrainis," sa 0
106616 1 1497 BNEW LOCAL OIL SHOW SUCCESS MANAMA: This year's Middle East Oil and Gas Show - opened yesterday by the Prime Minister - is proving a magnet for international experts and companies. He said that such major events boosted Bahrain's status regionally and worldwide. More than 21 countries are represented at this year's MEOS 2005. Premier Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa also hailed the participation of 400 Saudi firms! "This mirrors Saudi Arabia's keenness to enhance Bahrain's status in hosting such shows," he said, adding that MEOS offers a crucial opportunity to showcase latest oil and gas technology. Regional firms have more than proved themselves as world-class operators, he said. The show is organised by Bahrain's Oil Engineers Society and Arabian Exhibition Management in co-operation with the Oil Ministry. The Prime Minister toured stands and was briefed on latest exploration and drilling techniques. He observed that holding this exhibition in Bahrain reflects i 0
106617 2 1497 BNEW LOCAL Pioneering women honoured THE region's first women's society celebrated its 50th anniversary in Bahrain yesterday. The Bahrain Young Women's Society held its celebrations at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, by honouring several women who have contributed to the empowerment of women in Bahrain and the region over the years. More than 300 people attended the celebrations. Among those honoured were Supreme Council for Women chairwoman and wife of His Majesty King Hamad Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, UAE Women's Federation president Shaikha Fatima bint Mubarak, UAE Umm Al Mo'amneen Women's Society chairwoman Shaikha Fatima bint Zayed Al Nahyan and many others. The event was held under the patronage of Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar. The celebration also featured a documentary on the society's activities and a photography exhibition. The society will also hold a discussion forum tod 0
106618 3 1497 BNEW LOCAL F1 visa fee scrapped VISITORS to next month's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are to get a two-week F1 visa free of charge, it was revealed yesterday. Passengers can only use this multiple re-entry visa for entry into the Kingdom between March 22 and April 3, said General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) visa and residence director Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa. Visitors to the event, scheduled for April 1, 2 and 3, can obtain the F1 visa on arrival, or pre-arrange it through the Internet (www.evisa.gov.bh) or GDNPR headquarters depending on their nationality and GCC alien residence status, he noted. A printout of the visa approval or a letter of invitation from the sponsor may be carried by the passenger. F1 visas can be obtained on arrival by the following countries (G34 group): Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, 0
106619 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Security team in Saudi MANAMA: A Bahraini security delegation has secretly visited Saudi Arabia and met Bahraini detainee Abdulrahim Al Murbati, sources told Akhbar Al Khaleej. Mr Al Murbati has been held for over a year and a half. The suspect, who has never been put on trial, is reportedly in a critical health condition. No further details were available about the reasons for the visit. 0
106620 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Escaped convict rearrested MANAMA: A man jailed for theft was rearrested after he escaped from the court yesterday. Police caught him in a cafe near his home, North-Western Security Directorate director Colonel Shaikh Khalifa bin Hassan Al Khalifa said in a statement. The man was jailed for three months after being caught red-handed. 0
106621 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Governorate plan rejected MANAMA: Parliament yesterday rejected a proposal by several MPs to set up a sixth governorate, in western Bahrain. The legislative and legal affairs committee said new governorates can only be set up with a decree by His Majesty King Hamad. The proposal was submitted by MPs Jassim Abdula'al, Yusif Zainal, Abbas Hassan, Abdulhadi Marhoon and Abdulnabi Salman. 0
106622 0 1497 BNEW LOCAL Condolence cables sent His Majesty King Hamad yesterday sent a cable of condolence to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, marking the death of adviser at the Saudi Royal court Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed bin Ibrahim Al Shaikh. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent similar cables. 0
106623 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Mainz hold Werder FRANKFURT: Werder Bremen missed a chance to rejoin the Bundesliga title race when they were held to a goalless draw at home to FSV Mainz yesterday. Last season's double winners, beaten 7-2 by Olympique Lyon in the Champions League this week, dominated against a side still fighting relegation but their finishing let them down. The result means Werder will be nine points off the title pace by today evening if the match between leaders Bayern Munich and second-placed Schalke 04 does not finish in a draw. Bayern and Schalke both have 50 points from 24 games, followed by Werder on 44 from 25. Hamburg SV climbed up to fourth on 43 points yesterday with a thrilling 4-3 win away to Arminia Bielefeld. Bayer Leverkusen could only manage a 3-3 draw at home to 10-man Hertha Berlin and remain in seventh place. 0
106624 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Stenson ahead as Els makes a late rally DOHA: Sweden's Henrik Stenson takes a two-shot cushion into the final round of the Qatar Masters after firing a six-under 66 yesterday. Stenson has an aggregate 10-under 206, two better than compatriot Niclas Fasth and overnight leader Richard Green of Australia. World number three Ernie Els carded his best round of the tournament, a 69 lifting the South African to five-under and a share of 10th place. Stenson powered into contention on the back nine, recording five birdies. "I didn't get off to a great start. I had just one birdie, on the fourth, but kept plugging away, making pars. Then I got it going on the back nine with those birdies," Stenson said. "In fact I could have added one more (birdie) on the last hole. I had a good drive and three wood to the green, but I couldn't go for the pin and hit a bad chip." 0
106625 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Muharraq off to winning start MUHARRAQ got off to a winning start in the 24th GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship being held in Doha defeating Al Arabi of Kuwait 25-22, 25-21, 25-22 last night at the Al Arabi Club gym. Mohammed Jassim, Fadhel Abbas, libero Rashid Al Haiki and playmaker Fadhel Ali were the architects of a deserving victory. Muharraq have won this annual competition eight consecutive times between 1995 and 2002. Muharraq will take on Sohar of Oman today at 5pm. Sohar lost their opening match to Qatar Club of Qatar in a five-set thriller while Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia outplayed the UAE's Al Nasser 3-1 in the other matches. The event will go on for a week and is being held on league basis with six teams in the fray. Al Najma Club of Bahrain won the title last year in Muscat. 0
106626 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Karim lifts tennis title KARIM Abdulreda recorded a close 6-4, 7-5 victory over Abdulrahman Shuwaiter to clinch the boys under-18 singles title in the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship being held at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. The boys under-16 singles final is scheduled for today at 5pm when Hamad Al Nusuf take on Abdulla Mohammed. The tournament concludes tomorrow with the girls under-18 final between Yasmine Ebada and Tarryn Carlsson starting at 5.30pm. 0
106627 0 1497 SPOR SPORT 6-member team for world cross country BELAL Mansoor will head a six-member team at the World Cross Country Youth Championship to be held in St Etienne, France on March 19 and 20. A five-km qualifying race was organised by Bahrain Athletics Association on the sidelines of the Clubs Cross Country Race on Friday and the top six athletes were selected to represent the Kingdom at the championship. The top six athletes are Belal Mansoor, Tareq Mubarak Salem, Saleh Marzooq, Adam Ismail, Ishaq Isa and Bader Khalil. An 18-member delegation will leave for France on Wednesday. The delegation will be headed by BAA president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and includes BAA members, officials and six athletes. The next event on the BAA calendar is the track-and-field championship to be held in the second half of May which will be open to juniors, youth and seniors. Results: 1 Belal Mansoor (14.28 minutes), 2 Tareq Mubarak Salem (14.47), 3 Saleh Marzooq (14.48), 4 Adam Ismail (14.49), 5 Ishaq Isa (14.50), 6 Bad 0
106628 0 1497 SPOR SPORT France dash Irish grand slam dream DUBLIN: France derailed Ireland's dream of a first grand slam in 57 years and kept their own hopes of retaining their Six Nations title alive with a breathless 26-19 win at Lansdowne Road yesterday. First half tries from the impressive Christophe Dominici and debutant centre Benoit Baby put France in the driving seat and a committed defence weathered a second half Irish storm before Dominici went over for his second try late on to seal the win. Ireland, chasing their first grand slam since their solitary clean sweep in 1948, were nervy and disjointed for much of the match, but were given hope by a brilliant second half solo try from skipper Brian O'Driscoll that set up a thrilling finale. France could retain the title if they beat Italy in Rome on Saturday and other results go their way, while Ireland could still triumph with a win on the same day in Cardiff against Wales - who will be chasing a grand slam of their own if they beat Scotland today. 0
106629 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Prince ton puts South Africans in command CENTURION, South Africa: Ashwell Prince hit a maiden Test century as South Africa took a first innings lead on the second day of the second Test against Zimbabwe at Centurion Park yesterday. Prince made 101 not out as South Africa reached 380 for six at the close in reply to Zimbabwe's 269 all out, a lead of 111. For South Africa, though, it was a hard struggle against spirited opponents who came back strongly after being hammered by an innings and 21 runs inside two days in the first Test in Cape Town. Prince and Jacques Kallis (58) shared a sixth wicket stand of 119. 0
106630 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Cueto leads England past Italy LONDON: A hat-trick of tries for winger Mark Cueto helped England beat Italy 39-7 for their first win of the 2005 Six Nations yesterday. England went into the match on the back of a four-match losing streak and although victory against an Italian side destined to end the tournament without a point was a foregone conclusion, coach Andy Robinson will nevertheless be pleased to have got back to winning ways. It was by no means a vintage England performance and they rarely looked likely to match the average of 50-points per game they have chalked up in their previous eight victories. But Cueto's hat-trick, an impressive return to the fold by fullback Iain Balshaw and tries for forwards Steve Thompson and Andy Hazell gave the crowd something to cheer having suffered back-to-back Twickenham defeats. Cueto got his first try after 10 minutes, cashing in on a superb break by Balshaw, who had caught a deep kick inside his own 22 and beat two defenders to make an immediate impact on 0
106631 0 1497 SPOR SPORT McCann lifts duathlon title CHIRS McCann raced to victory in the fifth Bahrain Duathlon, organised by the Bahrain Road Runners under the umbrella of the Bahrain Athletics Association at the Sailing club. Seventy runners took part in the race which involved a three-km run, 20 kms of cycle and a five-km run. In the men's open category, McCann led in the three-km race finishing in 10 minutes and 32 seconds which was 46 seconds ahead of second placed Joe Kintz. But Kintz caught up during the cycle race where he was a minute faster. McCann, however, was too good in the final leg to win with an accumulated time of one hour, five minutes and 58 seconds. Kintz finished in one hour, six minutes and 58 seconds while Naji Ahmed (1:14:54) was third. Tim Owen (1:10:38) led the M40 category and in the M45 category Chuck Chandonet (1:19:46) held an edge in the cycling but could not stop Neil Gilbert (1:17:14) from taking the lead. Paul Cleaver, who turned 50 the day before the race, had no challe 0
106632 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Wagstaff lifts Riffa golf day honours OLIVE Wagstaff clinched first place in the annual Bacardi Golf Day at Riffa Golf Club with a score of 36 points. Stank Kwik was second with 35 points and Colin Elston third, also on 35 points. In the over 24-handicap section, Alison Cowley took first prize, also with a score of 35 points. Well over seventy golfers took part in the tournament, which teed off with a 7.30am shotgun start and was played in the individual stableford format. "A great day was had by all," said BMMI's brand manager for Bacardi Victoria Bushnell. "It was the first really summery day of the year and the complimentary beverages provided on-course were much appreciated!" A prize-giving ceremony was held in Riffa's Braids bar. Meanwhile, Fore Golf, Team Club Car, Northern European Barbarians and the Looney Tunes are in pole position in the Tuesday fixtures of the first Motors Hyundai Corporate Night Golf League at Riffa Golf Club. The Red Devils and Still Norfolk N' Goode are ahead in the Wednesday le 0
106633 0 1497 SPOR SPORT Abdulla is first in motorcycle race MUNTHER Abdulla clinched his second consecutive title in the nine-round Bahrain Desert Motorcycle Championship, organised by the Bahrain Motorcycle Club near the Shaikh Isa bin Salman highway. Eight drivers took part in the second leg which was held over 18 kms divided into three stages. Mohammed Al Khenaizi, who finished third in the first round, was second while Yousef Karimi third. Bahrain Motor Federation general secretary Rashid Al Zayani presented the trophies and other awards to the winners in presence of club president Isa Al Awadi and other club officials. Al Awadi thanked event sponsors Euro Motors and Chase Cafe for their support. Al Awadi said the next event will be held after the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix scheduled to be held on April 1, 2 and 3. For further information on any of the club competitions contact Isa Al Awadi on 39693837. 0
106634 1 1497 SPOR SPORT PAKISTAN SAVE TEST MOHALI, India: Pakistan found an unlikely saviour in Kamran Akmal to snatch a creditable draw from the jaws of defeat in the opening Test against India here yesterday. Pakistan faced defeat when they resumed batting on the fifth and final morning as they were 53 ahead with last four wickets in hand, but Akmal turned the match upside-down with his superb maiden Test century under pressure. The wicketkeeper-batsman, 23, exceeded expectations as he slammed a solid 109 in only his 11th match to help his team post a massive 496 for nine declared in the second innings, their highest total in India. Pakistan batted more than two sessions to shatter India's hopes of victory in the first match of a three-Test series, thanks to unsung Akmal's resolute batting. India finished the day at 85 for one after being set an improbable target of 293 runs off 25 overs, with Virender Sehwag scoring 36 and Gautam Gambhir an unbeaten 32. Pakistan gained a big psychological boost ahead of 0
106635 2 1497 SPOR SPORT Manama outplay Al Ahli to lift Cup MANAMA clinched the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball Cup for the ninth time after an emphatic 77-61 victory over Al Ahli in the final last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Captained by 36-year-old veteran Nooh Najaf, Manama dominated the proceedings with good defence and fine distribution which regained them the title they last won in 2002. Manama, who finished runners-up in the last two editions, had a strong start and took a 21-15 lead in the first quarter with Mahmood Ghuloom scoring eight points while Ahmed Qahiri assisted him with a three-pointer. On the other hand, Al Ahli showed poor defensive and offensive abilities and relied on their over two-metre tall players Yasser Abdulla of Iraq and US professional Green Nathan who was flown in for this encounter. Al Ahli tried to make a comeback in the second quarter through their experienced players Ebrahim Al Derazi, Nedal Abbas and Hussain Ali but a combination of poor handling and inefficient defensive rebounds h 0
106636 3 1497 SPOR SPORT Australians bounce back CHRISTCHURCH: The first cricket Test between New Zealand and Australia was delicately poised at the end of the third day here Saturday after a 212-run partnership by centurions Simon Katich and Adam Gilchrist hauled Australia back into contention. The Australian innings finished just before stumps on 432, just one run behind New Zealand, with Stephen Fleming and Craig Cumming extending the lead to 10 runs in the brief six overs they had at the crease before the close. In a day of swinging fortunes, New Zealand took the honours in the first and third sessions but when it looked like Australia were in danger of not making the follow-on target, it was the dominance of Katich and Gilchrist in the middle section that revived the tourists' chances. They came together with the score at 201 for six, when Australia had lost three wickets for 54 runs in the morning, and their partnership ended with the score at 413 and in sight of New Zealand's total. New Zealand captain Fleming to 0
106637 2 1497 SPOR SPORT AMA varsity bag basketball crown POLICE Royal Academy (RPA) and AMA International University bagged the men's soccer and basketball titles respectively in the first President of Goys Universities Championship held at the Juffair Youth Centre. Twelve universities took part in the two-day tournament which was organised by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys). The women's soccer title was won by AMA and the basketball crown was claimed by University of Bahrain. RPA defeated Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance 1-0 in the soccer final. PRA accumulated 11 points in the first round to secure a place in the semi-finals where they recorded a 3-2 win on penalties over University of Bahrain who finished third. In the basketball tournament which was played in a league format, AMA International University clinched the crown after winning all their five matches. Goys president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa honoured the winners in presence of universities officials. 0
106638 0 1497 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain ART exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) open to visitors to learn about Islamic culture, 9am to 5pm. Photography exhibition on The Egyptian Civilisation, Arts Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, 8am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Sunset cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Circuit, British Club, 9am to 10am; line dancing 9.30am-11.30am; library 4pm-7pm; netball 7pm-10pm; salsa class, 8pm-9pm. Contact 17728245. Al Areesh Gallery for Child Art, Adliya, 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm. Contact 17813043 or 17259623. Ballet, ka 0
106639 0 1497 WORL WORLD 'King Leer' eyes final chapter NEW DELHI: For a man who wrote his obituary in his 20s, Indian literary giant Khushwant Singh reckons at 90 he has had pretty good innings. But the country's most prolific author, nicknamed King Leer for his legendary roving eye, now feels his "tryst with destiny" is near and has just written a book on death that is unflinching in its views. "I do not accept the belief that while the body perishes the soul survives," Singh says in the preface to Death at my Doorstep, contradicting Sikh beliefs, which he sees as part of his identity. "I accept the finality of death," adds Singh, a household name in Indian book-reading circles who has written more than 100 books. "You cannot ... fool yourself into believing death comes to other people but will spare you. It will not. It is best to prepare yourself for it and when it comes, welcome it with a smile on your lips." Still, with a national newspaper column entitled With Malice to One and All that regularly delights fans 0
106640 0 1497 WORL WORLD Eight killed in Iraq as hostage spared BAGHDAD: Eight people were killed in Iraq yesterday, including three Iraqi policemen gunned down in Mosul and a foreign truck driver attacked near Baiji, as three Afghans allegedly on their way to fight in the northern city were arrested in Baghdad. The policemen, including an officer, were gunned down by assailants aboard a vehicle in the Al Sukar neighbourhood on Mosul's northern side, said a local police commander. Meanwhile, Iraqi captors have indefinitely postponed their threatened execution of a Filipino hostage as efforts were underway to free other foreigners. More details of the liberation of an Italian hostage emerged, with reports that an Italian intelligence agent killed by US soldiers had wanted to keep secret from the US military details of his mission in Baghdad to free journalist Giuliana Sgrena. 0
106641 0 1497 WORL WORLD Egyptian politician refuses to pay bail CAIRO: Egypt ordered the release an opposition leader seen by some as a symbol of the movement for democratic reform, but the politician refused to pay the bail on the grounds he is in jail for political reasons. Ayman Nur, who heads the Ghad (Tomorrow) party, was detained on January 29 on charges of "falsifying official documents". Attorney General Maher Abdel Wahed said his release had been ordered, two days before his preventive detention was due to expire, in exchange for 10,000 Egyptian pounds (BD529) in bail. But a lawyer for the jailed politician said his client refused to pay the amount on the grounds that his detention was a political matter. 0
106642 0 1497 WORL WORLD Assad vows full pullout DAMASCUS: Syria has agreed to remove all military and intelligence personnel from Lebanon, Terje Roed-Larsen, UN chief Kofi Annan's special envoy, said yesterday after talks with President Bashar Al Assad. Details of a timetable would be given to Annan next week, the envoy said, without disclosing a timeframe for the final phase of what he said would be a two-stage manoeuvre. Meanwhile, a Syrian shopkeeper was stabbed to death in Beirut yesterday, Lebanese security forces said, amid rising anti-Syrian violence in Lebanon since the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri. The incident took place in the Sunni working class area of Tariq Jdide as Mussa opened his vegetable stand for the day. 0
106643 0 1497 WORL WORLD TV host can joke about Jackson rules US court SANTA MARIA, California: A judge ruled that US talk show host Jay Leno can tell jokes about Michael Jackson, even though he could be called to testify in the embattled star's child sex trial. The move came after Jackson's lawyers argued that the famed comedian, who has been subpoenaed as a possible witness, should be subject to a strict gag order preventing players in the case from talking about it. The legal wrangling last week forced Leno to draft in a substitute to crack jokes about the "King of Pop" on his "Tonight Show" on US television. Leno's lawyers asked Judge Rodney Melville, who is handling the Jackson case, for an exemption to the gag order. 0
106644 0 1497 WORL WORLD Son gets dead woman's pension A TURKISH man managed to get the pension of his mother for two years after her death, posing as an elderly woman to the local bank and neighbours. Disguised in his mother's coat, with a headscarf on his head and large glasses over his nose, 47-year-old Serafettin Gencel got caught only after he forgot to change his voice in response to a question by a bank clerk in his latest attempt to withdraw his mother's pension. Gencel hid the woman's death in 2003 from relatives and neighbours and buried her in the basement of their house in the northwestern city of Balikesir, Sabah newspaper said. He used to take walks in the neighbourhood disguised as his mother so that her absence did not draw attention. The man had a long criminal record, including robbery, theft and possession of an unlicenced weapon. 0
106645 0 1497 WORL WORLD Iran rejects US overtures TEHRAN: Iran yesterday scoffed at US incentives aimed at coaxing it to drop its nuclear ambitions, with Tehran saying that Washington's overtures offered nothing in the way of a concession. Neither threats nor incentives will alter Iran's determination to develop peaceful nuclear technology, it said. The defiance came a day after the Bush administration agreed to support a European plan that offers Tehran economic incentives to stop its nuclear ambitions. 0
106646 0 1497 WORL WORLD Strong quake rocks Turkey ANKARA: An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.7 shook southeastern Turkey yesterday, damaging some 150 houses and injuring 15 people, authorities said. The quake struck around 9.36a.m and was centred in the town of Karliova in rural Bingol province - where a magnitude 6.4 quake killed 177 people in 2003 - the Istanbul-based Kandilli observatory said. Gov Vehbi Avuc of Bingol, 700km east of Ankara, said the temor caused some damage in Karliova and in six villages in the region. The government dispatched tents, blankets and other relief aid to the snow covered area, where some villages were cut off from the outside world due to heavy snowfall for days. It was felt in the neighbouring provinces of Erzurum, Diyarbakir, Tunceli, Mus and Erzincan. 0
106647 0 1497 WORL WORLD Orangemen cut ties with Ulster party BELFAST: The Orange Order, the major Protestant brotherhood in Northern Ireland, voted yesterday to break its 100-year ties to the Ulster Unionists, the once-dominant party in this British territory. The historic decision followed years of growing tensions between the moderate leadership of the Ulster Unionists, who have supported Northern Ireland's decade-old peace process, and the conservative leaders of the Orange Order, who have largely rejected it. The brotherhood's decision-making body, the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, announced the decision but didn't disclose the precise vote. The move ended the Orangemen's right to hold scores of seats within the grassroots Ulster Unionist Council, which wields the power to elect and topple Ulster Unionist leaders. Orange Grandmaster Robert Saulters said the brotherhood, which has more than 50,000 members in this province of 1.7 million people, had decided to withdraw because the Ulster Unionists were no longer the major Protestant-bac 0
106648 1 1497 WORL WORLD Blunkett seeks new polls role LONDON: David Blunkett, the former Home Secretary who quit in December over a sex scandal, said yesterday he had recovered emotionally and was ready to return to frontline politics if Prime Minister Tony Blair wanted him. Blunkett, who was a key ally to the Labour leader, quit over newspaper allegations he had abused his position. "You don't return to the frontline simply on your past, you have to have something to offer for the future," he told the Guardian newspaper. "In the (election) campaign, I have to get out there and make it clear that, if Tony wants me, I'd be a plus not a minus." Blunkett said Blair was keen for him to travel around the country to meet voters in the run up to a general election expected in May. Blair called Blunkett an "admirable person" following his resignation and polls at the time showed the public supported him. "Yes, I was damaged," he said, referring to the scandal. "But I accept total responsibility for any a 0
106649 2 1497 WORL WORLD Howard blasts Blair 'failures' BRIGHTON, England: Brit-ain's main opposition Conservative Party yesterday opened their last congress before a general election expected in May with an all-out, personal attack on Prime Minister Tony Blair. "Every day between now and polling day, we're going to put you to account for the promises you've broken, the money you've wasted, and the contempt you've showed for the office you hold," Conserva-tive leader Michael Howard warned Blair in his address to delegates. Howard vowed the Conservatives would "defy the pundits" and the opinion polls, which show them six to seven percentage points behind, by keeping Blair and his ruling Labour Party from a third consecutive term in office. After Conservative defeats in 1997 and 2001, Howard sought to assure delegates that their party now had the momentum even though Labour's star has been rising in recent opinion surveys, while Blair's personal popularity is on the decline. "Since the beginning of this year - election year - we 0
106650 3 1497 WORL WORLD Palestinian workers protest GAZA CITY: Thousands of unemployed Palestinians stormed the parliamentary building in Gaza yesterday, smashing windows and clashing with police, witnesses said. About 2,500 unemployed Palestinians, who had previously worked in Israel, arrived at the building carrying signs and demanding work. They threw stones at the building, breaking some windows, and at police forces who came to break up the demonstration. Police fired in the air to try to disperse the crowd. After clashes between the protesters and police, the security forces succeeded in evacuating the demonstrators from the area around the parliamentary building, witnesses said. No one was wounded in the clash, and a group of demonstrators met with parliamentary officials to discuss their demands. Meanwhile, the militant Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas announced it would end a long-standing boycott and take part in Palestinian legislative elections in July. 0
106651 2 1497 WORL WORLD Howard blasts Blair 'failures' BRIGHTON, England: Brit-ain's main opposition Conservative Party yesterday opened their last congress before a general election expected in May with an all-out, personal attack on Prime Minister Tony Blair. "Every day between now and polling day, we're going to put you to account for the promises you've broken, the money you've wasted, and the contempt you've showed for the office you hold," Conserva-tive leader Michael Howard warned Blair in his address to delegates. Howard vowed the Conservatives would "defy the pundits" and the opinion polls, which show them six to seven percentage points behind, by keeping Blair and his ruling Labour Party from a third consecutive term in office. After Conservative defeats in 1997 and 2001, Howard sought to assure delegates that their party now had the momentum even though Labour's star has been rising in recent opinion surveys, while Blair's personal popularity is on the decline. "Since the beginning of this year - election year - we 0
106652 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Opec set to maintain oil output ABU DHABI: Oil-producing countries are expected to maintain current oil output quotas of 27 million barrels per day when Opec ministers meet in Iran this week, the UAE energy minister said yesterday. "Opec is not expected to cut its output ceiling in its Wednesday meeting to offset supply with demand in the second quarter," said Mohammed bin Dhaen Al Hamili. World oil prices are surging "remarkably upward," Al Hamili said, because of increasing supply and demand, "unstable conditions in some producing countries," cold weather in Europe and northeastern parts of the US and active buying of oil by investment funds on the futures market. Al Hamili, citing market projections, said global oil demand is "expected to drop by more than 1m barrels a day" in the second quarter of 2005 due to northern hemisphere weather changes. "If Opec continues to produce at the current level, a stockpile of around 2m barrel a day will be built," he added. 0
106653 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Asian banks target Islamic bonds DUBAI: Some Gulf Arab and Asian governments have begun diversifying reserves into Islamic financial assets, but a shortage of Islamic sovereign bonds will slow the process, a senior banker said yesterday. Iqbal Khan, Chief Executive of HSBC Amanah Finance, the Islamic banking unit of HSBC Holdings Ltd, said the shift was part of a wider trend among Asian governments to diversify their reserves away from US dollar-based assets. Khan said few governments have so far issued Islamic bonds, known as sukuks, restricting the ability of central banks in Muslim countries to hold them in reserve portfolios. But he said the supply of sukuks is growing. 0
106654 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Bank share trade halted MANAMA: Trading on the shares of the Bahraini Saudi Bank was temporarily suspended due to the bank's capital increase which will proceed tomorrow, Bahrain Stock Exchange director Fouad Rashid said. Trading will be resumed after the closing of the subscription and finalising allotment procedures. 0
106655 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Brown's budget will focus on family LONDON: With an election widely expected for May, British finance chief Gordon Brown's budget on Wednesday will make the economy a key battleground, with family-friendly sweeteners to woo voters, analysts say. Chancellor of the Exchequer Brown will likely reveal measures aimed at helping the less well-off - such as pensioners, new mothers and first-time home buyers - while also aiming to deliver stable economic growth. "It will be heavily orientated with the election in mind," said Global Insight economist Howard Archer. 0
106656 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS $200m loan facility deal MANAMA: Arab Banking Corporation, The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, BNP Paribas, Calyon, Gulf International Bank, Mizuho Corporate Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe yesterday announced that they have been mandated to arrange a $200 million five-year syndicated term loan facility for Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp). The facility has been fully underwritten by the Mandated Lead Arrangers and proceeds will be used to refinance Apicorp's $200m five-year syndicated term loan facility signed in July 2000. Roles have been assigned as follows: Bookrunners: The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, BNP Paribas and Calyon Information Memorandum: Mizuho Corporate Bank Documentation Agent: Standard Chartered Bank Facility Agent: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe, Signing Ceremony: Gulf International Bank Apicorp was established by 10 member states of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries in 1975 to prov 0
106657 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Insurance firm posts growth MANAMA: Al Ahlia Insurance registered a 23 per cent growth in gross premium last year, it was announced yesterday. Gross premium grew to BD6,753,428 for last year compared to BD5,506,615 for the previous year, said general manager Yahya Nooruddin. "This 23 per cent increase is attributed to the increase in premiums of all classes of business," he told the GDN. The company's net earned premium increased from BD1,681,188 for 2003 to BD1,915,594 for 2004 showing a growth of 14pc. Investment income also contributed substantially to the final results of the company, said Mr Nooruddin. Investment income last year was BD683,764 as compared to BD427,046 for the previous year. The net profit last year was BD919,537 against BD853,039 for 2003, Mr Nooruddin revealed. "The overall performance increased the shareholders equity by 35pc from BD4,960,383 as on December 31, 2003, to BD6,679,091 as on December 31 last year," he noted. "The earnings 0
106658 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Iran to double crude production in 10 years TEHRAN: Iran, the second largest producer in Opec, has set itself the target of doubling oil production within the next 10 years in order to keep a grip on its share of a rapidly expanding market. The Islamic republic, due to host a key Opec meeting in the city of Isfahan this week, currently boasts an oil production capacity of 4.2 million barrels a day but knows this figure cannot remain stagnant. Paul Graf, an oil consultant based in Tehran, said that Iran wants to increase current production levels in the next five years to 5.4m and then by 2m more in the following five years, so that it is pumping out 7.4m bpd in 2015. However to reach these objectives, Iran will need to invest $10 billion each year for the next decade and is already up to two years behind schedule, Graf added. "Iran's problem is to attract contractors for its projects. If it gets $70 billion of investments over the next 10 years it will be a success," he said. Iran has still not reached the 0
106659 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait bourse hits new high KUWAIT CITY: The Kuwait Stock Exchange index rose two per cent to a new record high yesterday as the Arab world's second largest bourse continues a winning streak that has lifted the market more than 650 points in seven sessions. The index of nearly 130 mostly Kuwaiti companies closed 146.70 points higher, or 2.01pc, at 7,446.30. It broke the 7,400-point psychological barrier for the first time ever and overtook a previous high of 7,299.60 set on Saturday. Analysts attribute the recent rally to a renewed surge in oil prices, strong 2004 corporate profits or dividends, investor bets on strong first quarter profits and speculation a local blue chip firm will secure more mega Iraq-related supply deals. Indeed, the advance comes amid a bullish economic backdrop as Kuwait, which has 10pc of world oil reserves, eyes a record $9bn budget surplus for the fiscal year ending this month, according to a leading local bank. But the recent parabolic ascent also raises fears of a possi 0
106660 0 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Bank posts net profit of $107m MANAMA: Ahli United Bank (AUB) has reported a consolidated net profit of $106.5 million for last year, which is up 22.3 per cent from $87.1m in 2003. The total operating income increased by 24.4pc to $243m from $195.4m in 2003, despite pressure on asset margins in a very competitive environment and against a rising interest yield curve. Net interest income rose by 11.5pc over 2003 while fee and other income, excluding gains on the sale of non-trading investments, grew by 38pc to $101.6m, against $73.6m in 2003. As of 31 December 2004, AUB had total assets of $8.1billion and shareholders equity of $1bn. The risk asset ratio stood at 23.7pc, well above the regulatory requirements. The Board of Directors has recommended a higher dividend of cents 2.7 per share as against cents 2.4 in 2003. The board announced the appointment of Rashid Al Meer as Deputy Chairman and welcomed Hamad Al Attiyah as a member of the board of directors. "This year's res 0
106661 1 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Mideast oil conference 'a boon for exhibitors' MANAMA: Exhibitors at this year's 14th Middle East Oil & Gas Show and Conference (MEOS 2005) are enjoying the exposure the event is giving them in the industry. The event at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre which will be held until tomorrow, includes a technical conference programme organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). Bapco chief executive Hussain Tadayon said Bapco has a strong presence at this year's event. "We are part of the organising committee, both for the conference and the exhibition. We are also presenting seven technical papers." Mr Tadayon said the company is also promoting its $1 billion strategic investment programme which includes several commercial and environmental projects including a $685 million low sulphur diesel production project. They are expected to be implemented by 2008. "These will help Bapco upgrade the refinery to meet the demands of the global oil market and also to meet environmental regulations." 0
106662 2 1498 BUSI BUSINESS World Bank reaches out to Gulf private investors DUBAI: The World Bank's private sector lending arm said yesterday it wanted to help deepen Gulf Arab financial markets and back private sector firms eager to replace their governments as the prime investors in the region. Assaad Jabre, International Finance Corp (IFC) vice-president responsible for new investment and advisory activities globally, also said the IFC wanted to support Gulf Arab companies invest in other developing markets worldwide. "With high oil prices, governments have been able to replenish reserves ... But they still feel the needs are huge and there is a (private) segment in the market that can play a role," Jabre said in Dubai, where the IFC's opened its new regional office yesterday. Diversifying the region's oil dependent economies and funnelling investment into job-creating enterprises was crucial as unemployment rates rise, he said. "This has become an absolute priority," Jabre said. The IFC is seeking to spur private sector involvement i 0
106663 3 1498 BUSI BUSINESS Audit training for Afghan staff MANAMA: Nine top staff members from the Afghanistan Finance Ministry internal audit department took part in an auditing programme for the first time at the Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF) in Juffair. The seven-day programme was conducted by the institute in co-operation with volunteers from KPMG and the Financial Service Volunteer Corps (FSVC), US. It covered many subjects, including types of audits, donor audits, internal audit, differences between internal and external audits and compliance and governance issues. Programme co-ordinator and BIBF banking and finance head Nafeesa Al Baluchi said the institute was chosen to host this important programme because of Bahrain's excellent reputation as a leading financial centre in the world and its ability to provide excellent training and business advisory services. FSVC Afghanistan country director Ramin Jabbari accompanied the group and was appreciative of the assistance provided by the BIBF, emphasising the 0
106664 0 1498 COMM COMMENTRebuilding relations... While the Bush Administration and much of the US media paint a rosy picture of US success in producing "Freedom on the March," from Afghanistan to Egypt, a more thoughtful assessment of the real problems facing the US-Arab relationship came last week from a distinguished group of former US government officials. The group, convened by the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), released a report, "From Conflict to Co-operation: Writing a New Chapter in US-Arab Relations." The effort was chaired by former US secretary of defence, William Cohen, and former US ambassador to Morocco, Edward Gabriel, and included a distinguished bi-partisan group of former US government officials, academics, and business professionals, all with substantial involvement in the Middle East. There were three former assistant secretaries of state, a former Republican national security adviser, a former under-secretary of defence, as well as a number of US ambassadors. Instead of the 0
106665 0 1498 COMM COMMENTFlushed with a sense of pride... It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Here are some lessons in washroom etiquette, which I offer as a public service. You're welcome. It's obvious to the casual observer that very few men in Bahrain wash their hands after using the bathroom. (I don't visit the ladies' room very often, but I suspect women are somewhat cleaner.) And it's not just the poor and unsophisticated either; I've personally witnessed CEOs and decision-makers at the highest level who are guilty of it. Think about this the next time you shake someone's hand at a gala dinner, conference or the golf course. Perhaps the only people worse are the 'gazers'; when you are using the urinal, you can look up, straight ahead at the wall, or down. There is no left or right! And no talking whatsoever... nothing is more irritating that when the guy next to you turns and says, "Hey, how you doin'? Nice day today!" Good for you. I don't come here to socialise, leave me alone! No singing or whist 0
106667 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Many women bored staying at home... IN response to Karim Mansouri's letter (GDN, March 11), I would like to speak out from a woman's perspective. This is a choice a woman should make. Even though I agree that taking care of the family's well-being is rather fulfilling for a woman, and a woman who has made the choice to be a stay-at-home mother usually has more quality time to spend with her children, many women with intellect and education find it very frustrating staying at home, especially when their children are over seven years old. Besides, not all men are generous with their woman and a woman needs to earn something for herself. Sometimes there are also unfortunate incidents of being widowed or divorced or being abused, and in such instances it is a great asset to be able to stand on your own feet. It should definitely be a choice a woman makes. As for me personally, I would like family women to have an option of working for six hours in a normal work environment. Single women and women with gr 0
106668 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Well done Ken! KEN Livingston, the blunt-speaking mayor of London, believes in calling "a spade a spade" or "a butcher a butcher" as the saying goes. His recent reported rhetoric of his feelings for linking Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with Al Qaeda must cause quite a few raised eyebrows and maybe a few giggles in this part of the world. However, it is refreshing for someone to stand up and say what they think publicly without worrying about human rights, Brussels, your own prime minister and other yes-men. Well done Ken, even though I do not like your congestion charge in London, you and Kilroy-Silk ought to get together and teach our leaders a thing or two. Ivor Wight 0
106669 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Mystery solved? WITH reference to the 'Mystery Bridge' letter by Suresh Sati (GDN, March 7), if this is the road coming down from Awali passing Riffa towards the refinery/drum plant area to Sitra (Janabiya being the village on the left hand side with a lot of date palms growing beside it) then a bridge was there in the 1950s for when the tide came in. This was covered in some time 'yimkin' early Sixties. The bridge on the road from Awali to Manama known as the 'Wiggly Bridge' was the same. The old grey cells have dimmed a wee bit since those days. It would be nice to hear if we are right/wrong about this. As-salaam 'alaikum to all friends from those happy days, fii amaan illaah. Joe and Julia Tweedy ex-Bapco and Alba 0
106670 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Vandals are sick I HAVE just had a visitor through to Bahrain, just for a few days for the first time, and my friends hired a small car. Sadly someone decided to steal the hub caps and vandalise the bodywork by making deep scratches on the bonnet surface. What sickness there is in this, and what an impression does this give to visitors and tourism as a whole? Many years ago people stopped visiting Nairobi in Kenya because of the problems. Is Bahrain going the same way? Not much point in building investment property if safety is not guaranteed. Feeling Sore 0
106671 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Selfish rumpus... PRINCE Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles only have themselves to blame for the insensitive adverse publicity they are causing not just to the British monarchy but the public image. Why could they not nip up to Scotland as Princess Anne did and tie the knot there, quietly, reverently and respectfully, thereby saving all this selfish rumpus, which is in extremely poor taste. Queen Bee 0
106672 0 1498 LETT LETTERS I WAS just surfing the Internet and I thought I would check out what's happening in Bahrain. I miss Bahrain more then ever. I left last year on July 1 and I miss it terribly... the people, the food, the malls etc. Bahrain's people rock! Want to say hello to everyone in Bahrain especially students from Modern Knowledge Schools... and my daddy Reggie. Stephanie 0
106673 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Appalling example THIS incident happened on Thursday, March 3, around 7.45am near the Joslin Diabetics Centre signal turning towards Salmaniya/Sana. I was coming from the Indian School at Isa Town after dropping my son for his board exams. When I approached this signal, there was a driving school learning car, with an 'L' sign board along with the instructor and a student, in front of me. So I was driving carefully behind them. When they reached about 50 metres near the signal it was yellow but the car was moving towards the signal. When they reached the signal it turned red. But to my surprise the 'L' car did not stop. They crossed the red signal going towards Sana. I think it is a part of learning. How can we break the laws at the signal and most learners will practice the same after getting their licence. If an instructor does this, what about a young student for a thrill!! So accidents will increase and the innocents who obey the rules will be the victims. I have the det 0
106674 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Knickers in a twist JUST when I thought my day could not get any better, I rose from my slumber and decided to do some laundry whilst reading my usual publication, the wonderful GDN. It was then I was thrown into complete and utter turmoil - where, oh where, would I hang my underwear, (pardon the descriptive terminology), to dry? What a dilemma! Oh, I will miss the glorious sight of the huge billowing display of frillys and not so frillys as I drive to work every morning - since I am one of these eagle-eyed people who take the time and have the inclination to closely inspect people's washing on the way to work every morning! I mean really, apart from myself, how many people actually take notice of other people's washing? Is clean underwear now an affront to our delicate senses - every one wears the stuff, well most of us anyway! So we will have underwear police now. Come on guys get real we need police to keep an eye on traffic, deviants mugging coldstore owners and attacking women on the streets fo 0
106675 0 1498 LETT LETTERS Local roses sought MY wife is very interested in obtaining and growing some Bahrain roses. Could anyone put me in touch with growers where I can purchase some. Adrian Drummond-Hill 0
106676 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Net 'offenders' reject bail offer THREE Bahrainis arrested over comments that appeared on the Internet yesterday turned down an offer by the public prosecution for their release on BD1,000 bail. They are maintaining their innocence and saying that they will remain in custody until they are freed without charge. The three are also continuing a hunger strike for the second day to protest prison conditions. Ali Abdulemam, editor of the Bahrainonline.org website, was arrested on February 27 on charges of defaming the government. Two technicians - Hussein Yousif and Mohammed Al Mouswai - were arrested on March 1 for inciting hatred and spreading rumours. They were yesterday all summoned by the Public Prosecutor and told that they would be released on bail but could not leave the country while their case is being reviewed, their lawyer Ahmed Al Arrayedh told the GDN. He said the Public Prosecution would decide in two weeks whether the case should be taken to court. Mr Al Arrayedh said t 0
106677 1 1498 BNEW LOCAL King urges push by businessmen MANAMA His Majesty King Hamad yesterday called upon Bahrain's businessmen to take advantage of the US Free Trade Agreement and others signed with the European Union in order to boost new investments and merge the kingdom into the international economy. He asserted Bahrain's keenness to boost economic, commercial and investment activities. During a meeting with businessmen, he hailed the vital role of the private sector in the development process. He also praised their role in supporting the national economy. His Majesty hailed the regional pioneering role of Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in contributing to turn Bahrain into a leading commercial centre in the Gulf. He affirmed that the national economy is one of the main pillars for a nation's prosperity, pointing to the importance of approving economic amendments and providing suitable infrastructure to back up this vital sector through offering incentives that facilitate the flow of capital. 0
106678 2 1498 BNEW LOCAL RIGHT WAY TO LEARN MANAMA Democracy and human rights will soon be part of the curriculum at Bahrain's schools. The Cabinet yesterday agreed to parliamentary proposals to launch the scheme for intermediate and secondary pupils. Ministers asked the Education Ministry to take these subjects into serious consideration in future curricula planning. The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, also gave the green light for more schools, libraries and multi-purpose halls to be built. Other topics discussed included urgent electricity, water and road needs. The Premier ordered the provision of much-needed facilities and also urged the Finance Ministry to set up privatisation schedules while appointing a consultancy company to co-ordinate services supporting future projects. The Premier praised the content of His Majesty King Hamad's address on the declaration of the national strategy for women. The Cabinet also approved an air transportation agreement betwe 0
106679 3 1498 BNEW LOCAL Safety alert by divers over stolen equipment MANAMA DEEP-SEA divers have issued a plea to thieves to return over BD4,000 worth of specialist equipment before they are seriously injured. Aquatique Dive Centre managing director Rob Gregory told the GDN that in the wrong hands, the stolen equipment could cause serious damage. "This is highly specialised first aid equipment, which we use in diver training sessions and rescue operations," he said. "Although these are all worth a lot of money, they wouldn't be worth a lot to people on the black market because they are so specialised." Mr Gregory said among the stolen items was an oxygen tank containing pure medical oxygen, which can be highly dangerous if tampered with. "There are only about six people in Bahrain qualified to use this apparatus and I must stress to whoever has taken it that this stuff can be very dangerous and is not to be messed around with." When the tank is turned on, a tiny spark can trigger a huge explosion. This can also occur if the tank is lef 0
106680 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Drivers win praise MANAMA DRIVERS who have an accident-free record were yesterday rewarded in a ceremony held at the General Directorate's Training Centre in Isa Town. The ceremony was attended by Interior Ministry Under-Secretary Major General Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and traffic officials. The event was held as part of the 21st Gulf Traffic Week which kicked off on Saturday under the theme Your Driving Reflects Your Manners. Thirty drivers who first got their licences 33 to 52 years ago, including two women, were lauded for driving safely and setting an example for others. Speaking to the Press on the sidelines of the event, Maj Gen Shaikh Daij said the event aimed at encouraging drivers to abide by traffic laws. "These drivers have been committed to drive safely and others should follow in their footsteps," he said. Maj Gen Shaikh Daij said he hoped that other government organisations and private sector establishments would hold similar events to honour their drivers 0
106681 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Lankan airline spreads wings SriLankan Airlines is to expand its operations to Bahrain by increasing its seat capacity by more than 60 per cent, it was revealed yesterday. The airline will operate its new wide bodied A330 aircraft three days a week, starting on March 27, said sales manager-Bahrain Dammika Kulatunge. SriLankan now operates a 120-seater A320 on Tuesdays and Sundays and a 294-seater A330 on Thursdays, via Doha, on the Bahrain-Colombo sector. "By changing the type of aircraft, we can increase the capacity out of Bahrain by more than 60pc," revealed Mr Kulatunge. "We are also changing the days of operations to Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, with flights leaving Bahrain on all days at 7.30pm." Mr Kulatunge said all the flights to Colombo would be operated via Abu Dhabi. "We have been granted traffic rights to take passengers from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi and back," he revealed. "It will prove a boon to a large number of Bahrainis currently working in Abu Dhabi." < 0
106682 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Man is attacked by wife's stalker A BAHRAINI man has been beaten, bitten and hit over the head with a rock by a man stalking his wife. He needed stitches and nearly fainted from loss of blood after the brutal attack in Gudaibiya. The nightmare began for the 43-year-old husband when he went to pick up his Ethiopian wife, 27, from her friend's flat. He told her to stay in the apartment until he arrived, since it was late at night, but she decided to take the chance of walking alone to their building nearby. "It was around 1.15am. I was in our apartment when my wife called and said she was coming back home," said the husband, who asked to remain anonymous. "I told her to stay there till I come and fetch her but she decided to take the gamble and go out alone," he said. "Her friend's apartment is close to where we live. Nevertheless, it was too late and I didn't want her to take the chance. "I came down from our apartment and started walking to her friend's building, which was on the s 0
106683 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Deadline set for research applications APPLICATIONS are welcome for the Eighth Crown Prince Award for Scientific Research, announced the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research yesterday. Categories for the award include natural science, engineering, health, economic and social science. The deadline taking part in the bi-annual award, which carries a prize of BD5,000 for each category, is August 31. Each winner will also receive a gold medal and a certificate signed by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Centre chairman Dr Mohammed Al Ghatam said the award aims at encouraging researchers in Bahrain to exert efforts in contributing to the country's development. He said the centre was also keen to attract citizens in the field of scientific research to present their studies on Bahrain. Applicants must be Bahraini with a research in their field of expertise and one which has not been entered into a contest before. The research should be new, and not present 0
106684 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Top Filipino stars take to stage for charity THREE of the Philippines' leading showbiz personalities are to entertain their fans in Bahrain later this month. Popular heartthrob Troy Montero will be joined on stage on March 25 at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel by fellow singers Sheryn Regis and Frenchie Dy, both products of Star In A Million - the Philippines' version of Pop Idol. Proceeds collected from the show, which is being presented by Power Horse Energy Drink, will go towards the ongoing relief operation for the tsunami victims and survivors. Troy, whose real name is Cody Andrew Garabato Miller III, has just released his debut album in January this year and enjoys a superstar status in the Philippines. Other than being a television host, actor and singer, he is a well-known model. Sheryn was runner-up in the Star In A Million competition's season one in 2003 losing only by a slim margin to her contemporary. Frenchie, on the other hand was Star in a Million season two champion last year, baggi 0
106685 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Tikka bill fury... A RESTAURANT customer went berserk when asked to pay BD3 for a kilo of chicken tikka. He attacked the owner with a telephone, smashed another and threw the tikka all over the floor. The Bahraini, in his mid-twenties, had walked into the Al Fatteh Grill, Gudaibiya, at around 3pm. After being served, he took the bag to his car and returned to pay. "The man is a regular at the restaurant," said 54-year-old manager Mohammed Abdul Rahim. "He approached me at the counter and asked me how much, so I told him BD3," he said. "He refused to pay and started yelling and shouting that a kilo of chicken tikka is not worth BD3 and went on trashing the place. "He took the public payphone that was on the counter and threw it to the ground. "He also took the private phone, which I keep next to me on the counter, and hurled it at me but I managed to dodge. "He then marched back to his car, took the bag of tikka and threw it into the restaurant. "It sp 0
106686 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Zen-Do club opens doors GENERAL Organisation for Youth and Sport president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa yesterday opened the new BD60,000 Zen-Do Bahrain Kickboxing Club in Hamala. The opening of the first kickboxing school in the kingdom was also attended by Saudi Ambassador Dr Abdulla Al Queiz as well as other VIPs, guests and Zen-Do members. Zen-Do Bahrain founding director and head instructor Suhail Algosaibi said Zen-Do Bahrain is Bahrain's first ever custom-designed and built kickboxing club, with 200 active students. The school offers adult and children classes for all age groups. 0
106687 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Sports day fun for students MORE than 120 Dilmun School students, aged seven to 11, took part in their annual Junior Sports Day yesterday. The youngsters from grades three to six competed in a number of events at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar. The Green Team won the overall championship followed by the Red House at second place and Yellow House at third. The prizes were presented by head teacher Pauline O'Keeffe. 0
106688 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Education in spotlight PROFESSOR Sevda Bekman, a pioneering international consultant and leader in education at Bogazici University, Turkey, is visiting the Mother Child Home Education Programme (MOCEP) in Bahrain. She is in the kingdom until Thursday. Prof Bekman, a co-founder and author of MOCEP and the larger Mother Child Education Foundation (MOCEF) in Turkey will be overseeing the latest successful developments of MOCEP-Bahrain - an empowerment programme which provides skills, knowledge and training to mothers and pre-school children living in poverty. As an experienced, national and international programme developer and consultant in the area of early childhood development and education, Prof Bekman will be on hand to provide expertise, guidance and support to the Arabic version of the MOCEP. Notably, Prof Bekman has also held a visiting position as Nehru Chair Professor in Human Development and Family Studies in the Faculty of Home Science at Maharaja Sayajiro University in Baroda, In 0
106689 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Film sheds light on Holland's art mystery A DOCUMENTARY, which explores 17th century art in relation to the ancient myth that the light in Holland is unique, will be shown on Wednesday at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya Road. The special quality of Dutch light was discovered and celebrated in art, especially in Dutch landscape painting since the 17th century. In the film, entitled Dutch Light, artists, art historians and scientists answer some of the questions raised by the myth of Dutch light such as: What is it precisely? What makes it so special? Is the light in Holland really different from that in other parts of the world? Is it different from the dry light of the desert? Where does fact end and fiction begin? Dutch Light was filmed over a 12-month period on location in the Netherlands, France and in the Painted Desert of Arizona. Various Dutch and international artists and art historians share their personal and often contradictory views on the subject and two scientists add their scientific arguments.</ 0
106690 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Unified census plan for GCC ALL GCC countries are to apply uniform standards to conduct their population census in 2010, it was revealed in Bahrain yesterday. The census will be conducted on the same dates in all the GCC countries, said Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) acting president Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatullah Al Khalifa. He also revealed that a unified statistics law for the GCC states would be issued soon. Shaikh Ahmed was speaking to the GDN after opening the annual meeting of the GCC under-secretaries and heads of statistics at the Gulf Hotel yesterday. "It was agreed to use uniform methods for collecting data for the next census," he noted. "Bahrain conducted its last census in 2001, but other GCC states conducted it either earlier or later. "We shall now conduct the census on the same dates in 2010 using the same technology, so that the data can be read electronically." Besides the population census, the GCC countries will also conduct building and establishm 0
106691 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Children to sell artwork for charity MADELEINE'S Pre-School students are hoping to raise money for charity by selling their artwork at an exhibition being held at their premises in Adliya. More than 100 framed paintings by the two to five year olds are on show at the event, which continues until Wednesday. The children have been working on their paintings for several months and have each submitted one piece to be sold at the exhibition. The aim of the exhibition is to raise money for Iraqi cancer patients, who are coming to Bahrain to receive medical treatment not available in their country. The fund-raising campaign, dubbed Hope and Support Fund for Iraqi Cancer Patients, is being co-ordinated by the Al Riwaq Gallery, Bahrain Cancer Society and the Bahrain Businesswomen's Society. The paintings have been framed by Arabesque Art Gallery and Al Riwaq Gallery and profits raised from the exhibition sale will go directly to the fund. The exhibition is open to parents, family and friends. 0
106692 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Food security to be debated WILL there be enough food for our children? This is the question being raised at the Food Security Middle East 2005 workshop, which opens at the Crowne Plaza at 5pm today. Scores of health professionals, wholesale and retail meat trade representatives and veterinarians are expected to attend the event, which will be conducted by Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) representatives, as well as an Australian government expert and local industry specialists. At the event, Health Ministry food control chief Dr Abdulla Ahmed Abdulla will speak about the importance of food security in the Middle East. He will present the government's views on the subject while looking at broader issues concerning the region. Also speaking at the event is Sydney, Australia MLA economic planning and marketing services general manager Dr Peter Barnard, who will discuss global meat supply. Dr Barnard will address the consumption of international trade by each meat group and how food safety, 0
106693 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Charity challenge for adventurers A NEW adventure challenge is being organised by Gulf For Good to help raise funds for rebuilding projects in tsunami-hit areas. The Dubai-based charity, under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, is organising the challenges from July 21 to 29 and August 4 to 12 in Sri Lanka. Each challenge will involve seven days of hiking and cycling. Gulf For Good director Brian Wilkie said this adventure will be their "biggest challenge yet". "We had already been planning a challenge in Sri Lanka next year," he said. "However, as soon as our board realised the scale of the disaster, it was unanimously decided to bring the challenge forward to this summer. "Even before announcing it officially, we've had a tremendous response and we believe that it will be our biggest challenge yet, beating the 49 people who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with us a while ago." The Sri Lanka Challenge will cover some of the most scenic parts of the country, including 0
106694 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Special gospel meetings set INDIA-based telecasting company, Power Vision is organising special gospel meetings at the National Evangelical Church (NEC)at 7.15pm tonight and tomorrow. Power Vision chairman and popular preacher Pastor K C John will be the speaker. All are welcome. Founder of Power Word Ministries, Mr John has authored several books. He is also the chief editor of The Pentecostal Theology. Pastor John will address a Power Vision investors conference at 7.15pm on Saturday at the NEC Majlis. People who require more details should contact 39849565 or 39675316. 0
106695 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Arab engineers to share ideas Engineers from around the Arab world are meeting in Bahrain today, for a key conference, which will discuss engineering infrastructure integration in the region. The 23rd Arab Engineering Conference will be held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel. The three-day event is being hosted by the Bahrain Society of Engineers, (BSE) under the theme Towards Development and Integration of Engineering Infrastructure in the Arab World. It will feature three major sessions, said BSE information and community services director Dr Isa Qamber. These are: Development and integration of telecommunication and informatics network, Development and integration of power and water network, and Development and integration of transportation network in the Arab world. The first session will cover the need to encourage the private sector to invest in the field of telecom 0
106696 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters are honoured OVER a 100 Toastmasters and guests attended the Area Three Contest held at the Carlton Hotel, Adliya. The area is made up of four clubs - Manama Toastmasters Club, NSS Club Toastmasters, Filipino Club Toastmasters and Quaid Club Toastmasters. A total of 32 contestants from the affiliated clubs took part in four contests. The winners are: International Speech Contest: Madhavi Tiwary from Manama Toastmasters Club (First), Guraz Wankadia from Manama Toastmasters Club (second) and Vicky Cacayan from Filipino Club Toastmasters (third). Humorous Speech Contest: Joel Indrupati from Manama Toastmasters Club (first), Hamza Ali from Filipino Club Toastmasters (second) and V N Subramanian from Manama Toastmasters Club (third). Table Topics Contest: Zulfikar Ali Bahrainwala from Manama Toastmasters Club (first), Guraz Wankadia from Manama Toastmasters Club (second) and Albert Gayo from Filipino Club Toastmasters (third). Evaluation Contest: Jawad Hayat from 0
106697 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters gear up for crucial test FIVE Bahrain Toastmasters are to compete in the Area 27 Contest on Friday at the Bahrain Carlton Hotel, Adliya. Area 27 covers the Bahrain Advanced Toastmasters, Kerala Catholic Association Toastmasters, Karnataka Social Club Toastmasters, the Pakistani Community Toastmasters and the Bahrain Sheraton Hotel Toastmasters. Area 27 governor Fe Gutierrez said that Toastmasters' growth in Bahrain has been expanding rapidly. "To date, we have 20 clubs under Division C, which has four areas - Area 3, 10, 15 and 27." More than 200 Toastmasters and their guests are expected to attend the contest, which begins at 8am. Prizes will be awarded at 4pm. Toastmasters International is a leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking - skills that enhance leadership potential, foster understanding and contribute to the betterment of mankind. The contest is being sponsored by Techni 0
106698 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL Municipal officials plan Egypt visit A DELEGATION of about 30 municipal councillors, municipality officials and representatives from the Municipality and Agricultural Affairs Ministry will be heading to Alexandria, Egypt, later this week. The trip, which aims to allow participants exchange experiences on municipal work, will consist of tours of the city, visits to the municipal council and a meeting with the Governor. It is being organised by Bahrain Horizons Company in co-ordination with the municipal councils, municipalities and the ministry. Details of the visit were discussed during a meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel's Al Sakhir Hall yesterday. The delegation will be headed by Central Municipal Council chairman Ibrahim Hussain and will be leaving on the six-day trip on Friday. "This visit will enlighten us on the nature of municipal work in Egypt," said Mr Hussain. "We will be briefed on the by-laws of the councils and will also meet with the Governor," he said. "He will brief 0
106699 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL I was kicked and abused by captors! A BAHRAINI detainee was left in solitary confinement while suffering from a urinary tract infection without medical attention for more than 50 days. While in isolation, Abdulla Majid Al Nuaimi was told by a doctor: "You're about to die and there's nothing we can do for you." The allegations, which are being revealed for the first time, were made by Mr Al Nuaimi during an interview with lawyers at Guantanamo Bay last October. Mr Al Nuaimi gave detailed account of abuse when he was first detained by US forces in Afghanistan three years ago. These allegations have been released now after the US Defence Department reviewed the lawyer's notes and deemed the information to be unclassified. The reports were provided by the Sana'a Committee, which is acting as a channel of communication between lawyers in the Gulf region and their counterparts elsewhere, particularly in the US. The committee, which operates under Amnesty International, is composed of a number of 0
106700 0 1498 BNEW LOCAL French course diplomas for 18 students EIGHTEEN French language students were honoured last night for successfully completing their courses at Alliance Francaise de Bahrein. The graduation ceremony was held at the Manama residence of French Ambassador Malika Barak. Alliance Francaise of Paris secretary-general Jean-Claude Jacq, who is in Bahrain on an official visit, presented the students with the Diplome d'Etudes en Langue Francaise and Diplome Approfondi de Langue Francaise. The graduates are: Fatin Al Alawi, Olivier Hudson, Madelaine Hudson, Yousif Alia, Anas Toumi, Bandar Al Omran, Antoine de Vuyst, Noemie de Vuyst, Stephane de Vuyst, Dana Humaidan, Valerie Vassay, Hussain Rabeea, Samira Danouni, Wafa Al Hulaiba, Daisy Salman, Roua'a Zein Eddine, Mary Gouel and Malek Toumi. The diplomas are awarded by the French Education Ministry as certificates of French language ability for non-native speakers. Both exams are conducted at the Alliance Francaise de Bahrein in Isa Town. 0
106701 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Taekwondo event set THE Bahrain Open Taekwondo Championship, organised by the Bahrain Martial Arts Association, will be held on Thursday at the Muharraq Club's Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa gym in Arad. The one-day event will be held under the patronage of BMAA president Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa with all taekwondo schools in Bahrain expected to take part. Meanwhile, members of the technical committee which was formed by the BMAA for this tournament made several visits to a number of taekwondo schools recognised by the association to supervise the black belt promotions exams. The committee is headed by BMAA first vice-president Salman Al Mahmeed. 0
106702 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Spectacular Els lifts title in Qatar DOHA: World number three Ernie Els made it a profitable two-week desert romp with a come-from-behind one-shot victory at the $1.5 million Qatar Masters yesterday. The "Big Easy" had made it a bit difficult for himself after a lacklustre first round 73 on Thursday, but reeled off a spectacular seven-under par 65 on the final day to overturn a five-shot deficit and pocket the $250,000 first prize. Overnight leader Henrik Stenson finished second after struggling in windy conditions, two bogeys and a double bogey six at the 14th putting paid to his hopes of winning this third title on the European Tour. Aussie Richard Green and Pierre Fulke finished joint third while James Kinsgton, Barry Lane and Robert Karlsson ended up in the joint fourth spot. "I wanted to give myself a low score and as it turned out I shot low," said Els who had an aggregate of 12-under par 276. Els said he felt comfortable with his game leading up to next month's Masters and the other big tou 0
106703 0 1498 SPOR SPORT 85-member team for Saudi event THE Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) has completed the procedures for participation of the Bahrain delegation at the first Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Saudi Arabia from April 8 to 20, said BOC general secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Rashid Al Khalifa. The delegation will comprise of 85 athletes and officials representing seven disciplines - handball, athletics, weightlifting, taekwondo, karate, target ball for disabled and five-a-side disabled soccer. "The Islamic Solidarity Games will be the biggest sports demonstration which gathers the youth of Islamic countries to meet in the land of the two Holy Mosques in order to give the perfect example of Islamic brotherhood," said Shaikh Abdulrahman. "The Bahrain Olympic Committee is keen on Bahrain's participation in this outstanding Islamic gathering and our delegation will be one of the biggest sports delegations for outside participation," added Shaikh Abdulrahman. 0
106704 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Muharraq overcome Oman club MUHARRAQ maintained their good run in the 24th GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship after a tough 22-25, 28-26, 25-20, 22-25, 24-22 victory over Oman champions Sohar last night at the Al Arabi Club gym in Doha. It was a crucial win for the Bahraini champions who now have four points from two matches and are presently in joint lead with Al Hilal and hosts Qatar Club who recorded straight-set wins over Al Arabi of Kuwait and the UAE's Al Nasser respectively. Muharraq will take on Qatar Club tonight at 7pm in a crucial match which could decide the championship. Al Hilal will also play Sohar today in the early match in a must-win clash to stay in contention for the championship. 0
106705 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Kiwis retain squad for second Test CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand cricket coach John Bracewell has resisted the urge to make changes despite his team being thrashed by Australia by nine wickets in the first Test which wrapped up a day early here yesterday. Bracewell confirmed the same 12 would travel to Wellington for the second Test starting there on Friday. There were few other options with several frontline New Zealand players on the injured list including Scott Styris, who continues to have knee problems, and fellow allrounder Jacob Oram who is out for the rest of the home season with a back stress injury. Australia, meanwhile, will mull over whether to reintroduce speedster Brett Lee, who was a controversial omission for the first Test. Captain Ricky Ponting agreed it was a difficult task to make room for Lee after the three pacemen and spinner Shane Warne skittled New Zealand for 131 in their second innings to take the first Test. "You'd think it'd be pretty hard to change, the selectors will have 0
106706 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Muharraq rout Bahrain Club MUHARRAQ maintained their lead in the Bahrain Basketball League, sponsored by Batelco, after a comfortable 116-47 win over Bahrain Club in the second leg match last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. The victory put Muharraq on top with 21 points from 11 matches while Bahrain Club are second from the bottom with 12 points. In another match, Sitra edged past Al Najma 98-93 to take joint second place with champions Manama. Al Najma stayed eighth with 13 points. 0
106707 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Mohammed races to 15km victory MOHAMMED Obaid of Riffa Club clinched the individual time-trial juniors cycling race, organised by the Bahrain Cycling Association (BCA) and sponsored by Batelco. Mohammed finished first in the 15 kms race which was held near Al Jazayer beach clocking 45 minutes and 48.51 seconds. Second was Samaheej Club's Mohammed Yousef who timed 45:56.21 while Abed Bakhsh of East Riffa came third in 46:55.24. BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa attended the race and presented the trophies and other awards to the top five winners. Shaikh Khalid extended the BCA appreciation to Batelco for its sponsorship to the association competitions this season. Shaikh Khalid also thanked the General Organisation for Youth and Sports for its support to the association and the Traffic Directorate for its assist in organising traffic movement during the race. Results: 1 Mohammed Obaid (Riffa, 45:38.51), 2 Mohammed Yousef (Samaheej, 45:56.21), 3 Abed Bakshsh (East Riffa, 0
106708 0 1498 SPOR SPORT UAE riders gear up for challenge SHAIKH Hazza bin Sultan bin Zayed Al Khalifa has confirmed his participation in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled on Thursday at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir starting at 5am. Shaikh Hazza, who won the individual title in the World Championship held in the UAE last January, will be accompanied by other UAE riders, including GCC Championship individual champion Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Shaikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Majid Ali and Khamis Al Rumaithi. Other riders from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Bahrain are also expected to participate in this prestigious event which is over 120 kms and divided into five stages. Among Bahraini stables taking part are Al Talia Stable, Al Areef Stable, Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa Stable, Ahmed Al Fateh Stable, Al Salam Stable, Al Asayel Stable and Bahrain Equestrian School. Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president and Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasse 0
106709 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Hamad lifts under-16 title HAMAD Al Nusuf eased past Abdulla Mohammed Ahmed 6-1, 6-0 to win the boys under-16 title in the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship being held at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. The tournament will conclude today with the girls under-18 singles final between Yasmine Ebada of Egypt and Tarryn Carlsson of South Africa starting at 5.30pm, followed by the prize-giving ceremony. Today's final and closing ceremony will be held under the patronage of BBK general manager Dr Fareed Ahmed Al Mulla. 0
106710 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Athletics challenge THE Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) is organising the Open Athletics Challenge on Wednesday and March 23 at the National Stadium premises in Riffa. The event is open to male and female students and other athletes from sports clubs. The championship will consist of events for girls and boys. The boys division contests will be held on Wednesday while the girls competition is scheduled on March 23. Today is the last day to submit entry forms. Those who are interested in taking part in the event should contact BAA girls' sports committee chairman Lubna Al Nayem on 39688846. 0
106711 0 1498 SPOR SPORT More Reliability in stunning win DHL More Reliability upset DHL More Reach 18-13 last night in a second division match of the DHL Bahrain Nettball League at the Bahrain Rugby Club. More Reliability winning its third match of the season upset the odds despite trailing 3-2 after the opening quarter. In the second quarter, More Reliability raced into a 13-7 lead thanks to fine shooting by goal attack and player-of-the-match Stephanie Esterhuizen and Helen McKee with excellent support from Claire Harry and Jo Mannings. Defensively More Reliability had Helen Blake, Sophie Ward and Sophie Openshaw in good form. More Reach with Sonya Adriaan, Sharon Gillett and Sarah Gibbs made a slight recovery to trail 15-11 with a quarter remaining thanks to shooters Roz Anderson and Kelly Kettunen getting goals on the board due to good supply from Kate Vermeulen and player-of-the-match wing attack Emma Pasturel. In a tight last quarter, More Reliability held their nerve for victory. Dilmun Energade 'B', the 0
106712 0 1498 SPOR SPORT BIC backed by 'Solidarity' A DELEGATION from Solidarity paid a visit yesterday to the Bahrain International Circuit with the aim of extending support to BIC's role and events. The delegation included marketing manager Basil Al Hanbli, sales manager Andrew Smith and public relations representative Wael Mekhal. The delegation was welcomed by government affairs and public relations director Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and public relations manager Hameed Halwani. Al Hanbali handed Shaikh Salman a certificate of appreciation. "The private sector should support the BIC. It is our role to provide direct and indirect support in order for the event to be a success," said Al Hanbali. He called upon the private sector and mainly the financial institutions to take the initiative and express their support to the BIC. The delegation also went on a tour of the circuit and saw the latest preparations taking place for the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix to be held on April 1, 2 and 3. 0
106713 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Clement, 19, breaks 400m indoor mark FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas: Trinidad-born Kerron Clement broke US great Michael Johnson's 10-year-old 400m indoor world record here yesterday, clocking 44.57sec at the NCAA US collegiate indoor athletics championships. "I can't describe how I feel," said Clement, a 19-year-old who is in his second year at the University of Florida. He moved to the United States as a youngster and attended high school in La Porte, Texas. Last year he won the 400m hurdles crown at the world junior outdoor championships representing the US. "When I crossed the line, I wanted to cry," he said. "That was my first reaction. It was so overwhelming - breaking Michael Johnson's record. I guess it's mine now." He broke the mark of 44.63 set by Johnson on March 4, 1995, at the US Indoor championships in Atlanta, Georgia. Clement easily defeated University of Arkansas' Terry Gatson, who finished a distant second in 45.29sec. Later, Clement anchored Florida's 4x400m relay team, which won in an NCAA record 0
106714 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Wales on course for grand slam LONDON: Wales stayed on course for their first Six Nations grand slam for 27 years with a record-breaking 46-22 victory over Scotland yesterday. The rampant Welsh ran in five first-half tries and though Scotland finished strongly it remained their worst defeat in the fixture in terms of points conceded and margin. Wales can now secure the coveted clean sweep with victory over Ireland at Cardiff on the tournament's 'Super Saturday' finale next weekend when even defeat could leave them as champions. Ireland's own grand slam hopes disappeared in a 26-19 home defeat by France on Saturday but they can still win the championship by beating Wales, as can holders France by beating Italy in Rome. Wales lead the standing on eight points with Ireland and France on six. Should Wales lose at the Millennium Stadium and France collect their expected win in Italy, the title would be decided on points difference. Wales are currently plus 62 with Ireland on plus 37. Ireland would 0
106715 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Kluivert fires Newcastle into last four LONDON: Patrick Kluivert's fifth-minute strike put Newcastle into the FA Cup semifinals after a 1-0 victory over Tottenham yesterday. The Dutchman, whose early header had ousted Chelsea from the previous round, kept the Magpies on course for a first FA Cup triumph for 50 years with a strike from Alan Shearer's run and pass. Newcastle had to thank goalkeeper Shay Given for some standout saves at St James' Park. Graeme Souness' team joins defending champion Manchester United, Arsenal and Blackburn in today's semi-final draw. Paul Dickov scored a penalty kick eight minutes from the end to knock out his former club and put Blackburn into the semi-finals for the first time in 45 years. The spot kick gave Blackburn a 1-0 win at Ewood Park and meant more cup heartbreak for four-time runners-up Leicester, a League Championship club which has never won the trophy. Manchester United and Arsenal made it to the semi-finals on Saturday. Rovers almost took the lead in 0
106716 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Zondeki seals series victory for South Africa CENTURION: South African fast bowler Monde Zondeki plunged Zimbabwe to an innings and 62 runs defeat on the third day of the second Test at Centurion Park yesterday. Zondeki, 22, playing in his second Test, took six for 39 as Zimbabwe collapsed to 149 all out after South Africa declared their first innings with a lead of 211. Building up impressive pace, the wiry Zondeki took a wicket with his first ball and claimed three wickets for seven runs in his first six overs as Zimbabwe plunged to 29 for four. Then he ended a promising stand between Hamilton Masakadza (47) and captain Tatenda Taibu (13), dismissing both batsmen, before wrapping up the innings when he had Graeme Cremer caught behind. It was a triumphant return to the international stage for Zondeki, who bowled only 29 balls in his only previous Test, against England at Leeds in 2003, before breaking down with a side strain. Zondeki took his first Test wickets in the first innings of the Centurion Test, tak 0
106717 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Agassi masters Arthurs INDIAN WELLS, California: Eight-time major winner Andre Agassi beat Wayne Arthurs in a second round match at the Indian Wells WTA/ATP Masters Series event, ending Arthurs' run of 109 undefeated service games. Agassi broke Arthurs' serve four times and once again showed why he is the best returner on the planet, rolling to a 6-4, 6-1 victory in the $4.8 million hardcourt event. The 34-year-old Agassi and Arthurs, 33, are the oldest players in the men's draw and one of the most intriguing matchups. Heading into Indian Wells, Arthurs' blistering serve looked to be unbreakable but Agassi is considered one of the best service returners in the game. Oddly, the last time they met Agassi halted Arthurs' streak of 111 games without dropping his serve in the fourth round at Wimbledon in 1999. It is considered to be the longest recorded service streak on the ATP Tour. He had nine double faults and made 20 unforced errors in the 61-minute match in front of 10,000 at the main 0
106718 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Chen tames Lin for men's title BIRMINGHAM, England: World number one Lin Dan lost his title at the All-England Open championships when he was beaten in the final by Chen Hong, his close friend from the same province of Fujian. China won four of the five finals yesterday with only Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms, the Olympic silver medallists from Britain, snapping the streak with the mixed doubles title. Lin looked well on course to atone for his startling first round failure in the Olympics when he won a relaxed and skilful first game, but unaccountably fell apart to lose 8-15, 15-5, 15-2. Suddenly mistakes flowed from his racket and Chen hurried to 7-2 and to parity in only 15 more minutes, and the third game was a rout as Lin, who may have been suffering from knee problems, continued to look well below par. Chen, who had reached his third All-England final in four years, regained the title he won with a far more spectacular performance in the 2002 final. "I feel even more excited than when I 0
106719 1 1498 SPOR SPORT WALES STAY ON COURSE EDINBURGH: Wales swept aside Scotland with a record 46-22 victory yesterday to remain on course for their first Six Nations grand slam in 27 years. Wales had won only once on their last nine visits to Murrayfield but secured yesterday's success with a devastating five-try blast in the first half. Tries for flanker Ryan Jones, wingers Rhys and Shane Williams and two for fullback Kevin Morgan, all converted by Stephen Jones, gave Wales a stunning 38-3 halftime lead. Rhys Williams got the sixth Wales try early in the second half but Scotland steadied and hit back well with three tries by centre Andy Craig, debutant winger Rory Lamont and fullback Chris Paterson. 0
106720 2 1498 SPOR SPORT Isa puts Riffa on road to big win RIFFA extended their lead in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League following a crushing 4-0 victory over Manama in the second leg match last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Manama, who won the first division title last year and were promoted to the premier division, managed to hold Riffa in the first-half but conceded four goals in the second-half, including two by substitute striker Abdulrahman Mubarak. Salman Isa opened the account for the winners in the 65th minute with a spectacular header beating Manama goal-keeper Hussain Ali for his eighth goal of the season. Iraqi midfielder Ahmed Menajed doubled Riffa's lead in the 72nd minute with a superb volley from close range and substitute striker Abdulrahman Mubarak secured the outcome scoring two goals in the 83rd and 90th minutes. Manama were reduced to 10 men after having defender Salah Abduljalil red carded by referee Jaffer Al Alawi in the 74th minute for a harsh challenge on Riffa's striker Abd 0
106721 3 1498 SPOR SPORT Aussies win as Warne strikes CHRISTCHURCH: Australia cruised to a simple nine-wicket win with a day to spare yesterday after New Zealand's second innings was torn apart by a magical Shane Warne. Justin Langer hit the winning runs just before the scheduled close on the fourth day, after the New Zealand batting line-up had conceded a world record seven batsmen to leg-before-wicket dismissals. Set a target of 133, Australia lost Matthew Hayden early for 15 while Langer was 72 not out off 85 balls at the close with skipper Ricky Ponting on 47. New Zealand compiled a composed 433 to lead by one run after the first innings, but in the second they collapsed to 131 all out with Warne, the world's leading Test wicket-taker, taking five for 39 - his 29th five-wicket bag among 573 Test wickets. The home side started the fourth day at nine without loss but they were all out inside two sessions. Glenn McGrath, fresh from his six-wicket haul in the first innings, sparked the collapse when his third leg-be 0
106722 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Milan sink Sampdoria to stay top MILAN: AC Milan hung on for a 1-0 win over Sampdoria in Serie A yesterday with a 65th minute header from Brazilian Kaka, ensuring they keep the pressure on rivals Juventus. Milan lead on 63 points with Juventus three points behind in second place. During a nervous finale for Milan, Sampdoria went close to a late equaliser when Francesco Flachi's shot was cleared off the line by Jaap Stam. David Di Michele scored a hat-trick for Udinese as they enjoyed a shock 5-1 win at Palermo while Gianfranco Zola inspired Cagliari to a 3-0 victory over AS Roma. On Saturday, third-placed Inter Milan drew 1-1 at Lazio. Milan have now notched up nine successive victories, including their two Champions League wins over Manchester United, and six of them have ended with a 1-0 scoreline in their favour. 0
106723 0 1498 SPOR SPORT Bokke team win SA Bokke, representing Zayani Motors, defeated MTC Vodafone 73-66 with Anton (16) top scoring in the opening week of the Corporate Cricket League organised by EZFiT at its premises near the Saar Road. Newcomers Gulf Air defeated BMMI 90-71 with Eddie (19) top scoring for the winners. In other matches, Ernst and Young Gladiators defeated Total Flooring Solutions 71-66 and Citibank with beat American Express (114-98) Muzzaffer (20) top scoring. 0
106724 0 1498 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain ART exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs, 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa dance classes, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, beginners, 7.30pm; intermediate/advanced, 8.30pm. Lessons cost BD2.500 each. Contact Latin Fever 39676349. Madinat Hamad (Hamad Town) Women's Society weekly meeting, 7pm-9pm. Contact Fatima 39643396 or Amira 39126113. Victoria Dance Centre - Junior Musical Theatre and Primary Ballet, 3.30pm-4.30pm; Senior Musical Theatre, Grade 1 Ballet and Monday Madness Hip Hop and Funk Juniors, 4.30pm-5.30pm; Monday Madness, Hip Hop and Funk Seniors, 5.30pm-6.30pm. Contact 39876215. La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, a historical monument on Hoora Avenue featuring a creative spa, pilates studio and restaurant. For appointments call 17230 0
106725 0 1498 WORL WORLD Iraqi rebels kill two US contractors BAGHDAD: Two American security contractors tasked with guarding their country's diplomats were killed yesterday and another was wounded by a roadside bomb south of Baghdad. The killings came as Kurdish leaders decided to go ahead and tie up loose ends in their deal with the Shi'ites to help form a coalition government when Iraq's first democratically elected parliament in modern history convenes this week. The security contractors were working for Blackwater Security, a North Carolina-based contracting firm that provides security for US State Department officials in Iraq. They were attacked on the main road to Hillah, south of Baghdad, a US embassy spokesman said. Foreign contractors, too, are often targeted by anti-US guerillas. At least 232 American civilian security and reconstruction contractors were killed in Iraq up to the end of 2004, according to the Washington-based Brookings Institution. The Blackwater employees killed were in the last vehicle in a four-vehicle 0
106726 1 1498 WORL WORLD Israel 'ready to attack Iran N-plants' LONDON: Israel has drawn up plans for a combined air and ground attack on Iranian nuclear installations should diplomatic efforts fail to halt Tehran's nuclear programme. A report in the Sunday Times said that Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's inner cabinet gave "initial authorisation" for an attack at a private meeting last month on his ranch in the Negev desert. "Israeli forces have used a mock-up of Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment plant in the desert to practise destroying it," the paper said. It added the operation would include raids by Israel's elite Shaldag (Kingfisher) commando unit and airstrikes by F-15 jets from 69 Squadron, using bunker-busting bombs to penetrate underground facilities. Israel has discussed its plans with American officials who have indicated that the US would not prevent such an attack in the event that efforts by the international community fail to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sa 0
106727 2 1498 WORL WORLD Singh will launch new bus service NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will flag off the first bus to travel next month from Indian Kashmir to the Pakistani sector of the Himalayan region to boost peace efforts, his spokesman said yesterday. The nuclear rivals breathed new life into the sluggish peace process last month when they agreed to open bus links between the capitals of the Kashmir sectors under their respective control. The bus services will start on April 7, to the delight of Kashmiris on both sides of the heavily militarised Line of Control that divides the region. "Prime Minister Singh will flag off the first bus from Srinagar. This was his personal initiative and the fact he is flagging it off shows how seriously he is taking the peace process," Sanjaya Baru, spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said. "By going to Srinagar, he is clearly associating himself with the bus initiative," Baru added. The bus will travel 170km on the highway between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad 0
106728 3 1498 WORL WORLD 'Red Ken' slams new terror laws LONDON: London mayor Ken Livingstone criticised the British government's new anti-terror laws yesterday, saying the capital city would more likely be hit by bird flu than a terrorist atrocity on the scale of the September 11 attacks in the United States. "We don't believe there's a chance of another 9/11," Livingstone said, adding that Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda network had been "devastated" by the global fight against terror since 2001. "The danger comes from two or three disaffected men doing something more like a car bomb. "We are more at risk of dying from bird flu than we are from being blown up by any terrorist," he said. Prime Minister Tony Blair's government pushed through controversial anti-terror laws this week, with ministers insisting the measures were vital to protect Britain from the perceived terrorist threat. Livingstone - readmitted to the ruling Labour Party last year - said he would have voted against the laws because they relied heavily on Brit 0
106729 0 1498 WORL WORLD Sermon 'may have sparked killing spree' BROOKFIELD, Wisconsin: A man who fired a handgun into a crowded church service at a Wisconsin hotel, killing seven people before taking his own life, was a congregant who may have been angry about a sermon, police said yesterday. The gunman, who also wounded four others attending the Living Church of God service on Saturday before turning the gun on himself, was identified by police as 44-year-old Terry Ratzmann of New Berlin, Wisconsin. Police said Ratzmann attended church, which has met regularly at the Sheraton Hotel in Brookfield 16km west of Milwaukee for the past several years. It was during a church gathering in a meeting room at the hotel that Ratzmann, a computer programmer who was about to lose his job, entered the room from the back and fired a total of 22 shots into the crowd of about 50 to 60 people, police said. Witnesses told police that two weeks earlier, Ratzmann had stood up and walked out of a sermon by a minister of the church who became one of his vic 0
106730 0 1498 WORL WORLD UK standoff spurs calls for reining in Lords ... LONDON: Last week's titanic parliamentary struggle over a new terrorism law looks set to prompt government calls to diminish the powers of the unelected House of Lords. Constant amendments by the unelected upper house led to one of the longest stand-offs ever recorded between the Lords and the more powerful elected House of Commons before the law was finally passed on Friday. The age-old question of what powers the Lords should have to oppose government initiatives is now bound to re-emerge, commentators said. "While New Labour has spent hundreds of hours of discussing how to reform the content of the House of Lords, it has yet to begin to address the question of what powers it should possess," said the Sunday Telegraph. "The Prime Minister is certainly going to confront that question now." But commentators doubted the struggle, which revolved around the rights of terrorism suspects to be judged by a court rather than politicians, will have much effect on the 0
106731 0 1498 WORL WORLD Britain 'not prepared for bird flu pandemic' LONDON: A leading British scientist attacked the government over its contingency plans to deal with a human bird flu pandemic, saying over two million Britons could die. Professor Hugh Pennington, president of the Society for General Microbiology, said a pandemic was both imminent and inevitable. "If the virus moves into people there will be no stopping it," he said. "It will be here before we know it." Health experts fear that the H5N1 bird flu virus that has killed 47 people in Asia could mutate into a strain easily transmitted in humans that could trigger a pandemic similar to the Spanish Flu in 1918 that killed between 20 million to 40 million people worldwide. So far, though, there is no evidence of sustained person-to-person transmission of the virus. Medical experts suggest that around one in four people in Britain could be affected by a flu pandemic. Without counter-measures, they estimate it could kill about 50,000. Pennington said that was ov 0
106732 0 1498 WORL WORLD 10 granted anonymity LONDON: The 10 "terror" suspects, whose movements have been restricted by control orders issued under Britain's new anti-terror legislation, have been granted anonymity. The decision by High Court judge David Bean prohibits publication of details that might lead to the identification of the 10 men, apart from Abu Qatada and Abu Rideh, whose are in the public domain. The judge's order banned all mention of the men's addresses and families, with all photographs and drawings strictly prohibited. Abu Qatada's address before he was arrested, and drawings or photographs of him before his release are exempt from the ban, legal sources said. Qatada, a 44-year-old Palestinian, no longer has the right to preach or lead prayers in British mosques, after Britain's Home Secretary Charles Clarke signed control orders on Saturday to restrict the movements of the 10 men. All 10 suspects are confined to their private addresses under new legislation passed this week after an epic battle 0
106733 0 1498 WORL WORLD Rice in bid for Korea talks pact SEOUL: Condoleezza Rice is the latest entrant in a flurry of Asian diplomacy aimed at luring North Korea back to disarmament talks, with the two-year-old crisis at a new high since the North claimed last month it has nuclear weapons and would boycott the deadlocked talks. The US secretary of state's trip starting today to China, Japan and South Korea is her first to the region since taking the top spot at the State Department, and is to "review with our partners our diplomatic efforts to convene the next round of six-party talks," spokesman Richard Boucher said. Since the North claimed on February 10 that it has nuclear weapons and would stay away from the nuclear negotiations, the other countries involved in the talks - China, Japan, Russia, South Korea and the United States - have sent envoys scurrying across the continent. But breakthroughs and bold proposals have been scarce, as with evidence proving the North really has nuclear bombs. 0
106734 0 1498 WORL WORLD Tigers accept tsunami aid draft deal COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers accepted a draft proposal by peace broker Norway to work with Colombo on distributing tsunami relief despite a deadlock in talks to end decades of civil war, officials and rebels said yesterday. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in talks with Norwegians in Oslo agreed to a "joint mechanism" to handle millions of dollars in tsunami relief, according to comments from the group's political chief S P Thamilselvan posted on the pro-rebel Tamilnet.com website. "The LTTE leadership has accepted a draft of a joint mechanism for tsunami aid delivery submitted to the LTTE by the Norwegian facilitators even while noting that there were some shortcomings," Thamilselvan told the website. "It is up to the Sri Lanka government to agree to the Norwegian draft." Officials close to the peace process said the Colombo government was almost ready to give its approval for a joint tsunami relief effort despite pressure on President Chandrika Kumaratu 0
106735 0 1498 WORL WORLD Get ready for war Hu tells troops BEIJING: President Hu Jintao was named China's top military chief yesterday, promptly telling the army to prepare for war to safeguard the country's territorial integrity, in an apparent reference to Taiwan. In a move that marked the final step in China's first bloodless leadership transition, Hu, 62, replaced ageing former leader Jiang Zemin, 78, as chairman of the state's Central Military Commission (CMC). He was selected by an overwhelming majority of 2,886 votes to six against and five undecided at a meeting of China's legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC). State television CCTV showed Hu bowing to the NPC delegates while they gave him a long round of applause. Hu used his appointment to show China's new leadership intended no let up in its determination to stop rival Taiwan from becoming independent. The president told a meeting of military delegates to the NPC that China's top priority was safeguarding its territorial integrity. "We must ... alwa 0
106736 0 1498 WORL WORLD Maoists vow more attacks KATMANDU: Nepal's Communist insurgents threatened to step up attacks on government security forces and said they would stage road blockades and strikes across Nepal. The elusive rebel leader Prachanda said yesterday that he had ordered his comrades to mobilise and intensify attacks on the government troops. The rebels would also block major highways and hold strikes in different parts of the country starting from today, the statement said. The announcement came a day before Nepal's major political parties were to hold nationwide protests against King Gyanendra's decision to seize power on February 1 and impose emergency rule. Activists from five Nepalese political parties will risk arrest and hold nationwide protests today against King Gyanendra's seizure of power. An alliance of five parties demanding the restoration of democracy has scheduled rallies in the capital Kathmandu and other cities, despite the king's ban on protests, Nepali Congress spokesman Shovakar 0
106737 0 1498 WORL WORLD Israel to scrap 24 outposts in West Bank JERUSALEM: The Israeli government decided yesterday to dismantle 24 settlement outposts that have sprung up in the West Bank since Prime Minister Ariel Sharon came to power in March 2001, public radio said. The cabinet adopted a report charting state complicity in the building of scores of unauthorised settler outposts in the West Bank but set no timetable for their removal under a US-backed peace plan. "Evacuation of the unauthorised outposts is part of Israel's commitments under the road map," said Sharon, giving no clue when he would fulfil a long-standing pledge to tear down the encampments on occupied land. In broadcast remarks at a cabinet session that accepted the findings of the government-commissioned report by a vote of 18-1, Sharon said a ministerial committee "would examine the ways to implement" its recommendations. The panel will report back to the cabinet in 90 days, government officials said. 0
106738 0 1498 WORL WORLD It is time for action America tells Syria WASHINGTON: The United States yesterday cautiously welcomed Syria's promise to a UN envoy to withdraw its troops and intelligence agents from Lebanon, and said Damascus needed to follow through with actions as soon as possible. White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley said the US was awaiting details of the withdrawal plan from UN envoy Terje Roed-Larsen after his talks with Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. "Initial reports are encouraging," Hadley told Fox News yesterday. But he added: "In the end of the day, it's going to be deeds, not words, that matter." Roed-Larsen said on Saturday that Assad had promised to withdraw all his troops and intelligence agents from Lebanon in line with a UN resolution and was providing details of the timetable. According to a report in the Washington Post, Syria promised to remove one-third of its troops from Lebanon by the end of the month, and to move the remaining forces to the eastern Bekaa Valley and shut down its intelligenc 0
106739 0 1498 WORL WORLD Author named for Peter Pan sequel LONDON: Peter Pan and the wily Captain Hook are set for a rematch. Children's author Geraldine McCaughrean has been chosen to write the official sequel to J M Barrie's Peter Pan, the London hospital that holds the copyright to the classic work said yesterday. Barrie willed the Peter Pan copyright and royalties to the Great Ormond Street Hospital when he died in 1937, and the institution has long wanted to commission a follow-up. It has stipulated that the new work, titled Captain Pan must feature the original characters: the boy who never grew up, along with his pals Wendy, fairy Tinkerbell and the Lost Boys - as well as the fearsome pirate Hook. "It is an astonishing, daunting privilege to be let loose in Neverland, armed with nothing but a pen, and knowing I'm walking in Barrie's revered footsteps," said McCaughrean, 53, three times winner of Britain's prestigious Whitbread Children's Book of the Year. "But completing this book is going to be the writing adventur 0
106740 0 1498 WORL WORLD Concessions to Iran ruled out WASHINGTON: US National Security Adviser insisted yesterday that the US is not making concessions to Iran, even though Washington has softened its stance against the nation that Bush recently labelled "the world's primary state sponsor of terror." Stephen Hadley, in his first television appearances since becoming national security adviser last month, said the US is supporting European allies as they try to negotiate an end to Iran's suspected nuclear weapons ambitions. But he said that if those negotiations fail, the Europeans and the US have agreed to take the matter to the United Nations Security Council. "We've now got a strategic agenda with the Europeans, and we've also got agreements from the Europeans that if their negotiations do not succeed, and Iran resumes its effort to move toward a nuclear capability, then we will go together and take it to the United Nations," Hadley said during an appearance on CNN's Late Edition. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the Bush 0
106741 0 1498 WORL WORLD Bosphorus closed as LPG ship sinks ISTANBUL: Turkish authorities closed the Bosphorus shipping channel yesterday to all traffic after a roll-on roll-off ship carrying liquefied petroleum gas sank due to bad weather, a shipping official said. Seven LPG tanks floated to the surface after the ship sank, two of them still posing a risk. "Two tanks on the rocks ... still pose a danger," Transport Ministry deputy under-secretary Baris Tozar said, saying a disaster had been prevented by precautions - but also by luck. Ninety ships were waiting to enter the Bosphorus channel, including five vessels longer than 200 metres. 0
106742 0 1498 WORL WORLD Pope back in Vatican ROME: Hundreds of well-wishers clapped and chanted "Long live the Pope," heartened by the sight of a seemingly alert John Paul II who blessed them from his car as he left his Roman hospital last night. With the inside light of his silver people carrier on to make him clearly visible to the pilgrims, the Pope returned to the Vatican to continue his recovery from throat surgery. "We are very optimistic," said Donatella Ricci, a Roman psychology student who came to the Gemelli hospital to see the 84-year-old pontiff. "This is a good sign. We are confident that he will continue his work." Marie McCormak from Birmingham, England, held out a bouquet of red and white flowers as the Pope's convoy slowly drove out from the rear entrance of the hospital. "He's like everyone's granddad. We just love him," said McCormak, on her third visit to the hospital. McCormak and her friend, Michael Greaney, came to support the Pope when he was first admitted to hospital on February 1 and again 0
106743 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS New Disney chief LOS ANGELES: Michael Eisner, the longtime CEO of The Walt Disney Company, will step down a year earlier than expected, handing over the reins to Robert Iger and ending a tumultuous stint atop the entertainment giant. Iger, 54, the firm's current president and chief operating officer, was named to succeed Eisner as chief executive. He will assume his new role October 1 and will co-lead the company with Eisner during the transition, Disney's board said. 0
106744 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS Meos delegates honoured MANAMA: British Ambassador Robin Lamb held a reception at his residence yesterday in honour of delegates attending the 14th Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference (Mees). The event, which ends at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre today, includes a technical conference programme organised by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE). The event is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. MEOS 2005 is organised by Arabian Exhibition Management in association with London based Overseas Exhibition Services, both members of Allworld Exhibitions. 0
106745 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS Clipsal unveils products MANAMA: Clipsal Middle East unveiled a new range of lighting and dimming control, network systems and wiring accessories products at a presentation at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza. Clipsal Middle East managing director Lalu Samuel and Clipsal Australia business development manager Tzametzidis Stace made the presentation. The event was hosted by local distributor Gajria Electronics. 0
106746 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS New appointment MANAMA: Gulf Finance House has appointed Dr Haider Majali as corporate secretary and general counsel. Prior to joining the bank, Dr Majali worked with Gulf Air as general counsel. He was also legal adviser in Qatar Airways, having already served in various legal positions in leading organisations in Jordan. 0
106747 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS BD10m issues oversubscribed MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) announced yesterday that the BD10 million weekly issues of Government Treasury Bills have been oversubscribed by 360 per cent. The bills, carrying a maturity of 91 days, are issued by the agency on behalf of the Kingdom of Bahrain. The issue date of the bills is March 16 and the maturity date is June 15. The weighted average rate of interest is 2.95pc and the approximate average price was 99.260pc, the lowest accepted price was 99.260pc. 0
106748 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS Media group to enter Bahrain MANAMA: A $350 million Asian media and marketing communications group is to set up an office in Bahrain, with the objective of promoting the kingdom internationally. The Dubai-based public relations firm, Percept Profile Gulf (PPG) will open a new regional office in Bahrain, in partnership with the Dadabhai Group. PPG is a joint venture of Percept IMC, a $350m media and marketing communications group with headquarters in India, and Dubai-based Lal's Group, a prominent enterprise in the retail, shopping mall and wholesale industries in the Middle East. The new regional office in Bahrain would provide full-service public relations services to its increasing client base in Bahrain, and the region in general, senior representatives of Percept IMC, Dadabhai Group and PPG told a Press conference at the Elite Suites Hotel in Sanabis. Introducing the joint venture communication company, Percept IMC vice-chairman Harindra Singh said Bahrain presented immense growth opportunities 0
106749 0 1499 BUSI BUSINESS Firm posts 17pc rise in profits MANAMA: Bahrain Commer-cial Facilities Company posted a BD6.6 million net profit last year, up 17 per cent from the previous year. This represents a return on shareholders' equity of 23pc (67.1 fils per share) which is higher than the 22.4pc (57.6 fils per share) return that the company achieved in 2003. In an annual general meeting held at National Motor Company's premises in Sitra yesterday, shareholders agreed on the board's recommendation of cash distributions of 40 fils per share. Chairman Abdul Rahman Yusif Fakhro said he was pleased with the results of the company. The board also agreed to raise capital through issuing new bonds to replace a previous private placement which expires in May. Mr Fakhro and board members Khalid Mohammed Ali Mattar, Murad Ali Murad, Khalid Al Zayani and Ali Abdulla Ahmadi were re-elected to the board. 0
106750 1 1499 BUSI BUSINESS F1 event puts Bahrain economy in top gear MANAMA: Bahrain's Formula One (F1) Grand Prix has propelled the Kingdom onto the global stage by attracting more TV viewers from around the world than any event ever hosted in the Middle East. Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) general manager Martin Whitaker will reveal the full extent of the benefits derived from F1 during Festvale, the Middle East's first convention for event organisers and destination management professionals, from April 24 to 26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Mr Whitaker will evaluate the economic impact of the event for the Bahraini economy and demonstrate the huge commercial and public relations value F1's global audience provides for the region's thriving events organisation business. An average of 345 million racing fans are expected to tune-in for the second Gulf Air Grand Prix, making it the most watched televised event across the region. Mr Whitaker said F1 is a window to the world for corporate events and hospitality companies. 0
106751 2 1499 BUSI BUSINESS Opec ministers likely to raise production ceiling ISFAHAN, Iran: The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) will likely raise its output ceiling by 500,000 barrels a day if prices stay at present levels, group's president said yesterday. "We have one proposal to start increasing by 500,000 barrels per day directly after our meeting" tomorrow, Kuwaiti Energy Minister and Opec president Shaikh Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah said. "There is another proposal that we monitor the market and if there is need the president will communicate this and members can increase directly 400 or 500,000 bpd," he said, also citing the possibility that a decision could be the subject of an "extraordinary meeting" of the group at a later, unspecified date. He said the "minimum" Opec would do is stick to its existing ceiling of 27 million bpd, adding that "it is not the right time to have any cut." "What I can assure is that there is enough supply in the market," he said, adding that Opec members had "about 2m bpd" in spare capacity. 0
106752 3 1499 BUSI BUSINESS Go-ahead for budget revenue estimates MANAMA: Estimated oil and non-oil revenues were yesterday approved at a joint meeting between Finance Ministry and Parliament Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. The meeting was co-chaired by Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and Parliament Committee Chairman Jehad Boukamal. Under the deal, estimates of non-oil revenues for 2005 now range between BD315 million and BD335 million, compared with estimates ranging between BD325 million and BD350m million for 2006. The net increase in estimated non-oil revenues follows a request from Parliament Financial and Economic Affairs Committee, to reflect the effective volume of non-oil revenues reported last year. A comprehensive programme to further promote non-oil revenues will be implemented this year, pending government approval, said the Finance Minister, pledging not to harm people's standard of living or compromise the national economic achievements. The agreed estimates will now be incorporated 0
106753 0 1499 COMM COMMENTThe menace of mobiles The telephone is one of the most amazing devices ever created by man. Invented by Alfred Graham Bell in 1876, this instrument has taken the world by storm. But I am not going to bore you with the pros of this amazing instrument, rather enlighten you on my on-going battle with the telephone, scenario by scenario. Scenario 1. We are at a restaurant looking forward to peace and quiet, and to enjoy a good dinner. As I dig into my favourite hamour dish, my cell phone rings, disturbing the quiet ambience of the restaurant. A recorded voice wants to know if I am interested in real estate. I return to my food. The phone rings again, this time someone asking for Musthapha, 'Wrong number,' I respond, albeit rudely. Scenario 2. We hear our land phone ringing as we reach home, after that scrumptious dinner. The phone keeps on ringing. I fumble for the keys, open the door and rush to the phone. As if to frustrate me, just then, the phone stops ringing, Scenario 3. I am in the comfort room, an 0
106754 0 1499 COMM COMMENTCouncillors wasting time with trivial concerns The Municipal councils are continuing to amuse us with their trivial pursuits. Many people, including my humble self, have no idea anymore what their real job is because they have distracted us with their hilarious concerns. The fact that they are spending time discussing whether mannequins have to be covered up or not or where people should hang their washed underwear to dry sends shock waves down my spine. After Muharraq, the Central Municipal Council has now succeeded in passing an order to cover up all the mannequins in their area. A great achievement indeed in areas with roads full of potholes, overflowing sewage and dilapidated homes, swarming with insects and rodents! From banning the display of nightwear and swimwear on mannequins in shop display windows, the Northern Municipal Council comes up with another ingenious idea: Let's stop people hanging their underwear to dry outside their homes. I am sure other councils will follow suit and befor 0
106756 0 1499 LETT LETTERS Why do men continue to suppress women? THE world celebrated Women's Day on March 8 and in Bahrain at the forefront of the celebration were His Majesty and Her Highness. Their personal participation has no doubt established a powerful statement of the pressing need of the times. While women's rights and equality or the lack of it are highlighted on one particular day in a year the topic itself has long provided fodder for discussion all year around. It is my opinion that we men have overdone it and it is time to rectify it. Take a list of the atrocities we have perpetrated to suppress women: subjugation, segregation, domestic violence, slaving at home, raping, widow burning, dowry killings, honour killings, divorce, disenfranchising, trafficking for the flesh trade, forced circumcision, covering up, locking up, maltreatment, sexual harassment - name it we have done it all. We have found many ways, used religion, primeval social values, brutal strength and over a period of many thousand years used our egos and cunning to 0
106757 0 1499 LETT LETTERS An eye-opener THIS is in reference to the letter "Awards a joke" written by "Tubli resident" (GDN, March 10). An excellent eye opener about the environmental hazards in Bahrain spoiled by the author's own racism thoughts from back of his mind to say that the culprits are again "Indians". I am sure those six-wheelers these Indian drivers drive are neither owned by them nor do they drive and dump that waste on their own will. My dear friend, those people sitting behind the steering wheels of these vehicles don't even have the courage to walk alone in the late evening with a few dinars in their pocket. They die under the falling walls while contracting something for the people who own six-wheelers and four-wheels drive and wait in the mortuary to be repatriated on the charity and contribution of their friends. My friend, get out of this complex and do something on your own. Lets take charge of those six-wheelers by yourself and dump your own garbage far away from your place. Tell your own 0
106758 0 1499 LETT LETTERS Why no report? COMING back from Bahrain Sailing Club on Friday, March 11, at around 11.30 there was a terrible head-on collision not too far from the endurance horse race track. More than likely some serious injury if not fatality. Strangely enough, not one line in your paper. Did the GDN receive "orders" from the traffic department to minimise this type of infomation, because of the Safety Week campaign from the same department? Normand Lachance lEDITOR'S note: We cannot be everywhere, and rely on the public to report many of these accidents as official information is scant. 0
106759 0 1499 LETT LETTERS Grand Mosque fabulous THE other day, I had the fabulous opportunity to visit the Grand Mosque along with my grandparents and parents. I was thrilled by its architecture and cleanliness. Moreover, for the first time in my life, I had the opportunity to visit a mosque. The lamps of France, the carpets of Scotland, the marble of Italy, the teak of India, the fibreglass of Iran all combined into a single mosque. Tourists rush to this place to see all this, but my objective was a bit different. I not only wanted to see its rare beauty, but also wanted to understand the Muslim faith to a greater extent. In many countries. the Muslim faith is considered rigid and orthodox yet the mosque's highly educated guide told us about the minutest details of Islam. We were enlightened about the scientific reason behind the structure of the hall. The dome and the curved structures in a mosque are useful in case of a power cut (like the one on August 23, 2004). They give reasons behind the greater echo so that the voice 0
106760 0 1499 LETT LETTERS The menace of mobiles The telephone is one of the most amazing devices ever created by man. Invented by Alfred Graham Bell in 1876, this instrument has taken the world by storm. But I am not going to bore you with the pros of this amazing instrument, rather enlighten you on my on-going battle with the telephone, scenario by scenario. Scenario 1. We are at a restaurant looking forward to peace and quiet, and to enjoy a good dinner. As I dig into my favourite hamour dish, my cell phone rings, disturbing the quiet ambience of the restaurant. A recorded voice wants to know if I am interested in real estate. I return to my food. The phone rings again, this time someone asking for Musthapha, 'Wrong number,' I respond, albeit rudely. Scenario 2. We hear our land phone ringing as we reach home, after that scrumptious dinner. The phone keeps on ringing. I fumble for the keys, open the door and rush to the phone. As if to frustrate me, just then, the phone stops ringing, Scenario 3. I am in the comfort room, an 0
106761 0 1499 LETT LETTERS Too little, too late? WHILST the idea of free Formula One visas is a good one, sadly the execution of the idea is not. This initiative should have been announced many, many months ago because that is how far in advance travel companies and individual tourists from the West plan. If the government had done that, then free F1 visas could have been advertised as a great selling point. As usual - too little, too late. When will the tourism directorate ever wake up to what real tourism means. The Johnster 0
106762 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Suha is planning big screen debut BAHRAINI film-maker Shaikha Suha bint Abdul Rahman Al Khalifa hopes to hit the big screen soon. Two of her scripts currently being marketed for big budget productions, said the young film buff, who began working on her first full film script even before attending film school. Shaikha Suha also made short films while learning the craft and has since completed a second film and begun a third. Her first two stories both deal with supernatural themes. "The first is called Existence: The Butterfly Dream, which is a story merging Arabian supernatural beliefs and myths with a London setting. "It is the first part of a trilogy which I hope to complete if it is successful," said Shaikha Suha. "The second is a vampire epic called Passage of Blood." Both scripts are currently being marketed around Europe by her agents to secure funding. "I just wrote what I wanted to write, but both films are considered commercial rather than art films by my agents. 0
106763 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain frees website trio MANAMA: Bahrain late last night freed three men detained for running a website critical of the government, but they still face charges over spreading material seen as hostile to the government and royal family. "They freed all of us and now I am at home with my family," said Ali Abdulemam, who ran www.bahrainonline.org. Mr Abdulemam, a 27-year-old computer engineer, and two colleagues - Hussein Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi - were detained two weeks ago on charges of stirring hatred against the government and spreading false news. Mr Abdulemam said he would meet his colleagues to decide the fate of their website. However, Batelco was yesterday told to permanently block the website, our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej adds. The move is part of an ongoing probe by the General Prosecution into the trio. Batelco was also ordered to take the necessary technical measures to remove pictures and data considered defamatory and aimed at spreading false rumours. 0
106764 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Food safety 'vital as demand rises' FOOD safety must remain a priority as production increases to meet human population demand, says Australia meat and livestock expert. Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) economic planning and marketing services general manager Dr Peter Barnard said feeding people was a task that the world needed to take on. The current world population of 6.5 billion is expected to increase by a billion in 2020 and a further billion by 2050. "The population growth in the GCC is expected to be strong. Countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia and Iraq are expected to have a 20 per cent increase in population growth by 2020," he said. "In this region as we are getting richer, there is a substitution of grains for protein. In the history of agriculture, there is a capacity to supply extra demand as trading systems and production improves. "There is a capacity to supply extra food, but it must be provided safely. You can't risk food safety for production." Dr Barnard was speaking at 0
106765 1 1499 BNEW LOCAL Businessmen pledge increased private sector role MANAMA MANAMA: Prospects of private sector assuming an active political role took centre-stage as His Majesty King Hamad received a letter from leaders of the business community. The letter was handed to His Majesty by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry last Saturday, BCCI president Khalid Kanoo said in statement. "The business community pledged to His Majesty to promote rational and moderate values and focus on economic development programmes to achieve social welfare," he added. The need to promote tourism investment and draw up a clear-cut strategy to develop this important sector were also discussed with the King. During the audience, the business community also called for security to be consolidated so an investors' friendly environment could be created. The King's call for far-reaching economic reforms and incentives to boost the private sector was yesterday praised by the business community. The move reflects His Majesty's keenness to build a soli 0
106766 2 1499 BNEW LOCAL Major fire destroys Sitra company MANAMA A MAJOR blaze gutted a construction company building in Sitra yesterday. The fire broke out at about 11.45am at the Projects Construction Com-pany, near the Sitra Health Centre. A Bahraini worker suffered a fractured leg as he was trying to run out of the building while two other employees sustained minor injuries. The single-storey building houses the company's office, carpentry workshop, mechanical and painting workshop and other sections. Company commercial manager Michael McAuley said the company has suffered a "big loss" from the fire - but it was too early to give an estimate for the damage. "The cause of fire is under investigation. We still do not know what happened but this is a big loss for the company," he said. "We thank God that no one was seriously hurt. It could have been a major disaster," continued Mr McAuley. "The insurance company will come and assess the damage costs after the fire officials give us a report," he added. Many fi 0
106767 3 1499 BNEW LOCAL Charity heads row at federation talks MANAMA A ROW erupted yesterday between charity funds' representatives over the formation of a federation which will bring them all under its fold. Representatives from around 40 charity funds were present at the meeting, held at the Social Affairs Ministry premises in Isa Town. Present was Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, who invited them to voice their problems and discuss ways of improving the way the funds work. But what started out as a promising meeting ended with a clash between representatives from one sect, who refused to be part of a federation which included people from another sect. Some of the representatives said it was impossible to have charity funds representing both sects together under one umbrella due to core differences. "They work differently from us. What are the guarantees that they wouldn't favour members of their own sect over ours," said a representative from the Hoora Charity Fund. Dr Al Balooshi comforted all representatives that the 0
106768 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Shrimping banned from today MANAMA FRESH shrimp will disappear from Bahrain's shops from today, when a seasonal ban comes into effect. Traders violating the ban face up to two years in jail and fines of up to BD300. Fishermen caught shrimping during the ban face similar penalties and also risk having their boats and equipment confiscated. The ban is being imposed following a decree by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president and Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Commission fisheries director Jassim Al Qaseer said it was crucial for the public and fishermen to co-operate with authorities because of benefits the ban would have for everyone in the long run. "The closed season will allow the shrimp to breed and grow, giving the fishermen a better yield once the season is open," he said. "This will help ensure that the stock is not exhausted." Consumers will also benefit as the shrimp caught following the close 0
106769 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Shura go-ahead for alimony fund THE establishment of an alimony fund to support divorced women and children was yesterday approved by the Shura Council. The scheme, the first of its kind in Bahrain, aims to help women whose ex-husbands renege on alimony payments and leave them without adequate means of support, by providing for food, clothes, housing and medical expenses. The draft law to set up the fund was proposed by MP Abdul Latif Al Shaikh and was approved by parliament in October last year. However, in view of several technical amendments carried out during yesterday's session, the proposal will go back to parliament for final approval before it is sent to the Cabinet. According to the law, the fund will be responsible for providing women their over-due payments of alimony from their ex-husbands, who will be held accountable by the government. It stipulates that the fund would be an independent organisation and with a separate budget, operating under the supervision of the Justice Ministry 0
106770 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Three held for stealing makeup at top store A GROUP of Bahraini homosexual men were caught red-handed as they tried to steal makeup from a shop in Seef Mall. An alert security officer spotted the three boys bagging makeup powder, eye shadow, brushes and other accessories at Marks and Spencer. He was monitoring them because one of them was blacklisted after being caught on tape stealing on an earlier occasion. "The three gays walked into the shop at around 11am," said the 25-year-old security officer Muneer Jumaa Yousif. "I recognised one of them because our security cameras filmed him stealing in a prior incident," he said. "We did not catch him then but, nevertheless, we kept an eye out for him and surely enough he came back. "I observed them from a distance as they meddled at the makeup section. "Then, as they walked out of the shop, the manager and I walked up to them, stopped them and asked them to show us what they were hiding. "They did not show any resistance and simply pulle 0
106771 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Samajam to get own premises THE Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam is to get its own premises this year. Samajam president John Iype said having a new club premises was a long cherished dream of the members, which is going to be accomplished. The new land, located next to the Kerala Catholic Association in Segaiya, has been taken on a 20-year lease. The new building will be set up on 68,000 square feet of land and the samajam hopes to finish construction before the tenure of their executive committee comes to end. A special committee headed by P V Radhakrishna Pillai as chairman has been assigned the responsibility of the building. Mr Pillai told the GDN that the 16-member committee would now assess the cost factors and go ahead with plans for the building. "It is too early to comment on the costs since we have to open the door for quotations and tenders from concerned companies," he said. "We have started working on the plan and it is going to be a major project." The Samaj 0
106772 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Public phone stolen from Salmaniya firm A PUBLIC phone was reported stolen from the Hudson Car Services in Salmaniya, with the thief or thieves walking away with about BD30 in coins. A company spokesman said the phone was placed in the garage and was connected by a wire that ran through the shop. "When one of our staff members came to work in the morning he found that the phone was missing," he continued. "There was no sign of how the thief entered or left and nothing else was taken." The spokesman said that six months ago BD500 was stolen from the company and this is the second incident in which they have been robbed. "The phone wire appeared to have been pulled from the outside," he said. "The case is now under investigation." 0
106773 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Union on the way A GROUP of women who have been seeking official approval for the country's first ever women's union since November 2001 are now confident that it will happen soon following discussions with Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. An eight-member committee consisting of four members from each of the union's preparatory committee and the Social Affairs Ministry has come up with a draft proposal for the union. Preparatory committee media sub-committee head Fatima Rabe'a said it is currently being revised by government legal experts. "It will then be brought back to the committee to look at again before it is approved by the ministry," she said. Ms Rabe'a said the union will help local women gain a stronger voice in society. "The union is made up of many women's societies," she said. "Linking them together will have a very positive impact on women because as a union we will be able to come up with a national strategy to further women's causes." 0
106774 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Military policeman 'threatened rape..!' A Bahraini detainee was allegedly drugged and harassed on several occasions while in custody at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The latest claims were made by Abdulla Majid Al Nuaimi during an interview with lawyers, who visited him in Camp Delta last October. According to the report, Mr Al Nuaimi was told by interrogators and military personnel that it was confirmed he was not a threat and could be released as early as March last year. The report has been released after the US Defence Department re-viewed their notes and deemed the information to be unclassified. The Sanaa Committee, which is acting as a channel of communication between lawyers in the Gulf region and their counterparts elsewhere, made the reports available. The committee, which operates under Amnesty International, is composed of a number of volunteers from the Gulf region, including the president of the now dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights Nabeel Rajab. According to the lawyer's report, M 0
106775 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Man held for fraud POLICE arrested a 40-year-old Bahraini man for presenting fraudulent documents at the British Embassy. The man had applied for a visa to the UK at the embassy and had been asked to present documents proving details such as name, nationality and criminal record. The embassy telephoned police when they suspected the documents to be fake and the man was taken in for questioning. He confessed to the charge of fraud. No other details were available. 0
106776 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL New training centre in Tubli to be launched A MUNICIPAL training centre in Tubli will be opened today in a ceremony being held under the patronage of Municipalities and Agricul-ture Minister Ali Al Saleh. The ceremony coincides with Arab Towns Day, celebrated on March 15 every year, in commemoration of the establishment of the Kuwait-based Arab Towns Organisation in 1967. The aim of the celebrations is to enlighten citizens about the fundamental role played by the municipalities and local authorities to secure public services and utilities. In a statement marking the occasion, Mr Al Saleh said Bahrain's celebration of the Arab Towns Day will focus on co-ordinating efforts with other countries in the region for further development and growth. Projects He said Bahrain's current municipal system contributed to further meet the needs of all sections of society in an effective manner by implementing various projects. Ministry human resources director Mohammed Al Thawadi said the centre was set up at a bu 0
106777 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Moroccan art and culture on show A CULTURAL and artistic festival began last night at the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohamm-ed Al Khalifa Centre for Cultu-re and Research, Muharraq. The five-day Morocco-Bahrain Civic Caravan continues until Friday and includes a number of lectures and a musical event. The caravan comprises 10 well-known Moroccan intellectuals led by writer Dr Fatima Al Marneesi. Four German communication and culture experts have also been invited to take part. They are publishing and media consultant Heike Staff, cultural activities organiser Thomas Hartmann, a woman's magazine editor Greta Tollman and book publishing agent Edite Kroll. Last night's event included a lecture, Cowboy and Sinbad - Dualism of Sword or Pen by Dr Al Marneesi. It also included an introduction to the caravan, a book exhibition and an art exhibition by contemporary artists Fatima Malal and Al Rakrakiah. The schedule of events: Tonight: Lecture by Dr Najia Al Boudali entitled Dialogue Between Women and Sta 0
106778 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL A helping hand for the needy... ESTERAD donated BD10,000 to the Mother Child Home Education Programme (Mocep). The donation will assist Mocep in its efforts to provide a meaningful and effective empowerment/education programme for many needy Bahraini families. To date, Mocep has served more than 400 disadvantaged families in the kingdom. It is a unique, powerful socio-educational, intervention programme which has successfully defined and addressed some of the skills, knowledge and training needed by families living in poverty and disadvantage. This two-generational programme provides a cognitive, pre-school training programme for mothers which enables them to teach their children at home. It also provides a comprehensive mother support programme which gives mothers weekly discussions on several aspects of child development and child rearing. Recent research results published on the impact of Mocep-Bahrain, demonstrate that children who received the intervention significantly improved their 0
106779 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Heart-rending! A DELAYED court order is keeping the daughter of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon from entering her mother's Manama flat. Maria Grace Montibon Reyes, who flew in from the Philippines last Friday, to help speed up the search for her mother, is hoping that a police investigation of the one-bedroom flat would enable them find some answers. A court order is needed by the police to open the flat and search the place, said Mrs Montibon's Bahraini sponsor Ali Al Oraibi, who added that it was hoped the court order would be finalised by today. "As soon as we get the court order, we hope to go inside the flat with the police," he said. To date, the police have not searched Mrs Montibon's flat and her parked car outside the apartment building despite her being reported missing by her landlord and close friends since last November. However, the Bahraini landlord, a close friend of Mrs Montibon and a staff member of the apartment office, opened the flat to check if she was inside and 0
106780 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Career expo to give job tips BAHRAIN University students are to learn vital job-hunting tips at the university's three-day Sixth Career Day, which opens on March 27. The event, at the Sakhir campus, is being held under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. "Students will get an opportunity to learn about the jobs available in the market, how to apply for them, how to write a CV and sit through an interview," said organising committee head Nael Al Onais. "These are important skills which every job-seeker should be equipped with," he said. "We are presenting students with the opportunity to meet with potential employers face to face without any barriers. "This event is held at universities throughout the world to present students with the chance to secure a job as soon as they graduate. "Through our event last year, we managed to collect 7,500 CVs from students, which reflects that the event was successful and is gaining popularity amongst stud 0
106781 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Aluminium gate stolen THIEVES stole the aluminium gate of a building in Gufool in broad daylight. The BD600 main entrance gate was discovered missing by one of the Asian tenants as he came back from work at 3pm. He immediately called the Bahraini landlord to inquire if he was the one who took the gate. "I received a call from one of the tenants asking me whether I removed the building's gate," said 65-year-old Dr Mohammed Al Ameer. "I told him that it wasn't me and rushed over to see what was going on," he told the GDN. "The tenant said that he went to work in the morning and the gate was there, but when he came back it wasn't. "He said that his wife, who was in the flat the whole day, heard the guard dog barking at around 11am. "I then went to Naim Police Station and reported the theft. "They asked me if I knew the robber and I told them that I didn't. "They said they would investigate the matter and advised me to check in the flea market for the gate." 0
106782 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Asian held in raid on alcohol den POLICE have raided a Manama house used to stash illegal alcohol and arrested an Asian following a tip-off. Goods and related papers were seized and have been handed over to the Prosecutor General, said acting CID directorate head Brigadier Farouq Al Ma'wdah yesterday. In another development, Muharraq police helped by a Bahraini citizen have foiled an attempt to steal a television set and receiver from a restaurant. Two Asians, aged 29 and 30, have been arrested, said acting Muharraq police security directorate Lieutenant General Khalid Salim Al Absi. 0
106783 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Sports car seized after sale dispute A ROW over the sale of a top Mercedes sports car flared into a causeway drama. Police confiscated the 2003 L-500 which had been fraudulently sold to a young Qatari for 180,000 Qatari riyals. And a Kuwaiti, 22, acting as a go-between in the sale was arrested, charged with cheating, but later released on BD1,000 bail. This was the saga outlined at Bahrain's Lower Criminal Court. The Mercedes was seized and will not be released until the case, which was adjourned until June 8, ends. A public prosecution statement revealed that the car changed hands in the Ritz- Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa car park. The real owner, another Kuwaiti, 31, had given power-of-attorney to his friend and the Qatari buyer. He revoked this when he became suspicious about the transaction. He had not received any sale agreement. This led to the Qatari, 20, being blocked by police when he tried to cross the King Fahad Causeway - becaus 0
106784 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL 80 BTI trainees are honoured EIGHTY outstanding Bahra-in Training Institute (BTI) trainees were honoured at a ceremony at the institute in Isa Town. The ceremony, the first of its kind to be held by the BTI, included the distribution of certificates, medals and 73 scholarships and grants. The students were chosen on the basis of their GPA, discipline and punctuality. They were selected from all of the BTI's programmes and academic years. BTI administrative board chairman Abdulilah Al Qassimi honoured the trainees in the presence of director general Mohammed Hussain Derbas and MPs Dr Salah Ali, Abdul Aziz Al Moosa and Ahmed Hussain. "This is the first time in the history of Bahrain that an establishment has taken upon itself to provide scholarships and grants to its trainees from its own budget," said Mr Derbas. "We gave out 50 scholarships and 23 grants to the students to encourage them in their quest for knowledge and excellence and also to get them to rely on themselves instead of their fa 0
106785 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Lectures on medical techniques THE Bahrain Medical Society (BMS) is organising a lecture on "Best Evidence in Medical Education" at the society premises in Juffair at 9 pm tonight. The presentation will be made by Arabian Gulf University's College of Medicine and Medical Sciences dean Professor Hossam Hamdy, said society secretary general Dr Khalifa Bin Dayna. Dr Bin Dayna, who is a senior consultant surgeon at Salmaniya Medical Complex, will make a presentation on "Virtual Reality in Medicine" at the College of Health Sciences ' Al Ma'arif Hall at 1pm today. The lecture is part of the Health Ministry's continuous medical education programme. 0
106786 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Training boost for air transport staff BAHRAIN is committed to improving the safety and efficiency of air transport by upgrading its staff training programmes, a top official revealed yesterday. Bahrain's Civil Aviation Training Centre (CATC) has become a full member of the TRAINAIR programme with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) Under-Secretary Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud. CATC has achieved this after completing a Standardised Training Package (STP) titled "Handling Hazardous Materials Incident (Hazmat)", he revealed. Captain Al Gaoud was speaking at the opening of the Third English TRAINAIR Co-ordination Conference, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) at the Gulf Hotel. The three-day event is being held under the patronage of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. TRAINAIR is a global programme aimed to improve safety and efficiency of air transport through the establishment and mai 0
106787 0 1499 BNEW LOCAL Artefacts go on show at Bapco Club FRAMED maps, coins, stamps, paintings and other artefacts from around the world are going on display at an exhibition opening today at the Bapco Club in Awali. More than 1,000 items, including several Limited edition Formula One oil paintings created by Bahraini Abbas Al Mosawi, are on show at the event, which concludes on Thursday. Items to be showcased include oil paintings from Bahrain, Syria and Egypt, old black and white photographs of Bahrain, Bahraini stamps, coins and maps and Dilmun seal replicas. Other pieces to be featured are traditional Indian paintings created on Indian silk and Indian spotless marble, Iraqi oil paintings, Iraqi and Afghani jewellery, as well as Iraqi, Russian and Ukraine currency. The three-day event will be open from 9.30am to 1pm and 4.30pm to 9pm. Entrance is free and all are welcome. 0
106788 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Arabian Gulf meet China in World Cup qualifiers THE Arabian Gulf are to kick off the Asian region qualifying campaign for the 2007 World Cup with a home clash against China in Dubai on April 8. A total of 13 teams are chasing one automatic place in the star-studded line-up in France while one side will go through to a repechage round and a play-off against an Oceania qualifier for the chance to take part in the sixth World Cup finals. Teams in the Asian region will play round-robin matches in groups which represent the first stage of the qualifying process. There are two further rounds of divisional games as winning teams continue to progress towards securing seats on the plane to France. The Gulf's opening game in Division II against China will take place at the Dubai Exiles while a match will follow in Taiwan against Chinese Taipei on May 20. The winner of this group will advance to the second round which will involve six teams in two divisions with three sides then going through to the third and fina 0
106789 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Ali claims time-trial youth title ALI Mansoor of Bani Jamrah Youth Centre claimed the title in the youth individual time-trial race, organised by the Bahrain Cycling Association (BCA) and sponsored by Batelco. Ali completed the 25-km event, which was held at the Al Jazayer beach area, in 32 minutes and 31.86 seconds. Ali was followed by his compatriot Mansoor Mohammed (32:57.42) in second place and Zahed Mahmood (33:40.60) of East Riffa in third. BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the race and presented the awards to the winners. Shaikh Khalid also thanked Batelco for sponsoring this season races, the General Organisation for Youth and Sports and the Traffic Directorate for their support. Results: 1 Ali Mansoor (Bani Jamrah Youth Centre, 32:31.86), 2 Mansoor Mohammed (Bani Jamrah Youth Centre, 32:57.42), 3 Zahed Mahmoo (East Riffa, 33:40.60), 4 Abdulaziz Diab (Riffa, 33:51.91), 5 Hassan Assiri (East Riffa, 35:37.55), 6 Ali Jaber (Al Shabab, 36:48.32). 0
106790 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Oasis Complex tickets for F1 race sold out TICKETS for the Oasis Complex at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) which will be hosting the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on April 1, 2 and 3 are sold out, according to BIC officials. "We have witnessed an increase in ticket sales as the event is approaching," said business development manager Rayan Kazerooni. Prices of tickets for the Bahrain Formula One race are among the lowest on the global market, said Kazerooni adding that ticket sales were higher compared to last year when over 34,000 spectators from around the world attended the first Middle East Grand Prix. This year motor racing enthusiasts from 95 countries are expected to attend the race. Kazerooni also said that he expected tickets sales to increase to more than 40,000 during the final two weeks before the race. 0
106791 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Warne to 'live in England' MELBOURNE: Australian cricket authorities said yesterday they were confident Shane Warne would carry on playing for his country and state Victoria despite him going to live in England. The world-record wicket-taking leg-spinner said after Australia's nine-wicket first Test win over New Zealand in Christchurch on Sunday he had bought a new home in Ocean Village, Southampton. The 35-year-old said he would move there with his family. Warne, who has now taken 573 Test wickets, said he would continue playing for Australia and Victoria but would head to England to captain county side Hampshire next month. Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria have given their backing to Warne's overseas relocation, while his spinning mentor Terry Jenner said his new home would have no bearing on their working partnership. "He's 35 years old and taken 570-odd Test wickets and if he thinks he needs to give me a call to discuss something then living in England makes no difference," Jenner 0
106792 0 1499 SPOR SPORT All England badminton dominated by Chinese BIRMINGHAM: China took up where they left off at the Athens Olympics by winning four of the five titles at the All England championships. Ten of Sunday's 16 finalists were from China, three of the finals were all-Chinese affairs and Gao Ling and Huang Sui won the women's doubles for the fifth year in succession, a record in the event at the All Englands. China's performance equalled their feat of 1997 and eclipsed Asian rivals Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea. The Sudirman Cup world team event in Beijing in May appears a formality and rich pickings can be expected at the world championships in August in Anaheim, California. The capacity crowd at the Birmingham National Indoor Arena came to see home favourites Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms win the mixed doubles and the English pair duly obliged edging out unseeded Danes Thomas Laybourn and Kamilla Rytter Juhl 15-10 15-12. They also admired an imposing performance in the men's doubles by China's Cai Yun and Fu 0
106793 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Yasmine outplays Tarryn for crown YASMINE Ebada of Egypt clinched the Girls Under-18 singles crown defeating Tarryn Carlsson of South Africa 6-0, 6-0 in the BBK Juniors Open Tennis Championship which concluded last night at the Bahrain Tennis Club premises in Juffair. It was a comfortable win for Yasmine who is a member of the Egyptian national team and had won several national championships in Egypt. The final was attended by Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait general manager Dr Fareed Ahmed Al Mulla who presented the trophies and other prizes to the winners of each category. The boys under-10 title was won by Ayman Jaffar, Khalid Fakhro bagged the boys under-13 singles and Karim Abdulreda took the boys under-18 singles crown. Also present were General Organisation for Youth and Sports' clubs affair director Dr Saeed Al Yamani, Bahrain Tennis Federation vice-president Ahmed Ebrahim, Bahrain Tennis Club chairman Yousef Haider, organisers and other club officials. 0
106794 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Riaz shines as Young Star lift title MOHAMMED Riaz blasted a magnificent unbeaten 143 from 70 deliveries to steer Young Star CC to a 116-run victory over Alpha Fire CC (Qatar) in the final of the Island Cricket League's Coca-Cola League Tournament. Batting first, Young Star lost opener Aftab in the opening over and it required a partnership of 115 between Riaz, who hit 11 fours and five sixes, and Jalani (42) to get the innings back on track before Jalani was dismissed in the 14th over. An unbeaten third-wicket partnership between Riaz and Younas (46 not out from 23 balls) produced 136 runs in just nine overs as Young Star finished on 252 for two. Alpha Fire, in reply, faced an uphill struggle after losing Afzal in the second over and wickets soon fell at regular intervals. Noushad (25) and Azhar (24) were the main scorers as Alpha Fire were dismissed for 136. The pick of the Young Star bowlers were Younas (four for 28), Riaz (three for 30) and Zaheer (two for 16). Brief scores: Young Star 252 for 2 0
106795 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Qatar Club tame Muharraq Qatar Club of Qatar defeated Bahrain champions Muharraq 23-25, 27-25, 25-23, 25-17 in the 24th GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship being held at the Al Arabi Club in Doha. It was the first defeat for Muharraq who earlier clinched victories over Al Arabi of Kuwait and Oman's Sohar. Qatar Club clinched their third successive victory and are in joint lead with Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal with six points from three matches with two matches remaining. Al Hilal won their third match beating Sohar 23-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-21 earlier yesterday. Today is a rest day and the tournament continues tomorrow with Muharraq playing Al Nasser of the UAE who claimed their first win in the tournament defeating Al Arabi of Kuwait 25-18, 21-25, 20-25, 25-15, 15-13 in the other match yesterday. 0
106796 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Al Najma on top AL NAJMA moved to the top of the table in the Bahrain Premier Division Volleyball League after a well-earned 25-19, 25-19, 25-18 victory over Al Nasser last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. With this victory Al Najma hold a one-point lead over Al Nasser who suffered their first defeat of the season and are presently second with nine points. In the other match between the bottom two teams, Al Tadhamon beat Bahrain Club 22-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-23. Tadhamon recorded their first win of the season and moved to fourth place with six points. Bahrain Club remain bottom with five points after they suffered their fifth consecutive defeat. 0
106797 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Hala overcome Ittihad AL HALA outplayed Al Ittihad 110-91 in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball League second-leg opening match last night at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall. The ninth win for Al Hala took them to second place in the table with 20 points, a point behind leaders Muharraq. Al Ittihad are in sixth position with Nuwaidrat on 14 points each. Meanwhile, the Bahrain Basketball Association's development committee is holding its first meeting today at 7pm to discuss its programme for the next stage and other issues concerning the development of the sport. The committee is headed by Jassim Al Sindi and includes deputy head Salman Hubail and members Saeed Al Aradi, Ali Ahmed, Jassim Rashdan, Abdulelah Abdulghaffar, Yousef Salem and Hussain Al Derazi. Today's fixtures: 4.30pm - Manama vs Isa Town; 7.30pm - Al Ahli vs Nuwaidrat (both at Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall). 0
106798 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Ten schools to take part in cycle race AL IMAN School is organising a cycling race in co-operation with the Bahrain Cycling Association on Monday with more than 10 government schools expected to take part. It is the sixth race being organised by the school which is part of the school's programmes. The event is open to cyclists representing intermediate and secondary stages. Students who are interested in taking part should contact physical education teachers Tareq Badawi on 39848179 or Abdulnasser Ma'alami on 39028235. 0
106799 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Wales celebrate big rugby victory LONDON: Rugby fans the length and breadth of Wales woke up with a collective hangover yesterday and immediately started planning for what they hope will be an even bigger party next weekend. Sunday's scintillating 46-22 Six Nations victory over Scotland in Edinburgh sparked wild celebrations in the Scottish capital by an estimated 40,000 travelling Welsh fans. It was only their second win at Murrayfield in 20 years but for all the wonderful play, particularly in a stunning, five-try first-half blast, the main topic of conversation was whether their heroes would be able to complete the grand slam at the Millennium Stadium. Standing in their way are Ireland, whose own hopes of a clean sweep were ended when holders France triumphed 26-19 at Lansdowne Road on Saturday. With the pressure off and the Six Nations title and triple crown still available, Ireland, who have not lost in Cardiff for 22 years, should prove a formidable obstacle to the Welsh achieving their first slam 0
106800 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Bucknor eyes milestone CALCUTTA: Steve Bucknor will become the first umpire to stand in 100 Test matches when he officiates in the second Test between India and Pakistan starting at the 90,000-capacity Eden Gardens here tomorrow. But the 58-year-old Jamaican has dismissed the landmark Test as "just another match", saying he will be as nervous as he was in his first international game 16 years ago. "The preparations will be the same, probably more because the Eden Gardens, like most places in the Indian sub-continent, is the toughest place for an umpire," Bucknor told reporters yesterday. "The noise, the heat and humidity. Mentally and physically it is very demanding." Bucknor, who has officiated in four cricket World Cups, stood in his first international game during the fourth Test between India and the West Indies in his native Kingston, Jamaica, in April 1989. A qualified football referee before switching to cricket full-time in 1992, Bucknor will become the first recipient of the Internati 0
106801 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Inter and Porto set for key duel MILAN: Inter Milan and Porto have had an extra week to prepare for tonight's Champions League knockout round second-leg but neither has used it well. The first game ended 1-1 in Portugal and the return was held over as Inter's city neighbours AC Milan, who share the San Siro stadium, were also drawn at home for their second-leg match. The additional preparation has hardly helped Champions League holders Porto, whose coach Jose Couceiro must get his players over a 4-0 defeat by Nacional Madeira, their worst home loss for 30 years. Inter battled to a 1-1 draw at Lazio on Sunday but were unimpressive, only getting back into the game after the Rome side were reduced to 10 men. "We will definitely have to play better than at Lazio," said Inter coach Roberto Mancini. "It will have to be a different Inter for what is a vitally important game for us." Inter's entire season hangs on Tuesday's match. They are out of the Serie A title race, 16 points behind lead 0
106802 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Argentina record scorer Batistuta calls it a day BUENOS AIRES: Argentina's record goalscorer Gabriel Batistuta has decided to quit soccer at the age of 36. "I'm announcing my definitive retirement from football and I thank everyone who has helped make my career so successful," said the former Fiorentina and AS Roma striker in a statement sent to Argentine media from Qatar on Sunday. The decision came two days after Batistuta ended his contract with Qatari club Al Arabi following an injury-plagued year in which he played only three matches and failed to score. Batistuta, who hit 56 goals in 78 internationals, said he was planning to coach in the future. "I will certainly continue in football in a different role," he added. "I will continue with my contractual, publicity and managerial commitments and finish my studies for coaching." Batistuta played in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals, his last international goal coming in the 1-0 win over Nigeria in the 2002 World Cup finals. Batistuta made hi 0
106803 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Butt steers Young Boys to victory YOUNG Boys (Alpha Fire UK), inspired by a fine all-round performance by Aamir Butt, defeated Public Security by six wickets in a Premier Division match of the Ernst and Young-sponsored Bahrain Cricket Association (BCA) 50-overs League. The win helped Young Boys narrow the gap with defending champions Bahrain Cricket Club (BCC) in the quest for the title. Public Security, batting first on their home ground, were dismissed for 193 in 39.1 overs after being given a flying start by openers Ahmed Asif (23) and Yaroo Khan (49) adding 80 runs in 12 overs. The rest of the top order collapsed against the pace and spin combination of Butt (three for 37) and skipper Qamar Saeed (three for 19). From 96 for two they collapsed to 129 for five when Tasawar Sarfraz (27) fell. Imitiaz Ahmed (16) and Ajay Kumar (17) put up some resistance until both went with the score on 155. Spinner Ishtiaq Mohammed (three for 39) also had a share of the spoils. In reply, Young Boys lost opene 0
106804 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Indian F1 hero Karthikeyan to visit Bahrain INDIA'S first Formula One driver Narain Karthikeyan will be visiting Bahrain on March 21 as part of a programme to promote the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit on April 1, 2, 3. The one-day visit is expected to be action-packed as the BIC will be inviting over 2,000 children from the Indian School, the New Indian School, Sacred Heart School, New Millennium School, Asian School and Ibn Al Haitham Islamic School to meet 'the fastest Indian driver in the world'. Karthikeyan will also be signing autographs at the Seef Mall before flying out the same night. "We aim to bring Narain closer to the Indian community," said BIC general manager Martin Whitaker while Karthikeyan himself said he was excited to be coming to Bahrain a fortnight ahead of the race in the Kingdom. "I am thrilled to be coming to Bahrain and meeting a large number of people from India who have made Bahrain their home," said Karthikeyan who made his debut for Jordan 0
106805 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Rockets score 4th successive victory TORONTO: Tracy McGrady recorded 22 points and David Wesley added 21 as the Houston Rockets ended an 11-game losing streak in Sacramento with a 111-96 victory over the Kings in NBA action yesterday. Mike James scored 20 points off the bench while Yao Ming chipped in with 17 as Houston (37-25) triumphed at the Arco Arena for the first time since March 1999 to post its fourth straight win. Peja Stojakovic led the way with 21 points but could not prevent Sacramento's three-game winning streak being snapped. In Minneapolis, Jason Terry collected 22 points and 12 assists to help the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 102-93. Dirk Nowitzki had 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Mavericks while Marquis Daniels added 16 points, including 11 in the final quarter. Kevin Garnett paced Minnesota's offence with 24 points, 13 rebounds and six assists. In Los Angeles, Elton Brand picked up 20 points and 11 rebounds against his former team as the Clippers def 0
106806 1 1499 SPOR SPORT MAURESMO MAKES EXIT INDIAN WELLS, California: Second seed Amelie Mauresmo made 45 unforced errors and served nine double faults as she crashed out of the Indian Wells WTA/ATP Masters Series, losing a third round match 2-6, 6-2, 7-5 to Russian Evgenia Linetskaya. Linetskaya, the 30th seed, won yesterday's match despite a subpar first serve that produced no aces and a second serve which was clocked as low as 83 kph (52 mph). The 25-year-old Mauresmo was trying to improve on her quarter-final showing here in 2003. In September she became the first French player to be ranked number one in the world. The 18-year-old Linetskaya broke Mauresmo's serve in the 11th game of the final set which allowed her to serve for the match. She jumped out to a 40-15 lead and Mauresmo survived one match point before finally surrending. Meanwhile, the Russian assault on women's tennis continued unabated. With six of the top 10 seeds, and 13 entries in the draw, it is likely that a Russian will make a seriou 0
106807 2 1499 SPOR SPORT Pakistan on a high after drawn Test CALCUTTA: Pakistan plan to give India yet another shock treatment by raising the level of their performance in the second cricket Test starting at the Eden Gardens here tomorrow. The tourists defied the odds by salvaging a creditable draw from a losing position in the opening match of the three-Test series at Mohali on Saturday, frustrating India with their resilient lower-order batting. Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq said his team would not rest on the Mohali laurels, but raise their performance further to win the Test series. "I think we can win this series, but we need to improve our catching and our top-order batsmen should also deliver," said Inzamam, whose team dropped five catches in the first Test. Pakistan's main worry was their top-order batting after Salman Butt, Taufeeq Umar and vice-captain Younis Khan all failed in the previous match, putting pressure on their team-mates. Inzamam led from the front with two successive half-centuries before finding 0
106808 3 1499 SPOR SPORT 80 riders set for endurance battle MORE than 80 riders from Bahrain and overseas are in the fray for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship, sponsored by Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort and scheduled for Thursday at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir. This prestigious event, which is being organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), will consist of races for seniors and juniors. The seniors race is over 130 kms and the juniors section over 120 kms. Leading the seniors race will be world champion Shaikh Hazza bin Sultan Al Nahyan and GCC champion Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, both of the UAE. Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will head the Royal Endurance Team in the seniors race while Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Al Khaldiya stable. Al Talia, Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Reef, Jawad Radhi, Al Asayel, Interior Ministry and Al Salaam Riding School are the other stables taking part in the 0
106809 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Monther advances MONTHER Jawad beat Muneer Abduljabbar 4-1 in the pre-quarter-finals Group 'A' league of the Caltex-Bahrain Snooker Championship being held at the Bahrain Snooker Association premises. Sixteen players qualified for this stage in which they are divided into two groups of eight each with the top four from each group entering the third round scheduled on March 26. In other Group 'A' matches, Ghuloom Abbas beat Ali Khalil 4-0, Mohammed Ajlan defeated Wael Al Qassimi 4-1 and Mohammed Ali tamed Hussain Fuad 4-1. In Group 'B', Younes Al Saqer edged past Hussain Al Aradi 4-3, Omar Asheq defeated Omar Al Sammat 4-2, while Hussain Mahmood and Yahya Hassan recorded 4-0 victories over Sami Al Owainati and Mohammed Al Shuwaikh respectively. 0
106810 0 1499 SPOR SPORT Netball schedule TWO matches are scheduled for tonight in the DHL Bahrain Netball League at the British Club premises. At 7.30pm DHL More Reach play British Club A&E Fosters Roos in the second division and at 8.30pm first division leaders British Club A&E Fosters Cameos take on second placed DHL More Speed. 0
106811 0 1499 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain ART exhibition, entitled Ten, by Bahrainis, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441. Self-development workshop, Regency Inter-Continental Hotel, 9am-noon. Contact Nada Kanoo 39611711. India-based telecasting company, Power Vision, gospel meeting, National Evangelical Church, 7.15pm. Contact 39849565. pening of art exhibition, In The Place of Soul, Bahrain Arts Society, 7pm. Tots 'n' Toddlers playgroup, British Club, 10am-noon. BD2 non-members and BD1 members. For ages four and below. All welcome. Latin and ballroom dancing lessons, Semiramis Hotel, Hot Point Disco, 10pm. Contact Arthur on 39865464. Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa dance classes, Bahrain 0
106812 0 1499 WORL WORLD Iran may set deadline for EU talks TEHRAN: Iran, complaining of the slow pace of negotiations with the European Union over its nuclear programme, said yesterday it may soon present the EU with a take-it-or-leave-it proposal to finalise the talks. Iran insists its nuclear programme is aimed at peaceful power generation, but the EU and US fear the country may be seeking to develop atomic weapons. The EU says Iran has a right to use nuclear power, but wants it to scrap plans to produce its own reactor fuel - a process which would also give it the capability to make bomb-grade material. Sirus Naseri, one of Iran's main negotiators with the EU, told state television that Tehran did not want a confrontation. "But if they don't respond to what we believe is a logical stance, then they can choose their own path and we are prepared to deal with its consequences," he said. "It might not be long before we put on the table our final proposal and give them a deadline to either accept or reject it." I 0
106813 1 1499 WORL WORLD STATEHOOD SOON VOW RAMALLAH: UN chief Kofi Annan assured Mahmoud Abbas yesterday that the world would work to create a Palestinian state. Annan was on his first visit to the region in four years, after Israel and the Palestinian Authority declared an end to the intifada, which has raged since 2000, at a landmark Middle East peace summit in Egypt. "The international community is determined to work with both sides to press ahead with the peace process and the implementation of the roadmap," said Annan after meeting Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah. The UN chief's visit coincided with the announcement that Israel would evacuate 24 unauthorised rogue settlements built in the West Bank since Ariel Sharon came to power in March 2001 - a key requirement of the roadmap peace plan. Israeli and Palestinian ministers had been set to discuss the security handover and the release of Palestinian prisoners later last night. Abbas later left for talks with Saudi King Fahad bin Abdulaziz and Crown Pri 0
106814 2 1499 WORL WORLD Sinn Fein leaders snubbed in US BELFAST: Leaders of the Irish Republican Army's political wing head to Saint Patrick's Day events in the US this week battered by a furore over IRA crime, shut out of talks in Washington and banned from its annual fundraising drive among Irish-Americans. Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, who is now in New York, has been omitted from official events hosted by US President George W Bush and denied a meeting with the powerful Irish-American senator from Massachusetts, Ted Kennedy. Washington has now also banned Sinn Fein from fundraising during its annual pilgrimage this week to the US, according to reports. Celebrations around St Patrick's Day - held every March 17 in honour of Ireland's patron saint - have traditionally been used to rally support among Irish-Americans who are major contributors to the party coffers. But this year, according to Britain's Times newspaper, US State Department officials say it would be "unacceptable" for Sinn Fein to go seeking cash. Sinn 0
106815 3 1499 WORL WORLD Police clamp on Nepal protesters KATHMANDU: Police yesterday arrested dozens of protesters during nationwide rallies against the king's emergency rule, while Nepal's Communist rebels threatened to plunge the country deeper into crisis by pledging to step up attacks. More than 200 demonstrators shouted slogans against King Gyanendra in the capital, Kathmandu, as part of demonstrations planned to coincide with the UN Human Rights Conference in Geneva, which was expected to criticise the monarch's power grab of February 1 when he imposed emergency rule and suspended civil liberties. The king's moves drew an outcry from India, Britain, the United States and other governments and prompted several donor nations to cut aid or threaten to do so unless democracy is restored. Nepal needs foreign aid to fight both the insurgents and widespread poverty. Police arrested dozens of activists, including more than 30 in Kathmandu, where some 200 people rallied in the city's Ason market, waving the red and white flags of the Nepa 0
106816 0 1499 WORL WORLD Victim's sisters to meet Bush BELFAST: Six women who challenged the IRA over a brutal killing in one of its Northern Ireland heartlands take their fight for justice to the US this week as pressure mounts on the guerillas' political ally Sinn Fein. "It looks like this family are going to have to campaign at the highest level," Catherine McCartney said ahead of an expected meeting on Thursday with George W Bush. She is one of the sisters of Robert McCartney, a Catholic man stabbed by a gang including IRA members, who, along with the dead man's fiancee, have been causing acute embarrassment for the IRA since the January murder. "From the start we've said we would take this to wherever it needed to go and I've always been aware America has a big pull with Ireland: many Irish American groups contribute generously to parties over here," McCartney said. "People over there may have a romantic vision, but they are not stupid people - if we can get to meet them and tell them our story I don't see there's any re 0
106817 0 1499 WORL WORLD Pakistan denies nuclear handover plan ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yesterday said it was co-operating with the UN nuclear watchdog but rejected reports that it would hand over used centrifuge components to help solve a key mystery surrounding Iran's atomic programme. Diplomats familiar with a UN investigation into Iran's nuclear programme said on Sunday that Islamabad had agreed to hand over the parts so that inspectors could compare them with machinery sold to Iran by Abdul Qadeer Khan, the father of Pakistan's atomic bomb programme. Foreign ministry spokesman Jalil Abbas Jilani said, however, that Pakistan was co-operating with the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) but dismissed the reports that Islamabad would hand over centrifuges. "Pakistan has not been asked to give centrifuges, nor will Pakistan do so," he said. Jilani did not elaborate on the nature of the co-operation with the IAEA but added that it would be strictly guided by Pakistan's national interest and the need to protect strategic capabil 0
106818 0 1499 WORL WORLD 800,000 press for Syrian withdrawal BEIRUT: More than 800,000 people surged into central Beirut yesterday, demanding an end to Syria's near-three decade military domination of Lebanon. Ahead of the largest demonstration in the country's history, thousands of Lebanese travelled from all over to Martyrs Square and the grave of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri, assassinated exactly one month ago in a bomb blast. Beirut city official Mounib Nassereddine said yesterday's gathering was "at least two-and-a-half times" larger than last Tuesday's turnout called by pro-Syrian Lebanese parties, notably the Hizbollah. Martyrs Square was a vast expanse of red, the dominant colour in the Lebanese flag, which demonstrators waved in brilliant sunshine as they sang and chanted slogans against Syria and the Lebanese leadership and called for Lebanon's "independence" from Damascus. Some Lebanese television stations reckoned the crowd at 1.5 million. 0
106819 0 1499 WORL WORLD Tibet part of China says Dalai Lama BEIJING: Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama yesterday defended his moderate approach to China's Communist government while calling on Beijing to use common sense and allow him back into the country. The Dalai Lama also reiterated he was not seeking Tibet's independence from China in an interview with the South China Morning Post. "This is the message I wish to deliver to China. I am not in favour of separation," he said. "Tibet is a part of the People's Republic of China. It is an autonomous region. "Tibetan culture and Buddhism are part of Chinese culture. Many young Chinese like Tibetan culture as a tradition of China." Despite insisting he is seeking autonomy for Tibet within China, Beijing frequently accuses him of separatism and demands he definitively give up aspirations for independence and recognise Tibet as part of China. His supporters have long accused Beijing of trying to wipe out Tibet's Buddhist-based culture through political and religio 0
106820 0 1499 WORL WORLD Man killed in London axe attack LONDON: An attacker used an axe or similar weapon to kill a man in a busy street in an affluent part of north London yesterday, police said. London's Metropolitan Police said officers received calls that a serious assault was underway in Eton Avenue, north of Regent's Park. When they arrived at the scene, they found the body of a man in his 60s and arrested a suspect, a man in his 30s, a police spokeswoman said. The victim suffered severe head injuries, and a murder investigation has been launched, a police spokesman added. Police officers had previously said that the victim suffered severe neck injuries in the attack, which occurred in front of many onlookers. The sources said officers were looking into whether the suspect had a criminal record or a history of mental health problems. 0
106821 0 1499 WORL WORLD Jackson's lawyer grills accuser on testimony SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's attorney last night challenged the credibility of the pop star's accuser by cross-examining him about similarities between a statement he testified Jackson made and a statement the boy had attributed to his grandmother. Cross-examination of the 15-year-old who claims Jackson molested him resumed after a three-day break in testimony. Attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr recalled that the boy testified on Thursday that Jackson told him that if men don't masturbate they might rape women. The attorney noted that the boy told sheriff's investigators in an interview that his grandmother had told him the same thing. "Why did your story change between that interview and your testimony last Thursday?" Mesereau asked. "It didn't change because Michael tried to explain it to me first," the witness answered. The boy said that both his grandmother and Jackson had told him the same thing, but the context was different. 0
106822 0 1499 WORL WORLD Gibson softens his 'Passion' LONDON: Mel Gibson is releasing a recut version of his controversial film The Passion of The Christ in Britain over Easter to lure movie-goers who stayed away from the original because of excessive gore. Gibson said he chopped about six minutes from the two-hour, blood-drenched film about the last hours in the life of Jesus for The Passion Recut after people told him they would not have felt comfortable bringing certain friends and family. "I have softened it somewhat," Gibson said in a video clip on a website for the film, www.thepassionofthechrist.com. "I maintained the integrity of the film that I wanted to make yet alleviated some of the more horrific aspects of it," added Gibson, who wrote, directed and produced the film that brought charges of blasphemy and anti-Semitism. "I'm hoping it will attract a wider audience." Both versions show Jesus, as played by James Caviezel, being brutally beaten for more than half the film. The new version, among other changes 0
106823 0 1499 WORL WORLD UK expert disputes poison case ruling LONDON: A Home Office pathologist who examined a boy who died of salt poisoning said yesterday there was insufficient medical evidence to convict the couple jailed for his manslaughter. Ian and Angela Gay, who were planning to adopt three-year-old Christian Blewitt, were jailed for five years in January for poisoning him with salt. They were cleared of his murder but convicted of manslaughter. Pathologist Peter Ackland, who performed one of the post mortems, believes the Gays may have been unjustly imprisoned. He told BBC radio the autopsy was complex. "A lot of things were going on with this child, but essentially, the cause of death was ... high blood sodium level." The prosecution successfully argued the Gays had forced the boy to eat up to four teaspoons of salt as a punishment. Ackland agreed the high levels of sodium in Christian's blood could have been caused by salt poisoning, but said this was "not necessarily" the case. "He could have obtained t 0
106824 0 1499 WORL WORLD Eight die in Iraq violence BAGHDAD: Talks on forming Iraq's government were at an impasse yesterday over Kurdish demands on the ethnically-divided city of Kirkuk and their Peshmerga fighters, as violent attacks killed at least eight people. As the debate on the shape of the next government continued, Shi'ite demonstrators burnt the Jordanian flag on top of the embassy in Baghdad in protest at the suspected involvement of a Jordanian man in the February 28 suicide bomb attack in Hilla, south of Baghdad, that killed 118 people. But insurgents, made up of different elements of Iraq's Sunni minority, alienated by the rise of Shi'ites and Kurds in the post-Saddam era, carried out a fresh wave of attacks. An Iraqi cameraman, Husam Hilal Sarsam, working for a Kurdish-language television station was gunned down in the northern city of Mosul, hospital sources said. A pair of Iraqi farmers were killed and two others wounded when a car bomb targeting a US military convoy exploded in Rashid, 25km south of Bagh 0
106825 1 1500 BUSI BUSINESS BSB bids to raise BD30m MANAMA: Bahraini Saudi Bank (BSB) is raising an extra BD30 million in capital, with a rights share issue. The shares went on offer yesterday at BD 0.120 per share and the rights issue will result in an increase in BSB's issued capital of BD20 million to BD50m. All those registered as shareholders on March 10, the 'record date', will be entitled to subscribe to the shares, offered on the basis of one share for every one share held. In accordance with Bahrain Stock Exchange regulations, trading in BSB's shares stopped on Sunday and will remain un-traded for the duration of the rights offer period. The closing date for subscriptions is March 29, with share allocations determined and new share certificates due for distribution by April 10, when trading in BSB shares will resume. Subscription forms are available from the Securities and Investment Company from BSB's main branch or from the share registrar, KPMG. BSB chairman Shaikh Fahad Mohammed AI Athel sai 0
106826 2 1500 BUSI BUSINESS GPIC 'pumped $121m into Bahrain economy' MANAMA: The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) has contributed $121 million (BD45.6m) to the Bahrain economy over the past 10 years, it was revealed yesterday. The contributions are in terms of dividends being paid out to the Bahrain government, one of the three shareholders of GPIC. The other two shareholders are SABIC (Saudi Arabia) and the Petrochemical Industries Company of Kuwait. "Since the company started paying dividends in 1994, a total of $121m was paid out to the Bahrain government until last year," said general manager Abdul Rahman Jawahery. "GPIC achieved net profit of $96m last year, and the company's 26th ordinary general meeting last week decided to pay profits In full to the shareholders." Oil Minister and GPIC chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, who visited the company complex, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the shareholders, board members and executive management and staff for their contributions to achieving these 0
106827 3 1500 BUSI BUSINESS $240m Bank Mellat syndication closed MANAMA: Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) yesterday announced it has successfully closed syndication for the Bank Mellat $240 million five-year amortising syndicated term advance, guaranteed by Iran's Economic Affairs and Finance Ministry. The facility was fully underwritten and arranged by ABC. Syndication received strong interest from regional and international banks, with new banks signing participation agreements effective yesterday. Facility documentation had been previously signed by senior representatives from ABC, Bank Mellat, the Central Bank of Iran and the Economic Affairs and Finance Ministry at ABC's headquarters in Bahrain. Proceeds are being used for the reconstruction and integration of municipality buildings in six designated districts of Iran, including the city of Tehran. The facility represents a landmark financing on behalf of Iran. Participating banks are as follows: Mandated Lead Arranger: ABC; arrangers: the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, SG 0
106828 0 1500 BUSI BUSINESS ISO grade boost for dairy company MANAMA: Bahrain Danish Dairy Company (BDDC) was officially awarded the HACCP and ISO 9001:2000 certification by TUV Germany. The presentation was held at the Crowne Plaza yesterday. Saudi-based TUV Certification Body for Quality Systems executive president Jamal Al Baeejan presented the certificate to BDDC chairman Ebrahim Zainal. Mr Zainal said the board of directors and the management of the company are proud to have achieved another feather in the cap, with the HACCP and ISO certification. General manager George Thomas gave the welcome address. Mr Al Baeejan gave a talk on ISO 9001 and HACCP Certification from the Middle East Perspective. TUV Germany vice-president Dr P Vougloukas gave a talk on ISO 9001 and HACCP Certification from the Global Perspective. The Internal Quality Audit Team of BDDC was also presented with their certificates during the event. Bahrain Danish Dairy produces dairy products, juices, drinks and ice creams and t 0
106829 0 1500 BUSI BUSINESS Major Islamic financial markets forum lined up MANAMA: A major conference on Islamic capital and money markets is being held in Bahrain on May 16 and 17. It is being organised by the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) and the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI). The 1st Islamic Financial Markets Conference will be held at the Gulf Hotel, under the theme Opportunities in the Islamic Capital & Money Markets. The conference will be followed, on May 18, by a specialised workshop on the Technical and Shari'a Challenges of Sukuk Issuance. The event is being organised with the support of the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) and the Islamic Research & Training Institute (IRTI) of the Islamic Development Bank. "The conference is a landmark endeavour to discuss the challenges facing the development of a viable Islamic money market and tradeable financial instruments, particularly the Sukuk, which has emerged as a key Shari'a compliant variant of fixed income capital and treas 0
106830 0 1500 BUSI BUSINESS BMA vows full support for fund MANAMA: Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) Governor Rasheed Al Maraj met members of the Human Resources Development Fund board of trustees for the financial sector. The nine-member board is chaired by banker Murad Ali Murad. The fund, which is a partnership between the BMA and Bahrain's financial services industry, was incepted last year through a Prime Ministerial Decree, issued in June. Mr Al Maraj welcomed the board members and reiterated BMA's support for the fund. "A key strength of Bahrain lies in its human resources and the BMA is committed to facilitating the development of skilled and professional personnel required by Bahrain's financial services industry," he said. Mr Murad briefed Mr Al Maraj about the fund's activities including a major skills gap analysis for the financial sector. The study, which will provide the basis for the utilisation of the fund is to be commissioned soon and will be carried out by a leading consultancy firm. 0
106831 0 1500 COMM COMMENTTime running out for Palestinians Finally, the truth is beginning to appear. A report written by a senior Israeli lawyer, at the instigation of the Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, in response to pressure from the Bush Administration, describes an established pattern of action, by elements of the Israeli government, to facilitate and finance the creation of new, illegal, Israeli settlements in the West Bank. Although Mr Sharon had promised President Bush, as part of the Road Map, that all settlement expansion would be halted, the report reveals that it has continued unabated. There is a special fund in the Israeli Housing Ministry budget to ensure that there is enough money to finance the creation of new outposts. Thus the inexorable annexation of the West Bank by Israeli settlers continues. The strategy is clear. As the endless wrangling continues over the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, the continuous proliferation of 'facts on the ground' by the settlers makes it harder and harder to cobble together a viable, cont 0
106834 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Banks must enter the 21st century THE letter 'Banking on access' (GDN March 9) really is enforcing the desperate need for the Direct Debit system to be installed. This is after all the 21st Century. The go ahead banks and those who really care for their customers already have this system in force. Those who are sluggish and only think of their bottom line, are still in the thinking process. My suggestion is to back the horse who is going to be the winner, change your account to the bank who listens, takes action and really cares for their clients. Banker's friend 0
106835 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Hyderabad flight? I RECALL when Gulf Air started direct flights to Bangalore and Calcutta in 2003, it was announced that direct flights to Hyderabad will be started next year i.e. 2004. Also, I believe Gulf Air holds the rights to fly direct to Hyderabad in India for a long time. As per statistics, people from Andra Pradesh are the second largest expat community from India next to Keralites and hence this route should have good occupancy and profitability as well! Now we are already well into 2005 and look forward to an announcement from Gulf Air at the earliest. Sridar lA GULF Air spokesman said : Gulf Air - as all other airlines - is in constant review of opportunities and there is no doubt about the introduction of new destinations in the coming future but whenever it is feasible and achievable. "We do not have a date set for Hyderabad but we can assure you that it is a priority.' 0
106836 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Sticking points I AM not a 'Royalist' and I certainly have no strong feelings about the forthcoming marriage of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles. Clearly, as Mr Koshy pointed out (GDN March 9), they have stuck to each other for more than three decades. Mr Koshy also points out their character and loyalty, before dismissing Diana as a mere inconvenience. No! Mr Koshy, what most decent people, world-wide and not just Brits, find disappointing is that they were married to other partners for most of this liaison and in addition were parents of young children! Where is the character and honour in that? We Brits may have the proverbial 'stiff upper lip' Mr Koshy but please, let's not trivialise this very sad affair. Peter Hunt 0
106837 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Fawning unattractive MR Varghese Koshy gushes with admiration for Prince Charles and suggests that he is to be admired and looked up to (GDN March 9). Could this be the same Mr Koshy that wrote to the letters page recently about Filipino ladies choosing to marry Europeans and Americans with his ill-informed views? If so he should be aware that the majority of the British public do not share his fawning approval of the heir apparent; an opinion poll recently showed that the majority of his future subjects do not wish to see Camilla being touted around as a future Queen of England even if the rules can be wangled. Indeed, most of the people asked in the survey hoped that Charlie boy will never become King. I wonder what Mr Koshy's compatriots think about his servile views towards the monarchy of a country that was once its imperialist master? Could it be the same Mr Koshy who is the holder of a British passport and is just airing his patriotic views. R Harrison 0
106838 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Talking rubbish DEAR Tubli resident (GDN March 10), you claim you have been fighting for cleanliness in Tubli for three years and "every day Indians are there with six wheel trucks dumping the worst garbage and junk". I'm sure you know their nationality since you've asked each one for his CPR, so maybe it's time you approached their Bahraini employers (just like yours, these too are statistical facts not racist statements and we too have the evidence) and ask them why these employees have so much time and free will to do all this without their instructions when most of the time we read statistical facts about how busy they are mistreating these dumping guys by stacking them up in trucks to and from work and then placing them in-humane shanty towns with the only free will being allowed is to breathe and no time for breaks to drink a glass of water during summer. Maybe you'd be able to target two issues simultaneously...statistically speaking. While you're at it, could you also kindly ad 0
106839 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Eggs search DOES anyone know where I can get fresh local free range chicken and eggs? Amena Lone 0
106840 0 1500 LETT LETTERS A canny pastime NOWADAYS people are collecting cans from dustbins for recycling. As there is no separate bin they collect cans from garbage bags and leave the bags open. This will breed flies. This also invites cats who make a mess of the dustbin. So I request authorities to look into this matter and provide separate dustbins for cans. Name and address supplied 0
106841 0 1500 LETT LETTERS 'Lost' friend sought I AM trying to find a very dear friend of mine. His name is Ahmed Ghaith and he studied at Swansea University in Wales in the early 1970s. Last seen in 1976, the year I graduated. I would love to hear from him again. I presume he returned to Bahrain when he completed his course. Can anyone help reunite us? Cheryl Lawrance 0
106842 0 1500 LETT LETTERS Bravo Bahmun I WAS as lucky enough to be at the opening ceremony of this years Bahmun, and I think it's a great way of teaching young people about politics, compromise and world affairs but I do have a couple of questions that someone may be able to find the answers for. First, do the schools/pupils decide which country they would like to represent? Or is that they are told you will be representing this country and no if's or but's. Second, are the pupils told to represent that country's views realistically? And do the pupils then contact that country's embassy or government to find out what its views or stance would be given a hypothetical situation? Spuss 0
106843 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Anti-racism drive report is sought BAHRAIN has been urged by the United Nations to do more to combat racial discrimination in the country. The government's claim that there is no racial discrimination in the country is too good to be true, say UN watchdogs. Bahrain's laws do not do enough to combat racism, says the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD). It has given the government a year to come up with a detailed report on action it has taken to combat the problem This is in response to a report submitted by Bahrain to the committee on March 3 and 4, at its 66th meeting in Geneva. Bahrain was obliged to present the report, having signed the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination in 1990. The country's delegation was headed by Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, who presented two periodic reports that were originally due on April 26, 2001 and 2003 respectively. The CERD expressed its concern "over the representations made by the State 0
106844 1 1500 BNEW LOCAL ECONOMY SURGING MANAMA Bahrain is in for an economic boom, with soaring investment spurring a surge in new businesses, says a top bank. "The economy of Bahrain is surging ahead and is expected to have an unprecedented growth rate in coming years," says the Bahrain Development Bank (BDB). Economic growth is expected to top six per cent for last year and to rise even more in the next few years, the BDB declares in its annual review. Global confidence has been boosted by economic management which has resulted in consistently high GDP growth, low inflation, a manageable debt situation and positive social and development indicators, says the bank. The country's reforms and "prudent economic management" won praise from the International Monetary Fund. Economic reforms to improve the country's competitiveness and growth prospects through openness and diversification are resulting in high investment in the country. "The opening of the Bahrain economy and improvement in general environme 0
106845 2 1500 BNEW LOCAL Poor pupils get free textbooks MANAMA MORE than 100 poor students have been given free textbooks in time for the new Indian-curriculum academic year, which begins in two weeks. The books have been provided the Charity and Assistance Association of Parents (CAAP), which was launched last October. CAAP president and Indian School executive committee member P C Mathew said that the donation was part of the association's drive to ease the burden on needy parents. Al Namal group managing director Varghese Kurian sponsored the 100 sets of books. The first set of textbooks was handed over by Mr Mathew to CAAP Muharraq area secretary Mohammed Ali, at the Fair Deal Contracting office in East Riffa. The other textbooks have been handed over to the remaining area secretaries. "More people are calling us to get free text books and we are in the process of getting more sponsors for this purpose,' said Mr Mathew. "We have also made arrangements with various garment shops to get uniforms for the stu 0
106846 3 1500 BNEW LOCAL Lawyers warn on transfer of detainees MANAMA LAWYERS of the six Bahrainis detained in Guantanamo Bay yesterday pledged to fight any move to transfer them to another country, unless it is home to Bahrain. The lawyers have officially asked the US Government for advance notice before any of their clients are transferred to another country. This follows the Pentagon request on Monday to the US State Department and other agencies to assist in the transfer of many of the detainees to prisons in Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan and Yemen. The aim is to cut by half the numbers held at the base in Cuba. Those remaining will be held indefinitely at the high-security prison, says the US. Lawyer Joshua Colangelo-Bryan told the GDN that there was no information on whether the Bahraini detainees would be sent to these countries. "However, there is no legitimate purpose for sending any of the detainees anywhere but Bahrain," he said. Mr Colangelo-Bryan said that the team of lawyers made the request to be able to challe 0
106847 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Activist is removed from post MANAMA A TOP human rights and political activist was removed from a senior post at Bahrain University yesterday. Dr Abduljalil Al Sengase has been removed as College of Engineering mechnical engineering department head, but continues as a lecturer. The decision follows a faculty committee inquiry into Dr Al Sengase's travel to the US during the spring holiday last month, to take part in political and human rights activities. Dr Al Sengase told the GDN yesterday that he had received a warning on Monday from the committee and yesterday received a written decision removing him from the post. "I have been summoned in front of the committee once and confronted with the accusations, but I denied them all since they were not related to my university work and were in my free time," he said. "This is really unfair because I am spending a lot of my free time to ensure that the department is running in the best way possible and students and lecturers are not facing any trouble. MORE than 40 countries are taking part in Telecom Arabiya, which opens in Bahrain on Monday. The three-day international telecommunications exhibition is being under the patronage of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. It is being organised by German telecoms exhibition specialists Fairtrade in co-operation with the Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau and being held in conjunction with the Asian IT Ministers Summit, which will be held on Monday and Tuesday, and the Broadband Middle East senior executive briefing, which will be held on Tuesday. All three events will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Exhibitors include Acer, Batelco, Globitel, Huawei, International Turnkey Systems, Intracom, ITP, Jeraisy, Media Ring, MTC, Nokia, Pirelli, Omantel, Paltel, Rahnamoon, Rosenberger, Saudi Telecom, Shenzhen Powercom, Siemens, Simfree, Syscom and ZTE. Official pavilions have been booked by Bahrain, Bangladesh, the GCC, Mal 0
106849 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL MPs' plea to drop land fee BAHRAINIS buying land to build their own homes could soon be exempt from land registration fees, if some MPs get their way. A proposal to axe land registration fees for Bahrainis buying small plots went before parliament yesterday. The registration fee starts at one per cent, for plots of land worth up to BD70,000. It is 2pc for plots worth from above BD70,000 up to BD120,000 and after that it goes up to 3pc. Some MPs believe the 1pc on small plots is unfair. They say this means that a Bahraini buying a plot to build his house pays the same as real state agents buying a number of small plots for profit. But others said their should be just a 1pc fee, regardless of the value of the land. Parliament public utilities and environment committee chairman Abdulaziz Al Moosa described the fee as unreasonable. It means that Bahrainis trying to get a start in life are being forced to pay high fees, similar to those paid by estate agents, he said. "Why should a poor Bahraini pay 1pc, 0
106850 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Artistic journey into the past... A CONTEMPORARY art exhibition exploring the theme In the Place of Soul opened last night at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya. Around 60 ceramics, mixed media and collage paintings by artists from Bahrain and Holland are being showcased at the event, which continues until the end of the month. This is the second time that the four artists Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter have joined hands for an exhibition. The first was an exhibition entitled About the Place, in Utrecht, Holland, in May 2003. The artists have interpreted In the Place of Soul in a variety of ways. Through her mixed media paintings Mrs Al Amin looks into past lives and the stories behind old faces, cities and houses, whereas Ms Koers explores our relationship with technology and the world of high-rise buildings and industrial complexes. "I feel in my lifetime that the world is changing rapidly," said Ms Koers, who has participated in 0
106851 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL DHL helps children with blood diseases DHL Bahrain have flown in BD7,000 worth of medical supplies and treatment kits from Italy for children between the age of one and three-years-old, suffering from thalassaemia. They were donated by a group of lady volunteers at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. "We are committed to building stronger communities through collaborative philanthropy, providing non-profit organisations with both financial support, as well as our most valuable asset, our employees' time and expertise," said DHL Bahrain general manager Nour Suliman. The government has already introduced a massive screening project to find hereditary blood disease carriers, which has already succeeded in reducing the number of children born with the disease from 2.1 per cent to 1pc in 2002. Thalassaemia consists of a group of inherited diseases of the blood, which affects about 100,000 babies worldwide each year. 0
106852 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Training boost for municipal staff A TRAINING centre for municipality, municipal council and Municipality and Agricultural Affairs Ministry employees was opened in Tubli yesterday. The Municipal Training Centre aims to develop the skills of people involved in municipality affairs and train them in order to improve the level of municipal work. It will present a number of training programmes in addition to conferences, seminars, workshops and other specialised programmes. The centre houses a number of training halls and a library, which houses books, references and research on municipal work. The library is also electronically linked to a number of libraries in Bahrain, the GCC and around the world. The second phase of the project, which is planned to be completed by the middle of this year, will include an extension to the library and a meeting hall for 25 people. The centre was opened by Municipality and Agricultural Affairs Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh in the presence of under-secretary Dr 0
106853 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL A ray of hope for abused workers A NEW vow to help abused domestic workers and labourers has gone out from the newly registered Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS). It has just elected new officers, at its first general body meeting. The MWPS has been formed primarily by the members of the original Migrant Workers Group (MWG), founded under the now dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights. Social Affairs Ministry Co-operative Societies and Charities Funds Superintendent Hassan Al Fardan attended the election meeting. The society unanimously elected 12 members to the executive committee. They are chairwoman Mona Almoayyed, vice-chairman Alfredo D'Souza, general secretary Mehru Vesuvala, treasurer Nem Thapa, action committee head and Press spokeswoman Marietta Dias, safety and welfare committee head Satish Kumar, shelter committee head Florine Mathias, fund-raising committee head Percy Mistry, government liaison co-ordinator Yousif Nairooz, assistant general secretary-Gregg Esquivel, ass 0
106854 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL 'Election role for women' call backed A PETITION signed by Bahraini human rights groups and activists was yesterday sent to the Kuwaiti parliament, urging it to give women the right to vote and stand for elections. The petition, which was also signed by 436 organisations and activists from various countries, was signed in Bahrain by four human rights groups, six political societies, eight women's societies, 11 civic organisations and six MPs. It was sent by the now dissolved Bahrain Human Rights Centre and urges the Kuwaiti parliament to grant women similar political rights to Bahrain, Qatar and other countries across the world. "This would be in line with the global trend to eliminate discrimination against women in this field and in appreciation of their role in the progress of society," it says. Kuwaiti women and their supporters have made 10 unsuccessful bids since 1971 to win the right to vote and stand for elections, which is opposed by an Islamist alliance in parliament. However, MPs agreed la 0
106855 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Grand charity bazaar planned THE American Women's Association's major fund-raiser, the annual Spring Bazaar, is set to be held on April 7. The bazaar will take place at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite and will be open to the general public from 10am to 2pm. The entrance fee is 500 fils per person and children up to five years are to be admitted free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All the money collected from the entrance fees goes to local charities. The bazaar is a family morning event full of fun and shopping from about 60 booths for craft items and merchandise from all over the world. Henna painting will be available with new designs. For table booking, contact 39682357 or 39407053. You can get the registration form from The Goof Life Gallery in Budaiya. 0
106856 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Kick up the Eighties at Club 1 party PREPARATIONS are in full swing for an 80's party at Club 1, at the Metropolitan Hotel, Manama. The Kicking Up the Eighties (Kute) 80's Night Party will take place on March 25, starting at 8.30pm. It will feature music by an 80's-inspired band and Bahrain DJs Krazy Kevin and Alan, lots of give-aways and prizes to the best-dressed people. Club manager Richard Evans says the event promises to be a fun party to be remembered. "This is a one-off special Ladies Night party, but we are confident that things will go well and we'll be holding these types of parties regularly at Club 1, so people can look forward to more fun events," he said. Everyone is invited to dress up 80's style. The music will also be familiar to those who loved the decade of Madonna, Prince, Wham and Cindy Lauper. The band are to play hits such as Take On Me by A-ha, Venus by Bananarama, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cindy Lauper, Electric Avenue by Eddie Grant and Final Countdown b 0
106857 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL English picnic fun in the midday sun! NOEL Coward sang it and The Royal Society of St George are doing it - Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun. The society holds its traditional English Family Picnic at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club on March 25, starting at 1.30pm. Members and visitors, who will hopefully don their panamas and parasols, will be entertained whilst basking in the sunshine by DJ and master of ceremonies Krazy Kevin and the Dilmun Dixielanders. Serve your own picnic from your car 'dickie', boot to those not in the know, or BBQ on the facilities provided by the club. Refreshments will be on sale, supported by BMMI. The main attraction is one the entire family can join in - The Easter Bonnet Parade. With a little home craft before the event, entrants can win great prizes. Dancers from Victoria's Dance Centre will perform and youngsters will be kept busy with lots of activities, including an Easter egg hunt, magic show, bouncy castle or simply by h 0
106858 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL DJ Kenny is star draw at Likwid BRITISH DJ and producer Kenny Hawkes performs at Likwid, City Centre Hotel, Manama, tomorrow, at 11pm sharp. Kenny has been a pioneering influence on the British dance scene for more than a decade. As a child growing up in Brighton, Kenny soaked up the sounds of Motown, Ska, Hip Hop and Dub Reggae. As soon as he reached 18 he disappeared to southern Europe, where he spent endless evenings developing his DJ skills by playing at some of Europe's most notorious after-hours clubs. He returned home in the early 90's, 'skint' and unknown. One morning while lounging about and listening to the radio, he stumbled across a pirate radio station called "Girls FM" that played Downbeat, Dub, Soul, Techno and Garage. It wasn't long before Kenny joined it and moved to London. He ended up managing the station and in no time it was attracting up to a million listeners a month. It soon boasted 22 DJs, one of whom was "Luke Solomon" (of current 'Freaks' fame) w 0
106859 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Big Band to take the stage NEWLY formed Bahrain Big Band is to perform at the British Club, Adliya, on Friday, starting at 2pm. The 15-piece band is a new sound on the music scene in Bahrain. The line-up comprises five saxes and five brass plus a five piece rhythm section including drums, bass, guitar, keyboard and percussion. The group performs a wide variety of musical styles such as jazz, rock, swing, Dixieland, funk and lots more. Several numbers feature vocalist Lydia Auld. The band was founded by Alistair Auld, who saw a niche for this kind of music and has brought together some of the best instrumental talent in Bahrain. Already in great demand, the group is fast making a name for itself playing at the Dilmun Club, the Bahrain Yacht Club and Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant. The show at the British Club is open to all members and their guests. For more information, contact 17728245. 0
106860 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Arabs 'must plan transport links' DEVELOPMENT of rail and road networks in the Gulf came under focus at a key Arab conference in Bahrain yesterday. The three-day 23rd Arab Engineering Conference is being held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It is being hosted by the Bahrain Society of Engineers, (BSE) under the theme "Towards Development and Integration of En-gineering Infrastructure in the Arab World". Three main topics being discussed are: transportation and infrastructure; power and water; and telecom and IT. "However, the majority of the 600-strong delegates have shown special interest in the presentations on transportation, especially regional rail and road networks," said conference technical committee chairman Dheya Towfiqi. "The delegates strongly feel the Arab world lacks proper railway systems and highway networks. "Regional universities and research institutions have prepared several studies 0
106861 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Projects boon for families FAMILIES are benefitting under new projects initiated by Bahrain's five municipal councils. They are renovating parks and greening parts of the country, Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh said yesterday. The councils were keen to learn about citizens' needs, he said in a statement marking Arab Towns Day, celebrated annually on March 15. The theme of this year's Arab Towns Day, held in commemoration of the establishment of the Kuwait-based Arab Towns Organisation in 1967, is Towards a Stronger Partnership to Care for Children and Youth. Mr Al Saleh said that the councils were involved in a series of recreational projects for children and youth. "These include the re-development of Ain Adhari, Salmaniya Park, Al Wehda Park and the establishment of the A'ali and Al Estiqlal Road walkways in addition to various small parks in residential areas," he said. The ministry was also involved in the planning parks, sports clubs, cultural centre 0
106862 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Dutch light mystery solved! SEVENTEETH century Dutch art will come under the spotlight in a documentary, which is being shown at 7pm tonight at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya. The film explores 17th century art in relation to the ancient myth that the light in Holland is unique. In the film, entitled Dutch Light, artists, art historians and scientists answer some of the questions raised by the myth of Dutch light such as: What is it precisely? What makes it so special? Is the light in Holland really different from that in other parts of the world? Is it different from the dry light of the desert? Where does fact end and fiction begin? Various Dutch and international artists and art historians share their personal and often contradictory views on the subject and two scientists add their scientific arguments to the discussion. Dutch Light was filmed over 12 months on location in the Netherlands, France and in the Painted Desert of Arizona. It won the Golden Calf for Best Long Documentary, the gra 0
106863 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Website celebrates third anniversary Web portal Women Gateway celebrated its third anniversary at the Gulf Hotel's Awal Ballroom last night. The event was attended by Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, Bahrain Business Women Society treasurer Khayria Al Dashti and society and Women Gateway board member Ghada Al Sayed. The site www.womengateway.com received 1.1 million hits last year as compared to 862,000 the previous year. 0
106864 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL GULF AIR PLANS MORE THAI FLIGHTS MANAMA: Gulf Air is to increase its scheduled flights linking Bahrain and Bangkok. The move follows an open skies agreement between Bahrain and Thailand, which was signed by Under-Secretary for Aviation Affairs Captain Abdulrahman Al Gaoud during his two-day visit to Bangkok earlier this month. 0
106865 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL New Air India service to help Bahrain passengers PASSENGERS from Bahrain will also benefit from the new low-cost airline to be introduced by Air India next month, it was revealed yesterday. Air India Express will initially offer services to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Muscat from Cochin and Calicut in Kerala. Arrangements will be made to help passengers from Bahrain benefit from the service, which is expected to offer tickets at a maximum of 50 per cent of the market fare, said Air India manager for Bahrain and Jordan, M N Naik. "We hope to carry passengers from Bahrain to Dubai on Gulf Air, under a special pro-rata agreement reached with the national carrier," he told the GDN. "Air India Express will be operated by Air India Charters, which has already acquired three new generation 180-seat , all-economy class, Boeing 737-800 aircraft for the low cost operations. "Air India chairman and managing director V Tulasidas, who was in Dubai last week, said the no-frills carrier will offer special fares which will be a maxim 0
106866 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Fulbright certificates presented US Ambassador William Monroe presented certificates of completion to two Bahraini Fulbright students and two Fulbright scholars, who completed their studies and research in the US. The Fulbright Student Scholarship provides two years of funding for exceptional Bahrainis to pursue a Masters degree or Ph D (doctorate) at US universities. Fulbright scholars undertake nine months of research designed for Ph D holders, who wish to enhance their research at an American university. The Fulbright graduates are Jehan Al Murbati, who completed a Masters in Engineering at Tufts University, Boston and Zuhair Haider, who completed a Masters in Administrative Studies at Boston University. The Fulbright scholars are Dr Ali Loury, who researched education for gifted students at Yale University, inNew Haven, Connecticut and Dr Khalid Tabbara, who researched Immunology at the National Institute of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland. There are currently 18 Bahraini Fulbright recipients i 0
106867 0 1500 BNEW LOCAL Bank role highlighted THE Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) made a presentation to students at Bahrain School covering its financial and developmental services. It was made by BDB staff Raman Jaggi and Muna Zainalabedeen and exposed the students to the bank's initiatives and contributions to the development of various sectors in the economy, including manufacturing and services, education, health and agriculture and fisheries. BDB plans to organise more such focused presentations at educational and vocational institutions in the near future, to expose the student community to business opportunities available in Bahrain and to encourage them for the self employment career option. 0
106868 1 1500 SPOR SPORT SIDKA BACK AS BAHRAIN COACH THE Bahrain Football Association (BFA) yesterday turned to their former coach Wolfgang Sidka of Germany to guide the national team during its most 'crucial fortnight' beginning on Friday. Bahrain are presently in Group 'B' in the second and final qualification round for the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany. Bahrain drew their first match against Iran at home and take on North Korea in Pyongyang on March 25 and Japan in Tokyo on March 30. The winners and runners of this group book an automatic slot in the 2006 World Cup while the third team goes into a playoff. Group 'A' consists of Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Kuwait. Sidka is expected to arrive in Bahrain on Friday and hold the first training session on Saturday. Sidka triggered a soccer renaissance in Bahrain by leading the national team into the second round of the World Cup qualifiers in 2002 for the first time in its history. Bahrain failed to book a berth in the 2002 World 0
106869 2 1500 SPOR SPORT Henman battles to tame Melzer INDIAN WELLS, California: Two-time runner-up Tim Henman held off a stiff challenge and third seed Andy Roddick rolled to an easy win as both advanced yesterday at the Indian Wells WTA and ATP Masters Series event. Englishman Henman beat Austrian Jurgen Melzer 7-5, 6-4 and American Roddick cruised past Czech Jiri Novak 6-1, 6-2 to reach the fourth round at the $4.8 million event. "I felt it was a question of who was going to get frustrated first and that the first set was going to dictate that," Henman said. "To get the win is the most important thing and the most satisfying." The 30-year-old Henman hammered more winners, 21-14, and won 71 of 129 total points in the 83-minute match in the California desert. Sixth seed Henman advances to the fourth round of the hardcourt tournament, where he will face Spain's Tommy Robredo, who rallied from a set down to beat Sweden's Thomas Enqvist 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-4). Playing in dustbowl conditions that blanketed the main stadi 0
106870 3 1500 SPOR SPORT India muse over second spinner CALCUTTA: India are undecided over whether to include off-spinner Harbhajan Singh for the second Test against Pakistan starting today because of a green Eden Gardens pitch. India, under pressure to take a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series after Pakistan fought back to draw the opener in Mohali, are likely to retain leg spinner Anil Kumble as their specialist slow bowler. "There is a little bit of grass, similar to Mohali," India captain Saurav Ganguly said yesterday. "There is a very bright chance of playing three pacemen plus one spinner. "There is an option of Harbhajan playing, but we will also have to look at the wicket tomorrow." India, regarded as strong favourites to win the series, picked three seam bowlers for the Mohali Test with Kumble as the specialist spinner. It would be a brave decision, however, to sideline Harbhajan at his favourite Eden Gardens, where he captured 15 wickets to bowl India to a famous upset victory over Australia in 2001. He also 0
106871 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Schumacher expects to bounce back in Malaysia LONDON: Ferrari's Michael Schumacher expects to blast back into the points in Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix after drawing a blank in the Australian season-opener. "Sure, zero points in the first race were not what I had hoped for," the seven-time Formula One world champion said on his personal website. "And that makes me even more determined to do better in Malaysia. Schumacher, winner of 13 of last season's 18 races, retired from the March 6 race in Melbourne after a collision with the Williams of fellow-German Nick Heidfeld. The champion's qualifying was wrecked by a Saturday downpour and he started 18th after having an engine change. Renault's Italian Giancarlo Fisichella won the race from pole position. Schumacher saw reasons to be optimistic, however. "After what we saw in Australia we are definitely able to compete with our interim car, even more so than we thought," he said. "So I think we can expect to do quite well in Sepang and achieve a good result. A 0
106872 0 1500 SPOR SPORT IOC panel inspect Moscow bid sites MOSCOW: The chiefs of Moscow's Olympics bid committee expre-ssed confidence yesterday that existing sport venues were already capable of hosting world-class events, as representatives from the International Olympic Committee continued to evaluate the Russian capital's bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. "We are capable of hosting the Games right now," Moscow deputy mayor Valery Shantsev, who also heads the city's Olympic bid committee said. "A slight renovation of some venues is all we need. "I'm confident that all the arenas that we visited today impressed the members of the IOC panel," he added. His statement came during the second day of the IOC evaluation commission's four-day visit to Moscow, the last stop of their tour of five cities vying to host the 2012 Games. "We plan to build and renovate all the venues that would be necessary for staging the Games no later than in 2010," Shantsev added. "That will give all the federations a chance to hold a series of pre-Olym 0
106873 0 1500 SPOR SPORT England unchanged for Scotland clash LONDON: England have stuck with the players who beat Italy 39-7 for Saturday's Calcutta Cup match against Scotland, the first time in this season's Six Nations they have named an unchanged team. Coach Andy Robinson had delayed naming his side for 24 hours until flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson had undergone a scan on the knee he injured on his comeback for Newcastle last weekend. Although the scan revealed Wilkinson's injury was not as bad as had been feared, he was unable to take a place in the England squad for the first time since the World Cup final in 2003. The world champions got their first win of the year against Italy at Twickenham last weekend and will be expected to claim their second at the same venue in their final Six Nations match. Iain Balshaw is retained at fullback in place of injured skipper Jason Robinson after a try-scoring display which recalled the form that made him a British Lion in 2001. Number eight Martin Corry continues to replace Robinson as captain. 0
106874 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Ali strikes two tons for Neon WAJID Ali of Bahrain Neon XI hammered two centuries in a day as his side defeated PWC Logistics by 103 runs in a morning game and by 53 runs against Mukhia CC in an afternoon match of the Jawad Business Group Winter Cricket Championship at the Sanabis grounds. Batting against PWC Logistics, Ali's 106 from 62 deliveries, with 11 fours and four sixes, helped his side to 206 for four in 20 overs with the next highest scorer being Jamil Bhatti (28 not out). PWC were then dismissed for 103 in 14.5 overs with Mohammed Irshad (44) being the main scorer. Ali (101 from 60, six fours and six sixes) repeated his heroics against Mukhia CC and this time Bahrain Neon piled up 213 for three in 20 overs receiving good support from Mohammed Suheel (88 from 52 balls, six fours and five sixes). Mukhia CC in reply managed 160 for five with Pawan Kathale (55) and Jitu Patel (52) scoring most of the runs. Unique Vision CC won a low scoring match by 21 runs against CCSA CC after being d 0
106875 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Honda's use of engine loophole is rapped LONDON: Toyota have criticised Honda-powered rivals BAR for their manipulation of Formula One's new engine rules. "There has been a lot of controversy surrounding loopholes in the new engine rules, but exploitation of such grey areas is against our understanding of racing," said Toyota's engine expert Luca Marmorini. "Even though our drivers did not score any points in the last race, we decided to pass the chequered flag out of respect for the new rules," he added in a team preview for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix. "We fully accept the spirit and intention of the 2005 engine regulation and we believe that if we are to challenge for points regularly, we must finish the race and that means having an engine to last two races." Toyota's Jarno Trulli and Ralf Schumacher finished ninth and 12th respectively in Australia. BAR, overall runners-up last season, retired their cars towards the end of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix to enable drivers Jenson Button an 0
106876 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Sadadi revs up for Oman rally HASSAN Al Sadadi will be the sole entrant from Bahrain in the Rally of Oman which gets underway from the Jawharat Al Shatti complex, in Muscat this afternoon. The Oman rally is the third of nine rounds in this season's series and part of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Al Sadadi, ninth overall with three points, achieved an excellent finish in the opening round of the series in Al Ain but suffered mechanical problems on home soil last month. He lines up among a strong international field, which also includes the likes of Oman's Khalid Soomar and Tony Georgiou, the UAE's Ron Oakeley, Kenya's Don Smith and Britain's David Scialom. Other Omani entrants include Ibrahim Al Abri, Ahmed Al Obaidani and Khalid Al-Minji. The three-day, all-gravel rally will be fought out over 14 timed special stages in the scenic Hajar mountains over a route of 740.91 kms and has attracted the Middle East's finest rally drivers. The event was reinstated in the regional series last year after a f 0
106877 0 1500 SPOR SPORT 2 Bahrain drivers for Porsche Cup SHAIKH Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa will be driving in the Porsche Super Cup which will be a support race during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit on April 1, 2 and 3. The two Bahraini drivers will be helping to launch a new car on the occasion. The Porsche Super Cup will be held at a Formula One event for the first time. The BIC also announced the expansion of its Grand Prix Formula One website in co-operation with AFP. The website will include information on drivers, races, qualification rounds, full results and history of Formula One motor racing and will be available from next week. A competition is also being launched for local media with attractive prizes at stake. The competition is being aimed to increase the coverage for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The competition is open to both Arabic and English media. The competition is split into three categories - 'be 0
106878 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Wade sizzles as Heat tame Bucks TORONTO: Dwyane Wade scored 29 points in just 26 minutes and Shaquille O'Neal added 21 and nine rebounds as the Miami Heat crushed the Milwaukee Bucks 110-71 yesterday, stretching their unbeaten run to nine games. The Heat, who led by as many as 40 points on way to their biggest win of the season, improved to an NBA best 49-16 while recording their 13th consecutive home victory. They have won their last eight games by an average of more than 17 points. Michael Redd had 14 points for the slumping Bucks who have lost six of their last eight. In San Antonio, Tim Duncan returned from a two-game injury layoff to score 18 points and snare 13 rebounds in the Spurs' 112-89 win over the New Orleans Hornets. In Washington, Larry Hughes and Gilbert Arenas both nailed 21 points to lead the Wizards to a 95-81 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The win, however, could prove costly for the Wizards with Antawn Jamison limping off with a knee injury early in the first quarter and no 0
106879 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Pietersen plays down English call-up hopes LONDON: England batsman Kevin Pietersen says he is not yet ready for the Test arena despite making an explosive start to his one-day international career. The 24-year-old scored the fastest one-day century by an England player last month against South Africa and has been widely backed as a "must-have" for England's Test series at home against Australia later this year. "I'm nowhere near Tests yet, I've only played a few ODIs (one-day internationals)," South African-born Pietersen said in an interview in The Wisden Cricketer magazine. The middle-order batsman plans to make the most of playing alongside Australian leg spinner Shane Warne for Hampshire this season in case he does get a call-up for the Ashes series. "He's a genius, and to have a bloke like that wanting me in his cupboard to play alongside him was most definitely flattering," said Pietersen. "Playing with Warney will definitely smooth out a possible confrontation if I do happen to come up against him i 0
106880 0 1500 SPOR SPORT British Club continue victory run NEWLY crowned DHL Bahrain Netball League champions British Club African and Eastern Fosters Cameos maintained their unbeaten record with a 26-13 win over DHL More Speed last night at the British Club. Cameos, who claimed their first title since the 1987-88 season, moved seven points clear at the top. In the opening quarter, Cameos goal shooter Helen Stewart was in red-hot form, hardly missing a chance as her team raced to lead 8-2. Player-of-the-match and goal attack Kathy Gavin gave Stewart fine support while centre field players Emma Chadwick, Teresa Clay and Merrin Neilson were also effective. More Speed clawed back in the second quarter and reduced the deficit slightly with Ginette Fawn and Sarah-Jane Nolan showing off their shooting skills. Controlled For a while, Helen Hind, Frankie Simmons and Victoria Cannell controlled the centre court with More Speed threatening to spoil the Cameos record. In the third quarter, Leona Morin came on at wing attack as Ca 0
106881 0 1500 SPOR SPORT Faqihi makes a winning start in MeCAR series RISING Bahraini star Mohammed Faqihi finished first and fourth in the opening two races of the 'Ford-Almoayyed MeCAR Racing Series - Powered by Motorcraft' at the Bahrain International Circuit. Faqihi proved to be the star of race one as he finished ahead of Graham Heath of the UAE and Roberto Bertolucci of Saudi Arabia. The second race was a battle between Peter Heintzelman, Faqihi, and Bertolucci. Heintzelman eventually saw Faqihi edged out to fourth place. "Mohammed made me use up every bit of my Advan tyres! The racing was very close. I am thrilled to see how Mohammed has inspired other Arab drivers, leveraging his karting experience into instant success." said an excited Heintzelman. "I am thrilled to be on the Ford Almoayyed podium, and to take a first and fourth in my first race weekend is fantastic. Positioned "I am positioned well in points going into race three and four set for April 15. "We had some hard core racing out there, but everyone gave ju 0
106882 0 1500 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Art exhibition, entitled Ten, by Bahrainis, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Riwaq Gallery and Bookshop, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441 or email HYPERLINK "mailto:info@alriwaqgallery.org" # info@alriwaqgallery.org. Yoga Classes, Bahrain Wellness Resort, Budaiya, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795961 or 39803197. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 6pm and 8.30pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, a historical monument on Hoora Avenue featuring a creative spa, pilates studio and restaurant. Ante-Natal Yoga, 4pm. For appointments call 17230123. King Fahad Cau 0
106883 0 1500 WORL WORLD US embassy bomb plotters are jailed PARIS: A French court last night handed down a maximum 10-year sentence on the man accused of organising a suicide bomb plot against the US Embassy in Paris. Djamel Beghal, 39, and five others were convicted of "criminal association in relation with a terrorist enterprise", a broad accusation commonly used in terrorism cases in France that allowed for a maximum 10-year sentence. The five others were sentenced to prison terms ranging from one year to nine years' imprisonment. The defendants all denied any connection to a terror plot, and Beghal testified that his confession of a plan to send a suicide bomber into the US Embassy was obtained under torture after his arrest in July 2001 in Dubai. He was extradited to France that September. 0
106884 1 1500 WORL WORLD 23 dead as jail revolt quelled MANILA: Twenty-three people including a policeman and three top leaders of the Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group were killed when police stormed a maximum security jail yesterday to end a day-old revolt. Police named three of the dead as Galib Andang, alias Commander Robot; Alhamser Limbong, alias Commander Kosovo believed to be the ringleader of the revolt; and Nadjmi Sabdulla, alias Commander Global. The 19 other detainees were unidentified, Manila police chief Avelino Razon said, adding that eight firearms and two hand grenades were seized. Police later found one of their colleagues dead inside one of the cells. He had been among the first wave of officers who stormed the building. Six policemen were wounded. On Monday, three prison guards and two Abu Sayyaf members were killed in the Camp Bagong Diwa jail when the prisoners overpowered the guards and began the revolt. Two other jail guards were injured. 0
106885 2 1500 WORL WORLD Hamas rejects long-term ceasefire deal CAIRO: Hamas yesterday ruled out a long-term ceasefire with Israel, as an unprecedented array of Palestinian faction leaders gathered in Cairo, Egypt for crucial truce talks. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, who flew in to Cairo from Saudi Arabia, said he expected the factions to agree to a ceasefire. Hamas dashed any hope of a permanent end to hostilities before the inter-Palestinian discussions even started when spokesman Mohammed Nazal said his movement would at best consider a cooling-off period. "Hamas says it is not possible to agree or announce a truce during this dialogue. A cooling down period of several months is possible but not a long-term truce," he said. Nazal stressed that Palestinian unity was the priority in the light of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's latest comments, which he interpreted as an Israeli determination to create divisions. "Sharon doesn't want the dialogue to succeed but wants Hamas and other resistance organisations to clash 0
106886 3 1500 WORL WORLD Car bombs kill five BAGHDAD: Three car bombs exploded in Baghdad yesterday, killing at least five people. A US soldier was killed by a car bomb in Baghdad and another six were wounded, but the military did not say if it was one of the three attacks reported by Iraqi police and eyewitnesses - one of which had targeted an American military convoy. * Kurdish and Shi'ite leaders agreed to convene Iraq's new parliament, despite their apparent failure to iron out some differences in their deal to form a coalition government. * Italy will start to withdraw its troops from Iraq this September, Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said last night. * Saboteurs blew up an oil pipeline near the northern city of Kirkuk. Officials said firemen hoped to control the blaze by today and put it out in three days. 0
106887 0 1500 WORL WORLD Bush hints at Hizbollah role WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush last night left open the possibility that the militant group Hizbollah could be part of the political mainstream in Lebanon. "We view Hizbollah as a terrorist organisation," Bush said after an Oval Office meeting with King Abdullah of Jordan. "I would hope that Hizbollah would prove that they are not by laying down arms and not threatening peace." Hizbollah has been involved in Lebanese politics for more than a decade, with an extensive social welfare programme and nine legislators in the current 128-seat parliament. But it has steered away from major decision-making in national politics as its guerilla army - the most organised and best-armed faction in Lebanon - focused on fighting Israel. 0
106888 0 1500 WORL WORLD Cannibal ate his friend's brain... LONDON: A self-confessed cannibal was given two life sentences yesterday for killing three people, including an old friend whose brain he cooked up in a frying pan and ate. Peter Bryan, 36, a paranoid schizophrenic, pleaded guilty at London's Old Bailey court to two counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. The judge, describing the case as exceptional, told Bryan that in this case "life means the rest of your natural life." Judge Forrester told him: "You killed ... because it gave you a thrill and a feeling of power when you ate flesh." Bryan had killed two men two months apart while under the care of mental health institutions in Britain. Both prosecution and defence lawyers criticised the mental health authorities in whose care he had been placed since his first killing in 1993 of a 20-year-old female student. Bryan was sentenced for the killing of Brian Cherry, 43, in February 2004 and Richard Laudwell, 60, slain two months 0
106889 0 1500 WORL WORLD Abortion 'not a poll issue' LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair wants the abortion issue kept out of the debate during campaigning for the general election expected in May, his spokesman said yesterday. The opposition Conservative Party also said it will also not make abortion a campaign issue in the upcoming election, even though its leader Michael Howard has called for a reduction of the legal time limit for abortions in Britain, and the Catholic church has praised his stand. "In his (Blair's) opinion it would be a pity if this did become a party-political issue, or indeed a general election issue", his spokesman said. Howard said he would support reducing the legal time limit to terminate a pregnancy from the 24th week to the 20th week. The Roman Catholic church in Britain suggested afterward it was withdrawing its traditional support for Blair's Labour Party, siding with Conservative leader Michael Howard over the abortion issue. "Abortion, for Catholics, is a very key issue. We ar 0
106890 0 1500 WORL WORLD Japan may deport Fischer TOKYO: Japan indicated yesterday it would likely deport US chess legend Bobby Fischer to the United States, where he faces prison for defying sanctions on Yugoslavia in 1992, despite an offer of residency from Iceland. "The fundamental principle is that the destination of deportation is the country of the person's nationality," Masaharu Miura, chief of the justice ministry's immigration bureau, told a parliamentary committee. "Regarding this case, we do not consider it to be an exception," he said. But Miura acknowledged exceptions had been made in the past, including for an Iranian who was denied refugee status in Japan but sent to Canada after Ottawa accepted the person. Miura was responding to Kazuya Shinba, a lawmaker from the opposition Democratic Party, who said Fischer's months of detention had raised suspicions that Japan was acting at the behest of the US. Shinba cited a news report that Washington hoped to charge Fischer with tax evasion, saying it looke 0
106891 0 1500 WORL WORLD Girl, 14, helps father end life BOULDER, Colorado: A 14-year-old girl was being held without bond for investigation of manslaughter yesterday while officials investigate her claim that she shot her father to death to help him commit suicide. In denying bond, Magistrate T J Cole called the teen a "danger to herself and the community." Sheriff's deputies responded to the home on Sunday after a female caller dialed 911 and mentioned the girl's home address before hanging up. Deputies discovered the body of a 56-year-old man in an upstairs bedroom, Lt Phil West said. The girl, West said, was unemotional when investigators first arrived and she told them her father had taken his own life. The lack of a suicide note and inconsistencies in her story, however, led authorities to suspect she might have been involved. The girl then acknowledged shooting her father, but only after finding him in pain after he had tried to shoot himself to death. She indicated she shot her father to "end his suffering." The names o 0
106892 0 1500 WORL WORLD UK bail for 'cot death' mother LONDON: A British mother who says she was wrongly convicted of killing her two babies was granted bail for a fresh appeal yesterday but must stay in jail due to fears for her safety. Donna Anthony, 31, was sentenced to life in 1998 for killing her four-month old son Michael and 11-month-old daughter Jordan but had always maintained her children died from "cot death" or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. A Court of Appeal judge in London bailed Anthony yesterday, but her lawyer said it would not be immediately taken up as there were "vigilante aspects" to be considered in her case. Anthony, branded "the baby-killing bitch" by her fellow inmates, is hoping to have her conviction quashed as it was based on evidence given by paediatrician Sir Roy Meadow, whose court testimonies have since been discredited. Anthony, from Yeovil, Somerset, denied smothering her children but her appeal was dismissed in June 2000. 0
106893 0 1500 WORL WORLD 30 to attend Charles civil ceremony... LONDON: Only 30 people will witness the civil wedding between Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles next month and no media are invited, the prince's office said yesterday. The low-key ceremony at a town hall in Windsor, just outside London, will be in stark contrast to Charles's first marriage to the late Princess Diana, which was watched by more than 750 million television viewers worldwide. "There will be 30 people... the civil ceremony was always intended to be a personal occasion," said a spokeswoman for his office at Clarence House. No reporters or television cameras would be allowed to attend the ceremony on April 8 at Windsor's Guildhall, she said. A spokesman for the prince said: "It was never intended that the civil ceremony should be televised as it was always planned to be a relatively small, personal occasion." Charles's sons William and Harry, as well as Parker Bowles's two children from her first marriage, would attend the service, a so 0
106894 1 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Opec raises output by 500,000 barrels a day ISFAHAN, Iran: Opec ministers decided yesterday to raise their production ceiling from 27 to 27.5 million barrels per day with immediate effect and held out the possibility of a further rise of 500,000 bpd in May. "Opec is committed to making sure the market is well supplied at reasonable prices," Kuwaiti Energy Minister and Opec president Shaikh Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah said. "Opec is doing everything it can to restore stability to the market." Under pressure from Saudi Arabia, near record prices and predictions of increased crude demand in the second half of the year, ministers decided to up their production ceiling immediately. A decision on the second increase will be at the discretion of Shaikh Ahmad, as president of the grouping, and "in consultation with all member countries", Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanghaneh said. Shaikh Ahmad said a further hike would "depend on the prices", while Libyan Energy Secretary Fathi Hamed ben Shatwan said Opec will "hold consultati 0
106895 2 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Aramco signs contracts for two mega projects RIYADH: National oil giant Saudi Aramco granted eight contracts to foreign and local firms to develop two new mega projects in oil and gas fields, the company said yesterday, without disclosing a value. Khursaniyah Oil and Gas Programme will develop production facilities for three onshore fields near Jubail Industrial City in the Eastern Province, it said in a statement. Its capacity should reach 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil by the end of 2007, it said. The second project comprises the Hawiyah Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Recovery Programme, which will produce an additional 310,000 bpd of ethane and NGL products daily, the statement said. "The oil facilities will reinforce the company's international role in responding reliably to future oil market demand," said the president and chief executive officer, Abdullah Jum'ah. "The gas programme demonstrates Saudi Aramco's commitment to continue playing its part in the kingdom's efforts to further boost and d 0
106896 3 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Chamber calls for trade boost MANAMA: The role of the Saudi-Bahrain Businessmen's Council should be activated to reinforce co-operation between private sectors, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) chairman, Khalid Kanoo said. The council's positive impact on the existing bilateral relations is remarkable, said Kanoo. He explained that in order to strengthen these ties, joint ventures should be established, mechanisms of co-operation activated and obstacles hindering bilateral trade removed. He called for intensifying visits between the chambers of the two countries to reinforce co-operation. Council head Khalifa Al Dosari, also urged the council's executive committee to play a greater role in guaranteeing the follow-up of joint projects and eliminating trade obstacles. Studies should be conducted to highlight available investment opportunities, he said. 0
106897 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS US opposes Iran-India gas pipeline NEW DELHI: The United States remains opposed to a proposed gas pipeline from Iran to India, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said yesterday, while noting that South Asia's rising energy demands need to be met. "We need to look at the broader question as to how India meets its energy needs over the next decade. We believe that a broad energy dialogue should be launched with India because the needs are there," Rice said at a joint press conference with Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh after their talks. However, she said the US has already expressed its opposition to last month's agreement by the Indian and Pakistani foreign ministers to go ahead with the $4.5 billion pipeline linking Iran's South Pars gas field to India via southwest Pakistan. "I think that our views concerning Iran are very well known by this time. We have communicated to the Indian government our concerns about the gas pipeline co-operation between Iran and India," Rice said. The US charges tha 0
106898 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Euro stocks dip over oil worries LONDON: European shares closed at a near six-week low yesterday after oil prices spiked to a new record and a profit warning from US auto giant General Motors hit car stocks such as DaimlerChrysler. Data showing the US current account deficit grew to record in the fourth quarter hurt the dollar and also weighed on stocks. US light crude futures hit a peak of $56.35 a barrel, the highest since the contract was introduced in 1983, after sharp falls in weekly US gasoline and heating oil supplies raised fears about tight global fuel supplies. Oil cartel Opec said it would increase production by 2 per cent, but some analysts said that was not enough to cool prices. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of pan-European blue chips ended down 1.4pc or 16 points at 1,079 points, its lowest close since early February and biggest one-day points fall since August last year. The narrower DJ Euro Stoxx 50 index shed 1.7pc to 3,032.1 points. "General Motors has certainly put a spanner in 0
106899 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Shares fall for fourth day BOMBAY: Indian shares ended marginally lower yesterday after rising nearly one per cent in late trade, but India's top private bank, ICICI Bank Ltd, jumped some 5pc ahead of the likely pricing of a foreign issue. The key 30-share Bombay index fell 0.08pc to 6,746.88 points, but the broader market was firm, with gainers topping losers 1,213 to 896 in good volume of 330 million shares. The National Stock Exchange index finished 0.16pc down at 2,125.55. The market has now fallen for four straight days, and regulatory data showed foreign funds, a key market influence, were net sellers for the first time since January 25, on Tuesday. "The markets usually tend to fall in March for a variety of technical reasons, because people have to close their books or to unwind positions because of leveraged buying," said Ajit Surana, managing director at Dimensional Securities. "If it hadn't been for the (foreign institutional investment) flows this month, the market would hav 0
106900 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Chamber calls for trade boost MANAMA: The role of the Saudi-Bahrain Businessmen's Council should be activated to reinforce co-operation between private sectors, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) chairman, Khalid Kanoo said. The council's positive impact on the existing bilateral relations is remarkable, said Kanoo. He explained that in order to strengthen these ties, joint ventures should be established, mechanisms of co-operation activated and obstacles hindering bilateral trade removed. He called for intensifying visits between the chambers of the two countries to reinforce co-operation. Council head Khalifa Al Dosari, also urged the council's executive committee to play a greater role in guaranteeing the follow-up of joint projects and eliminating trade obstacles. Studies should be conducted to highlight available investment opportunities, he said. 0
106901 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Brown pledges robust growth LONDON: British Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown unveiled his annual budget yesterday, extolling the country's robust economy which the government hopes will hand it a third consecutive term in office. Brown painted a rosy picture of the British economy, saying he expected it to grow by 3 to 3.5 per cent this year, as he delivered his ninth annual budget since Labour's re-election in 1997. Britain's growth in gross domestic product (GDP) would slow to between 2.5 and 3pc in 2006, Brown told lawmakers as he set out its economic agenda ahead of national elections widely expected in May. GDP growth came in at 3.1pc in 2004. "Britain is today exp eriencing the longest period of sustained economic growth since records first began in 1701," Brown said. "And the foundation of this budget is our determination to maintain British stability and growth." Brown's stewardship of the British economy, outperforming many of its eurozone neighbours, is seen as one of the s 0
106902 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS BD30m sukuk listed on BSE MANAMA: The Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) yesterday listed a BD30 million leasing sukuk issue by the Bahrain Monetary Agency on behalf of the government of Bahrain. The five-year sukuk was issued on February 28 and will mature on February 28, 2010. Investors will receive a return of 4.5 per cent per annum payable semi-annually on February and August 28. Standard & Poor's have rated this issue as A -. With this issue, the number of Islamic sukuk and conventional bonds currently listed in the exchange reached 19 - with a total value in excess of $2.5 billion. 0
106903 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Business all praise for 'light touch' LONDON: Business groups hailed British finance minister Gordon Brown's commitment to deregulation yesterday but warned that public spending is still high, which could result in higher taxes. Brown's pre-election budget speech focused on providing sweeteners to potential Labour voters such as pensioners and families and he also said he would cut red tape to make Britain more competitive. "The best practice risk-based regulation now means more inspection only where there is more risk and a light and limited touch where there is less risk," Brown said in his ninth annual budget speech. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF) said it welcomed the deregulation measures but cautioned the government would be held accountable if it failed to implement them. "Setting targets for the reduction of red tape must be rigorous and transparent but will give government no place to hide if it fails to meet those targets in future," EEF director-general 0
106904 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Internal auditing course ends MANAMA: The three-day internal auditing course being conducted by the Bureau Veritas Quality International (BVQI) concludes today at the Crowne Plaza, Manama. There are about 20 course participants, representing various companies, said BVQI chief executive officer Shaker Rashid. Companies represented include A A Nass Contracting, Inchcape Shipping, Ramsis Engineering, Kooheji Contractors, W S Atkins, Electrical Machines, Zohal Construction, Water and Power Ministry - Qatar, Fakhro Transport (Budget Car Rental), Contract International, Al Mannai Aluminium, Al Kooheji Industrial Safety and Al Kooheji Electrical. BVQI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bureau Veritas, a large multi-national organisation founded 176 years ago. Bureau Veritas is a service company specialising in quality, health and safety and environment management and social accountability. 0
106905 0 1501 BUSI BUSINESS Asian infrastructure crisis seen TOKYO: Developing countries in East Asia need to spend more than $1 trillion over the next five years to improve infrastructure, with 80 per cent of that spending needed in China, international aid agencies said yesterday. The Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and the Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) said better infrastructure was vital to boost growth, reduce poverty, attract investment, and connect rural and urban areas, which are key to narrow the gap between rich and poor. In a joint study covering 21 developing countries in East Asia and the Pacific, they estimated developing countries needed more than $200 billion per year spent on infrastructure until 2010. They said 65pc of it was needed for new investment and the remainder for maintainance of roads, power plants, communications, water and sanitation systems. Infrastructure was particularly important at a time when the region was "increasingly interconnected through supply chain production netw 0
106906 0 1501 COMM COMMENTMuch food for thought... When a young lady from William Heinemann rang to tell me about AJ Jacobs' book The Know-It-All, I must confess I was unimpressed. "It's about the author's attempt to improve his intelligence by reading all of Encyclopedia Britannica," she bubbled enthusiastically. "One might improve one's knowledge by reading an encyclopaedia," I sighed, "but not one's intelligence. Indeed, one might be excused for thinking that the intelligence of anyone who would do anything so daft may well already be irreparable." Sounding disappointed by my reaction, she changed tack slightly and suggested that Mr Jacobs may not have been serious about improving his intelligence, but simply wanted to become better informed. "A noble motive," I agreed, "but has it not occurred to you that reading and committing to memory a good deal of Britannica might even be counterproductive in the intelligence stakes. Intelligence, after all, is better reflected in one's ability to decide what to forget and remembering wh 0
106907 0 1501 COMM COMMENTMen aroused by mannequins need psychiatric help It would be very easy to laugh at one Bahrain municipal council that wants to ban underwear from washing lines, or another which has issued a cover-up order for scantily-clad, shop-window mannequins. The idea that young men are aroused by plastic forms dressed in lingerie is indeed laughable. But it is not so funny that councillors are taking it seriously enough to impose rules that such displays should only be shown in women-only sections of shops, to avoid excited men making lewd remarks. Teaching those men some manners, or maybe even treating them to psychiatric help would probably be a better answer, since their behaviour is far from normal, or healthy. Some will say, understandably, that this is a storm in a D-cup. Let the councillors have their way. Who cares if the mannequins are banned or not? But it does matter, because it is one more example of an unnecessary rule being imposed on the majority, to satisfy the dogmatic view of the few. It is also 0
106910 0 1501 LETT LETTERS Contractors ignoring basic safety needs IT is distressing to note that the rate of industrial accidents is rising and poor workers are losing their lives due to unsafe working conditions especially in the construction industry. On March 6 two workers died and many others were seriously injured in two different accidents. These workers are here to improve their family's living standards and to overcome their financial difficulties. Their family compulsions are being exploited by some of the contractors without providing basic amenities in terms of welfare and safe working conditions. Some of the labour camp accommodation is horrible and many workers live in one room which is like a cattle shed where there is no adequate space and ventilation. Long working hours might exceed 70 to 80 hours a week without any holiday whereas the law says "No worker shall be allowed or required to work more than 48 hours a week followed by a holiday or compensatory holiday that shall be given on any following day." Many of the wo 0
106911 0 1501 LETT LETTERS Given the bird.... I DON'T know if there is any one out there who has any tips regarding birds making a mess on your car. We have lived in the same house for some years and have parked our cars in the drive and garage, which is open with no door. During all this time we have never had a problem with birds messing on our cars, but this last few weeks it has become a big problem for us. We have bought a car cover, which is excellent but not really practical for everyday use. Even leaving the car for ten minutes results in mess all over the wing mirrors, down the doors etc, so please, if any one has any ideas.......! Desperate 0
106912 0 1501 LETT LETTERS Holidays treasured THIS is regarding the possible four days leave deduction (GDN March 10). I belong to the private sector and work six days a week from 8am to 4.30pm with a half-hour lunch break. I really look forward to this one day holiday whilst my brothers and sisters, bankers and embassy employees, enjoy the privileges of a two-day weekend. Now, is there any valid reason for our MPs to deduct four days from our yearly FIXED holidays? I would support the idea if we enjoyed the two-day weekend like the bankers, government employees etc, but there is NO consideration whatsoever for the private sector. Don't we equally need time for our families, relaxation and dealing with our chores. All our holidays this year have fallen on a Thursday so the government employees enjoy three days but what about us? Please MPs concentrate on beneficial and important issues for ALL. Thank you MPs for your consideration. Any feedback from other private sector employees? Jaw 0
106913 0 1501 LETT LETTERS I miss Bahrain terribly! I LIVED in Bahrain only for six months but I miss Bahrain more than ever. Almost every day I open your website and read it to check out what's happening in Bahrain. I left last year on December 14 and I miss it terribly... food, the malls etc and, most of all, my friends from all over the world - Mr Muhammad, Mr Hassan, Mr Ali from Bahrain, Ms O from Thailand, Ms Bincy from Kerala, Ms Rana in Adliya and she is from Egypt, Mr Thomas from Switzerland, Mr Paul from Canada, Mama from Sri Lanka and many more. I could not even write all my friends' names one by one. I miss them. I hope all of you are keeping very well. God bless you all. I look forward to hearing from you guys. Esti Primintha 0
106914 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Youth parliament hit by age row A LEADING society is threatening to boycott Bahrain's planned Youth Parliament. Current proposal set the age range for members at 14 to 18 years. But this would make it a "children's parliament", says the Bahrain Youth Forum Society. It says it will boycott the planned parliament, unless older members are allowed, or the name changed. The planned parliament is a joint project between the British Embassy and the General Organisation for Youth and Sport (Goys), in co-operation with the British Council and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef). Preparations are being spearheaded by the National Committee for Childhood, chaired by Amal Al Dossary, who is also Goys girls activities and childhood director. The Bahrain Youth Forum Society, which is urging other societies to back its campaign. Secretary general Hussain Al Eskafi said "youth" in this society meant young people well into their 20s. "Either the committee changes the age domain 0
106915 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Dutch light myth dispelled KEEN artists and photographers learnt more about 17th century Dutch art at an exclusive showing of a documentary film held last night at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya. Dutch Light explores 17th century art in relation to the ancient myth that the light in Holland is unique. In the film artists, art historians and scientists answer some of the questions raised by the myth of Dutch light. "One-and-a-half million landscape paintings were created in Holland during the seventeenth century. It was the biggest contribution that Holland made to art," said visiting artist Ali Koers, from Holland. "Before the Dutch started painting landscapes as a subject on their own, it only appeared in the background of a painting. "Dutch landscape painting was so special that people wondered if Dutch light was a myth, or whether it was a reality in Holland." Dutch Light was filmed over 12 months on location in the Netherlands, France and in the Painted Desert of Arizona. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will visit New Zealand later this month at the invitation of his counterpart Helen Clark. During the visit between March 28 and 30, the Premier will sign trade, economic, political and diplomatic agreements to further bolster bilateral relations. He will also hold talks with Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright. The Premier last visited New Zealand in September 1976. 0
106917 1 1501 BNEW LOCAL GETTING TOUGH WITH DRIVERS MANAMA Tougher penalties could be on the way for drivers who speed, jump traffic lights or are drunk. A call also went out yesterday for separate courts to deal with traffic offenders. Experts also want it made much harder to get driving licences, after hearing that half the deaths on Bahrain's roads involved drivers with less than two years' experience. A total of 228 people were killed and 9,805 seriously injured in 137,096 traffic accidents recorded in Bahrain between 2002 and last year, statistics issued by the General Directorate of Traffic revealed yesterday. Experts want tougher laws on seat-belts and children's safety in cars. Traffic-free zones are also being urged, to ease the threat to pedestrians. The tough line is part of a national road safety strategy drawn up at the third Transport and Road Symposium, held in Bahrain yesterday as part of GCC Traffic Week. It was organised by the Centre for Transport and Road Studies at Bahrain University in co-ope 0
106918 2 1501 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain School 'is here to stay' MANAMA BAHRAIN School has begun accepting applications for the next academic year, with a pledge that it is here to stay. It remains a member of the US Department of Defence Dependent School System and its future is secure, say officials. Applications for the academic year 2005-2006 are being accepted until the end of this month, principal Dr Jennifer Beckwith told the GDN yesterday. "We began this week and will continue through the end of March taking applications for places for our kindergarten section, up to the 12th Grade," she said. "Parents are welcome to contact us." Dr Beckwith said that the school would continue to be run by the US Department of Defence Education Activity (Dodea). "Dodea has pledged to run the school and we look forward to being in Bahrain for many years to come." Bahrain International School Association (Bisa) chairman Mohammed Al Khateeb said that the association was very happy that registration was now open to accept students' applications.</ 0
106919 3 1501 BNEW LOCAL Police in new hunt for mother MANAMA THE Public Prosecutor has ordered a new police investigation into the case of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon. Mrs Montibon, 42, was reported missing in November last year, but police have yet to search her apartment or her car. She was last seen on November 5 by close friends in Bahrain. Police yesterday began re-interviewing the people who gave official statements last December. Mrs Montibon's Bahraini sponsor Ali Al Otaibi, Bahraini landlord Mansour Alnashaba and some of her close Filipino friends were summoned for separate interviews at the Hoora Police Station. Mrs Montibon's 24-year-old daughter Maria Grace Montibon Reyes arrived in Bahrain last Friday, to find clues to her mother's disappearance. She has been to see police in charge of her mother's case, with embassy officials. Mrs Reyes hopes that her presence here will help speed up the search for her mother. She claimed that the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Overseas Wo 0
106920 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Batelco planning 'safe' data centre MANAMA A BD3.3 million secure data centre, where organisations can store vital information, is being created by Batelco. It will be operational by the end of the year, offering customers secure off-site data storage and recovery facilities, complete with national and international connectivity, says the company. It says the Batelco Datacentre is being designed to help meet a growing requirement for businesses to secure their data and ensure access to vital records, via a state-of-the-art facility that offers disaster recovery services. Batelco's Datacentre, with 2,000 square metres of floor space, will allow business customers to host their own equipment and electronic records within a secure, environmentally controlled, fire-safe facility, that ensures access 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, says the company. It is being targeted at the financial, government, international, large business and small and medium enterprises. "Through our close partnershi 0
106921 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain School 'is here to stay' BAHRAIN School has begun accepting applications for the next academic year, with a pledge that it is here to stay. It remains a member of the US Department of Defence Dependent School System and its future is secure, say officials. Applications for the academic year 2005-2006 are being accepted until the end of this month, principal Dr Jennifer Beckwith told the GDN yesterday. "We began this week and will continue through the end of March taking applications for places for our kindergarten section, up to the 12th Grade," she said. "Parents are welcome to contact us." Dr Beckwith said that the school would continue to be run by the US Department of Defence Education Activity (Dodea). "Dodea has pledged to run the school and we look forward to being in Bahrain for many years to come." Bahrain International School Association (Bisa) chairman Mohammed Al Khateeb said that the association was very happy that registration was now open to accept students' 1
106922 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Crippled father to fly home AN INDIAN father crippled by diabetes is leaving Bahrain for his native Kerala for the first time in 15 years, thanks to the kind-hearted people of Bahrain. Kariyari Kunhikannan, 65, will leave Bahrain on Sunday, to to be reunited with his wife and children in Vadakara. He last saw his two sons and daughter when they were children. Now they are all grown up and married. Mr Kunhikannan cannot walk, after having eight of his toes amputated and had lost 90 per cent of his sight. He cannot work and had to rely on the charity of friends, including needing help from roommates to get to and from the bathroom. The International Hospital of Bahrain stepped in after an appeal for help appeared in the GDN. Ophthalmology department head Dr Deepak Khosla operated to remove a cataract and fit a new lens in Mr Kunhikannan's left eye and his vision has been restored. Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam's then president George Mathew had appealed for cash to help Mr Kunhik 0
106923 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL 400 garden fair contest winners to be awarded AROUND 400 winners of the Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show competition will be honoured today. They will be presented with cups and certificates at a ceremony being held at the BGC's premises in Juffair. The ceremony begins at 10am and prizes will be presented by BGC chairwoman Mary Yateem. More than 1,000 people entered the various competition categories, which included experimental gardening, garden photography, flower arrangement, fruits, vegetables, flowers and gardens. The BGC show was held earlier this month as one of the features of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005, which took place at the Bahrain Int-ernational Exhibition Centre. It was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. The fair was organised by CTM Event Management in association with the BGC. 0
106924 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Skills workshop on welcoming grand prix visitors STAFF at various organisations are being taught how to handle visitors who will be here for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Formula One motor racing event, next month. A two-day training programme is being held under the patronage of General Organisation for Youth and Sports president and Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) chairman Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. It is being held by the Bahrain International Retail Development Centre (BIRD) next Tuesday and Wednesday, at the Diplomat Hotel. More than 60 candidates have already registered, said BIRD general manager Essa Sayyar. These include employees of Civil Aviation Affairs, Bahrain Airport Services, Bahrain Duty Free, Al Hawaj and Al Safir Hotel. "BIRD has designed the programme based on the principles of international customer service standards," said Mr Sayyar. "We will educate the participants on the importance of offering excellent customer service for visitors who will be in the kingdom for the grand prix 0
106925 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Experts discuss young and Net THREE lectures were held last night at the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research in Muharraq. The lectures a part of the five-day Morocco-Bahrain Civic Caravan, which continues until tomorrow. The caravan comprised 10 well-known Moroccan intellectuals led by writer Dr Fatima Al Marneesi, includes a number of lectures and a musical event. Four German communication and culture experts have also been invited to take part in the event. They are publishing and media consultant Heike Staff, cultural activities organiser Thomas Hartmann, a woman's magazine editor Greta Tollman and book publishing agent Edite Kroll. The lectures were on topics, Internet and youth by Dr Adnan Yaseen, knowledge and youth by caravan founder Jameelah Hasson and on dialogue by Adreda Society director Ahmed Al Zinbi. The event's schedule is as follows: Tonight: English lectures by the four Germans each in their specialisation Tomorrow: 0
106926 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Join beauty contest call to Filipinas FILIPINAS, aged between 18 and 30, are being invited to join the search for the Miss Philippines - Bahrain at the Filipino Club in Zinj. The contest will be held on June 17, organisers announced yesterday. Screening of contestants will begin on April 20 from 9pm at the club. Contestants must be Filipina by blood, residents of Bahrain and must have their parents or employers' consent to take part in the event. For more information, contact Louie Capistrano 39529188, Pailing Carmona on 39041289, Lito Culaban on 39276828, Fatima Hammad on 39854652 or the club on 17262143. 0
106927 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Traffic safety plan 'crucial' BAHRAIN needs to est-ablish a national traffic safety plan to reduce road accidents, particularly those causing fatalities. Its basic strategy was unveiled yesterday at the third Transport and Road Symposium at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, held under the patronage of Interior Minister Shaikh Ras-hid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The event, held as part of the 21st Gulf Traffic Week celebrations, was organised by the Centre for Transport and Road Studies at Bahrain University in co-operation with the General Comm-ittee for Road Safety. It aims at involving relevant sectors in drafting the plan, which has been developed during workshops carried out by the centre over the previous year and a half. The plan covers seven categories - public transportation, medical and emergencies services, vehicles, road planning, media, traffic rules and laws, education and training. However, it will take the co-operation of governmental and non-governmental organisations to establish a 0
106928 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Road accidents death toll 228 A TOTAL of 137,096 traffic accidents were recorded in Bahrain between 2002 and last year, statistics issued by the General Directorate of Traffic revealed yesterday. They included 196 fatal and 5,634 serious or minor injury accidents. The statistics show that 228 people were killed and 9,805 seriously injured during the period. They show that accidents resulting in injury are more likely to occur during early afternoon and evening hours. About 7.4 per cent of accidents were reported between 4pm and 5pm and 36pc between 4pm and 10pm. Sixty three pc of the injury accidents occurred on roads with a speed limit of within 50 kmph, 13.7pc accidents happened at traffic signals and 6.4pc at roundabouts. According to the statistics, speeding caused 5.2pc of the injury accidents while 4pc were due to careless pedestrians, 4.6pc to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and 4.6pc due to jumping red lights. The rest occurred due to other traffic viol 0
106929 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Rotarians set to mark Arab Mother's Day MOTHERS and daughters of Rotarians and their guests are invited to celebrate Arab Mother's Day at Cypress Garden, Budaiya Highway, on Monday. The event, organised by the Innerwheel Club, will include a lunch at the Spanish Court Restaurant, at 1pm. The event costs BD8 per person and all Rotarians' relatives are welcome, said club president Fatima Al Mannai. She said proceeds from the event will go towards charity projects supported by the club, including the Mother Child Home Education Programme and charities catering for the disabled in Bahrain. For tickets, please contact Jamila Al Attassi on 39455168. 0
106930 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Scrabble players honoured BAHRAIN'S top players had the last word in success at the Bahrain Scrabble League awards night. Adeeb Ahmad received the Bahrain Scrabble Cup from Bahrain Mind Sports Association (BMSA) new general secretary Hameed Rahma, during the play-offs award ceremony at the Hilton. Acting Pakistan Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam presented a keepsake trophy to Mr Ahmad, while Mr Rahma gave the new national champ a cash prize. He also received citations for the season's best score, 634 and most bonus words - 29 in 19 games. A medallion and cash prize were given, in absentia, to Ferrer Abordo as runner-up as well as to Mujeeb Rahman, who ranked third. Rahman was voted Scrabble Player of the Year for the third consecutive year. Other crystal orbs, the Bahrain Scrabble League's (BSL) answer to the Oscars were awarded to Mr Ahmad, as the player one learns the most from; Sonorita Chauhan as both the most fun to have as an opponent and most perseverant; Shiraz Amith, most exaspera 0
106931 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Cyprus real estate scene in spotlight A PROPERTY exhibition showcasing Northern Cyprus opens today at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. The event is being organised by Hillcrest Estates, in association with Asco Real Estate. Hillcrest Estates is a family-run real estate agency in Northern Cyprus, which offers for sale everything from two bedroom apartments to six bedroom villas with swimming pools. The company is also a land agent and specialises in putting together building projects for many large investors. Hillcrest Estates property sales professionals and a lawyer with expertise in Cypriot property laws will be on hand at the exhibition to answer visitors' questions. Asco Real Estate has been established in Bahrain for the past 15 years and is the sole agent in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia for Hillcrest Estates. The exhibition, which runs until Monday, opens to the public from 10am to 8pm each day. For more information, contact Asco Real Estate sales executive Glen Helm on 39461869, 0
106932 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Lawyers to meet Cuba detainees LAWYERS acting on behalf of Bahraini detainees yesterday arrived at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to meet their clients. They will be taking further notes after previous ones taken during a meeting with a Bahraini detainee were lost in the post by the US government, said Nabeel Rajab, who sits on a committee formed in Yemen last April to support detainees from the region. The notes were taken by attorney Joshua Colangelo-Bryan during a visit to the high-security prison at the end of October. They were compiled during his first ever meeting with Bahraini inmate Essa Ali Abdulla Al Murbati, but were then handed over to US authorities as one of the conditions of his visit. US agents were supposed to screen the documents to decide whether they contain classified information that should not be released, said Mr Rajab, who acts as a co-ordinator between the lawyers and the detainees' families. The GDN has already published the notes taken during interviews with detainees Juma M 0
106933 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL 'Open-skies' call to Arab nations A CALL for a new Arab air policy throughout the Arab world went out in Bahrain yesterday. Arab airlines should have free range within the Arab world, it was declared at the end of a three-day meeting in Bahrain. Restrictions imposed on foreign airlines in the Arab world should not apply to Arab airlines, said delegates at the 23rd Arab Engineering Conference. The event was held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It was hosted by the Bahrain Society of Engineers, (BSE) under the theme Towards Development and Integration of Engineering Infrastructure in the Arab World. Three main topics were discussed: Transportation and infrastructure; Power and Water; and Telecom and IT. About 600 engineers from 22 Arab countries attended the event which was extremely successful, said organising committee chairman Abdul Majeed Al Gassab. The conferenc 0
106934 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Paperwork row delays session A ROW over paperwork kept Southern Municipal Council members in their seats for an extra half an hour yesterday. The council normally meets every two weeks, but members gathered for an extraordinary meeting to clear a backlog of work. A row flared as council chairman Khalid Al Buainain brought the meeting to a close, thinking that all business for the day had been dealt with. Vice-chairman Ali Al Mohannadi insisted that the meeting continue, saying that letters between the councils and various government organisations must be read aloud. Mr Al Buainain told members to leave, saying the letters were all included in a booklet already distributed to them earlier. "Why waste members' time? All of them are literate and can read at home, everyone is free to go," he said. But Mr Al Mohannadi demanded that the session continue, saying that to fail to discuss the letters in open chamber was against the law. Mr Al Buainain then asked members to vote for or a 0
106935 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Top Chilean artist's work goes on display CONTEMPORARY artwork by world-renowned Chilean artist Ignacio Valdes will go on display at an exhibition opening today at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art in Manama. Fourteen canvasses, 12 drawings and five bronze sculptures are to be displayed at the show, which continues to the end of next month. Mr Valdes' oil canvases and sculptures are internationally recognised and have been displayed all over the world, from his hometown in Santiago to Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, New York, Paris, London and Rome. Since 1974, Mr Valdes has participated in more than 45 solo and group exhibitions worldwide. The figures featured in Mr Valdes' work are often depicted wearing some ludicrous badge of office of some unknown civilisation and costumes which distinguish them from ordinary beings. They are shamanic figures, lost kings and queens of imaginary empires, floating or falling, but always trapped on the stage of the canvas. They are trapped and weighed down also b 0
106936 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL GPIC boost for charity fund THE Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) has donated BD2,000 to the Ma'amir Charity Fund. General manager Abdul Rahman Jawahery presented the cheque to Ma'amir Charity Fund board of trustees chairman Ali Abdul Hasan Mohammed. The presentation was made as part of GPIC's policy of supporting national and charity organisations in Bahrain at the directives of Oil Minister and GPIC board chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. Mr Jawahery praised the role played by the fund in helping the orphans and needy residents of the area. He reiterated the company's determination to provide the necessary support for the fund's future projects. Mr Mohammed praised the GPIC policy of supporting national and charity organisations, societies and funds in Bahrain. The group toured the ammonia, methanol and urea plants and familiarised themselves with the company's environmental and charity projects. The meeting was attended by plants operation manager 0
106937 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL Irish band strikes right note IRISH band Taxi performed last night at Fiddlers Green, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, to mark St Patrick's Day. The performance was part of the club's Irish weekend celebration. Tonight, the Dilmun Dixielanders are performing from 4pm till 8pm, followed by singer Steph, who will be performing live acoustics and the best Irish and international hits from 9pm to 1am. Tomorrow, New Zealander singer Jo Lincoln and friends are performing afternoon sets from 4pm to 7pm. Entrance is free and all are welcome. 0
106938 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL A clean shave for charity by Kevin DJ Krazy Kevin had the rest of his hair shaved off last night to help raise funds for tsunami victims. Hair Shave II was held at Bahrain Mall, Sanabis, and also featured an auction and a performance by dancers from the Victoria Dance Centre. Hairdresser Stephen Grant shaved Krazy Kevin's entire head clean. The Radio Bahrain DJ and host of Channel 55's FMTV Hits, had half his hair shaved off last month, for the Tsunami Relief Fund, raising over BD3,000. More than BD40,000 has been raised for the victims of the tsunami disaster so far since the Hands Across the Water fund-raiser was launched in January. Krazy Kevin, whose real name is Kevin Howarth, teamed up with colleague Jo Lincoln to form a committee to host the major fund-raiser. All of the money collected is being sent to those affected by the disaster through the international charity organisation Disaster Emergency Committee. 0
106939 0 1501 BNEW LOCAL 104 youngsters receive art awards YOUNGSTERS' artistic talents were recognised at an awards ceremony held last night at the Bahrain National Museum. The 104 children, aged between seven and 18 years, were presented with awards for winning the Children's Arts and Literature Competition 2005. The competition was held under the theme 'Who Am I' and categories included: creative and journalistic writing, poetry, theatrical performance, music, web design, photography and art. The awards were presented by Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, the youngest son of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The competition is being held under the umbrella of the annual Children's Arts and Literature Festival. The majority of the festival activities will take place from April 11 to May 6 at the Edutainment Expo, being held at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Book for All, another festival event marking World Book Day, will take place on April 23 at various 0
106940 1 1501 SPOR SPORT DRAVID TON BOOSTS INDIA CALCUTTA, India: Sachin Tendulkar became only the fifth batsman to complete 10,000 runs and Rahul Dravid scored an elegant 110 as India survived a late Abdul Razzaq blitz to post 344 for six on the first day of the second Test against Pakistan yesterday. Dravid's 19th Test century and Tendulkar's 52 built on a blazing 113-ball 81 by Virender Sehwag to put the hosts on course for a big total. Dravid added 122 for the third wicket with Tendulkar before falling in the day's last over, caught behind off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. India were strongly placed at 278 for two after winning the toss on a good batting pitch before losing three wickets in the space of 20 runs in the final session, with seamer Razzaq taking two off successive deliveries. Tendulkar, who turns 32 next month, was given a standing ovation by some 35,000 spectators at the Eden Gardens when he turned Razzaq to long-leg for a single to join the elite 10,000-club. Sachin fell shortly after completing 0
106941 2 1501 SPOR SPORT Raikkonen happy with McLaren car SEPANG, Malaysia: Kimi Raikkonen fancies his chances in Malaysia on Sunday after Formula One's extraordinary season-opener in Australia. McLaren's 'Ice Man' took his first career win in Sepang's sweltering heat two years ago and, despite Renault's victory in Melbourne, believes he has the car to succeed again. "The result may not show this but we have the pace to challenge for victories," said the Finn after storming from the back of the field to finish eighth 10 days ago. Renault's Italian Giancarlo Fisichella romped to victory after being favoured by the fickle weather in Australia, and he recognises the McLaren threat. "I think on some circuits they will be quicker than us, at others we will be a bit quicker than them," said chief strategist Pat Symonds. McLaren insiders are confident that Malaysia is one of those circuits that favours Raikkonen and his new Colombian team mate Juan Pablo Montoya. However, Renault have made aerodynamic improvements, incl 0
106942 3 1501 SPOR SPORT 'Thrilled' Tendulkar in elite company CALCUTTA, India: Sachin Tendulkar said he was thrilled to join the exclusive club of batsman to score 10,000 Test runs yesterday. The 31-year-old India batsman moved past the milestone during his 52 in India's first day total of 344 for six in the second Test against Pakistan at Eden Gardens. "I'm thrilled about it," Tendulkar said. "It is a reflection of the type of cricket I have played all the while." Tendulkar, regarded among the premier batsmen in the world in the last decade, emulates compatriot Sunil Gavaskar, the first to reach the landmark, as well as Australia's Allan Border and Steve Waugh and West Indian Brian Lara. "They are all in a different league and it feels very nice to join the club," he told reporters. "I hope it doesn't stop here. I want to carry on." Achieving the milestone against Pakistan had special significance for the Bombay batsman who made his debut as a 15-year-old against the traditional rivals in 1989. "It has happened in a 0
106943 0 1501 SPOR SPORT Endurance riders set for royal test HIS Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship, starting today at 4am at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir, is carrying a cash prize of BD50,000. Riders from the GCC and other Arab countries arrived yesterday to take part in this prestigious competition sponsored by Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort. Races will be held in two categories - seniors and juniors. Seventy five riders are taking part in the seniors race while 35 are in the fray in the juniors section. The top 10 riders in both the youth and junior races will be presented with cash prizes at an awarding ceremony to be held later today under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. For the youth race which is over 130 kms, a total of BD33,000 will be presented to the top 10 riders with the champion to be awarded BD9,000. The second and third placed riders will bag BD6,000 and BD4,500 respectively. The next seven riders will win BD4,000, BD3,000, BD2,000, BD1,500, BD1,200, BD1,000 and BD800 0
106944 0 1501 SPOR SPORT Thaqib best bet for feature FOUR cup events are the highlights of the races to be held at Sakhir tomorrow. The Shaikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Khalifa Cup, starting at 5.05pm, has attracted 13 horses with Thaqib, owned by Mohammed Nabeel Al Zeera, trained by Fadhel Al Asfoor and to be ridden by Nader Aziz, expected to win this race. This race for Group Three imported horses will be run over 1,400 metres and carries a cash prize of BD2,000. Boston Lodge, owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by Fawzi Nass and to be ridden by P Whitmore, and Historic Treble, owned by Hassan Oun Hassan Mubarak, trained by Sami Saloom and to be ridden by Hassan Ashoor, are expected to give the favourite a run for its money. There are seven horses in the fray for the Porsche Cars Cup starting at 4.40pm. This race is for locally bred horses and carries a cash prize of BD1,500 and will be run over 1,600 metres. Queen's Guard, owned by Elias Abdulla Haji, trained by A Redha Abbas and to be ridden by Gerald Avran 0
106945 0 1501 SPOR SPORT Teams leave for France THE Bahrain national seniors and youth teams left yesterday for France to take part in the World Cross Country Championship to be held in St Etienne on Saturday and Sunday. The seniors team consists of Rashid Ramzi, Abdulhaq Zakaria, Riyadh Al Mustafa, Abul Yaqut and Shaheen Faraj while the youth team includes Belal Mansoor, Tareq Mubarak, Saleh Marzooq, Adam Ismail, Ishaaq Isa and Bader Khalil. The delegation also comprises Mariam Yousef, the only Bahraini girl taking part in the seniors category. The delegation is headed by Bahrain Athletics Association president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and includes Moroccan coach Khalid Bulami and administrator Ali Al Sheroughi and masseur Saad Al Buainain. The athletes were selected after qualifying competitions held earlier this month. 0
106946 0 1501 SPOR SPORT Federer advances as Safin crashes INDIAN WELLS: Australian Open champion Marat Safin was surprisingly beaten in the third round of the Pacific Life Open yesterday, while top seeds Roger Federer and Lleyton Hewitt advanced to the fourth round. American Taylor Dent served and volleyed Safin off the court to win 7-5, 6-4, while world number one Federer crushed Gilles Muller 6-3, 6-2 and Hewitt beat France's Michael Llodra 6-2, 7-6. Unable to impose his all court game, Safin grew increasingly frustrated and was warned for racket abuse in the first set. "It was the worst match I ever played probably in my entire career," said Safin. "I haven't felt so bad on the court ever in my life. "Just no matter what I would do, it just would not go my way. The frustration that you get when you're trying and trying and it just doesn't go your way is a terrible feeling." Dent will face 14th-seeded Argentine Guillermo Canas, a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 winner over compatriot Juan Ignacio Chela, in the fourth round. Fed 0
106947 0 1501 SPOR SPORT Chelsea inch closer to crown LONDON: Chelsea were hardly in celebratory mood after taking a further big step towards the English Premiership title. The Blues moved 11 points clear of Manchester United at the summit with just nine games remaining but despite creating a string of chances, could not do any better than a 1-0 win against relegation-threatened West Bromwich Albion. However, after the euphoria of the Blues' 4-2 thriller over Barcelona that saw them sweep 5-4 on aggregate into the Champions League semi-finals, whatever the score against unfancied West Brom it would have seemed a come-down. "We think we're doing very well, we're in the last eight of the Champions League, top of the league by 11 points, we've got the League Cup in the bag already," said Chelsea's downbeat assistant manager Steve Clarke. Chelsea are at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday, with the south Londoners in a similar predicament to Albion. Expectations The Eagles are hovering two points above the relegat 0
106948 0 1501 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Sheema Framing and Gallerys exhibition showcasing more than 1,000 framed paintings, maps, coins, stamps, jewellery and other artefacts from around the world, Bapco Club, Awali, 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-9pm. Third Imam Hassan blood donation camp, Kuwait Health Centre, Malkiya, 8am-1pm. St Patricks Day celebration, Sherlock Holmes, Gulf Hotel, 8pm. Performance by Elvis look-alike Elvis Brettini and comedian Andy Leach, British Club, Windsor Room, 9pm. Tickets BD6 members and BD8 guests. Fifth Annual Heritage Festival, Ibn Khuldoon National School, Isa Town, 6.30pm-10pm. Contact 17780661. Performance by British DJ and producer Kenny Hawkes, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, 11pm; performance by resident DJ Karim Miknas, 10pm. Tickets BD5 and BD3. 0
106949 0 1501 WORL WORLD Jericho handover JERICHO: The Palestinian Authority yesterday took limited security control of Jericho but Israel continued to control the northern and southern approaches into the West Bank town. After weeks of stalemate, soldiers dismantled the Ein Ad Duyuk checkpoint on the main road west to Ramallah allowing free movement between the two cities. Palestinian security forces erected their own checkpoint 1km away to clock traffic and, more crucially, to prevent Israelis from travelling into Jericho. 0
106950 1 1501 WORL WORLD Setback for assembly BAGHDAD: Iraq's nascent democracy yesterday entered a new phase with the opening of a 275-member national assembly but politicians failed to form a unity government ahead of the historic session. A series of mortars or rockets pounded the sealed off enclave of US and Iraqi institutions, where the ceremony was being held. US President George W Bush hailed the opening as "a bright moment" and downplayed the assembly's failure to agree on a government. Iraq's security forces were on high alert in a bid to stave off rebel attacks for the session. In the gathering, which was largely ceremonial amid the reigning political stalemate, leaders staked their positions in what amounted to the opening bell in a debate among Islamists, secular Iraqis, Shi'ites, Kurds and Sunnis on their main task of writing a permanent constitution. In continuing violence, two car bombs exploded in Baghdad and Baquba, killing six people and wounding 24. British Prime Minister Tony Blair 0
106951 2 1501 WORL WORLD Bowled over by cricket diplomacy NEW DELHI: Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf will visit India on April 17 to watch a cricket match and also hold talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an Indian government spokesman said yesterday. "On April 17, Mr Musharraf will be in Delhi to watch the cricket match. He will also meet with the prime minister," Singh's spokesman Sanjaya Baru said. Both nations are expected to nudge forward a peace process during the visit. Musharraf will watch the last of the six one-day international matches between India and Paksitan. Meanwhile, Musharraf's mother, his son and an elder brother arrived in the Indian capital yesterday on a private visit. Amid new developments on the diplomatic front between the neighbours, Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh warned yesterday Pakistan must halt "all cross-border terrorism against India" as part of the peace process, "There should be no doubt about our commitment to achieving peace with Pakistan," Singh told a joi 0
106952 3 1501 WORL WORLD 29 killed in fiery plane accident MOSCOW: A turboprop airliner carrying oil workers crashed and caught fire while attempting to land yesterday in a remote region north of the Arctic circle, killing 29 people, the Emergency Situations Ministry said, adding that 24 people survived. The An-24 two-engine aircraft crashed on final approach to an airport near the oil port of Varandei in the Nenets autonomous region on Russia's Pechora Sea coast, some 1,800km northeast of Moscow. Of 46 passengers and seven crew members on board, 29 were killed and 24 survived, Emergency Situations Ministry spokesman Sergei Vlasov said in a telephone interview. He said 10 of the survivors were in hospital in grave condition. Another ministry spokesman, Viktor Beltsov, said 19 of the survivors including those gravely injured were evacuated to the regional capital, Naryan-Mar, and that five who were not hurt were taken to Varandei. The passengers were employees and contract workers for affiliates of Russia's largest oil company, Lu 0
106953 0 1501 WORL WORLD Pyongyang blasts Rice over remark SEOUL: North Korea lashed out at US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice yesterday for calling the Communist country an "outpost of tyranny" and ruled out new talks over its nuclear ambitions. "It is inconceivable for the DPRK (North Korea) to go out for the talks before it is delisted as 'an outpost of tyranny,'" a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement published by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. The statement came as Rice headed to the region for talks on how to end a prolonged standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons drive. Rice arrives in Tokyo tomorrow ahead of visits to Seoul and Beijing. The spokesman said North Korea was being pressured to expand its nuclear arsenal in the face of US efforts to crush the Stalinist regime, adding that it would only resume talks if Washington dropped its hostile stance towards Pyongyang. During a stop-off in India on Tuesday, Rice warned North Korea it was becoming increasingly isolated and said Pyongyang 0
106954 0 1501 WORL WORLD 30 policemen guard rape victim's house MULTAN, Pakistan: Pakistan authorities said yesterday they have posted more than two dozen policemen outside a woman's home to guard her after a court freed four of the six men convicted of raping her - an attack ordered by a village council as punishment for her brother's alleged misdeeds. The four men walked out of a high-security jail in Dera Ghazi Khan, 500km southwest of the capital, Islamabad, nearly three years after being convicted of raping 33-year-old Mukhtar Mai. A village council had ordered the attack as punishment for her younger brother's alleged illicit affair with a woman from another family. Yesterday, area police officer Mohammed Iqbal said the four men have arrived at Meerwalaa, the village where the attack occurred and where Mai lives with her family, about 565km southwest of Islamabad. About 30 policemen were guarding the home, and the four men have been told "to stay away from Mukhtar Mai's house," Iqbal said. Mai confirmed that police were outside her hous 0
106955 0 1501 WORL WORLD Bush hails Iraq's 'bright moment' WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush last night hailed the opening of Iraq's new national assembly as "a bright moment". "I congratulate the Iraqis for their assembly," Bush said, almost two years to the day after he ordered US troops to invade Iraq to topple dictator Saddam Hussein. "It's a bright moment in what is a process toward writing of a constitution, the ratification of the constitution and elections," Bush said. "We've always said this is a process and today was a step in that process." The milestone 90-minute session, coming six weeks after Iraq's first free elections in half a century, was largely ceremonial because of a political stalemate over the Kurds' political role and the status of their militia. Bush downplayed the failure to name a cabinet but acknowledged "there's a lot of work to be done" as the body moves ahead with its main task of drafting a constitution ahead of elections expected later this year. Bush also downplayed Italian Prime Min 0
106956 0 1501 WORL WORLD Palestinians take control of Jericho JERICHO: Israel yesterday handed over to the Palestinian Authority (PA) limited security control of Jericho but continued to control the northern and southern approaches into the West Bank oasis town. Soldiers dismantled the Ein Ad Duyuk checkpoint on the main road west to Ramallah allowing free movement between the two cities. Israelis also removed concrete blocks at the main district co-ordination office checkpoint on the road south to Jerusalem, easing Palestinian traffic into the town of 18,000. Palestinian security forces erected their own checkpoint one kilometre away to clock traffic and, more crucially, to prevent Israelis from travelling into Jericho. An Israeli TV report said Jewish extremists plan to take over a hotly disputed holy site in the Old City of Jerusalem in an attempt to sabotage Israel's planned withdrawal. Meanwhile, 13 Palestinian factions meeting in Cairo seemed more likely to extend a cooling down period rather than agree on a full truce 0
106957 0 1501 WORL WORLD Joint action 'can prevent nuclear raid' LONDON: UN nuclear chief Mohamed ElBaradei warned yesterday that only co-ordinated international efforts could offer the world protection from the "horrifying" prospect of a nuclear terrorist attack. He told a London conference on nuclear security organised by his International Atomic Energy Agency that a series of attacks since September 11, 2001 had made it an urgent task to improve international co-ordination on nuclear issues. ElBaradei also said the revised US stance on nuclear talks with Iran was a "very welcome" move that could bolster the success of negotiations led by Europe. However, in Washington, US President George W Bush called on Iran to embrace democracy and stepped up warnings about Tehran's suspect nuclear programme. 0
106958 0 1501 WORL WORLD Drop in traffic MANAMA: The number of passengers using Bahrain airport and seaports dropped by 57 per cent last month, from 210,098 last February to 90,646. People crossing King Fahad Causeway also dropped from 958,637 last year to 428,976. The Nationality, Passports, and Residency Affairs Directorate issued 3,837 one-week and 72-hour visas, 2,496 for visits and 1,560 for visiting relatives. 0
106959 1 1502 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain banking assets increase by $7.5 billion MANAMA: Bahrain's banking industry is thriving, with its consolidated balance sheet up by $7.5 billion over three months. The consolidated balance sheet of the banking system in Bahrain, comprising full commercial banks (FCBs), offshore banking units (OBUs) and investment banks (IBs), increased by 6.7 per cent to $118.9bn at the end of last December, from $111.4bn at end-September. The OBUs represented 82.5pc of the consolidated balance sheet, while FCBs and IBs accounted for 12.3pc and 5.2pc respectively, says the Bahrain Monetary Agency's quarterly bulletin. Total domestic assets totalled $18.2bn at end-December, up from $16.3bn, an increase of 11.7pc. Foreign assets increased by $5.6bn (5.9pc) to $100.7bn. Net foreign assets fell $400 million (9.1pc), to $4 bn. Total domestic liabilities totalled $22.2bn at end-December, compared with $20.7bn at end-September, an increase of 7.2pc. Foreign liabilities increased by $6bn (6.6pc) to $96.7bn. 0
106960 2 1502 BUSI BUSINESS China envoy in currency museum tour MANAMA: China's Ambassador to Bahrain Wu Cong Yong visited the Currency Museum of the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) as part of an official embassy visit. Mr Yong was accompanied by his wife Qijiang, Bank of China (BoC) chief representative in Bahrain Guo Haitao, BoC representative Tian Jun and other Embassy officials. They were welcomed by BMA Currency Issue director Farid Jassim Zubari and Currency Issue head Abdulla Khamis Al Sulaiti. The Chinese delegation were briefed on the history of currency in Bahrain and were showed various exhibits, including rare Islamic and foreign currencies from different eras of Bahrain's history. Rare bronze, silver and gold coins on display at the Museum include the first foreign gold coin, which was minted during the reign of Croesus, from 546 to 561 BC, and the first Islamic Gold Dinar issued by the Ummayyad Caliph Abd Al Malik bin Marwan in the year 77 Hijri (corresponding to 696 AD). The exhibition contains 395 rare banknot 0
106961 3 1502 BUSI BUSINESS UGB posts record gains of $43m in jubilee year MANAMA: United Gulf Bank (UGB) has posted a record net profit of $43.3 million for last year - its silver jubilee year. This is 19.6 per cent up on the earlier record of $36.2m reported for 2003, shareholders heard at the annual general meeting at UGB Tower, in the Diplomatic Area. The results put UGB's return on average equity at 16pc and return on average assets at 3.4pc, placing it in the league of top performing banks in the region. Shareholders also remarked on the substantial hidden value on the books. The market value of investments in four listed subsidiaries and associates, namely Jordan Kuwait Bank, KIPCO Asset Management Company (Kamco), United Real Estate Company and United Industries Company, was $266m in excess of UGB's carrying values of these investments, as of last December 31, compared with $164m in 2003 - up $102m. UGB managing director Masaud Hayat reviewed last year's significant events, which included international rating agency Capital 0
106962 0 1502 BUSI BUSINESS Top Islamic finance award for Citigroup DUBAI: Citigroup has been named Best International Market Sukuk House, in Euromoney magazine's Islamic Finance Awards for last year. Citigroup was sole or joint bookrunner/lead manager in all four international sukuk issues executed or mandated during the year. "The four bonds set new benchmarks, with the largest ever sukuk totalling $1 billion for the Dubai government, while the euro 100 million issue for the State of Saxony Anhalt was the first for an Organisation for Economic Development and Development (OECD) borrower and the first denominated in euros," said the magazine. Citigroup was lead-manager and book runner of four out of five sukuk offerings since the beginning of last year, including the Dubai Civil Aviation $1bn debut sukuk offering, the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) $250m issue, the Saxony-Anhalt Euro 100m debut offering and the latest Pakistan government $600m Sukuk. Citigroup Middle East managing director and Citi Islamic Investment Bank (CIIB) chairman Mohammed Al Shroogi 0
106963 0 1502 BUSI BUSINESS Not Italian again! LONDON: World oil prices soared to fresh record high levels yesterday, with New York's main crude contract above $57 per barrel for the first time, underpinned by robust global demand. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in April, rose $1.04 to reach as high as $57.50 per barrel in electronic deals. It later stood at $56.85 in early pit trading. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, the April contract had hit a record closing price of $56.46 per barrel on Wednesday. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in May jumped $1.27 to reach a peak of $56.15 per barrel yesterday - the first time it had broken the $56 barrier. It later stood at $55.25, up 37 cents on Wednesday's closing price. "It is really a market pushed up by demand," Investec analyst Bruce Evers said. "Everybody keeps on talking about China, but it is not just China, the demand in India, Brazil and North America is growing strongly, too." 0
106964 0 1502 BUSI BUSINESS World greets Wolfowitz nomination with scepticism PARIS: Around the world, the notion of US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz leading the World Bank met with reactions that ranged mainly from official reserve to outright denunciation, but there was some support. Wolfowitz, nominated on Wednesday by President George W Bush, is widely seen as a key instigator in the US push to topple Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. International organisations worried about the nominee's hawkish politics and questioned whether he is right for the job. Bush, who has sought to mend ties with European allies that opposed the Iraq war, called French President Jacques Chirac to tell him the news. Chirac, one of the staunchest critics of the war, "took note of this candidacy," his office said, adding that "France would examine it in the spirit of friendship between France and US and with an eye on the capital mission of the World Bank to the service of development." Japan, a US ally in the Iraq war, gave its support to Bush's choice. The Japa 0
106965 0 1502 BUSI BUSINESS Spending plans affordable says Brown LONDON: British finance minister Gordon Brown hit back yesterday at accusations that a black hole was developing in the public finances. "Our spending plans are fully affordable," Brown said in a series of broadcast interviews a day after he presented his ninth annual budget which set the scene for a May general election. With polling day expected on May 5, Brown offered vote-winning concessions to pensioners, young families and first-time home-buyers while still modestly tightening the overall fiscal stance. But opposition politicians and many economists say it is only a matter of time before taxes will have to rise as the public finances have deteriorated sharply and Brown was being too optimistic about the likely corporate tax take. Brown said that these forecasters were just plain wrong. "The very people who have been forecasting that we would get things wrong don't have the access to the information that the Inland Revenue has about the fiscal and the tax pos 0
106966 0 1502 BUSI BUSINESS Production raise likely by Opec KUWAIT CITY: Opec president Shaikh Ahmad Fahd Al Sabah said yesterday the group was prepared to pump more than 30 million barrels per day (bpd) in the fourth quarter - compared with their new quota of 27.5m bpd - to meet growing demand. "In the fourth quarter, about which world markets are concerned, Opec will be required (to pump) 30.3m bpd, according to our figures. Opec can do that, and we will still have a small spare capacity," said Shaikh Ahmad, who is Kuwait's energy minister. He said he was referring to members of the 11-nation group minus Iraq. Opec ministers decided in the Iranian city of Isfahan on Wednesday to raise their oil production ceiling from 27 to 27.5m bpd and consider a further 500,000 bpd increase in quotas if prices remain high in the coming months. The decision was quickly overshadowed in global oil markets by concerns over US inventory levels, which propelled the price of the New York contract for crude to a record of $56.60 a barrel. "Th 0
106967 0 1502 COMM COMMENTBall in Sinn Fein's court For the best part of a decade the leaders of Sinn Fein were honoured guests at St Patrick's Day festivities in the United States. The highlight was a White House reception and, at the very least, a photo-opportunity with the President. Meetings with prominent Irish-Americans, Senator Edward Kennedy and Congressman Peter King, were established stops on the itinerary. This year, the White House celebrations proceeded without Sinn Fein. There was no high-profile meetings on Capitol Hill. Gerry Adams was comprehensively frozen out. His place was taken by the fiance and five sisters of Robert McCartney, the Catholic man stabbed to death six weeks ago in a Belfast bar. It is tempting to conclude that a single bereaved family campaigning for justice has thus succeeded where years of British diplomacy failed: in convincing influential Irish-Americans that Sinn Fein, as the political arm of Irish republicanism, maintained a relationship with the IRA that was ambiguous, if not complicitous. And t 0
106968 0 1502 COMM COMMENTAll we need is the will to enforce traffic laws You can come up with all the traffic rules you like, it will do no good unless you are prepared to rigorously impose them. Proposals from a symposium held as part of GCC Traffic Week include making it tougher to get a driving licence, as well as stricter penalties for drivers who drink, speed or jump red lights. But it is already illegal to break the speed limits, to drive under the influence of alcohol, or go through traffic lights on amber or red - but people do it every day. It is also illegal to drive with your baby on your lap, or a child aged under 10 years in the front seat - but in Bahrain people do it every day. The last time I checked, it was illegal to speed down the hard shoulder just to get past a traffic queue, or to create an extra lane at traffic lights rather than wait your turn - but here people do it every day. It is illegal to drive down the road in some old jalopy belching black fumes out of the exhaust, or to carry workers in an open-backed t 0
106969 0 1502 COMM COMMENTForget shop mannequins...what about our abayas? Cover up the mannequins please. Those distasteful anorexic women should not be on display for public viewing. Let them wear abayas, with the red lace of nightgowns hanging out from the side. For a change, the mannequins will then be mimicking real women - instead of the other way round. I can't help but roll my eyes every time I am out in public, surrounded by women wearing the tightest, brightest, embroidered, see-through abayas. Is it only me who feels this way? If they really want to expose what lies beneath, why do they bother wearing the abayas to begin with? Please, don't get me wrong. I am not voicing my insecurities or anything. I am also all for freedom of expression and dressing up is one way of expressing oneself, which I don't want to limit in a society which has more restrictions and taboos today than it did in the swinging 60s and sizzling 70s. But to humiliate the abaya - the sign of the humble modest woman who strictly adheres to tradition and cu 0
106972 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Will fees bring ruin to smaller firms? RECENT news in the GDN regarding a proposal to impose a BD600 annual fee and monthly BD10 insurance fee on expat labourers is very insulting to businessmen and expat labourers too. How can a small or large company pay BD600 annually if they employ more than 30, 50 or 100 employees. He will not be getting anything in return by just paying this huge amount for each worker! Of course, Bahrainis should be given preference but at the same time rights of expat workers should be protected too, who are just getting BD60 monthly for their long hours on jobs starting at 4.30am and ending at 5pm daily. I do know that this proposal will ruin the economy of our country and this will be unsuccessful! Please law-makers, think twice. A Abdulla 0
106973 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Headaches worry I READ the report of the meeting 'Health risks from mobile phone bases to be probed' (GDN March 5). Personally, I have experienced first hand the negative health effects, eg, headaches, ringing in the ears, skin and eye irritation triggered by living in very close proximity to a telecom base station for the last 17 months. I hope this meeting will shed some light on possible long-term health effects that citizens of Bahrain have to face. Mr Mirza Khalaf states that 'surveys indicate that currently Bahrain faces no risks.' But Bahrain has not conducted any recent surveys; the last survey was conducted in 2001, well before the new telecom operator installed more than a hundred base stations and antennas throughout the country. It is worrisome that there has been no monitoring of emission levels either by the telecom company or by any governmental department since then. Our current regulations for siting base stations must be reviewed urgently, and we should follow the ex 0
106974 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Tubli failures are unforgivable IT amazes me that despite the controversy surrounding saving Tubli Bay that those responsible for its welfare have failed consistently, with the highest level of incompetency to provide intelligent and educated reasons as to why Tubli Bay, its mangroves and associated dependent ecosystems need to be saved, and have failed to monitor, advocate legislation for, deliver, implement and enforce any management plan that would be of considerable benefit to Bahrain, its people and its environment. FACTS: 1) That mangrove forests are vital for healthy coastal ecosystems. The forest detritus (decomposing organic matter), consisting mainly of fallen leaves and branches from the mangroves, provides nutrients for the marine environment and supports immense varieties of sea life in intricate food webs. From this it can quite simply be concluded that if there is no mangrove then its associated food webs will be greatly diminished or cease to exist. 2)The shallow inter-tidal reaches that charact 0
106975 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Token system? LAST week I went to the Indian Embassy to renew my passport. Better than in India, I got full help from the officials who are working in counsellor hall and I am proud of it. But, I was standing for two hours in the queue to reach the counter. Perhaps the embassy can provide an electronic token system, which is commonly used everywhere. It will help us a lot. An Indian 0
106976 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Don't shun advice WHEN it comes to rehabilitating society to accept changes that promote civility and boost the role of the community, there should be no hesitation in seeking help from well experienced organisations. But an MP expressed dismay, was even furious, over news that officials from a US embassy met a number of personalities to discuss and consult on issues relating to promote the role of women and consider chances for electing women during the next general assembly. It looks as if the MP in question still lives the illusions of "detrimental western culture", at a time when expertise and sophisticated researching are sought from American organisations on a wide range of subjects. It would be nonsense to block our minds with slogans that our traditions and values are sufficient to provide proper channels for assessing the role of women and the potential to contribute in public life affairs. There is a need for a leverage to put things into reality, and it is widely thought that wo 0
106977 0 1502 LETT LETTERS How are F1 ticket prices worked out? I BOUGHT a ticket for last year's inaugural Grand Prix for BD82. However, this year the price being asked for the same ticket is BD134 - a whopping 63.4 per cent increase. One suspects the price hike is due to the fact that the track which cost a fortune to build is underused but maintenance and salaries still have to be paid for and with the popularity of the sport it is a golden chance to hit the F1 spectator to recoup costs. It would be interesting to know how many tickets have been sold for this year's race as I suspect last year there may have been as many tickets given away as sold. It will be interesting to see what extra entertainment will be provided on race day to warrant the large price increase. Face painters, tilt walkers and bouncy castles won't cut it. Unhappy race fan lA BIC spokesman said: "With regard to the differences between 2004 and 2005 GP ticket price structure : * The highest price has bee 0
106978 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Arrogant 'Mr Cool Dude' holds up traffic GCC Traffic Week 2005, Thursday afternoon, 2pm, at the traffic lights turning into Seef Mall. The lights have just turned red and along comes 'Mr Cool Dude' in his hotshot silver sports Merc. He completely ignores the red traffic light and turns left ending up blocking the road as there is a traffic jam into Seef Mall. The light turns green for the other drivers. A frail old man driving an old white pick-up has the right of way and is trying to go straight but cannot as the shiny silver sports Merc obstructs his path. The frail old man beeps. Mr Cool Dude angrily pushes open his Merc door, stomps towards the pick up with a 'mean' look on his face and starts shouting at the defenceless old man and at one point holds up his fist across his chest as if he was going to strike his 'opponent' any minute now. We all watched in shock. God knows what was going through the frail old man's mind at this time but luckily Mr Cool Dude backs off after fu 0
106979 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Road conditions are 'satisfactory' DIVERSE opinions have been expressed in your columns on the driving, traffic and road conditions in Bahrain. It seems many people are unhappy and dissatisfied with the conditions prevailing here. Lack of knowledge of the complexities of the problem of managing and regulating the fast growing traffic of a place like Bahrain may make people complain when they are not convinced. Many of the hardships faced in Bahrain are due to developmental programmes of improving the infrastructure like laying and widening roads, construction of flyovers etc which are needed to cope up with the situations that will arise in the long run. People have to face these situations in the interest of long-term development of this island. I do agree that improvement is always possible with more and more planning, rules and ever growing technologies. But I emphatically disagree with those who say that the conditions in Bahrain are bad. Perhaps many would not have seen the unbel 0
106980 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Life is precious... handle it with care THIS has been doing the rounds on the Internet, and I thought I would share it with readers: SANJAY, a rich guy, loved fast cars and he did have a few in his possession. He loved to speed and could not be bothered about breaking speed limits. Many a times he was caught by the cops and speed radars, fined, but still he never bothered until one day as he was driving at a very high speed as usual, he saw a cop following him. The cop overtook him finally and asked him to stop and checked his licence. He then took out his pad and started writing, and then handed over the sheet of paper to Sanjay. How much was this one going to cost?!!! Wait a minute. What was this???? Some kind of joke? Certainly not a ticket. Sanjay began to read: "Dear Sanjay, Once upon a time I had a lovely daughter. She was six when killed by a car. You guessed it - a speeding driver's car. A fine and three months in jail, and the man was free. Free to hug his three daughters. I only had on 0
106981 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Don't spoil the name of this country UNDER the 'Vandals are sick' (GDN March 14) the reader says his friend recently for the first time came to Bahrain for a tourism visit. He hired a car the hub clips of which were stolen and the car body was vandalised by making deep scratches. He says many years ago people stopped visiting Nairobi because of similar problems there and questions is Bahrain going the same way. The answer is very simple. Every attempt is being made by some wise people to take this beautiful country off the list of tourist places. Though this country is very small it is rich in its natural beauty and heritage. Some people however for some reasons do not wish it to remain like this and they are scaring the people one way or the other in their own way. A Muharraq councillor has come out with a very wonderful idea. He wants BD3 a tax on every person 'departing' from Bahrain airport. With this money he wants trees planted in the airport area to make it look better and also to instal welcome s 0
106982 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Why no speed bumps? I WOULD like to bring to the attention of the ministry concerned the lack of speedbumps in a road in East Riffa. It has become so bad that twice I have almost been involved in a very bad accident. The road starts from the East Riffa Petrol Station where people start doing power slides! Then they come down Road 989 (at speeds no less than 80kph!) towards the houses where there are usually children playing, cars parked and people walking. This has become a very dangerous piece of road, and if the concerned authorities don't intervene soon, it could become a fatal spot. I hope the authorities take the proper action. Mohammed Z 0
106983 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Excuse the ignorant INSTEAD of being angry with all the appalling driving habits one sees every day, we should feel sorry for these people, who genuinely act out of ignorance. Their knowledge of driving is restricted to how to make a car go forward and backward, and they know nothing of the actual skills required - such as planning lane changes in advance, slowing down at traffic lights, being courteous to other drivers, and all the skills that us educated ones take for granted. The same attitudes from the Middle Ages that cause them to get aroused by shop dummies pervade their behaviour behind the wheel. Our hearts go out to the parents who have lost children to these ignorant people. Dana Halwa 0
106984 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Zinj roads awful WE live in New Zinj, Block 330, Road 3020. On behalf of all the residents in that area, I will like to bring to the notice of the Ministry of Works and Housing that the condition of the internal roads is awful and needs repair at the earliest. Huge potholes have formed due to current showers which need attention. Kindly address this at the earliest. Mohammed 0
106985 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Wacky races! IT'S traffic week and it would appear that some drivers in Bahrain think this is the opportunity to create even more havoc than usual. On Tuesday lunchtime while trying to access the Burgerland roundabout from the Hamad Town Highway, there was the usual pavement drivers speeding up the pathway and pushing their way in to reach the front of the queue. Yesterday afternoon at the Seef Mall junction from the main highway, there was the usual extra third lane created by impatient drivers who think they do not have to use the two designated lanes like everyone else. And on Wednesday morning was the pick of the bunch. The new link road, between Budaiya and the Hamad Highway, was severely blocked with traffic due to a small shower of rain. This two-way road was therefore turned into a one-way system by the drivers. They then needed to take action to avoid oncoming traffic by quickly pushing into the proper lane or by going off the road on the other side. It was like a scene from wacky rac 0
106986 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Turning a blind eye to cruelty? MUCH has been said about cruelty to animals, but one thing that is always surprising is that the sport of "Falconry" has skipped most attention and up until now nobody has pointed a finger and condemned this sport. I always wonder what pleasure the falconers get by breeding the peregrines, training them and then forcing them to chase the terrified birds and sit and watch as how these predator birds hunt their prey and devour them in front of the cameras. What role do those societies for prevention of cruelty to animals who consider themselves the protectors of animals actually play? Why such a sport which was once popular in the Middle Ages is allowed to be practised nowadays? Does the honourable members of the society for prevention of cruelty to animals play a double standard where they see someone practising this kind of sport and turn a blind eye, or do they only protect cats and dogs in their kennels and consider that only they are superior creations which have developed a special sensory s 0
106987 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Roundabout ruined WHAT was once a beautiful roundabout at A'ali with all those majestic trees looks like a tsunami has hit it. The question is who cut those trees...and why? Is it legal? Does the right hand know what the left hand is doing? Redha J Almandeel lA MIDDLE Area technical services spokesman said: "For your reader's information the trees he refers to were very old and many were dead and so they were removed. A new landscape has already been designed and is in the process of being implemented." 0
106988 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Health risks faced by workers not appreciated I REFER to the Works and Housing Ministry spokesman's timely response (GDN February 25 - "So Many Bonuses") to my colleague's letter of the November 24, 2004. Had the ministry spokesman used the three month period to investigate and understand concern set out in the said letter one could appreciate the delay. However, it is obvious from his response that he did not. His failure even to address his reply to the correct directorate only goes to confirm our assertion. Firstly, protective clothing is not a bonus. Safety shoes, overalls and waterproofs are an ongoing operation and maintenance requirement and prior to the letter of November 24, had not been issued for 18 months. Additionally, as part of the "nature of work" allowance, workers are compensated for working in unsanitary and unhealthy conditions usually involving direct exposure to sewage. Hygiene is of the utmost importance to avoid such sewage related diseases as dermatitis, lepto spiral jaundice, cholera, intestinal w 0
106989 0 1502 LETT LETTERS More signs to circuit? THERE are signs everywhere showing the way to the Bahrain Circuit, except on the main road where it is very important. Once you pass the new flyover into Hamad Town, there is not a single sign showing the way. Even for residents in Bahrain it is difficult to find the way, and it will be impossible for visitors who will get lost. All the roundabout numbers are in Arabic and there are no directions to the circuit. They need to put up some temporary signs urgently or it will be chaos for thousands of people heading in that direction. JM 0
106990 0 1502 LETT LETTERS A whole new ball game... Rule 1: Israelis have the right to play on both sides of the field, whereas Palestinians can only play on theirs. Rule 2: Palestinians do not have the right to pass the ball between players, for security reasons of course: the ball could hit an Israeli player. Rule 3: There will be no basket on the Israeli side: others should not be allowed to mark points. Rule 4: Israel is allowed to shoot always even during time-outs. Rule 5: Palestinians are not allowed to have supporters. Only Israelis should be supported. Rule 6: Israel selects the Press and what the Press diffuses: Israeli faults and Palestinian good plays will not be shown on TV. Rule 7: Israel tolerates and encourages Palestinians to shoot into the Palestinian basket. Rule 8: Palestinian players are allowed to leave the field, but cannot be replaced and cannot come back. One exception: A Palestinian can be replaced by an Israeli! Rule 9: Israel selects and instructs the refe 0
106991 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Bridge too far WITH reference to the blue bridge sign on Janabiya Highway that a person wrote about (GDN March 8), I think the writer is referring to the universal sign for a motorway. It is two white lines and what looks like a bridge over it. You can check it out in any highway code book. Motorway driver 0
106992 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Junk mail driving me crazy IS anyone else having problems with junk mail from an Arabic Institute"? They have been sending me pages of junk mail in Arabic and will not accept my unsubscribe instruction. Has anyone else succeeded? If so, how? B Lady lA BATELCO spokesman said: "We would like to inform this customer that Batelco is very concerned about any spam traffic sent to Batelco Internet email customers. We do offer a free anti-spam service for all email accounts which can be accessed through the email web interface for configuration. One of the anti-spam service features is the ability to block by 'sender address' which will help resolve this particular customer's problem of receiving unwanted emails from a known source. If any further help is required then our Inet Helpdesk team will be only too pleased to assist. The number is 17 88 11 88." 0
106993 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Bombay beckons THE daily reports in the GDN about the Bombay stock market are highly readable and thanks to the newspaper for this. All Indians are indeed indebted to the two highly acclaimed economists Dr Manmohan Singh and P Chidambaran for managing the finances of the country so well. The recent budget is an example of this. What was striking was the finance minister's step toward turning Bombay into a premier financial centre between London and Singapore, as per Datamonitor a UK agency. The private wealth on affluent Indians will touch $200 billion by 2008 hence many wealth management banks are rushing to India. It would be very fruitful if this Bombay financial harbour complements the BFH, the DIFC and other centres around the Middle East so that the region can become a financial powerhouse Natrajan 0
106994 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Job help please I AM a Bahraini national and have recently graduated in medicine (MBBS) from Dehli, India. I completed my one-year internship in Delhi's best hospitals. Can any one help me in finding a job in Bahrain, and advise me as how to register with the Bahrain Medical Council? Jaffer Ali 0
106995 0 1502 LETT LETTERS On-line joy IT has been quite a pleasure reading the GDN on-line whenever I am out of the Kingdom of Bahrain. Apart from being well set, the daily is very concise and informative. Hope you keep the good work going. Have a nice year. B R H Dadlani, Managing director ADA, Bahrain 0
106996 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Undies idea great! SO pleased to hear that undies are not going to be allowed to dry on balconies, wonderful idea. Can this suggestion please be stretched to include all washing, such an eyesore for us all to look at. I would rather look at the palm trees blowing in the wind rather than undies. Also my neighbour uses her balcony as a wardrobe... nothing ever gets taken in!! Must be quite uncomfortable to wear after being covered in sand and dust. Ivor Itch 0
106997 0 1502 LETT LETTERS Perspective please THANKS for the chuckle provided by the Guantanamo detainee 'torture' allegations. I wonder what the detainees who were beheaded in Iraq by Zarqawi and company might think of their treatment. Let's keep things in perspective. Thomas Arifi 0
106998 1 1502 BNEW LOCAL Crash horror MANAMA A young Bahraini passenger suffered from serious injuries when a car skidded into an electricity sub-station in Tubli yesterday. He broke both legs and had to be cut free from the front seat of the car after it smashed into the sub-station behind the McDonald's restaurant. It took firemen about 30 minutes to cut the Bahraini youngster free from the wreckage. The Indian driver suffered from slight injuries after losing control of the car due to speed and slippery roads, at around 1.50pm, said police. They were both taken to the Salmaniya Medical Complex. No further information was available. 0
106999 2 1502 BNEW LOCAL Gulf Air to triple packages for F1 MANAMA GULF AIR has tripled the number of package deal rooms on offer for passengers flying into Bahrain for next month's Formula One Grand Prix. It has secured 300 rooms this year, compared to 100 for last year's debut event, to meet growing demand. More die-hard fans are expected to stay in Bahrain for the entire F1 weekend this year, an airline official said yesterday. "Demand for the four-day packages from around the Gulf Air network has already exceeded last year's levels," said leisure and destination services manager Mark Senior. He explained that during last year's F1 weekend, the airline carried 1,065 passengers to Bahrain. "The majority of these passengers were on day trips. This year, because we have secured more rooms compared to last year, we are expecting more people to stay for the entire four days, from March 31 to April 3, the day of the race," said Mr Senior. He said that last year, the Bahrain International Circuit secured 75 per cent of acco 0
107000 3 1502 BNEW LOCAL College chance is music to Ahlam's ears MANAMA PRACTISING the piano for six hours a day would probably be torture for most young people, but for 17-year-old Bahraini Ahlam Abbas Ali Yousif it is music to her ears. Ahlam, who studies piano at the Bahrain Music Institute, has been offered a place at the prestigious Royal College of Music (RCM) in London, UK. She will have the chance to study classical piano with some of the world's greatest pianists and teachers during a four-year degree course at the college, starting in September. Her ambition is to eventually become a professional pianist. "I would love to perform in the Carnegie Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London," she said. "Getting there will require dedication and hard work though." Ahlam started looking for musical academies and conservatoires about a year ago and was drawn towards the RCM. "I have never been to London and I have heard it is one of the best places to be for the Arts, so I am very excited," she said. A 0
107001 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Housemaids and their drunken guest jailed MANAMA A SRI LANKAN man and two housemaids have each been jailed for a month after the man sneaked into the house where the women worked, without the owner's permission. The 46-year-old man was also fined BD50 for being drunk, by the Lower Criminal Court. None of the three defendants showed up for sentencing. They were arrested in November 2003, after the man sneaked into the East Riffa house while the Bahraini owner was away in the UAE. His driver called him and alerted him and he in turn called his sister, who sent a relative round to the house to check. He caught the 27-year-old Indonesian maid and the man, an Interior Ministry watchman, sitting together in a bedroom. The 26-year-old Sri Lankan maid fled the house, but returned the next day and was arrested. The male defendant admitted entering the house without the owner's permission and being drunk. The Sri Lankan maid admitted helping the man enter the house, but the Indonesian maid denied 0
107002 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Intruder locked up by tenants AN intruder was caught red-handed by restaurant staff living in company accommodation in Gudaibiya. They locked the Bahraini man in a bedroom until police arrived to arrest him. It is thought the man may have been responsible for a string of thefts in the building, opposite the Al Nozha Restaurant. Three Indian staff from the restaurant were relaxing at home when the incident happened, at around 11am on Wednesday. Eight staff share a four-bedroom flat on the first floor of the building, said restaurant manager Mohammed Basheer. "Two of my staff were relaxing in their bedroom and their door was locked from inside," he said A third staff member, Abdul Aziz, was coming out of the bathroom when he saw a Bahraini man coming out of one of the bedrooms. "Mr Aziz called the other staff and they asked the man what he was doing there and he replied that he had come to see someone called Ibrahim," said Mr Basheer. "He was giving different explanations as to 0
107003 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Businessman denies stealing documents A BAHRAINI businessman has denied burgling the company premises where he used to work and stealing documents. The 39-year-old told police he was a majority partner in the construction company and had a right to be in the building. He admitted climbing in through a second-floor window, but said this was only because his Cypriot partner had changed the locks, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The defendant was arrested last July after a watchman found him in the company offices in Umm Al Hassam, going through papers. He had left the company three months earlier and though the watchman let him leave, he later filed a police complaint on instruction from his Cypriot boss, the court heard. "It is true that I entered the construction company building through the window, but I did not steal any papers," the defendant told police. "I looked at the papers that concerned me inside the company office, but I did not steal anything. "I am a partner in the com 0
107004 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Building boost for Shahrakan A NEW BD372,000 commercial building, which includes showrooms and apartments, is to be built in Shahrakan, near Sakhir. It is being built on land owned by the Northern Municipality and will cover an area of 500sq m. The three-storey building will be rented out to generate income for the municipality. Area municipal councillor Sayed Amir Mohammed said bids have already been accepted to construct the building. "We have done our calculations and chose the best bid, which was BD372,000," he said. "This land is located on a strategic site in the village and couldn't have been leased for less." He added that the land has been neglected for years without any attempt to develop it. "The municipality will get a good revenue from leasing it," he said. "In addition, there are many newlywed villagers who are interested in renting flats in the building and leaving their parents' crammed houses." Mr Mohammed hopes the municipality will consider s 0
107005 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Batelco sponsors Internet platform BATELCO, has agreed to sponsor the Internet platform www.womengateway.com that highlights the leading role Bahraini women play on all fronts. The sponsorship comes in recognition of the valuable information the women's gateway provides as part of collective efforts aiming to empower Bahraini women at all levels. The WomenGateway website, a joint venture between the Bahraini Businesswomen Society and Al Nadeem Information Technology, was launched in February 2003. Left, Batelco corporate affairs head Ahmed Al Janahi, left, presents the sponsorship cheque to society members Ahlam Yousif Janahi, centre, and Suhair Ali Bu Khamas. 0
107006 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Driving home the safety message MORE than 500 children, aged six to 14, took part in a drawing festival to celebrate the GCC Traffic Week yesterday at Al A'ali Shopping Complex. The event was organised by renowned Bahraini artist Abbas Al Mousawi in co-ordination with the General Directorate of Traffic under the theme Peace Is Our Path. Around 150 children stood outside the complex with their drawings and called upon people to abide by traffic rules and regulations. The event, at the complex, also includes a three-day photography exhibition by the children on irresponsible traffic manners and irrational driving behaviour and attitudes, which ends tomorrow. The exhibition is open from 9.30am until 11pm. Mr Al Mousawi said the festival focused on the dangers of the use of mobile phones and smoking while driving - two of the biggest traffic problems Bahrain is facing today. The Public Security Band also performed at the event while policewomen painted children's faces with traffic signs dur 0
107007 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Poetic tribute to humanity A MEGA poetry festival begins in Bahrain on Monday. The three-day event, organised by the Writers and Literature Association, marks International Poetry Day, which also falls on Monday. It also celebrates more than 35 years since the association was established and is being held under the theme A Word For Humanity. Event information committee head Ahmed Al Ajmi said this year's event would focus on French poetry. "French poetry is rich and this is why we have decided to place it first on a list of civilisations we are planning to highlight in our upcoming events," he said. Two top French poets have been invited to take part in the event, along with Bahraini and other nationalities. Mr Al Ajmi said preparations for the event began two months ago, to ensure it lives up to expectations. "The event will include honouring ceremonies for all those contributing to the association over the years, in addition to others who have been supportive to the assoc 0
107008 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Garden show winners honoured ALMOST 300 competition winners of the Bahrain Garden Club's (BGC) 40th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Show were honoured yesterday. BGC chairwoman Mary Yateem presented cups and certificates, at a ceremony held at the BGC's premises in Juffair. She presented them to the winners of various competitions, which included experimental gardening, garden photography, flower arrangement, fruits, vegetables, flowers and gardens. British Ambassador Robin Lamb also attended the event to present the British Ambassador's cups for Best School Vegetable basket and Best School Flowers, which went to the Shaikh Isa bin Ali School for Boys and Qurtabah Intermediate School for Girls, respectively. The BGC show was held earlier this month as one of the features of the Bahrain Garden Fair 2005 (BGF), which took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). It was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by his wife Her Highness Shaikha Sab 0
107009 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Culture is celebrated... EVERYONE had a taste of international culture at the Bahrain School, Juffair, yesterday. The annual International Day Fair, organised by the school's Parents Teachers Students Organisation (PTSO), featured more than 30 stalls, each representing a different country. "At the Bahrain School, our pupils represent about 37 countries and at the International Day Fair we celebrate each one in a very special way," said PTSO member Sohair Al Idrissi. The event was attended by hundreds of people, including several ambassadors and other diplomats. Several items ranging from arts and crafts, traditional delicacies and sweets, to decors and crystals were sold at the event. Bahraini artists who demonstrated the art of weaving baskets and pottery making. Filipino pupils of the school also invited dancers from the Philippine School Bahrain to perform at the fair. Bangladeshi pupils also performed a traditional dance. The fair was hailed as a success by org 0
107010 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL New Ayurvedic centre opened A NEW Indo-Bahrain joint venture BD500,000 medical centre was opened in Umm Al Hassam yesterday. Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi opened the Kingdom Centre for Ayurvedica and Herbal Treatment, in the presence of Indian Embassy officials and community leaders. The project is a joint venture between leading businessman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa and the Kivi Group in Kerala. The alternative medicine centre will initially offer treatment based on India's ancient medical system of Ayurveda, said managing director B Vivek. Four doctors and 10 senior health technicians have joined the centre, he revealed. "We estimate the total cost of the project to be around BD500,000, which will include a new BD400,000 building which is nearing completion adjacent to the clinic," said Mr Vivek. "The new building will have in-patient facility with 20 beds. "Consultation will be provided free for all visitors. We have also decided to give free tre 0
107011 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Cleric killed outside mosque BAGHDAD: A Sunni Muslim cleric was killed in a drive-by shooting in Iraq last night. Imam Abdel Rahim Samarrai was standing outside his Thulal Nukatain mosque in Baghdad's Jadida district when he was killed by gunfire from a car. In Basra, police discovered the bodies of three men and one woman whose hands were bound and had been shot in the head. In Kirkuk, gunmen shot dead a police brigadier who was head of the northern city's criminal investigations department and a US soldier died in a roadside bomb blast south of Baghdad while a car bomb northeast of the capital killed four Iraqis and injured 15. Meanwhile, outgoing US Ambassador John Negroponte left Iraq after a nearly nine-month stint. Charge d'affaires James Jeffrey takes over temporarily. In Washington, the army's vice chief of staff General Richard Cody said the US army expects to reduce the size of its force in Iraq later this year and early next following gains from elections and a campaign against Ira 0
107012 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Government urged to fund poll candidates POLITICAL groups in Bahrain are calling for government funding to help them put forward candidates in next year's parliamentary elections. More than 70 people, representing various political societies, met yesterday to discuss ways in which the government could fund political groups become part of the democratic process. The one-day event, organised by the Bahrain Transparency Society in co-ordination with the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), was held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. It included a welcome speech by Parliament first vice chairman Abdulhadi Marhoon. Participants also called for the formation of a Higher Election Committee to run the elections. The distribution of government funding for the societies should be fair, they said. The committee should also include members from different political groups, in order to represent all those concerned. Those taking part in yesterday's meeting urged the government to allocate 0
107013 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL Sermon schedule MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering Friday sermons in different languages today. Following is a schedule for the sermons, provided by the Islamic Affairs Ministry: Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Fateh Mosque in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque in Isa Town, Saar Mosque in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira Bin Shoba Mosque in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque in Barbar. Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque in Manama, Othman Bin Afan Mosque in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque in East Riffa and Adliya Mosque in Adliya. Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama. Bangladeshi: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama and Saar Mosque in Saar. English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. Singhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. The translations will be made following the lunchtime prayers. 0
107014 0 1502 BNEW LOCAL From a bank worker to top businessman... When Haji Abdul Qudoos first arrived in Bahrain in 1959, he earned just BD60 a month working in a bank. Now he is an established businessman, who believes the key to his success has been a combination of hard work and a commitment to the community and charitable activities. Mr Qudoos was the first Pakistani to join Standard Chartered Bank and joined Pakistan's United Bank Limited (UBL) when it launched operations here a decade later. He now runs his own family business. Mr Qudoos was born in Sialkot, an industrial city, in 1936 and graduated from Islamia College Sialkot. "I belonged to a conservative family stressing on religion for spiritual inspiration and moral integrity," he said. "We grew up with the feeling that moral values, character, honesty, ethics and integrity were the beacon lights to succeed in life." Mr Qudoos' first glimpse of Manama was from a cargo-cum-passenger ship, which had left Karachi six days earlier. He r 0
107015 1 1502 SPOR SPORT AL BITAR RACES TO VICTORY UAE's Dr Jaber Al Bitar raced to victory in seniors section while Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa took the juniors title in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship, sponsored by Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort, yesterday at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir. Representing Al Reef Stables in the UAE, Al Bitar won the 130-km race beating some stiff challenge from top riders from Bahrain and other GCC countries. Bahrain's Al Talia Stables captain and Bahrain Royal Equestrian (Breef) endurance committee chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa was second while his compatriot Jaber Al Dossary finished third. In the juniors race which was over 120 kms, Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa of Ahmed Al Fateh Stable proved too good. She was followed by Mohammed Abdulsamad of the Royal Endurance Team in second place while Al Asayel Stable's rider Abdulaziz Khalifa was third. The event was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad who atten 0
107016 2 1502 SPOR SPORT Pakistan batsmen hit back in style CALCUTTA, India: Under-pressure Younis Khan and Yousuf Youhana cracked unbeaten centuries as Pakistan gave a fitting reply to India in the second Test at the Eden Gardens here yesterday. Younis slammed 108 not out for his seventh Test hundred and Yousuf Youhana an unbeaten 101 for his 13th ton to help Pakistan post 273 for two by stumps on the second day in reply to India's first innings total of 407. The pair drove the Indian bowlers to the verge of despair with their responsible knocks, denying the hosts success for more than three hours with a 203-run stand for the unbroken third wicket. Youhana and Younis also kept pressure on the Indian fielders with their smart running between wickets as they lost no opportunity to gather singles and twos. Vice-captain Younis, unsure of his place after making nine and one in the drawn opening Test at Mohali last week, returned to form just when his team needed runs to put India on the back foot. He completed his hundred in t 0
107017 3 1502 SPOR SPORT Al Sadadi retires from Oman Rally MUSCAT: Bahraini driver Hassan Al Sadadi was forced into early retirement from the Oman Rally while Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson took the lead after seven timed special stages in the Hajar mountains of the Sultanate yesterday. Al Sadadi, the only Bahraini driver and sponsored by Damas, bowed out of this two-day event after his Subaru Impreza WRX suffered terminal mechanical problems. Joining Al Sadadi was Oman's Hamad Al Wahaibi, Lebanon's Michel Saleh, Britain's Howard Paterson and Kuwait's Essam Al Nejadi with similar mechanical faults. The event started with a fascinating tussle between Al Wahaibi and Al Attiyah who took over the lead when a broken wishbone sidelined Al Wahaibi in the fourth stage. The Qatari duly won the fifth stage and extended his lead over Khalid Al Qassimi to two minutes and nine seconds at the end of the day, as Al Qassimi lost further time with slight damage to the car. Penalty Dubai's Sha 0
107018 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Al Sadadi retires from Oman Rally MUSCAT: Bahraini driver Hassan Al Sadadi was forced into early retirement from the Oman Rally while Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson took the lead after seven timed special stages in the Hajar mountains of the Sultanate yesterday. Al Sadadi, the only Bahraini driver and sponsored by Damas, bowed out of this two-day event after his Subaru Impreza WRX suffered terminal mechanical problems. Joining Al Sadadi was Oman's Hamad Al Wahaibi, Lebanon's Michel Saleh, Britain's Howard Paterson and Kuwait's Essam Al Nejadi with similar mechanical faults. The event started with a fascinating tussle between Al Wahaibi and Al Attiyah who took over the lead when a broken wishbone sidelined Al Wahaibi in the fourth stage. The Qatari duly won the fifth stage and extended his lead over Khalid Al Qassimi to two minutes and nine seconds at the end of the day, as Al Qassimi lost further time with slight damage to the car. Penalty Dubai's Sha 1
107019 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Federer in line for fourth title of year INDIAN WELLS, California: Swiss superstar Roger Federer kept his quest alive for his second consecutive Indian Wells title by beating Ivan Ljubicic in a battle of the two hottest players on the ATP Tour. Top seed Federer won 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-4) yesterday to reach the quarter-finals and has not dropped a set so far in the $4.8-million WTA and ATP Masters Series tournament. "I am so motivated for this tournament," Federer said. "I really want to defend this title." Federer already has three titles (Doha, Rotterdam, Dubai) in 2005 with wins over Ljubicic in all three finals. He has won six of seven tournaments he has entered since start of US Open. "I am able to dig much deeper than I used to. To be down a set doesn't bother me like it used to," Federer said. Federer's victory sets up a marquee quarter-final at the California desert event featuring six players seeded in the top 10. Second seed Lleyton Hewitt and third seed Andy Roddick and No 6 Tim Henman also won t 0
107020 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Casey shares four-way lead BEIJING: Englishman Paul Casey shared a four-way lead after the opening round of the TCL Classic at Yalong Bay Golf Club on Hainan Island yesterday. Ryder Cup player Casey signed for a 64 to set the early pace before he was matched by Swedes Fredrik Andersson Hed and Johan Edfors and Thai Chawalit Plaphol. Casey birdied his opening two holes before picking up further shots on the eighth and ninth to turn in four-under-par 32. He fired four straight birdies from the 12th to the 15th to post the clubhouse target of eight under par. On a day of low scoring, 125 of the 168 players shot below par rounds. Nine players, including Casey's Ryder Cup team mate Paul McGinley finished one shot off the lead. Straight Andersson Hed started the day with seven straight pars before his round took off with four birdies and two eagles in his closing 12 holes. Edfors managed an eagle at the par-four 10th, although a bogey at the last cost him the outright lead. Asian attentio 0
107021 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Pistons in 10th victory at home TORONTO: Chauncey Billups scored 32 points as the Detroit Pistons beat the Seattle SuperSonics 102-95 in NBA action yesterday, their 10th successive victory at home. Rasheed Wallace added 24 points and eight rebounds for the champion Pistons, who have won four of their last five games. Seattle out-scored Detroit 28-15 in the second quarter to take a five-point halftime lead, before Billups scored 17 points in the third quarter to put Detroit ahead. Richard Hamilton and Wallace led a late fourth-quarter run to put the game out of reach. Hamilton added 18 points, as did Tayshaun Prince. Rashard Lewis had 26 points while Ray Allen added 20 for Seattle, who have lost five of their last seven games. In East Rutherford, New Jersey, Vince Carter scored 30 points for the Nets in their 100-84 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Jason Kidd added 22 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Nets, who won all four games this year over Chicago and have beaten the Bulls 0
107022 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Sameer hero in Al Sarraj victory A fine spell of bowling by Sameer helped Al Sarraj Jewellery defeat Dyncorp CC by three wickets in the Island Cricket League's Alpha Fire League tournament. Batting first, Dyncorp CC began well scoring 51 runs in six overs before opener Duminda(21) was dismissed. Rasika's (23) departure in the next over slowed down the run rate and Sameer (5-30) proved to be a thorn in Dyncorps side as they were restricted to 109 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Al Sarraj lost a couple of early wickets, but the partnership between Noor (39no) and Peter (11) guided their team to victory in the 16th over with three wickets in hand. In another match, Standard Chartered Bank CC crushed Cosmos CC by 9 wickets after the latter were bundled out for 140 with Firoz (38) and Sameer (36) being the main scorers. Faisal (4-33) and Haroon (3-17) were the pick of the Standard Chartered CC bowlers. Haroon (56no) and Fawad (41) then led Standard Chartered Bank CC to victory in the 16th over. 0
107023 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Kalavitigoda included in Lanka squad for Kiwi tour COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have called up uncapped opener Shantha Kalavitigoda in a 14-man squad for their rescheduled tour to New Zealand. Kalavitigoda's selection was a surprise as he was not selected in a preliminary 18-man training pool. However, the 27-year-old's impressive 83 against England A this week helped him leapfrog other contenders. His substantial first-class experience - he averages 32.86 after 100 first-class matches - will also have counted in his favour in the expected bowler-friendly conditions. Left-armer Ruchira Perera has also been called up as a replacement for Nuwan Zoysa, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee on Wednesday in Australia. Leading spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who will marry this weekend in Chennai, will miss the tour to give his bowling shoulder more time to recover from a second operation in February. Sri Lanka squad: Marvan Atapattu (captain), Mahela Jayawardene (vice captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara 0
107024 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Team from Sharjah on Bahrain tour As the cricketing season for youngsters has just begun, the Bahrain Cricket Academy, as part of their 'youth exchange programme' have organised a tour of Bahrain by the Delhi Public School - Sharjah (UAE) under-13 team during which they will play a series of matches against the BCA, Sacred Heart School and the Indian School. Arrived The Dehli Public School team arrived in Bahrain on Wednesday and took on the BCA under-12 team in the tour opener yesterday. Today, the Sharjah team will take on another team from the BCA who are currently undergoing training for the Madan Lal Tournament to be held in Delhi next month. Tomorrow will be a rest day for the tourists and on Sunday they will play Sacred Heart School's under-13 team. In the last match of their tour the visitors will play the under-13 team of the Indian School. 0
107025 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Muharraq edge out Saudi side MUHARRAQ defeated Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia 25-23, 24-26, 25-22, 25-18 in an exciting game in the 24th GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship last night at the Al Arabi Club gym in Doha. Both Muharraq and Qatar Club concluded their league fixtures with an equal record of nine points from four wins and a defeat. The teams clash again today at 5pm to decide the title. Muharraq's victory was inspired by their veteran spikers Mohammed Jassim and captain Ayman Salman. Other players who made key contributions to the triumph were Fadhel Abbas and Yaseen Al Meel, playmaker Ahmed Yousef, and Rashid Al Haiki. 0
107026 0 1502 SPOR SPORT Five teams for under-11 cricket Five teams will be participating in the Inter-School Under-11 Cricket Tournament for the Mathias Shield which began yesterday at the Riffa ground. This tournament is being held for the third year in succession and the participating teams are BCA Wanderers, BCA Rovers, Indian School, Sacred Heart and St Christophers. The event will be played on a round robin league basis. BCA Wanderers take on BCA Rovers in the first match while the second match will be played between Indian School and last year's runners up Sacred Heart. 0
107027 0 1502 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Performance by Irish band The Thatch Boys, JJ's Irish Pub, Al Bustan Hotel, 3.30pm. o Malaysian Club of Bahrain's Jamuan The (Tea Party), Palace Gardens II poolside, Saar, 3pm-5.30pm. Contact 36067010. Performance by The Tarvellin' Be'rbellies, Bulls Head Lounge, Dilmun Club, Saar, 5pm. Entrance free members and BD1 guests. Performance by New Zealander Jo Lincoln and friends, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Fiddlers Green, 4pm-7pm. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Areen Wildlife Park, 8am-4pm. Tour fees BD1 adults, 500 fils children. Contact 17836116. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Good Shepherd Foursquare Church worship service, 7pm, Alun Morris Hall, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama. Contact 17242488 or 396 0
107028 0 1502 WORL WORLD Militants in truce deal CAIRO: The Palestinians and Israel pledged yesterday to observe an informal truce until the year-end although militants stopped short of declaring a full ceasefire the world had hoped for. All 13 major factions agreed on the conditional period of calm at crunch talks presided over by Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in the Egyptian capital. Israel vowed to continue to refrain from military offensives as long as the Palestinians observed a de facto peace, in keeping with a promise made at a summit in Egypt's Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh last month. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon welcomed the Palestinian decision as a "first and positive step", in a telephone call with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The Cairo Declaration came as Egyptian-Israeli relations took a step forward yesterday with the arrival of Cairo's newly appointed ambassador to Israel after a four-year diplomatic hiatus. Mohammed Asim Ibrahim will present his credentials on Monday together with a 0
107029 1 1502 WORL WORLD $421M BANK HACKERS' BID FOILED LONDON: British police are investigating an attempted robbery of 219 million ($421m, BD160.3m) at the London offices of the Japanese bank Sumitomo. A gang hacked into computers at the bank in October 2004 and attempted to transfer the cash to 10 accounts around the world. The theft has raised fears of the threat posed by organised gangs of computer hackers. A spokeswoman for Britain's National High Tech Crime Unit confirmed there was an ongoing investigation into the attempted robbery but declined to give details. Israeli police said they had arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with the crime. Yaron Bolondi was arrested in a suburb near Tel Aviv under suspicion of being involved in an attempt to launder 20m. Two British investigators have flown out to Israel. "As a police investigation is under way right now, we'd like to refrain from commenting on the case," said Takashi Morita, spokesman for the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc in Toky 0
107030 2 1502 WORL WORLD Musharraf's mum visits Delhi home NEW DELHI: Hundreds of people crowded onto rooftops and thronged the narrow lanes of Old Delhi yesterday as Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's mother paid her first visit to her ancestral home in more than 20 years. Octogenarian Zarin Musharraf was showered with gifts and flowers as she arrived in a wheelchair at the haveli, or traditional ornately decorated home, in India's former capital now part of greater New Delhi. Flanked by her grandson Bilal, Musharraf cut a birthday cake for the nine-year-old daughter of the family presently living in the house. "Everything seems to have changed here. There is a bit more of the sky visible from here. It really brings back so many memories," she said of the home where she had lived before the 1947 partition which divided India and Pakistan. Among those who gathered in the hot sun to welcome her was her former housemaid Anara. "Madam was very happy to see me. All I wanted was to meet her, nothing else," she said. Bilal Mu 0
107031 3 1502 WORL WORLD Bush hails courage of sisters WASHINGTON: President George W Bush stood in solidarity with the family of slain Belfast man Robert McCartney yesterday in a St Patrick's Day event that snubbed Sinn Fein, the political ally of the IRA. Bush told the five sisters and fiancee of McCartney at a White House reception that he admired their courage and supported their efforts to have the killers of McCartney brought to justice. McCartney, a Roman Catholic, was stabbed to death in January outside a Belfast pub by a gang that included known IRA members. The McCartney killing, and a $50 million (BD18.9m) bank robbery in December blamed on the IRA, have thrown into turmoil efforts to restore Northern Ireland's regional government set up under the 1998 Good Friday power-sharing agreement between Protestants and Catholics. A sister, Paula McCartney, said that Bush "seemed to have an understanding of what the (McCartney) case was about and was obviously 100 per cent behind us on it." The six women have re 0
107032 0 1502 WORL WORLD Gang rape victim seeks justice ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani gang-rape victim appealed to President Pervez Musharraf yesterday to order the rearrest of four of her alleged attackers, who have been freed from jail despite a court decision to reconsider their acquittal. Six men were sentenced to death in August 2002 for the assault, which was carried out on the orders of a tribal council, but were acquitted on appeal to Lahore High Court earlier this month. The Supreme Court has suspended the acquittal of five of them pending a new hearing at a date to be set. But four of the five were released from a jail on Tuesday despite the top court's decision to reconsider the case. They have returned to Meerwala, the home village of victim Mukhtiar Mai, 33, while the Supreme Court waits to fix the date for the hearing. "I want President Musharraf to re-order their arrest because their free movement is deplorable," Mai said during a visit to Islamabad to prepare legal papers for the case. Mai was raped for more t 0
107033 0 1502 WORL WORLD Police bid to identify jewel hoard LONDON: Police believe a hoard of jewellery found in the garage of Britain's worst mass murderer Harold Shipman may have belonged to his victims and appealed yesterday for victims' relatives to help identify it. Around 70 items, including rings, earrings, necklaces, brooches and bracelets, were taken from the family physician's garage when he was first arrested in 1998. "No evidence was found to support the theory at the time that it was stolen property but it has always been our unsubstantiated belief that some ... may have belonged to Shipman's victims," Manchester police said in a statement. Their appeal was prompted by a request from Shipman's widow Primrose, for the return of items seized during the investigation. Police said any items not positively identified through receipts or photographs by April 15 will be returned to the Shipman family. 0
107034 0 1502 WORL WORLD Woman hurt as man falls to death SHANGHAI: A man who jumped off a fourth-storey balcony in an apparent suicide landed on a 72-year-old woman, killing himself and leaving her hospitalised with broken bones and other injuries, a news report said yesterday. The man jumped from a balcony on the side of a supermarket in Shanghai at mid-day on Wednesday, landing on Gao Yuzhen, who suffered a ruptured liver and a broken leg and ribs, the newspaper Shanghai Daily reported. "The man died on the spot but he fell onto an old woman before reaching the ground," it quoted a witness, Lu Zhinian, as saying. The man carried no identification and police were still trying to find out his name, the report said. Gao was hospitalised and underwent surgery, the newspaper said. 0
107035 0 1502 WORL WORLD Annan hopes Syria pullout before polls UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said yesterday after talks with a special envoy just returned from the Middle East that he expects Syria to fully withdraw its troops from Lebanon before parliamentary elections in May. The vote in principle will take place by May 31. Annan met Terje Roed-Larsen the day after he returned to New York from talks with officials of several Middle East nations, including Syrian President Bashar Al Assad, whom he met in Aleppo, Syria, on March 12. Al Assad had "committed to withdraw all Syrian troops and intelligence from Lebanon", in line with a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council last year. Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said 4,000 to 6,000 Syrian troops had returned home since the pullout plan was announced on March 5, leaving 8,000 to 10,000 in eastern Lebanon. He said all Syrian forces had pulled back to the Bekaa Valley or crossed into Syria. Also yesterday, senior Lebanese opposition leader 0
107036 0 1502 WORL WORLD Neverland was a 'pleasure island' SANTA MARIA, California: Neverland Ranch was a "pleasure island" where children ran amok, appeared to be drunk and slept in Michael Jackson's private quarters, the star's former housekeeper said yesterday. In explosive testimony, Kiki Fournier told the superstar's child molestation trial that young guests frequently stayed over at Neverland and would run wild on the fantasy-themed estate. "Neverland became like Pinocchio's pleasure island without the parents," said Fournier, who from 1991 to 2003 worked at the sprawling estate where Jackson is accused of abusing his teen accuser after plying him with alcohol. On a couple of occasions, "children appeared to be intoxicated" at the ranch, the former housekeeper told jurors. Once, when a small group of children were having dinner with the 46-year-old Jackson with no other adults present, "two or three" of the children appeared to be intoxicated, she said. She told the court that children would spend weeks on end at the ranch 0
107037 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Youths jailed for theft TWO unemployed youngsters who stole cigarettes and a Sim Sim mobile card from a Manama cold store have been jailed for two months each. Bahrain's Lower Criminal Court heard that they committed the crime on May 29, 2004. A shop assistant, 27, from Hoora, told police that he had been busy in the store at about 11pm when a car with a private number plate stopped with two Bahraini men inside. "The driver asked for a Sim Sim prepaid mobile card for BD3 and a packet of Marlboro cigarettes for 550 fils," he said. The Indian salesman handed over the two items to the driver, who then sped away. "But we noted down the car registration number of these two thieves. Their age ranges from 18 to 28." The police traced the owner and summoned him to the police station. The 23-year-old defendant, who is unemployed and lives in Arad, said in his statement: "When we received the items my friend asked me do you have the money and I told him I had none at present. He tol 0
107038 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Kidney transplant restarting at SMC KIDNEY transplant surgery will restart in Bahrain early next month, says a leading specialist. A new specialist from Indian will take charge of the surgical team tomorrow, said Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Yousif Khalil Almoayyed Nephrology and Renal Transplant Centre head Dr Ahmed Al Arrayed. Professor Dr V L N Murthy is the head of transplant programme at the Nizam Institute in Hyderabad and he will be leading a specially put together team at the SMC. Dr Murthy visited Bahrain in June last year to study the prospects of restarting kidney transplants at the SMC. "Mr Murthy and his team will conduct the first transplant surgery during the first week of April. The date will be finalised after he joins the team," said Dr Al Arrayed. "We are glad that Dr Murthy is joining the team. He came to Bahrain to evaluate the needs of the transplant programme and to study the surgical manpower needed. "We have already prepared three Bahrainis for transplant. They 0
107039 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Butcher denies bribing officer A BANGLADESHI man has denied trying to bribe a traffic policeman who caught him operating an illegal taxi service. The 27-year-old butcher also denies illegally using his private car as a taxi, the Lower Criminal Court heard. He failed to show up for the latest court hearing and the case was adjourned until June 5. The defendant was stopped by an undercover traffic policeman after taking a paying Indian passenger from Manama to Sitra Industrial area, the court heard. When he was caught, the defendant allegedly offered the policeman free meat and fish whenever he visited his stall in the Central Market, in Manama, if he dropped the case. But the butcher told police he only gave a lift to the Indian man after he flagged him down on the road. "I did not offer any bribe to the police officer. Actually the traffic officer asked me where I worked and I told him that I was a butcher." "I told him that I sell a kilo of meat for BD1 and I would sell it t 0
107040 1 1503 BNEW LOCAL RIGHTS VOWMANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday pledged its commitment to further promote human rights and fundamental freedoms. Efforts in this regard include reports recently presented to the UN High Commission for Human Rights on the kingdom's commitment to conventions against discrimination and torture, said Bahrain's permanent representative to the UN Saeed Al Faihani. Mr Al Faihani said that in view of the importance of international mechanisms to promote human rights, Bahrain was keen to co-operate with the various relevant organisations over the year. He was speaking at the 61st session of the commission in Geneva, which started on Monday and continues until April 22. Mr Al Faihani said Bahrain had also submitted its report to the Committee on Torture, which meets in Geneva from May 2 to 21. In its report, the government said the constitutional and political developments that have taken place in Bahrain were "confirmation that the country respects human rights, including the principle of prohib 0
107041 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Speeding up the drive for safer roads... Motorists in Bahrain defy safety laws, resulting in a heartbreaking toll of death and injury. How can we stop the carnage, asks SARA HORTON. The world's first traffic casualty was 44-year-old Bridget Driscoll, killed in England in 1896, by a car travelling at just four kilometres an hour! "This must never happen again," were the coroner's words as he investigated the accident, which happened in Crystal Palace, London. Yet now more than 1.2 million people are killed and 50m are injured every year in traffic accidents worldwide. This will soar by more than 60 per cent by the year 2020, thanks to the ever increasing number of vehicles on the roads, says the World Health Organisation. The 21st GCC Traffic Week, which has just ended, aimed to improve awareness of the risks posed by hazardous driving and encourage road users to be safer and more courteous behind the wheel. In Bahrain, there have been 228 deaths and 9,805 serious injuries on the country's roads in three years 0
107042 2 1503 BNEW LOCAL Saudi, 26, dies in crash MANAMA: A Saudi national was killed in a car crash near Seef Mall yesterday. The 26-year-old driver was heading from Manama to the Seef area in his Hyundai at high speed, according to witnesses. He was unable to stop in time when the traffic light turned red on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway and was hit by a truck coming from the other side of the junction driven by an Asian. Due to the impact of the collision, the driver died from serious injuries at the scene of the accident. The Asian driver escaped unhurt. 0
107043 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Big step forward for a healthy cause A WALKATHON is being held in Bahrain to mark the World Health Day. It will be held at the walking circuit, off Al Estiqlal Highway, Sanad on April 7. All government ministries and 26 non-governmental organisations are participating in the event, which is being held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. The walkathon will be held from 4pm to 10pm and will focus on this year's World Health Day slogan - Make every mother and child count. "We want to encourage people to walk at least 1km," said Health Ministry health education head Dr Amal Al Jowder. Dr Al Jowder said this year's theme was important, especially because women are the gateway to family's health. She praised Bahrain for its strong mother and child health programmes and for public awareness and compliance. But Dr Al Jowder said the challenge in Bahrain now was non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, whi 0
107044 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL BD8,000 investment blow for manager AN assistant Bahrain bank manager lost BD8,000 he had invested in a failed business venture - thanks to two bounced cheques. And a 41-year-old Isa Town worker has been jailed for six months for his deception and fined BD500. He admitted accepting the money from a 39-year-old assistant manager at the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait to fund investment projects. "He lent me the money on the basis that once the projects become profitable, I would pay him a monthly share and return his capital whenever he demanded it," the defendant told Bahrain's Lower Criminal Court. He claimed he lodged two cheques - for BD5,000 and BD3,000 - with the manager as guarantees only. Both were post-dated and drawn on the BBK in favour of the beneficiary. But when they were presented for payment, they bounced. "I tried to solve the matter amicably, but he kept avoiding me, so I was forced to file a complaint," said the manager. The defendant claimed he suffered big losses with Al Ahli 0
107045 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Children learn to fight fire TWENTY-FOUR children from Al Wisam School visited the Budaiya Fire Station. The youngsters were briefed about the dangers of fires and the best course of action to fight and prevent them. 0
107046 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL BD2,268 raised to help orphans CHILDREN at an orphanage in Belize, Central America will now be able to receive extra tuition and counselling thanks to the generosity of the Bahrain community. Bahrain volunteer Yvonne Trueman raised $6,000 (BD2,268) in cash and gifts for the orphanage following an appeal to the community. Donations came from all over Bahrain including St Christopher's Senior School, which raised funds from its various charity events and St Christopher's Cathedral, who donated its Children's Festive Collection. Members of the public also donated to the cause. The funds are going to be put towards extra tuition for the children at the orphanage who are lagging behind in their school studies. It is also going to be used to help with counselling some children who have been abused and are suffering forms of trauma. "The ages of the children range from babies to teenagers. There is one 17-year-old girl who is desperate to complete her school studies, but there are no funds for this. I 0
107047 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Lunch for charity WOMEN are being invited to attend a Mother's Day lunch being held at the Spanish Court Restaurant located at the Cypress Garden in Budaiya on Monday. The event, starting at 1pm, is being organised by the InnerWheel Club of Bahrain under the patronage of Shaikha Thajba bint Salman Al Khalifa. Tickets are BD8 per person. Proceeds from the event will go towards charity projects supported by the club, including the Mother and Child Home Education Programme and charities catering for the disabled in Bahrain. For tickets, contact club member Jamila Al Attassi on 39455168. 0
107048 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Eat wisely and lose weight Shape up with Bahrain TrimDown Slimming Club founder and weight management consultant Julia Nellist, who offers advice on staying healthy, happy and slim in this fortnightly series. l Julia can be contacted by email at stujulia@batelco.com.bh Ask most people who are trying to lose weight what they think the key ingredient is and they will invariably say "willpower". This is seen as the magic potion that ensures weight loss success, but willpower has nothing whatsoever to do with winning the weight loss battle. For a start, willpower suggests that you must constantly fight the urge to eat "naughty, but nice" food choices, you must have a steely determination to face another plain salad and glass of water for lunch! Your mind revolves around eating, constantly thinking about food you would love to eat but "can't". Needless to say, dieting is then seen as a mammoth task. After three weeks of deprivation using the willpower method, you can no longer stand it and yo 0
107049 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Driver 'tried to steal BD7,000' A BAHRAINI driver tried to steal BD7,000 from his boss by forging a loan agreement letter. He stole a blank letter with the firm's letterhead and the 64-year-old businessman's signature on it, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The letter was one of four which the owner had given to his clearing agent to settle some outstanding transactions. The retired Bahraini, aged 46, denied forgery and illegally demanding money and the case was adjourned until June 19 for a verdict. However, the court heard that he had even had the confidence to take High Court action against his boss, using the letter which carried a company stamp and signature. It purported to be a promise by the businessman to repay the BD7,000 'loan' at the rate of BD500 per month. The victim said he had filed another case against his driver some time ago when he gave him a BD900 cheque to encash. The man had pocketed the money, it was claimed. "On January 21, 2004 while I was sitting in my 0
107050 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Activist to spread the message of peace A VISITING medical doctor-turned peace activist has stressed the need to build a strong foundation for peace and tolerance in young minds. The call came from the Delhi-based United Schools Organisation (USO) executive board member Dr Vasdev Bhagia. Dr Bhagia, a doctor specialised in paediatrics, currently practising in Texas, US, was in Bahrain at the invitation of United Schools International (USI) secretary general Jiya Lal Jain. USO is the parent organisation of USI, which has its Arab regional office in Bahrain. Dr Bhagia discussed the development of USI activities in Bahrain and other Gulf countries with Mr Jain. He praised Bahrain's leadership role in promoting world peace. "This is my first visit to Bahrain, and I am highly impressed by the kingdom's contribution to human rights activities and peace campaigns," Dr Bhagia told the GDN. "Bahrain has also established itself as a model to other countries of the region through its great democra 0
107051 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Organ surgery centre is planned TALKS are underway to set up an organ transplant centre in Bahrain, thanks to a BD1.5 million gift. A UAE family has pledged the money to build the centre, said Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) Yousif Khalil Almoayyed Nephrology and Renal Transplant Centre head Dr Ahmed Al Arrayed. "The rest of the cost will be partially met by the government and private organisations and from donations," said Dr Al Arrayed, who is also vice-president of the Bahrain Kidney Friendship Society. "Talks are still underway but the UAE family, who wish to remain anonymous, have agreed to donate this amount to cover the building cost. "It is too early to say how much the whole project will cost, but we are optimistic that we will be able to go ahead with this project after we get the approval from the Health Ministry. "Discussions are underway and we hope to get the approval soon." Dr Al Arrayed said that the manpower required for the centre would be shared by the Health Ministry 0
107052 0 1503 BNEW LOCAL Students to form union in Britain BAHRAINI students in the UK are to form their own union. The decision came as more than 80 Bahraini students from universities across the UK attended a meeting at Bradford University to celebrate Bahraini Student Day. The meeting, which was organised by the Bahraini Student E-issue circular, was held under the patronage of Bahraini cultural attach in the UK Safia Al Awadhi, on behalf of the Bahraini Ambassador to the UK and event sponsor Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. Bradford University School of Engineering Design and Technology dean Dr Andre Day was the guest of honour. During the event, Dr Day said the addition of Bahraini students to his university had brought a whole new expertise to the programme. He also expressed his pleasure at Bradford being chosen as the event base. "Even though I don't comprehend the language you speak, the enthusiastic and passionate delivery of the speeches gave me a clear idea of the rich culture you must have in Bahrain 0
107053 3 1503 BNEW LOCAL Pioneer role for university THE new Euro University will establish Bahrain as a centre for exporting environmental know-how to the rest of the region, says a top official. The BD50 million university, which will open its first phase in 2007, will organise a series of seminars to increase environmental awareness, said founding committee board chairman Dr Ahmed Al Janahi. The foundation stone for the university was laid in A'Ali earlier this month by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Wildlife, Marine Resources and Environment president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa is its honorary president. The university, the first in the Middle East to specialise in environmental science, will be ready by September 2007 for an intake of 150 students for Masters and research programmes. "At least 70 per cent of the students will be from outside Bahrain, especially from Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia," s 0
107054 1 1503 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai-based firm wins Doha hotels contract Doha: Dubai-based Al Habtoor Engineering has signed a $260 million contract to build four new hotels in the Qatari capital Doha, a report said. Construction is due to start next month and will be completed in a year's time, ahead of the Asian Games 2006. Al Rayyan Tourism Investment Company is the owner of the project, which will be built as part of the Doha City Centre expansion, the Gulf News report said. Four banks including Commercialbank and Doha Bank of Qatar, Al Ahli United Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Middle East Bank are financing the project. The project comprises development on the west and east sides of the existing Doha City Centre, the city's most popular shopping mall. The new project sites are titled Phase II West and Phase III A East, it said. The Phase II West expansion consists of three underground levels and an above ground seven-storey podium for Marriott Courtyard and Marriott Renaissance Towers. The Marriott Courtyard will be a four-star hotel with 20 0
107055 2 1503 BUSI BUSINESS EU upbeat over fiscal rules deal BRUSSELS: The European Commission said it is "reasonably confident" that EU finance ministers can strike a deal to reform tattered fiscal rules in extraordinary talks this weekend. But a spokeswoman for EU monetary affairs commissioner Joaquin Almunia added that EU leaders, due to hold a summit next Tuesday and Wednesday, would also likely have to discuss the reform to the Stability and Growth Pact. Almunia is "reasonably confident that it will prove possible to secure agreement" at the talks on Sunday, said his spokeswoman, Amelia Torres. "Such an agreement is in the interests of all," she added. The 1997 budget pact was all but suspended in November 2003 when European Union heavyweights France and Germany were left off the hook despite repeatedly breaching a key requirement of the rule book. The pact notably stipulates that members must not run public deficits in excess of three percent of GDP. Now the EU is determined to renew the budget rules in a way that will not threaten r 0
107056 3 1503 BUSI BUSINESS Microsoft in trouble BRUSSELS: The European Union threatened Microsoft with new fines if the software company doesn't make it easier for competitors to see the blueprints of its server software and less expensive for them to use it. After hearing from Microsoft's rivals, the EU's antitrust office found that the system the company had set up to improve the interoperability between its Windows server and other software companies was insufficient. "Based on the market tests, it doesn't seem to be working at all," said Jonathan Todd, the spokesman for the EU's antitrust office. EU anti-trust regulators fined Microsoft $665 million when they ruled that Microsoft abusively wielded its Windows software monopoly and locked competitors out of the market. 0
107057 0 1503 BUSI BUSINESS G-20 urges rich nations to cut farm subsidies NEW DELHI: A group of 20 developing nations demanded that the United States and European countries cut billions of dollars in subsidies they give their farmers within the next five years. The G-20 nations, which scuttled global trade talks in 2003 with their tough stance on agriculture policy, said at a meeting in the Indian capital that the United States and Europe must end export subsidies within "a period no longer than five years," according to a draft agreement that was to be adopted at the two-day meeting ending today. The gathering also urged other poorer nations to join their fight to correct what they described as trade imbalances created by non-tariff barriers imposed by rich countries. India to sign FTA NEW DELHI: India will sign a free trade deal with the South American Mercosur bloc today, Indian Trade Minister Kamal Nath said. The agreement will be signed on the sidelines of a two-day G-20 (group of 20) ministerial conference being attended by South American trade minister 0
107058 0 1503 BUSI BUSINESS Century 21 vows better services MANAMA: Century 21 Bahrain officials attended the Century 21 International Convention at the Gaylord Palm Resort, Florida, US. Over 9,000 system brokers, managers and sales associates from Century 21 worldwide attended the event, held in Orlando. Century 21 Bahrain's office members participated in various educational sessions designed to provide informative and creative ideas on how to offer unmatched quality service. "We are always striving to provide the best service possible for property buyers and sellers in Bahrain," said Century 21 Bahrain vice chairman and chief executive officer Abdul Wahed Al Kooheji. Representing Bahrain was Mr Al Kooheji, Fuad Al Kooheji, Mashael Fairooz and Julian Bailey. 0
107059 0 1503 BUSI BUSINESS Indian shares bounce back BOMBAY: Indian shares closed half a per cent higher yesterday after being down a per cent in late trade as foreign funds stepped up purchases, and top car maker Maruti jumped on news it was poised for record monthly sales. The benchmark 30-share Bombay index closed 0.46pc higher at 6,700.34 points, snapping a five-day losing streak, after being down 1.1 in afternoon trades. But the broader market was week with losers ahead of gainers 1,510 to 609 in good volume of 263 million shares. The index has shed 2.2pc during the week. The National Stock Exchange index finished 0.51pc up at 2,109.15. "If you looked at the futures market the index was trading at a premium to the spot. There was a lot of buying from foreign institutional investors in the afternoon," said Vinay Goel, chief dealer at Quantum Securities. Regulatory data showed foreign funds were net buyers of Indian shares on Thursday after being net sellers of $45.5m on Wednesday and sales of $10.6m the previous 0
107060 0 1503 BUSI BUSINESS Strong dollar boosts Euroshares LONDON: Leading European stock markets closed modestly higher yesterday, bolstered by a recovery of the dollar against the euro, but gains were limited by renewed worries about surging oil prices. The London FTSE 100 index ended flat with a gain of 0.02 per cent at 4,933.3 points, the Frankfurt DAX 30 rose 0.27pc to 4,327.58 and the Paris CAC 40 climbed 0.46pc to 4,050.77. The DJ Euro Stoxx 50 index of leading eurozone shares advanced 0.45pc to 3,053.54 points. The euro stood at $1.3212. Economists were expecting the index to rise to about 94.6. In London, the modest blue chip gain was mainly created by strength in heavyweight oil issues in reaction to surging crude prices, despite Opec's move to hike output. BP rose 1.16pc to 565 pence, Shell added 0.52pc at 485, and BG Group took on 1.26pc at 422. French oil group Total climbed 1.16pc to 182.70 euros in Paris. Corus shot up 3.13pc to 57.75 pence, topping the blue-chip gainers board, on bullish br 0
107061 0 1503 BUSI BUSINESS Exchange Rates COUNTRY SELL CASH SELL DRAFT AUSTRALIA (Dollar) 0.3024 0.3024 BANGLADESH (Taka) 0.00650 0.00607 CANADA(Dollar) 0.3176 0.3156 CYPRUS (Pound) 0.8799 - DENMARK 0.0709 - EGYPT (Pound) 0.0699 0.0657 EUROPEAN UNION (Euro) 0.5098 0.5078 HONG KONG (Dollar) 0.0496 0.0492 INDIA (Rupee) 0.00889 0.00875 INDONESIA (Rupiah) 0.0000426 - IRAN (Tuman) 0.00044238 - IRAQ (Dinar) 0.000265 - JAPAN (Yen) 0.00370 0.00370 JORDAN (Dinar) 0.5351 0.5350 KOREA (Won) 0.0003963 - KUWAIT (Dinar) 1.2970 1.2970 MALAYSIA (Ringgit) 0.1017 - MALTA (Lira) 1.15030 - NEW ZEALAND (Dollar) 0.2847 0.2837 NORWAY (Krone) 0.0640 - N. Yemen (Riyal) - 0.0020125 NEPAL (Rupee) 0.00540 OMAN (Riyal) 0.9800 0.9830 PAKISTAN (Rupee) 0.00649 0.00637 PHILIPPINES (Peso) 0.00717 0.00702 QATAR (Riyal) 0.10365 0.10375 SAUDI ARABIA (Riyal) 0.10059 0. 0
107062 0 1503 COMM COMMENTPerfectly indexed Acquiring omniscience, I have found, can be a bit of a chore and, as I mentioned a few days ago, A J Jacobs, the author of The Know-It-All (William Heinemann, BD8) suffered the pangs of outrageous knowledge in his quest to read through the entire Encyclopedia Britannica. After writing about his book, however, I realised that I had missed out something important, and oddly enough Mr Jacobs missed out exactly the same thing. The picture on the front jacket of the book is evidence that he has no excuse. It shows him (or someone else - one cannot be sure as the person is almost entirely hidden behind a pile of books) carrying a full set of Britannica. The macropedia, comprising in-depth articles, is there; the micropedia for quick-reference is there; even three volumes of an ancient edition of the Encyclopedia have found their way into the pile. And, of course, the two volumes of index, A-K and L-Z are there. Yet that, I fear, is where he and I tripped up. He read the encyclopedia; I read his 0
107063 0 1503 COMM COMMENTIncompetence or indifference..? I suspect the police have been unwilling to talk to the GDN about missing Filipina Gracie Montibon for fear of being asked what on earth they have been doing about it for the last five months. They have yet to enter and search her flat, or to open and examine her car, which has been parked near her home since she vanished last November. Correct me if I am wrong, but I would have thought potentially vital clues might be gleaned from a search of the flat and the car, yet the only way police even know that Gracie is not lying dead on her sofa is because her landlord and friends had the common sense to check. Police should have been in there checking for signs of a struggle, blood on the carpet or perhaps a name in an appointments diary, all fairly straightforward detective stuff. That they have done none of these things in five months is almost certainly why they have been ordered by the public prosecutor to reopen the investigation - an order that came only after Gracie's d 0
107066 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Act of driving lunacy ignored by police HAVING driven on this island for almost 12 years, I thought I had developed a reasonably strong immunity to the wonders performed around me on Bahrain's roads. But I must confess that my jaw did drop slightly at the sight of a taxi which passed me travelling in the wrong direction down a busy three-lane Al Fateh highway near the Grand Mosque. I was however not in the least bit surprised when the traffic police patrol car immediately behind me (travelling, I might add, in the correct direction) took absolutely no action at this blatant act of driver lunacy. Happy Traffic Week! H Coming 0
107067 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Pay up or die? MR Marvin's response (GDN March 11) to the questionable medical help available to those who have no money remains a topical discussion. I can put one personal case forward in the States whereby a friend of mine cannot get ankle surgery on Medicare because it costs too much and he is considered too old to warrant this expenditure. If he was on private cover then there would be no question. Seemingly the staff who watched the young leukaemia patient die because there was no money to pay for treatment, are the expatriate staff employed from overseas with contracts paying them a well endowed salary, but their discipline seemingly remains the same, pay up or die. Conversely in the UK the so-called "free National Health Service" is not free at all. Everyone throughout their lives pays for this service within their National Insurance premiums which also includes companies. When it comes to the crunch and you need some health help, you have to stand back, to allow othe 0
107068 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Lazy doctors? ON February 21 at around 11.30am we went to Hoora health centre for the treatment of our two children. Both had the same problem, vomiting, diarrhoea, cough and fever. We were first referred to the nursing section to check whether my kids needed an immediate check-up. The nurse decided they had to be treated a.s.a.p. as vomiting with diarrhoea may cause dehydration and gave us a form for both. Then we went through the normal procedure, paid BD1, got the computerised slip and waited. We kept on waiting for about half an hour (there were only three or four patients at that time). Finally one of their staff told us the tired doctor in room No 3 refused to treat my children and advised us to go to Naim at 4pm or just come back in the morning. I asked the doctor and he just told me that he didn't consider it an emergency case. I just can't understand why he can't spend five minutes to simply check and give medication to my small children. Concerned parent</ 0
107069 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Crossed lines MY brand new telephone directory has just arrived and the first number I tried to call was the Thai Embassy but the voice at the other end insisted it was the Yemen Embassy. Oh yes, she's right, both embassies have been given the same number. Now that is going to give crossed lines I fear. R Un Off 0
107070 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Pakistan rape verdict shameful AS a Pakistani I was ashamed to read (GDN March 4) that the gang rape verdict against five men who raped Mukhtarain Mai had been quashed, once again proving the Waderas or "landlords" had won their battle after committing this vicious crime against an innocent woman. So much for the judiciary! But then she appealed to the Islamic court which has overturned the verdict and ordered retrial in the Sharia Court. I salute Mukhtarain Mai for her courageous stand in fighting the case further though " I can no longer feel safe and secure. I feel they will take revenge". And further still, for taking up the marathon task of educating girls where 72 per cent are illiterate. Let the women of Pakistan join her in this struggle, where "in her district she is using the compensation money to set up the first ever school for girls". Bravo! In a country of the "landlord" mafia, it is indeed a big step to take: To fight the "mafia" of the most vicious crime and in her endeavour of mass education 0
107071 0 1503 LETT LETTERS TV has an 'off' button! THE letter by Mohd Ali (GDN March 8) caught my eye much in the same way that a news items about trying to close down a website did, and to a lesser extent the possible ban on displaying ladies' undergarments and having a ladies only section in these shops. All these items have to me one common thread - weakness. That it takes laws of the land and not a person's self-control to rectify any religious conflicts, is a real 'dog in the manger' attitude. Firstly how does Mr Ali know that porn channels are available on Asiasat, has he tuned in to see them?? If so why? Does he not realise that the TV has an on-off button if anything on it offends him, or must he watch because he is too weak to say no? Yet another case of 'I think it is wrong so you must follow suit' - no matter what your customs or beliefs may be. Don't forget one man's porn isn't offensive to all. I couldn't believe it when two very good comedy films were censored (The Full Monty and There's Something About Mary) at very funny places - 0
107072 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Lower your gaze ONCE again I read the letters section only to find the usual spill about how Muslim women are required by Islam to cover up against the unwanted attentions of men. So many people, men and women, seem to think that a man cannot help himself, cannot control himself when faced with a woman not covered from head to toe in a black cloth that renders you invisible. Islam tells both sexes to "lower your gaze", not just women. I can only imagine the response when facing the Supreme Being when a man claims that he raped the woman only because she dressed in a certain way and he could not help himself. She is to blame, she"tempted" him and he could not do what most normal men do, they lower their gaze, walk away, ignore and go on by...etc. The letter writer said that women would not be raped or bothered if they only wore the proper clothing and covered. Obviously never heard of women that are raped in so-called Islamic countries where its the norm for women to cover completely. I 0
107073 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Don't use other faiths to justify your beliefs SHAZAD Ali (GDN March 11), I implore you not to quote other religions to justify your misguided beliefs especially when you do not have a grip on your own. If the rest allow it, you my friend are very welcome to take your own religion to wherever you want to take it. But don't you think it is unfair and unjust on your part to drag other religions down, especially when the religious minorities have no rights or recourse? Just to clarify, 1 Corinthians chapter 11:6 in the Bible says a woman should worship in the House of God, by having her head covered. Now since we are not meant to be praying always, it means that women need not be covered all the time. If you go to verse 15 of the same chapter it is also said "But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for covering". The logical conclusion is women do not need additional covering other than her God-given hair and her clothes. Yes, you are right about Afghanistan in your Illogical ban 0
107074 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Bigoted views are infuriating I Am sure this will not be the only reply to Friday's letters on dress code for women, especially Shazad Ali's letter. I was so enraged to hear what you had to say and yes I am Western and a woman. How can you comment that none of this corrupt behaviour goes on in Afghanistan because of the dress code. Excuse me if I am wrong but are you party to being an eye in every house. Do you know what goes on behind all these closed doors. If anything I would say that by oppressing people you will end up with it being unmanageable, with all being in denial as I am sure the whole world over men and women have gone against their faith. Women should be allowed to move on, and if they want to stay covered then it is their choice. I personally cover up when I go out, my daughters too, but that does not stop the lurid comments or acts against myself or my girls. It is because you oppress these men, young and old, that they have to release their sexual hormones somewhere. As for the shop dummies, come o 0
107075 0 1503 LETT LETTERS A dangerous opinion... TO the writer of 'Islam teaches right way to dress in public', to suggest that a woman is 50 per cent responsible for her own rape is not only ludicrous, but could become an extremely harmful statement if people were to adopt this view. In my opinion no woman is to blame for being raped and no woman 'deserves' to be violated, no matter how they are dressed or how they behave. Giving the impression that it is their fault may cause more men to deem it an acceptable behaviour, when in reality it is a highly violent and illegal act. I'm all for freedom of speech, but when one writes something which may be published for the masses to read, one has to be more careful as they could influence the beliefs of others. You are entitled to your views and I personally believe that no one should be told that their opinions are wrong. I do think however, that in a circumstance such as this where you have presented your opinion as fact, that you should be more cautious in the views you choose to 0
107076 0 1503 LETT LETTERS Rape theory is absurd... I THANK Shazad Ali for a reasoned and polite response to my comments about lust, rather than beauty, being a sin. My religion is irrelevant to my argument - as indeed religion must be to an argument which has to appeal to those of all religions or no religion. The important point remains that we are all responsible for our own actions and to say that it was "the devil inside" or "my raging hormones" provides no excuse whatsoever for a man's lack of respect for a woman. I'm afraid that the idea that a girl was 50 per cent responsible for her own rape because she did not wear proper clothes is not one I could ever support, even if I would encourage my own daughters to dress modestly. You may seek guidance from selected readings from various religions, but you should bear in mind that if there is such a thing as divine judgement, you will be judged for your own actions. You will not be the one judging other people's actions and it will rather be your own weaknesses, inadeq 0
107077 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Thaqib races to victory in style THAQIB claimed the Shaikh Khalifa bin Khalid Al Khalifa Cup, one of the four cup events, at the races in Sakhir yesterday. Thaqib, owned by Mohammed Nabeel Al Zeera, trained by Fadhel Al Asfoor and ridden by Nader Aziz, beat Sea Dart by two lengths to claim the top prize in this BD2,000 race. Boston Lodge was third and Historic Treble fourth. Queen's Guard, owned by Elias Abdulla Haji, trained by A Redha Abbas and ridden by Gerald Avranche, also lived up to expectations winning the Porsche Cars Cup. Queen's Guard beat Six Speed by two lengths to claim the top prize in this BD1,500 race while Ghayth was third and Summer Breeze fourth. Calling The Shots scored an upset victory to claim the Late Yousif Rashid Bouresly Cup which carried a cash prize of BD1,500. Calling The Shots, owned by Habib Ramadhan, trained by Redha Abbas and ridden by Hassan Azzat, beat Leozian by a neck while Mardoof was third and Designer fourth. The fourth cup race, for the Bahrain Je 0
107078 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Al Attiyah wins Oman rally to extend lead MUSCAT: Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson clinched victory in Rally Oman and extended their FIA Middle East Rally Championship lead to six points after 14 timed special stages in the Hajar mountains of the Sultanate yesterday. Al Attiyah dramatically beat his arch rival defending champion Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi in his Power Horse-supported Subaru Impreza WRX STi by four seconds in the penultimate stage and assured an almost certain victory. But the runner-up position was only settled on the final spectator test, when Al Qassimi was confirmed second overall by a mere one second in a stunning climax. Qatar's Misfer Al Marri had been running fourth overall, as he attempted to maintain third position in the championship. He slipped to fifth behind Shaikh Abdullah Al Qassimi after SS7 and then rolled his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution out of contention in the ninth stage. Nizar Al Shanfari duly moved up to fifth position in his Mitsubishi La 0
107079 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Sharapova and Federer in semis INDIAN WELLS, California: Russian third seed Maria Sharapova extended her match winning streak to 11 games, beating Mary Pierce 6-4, 6-3 yesterday to reach the semi-finals of the Indian Wells WTA/ATP Masters Series event. Sharapova produced 24 winners and 21 unforced errors to Pierce's 18 winners and 21 unforced errors in the 87-minute match. Her victory set up a clash with American top seed Lindsay Davenport, who continued her domination over France's Nathalie Dechy with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-0 victory. In the men's draw, world number one Roger Federer was relentless in beating Germany's Nicolas Kiefer 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the semi-finals. He will face Argentina's Guillermo Canas who outfought Englishman Tim Henman 7-6 (7-1), 7-5. The 17-year-old Sharapova had a breakout year in 2004 winning five titles including her first Grand Slam at Wimbledon. Sharapova compiled a superb 55-15 record last year and picked up in 2005 where she left winning titles earlier this year i 0
107080 1 1503 SPOR SPORT TEST POISED FOR A CLOSE FINISH CALCUTTA: Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid built on Anil Kumble's effort with half-centuries to put the second Test against Pakistan in an intriguing position here yesterday. Tendulkar scored a solid 52 before falling to a dubious decision and Dravid hit an unbeaten 54 as India recovered from a shaky 23 for 2 to reach 133 for 3 at stumps on the third day of fluctuating fortunes for an overall lead of 147. Skipper Sourav Ganguly (four) kept Dravid company when bad light stopped play 11 minutes before the scheduled close. Tendulkar was given out caught behind off seamer Abdul Razzaq by West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor, standing in a record 100th Test. TV replays later suggested that the ball had missed the bat. The umpiring decision angered a section of the 35,000-strong crowd which jeered Bucknor. Leg-spinner Kumble earlier claimed three scalps in seven overs during a Pakistani collapse which saw the tourists lose their last eight wickets for 112 runs on a 0
107081 2 1503 SPOR SPORT AMA University lift bowling title AMA International University Bahrain (2,740 pinfalls) edged out the University of Bahrain (2,720) to clinch the first AMA Universities Bowling Championship, sponsored by HSBC, yesterday at the Funland Bowling Centre in Manama. The tournament involved nine university teams consisting of five bowlers who played three games each. AMA International University (843) comprising of captain Ahmed Jabbar, Mohammed Sultan, Masoud Saberi, Emad Jahromi and Mohammed Jahromi trailed leaders University of Bahrain (913) and the Arabian Open University (847) after the opening game. The High Game top scorer in the first round was Raed Latif (248) of Arabian Open University. In the second game AMA (1,038) stamped its authority on the tournament as they established a lead of 146 over Arabian Open University (1,735) captained by Raed Latif and comprising Yasser bin Dainah, Yousif Maragi, Hamad Al Hamad and Ahmed Rufaie. University of Bahrain (1,718) captained by Ahmed Fareed with Mohammed Al 0
107082 3 1503 SPOR SPORT Zonta fastest in practice KUALA LUMPUR: Brazilian Felipe Massa finished fastest in the second practice session here yesterday as drivers prepared for what is expected to be a gruelling Malaysian Grand Prix. Temperatures at the Sepang circuit, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, were heading towards 40 degrees Celsius when the second session began and track temperature rose to 55 degrees Celsius by the end of the day. Massa set a time of 1:35.608 to lead the session in his Sauber but it was not good enough to beat the fastest time of the day set by Toyota test driver Ricardo Zonta in cooler conditions in the morning session. "From the first time I sat in our car I was convinced it could be competitive," said Massa. "This is only Friday, I know, and it is very important for the team and Petronas to get this kind of result." Massa finished 0.012 seconds ahead of Colombian McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya in the second session. Montoya's Finnish team-mate Kimi Raikkonen recovered from an early spin to set the 0
107083 0 1503 SPOR SPORT India may lose hosting Champions Trophy NEW DELHI: India will lose hosting next year's Champions Trophy tournament to Pakistan if the government does not grant tax exemption on revenues earned from the event, the International Cricket Council said yesterday. The ICC has had a long-running feud with India over the tax issue. The country was scheduled to host the 2004 edition of the tournament but it was played in England last September because the Indian government refused to change its policy. "The board has resolved that the 2006 Champions Trophy be held in India subject to tax clearances from the Indian government," ICC president Ehsan Mani said after the governing body's two-day executive meeting. "We've agreed to wait until May for the Indian government to inform us about their decision. The board has voted to move the event to Pakistan in case the proposed tax concessions don't come through," he added. The tournament is scheduled to be held in September-October next year. Mani said the Pakistan board had a 0
107084 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Wade leads Heat to 11th win in a row TORONTO: Dwyane Wade had 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the streaking Miami Heat in their 102-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers yesterday. Shaquille O'Neal's 25 points and 12 rebounds helped the Heat win their 11th successive game and allowed O'Neal to once again get the better of his former team mate Kobe Bryant. It was the second match-up between the two, who helped the Lakers win three NBA championships before O'Neal was dealt to the Heat in the off season. Miami beat the Lakers 104-102 in overtime in Los Angeles on December 25. Miami improved to 51-16 with the win, their 14th successive victory at home, and gave them a nine-game lead over the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference overall standings. The Lakers have lost three successive games, slipping 1 1/2 games behind the Denver Nuggets for the final playoff spot in the West with the loss. Bryant had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers. 0
107085 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Liverpool to meet Juve as AC Milan face Inter LONDON: Liverpool will play Juventus for the first time since the Heysel Stadium disaster at the 1985 European Cup final following the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League yesterday. The pairing brings the two clubs together for the first time in competitive soccer just two months before the 20th anniversary of the disaster in which 39 fans died following a riot by Liverpool supporters at the match in Brussels which Juventus won 1-0. AC Milan were drawn to play rivals Inter Milan for the second time in three seasons. Bayern Munich, who knocked out Londoners Arsenal in the last round, return to London to play Chelsea for the first time in European competition, while Olympique Lyon will meet PSV Eindhoven, also for the first time. The winners of the Chelsea-Bayern tie will meet either Liverpool or Juventus in one semi-final. AC Milan or Inter Milan will meet Lyon or PSV in the other. The first legs of the quarter-finals are on April 5-6 with the retur 0
107086 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Muharraq win thriller to clinch GCC crown MUHARRAQ notched the 24th GCC Clubs Volleyball Championship for the ninth time after a thrilling 25-23, 14-25, 25-22, 26-24 victory over Qatar Club of Qatar in the decider last night at the Al Arabi Club gym in Doha. It was an exciting match between both rivals who went into this decisive clash after they tied on seven points each from five matches. Muharraq's victory was inspired by playmaker Ahmed Yousef who created superb set pieces for spikers Ayman Salman, Yaseen Al Meel, Fadhel Abbas and Ali Ishaq who gave the Bahraini champions a good start winning the first set. The hosts were at their best in the second set which they won following outstanding teamwork by Mohammed Anbar, Ali Ghanim, playmaker Mohammed Bu Wadfa and their Bahraini professional Sadeq Ebrahim. However, Muharraq came back in style and took the third and fourth sets to regain the title they last won three years ago. Muharraq won eight consecutive GCC titles between 1995 and 2002. 0
107087 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Ferrari urged to play fair over testing SEPANG, Malaysia: Ferrari's rivals have repeated a call for the Formula One champions to limit their testing for the good of the sport. The nine teams, in a statement at the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday, expressed dismay that Ferrari had refused to join them in self-imposed restrictions and indeed planned to do more testing than ever. As an example, the unsigned statement referred to the running of Ferrari's 2005 car at the Mugello circuit in Italy on Thursday. In the past teams have agreed not to test in the week of a grand prix. "Ferrari's actions not only potentially destabilise Formula One and increase costs but also provide Ferrari with an unequal advantage over all other teams," the statement said. "Inevitably, such actions on the part of Ferrari can only increase costs within Formula One and undermine the principle of a 'level playing field' in the sport. "The nine teams are requesting that Ferrari now reconsiders its position and acts in a respo 0
107088 0 1503 SPOR SPORT Professional School best PROFESSIONAL Taekwondo School took first place in the Bahrain Open Taekwondo Championship, organised by the Bahrain Martial Arts Association at the Muharraq Club's Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa gym in Arad. Winning 25 gold medals, four silver and four bronze, the Professional School dominated the one-day event in which Al Doy, Bahrain Taekwondo, Dilmun and Master Khan also took part. Al Shams and Taekwondo Bahrain Schools did not turn up for this event. Al Doy took second place with 21 gold, 14 silver and two bronze medals, while Dilmun came third with five gold, one silver and six bronze. Bahrain Taekwondo followed in fourth place taking one gold, three silver and 16 bronze while Master Khan finished fifth with one silver. More than 100 male and female players took part in the event which comprised four age categories - under-12, juniors, youth and seniors with eight weight sections in each category. The competition was held under the patronage of BMAA presi 0
107089 0 1503 WORL WORLD Four gang rape suspects re-arrested ISLAMABAD: Pakistani police yesterday re-arrested four men convicted in a notorious gang-rape, hours after the victim asked Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to intervene. On Thursday, Mukhtaran Mai, the victim of the 2002 rape said she feared for her life after the release of the men on Tuesday pending a Supreme Court appeals hearing. "We have detained them on the orders of the government we have just received today," said Ehsan Mehboob, police chief of central town of Muzaffargarh. Mai, 33, said the prime minister had promised to help her in her bid for justice and she felt encouraged. "I am satisfied that at least now I can go home, although I still fear danger from them," she said, referring to the powerful Mastoi tribe to which the convicts belong. About a dozen police officers have been assigned to protect Mai in her home village of Meerwali, where the rape took place and where she now runs a school. The crime provoked an outcry in Pakistan and focused int 0
107090 0 1503 WORL WORLD Fruit fine ruling sealed WELLINGTON: A New Zealand court yesterday ruled on Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank's appeal of a $150 (BD57) fine for bringing fruit into the country, and the decision was sent to the Hollywood star in a letter that should reach her shortly. Swank - who won the Best Actress Oscar for her role as a female boxer in the Clint Eastwood-directed movie Million Dollar Baby - was fined on January 15 after she failed to declare an apple and an orange in her handbag when she arrived at Auckland International Airport. A court reviewed Swank's case in private after she wrote a letter defending her actions and appealing the fine. It was not revealed if the appeal was successful. 0
107091 0 1503 WORL WORLD Supermodel Klum pregnant BERLIN: German supermodel Heidi Klum announced yesterday that she is expecting her second baby. Klum, 31, said in January that she and singer Seal are engaged to be married. They started dating last year, shortly after her break-up with Renault Formula One team boss Flavio Briatore - the father of her daughter, Leni, born last May. "Heidi, Seal and especially Leni, are proud to tell you that we recently found out that we are expecting our second child," a message posted on Klum's website said. "There is nothing that gives us greater happiness than the realisation of our dream." Klum, who has appeared in Sports Illustrated magazine's swimsuit issue, did not say when the baby is due. 0
107092 0 1503 WORL WORLD Four guilty of twin murders LONDON: Four men were found guilty yesterday of murdering two teenage girls with a spray of bullets at a New Year Party in Birmingham, central England, a crime that sparked angry calls for a police crackdown on gangs and guns. The four - including a half brother of one of the victims - were convicted at Leicester Crown Court of murdering Charlene Ellis, 18, and Letisha Shakespeare, 17, in a drive-by shooting outside a hairdressing salon in January 2003. Both girls were hit four times by sub machine-gun fire in a street outside the party in what the prosecution called a botched gang attack. The convicted men, all alleged to be members of the "Burger Bar Boys Gang", were Charlene's 24-year-old half brother Marcus Ellis, Michael Gregory, 23, Nathan Martin, 26 and 20-year-old Rodrigo Simms. The four, who will be sentenced on Monday, were also convicted on three counts of attempting to murder Ellis's twin sister Sophia and their friend Cheryl Shaw. Lawyers for the defe 0
107093 0 1503 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Property exhibition showcasing Northern Cyprus, Regency InterContinental Hotel, 10am-8pm. Contact 39461869 or fax 17720786 or email HYPERLINK "mailto: alatassi@batelco.com.bh" alatassi @batelco.com.bh Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance classes, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lessons cost BD3 each or BD10 for four. Contact Latin Fever on 39676349. Yoga (mixed), Bahrain Wellness Resort, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795962. Victoria Dance Centre Mummy and Baby Ballet 9.30am-10.30am, Preparatory an 0
107094 1 1503 WORL WORLD Israel had nuclear arms for 40 years JERUSALEM: Israel armed itself with the "nuclear option" 40 years ago for use as a last resort should Arab countries threaten its existence, it was revealed yesterday. "The Israeli nuclear option had a single aim - to demonstrate to the opposing camp that we had the same capacities as it (for) the day when they will have the nuclear option," former science minister Yuval Neeman told Yediot Aharonot newspaper. Israel has never formally acknowledged having nuclear weapons although foreign experts believe it used its desert Dimona reactor to arm itself with some 200 nuclear warheads. In November 2001, Labour party leader Shimon Peres revealed how France had provided essential help from 1956 for Israel's atomic programme. Neeman, who attended the French military academy, lived in France for a considerable time during the two countries' period of close military ties. Israel has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. 0
107095 0 1503 WORL WORLD Fischer to get Iceland citizenship REYKJAVIK: Iceland will grant fugitive chess master Bobby Fischer citizenship next week, meaning he may be freed from detention in Japan, where he is fighting a US deportation order. Bjarni Benedikt-sson of an Icelandic parliamentary commission dealing with the request yesterday said it would be granted next week. A Jap-anese politician earlier said the immigration bureau there would let Fischer travel if Iceland gives him citizenship. He was arrested in Japan last July for travelling on an invalid US passport. Chess fans in Iceland, where Fischer won the world title in 1972, offered him a home late last year and lobbied for a special passport for him to go there. 0
107096 0 1503 WORL WORLD Sister raped by father is killed JERUSALEM: A 17-year-old Palestinian girl, who became pregnant after her father raped her, was strangled to death by her brother in a so-called honour killing in the northern West Bank. The teenager was strangled by her 27-year-old brother on Wednesday in Bala'a town near Tulkarem, reported Al Ayyam newspaper yesterday. Arrested by Palestinian security forces, the brother admitted he had killed her to "erase the shame" after her pregnancy began showing. He also admitted knowing that his sister had become pregnant because their father raped her. Police are now hunting the 52-year-old father, who witnessed the murder. 0
107097 0 1503 WORL WORLD Mum's the issue for Demi Moore NEW YORK: Demi Moore is not answering the question. Asked about tabloid stories saying she's pregnant, the 42-year-old actress told People magazine: "The rumours are just that: rumours." Earlier in the week, the would-be father, 27-year-old Ashton Kutcher, joked: "Why am I the last person to find out everything? Fonda's secrets NEW YORK: In her new autobiography, Jane Fonda says her former husband Roger Vadim forced her into sexual encounters. The book, My Life So Far, is to be published next month by Random House. Leaked excerpts describe Vadim bullying Fonda into inviting other women into bed, as well as other lurid situations created by Vadim, the Daily Mail reported Wednesday. Random House would not comment on the report. Fonda, 67, was married to the French director from 1965 to 1973. Stalker restrained LOS ANGELES: Pop singer Janet Jackson has won a restraining order against a man she says has been stalking her for nine years and who turned up at a television studi 0
107098 0 1503 WORL WORLD UK sleepwalker cleared of killing LONDON: A British man was cleared yesterday of murdering his father after a court accepted his excuse he was sleepwalking at the time, a highly unusual defence seen just a handful of times in the country's legal history. Jules Lowe, 32, was facing life imprisonment for savagely beating and killing his 83-year-old father Edward after a heavy drinking session in October 2003 at their house in Manchester, northwest England, an attack he did not deny but claimed to have no memory of. At the start of the case, prosecutors labelled Lowe's defence of sleepwalking "far fetched in the extreme". However, after hearing expert testimony on the phenomenon, the jury at Manchester Crown Court opted for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity though Judge Richard Henriques said the verdict did not mean that Lowe was insane in the usual sense, just that he was subject to "automatism" because of sleepwalking. Lowe will be sent to a secure hospital for tests. IRA 'blocking talks' LONDON: Tal 0
107099 0 1503 WORL WORLD Cobra scare for families About 16 Swedish families, forced to leave their apartments for two days while experts searched for a venomous cobra that slithered away from its owner, returned home yesterday after the 60-cm reptile was caught. The families were evacuated from their apartment building in the town of Sundsvall, after a 24-year-old man said he dropped a box that held three pet snakes, and that one had disappeared. Experts searched through the building's ventilation system without success, and scattered flour on the floor to track the snake - a monacled cobra, native to Southeast Asia. Pubs spurn new timings English pubs have been freed from the decades-old shackles of rigid licensing hours for nearly six weeks now - but hardly any want to dip a toe into the uncharted waters of 24-hour drinking. Since February 7, pubs and clubs have been able to apply under new laws to stay open round the clock. Now local councils across England and Wales have revealed very few bars want to stay open all the time. < 0
107100 0 1503 WORL WORLD Judge allows mini-hearing SANTA MARIA, California: A US judge last night ordered a special hearing to help him decide whether two boys who previously accused Michael Jackson of abuse will testify in front trial jurors. Judge Rodney Melville told rival lawyers in the case that he would hold a mini-hearing on the crucial testimony that could influence the outcome of the case on March 28. Melville said that witnesses would not initially be called at the mini-hearing, which will not take place in front of the panel that will decide Jackson's fate, but did not completely rule out the possibility they might be called. "I may or may not ask for witnesses in a particular situation," he told prosecutors and Jackson's lawyers. But he said: "The likelihood of having any witnesses is not great." Two young boys - including a 13-year-old in 1993 and the son of a nanny at Jackson's Neverland Ranch - made child sex claims against Jackson but the star was never charged and both cases were settled out of c 0
107101 2 1503 WORL WORLD Blessings to be shown on TV LONDON: Britons will be able to watch the church blessing of next month's wedding of Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles live on television, royal officials said yesterdya, although the marriage itself remains private. The religious service on April 8 at St George's Chapel inside Windsor Castle, the royal family's home just west of London, will be broadcast in Britain, Charles' Clarence House office said. "It has been agreed that the service of blessing and dedication will be televised live," a spokesman said. The blessing for the union of the heir to the British throne and his long-time partner will be led by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, spiritual head of the global Anglican church, and attended by about 750 guests. However, the official marriage ceremony earlier that day at Windsor Guildhall - essentially the town hall - will remain a private, low-key affair, with just 30 people and no media in attendance. The announcement yesterday marks an apparent concession 0
107102 0 1503 WORL WORLD Vietnam boy, 5, has bird flu HANOI: A five-year-old boy in central Vietnam has tested positive for bird flu, which has already killed 34 people in the country. The boy from the province of Quang Binh tested positive on Thursday, said Nguyen Tran Hien, director of the National Institute for Hygiene and Epidemiology. Hoang Trong Duong was first admitted to Hue hospital on March 15 and his blood sample was transferred to Hanoi on Tuesday, Hien said. "Now officials are checking the source of contamination" he said but noted that Duong was living in an area where many chickens perished of the H5N1 virus. The deputy director of the hospital where the boy was admitted, Bui Duc Phu, said: "His 13-year-old sister died on March 9 in a hospital in the province with similar symptoms. Three weeks ago the two had eaten a dead chicken given by their neighbours." However, the boy's sister has not been listed as a bird flu case yet. Japan vows tight watch on cult TOKYO: Japan said yesterday it would keep a tight watch on a 0
107103 0 1503 WORL WORLD US slammed for denying visa to Modi NEW DELHI: India condemned the United States' refusal to allow entry to hardline Hindu nationalist leader Narendra Modi, who is accused of complicity in a massacre of Muslims, saying the step was "uncalled for". Foreign Minister Natwar Singh said he would take the issue up with the US embassy after it announced Modi would not be granted a diplomatic visa since his trip did not qualify as a diplomatic visit. "The action on part of the US embassy is uncalled for and displays lack of courtesy and sensitivity towards a constitutionally-elected chief minister of a state," India's foreign ministry said in a statement. "The ministry of external affairs has called the head of mission of the embassy (Robert Blake) to the ministry to lodge a strong protest against the denial of visa to Narendra Modi and to request an urgent reconsideration," the statement added. The controversial Modi, chief minister in western Gujarat state, was to visit Florida next week at the invitation of a Gu 0
107104 3 1503 WORL WORLD 30 die as tribals clash in Pakistan QUETTA: Fierce gun battles between tribal rebels and Pakistani troops in the troubled southwestern province of Baluchistan have killed at least 30 people and wounded more than 70. Fighting lasted all day on Thursday after the heavily-armed clansmen, who want more autonomy and increased benefits from the area's natural resources, ambushed a convoy of paramilitary Frontier Corps soldiers, officials said. Separately, railway officials said twin bomb blasts ripped through two trains travelling in opposite directions, killing one person and injuring a total of nine others. The first bomb hidden in a toilet went off in a carriage of a passenger train heading towards the provincial capital Quetta yesterday, killing one person and injuring five. A second bomb exploded on the Chiltan Express headed in the opposite direction towards the major eastern city of Lahore, wounding four people, said Mohammed Shoaib, controller for Pakistan Railways based in Quetta. A shadowy group called 0
107105 1 1504 BUSI BUSINESS Partners in growth MANAMA: Bahrain Finan-cial Harbour (BFH) has appointed UK-based global real estate consultant Knight Frank as the marketing, sales and leasing agent for the first phase development. The first phase of the waterfront business and financial district on the Manama Corniche features the $270 million Financial Centre, which is due for completion by the end of 2006. The Financial Centre is open for sales and letting out and has already attracted considerable interest. It consists of three components, the 53-storey Dual Towers, the nine-storey Financial Mall and the 10-storey Harbour House. It offers a commercial office integrated environment with business, shopping and leisure facilities all under one roof. The appointment comes at a time when the BFH project has stirred tremendous enthusiasm among the global finance and business community, eager to tap the growth potential of the GCC markets, said BFH Holding Company managing director Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi. Plans are well under way for the Geo 2006, the seventh Middle East Geosciences Conference and Exhibition, being held in Bahrain next year. Organisers have announced that the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) will serve as Conference Secretariat. As secretariat, the associations will share responsibility for the technical programme, being held from March 27 to 29 next year, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The event is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Participants from the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, Eurasia and North America will be attending the event. EAGE president Olivier Dubrule said the association saw its participation in the organisation of the conference as a further step towards its strategic goal of helping to increase the technology exchange and education possibilities in the Middle East. </ 0
107107 3 1504 BUSI BUSINESS Fed move on rates and oil prices set to drive stocks NEW YORK: The Federal Reserve's stance on interest-rate hikes and the price of crude are set to call the shots in the market next week. While higher oil prices could pull industrial and transportation stocks lower, interest-rate worries could weigh on financial and homebuilders' shares, strategists said. "What the Fed says will be on the minds of investors next week, as will be the cost of oil," said Alex Motola, portfolio manager at Thornburg Investment Management. In a four-day week, the markets will be closed next Friday for the Good Friday holiday. Car makers' stocks could continue their slide after General Motors warned Wall Street on Wednesday that it expects a first-quarter loss. Crude oil futures vaulted to a record intraday high of $57.60 a barrel on Thursday. April crude rose 32 cents on Friday to settle at $56.72 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. High oil prices hurt the market as a whole by crimping corporate profits and consumer spending. 0
107108 0 1504 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain Islamic Bank profits soar MANAMA: Bahrain Islamic Bank achieved a BD3,704,615 net profit for last year, up from BD2,464,263. Operating profit before changes in operating assets and liabilities was BD4,086,589, up from BD3,306,967. The results were discussed at an annual general assembly held at the bank's premises in the Diplomatic Area and chaired by chairman Mohammed Abdullah Al Zamil. Mr Al Zamil said that he was pleased with the results of the bank's restructuring of its business units. He said that the bank planned to further expand its market share, investing more time and resources in adopting new technologies and enhancing human resources. "Supported by positive economic fundamentals in the Bahrain market and the GCC economies, in-cluding strong levels of liquidity and growing investor confidence, we reported improvements in our financial position during 2004," said Mr Al Zamil. Shareholders equity increased by 32pc to BD53m at the year-end. 0
107109 0 1504 BUSI BUSINESS Asry strategy discussed MANAMA: Over 120 Asry managers, middle management, department heads, section heads and Asry Trade Union chairman and sub-contractors' representatives attended the company's annual strategic briefing held at the company's VIP restaurant. Asry chief executive Mohammed Al Khateeb opened the session by highlighting the company's results and achievements for last year. He explained that an increase in market demand and success of internal cost control and productivity improvement strategies led to a higher volume of repairs during the year and a reasonable profit. Mr Al Khateeb briefed participants on the company's goals and strategies, which include diversifying into the building of service boats, tugs and other vessels. Asry commercial affairs deputy chief executive Fawzi Al Gosaibi followed with a discussion on the market situation and presented statistics illustrating the increased demand from ship owners last year and how this was to continue this year. Asry produ 0
107110 0 1504 BUSI BUSINESS Broadband supplier gets TRA licence MANAMA: Bahrain-based Mena Broadband Services (MBS) has been certified by the Telecommunications Reg-ulatory Authority (TRA) as the first fully licensed broadband supplier in the region. The satellite access service provider provides high-speed WAN connectivity. The company provides high-speed data and voice connectivity and enables Internet access through a two-way satellite service network throughout the Middle East and North Affica. "We believe that our satellite services are fundamental to the future of high-speed broadband communications and we envision a world of limitless potential that is completely connected," said MBS managing director Tom Wright. As part of its licensing agreement, MBS is allowed the provision of international voice and data services, the termination, landing and establishment of international connectivity, the provisioning of Internet services and the provision of services over an existing network. The company's senior management also 0
107111 0 1504 BUSI BUSINESS Training firm in key tie-up MANAMA: Bahrain-based Cosmos Training and Consultancy has entered into a strategic alliance with Valiant CISSTech, a multi-national organisation based in Dubai. The joint venture group will offer training and education in the areas of networking and information security in the markets of Bahrain, Saudi Eastern Province and Qatar. Valiant has tied up with UK-based Ciser (Centre for Information Security Education and Research) to bring their programmes to the Middle East, Valiant chief executive officer Rama Subramaniam told a Press conference at Cosmos premises in Manama yesterday. The new alliance will bring to the region the best of education and training in the information security area, said Cosmos chief executive officer and managing director Rupak Kumar. 0
107112 0 1504 BUSI BUSINESS New US offer in row with EU BRUSSELS: Washington said yesterday it was ready to extend the deadline for reaching an agreement with the European Union on ending subsidies to aircraft makers Airbus and Boeing, after both sides threatened to take the dispute before the World Trade Organisation (WTO). US trade representative spokesman Richard Mills said yesterday that Washington was prepared to extend the April 11 deadline set during talks in January. "We are very willing to continue talking, using the January 11 agreement as the basis - and we are willing to extend the terms of the January agreement - the problem is that over the last two months the EU has been focused more on manoeuvering than on negotiating the core substance," Mills said by telephone from Washington. The decision to pursue a negotiated settlement on phasing out subsidies avoided what EU officials said would have been a "disastrous" legal clash at the WTO. But the dispute flared up again on Friday when US negotiator Robert Zoellick decided 0
107113 0 1504 COMM COMMENTWork taking over... It is a sad fact of life, but families are spending less time together and more time in the office! The astonishing extent to which work dominates our lives and relationships hit me the other day when I read a UK-based survey. It said that an average Briton in a 48-hour-a-week job spends just 10 hours of 'quality time' a week with a partner or spouse. During a working life of 45 years you are likely to spend only two and a half years of quality time with your partner, but 12 years with colleagues. No wonder people turn to workmates rather than husbands and wives for a shoulder to cry on, or share their deepest thoughts and fears. How glum is that! According to the study, which surveyed 4,000 people aged 30 and above, around two in 10 women and a similar number of men confide in their colleagues more than in their partners. Now, what is quality time? I would say it means an uninterrupted period together when you have the chance to talk and s 0
107114 0 1504 COMM COMMENTFriends are reunited for last farewell My friend Tim would have been pleased, although embarrassed, that so many people turned up to say goodbye at his funeral. More than 100, I am told, gathered at Stafford Crematorium for the service, before retiring to the Barley Mow at Milford, which had become one of Tim's favourite haunts in his final months. Tim was a very private person, more likely to sit in a corner at a party than hold court in the centre of the room, but I think he would have been amused by the mix of people who gathered for his final farewell. Funerals are always strange affairs, briefly reuniting families and scattered friends whose only common interest is the one person who cannot be there. When Tim died, his brother Alan was pleased that it was during the day, "with the sun coming through the window", so I was delighted to hear that his funeral was graced with a rare and beautiful sunny day. Though I could not be there, friends report that it was a humanist service without hymns or 0
107117 0 1504 LETT LETTERS Are cricketing heroes really coming here? I AM hearing talk about the MCC squad, the incomparable Marylebone Cricket Club, coming here to Bahrain. Can it be true? I remember the last time this famous team visited Bahrain in 1994, with star Test players Bill Athey, David Graveney, Nick Cook and my own favourite David Ward, the Surrey smash-hitter. Who can forget the mighty smiter's century against the BCA XI? I am still remembering with relish his five sixes and a four in one over, with one six measuring a full 150 metres! My enquiries with the Bahrain Cricket Association are bearing no fruit. Can somebody tell me if, when and where I can watch these marvellous fellows again? Avid Cricket Lover lAwali Cricket Club captain Mark Seaman said: "Yes, the MCC will be visiting Bahrain in December 2005 as part of Awali Cricket Club's 70th anniversary celebrations. Details of the touring party and the various events will be publicised later this year." 0
107118 0 1504 LETT LETTERS Keep young busy A LOT of problems in Bahrain stem from the fact that young people do not have enough to do. They jump into their posh cars and drive around making a nuisance of themselves. I am a great believer in keeping young people busy and sport is something which does just that. Let us have lots more sporting activities for young people, let's get them playing football, games, archery, fencing, martial arts or into training for competitive sports. Let all participate in these acti-productive activity, and they in themselves will become better citizens. Let's give them a chance and a helping hand. A Mum 0
107119 0 1504 LETT LETTERS Symbol of excellence YESTERDAY, I visited the currency museum at the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) along with my grandparents. As soon as I entered a very friendly policeman asked me where I wanted to go. When I replied that I wanted to see the currency museum, he guided us to the reception where I had to register my name. Here another BMA employee greeted me and asked for my CPR card. As I hadn't known that a CPR was required to register and enter the museum, I had left it behind at home. But he didn't reprimand me for forgetting. Instead he asked me for the CPR number. I had learnt the number so I told it to him. The same Bahraini employee personally walked with us all the way to the currency museum on the first floor. The museum is a symbol of excellent exhibition and interesting information to say the least. All the coins and medals ever issued by BMA were well displayed and well explained along with the year when they where issued. As soon as we finished looking at the various currencies, another 0
107120 0 1504 LETT LETTERS More police patrols? EVERY day, there is a minimum of two to three incidents of looting of expatriates by thugs. Now the incidents are occurring in broad daylight or early evening in crowded areas. No single woman can walk freely on any street. Where are the police? Why are police patrols not increasing? Why is no severe punishments imposed on these thugs? On one side Bahrain is on the world map for hosting the Formula One grand prix, but what about the safety, law and order situation? If locals do not want certain categories of expats, why not ban those visa categories instead of troubling them and sending them back home with broken legs, hands etc. for five or 10 dinars. What is the fault of these poor people who have come here to earn some money to feed their families which are miles away. Many Bahraini families have some blood relatives from India, many of them want their children to be educated in India. Do they get the same treatment in India every day? I think, instead of taking such e 0
107121 0 1504 LETT LETTERS Makes you wonder... JOE Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (made in Japan for 6am. While his coffee-pot (made in China) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (made in Hong Kong). He put on a dress shirt (made in Sri Lanka), designer jeans (made in Singapore) and tennis shoes (made in Korea). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (made in India) he sat down with his calculator (made in Mexico) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (made in Taiwan) to the radio (made in India) he got in his car (made in Germany) and continued his search for a good paying Canadian job. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (made in Brazil) poured himself a glass of wine (made in France) and turned on his TV (made in Indonesia), and then wondered why he couldn't find a good paying job in Bahrain. Habib Shuaib 0
107122 0 1504 LETT LETTERS Married life great! I HAVE seen my parents during thick and thins in life and it gave me a vast perspective on how married life can be... it can be great despite hardships. Definitely, it's not just a matter of wearing a wedding ring and satisfaction at all but it is a matter of covenant and vow you made out of love. I guess very few people understand its true meaning. It is an action not just a plain noun. Its meaning cannot be found and realised in a split second but through tested and toughened times especially when a storm comes. Joey 0
107123 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Expat boat captain in the net A BANGLADESHI man has been fined BD300 for illegally captaining a Bahraini fishing boat. All Bahraini fishing boats must have Bahraini captains, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The 24-year-old defendant was detained after a routine check by a Coastguard patrol out at sea, last November. The boat, which belonged to a 30-year-old Bahraini, of Janusan, was impounded, then later released to its owner, the court heard. The Coastguard said in its report to the Public Prosecutor that the boat was seized near Al Jarim islands. It said the fishing boat, the crew and its haul of the fish were taken to the Coastguard. The boat was returned to its owner, but the fish was sold in the market and the money was deposited in the account of the concerned authorities, the court heard. The defendant admitted the charge, saying that he put to sea to check his employer's fish traps. 0
107124 1 1504 BNEW LOCAL Call to revive peace initiative MANAMA ALGIERS: Jordan yesterday tried to persuade fellow Arab countries to relaunch an offer of eventual normalisation of ties with Israel after assuring them it did not propose to dilute the conditions Israel must meet. Arab foreign ministers were discussing a Jordanian attempt to breathe new life into a 2002 peace initiative at a meeting to prepare for an Arab summit in Algiers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa is heading Bahrain's delegation. Jordanian Foreign Minister Hani Al Mulki said the aim was "to take advantage of the current circumstances in the region to convey the desire of the Arab world for peace". The text of the proposal was closely guarded but one official said it was a very brief resume of the 2002 initiative. Earlier this week Arab officials indicated that opposition to it was widespread, for fear the Jordanians were trying to promote normal relations with Israel even before it meets the Arab 0
107125 2 1504 BNEW LOCAL Women backed to contest polls MANAMA WOMEN in Bahrain are to get United Nations-supported training to contest in future elections effectively. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) will launch the programme in association with the Supreme Council for Women. The project is in line with the vision of the country's leadership on women empowerment, said UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. No woman contestant was able to make it to the Parliament or municipal councils during the last elections, held in 2003. "This shows that the society in Bahrain did not want to entrust legislative powers to women," said Dr Alloush. "One of the main reasons for this was that the women contestants were not able to convince their voters of their programme. "It is therefore important that Bahraini women who contest in elections should be able to express themselves better." Women empowerment in Bahrain faces two main constraints, said Dr Alloush. "The first one i 0
107126 3 1504 BNEW LOCAL Workers flee as huge fire guts complex MANAMA MORE than 60 workers fled for their lives as a huge blaze destroyed a company complex in Salmabad yesterday. More than 100 firemen from stations all over Bahrain battled to put out the blaze, which destroyed two warehouses and much of a two-storey building housing labour accommodation, offices and several shops. The fire broke out at the A Ali Essa Al Daaysi Company complex at around 11.30pm on Friday night. Firemen were still at the scene last night, damping down small fires as they erupted in the smouldering debris. One Indian labourer, Puthiyedathu Jayan, was trapped in his room as other employees of the company fled. Mr Jayan was evacuated by the firemen through a window, but was not hurt. The company runs a chain of supermarkets and other businesses, including construction and real estate. Group supermarket division in-charge Ajith Varghese told the GDN that the loss had not yet been estimated. "More than 60 workers have been put up at 0
107127 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Revamp of laws sought by MPs MANAMA MPs are planning to give themselves more power by changing more than 75 per cent of parliament's by-laws. "We have carefully studied the by-laws and changed whatever we can to ensure that parliament functions better than now," said parliament legislative and legal affairs committee vice chairman Ali Al Samaheeji. "These changes, if implemented, won't be carried out during our term, but when new members get elected next year. "The democratic process should go forward and this is why these changes are necessary to ensure that people's interests are protected and their demands are well taken into consideration." A report submitted by the committee with the changes was discussed at an extraordinary parliamentary session at the National Assembly Complex in Gudaibiya yesterday. They will continue next Saturday in another extraordinary meeting. Next week discussions will debate the issue of questioning ministers openly in parliament, instead of behind closed do 0
107128 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL BD20,000 prize for Nadia Batelco customer Bahraini Nadia Ali Al Khabbas has won BD20,000 in the Mabrook Grand Prize draw. She was presented with the prize at a ceremony held yesterday at the company's Seef Mall retail outlet. Ms Al Khabbas was one of a number of entrants who have spent a minimum of BD10 on mobile calls during the past 12 months. In addition, Batelco announced the names of nine additional customers who received prizes in the latest Mabrook loyalty programme. "The Mabrook programme was the first of its kind in Bahrain's mobile telecoms industry and Batelco is proud to have provided our customers with this exclusive opportunity to win thousands of dinars worth of cash prizes," said Batelco sales and marketing general manager Ian Dench. In addition to the top prize, Hussain Mahdi Hussain won the second prize of BD3,000; Sanna Mallanna Bhumanna won BD2,000; the fourth prize of BD1,000 went to Antony Vincent Bayer; and Khalil Abdul Wahid Hussain won BD500 for fifth place.</ 0
107129 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Stars to shine for Bahrain TV fans EIGHT stars from the Arab reality show Star Academy are to perform in Bahrain in June. They will perform at a concert on June 16 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. A similar concert was lined up last year, but the Information Ministry refused organisers permission. Bahrain's Murad Events Management director Mohammed Murad said the ministry had already given him the go-ahead in writing for the show, after he presented an initial agreement from Star System, which organises live shows and tours for the group. "This year, four finalists and four participants chosen through votes will be part of the live shows and tours, rather than eight finalists as last year," he said. Bahrain's 20-year-old star Ahmed Salahaddin, voted out of the show at the beginning of the month, will also take part in the live show. His place is assured because of his popularity within the GCC, said Mr Murad. He said that Bahrain would be the first amongst Arab countr 0
107130 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Alert guard foils arson bid at mall A SHARP-EYED security guard chased off an arsonist who tried to set fire to Dana Mall. He had just set fire to a trail of flammable liquid, after building a bonfire of wood against the mall's wall, when the guard spotted him. The arsonist escaped and his makeshift "fuse" went out before it reached the pile of wood. "I was the security officer in charge of the shift that night," said Dana Mall security officer Ali Hassan. "One of the other officers called me on my radio asking to take his post while he went to the men's room." "So I took his place at the outer car parks on the north-western side of the mall." It was then that he spotted the blazing trail of fuel. "A few minutes later I noticed a fire through the windows of a minibus that was parked nearby," said Mr Hassan. "I hurried towards it to investigate what was going on when all of a sudden I saw a man running towards the highway, in the direction of the sea. "I ran after him, but co 0
107131 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Queen honours volunteer Yvonne A LONG-TIME Bahrain resident is to be honoured with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her social work in Bahrain and abroad. Britain's Queen Elizabeth is expected to present Yvonne Trueman with the award in a ceremony to held at Buckingham Palace, in London, UK, this summer. The Briton has been greatly involved in fund-raising in Bahrain and helping orphans in Belize, for more than 25 years. Mrs Trueman, who has been a resident of Bahrain for more than 25 years, found out she was on the honours list when she received a phone call from the UK. "The list has been made public in the UK but not in Bahrain," said Mrs Trueman, who last month returned to Bahrain from charity work in Belize. The award is for her work for a variety of charities over the years. Many people will recognise Mrs Trueman from charity stalls at Bahrain events, where she sells Guatemalan artefacts for the Wildtracks charity. It is a project she committed herself to more than 10 y 0
107132 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Two arrested for stalking Filipina, 38 TWO Indian men have been arrested for allegedly harassing a 38-year-old Filipina as she walked home at night. Raquel Adriano, who has been in Bahrain for 10 months, complained to police that the men followed her and gave her menacing looks. She said she was walking home to her flat near the Delmon International Hotel at around 10pm, after finishing work at the Regency InterContinental Hotel business centre. "I was walking past a traditional coffee shop along the way when I sensed someone following me. I took a glimpse to find two men close on my heels," she said. Mrs Adriano said the let the men get in front of her, but they then stood blocking the entrance to the flats where she lives. She looked for a policeman who normally stands near the flats, but could not find him. Mrs Adriano said she asked a taxi driver for help and an undercover CID officer overheard her and offered to help. "The CID officer arrested the men and took them to Naim Police Stati 0
107133 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Supporters of Net trio plan protest SUPPORTERS of the three Bahrainis released on bail for comments that appeared on the Internet will demonstrate outside the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on Tuesday. They will appeal to delegations taking part in the two-day Asian IT Summit being held at the BIEC to intervene by asking the government to drop charges against the three, who were released last week. The demonstration at 4.30pm is being organised by a committee set up to campaign for their release and drop charges. The three - Ali Abdulemam, Hussain Yousif and Mohammed Al Mousawi - were detained late February. They were arrested for comments that appeared on www.bahrainonline.org, which were critical of the government. 0
107134 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Kuwait-Bahrain legislators share ideas A VISITING Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation held talks with parliament and Shura Council members yesterday. Kuwaiti Parliament foreign affairs committee chairman Mohammed Al Saqr led the delegation. Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi said that the visit was important in bolstering ties between the GCC legislative bodies and encouraging further development in the interests of the people. "Bahrain is also keen to learn from the experiences of other GCC countries in this field and exchanging visits will help ensure that," he said. Discussions also focused on the issues of a unified GCC Parliament and possibly a unified Arab Parliament. The meeting was attended by Bahrain Parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Ahmed Bahzad, council legislative and legal affairs committee chairman Mohammed Al Halwachi and council secretary general Shaikh Abdulrahman Abdulsalam. Meanwhile, the delegation also met separately with MPs 0
107135 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Record as new hotels directory launched RED House Marketing (RHM) launched its eighth annual Bahrain Hotel & Restaurant Guide at a gala dinner at the Regency InterContinental Hotel last night. Several hundred people attended the event to collect copies of the 108-page pocket directory, the largest to date. "The number of hotels and restaurants across the kingdom continues to grow at a phenomenal rate," explained RHM publisher and managing director George Middleton. "This year's guide reflects the record expansion within Bahrain's hospitality and food and beverage industry." Mr Middleton says the directory features 115 hotel and luxury apartments and 278 eating establishments that range from cafes and fast-food outlets to family dining outlets and five-star restaurants. The hotel section includes property descriptions, amenities and a photo of each property. It also lists each property alphabetically and by star rating. Restaurants are listed both alphabetically and categorically by the type of 0
107136 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL French ties on show AN exhibition on the French and Bahrain cultures opened at the Muharraq Intermediate and Secondary School for Girls yesterday. It was opened by French Ambassador Malika Barak and Education Ministry intermediate and secondary schools education directorate head Nassar Al Shaikh. The exhibition has been organised by the school and aims at highlighting the friendship between the two countries. More than 45 educational works are being showcased in the French language on the two countries' culture and heritage, including news clippings and pictures of visits to France by Bahrain's leaders. Students from other schools will be attending the exhibition, which continues until Wednesday. Visitors can also take part in a competition in which they must answer questions correctly by finding the answers through the work in the exhibits. The opening was attended by French Embassy and Education Ministry officials, school principals and other guests. 0
107137 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Pupils put music talents on show PHILIPPINE School Bahrain students showcased their talents at a Music Festival held yesterday at the school's campus in Kanoo Gardens, Salmaniya. Student bands Blood Stock, Beyond Hope, Crimson Rain, Down Fold II and Numskull performed various rap and rock songs at the event, which was attended by more than 160 school students, aged from 12 to 16 years. The annual festival was organised by student council president Adrian Macrol Antonio. 0
107138 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Key Arab talks held DEPUTY Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa yesterday took part in the ministerial preparatory meeting of the 17th Arab Summit in Algiers. The council discussed items on the summit's agenda before being reviewed by leaders of Arab countries at the talks to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. The agenda will include developing joint Arab action, establishing a pan-Arab parliament, following up enforcement of resolutions and amending the Arab League's voting process, the Palestinian cause, the peace process in the Middle East, latest developments in Iraq and Sudan, Iran's occupation of the UAE islands in the Gulf, Security Council reforms, and the report of the committee on follow up and Arab action. Shaikh Mohammed said that Bahrain looked forward to the summit tackling important issues including restructuring of the Arab League, establishing a pan-Arab parliament and amending the voting system in the Arab League, saying that there is consent on these 0
107139 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Reforms rally by society A RALLY calling for changes to the Constitution will be held in Sitra on Friday. The event, which begins at 3.30pm, is being organised by Al Wefaq National Islamic Society. It will start from the petrol station on the main road, under the theme Towards Constitutional Reforms. The organising committee has urged participants to carry the Bahraini flag and not to carry pictures or placards or chant slogans other than those related to the case. 0
107140 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Five Chaine members inducted FIVE new members were inducted into the Bahrain chapter of the Chaine des Rotisseurs at a ceremony held at the Regency InterContin-ental Hotel. Laurent Caizergues, Michael Gaunt and Rodolphe-Pierre Melki were brought in as 'knights'. Among the professionals in the industry, Crowne Plaza general manager George Koumendakos was inducted as hotel manager, while Novotel Al Dana Resort chef Sebastien Vincent was recognised as restaurant manager. Celebrate Another five members were promoted to higher ranks in the chaine with Novotel Al Dana Resort general manager Philippe Montaubin being formally recognised as chancellor of the Bahrain chapter, confirming an appointment made last year. Hilton general manager Kevin Brett has been put in charge of special functions or assignments. Three gastronomes were made officers in the chaine: William Abu Hamad, Rashid Al Amin and Taher Makkiyah. Chaine president Khalid Almoayyed presided over the ceremony on behalf of 0
107141 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Health care management programme launched BAHRAIN'S 11th Health Care Management Programme was launched at the Rufaida Building, Manama, yesterday. It is being held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Hafadh and Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) chief executive officer Dr Michael Horgan. The programme has been organised by the ministry in collaboration with the RCSI - Medical University of Bahrain (MUB). Present at the opening ceremony were Health Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Training and Planning Dr Fawzi Amin and officials from the ministry and college. Thirty-seven candidates from various managerial levels and specialities are taking part in the one-year, full-time programme, said Health Ministry training directorate head Layla Al Asfoor. "This programme is aimed at developing managerial and leadership skills, making room for a wider and continuous quality improvement across the country," she said. "As a graduate of this programme I'm very proud to have been its co-ordina 0
107142 0 1504 BNEW LOCAL Hat's off! Spring Fair's a big hit ST Christopher's Infant School students celebrated the season with a Spring Fair, held at the school's campus in Awali. A total of BD390 was raised at the event and this will be put towards the purchase of outdoor playground equipment. The fair, organised by the Parent and Teachers Association, featured various games, raffle draws and stalls selling crafts, second-hand books, toys, greeting cards, jewellery, prints, frames, children's swimwear and refreshments. Games included an egg hunt, lucky dip (prizes courtesy of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and others), tombola, lollipop game, guess the number of sweets and name the rabbit, teddy and polar bear (courtesy of The Bear Factory). The highlight of the event was a hat parade, in which all students decorated their own hats based on a spring theme or a choice of their own. Hat creations included Easter chicks, rabbits and lambs, traditional Easter bonnets festooned with flowers and others such a ladybird, a bee, a plan 0
107143 1 1504 SPOR SPORT PAKISTAN FACE TOUGH TARGET CALCUTTA, India: Pakistan made a bold attempt to chase a stiff 422-run target for victory in the second Test against an India inspired by Rahul Dravid at the Eden Gardens here yesterday. Shahid Afridi smashed a run-a-ball 59 and Taufeeq Umar an unbeaten 29 as Pakistan reached 95 for one at stumps on the penultimate day. Younis Khan had yet to score. Dravid, 32, earlier completed a century in each innings of a Test as India posted 407 for nine declared on top of a first-innings lead of 14. The stage is set for an exciting final day today. Pakistan now need 327 more runs in 90 overs on a slow turning track where the odd ball kept a little low. Only three teams - the West Indies (2003), India (1976) and Australia (1948) - have so far scored more than 400 in the fourth innings to win a Test in the history of the game. Afridi hit two sixes and nine fours to give his team a brisk start, putting on 93 for the opening wicket with Umar. India heaved a sigh of relief when 0
107144 2 1504 SPOR SPORT Alonso sets best time in qualifying SEPANG, Malaysia: Spain's Fernando Alonso seized provisional pole for Renault at the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday with a blistering lap in first qualifying. Alonso, who started the 2003 race from pole position, clocked a lap of one minute 32.582 seconds - the fastest yet at the Sepang circuit. His time was 0.090 quicker than Italian Jarno Trulli, who placed his Toyota on the overnight front row before today's final qualifying session, and nearly half a second faster than last year's pole time. Championship leader Giancarlo Fisichella, who gave Renault a season-opening victory in Australia on March 6, was third quickest ahead of McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen. Today's pole is decided on aggregate times from the two sessions under a new format introduced this year. The speed of the Toyotas, both out of the points in Australia, was the main surprise of a session that also had champions Ferrari well down the timesheets. Fastest Germany's Ralf Schuma-cher w 0
107145 3 1504 SPOR SPORT Bahrain gear up for key clashes THE Bahrain national soccer team will head for Beijing tonight for a training camp ahead of their 2006 World Cup second qualifying round Group 'B' match against North Korea on Friday. Bahrain, under their new coach Wolfgang Sidka of Germany who was recently released by his club Al Arabi of Qatar on a two-week loan, will also play away to Japan five days after their match in North Korea which may decide their fate in this tough group. Sidka said he was delighted to come back to take charge of the Bahraini team which he had inspired to clinch their first berth in the second qualifying round of the 2002 World Cup. "It is quite a challenge for me to take charge of Bahrain for the second consecutive World Cup second qualifying round," said Sidka at a Press conference last night at the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) premises in Riffa. Bahrain will have a couple of light practice sessions today before leaving tonight for Beijing where they undergo a three-day camp before travelling to Pyongyang 0
107146 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Martyn ton puts Australia on top WELLINGTON: Damien Martyn scored his 12th Test century as he went on a batting rampage with Adam Gilchrist to put Australia at a strong 337 for five at stumps on the second day of the second cricket Test against New Zealand here yesterday. In an unbroken 90-run partnership from 89 balls they wrested the initiative off New Zealand and plundered the second new-ball attack as Australia piled on 166 runs in the final session. Australia looked to be teetering at 163 for four before Martyn and Simon Katich added 84 off 20 overs and, following Katich's dismissal, Gilchrist continued the onslaught. Martyn, who pushed his Test average back over 50, offered two chances - streaky French cuts in the 30s which just missed the stumps - before opening up. "There was definitely something there for their bowlers and luck probably didn't go their way today," he said. "A couple of catches went down and we played and missed a lot. It could easily have been a different day." 0
107147 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Buoyant Toyota look for victory in Sepang SEPANG, Malaysia: Toyota believe they can win today's Malaysian Grand Prix after three years in Formula One without even a podium. Italian Jarno Trulli was second in first qualifying for today's race at Sepang, after being fastest in final practice, while his German team mate Ralf Schumacher finished fifth. "If you're on the front row, you'd be pretty stupid if you didn't think you could go on and win," technical director Mike Gascoyne said. "We're looking to put it on pole and win the race. Why not? The level of performance is not a one-off. It's not a flash in the pan." The starting grid will be decided on aggregate times after today's final qualifying. Trulli, winner in Monaco for Renault last year, started the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on the front row but finished ninth. However Gascoyne said that was different. "In Australia we were on the hard tyre, struggling to make it work, and we got the position because of the luck in qualifying 0
107148 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Muharraq and Manama lead MUHARRAQ and Manama extended their lead in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball League following victories over Al Najma and Isa Town in the second leg matches last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Manama proved too good for Al Najma 89-63 for their 11th win of the season. Muharraq followed suit with a comfortable 97-54 win over bottom of the table Isa Town. Both Manama and Muharraq have 23 points from 12 matches. 0
107149 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Shea books Plage slot MIKE Shea qualified from Division A in the Bahrain's qualifying round for the Belle Mare Plage Challenge Cup at the Riffa Golf Club (RGC) premises. Shea had the best net score of the division with a 71. Also qualifying was Khalid Salem who shot the best gross score of 78. In Division B, Tony Karaolis secured his place in the final with a net score of 74 while junior golfer Jordan Lucas qualified with the top gross score of 87. Former lady club captain Linda Simpson scored a gross 92 to go through to the next round in the ladies section and another junior golfer, Amanda McCarthy, was the top net scorer with 79. Organised by Dubai Golf Holidays + Events, qualifying rounds began in October 2004 with 12 regional clubs taking part in the event. The six qualifiers from each club - four men and two women go through to the regional final that will be held at the redeveloped Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on May 7. Winners of the final will then have the opportunity to g 0
107150 0 1504 SPOR SPORT GRAND SLAM! CARDIFF: Wales won their first grand slam for 27 years yesterday when they beat Ireland 32-20 in a Six Nations showdown overflowing with passion and commitment. Wales had not beaten Ireland in Cardiff for 22 years and, despite a nervy start and tumultuous finale, deserved the win that brought their first championship since 1994 and ecstasy to thousands of Welsh fans packed into the Millennium Stadium. Tries in each half for prop Gethin Jenkins and fullback Kevin Morgan set up the victory which was sealed by the kicking of flyhalf Stephen Jones, who scored 16 points. Wales's ninth clean sweep is all the more remarkable as it comes just two years after they finished bottom of the table after losing every match. "It's brilliant, awesome," said scrumhalf Dwayne Peel. "We've got through some tough times, some dark periods together. We gave everything we've got." A first home win over England for 13 years, a destruction of Italy in Rome, an extraordinary comeback victo 0
107151 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Nervy England keep Sevens dream alive HONG KONG: England survived a nervous encounter with Samoa to keep their World Cup Sevens hopes alive here yesterday as New Zealand marched into the final stages with another imperious display. Second seeds England missed a string of chances in an error-strewn display and were forced into some desperate rear-guard defence late on before running out 12-7 winners in the final Pool C game. Captain Simon Amor settled it midway through the second half, spinning out of a challenge on the half-way line before sprinting to the try-line to score, putting England top of their group despite being beaten by France on Friday. Coach Mike Friday admitted the performance was far from a classic by a side bidding to unite the sevens and 15-a-side World Cups for the first time. "By hook or by crook we've managed to win our group and without performing to our ability," he said. Defending champions New Zealand had no such problems in their final group match, racking up their biggest w 0
107152 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Chelsea stay on course for title LONDON: Chelsea took another stride towards the Premiership title yesterday as they preserved their 11-point lead with a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. In what is becoming a battle for the runners-up spot, second-placed Manchester United and Arsenal in third secured 1-0 victories over Fulham and Blackburn Rovers respectively. Everton, who occupy the fourth Champions League spot, play fifth-placed Liverpool in the Merseyside derby today. Chelsea conceded their first league goal at Stamford Bridge since November 20 as relegation-threatened Crystal Palace briefly threatened a surprise. Aki Riihilahti took advantage of a mistake by Frank Lampard to equalise for Palace shortly before halftime after the England midfielder had thumped home his 11th goal of the season to fire Chelsea in front. Joe Cole restored Chelsea's lead after 54 minutes and substitute Mateja Kezman wrapped up the 24th league victory of the season for Jose Mourinho's side with a late double. A fur 0
107153 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Bellamy hat-trick puts Celtic on top GLASGOW: On-loan Newcastle striker Craig Bellamy smashed a hat-trick to help Celtic leap to the top of the Scottish Premier League with an exciting 3-2 win at basement side Dundee United yesterday. Celtic leapfrog Rangers at the summit with their city rivals not playing in the league this weekend as they face Motherwell at Hampden Park today in the League Cup final. The champions have 77 points while Rangers are two behind from the same number of games. After his match-winning display, the Welsh international made it clear he would like to stay at Celtic. "Of course I'd be happy to stay here, but I am realistic and know what Celtic have to offer and what money they have," Bellamy, who fell out with Newcastle boss Graeme Souness, told BBC radio. "I want to put them in the situation where they do nothing else but sign me. "The next club that I go to is a massive move. I will be turning 26 in July and this is a big stage in my career. I want to play in the Champions 0
107154 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Montgomerie gets closer to Masters slot BEIJING: Britons Colin Montgomerie and Paul Casey and Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand shared the honours on the third day of the TCL Classic in China yesterday. Montgomerie will be particularly pleased with the way he managed to raise his game on the back nine. He needs a high finish to get back into the world's top 50 in time for the first of the year's four majors, the Masters Tournament at Augusta next month. The trio finished on 16-under-par 200 at the Yalong Bay Golf Club on the tropical island of Hainan, one shot clear of two more European Tour Members, Denmark's Thomas Bjorn and Terry Pilkadaris of Australia, in the co-sanctioned event with the Asian Tour. Casey and Montgomerie were Ryder Cup team mates last September and they reproduced some of the great golf at that tournament at Oakland Hills with superb finishes to their third rounds. Montgomerie started with birdies at the second and third, but fell off the pace dramatically with three bogeys in a row from the fo 0
107155 0 1504 SPOR SPORT Mohammadi wins Round Awali race YOUNG Ahmed Mohammadi edged out Sawab Hassan by seven seconds to win his debut Round Awali race organised by the Bahrain Road Runners. The race, run in wet and cloudy conditions, attracted 34 runners who had to choose their own route to go around the Awali fence. Mohammadi won the race in 27.01 minutes. Redha Hussain (27.51) finished third. Only four women participated in the race with Olga Pereira (35.29) finishing in a commanding lead ahead of Catherine Abraham and Vinita Chitte. Gerry Barnard (M70), who is currently visiting Bahrain, relived old memories finishing the run in 47.18 minutes. Calendar The next event on the runners calendar will be the Annual General Meeting which will be held at the British Club on Wednesday starting at 7.30pm. A new committee will be elected and all members are requested to attend. A predictor race is scheduled for Thursday from the Al Ahli stadium starting at 4pm. For more information, contact Bahrain Road Runners ch 0
107156 0 1504 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain SUNSET Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watch departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Circuit, British Club, 9am to 10am; line dancing 9.30am-11.30am; library 4pm-7pm; netball 7pm-10pm; salsa class, 8pm-9pm. Contact 17728245. Al Areesh Gallery for Child Art, Adliya, 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm. Contact 17813043 or 17259623. Ballet, karate and belly dance, Bahrain Ballet Centre. Contact 17693232. Yoga, Marina Club, 5.15pm-6.45pm. Ladies only. Contact 17291527 or 39052254. Ladies and kids netball, Dilmun Club, Saar. Ladies 7.15pm to 9.15pm. Children 4pm to 7pm. Contact the club on 17690926. Bahrain Hash House Harriers, contact 17862620 for time and location. Saar Islamic Centre Mosque, by prior appointment only. Contact 17727773, 39474091 or fax 1 0
107157 0 1504 WORL WORLD Explosion hits Doha theatre DOHA: More than 50 people were admitted to hospital after a blast tore through a theatre during a performance last night with about 100 Westerners in the audience, hospital workers and US military officials said. The cause of the blast at the Doha Players Theatre was not known. The BBC, citing the British Embassy in Qatar, reported that the blast might have been a gas explosion. However, General Ahmed Al Hariki of the Interior Ministry said six people were injured, including Arabs and foreigners with medium injuries. He told Al Jazeera TV that the blast occurred at a restaurant inside the theatre and was not close to an embassy or consulate. He did not discuss a possible cause of the explosion. The theatre is located in the northern suburb of Farek Kelab. A British school and the US Embassy are in the same area. 0
107158 1 1504 WORL WORLD CIVIL WAR ALERT BEIRUT: Lebanon faced new civil war fears after its anti-Syria opposition last night rejected a plea for unity talks issued hours after a bomb blast in a Beirut suburb. "President Emile Lahoud invites us to dialogue as though he is an independent when he is accused," Druze chieftain and key opposition leader Walid Jumblatt said after the pro-Syrian leader urged national dialogue. Amidst mounting tension, UN chief Kofi Annan called for stability and said he was greatly disturbed by the bombing. Eleven people were wounded when the bomb exploded early in the day beneath a car in the Christian residential neighbourhood of Jdeide, causing extensive damage. Citing "exceptional circumstances," Lahoud called for dialogue between the country's anti-Syrian opposition and parties sympathetic to Damascus, an encounter he said was critical in order to "protect Lebanon". Lahoud's office later announced that the president would not attend a two-day Arab summit starting on Tuesday in Al 0
107159 2 1504 WORL WORLD Europeans protest invasion of Iraq LONDON: From London's Trafalgar Square to the streets of Istanbul, tens of thousands of people across Europe protested the Iraq war yesterday on the second anniversary of the US-led invasion. Police said about 45,000 demonstrators participated in a march from Hyde Park past the US Embassy and on to Trafalgar Square. Organisers said almost 100,000 took part. Several army veterans were among the demonstrators. In Istanbul, an estimated 15,000 people marched in the Kadikoy neighbourhood to protest the US presence in Iraq. "Murderer Bush, get out," read one sign. Two marchers dressed like US soldiers pretended to rough up another, who was dressed as a detainee with a sack on his head, a mimed criticism of prisoner abuse cases. In the southern Turkish city of Adana protesters laid a black wreath in front of the US Consulate to protest the war. In Poland, about 500 protesters marched to the US Embassy in Warsaw, holding banners reading "Pull ou 0
107160 3 1504 WORL WORLD New N-arms push vowed ISLAMABAD: President Pervez Musharraf vowed yesterday to further upgrade Pakistan's nuclear capability but with a "strict adherence" to non-proliferation as he watched the test-firing of a long-range missile which can carry a nuclear warhead. "The nation's nuclear capability, which enjoyed the broadest national consensus, was developed for Pakistan's own security and will continue to receive the highest national priority," Musharraf said. The military ruler attempted to allay apprehensions about the future of the programme after the fresh disclosures about the activities of disgraced nuclear scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan. Yesterday's firing of the Shaheen II (Hatf VI) surface-to-surface missile was successful, a military statement said. "This missile system, which incorporates advanced two-stage solid motor technology, can carry all types of conventional and nuclear warheads to a range of 2,000km," it said. "The test was carried out to verify some of the refined tec 0
107161 0 1504 WORL WORLD 50 die in river tragedy MULTAN: A tractor-trailer carrying pilgrims from a Muslim shrine in central Pakistan veered off a road and into a fast-flowing river, killing at least 50 people, military police said yesterday. The accident happened in the mountainous region of Dera Ghazi Khan, about 200km northwest Multan, a city in Punjab province, said Mohammed Akhtar, a local military police official. "Two people who somehow swam to the shore told us about the accident," he said, adding the rescue teams later pulled 50 bodies from the river. He said rescuers were still searching for missing people. It wasn't clear what caused the accident. Another government official in the region confirmed the accident and said the people on the tractor had been returning home after visiting a Muslim shrine. Fatal road accidents are common in Pakistan where most roads are poorly maintained and drivers often flaunt traffic rules. At least 10 children died on February 27 when a bus carrying t 0
107162 0 1504 WORL WORLD Hindus on rampage over Modi visa row AHMADABAD: Hindu nationalists yesterday attacked a warehouse of US-based PepsiCo and protested outside the American consulate in Bombay, a day after the United States revoked a visa for the elected head of Gujarat state, citing his role in 2002 religious riots. The attack in Surat city in western India came despite tight security to prevent any retaliation by Hindu groups to the US decision to revoke a visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. Nearly 150 activists from the Bajrang Dal barged into the PepsiCo warehouse in the Varachh Road area of Surat, smashed soft drink bottles and set fire to the place, said Dharmesh Joshi, an witness. They also ransacked a PepsiCo office located nearby, he said. The US State Department said it denied a diplomatic visa and revoked Modi's existing tourist/business visa under the US Immigration and Nationality Act which bars people responsible for violations of religious freedom from getting a visa. Spokesman Adam Ereli said the Unite 0
107163 0 1504 WORL WORLD Japan's princess engaged at 35 TOKYO: The only daughter of Emperor Akihito was formally betrothed yesterday - at 35 years old, one of an increasing number of Japanese women who have chosen to wait for their wedding bells. Princess Nori's betrothal to Yoshiaki Kuroda, 39, who works in the urban planning department at Tokyo city hall, was sealed in a ceremony when a messenger from his family brought traditional gifts - bolts of silk, rice wine and sea bream - to the Imperial Palace. A senior courtier accepted the presents, met the Emperor, Empress and Princess Nori, and conveyed their message of acceptance. Similar gifts were to be delivered to Kuroda's family later. A date for the wedding has not been set, but it is likely to take place this autumn. It used to be said in Japan that an unmarried woman was like Christmas cake: no good after 25. But Nori joins the growing ranks of Japanese women who are choosing to get married later, reflecting changes in society and the workplace and worrying poli 0
107164 0 1504 WORL WORLD Marriage proposals dilemma for 'Indian Idol' BOMBAY: Less than a fortnight after being crowned the first "Indian Idol", 23-year-old Abhijeet Sawant is a hunted man - scores of parents are chasing after him with proposals to marry their daughters. "My family is having a tough time controlling parents who have just kept pouring in with marriage proposals since the day I became the Indian Idol," Sawant said. The boyish-looking Sawant, an amateur singer with a local Bombay orchestra, was chosen as the first "Indian Idol" in a competition modelled on the popular American Idol format. Sawant used to sing Bollywood songs in musical shows during religious festivals and at wedding ceremonies, where he was recognised as talented but not exceptional. But his moment of glory came at the end of a five-month countrywide search for a singing star organised by Sony Entertainment Television. In the final round, some 48 million viewers watched Sawant, the son of a Bombay civic officer, beat off competition from 21-year-old Am 0
107165 0 1504 WORL WORLD Australians cautioned over royal HOBART: Denmark's Australian-born Princess Mary left her homeland yesterday after a 21-day visit which prompted such public fascination that a state government minister warned she risked becoming an antipodean Princess Diana. Princess Mary and her husband Crown Prince Frederik made a low-key exit from her home state of Tasmania, in contrast to much of her trip which has been dominated by charity balls, state functions and saturation press coverage. Interest in the Hobart-born former real estate agent reached such a pitch that it prompted Tasmania's Economic Development Minister Lara Giddings to urge her compatriots to back off a little. "Princess Diana has left a void in the world," Giddings said. "What we all have to be careful about is that Princess Mary isn't made to fill that void." Princess Mary, who met her prince at a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics, was hailed as a fashion icon by gossip magazines during her first visit to Australia since her marriage in Copen 0
107166 0 1504 WORL WORLD Outrage as woman leads Friday prayers CAIRO: Muslims in the Middle East yesterday angrily denounced prayers led by a woman in New York City on Friday as a violation of Islam. Egyptian newspaper, Al Messa, reported the news of Amina Wadud leading Friday prayer services on its front page, with the emphatic headline: "They are tarnishing Islam in America!" A female Islamic law professor condemned the act as apostasy, explaining that a woman's body "stirs desire" in men. Some suggested the event was a US conspiracy to mold traditional Islam into a secular American religion. Wadud, a professor of Islamic studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, led the Islamic prayer service before a mixed congregation of 80 to 100 men and women at an Anglican church. Three mosques had refused to hold the service, and an art gallery backed out after receiving a bomb threat. Organisers of the prayer said it was intended to draw attention to the inequality faced by Muslim women. In Saudi Arabia, Grand Mufti Abdul Aziz Al Shai 0
107167 0 1504 WORL WORLD Seven Iraqis die in Kirkuk blast BAGHDAD: At least seven Iraqis died yesterday, including three policemen blown up as they buried a murdered colleague. The policemen were killed and seven others wounded when a bomb exploded in the tense northern oil centre of Kirkuk as the funeral cortege of a comrade killed the previous day passed by, police chief General Turhan Yussef said. Three of those wounded were in critical condition at Kirkuk's general hospital. In other violence, an Iraqi soldier and two civilians, one an interpreter working for coalition forces, were killed in the north of the country, and the body of a man shot in the head execution-style was found. A previously unheard of group said in a statement yesterday it had abducted two Egyptian engineers working in Iraq and posted a video on the Internet purporting to show the hostages who identified themselves as engineers Nabil Tewfik Suleiman and Metwalli Mohammad Salem. Iraqi politician with Swedish citizenship, Minas Ibrahim Al Yussufi held captive for nearly 0
107168 1 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Ahli United Bank to list shares MANAMA: An historic Ahli United Bank shares issue is to be listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange, under an agreement signed yesterday. A billion non-cumulative partly convertible Class A preference shares, issued on a pre-emptive rights basis by the bank, at an issue price of $0.45 net per share, nominal value: $0.25 per share, will be listed on the BSE. The agreement was signed between BSE director Fouad Rashed and AUB group risk, finance and strategic development deputy chief executive officer Sherif Abdallah. Mr Rashid welcomed the bank's unique capital raising medium through a hybrid instrument, following its earlier two successful pre-emptive rights ordinary share issues, in July 2001 and December 2002. They resulted in the issue of additional 506 million and 800m ordinary shares respectively. Mr Rashid emphasised the benefits companies gain by considering the issuance of different capital raising instruments, that might be used to support expansion plans and gen 0
107169 2 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Telecom offices visited MANAMA: Ministers attending the Asia IT Ministers Summit in Bahrain, visited the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) offices yesterday. They included Turkish Transportation and Communication Minister Binal Ylidrim, Yemeni Communication and Information Technology Minister Abd Al Malik Al Muallimi and others. They met with TRA general director Andreas Avgousti, who briefed them on Bahrain's regulatory regime and developments in the country's telecommunications market. The visitors were accompanied by Transportation Ministry telecoms director Rashid Ashoor. The two-day summit opens at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre today, under the patronage of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. 0
107170 3 1506 BUSI BUSINESS German trade delegation to promote Bahrain ties MANAMA: A high-level business delegation from Bavaria, Germany, arrived in Bahrain yesterday on a four-day visit to enhance bilateral trade. It includes representatives from the Nuremberg Chamber of Commerce and various industries covering banking, insurance, IT, engineering, electronics, medical and motoring. Bavaria is, in terms of surface, the largest state in Germany and has a total population of 12.4 million. It is described as one of the top growth regions in Germany and includes the cities of Munich and Nuremberg, as well as being home to leading multi-national companies such as Audi, BMW and Siemens. The delegation's main objective is to explore the business infrastructure and opportunities in Bahrain and the country's potential to act as a gateway to the region. A meeting has been scheduled with the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry tomorrow from 10am. It will take place at the Chamber's headquarters in Manama and all interested parties 0
107171 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Minister meets business chiefs MANAMA: Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro met with leaders of the auditing and management consulting firm, BDO, to discuss matters of mutual interest, including the firm's commitment to further developing the economy and enhancing transparency and corporate governance throughout all organisations. Present at the meeting were BDO Jawad Habib senior partner Jawad Habib, BDO International Policy Board chairman Dermot Mathias, BDO International Policy Board member Martin Van Roeke and BDO Jawad Habib partner Abbas Al Radhi. The Policy Board members were in Bahrain in preparation for the BDO International Policy Board meeting. Seen above are, from left, Mr Van Roeke, Mr Mathias, Dr Fakhro, Mr Habib and Mr Al Radhi. Shamil Bank AGM MANAMA: Shamil Bank chairman Prince Mohamed Al Faisal Al Saud chairs its fifth annual general meeting today. The meeting, being held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel's Al Riffa Ballroom at 1pm, will be atten 0
107172 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Alba team marks success MANAMA: Alba's Line 5's Casthouse team are celebrating the production of the first billet cast by Direct Chill Casting Machine (DC9), in the plant's new Casthouse 3 facility. The production of the first cast marks a significant milestone in the commissioning progress of the new casthouse plant and was commemorated with an on-site celebration attended by Alba chief executive officer Bruce Hall, the Line 5 Casthouse operations team and other members of company's executive team. Casthouse 3 is specialised in the production of billets and is designed to produce an average billet output of 300,000 metric tonnes per year. The casthouse team is now working to bring the DC9 machine to its rated capacity of 100,000 metric tones of billet production per year, which is a third of Casthouse 3's expected yearly billet output, said Line 5 Casthouse operations manager Hameed Najem. Machines DC10 and DC11 are soon to be energised, he said. 0
107173 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Rate worries may weigh on markets NEW YORK: The Federal Reserve's stance on interest-rate rises and the price of crude are set to call the shots in the market this week. While higher oil prices could pull industrial and transportation stocks lower, interest-rate worries could weigh on financial and homebuilders' shares, strategists said. "What the Fed says will be on the minds of investors this week, as will be the cost of oil," said Alex Motola, portfolio manager at Thornburg Investment Management. In a shortened four-day week, the markets will be closed on Friday for the Good Friday holiday. Carmakers' stocks could continue their slide after General Motors Corp warned Wall Street last Wednesday that it expects a first-quarter loss. Last week, crude oil futures vaulted to a record intraday high of $57.60 a barrel on Thursday. April crude rose 32 cents on Friday to settle at $56.72 on the New York Mercantile Exchange. High oil prices hurt the market as a whole by crimping corporate profits 0
107174 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Managerial challenges to be probed MANAMA: Challenges facing managers are to be analysed in a series of seminars in Bahrain this year. The events are being organised by the Bahrain Management Society (BMS), which has already organised similar presentations earlier this year. The next seminar is on the topic Leadership and Self-Deception, which will be held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel at 7.30 pm, next Sunday. Singapore-based Arbinger Institute managing director S S G Senthiyl will be the speaker. This is the third business dinner talk being organised by BMS for this year, said president Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "We have plans to organise a series of seminars this year on topics which will help BMS members and guests to upgrade their management skills," he told the GDN. Arbinger is an American management training and consulting firm. "Mr Senthiyl will present solution to the age-old problem of self-deception, which is simply the problem of not knowing we have a proble 0
107175 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Car Parks' net profits slump MANAMA: Bahrain Car Parks Company's net profit fell to BD1,166,254 last year, from BD1,170,242 in 2003. The results were discussed at an annual general meeting held at the company's premises in Manama yesterday and chaired by board chairman Mahmood Mahmood Hussain. Mr Hussain said that the company's operations remained healthy with an operating profit of BD409,577 last year, up from BD368,330 in 2003. As far as the investments are concerned, the company has a portfolio in the form of quoted shares, debt securities and guaranteed funds amounting to BD3,290,454 as at December 31, up from BD2,714,202 in 2003. "The board has concentrated its investments in funds which are capital guaranteed and carry low risk, but require a longer holding period for income to be realised," said Mr Hussain. In addition the company holds short term fixed deposits amounting to BD2,242, 137 last year, down from BD3,047,318 in 2003. The shareholders approved the transfer of BD116,625 to a 0
107176 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS NBB woos India share market MANAMA: The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) is tapping investment opportunities in the Indian equities market. The bank's Capital Protected Indian Equity Funds Note is for private and institutional investors. Investors' capital will be 100 per cent protected at maturity by the guarantor, JP Morgan Chase Bank. "Investors today are looking for investment avenues that have potential to generate big returns," said an NBB Treasury and Capital Markets division apokesman "India today offers one of the biggest future growth stories. "With India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on a fast track and expected to grow at 7pc to 8pc per annum over the next five to 10 years, its equity markets could reward its investors attractively." The six-week subscription period starts on today and closes on April 28. The minimum investment in the seven-year note is $10,000. 0
107177 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS $160m loan deal agreed MANAMA: Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) announced yesterday that it has been mandated by Bank Saderat Iran to underwrite a $160 million five-year Term Advance Facility. The proceeds of the facility will be made available for the redevelopment plan of the University of Tehran and Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The facility, which is guaranteed by Iran's Economic Affairs and Finance Ministry, was signed in Manama in the presence of representatives from the ministry, as well as the Islamic Republic of Iran Central Bank, Bank Saderat Iran and Tehran University. Bank Saderat Iran is Iran's second largest bank and is 100 per cent owned by the government. 0
107178 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Seoul-Beijing to probe free trade SEOUL: State-run economic thinktanks of South Korea and China agreed yesterday to conduct a feasibility study on establishing a free trade zone between the two Asian economies. The Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) and the Development Research Center, run by China's state council, signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing to launch the study until 2006, to push for a free trade pact, KIEP said in a statement. Trade between China and South Korea, Asia's second and third largest economies, stood at $79.4 billion in 2004, according to Seoul's foreign ministry data. China is South Korea's biggest trade partner. Seoul has also pushed for separate free trade deals with Asia's biggest economy Japan and Singapore. Another free trade pact is being pursued with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) which groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. 0
107179 0 1506 BUSI BUSINESS Qatar will sustain growth despite blast DOHA: Qatar is likely to maintain its robust economic growth, shrugging off a suicide car bombing that killed a Briton at a theatre popular with Westerners, analysts said yesterday. Saturday's attack also injured 16 people, mainly Arabs and Asians. "I would be surprised if this knocks Qatar off track. There is a lot of momentum built up in the economy," said Simon Williams of London's Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). He said the EIU was unlikely to cut its forecast of eight per cent 2005 real economic growth for Qatar in the wake of the attack. Qatar's economy grew 8.7pc in real terms in 2004, the EIU estimates, driven by higher oil and gas prices and increased output from the country's gas-based industries. Qatar has the world's third largest gas reserves after Russia and Iran. Qatar's stock market barely moved yesterday, the day after the attack. The Doha Securities Market index eased just 31 points, or 0.3pc, to close at about 11,225 points. "One bomb is not going to 0
107180 0 1506 COMM COMMENTBad behaviour by Congress... While the Palestinian Authority, under new leadership, is making a determined effort to reform and reorganise, entrenched anti-peace forces in the US Congress present real barriers to forward movement. Evidence of their continuing ability to define the limits of what is possible was on display this month. When Congress acted to push through new immigration constrictions, they retained the anti-PLO provision in place since the mid-1990s. The law classifies "an alien who is an officer, official, representative, or spokesman of the Palestine Liberation Organisation ... to be engaged in a terrorist activity" and, therefore, inadmissible to the United States. As a result, Palestinians affiliated with the PLO (this includes Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas) may only qualify for visas to the US if granted a special presidential waiver. As insulting as this may be to the new Palestinian Authority (PA) leadership and as damaging as it may be to the Bush administration's effort to en 0
107181 0 1506 COMM COMMENTClock ticking for men married to their careers! An unmarried woman is like a Christmas cake - no good after 25. Not my words, I swear, but apparently a Japanese saying, brought to light by the engagement of Emperor Akihito's only daughter, at the venerable age of 35. It is true that the scales are tipped against women when it comes to the matrimonial sell-by date. No one gives a second thought to a man staying single well into his 30s, but women are expected to have found a mate and settled down well before then. It varies to some extent amongst different cultures and I have had more than one female Bahraini colleague complain over the years that she is on the shelf, when she is barely into her 20s. But times are changing and women here and in other cultures are staying single longer, often in pursuit of careers which marriage may otherwise prohibit, particularly in conservative communities like this one. Since women are the child bearers, they are tied to a far tighter time-frame than men, since we ge 0
107184 0 1506 LETT LETTERS Many women also guilty of abuse! AMIRA Al Hussaini wrote about the battle of the sexes (GDN March 8). She states that men "break up families, cheat on their wives and abuse their children." What an absurd and inaccurate generalisation. So, what she is saying is that women don't do these things (cheat on their husbands, abuse their children or break up families.) Open your eyes Ms Al Hussaini women do these things as well. It happens ALL the time, ALL over the world. Many of the abuse cases go unreported as the men are ashamed to admit it. It doesn't mean that they didn't happen though. What about the women who beat their children, the women who show no emotion, no love to them? These things happen. We as women are NOT perfect and neither are men. I was saddened to read that you feel that men are "selfish creatures", "with women created to serve and please them". There are MANY kind, gracious, selfless, caring men out there, many of them. You poor soul. Your sad illusion of men will leave you a 0
107185 0 1506 LETT LETTERS Thank you Amira I WOULD like to thank Amira Al Hussaini for what she said about the abaya. (GDN March 18). I don't know whether to use a Miss or Mrs for your writings about what's been happening in Bahrain. Unfortunately close-minded people talk about what makes a woman good but never respect a woman for who she is rather than what she wears. I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about the thobe, the traditional gown that men wear. Many men talk about respect for the thobe and when they want people to respect them they wear it. If people want to have respect they should wear what they want and work hard to earn respect by doing what's in their good and in the good of others rather then sleeping all year long and asking others to respect them just because they are wearing this thing. Name and address supplied 0
107186 0 1506 LETT LETTERS Million dollar question! WHILE I appreciate the journalistic quality of Les Horton's bold criticism against the cover-up ban order of scantily clad mannequins (GDN March 17), I have a simple question on his approach. While suggesting Bahraini society take a long hard look at itself to ask where such attitudes (young men getting aroused at mannequins dressed in lingerie) come from, he poses a million dollar question whether from the West, India or the Far East? Then he himself comes to the conclusion 'that he doesn't think so'. My simple question to Les is on what logic does he differentiate the global human community into WEST, FAR EAST and INDIA. This category falls neither under continents nor countries. I am curious to know what made Les think that arousal of lewd thoughts at these plastic things might have come particularly from India? Vapuchi *LES Horton replies: I made no such suggestion, in fact, quite the opposite. My point was that the problem was from within rather tha 0
107187 0 1506 LETT LETTERS Titillation sad IT is not laughable that men could be aroused by plastic forms dressed in lingerie, it is natural for healthy men, but sad that shops are giving them a chance to do so. Why do you think Playboy or Penthouse or the Sun are so famous and successful? Because of their educating articles? I don't think so. Why if there is a new car launched, does some bimbo stay near the door? This is marketing, even if it's sickening, it is marketing, which started in the west. If lingerie is advertised, why do you think they display them on mannequins? Here we still have the chance to speak up against this rubbish, because it is against the Islamic and traditional way. There is hardly any moral left in the West, even normal husbands play pimp to their own wives. The West should take a deep look at their society, not us. As long as there are people remembering what God told us to do and not feel shame because some "Western educated person" thinks it's old fashioned, than 0
107188 0 1506 LETT LETTERS Great scheme, but... I AM a proud Standard Chartered bank visa credit card holder. On March 10, I received a letter from the bank mentioning that they had introduced a personnel accident insurance plan which is fine. I appreciate them doing such schemes. But, unfortunately, they added all the credit card (visa/master) holders to that scheme instead of first querying as to who is interested. They mention in that letter with "should you wish to unsubscribe to the plan, you may do so by calling 17531532" which is unfair. The bank must do vice versa because the customers who are interested should have to subscribe. Of course lot of customers will lose the premium from the second month. Babu *A STANDARD Chartered Bank spokesman said: "It is our endeavour to offer value-added services to our customers. This offer is made available free of charge for the first month. We have communicated in writing to all our cardholders introducing the service and the charges, which will be applicabl 0
107189 0 1506 LETT LETTERS One for our MPs? TO the person with the bird problem (GDN March 17), may I ask you to forward your problem to your local MPs. These days they are on the look out for another social injustice to correct. These wise men have answers to all questions. Wiseman from West 0
107190 0 1506 LETT LETTERS Chance to meet Karthikeyan I AM a pupil of the Indian School Bahrain. I saw the report of Narain Karthikeyan visiting the school but I am confused. Could the school authorities please verify the details regarding the pupils' chances of meeting Narain? Excited student *INDIAN School principal KT Karmachandran said: "Narain Karthikeyan will be visiting the school between 11.30am to 12.30pm today. He will address the students and there will be a question and answer session with him. Other Indian schools are also invited for the reception accorded to this young sporting sensation." 0
107191 1 1506 BNEW LOCAL BAHRAIN CONDEMNS BOMBING MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain's Cabinet yesterday strongly condemned the terrorist car bomb attack in Doha. Ministers expressed "total denunciation of all terror acts that conflict with the principles of Islam and human values," wishing the injured a quick recovery and offering condolences to victims' families. The Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, also affirmed Bahrain's support towards all measures taken by Qatar to protect its stability and the integrity of its territories. It expressed confidence in the capability of Qatar to confront what it dubbed as acts alien to the peaceful and tolerant Qatari society, wishing the state further progress and safety under the leadership of the Amir, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The GCC and its other member states also condemned the blast and called for unity to eradicate "terrorism". The condemnation came as Qatar's interior ministry said an Egyptian carried out the 0
107192 2 1506 BNEW LOCAL Crown Prince to attend Algeria summit MANAMA MANAMA: Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa has been delegated to represent His Majesty King Hamad at the Arab Summit, which opens in Algeria tomorrow. Arab foreign ministers met yesterday to fine-tune the two-day summit's agenda, which includes a keenly-anticipated Jordanian proposal to resurrect a plan for peace with Israel. But even as the meeting began Jordan said King Abdullah will not the attend because of a prior commitment to meet investors in the US. He was only one of several key leaders to pull out of the summit, which will also not be attended by Lebanese President Emile Lahoud and UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Arab League chief Amr Moussa said "13 rulers or heads of state are expected to attend" out of the 22-member organisation. Among those attending are Morocco's King Mohammed, the Amir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and E 0
107193 3 1506 BNEW LOCAL Asian IT summit gets underway MANAMA BAHRAIN has rolled out the red carpet for Asian ministers who have arrived in for a key information technology summit, opening today. Delegations from 35 countries, including 21 ministers, will attend the third Asia IT Ministers' Summit, opening at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), The two-day event is being held under the patronage of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The landmark summit is a continuation of the dialogue between Asian IT Ministers on how to develop the IT infrastructure in their respective countries and how to benefit from the latest developments in global information and communication technology . The dialogue started at the first summit, which was held in 2003 in Seoul, South Korea and continued in January, 2004 in Hyderabad, India. The last summit concluded with the Hyderabad Declaration, which highlighted the following action plans: Bridging the digital divide; Standardisation for information a 0
107194 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Malaysia keen on new partnerships MANAMA MALAYSIA will be loking for new tie-ups at Telecom Arabiya, which opens at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) today. Among the delegation taking part in the expo are six companies which fall under the Malaysian government-owned Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC). The companies have much to offer Bahraini partners and are looking to form agreements, MDC vice-president Abdullah Kadir Bacha told a Press conference at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel yesterday. He said companies falling under MDC must be of high quality and fit certain criteria. "Companies which fall under the MDC umbrella are given tax exemptions, are allowed to hire as many expat workers as they want and are given other similar privileges," continued Mr Bacha. "Only companies which develop innovative products and solutions are eligible. "It would not be granted, for example, to a company which manufactures computer parts. It is also granted to major users of high technology. MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday phoned the Amir of Qatar, Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and condemned the attack which targeted innocent people, affirming Bahrain's denouncement of such acts which violate Islamic teachings and values. He wished Qatar stability, security and prosperity under its wise leadership. 0
107196 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Clue found in hunt for Gracie POLICE may have uncovered a vital clue to the fate of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon. She appears to have lent money to a Filipino man the day after she was reported missing. The clue was unearthed as police searched her one-bedroom flat in Manama for the first time, nearly five months after she vanished, it was revealed yesterday. An officer searched the flat at around 10am on Saturday, accompanied by Philippine Embassy consular assistant Ramon Nerida, Mrs Montibon's eldest daughter Maria Grace Montibon Reyes, Bahraini landlord Mansour Alnashaba, Bahraini sponsor Ali Al Oraibi and his Filipina wife Melinda and Mrs Montibon's close friend Merle Agpalo. The go-ahead for the search was given after the public prosecutor last week ordered police to reopen the investigation into Mrs Monibon's disappearance. There were no signs of struggle in the flat and Mrs Montibon's passport, house keys, car key and mobile phone were missing. But the policeman did find a receipt 0
107197 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Adliya park to get facelift MANAMA RENOVATION work is set to resume in about a week on Adliya park, now that a dispute over the height of surrounding fencing has been resolved. Capital Municipal Council member Jaffer Al Kaidoom was opposed to the Capital Municipality's suggestion to use tall metal fencing. He said it would not allow passers-by to enjoy the beauty of the park from the outside. The municipality has since been ordered to buy new shorter fencing. "The park should contribute to the beautification of the whole area. If the fence is too tall then people won't be able to see the trees inside," said Mr Al Kaidoom. "An attractive fence is essential for a project such as this." He said that the project was estimated to cost BD35,000, but this may go up to meet a few proposed changes. The council is also installing a water fountain, new walkways and new rides for children, including seesaws and swings. The park, located near Adliya Ma'atam and HSBC, is very popular with nearby 0
107198 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Orphans panel aims for ISO certification MANAMA THE Orphans Sponsorship Committee organised a training programme for its employees on quality assurance in a bid to attain the ISO 9001:200 certificate. Committee head Shaikh Adnan Al Qatan said the programme, held in co-operation with the Civil Service Bureau, included three workshops, the first of which was held at the Diplomat Hotel. It was attended by committee secretary-general Hassan Zuwaid, Administration and Financial Affairs Director Mohammed Aqeel, Orphans Sponsorship Director Hassan Murad and Public Relations Head Adel Al Mahmeed. At the end of the programme, said Shaikh Adnan, the participants will receive their certificates from the Japan-based Kaizen Institute. 0
107199 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Shaikh Ali to open Telecom Arabiya TELECOM Arabiya will be opened by Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhi-bition Centre (BIEC) today. Forty-four exhibitors from 17 countries are taking part in what is set to become an annual event. The three-day event has been organised by German telecoms exhibition specialists Fairtrade in co-oper-ation, with the Bahrain Conven-tion and Exhibi-tions Bureau. It is being held in conjunction with the Asian IT Ministers Summit today and tomorrow and the Broadband Middle East senior executive briefing, which will be held tomorrow, both also at the BIEC. Exhibitors include Acer, Batelco, Globitel, Huawei, International Turnkey Sys-tems, Intracom, ITP, Jeraisy, Media Ring, MTC, Nokia, Pirelli, Omantel, Paltel, Rahnamoon, Rosenberger, Saudi Telecom, Shenzhen Powercom, Siemens, Simfree, Syscom and ZTE. Many participants, including Nokia and Batelco, will be announcing new products and services at the event. Of 0
107200 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Brush with art.... MANAMA SEVEN Naseem Internat-ional School IB Art students visited Al Riwaq Gallery yesterday, as part of a newly-launched education outreach programme. The students were given a guided tour of the gallery's current exhibition, entitled Ten Per Cent, which featured paintings and sculptures by 10 contemporary Bahraini artists. The visit also included a talk by project co-ordinator Amal Khalaf, who spoke about the work on show, as well as giving a slide show presentation on a variety of contemporary regional art-ists and arts organisations. The education outreach programmed was launched by the gallery to provide greater exposure to the arts for people of all ages, through gallery tours, creative workshops and talks. The coming months are packed with activities, ranging from ongoing art classes with a London-based artist, to a talk by German artists and art critics of the Universes-in-Universe art website. For more inquiries and for further information about school visits and the 0
107201 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL New breast cancer drive targets 52,000 A NATIONAL screening campaign to combat breast cancer was launched yesterday. The initial two-year campaign is being staged under the patronage of Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS) honorary president and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad. It is being organised by the society with the co-operation of the Health and Information ministries, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the Medical Management Group. Batelco is meeting the BD400,000 cost of the project, which the society started working on three years ago. It was launched with a Press conference at the Regency InterContinental Hotel, attended by Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh, Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, BCS president Dr Abdulrahman Fakhroo, RCSI president Professor Niall O'Higgins, Batelco corporate affairs head Ahmed Al Janahi and other officials and guests.< 0
107202 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL 10 new schools to get licences AT least 10 more private educational institutions are to be opened in Bahrain this year, it has been revealed. The Education Ministry has received applications for licences from several individuals who want to open private schools or training institutes, said acting private education director Noora Al Mannai. "We are currently reviewing those applications," she told the GDN. "At least 10 new institutes will be granted licences this year. "This is in line with the government policy of encouraging the private sector to invest in the field of education." Currently, there are 61 private schools and 127 kindergartens in Bahrain. "Also, there are 26 other educational institutes, mainly providing training in the field of information technology, which are registered with the private education directorate," said Ms Al Mannai. "We want to have more institutes which offer high quality education. "This will be possible only with the active contribution o 0
107203 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Drive against blood diseases gains pace THE seventh genetic disease blood-screening programme, which started earlier this month, is gathering momentum. Screening has already started, but an official launch was held yesterday at the Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Secondary School for Boys in Isa Town. Health Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Primary and Public Health Dr Abdul Wahab Mohammed Abdul Wahab represented Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh at the event. He officially opened the screening programme and spoke on the importance of blood screening for youngsters. He congratulated the society for its efforts towards eradicating hereditary blood diseases in Bahrain. The programme is organised annually by the Health Ministry, Education Ministry and Bahrain Society for Hereditary Diseases, to combat hereditary blood diseases in Bahrain. This year's BD20,000 project, which is fully financed by the society, aims to identify carriers of sickle cell anaemia, beta thalassaemia and Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase 0
107204 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Openness 'will help combat terrorism' MANAMA THE Gulf is paying the price of failing to combat terrorism, a leading politician declared in Bahrain yesterday. The suicide attack in Doha, Qatar, was a result of a lack of policies against terrorism in the past, said Kuwaiti MP and parliament and foreign affairs committee head Mohammed Al Saqr. "These policies were the responsibilities of the governments, who instead allowed terrorism movements to spread like cancer," he said. "It is now spread out across the Gulf, as we have seen in Qatar and Fallujah in Iraq." Mr Al Saqr was speaking on the suicide bombing at a Doha theatre in which one Briton was killed and 12 people injured, on Saturday. He said the attacks on the US on September 11, 2001, exposed the extent to which the Arab region had failed to get to grips with terrorism. Mr Al Saqr said that the only means of combating terrorism was through further openness and democracies. None of the countries in the Arab region has reached the aspired-for dem 0
107205 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Anti-torture law drafted by Shura MANAMA A NEW law against torture is currently being drafted by several members of the Shura Council. The proposed law, being drafted by members Abdulrahman Jamsheer, Abdulhussain Bu Hussain and Faisal Fulad, is expected to be presented on May 1 to the council's office, which will forward it to the relevant committee. Mr Jamsheer said the new law was founded on Article 19 of the constitution, which stipulates that no person shall be subjected to physical or mental torture or undignified treatment and that torturers are punished in accordance to the law. Article 19 also states that any statement or confession proved to have been made under torture or inducement shall be considered null and void. Mr Bu Hussain said Bahrain joined the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment in March 1998. "This legislation will further enforce the principles of the convention and upgrade the country's legal and judicial procedures in this regard," h 0
107206 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Mega poetry festival marks day A MEGA poetry festival begins in Bahrain tonight. The three-day event, organised by the Writers and Literature Association, marks International Poetry Day, which also falls today. It also celebrates more than 35 years since the association was established and is being held under the theme A Word For Humanity. This year's event would focus on French poetry. Two top French poets have been already invited to take part in the event, along with Bahraini and other nationalities. Poets taking part in the event are: French poets Janes Chatos and Josee Lapeyrer; Yemeni Mohammed Haitham; Qatari Soad Al Kuwari and Bahrainis Dr Alawi Al Hashimi, Qassim Haddad, Ibrahim Bu Hindi, Hamda Khamees, Yousif Hassan, Fawzia Al Sindi, Eman Aseeri, Hussain Al Samaheeji, Ahmed Al Ajmi, Ahmed Madan, Kareem Radhi and Abdulhameed Al Qaeed. The event's schedule is as follows: Today: Honouring ceremony for association founders at Bahrain National Museum, 7pm. The founders are Dr Mohammed Al An 0
107207 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Grand Prix Scavenger Hunt lined up by firm A SCAVENGER hunt is being organised by MTC-Vodafone to celebrate Bahrain's second Formula One Grand Prix. The Grand Prix Scavenger Hunt is set to take place on Friday at 1pm. Customers participating are led to secret locations by clues provided by MTC-Vodafone's SMS services. The Top 10 winners will each get a grandstand ticket to the F1 event being held from April 1 to 3 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir. To find out more about the competition, MTC-Vodafone customers are invited to log on to www.mtc-vodafone.com.bh or call customer care on 107. "Building on last year's F1 Scavenger Hunt success, we are inviting all our customers to come back and take part in the Grand Prix experience," said MTC-Vodafone Bahrain senior product development marketing manager Mohammed Al Hashili. The rules are simple: competitors need to know how to have fun, be willing to abide by the traffic laws of Bahrain, have a camera enabled mobile phone with SMS and MM 0
107208 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Thief is bagged by Else's bravery A THIEF got more than he bargained for when he snatched Filipina Else Ebella's handbag from the salon where she works. She chased him into the street and two passing CID officers stopped to help when they saw her in distress. They toured the area with 52-year-old Ms Ebella until they spotted the Bahraini thief, then chased him into another building and arrested him. The thief, thought to be in his late teens, sneaked into the Dunya women's salon on the first floor of a building on Exhibition Avenue, at about 10.30am and took the handbag from the counter. Ms Ebella was in the bathroom, but came out when she heard a noise, just in time to see the thief running off with her bag. "It was 10.30am. I just opened the saloon and there was nobody else but me," said Ms Ebella. "I was in the bathroom when I heard some noise, so I came out quickly to find my purse missing and a man running down the stairs. "I ran after him into the street screaming and demanding my 0
107209 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Camp fun for 200 orphans MORE than 200 orphans were entertained by GPIC at its summer camp in Sakhir. The programme was held as part of GPIC's co-operation with local charities throughout the country. The recreational trip to the camp was organised in collaboration with the Orphans Welfare Committee. More than 200 primary school boys and girls from various areas of Bahrain were entertained under the supervision of the committee's social workers and a number of the company's female employees. Entertainment, including a magic show, and competitions were organised during the event. Prizes were given to the winners of various competitions. The purpose of the camp was to promote the citizenship spirit among orphans and to familiarise them with places of interest and cultural and recreational facilities on the Island, said general manager Abdul Rahman Jawahery. He praised the role played by the Orphans Welfare Committee, led by Shaikh Adnan Al Qattan, in integrating orphans in the commu 0
107210 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Stage set for culture group MANAMA A NEW Indian arts group aimed at promoting fine arts and culture will officially be launched in Bahrain later this month. Faces Bahrain will be opened on March 31 at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam premises in Manama at 8pm. A Malayalam drama Megha-sandhesham will be staged in association with the Indian Fine Arts Society (Ifas) to mark the event.The Kerala state award winner for best actor in 1994 Thiruvalla Baburaj and comedy artist Joshy Nambikadavil will be playing the lead roles, along with local artists from Bahrain. General secretary Biju Anchal said they expect more than 500 people to attend the play, which is written by Francis Mavelikkara and originally directed by Karakulam Chandran. It has been directed in Bahrain by Sunil Kailas. Mr Anchal urged sponsors to support their maiden venture. Other committee members are president Manoj Nair, treasurer Manoj Mathew and event co-ordinator Madhu Madhavan. A special advisory committee has been formed with 0
107211 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Man robbed of BD60 in gang attack A GANG of Bahraini youths attacked a 30-year-old Bangladeshi man less than 10 feet from his home. The five Bahrainis beat him up, stole his wallet containing BD60 in cash and fled. Mohammed Shiraz Ulislam, who works at a restaurant in Yateem Centre in Manama, was on his way back from work at around 2.30am when the gang ambushed him. "My friend dropped me near the Gulf School in Gudaibiya, which is only a few minutes walk from my flat," said Mohammed. "He drove off and I started walking towards my building," he said. "Then a white Toyota pick up drove by with five people inside. "One of the passengers said hello so I greeted him back and continued walking. "I was only 10 feet from the building's main entrance when someone kicked me from the back and I fell to the ground. "Then one of them held my mouth shut while the others kicked and punched me on the head and back. "They took my wallet, got into the car and fled." Mohammed was take 0
107212 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL School celebrates family day ABOUT 113 KG Kids Pre-School pupils, their parents and teachers attended the school's annual Family Day celebration, at its premises in Riffa yesterday. The children, aged 18 months to five years, enjoyed watching Bahraini craftsmen weave baskets and make palm tree paper and fishing nets. There was also a bake sale and a donkey ride for the children. 0
107213 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL University to hold walkathon BAHRAIN University will hold its sixth annual walkathon on Thursday. The event, from 4pm to 6pm, is being organised by the university's College of Engineering Society under the patronage of college dean Dr Hussain Al Madani. It is being held under the theme Health For All.Society president Khalid Abu Al Shok urged people wishing to participate to register for the event in front the Isa Town campus gates, starting from 2.30pm. "The six kilometre event will begin from the university, to the Information Ministry's roundabout, General Directorate of Traffic roundabout and back," he said. The event is being sponsored by Credimax and MTC-Vodafone. Go-ahead for medical council PLANS for setting up the Supreme Medical Council will soon see light. The Shura Council's services committee yesterday gave the go-ahead for the formation of the council and forwarded it to council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi for further discussion at one of the full sessions.</ 0
107214 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Pupils stage fairytale MORE than 160 children took part in the Year Five and Six drama production at St Christopher's School in Isa Town, yesterday. The play, entitled Rats, is based on the Grimm fairytale The Pied Piper of Hamelin, including a number of familiar characters in a new light. Junior School drama head Simon Maye has directed the play and music head Lynne Attwell is the musical director. Tonight is the last chance to see the play, with the performance starting at 7pm. 0
107215 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Work on BD2.8m tower gets underway WORK on a BD2.8 million residential tower has started in Amwaj Islands. A turnkey contract for the construction of the multi-storey apartment building was awarded to property developers and civil engineering contractors, AAA Homes. The contract was signed at Mohammed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau (MSCEB) office in Adliya by AAA Homes managing director Ajay Jinsi, in the presence of MSCEB projects director Sushil Kher and projects manager G N Balasubramanian. The 10-storey tower will be called Amwaj Plaza II. The project, with a land area of 1,587 square metres, comprises of 55, one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments, including two penthouse apartments on the top floor, said Mr Kher. "All apartments shall have fully fitted kitchens with appliances," he told the GDN. "The building has an approximate gross built-up area of 12,000 square metres, including utility areas. "The building provides 55 parking spaces at basement and ground level for the re 0
107216 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Union plans protest over allowance MANAMA A DEMONSTRATION by Bapco Employees Trade Union will be held on April 5 in front of the Bapco's refinery main gate. The employees will be demonstrating over transportation allowances, after negotiations between the management and the union failed to reach a solution. The union has been calling for transportation allowances of BD50 per month for all employees from this month, it said in a statement issued yesterday. "We are willing to meet the company's management to come up with a solution to the problem. If we don't, other measures will be taken," it said. "We have been calling for this allowance for so long and will not back down until we get it. "The company is blamed for the escalation of the situation because it doesn't believe in co-operation between both parties as a recipe for success." The union will also hold a Press conference on Saturday to discuss future measures it intends to take to help secure employees' allowances and solve other pending 0
107217 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Motor sports drive targets youngsters MANAMA A CHILDREN'S art competition is being organised by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in co-operation with the Southern Governorate to promote motor sports among youngsters. The contest targets students at elementary schools in the area and the winning painting will be plastered all over the cleaning truck used at the BIC track in preparation for the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held from April 1 to 3. The eight participating schools are expected to submit 20 final paintings to a committee set-up by the BIC and the governorate. The paintings surround the themes of 'national pride' and 'home of motorsports in the Middle East'. The committee will then shortlist the top paintings and will announce the winner. The top 10 students will receive commemorative gifts while the winner will receive two tickets for the race. The committee will meet on Wednesday at the circuit to choose the winners. The committee includes BIC senior produc 0
107218 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Students show sporting skills THE Al Mahd Day Boarding School held its sixth annual sports day at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club in Saar. Around 400 students, aged five to 16 years, took part in various events and a total of 132 prizes and trophies were awarded to winners. School chairman Habib Ahmed Kassim declared the meet open and the day started with the national anthem. It was followed by a march past by all the students from the Aradous House, Awal House, Dilmun House and Tylos House. Apart from the normal track and field events, there were colourful events such as a mass drill and martial arts demonstrations. The overall championship and best march past trophies were won by Aradous House. In the sub-junior girls category, Danah Yousif Mohammed was selected the best athlete, while Faris Isa Abdulla won the boys' title. In the junior category, Kawther Saadi was the best girl athlete, while Hamed Abdulla topped the boys. Roaya Taqi Jawad was the be 0
107219 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL 'Watchdog' panel to monitor UN report ACTIVISTS have set up their own watchdog committee to monitor how Bahrain deals with a United Nations report urging it to do more to combat racial discrimination. The call came in recommendations issued by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), in response to a report submitted by Bahrain on March 3 and 4, at its 66th meeting in Geneva. Bahrain was obliged to present the report, having signed the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination in 1990. A delegation from the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) also attended the Geneva meeting and took part in discussions. It submitted a shadow report to the CERD, raising issues not covered in the government's report. The Bahrain watchdog committee was set up at a seminar organised by Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, which highlighted the reports, discussions and recommendations at the CERD meeting. The seminar was held in an open a 0
107220 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Asia forum set A THREE-day workshop on persistent organic pollutants will start today at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. The event, Regional Consultation for West Asian Countries on the Draft of Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices (BAT/BEP) Guidelines under the Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organice Pollutants (POPs), is being organised by United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention in co-operation with the Public Commission for Protection of Environment, Marine Life and Wildlife. The workshop is conducted by UNEP's international experts and will be attended by numerous representatives from neighbouring Arab countries. It is in preparation for the First Conference of Parties (COP1), which will convene in the Uruguay in May. 0
107221 0 1506 BNEW LOCAL Chairman fined MANAMA: A municipal council chairman has been fined for illegal construction activities. He has been involved in unlicensed building for over a year, municipal sources told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej. He was forced to obtain a construction licence only after he was notified several times. 0
107222 1 1506 SPOR SPORT KUMBLE STRIKES CALCUTTA, India: Wily leg-spinner Anil Kumble trapped Pakistan on a slow turning track to script India's 195-run victory with a seven-wicket haul in the second Test at the Eden Gardens here yesterday. Kumble wrecked Pakistan's middle order with his shrewd variations to finish with 7 for 63 as the tourists were bowled out for 226 on the fifth and final day chasing a huge 422-run target to concede a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The 34-year-old spinner ensured there would not be a repeat of Mohali where Pakistan had drawn the opening Test from a losing position. Kumble, who took all 10 wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan at Delhi in 1999, revived unhappy memories for the tourists as he struck with his first ball before completing his 29th haul of five or more scalps in an innings. This was the seventh time he had taken 10 or more wickets in a Test, having captured three in the first innings. Pakistan's chances of chasing the massive target receded sharply when they los 0
107223 2 1506 SPOR SPORT Alonso clinches Malaysian race SEPANG, Malaysia: Renault's Fernando Alonso won the Malaysian Grand Prix yesterday to seize the lead from team mate Giancarlo Fisichella in the Formula One championship. The 23-year-old Spaniard's second career victory, and first since 2003, was also the second in two races for his pace-setting French team. While Renault celebrated, once-dominant champions Ferrari again struggled to score points with seven times champion Michael Schumacher finishing seventh and Brazilian Rubens Barrichello retiring. Italian Jarno Trulli took second place for Toyota, ecstatic with their first podium finish since they entered Formula One in 2002, 24.3 seconds behind Alonso. Germany's Nick Heidfeld finished third for Williams. Alonso's winning time was one hour 31 minutes and 33.736 seconds. He has 16 points to Fisichella's 10 while Renault lead the constructor's standings with 26 points to Toyota's 12. Renault's hopes of a second double podium in a row disappeared 18 laps from the f 0
107224 3 1506 SPOR SPORT Rangers romp past Motherwell for Cup GLASGOW: Rangers crushed Motherwell 5-1 at Hampden Park to win the Scottish League Cup for the 24th time yesterday. Goals by Maurice Ross and Sotirios Kyrgiakos in the first nine minutes set the tone for a one-sided clash. A firm downward header by David Partridge briefly raised hopes of a recovery by Motherwell but Fernando Ricksen's free kick restored Rangers' two-goal cushion before halftime. Spaniard Nacho Novo put the issue beyond doubt with a slick finish three minutes into the second half. Greek defender Kyrgiakos then completed his double four minutes from time to spark celebrations in the Ibrox camp. Triumphant Rangers manager Alex McLeish savoured his third success in the competition since taking charge at Ibrox as Rangers extended their record number of League Cup wins. "As Rangers manager it is your duty to bring silverware to the club and I am delighted with this success," he told the BBC. "We played very well and the early goals definitely se 0
107225 0 1506 SPOR SPORT 10-man Liverpool hold off Everton LIVERPOOL, England: Liverpool closed the gap on Everton to four points in the race for the final Champions League spot by winning a stormy Merseyside derby 2-1 yesterday. England midfielder Steven Gerrard and Luis Garcia scored first-half goals before Czech striker Milan Baros was sent off in the 77th minute. Australian midfielder Tim Cahill's goal five minutes later set up a dramatic finale but Liverpool held on. Everton, in fourth, have 51 points from 30 games with fifth-placed in Liverpool on 47. The Anfield side are one point ahead of Bolton Wanderers. Victory came at a cost to Liverpool with Stephen Warnock, Dietmar Hamann and Fernando Morientes substituted in the opening half because of injuries. Coach Rafa Benitez will also be without Baros for three games after the striker was shown a straight red for a high tackle on Everton defender Alan Stubbs. Liverpool went ahead in the 27th minute when Spaniard Garcia was fouled on the edge of the penalty area. Haman 0
107226 0 1506 SPOR SPORT Indian rookie to focus on 'realistic goals' The contrasting descriptions of Narain Karthikeyan are striking. Some call him the 'fastest Indian driver', his Jordan teammate Tiago Monteiro refers to the 27-year-old Indian rookie as a 'kamikaze pilot' while Williams' driver Mark Webber is simply frightened by the prospect of having to race with him. "I suppose he knows where his mirrors are," the Australian is reported to have said before Karthikeyan's debut race in Melbourne. But the Indian trailblazer has so far remained admirably calm and has gone around his business like a true professional. Two successful finishes in two Grands Prix on debut is a rare record indeed when cars from more famous and formidable teams are struggling to complete races under new rules and regulations involving the tyres and the engine. "We have set ourselves very realistic goals at Jordan. Our aim is to drive home the car first," said Karthikeyan on telephone from Sepang when the GDN contacted him ahead of his one-day visit to Bahrain today. 0
107227 0 1506 SPOR SPORT Gilchrist blast puts Aussies in command WELLINGTON: Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn blasted Australia into an unbeatable position in the rain-affected second cricket Test against New Zealand here yesterday with twin centuries in a masterful 256-run sixth wicket partnership. New Zealand were left clinging to the hope they can bat out the final two days to save the match and at stumps on the third day were 122 for four in their first innings replying to Australia's 570 for eight declared. All the New Zealand bowlers suffered at the bats of Gilchrist and Martyn, and Shane Warne followed with a rapid half-century before Ricky Ponting put New Zealand out of their misery with the declaration just before tea. Australia then bagged the plum wicket of New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming off the first ball he faced, and Hamish Marshall, Craig Cumming and Nathan Astle followed after tea as the home side struggled to stay in the game. After the first day was lost to rain, as was the first hour of the third morning, Austra 0
107228 0 1506 SPOR SPORT Toyota make the big breakthrough SEPANG: Toyota made the big breakthrough yesterday after three years and 52 races without a Formula One podium. Italian Jarno Trulli put his red and white car on the front row of the Malaysian Grand Prix grid and stayed second all the way to the chequered flag. German team mate Ralf Schumacher finished fifth. "It is a good boost this first podium, it came at the right time for the team and at the right place," said Trulli, a winner in Monaco for Renault last year. For a carmaker with little to show for an estimated $1 billion spent since their debut in 2002, the hottest race of the year and one of the most technically challenging came as a liberation. It provided proof that the sport's sleeping giant had woken and was beginning to flex its muscles. "I think relief is probably not the right word, but it's really good for the people and their motivation because they worked really hard," said Toyota motorsport president John Howett. "Whilst we've been 0
107229 0 1506 SPOR SPORT King's Cup race backed Seventeen companies and national establishments have vowed to financially support the prestigious horse race for His Majesty King Hamad's trophy, organised by Bahrain Equestrian and Horse Racing Club on Friday at the Sakhir race course. They are: Rouben's Store, Bahrain Jewellery, Rasheed Store, Ahmed Nass Group, Ibrahim Khalil Kanoo Company, Al Baraka, Al Yousif Stores, Al Riyadi Store, Al Hawaj, Al Khaldiya Group, Bukannan Showroom, Mohammed Sharif Hatim, Sheraton Hotel, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, Bahrain National Bank and Taqi Al Mufaife Jewellery. Schools cycling set Students from six government and private schools will take part in a cycle race today organised by Al Iman School in co-operation with Bahrain Cycling Association and sponsored by Batelco and Little Italy Company for sports wear. 0
107230 0 1506 SPOR SPORT Bahrain in 4th spot Bahrain juniors cross country team finished fourth in the World Cross Country Championship in St Etienne, France yesterday. The race was run over a dinstance of eight kilometres. Bahrain were headed for a third place finish but Bilal Ali fell and injured his hand. Apart from Bilal, the other Bahrainis who took part were Tarak Tahar, Adam Khamis, Salah Bakheet, Badr Ibrahim and Isaac Abideen. Bahraini Mariam Jamal finished 33rd out of 105 in the 4-kilometre race. 0
107231 0 1506 SPOR SPORT Resurgent Clijsters lifts title INDIAN WELLS, California: Belgium's Kim Clijsters beat world number one Lindsay Davenport 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to win the Pacific Life Open yesterday as she capped a remarkable comeback to the top level of the game following wrist surgery. In the men's draw, world number one Roger Federer will meet number two Lleyton Hewitt in the final after contrasting victories in the semi-finals. Federer crushed 14th seed Guillermo Canas of Argentina 6-3, 6-1, winning his 25th match in 26 attempts this year, while Hewitt beat Andy Roddick in a tight contest 7-6, 6-7, 7-6. "I'm very happy the way I'm playing," Federer said. "I had to fight to play well today. He was giving me a hard time. "I had a few tough couple of games. Once I got through that, my rhythm really started to pick up and I started to play better. That's very promising for tomorrow." Hewitt and Roddick slugged it out for two hours 33 minutes before Roddick fired a backhand pass just wide to end the match. "Any 0
107232 0 1506 SPOR SPORT Time trial victory for East Riffa EAST Riffa Club bagged the juniors time-trial race, organised by the Bahrain Cycling Association (BCA) and sponsored by Batelco. Six clubs - East Riffa, Al Shabab, A'ali, Riffa, Budaiya and Samaheej - took part in the race and each club was represented by two teams. East Riffa 'A' and 'B' teams took first and second positions with the 'A' team, comprising veteran Mishal Al Dossary and Daij Al Thawadi finishing first in 36 minutes and 18.93 seconds. Their 'B' team of Abed Bakhsh and Mohammed Naji finished second in 36 minutes and 45.88 seconds while the third place was won by Mahdi Ahmed and Mohammed Yousef of Samaheej Club 'A' (37:20.48). BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa presented the prizes in presence of Batelco public relations representative Adnan Al Qassab. 0
107233 0 1506 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Holy Week and Easter Programme, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, Stations of the Cross, 5.30pm. Holy Week services with leading scholar and speaker of the Church of South India, the Rev Mathew George, St Christopher's Cathedral, 7.30pm. Contact 39273308 or 39689683. Mother's Day lunch, Spanish Court Restaurant, Cypress Garden, Budaiya, 1pm. Contact Jamila Al Attassi on 39455168. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs, 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned b 0
107234 1 1506 WORL WORLD Tulkarem handover hits snag TULKAREM, West Bank: Israel's handover of the West Bank city of Tulkarem might be delayed due to a dispute between Israeli and Palestinian officers over arrangements for the pullout, Palestinian officials said. Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz said the handover would take place today, but a meeting between military officers from both sides to finalise details of the pullout hit a snag over transfer of control of villages near Tulkarem. "We are dealing with it now, but I hope that things will be resolved soon," said Said Abu Fasha, the commander of the Palestinian security forces in Tulkarem. He said the reason for the dispute was Israel's refusal to give Palestinian forces security control of several villages near Tulkarem which were under their jurisdiction before a Palestinian uprising began in September 2000. Military commanders from both sides would ask political leaders to resolve the dispute, he said. Mofaz said at an army base earlier: "We expect to transfer Tu 0
107235 2 1506 WORL WORLD US troops kill 24 insurgents BAGHDAD: US troops killed 24 insurgents and wounded seven in a battle on the outskirts of Baghdad last night after the guerillas attacked a US position. The US military said six soldiers were wounded in the battle but gave no further details on where the attack took place. It is rare for insurgents to attack US positions head-on in large numbers, with most of them preferring hit-and-run guerilla tactics or attacks with roadside bombs. Earlier, insurgents targeted Iraqi and US security forces with gunfire, suicide attacks and mortar rounds, leaving at least six people dead - including a top anti-corruption official and a US soldier. In Iraq's north, a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a government compound in Mosul, killing himself and Walid Kashmoula, the head of the Iraqi police anti-corruption department, officials said. Three others were injured. The Al Qaeda in Iraq group allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack. A homemade bomb exploded nea 0
107236 3 1506 WORL WORLD Expand UN Security Council says Annan UNITED NATIONS: Secretary General Kofi Annan called on the United Nations yesterday to expand the Security Council and scrap the Commission on Human Rights as part of a package of sweeping reforms at the world body. Annan, in a report to be delivered today to the 191-nation UN General Assembly, also waded into the debate over the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, calling on the Security Council to set out rules for when it should authorise the use of military force. However, in the use of force as well as in reform of the 15-nation Security Council, Annan did not set out his own recommendations, leaving these questions to UN members. Annan's plan aims to preserve the UN as the focus of global multilateral action and also to respond to growing criticism of the UN, fuelled by allegations of sex abuses by peacekeepers and mismanagement of the $67 billion oil-for-food plan for Iraq. Before they can take effect, the reforms must be endorsed by world leaders attending a UN summit in 0
107237 0 1506 WORL WORLD Summit to revive Saudi peace plan Algiers: The Arab initiative, spearheaded by Saudi Arabia at the Beirut Summit, for peace with Israel will be revived after a three-year stalemate, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa said. He was speaking after he chaired the Arab Foreign Ministers' preparatory meeting which concluded yesterday in Algeria. Describing the discussions as constructive, he said the Middle East peace process ranked high on the Arab ministers' two-day agenda. "I believe the peace process will now have a new framework and win strong Arab support at the summit." Several other issues will also feature on the agenda, particularly the Arab League reforms and common pan-Arab efforts. "The ministers agreed a series of economic decisions related to the pan-Arab Free Trade zone", Shaikh Mohammed said. Arab League secretary-general Amr Moussa said yesterday the Arab summit will not accept Jordan's proposal for normalising relations with Israel. SANTA MARIA, California: Prosecutors prepared to wrap up the crux of their child sex case against Michael Jackson in coming days, after a week in which both sides took heavy blows. The prosecution said it expected to conclude by Friday presenting evidence that Jackson fondled a 13-year-old boy two years ago, and would then address charges that the pop star conspired to kidnap the boy and his family. But child sex claims could again dominate the proceedings later if trial Judge Rodney Melville allows testimony from two previous cases in which young boys claimed they were molested by the superstar. Melville will hear evidence from the cases, which date back more than a decade, on March 28, before ruling whether the previous accusers can present their testimony before the 12 jurors. As the panel prepared to hear a fourth week of arguments, prosecutor Tom Sneddon was expected to boost his portrayal of the entertainer as a porn-addict who invited young boys to his bedroom and 0
107239 0 1506 WORL WORLD Couple held for bid to sell child LONDON: A couple was arrested for allegedly trying to sell the woman's two-and-a-half-year-old daughter to an undercover newspaper reporter, police said yesterday. Officers arrested the 18-year-old woman and 21-year-old man, whom they would not identify, at a hotel in Devon, southwestern England, late on Saturday, after being tipped off to the alleged scam by the News of the World tabloid, police said. The girl was unharmed and was being cared for by social services, police said. They added that they were seeking two other men in the case, but declined to give any details. The News of the World said the couple offered to sell the girl to the paper's reporter for 15,000 (BD10,773). "I don't want her, I've never bothered with her really, I won't miss her," it quoted the mother as saying. "I haven't got time for her really. She needs a lot of attention." The newspaper quoted the couple as saying they hoped to use the money to buy drugs and pay for apartment renovat 0
107240 0 1506 WORL WORLD Frail Pope blesses pilgrims on Palm Sunday VATICAN CITY: A visibly tired Pope John Paul II appeared briefly at his apartment window to bless tens of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week of Easter. The crowd of around 50,000 pilgrims erupted into lengthy applause as the 84-year-old Pope, leaning to his right in his seat and in obvious difficulty, blessed them with a palm branch. Many in the crowd waved back at the Pope with their own palm branches, a symbol of an annual renewal of their Christian faith, but many others simply stood and wept, moved by the sight the frail pontiff who remained seated at the window for around a minute. Eyes had been fixed expectantly on the open window throughout the lengthy Palm Sunday ceremony presided over by Cardinal Camillo Ruini, the Vicar of Rome, in the Pope's absence. 0
107241 0 1506 WORL WORLD Opposition spurns plea for dialogue BEIRUT: Lebanon's crisis deepened yesterday with the opposition spurning a plea for dialogue from the pro-Syrian president and as a UN envoy said he feared another high-profile political killing in the country. Opposition figures led by veteran Druze politician Walid Jumblatt rejected an appeal for talks that President Emile Lahoud issued yesterday after a bomb blast in a Christian quarter injured 11 people and sparked fears of a return to sectarian violence here. Lahoud will not bow to pressure from the opposition to resign, Lahoud's media adviser Rafik Shalala said, insisting that the leader still had parliament's confidence and would not leave a power vacuum. Shalala stressed that the president can be forced to step down only if he is impeached by parliament for either violation of the constitution or high treason. The opposition rejection means that an ominous standoff between anti-Syrian opponents and the current leadership is set to continue in an atmosphere of moun 0
107242 0 1506 WORL WORLD Charles-Camilla to visit US after wedding LONDON: Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles will travel to the US to meet President George W Bush and his wife on their first official foreign trip as a married couple, a report said yesterday. Officials at the prince's London office, Clarence House, were devising the itinerary for a week-long visit in October or November by the pair, who are due to marry on April 8, The Sunday Telegraph reported, citing royal officials. A spokesman for Clarence House confirmed it was likely that Parker Bowles, 57, would accompany the heir to the throne on future foreign tours after their wedding, but he was unable to give the destination of the autumn trip. "Certainly it will be a possibility that she might accompany him on his official tour in the autumn but we aren't going to confirm where that might be," the spokesman said. 0
107243 0 1506 WORL WORLD Pakistan frees 533 Indian prisoners KARACHI: Pakistani authorities yesterday freed 529 Indian fishermen and four other civilians who had been held for up to a year for illegal entry. The prisoners had been held in jails in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, for between four and 12 months, officials said. The released prisoners will be handed over to Indian authorities today at Wagah, the main border crossing near the eastern city of Lahore. The Edhi Foundation, Pakistan's largest emergency relief service, will provide food and travel expenses for the men to help them get to Wagah, said a spokesman for the charity. Officials said 300 other Indian fishermen were still being held in Pakistan while India is holding 147 Pakistani fishermen. 0
107244 0 1506 WORL WORLD Quake rocks Japan TOKYO: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale rocked the southern Japanese island of Kyushu yesterday, killing at least one person and injuring more than 400 others. House and roads collapsed, sparking landslides and disrupting land and air traffic, officials said. The Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings after the early morning earthquake but lifted them later after detecting no significant rise in the tide. "The fault was caused by the crust's horizontal shift. If the fault was vertical, it would have triggered tsunamis," said Toshikazu Hirai, a seismic expert at the government agency. 0
107245 0 1506 WORL WORLD Rice seeks China help BEIJING: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice sought further help from China in getting North Korea back to nuclear disarmament talks and aired Washington's concerns about Beijing's bellicose rhetoric on Taiwan. She urged China to intensify efforts to get North Korea to come back to talks in a constructive manner. In a meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Rice said the US hoped the Taiwan issue would be resolved peacefully. Attending the Palm Sunday church service, Rice said the United States is not satisfied with the extent of religious freedom in China. Beijing is the final stop on a weeklong tour of Asian capitals for Rice, and it presents the most delicate challenge for America's new chief diplomat. Rice also suggested that European governments would be acting irresponsibly if they sold sophisticated weaponry to China that might one day be used against US forces in the Pacific. "It is the United States, not Europe, that is defending the Pacific," Rice said, adding that South Korea and Japan a 0
107246 0 1506 WORL WORLD Jordan sentences Zarqawi to 15 years in absentia AMMAN: Jordan's state security court sentenced Al Qaeda ally Abu Musab Al Zarqawi in absentia to 15 years in jail and another Jordanian militant to three years yesterday for a plot to attack the kingdom's embassy in Baghdad. Al Zarqawi, Washington's most wanted man in Iraq, and Miqdad Al Dabbas were convicted of "conspiring to carry out terrorist acts" against Jordanian and American targets in Iraq, judicial sources said. Court documents said Dabbas monitored the Jordanian embassy and passed on information about the compound and its security to Zarqawi. Dabbas, who unlike Zarqawi is in custody, plans to appeal the verdict, his lawyer said. His father said after the hearing that Dabbas was innocent: "He was just a student who was about to graduate but was arrested while taking his exams." Dabbas, a 24-year-old engineering student studying in Iraq, was captured by the US military in February 2004. He was extradited to Jordan where he was tried for giving logistical help 0
107247 0 1506 WORL WORLD Liberal convicted KUWAIT CITY: A leading liberal academic has been handed a one-year suspended jail term by Kuwait's appeals court for writing an article which said "learning music is more important than learning the holy Quran". Ahmad Al Baghdadi, a university political science professor and columnist, was convicted of "disparaging the Quran" for criticising plans by the ministry of education to increase the number of Islamic education lessons in schools. The court also told Baghdadi to pay 2,000 Kuwaiti dinars (BD2,580) to suspend the jail term. 0
107248 1 1507 BUSI BUSINESS Marketing drive urged to increase investment MANAMA: A call has gone out to create a national brand for Bahrain, which would sell the country to the rest of the world. It follows similar moves in countries such as Singapore, where a major marketing drive is underway to promote investment and tourism. Gulf Saatchi and Saatchi chairman and managing director Khamis Al Muqla says it is time Bahrain's image got a makeover. "Bahrain is going through a lot of changes and we have to communicate these changes to the people of Bahrain and the rest of the world," said Mr Al Muqla, who delivered a speech on the subject last night at the Rotary Club of Adliya's weekly meeting. "It is opening for investment and it needs a brand that everyone will know and understand. "People have to know where the country is going and what we want to achieve." The Economic Development Board (EDB) has already identified six sectors for development in Bahrain. They are information and communications technology, tourism, healthcare s 0
107249 2 1507 BUSI BUSINESS Mideast 'set to become global petrochem hub' DUBAI: A paradigm shift in petrochemicals business from the West to the East has been predicted with the Middle East emerging as a global hub, backed by the region's advantages of low-cost feedstock and labour, fast growing demand in Asia and new technologies. In a detailed research report released at the two-day ArabPlast 2005 Summit, McKinsey & Company has projected a shake-up in the global petrochemical industry, wherein established western companies will exit, shrink, or move eastwards through partnerships, in order to defend their stakes. The summit is a part of the ArabPlast 2005, the region's leading trade fair on rubber plastics and plastic processing, which is being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DIEC). The summit will track market trends, spot challenges and will have a special plenary on the outlook for investment in the petrochemical industry in the region. According to the report, the Middle East's share in the global ethylene market is expected 0
107250 3 1507 BUSI BUSINESS Bahraini company displays products MANAMA: Euroexpo Tech became the first Bahraini company to take part in Euroshop 2005, a major exhibition in Germany. The exhibition was held at the Dusseldorf Exhibition Centre and is the largest merchandising, retail, display and exhibition in Europe. The products, which have been developed and produced in Bahrain, received a lot of interest from European, American and other international markets, said Euroexpo Tech general manager Abdulkahliq Milad. The company also received suggestions from European manufacturers in the same industry to study the possibility of co-operating in producing some of their existing and new products at the factor in Bahrain. Euroexpo Tech executive director Ebrahim Al Saati said that the company's participation in the exhibition was part of a new strategy to enter new markets. Firm's profits rise MANAMA: Gulf Union Insurance and Reinsurance Company announced profits of BD584,297 for last year, compared to BD536,743 in 2003. That represent 0
107251 0 1507 BUSI BUSINESS Shamil Bank assets soar MANAMA: Shamil Bank expects another year of steady growth this year, chairman Prince Mohammed Al Faisal Al Saud said yesterday. The bank recorded a net consolidated income of $29.1 million last year, up 31pc over 2003. Also revealed was an increase of total assets of 35.5pc to $1.62 billion from 1.1bn as well as an increase in shareholders equity by 4.2pc to $296.7m from $284.7m. The bank's financial results were ratified at a board meeting held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel yesterday. Its steady growth was praised by the board and shareholders. "This year will see a consolidated focus on retail banking and investment banking activities building on the solid foundations which the bank has already laid." In September last year, the leading emerging markets rating agency Capital Intelligence announced the upgrade of the bank's long-term foreign currency and financial strength ratings to BBB- from BB+, citing healthy profitability growth, a reduction 0
107252 0 1507 BUSI BUSINESS BMA issues Volume 2 of rulebook MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) has issued the second volume of its five-part BMA Rulebook. Volume 2 applies to Islamic banks and contains all regulations currently applicable to all Islamic Full Commercial Banks (FCBs), Offshore Banking Units (OBUs) and investment banks (IBs). It does not contain any new regulations or requirements, but consolidates into a single source previously issued circulars applicable to Islamic banks, says the BMA. The rulebook is a major project, initiated by the agency in 2003. The aim is to collate various regulatory circulars into a single, cohesive reference point for the different sectors within the financial services industry, said BMA financial institutions supervision executive director Anwar Khalifa Al Sadah. "The objective is to enhance the transparency of BMA requirements," he said. "It also makes it easier for licensees, or potential licensees, to refer to all applicable rules in a single manual." l The 0
107253 0 1507 BUSI BUSINESS India snubs US over pipeline KUALA LUMPUR: India yesterday shrugged off US concerns over a $4-billion gas pipeline it plans to build from Iran through Pakistan, saying it would proceed with the project if it made economic sense. Warming diplomatic ties with neighbour Pakistan have added momentum to India's plans to build pipelines from Iran, Turkmenistan and Burma in a bid to tap cheap energy supplies to fuel its booming economy. "I think that there are a number of companies working in Iran, including a large number of European companies," Indian Petroleum Secretary SC Tripathi said in the Malaysian capital. "A large number of countries are having economic relations with Iran, therefore, it should be possible for us also to work out a reasonable and well-drafted and well-crafted hydrocarbon agreement with Iran. I think it should be possible." Tripathi is leading a roadshow to Malaysia to attract investment in 20 offshore and inland oil blocks India is offering for exploration in the fifth round of 0
107254 0 1507 BUSI BUSINESS Singh vows to achieve 8pc growth NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh vowed yesterday to do whatever is necessary to sustain economic growth of between seven per cent and 8pc to help the 260 million Indians living in poverty. Singh said he was confident India's economy would grow 7pc to 8pc in the financial year starting on April 1 to mark the third straight year of growth of around 7pc or more. That would lead India onto a new development path after growth rates in the 1990s of between 5pc and 6pc, Singh told a business conference. "We are now at a point in time where we need to accelerate this growth further and jump into the 7-8pc band," Singh said. "Our government is committed to putting in place a set of policies which will provide the necessary environment for making this growth possible." Singh said his government was focusing on improving the lot of rural areas, where 60pc of India's billion-strong population lives, provide a vital source of consumer spending. Agricult 0
107255 0 1507 BUSI BUSINESS French firms bid to boost Saudi trade RIYADH: French firms will seek to exploit opportunities in the Saudi economy, French Minister of Transport and Tourism Gilles de Robien said at the end of a two-day visit to the kingdom. The French official said he led a team of representatives of 20 companies to explore opportunities in the kingdom. "I believe the French companies will be able to respond" to potential projects, he told reporters after a meeting with Saudi businessmen at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Riyadh. Meanwhile, the chairman of SNCF International, a subsidiary of French railway giant Societe Nationale des Chemins de Fer, said the French firm is interested in contracts of consultancy and assistance, rather than investing in building or operating the forthcoming mega-railway projects in Saudi Arabia. "It is not our strategy to be the operator... My idea is rather to come as assistant to the railway management and to (provide) training necessary to upgrade professionalism," Jean-Pierre Loubi 0
107256 0 1507 BUSI BUSINESS Pakistan expects economic boom KARACHI: Pakistan's economy is expected to grow by up to 7.8 per cent in the current fiscal year, a nine-year high, the central State Bank of Pakistan said yesterday. The growth was due to bumper crops following a winter of heavy rain and snow that boosted water supplies, according to the bank, while robust industrial growth provided a further boost. Real GDP growth is likely to be between 7.4 and 7.8pc, compared with the earlier forecast of 5.4 to 7.1pc, the bank said in its second quarterly review of the fiscal year ending June 2005. The government had projected 6.4pc growth target in the 2004-05 budget and revised it upward to 7.1pc earlier this year. 0
107257 0 1507 COMM COMMENTBanking on a nightmare President Bush's nomination of Paul Wolfowitz to be the next head of the World Bank has brought forth a global torrent of disapproving invective. Britain's former development secretary, Clare Short, said it was as though the US was "showing two fingers to the world". "A terrifying appointment", "an insult to the world's poor" and "mystifying" were among the reactions. The development expert and UN adviser Jeffrey Sachs said that a position on which hundreds of millions of people depended for their lives needed "a proper leadership of professionalism". And so it does. Mr Wolfowitz's record, unfortunately, contains little that would make him an obvious candidate for the job. The Pentagon does not naturally recommend itself as a nursery for World Bank executives, least of all the Pentagon of George W Bush and Donald Rumsfeld. Nor does Mr Wolfowitz himself seem especially qualified for the role. His main experience of the less developed world was a spell as ambassador to Indonesia rather a long time 0
107258 0 1507 COMM COMMENTPaying the price for pruning courtyard trees... Next to our house is a large open area of wasteland, which doubles as a makeshift car park and an occasional dumping ground for building rubble from renovation work on nearby homes. So it was without any sense of guilt that I dumped a large pile of branches from our freshly pruned trees, amidst the rain of last Friday. We had left the trees far too long and they had overgrown to the point that some were blocking out the light to the front of the house and the lower branches were obstructing much of the courtyard. So I felt quite righteous as I laboured away, hauling away the debris as a neighbour's gardener, recruited for a reasonable fee, lopped off the offending branches and shaped what remained of the four trees. Physical labour is rare for me, since I am largely office-bound and the main tool of my trade is a keyboard. So I found it surprisingly enjoyable to be doing something that demanded real physical effort and finished the morning's work feeling rather self-satis 0
107259 0 1507 COMM COMMENTWeekend shuffle plan is a welcome move... AS much as I enjoy making fun of the many idiotic notions coming out of parliament, I've got to hand it to them this time. Their recent proposal to change Bahrain's official weekend to Friday and Saturday is just what the country needs. Since it was only a proposal rather than an official piece of legislation, it is now up to the Cabinet to approve (or disapprove) before it becomes official. It directly affects government offices, but the private sector, for obvious reasons, will be forced to follow suit. Hopefully the changes will come into effect as soon as possible, because it makes little sense for Bahrain to be so out of sync with the rest of the world. Currently organisations with five-day working weeks only have Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in common with their counterparts in most other countries. This makes it difficult to trade, co-ordinate activities or make international calls. Under the new proposal, there will be four days in common, an increase 0
107262 0 1507 LETT LETTERS The fundamental right to life must be respected REGARDING the article "Abortion not a poll issue" (GDN March 16), I commend Michael Howard, the British Conservative leader, for his desire to reduce the limit on abortions from 24 to 20 weeks. Hopefully this will become an election issue in Britain and ultimately lead to a full abandonment of abortion. Procured abortion is the deliberate and direct killing, by whatever means it is carried out, of a human being in the initial phase of his or her existence, extending from conception to birth. While the term "choice" may sound democratic the person who opts for abortion is neglecting to consider the fundamental right to life of the mother's unborn foetus. On a biological level the pre-natal being is not like any other tissue: it is human with its own DNA indicating that - as a human - it has the same fundamental and moral rights as any other human being. Today, in many people's consciences, the perception of the gravity of abortion has become progressively obscured. The acceptance 0
107263 0 1507 LETT LETTERS Any Reiki masters? ARE there any qualified and practising Indian Reiki masters/Pranic healers here in Bahrain who can treat my friend? I prefer someone from Kerala or Tamil Nadu as she is not that fluent in English. I work under so much pressure at my office I would like to check whether there is any individual or organisation that can teach quick 'Stress' reduction techniques which I can use in my office environment to eliminate stress completely? I am looking only for 'effective methods' because earlier we attended some stress reduction programmes and found none effective. I am also using this opportunity to check if any one qualified here is teaching 'Self-Hypnosis' to improve memory/personality issues? Your valuable inputs are highly appreciated. Mahesh C P 0
107264 0 1507 LETT LETTERS Postal poser I AM finding that the service offered by the Bahrain Post Office appears to be deteriorating. Overseas airmail to Europe now takes three to four weeks whereas before it took six days at the maximum. This is happening all the time. Is anyone else experiencing a similar breakdown of the airmail service? Dr Tendai Mugabe *Director of Posts Shaikh Bader bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said : "I would like to confirm that Bahrain Post mail is dispatched to destinations on a daily basis including the mail to European countries. However, it will be very helpful if the reader can provide us with a specific incident for further investigations. "I would urge the reader to contact the Postal Directorate on telephone no. 17 534073." 0
107265 0 1507 LETT LETTERS Twisted thinking KILL your sister because your father raped and got her pregnant ... and then call it an "honour killing". That is the sickest, most twisted thinking I've ever heard. I hope justice prevails. David Johnson 0
107266 0 1507 LETT LETTERS Too sensitive? WITH reference to the letter concerning falconry (GDN March 18), falconry has been part of providing food for the family through the ages all over the world. And some seem to think that nowadays it should be called a blood sport. It is a fact that falcons kept and bred in captivity live a longer and healthier life than their counterparts in the wild, where they are hunted and poisoned all because they are part of the natural world and have a right to nature's food sources. The fact is that yes, hubara bustards were virtually wiped out in their natural habitat, not by extensive hunting but due to decreasing habitat. However due to falconry being such a popular sport in all layers of society, not just the "rich layer" as was mentioned, these birds are actually being bred and reintroduced into the wild where their numbers once again are more than healthy. So healthy, in fact, that in order to keep the numbers down limited hunting is permitted. After a falcon has fought this 0
107267 0 1507 LETT LETTERS Abacus lessons? I WOULD like to know if anybody is teaching the 'abacus' in Bahrain for children to improve mathematical skills. In Oman and the UAE, I believe children are learning it. The abacus is something that would amaze you when you see children doing wonders in mathematics right from the age of six. Any information on this is most welcome. Sridar 0
107268 0 1507 LETT LETTERS Puzzling drive... GOING from home to work every single weekday is what some would refer to as "routine". Yet the drive to and fro still remains a new and often puzzling experience. On my way towards Salmaniya roundabout from the Seef District, I take the middle lane (with arrow pointing forward) and proceed to turn towards the Salmaniya Hospital road (45 degree left). More often than not, some crazy kid whizzes by on MY LEFT and cuts into my lane while we're still on the roundabout! Other times, I end up getting "sandwiched"; slowing down to avoid any accidents. The frequency of these incidents is appalling! Am I correct in taking the middle lane for that specific turn, or is it supposed to be the left lane only? Bu Abdullah 0
107269 1 1507 BNEW LOCAL REFORM LEAGUE! MANAMA ALGIERS: Bahrain's Crown Prince yesterday called for urgent League reforms to help unite Arabs. Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa was speaking on arrival in Algiers for today's Arab Summit. Bahrain is keen to fully assume its role and contribute to pan-Arab co-operation, he said. "The summit reflects a determination to promote collective Arab action to meet emerging challenges and developments," he said. He was received on arrival by Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika and other senior officials. Referring to the current regional and international challenges, Shaikh Salman said the onus was now on the Arabs to equip the Arab League with efficient mechanisms to bolster co-operation. Such mechanisms would enable the League to meet future challenges with a new and realistic perspective which will help promote Arab causes and ensure that security, stability and economic prosperity prevailed in Arab countries. "History shows that we have no alternative but 0
107270 2 1507 BNEW LOCAL Police checkpoints call to stop Tubli dumping MANAMA MANAMA: A call has gone out for police checkpoints at Tubli Bay, to stop illegal dumping. It follows the arrest of a group of construction company workers caught dumping building refuse. The General Prosecutor's office is currently questioning them, said Central Municipal Council health and environment committee chairman Abbas Mahfoodh. The council has urged the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry to ask the Interior Ministry to set up police checkpoints at the two entrances to the bay and also to increase patrols, he said. The workers were arrested after witnesses spotted two lorries from the same company dumping refuse on the Manama and Central sides of the bay. More workers were arrested when a third lorry from another company was spotted dumping in the bay on Sunday, said Mr Mahfoodh. He said the municipality was also seeking to make the construction company owner remove the debris at his own expense. 0
107271 3 1507 BNEW LOCAL Power pledge to needy families MANAMA FAMILIES will never be left in the dark, even those who fail to pay their electricity bills, pledged Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa. The leadership has also ordered a number of gestures to ensure that bills are covered and that needy families get the help they need, he told Samaheej and Dair village residents during a meeting at the Samaheej Club yesterday. Shaikh Abdulla said the ministry is not in a position to slash or drop electricity and water charges. "Decisions like this come from His Majesty King Hamad or Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who are very generous and helpful to people, especially those in need," he said. "His Majesty's gesture for 10,000 needy families was started two years ago and has benefited around 9,000 families who have been found eligible by the Social Affairs Ministry." Under the gesture, Shaikh Abdulla said families get BD10 slashed from their monthly bills. "We could formulat 0
107272 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Shura backs key scheme for workers MANAMA A LAW granting social insurance to Bahrainis working abroad was backed by the Shura Council at its weekly session yesterday. The new draft law, which has also been passed by parliament, stipulates that Bahrain overseas workers are eligible to benefit from the services offered by the General Organisation for Social Insurance. It states that the workers have the right to apply for social insurance in accordance with employment contracts, including insurance against disability and death, plus pension rights for old age. They are also eligible for marriage and funeral grants as well as survivor pensions and lump sum compensation, under the law, proposed by the Cabinet. According to the law's provisions, Bahrainis above 16 years and below 50 are eligible to benefit from the scheme. The council's legal affairs committee said the scheme was fully backed by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions. Members approved th 0
107273 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL F1 star wins young hearts OVER 4,500 students from schools across Bahrain met with Indian Formula One (F1) driver Narain Karthikeyan at the Indian School in Isa Town yesterday where one student won two Gulf Air Bahrain Formula 1 Grand Prix tickets. Mr Karthikeyan is the first Indian to drive in the F1 World Championship and currently drives for the Jordan F1 Grand Prix Team. He held a question and answer session with the students and gave out stationery prizes as gifts to some of them. 0
107274 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Teenager finds stolen mobile on sale in shop A BAHRAINI teenager whose mobile phone was snatched by a thief found it on sale in a second-hand shop later the same day! Mohammed Abdulla Ali, aged 19, was tricked into handing his mobile to another Bahraini, who pretended he was interested in buying his car. He met the man in Al Ahli Club car park, in Zinj, after advertising his 2001 Kia for sale. The man offered a BD1,000 down payment on the car, but persuaded Mr Ali to accompany him to get the money from a friend in Naim. "I agreed to let him drive us to his friend in my car. He drove to an alleyway right behind the Naim Health Centre," said Mr Ali. "He said that his friend's company bus dropped him here and that he needed to call him to check whether he had reached home or was still on the way. "He borrowed my mobile phone to make the call since his mobile had no charge left. "He went out of the car while I stayed in my seat. "I thought he was just looking to see if his friend's bus 0
107275 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Global travel expo planned MANAMA ONE of Bahrain's leading tour companies is organising a global travel exhibition. The Bahrain International Travel Expo (Bite 2005) is being organised by Sunshine Tours, a subsidiary of Unitag Group. It is being held with the support of the Information Ministry, at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre (GICEC) , Gulf Hotel, from May 9 to 11. Organising such an international event was prompted by Sunshine Tours' unshakeable belief in the important role that the tourism industry plays in revitalising Bahrain's economy, said Unitag Group chairman and chief executive Jamil Wafa. "Specialised international conferences and exhibitions in the field of tourism complement the Kingdom's goals in supporting the tourism sector and in making Bahrain one of the most visited countries in the Middle East," he told a Press conference at the Gulf Hotel yesterday. Mr Wafa thanked the Information Ministry for extending its support to the exhibition, being held as part of 0
107276 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Seven rescued in flats blaze MANAMA MANAMA: Seven people were rescued after a blaze broke out in a Manama block of flats yesterday, writes VINITHA VISWANATH. One man needed hospital treatment after the five Sri Lankans and two Iranians, who were trapped in their flats on the first floor of the three-storey building in Hoora, were led to safety by firemen. The blaze is thought to have started in a freezer in a first-floor flat of the building, near Abdul Rahman Al Dakhil Intermediate Boys School, at around 3pm. Help for family MANAMA: The late Ahmed Abdullatif Shuwaiter's family are to be given a new housing unit in Muharraq after their dilapidated home started to collapse. The move follows instructions from Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder. Widow Salwa Ahmed Abdullatif Shuwaiter and her orphaned daughter appealed to the Premier after Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Mohammed Al Wazzan turned down their plea for help. Probe ordered 0
107277 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain joins fight against pollution BAHRAIN is joining a global fight to protect the food chain from chemical pollution. It is playing host to a United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) meeting to raise awareness in the region. The three-day regional consultation guidelines to implementing the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), opened yesterday at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. The event is being organised in partnership with the Unep's Chemical Unit in Geneva, the Stockholm Convention Secretariat and the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. The workshop, which will continue until tomorrow, is being held in preparation for the first global conference on the convention, which will be held in Uruguay in May. Unep representatives from neighbouring Arab countries are attending the workshop, which is being conducted by the programme's international experts. POPs are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bio a 0
107278 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Chance to win Russia scholarships MANAMA THE Education Ministry announced yesterday that it will receive applications for scholarships offered by the Russian Education Ministry for the academic year 2005-2006. The scholarships offered include a bachelor of science and master degree for secondary school graduates who are below 25 years and with a grade point average of at least 80 per cent. A doctorate scholarship for applicants below 35 years with a masters in science or arts and experience in their field of study are also available. The deadline for applications, which will be received at the ministry's premises in Isa Town, is March 30. 0
107279 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Parliament and Shura Council condemn terror attack in Doha PARLIAMENT yesterday condemned Saturday's terrorist attack in Doha, which killed one Briton and injured 12 people. It said that such acts were against religion and humanity and called for regional and international efforts to combat terrorism. It also affirmed its full support to all action taken by Qatar to maintain its security, stability and peace. "The parliament is fully confident that the Qatari government is capable of combating such acts, which are foreign to the Qatari community known for its tolerance and peace," it said in a statement. Meanwhile, Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi sent a cable to his Qatari counterpart Mohammed Al Khalifi condemning the attack. He conveyed the council's support to Qatar, saying its security was inseparable from that of Bahrain. Waiter commits suicide THE body of an Indian waiter was found hanging in his room just hours after he finished work on Sunday, sources told the GDN. Maxim De 0
107280 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Appeal to help father AN appeal has gone out to help an Indian father who suffered horrific injuries when his legs were caught in a fishing boat's propeller. Fisherman Valappil Najeer, aged 25, had to have his left leg amputated and needed extensive surgery and skin grafts to his right leg, after the accident. He was sitting with his legs dangling over the back of the boat as it left the Sitra Fishing Port, on February 27. Mr Najeer is still in the Salmaniya Medical Complex and underwent the latest skin graft on Sunday. The Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) has appealed for financial help for Mr Najeer, who will be returning home once he is well enough to travel. "His left leg was amputated from the knee the night of the accident and he has lost a lot of skin from his right leg," said his father-in law T C K Ebrahimkutty, who is in Bahrain. Mr Ebrahimkutty said that Mr Najeer was working for his sponsor on a commission-only basis and earned BD45 to BD50 a month. "Mr Najeer 0
107281 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL A poetic tribute to humanity... A THREE-day poetry festival began at Bahrain International Museum last night. The event, organised by the Writers and Literature Association, marks International Poetry Day, which also fell yesterday. It also celebrates more than 35 years since the association was established and is being held under the theme A Word For Humanity. This year's event focuses on French poetry. Two top French poets are taking part in the event, along with Bahrainis and other nationalities. Poets taking part in the event are: French poets Janes Chatos and Josee Lapeyrer; Yemeni Mohammed Haitham; Qatari Soad Al Kuwari and Bahrainis Dr Alawi Al Hashimi, Qassim Haddad, Ibrahim Bu Hindi, Hamda Khamees, Yousif Hassan, Fawzia Al Sindi, Eman Aseeri, Hussain Al Samaheeji, Ahmed Al Ajmi, Ahmed Madan, Kareem Radhi and Abdulhameed Al Qaeed. Association founders were also honoured at last night's opening ceremony. They are Dr Mohammed Al Ansari, Hussain Al Sabagh, Ms Khamees, Muneera Bin Fa 0
107282 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Alert employee puts out fire MANAMA THE quick thinking of a Bahraini Hempel Paints employee saved the company's showrooms and offices at Mina Salman from a serious fire yesterday. The fire broke out at 9.30am in a lighting unit in the showroom ceiling, but Jaffar Abdulla Ali Ebrahim saved the day when he took a fire extinguisher and started extinguishing the flames. Mr Ebrahim attended a safety course last year, in which the use of fire extinguishers was explained and practised. Mr Ebrahim was presented with a cheque for his efforts by the company's administration. 0
107283 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Staff ideas worth BD200,000 MANAMA WORKERS at Bapco saved the company BD200,000 last year through its annual suggestion scheme. A total of 435 ideas were submitted by all departments throughout the course of the year, but only the best were put into practice. The A Good Idea scheme was launched in 1996 and since then 920 ideas by staff have been implemented. "During this year efforts will continue to find an appropriate software system to replace the current idea tracking system - enabling employees to enter their ideas directly online and then track their status," said Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed. He was speaking in a ceremony yesterday at the Bapco Club, in Awali, to honour employees whose suggestions have been used. They were presented with cash prizes at the event, which was also attended by the chief executive (downstream) Hussain Tadayon and scheme manager Abdul Hussain Monfaridy. 0
107284 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL GFH thanked for supporting festival ORGANISERS of the Children's Arts and Literature Festival presented Gulf Finance House (GFH) with a special 'thank you' trophy and a certificate for supporting last year's event. The certificate was presented to GFH chief executive officer Esam Janahi by festival steering committee head Shaikha Marwah bint Rashid Al Khalifa, at the GFH premises in the Diplomatic Area. "Last year's festival proved to be a huge success and each year we aim to reach more children, stretching the bounds of their imagination and encouraging them to develop their inherent talents and aptitudes," said Shaikha Marwah. "Without our sponsors, it would not be possible to provide children with this truly incredible experience that they look forward to each year, so we are very appreciative of their generous support." Mr Janahi expressed the company's eagerness to participate in ensuring a prosperous future for Bahrain's youth. "It is vital that we provide today's youth with access to the most 0
107285 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Mushroom delight Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Toast There are lots of different recipes for mushrooms on toast and this is one of the truly indulgent ones. To really bring out the flavour of the garlic, it is best to crush it with salt in a pestle and mortar. Failing that, crush it with salt using a round ended knife. Serves two. Ingredients: 50gm butter Two tablespoons olive oil 250gm pack closed cup chestnut mushrooms, wiped, the larger ones cut in half Two cloves garlic, crushed with salt in a pestle and mortar Four tablespoons double cream 15gm pack fresh tarragon, chopped Squeeze lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper To Serve: Four slices sourdough bread, toasted and buttered Method: Melt the butter with the oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and fry over a medium to high heat for around five minutes until cooked. Add the garlic, stir, cook over medium heat for a couple more minutes, then add the cream and bubble until it thickens 0
107286 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL More funds plea for council projects A CALL went out for more funding for projects at the Northern Municipal Council. The council discussed developing the existing Dimistan market and building additional shops to attract more investors. However, they say their BD200,000 annual budget cannot cover the BD220,000 required for the upgrade. Therefore, councillors suggested that the Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Ministry foots the bill for the project since all the market proceeds will pour into the joint municipal fund, which benefits all five councils. "We cannot pump all our BD200,000 annual budget into buildings," said Northern Municipal Council member Mohammed Ali Salman. "This money is supposed to be funding projects for people to enjoy, such as parks or walkways," he noted. "This market in Dimistan belongs to the ministry but is rented out to a private investor for a mere BD300 a month. "There is more potential in the market. This is why we have agreed not to renew the contract for the in 0
107287 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Jail for sword attack brother A BAHRAINI man who attacked his brother with a sword has been sentenced to three months in jail, suspended for three years. The 37-year-old defendant was a drug addict who had just been released from the Psychiatric Hospital on the day of the attack, the Lower Criminal Court heard. His brother, a 26-year-old watchman, said the defendant was looking for his prepaid telephone card in the house and when he could not find it, began quarrelling with their mother. The brother said he intervened and the defendant punched him and pulled his beard, the grabbed a sword from his bedroom and hit him around the head and neck. "He was in a crazy mood and was hysterical because he is sick and mentally disturbed. I don't think that he wanted to kill me," said the brother. "I blame the doctor in the Psychiatric Hospital who discharged him from the hospital." The defendant, who did not show up for sentencing, earlier admitted illegally possessing a weapon. He told p 0
107288 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain calls for global IT links MANAMA BAHRAIN yesterday urged policy-makers thoughout Asia to forge closer links with the global information technology industry. The call came from Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, at the opening of the third Asia IT Ministers' Summit. Delegations from more than 35 countries, including 20 ministers, are attending the two-day event at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The landmark summit is a continuation of the dialogue between Asian ministers on how to develop the IT infrastructure in their respective countries and how to benefit from the latest developments of the global information and communication technology. The dialogue started at the first summit, which was held in 2003 in Seoul, Korea and continued in January, 2004 in Hyderabad, India. "At the last summit in Hyderabad, Bahrain was awarded the privilege to hold the third summit and this is an excellent opportunity for the Arab world to align their own IT development strategies with the 0
107289 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL New Internet company is gearing up for launch INTERNET service provider Lightspeed Communications was officially launched into the Bahrain market yesterday. "This week sees our official corporate launch onto the Bahrain market and we are delighted to take our place alongside the established giants in the sector, to offer flexibility and choice to customers at home and at work," said managing director Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa Lightspeed will offer voice, video and high-speed Internet services later this year. This follows the already successful introduction of its pioneering secure iVault data centre services for the government and finance sectors, which was developed in partnership with Gulf Business Machines. Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa sees the company as highly complementary to services in Bahrain. Lightspeed will become the first in the region to break a telecoms fixed line monopoly when it launches its competitive voice services later this year. "We are the first of a new breed of telecoms comp 0
107290 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL End Zionist atrocities plea Bahrain yesterday called for an end to atrocities committed by Israelis against Palestinians. The impassioned plea was made by Bahrain's permanent UN representative to the 61st session of the Human Rights Commission. Ambassador Saeed Mohammed Al Faihani, told key Geneva gathering: "While we notice encouraging signs in the political environment of the Middle East, we do not feel any fundamental changes that would enable Arab people under occupation, including the Palestinian people, to regain their rights and establish their independent state on its soil with Jerusalem as its capital. We are hopeful that these signs will be an opportunity to solve the problems of the Arab people under occupation and put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people." He said Bahrain supports wholeheartedly all efforts and initiatives that will bring peace and stability in the Arab occupied territories including the Palestinian territories and enable its people to regain their legitimate rights 0
107291 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Gulf setting technology pace TECHNOLOGY that was once a science fiction dream has caught on in the Gulf like nowhere else in the world, says an expert. Bluetooth technology allows electronic devices within a certain distance to effectively speak to each other. For instance, mobile phones incorporating the technology can track and send messages to similar devices. In Bahrain and the Gulf, the technology is used as a social tool more than anywhere in the world, says Nokia Middle East and Africa multi-media senior sales manager Petr Hosek. "In the West it is used mainly for business purposes, connecting various devices with each other. Over here people seem to use it more to interact socially. The behaviour is different because people seem to use it to meet others. "If you sit an a coffee shop here, you very often get sent Bluetooth messages from people around you. This has never happened to me in Europe." He also said that in Europe, people use very conservative Bluetooth nicknames, whi 0
107292 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL $4m broadband deal for Batelco BATELCO'S BD21 million Broadband Bahrain initiative to creater faster and cheaper Internet services is underway. As part of the project, the company signed a $4m (BD1.5m) agreement with Chinese group Huawei Tech-nologies Company, at Telecom Arabiya 2005 yesterday. It was signed by Batelco general manager-networks, Ibrahim Zainal and Huawei Techno-logies vice president Tang Qibing, in the presence of Chinese Ambassador Wu Congyong. Batelco is investing BD21m in a three-to-five year programme with the aim of providing faster, more affordable Internet access for both individuals and businesses in the kingdom , said Mr Zainal. "The agreement is the first phase of the project which will be completed by the end of the year," he told the GDN. "Under this phase, 40,000 lines, out of a total of 200,000 lines, will be converted to incorporate the new combo technology, paving the way for a major revamp of the network." The company's Broadband Bahrain initiative 0
107293 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Tradition comes alive for young MORE than 45 Palms Primary School pupils, their parents and teachers attended the school's annual Family Day celebration at its Riffa premises yesterday. The children, aged five to eight years, enjoyed learning about a variety of traditional Bahraini handicrafts demonstrated by craftsmen. These included the making of baskets, palm tree paper and fishing nets. There was also a bake sale and a donkey and pony rides for the children. 0
107294 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL MTC-Vodafone starts mobile e-mail service MANAMA MTC-Vodafone Bahrain yesterday announced the launch of a new mobile office solution known as Push e-mail. This new service will allow customers to send and receive their emails from their handsets. The new solution pushes new e-mails automatically to mobile devices and no user interaction is required. "Now we are making it possible for small and medium-sized businesses to receive e-mails directly on their handsets and to see for themselves how Push e-mail makes everyday working life simpler," said chief commercial officer Mahmoud Hashish. MTC-Vodafone Bahrain is making this service available for all customers, corporate and individual. The announcement coincides with Telecom Arabiya, which opened at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre yesterday. 0
107295 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Measures to speed up custody cases hailed MOVES to speed up custody and alimony cases in Bahrain's courts were praised yesterday by the Supreme Council for Women. It welcomed the Cabinet's decision on Sunday to amend a number of provisions of procedures law in the Islamic courts and to forward them to the National Assembly for approval. Council's Secretary-General Lulwa Al Awadhi said that the Cabinet's decision was in line with the council's recommendations related to speeding up cases and increasing the number of judges. She said that the recommendations were the outcome of a study carried out by the council on the directives of His Majesty King Hamad on the status of divorced women in Islamic courts. Ms Al Awadhi said that the objective of the amendments to the law are to speed up the settlement of legal disputes, particularly those related to alimony and custody cases. She also praised the statement by Supreme Judicial Council deputy chairman and Cassation Court head Shaikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khali 0
107296 0 1507 BNEW LOCAL Embassy to mark Pakistan Day A FLAG-hoisting ceremony will take place at the Pakistan Embassy tomorrow to mark Pakistan Day. Pakistan's Acting Ambassador and Charge d'Affaires Shaukat Ali Mukadam will raise the national flag at the embassy, in Segaiya, at 6am. All Pakistanis are invited to attend the ceremony. Top priest arrives ONE of the senior bishops of Kerala-based Mar Thoma Church, the Rt Rev Dr Zacharias Mar Theophilos Suffragen Metropolitan arrives in Bahrain today. He will lead the Passion Week services of Bahrain Mar Thoma Parish. Head of Madras-Calcutta diocese, Mar Theophilos has completed 25 years of service as a bishop. This is his first visit after he has been designated as the Suffragan Metropolitan of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church. He did his higher theological training in the US at Princeton and obtained his doctorate from Leonard University. The bishop, who is a member of the Central and Executive committees of the World Council of Churches, 0
107297 1 1507 SPOR SPORT KIWIS FOLLOW ON WELLINGTON: Wellington's fickle weather stepped in to provide New Zealand with the possibility of salvaging a draw from the second cricket Test against Australia after they were left with a 326-run deficit on the first innings yesterday. In the rain-disrupted Test, the New Zealand first innings ended at 244 just on tea on the fourth day in reply to Australia's 570 for eight declared. Australian captain Ricky Ponting enforced the follow on, but as New Zealand openers Craig Cumming and Stephen Fleming prepared to return to the wicket the rain came again and 30 minutes later play was abandoned for the day. New Zealand now need to bat out the final day, weather permitting, to avoid going 2-0 down in the three Test series. "We're going to go out tonight and do some dancing - rain-dancing. Hopefully it's still raining tomorrow," said New Zealand batsman Lou Vincent. "We're up against a pretty awesome attack and you've just got to soak up the pressure." But that is not going to 0
107298 2 1507 SPOR SPORT Karthikeyan impressed with circuit INDIA'S Formula One debutant Narain Karthikeyan yesterday predicted an action-packed Bahrain Grand Prix on April 1, 2 and 3 after visiting the 'impressive' Bahrain Internat-ional Circuit. A tired but cheerful Karthikeyan arrived in Bahrain straight from Sepang, Malaysia, where he finished a very encouraging 11th on Sunday and took part in a series of events to promote the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. "The BIC track looks exciting and I'm looking forward to racing here," said Karthikeyan. "The track has tremendous scope for overtaking and the cars have to be really good to change directions quickly," added the Jordan driver who became the first Indian to drive a F1 car when he made his debut at the Australian Grand Prix on March 6. Karthikeyan finished 15th in Melbourne and, more importantly, was able to drive home the car in the first two races of his debut year, a rare feat at a time when more formidable teams are struggling with new rules and regulations. "One of the h 0
107299 3 1507 SPOR SPORT Federer lifts 26th career title INDIAN WELLS, California: Roger Federer successfully defended his Indian Wells ATP Masters Series title, defeating Lleyton Hewitt 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 in the final to claim his 26th career singles crown. The world number one Federer is undefeated in his past 17 finals and has won seven titles in eight tournaments dating back to the US Open. "This week I have been playing and feeling fantastic," said the 23-year-old Federer, who earned $455,000 in prize money. "The pressure is off now and I feel a huge sense of relief." In the final game of the championship he built a 40-0 lead then clinched the victory with his 14th ace of the match. Federer said he would celebrate the win by going to dinner with his girlfriend. "I am not a big party guy that goes crazy," said Federer, who has won four of the last six Grand Slams. "I like to have a party once in a while but it is not a must after a win." Switzerland's Federer is off to a personal best 26-1 this year and looks to be as close to 0
107300 0 1507 SPOR SPORT Rich rewards from F1 race Bahrain is poised to reap over $100 million in estimated revenues from the second Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix to be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from April 1 to 3, according to a report last night in our sister publication Akhbar Al Khaleej. Over 40,000 tickets have already been sold for the big event, said General Organisation for Youth and Sport president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. He also revealed that efforts were being made by Bahrain to host other international sports events. 0
107301 0 1507 SPOR SPORT Uefa take action against Chelsea, Mourinho PARIS: European football's governing body Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Chelsea and the club's manager Jose Mourinho on charges of bringing the game into disrepute. A statement released on the Uefa website, www.uefa.com, says the action follows comments and statements made by Mourinho and Chelsea after the Champions League game against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on February 23. Chelsea admitted they had received notification of the charges and were 'reviewing their position' before issuing any formal statement. The last 16 round game was won by Barcelona 2-1, and afterwards Mourinho called into question the refereeing and integrity of Swedish official Anders Frisk. The Uefa statement said that disciplinary proceedings had been opened against Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, assistant manager Steven Clarke and club security official Les Miles "for making false declarations, notably in the complaint sent by Chelsea FC following the Uefa Champions League match played agains 0
107302 0 1507 SPOR SPORT Singh wins back world No 1 spot TORONTO: Kenny Perry held on to win his first title in two years at the Bay Hill Invitational yesterday with a two-stroke victory over Britain's Graeme McDowell and Vijay Singh, who found the water on the final hole to gift the American the title. It was the second successive week Singh has finished runner-up though it ensured the Fijian leaves Orlando's Bay Hill Resort with the number one world ranking. Trailing by three shots with four to play, Singh mounted a late charge with birdies on 15 and 16 then watched as Perry made bogey on the 17th to leave them level with one to play. But with Perry nervously grinding his teeth, Singh hit his approach short, the ball plopping into the water for a double-bogey leaving his relieved opponent an easy putt for a final round two-under 70 and his eighth career victory with a winning total of 12-under 276. "(I'm) stunned," said Perry, who was without a win since three victories in 2003. "I was watching the ball in the air and it stun 0
107303 0 1507 SPOR SPORT $15,000 at stake in charity golf event THE eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Championship, with a $15,000 prize-money at stake, is all set to be held under the patronage of the Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. The event will be held from April 13 at the Bapco Club premises. Organised by Yacoob Al Shehabi, the qualification rounds will be played from April 13 to 26 with the finals set for April 27 and 28. Last year's open champion Mohammed Janahi and women's champion Alma Sulaiman will lead the Bahrain challenge. This year, the men's winner will receive $3,000 and the women's winner $600. The top 12 finishes among men and the top six among women will also be awarded cash prizes. Prizes will also be awarded for daily high series and high lanes in the preliminary rounds of both sections. The entry fee is BD10 and re-entry fee BD4. Proceeds from the championship, which are expected to be around BD11,000, will be used to purchase a dialysis machine unit for the Salmaniya Medic 0
107304 0 1507 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Holy Week and Easter Programme, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, stations of the cross, 6.30pm. Contact 17253866. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Art exhibition, entitled Ten, by Bahrainis, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441. Tots 'n' Toddlers playgroup, British Club, 10am-noon. BD2 non-members and BD1 members. For ages four and below. All welcome. Latin and ballroom dancing lessons, Semiramis Hotel, Hot Point Disco, 10pm. Contact Arthur on 39865464. Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching depart 0
107305 1 1507 WORL WORLD Anti-terror protest DOHA: Waving banners saying "No To Terrorism", more than 1,000 Qataris yesterday protested against Saturday's suicide bombing that killed a Briton and injured a dozen others. The rally was held several hundred metres from the Doha Players Theatre, which was targeted in the bombing that Qatar has blamed on an Egyptian computer programmer who had worked here for five years. About 20 Western expatriates were among the Qatari protesters, hundreds of whom waved Qatar's maroon and white national flag and raised placards denouncing terrorism and saying "Western Expats, We Love You". The attack killed Jonathan Adams, a British schoolteacher from Dorset who was the director of a local production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, the play which was being performed when the suicide bomber struck. He had been sitting with his wife, Rosemarie, when he went to investigate a noise he had heard at the back of the theatre and caught the full force of the blast. 0
107306 2 1507 WORL WORLD Settlements setback GAZA CITY: The Palestinian Authority last night slammed Israel's determination to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Israel said it will continue to build up the three largest Jewish settlements - Maale Adumin, Gush Etzion and Ariel. Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz has approved the construction of more than 3,500 new homes in Maale Adumim. Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei said developing Maale Adumim would threaten the whole of Jerusalem, the Arab eastern sector of which has been occupied by Israel since 1967. * Israel last night handed over security control of the West Bank city of Tulkarm to the Palestinians. 0
107307 3 1507 WORL WORLD Khamenei 'ready to die fighting' TEHRAN: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said yesterday he was ready to don combat fatigues and give his life in battle if his country were attacked, accusing Washington of seeking any excuse to start a war. The US and Israel have both rattled sabres over Iran's disputed nuclear programme, refusing to rule out air strikes to hinder what they see as Tehran's pursuit of atomic weapons. Khamenei stressed he would remain in the public eye if war came, unlike US officials whom he accused of fleeing for cover after the September 11 attacks. "If this nation is tested by a bitter experience, I will wear battle fatigues and will be ready to sacrifice myself at the head of the nation," he told pilgrims in the northeastern city of Mashhad. "After September 11, there was no news of US President (George W Bush) and his deputies for two or three days. They went into hiding. I am not like that," he said. Khamenei also urged officials to press on with nuclear work and 0
107308 0 1507 WORL WORLD Camilla will get the title of queen... LONDON: Royal bride-to-be Camilla Parker Bowles will officially become British queen after fiance Prince Charles takes the throne despite her officially designated title of Princess Consort, the government said yesterday. Parker Bowles is to marry Prince Charles, who will take the throne once his mother Queen Elizabeth dies, on April 8, and will initially be titled Duchess of Cornwall, becoming Princess Consort when Charles is king. The titles, unveiled when the pair's impending marriage was announced in February, have been seen as a sop to public opinion, which polls have shown to be largely hostile to the prospect of a Queen Camilla. Many Britons say they blame Parker Bowles's long affair with Charles for the break-up of his first marriage to the hugely popular Princess Diana, who died in a Paris car crash in 1997. However, the Department of Constitutional Affairs confirmed that Parker Bowles would be queen once Charles takes the throne. "Technically, she will b 0
107309 0 1507 WORL WORLD Murali weds Indian executive BANGALORE: Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, 32, yesterday married Indian business executive Madhimalar Ramamurthy, 24, at a ceremony in Madras. Several cricketers from both nations attended the colourful wedding held according to traditional south Indian customs. Muralitharan and his bride speak the Tamil language, native to India's Tamil Nadu state, which is also spoken in northern Sri Lanka. The marriage had been arranged by the couple's parents last year. Muralitharan's ancestors migrated to Sri Lanka from Tamil Nadu, where he still has relatives. 0
107310 0 1507 WORL WORLD US refuses to lift Modi travel ban NEW DELHI: The United States yesterday refused to reverse a decision to bar rightwing leader Narendra Modi, prompting India to call the step contrary to the democratic objectives shared by the two countries. US ambassador David Mulford said that since Modi belonged to the category of "foreign government officials responsible for, or (who) directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violation of religious freedom," he cannot be granted a visa. Mulford's statement came two days after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged Washington to reconsider its decision on Modi, who is accused of complicity in a massacre of hundreds of Muslims in the western state of Gujarat. "The (Indian) ministry of external affairs requested that the (US) Department of State review the decision to revoke his tourist/business visa. Upon review, the State Department reaffirmed the original decision," Mulford said. 0
107311 0 1507 WORL WORLD BBC poll backs UN overhaul LONDON: A majority of people around the world want a more powerful United Nations controlled by an enlarged Security Council, according to a BBC World Service poll published yesterday. More than two-thirds of the 23,500 people in 23 countries questioned between November and January said they wanted the powerful 15-member Security Council expanded to take in Germany, India, Japan and Brazil. Most people wanted the Security Council to have the power to override the veto of one of the five permanent members - currently Britain, the United States, Russia, China and France. A clear majority of people wanted the UN to become "significantly more powerful in world affairs", the BBC said. "There is strong popular support for the democratisation of the UN system," Doug Miller of pollster GlobeScan said. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan awaited government reactions for sweeping reform plans. 0
107312 0 1507 WORL WORLD Rahul Gandhi invited to Pakistan NEW DELHI: The son of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has invited the son of Sonia Gandhi, leader of India's ruling Congress party, to visit Pakistan after they met at the weekend and "got along fabulously", a report said yesterday. The meeting between Bilal Musharraf and Rahul Gandhi at Sonia Gandhi's house in New Delhi was arranged by India's foreign minister Natwar Singh and lasted about 45 minutes, The Times of India reported. An unidentified source told the paper: "Unencumbered by the baggage of history and keen to know about the changing situation in each other's country, the two young men got along fabulously." The invitation was issued during the meeting, the report said. Pakistan High Commission (embassy) officials were not immediately available for comment. Bilal is on a visit to India along with the president's octogenarian mother Zarin Musharraf and elder brother Javed. Rahul and his sister Priyanka had travelled to the southern Pakistani port cit 0
107313 0 1507 WORL WORLD Lunch for Musharraf's mother NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday hosted a lunch for Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's mother at his official residence in New Delhi, an official said. "It is a private lunch," a spokesman for Singh said without giving any details. Musharraf's octogenarian mother Zarin, the president's son Bilal and elder brother Javed arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday and have been visiting sites connected with their past when they lived in India, including their ancestral home in old Delhi. The week-long visit by the Musharrafs reflects improving ties between the nuclear-armed rivals, who have fought three wars since gaining independence from Britain in 1947 but who since January last year have been engaged in a slow-moving, step-by-step peace process. The Musharraf family is originally from India and, like millions of other Indian Muslims, they fled India in 1947 to become citizens of Pakistan when the subcontinent was divided after Britain ended colonial r 0
107314 0 1507 WORL WORLD Singer Bobby Short dies NEW YORK: Cabaret singer Bobby Short, the tuxedoed embodiment of New York style and sophistication and a fixture at his piano in the Carlyle Hotel for more than 35 years, died yesterday, a spokeswoman said. He was 80. Short died of leukaemia at New York Presbyterian Hospital In 2003, he celebrated his 35th anniversary at the Carlyle's Upper East Side boite. As times changed and popular music shifted from Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen to Snoop Dogg, Short, a three-time Grammy nominee, remained irrevocably devoted to the "great American songbook": songs by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, the Gershwins, Billy Strayhorn, Harold Arlen. 0
107315 0 1507 WORL WORLD Saudi Prince stops lashing of academic RIYADH: A sentence of flogging and imprisonment imposed by a court on a Saudi academic has been quashed by Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, a newspaper reported yesterday. Hamza Al Muzaini, a lecturer in linguistics at Kind Saud University, was sentenced to 200 lashes and four months' imprisonment and was banned from publishing for insulting an Islamist colleague. He appealed, saying that under the law, the information ministry, not a court, should handle the matter. Prince Abdullah issued a decree yesterday which quashed the court verdict as it "contradicted the law of publications", the Saudi-owned Al Hayat reported. Meanwhile, a Saudi man convicted of murder and rape was executed. The Interior Ministry said Zayed bin Ali bin Saleh Al Thabti Al Malki was sentenced to death by beheading for committing an "obscene act" against a number of women and killing a man and then robbing him. 0
107316 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Lifeline for firms A PIONEERING unit to help meet businesses' hi-tech needs was launched by Batelco yesterday. There are only two other successful similar units in the world, says the company. The Batelco Business Solutions unit will meet businesses' information communications technology (ICT) needs. It will provide professional services from pre-sale (business and technical consultancy) to post sale (implementation and management), says the company. The only companies to successfully launch similar units are BT in the UK and Singtel in Singapore, said Batelco general manager - sales and marketing Ian Dench. "We are the first operator in the Gulf to be making a serious move in this direction," he said at the Telecom Arabiya expo, held at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The company has signed a joint framework agreement with Sintegro-BFH (Bahrain Financial Harbour) to collaborate for the purpose of consultancy, provisioning and implementation of the ICT infrastructu 0
107317 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Hoax threat hits school OVER 1,000 students and staff at a Bahrain school were told to stay home yesterday, after an e-mailed bomb threat. Police later said the threat was a hoax, but only after specialist teams using sniffer dogs conducted a four-hour search of the Bahrain Bayan School, in Isa Town. The bomb threat was e-mailed to school director-general Youssef Korfali at around 10pm on Monday night. However, he did not receive it until he arrived at the school yesterday morning, at around 6.30am. It claimed that explosive devices placed at various locations around the school would detonate between 9.35am and 10.12am, according to Interior Ministry Central Security Director Brigadier Essa Feleyfel. The anonymous e-mail, which was written in English, said the school was being targeted because it followed the US curriculum. Police were yesterday attempting to trace the source of the e-mail with a view to catching those responsible. Central Governor Dr Salman Al Zayani, wh 0
107318 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Ladies tee off charity 'relay' A 24-HOUR golf marathon for charity tees off at noon today at the Awali Golf Club. The Ladies 24-hour Golf Challenge, sponsored by Batelco, aims to raise at least BD15,000 to buy a special bus for the disabled, which is urgently needed by the Bahrain Mobility International (BMI). About 25 lady golfers, headed by club member Julie Frosdick, are taking part in the event, which will be concluded at noon tomorrow. The challenge, organised by the club, was open to all lady golfers with or without handicaps. "This golf challenge is particularly symbolic because its proceeds will go to a group of individuals in the community who are in dire need of assistance," said Batelco corporate affairs head Ahmed Al Janahi. Batelco, which is also an official sponsor of the Formula One race in Bahrain, donated two F1 tickets for the practice sessions on April 1 as raffle prizes in the golf marathon. The idea of the golf game is that one ball stays in play for 24 hours. One person 0
107319 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Easy access to technology 'vital' PEOPLE need cheap and easy access to new technology, says a leading expert. Government and businesses should work together to ensure that the benefits of new information technology (IT) devices reach a wider population, Hewlett-Packard (HP) Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean general manager Amr Salem. They should create an environment to provide portals for multiple application services which people can use on a "pay for use" basis, he said. He was speaking at the third Asia IT Ministers Summit at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre yesterday. Mr Salem's paper was titled Increasing PC and Internet penetration in Asia. "Internet penetration ranges in the Middle East from 10 per cent to 15pc in Jordan to up to 40pc in Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE," he noted. "As mobile phone penetration is also very high in these countries, the scenario will change soon in the area of access device penetration. "People will start using different devices in future, ra 0
107320 1 1508 BNEW LOCAL GIVE AND TAKE! MANAMA ALGIERS: Arab leaders spelled out conditions for peace with Israel at the opening of a two-day Arab Summit here yesterday. Talks are expected to revive a plan to normalise ties with Israel and discuss reforms. Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa said in opening remarks that any settlement with Israel rests on the return of occupied Arab land. "It is necessary to reaffirm strongly that peace (with Israel) is the strategic choice of all the Arab world," and based on a land-for-peace exchange as stipulated by the Arab peace initiative, Bouteflika said. He was referring to an initiative to normalise ties with Israel in return for its pullout from all Arab land, a deal that had been initially proposed by Saudi Arabia and endorsed at the 2002 Beirut summit but rejected by Israel. The three-point draft, based on a revamped Jordanian proposal, states that peace with Israel also depends on 0
107321 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Crash driver jailed MANAMA: A Saudi motorist has been jailed for five years for causing the death of five people on King Fahad Causeway. Faisal Abdulrahman Saeed, 28, was returning to Saudi Arabia in his Nissan Patrol when he crossed the central reservation on the Bahrain side of the causeway and smashed into Bahraini Bader Al Ghurair's car, causing his death, the Second Lower Criminal Court Heard. His sisters - Asma'a, 21, Hanan, 17, and Amna, 14 - who were travelling with him on their way to Bahrain from the Eastern Province were killed on the spot. Bahraini Mashael Mansoor Al Dossary, 19, who was travelling in Faisal's car, was thrown out and killed. The court verdict was based on eyewitnesses, post-mortem autopsies and photos. "I wished I were dead the moment I realised five people had died in the accident," said the defendant. 0
107322 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL At the cutting EDGE... BATELCO yesterday launched the new technology, EDGE, which provides customers with three times faster access via mobile devices. The project, which is part of the company's BD9 million mobile network enhancement, was launched in the presence of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Batelco demonstrated its new technology in the presence of Shaikh Ali when he visited the company stand at Telecom Arabiya 2005, along with Transportation Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The exhibition continues from 10am to 6pm today, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Shaikh Ali hailed Batelco as Bahrain's telecoms leader. "Batelco has again demonstrated its unrivalled position as a trusted partner for enabling customer success and business benefit through transformation to new IT and communications solutions and services," he told the GDN. Shaikh Ali said he enjoyed a demonstration of the technology offered by both Batelco Bu 0
107323 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Satellite links launched BAHRAIN-based North Star Communications launched its new satellite communications services at Telecom Arabiya 2005. It is providing high-speed Internet and multimedia connectivity to clients in Bahrain, through Broadband services powered by its partner Streamlink Communications. "Our managed Broadband service provides Internet access to media streaming, voice and video conferencing and can be tailored to individual needs, whether they are a corporate business, educational institution or government agency," said North Star Communications manager Samuel Thomas. "North Star's services are accessed through a DVB/ RCS (Digital Video Broadband with Return Channel System) gateway service in the UAE, which provides high-speed Internet and multimedia connectivity to our clients. "This gateway is the first in the Middle East to use open standard DVB-RCS technology," said Mr Thomas. He said the company was using the latest technology from global leader New Skies. ALAN Ayckbourn's comedy classic Table Manners opens at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club tonight. The play, part of a trilogy entitled The Norman Conquests, is being staged tonight and tomorrow by The Royal Society of St George, in conjunction with the Culture Vultures, to raise money for charity. The six-member cast has been rehearsing since the beginning of February and tickets for both performances are already sold out. The story focuses on Annie, a single woman looking after her sick mother in a country house, whose quiet weekend away backfires after it is uncovered that she has planned to go away with Norman, her sister's husband. As a result her weekend is spent at home with all the family, bringing together a host of hilarious, if not exasperating, characters. Gavin Baldwin and Emma Garrett play Annie's brother Reg and his pedantic wife Sarah, who arrive to take the strain of looking after mother while Annie takes a break. Toby Auld ta 0
107325 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Sculptures on show at open-air exhibition BAHRAIN'S first open-air exhibition of sculptures by local artists will be held from today by the Bahrain Conte-mporary Art Association. The three-day exhibition will be held under the patronage of the Information Ministry and Capital Governorate, at the corniche next to Al Fateh Islamic Centre. It will feature around 20 works by seven local artists, said association president Rashid Al Oraifi. "The idea behind this first of its kind effort is to take art to the public instead of holding exhibitions at venues where only interested groups of people attend," he said. "The corniche is perhaps one of the most popular areas among citizens and residents who go for walks or have picnics with their families." Mr Al Oraifi said that the modern works of art at the exhibition, which starts at 5pm today, would include sculptures made up of various materials such as steel and wood. He said that in addition to guests and art enthusiasts, the outdoor exhibition will be o 0
107326 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Bootlegger jailed for liquor racket AN Indian bootlegger has been jailed for two weeks for selling alcohol from his Muharraq flat. The 50-year-old man was ordered by the Lower Criminal Court to be deported for three years, immediately after serving his sentence. He was arrested in October last year after police received complaints from neighbours. Police kept watch on his flat and obtained a search and arrest order from the public prosecution. They saw an Indian customer coming out of the flat with a plastic milk bottle full of liquor. Police then raided the flat, taking the customer with them to identify the man who sold him the liquor. Neighbours had earlier complained to the police about the man because his customers were creating noise and disturbing all the neighbours, the court heard. The defendant denied illegally selling alcohol, but was convicted. He told police that the customer caught with a bottle of liquor was a friend. "He is my friend and he came to visit me and 0
107327 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Ladies to dine for charity WOMEN are being invited to attend a charity breakfast being held at La Maison Du Caf in Zinj on Monday. The event, starting at 10am, is being organised by the International Ladies Group. Tickets are BD4 per person. Proceeds from the event will go towards charity projects supported by the society, including the support of 40 needy Bahraini families. For tickets, contact the society on 17729128. 0
107328 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Club to mark Pakistan's national day The Pakistan Club is all set to celebrate its national day today. The flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the club premises in Manama, beginning at 6.30am. The flag will be hoisted by chairman Mohammad Sajid Shaikh, followed by a traditional breakfast. The club is organising a cultural programme at the same venue at 8.30pm in association with the Pakistan Urdu School. It will feature tableau and speeches by about 50 students from the school. The Pakistan Embassy will have its flag hoisting at its premises in Segaiya at 6am today. Pakistan's acting ambassador and charge d'affaires Shaukat Ali Mukadam will hoist the flag. All Pakistanis are urged to attend the ceremony. For more information, contact club general secretary Abdul Razzak Shaikh on 39439447, entertainment secretary Ali Ikram on 36747488 or joint secretary Ashfaq Butt on 39461379. 0
107329 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Bands on a marathon... A MUSIC marathon is being held at The Warbler at the Baisan International Hotel on April 1. Six bands, including a British band from Saudi Arabia, are to perform at the venue starting at noon. There will also be disc jockeys complementing the live entertainment. "The objective of the show is to have fun," said organisers. "It is not a competition, so there are no winners or losers. It's fun for everybody. "The music played will be varied and each band will play for about an hour." New Zealander singer Jo Lincoln and resident band Nelson and the Street Noyz will take over the stage from 8pm. Entrance is free and all are welcome. A brunch will be offered at the event, priced at BD4 net. The Formula 1 practice sessions will be shown on large television screens throughout the club while the bands are performing. "Local talent will be showcased for about 12 hours during this music festival. "This has never been d 0
107330 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL F1 circuit boon for Bahrain economy THE Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is contributing towards the country's economic development throughout the year, it was declared yesterday. BIC is no longer just a racing circuit but has become an icon which has a great impact on the country's economy, said general manager Martin Whitaker. He said the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, from April 1 to 3, would be watched by more than 350 million people around the world. "However, people should realise that BIC is not just a circuit for a three-day Grand Prix, but it is open for 365 days attracting business to the kingdom," said Mr Whitaker. "We shall work very closely with the Tourism Affairs, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), retailers and other segments of the private sector to improve the circuit's impact on the economy." Mr Whitaker was speaking at the opening ceremony of a training programme on The Art of Handling Grand Prix Customers/Visitors, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel ye 0
107331 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Romina strikes a chord ROMINA Antico has been in Bahrain for less than a week, but she is already making a name for herself. The Italian-born musician is now the resident pianist and singer at the Regency InterContinental Bahrain, appearing at the hotel's French restaurant, Versailles, as well as the Al Noor Lounge. At her debut last weekend she entertained more than 80 Chaine de Rotisseurs members and guests throughout a six-course gourmet meal at the Versailles, under the theme Orient Express. "Although I have only been in Bahrain for a few days, I am really enjoying it," said Romina, who started singing at the age of seven. Her musical career has seen her perform in Europe, Australia, Egypt, Syria, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. With the Regency's special week-long Orient Express promotion closing tomorrow, Romina is now planning her entertainment schedule for the weeks to come. Music lovers can catch Romina as she performs from 9pm to midnight at the Versailles every Tuesday, Wed 0
107332 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Fans revving up for F1 Carnival IT'S carnival time at at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa from March 31 to April 3, to mark the Formula One racing. The F1 Carnival will feature a variety of performances by entertainers, with live music, magic and dancing. "The carnival celebrates the spirit of the world's most prominent motorsport event with gala evenings full of zest, music and haute cuisine," said organisers. "Renowned performers from around the world make each night a captivating exhibition of colour and sound, while expert chefs prepare exquisite culinary masterpieces to delight the most discerning of palates." The fun begins at 7.30pm each night. One of Europe's best jugglers, Oliver Groszer, will defy the laws of physics and gravity. Poetry in motion takes on a whole new meaning with the graceful prowess of dancer Slava and his partner. A visual feast that calms and excites, the Silver Arms is a rhapsody of synchronisation and poise, while the Dance with the Cube defi 0
107333 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Easter parade at family picnic A TRADITIONAL English Family Picnic is being organised by the Royal Society of St George on Friday, at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar. The event, starting at 1.30pm, is being supported by BMMI. Members and visitors, who will hopefully don their Panamas and parasols, will be entertained whilst basking in the sunshine by DJ and master of ceremonies Krazy Kevin and the Dilmun Dixielanders. Serve your own picnic from your car 'dickie', boot to those not in the know, or BBQ on the facilities provided by the club. The main attraction is one the entire family can join in - The Easter Bonnet Parade. With a little home craft before the event, entrants can win great prizes. Dancers from Victoria's Dance Centre will perform and youngsters will be kept busy with lots of activities, including an Easter egg hunt, magic show, bouncy castle or simply by having a good time running around. There is an entrance fee of BD5 per car or BD2 per person. 0
107334 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Stage set for club farewell A CONCERT is being staged at the Indian Club tomorrow, as part of final farewell for its executive committee 2004-05. The event, entitled Kabhi Alvidaa Naa Kehnaa (Never Say Goodbye) will be held at the club's tennis court from 8pm. It will feature the handing over of office to the new committee, with speeches from outgoing members. Entertainment includes songs and cinematic dances from Bollywood musicals and shows. The Indian festival of Holi will also be celebrated, with free sweets and drinks available. Entry for guests accompanied by a club member is BD1, while members can enter free of charge. For more information about the event contact 3962 4427. 0
107335 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL A comedy date at Gulf Gate TOP Malayalam film stars take the stage for a comedy show in Bahrain this weekend. The Gulf Gate Hello Hobby Comedy Show will be staged on Friday, at the Indian club. Doors open at 6.30pm and the show, a combination of music, dance and mimicry, starts at 7pm. Performers include Saikumar, Anjali, Taufique, Kochupreman, Suby, Jaffer, Aji Mol, Kalabhavan Reneesh and Arafath. The show is organised by Image Curtain and Upholstery. "We urge more sponsors to come forward and support the show," added organisers. Tickets are priced BD 1 (admit one, standing), BD2 (admit one), BD5 (Admit one, reserved), BD10 (admit two, VIP seating). The main sponsors are ICICI Bank, Dasman Air-conditioning, KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre. Tickets are available at various outlets in Bahrain and at the gate. For more information contact39645591, 36631005 or 39201604. 0
107336 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Laughter in the air THE Surya Charitable and Cultural Association is organising a charity comedy show. It is being held in association with the Indian Club and Al Osra Restaurant. The Al Osra Surya Guinness Comedy Show by Cochin Guinness troupe will be held on April 1 at the Indian Club in Manama at 7.30pm. The show, led by K S Prasad, will be a musical night and mimics parade. Tickets were launched at the Anarath Hall, in Hoora, when general convenor K Swaminathan presented the first one to former Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam president George Mathew. Eighteen artistes from the Malayalam film industry will take part in the programme. Association patron and programme publicity convenor P P Basheer said that the money raised would be used to help local charities and to help Indians in distress. "We expect a crowd of 3,500 people and we urge more sponsors to come forward and support the show," said Mr Basheer. Tickets are BD10 (reserved seats for a family of two ad 0
107337 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Comedy trio at Diplomat IT'S that time of the month again ! The regular Guinness Comedy Club at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel takes place tonight, starting at 9pm. This month, the comedians are Martin Davis and Anthony King, from the UK and Al Pitcher, from New Zealand. Martin has performed all over the UK, including residencies in the Comedy Caf and Comedy at Soho-ho and regular appearances at the Comedy Store, Banana Cabaret and Up the Creek. He has also performed in Ireland, South Africa and the Netherlands. Anthony has gone on to perform at all the major comedy clubs across the UK and beyond, including performances in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. His act has been described as "a combination of his own true-life experiences mixed in with a whole bunch of lies". Anthony's gigs have not been confined to the small stage; he has also made numerous appearances on television. These include Granada's Mad For It, Meridian's House of Fun, UK Gold's Live at Jongleurs and h 0
107338 2 1508 BNEW LOCAL Museum rescue for A'ali mounds THE historic A'ali burial mounds are to be fenced and turned into a natural museum, to protect them for posterity, it was announced yesterday. But the move will come too late to save some of the mounds, which have been bulldozed under cover of night by private landowners, MPs heard at the weekly parliament session. Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood said the mounds were patrolled day and night, to catch violators. He was speaking at parliament's weekly session to give feedback into a proposal by five MPs to turn the mounds into a natural museum. The MPs are Fareed Rafee, Jassim Abdula'al, Othman Al Rayees, Mohammed Al Shaikh and Abdulnabi Salman. Mr Al Mahmood said the mounds which had been excavated by the ministry had since been handed back to their owners. But the ministry is now seeking to buy the main mounds area, with a view to preserving it. "We are currently trying to acquire the remaining land, which has been privately owned si 0
107339 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Water reserves to be doubled MANAMA: Bahrain is beefing up its emergency water supplies to meet the needs of an increasing population. It is doubling its emergency water storage capacity to 72 hours, says Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. There are also plans to tap 42 million gallons a day of ground water, in the event of a supply breakdown, the Premier says in a letter read out to Parliament yesterday. Bahrain is preparing to unite all bodies responsible for water under one centralised establishment, which will be responsible for managing and developing water supplies and utilities, he says in the letter, read out by parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. A study to bring the natural water wells directorate, which is part of the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry, under the Electricity and Water Ministry is on the way. The Works and Housing Ministry is in the second phase of a project to process sewerage water. "This will provide 44 million gallons daily by 0
107340 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Roaming links boost for Alba Batelco has announced the launch of Bahrain's first large-scale Internet Protocol (IP) telephony solution, to be used as part of Alba's potline-expansion project. IP telephony provides an integrated voice and data network that allows staff to make telephone calls via fixed as well as wireless IP telephones. This means that Alba employees will be able to communicate anywhere on the Alba network, increasing productivity, because employees are no longer confined to a desk. "IP telephony is a cutting-edge technology that offers customers an easy to use, cost-effective and flexible solution to communications requirements," said Batelco sales and marketing general manager Ian Dench. The Batelco/Alba project is based on world-leading CISCO IP telephony and has been implemented in co-operation with Batelco's systems integration partner Hewlett Packard (HP). Pakistanis to mark day AL SAQAFA - The Pakistan Association is planning a literary programme to mark 0
107341 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Fire breaks out at scrapyard A BLAZE raged through a scrapyard near Alba yesterday afternoon damaging old cars, tyres and other scrap. The fire broke out around 1.30pm and four fire engines from East Riffa Fire Station put out the fire in minutes. The scrapyard is owned by Bahraini Mohammed Hassan Abdulla Marzooq. The cause of fire is under investigation, said sources. No further details were available. 0
107342 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Palestinian children's musical mission PALESTINIAN children will perform traditional folk dances and songs at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel tomorrow, to commemorate Land Day. The event, which starts at 8pm, is being organised by the Women for Jerusalem Association and the Bahrain Engineers Society. "Proceeds from the event will be allocated to building several kindergartens for children in Palestine," said association president Naela Al Waari. She said the event marked Palestinian Land Day, which is marked every year on March 30. "It was moved to an earlier date in view of the many events being held across the country during that time," said Ms Al Waari. Land Day commemorates the killing of six Palestinians 29 years ago by Israeli security forces as they were protesting against the seizure of Palestinian land. Ms Al Waari said that the Jerusalem Folk Group, comprising Palestinian children, will be performing at the event, wearing national attire and performing traditional dancing such as Al 0
107343 3 1508 BNEW LOCAL Poorest countries 'being left out' A CALL went out from Bahrain yesterday to bridge the technology gap between poor and wealthier countries.It came as Asian information technology (IT) ministers concluded their two-day annual summit in Bahrain. The summit also called for increased co-operation among Asian countries to ensure the security of their IT systems and to safeguard their Internet networks from hackers. The Bahrain Declaration, issued at the end of the summit, also stressed the importance of standardisation for information communication technology development in Asia. The third Asia IT Ministers' Summit was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), under the patronage of Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Delegations from 32 countries, including 19 ministers and 117 officials attended the event. Among the issues discussed were the language barrier, the Internet Culture Shock, Security and Privacy Protection in Asia and the Middle East, the 0
107344 1 1508 BUSI BUSINESS Finance jobs for 7,406 MANAMA: Employment in Bahrain's financial services industry grew by 6.3 per cent last year, according to an annual survey conducted by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA). A total of 7,406 people were employed by the country's financial services institutions at the end of last year, compared with 6,968 at the end of 2003. Bahrainis represented 74.5 per cent of the total number of employees in the financial services industry last year, said BMA Economic Research director Ahmed Jassim Bumtaia. The annual survey covers Bahrain's banks, insurance firms and other financial services institutions. It included for the first time the BMA, Housing Bank, Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) and the Bahrain Institute for Banking and Finance (BIBF), which will now be part of all future surveys. Employment figures for 2003 have also been revised to include these institutions. The Bahraini workforce, both male and female, totalled 5,521 last year, showin 0
107345 2 1508 BUSI BUSINESS 3G roaming deal signed MANAMA: MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) has signed 3G roaming service agreements with seven global mobile operators and testing with these operators is currently underway, the company announced yesterday. With 3G roaming, MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain) customers will be able to make and receive video calls and have access to high speed data services and Internet connectivity while travelling abroad. It also allows foreign travellers in Bahrain to access the data services provided by their home operators, without changing their 3G SIM card or their handsets. With the recent launch of a nationwide 3G network by MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), mobile customers can now benefit from 3G data roaming services with many other operators in the world. MTC-Vodafone (Bahrain), as a 3G roaming service provider, will enable automatic data roaming between its customers and mobile users in Etisalat-UAE, M1 Singapore, SmarTone Hong Kong, Vodafone K K Japan, StarHub Singapore, Singtel Singapore and Hutchison Hong Kong . < 0
107346 3 1508 BUSI BUSINESS Nokia's MMS link to Saudi MANAMA: An agreement has been signed between Nokia and Al Jawal, the GSM operator of Saudi Telecom Company (STC), for the supply of the kingdom's first MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). The service will be launched before the end of the second quarter of the year, said STC public relations and marketing general manager Saad Al Qahtani. It will allow the company's 9.6 million mobile customers the ability to send video clips, pictures and voice or sounds combined with text messages. Mr Al Qahtani said that the company expects there to be a social impact from the introduction of the new service so it will be launching a campaign to educate the public about the benefits of the service and discourage misuse of it. "Camera phones were also banned at one point but have now been allowed," he said. "We know that there will be a segment of the population which will misuse the new service, but the technology is there and we have to keep up. The only thing we can do is highlight th 0
107347 0 1508 BUSI BUSINESS ABC closes loan facility MANAMA: The Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation (ABC) has successfully closed syndication for a four-year amortising syndicated medium-term loan facility for the Kuwaiti Commercial Facilities Company (CFC). In total $200 million was raised, which meant the total facility amount was increased from the initial $100m to $150m. ABC was the mandated lead arranger, while syndicate banks include leading institutions from the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and Asia. The signing ceremony took place yesterday at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa and was attended by senior representatives from ABC, CFC and participating banks. "ABC's close relationship with CFC spans more than 20 years and arranging this syndication strengthens the foundation of a long-standing partnership," said ABC deputy chief executive and chief banking officer Abdulmagid Breish. Among the lead arrangers was the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB). 0
107348 0 1508 BUSI BUSINESS Growth sectors identified MANAMA: Information Technology (IT) and healthcare have been identified as two key sectors for development in Bahrain by a business delegation from the German city of Nuremberg. The delegation, consisting 18 companies, left last night following a four-day visit that began on Saturday. A Bahrain business delegation is now expected to travel to Nuremberg next month to continue talks with their German counterparts. "In particular, the delegation members from the IT and healthcare sectors told me that they found concrete partners to negotiate with in the next weeks or months about future co-operation," said delegation head Dr Roland Fleck, who is also deputy mayor of Nuremberg. The delegation held several high-level meetings during its visit and met with Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday. It also met members of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other government bodies. 0
107349 0 1508 BUSI BUSINESS Spotlight on Bosch tools MANAMA: Bosch Power Tools' two-day technical presentation, in association with Bahrain's Falcon Trading Company, started yesterday. The presentation, entitled Bosch Power Adventure Tour, is being held at the Gulf Air Club in Salmabad and today the timing will be from 9am to 5pm. Falcon Trading Company product manager Bala Bhaskar Rao said that the main aim of the seminar was to familiarise people with professional tools and to give them hands-on experience. Today the presentation will be for all government school technical students. Bosch Power Tools is a German based company and Falcon Trading Company is its sole distributor in Bahrain. For more information contact Mr Rao on 39797669. 0
107350 0 1508 COMM COMMENTAdding up to confusion... Teaching methods have come in for a good deal of criticism over the past few decades. However, if the latest research from America is anything to go by, things could be set to get much worse. Last week, the journal Psychological Science reported on research at the University of Chicago into an improved method of teaching mathematics. Student understanding, it explained, is increased if the teacher not only explains in words how to do something, but also explains through gestures another method of doing it. The gestures and speech, of course, will not match each other, because each relates to a different method. Yet doing both at once is claimed to be more effective than explaining the two methods, without gestures, one after the other. For example, they say, if you have to find the missing number in the equation 6 + 4 + 3 = ? + 3, one way would be to say that both sides must add up to the same number. So you add 6 and 4 and 3 to give 13, then ask what has to be added to 3 to give the same 0
107351 0 1508 COMM COMMENTCode of decency that binds us all It always upsets me when Muslims propagate the view that because those of us from the West live by a different code, then we have no morals at all. To suggest that all Western women are loose because they do not cover up, or that every woman in a short skirt is promiscuous, is no more valid than suggesting that all Muslims are extremists. Ohm Muhammad wrote in the GDN letters section on Monday that the West has "hardly any morals left" and that "even normal husbands pimp for their wives", two insulting and wholly unjustifiable generalisations. She was angry at remarks criticising as laughable the move to ban scantily-clad mannequins from shop windows because they arouse sexual desire in men, who then go on to make lewd suggestions to passing women. Ohm Muhammad went on to say that such behaviour "is natural for men" and that the blame lay with the shops for putting temptation in their way. It is not natural for men to become sexually aroused by the sight of a pl 0
107354 0 1508 LETT LETTERS Doctors are well paid- but we work hard! I READ the letter (GDN March 19) on expatriate doctors with some amusement and a lot of outrage. Obviously, the writer does not know how things work in the health care sector here. We may be getting big salaries, but we earn it by working hard and not by sitting doing nothing. The case the writer refers to is a sad one but it has nothing to do with expatriate doctors. From what I read in the GDN, the patient needed treatment in Saudi Arabia and not in Bahrain (this is a case for the Overseas Treatment section of the Ministry of Health and a matter of MOH policy and not a doctor's individual choice) as treatment for all Bahrainis is provided absolutely free of charge by the government of Bahrain. As callous as it may sound, if a patient wishes to be treated outside Bahrain then they either have to pay for it themselves or have the Ministry of Health pay the costs - a lengthy process that can take a lot of time (if you don't have wasta). It is truly despicable fo 0
107355 0 1508 LETT LETTERS What a turn off! BRAVO, Les Horton for your comments (GDN March 17). Psychiatric help indeed. Otherwise what's next for those sad blokes who get "turned on" by plastic dolls and other peoples' laundry. (You know, there ARE surgical methods those men can have done to themselves to suppress their urges). Anyway, next we might tear down those water towers. You know the ones that look vaguely like a pair of shapely bottoms on long legs. Or ban pears and avocados, as one might argue that they remind of the female form. And don't get me started on figs, which in the arts and literature have always been associated with you-know-what. And while we are at it, get rid of cucumbers, zucchini and carrots. They might remind those "easy" women about the shortcomings of their oh-so-moral husbands. G E 0
107356 0 1508 LETT LETTERS Explanation please I'M disappointed that Dr Abduljalil Sengase, has lost his position as head of mechanical engineering at Bahrain University. Although I utterly refute everything this PR man stands for politically, especially the campaign his party has launched to segregate the university's campus, I don't like the impression that he has been demoted for his activities. If it's just an extremist's paranoia that is fuelling Dr Sengase's allegations then the university needs to give a full explanation as to the reasons behind the move, otherwise I think he should be reappointed forthwith. JK 0
107357 0 1508 LETT LETTERS Great service SOME weeks back my car broke down suddenly and without warning. I had previously just joined the Royal AA Rescue Service so I was very relieved to call them out to help me. They put my car on their trailer and took it to the garage where the problem was sorted out. The fee for this service is only BD10 per year, and well worth it - it certainly helped me in a difficult situation. For anyone not knowing of this service available in Bahrain try emailing speedy@batelco.com.bh, for details, well worth the peace of mind for coverage day and night. Satisfied customer 0
107358 0 1508 LETT LETTERS Looking for Shubhra? I HAVE been looking for a north Indian female colleague. We used to work together in a company called Arab Consult in the early 80s. Her name is Shubhra Bhatnagar. She was unmarried then just before she left back home. I have been trying to desperately find her through the Internet but with no success. I would think she is definitely married by now with kids too. I am sure her family and friends may still be in town and I would be grateful to have her address/ email address (if not hers, her parents contact would do). Please email me on mirage@batelco.com.bh mirage 0
107359 0 1508 LETT LETTERS Bahrain fascinating I RECENTLY made my first visit to Bahrain in order to see my husband who is working at Aluminium Bahrain. I enjoyed my trip immensely and was fascinated with the various aspects of life in Bahrain and I made many observations whilst in the country. Hawar Island was a place we visited that will stay in my memory for many years to come, but my main reason for writing this letter is to express my thanks to the Gulf Daily News for being my daily source of news, weather forecast, horoscope, tide times and all the other articles I would wish to read in my local daily paper. Kath Jones, staff nurse UK 0
107360 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Egypt-Bahrain ties reviewed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak yesterday received Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the sidelines of the Arab Summit in Algiers. They discussed bilateral relations and reviewed issues on the summit agenda. The Crown Prince held similar talks with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah and Jordanian Premier Faisal Al Fayez. 0
107361 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Students offered tips on banking Kuwait Finance House (KFH) Bahrain hosted an event Towards Islamic Finance for MBA students from Virginia University, US, who are visiting Bahrain as part of a programme run by the university and Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance. It was held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel and opened by KFH assistant general manager and retail banking group head Fuad Taqi. The speakers included group consultancy manager Ahmed Saeed who spoke about the bank's Islamic investment strategies and treasury manager Lilian Le Falher who gave a talk entitled Treasury Challenges within the Islamic Banking Environment. The delegation is led by Sherwood Frey. Above, visiting students and KFH staff 0
107362 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Seminar to focus on productivity INCREASING productivity in the public and private sectors will be the focus of a seminar being held at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Manama today. The seminar, which will start at 6pm, is being organised in co-operation with the Economic Development Board. Representatives from the Finance Ministry, Labour Ministry, Civil Service Bureau, parliament, Bahrain Economists Society, Bahrain Engineers Society, Bahrain Bankers Society and a number of industries will be present. The event will be open to businessmen and people concerned to learn about the ideal way of improving productivity in the public and private sectors through a series of economic reforms. 0
107363 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Embassy to mark day THE Bangladesh Embassy is celebrating its 34th National and Independence Day on Saturday. A flag hoisting ceremony will be held at the Embassy in Adliya at 9am by Ambassador Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury. A minute's silence will be observed to show respect to the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, followed by a prayer session for the martyrs. This will be followed by an open discussion. Messages from Bangladesh President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Mohammed Morshed Khan will be read out at the event. Mr Chowdhury is hosting a reception at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, the same evening at 7.30pm to mark the event. 0
107364 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL New homes plan BAHRAINI families are to get bigger government homes, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has told MPs. All new government homes will have an extra room, plus a majlis, he said in a letter read out to Parliament by chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. This means the homes will have three rooms, plus a livingroom and a majlis, as well as the standard kitchen and bathroom. 0
107365 0 1508 BNEW LOCAL Talk on pyramids A LECTURE on the secrets of the pyramids in Egypt will be held at the Shaikh Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Cultural and Research Centre in Muharraq. The lecture, conducted by Zahi Hawas, will be held in Arabic on Monday and in English on Tuesday. It will be open to the public on both days, starting from 8pm. 0
107366 0 1508 LETT LETTERS How charitable WHILST meandering around the suq a couple of weeks ago, a friendly voice called out greetings. It was Lyn Collins of the Bahrain Society in London, here on holiday. After the greetings came the offer of charity help for the Belize Orphanage. Within days, she and the society had whipped round and found some computers for the children in the home. These are now en route to Belize with love from the society. Thank you all, and please come back again soon Yvonne Trueman Belize Orphanage 0
107367 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Bridgestone take blame for poor Ferrari start MILAN: Tyre manufacturers Bridgestone have taken the blame for Ferrari's poor start to the Formula One season. German world champion Michael Schumacher, driving the 2004 Ferrari that served him so well last season, finished a distant seventh in the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday and failed to finish in the opening race in Melbourne. Bridgestone Motorsport's technical director Hirohide Hamashima told the daily Gazzetta dello Sport last night that there was no doubt tyres were to blame. "Even if the entire package is important, in this race the responsibility for such a negative result is undoubtedly down to our tyres," said Hamashima. Seven teams in Formula One use Michelin tyres, including Renault who have won both races so far this season. After two races Schumacher is in 11th place in the world championship standings with two points, 14 behind Spain's Alonso, the winner at Sepang. 0
107368 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Kiwis save Test as it rains again WELLINGTON: Australia were robbed of the chance to wrap up their cricket Test series against New Zealand here yesterday when rain brought an early end to the second Test. The rain set in soon after the lunch break with New Zealand in trouble at 48 for three in their second innings, requiring a seemingly impossible 278 runs to make Australia bat again, and leaving Australian skipper Ricky Ponting frustrated at being denied a likely victory. "It's been a pretty disappointing week all round. We'd done everything we possibly could in the game to try and get a result," he said. "We had enough time to do that. We still obviously had to bowl well but we started off the day bowling well and if we had another 60 overs at them I think we would have created enough chances." The draw means the three-match series will be decided in the final Test starting in Auckland on Saturday after Australia won the first Test. The second Test came to an end when the southerly rain set in 0
107369 1 1508 SPOR SPORT SNOOKER FEAST SNOOKER fans in Bahrain are in for a top class treat as the Kingdom will be hosting the 2005 Under-21 and Senior World Championships from August 15 to 25 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The rights to host this prestigious event was clinched following a series of meetings between the president of the Bahrain Billiards and Snooker Association (BBSA) president Shaikh Abdulla bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and the president of the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) Pascal Guillaume. "It is a great honour to host this event and we hope it will give billiards and snooker a big boost in the Kingdom," said Shaikh Abdulla last night. "We met with the General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa who gave us the green light to go ahead," added Shaikh Abdulla. The world championship will also provide Bahrain cueists a glimpse of top class action as they prepare to take part in the GCC championship to be held from Se 0
107370 2 1508 SPOR SPORT Bahrain team set for key qualifier THE Bahrain national soccer team will leave Beijing for Pyongyang today after a three-day camp ahead of their 2006 World Cup second qualifying match against North Korea on Friday. The delegation will be headed by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa who arrived in Beijing yesterday. The Friday showdown is Bahrain's second in Group 'B' following their goalless draw with Iran in the first match at home. The other two team's in this group are favourites Japan and Iran. The top two teams will win automatic berths for the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany. The third-placed team will play in a playoff. The Bahraini team, under interim coach Wolfgang Sidka of Germany, underwent strenuous training at the National Training Centre, about 60 kms outside the Chinese capital, in the last three days. But Bahrain have a few injury worries, according to manager Abdulrazzaq Mohammed. Striker Rashid Jamal is suffering a leg 0
107371 3 1508 SPOR SPORT Chelsea back Mourinho in Uefa row LONDON: Chelsea are standing by manager Jose Mourinho in their bitter row with Uefa, who have effectively accused the London club of lying over an incident at their Champions League match in Barcelona.Uefa charged Chelsea with bringing the game into disrepute on Monday, specifically citing Mourinho, his assistant Steve Clarke and security man Les Miles. The row erupted after Chelsea accused Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard of speaking to referee Anders Frisk in his dressing room at half-time in their Champions League first-leg at the Nou Camp, implying he was trying to exert an influence. Club sources said yesterday the Premiership leaders would stand by their manager and were also concerned that they would not get a fair hearing when the case is put to Uefa's disciplinary panel on March 31. The European governing body issued a strong statement accusing Chelsea of making false declarations. The sources said the club were very surprised at the strength of Uefa's language and that o 0
107372 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Bahrain snooker star Sabah leaves for China Open REIGNING Bahrain champion Habib Sabah completed a two-week training programme in the UK and will leave for Beijing today to take part in the China Open to be held from Sunday to April 3. Sponsored by Batelco's Rising Star programme under the General Organisation for Youth and Sports umbrella, Habib is the only cueist from the Middle East to be invited by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to take part in the tournament. Habib will be among 16 amateur players, including 13 from China and one each from Thailand and India, taking part in the event. The top 16 ranked professionals in the world including snooker stars Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Mark Williams have been given a direct entry into the tournament while 16 more professionals have come through qualifying rounds held last month. Habib will take on 58th seed Jamie Michie of the UK in the first round and is set for a showdown with 12th seed Steven Lee, also of the UK, in 0
107373 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Al Ahli pip Al Najma in a thriller AL AHLI scored a crucial 29-28 victory over Al Najma and moved to the top in Group 'A' of the Bahrain Handball League last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Maher Ashoor and Sadeq Ali and former Al Najma player Ahmed Abdulnabi inspired last year's runners-up Al Ahli to their third successive victory and stay unbeaten at the top of this six-team table with 11 points. Al Najma's title chances suffered a major setback as they struggled to their second consecutive defeat of the season to remain in third position with eight points. Al Ahli are one point ahead of reigning champions Barbar whose match against Al Shabab was cancelled due to a traffic accident involving one of the team members. The Bahrain Handball Association are to announce a new date for the match later. At Barbar Club gym, Tubli moved to the top in Group 'B' following a 42-34 win over Al Ittihad. It was Tubli's third consecutive win in this five-team group of which the winners will be promoted to the premie 0
107374 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Harbhajan to continue with 'doosra' BANGALORE: Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh will not be ordered to stop bowling his 'doosra' delivery despite being reported for a suspect bowling action, coach John Wright said yesterday. "We have not stopped Harbhajan from bowling any type of delivery," Wright told reporters ahead of tomorrow's third and final Test against Pakistan. India are currently leading 1-0 in the series following their 195-run victory in the second Test at Calcutta on Sunday. Harbhajan was reported by English match referee Chris Broad for a suspect action while bowling the 'doosra', a delivery which turns away from right-handed batsmen instead of coming into them like a normal off-break. "He (Harbhajan) will carry on the way he has done in his last 40-odd Tests. 'Doosra' is an important part of his bowling," said Wright. Harbhajan, who did not play in the first Test against Pakistan at Mohali, was also reported by the same referee in his previous Test, against Bangladesh at Chittagong 0
107375 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Sale of Saha push Fulham into profit LONDON: The sale of striker Louis Saha to Manchester United last year helped Fulham turn huge losses in the 2002-3 season into a profit 12 months later, the Premiership club said last night. The west London club turned a 20.8-million loss for the 12 months ending 30 June 2003 into a 500,000 profit in the following 12 months. The 2003-4 season was the first since Harrods department store boss Mohamed Al Fayed bought the club in 1997 that it had not been in the red. United bought French international Saha for 12.8-million in January 2004. He has scored twice this season although his appearances have been limited by a knee injury. "Whilst this is encouraging there is still much to do," Al Fayed said in a statement on the club's website. The statement says turnover increased during the 2003-04 season by 22 per cent to $42.2-million, while expenses were pushed down. "Financial stability has always been my aim and it is encouraging that the financial results 0
107376 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Girls athletics challenge set THE Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) is hosting a girls' Athletics Challenge Open Championship at the National Stadium today. Students from intermediate and secondary grade schools are in the fray. The event, to be held under the patronage of the General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, aims to discover new and young talent to represent the national teams in future competitions. Competitions will be held in 100m, 200m, 800m, shot put and long jump. Following the directives of the BAA president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, valuable prizes will be awarded to the winners and athletic officials. The winners in each competition will be presented with BD30 while the winning athletic supervisors will receive BD20 each. Prizes will also be given away to women spectators. 0
107377 0 1508 SPOR SPORT Cameos end season on a victory note DHL More Reliability defeated Dilmun Energade 'C' 21-16 and British Club African and Eastern Fosters Cameos completed the 17-match season unbeaten with a 36-13 victory over Dilmun Energade 'A' in the Bahrain DHL Netball League which concluded last night at the Dilmun Sports Club premises. With little but pride to play for, Dilmun looked set to end their poor run with a victory as they fought back from 3-4 down to lead 7-4 after the first quarter. Goal shooters Neha Choudhary and Chanel Weereratne began well and displayed great composure and accuracy to secure the early lead. More Reliability managed to cut the deficit to 8-10 and stepped up the pressure in the third quarter taking a 15-13 lead. Players-of-the-match were Sophie Openshaw for Reliability and Malak Al Saffar for Dilmun. In the other match, the champions Cameos outplayed Dilmun Energade by opening a 9-4 lead. Helen Stewart in red hot form and strike partner Kathy Galvin made it 18-8 at half-t 0
107378 0 1508 SPOR SPORT 20 teams for youth soccer TWENTY teams are in the fray for the annual A'ali Credit Youth Soccer Championship, organised by A'ali Sports Club, starting on April 1. The teams were divided into four groups of five teams. A'ali Club and committee chairman Mohammed Hassan Al A'ali said the first round matches will be played on league basis. Committee officials: Vice-chairman Ghalib Al A'ali, supervisor Jassim Mansoor, general secretary Nader Mohammed, media head Abdali Al A'ali, referee committee head Hassan Al A'ali and members Aqeel Hassan, Mohammed Al Fardan and Ali Makki. Group 'A': A'ali, Al Daih, Salmabad, Jannosan, Barbar. Group 'B': Abu Guwa, Shakhoora, Karzakan, Ma'ameer, Al Nuwaidrat. Group 'C': Dar Kulaib, Umm Al Hassam, Demistan, Karbabad. Group 'D': Al Meqsha, Dead and Dumb, Abu Saibei, Al Ekker. 0
107379 0 1508 WORL WORLD Queen Camilla? It's her choice! LONDON: Camilla Parker Bowles doesn't have to be Queen Camilla if her husband becomes king, Prince Charles' office insisted yesterday. Charles and his bride-to-be, sensitive to strong public opinion against her ever being queen, had said she would take the title of Princess Consort if he becomes king. They are being married in a civil ceremony on April 8. Paddy Harverson, communications secretary for Prince Charles' office Clarence House, said the government's legal advice that she would be queen if he became king did not prevent her from choosing a different title. 0
107380 0 1508 WORL WORLD Shooting stops rapper concert LONDON: A concert by US rapper Nas was stopped after a gunman apparently opened fire in the London venue where he was performing. No one was injured in the incident at the Brixton Academy in south London early yesterday, Metropolitan Police said. The Evening Standard newspaper, however, reported that several people were hurt as panicked fans rushed to leave the concert, but didn't give any details. Officers believe a gunman fired two shots at the ceiling, police said, adding that Nas stopped performing immediately and organisers evacuated the venue. 0
107381 0 1508 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Holy Week and Easter Programme, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, holy communion and address, 6.30pm. Contact 17253866 Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Art exhibition, entitled Ten, by Bahrainis, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441. Art exhibition by Bahraini Ebrahim Busaad, Music of Passion, Dar Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Contact 17717707. Labour Ministry's labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's people trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Riwaq Gallery 0
107382 1 1508 WORL WORLD Teenager kills 10 in shooting rampage MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota: A teenage student went on a shooting rampage at an Indian reservation, killing nine people and wounding a dozen more before committing suicide, police said yesterday. It was the worst US school massacre since the 1999 killing of 15 people at Columbine High School, Colorado. American Indian Jeff Weise, 15, killed his grandfather and a woman in their home and five students, a teacher and a security guard at the school. The shooting occurred at 3pm (21:00 GMT) on Monday at the Red Lake Senior High School in the Indian Reservation in Minnesota, 120km south of the Canadian border. 0
107383 3 1508 WORL WORLD Mystery of Nelson's death solved PARIS: The mystery of who killed Admiral Nelson is to be explained in a previously unknown novel by Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeeers, discovered by a French researcher and going on sale in June. Le Chevalier de Sainte-Hermine (The knight of Saint-Hermine) is a classic Dumas adventure story about the start of the Napoleonic empire and includes a swashbuckling account of the battle of Trafalgar, according to Jean-Pierre Sicre of Phebus Press. "The description of Trafalgar is undescribably brilliant. And in it we learn that it is the hero of the book - the chevalier himself - who shoots Nelson," he said. The British naval commander, Horatio Nelson, led the English fleet in its victory over the French and Spanish off the cape of Gibraltar in 1805, but died on board his flagship when he was hit by a bullet from an unknown French sniper. The 900-page book appeared in serial form in a French newspaper and lacked just a few chapters when Dumas died in 1870. Claude Schopp, 0
107384 0 1508 WORL WORLD Self-styled 'true Pope' dies in Spain MADRID: The leader of a secretive Spanish sect who said he was the true Pope and that the Vatican was controlled by the devil has died, a town hall official said yesterday. Gregorio XVII, 58, was the leader of a self-styled church whose followers believed he would be crucified before a kind of apocalypse would take place. Gregorio believed God crowned him after Pope Paul VI's death in 1978 and he rejected changes made to the Catholic church in the 1960s such as saying mass in local languages rather than Latin and dialogue with other branches of Christianity. The sect, based in the southern Spanish town of El Palmar de Troya but with members from as far away as the US, conferred sainthood on former Spanish dictator Francisco Franco. A townhall official said Gregorio had died, although she could not confirm when. A local police officer said the bells at the vast walled church complex had been ringing for about an hour yesterday morning. 0
107385 0 1508 WORL WORLD 'Major crisis' in tribal region ISLAMABAD: A Bugti tribal chief yesterday accused Pakistani soldiers of killing dozens of innocent civilians, while a local military commander warned that a devastating confrontation could loom if thousands of tribesmen who have taken up position outside a local base don't leave. Days after deadly clashes, both sides said they wanted to reach a peaceful solution, but each accused the other of sparking the standoff. The commander, Brigadier Salim Nawaz, said thousands of tribesmen armed with rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons have stationed around a military base near Dera Bugti, in Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan province, with some setting up roadblocks and digging trenches. Journalists and lawmakers who travelled to the area under military escort were able to enter the base in a convoy without incident, however, and the tribal leader denied his men were besieging the base. "The Dera Bugti area is cut off," Nawaz said. "The situation needs to be controll 0
107386 0 1508 WORL WORLD Parents pushing it too far! Pushy parents could be doing more harm than good to their children's health, a new study said. Well-meaning parents insisting on batteries of tests for their children, even though their ailment has no apparent physical cause, may not be acting in their best interest, said British researcher, Dr Keith Lindley of the Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. "A culture of parental consumerism in healthcare, however, well intentioned, needs to be accompanied by robust systems to protect the interests of the child." Giant cat alert A giant puma-like cat is feared to be on the loose in one of London's leafiest suburbs after a man was attacked in his own garden. Police were called to a house in Sydenham Park, a suburb in the southeast of the capital, in the early hours of yesterday after the man saw a cat-like creature about the size of a Labrador dog roaming in his garden. The man went out to investigate and was attacked by the creature, which 0
107387 0 1508 WORL WORLD Veteran Tamil film star dies MADRAS: Veteran film star Gemini Ganesan died at his home in the southern Indian city of Madras yesterday after a prolonged illness, his family said. The 84-year-old Tamil-language star, whose film career spanned five decades and 200 movies, is survived by his wife Bobji Alamelu, a son and seven daughters including popular Hindi actress Rekha. Born into an orthodox Brahmin family in the southern town of Pudukottai in 1920, Ganesan started his career as a lecturer at Madras Christian College. A chance meeting with a cameraman at the Gemini Studios in Madras led him to change course and join the movie production company in 1947. After a few minor roles, he emerged a hero in the 1950 hit film Penn after he had switched allegiance to another big production studio, AVM. However, since he began his film career in Gemini Studios, he was dubbed Gemini Ganesan while his soft romantic roles earned him the Tamil nickname, Kadal Mannan, or king of romance. He went on to act i 0
107388 0 1508 WORL WORLD Iraq crackdown nets 30 with terror links BAGHDAD: Iraqi police have seized 30 men linked to terror groups and involved in three beheadings, the rape and murder of three women and the separate murders of 40 other people, General Adel Molan said yesterday. Some of the men belonged to Al Qaeda and some to its sister group Ansar Ul Islam and were caught in Baladruz, 60km, northeast of Baghdad, the general said. Elsewhere, army General Mohsen Hazaa Bayram Al Bayati, a Turkman who was seriously wounded on Sunday in the northern city of Kirkuk, died of his wounds yesterday. An Iraqi truck driver died in a bomb blast near the town of Shurgat. And on the road between Shurgat and the refinery town of Baiji three Iraqi soldiers were killed after an attack with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades. The bodies of two Iraqi soldiers who went missing on Monday were found in Baiji, said Captain Ali Yussif of the army. Five more corpses of Iraqi soldiers were found in Kut, southeast of Baghdad. Husam Hussein, the driver of an inter 0
107389 0 1508 WORL WORLD Iran nuclear vow TEHRAN: Iran will not renounce uranium enrichment, a top nuclear official reaffirmed yesterday a day ahead of key talks, warning European countries against wasting time in the negotiations. "Iran has a legitimate right to a nuclear fuel cycle and will not give it up for any incentives," the spokesman for Iran's nuclear negotiating team, Hossein Mousavian, said. "If there is progress in the negotiations we will continue (the talks) for three months, but if there is no progress and we notice the other side is wasting time, Iran will revise its position," he added. Iran and officials from Britain, France and Germany are due to start a new round of negotiations in Paris, where a steering committee has to evaluate work done since December and decide how talks can go on. 0
107390 0 1508 WORL WORLD Korea claims nuclear arms build-up SEOUL: North Korea claimed it has bolstered its nuclear arsenal to prevent an invasion while its premier began a visit yesterday to China on the heels of a trip there by US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who urged Beijing to pressure the North to return to disarmament talks. Meanwhile, a South Korean official called on the Bush administration to clarify its intelligence after it reportedly exaggerated claims that North Korea sold nuclear materials directly to Libya. The Washington Post reported that US officials told its negotiating partners that the North had exported material directly to Libya, but omitted mention of intelligence showing that the supplies went first to Pakistan with no evidence that the North knew it would be resold to Libya. The US government has denied it misled anyone, and said its main concern was the source of the material that ended up in Libya. The US allegation of direct sales to Libya had been aimed at convincing countries in the six-nation disar 0
107391 0 1508 WORL WORLD India to build aircraft carrier NEW DELHI: India will next month begin building an indigenously designed aircraft carrier that will tap Italian expertise and take eight years to complete, a senior naval officer announced yesterday. The carrier is designed to operate a mix of Russian MiG-29K and Kamov 31 anti-submarine helicopters and the naval variant of India's light combat aircraft, vice chief of naval staff, Vice-Admiral Yashwant Prasad, said. Construction of the 37,500 tonne ship which would carry a maximum of 30 fighter aircraft will start on April 11 at Cochin Shipyard in the southern state of Kerala. It will be ready for delivery in 2012, Prasad said in New Delhi. The 252 metre-long carrier will have a top speed of 28 knots and will carry 160 officers and 1,400 sailors, he added. It will have two runways with 200m-long ski jumps and a landing deck. The ship will be powered by four gas turbines and will have an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles, making it capable of voyages of more than 45 0
107392 2 1508 WORL WORLD Mittal Britain's richest Asian with 13.5bn LONDON: India-born steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal comfortably held onto his place as Britain's richest Asian after more than quadrupling his wealth from the previous year to 13.5 billion (BD9.6bn). A business merger last year boosted the 50-year-old's fortunes from 3.5bn, according to the annual Asian Rich List, which charts the 300 wealthiest Asians living in the country. Not shy of splashing his cash, Mittal spent 30 million (BD21.5m) on his daughter's wedding in France last June where pop star Kylie Minogue provided the entertainment. Second in line were the Hinduja brothers - Gopi, 65 and Sri, 70 - with a combined fortune of 2.1bn (BD1.5bn), unchanged from last year, the survey said. They have a substantial stake in global finance, telecommunications, film and oil operations. Another sibling-duo came in at number three on the rich list. Uganda-born Mike, 40, and 65-year-old George Jatania enjoy a combined fortune of 650m (BD465m). 0
107555 1 1518 BUSI BUSINESS Bapco seals $90 million sulphur project contract MANAMA: Bapco yesterday awarded the contract to construct part of its low sulphur diesel production project to Consolidated Contractors (Bahrain) Company (CCC). The $89.8 million contract to construct new greenfield facilities was signed at the Bapco Club, Awali, by president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed and CCC vice-president (operations) Mohamad Seoudi. An agreement was also signed between Bapco, CCC and the JGC Corporation, which will see the CCC contract assigned to JGC Corporation - the prime contractor who will manage the project's overall construction. JGC Corporation general manager of Middle East sales Tsutomu Kurihara signed this agreement on behalf of the company. CCC is required to take advantage of Bahraini subcontracting resources, experience and expertise in performing its work. As such, at least 25 per cent of the value of the work should be done through Bahraini subcontracting, material or service suppliers. "The award of the contract to CCC was recommende 0
107556 2 1518 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai firm to buy Tussauds DUBAI: A Dubai investment company said yesterday it would acquire Tussauds Group, which runs Madame Tussauds wax museum and the London Eye among other sites, from London-based Charterhouse Capital Partners for $1.5 billion. Dubai International Capital "has agreed to acquire the Tussauds Group, the largest operator of visitor attractions in Europe, which is currently controlled by funds advised by Charterhouse Capital Partners LLP," it said in a statement. Tussauds counts more than 14 million guests per year at its attractions in London, New York, Las Vegas, Amsterdam and Hong Kong, the statement said. Since its acquisition by Charterhouse in 1998, Tussauds has opened new city centre sites in New York, Las Vegas and Hong Kong and acquired Heide Park, a leading theme park in northern Germany. It has also opened Splash Landings, an indoor waterpark hotel based at Alton Towers in Britain. The deal is the second major transaction by Dubai International Capital this yea 0
107557 3 1518 BUSI BUSINESS Fight looms over European budget BRUSSELS: European Union leaders drew battle lines yesterday for their next big fight over the bloc's long-term budget. Germany demanded a strict cap on spending, France attacked Britain's EU rebate and London threatened a veto to protect it. Short-lived harmony on relaxing the rules governing national budget deficits quickly gave way to bickering over the 2007-2013 budget, which the 25 member states are supposed to agree by the end of June. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso had hoped that Berlin, the EU's biggest net payer, would be more flexible following a deal that met German demands for more elastic curbs on government borrowing. But German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder brushed aside any suggestion that he might now soften his demand that the EU budget be capped at one per cent of gross national income (GNI). "You can definitely assume there is no such link. Germany will stick to its goal for the EU budget," Schroeder said. "One pc, it 0
107558 0 1518 BUSI BUSINESS EU to back Wolfowitz as chief of World Bank BRUSSELS: The European Union appears set to back Paul Wolfowitz as head of the World Bank despite an initial cool response to the controversial US nomination, key leaders said yesterday. A growing consensus emerged at an EU summit that the US deputy defence secretary, a key architect of the US-led war in Iraq, would be an acceptable choice for Europe to lead the key global development-funding institution. EU finance ministers want him to come to Brussels before his appointment is confirmed at the end of the month, to explain his position on issues such as debt relief. On Tuesday several called him a "serious candidate" for the job. But German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said yesterday he believed that Europe would not block Wolfowitz's path to the job. "His nomination will not fail because of Germany," Schroeder said. "And I have the impression that it will not fail due to the other countries in Europe," he added. US President George W Bush's surprise nom 0
107559 0 1518 BUSI BUSINESS US inflation worries WASHINGTON: A big jump in energy costs pushed US consumer prices up 0.4 per cent in February and the pace of underlying inflation also quickened, the government said yesterday in a report that stoked inflation worries. The Labour Department said the core consumer price index, which strips out volatile food and energy costs, rose 0.3pc. It was the biggest rise since September and broke a string of four straight gains of 0.2pc. Wall Street economists had expected the widely used consumer price index to rise a milder 0.3pc overall and 0.2pc excluding food and energy. The consumer price report added to growing inflation jitters and increased speculation the Federal Reserve, which raised credit costs on Tuesday, might step up the pace of its rate increases to keep inflation at bay. Prices for US government bonds moved into negative territory after the report, with the yield on the benchmark 10-year note hitting its highest level since June 2004. The US dollar, already 0
107560 0 1518 BUSI BUSINESS BoE likely to hold rates steady LONDON: Two Bank of England policymakers wanted to hike interest rates this month but growing signs that consumer spending is grinding to a halt look set to keep borrowing costs on hold for now. Minutes from the central bank's March 9-10 meeting showed yesterday that most members voted to keep rates at 4.75 per cent, arguing that little had changed and risks such as consumer strength had neither materialised nor diminished. That was then. Word from the High Street since has been uniformly bleak, suggesting five rate hikes since November 2003 and a slowing housing market may be taking their toll. Yesterday alone, fashion store chain Next, electrical goods outlet Kesa Electricals, general retailer Woolworths and floor-coverings firm Topps Tiles all complained that consumers were flagging. And official data showed that household spending at the end of last year rose at its weakest pace since the run-up to the Iraq war, indicating a much sharper slowdown over 2004 than previo 0
107561 0 1518 BUSI BUSINESS German team in key talks MANAMA: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials yesterday held talks with a delegation of German businessmen who expressed their keeness to launch joint ventures in Bahrain. Present were BCCI executive chairman Ahmed Najm Abdulla Al Najm, deputy executive chairman Abdulrahim Hassan Taqi and other Bahraini businessmen. Ukraine trade ties discussed MANAMA: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Khalid Kanoo yesterday held talks with Ukrainian Ambassador Igor Tymofeyev and discussed ways of boosting trade co-operation. Trading restarts MANAMA: Trading resumed yesterday in shares of Bahrain Maritime and Mercantile International (BMMI) on the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE). It followed a directive issued by BSE director Fouad Rashid, which was prompted by the announcement that BMMI will establish the Al Bander Hotels. Shares in the new company will be offered to BMMI shareholders. Opec rules out output increase</ 0
107562 0 1518 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait raises rate to 5.25pc KUWAIT CITY: The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) yesterday raised the discount rate by a quarter percentage point to 5.25 per cent, the second increase this year and the seventh hike in eight months. CBK governor Shaikh Salem Abdul Aziz Al Sabah said the measure was aimed at safeguarding the local currency and was due to rising interest rates on world currencies, particularly the US dollar. "The increase is intended to maintain the competitiveness of the national currency to attract local savings at a time when interest rates on major currencies and most importantly the US dollar are rising," he said. The US Federal Reserve on Tuesday raised interest rates to 2.75pc. The Gulf state's currency is pegged to the US dollar. CBK raised the discount rate in July, September, November, December and February by 0.25 percentage points each time and in August by 0.5 percentage points following similar steps by the US Federal Reserve. 0
107563 0 1518 BUSI BUSINESS Drugs patent law concern GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday voiced concern over a new law in India banning the copying of patented medicines which the UN body fears could hit the provision of cheaper generic drugs to poor countries. "It has worried us for a while. We have followed the debate very closely," the WHO's deputy director for the department of essential medicines German Velasquez said. He said the Geneva-based UN health body had recently written to the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the subject. He said they had insisted that "the country uses to the maximum the flexibility offered" by an August 2003 agreement by members of the World Trade Organisation dealing with the export of generic medicines to poor countries hit by health epidemics such as Aids. 0
107564 0 1518 COMM COMMENTAn English lesson... Today I am bringing you another of my occasional lessons in our ongoing educational series, "English as a Third, Fourth or fifth Language". This time round, we are going to look at the way the English use prepositions, which, oddly enough, is not unlike the way postmen handle fragile parcels. Prepositions? They are those funny little words which tend to denote direction, or movement, words like "from", "in", "up", "down", "to", "against", "out" and so on. Not much room for variation there? Think again! Take these two expressions, for instance. "It's up to you, mate." "It's down to you, mate." They both mean exactly the same thing, but do you notice one tiny difference? That's right! The prepositions used in each expression ("up" and "down") are opposites, and yet in this usage they have the same significance. Years ago, people only said "It's up to you". This other expression, "It's down to you," is a new one, suggesting either that the English don 0
107565 0 1518 COMM COMMENTHotel Horton hardly five-star..! One of the downsides of expatriate life is leaving behind valued friends and family, whose promises to visit are rarely fulfilled. If we were perhaps living on the Spanish coast or amongst the vineyards of France, then this may of course have been different. But a seven-hour flight from the UK is a long haul to an island country with no beaches and whose tourism sights can be pretty well covered in a day, or two at the most. This is not helped by the fact that travellers from the UK can get two weeks in a reasonable hotel in Thailand for the price of a return air ticket to Bahrain. It is not surprising then that when friends back home finally get a break from their busy working lives, they tend to spend their hard earned money on getting to more established holiday destinations. So it is with great pleasure that we are currently playing host to Liz, a long-term friend of Sara's who has set aside some of her limited time off to come and see us. Visits to our home, 0
107568 0 1518 LETT LETTERS Debt controls vital to protect young BAHRAIN is cracking down on consumer debt and monthly repayments should not exceed 50 per cent of a person's monthly salary. This is a very wise and good step but it will not produce the desired results to the maximum. To achieve this and in the larger interest of our children today parents must not leave debit in inheritances. It is also imperative that a ban is imposed - no person earning a salary of less than BD800 a month should be issued any sort of credit card. The limit of credit line expense on this card should not be more than one's salary which can be increased for those drawing a salary or recognised income of more than BD1,200 a month. Like mobile misuse, it should be prescribed that a credit card would not be accepted for any transaction below BD10. Just for BD1.100 or BD3.450 the smooth running queues at supermarkets get stuck. The concept of credit cards was not for transactions of one or two and half dinars. As people madly talking on mobiles and 0
107569 0 1518 LETT LETTERS Sight got my goat! DRIVING along the Zallaq Highway early this morning I was trying, as ever, to concentrate on my driving, and as importantly that of other drivers when I was confronted by a herd of goats who had wandered from the desert onto the hard shoulder and even the highway itself. Naturally I slowed to snail's pace checking in my mirror that other drivers had followed suit. Knowing the speed with which some foolhardy drivers speed along the highways here my concern was for all of us including the goats and the goatherd. But where on earth was he? He was only on his mobile phone, wasn't he! And they say drivers with mobile phones are a hazard. Dora Matt 0
107570 0 1518 LETT LETTERS A belated honour IT is a matter of pride for all Tamilians to hear the news that the noted Tamil writer D Jayakanthan has been chosen for the prestigious award Jnanpith this Saturday. D J should have been awarded for his outstanding contribution to the literature long long ago. Better late than never. L M Singhvi, chairman of the Jnanpith selection board aptly said the works of Jayakanthan delicately unveil depths of human emotions and equations. Apart from translating Romain Rollan's biography of Mahatma Gandhi into Tamil, Jayakanthan has to his credit about 40 novels, 200 short stories and 15 collections of essays. While reading his literary works, I admired his frankness, boldness and his campaign against the evils of society. Hats off to the Bharatiya Jnanpith board for choosing the right person for the right award. Abdul Qaiyum 0
107571 0 1518 LETT LETTERS Morals matter... AFTER reading Amira's column (GDN March 18), I can only say that I agreed with every word that she wrote. It has taken me a couple of years of living in Bahrain to truly see the differences between the abaya-wearing girls in this country. On one hand, you have the girls that wear the abayas and hijab for all the right reasons. They cover because they want to cover themselves and feel that it is the right thing to do based on their Islamic beliefs. They wear no make-up or very little and are usually without pretty coloured nails and heavy perfume. Many times you find them wearing socks with their shoes, no matter if they're wearing sandals. They are not ones wanting the attention and are not interested in being noticed. Then on the other hand, you have the girls that are wearing the abayas that scream to the public - NOTICE ME! They are dying to be the centre of all creations. They wear tonnes of perfume, pile on the make-up, wear hooker shoes to go with their hooker outfi 0
107572 0 1518 LETT LETTERS Stop poking fun at MPs TO the person with the MPs problem (GDN March 21), may I ask you to show some faith and gratefulness for some of the wise men in parliament. I know this is a new experience for both, citizens and MPs. Instead of making fun of them, why don't you appreciate their work (even if it was a little trivial) and try to give them advice. Since you are a wise man, maybe it will work. Wise woman from the east 0
107573 0 1518 LETT LETTERS Medical madness A FRIEND of mine recently visited a medical centre as she was suffering from severe lower abdominal pain. She was seen by a female doctor and requested a thorough examination as she thought she might have a gynaecological problem. To her shock she was told that she could not be examined as she was not married! What country is it that we live in, when a basic female human right is denied due to marital status? Please forgive me if I am wrong, but I was not aware that cervical cancer only affected married women? Can anyone tell me where I can find the research that supports this totally absurd theory? NN 0
107574 1 1518 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain setting IT pace says minister MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain is helping to set the pace in a technological revolution that is sweeping Asia and the Arab world. Its leading position as a hi-tech nation is clear from the success of the landmark Asia IT Ministers summit, said Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The two-day summit was held under Shaikh Ali's patronage at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. It was attended by 32 countries, represented by 19 ministers and 117 officials and policy-makers from Asia and the Arab world. Their nations cover about half of the world's population and include the fastest developing economies on the globe. More than 3,000 businessmen and trade visitors attended the first Telecom Arabiya 2005 and Broadband Middle East 2005 conference, which were held concurrently with the summit. "The summit has been a landmark event for the kingdom and has underlined Bahrain's international standing and status as an advanced and progressive society, with a forward lo 0
107575 2 1518 BNEW LOCAL BD6 million homes plan for villagers MANAMA NEARLY BD6 million is being spent to create new housing for families in two Bahrain villages. More than 170 new government houses will be built at a cost of around BD2.7m in Dair and Samaheej villages, it was announced yesterday. Private land is currently being acquired from its owners for BD3.2m, Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder told villagers. More homes and other facilities will also be developed later, on a 4,600 square metre plot between the two villages, given as a gesture from His Majesty King Hamad, said Mr Al Jowder. "The new residential area will include various educational and health facilities serving the needs of both villages and neighbouring ones," he said as he visited the villages. Mr Al Jowder was briefed on residents' needs by the area's municipal councillor Hussain Isa at the Samaheej Club. These include providing houses and plots for residents, asphalting roads and constructing a drainage network for rainwater. Mr Al Jowder s 0
107576 3 1518 BNEW LOCAL Worker killed in house collapse MANAMA MANAMA: A worker was crushed to death when part of an old house collapsed on him yesterday morning. Three other men working with him fled without even calling an ambulance, said sources. All four were illegal free-visa Pakistani workers and it is thought the others were too afraid of being caught by police to call for help. Ghani Khan, 36, was killed instantly when a section of the two-storey building collapsed at around 10am. The men had been asked by the owner to renovate the building, said the sources. It was the building owner who called the police when he saw what happened. It is understood that the three other men escaped unhurt and fled without even trying to pull Mr Khan from the rubble. Firemen removed the debris to get Mr Khan out, but he was declared dead at the scene by paramedics from the BDF Hospital. His body was at Salmaniya Medical Complex mortuary last night. No further details were available. 0
107577 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Man critical after fall MANAMA MANAMA: A labourer was critically injured after he fell from the first floor of a building under construction yesterday. Indian Nooral Ameen Musallam Ali, 33, fell from a building near the Sacred Heart Church, Manama, at around 11am. He suffered severe head injuries and fractures. He was taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex, where doctors said his condition was critical. No further information was available. 0
107578 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL 30 staff reinstated MANAMA: The Interior Ministry has reinstated 30 Bahraini employees in their jobs with the Criminal Investigation Directorate following orders from the Minister, Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. They were transferred to the training directorate for reasons they claimed were "arbitrary". 0
107579 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain takes lead in Asia IT push BAHRAIN has helped forge a new strategy to spread the latest technology throughout Asia. It will raise the quality of life for millions of people by improving access to information technology, such as the Internet. This will increase transparency between governments, their people and businesses, delegates heard at a key summit which has just ended in Bahrain. Nineteen ministers from 32 countries spent two days tackling key issues at the third Asia IT Ministers Summit, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The event was declared a resounding success, putting Bahrain at the forefront of technology developments. It ended with a declaration that included a pledge to bridge the technology gap between poor and wealthier nations. Information communications technology (ICT) is a principal driver for growth in the world economy, the ministers declared. Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who patronised the summit as well as the accompanyin 0
107580 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL 17 surgeons honoured for passing Irish exams MANAMA SURGEONS who passed the Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland exam were honoured at a ceremony at the Medical University of Bahrain, Seef. Seventeen surgeons passed the exam this year, some of whom were repeating it after failing in previous years. The exam is made up of three parts and candidates must pass all of them to get the certificate. Surgeons of various nationalities come to Bahrain to sit the exam, held here for the fifth consecutive year. The honouring ceremony was under the patronage of Health Minister Nada Haffadh and certificates were presented by Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland president Niall O'Higgins. Shura Council chairman and former Health Minister Dr Faisal Al Mousawi was also present. "Holding this exam here vouches for Bahrain's renowned level in health education," said exam organiser Dr Mohammed Al Awadi. "Applicants from all over the world came here to sit this exam. "We had to arrange visas for surgeon 0
107581 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Telemedicine launch soon MANAMA THE Health Ministry is to launch telemedicine services soon, it was revealed yesterday. Senior doctors and health officials were introduced to the project at a seminar at Novotel Al Dana Resort. The ministry is being supported in the venture by Batelco, which has installed equipment worth BD40,000 at the College of Health Sciences' Al Ma'arif Auditorium. The new equipment will be used for tele-conference services and tele-consultations, said Health Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Planning and Training Dr Fawzi Amin. "The project will be officially launched next month with visiting experts from King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh," he told the GDN. "Some of our senior technicians have already visited Riyadh to learn more about the project. "Once the project is launched, our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals will be able to interact with medical experts in different parts of the world using the new technology." Besides listening 0
107582 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL GT4 call to racing fans A BRAND new sports car is on offer for the winner of a regional computer game competition. Sony is looking for a Middle East champion for its Gran Turismo 4 (GT4) driving game, which is available on the PlayStation 2. The GT4 Challenge is the first competition of its kind in the Middle East and the regional heats will take place in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Khobar, Kuwait, the Seef District, Muscat and Riyadh. The winner will take home a brand new Nissan 350Z sports car, as well as being entered into the World Championship in Le Mans, France, this June. "Gran Turismo drivers who think they have what it takes to win the Middle East title will have to demonstrate their driving skills when the GT4 Challenge visits their city," said Middle East sales and marketing director for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, Tim Stokes. Drivers competing in the GT4 Challenge will have three laps each on the Suzuka East Circuit using the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo Limited Edition car, both 0
107583 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Askar mosque to be rebuilt MANAMA Askar Village old mosque is to be razed down and reconstructed. This follows orders from Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa after he visited Askar and Nuwaidrat, as instructed by His Majesty. He was accompanied by Justice Minister Dr Mohammed Al Sitri and several other officials. The new mosque will feature two halls, Quran memorisation centres and the other service facilities. 0
107584 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Pakistanis mark day MEMBERS of the Pakistani community in Bahrain celebrated their country's National Day in style yesterday. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Pakistan Embassy premises in Se-gaiya. Minister/Charge D'Affaires Shaukat Ali Mukadam hoisted the flag. This was followed by reading of messages from President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. Mr Mukadam gave a speech in which he urged the community to work together for its betterment and Bahrain. He thanked the Bahraini leadership for all the encouragement and support given to expatriates. Mr Mukadam and his wife Kausar Mukadam hosted a reception last night at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, to mark the event. Ministers, government officials, diplomats, leading community members and other guests attended. The Pakistan Club also held a flag-hoisting ceremony at its premises in Manama. Chairman Mohammad Sajid Shaikh hoisted the flag, followed by a traditional breakfast, which wa 0
107585 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL The 'office' that talks to bosses BATELCO is getting ready to roll out a new solution to help executives keep in touch with what is going on at the office from anywhere in the world. Batelco Mobile Office is the first software developed by the company for commercial use. It works on virtually any smart phone and allows businessmen to receive their emails on their phones, said mobile data services product marketing manager Ahmed Al Dailami. "Any e-mail sent to their their mailboxes will be delivered to them on their phones. It will also enable them to receive any updates to office diaries on their phones in real time," he said. "It will allow people to easily keep up with what is happening at work while they are travelling, off sick or out of the office." Mr Al Dailami said that Microsoft Office applications and other software was also compatible. "This allows them to edit documents while on the road and e-mail it back to the office corrected," he continued. Mr Al Dailami said that the prod 0
107586 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Gadget skills split mobile users... THERE is a digital divide among mobile users in the region, says the head of a major regional mobile operator. The region's population is divided into those who love the latest gadgets in mobile technology and those who only use their phones for making calls, said visiting Wataniya Telecom chief executive officer and general manager Harri Koponen. "There is a pioneering spirit among consumers in this region who are interested in trying out the latest technologies and mobile phone features," he said. "At the same time there are those who only make phone calls and nothing else. So there is an interesting digital divide when it comes to mobile technology." Mr Koponen was speaking to the Press following his presentation at Broadband Middle East, which was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. He said while mobile operators should value their voice customers, they should also ensure that those who want it have access to the "full digital experience." "T 0
107587 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL firm signs deal to provide hi-tech security MANAMA MALAYSIAN IT mobility and security company Tricubes Berhard signed an agreement with Bahrain representative Al Jama Group to provide a security system for the Central Informatics Organisation (CIO). The system consists of a fingerprint biometrics system, contact and contactless smart card modules and flexible pin pads to be used to control access to restricted areas. The agreement was signed between Al Jama Group managing director Younis Al Jama and Tricubes Berhard CEO Khairun Zainal Mokthar, on the sidelines of Telecom Arabiya. Tricubes Berhard Middle East vice-president Khaled Ahmed El Sherief said that the machines used throughout the CIO building would allow access for people with the right cards, pin numbers or fingerprints. "Usually these systems only have one of these three features, but ours integrates all three," he said. 0
107588 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Father's body flown home MANAMA THE body of an Indian father who died after suddenly falling ill was flown home last night. Puthuvayalkuniyil Suresh, 35, died on Tuesday at 11am at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. He was admitted on Sunday night around 8pm after he complained of dizziness to his roommates in his Muharraq home. Mr Suresh, from Nadapuram, Kerala, had been in Bahrain for 19 months and worked as a curtain tailor with Al Musawi Upholstery in Khamis, said relative Mayyannur Manoj. He leaves behind a widow Sheeja and two-year-old son Advaith. 0
107589 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Man convicted of mobile fraud A BAHRAINI man ran up a bill for BD240 after forging his temporary wife's signature to get a mobile phone. The 31-year-old, of Zinj, was convicted and sentenced in his absence to a month in jail or a BD100 fine, after failing to appear before the Lower Criminal Court. He had married a 39-year-old Bahraini nurse for a year, then used her CPR and forged her signature to get the phone in her name last year, without her knowledge, the court heard. The woman told police that she had married the man under a temporary contract for one year in November 2001. She said she gave him her CPR card to help her buy a car, but he kept the card and then started avoiding her. Last year the woman began getting demands from Batelco to pay a BD240 bill for a phone she knew nothing about, the court heard. "I visited Batelco and I discovered that my temporary husband forged my signature and applied for a GSM mobile phone service in my name, without my knowledge," she told police. 0
107590 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL New parliament channel backed MPs want to spend BD5 million to set up a parliamentary satellite channel. It would also cost BD2m a year to run the channel, MPs heard before voting in favour of it. Even one of the scheme's leading supporters voted against the idea, after realising how much it would cost. The parliament's services committee recommended rejecting the proposal, but parliament voted in favour of it and it will now be put to the Cabinet. The proposal was originally submitted by services committee chairman Dr Abdulla Ahmed, foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Ahmed Bahzad and vice-chairman Abdulla Al Dossari, plus MPs Shaikh Jassim Al Saeedi and Yousif Al Hermi. But Dr Ahmed had a change of heart. He told MPs at parliament's weekly session that after listening to Information Ministry officials, he realised that it would be too expensive. "I used to be an information lecturer at university and I know a lot about things related to the information f 0
107591 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Ladies in charity golf marathon A GROUP of lady golfers began a 24-hour golf marathon at the Awali Golf Club yesterday for charity. The Ladies 24-hour Golf Challenge, sponsored by Batelco, aims to raise at least BD15,000 to buy a special bus for the disabled, which is urgently needed by Bahrain Mobility International (BMI). About 25 lady golfers, headed by club member Julie Frosdick, are taking part in the event, which will be concluded at noon today. The idea of the challenge, organised by the club, is that one golf ball stays in play for 24 hours. One person tees off and then four to six women wait on the fairway for the ball and the nearest one hits it. People are welcome to cheer on the ladies at the club. For more information and for donations, contact BMI liaison officer Dreena Rogers on 39615356 or Julie Frosdick on 17754285. 0
107592 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Palestinian children to hold musical A TRADITIONAL folk dance and song performance by Palestinian children will be held tonight at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, to commemorate Land Day. The event is organised by the Women for Jerusalem Association and the Bahrain Engineers Society. Proceeds from the event, featuring the performance of the Jerusalem Folk Group, will be allocated to building several kindergartens for children in Palestine. The group comprises 24 children, who will be wearing national attire and performing traditional dancing such as Al Dabka. Tickets are BD10 for the show and BD15 inclusive of dinner. They can be bought from the association in Adliya, the society in Juffair and at the hotel's Ambassador Ball-room on the night. Reservations can also be made on 39422186 and 39124496. 0
107593 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Students inducted MANAMA Eleven Bahrain School students, aged 13 and 14 years, were inducted into the Dilmun Chapter of the National Junior Honour Society, at the school premises in Juffair yesterday. The guest speaker at the event, attended by the parents, was Japanese Ambassador Takao Natsume. Ambassador Natsume and school principal Dr Jennifer Beckwith presented them with their certificates. The students are: Grade seven: Zain Kanoo, Hussein Mogri, Tiphainie Monroe, Orianne Montaubin and Akari Yamashita. Grade eight: Charles Chandonnet and Dana Jawahery. Grade nine: Moeez Ali, Miriam Hourani, Samira Klink and Ebrahim Rasromani. 0
107594 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Spotlight on Bahrain at photo expo A PHOTOGRAPHIC exhibition entitled Bahrain in Transition is being held at the Al Riwaq Art Gallery in Adliya, from Sunday until April 6. The show, organised by the British Council and the gallery, will feature photographs by 17 Bahraini youths from the Ibn Khuldoon National School, as well as the work of British photographer Tom Wichelow. The photographs portray the concept of Bahrain as a country in transition, engaging the audience in a dialogue about the country as well as presenting refreshing new images of Bahrain. All are welcome to attend the exhibition, which opens at 7pm on Sunday and is then open from 10am to 8pm each day, except Friday. For more information call gallery on 17717441 or 36715782. 0
107595 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Experts discuss youth strategy TALKS continued yesterday over a national strategy to improve the future of young people in Bahrain. About 200 people gathered to discuss the second draft of the National Youth Strategy, in a meeting at the National Stadium, Isa Town. Delegates from various government institutions, the National Assembly, non-governmental organisations and youth societies pitched in their ideas and comments on the draft. People from various youth organisations, alongside experts, have spent a year working together to draw up the draft National Youth Strategy. It is a joint project between the government, represented by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The project, which began in December 2003, aims to develop a national strategy for the next five years, starting this year. "Young people are an important pillar in our society and their contribution is vital for the rise and development of our nation in the futu 0
107596 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL IVF techniques in focus ASSISTED reproduction and genetics will come under the spotlight at a one-day international symposium being held today at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. More than 100 doctors, embryologists, andrologists and general physicians are expected to attend the event, which is being held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. It is being organised by the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) in co-operation with the London and Rome Centre of Reproductive Medicine (CRM) and the participation of the Marcel Merieux Institute, France. Experts from around Europe and the GCC will be speaking on the theme IVF (in-vitro fertilisation) and Genetic Updates. "We are in the genetic era. We have many people working on decoding the human genome, especially in the field of IVF," said IHB CRM centre head and symposium chairman Dr Shafik Saleh. "There are many failures in IVF and this is often because of genetic coding. So we will deal with the genetic aspects related to 0
107597 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Abu Dhabi flights to be launched A NEW twice-weekly flight linking Abu Dhabi and Bahrain is to be launched on Sunday by SriLankan Airlines. This will be increased to three times a week from April 11, the company announced yesterday. It follows the news that Gulf Air is cancelling its flights to Colombo, in Sri Lanka, from Saturday. The Bahrain leg is an extension of the Colombo-Abu Dhabi route, which connects with the Indian destinations of Trivandrum, Kochi, Calicut, Chennai, Trichy, Hyderabad and Bangalore. In addition, SriLankan Airlines will continue to offer connections to the Indian cities of Mumbai, Delhi and Gaya, as well as Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the Maldives. "This forms part of a three-phase development plan to boost traffic to and through Sri Lanka in the wake of the tsunami," the airline said. 0
107598 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Grand Prix signature tune to be launched A Grand Prix dance track is being launched in Bahrain tonight. The track, entitled Arabian Drive, is a collaboration between International DJ, Said Murad, The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and top Arab composer, Guy Manokian. It combines traditional Arabian and western tunes with the sounds of speeding Formula One cars. DJ Said Murad will be launching the song at the BJ's nightspot, Manama, tonight. "Our aim was to blend an international flavour with Arabic tunes and incorporate the strong and unmistakable sounds of Formula One cars, which is reflected at the home of motorsports in the Middle East," BIC public relations manager Hameed Halwani said. "The song will be used as the signature for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and the circuit." The track will be available at the Pit Shop at the BIC and will be distributed internationally by EMI. The BIC plays host to the third leg of the FIA Formula One World Championship on April 1, 2 and 3. Me 0
107599 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Council warns cleaning firm MANAMA A SECOND company could again be called in to clean up after public sanitation firm MBM-Alam Flora. It follows complaints from residents in the Northern Governorate, who say they are being made to wait over a week for their septic tanks to be emptied. Municipal councillors are now threatening to bring in another firm to do a job that should be carried out within 24 hours. They say they will deduct the cost from MBM-Alam Flora's pay cheque, which it collects from the Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Ministry. A similar measure was taken by the Central Municipality when sewage flooded the streets of East Riffa due to overflowing septic tanks. "MBM-Alam Flora has clearly shown its inability to meet the needs of residents," said Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Al Sayed. "We have received many complaints over the performance of the company. "Our research shows it is only covering 50 per cent of the septic tanks that should be emptied according to its c 0
107600 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Pupils stage French plays MANAMA FRENCH language pupils from various private and government schools took part in the Alliance Franaise de Bahrein's second annual French Drama Festival last night. The event, organised with the support of the French Embassy, featured the youngsters, all aged under 18, and their teachers presenting short plays of a maximum 15 minutes each. "I think we will always remember the first French Drama Festival," said St Christopher's School French teacher Olga Pereira, who along with Alliance cultural events co-ordinator Nassima Chebel helped organise the event. "It all started with the idea that, through theatre, we wanted to offer a creative space; a space for the sharing and the enjoyment of French through drama for both students and teachers," he said. "Creating the first festival was a real challenge but the results showed it to be worthwhile. "The event would not have been such a success without the enthusiasm and co-operation of all the participating students, teachers an 0
107601 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Officers honoured Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday met a group of officers who recently obtained Ph.Ds from various universities. They are Lieutenant General Ibrahim Habib Al Ghaith, on terrorism from Leicester University UK, Lieutenant General Sultan Ali Al Sulaiti on nationality and passports from Arabian Gulf University, Major Khalid Abdulla Al Busmait on information system from Bromwel University UK, Captain Khalid Abdul Aziz Al Khayat on athletics from Bahrain University and Dr Mohammed Abdulla Al Alayan on dentistry from the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, Scotland. 0
107602 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Roads closure over sewerage works WORKS and Housing Ministry announced yesterday that sewerage work on Avenue 23 in Jidd Ali will necessitate the closure of the avenue, located between Avenue 77 and road 2184. Traffic will be diverted to roads 1403 and 2184 from today for a month. The roads, planning and design directorate urges all motorists to observe and obey the traffic diversion and rules for everyone's safety. Lecture on reforms EGYPTIAN former foreign affairs ministry under-secretary and faculty member at Al Mansoora University's Law College Dr Mahmood Zain will deliver a lecture at the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research on Monday. The invitation-only lecture, to be held at the centre's premises in Awali, is titled Reforms and the Progress of Democracy in the Middle East. Talk on 'green' issues A lecture on environmental laws was held at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus. Organised by the university's Environment Friends Club, it was addressed by university president Dr Shai 0
107603 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL School springs Easter surprise... MANAMA OVER 420 British School of Bahrain students were in for an Easter surprise yesterday, at the school premises in Adliya. The school and its Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) organised the event, which featured a performance from Cho Cho the clown. The students, aged four to 18, received treats sponsored by event sponsors Jawad Business Group, Jawad Supermarket, Bahrain Danish Dairy Company, Mirage Promotions and Cyprus Airways. Reception class assistant teacher Ruri Fedorowicz won a return ticket to Cyprus. 0
107604 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Rehire pardoned staff call by MPs MANAMA A NEW call has gone out for former Defence and Interior Ministry staff pardoned for offences against Bahrain's security to be reinstated and compensated for lost earnings. Five Islamic bloc MPs have submitted the call in a written request to parliament. The parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee has received various requests from suspended personnel from both ministries through their area MPs, parliament heard at its weekly session. Committee chairman Ahmed Bahzad said the 58 Defence Ministry and 34 Interior Ministry employees should have been rehired after being included in a pardon from His Majesty King Hamad in 2001. The pardon wiped the slate clean of all those accused, detained or convicted of offences related to national security. "These personnel should be re-employed by law and any delay to their rehiring procedures is unacceptable. In addition to that they should be also compensated for their time off," he said. Mr Bahzad sa 0
107605 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Hi-tech seats for Gulf Air MANAMA GULF Air will introduce new state-of-the-art first and business class seats from March 28. They will be brought in first on the Abu Dhabi to London route, according to a statement issued yesterday. The $10 million (BD3.78m) investment is part of an overall strategy to bring Gulf Air, which is in the final year of its three-year restructuring programme, in line with international standards. It will include a complete cabin refurbishment, which will see the enhancement of in-flight entertainment systems and refreshed menus. Following the completion of the first Airbus A330 aircraft, the remaining five in the Gulf Air fleet will be refitted with completion scheduled for July. 0
107606 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL King meets Hidd delegation MANAMA His Majesty King Hamad yesterday received a delegation from Hidd. He said such meetings represent a good opportunity for him to directly interact with citizens and to draw the attention of officials to the importance of on-site visits and the identification of citizens' needs. His Majesty said the government is implementing various welfare projects for its people and lauded the efforts being exerted by Bahraini people at all construction sites in realising the kingdom's dreams. Hidd citizens urged the government, through a speech given by Dr Abdullatif Al Mahmoud, to build a new Hidd town in the eastern part of the old city in addition to a health centre and a girls intermediate school in the southern part and to extend sewerage networks at new housing compounds. 0
107607 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Free taste of fitness revolution A FREE Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) workshop is being offered at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya today. NIA is an expressive movement practice that uses the body's way to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fitness and well-being. NIA is founded on the concept that there is a dancer, martial artist and highly aware person in everyone. "As a pioneer in body-mind fitness, the NIA technique, has been charting new territory in the relationship between fitness and wellness since 1983," said centre director Jane Goodwin. "NIA has motivated runners, Olympic athletes, dancers and fitness buffs and novices to embrace this new way to get and stay fit." Today's mini-workshop will be held from 4pm to 5.15pm and there is no fee. For more information, contact Ms Goodwin or Michelle on 17612576 or 39607262 or log on to www.nia-nia.com or www.worldbeatfitness.com. 0
107608 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Syria links reviewed MANAMA Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday visited Syrian President Bashar Al Assad. They reviewed strong ties linking the two countries and issues topping the Arab Summit. He later left Algeria and was seen off at the airport by Transportation Minister Mohammed Maqlawi, Bahraini Charge D'affaires and the embassy staff. He cabled Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika, thanking him, the government and people for the warm welcome and hospitality offered to him and his delegation. The Crown Prince also expressed delight at having the opportunity to exchange viewpoints with Arab leaders on issues of interest and importance. He later arrived in Bahrain. 0
107609 0 1518 BNEW LOCAL Book opens new page on democracy march A NEW book which outlines the story of democracy in Bahrain is about to hit the bookstores here and throughout the Gulf. The Journey Begins: The Story of Democracy in Bahrain is written by Reena Abraham and Laura Bona-pace, and produced by Glow Publishing and published by Miracle Publishing. A launch ceremony will be held at the Booksplus, in Seef Mall, at 7pm tonight. Bahrain was the first among the Gulf countries to experiment successfully with democracy, said Ms Abra-ham, an Indian journalist, based in Muscat. "With a vision that was as focused as it was strong in its purpose, His Majesty King Hamad successfully implemented a new system of governance in October 2002," she recalled. "The elections in Bahrain were a landmark event not only for the country but also for the entire region. "Bahrain had set an example to the Gulf states and proved to the rest of the world that it will walk the talk, that promises could actually become a reality." The Journey 0
107610 1 1518 SPOR SPORT PAKISTAN AIM TO FIGHT BACK BANGALORE: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq promised yesterday to adopt an aggressive approach in his 100th Test as his team seek to level the three-Test series against India. The two sides meet in the third Test starting today after India took a 1-0 lead in the second Test which ended in Calcutta on Sunday. "I don't need to stress how important this match is for us. We have to take a simple approach of winning at all costs. We have to be aggressive and positive," Inzamam told reporters. "I never thought I'd play 100 matches, but tomorrow is the day. "If we win it, it'll be extra special. It's not been an easy journey since 1992, but it's been thoroughly enjoyable." Pakistan have little choice but to rely on Inzamam for another of his match-winning knocks with the bowlers struggling in the absence of pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar and the batsmen failing to deliver under pressure in Calcutta. India captain Saurav Ganguly paid tribute to Inzamam. "He's a great p 0
107611 2 1518 SPOR SPORT Rooney slot safe despite brawl row LONDON: Wayne Rooney has been given the all-clear to play in England's World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland despite police inquiries into an alleged nightclub brawl. Manchester Police have confirmed they are launching inquiries into claims by a 22-year-old student that Rooney struck him during an argument in a late night bar on Monday. Police have, however, not yet made contact with the Football Association about whether they are interested in interviewing Rooney this week while he is on England duty. The 19-year-old striker will therefore continue preparations for Saturday's game at Old Trafford, with a training session at Manchester United's Carrington base today morning. Only if Rooney, who denies the accusation, is later found guilty of any offence will his England place be jeopardised, although the FA may have to review the situation if he is actually charged. The FA's rules have nevertheless changed since Alan Smith was asked to leave the squad befor 0
107612 3 1518 SPOR SPORT Schumacher gives new Ferrari thumbs up SCAPERIA, Italy: Michael Schumacher has given Ferrari's new car the thumbs up after testing it out for the first time here yesterday. The seven-time world champion drove the F2005 at the Italian team's Mugello test track near Florence and his initial impression was positive. "It's always a great feeling to get behind the wheel of a new car," said the 36-year-old German. "It was wonderful to get in it and finally drive it. It was important for me to try it for myself after the positive feedback from (fellow Ferrari drivers) Luca Badoer and Rubens Barichello." Ferrari have taken just 10 points from the first two races and they are considering whether to use the new car at the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 3 as they look to improve on their poor start to the season. Schumacher is lying in 11th place in the drivers' championship with just two points, 14 adrift of Renault's Fernando Alonso. On Tuesday, Barrichello tried out the new car only to end his session pr 0
107613 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Afeef best bet for King's Cup TWO races for His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup are the highlights of the races at Sakhir tomorrow. The race for Al Methaq Cup and the Bahrain Gold Cup are also on the cards. But all eyes will be on the two races for the King's Cup for locally bred Group One horses and Group Two Arabian horses. The event for locally bred Group One horses has attracted 10 horses. This race, starting at 5.25pm, carries a cash prize of BD10,000 and will be run over 2,400 metres. A thrilling battle is expected for the top prize in this race which has attracted some top horses in the Kingdom. Afeef, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and to be ridden by Gerald Avranche, holds an edge over its nearest rivals and looks like a safe bet for victory. Shadow Boxer, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by James Naylor and to be ridden by Gary Hind is the second favourite while Brumby, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by Naylor and 0
107614 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Rockets end Heat victory streak in a thrilling style TORONTO: Tracy McGrady scored 26 points and Yao Ming notched 12 points and nine rebounds as the Houston Rockets edged the host Miami Heat 84-82 to snap the 12-game unbeaten streak of the NBA leaders. Shaquille O'Neal had 23 points and 16 rebounds for the Heat while Dwyane Wade chipped in with 20 points but the league's most lethal partnership was kept largely in check by tenacious Houston defending. The victory allowed Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy to tie his record this season against brother Stan, the Heat coach, at 2-2. In Atlanta, Amare Stoudemire amassed 40 points and 13 rebounds as the red-hot Phoenix Suns routed the woeful Hawks 105-94 to extend their winning run to eight games. Shawn Marion contributed 21 points and 11 rebounds while Steve Nash seized 13 points and 11 assists as the Suns (50-16) recorded an NBA-best 27th road victory to move top of the Western Conference. The Suns completed one of the biggest turnarounds in NBA history, becoming the ninth t 0
107615 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Brazil coach supports 'out of sorts' Ronaldo TERESOPOLIS, Brazil: Ronaldo, out of sorts with his club Real Madrid, was given the backing of Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira yesterday. "He just needs time to train and have a few good games," Parreira told reporters as the world champions began training for Sunday's World Cup qualifier at home to Peru. "In a short time, he'll once again be the Ronaldo that everyone knows." Ronaldo has suffered a goal drought in the last two months, his loss of form coming amid media reports he has fallen out with Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo. He apologised on Monday for throwing a plastic water bottle into the crowd after being verbally abused by fans during Real's 1-0 home win over Malaga the day before. The incident occurred when Ronaldo was being substituted five minutes from time and had to endure a barrage of whistles as he walked off the field. Parreira said it was natural that Ronaldo, the only Brazil player who refused to talk to the media on Tuesday, was a 0
107616 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Indian coach Wright may step down BANGALORE, India: India coach John Wright will step down as coach after the final Test against Pakistan starting today, a source close to the team said yesterday. The source said today's game would be the former New Zealand captain's last in charge of the Test side although he would stay on for the one-day series against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in April. A senior Indian official said the board was trying to persuade Wright to stay on until the 2007 World Cup although it understood that Wright wanted to return to New Zealand. "He is definitely here till the end of the Pakistan series," Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Karunakaran Nair said. "We have been given to understand he wants to join his family in New Zealand and does not want to continue." 0
107617 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Ecclestone settles bank case LONDON: A High Court case between three banks and Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone over the sport's commercial rights has been settled before coming to court, both sides said last night. No details were immediately available. The court case was due in May pitting Formula One Holdings, now controlled by the banks after legal action last year, against Ecclestone's Formula One Administration (FOA). The banks, Bayerische Landesbank, JP Morgan and Lehman Brothers, own 75 per cent of Formula One holding company SLEC and want their stake translated into influence over Ecclestone's operating companies, like FOA. Aussies eye AFC KUALA LUMPUR: Australia's request to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) was given unanimous support by Asia's governing body yesterday. Australia have already asked soccer's world body Fifa for permission to leave the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) in order to make future World Cup qualification easier. Any 0
107618 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Baba set for Cup qualifier THE Bahrain national soccer team arrived yesterday in Pyongyang, North Korea, for a key World Cup qualifying match set for tomorrow starting at 9.30am Bahrain time. The national team members did not waste any time and held a training session just hours after arriving in the North Korean capital. It is a crucial match for Bahrain as they were held goalless by Iran in their opening match at home. Japan is the fourth team in Group 'B'. The top two teams will book automatic berths in the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany while the third team go into a playoff. The General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa heads the team delegation to North Korea. Bahrain's defender Hussain Baba took part in yesterday's training after recovering from a knee injury. He is expected to be fit for tomorrow's match along with Bahrain's other key player Mohammed Salmeen, according to Bahrain Football Association member Yosef Hassan. However, 0
107619 0 1518 SPOR SPORT McMillan is out of Kiwi Test squad AUCKLAND: Middle-order batsman Craig McMillan has been dropped from the New Zealand side to play Australia in the third Test this week, with James Marshall brought in to play alongside identical twin brother Hamish. Australia retained the Trans-Tasman trophy even though rain intervened to deny them victory in a one-sided second Test, which ended in a draw in Wellington on Tuesday. New Zealand suffered a heavy nine-wicket defeat in the series opener in Christchurch and McMillan has paid the price for some indifferent performances by New Zealand's batsmen. New Zealand Cricket announced a reshuffle of the batting order for the third Test, which begins in Auckland on Saturday. James Marshall will open the batting in his Test debut with Craig Cumming against Australia's feared pace attack of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie and Michael Kasprowicz. New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who has suffered at the hands of the Australian bowlers, will drop back down the order t 0
107620 0 1518 SPOR SPORT Bani Jamrah claim cycling time-trial title BANI Jamrah Youth Centre clinched the team time-trial cycling race, organised by the Bahrain Cycling Association (BCA) and sponsored by Batelco. Comprising Ali Mansoor and Mansoor Mohammed, Bani Jamrah finished first in this 30-km race in 39 minutes and 31.98 seconds, ahead of East Riffa's ''A' team of Zaher Mahmood and Hassan Assiri (41:15.65). East Riffa 'B' team of Rashid Tawfiq and Abdulla Jassim (44:34.34) finished third while Ali Jaber and Saed Ahmed of Al Shabab (45:03.44) were fourth. Cyclists from East Riffa, Al Shabab and Bani Jamrah Club took part in the seventh race of the season. BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa honoured the winners at a prize-giving ceremony. Shaikh Khalid thanked Batelco for sponsoring the races. CEFL meeting held THE Companies and Establishments Football League (CEFL) organising committee held its regular meeting at Alba premises, headed by committee chairman Mazin Al 0
107621 0 1518 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Palestinian Land Day commemoration by the Women for Jerusalem Association and the Bahrain Engineers Society, featuring children of the Jerusalem Folk Group, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, 8pm. Tickets BD10 and BD15. Contact 39422186 or 39124496. Holy Week programme, St Christopher's Cathedral, Maundy Thursday morning of reflection, 10am, holy communion of last supper and foot washing, 6pm. Contact 17253866. Combined Maunday Thursday Service (Holy Communion), 7.30pm, National Evangelical Church, Manama. Play, Table Manners, by Alan Ayckbourn, American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar, 8pm. Tickets sold out. Quiz, British Club, Belgrave Arms, 8pm. Members and guests only. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts 0
107622 1 1518 WORL WORLD 85 DIE IN IRAQ SWOOP TIKRIT: Eighty-five insurgents were killed in an assault by Iraqi and US forces on a lakeside training camp north of Baghdad. An officer who took part in the 17-hour operation said they were able to destroy the important training camp and holding point for insurgents and foreign fighters slipping in from the Syrian border to the west. Members of Saddam Hussein's Baath party and Abu Musab Al Zarqawi's Al Qaeda frequented the camp. "This was a serious military camp with a living section and guard posts," said Colonel Jalil, at his base in nearby Samarra. "We destroyed their boats and tents." He said fighters had been using fishing boats to cross the large man-made Tharthar Lake from the tense Al Anbar province to the west to the tiny village of Ain Al Hilwa on the border with Salaheddin province, another restive area. The camp was a ramshackle of tents and mud huts in the isolated and remote area devoid of any civilian presence about 200km north of Baghdad. 0
107623 2 1518 WORL WORLD Arabs renew key peace initiative ALGIERS: Arab leaders yesterday relaunched a 2002 peace initiative which offers Israel normal relations in return for withdrawal to 1967 borders. A communique read out at the final session of an Arab summit in Algiers said peace was the "strategic option" of Arab countries to settle the conflict with the Jewish state. "(We) affirm in this context the Arab peace initiative approved by the Arab summit in Beirut in 2002," it said. The Beirut initiative said Arab states would open normal ties with Israel once Arab conditions are met. Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Mark Regev said the reference to peace as a strategic option was positive but his government regretted the summit had not proposed dialogue. "From our first reading ... it would appear that not much is new. We are disappointed that nothing was done to put substance behind that statement (on strategic option)," he added. Jordan had pressed the Arab leaders to repackage and simplify the 2002 initiative to make it 0
107624 3 1518 WORL WORLD Gadaffi livens up summit ALGIERS: For Muammar Gadaffi, it was show time. Expounding his own view of the world to Arab leaders, the Libyan leader scoffed yesterday at Western pressure for reform and warned that a mixed-gender Islamic prayer service in New York would encourage terrorism. Gadaffi, whose off-the-cuff speech livened up the annual Arab League summit, rejected calls from the West for the release of Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death for injecting children with the HIV virus. "Everyone from the West comes to Libya, and says to me release the Bulgarian nurses. This means that our children died and this was not considered as important." Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor were sentenced to death last year after being found guilty of deliberately infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the deadly HIV virus that causes Aids. He said that on a visit to Brussels last year, European leaders talked to him about women's rights and circumcision instead of international affairs. "What does r 0
107625 0 1518 WORL WORLD IRA 'is not a criminal gang' DUBLIN: The IRA insisted yesterday it was doing all it could to bring the killers of a Belfast man to justice, but once again denied direct involvement in the slaying or in a massive bank robbery. In its traditional Easter statement, the outlawed IRA denied it was involved in crime - a position at odds with police commanders and the British, Irish and American governments. All three governments accuse the IRA of stealing a world-record 26.5 million (BD19.3m) from a Belfast bank on December 20 and a string of other major crimes. The IRA also said it was trying to help the family of Robert McCartney, a 33-year-old Catholic man who was stabbed and beaten to death by IRA members outside a Belfast pub on January 30. That case has focused international attention on the IRA's control of its working-class Catholic power bases, where civilians are warned not to tell police about IRA activities under penalty of death. The victim's five sisters and fiancee, who met US Presi 0
107626 0 1518 WORL WORLD Fischer may leave Japan today TOKYO: A supporter of Bobby Fischer said yesterday that the Japanese justice ministry has informed his group that the former chess champion will be allowed to leave Japan for Iceland today. John Bosnitch of the Committee to Free Bobby Fischer said ministry officials told the chess legend's supporters that Fischer would leave his immigration detention centre north of Tokyo in the morning. It wasn't immediately clear whether the authorities would escort Fischer to Tokyo airport at Narita. Bosnitch said the ministry gave no reason for its decision. Justice ministry officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Fischer was taken into custody by Japanese immigration officials in July when he tried to leave the country using an invalid US passport. The chess master claims the passport was revoked illegally and has sued to block an order he be deported to the US. Washington wants Fischer for violating economic sanctions against the former Yugoslavia b 0
107627 0 1518 WORL WORLD UK date for Modi BOMBAY: The Hindu nationalist leader of India's Gujarat state will travel to Britain this week to address a meeting of expatriate Indians and businessmen, officials said yesterday, days after his US visa was revoked by Washington. But Modi's plans to go to Britain have remained unaffected. "Modi will be addressing a function in London and meeting up with Indian and British businessmen who are keen to invest in Gujarat," a spokesman for Modi said. "He requires no fresh visa as the visa he was issued for his last trip in 2003 is still valid. The British government has raised no objection, whatsoever, to his visit," he said. 0
107628 0 1518 WORL WORLD Beijing-Pyongyang in talks BEIJING: North Korea came under renewed pressure yesterday to return to six-country talks on its nuclear programme as its premier, Pak Pong-ju, met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing. A diplomatic source in Tokyo said the US had a June deadline for Pyongyang to return to the table, and China - the provider of 70 per cent of the North's food and fuel aid - wields particular leverage over its old ally. "China will continue to urge peace and promote talks and is willing, together with the other relevant parties, to play a constructive role to recover the six-party talks," the official Xinhua news agency quoted Hu as saying. But Hu hinted it was too early to go to the United Nations. "Dialogue is the only correct choice for peacefully resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula," Xinhua quoted him as saying. In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi made similar remarks. Koizumi indicated yesterday he would hold off on economic sanctions against 0
107629 0 1518 WORL WORLD Bhutto to visit India shrines ISLAMABAD: Pakistani opposition leader in exile Benazir Bhutto plans to visit India next month, ahead of a visit there by her arch rival, President Pervez Musharraf. Bhutto, under threat of arrest if she returns to Pakistan, will visit Muslim shrines in the Indian cities of Jaipur and Ajmer and does not have any political meetings planned, her spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, said yesterday. Bhutto plans to arrive in India on April 1 and to stay three or four days, he said. The visit will come ahead of a visit to India by Musharraf on April 17 to watch a cricket match between Pakistan and India, during which he hopes to meet the leadership in New Delhi to push a slow-moving peace process. Bhutto's visit could lay her open to charges of trying to meddle in the process but Babar said it would be purely a pilgrimage with her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, who was freed on bail from eight years jail in Pakistan late last year. 0
107630 0 1518 WORL WORLD Court rejects plea in brain-damage case PINELLAS PARK, Florida: A US appeals court yesterday rejected an appeal for brain-damaged Florida woman Terri Schiavo's feeding tube to be restored, dealing a fresh blow to the parents and their supporters who have battled to keep her alive. The three-judge panel at the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta issued their ruling in the middle of the night, acknowledging the "absolute tragedy that has befallen Mrs Schiavo", but supporting a lower court's refusal to order feeding resumed. "We agree that the plaintiffs have failed to demonstrate a substantial case on the merits of any of their claims," the court said, meaning an emergency order to restore the feeding could not be issued as the parents had failed to show their overall case would succeed at trial. Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, can ask for a rehearing before the Atlanta appeals court or appeal to the US Supreme Court. Schiavo's feeding tube was removed on Friday under a state court order. In a 0
107631 0 1518 WORL WORLD Sons chosen as witnesses LONDON: Britain's Prince Charles and his fiancee Camilla Parker Bowles announced yesterday that they had chosen their sons as witnesses for their civil wedding ceremony next month and that close family would attend. The heir to the throne's elder son Prince William, 22, whose mother was the late Princess Diana, and Tom Parker Bowles, 30, will be witnesses at the April 8 wedding at the town hall in Windsor, west of London, said the prince's office, Clarence House. The statement from Clarence House also revealed that Charles's younger brothers Princes Andrew and Edward as well as his sister Princesse Anne would attend the ceremony. Also attending the wedding will be Charles's younger son Prince Harry and Camilla's daughter Laura as well as Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand, the prince's office said. Asked whether Prince William was happy to be performing the role of witness, a spokesman for the Prince said: "Very much so." Penny Junor said William and Harry "lik 0
107632 0 1518 WORL WORLD Ex-Bush wife 'no' to slander deal HOUSTON: The former wife of President George W Bush's brother has rejected a proposed settlement of a slander lawsuit accusing her of spreading rumours that Neil Bush fathered a child out-of-wedlock - and asked a judge to throw out the lawsuit altogether. Robert Andrews, the ex-husband of Maria Andrews Bush, sued Sharon Bush in 2003, saying she lied about the lineage of his then three-year-old son because she was bitter about the breakup of her marriage with Neil. A paternity test ordered by Sharon Bush's legal team showed Andrews as the boy's father, not Neil. Andrews sued Sharon for $950,000, an apology, and part of any future book advances or royalties she receives. Despite a letter to a judge from Andrews' lawyers announcing a proposed settlement on Monday, Sharon Bush's legal team later filed papers saying the parties have "unsuccessfully attempted to settle this case" and are ready for trial in April. Sharon and Neil Bush divorced in 2003 after 23 years of marriage. 0
107633 0 1518 WORL WORLD Hijacker is sentenced in Japan TOKYO: A suicidal man who hijacked a Japanese domestic flight in 1999 and stabbed the pilot to death was sentenced to life in prison yesterday after a court ruled that he suffered mental problems. Yuji Nishizawa, 34, entered the cockpit of the All Nippon Airways (ANA) flight from Tokyo's Haneda airport to the northern city of Chitose and stabbed captain Naoyuki Nagashima, 51. Airline staff broke into the cockpit and seized Nishizawa and the aircraft returned to Tokyo. Nishizawa apparently wanted to kill himself and was convinced the pilot also wanted to commit suicide. His lawyers said he did not know what he was doing due to his anti-depression medication. 0
107634 0 1518 WORL WORLD Pervert professor fined A famous Japanese economist and TV pundit was fined yesterday for trying to peek underneath a 15-year-old girl's skirt on the escalator of a Tokyo train station. The professor, Kazuhide Uekusa, 44, was caught red-handed as he placed a mirror under the girl's skirt in April 2004 in a bid to get a look at her underwear. Uekusa, who denied the allegation, was fined 500,000 yen ($4,750). Uekusa was a well-known professor at Waseda University's graduate school, one of the top schools in Japan, and chief economist at the Nomura Research Institute. The university fired Uekusa after the case emerged. The judge at Tokyo District Court said Uekusa had planned the incident "to satisfy his perverted sexual desire." 0
107635 0 1518 WORL WORLD 'Tea pill' is as good as cuppa Feel like a cup of tea, but don't have the time to brew one up? Pop a "tea pill" instead. Indian tea scientists have produced a tea-flavoured pill that can be chewed or quickly dissolved in hot or cold water. The brownish tablet weighs 0.3 grams and consists of 80 per cent tea and 20pc other flavours - a combination the inventors at the Tocklai tea research centre in India's northeastern Assam state say peps you up just like a traditional cuppa. "You can suck it, chew it or dissolve it in water the way you like to have it and still feel the taste of a real cup of tea," said the centre's director, Mridul Hazarika. "As the liquid tea refreshes, this tea pill will also refresh the people because it contains pure tea ingredients." Hazarika said the centre had applied for a patent and the pill, with a bit more fine tuning, should hit the market in six months. Indians drink a lot of tea but in recent years its tea business, the world's largest, has faced growing competition 0
107636 0 1518 WORL WORLD Escape bid prisoners shot dead PHNOM PENH: Twenty inmates were killed yesterday when they attempted to break out of a prison in eastern Cambodia after taking four officials hostage, police said. The hostages were later freed but at least two were seriously injured, said Kang Sakhan, police chief of Kampong Cham province. He said about 50 prisoners attempted to break out of the CC3 prison. "First they took four prison officials hostage. They held knives to them and beat them with sticks they had. Then they seized three vehicles and drove them through the gates," Kang Sakhan said. He said other prisoners tried to flee on foot behind the vehicles, but guards managed to shoot some inside the prison grounds. Sixteen prisoners were killed on the spot, and four more died later from their wounds, he said. Others managed to flee to a nearby village and forest, and more than 20 were still at large and being hunted by police, he said. According to a worker for the human rights group Licadho, the f 0
107637 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Mosque revamp call by faithful WORSHIPPERS are calling for modifications to an overcrowded mosque after some were made to pray outside in heavy rainstorms last Friday. The Imam Al Sadiq Mosque, in Ghufool, is segregated so that men perform their prayers on the ground floor, while women perform theirs upstairs. However, the male congregation is considerably larger and there is not always enough space to accommodate them downstairs, according to Manama Municipal Councillor Jaffar Al Kaidoom. He now wants the first floor to be converted so that both men and women can pray upstairs. "Not a lot of women come to prayers at the mosque and there is a lot of space upstairs," he said. "We want it to be split in half to allow men to perform their prayers upstairs, instead of being stranded in the rain - or the humidity and heat in summer." The mosque compound comprises the main prayer hall, library and a glass prayer room. Women use a staircase located at the rear of the mosque, but a wri 0
107638 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Woman accused of phone scam A BAHRAINI housewife is accused of tampering with her neighbour's phone line and using it to make international calls. The 34-year-old, who lives in Muharraq, allegedly ran up a BD70 bill in just over a month using the line of an Indian resident in her building. However, the 35-year-old victim says she still has not paid back the full amount over two years later. "For one month I was being billed for international calls from my fixed line in the house, but I did not make any calls to those numbers," the victim told police. "I didn't know whose these numbers were. "When I checked with Batelco they told me the calls were made from my telephone line. "I told them I did not make those calls and they sent a technician to investigate. "They discovered that someone from Flat 15 in the same building had joined my telephone line with theirs and used the line to make international calls." Batelco immediately cut the service and asked the defendant to 0
107639 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Man 'threatened to kill neighbour' A BAHRAINI of Syrian origin was arrested after he allegedly threatened to kill one of his neighbours and all his sons. It is claimed the 47-year-old threatened a Syrian BDF worker, 38, over suspicions that his cousin had murdered the defendant's uncle in Syria. The Interior Ministry employee allegedly made the threat through another Syrian, who also works for the Interior Ministry. He is also accused of threatening to expel him from Askar village, where they both live, and get him sacked from his job at the BDF. "I was in my house when a Syrian middleman arrived and told me that the defendant had asked him to deliver a message to me," said the victim in a statement to police. "He said the defendant will kill me and my sons or expel me from my house and job. "I don't know the reason behind this threat." However, the defendant has denied the allegation in the Lower Criminal Court. He claims the messenger simply told the victim to stay away fro 0
107640 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL First-ever BTI polls boost for training ELECTIONS have been held for the first time at the Bahrain Training Institute (BTI), Isa Town. Seven out of 18 candidates have been elected to the second Trainees Council, which will start work as soon as posts are decided. The council, first initiated with appointed members in 2003, was dissolved by BTI management after it "intervened in matters it had no right to." A total of 734 trainees, 487 males and 247 females, voted in the elections, BTI director Mohammed Derbas told a Press conference. "But, the forms of 20 trainees were invalid and have been disqualified," he said. "A total of 2,169 trainees, 1,703 males and 916 females, were eligible to vote." Mr Derbas said 27 trainees nominated themselves for the elections. "Fourteen males and 13 females applied, but two males and seven females didn't meet election requirements," he said. "Those elected will represent 3,159 trainees currently studying at the BTI." Those elected are Ja 0
107641 1 1519 BNEW LOCAL CHALLENGE! MANAMA: Bahrain's economy is poised to enter a new era of growth, revealed the Crown Prince last night.However, the country faces challenges in implementing labour market reforms.He insisted there could be no time-frame to resolve the issue as more debate was needed on the McKinsey proposals on labour reforms. Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised the courage and resolve of Bahrainis in facing complex economic realities in view of the continuing debate over the proposals. He also praised the national dialogue between Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, workers' representatives and experts over the issue. 0
107642 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Moving towards a brighter future... PAKISTAN celebrated its National Day this week with a string of achievements to be proud of. But the struggle goes on, for economic growth and for better rights for its citizens, particularly women, say leading members of the 50,000-strong community in Bahrain. "Pakistan has taken great strides in every sphere of life and the struggle for political freedom achieved 57 years ago has been transformed into struggle for economic freedom," said Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Council (OPAC) member Mohammad Usman. "We are heading fast towards the mission of self-reliance as envisaged by the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. "Pakistan, a country of 140 million people, is flowing with natural resources and a wealthy agriculture product. "Pakistani manpower working abroad is a valuable asset as they are sending home billions of dollars in terms of foreign exchange remittances every year. We have more than around 50,000 Pakistanis working in Bahrain in all 0
107643 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL 20 take up golf challenge THE 24-hour golf marathon ended at the Awali Golf Club yesterday. The Ladies 24-hour Golf Challenge, sponsored by Batelco, saw the participation of more than 20 lady golfers, headed by club member Julie Frosdick. The group hopes to raise at least BD15,000 to buy a special bus for the disabled, which is needed by the Bahrain Mobility International (BMI). BMI liaison officer Dreena Rogers praised the ladies for their effort in raising funds. "A big thank you goes out to the ladies for their hard work and for making it such an enjoyable 24 hours," she said. "Thank you also to the Awali Golf Club staff and members for all their help and support. "The total amount of money raised during the challenge will be announced later on." A raffle draw will be held at the same venue next Friday. Finalised details of this event will be announced soon. For more information and for donations, contact Mrs Rogers on 39615356 or Mrs Frosdick on 17754285. 0
107644 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Royal Navy joins allies in security exercise THE Bahrain Royal Navy is taking part in a major maritime security exercise with navy personnel from 12 other countries in the kingdom's waters. Exercise Arabian Gauntlet 2005 kicked off on Sunday and continues until Tuesday on board the USS Duluth. More than 3,000 people from 19 ships from Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Australia, France, Jordan, Pakistan, Oman, Egypt and the US and other allies, are using latest tactical detection and deterrent measures designed to improve and sharpen maritime security operations. The USS Duluth, an amphibious transport ship, serves as the command platform for the multinational exercise. "Arabian Gauntlet is a multi-lateral surface, air and mine countermeasure exercise designed to practise maritime security operations with our coalition partners and allies in the region," said Destroyer Squadron 50 Commander Captain Hank Miranda. "Arabian Gauntlet is an excellent training opportunity to enhance the interoperabili 0
107645 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL 36 students graduate A GRADUATION ceremony was held for 36 students from New Millennium School at the school in Zinj. The youngsters, aged four to six, were presented with graduation certificates and certificates of achievement during a ceremony attended by school chairman Adel Al Safar, parents and other students. KG 1 students also bid farewell to their seniors by staging a programme while KG 2 students related their experiences to the gathering. 0
107646 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Filipino stars welcomed by fans TOP Filipino stars Sheryn Regis, Frenchie Dy and Troy Montero met hundreds of their fans in Bahrain yesterday. Since arriving in the kingdom on Wednesday, they have been visiting various outlets to meet and greet Filipinos. They paid a courtesy visit to Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya at the Philippine Embassy, Zinj, yesterday. A welcome party was held at Enigma at the Windsor Tower Hotel in Manama last night for the stars, which was attended by hundreds of fans. Sheryn and Frenchie are products of the Star in a Million competition, the Philippines' version of Pop Idol. Troy, who has recently released his debut album, is also a popular show host, television and film star and model. Together Troy, Sheryn and Frenchie will rock Bahrain with their respective take on music in a concert which aims to raise funds for tsunami victims. The concert, entitled The Champions and the Hunk, will be held tonight at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Amba 0
107647 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Turning dreams into reality... TWENTY-FOUR students from various private and government schools in Bahrain and their parents took part in a workshop entitled I Have A Dream held yesterday at the Abdulrahman Kanoo School in Salmabad. The workshop, which included theoretical and practical sessions, was organised by Bahrain Society for Child Development secretary general and social committee head Fowzia Al Mahroos. School elementary head Shahnaz Bahman conducted the workshop and talked to the students, aged nine to 11 years, on how to express their dreams and achieve them. They divided into groups and drew pictures on what their dreams are. 0
107648 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Photo expo on sports cars CAPITAL Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa opened the first photographic exhibition on sports cars in Bahrain at Al A'ali Shopping Complex, Seef District. The exhibition was organised by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and the governorate. The opening was attended by BIC government affairs and public relations director Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa, general manager Martin Whitaker, governorate officials and other guests. Over 70 old and new photographs are on show at the exhibition on Bahrain's races and rallies to give people a history of the Bahrain Motor Federation's events. The exhibition is open until April 3 during the mall opening hours from 10am to 10pm daily. 0
107649 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Mother's Tears (God's miracle) Almost on the last day of God's creation God remembered one more specification: "I need to create a woman with emotion" Ahhh!! A mother's touch in woman's vision When suddenly an angel appeared on God's side And said: "You are giving so much time to this one" God replied: "I need to because this must be irreplaceable "Caring, loving, washable but not plastic most of all" She must have lap where a child can sit And curing kiss when the child gets hurt Kiss that can heal the broken heart Pair of dozen hands to work without stop No way!! The angel said in disbelief!!! But God said those hands are not my problem The three eyes a mother should have to conform What??? Is it in the standard creation??? God said one that can see what kids are trying to hide However the child denies and says she cannot find One on the back to see things that she shouldn't But sh 0
107650 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Materialistic Lifestyle Now the lifestyle is like that Everybody is swimming In this materialistic world Struggling to reach the shore Some already swam and Found the destination With fame, power and wealth Either own efforts or inherited Some are still swimming, Facing high tides With low wages, income and debts Unable to meet both ends Some are unable to swim but Spinning in the middle, Who can drown anytime, Failing to manage the affair Some have already drowned Untraceable, accepting bankruptcy, Leaving others in trouble Reasons are not one but several By Mulki Mohan V Kotian 0
107651 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Coldstore is raided by thieves THIEVES raided a coldstore in Gudaibiya and fled with BD300 in cash, cigarettes and SimSim cards. The burglary at Ghalya Cold Store is believed to have been committed after 2am and was discovered when staff arrived to reopen the store at 6am. "We arrived to find the shutter lock and glass pane broken and the merchandise and money missing," said store worker 24-year-old Abdul Rahim Kurwali. "My older brother Abdul Mutalib, who works at the coldstore with me, went to the Gudaibiya police and filed a complaint," said Mr Kurwali. "Then they told him to go to the Hoora Police Station to complete the procedures," he said. "He went to the station and there they told him that he should go to the CID headquarters for further procedures. "We thought that the matter is not worth the trouble and therefore decided not to go to the CID. "Some of our friends told us that they walked past the cold store at around 2am that night and everything seemed to be normal.< 0
107652 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Sculptures on show... SCORES of art enthusiasts and visitors to the corniche next to Al Fateh Islamic Centre were treated to Bahrain's first open-air exhibition of sculptures by local artistes. The event, which ends today, is being organised by the Bahrain Contemporary Art Association in co-operation with the Information Ministry and the Capital Governorate. It featured around 20 works by seven local artistes, which were displayed on the grounds of the corniche where visitors can appreciate the art free of charge. The works of art included sculptures made up of various materials such as steel and wood. Organisers are hoping that it would eventually become a mobile exhibition, which will be held at other governorates. 0
107653 2 1519 BNEW LOCAL Rally refused to ensure citizens' safety MANAMA: The Interior Ministry has banned a political rally planned for Sitra this afternoon.A request by the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society to stage it was yesterday turned down in the interests of safety and security. Head of the legal affairs directorate Lieutenant General Mohammed Rashid Buhamoud said the ministry's objection was based on the current regional security situation and to protect citizens' safety. The rally could also affect economic activities and people's interests, said the Lieutenant General. 0
107654 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Palestinian heroes remembered PALESTINIAN children performed traditional folk dances and songs at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel last night to mark their country's Land Day. Palestinian Land Day is marked every year on March 30. It commemorates the killing of six Palestinians 29 years ago by Israeli security forces as they were protesting against the seizure of Palestinian land. Last night's event was organised by the Women for Jerusalem Association and the Bahrain Engineers Society. Proceeds from the event, featuring the performance of the Jerusalem Folk Group, will be allocated to building several kindergartens for children in Palestine. The group comprised 24 children, who wore their national attire and performed traditional dancing such as Al Dabka. 0
107655 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Creativity highlighted CREATIVITY was spotlighted at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Medical University of Bahrain (MUB) Research Day. The event, held at the university's Seef District campus, was opened by Health assistant under-secretary for primary health care and public health Dr Abdulwahab Mohammed. The MUB Research Day encourages the idea of self-learning and offers students the chance to show off their creativity through research. Dr Mohammed looked at the poster presentations of 27 researches on a variety of subjects prepared by the students and awarded two prizes for the best presentation and best poster. The students were judged on their work, taking into account the depth of research, the original aspect of the work, presentation skills and the ability to concisely describe their findings in writing. Student Zainab Fawzi Harb won the best poster award for her research Nanotechnology and Medicine and Manal Mahmood Al Sabbagh won the best presentation award fo 0
107656 0 1519 BNEW LOCAL Malayalam stars set for comedy show TOP Malayalam film stars take the stage for a comedy show in Bahrain tonight. The Hello Habibi Comedy Show will be staged at the Indian Club. Doors open at 6.30pm and the show, a combination of music, dance and mimicry, starts at 7pm. Performers include Saikumar, Anjali, Taufique, Kochupreman, Suby, Jaffer, Aji Mol, Kalabhavan Reneesh and Arafath. The show is organised by Image Curtain and Upholstery. Tickets are priced BD1 (admit one, standing), BD2 (admit one), BD5 (admit one, reserved), BD10 (admit two, VIP seating). The main sponsors are ICICI Bank, Dasman Air-conditioning and KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre. Tickets are available at various outlets in Bahrain and at the gate. For more information contact 39645591, 36631005 or 39201604. 0
107657 3 1519 BNEW LOCAL Latest genetic research discussed A ONE-DAY international symposium on the latest research in the field of reproduction and embryology was held in Bahrain yesterday.The symposium was organised by the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) in co-operation with the London and Rome Centre of Reproductive Medicine (CRM). Marcel Merieux Institute, France, participated in the event which was held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. More than 100 doctors, embryologists, andrologists and general physicians attended the event. The symposium was held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. Experts from around Europe and the GCC spoke at the symposium on the subject of In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Genetic Updates. "This field is progressing very quickly that's why the conference focused on updates in IVF and genetics," said IHB CRM centre head and symposium chairman Dr Shafik Saleh. The topics shed light on the latest updates in the field of genetics of embryology and pre-imp 0
107658 1 1519 BUSI BUSINESS Working groups are honoured MANAMA: The Economic Development Board (EDB) hosted a dinner on behalf of the Middle East and North Africa's Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (Mena-OECD) Investment Programme.Present were leading OECD member country ambassadors, senior government officials and leading local businessmen. The dinner was the third hosted by Bahrain in conjunction with Mena-OECD and was held to pay tribute to the work undertaken by the country's working groups on the programme. The working groups comprised members from the public and private sectors, who will be presenting recommendations to be used as the foundation for the Action Programme, which will be developed in conjunction with OECD co-ordinators and Mena country representatives. The three-year programme involves 22 investment authorities and calls for mechanisms to insure active mobilisation of investment in the Mena region. It aims to facilitate the transfer and assessment of policy, to highlight and identi 0
107659 2 1519 BUSI BUSINESS Oil prices steady despite deadly US refinery blast LONDON: World oil prices steadied yesterday, losing early gains made after a fatal blast at BP's biggest oil refinery in the US revived fears over petrol supplies, dealers said.New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May, eased 11 cents to $53.70 a barrel in early deals. It had fallen by $3.65 over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, due to massive speculative selling and a sharp rise in US crude inventories. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in May lost 29 cents to $53.33 dollars a barrel yesterday. Crude oil prices "spiked higher in early trade this morning on news of a powerful explosion ripping through a giant BP oil refinery in Texas", analysts at the Sucden brokerage firm said. "The explosion at the 470,000 barrels-per-day refinery killed at least 15 people and injured over 100, damaging an isomerisation unit, which upgrades the quality of petrol, however other operations were not affected." The strong explo 0
107660 3 1519 BUSI BUSINESS India to adopt VAT system NEW DELHI: Most Indian states will switch to a government-imposed value-added tax (VAT) starting April 1, replacing varying sales tax systems, the finance minister said yesterday.The implementation of the VAT has been delayed at least five times since 2001 because some state governments fear they would earn less in tax revenues from the new system. The finance ministry has offered to compensate states for any losses suffered because of the switch to the VAT. However, the federal government is eager to implement the new system, saying it will reduce tax evasion and bring India in line with developed countries' tax rules. Yesterday, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said 21 out of India's 38 states and territories were "ready" to implement the VAT from April 1. Haryana state already has implemented the VAT. Seven states, five of them governed by opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, have demanded more time to implement the VAT following protest from traders who 0
107661 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS Pakistani share fall sparks riots KARACHI: Hundreds of furious Pakistani investors rioted at the Karachi Stock Exchange yesterday after shares plummeted from last week's record highs, officials said. Police arrested five people as about 400 small investors who had been prevented from offloading their falling stocks hurled stones and smashed up cars and office windows in the building's courtyard. Outside the smaller Lahore Stock Exchange, demonstrators chanted slogans, burned tyres and blocked roads. The unrest broke out as the KSE-100 continued to fall for a sixth consecutive day, from the record of 10,304.72 points on March 15 to 8,314.10 points at close of trading yesterday. Under rules designed to prevent the market going into freefall, the management at both exchanges suspended trading in a number of key blue chip shares when they dropped by five per cent or more. "This gives small investors no opportunity to sell out their holdings because trading is locked by the management to avoid crash," s 0
107662 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS Ambanis close to settling row NEW DELHI: The battle between the two Ambani brothers who own India's largest private sector conglomerate, the Reliance group, is on the brink of settlement, reports said yesterday. India's media quoted sources as saying the brothers had been in talks with a mediator to thrash out a settlement over ownership and control of Reliance Industries, India's biggest petrochemical producer, which is at the centre of a family feud. It has been reported that Anil Ambani was likely to get management control of the group's telecoms arm, Reliance Infocomm, as part of the deal. Older brother Mukesh Ambani is chairman of Reliance Industries, which holds a 45 per cent stake in Reliance Infocomm. 0
107663 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS New Mercedes models launched MANAMA: A new series of Mercedes-Benz vehicles was launched at the S A Al Haddad and Brothers showroom in Isa Town last night. The Vito van, Viano MPV and Marco Polo camper van were launched at a ceremony attended by Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh. The event was also attended by Al Haddad technical director Rasool Al Haddad, sales manager Abdulla Al Haddad and a number of dignitaries. The Marco Polo costs BD18,900, the Viano BD11,400 and the Vito just above BD10,000. 0
107664 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS Blair confident on EU reform LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair predicted yesterday that the essence of a disputed bill to open up Europe's services sector would be approved, despite staunch opposition from French President Jacques Chirac. European Union leaders agreed on Wednesday to send back to the drawing board a draft deregulation law in a tactical retreat to save a knife-edge French referendum on the EU constitution. Chirac, who argues the law would bring unbridled competition into the services sector from low-cost east European countries, declared he had all but buried the bill. But Blair said the services directive was alive and well. "There will be some amendments but they shouldn't touch on the essential of the directive," Blair told parliament, saying the bill would go through its normal legislative process. Asked if the bill would be passed despite French opposition, he said: "Yes, I believe the services directive will go through". "There'll be a battle over it," he 0
107665 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS French court upholds Soros conviction PARIS: A Paris appeals court yesterday upheld an insider trading conviction and 2.2-million-euro ($2.9m) fine against US financier George Soros for his role in buying shares in French bank Societe Generale in 1988. The verdict confirmed a lower court's judgement in December 2002 that found the Hungarian-born billionaire guilty of buying shares in the bank when he was approached but declined to participate in a takeover raid of the then just-privatised institution. The fine corresponds to the amount of profit Soros made on the transaction. Soros, 74, was not present to hear the verdict, but during the appeal hearings he denied having benefited from privileged information. Between September and October 1988, he placed $50m in a basket of shares that included Societe Generale stock, a few days after saying no to the share raid on the bank which ultimately failed. The lower court had ruled that, having been asked to join other investors in the raid, Soros was "well in 0
107666 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS Mobiles used in share fraud fight LAGOS: The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) acted yesterday to check unauthorised transactions with the launch of a service that lets investors monitor their stocks through their mobile phones. Trade-alert notifies investors on their cellphones of dealings in their shares before they take place, allowing them to stop or approve the transactions, bourse officials said. They said the service is the first of its kind in the world. "The rationale behind the trade-alert is that every shareholder ... could personally monitor his investment through his mobile phone," NSE director general Ndi Okereke-Onyuike said at the launch in the commercial hub of Lagos. "Whereas the advanced stock markets have e-mail alerts that instantly notify investors of changes in markets, among other investor tools, none provides a tool that notifies investors of movements in their stock positions as they occur," she said. The service will be available through any mobile phone company and will cost a smal 0
107667 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS ECB worried by budget discipline LIEGE, Belgium: The European Central Bank is worried about the EU's new budgetary framework, ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet said yesterday as he pledged to keep prices stable in the euro zone. The critical question, he said, is whether politicians and European Union officials apply the new Stability and Growth Pact rules strictly and consistently. "I cannot disguise our concerns. These are concerns shared by all my colleagues," Trichet told a news conference. "We are all agreed that it is imperative ...that the member states, the European Commission and the (European) Council apply the revised regime in a rigorous and coherent way, suitable for the prudent conduct of budgetary policy," he said in his first public comments since EU leaders earlier this week agreed to more flexible budgetary rules. While urging no backsliding on budgets, Trichet played the diplomat on politicians' decision to soft-pedal reforms to product markets at their summit this week. EU lea 0
107668 0 1519 BUSI BUSINESS BAe Systems WASHINGTON: British defence giant BAe Systems said yesterday it received a $834 million contract to manufacture howitzers for the US armed forces. The deal calls for BAE to produce 495 M777A1 lightweight howitzers over the next four years. Cairn Energy LONDON: Oil exploration group Cairn Energy announced successful drilling results yesterday from a block in the Indian region of Rajasthan, sending its shares higher. Cairn's shares rose 3.7 per cent to 1,214 pence, valuing the group around $3.5 billion. GE BOSTON: General Electric yesterday raised its first-quarter earnings per share forecast by a penny, citing strength across its businesses and proceeds from the sale of 80.5m shares of Genworth Financial stock in a secondary offering. Shares of GE rose 1.4pc in morning trade and helped drive the stock market higher. Generali MILAN: Italy's biggest insurer Generali reported a 30pc gain in 2004 net profit yesterday, exceeding analysts' forecasts, and said i 0
107669 0 1519 COMM COMMENTThe truth about modern manners One of the rudest men I know has perfect manners. Sophisticated in matters of etiquette (a word, incidentally, that is too redolent of nannies and piano teachers to pass his own lips), he would be physically incapable of passing a carafe of port to the right. To be seen cutting the Stilton in the wrong way or preceding a woman through a doorway would, for him, be as great a source of shame as being heard to refer to the toilet or to condiments. Yet, if the point of manners is to make social interaction more civilised, then the man is a yob of the lowest type. When the conversation strays from his own area of interest, himself, he will express polite but unmistakable boredom. With perfect, well-bred fastidiousness, he manages to make those attempting to converse with him feel ill at ease. It is unlikely that my acquaintance would invest in something as banal as a self-help book, unless it covered the rudiments of training a gundog, but I am sure he would be pleased to learn that bookshops 0
107672 0 1519 LETT LETTERS All not doom and gloom on safety! I READ with interest the letter 'Contractors ignoring basic safety need' (GDN, March 17). As safety manager with a major international construction company working in Manama, I was somewhat perturbed with the statement that 'no contractor in Bahrain is committed to safety or welfare of the people'. I can report that all is not doom and gloom. We operate and implement a safety management system to which our top management team is totally committed both financially and operationally. All of our personnel receive safety induction training before commencing work and are provided with safety boots, helmets, safety glasses and hi-glow jackets as an absolute minimum. Additional equipment such as safety harnesses, visors, dust masks, ear protection etc are provided as required by the nature of activities. Scaffolds are erected by properly trained scaffolders and are inspected by our safety officers and engineering staff on an ongoing basis. Clean toilets and washing facilities are provide 0
107673 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Good and bad... IN response to Amira Al Hussaini's column (GDN, March 8) I would like to say that not all men are bad and not all ladies are good. There lies variation. I have seen men being physically abused (beaten up) by their wives and their grown children. The matter is not who is right and who is wrong, the fact is why do such things happen? Well, I have an answer that is lack of knowledge and ignorance of religion. Yousuf Sher Zaman 0
107674 0 1519 LETT LETTERS No mere reporter! THIS has reference to your news item 'Reporter honoured' (GDN, March 20). The honoured person M S Mani is not a mere reporter. Mr Mani is the chairman and editor-in-chief of Kerala Kaumudi group of publications, one of the leading print media network in India. Furthermore he hails from a well-known family in the forefront of charity, community and social work in Kerala during the past century. T M H 0
107675 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Sound judgement INTERIOR Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa showed the right way to deal with contentious political issues when he made clear to the organisers of last month's Ashoora commemorations the government's displeasure at the distribution of posters and slogans of foreign political and religious leaders. Thanks to Shaikh Rashid's intervention, the kingdom's largest extremist party has announced that in future its supporters will carry only Bahrain flags and not those of others. Any country that is feeling its way towards democracy needs decision-makers with sound political judgement, who can deliver results and crucially do not escalate matters. I hope that Shaikh Rashid's example is followed by other government ministries - for instance how much hassle could the kingdom have saved itself if it had tried the same approach with the three Internet bloggers? Hoora Resident 0
107676 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Parkers a nuisance I AM a tenant of the New Souk Building opposite Adhari Hotel. Recently the ministry cut the chain which was at the entrance to this building saying it is illegal. Now this entrance has become the parking place for private cars who are frequent visitors to the hotels. A pickup is parked in front of the entrance to this building and when needed it is moved so that vehicles can come inside. Private cars which are parked on Thursdays remain there until Saturday morning and in case of an emergency we are unable to bring the ambulance or fire brigade inside. I am requesting the ministry and the caretaker of this building (DTZ) to take necessary steps to keep the entrance accessible in case of emergency. A Tenant 0
107677 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Magic mushrooms I SEE that fresh mushrooms are rather expensive in Bahrain because they are imported while they can be cultivated locally with a some expertise and very little capital. Somebody should just go ahead and give it a shot. Mona 0
107678 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Excellent service RECENTLY I brought an LG TV. Today I received a call from a Dubai representative asking me about any problems with the TV. It was a small conversation, but made a lot of impact on my mind. LG and its staff, keep up the good work. What an excellent service. Lavin Noronha 0
107679 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Closed minds really sad... I would like to reply to Mr Ohm Muhammad regarding his letter "Titillation sad" (GDN March 21). What is sad is that he thinks it is OK for a 'normal' man to be aroused by a mannequin, dressed or not. This is not normal. In any way. Why does he think a woman is a bimbo if she is getting paid because of her looks, which just happens to make her company a little more money. Is that not what business is all about, pleasing the customer and making money. This is not sickening marketing. What is sickening is the close-mindedness of a large group of people trying to push their values and beliefs on everyone else. Simply because the 'West' sought new and better ways of selling its products, does not mean it's sickening. The West does not force people to take their values. I respect your right to speak out, but I don't believe Islam ever said anything about marketing lingerie. Traditional, maybe, for the culture. But please don't try to tie in religious beliefs into t 0
107680 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Why no fountain? I AM a regular visitor to the family park opened just opposite the Andalus Hotel. The beautiful water fountain has not been working for the past two months. I guess if it is there then it should be operational as it gives a relaxing feeling and sitting in the park is a joy for my children. I request the concerned people to start the water fountain again otherwise there is no point in investing in such good things if we don't get to see them. Amira 0
107681 0 1519 LETT LETTERS 'Plastic' not healthy OHM Muhammad claims that it is natural for healthy men to be 'aroused by plastic forms in lingerie' (GDN March 21). He also states that "there is hardly any moral left in the West, even normal husbands play pimp to their own wives." With all due respect, I find these comments intriguing. I personally do not know any men or women who find these dummies arousing and would think that if plastic is "healthy" for men the same might be true for women. It is true that women have been victims of trade and market forces but I do not think this trade stemmed from the West, as Ohm Muhammad suggests. This traditional male view of women as a 'commodity' has indeed been propagated by most nations. Contrary but with respect to Ohm Muhammad's belief, the prevailing Western view is that women and men should be faithful to each other. (Remember the outcry about President Clinton). Many husbands would not dare to risk losing their wives (which they can do under the law if the hus 0
107682 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Victorian values THIS is with reference to the two interesting columns published last week. Firstly, Les Horton's view (GDN March 17) on mannequins was entirely a Western idea. Anyone who lives or has lived a few months in a Western country cannot view this as wrong. Particularly, if you think that undergarment manufacturers have to sell their products like any other garments. But Eastern Societies still hold on to the Victorian principles. Aldous Huxley pointed out that the greatest event in the last century is the spreading of Western civilisation to Eastern countries. It is true that we can see that in every decade youngsters are more westernised than the previous one. But in any country the law corresponds to their civilisation and the attitudes of the people at that time. Hence conditions will have to be made for the majority of people to be comfortable within the framework of society. On the contrary, Amira's views (GDN March 18) on the abayas has failed to take note of the effect on the 0
107683 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Arthritis worry I AM working as a sales and marketing manager for a well reputed star rated hotel, under their sponsorship. My family will soon join me here in Bahrain on a family visa. But my wife is suffering from arthritis and needs a housemaid to help her with housework. My company has told me that they can do the needful to bring my family but cannot apply for an additional housemaid visa on the company account. I was told by some people in Bahrain that since I am a manager I am eligible to bring a housemaid on my personal sponsorship or something like it, please tell me if this is possible. If possible what are the formalities? If not, is there another option? Charles Roy A GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence spokesman said: "When an expatriate worker in Bahrain wishes to employ a housemaid under his own sponsorship, he must first approach the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs to apply for a work permit. "The application 0
107684 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Double-take! I was delighted, if not a little surprised, to see a photograph of Lord Nelson on Page 25 of your paper on Wednesday. I had hitherto -perhaps naively - assumed that no such photograph existed as I was sure that Horatio Nelson had died more than 20 years before the first photograph was taken in 1827. It's just a pity that your picture is undated, as there are several things about the image that intrigue me. The first is that I feel sure the subject must have been younger than the age of 36, when he lost the sight in his right eye at the siege of Calvi. In this regard it would be interesting to know the date of the photograph, as Lord Nelson is also depicted gesturing proudly with his right arm, which was of course amputated after the Battle of Santa Cruz in 1797. (He also seems to be displaying a fine set of teeth that would do a 21st century actor proud). Finally, the matter of his clothing is surely of great historical significance. Perhaps the photographer caught him 0
107685 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Students abused university forum YOUR paper published a report on March 8, 2005 about our university closing down the UCB Forum, which some students set up to air their views, carry serious discussions and debates to enrich student life on campus. We would like you to publish our point of view. University College Bahrain (UCB) is a national non-profit institution for higher learning chartered and accredited by a decision from the Council of Ministers in the Kingdom of Bahrain number 1649-03 issued on September 2, 2001. As set out in its charter, UCB's mission is to provide high quality education benchmarked against international academic standards to qualified students in the Kingdom and the region. UCB takes seriously its responsibilities to its students and makes every effort to provide students with an atmosphere of freedom and opportunities to exercise their democratic choices. As a result, we founded a Student Council elected democratically to express students' wishes and desires. We also respected 0
107686 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Banning mannequins 'would be a good start' I HAVE been thinking about this much-debated issue of mannequins wearing underwear in shop windows. As a Muslim, any issue I think about, I look at all the arguments and try to find what I believe to be the right answer. I believe that any man would feel 'something' when he sees a mannequin dressed in underwear. Isn't that the point to show how nice it looks to entice men and women to buy the product. So to say that it is not natural for a man to get aroused by a mannequin, I feel, is incorrect. After all that is the reason they make fancy underwear in the first place isn't it. In so-called 'free' societies, the morals have not been lost at all, but there certainly has been a great change over the years. It was unheard of 50 years ago for boyfriends and girlfriends to live together in the UK, now you are considered stupid if you don't. After all how would you ever 'know the person you are marrying' is the response so often used. Ladies only stared to wear mini-skirts in 0
107687 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Intolerance growing among the young I am a student and I haven't been reading this newspaper for a long time but I have been reading this column long enough to know that there is a lot of intolerance flying about. Not a single week goes by when there aren't any people poking hateful scathing letters down each others' throats about how my religion is better than yours for so and so reason and your society is the worst for - er - so and so reason. (cough "Abaya and Hijab' cough) I mean, come on, no society/religion/culture is perfect. It doesn't take a genius to figure that out. No person is perfect and as societies, religions and cultures are made up of people; how can they be perfect. Every way of life will definitely have some shortcomings. There are positive and negative points in each culture. Isn't anyone getting tired of all the letters about how this society should take a good long hard look at itself and how that society should - er - take a good long hard look at itself. It's nice to have opinions and al 0
107688 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Bird-brained idea WITH regard to the 'bird problem' whilst I openly applaud the 'Wise man from the West' for his commonsense reasoning (GDN, March 21), I do feel that this issue really ought to be addressed at grass roots level prior to a full blown parliamentary debate. In all cases of issue, it is standard procedure to firstly engage both parties in a preliminary meeting, informal initially, maybe with drinky poo's and canaps, to create that essential environment of a relaxed atmosphere, where antagonists from both sides can take advantage of Press coverage, pose for the cameras and generally get to know one another. Lots of inane grinning and smiling are mandatory, difficult for the birds but open bill will suffice. Clearly the next step is to appoint an "executive committee', one either side and reconvene at a different venue, (drinks optional, but water bottle in front of each representative essential) and conduct another meeting in order to establish a 'framework' within which both parties 0
107689 0 1519 LETT LETTERS A gifted writer FINALLY the star gets his due respect and recognition. But not even the best accolades can give him the recognition and respect he deserves. An author who writes from his heart and not for an award is a true gift to society. A person like D Jayakanthan provides society with a third perspective, towards issues that had been swept under the rug for years. Jnanpith, the greatest and prestigious award for Indian Iiterature is conferred on Jayakanthan, the creative and outstanding writer from Tamil Nadu. Every Tamil-speaking Indian will be proud of this remarkable achievement. Jayakanthan, 71, has to his credit about 40 novels, 200 short stories and 15 collections of essays besides some translations. He is the second Tamil writer after Mr Akhilon to get this award. Mr Jayakanthan, has not only enriched the high literary tradition of Tamil language, but has also made an immense contribution towards shaping up of Indian literature. The works of Mr Jayakant 0
107690 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Reiki help at hand APROPOS the letter of Mahesh (GDN, March 23) seeking a professional in reiki, pranic healing, stress management and memory training. I am qualified in all these disciplines and available in Bahrain to fulfil all such requirements. I can also cater to the needs of those who are interested in yoga therapy for asthma, hypertension, CP, migraine, sinusitis, digestive disorders, depression and anxiety. Other courses include executive health programme in stress-management through yoga and children's yoga education for development of mental potentialities with a view to improve memory power, concentration, learning skills and ability to face examination without strain After having served as the head and chief professional of the Yoga Centre of the renowned Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort under the India Tourism Development Corporation for 20 years, I have been working as visiting consultant in holistic health centres in India and Europe. Contact No: 39526013, e-mail: drrajasek 0
107691 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Family visa poser? I HAVE been working as a secretary in an organisation for almost two years on a general work visa. I would like to bring my family for which the management does not have any objection. What formalities do I have to fulfil. I was appointed for the above job since there was no visa available with the company and I was promised that the same could be done at a later date. Please advise whom I should approach. Name and Address supplied EDITOR'S note: The General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence has advised readers applying for a family visa that the wife must be under the same local sponsor as her husband. The following documents are then required by the NPR Directorate: A request letter from the local sponsor A certificate showing that the employee's salary is not less than BD250 per month A copy of the valid commercial registration of the company the employee is working for A copy of the employee's r 0
107692 0 1519 LETT LETTERS Are players just puppets? WITH reference to the third day's play of the second cricket Test match played between Pakistan and India, the century umpire - Steve Bucknor officiating in his 100th Test - deprived India's Sachin Tendulkar from scoring his 35th world record century by judging him out on 52. Television replays clearly showed that the ball was nowhere near the bat, and except the bowler nobody else appealed for the caught behind. The game was going smoothly and both the umpires were in no way under any kind of pressure except from Tendulkar who was persistently complaining about the bad light. Now, my question is whether it is Tendulkar, Australia's Ricky Ponting or Brian Lara of the West Indies, don't they have any right to appeal to the third umpire when they really know that they are not out. It is really disgusting to see a class player walking back to the pavilion with his head down, trying to control his emotions. It really looked like the players were just puppets and the umpire is the ultimate aut 0
107693 0 1519 LETT LETTERS US visa ban on Modi is justified THIS refers to the news article 'US slammed for denying visa to Modi' (GDN, March 19). In my opinion this is rightly justified and I wonder why certain politicians and diplomats are raising a hue and cry about this. In the first place the US has rejected the visa application based on the reports of the NHRC - India (National Human Rights Commission of India) which proves that Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is guilty and had played a role in it. His role during the riots in Gujarat in 2002 has been condemned worldwide and above all his government failed to control violation of rights or certain violation of religious freedom. In a beautiful country like India where religious freedom is upheld and given due respect by the democratic constitution and its laws, certain incidents like the 2002 Gujarat riots have caused shame to democracy and the nation. Modi, a member of the political Hindu hard-line Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) failed in his duties to protect the rights of the minoriti 0
107694 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Chelsea chief Kenyon hits back at Uefa LONDON: Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon claimed yesterday the English Premiership leaders have little chance of receiving a fair hearing from European soccer governing body Uefa when they answer disrepute charges next week. Kenyon rejected claims Chelsea lied about Frank Rijkaard meeting referee Anders Frisk at half-time during their Champions League tie in Barcelona. And he believes that Uefa have inflamed the situation by calling Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, his assistant Steve Clarke and security officer Les Miles "liars". Uefa charged Mourinho, Clarke and Miles with bringing the game into disrepute for making 'false declarations' in a report which alleged Barcelona coach Rijkaard visited Frisk's dressing room at the Nou Camp. Mourinho is also charged with failing to appear at the post-match news conference and the club are also up for the team's late arrival on to the pitch for the second-half. These charges were to be looked into yesterday, with the ch 0
107695 0 1519 SPOR SPORT New Ferrari car set for Bahrain debut MARANELLO, Italy: Ferrari will give their new F2005 car its race debut in Bahrain next week as the reigning world champions look to improve on a disappointing start to the Formula One season. "In the next race we will have the new car on the track," said Ferrari's managing director Jean Todt last night. "The tests we have had at Mugello this week, where our drivers took the car out for the first time, have confirmed its potential. The contrasting results of the first two races gave us a positive incentive. "Along with (tyre suppliers) Bridgestone, we decided to accelerate the development programme and we believe the combination of the various new elements will allow us to get back on the attack. "I have to say that I am very happy with the way the team and all our partners have reacted to try and quickly return to our true level of competitiveness." 0
107696 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Bahrain debut for new Ferrari car LONDON: Formula One champions Ferrari have decided to bring forward the race debut of their new car to Bahrain on April 3 after Renault ran away with the first two Grands Prix of the season. "We'll take two new cars to Bahrain," said a Ferrari spokesman after a meeting at the Maranello factory yesterday. "We have all the parts. We will need to work a lot but everything will be ready for the race." Ferrari had planned to debut the F2005 in Spain in May, the fifth round of the season, after starting with a modified version of the title-winning F2004 that triumphed in 15 of 18 races last year. Renault's early season form and the F2004's obvious lack of relative pace forced their hand, with seven-times champion Michael Schumacher testing the car for the first time at the Mugello circuit on Wednesday. Renault lead the constructors' championship with 26 points while Ferrari have 10. Schumacher failed to finish the season-opener in Australia and was seventh in Mala 0
107697 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Junior netball league winners are honoured THE Bahrain Junior Netball League held its end of season awards ceremony at the American Express Rugby Club premises in Saar. Seven teams representing Sri Lanka, Dilmun and Rugby Club took part in the nine-to-14-years age group league and two teams in the under-nine High Fives. Sri Lanka Tharu with 12 wins from 12 matches took the league title. Sri Lanka Muthu were second and Dilmun Dodgers third. The other teams were Dilmun Eagles, Dilmun Kids, Rugby Gold and Rugby Diamonds. Sri Lanka also won the High Fives while Rugby Gems finished second. Team sponsors were Power Horse, Energade and Dilu Jewellers. Awards (team names in brackets): Shanika D'Costa (Sri Lanka Tharu); Shenali Perera (Sri Lanka Muthu); Sokra Berquist (Rugby Club); Donica Kruger (Rugby Diamonds); Olivia Broadley (Dilmun Eagles); Natasha Park (Dilmun Dodgers); Georgia Nixon (Dilmun Kids); Thilini Perera (Sri Lanka); Romy Berquist (Rugby Gems). 0
107698 1 1519 SPOR SPORT RUN RIOT BANGALORE: Inzamam-ul-Haq celebrated his 100th Test with a gem of a century and Younis Khan made an unbeaten 127 to lead Pakistan's fightback in the third and final Test against India here yesterday.Pakistan lost two wickets for seven runs before posting 323 for two at stumps on the opening day, thanks to an unfinished 316-run stand for the third wicket between Inzamam (184 not out) and vice-captain Younis Khan. Younis, who scored 147 in the second Test at Calcutta, completed his second successive Test hundred to play a big role in Pakistan's revival. This was his eighth ton in 35 Tests. Pakistan are attempting to force a series-levelling win after losing the Calcutta Test by 195 runs. The first Test in Mohali ended in a draw. Inzamam did everything right in his special match, first giving his team a big advantage by winning the toss on a good batting track and then completing a fluent 21st Test hundred under pressure to steer his team to safety. The Pakistani captain over 0
107699 2 1519 SPOR SPORT Brazilians aim to avoid Cup trauma RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazil will attempt to take a decisive step towards the 2006 World Cup in the next five days while Argentina face the dreaded trip to face Bolivia at 3,600 metres above sea level in the qualifiers.Brazil, the only country to have played at every World Cup, are determined to avoid the trauma of their 2002 qualifying campaign when they booked their place in Japan/South Korea only in the last of their 18 matches. They are hoping that three points against Peru in Goiania on Sunday, followed by another win in Uruguay three days later, will help their quest to qualify for Germany with games to spare and no last-minute scares. Brazil, who were held to a goalless home draw by Colombia and lost 1-0 in Ecuador in their last two qualifiers, are second in the 10-nation group with 20 points from their 11 games. Argentina, who play at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz tomorrow, lead the way with 22 points from 11. Argentina, who drew 3-3 on their last visit to Bolivi 0
107700 3 1519 SPOR SPORT Bahrainis set for North Korea duel PYONGYANG: Undermanned, abandoned by their coach and in hostile territory, Bahrain enter today's World Cup qualifying showdown against the steely North Koreans with their backs to the wall. The match starts, 9.30am today.Bahrain arrived in chilly Pyongyang on Wednesday, after three days of training in neighbouring China, without Srecko Juricic, their Croatian coach who quit suddenly last month, and injured star striker Ala'a Hubail. Fellow forward Rashid Jamal was with the squad but is also under an injury cloud and appears unlikely to start, according to officials travelling with the team. In contrast, the North Koreans appeared relaxed and confident during training on Wednesday at Kim Il-Sung stadium, the venue for today's clash. Yesterday, North Korean coach Yun Jong-Su told reporters at a very brief Press conference his team had been training solidly for over a week in Pyongyang after a successful camp aign in Taiwan earlier in the month to qualify for the East Asian Football 0
107701 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Knicks end Boston run TORONTO: Jamal Crawford scored 21 points to help the New York Knicks end Boston's seven-game winning streak with a convincing 107-82 victory over the Celtics in NBA action yesterday. The host Knicks won for the third time in four games, and for the first time in four outings against the Celtics this season to avoid a series sweep. The contest featured seven technical fouls and one flagrant foul in the first-half as the 11th-place Knicks handed Boston its second loss in 13 games since acquiring Antoine Walker. Boston, which had scored 100 or more points in six straight games, shot 38 per cent as it was held to a season-low points total. Trevor Ariza added 14 points for the Knicks while Tim Thomas and Maurice Taylor had 13 apiece. Walker led Boston with 13 points and 10 rebounds but shot 5-for-20 from the field. No other Celtic hit double figures in scoring. In Charlotte, Shawn Marion registered 26 points and 10 rebounds as the Phoenix Suns beat the Bobcats 0
107702 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Inzamam thrilled with 'special ton' BANGALORE: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, who marked his 100th Test with a superb century against India yesterday, said he had been determined to lead from the front. "The responsibility to show the way brought the best out of me. It was a special occasion which became super-special with a hundred," said Inzamam, who scored an unbeaten 184 on the opening day of the third and final Test. Pakistan are seeking a series-levelling win after losing the second Test in Calcutta. The first Test in Mohali was drawn. Inzamam's 21st Test century rallied the visitors, who had lost openers Shahid Afridi (nought) and Yasir Hameed (six) in the opening three overs with just seven runs on the board. The Pakistan captain bolstered the innings with an unfinished 316-run stand for the third wicket with Younis Khan (127 not out) to help his team reach a healthy 323-2 at stumps. "It was a setback to lose two quick wickets after winning the toss on a good batting pitch," said Inzamam. 0
107703 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Ferrero and Rusedski advance in Miami clash MIAMI: Former French Open champion Juan Carlos Ferrero had to wait for a tropical cloudburst to pass before overcoming American Brendan Evans 6-2, 6-4 in the first round of the Nasdaq-100 Open yesterday. American James Blake eased past Dane Kenneth Carlsen 6-3, 6-2 to set up a meeting with fifth seed Carlos Moya of Spain while Britain's Greg Rusedski came from a set down to defeat Italian Andreas Seppi 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Ferrero won the first set comfortably and appeared to be cruising to a straight-sets victory over Evans when predicted thunderstorms arrived at the Crandon Park Tennis Centre. Lightning initially stopped play with the Spaniard serving at 5-4 in the second set but rain soon poured down and continued long enough to keep the players off court for an hour and 33 minutes. Once the rain stopped and the court driers had done their work, the players returned for the few minutes it took for Ferrero to seal his second-round place. Rusedski now plays 2002 Austral 0
107704 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Mosley happy with rule changes LONDON: Formula One's new rules have succeeded in slowing cars and cutting costs significantly, International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley said yesterday. Hailing an "excellent start" to the season, Mosley congratulated tyre and engine suppliers for their efforts. "The drop in performance predicted by the Formula One technical directors has been achieved in the first two races," he said. "Had the rules not been changed it is reasonable to assume that the reduction in lap times (increase in speeds) from 2004 to 2005 would have been about the same as it was from 2003 to 2004," added Mosley. The FIA pushed through rules changes on safety grounds last year after expressing concern that cornering speeds were becoming too dangerous. Engines must now last for two successive Grands Prix, twice the previous distance, while drivers must use the same set of tyres for qualifying and the race. By way of illustration, Mosley said the best race lap times in A 0
107705 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Abdulla and Muath claim cycling titles MUATH Al Mannai and Abdulla Al Mahroos, both of Al Iman School, claimed the intermediate and secondary stages titles respectively in the sixth cycling race organised by Al Iman School's physical education unit in co-operation with the Bahrain Cycling Association. Al Iman School dominated the top three positions in both sections as Ahmed Al Mannai and Yousef Daij took second and third positions respectively in the intermediate stage. Mohammed Al Mahroos and Abdulrahman Al Meran followed suit in the secondary stage by finishing second and third. The event consisted of races for intermediate and secondary grade students. More than 60 cyclists representing Al Iman, East Riffa, Al Falah, Middle East and Bahraini Saudi Centre Schools took part in the event. BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa presented prizes to the winners. The school management thanked Batelco and Little Italy for sponsoring the event. 0
107706 0 1519 SPOR SPORT Pocari XI set up Neon showdown Bahrain Neon XI defeated Elames Trading and Contracting CC by 61 runs and Pocari Sweat XI beat Challenger CC to book places in the final of the Jawad Business Group International Cricket League Winter Trophy at the MCC ground. Batting first in wet conditions, Bahrain Neon notched up a challenging 179 for seven in 25 overs with openers Mohammed Suheel (34 from 24 deliveries including three fours) and Wajid Ali (45 from 48, three fours) putting on 49 for the first wicket in 7.1 overs. Wajid shared useful partnerships with Atifkhan and Jameel Raja (47 from 21, four fours and two sixes) and moving the score along to 116 for three by the end of the 17th over. Spinner Mohammed Sharif (two for 32), Mohammed Shahid (three for 35) and Arvindkumar (two for 41) were the pick of the bowlers. Elames struggled and were reeling at 27 for two in the seventh over after Mohammed Rafi (two for 19) removed openers Moideen Anwar and Sanjay Das (17) in quick succession. Elames also lost 0
107707 0 1519 WORL WORLD New UK push for 'designer babies' LONDON: Proposals to allow British parents having fertility treatment to choose the sex of their unborn baby split an influential group of legislators yesterday, reigniting the debate over "designer babies". Couples should be able to decide the gender of the embryo being implanted to balance out families, parliament's cross-party Science and Technology Committee said in a report. But half of the committee's 11 members rejected the findings as "unbalanced and light on ethics". Critics say sex selection would turn unborn babies into consumer items and could pave the way for parents choosing other characteristics such as hair or eye colour. "On balance we find no adequate justification for prohibiting the use of sex selection for family balancing," the report concluded. But legislators added: "The use and destruction of embryos does raise ethical issues and there are grounds for caution." The onus should be on opponents of sex selection for social reasons to show harm 0
107708 1 1519 WORL WORLD Home minister's brother is killed SRINAGAR: Suspected Islamic militants shot dead seven people in Kashmir including the elder brother of the Himalayan region's home minister.Mohammed Akram, the brother of minister Abdul Rehman Veeri, was gunned down by suspected militants in the town of Bijbehara, 40 km south of Srinagar, police said. "A civilian passer-by was also injured in the militant shooting," a police spokesman said. Veeri is a leader of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed's People's Democratic Party (PDP). None of the dozen rebel groups active in Kashmir have claimed responsibility for the daylight slaying. Earlier in the day, three Muslims were killed in separate incidents in the northern district of Baramulla, a police spokesman said. He said three more Muslims were shot dead in the districts of Poonch, Anantnag and Pulwama yesterday. Police said the murders were carried out by militants. The killings came as Veeri announced that municipal councillors would get more security and protecte 0
107709 0 1519 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain GOOD Friday service by the English language congregation, National Evangelical Church, 9.30am. Indian Orthodox Church bishop, the most Rev Dr Thomas Mar Athanasius to lead the Good Friday service, Al Ahli Club auditorium, 8am-4pm. Holy Week and Easter programme, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, Good Friday service, an hour at the foot of the Cross and activity for children, 9.30am-10.30am. Performance by the Inertia Band, British Club, Sports lounge, 5pm. Contact 17728245. Al Saqafa, an evening with Mushtaq Ahmed Yousufi, Sheraton Hotel, Al Taj Ballroom, 8.30pm. Contact 39462532. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's labour inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's trafficking people hotline: 17870196. Sunset cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching depar 0
107710 0 1519 WORL WORLD Ringtone option in rapper's song LONDON: The new CD single Baby from rapper Fabolous allows UK consumers to choose which part of the song they want to use as a mobile phone ringtone, a feature that Warner Music said yesterday was a first for the industry. Until now, the 30-second ringtone clips packaged with singles have been pre-determined by record companies. The Fabolous single from Warner's Atlantic Records, which includes built-in software that lets listeners isolate any part of the song and load it onto their phones, retails for 3.99 (BD2.840), the same price as other CD singles. "It's the next step for music lovers," said Crispin Futrille, whose company Bounce supplied Warner with the technology. "Ultimately the idea is to get this included on all CDs." Record companies are seeking new ways to capitalise on the desire among consumers to use their favourite songs as ringtones as the industry reshapes itself amid a fight against piracy and illegal downloading. Some analyst estimates have pu 0
107711 0 1519 WORL WORLD Belfast sisters rule out poll role DUBLIN: Five Belfast sisters who have been campaigning against the Irish Republican Army's killing of their brother said they will not run for public office in Northern Ireland. The sisters, who were guests of US President George Bush at the White House on St Patrick's Day, had been considering the possibility of running for seats on Belfast City Council or the British Parliament. Both elections are expected in early May. But Paula McCartney, who had been the most likely to run, said all five sisters had decided they didn't want to be politicians. She said they just wanted justice for their 33-year-old brother, Robert, who was stabbed and beaten to death outside a Belfast pub. The family alleges up to a dozen IRA members destroyed forensic and video-surveillance evidence and warned witnesses to keep quiet. "If we went into the elections, our attention would be distracted by other issues. We want to concentrate solely on resolving the issue of Robert's murder," she said at 0
107712 0 1519 WORL WORLD Euthanasia ruling blow to parents WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court refused yesterday to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, dealing a major blow to relatives of the severely brain-damaged Florida woman, whose tragic right-to-die case has transfixed and divided the US public. "The application for stay of enforcement of judgement ... is denied," the US high court said which marked the fifth time the Supreme Court declined to intervene in the Schiavo case. Outside the court building, George Felos, the attorney for Terri's husband Michael, said the ruling was likely the final denouement in the 15-year saga that began when his wife stopped breathing temporarily after a sudden heart attack. "We are very grateful for the court's ruling," said Felos. "We believe that effectively ends the litigation in this case." Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, filed their appeal with the US Supreme Court on Wednesday after exhausting numerous other legal and legislative options over the past several days. HOUSTON, Texas: The death toll from an explosion at the third-biggest oil refinery in the United States rose to 15 as investigators sifted through the debris at the huge BP facility near here. The discovery of the body of a missing worker took the number of killed to 15, with more than 100 others injured, Lord Browne said. An investigative team from the US government's Chemical Safety Board was already on site to try to find the cause of the explosion. 0
107714 0 1519 WORL WORLD Nigerian granted Ireland re-entry DUBLIN: A young Nigerian deported just months before his school exams will be allowed to return to Ireland, the country's justice minister said, bowing to protests from pupils, teachers and the church. Minister Michael McDowell, who firmly defended Olukunle Elukanlo's expulsion, said he had been wrong and that, having slept on it, he now felt the 20-year-old should be allowed to finish his schooling. It was a little bit harsh as a decision," he told journalists after criticism that his unswerving stance showed a lack of compassion. "The best thing to do in the circumstances was to stop digging and do the right thing." Kunle, as he is known to fellow pupils at Palmerstown Community School in Dublin, was arrested and put on a charter flight back to Nigeria earlier this month, denying him the chance to sit school-leaving examinations in June. Properties seized BELFAST: Anti-racketeering authorities seized 49 properties yesterday worth 4.8 million ($9.1m, BD3.4m) from a suspected drug deal 0
107715 0 1519 WORL WORLD No title specified SYDNEY: A British-born man due to be deported after spending 37 years in Australian jails on child sex offences will remain behind bars until July 1, 2005, while possible new charges against him are investigated, officials said yesterday. Western Australian state Attorney General Jim McGinty had said convicted paedophile Robert Excell would be deported to Britain within days, but that decision was put on hold after new allegations surfaced. McGinty said he had talked to the state's parole board about the allegations made by a former prisoner who had been in jail with Excell, 66. Excell has spent 37 of the past 39 years in jail for a string of child sex convictions dating back to 1965. A lawyer acting for a former prisoner, named only as "John", said earlier yesterday that his client claimed Excell had raped him in 1992 and 1998 while they were in jail in Perth, the Western Australian capital. Excell was to have been released because of his age and poor health. 0
107716 0 1519 WORL WORLD Gang chops off man's fingers HONG KONG: Surgeons were battling to save the fingers of a British man after he was attacked with a meat cleaver in a gangland-style Hong Kong attack, police said Thursday. Ben Ford, 32, was hacked in the hands, arms and legs as he climbed into a taxi outside an up-market recreation club in the southern Chinese enclave on late Sunday night. Police said one of Ford's little fingers was severed in the attack. Witnesses at the club said the attackers, four Asian males, sped off in a private car. Ford had volunteered at the club as a barman for a party after an international rugby tournament. Friends of Ford at the Valley Rugby Club, which hosted the party, said they believed the attack was a case of mistaken identity. In an emailed statement to members, they alleged the gang had been called by the girlfriend of a drunken man ejected from the party by security staff. The email said Ford "had no part in the preceding events whatever." 0
107717 0 1519 WORL WORLD Police raids rapped by Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia clipped the wings of its religious police yesterday, warning that it did not want to be like Afghanistan under Taliban rule, and ordered national police supervision of their controversial raids. The religious police stirred a storm of protest with heavy-handed behaviour during a January raid on a nightclub in the Malaysian capital, and in another incident by detaining a transsexual person visiting the home of Muslim friends. "This is a very serious matter, we do not want to see Malaysia turning into Afghanistan during the Taliban (rule)," said Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, the minister who announced the change. "If this is not stopped, it may happen," he said. Nazri, a minister in Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's department, said the cabinet was unhappy at the haphazard manner in which the raids were done and wanted them to be more orderly. Raids by religious police must now first be approved by the district's chief of police, and senior police of 0
107718 0 1519 WORL WORLD Islamabad retracts over passports ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's government yesterday approved the controversial restoration of a section identifying people's religion in the country's new passports, in a move seen as a surrender to Islamic radicals. Religious groups were outraged late last year when the travel documents were redesigned and issued without the section, saying military ruler President Pervez Musharraf was bowing to US pressure to secularise Pakistan. "The cabinet meeting under Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has approved the recommendation of a ministerial committee to restore the religion column in the passports," Information Minister Sheikh Rashid said after the meeting. 0
107719 0 1519 WORL WORLD Murder sparks alert in Gilgit GILGIT, Pakistan: Security forces patrolled the streets of the northern Pakistani city of Gilgit yesterday after the murder of a former regional police chief and his four guards, officials said. Gunmen ambushed senior officer Sakhiullah Tareen late on Wednesday near the Himalayan gateway town. The attack also left his four guards dead and his son and daughter-in-law seriously wounded. "The city is tense but have taken adequate security measures to prevent any outbreak of violence," Gilgit's current police chief Sarmad Khan said. Paramilitary reinforcements had been called in, he added. An interior ministry official in Islamabad said the dead man was on a sectarian militant hitlist and had been warned to take adequate precautions. Soldiers punished KATHMANDU: Nepal's army has taken action against 109 soldiers found guilty of violating human rights while battling Maoist rebels, including send some to jail, the military said yesterday. "The army in its investigation has fou 0
107720 0 1519 WORL WORLD US pop diva checks into drugs clinic NEW YORK: Troubled US pop diva Whitney Houston has checked into a rehabilitation clinic for the second time in one year, her publicist's office said yesterday. Houston, who has waged a lengthy and public battle with drug addiction, entered the undisclosed facility at her own request, according to a brief statement from Nancy Seltzer Associates. The multi-Grammy winner spent five days in a rehab clinic in March last year. The 41-year-old diva and her husband, controversial R and B singer Bobby Brown, have long been the subject of tabloid headlines linking them to drugs. In a television interview in late 2002, Houston acknowledged hard drug use, saying that she had abused cocaine, marijuana, alcohol and prescription drugs, but denying that she had used highly addictive crack cocaine. 0
107721 0 1519 WORL WORLD HIV row man rearrested BANGKOK: A one-legged German at the centre of an HIV scare involving hundreds of Thai women and girls was arrested and set to be deported for a second time in 10 days, police said yesterday. Hans-Otto Schiemann, 54, who claims to be infected with HIV and had unprotected sex with hundreds of Thais, was arrested on Wednesday in Chaiyaphum province, three days after re-entering the country through Thailand's main international airport despite being blacklisted. "He is under detention at immigration in Bangkok awaiting deportation," Chaiyaphum police Lieutenant Colonel Kampol Nonuch said. "He cannot be in Thailand, as he was listed as persona non grata." Kampol said Schiemann, a one-legged army veteran, was deported from Thailand March 14 for overstaying his 30-day visa. He was blacklisted last Friday, but his name was not put into immigration's computer until lst Monday, one day after Schiemann re-entered the kingdom. 0
107722 0 1519 WORL WORLD Pope following Easter events VATICAN CITY: A month to the day since undergoing a throat operation to help him breathe, Pope John Paul II's battle with ever frail health forced him to watch on television as cardinals began the most intense period of the Easter ceremonies in St Peter's basilica. "From my apartment through television, I am spiritually amongst you, my beloved," the 84-year-old Pope said in a message read out by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at a Holy Thursday ceremony. Battista Re paid tribute to John Paul II's stoicism, saying his suffering was a "serene example of his abandonment to God which links him to the mystery of the Cross". Battista Re was standing in for the Pope, missing the Easter ceremonies for the first time in his 26-year pontificate, as ranks of cardinals, bishops, priests and pilgrims packed St Peter's and choral music swept through the Renaissance basilica. At another ceremony in Milan's Duomo, Cardinal Dionigi Tettamanzi paid tribute to John Paul II's "strong a 0
107723 0 1519 WORL WORLD Stasi secret police files on Kohl are released BERLIN: Parts of a vast archive on former German chancellor Helmut Kohl compiled by the notorious East German Stasi secret police were released yesterday for the first time but under heavy restrictions. Two files of documents were made available in Berlin to a select group of researchers and journalists, under orders not to publish them, while references in the papers to Kohl's personal life were blacked out. A Kohl spokesman said in a statement that "in all around 1,000 pages of a total of 7,000 pages that the secret police gathered on him". The information was focused essentially on politics in West Germany. The move follows years of legal efforts by Kohl, who led then West Germany when the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and supervised the unification process with the former Communist east, to have the archives suppressed. Many observers have speculated that the files on wiretaps the Stasi carried out between 1982 and 1989 could include information linked to a party funding s 0
107724 0 1519 WORL WORLD Call to curb lawlessness RAMALLAH: Palestinian MPs yesterday urged the Palestinian Authority to quell rampant lawlessness in the occupied territories, demanding long-awaited security reforms be implemented as soon as possible. Parliament also passed a resolution reproaching security chiefs for a "lack of attentiveness in taking action to stop the situation from deteriorating". MPs approved the text after listening to the findings of a report drawn up by the parliamentary human rights committee, which heavily criticised the security services. The report condemned the "constant increase in the number of murders and shooting incidents in the Palestinian territories" and a growth in "public disorder and incidents showing a lack of respect for judicial decisions". Meanwhile, opponents of Israel's plan to withdraw from Gaza desperately scrambled to win support for a referendum on the pullout as the government sailed towards victory at a crunch vote on the 2005 budget. Opponents are battling to g 0
107725 0 1519 WORL WORLD Tehran 'has built secret nuclear storage tunnel' VIENNA: Iranian engineers have built a secret underground storage area for use as a uranium enrichment facility in a restricted military area of interest to the UN nuclear watchdog agency, an Iranian exile said yesterday. Alireza Jafarzadeh said in a phone call from Washington that the "camouflaged tunnel-like facility" was completed recently at Parchin, a sprawling Iranian military complex about 30km southeast of Tehran. An Iranian official dismissed the allegation as "ridiculous" and a senior diplomat familiar with the International Atomic Energy Agency - the UN watchdog - said the IAEA was unaware of such developments. But the diplomat said that if such construction did occur without the agency being notified, it would constitute a violation of an agreement by the Iranians to suspend all uranium-enrichment activity. The freeze is in effect while Iran and European negotiators discuss ways of banishing international suspicions that Iran wants to use the technology to mak 0
107726 0 1519 WORL WORLD Gadaffi apology plea GAZA: The Palestinian Authority yesterday demanded an apology from Libyan leader Muammar Gadaffi for saying Palestinians were "idiots" in seeking their own state alongside Israel. Gadaffi made the remarks during a fiery speech at an Arab Summit in Algiers on Wednesday. "We have asked Gadaffi to apologise to the Palestinian people for words ... that offended the feelings of all Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims," said Tayeb Abdel-Rahim, secretary of the Palestinian presidency. 0
107727 2 1519 WORL WORLD Fischer feels great on way to Iceland COPENHAGEN: Chess legend Bobby Fischer made a brief stop-over in Denmark last night on his way from Tokyo to Iceland, which granted him citizenship earlier this week enabling him to avoid deportation to the United States."Okay. Great, great," a tired-looking Fischer said when asked how he felt about travelling to his new home country. Sporting a thick white beard and dressed in a striped sweater and jeans, Fischer declined further comment, setting off on an airport shopping tour with his companion, Miyoko Watai, a four-time Japan women's chess champion. The former world champion had been in detention in Japan since last July when he was taken into custody for travelling on what US officials said was an invalid US passport. Fischer was scheduled to fly from Copenhagen later to Reykjavik where he won the world title in 1972 by beating Soviet champion Boris Spassky in a classic Cold War encounter. He could have faced prison and fines in the United States, where he is wanted f 0
107728 3 1519 WORL WORLD Five troops die in friendly fire BAGHDAD: Police mistook a group of Iraqi soldiers wearing civilian garb for insurgents yesterday and opened fire, sparking a 10-minute gunbattle that left five dead in Rabia, northern Iraq.In Baghdad, hundreds of electricity workers demanded an end to terror attacks that have killed many of their colleagues. The soldiers in Rabia, 145km west of Mosul, were dressed in street clothes and were armed, confusing police, according to the region's police chief, Ahmed Mohammed Khalaf. Three soldiers and two police were killed and another eight wounded in the exchange of friendly fire. In the former rebel stronghold of Fallujah, police patrolled the streets and imposed a sudden, late-afternoon curfew. They also set up checkpoints and searched cars in the city. Earlier, a battle broke out in the northern Jolan neighbourhood between unidentified gunmen and Iraqi security forces, witnesses said. In Baghdad, hundreds of electricity workers saying they were fed up with sometimes deadly 0
107729 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Man 'blackmailed sex trap victims' A PAKISTANI man has been accused of blackmailing three teenagers after luring them into a sex trap. The 35-year-old allegedly plied them with alcohol, then photographed them having sex with girls. His alleged victims are two Bahraini boys, aged 16 and 19 and a 17-year-old Indian boy. A Bahraini jeweller, the father of the 16-year-old, is charged with assaulting and injuring the Pakistani man after his son told him what was happening. The Pakistani was arrested in November 2003, after the offences came to light, the Lower Criminal Court heard. He is charged with fraud, blackmail and smearing the reputations of three teenagers, as well as being in Bahrain illegally after failing to renew his residence permit. The 45-year-old Bahraini father told police that one night his son arrived home drunk and when he questioned him he said he had been with his 17-year-old Indian friend. "But the next day I made some enquiries and found out that my son and his 19 0
107730 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Special dental clinic opened BAHRAIN'S first dental clinic for down syndrome children has opened. A ceremony marking the opening of the clinic was held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. The BD30,000 clinic, located in the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society in Adliya, is a goal achieved after more than two years of gathering financial support. "We have been working on setting up the clinic for over two years, but there was a lack of financial support," said society's president Dr Mohammed Al Mannai. "However, thanks to a donation of the Rotary Club of Manama of BD20,000, we have been able to achieve this goal." He also lauded the support of the Health Ministry, which provided BD5,000 worth of equipment as well as a doctor and assistant to be present once or twice a week. "This was coupled with the backing of the Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder, who issued directives for the renovation of several rooms at the society's premises to house the clinic," said Dr 0
107731 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL BD16,000 stolen AN Indian accountant is accused of embezzling BD15,727 from the Avis car rental company, in Manama. He allegedly pocketed the money over a period of just three months and transferred it electronically into an overseas account via the Internet. The 27-year-old, who was employed as the company's accounts manager, has denied the charge and claimed he deposited the money with HSBC bank. However, police checks have revealed no such deposits were made, the Lower Criminal Court heard. "The company manager came and told me there was a shortage in the company funds and blamed me for this shortage," said the defendant in his statement to police. "He asked me where the money was that was missing from the company accounts. "I told him I have not taken any money from the company. He threatened me and said he would fire me. "I asked him to employ an auditor and audit the company accounts. "After this he told me to leave the office and not come back unless 0
107732 2 1520 BNEW LOCAL New centre for women on way A NEW cultural and Islamic centre for women could soon be opened in Muharraq.A proposal for the new centre was submitted to Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. It was submitted during his visit to Samaheej and Dair villages, which was instigated by His Majesty King Hamad following a meeting with residents last month. Shaikh Abdulla was accompanied by Justice Minister Dr Mohammed Al Sitri, Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi, Islamic Affairs Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Fareed Al Moftah, Shura Council second vice-chairman Mansoor Bin Rajab and parliament legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman Ali Al Samaheeji. Municipal councillor Hussain Isa gave a brief presentation about residents' problems at the Samaheej Club during the visit. In response, the minister promised to look into residents' requests, which include registering non-registered ma'tams and mosques under the Jaffari Waqf (endowment) Directorate. Three dil 0
107733 1 1520 BNEW LOCAL COURT ACTION MANAMA MANAMA: A Bahraini political society is being taken to court by the Interior Ministry for defying a ban on unlawful rally yesterday afternoon. "The Al Wefaq National Islamic Society has broken the law and will face legal measures," Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said, in a statement last night. "The rally in Sitra was banned to prevent the situation from escalating as there were plans for counter rallies. This would have undermined public security and harmed economic activities," he said. Tensions prevailing in the region, following security threats, were reasons enough to ban the rally, said Shaikh Rashid. "Freedom of opinion through democratic channels is embedded in the constitution and endorsed by law," he said, reiterating the ministry's commitment to ensure respect for the law and protect rights and public freedom. "The rally and all issues related to the constitution should be debated through legal channels. "Being a part of the GCC 0
107734 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Roundabouts to be razed MANAMA: Bahrain is to get rid of all roundabouts as part of a national programme to revamp its roads network. Sanad Roundabout will be the first to be razed this year, followed by the Pearl Roundabout and those at Sehla and Government Avenue, Works and Housing Assistant Under-Secretary for Roads and Sewerage Essam Khalaf said. Razing a roundabout on a main highway would cost up to BD500,000 while installing new traffic lights up to BD30,000, he added. 0
107735 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini jailed for kissing girl A 28-YEAR-OLD unemployed Bahraini was jailed for three months after he kissed a 14-year-old girl on the cheek and held her hand. She later told police that the man, who she referred to as her boyfriend, would call her on her mobile and had promised to marry her. It is claimed he also offered her BD100 and asked her to go out on a date. However, she took offence after he kissed her on the cheek when she agreed to meet him in his car in Riffa. "He asked me to get into the car and I agreed, but then he held my hand and kissed me on my left cheek," the girl told police. "I did not like that so I pushed him away from me and hit him." She told her family about the incident after he dropped her home in West Riffa, but her father got angry and visited his house to speak to his parents. At first his family said they had never heard of him, but when police were called it turned out that he had given the girl a false name. He pleaded not guilty to committing an immoral act i 0
107736 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain School sets deadline for applicants BAHRAIN School is accepting applications for the next academic year until Wednesday. It is remaining as a member of the US Department of Defence Dependent School System - despite the fact that almost 1,000 dependants were sent home from Bahrain last July amid heightened security concerns. The US Embassy welcomed the news about the future of the school, which will continue to be run in co-operation with the Bahrain International School Association (Bisa). "The Bahrain School has an outstanding history as a top notch K-12 international school, whose graduates have gone on to attend leading universities in the US and around the world," said US Ambassador William Monroe. Primary and secondary education is often referred to in the US as K-12 education (K is for kindergarten and 12 is for the 12th grade). Mr Monroe, stressing his personal commitment to support the school, encouraged parents of elementary, middle and high school students to contact the school for further 0
107737 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL BIBF to honour 243 graduates A CEREMONY to honour 243 graduates from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) will be held on Monday at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ceremony will be held under the patronage of Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) governor Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj. Among those being honoured are graduates from the Banking Studies Diploma Programme, Treasury and Capital Market Diploma Programme, Insurance Diploma Programme, Professional Insurance Certificate, Islamic Banking Diploma Programme and Investment Representative Certification Programme (Series 7). 0
107738 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Bangladeshis to mark day MEMBERS of the Bangladeshi community in Bahrain celebrate their country's 34th Independence and National Day today. A flag-hoisting ceremony will be held at the Bangladesh Embassy in Adliya at 9am, by Ambassador Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury. A minute's silence will be observed for the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh, followed by prayers and an open discussion. Messages from Bangladesh President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Mohammed Morshed Khan will be read out at the event. Mr Chowdhury is also hosting a reception at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, at 7.30pm tonight. 0
107739 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Hotels cashing in with F1 bookings BAHRAIN'S hotels are making a killing on F1 bookings, with basic room rates bumped up as high as BD200 a night. One hotel is charging five times its normal room rate, while others have more than doubled or tripled theirs. Some have been demanding payment up front and some are also charging extra for breakfast and airport transportation. There was no room at the inn at most of the top hotels as the GDN tried to book a double room for a fictional US couple, for five nights over the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held from April 1 to 3. We asked for a double room from March 31 to April 5 and we also asked what it would cost if our fictional couple put back their visit until after the F1 race. Reservations staff at the Gulf Hotel said it was fully booked. Those who have got rooms during the F1 week had to book for a minimum five nights. The rate quoted for a double room was BD200 per night plus 20 per cent tax, bringing it up to BD240 a n 0
107740 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Charges 'reasonable and affordable' ROOM rates for F1 visitors are still reasonable, despite dramatic increases over normal charges, says a leading hotelier. "Our prices are reasonable and affordable and don't compare to prices offered, even on a day-to-day basis, elsewhere," said Mohammed Buzizi, managing director of the Bahrain Hotels Company, which owns the Gulf Hotel. "Any business depends on supply and demand. When there is less demand, prices go down. When there is more demand, prices go up. It is very simple." "This is a worldwide phenomena. If you look at the prices we are offering for such an important event, we are not more expensive than anyone else. "It is unfair and unprofessional to say we are increasing our prices without comparing our rates to the rest of the world. "Those who accuse us of being expensive should compare us to other places during such an event, or event in places where such events are not held." Hotels around the world change their prices, depending on th 0
107741 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL 200 workers 'can fly home with out-pass' AN estimated 200 foreign workers will be allowed to fly home despite their bosses allegedly refusing to hand over some of their passports. It is claimed they were brought to Bahrain on visit visas by the contracting company, but had their passports confiscated and were made to work here illegally. Two of them have filed a court case against the company in a bid to get their passports back. However, the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) has agreed to let them all go home - provided they can pay for their plane ticket. It ordered the company to hand over their passports more than a month ago, but has since accused the management of failing to co-operate. Those workers who still do not have their passports can apply for an "out-pass" from their embassy in order to leave. "The company has not co-operated with us, so we reached the decision to send all these people back," an immigration spokesman told the GDN. "All they 0
107742 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Party fun for young Around 50 members' children enjoyed an Easter Party at the Delmon Club in Saar yesterday. The event included games, including an egg painting competition, music and other attractions. Chocolate eggs were also distributed. 0
107743 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL KLM unveils new schedule A NEW summer schedule is being brought in by KLM to handle an anticipated rise in holiday traffic, according to new Bahrain commercial manager Denzil D'Silva. In June the airline will merge its frequent flyer programmes with Air France to create the Flying Blue programme. "The programme contains four membership levels - Ivory, Silver, Gold and Platinum," said Mr D'Silva. "It will benefit hundreds of our customers from Bahrain." Members of existing frequent flyer programmes at both airlines will retain all the air miles they have accrued so far. Mr D'Silva, who is well known in the Bahrain travel industry, began his career in sales for Saudia Airlines and has been with KLM since 1992. He will officially assume his new position on Friday. Mr D'Silva said passengers from Bahrain would benefit from KLM's new summer schedule, which will come into effect tomorrow and end on October 29. "Compared to last year's summer schedule, KLM's capacity will 0
107744 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL New city on the way MANAMA: A new city will soon be built in the Southern Governorate, it was revealed yesterday. It will house 90,000 people, Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry natural planning director Khalid Ahmed Al Ansari told parliament's public infrastructure and environment committee in a meeting. The new city will include Askar village, Jaw and parts of Riffa and Zallaq. 0
107745 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Caught napping in wrong house AN Indian carpenter, who got so drunk that he wandered into the wrong house and fell asleep on the roof, was handed a one-month prison sentence in his absence. The 22-year-old, from Muharraq, was found passed out on the roof of a house in Hidd. He was discovered by the 46-year-old Bahraini householder after his maid reported that the door leading to the roof had been closed. Police were called and the man arrested. He was convicted of charges of being drunk and entering the house illegally. "I think the defendant entered my house from the main gate and perhaps he thought it was his house because he was drunk," said the householder in a statement to police. "He managed to enter our house because the door is open most of the time." Tests revealed the man had been drinking, but his prison sentence will be dropped if he pays a fine of BD50, according to a judgement by the Lower Criminal Court. "After finishing work I went to one of the hotels in Manama 0
107746 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Chance for theatre fans to show off acting skills AUDITIONS for the Manama Theatre Club's latest production will be held tonight and tomorrow night at the British Club, Adliya. They will be held from 7pm to 8.30pm on both nights, with tonight's being held at the club's Gallery lounge and tomorrow at the Burton Room. "We are trying something new this time," said club chairwoman Brig Rooke. "There will be five five-minute excerpts from famous plays or films, followed by dinner, followed by the Tom Stoppard play, The Real Inspector Hound. "This one-act play is very funny, clever and strange. "We need three females and five males, plus a male 'dead body' which is on stage for the entire play." The five-minute excerpts will be performed using minimal sets, props and costumes, and the audience will be invited to identify the plays, or authors, or characters, or settings, with a gift presented to the table which comes up with the best answers. "We aim to start with comedy, then something slightly more ser 0
107747 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Driver accused of petrol fraud A 30-year-old Bahraini driver has been accused of stealing petrol from a fuel station in Hamad Town. He had petrol worth BD3 put in his car, then told pump attendants at the Al Nuzha petrol station that he had left his wallet at home, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The defendant told them he would go home and return in half an hour with the money. They agreed and took his car registration number as a precaution. But after five hours, he had failed to return, so they called the police. The defendant failed to turn up in court and the case was adjourned until June 5. 0
107748 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Literary programme marks Pakistan Day AL SAQAFA - The Pakistan Association held a literary programme to mark Pakistan National Day, at the Sheraton Hotel last night. The programme, entitled An Evening with Mushtaq Ahmed Yousafi, coincided with the association's 11th anniversary celebrations. Mr Yousafi is a well-known literary figure in Karachi, Pakistan, and was especially flown in for the event. He has previously visited Bahrain to attend the association's literary programmes. Mr Yousafi, a contemporary Urdu writer and orator, is best known for his humorous writing. 0
107749 0 1520 BNEW LOCAL Stars shine at charity concert TOP Filipino stars Sheryn Regis, Frenchie Dy and Troy Montero performed at a charity concert, The Champions and the Hunk, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel last night. They were accompanied on stage by Enigma resident Filipino band Kaktooz. Bahrain-based group La Vida Dancers presented the opening act. The concert was presented by Power Horse Energy Drink and sponsored by Enigma of Windsor Tower Hotel, House of Travel, Al Safir Hotel, Qatar Airways, Triskelion International-Bahrain, Orbit and Bhaskar Devji Jewellers. 0
107750 3 1520 WORL WORLD Jailed guard to testify in Jackson trial LOS ANGELES: Michael Jackson's former bodyguard has been ordered to testify for the prosecution at the star's child sex trial although he is in jail accused of armed robbery and kidnapping. The US judge trying the California child molestation case against the "King of Pop" granted a prosecution request to summon Christopher Carter from his jail cell in Las Vegas to testify against Jackson. However, the serious charges against the key prosecution witness could deal Carter's credibility - and the prosecution - a serious blow, legal analysts said yesterday. Carter, 25, was arrested last month after allegedly carrying out four armed robberies, including one on a fast-food restaurant. The alleged kidnap victims were the targets of the robberies, according to the indictment. Judge Rodney Melville ordered that Carter must be brought to Jackson's trial in Santa Barbara County by April 4 and that he be held in jail "between court proceedings" and then returned to Las Vegas. Carter 0
107751 1 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Qatar and Singapore set for final free trade talks SINGAPORE: Qatar and Singapore will hold a final series of free trade talks in June after wrapping up a second round in Doha yesterday, the government said. Singapore, the first Southeast Asian nation to sign a free trade agreement with the US, has led its neighbours in tearing down trade barriers and has moved this year to build stronger ties with the Middle East. </Trade between Singapore and Qatar totalled $1.54 billion in 2003, a 26 per cent rise from a year earlier, official data show. Singapore already has a free trade pact with Jordan in the Middle East and this month signed an economic pact with the UAE that could lead to a full free trade agreement between the two countries. Singapore and Qatar have said they expect to seal a free trade agreement by the middle of this year. Singapore's top imports from Qatar include crude petroleum, refined petroleum products, watches and clocks, while exports to Qatar include civil engineering equipment and vehicle parts. "B 0
107752 2 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Putin bids to regain trust of Russian businessmen MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has held out an olive branch to the country's business leaders but he still has a long way to go before he can win back their trust, analysts and officials said yesterday.Putin sent a ripple of excitement through financial markets when he offered to close the door on any rollback of the mass privatisations of the 1990s that turned a small circle of well-connected businessmen into billionaires. Business confidence has taken a battering since the partial renationalisation of oil firm Yukos, which was brought to its knees by a flood of back tax demands, and trial of its former CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky. "It's a positive signal but it does not mean anything will change overnight. Actions are more important," said Yevgeny Gavrilenkov, chief economist at Moscow based finance house Troika Dialog. Putin made the offer at a meeting at the Kremlin with top business "oligarchs", saying he would back a proposal that privatisations which took place mor 0
107753 3 1520 BUSI BUSINESS UAE executives hit by soaring house rents DUBAI: Faced with substantially higher rents for residential accommodation, over half of all senior executives in the UAE are planning to demand a pay increase or switch to another employer, according to results of a survey conducted by GulfTalent.com, the Dubai-headquartered online recruitment service for professionals. The survey found that while rents this year were on average 26 per cent higher than the previous year, average salaries had only risen by 1.5pc in the same period, causing a substantial shortfall in most employees' cash flow. According to the survey results published by GulfTalent, Dubai had the highest average rent increase at 27pc, followed by Sharjah with 25pc and Abu Dhabi in third place with 23pc. Nationwide, rents for apartments went up by around 24pc, while room rents shot up at a staggering 31pc. Salaries continue to stagnate, with most respondents reporting no increase in pay. Average wage increase for the country stood at 1.5pc, with public sector lead 0
107754 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Japan 'to gain from robust US growth' TOKYO: OECD Secretary General Donald Johnston said the Japanese economy should benefit from expected robust growth in the United States and China, Japan's key export markets. Growth in the US economy, the world's largest, appeared to be "quite robust" while China, Japan's largest trading partner, was forecast to maintain growth of around 8-9 per cent through to 2010, he said. "As far as the Japanese economy is concerned, consumer confidence seems to be returning to provide growth," he said, adding: "No one is predicting strong growth in Japan but certainly growth." "I do believe that going forward the United States economy looks quite robust, and that's good news for all of us," Johnston said. "The Chinese economy, which is very important to Japan's exports, appears also to be growing at a rate of eight to nine percent ... and people are saying that at least until 2010," Johnston said. "It should be good news to Japan but also good news to the world," he said. WASHINGTON: Yemen's economy could survive without policy adjustments in the short term but falling oil production means the government would have to make economic corrections further down the road, the International Monetary Fund said. "The long-term fiscal and external position are clearly unsustainable," the fund said in an annual review of Yemen's economy. The IMF said gross domestic product growth was expected to have fallen to 2.7 per cent in 2004, versus 3.1pc in 2003. Non-oil GDP growth should have reached 4.1pc last year, due to stronger activity in the construction, transportation and trade sectors, it said. To maintain the debt-to-GDP ratio at current levels, a budget adjustment of more than 20pc of GDP in the non-oil primary fiscal deficit will be needed over the next 12 years, the IMF said. "To achieve an adjustment of such magnitude, it will require a strong and front-loaded fiscal adjustment, along with a range of structural reforms to help the transition 0
107756 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Euro hovers under $1.30 PARIS: The euro remained under $1.30 in thin trading yesterday when many forex traders were on holiday, and European stock markets closed, for the long Easter weekend break. The euro was being quoted here in late morning trading at $1.2966 from $1.2946 three hours earlier and $1.2942 in late trading in New York. The dollar was being priced at 106.38 yen from 106.41 yen earlier and 106.28 yen in New York. Stock markets in Europe and in the United States are closed for four days, from the close of trading on Thursday until the opening on Tuesday, for the Christian Easter holiday. On Thursday, the dollar had risen to the highest point against the euro for five weeks owing to US housing data. The euro fell to 1.2929 at one point shortly before midnight on Thursday. Sales of new homes in the US rose by 9.4pc in February from the figure for January to 1.226 million at an annual rate, the second-highest figure ever registered, official data showed on Thursday. The figure 0
107757 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Surging oil prices fail to dampen Thai auto show BANGKOK: Thousands of car enthusiasts and potential buyers poured into the Bangkok international motor show which opened yesterday even as surging world oil prices threatened to dampen the atmosphere. The event, in its 26th year, is Asia's second largest motor show after Tokyo and organisers expect to draw some 1.6 million people through the gates over 10 days to gawk at or buy the latest car models from dozens of the world's major automakers. While the eager lined up in the morning for tickets, organisers said the turnout had met their expectations and predicted greater crowds would head this weekend to the sprawling Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre. "It will be busier at the weekend. Chavalit Soontrapook of event organiser Grand Prix International said. Along with luxury cars, economy vehicles were also on offer and Chavalit said he expected sales to match or exceed the 10 billion baht ($260 million) achieved in 2004, which proved to be a bumper year.</ 0
107758 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Inflation fears grip investors NEW YORK: Is inflation back? Many on Wall Street think so, and amid a harsher tone from the Federal Reserve, investors have been scurrying for cover, dragging stocks lower for a third consecutive week. In the abbreviated trading week to Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled 1.75 percent to 10,442.87 while the broad-market Standard and Poor's 500 slid 1.53 per cent to 1,171.42. The Nasdaq composite shed 0.83pc to finish the week at 1,991.06. If Wall Street had been looking for comforting words from the Federal Reserve, it got the opposite. The central bank on Wednesday pushed up interest rates by an expected 0.25 percentage point to bring the base rate to 2.74pc. But it added a new twist to its monetary policy statement, warning of looming inflation risks - a hint that interest rates could go up more than earlier believed. The Fed's warning pushed an already jittery Wall Street into further turmoil as investors retrenched amid fears of higher interest rates, surging e 0
107759 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS ING plans to buy China bank stake BEIJING: ING Group NV announced yesterday it had agreed to buy a 19.9 per cent stake in Bank of Beijing, one of China's largest city banks. The European finance giant said the deal was worth 1.78 billion yuan (166 million euros) and was part of a broader strategic alliance. "We are delighted to have been able to sign this agreement with one of China's most highly regarded banks," said ING chairman Michael Tilmant. "We believe there is large growth potential for retail banking in China, and in Beijing in particular, and we are excited to have the opportunity to work with Bank of Beijing to achieve that potential." ING will take two seats to join the current 15-person board of directors of the bank. The agreement is subject to final regulatory approvals. Bank of Beijing, which was renamed from Beijing City Commercial Bank, was founded in 1996 and is now number 16 out of China's 112 city commercial banks. It employs more than 3,600 staff, serving retail and corporate 0
107760 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Oil worries may hit Japan stocks TOKYO: Japanese stocks are likely to fall in the coming week amid concerns over soaring oil prices, with investors focusing on the Bank of Japan's Tankan business survey and US jobs data, analysts said yesterday. The market was also closely watching Japan's industrial output numbers for February, due out on Wednesday, which has been forecast to fall 0.5 per cent month-on-month after a 2.5pc rise in January. "High oil prices will continue to dampen buying sentiment as investors are worried about their negative impact on the US and Japanese economies," Nagayuki Yamagishi, senior market strategist at UFJ Tsubasa Securities, said. Higher oil bills have pushed up the value of imports and trimmed the country's trade surplus in recent months. Oil concerns come as the world's second-largest economy is struggling to cling to growth in the first three months of this year after a mild recession in the middle of 2004. Global oil prices, which have been rising partly on voracio 0
107761 0 1520 BUSI BUSINESS Exchange Rates COUNTRY SELL CASH SELL DRAFT AUSTRALIA (Dollar) 0.2952 0.2952 BANGLADESH (Taka) 0.00642 0.00607 CANADA(Dollar) 0.3136 0.3116 CYPRUS (Pound) 0.8497 - DENMARK 0.0688 - EGYPT (Pound) 0.0690 0.0657 EUROPEAN UNION (Euro) 0.4945 0.4925 HONG KONG (Dollar) 0.0496 0.0492 INDIA (Rupee) 0.00895 0.00872 INDONESIA (Rupiah) 0.00004222 - IRAN (Tuman) 0.00043861 - IRAQ (Dinar) 0.000266 - JAPAN (Yen) 0.00363 0.00363 JORDAN (Dinar) 0.5351 0.5350 KOREA (Won) 0.00039332 - KUWAIT (Dinar) 1.2970 1.2970 MALAYSIA (Ringgit) 0.1017 - MALTA (Lira) 1.15030 - NEW ZEALAND (Dollar) 0.2755 0.2745 NORWAY (Krone) 0.0618 - N. Yemen (Riyal) - 0.0020125 NEPAL (Rupee) 0.00539 OMAN (Riyal) 0.9800 0.9830 PAKISTAN (Rupee) 0.00648 0.00636 PHILIPPINES (Peso) 0.00723 0.00698 QATAR (Riyal) 0.10365 0.10375 SAUDI ARABIA (Riyal) 0.10059 0
107764 0 1520 COMM COMMENTReform - but not by Washington! It is widely accepted that the United Nations is in need of substantial reform. The world has changed out of all recognition since this unique assembly of nation states was formed, out of the ashes of the Second World War. The reform package unveiled by the Secretary-General Kofi Annan, provides a good opportunity for the international community to fashion the UN to reflect the new realities of the international political landscape. The package is wide-ranging in its suggestions, but it has two major objectives: to make the UN more open and more efficient. It is hard to take issue with the proposals to strengthen the independence and authority of the organisation's internal watchdog. The oil-for-food scandal has - rightly or wrongly - given the impression that there are rather too many opportunities for corruption with the UN and too little oversight of its staff. The recent suppression of a report into the conduct of the former UNHCR chief Ruud Lubbers reinforced this perception. And it is not 0
107765 0 1520 LETT LETTERS Confiscate lorries of illegal dumpers..! IN response to the article "Police checkpoints call to stop Tubli dumping", (GDN March 22), the Friends of Tubli Bay would like to provide some valuable input to the municipality to assist them in stopping fly-tipping. It is important that the construction companies and other potential violators are aware of the locations of government waste disposal sites. These locations should be advertised using all available media so that it reaches its target audience (potential violators). All contractors should be invited to attend a meeting to highlight the problems of illegal dumping and the expense of the clean-up. Focus should be given to the overall cost of the enforcement, clean-up initiative and potential damage to the environment and Bahrain's residents. If a contractor is caught in the act of illegally dumping refuge, all important evidence should be collected and the vehicle should be impounded. The cost of all the enforcement services should be calculated 0
107766 0 1520 LETT LETTERS A cost cutting idea WHY are MPs fighting for their own health insurance? What about the people that selected them to that position? We all know what health insurance will cost the government and we all know if the budget was so big then the government for sure will go ahead with health insurance or will provide better health services. But what I'm trying to suggest here is a way to reduce this cost by partially paid insurance. For example, if insurance costs the government BD80 per employee annually, 50 per cent could be paid by the employee, thereby reducing the cost by half. Employees with lower grade/salary could be exempted. I know that some people will disagree because of the pay and some because of religious issues. But most will agree. One important point here is that the amount could be paid on a monthly basis. BD40 (BD40 by government) will work out to BD 3.333 monthly which is quite affordable to most employees. Ali Ghuloom 0
107767 0 1520 LETT LETTERS Banking on an illusion? WILL genius readers or a bank explain why the prices of all bank drafts are in US dollars when the accounts are in Bahraini dinars? I feel it is just to give an illusion that the sum is larger. A J Thomas 0
107768 0 1520 LETT LETTERS Face-saving plea CAN anyone please advise me where I would be able to purchase Artistry cosmetics, or whether there is an agent here in Bahrain. Artistry is the cosmetic range for Amway. Aysha 0
107769 0 1520 LETT LETTERS Anything cooking? IS there a cooking school in Bahrain or any kind of baking classes? If so I would like to know the telephone number. Tahira Masood 0
107770 0 1520 LETT LETTERS Racial slur offensive Mr Muhammad's letter entitled 'Titillation sad' (GDN March 21) sounded very angry. Although I agree with the comment about mannequins, I must contest the digression that the West is immoral and normal husbands pimp their wives. I think this is insulting, Mr Muhammad, and you should not tar every Westerner with your same racial brush. I am a British God-fearing wife, living happily in Bahrain with her husband who is certainly no pimp! I have always respected the culture of Islam and dressed very modestly in this country, but it is only the Bahraini men who will cross the road to 'accidentally brush past' me, or stare rudely as if they've never seen a woman before. Perhaps you should consider where the Kingdom of Bahrain would be without the hardworking westerners and other expats who helped build it. Perhaps you could discuss the demise of religion with other members of the Arab community who can often be found enjoying a cool beer. Perhaps the men who m 0
107771 0 1520 LETT LETTERS Overtime a right WHEN working during national holidays it should be our right to get overtime for those days. Our company is forcing us to take compensatory days off. Also in Muharram how many days were given as holidays for Ashoora as our company announced only one day and that was February 19? A H EDITOR'S note: The Labour Ministry did not respond to this letter. 0
107772 0 1520 SPOR SPORT Fans celebrate in style SOCCER fans in Bahrain celebrated their national team's 2-1 victory over North Korea yesterday at a rally in Muharraq. The rally was led by Muharraq's governor Salman Isa bin Hindi and included senior clubs officials and thousands of spectators who carried Bahrain flags and pictures of their leaders. The match, which started in Pyongyang at 9.30am Bahrain time, was watched live by thousands of Bahraini soccer fans who also celebrated the victory on the roads of the Kingdom. 0
107773 0 1520 SPOR SPORT Poor weather forces play to be called off PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida: Tornado warnings and thunderstorms forced the second round of The Players Championship to be suspended yesterday as bad weather continued to plague the PGA Tour. Only a handful of players had made it on to the TPC Stadium course when the horn sounded to call them back to the clubhouse because of dangerous conditions. There was no change at the top the leaderboard, where former US Open champion Steve Jones continued to hold a one-stroke advantage over Britain's Lee Westwood and Americans Fred Funk and Zach Johnson. The "Fab Four", world number one Vijay Singh, Tiger Woods, Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson, had not started their second rounds on the water-logged course. Singh was three shots off the lead after an opening 67, and Woods and Mickelson had matching first rounds of 70, one ahead of Els. Officials were hoping to resume play later yesterday but more rain and unsettled conditions are forecast for the weekend. Seven of the 13 0
107774 0 1520 SPOR SPORT India chase big Pakistan total BANGALORE, India: Younis Khan feasted on a listless Indian attack with a maiden double-century as Pakistan posted a massive 570 in the third and final Test here yesterday. He batted almost two days to smash a sparkling 267, the sixth-highest score in Pakistani Test cricket after Hanif Mohammad (337), Inzamam-ul-Haq (329), Javed Miandad (280 not out and 271) and Zaheer Abbas (274). India were 55 for no loss in reply at stumps, with Virender Sehwag (39 not out) hitting one six into the stands off leg-spinner Danish Kaneria. Gautam Gambhir was batting on 13. Younis came in to bat in the match's second over on Thursday and went on to play with immense determination and concentration to frustrate Indian seamers and spinners on a batsman-friendly track. His marathon innings helped Pakistan achieve their highest total in India, the previous best being 496 for nine declared in the drawn opening Test of the current series at Mohali. Pakistan are seeking a series-levelling 0
107775 0 1520 SPOR SPORT Fiery Shoaib in team for one-dayers NEW DELHI: Fiery fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, left out of Pakistan's ongoing Test series in India due to a hamstring injury, was also ignored for the six one-day internationals to be played next month, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced yesterday. Off-spinner Mohammad Hafeez and seamers Rao Iftikhar and Shahid Nazir will join the tourists in India for the one-dayers. They will replace Taufeeq Umar, Yasir Hameed and Mohammad Khalil who will return home after the Test series. "Shoaib Akhtar is undergoing training. His fitness has improved substantially but he will require more time to become match-fit," a PCB release said. Pakistan are seeking a series levelling win in the third and final Test being played in Bangalore. India won the second Test in Calcutta by 195 runs while the first Test in Mohali was drawn. The one-day series opens in the southern coastal town of Cochin on April 2. The other matches will be played in Visakhapatnam (April 5), Jamshedpur (April 9), A 0
107776 1 1520 SPOR SPORT BRAVO BAHRAIN PYONGYANG: Hussain Ali scored two breakaway goals as Bahrain snatched a 2-1 win in North Korea yesterday to post their first victory of the final round of Asian 2006 World Cup qualifiers. Bahrain went top of Group B with Iran, who beat Japan 2-1 in Tehran in the other match, with four points each from two games while North Korea lost their second match in a row. Ali put the visitors ahead with an eighth-minute header to stun the crowd of 60,000 at Pyongyang's Kim Il-sung stadium. The Bahrain striker then scored another against the run of play in the 58th minute. Striker Pak Song-kwan pulled one back for North Korea five minutes later and the home side put Bahrain under intense pressure as they went in search of an equaliser. Bahrain survived several close calls late in the game to record their first victory after a 0-0 home draw against Iran. WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Group 'B' North Korea 1 Bahrain 2 (Song Kwan-Pak (63) Hussain Ali (8, 58) Iran 2 Jap 0
107777 2 1520 SPOR SPORT Waseela races to King's Cup victory WASEELA scored a thrilling victory to claim the King's Cup for Group One locally bred horses at Sakhir yesterday.Shuwaimaan 1034 clinched the second King's Cup for Group Two Arabian horses while Reidies Choice raced to victory in the Al Methaq Cup and Lodge Keeper bagged the Bahrain Gold Cup on the biggest day in the Bahrain racing calendar yesterday. Waseela, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and ridden by Ali Al Saffar, beat Shadow Boxer by three lengths to bag the top prize in this BD10,000 race ran over 2,400 metres. Shuwaimaan 1034 was an even more convincing winner as it outran Rabdaan 1133 by nine lengths to claim the top prize in this BD5,000 race ran over 1,200 metres. Shuwaimaan 1034 is owned by Al Jasrah, trained by Redha Abbas and was ridden by Gerald Avranche. In the Al Methaq Cup, Reidies Choice, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by James Naylor and ridden by Gary Hind, pipped Yiflan by a short head to win the BD2,000 0
107778 3 1520 SPOR SPORT Bahrain bang on target BAHRAIN'S bid to make the 2006 World Cup finals for the first time received a big boost after defeating hosts North Korea 2-1 in their Asian qualifying Group 'B' match yesterday at the Kim Il-Sung stadium in Pyongyang. Striker Hussain Ali was one of the stars for Bahrain, scoring both goals in the absence of injured star strikers Ala'a Hubail and Rashid Jamal, while veteran goalkeeper Ali Hassan was equally impressive at the other end of the ground. Sponsored by Batelco, Bahrain are presently taking a joint lead with Iran who edged past Japan 2-1 last night at Azadi Stadium in Tehran. For North Korea, it was a case of wasted opportunities in front of a noisy capacity crowd of 70,000 as they attacked relentlessly all game, only to be denied on more than a dozen occasions by goalkeeper Hassan. Bahrain came into the match in disarray after their Croatian coach Srecko Juricic abandoned them last month in favour of Oman. With injuries to Hubail and Jamal, and playing in North 0
107779 0 1520 SPOR SPORT Banks 'win control in Formula One settlement' FRANKFURT: A group of three banks has wrested control over the companies controlling Formula One's commercial rights from supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the German state bank BayernLB [BAYLB.UL] said. In a settlement agreed on Wednesday, which put an end to a three-year legal battle, Ecclestone has effectively given in to all demands from the banks, which have pooled their interest in the Speed Investments holding company, BayernLB added. The banks, BayernLB, JP Morgan <JPM.N> and Lehman Brothers <LEH.N>, own 75 percent of Formula One holding company SLEC and wanted their stake translated into influence over Ecclestone's operating companies, like Formula One Administration (FOA). "Speed, as majority owner of SLEC, has regained the influence that corresponds to the shareholding structure with this deal," said BayernLB board member Gerhard Gribkowsky in a statement. "Speed will use this influence on the operating level in a contructive and responsible manner, and in the interes 0
107780 0 1520 SPOR SPORT A victory to cherish TILL a week ago, soccer in Bahrain was in disarray and its fans disillussioned as coach Srecko Juricic departed in a huff with two do-or-die matches ahead. Even a more reputed or highly rated team than Bahrain would have crumbled under such enormous internal and external pressure. But yesterday, in faraway Pyongyang, Bahrain proved beyond doubt why it is being touted as the team to watch and be wary of. Bahrain not only won the battle on the field but also a mini war of the mind. To begin with, Bahrain's preparations were hampered till Wolfgang Sidka was persuaded to take over as an interim coach for a fortnight. Bahrain then had to travel into unknown territory and play on an articifial surface in bitterly cold conditions. True, the national team were not flawless or as fluent as expected as they struggled to hang on to a slender lead in the last 10 minutes of an absorbing match. But in the end, Bahrain proved they could get tougher when the go 0
107781 0 1520 SPOR SPORT Qatar Rally set for off THE Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation are all set to host the Mitsubishi Qatar International Rally from April 14 to 16. This is the fourth round of this year's nine-race FIA Middle East Rally Championship. Interest is booming in this year's championship following the thrilling finish to Oman Rally last week in which 2003 regional champion Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah extend his lead to six points in the overall standings. The defending champion is Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi of the UAE. Organisers are expecting around 30 cars to race over two-days in all-desert special stage format over a route of approximately 544 kms of which 263 kms will be of special stages. Al Ahli beat Al Najma AL AHLI outplayed Al Najma 2-0 and stayed in contention for the title in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier League Soccer match last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Goals from Nigerian striker Jessy John and Mahmood Abdulrahman in the eighth and 54th minutes respectively 0
107782 0 1520 WORL WORLD Asian bird flu death toll hits 48 PHNOM PENH: Vietnam and Cambodia confirmed new bird flu deaths yesterday, raising Southeast Asia's toll to 48 from a disease that has become entrenched in the region's poultry and raised fears of a global pandemic. The latest deaths were a 26-year-old man from Cambodia's southern province of Kampot and a 17-year-old woman from Vietnam's northern Nam Dinh province. Test results from Phnom Penh's Pasteur Institute showed that the man died of the severe H5N1 strain, Deputy Agriculture Minister Yim Voeun Tharn said. In Vietnam, the teenager, who died on Thursday, was one of two new bird flu cases reported yesterday. In addition, a 40-year-old woman from Quang Ninh province was in Hanoi's Bach Mai Hospital, in stable condition, health officials said. An epidemiologist for the World Health Organisation in Cambodia, Megge Miller, said this week's Cambodian victim, Meas Ran, was believed to have contracted the disease from poultry that died near his house. Villagers did not immedi 0
107783 0 1520 WORL WORLD Tina Turner to perform in Denmark COPENHAGEN: Tina Turner considers Danish fairytale writer Hans Christian Andersen "simply the best," and will perform at the 19th century author's bicentennial next week. The singer said yesterday she will participate in a televised show at Copen-hagen's national soccer stadium on April 2, the anniversary of Andersen's 200th birthday. "He is, so to speak, 'simply the best' and one of the great storytellers ever," Turner said in a statement released by the organisers of the jubilee. Turner will perform before an audience of 38,000, among which will be several European royals and international celebrities, including British actor Roger Moore, Australian Olympic gold medallist sprinter Cathy Freeman, and American crooner and civil rights promoter Harry Belafonte. 0
107784 0 1520 WORL WORLD Divorce battle for star couple LOS ANGELES: Former Hollywood bad boy Charlie Sheen yesterday drew the battle lines in his divorce from actress Denise Richards, setting the scene for a battle over the custody of their children. Sheen, 39, filed his response to the divorce that the seven-month pregnant Richards sought earlier this month in which she is demanding sole custody of their one-year-old daughter Sam and their unborn child. In the documents filed in Los Angeles Superior court, Sheen sought shared custody of the children and said he does not want to pay the 34-year-old model and actress spousal support as she has demanded. Richards has sought full custody of the children, with Sheen having only visitation rights. 0
107785 0 1520 WORL WORLD US backs Israel on settlements JERUSALEM: The US ambassador said yesterday it was unrealistic to expect Israel to withdraw from the entire West Bank under a Mideast peace deal, reaffirming US support for Israel's retention of major settlements just days after Israel announced plans to expand a settlement outside Jerusalem. Ambassador Dan Kurtzer told Israeli media he was simply reiterating the policy announced by US President George W Bush last year. But the interview came at a sensitive time and irritated Palestinians already angry over Israel's announcement this week that it would add 3,500 housing units to Maaleh Adumim, the largest West Bank settlement. In an interview published yesterday, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the Maaleh Adumim expansion was "at odds with American policy," marking her sharpest criticism of Israel since taking office. Calling the project "not really a satisfactory response," Rice told the Los Angeles Times that the US expressed its concerns this week to the government 0
107786 0 1520 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Easter Eve celebration, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama, 7.30pm. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministrys Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministrys Trafficking people hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance classes, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lessons cost BD3 each or BD10 for four. Contact 0
107787 1 1520 WORL WORLD Commandos die in Iraq bombing RAMADI: Eleven Iraqi police commandos died in a suicide car bombing in Ramadi and five women cleaners were gunned down in the capital. A friendly fire incident in the north of the country near the Syrian border between Iraqi police and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters killed seven policemen, officials said. At least two Iraqis were also killed and 24 wounded, many of them pilgrims marching to the shrine city of Karbala, in two suicide car bombings against the security forces. Gunmen shot dead Major-General Suleiman Mohammad, who commanded a National Guard division in southern Iraq, in the New Baghdad district of the capital, wounding two of his sons, police said. The car bomb in Ramadi, 100km west of Baghdad, went off at a checkpoint, killing 11 people and wounding another 14 - two US soldiers, nine police commandos and three civilians. The bomber also died. An Iraqi colonel working at the defence ministry in Baghdad was kidnapped by gunmen as he drove up to Kirkuk. 0
107788 0 1520 WORL WORLD Abdullah blames minister CAIRO: Jordan's King Abdullah said in remarks published yesterday that his foreign minister was responsible for "a misunderstanding" with Saudi Arabia over a Jordanian initiative for peace between Arabs and Israel. The initiative, a repackaged three-year-old Arab peace offer, was relaunched at this week's Arab summit after a heated debate. The originally Saudi-drafted document offers Israel peace and normal relations with more than 21 Arab countries in return for a withdrawal from area captured during the 1967 Arab-Israel war. "I believe the foreign minister did not make himself clear to his Saudi counterpart," Abdullah told pan-Arab daily newspaper Al Hayat. "I believe there was a misunderstanding," he said, adding he would speak to Foreign Minister Hani Al Mulki on his return. "When I visited Saudi Arabia ... we agreed on a strategy for the peace process and I am surprised ... that due to some unclear reason the issue generated a negative reaction from our brothers in S 0
107789 0 1520 WORL WORLD Labour 'is silent over torture stance' LONDON: A House of Commons committee yesterday faulted Prime Minister Tony Blair's government for not saying whether it uses information extracted through torture in other countries. "We find it surprising and unsettling that the government has twice failed to answer our specific question on whether or not the UK receives or acts upon information extracted under torture by a third country," the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee said in its annual report. "We recommend that the government give a clear answer to the question. The government should ensure that it is understood by other governments that the mistreatment of British nationals is unacceptable and will be met with appropriate action." The Foreign Office said the government "condemns the use of torture and has worked with international partners to eradicate the practice." "The government never uses torture or instigates others to use torture," the Foreign Office said. The committee said there were com 0
107790 0 1520 WORL WORLD 800 foxes killed in UK despite ban LONDON: Some 800 foxes have been killed in England and Wales since a controversial ban on hunting with dogs was imposed on February 18, a similar kill figure to those recorded over the same period in recent years, the Countryside Alliance said here this week. Horse-mounted hunters have continued to pursue their sport despite the ban, the Countryside Alliance, a pressure group that campaigns for the rural way of life and country sports, said. In many cases, hunters have shot foxes instead of leaving them to be torn apart by dog packs. "Hunts around the country have shown just how impossible it would be for the already overstretched police forces to enforce the legislation," the Countryside Alliance's chief executive Simon Hart said, echoing police sentiments on the matter. The Alliance's "Hunting Handbook" suggests that hunts can put down scent trails for dogs to follow, run dog packs for exercise, or use no more than two dogs to flush foxes into the open where they can be shot. 0
107791 0 1520 WORL WORLD Sex-deprived wife wins divorce deal An Italian woman whose angry husband refused for seven years to have sex with her was awarded divorce damages by Italy's high court this week. Francesco launched his "sex strike" in the early 1990s to punish his wife, Piera, for taking sides against him in a family dispute over money. They bitterly separated in 2000 and Francesco, still convinced that she was responsible for the broken marriage, refused to make support payments demanded by Italian courts and repeatedly appealed against them. But the highest court ruled that Francesco's sexual punishment did not fit the crime, and doomed Piera to perpetual frustration. Beyond support payments, Francesco must pay court costs of several thousand euros. In the name of the Father... Two men dressed in monk's robes climbed to the roof of St Paul's Cathedral yesterday in a protest about the rights of divorced and separated fathers. The two men stood next to a large sign that read "In the Name of the Father." Fathers 4 J 0
107792 0 1520 WORL WORLD New Kyrgyz leaders tighten grip BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan's new leaders tightened their grip on power yesterday, naming an interim head of state and calling a fresh election, as the nation's ousted ruler denounced what he called a coup d'etat and vowed to return. In Bishkek, gunshots were heard in several areas as security forces fired into the air to restore order in the capital, where businesses were ransacked by looters who again took to the streets, eyewitnesses said. Law enforcement officers were given permission to fire their weapons into the air to disperse large groups of people gathering outside shops, banks and other commercial sites, local media quoted officials as saying. There were no reports of casualties. As parliament named Kurmanbek Bakiyev, one of the leaders of the fractious opposition, to head the new regime, deposed president Askar Akayev insisted he had not resigned. "The rumours about my resignation are not true," he said in an e-mail message to a Kyrgyz news agency, his first p 0
107793 0 1520 WORL WORLD UN call for Hariri probe supported WASHINGTON: The United States has backed a UN report urging an international probe into last month's assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Hariri and renewed its call for the withdrawal of Syrian forces from Lebanon. A State Department statement said the report by a UN fact-finding team led by Ireland's deputy police commissioner Peter FitzGerald "raises serious and troubling allegations" about the February 14 killing. "The US strongly supports the recommendation of the Fitzgerald report and of the (UN) secretary-general that an independent international commission be entrusted with conducting an investigation," the statement said. The report pointed a finger at Damascus for raising political tensions before the bomb attack on Hariri, a vocal opponent of the Syrian presence in Lebanon. It also alleged serious flaws in the Lebanese investigation. Lebanese authorities, meanwhile, put on the defensive by the UN report, indicated they would accept an internati 0
107794 0 1520 WORL WORLD India raps US over F-16 sale NEW DELHI: India expressed disappointment at the US decision to sell F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan, saying it could have "negative consequences" for its security. US President George W Bush had informed Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the decision in a telephone call, the prime minister's spokesman said. "The prime minister expressed India's great disappointment at this decision which could have negative consequences for India's security environment," he said. "The president explained his decision to move forward on the sale of F-16s to Pakistan as well as responding to India's request for information on the provision of multi-role combat aircraft for India," said spokeswoman Dana Perino. Funding plan for societies MANAMA: A proposal to fund political societies will come up for discussion in the parliament soon. Under the new draft, which was amended by Parliament Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee chaired by MP Hamad Al Muhannadi, the government would be bound to 0
107795 2 1520 WORL WORLD I'm finished with chess says Fischer REYKJAVIK: Bobby Fischer met the Press yesterday, his hair and beard neatly trimmed but his opinions still bristling, and declared he was finished with a chess world he regards as corrupt. Fischer said he was happy to be in Iceland, which granted him citizenship to pave the way for his release from detention in Japan, where he was held on a US extradition warrant. In a rambling news conference at his hotel, the combative Fischer sparred with US journalists who asked about his anti-American tirades. "The US is evil. They talk about the axis of evil. What about the allies of evil ... the US, England, Japan, Australia? These are the evildoers," Fischer said. He thanked his "wonderful friends" in Iceland but said the country's enthusiasm for chess "was misplaced, because people don't know how utterly corrupt it is, and has been for many years." Declaring that he was "finished" with chess, Fischer added: "I don't play the old chess. But obviously if I did, I would be the best." 0
107796 0 1520 WORL WORLD Jolie 'world's sexiest woman' NEW YORK: A global readers' poll by FHM magazine has named Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie as the world's sexiest woman. The 29-year-old Oscar winner came ahead of fellow actress Jennifer Garner and US hotel heiress and television celebrity Paris Hilton in the poll, which FHM said drew 15 million votes. In fourth place came South African movie star Charlize Theron, Oscar-winner Halle Berry, who topped the poll in 2003 was fifth, and television actress Alyssa Milano was sixth. Paula Abdul sentenced LOS ANGELES: US singer Paula Abdul was sentenced to two years' probation after pleading no contest to hit-and-run after allegedly fleeing the scene of a minor car crash, court officials said. The 1980s pop sensation, now better known for her role as a judge on the TV talent show American Idol, was also ordered to pay $1,075 in fines and restitution to the other driver involved in the incident. Jail for actor Tom Sizemore LOS ANGELES: Actor Tom Sizemore was sentenced yesterday to 0
107797 0 1520 WORL WORLD Pope misses procession ROME: Pope John Paul II's own suffering kept him away from his flock on Good Friday, as Christians reflected on the suffering of Jesus on the most solemn day of the church calendar. For the first time in his 26-year pontificate, John Paul was missing the Way of the Cross procession last night, which re-enacts Christ'' crucifixion amid the haunting ruins of Rome's torch-lit Colosseum. The 84-year-old Pontiff's physical suffering has been evident for years as he battled Parkinson's disease and crippling hip and knee ailments. But it has worsened with the effects of breathing problems that prompted his being admitted to hospital twice in a month and added poignancy to the Holy Week commemorations. 0
107798 0 1520 WORL WORLD Reprieve for doctor in euthanasia case TOKYO: In recognition of the divergence of opinion over euthanasia, a Japanese court refused to jail a doctor convicted of murder for turning off the life support machine of a comatose patient. The Yokohama District Court southwest of Tokyo sentenced Setsuko Suda, 50, to a three-year prison term but suspended it for five years, rejecting prosecutors' demands for a five-year jail sentence. Chief judge Kenji Hirose found Suda guilty of murder but suspended her sentence because of controversy over the "issue of medical care for comatose patients" and a lack of debate on it at the hospital she had worked for. Despite being spared a jail sentence, Suda said the guilty verdict was "extremely unfair" and appealed. Thai visit for Andrew BANGKOK: Prince Andrew, the son of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, will make a private visit to Thailand's tsunami-hit areas in April. He is expected to visit the Thai Tsunami Victims Identification unit at Mai Khao cemetery on the southern resort 0
107799 3 1520 BNEW LOCAL Air Arabia starts Mumbai flights AIR Arabia, the first low-cost airline of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region, is to start operations to India today. The airline is to fly daily from Sharjah to Mumbai. Passengers from Bahrain have to stay in Sharjah overnight before taking a connection to Mumbai on the following day. A one-way ticket from Bahrain to Mumbai will cost BD41 (BD48, including taxes), said regional general manager for Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Mahmood. A return ticket costs BD82 (BD98, including taxes), he told the GDN. "Passengers who have their connection flights confirmed will be granted a visa on arrival," he added. "We shall help them with hotel bookings at convenient rates." The cheap fares are available for people who book early, said Mr Mahmood. "Air Arabia's fare structure is based on supply and demand and fares increase as more seats are booked on a particular flight," he added. "However, fares will be at least 15 to 20 per cent lower 0
107800 1 1521 BUSI BUSINESS BCCI boosts Singapore ties MANAMA: The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed a memorandum of understanding with the Singapore Business Federation yesterday. It was signed by chamber president Khalid Kanoo and federation Middle East business group vice-chairwoman Nooraini Noordin. The federation also held meetings with other Bahrain-based businessmen at the chamber premises in Manama. Ms Noordin said the aim of the agreement was to increase bilateral business and achieve a more favourable balance of trade. Political relations between our two countries are excellent and we would like trade relations to match them," she said. "Currently our figures show that bilateral trade is in Bahrain's favour. It exports goods worth over $75 million to Singapore out of the $113.8m total amount of trade recorded." Ms Noordin said over 65 per cent of Bahrain's exports to Singapore was petroleum-related products. "Our main exports to Bahrain are mainly miscellaneous manufactured items," she 0
107801 2 1521 BUSI BUSINESS Young CEO award for Esam Janahi MANAMA: Gulf Finance House (GFH) chief executive officer and Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) chairman Esam Janahi has been named the Young Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year for 2005. The presentation was made at the annual Middle East CEO of the Year Awards ceremony, organised by the Dubai-based knowledge service provider Datamatix. The award is in recognition of Mr Janahi's innovative and pioneering initiatives that have made GFH one of the leading Islamic financial institutions in the region. The Middle East CEO of the Year Award, which took place in conjunction with the Zayed Leadership and Economic Success Summit in Dubai, honours Middle East corporate leaders whose business acumen, leadership skills, professionalism and vision has helped shape the success of businesses they lead in an age of increasing competitiveness in the region. Naming Mr Janahi as the Young CEO of the Year, organising committee chairman Ali Kamali said the award recognised his leader 0
107802 3 1521 BUSI BUSINESS MTC-Kuwait chief is honoured KUWAIT: Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC), Kuwait, managing director and vice-chairman Dr Saad Al Barrak has been selected as the Middle East's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year. Six other prominent CEOs from government, industry, service and finance sectors were also honoured at the 2005 Middle East CEO of the Year Awards ceremony held at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The event was attended by members of the royal family and senior business and government executives from the region. In the Information and Communication Technolo-gies category, Dr Al Barrak was acknowledged for his visionary leadership and pivotal role in expanding the growth and reach of ICT companies in general and the mobile telecommunications sector in particular as well as his contribution to the development of the region's human capital. 0
107803 0 1521 BUSI BUSINESS Forum to shed light on self-deception MANAMA: The Bahrain Management Society (BMS) is to organise a seminar on Leadership and self-deception tonight. It will start at the Regency InterContinental Hotel at 7.30pm. Singapore-based Arbinger Institute managing director S S G Senthiyl will be the speaker. This is the third business dinner talk being organised by BMS for this year, said president Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Arbinger is an American management training and consulting firm. "We are proud to invite Mr Senthiyl, who will present a solution to the age-old problem of self-deception, which is simply the problem of not knowing we have a problem," said Dr Shaikh Mohammed. "The programme is targeted for individuals and managers who are looking for a refreshing approach to leadership issues. "The topic will be interesting and stimulating as it would analyse problems in leadership, motivation, teamwork, communication, accountability and stress, to name a few." Mr Senthiy 0
107804 0 1521 BUSI BUSINESS Key forum is planned MANAMA: The Second Gulf Petrochemicals Conference will be held on June 7 and 8 at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The event, under the patronage of Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, brings together oil industry experts, economists and business leaders from around the world. It is being held under the theme Discovering Growth Opportunities in the Petrochemicals Industry. The aim is to provide a link between various stakeholders. Over 25 papers are expected to be presented at the event. Training for staff MANAMA: MTC-Vodafone Bahrain yesterday announced the launch of its Extraordinary Leadership Programme designed for its executive employees. The programme has been designed to help current and future leaders of MTC-Vodafone Bahrain identify and build on their strengths and passions, and match those with organisational needs. Initially, it will focus on continually improving the quality of work performed by MTC-Vodafone Bahrain 0
107805 0 1521 BUSI BUSINESS ICC setting agenda for global business MANAMA: International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Bahrain, will hold its annual general meeting at 5pm today, at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry conference hall. ICC Bahrain was established in 1999, as the national committee of the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce. ICC is world leader in setting up voluntary rules, standards, and codes for the conduct of international trade that govern the day-to-day business. Member companies and business associations are instrumental in the development of key international trading instruments such as Incoterms, UCP 500, and Guidec, said ICC Bahrain chairman Ebrahim Zainal. "ICC Commission on Banking Technique and Practice serves as a global forum and rule-making body for international trade and finance," he noted. "ICC Bahrain is committed to participating in the work of the ICC Banking Commission and therefore, it has constituted a Trade Finance Forum (TFF) in line with a view to promoting unifo 0
107806 0 1521 COMM COMMENTElection wiles frustrating... South Africa's fumbling bid to end Zimbabwe's political crisis is unlikely to see better results after this week's Zimbabwean parliamentary polls. Miscalculations and mistakes have marked South Africa's strategy toward its northern neighbour, leaving President Thabo Mbeki facing an election outcome that could extend rather than extinguish Zimbabwe's political stand-off, they say. Mbeki is facing strident criticism at home for not using South Africa's enormous economic muscle to rein in Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe, who is widely accused of misrule, vote rigging and repression of opponents. The money is now on Mugabe's ZANU-PF retaining control of parliament with a likely two-thirds majority after the vote on Thursday, not least because of his constitutional right to appoint 30 members of the 150-seat assembly. That would give ZANU-PF the power to amend the constitution, possibly placing legal curbs on the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) which has eme 0
107807 0 1521 COMM COMMENTThere is no answer to telephone nuisance The phone rings. You answer the phone. So far so good. You see, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Telephone conversations can sometimes be very annoying and I have managed to get unstuck on the phone many times in the past. I can't stand beating around the bush; I am generally impatient and genuinely have a lot of work to do. I simply cannot waste my time with niceties on the phone; I can't discuss the weather and I can't give anonymous callers a minute-by-minute account of what I did with my husband last summer. If you are unlucky enough to answer the phone at the Gulf Daily News on any given day, here is a transcript of a typical conversation: Me: "Hello. Gulf Daily News." Caller: "Hello? GDN?" Me: "Yes. Can I help you?" Caller: "GDN..Gulf Daily News...same same?" Me: "Yes." CLICK Your guess is as good as mine as to why this person had called the newspaper to begin with. This is a regular occurrenc 0
107810 0 1521 LETT LETTERS Why youngsters need challenging tasks! I REFER to a concerned mum's letter (GDN, March 20). The young all over the world need challenging tasks/activities to keep them engaged and out of dangerous pursuits. While Bahrain has excellent plans for encouraging business activities there is a dearth of things for young adults and teenagers to do. Opening more and more malls may be good for commercial advancement but it does little for the young. Hanging around cafes, cinemas, restlessly smoking and shopping to while away time are the chosen activities of the young because that is all that is offered to them. How about public libraries in each locality? If these could be bilingual then both the locals and the expats could come together in an enjoyable, safe and enriching activity. The easiest way to empower a whole society is to provide them with good libraries. How about more indoor sports venues so that these activities can be conducted throughout the year? How about some affordable 0
107811 0 1521 LETT LETTERS Letters worry I WONDER if there is anyone else out there that has been having the same problems with their mail as I have. In the last two months I have posted eight letters to the UK, four of which have had cheques in to pay bills, the other ones were special occasion cards. Not one has reached their destination, one of the letters was registered and this too has not reached its destination. The registered letter was posted two weeks ago and no one can find any trace of it, even with a confirmation slip (there is always a return address on the envelope). We always post our letters at the Post Office in Manama, and go through the usual procedure of having them weighed etc. and then posting them in the box marked Overseas. I have been here 15 years and never had a problem until now. What is happening, and is it only me? Disgruntled mail user *DIRECTOR of Posts Shaikh Bader bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said: "I would like to thank the reader for her trust in Bahrain Post during the pas 0
107812 0 1521 LETT LETTERS Civilised logic I REALLY agreed with Les Horton's comments (GDN, March 23), regarding the rules of a civilised society. Of course examples of bad behaviour can be found in any country, and with complete freedom of information in the West this is sometimes more obvious than in countries where there are, shall we say, some restrictions. However Mr Horton seems to forget one point - he is expecting attitudes and morals in the Middle East to be the same as in England. Remember Mr Horton, the English have been civilised for over a thousand years, but brought civilisation to this part of the world only a relatively short time ago. Most men here should be treated like children when they misbehave - gently scolded, then educated. Poor dears, they just don't know the right way, the British way, yet, and must be taught. So be patient - they will catch up eventually. Donna Hall 0
107813 0 1521 LETT LETTERS Is this legal? MY friend is going on annual leave for one and a half months. Suppose he wants to resign during his leave. Is this legal? Can the notice period of one month be given from the leave? Will he get indemnity and other benefits in this case? Name and address supplied *EDITOR'S note: The Labour Ministry did not respond to this letter. 0
107814 0 1521 LETT LETTERS Timely reminder... MAY I refer to my letter (GDN, February 24) under the heading 'Bab clock slowing', all three points mentioned in it remain, to date, un-noticed by the concerned authorities. P P Rasheed 0
107815 0 1521 LETT LETTERS Fighting stress IN answer to your reader (GDN, March 22) looking for quick and effective stress reduction techniques and self-hypnosis to improve memory and help with personality issues, 'The MakeOver Experience' provides specialist seminars and tralnings as well as individual sessions in this field. The next two-day Foundation Course in Hypnotherapy in Bahrain will be running on the first weekend in June (i.e, June 2 and 3). The consultants are well-qualified in stress management and hypnotherapy and have many testimonials from clients as to the effectiveness of their approach. We can be contacted on tele/fax 17592019 or e-mail: info@themakeoverexperience.com for further information. Makeover experience spokesman 0
107816 1 1521 BNEW LOCAL Workers go on rampage after suicide MANAMA MANAMA: Workers of a top garment factory went on a rampage last night following the death of a colleague. More than 500 Asians working for the MRS Fashions, which makes trousers for J C Penny, started damaging the factory's East Riffa premises after their colleague, who was kept in isolation for 15 days due to chicken pox, committed suicide. Indian Madhu Babu, 25, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a security cabin at 7pm. The worker from the southern Andhra Pradesh state had been missing since 3pm. The workers refused to continue working or allow the ambulance in to remove the body. The company's owner, Indian Sanju Mahthni, lives in Hong Kong. Police stepped in to end the protest and remove the body. The company also said in a statement that the doctor treating Mr Babu had said he was recovering well. It said the company had informed his family and was arranging to send the body to his home in India. Human rights activists visited the site. An Interior Mini 0
107817 2 1521 BNEW LOCAL Row over quizzing of ministers MANAMA A ROW erupted in parliament yesterday over MPs' rights to question government ministers. Members were discussing changes to parliamentary by-laws that would grant them increased powers to quiz officials. However, those opposed to the move argued that ministers should be questioned by a parliamentary committee rather than on the open floor. "Questioning should be done in the concerned committee," said Al Menbar Bloc president Dr Salah Abdulrahman. "Bringing a minister to an open session gives the impression that he is being convicted, rather than questioned." The discussion took place during the fourth extraordinary session to debate changes to the by-laws. Those backing the right to question government ministers on the floor argued that it was in the interest of the general public, which meant they had the right to know about it. "If the minister is innocent it will show, but if he is guilty the people have a right to know about what is going on with their money a 0
107818 3 1521 BNEW LOCAL Blueprint for a green Bahrain MANAMA A NATIONAL environment strategy will be introduced in Bahrain for the first time in an attempt to clean up the country. It will mean stricter laws against pollution and tougher penalties for those who break them, according to Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife environment specialist Suzanne Al Ajjawi. Any new project will have to comply with guidelines laid out in the strategy, which also seeks to protect specific areas of the country considered to be at risk. The strategy is founded on the country's commitment to comply with the recommendations of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, which was held in Johannesburg in September 2002. It will cover sectors such as tourism, transportation, waste management, health, oil and industry. However, it must be submitted to the Cabinet for approval before it can be put into action. "Once approved by the Cabinet, a work plan for the strategy's implementation process will 0
107819 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL New plan aims to preserve natural resources MANAMA BAHRAIN's first national environment strategy has identified key problems that must be tackled in order to preserve the country for future generations. It includes recommendations on air, groundwater, agriculture, tourism, transportation, waste management and the marine environment. The strategy is being spearheaded by the Public Commission for Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife to sustain Bahrain's natural resources. Here is a summary of the environmental problems and priorities that have been highlighted in Bahrain. Air Emissions from power generators, industry and car exhausts have been identified as a major factor behind the deterioration of air quality in Bahrain. The overlapping of industrial and residential areas, which means residents have to live close to factories, is also highlighted as a major concern. There is also said to be a lack of information on some pollutants and not enough stations to measure the quality of air. MANAMA: Economic development, vocational training and educational modernisation are being touted as the forthcoming national priorities. "These are part of a three-pronged national strategy, which also involves labour market reform," said Crown Prince and Economic Development Board Chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He was speaking as he received at Riffa Palace Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa and several other ministers. "The labour reform project has been embraced by all segments of Bahraini society as a national project, thus ensuring a wide consensus," he said, hailing the move as reflecting a desire to radically overhaul the labour market in line with His Majesty King Hamad's instructions. He praised Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa for backing the labour market reform project, which was submitted for approval by parliament and Shura Council. He also lauded the role of the government in con 0
107821 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL UAE President's visit praised ABU DHABI: UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Bahrain today is a good opportunity to cement distinguished bilateral relations, Bahrain's Ambassador to the UAE Shaikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said yesterday. In a statement on the eve of the visit, he praised the UAE's stance in supporting the progress of the GCC, Arab and Muslim countries. The meeting in Bahrain later this month of the Bahrain-UAE Joint Supreme Committee, headed by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and his UAE counterpart Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, will further enhance the historic ties, the Ambassador said. 0
107822 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini experts find rare shrimp MANAMA TWO Bahrain University re-searchers have stumbled across a rare strain of shrimp, which is listed internationally as an endangered species. The shrimp, Branchips Schaefferi, was found in ponds formed by rainwater in the Hunnaiyah Valley, which is located between East and West Riffa. Dr Hashim Al Sayed and Dr Khadija Zainal discovered the rare species while researching ponds formed by rainwater in desert areas. They say this is the first time that the species was found in Bahrain. "We found that several other creatures live in these ponds - mostly the tadpole shrimp and fairy shrimp," according a statement by the university. The study, which will be published in the May issue of the Arid Environment Journal, has found that eggs of the creatures were buried in the sand for several years and hatched with the formation of the ponds. They are said to grow very fast and die in a matter of weeks. The university urged concerned bodies to protect the habita 0
107823 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL 'Speak easy' tips offered MANAMA NEEDY Indians are welcome to join basic communication skills and spoken English classes being organised by the Indian Ladies Association (ILA). The main aim of the programme is to improve their speaking skills and promote personality development. The course is being organised as one of ILA's service projects, said ILA president Thanuja Anil. It is being co-ordinated by the Speak Easy subcommittee, headed by Paghna Bhatia and Purnima Baliga. The course will begin during the third week of April and will end in early June. The classes will be held twice a week and students will be presented with certificates at the end of the course. "The course is intended for those who cannot afford expensive training institutions," said Mrs Anil. "Basic communication skills in English will enable them to interact better at their work place as well as outside," she said. Trained professionals supervised by the ILA co-ordinators will run the programme, which covers basic spoken En 0
107824 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Career lessons for youngsters BAHRAIN University students are to learn vital job-hunting skills at the university's three-day careers fair, which opens today. The event is being held at the Sakhir campus under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. "Students will get an opportunity to learn all about jobs available in the market, how to apply for them, how to write a CV and sit through an interview," said organising committee head Nael Al Onais. "These are important skills which every job seeker should be equipped with," he said. The fair will be of mutual benefit to the students and the companies taking part, pointed Mr Al Onais. "It is an important event for companies to see the level of graduates they can choose from and a chance for our students to see what types of jobs they want to join once they have completed their studies," he continued. Similar events are held at universities around the world, said Mr Al Onais. The aim is to present 0
107825 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Publisher 'sorry' for fraud claim MANAMA AN international publisher has apologised for naming Bahrain erroneously as a country where traders are involved in commercial frauds. In an article on document deception, the October 2004 issue of Commercial Crime International (CMI) bulletin, published by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), erroneously bracketed Bahrain with Dubai for frauds through document deception perpetrated by traders based in Dubai. IMB is a specialised unit of the UK-based International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Commercial Crime Services, which is a division and anti-crime arm of the ICC, Paris. When ICC Bahrain Trade Finance Forum (TFF) enquired and objected to the accuracy of this news, the publishers apologised for the error, said ICC Bahrain banking committee chairman Dr Adnan Bseisu. They issued a correction in their latest issue to set the records straight, he told the GDN. "Document deception is one of the most common devices used by fraudulent traders in deceiving banks by misusin 0
107826 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Global Christian group backs Mideast peace THE World Council of Churches (WCC) has stepped up its campaigns to support the Middle East peace process, says a visiting WCC official, who is a senior bishop of an Indian church. The Rt Rev Dr Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragen Metropolitan, of the Mar Thoma Church, who is a member of the WCC central and executive committees, also praised the commendable role played by Bahrain in the peace process. "WCC, which has its headquarters in Geneva, has always campaigned for the right of both Palestine and Israel to exist as separate and independent nations," he told the GDN. "WCC is working towards this goal, and has set up a peace group which is now working in Jerusalem. "We strongly condemn all kinds of human rights violations in different parts of the world." Dr Mar Theophilus said the Iraqi people should be allowed to rebuild their country. "Other countries should only support this in the true spirit of democracy," he said. Dr Mar Theophilus praised Bahrain 0
107827 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Ladies plan debut beauty contest THE Indian Ladies Association (ILA) committee is gearing up for its maiden programme later this week. It will be held at the Crowne Plaza, from 7pm, on Wednesday. The event, entitled Beyond Beauty, will feature a beauty contest open to members and non-members, who will vie for the ILA Queen 2005 and ILA Princess 2005 titles. The first category is for women aged above 25 years while the second category is for 16 to 25-year-olds. Attractive prizes including diamonds and air tickets are on offer and there will also be many prizes for surprise categories at the event, said general secretary Jasbir Ahuja. Surprise categories for the audience are also planned with attractive prizes. Tickets are priced BD4 for non-members and BD3 for members. Bahrain Financing Company, Al Sarraj Jewellers, Gulf Air, Baby Mart at Mega Mart, Lulu Centre and the hotel are sponsoring the event. For more information on registration and tickets, call vice president Parul Desai 0
107828 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Language skills of 150 students are put to test ABOUT 150 students from six schools in Bahrain took part in a literature competition at Sanabil Private School, Budaiya. The youngsters, who were divided into two age groups - six to 12 years and 13 to 18, wrote poems and short stories on topics of their choice. They were also divided into three groups on the basis of language - English, Arabic and French. Thirty-six children will be selected as winners and will be awarded with trophies and vouchers. The event was attended by school owner Rudaina Al Alawi, principal Ingram Gaskin and activities head Mohammad Yousef. It was sponsored by Power Horse and Dominos Pizza. 0
107829 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Fisherman caught in police net MANAMA A BAHRAINI fisherman was fined BD300 after he was caught shrimping illegally. The 19-year-old, from Sitra, also had his 28kg catch of shrimp confiscated after he was spotted by the Coast Guard. The Lower Criminal Court ordered the sale of the shrimp and the proceeds were handed over to the Public Prosecution. "I went to the Al Shaikh area in Bahrain's waters for shrimping," the defendant told police. "After catching 28kg of shrimp I saw a Bahraini Coast Guard patrol boat approaching. When they came near one of the officers asked me to show him my shrimping licence from the Directorate of Marine Resources. "I told him that I had applied for it, but it was not ready yet. I was facing financial difficulties and was forced to go out shrimping." The defendant failed to appear in court to hear the verdict. 0
107830 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Raffle winners are announced MANAMA FORTY raffle draw winners of the King Horse Racing Cup were announced yesterday. The winning tickets are 1907, 0791, 1310, 0341, 03822, 1051, 03933, 0574, 03375, 03283, 0100, 1759, 03767, 0997, 0650, 03028, 03935, 03138, 03197, 1015, 03557, 0079, 0841, 0378, 02768, 03499, 0116, 03848, 2524, 1018, 2253, 1319, 2168, 2417, 0237, 03536, 03619, 0319, 03900 and 1127. Winners are being urged to visit the Equestrian and Horse Racing Club in Sakhir to collect their prizes before Sunday. 0
107831 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Bangladeshis celebrate day BANGLADESHIS celebrated their country's 34th Independence and National Day yesterday. A flag-hoisting ceremony was held at the Bangladesh Embassy, Adliya. Ambassador Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury hoisted the flag at the event which included a minute's silence in respect for the martyrs of the Liberation War of Bangladesh. This was followed by a prayer for the martyrs and an open discussion. Messages from Bangladesh President Dr Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and Foreign Minister Mohammed Morshed Khan were read out. Mr Chowdhury also hosted a reception at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, last night. It was attended by government officials and guests. 0
107832 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Major Arab forum website launched SOCIAL Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Bulooshi yesterday launched a special website for the upcoming International Rehabilitation Conference for the Arab Region, being held in Bahrain in November. At the launch, held at the Social Affairs Ministry in Isa Town, Dr Al Bulooshi said preparations were in full swing for the event, which will be held from November 10 to 16. "A special committee has been already set up, with representatives from all the concerned ministries and institutions, to prepare for the event," she said. "This event would be a boon to the disabled in the kingdom since it will enable those concerned to learn from the experiences of other Arab countries in this field." The event, said Dr Al Bulooshi, would also show the Arab world how developed Bahrain is in the field. "It will give them an idea about what's being done in the country, the equipment and new technologies being used and publications issued by the kingdom in this regard," she said. Dr Al 0
107833 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Cheque fraud ruling A BAHRAINI businessman has been sentenced to three years in jail for issuing a dud cheque for more than BD16,500. But the sentence will be suspended if he pays a BD500 fine, the Lower Criminal Court ruled. The 37-year-old defendant did not show up in court, so was sentenced in his absence. He wrote the cheque early last year in payment for jewellery worth BD16,580, which he bought from a Bahraini jeweller's store, the court heard. "He requested to pay by cheque because he said that he was expecting some money from Dubai after four or five days," said the 62-year-old businessman. But when the cheque was presented to the bank on the due date, March 5, it bounced due to the lack of funds in his account, the court heard. "I spoke to him more than once, but he always made some excuses and did not even settle a part of the bill," said the jeweller. "Later on I did not see him and he simply disappeared. "We went to the bank and they told us that this acc 0
107834 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Speed-bumps 'delay traffic' RESIDENTS in seven villages on the Budaiya Highway are complaining of heavy traffic congestion after new speed-bumps were installed on Saar Avenue. They use the road to get to the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, which links Hamad Town with Manama, but for the past week have experienced delays of up to 20 minutes because of the changes. The congestion is said to start from Al Mahd School, in Saar, and continue until the highway. A written request signed by villagers has now been sent to the Works and Housing Ministry asking for an immediate solution to the problem. "It used to take us five minutes to reach our jobs, but now we are being forced to wait in line for 20 minutes, plus another 20 minutes to reach our work," said residents' representative Sayed Moosa Al Mahfoodh. "The problem is that this route is being used by Saar, Maqaba, Barbar, Duraz, Al Murkh, Bani Jamra and Budaiya residents as an alternative to the overcrowded Budaiya Highway. "Putting in these 0
107835 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Racers to parade Porsches MANAMA FIFTEEN identical Porsches taking part in the Porsche Michelin SuperCup will take part in a parade tomorrow, beginning at 4pm. The parade will begin from the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa and continue to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. The Porsche Michelin SuperCup is being held as a support race during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005, being held from Friday until next Sunday. Bahraini drivers Shaikh Salman bin Essa Al Khalifa and Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa were among drivers who took the cars on an open day of testing and practice at the BIC track yesterday. The SuperCup aims to bring together identically prepared Porsches to compete as a supporting event to Formula 1 races and is being held for the first time in the Middle East region. The cars are on an equal footing and competition is fierce with lots of wheel-to-wheel racing and contact. The drivers are world-class road racers, including young and upcoming international sta 0
107836 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Photographic focus on Bahrain... THE creativity of 17 young Bahraini photographers was celebrated at a reception held at British Council director Sandra Hamrouni's residence in Adliya last night. The youngsters from Ibn Khuldoon National School had taken part in the Bahrain in Transition project, which was organised by British Council and Al Riwaq Art Gallery. The project began last December with a photography workshop run by British documentary photographer Tom Wichelow. The five-day workshop was held at the gallery in Adliya and introduced the students to the basic concepts of documentary photography. It also taught the participants to use photography to express their points of view on issues that affect their daily lives. The workshop was then followed by an editing session held by Mr Wichelow and gallery co-curator Amal Khalaf earlier this month. The photographs taken during the project will go on show at 7pm tonight at the gallery in Adliya. They portray the concept of Bahrain as a coun 0
107837 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Rotaract members visit the elderly MEMBERS of the Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya visited the UCO Care Centre for the Elderly yesterday. They donated cakes and breakfast, which they had with centre members. Centre staff and members surprised the team with a performance of traditional songs and dances, some played using traditional instruments. The Rotaract team was also shown around the centre by its manager Reema Bin Shams, who told them about the centre's activities. Club members also toured the premises and its classrooms, and were briefed on its educational programmes and the handicrafts and other items produced by the centre and sold to earn money. 0
107838 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL New book on Bahrain's achievements launched A NEW book and website on Bahrain's recent achievements have just been launched. The book entitled, The Kingdom of Bahrain - A Year of Achievements, has been published by Visuals-Bahrain. "The project is part of the company's participation in highlighting the modernisation programme led by His Majesty King Hamad," said Visuals Communications Group (Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar) founder and chief executive officer Faisal Abdulla. "The sale of the book in the Bahrain market has coincided with the launch of a website, http://www.kingdomofbahrain.org "The idea of this project is to recognise and appreciate the noble gestures by His Majesty King Hamad, with the support of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa." Visuals, said Mr Abdulla, has taken upon itself the production of the book as a national contribution to recording and documenting the various royal deed 0
107839 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL 10 teams take up festival challenge TEN competitive teams have signed up to take part in what promises to be a fun-filled day on Friday at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar. The Bahrain Gaelic Festival will see the Soccer Strongmen team try to retain the overall winner's trophy from last year. The gates open at 10am and while the games will be over by 6pm, the party will go on well into the night, said organisers. The event, sponsored by MTC-Vodafone, E K Kanoo and American Express, will feature non-stop entertainment. The teams will compete in a range of events, including the MTC Hawar Tug-of-War, the EK Kanoo 4x4 Endurance Challenge and the American Express Highland Wrestling competition. There will also be children's races and individual tests of strength for the adult teams in the shot putt, the caber toss sponsored by the Bahrain Caledonian Society (If you can imagine trying to throw a telegraph pole into the air and make it somersault, you will have a good idea of what ca 0
107840 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL AGU tips on higher learning BAHRAINIS wishing to continue higher studies at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) should visit the Education Ministry, in Isa Town, before April 27. Diplomas and Master's degrees are being offered for those with Bachelor's degrees in desert sciences, water resources management, biotechnology, technology management, special education (retardation, learning difficulties or talented students) and distant learning. Those with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of two out of four can go for a diploma, while those with a GPA of three out of four can apply for the Master's degree. They should bring with them a no-objection letter from their place of work, two copies of the university transcript, a documented university certificate approved by the ministry, two copies of their passport, four photographs, a medical certificate and a recommendation letter from the university if available. 0
107841 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL New US naval strike group takes charge MANAMA THE Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group relieved the Harry S Truman Carrier Strike Group in patrolling the Gulf waters. The Truman Strike Group has been operating in the region since November last year. Deployed to the Gulf, the Vinson Strike Group is here to support multi-national forces in Iraq while conducting maritime security operations throughout the region, said US Naval Forces Central Command and US Fifth Fleet deputy public affairs officer Lieutenant Bill Speaks yesterday. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 31, the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam, the guided-missile destroyers USS O' Kane and USS Mustin, the fast combat support ship USS Camden and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11, Detachment 9. 0
107842 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters contest hailed MANAMA THE Area 27 Contest held between five Bahrain Toastmasters was hailed as a success by organisers. The event was held at the Bahrain Carlton Hotel, Adliya, and saw the participation of members of the Bahrain Advanced Toastmasters, Kerala Catholic Association Toastmasters, Karnataka Social Club Toastmasters, the Pakistani Community Toastmasters and the Bahrain Sheraton Hotel Toastmasters. The winners were announced as follows: Evaluation Contest: First place went to Samia Abdul Ghafoor, second to K Mohandas and third Jyothi Truben. Table Topics: First place went to Aruldas Thomas, second to A S Jose and third Ramamurthy Thevar. Humorous Speech: First place went to Suresh Hegde, second to Ganesh Pai and third Iqbal Zaffar. International Speech: Aruldas Thomas, first; Samia Abdul Ghafoor, second; and G Ramamurthy Thevar, third. Thieves raid car A BRIEFCASE and a handbag containing bank documents were stolen from a car parked near Al F 0
107843 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Women deny vice charges FOUR foreign women, including two sisters, arrested in a vice-squad raid have denied working in Bahrain as prostitutes. Three Egyptians, aged 18, 19 and 30, and a 26-year-old Syrian woman were detained after police swooped on Al Hoora Plaza Furnished Apartments, Hoora. It followed a tip-off that a group of prostitutes were operating out of the apartment block. The Lower Criminal Court heard how undercover officers, posing as customers, went into the building with marked currency to negotiate a price with the women. They say they called for back-up after agreeing a fee with the women, who were all allegedly found naked in their rooms. However, the women have denied the charges. They say they received a knock at the door and were told to produce their documents before being asked to go to the police station. The case has been adjourned until April 27 for a final verdict. All four women have been detained in police custody. 0
107844 0 1521 BNEW LOCAL Church members to visit prisoners MEMBERS of the Sacred Heart Church, in Manama, have been granted permission to visit Christian inmates in Bahrain's prisons. However, the Bahrain Human Rights Society is still waiting for official permission to inspect Bahrain's prisons two months after it submitted its request. Church members have so far visited 14 inmates to provide them with religious guidance. Prison Directorate acting director Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Abdul Rehman Al Abdul Aziz said they were granted permission to visit Christian inmates to help them "obtain peace of mind and change their behaviour". He said inmates' had a right to such visits, as well as access to religious literature. 0
107845 1 1521 SPOR SPORT ENGLAND WIN IN STYLE MANCHESTER: England stormed to a 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Northern Ireland at Old Trafford yesterday as the Group Six leaders unleashed a second-half goal blitz. Deadlocked at the break despite laying siege to the Northern Ireland goal, England scored four times in 17 minutes to leave their neighbours reeling. Joe Cole, who produced a superb performance in his first competitive start, got things moving with a 47th minute strike. Michael Owen added the second five minutes later, an own goal by Northern Ireland defender Chris Baird after great work by Wayne Rooney made it 3-0 and Frank Lampard turned victory into a rout with a deflected shot after 62 minutes. Victory ensured England stay top of the group and also provided an ideal way for manager Sven-Goran Eriksson to celebrate his 50th game in charge. England have 13 points from five games, one clear of Poland, who thrashed Azerbaijan 8-0 in Warsaw. Austria, 2-0 winners in Wales, are third on eight. E 0
107846 2 1521 SPOR SPORT Stars to race for charity during Bahrain F1 event THE Bahrain International Circuit has added another race to its already jam-packed schedule of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held on April 1, 2 and 3 at the Bahrain International Circuit. The Mini Challenge, a charity race organised by the BIC and Euro Motors, will feature 14 Mini Cooper Club Sport cars with identical specifications and engine capacity. Each car in Euro Motors' Mini Challenge will be sponsored by a local Bahraini company with each participating driver paying a fee of $10,000 which is to go directly to different local Bahraini charities. Cora Schumacher, wife of F1 driver Ralf Schumacher, Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, president of the Court of the Crown Prince, and Zayed Al Zayani, Euro Motors' Managing Director, are among the top stars expected to take part in the event. All drivers taking part in the event will be race-trained and certified and the drivers will be demonstrating their innovative motorsport abilities in a safe and controlled environm 0
107847 3 1521 SPOR SPORT Sehwag hits double ton BANGALORE, India: Virender Sehwag yet again proved to be Pakistan's nightmare as he hammered a robust 201 to help India avoid a follow-on in the third and final Test here yesterday. The free-stroking opener's double-century enabled the hosts to post 379 for six at stumps on the third day in reply to Pakistan's massive first-innings total of 570. Sehwag, 26, smashed two sixes and 28 fours off 262 balls in a magnificent display of stroke-making on a batting track to reduce the Pakistani bowlers and fielders to a state of helplessness. Sehwag, who also scored a triple-century against Pakistan last year, became the fastest Indian to complete 3,000 Test runs during his 10th three-figure knock in 55 innings, surpassing former captain Mohammad Azharuddin (64). India were in trouble for a brief spell when they lost in-form Rahul Dravid (22) and Sachin Tendulkar (41) in the afternoon session, still needing 114 more runs with seven wickets in hand to avoid the follow-on. The hosts were jus 0
107848 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Aussies grab initiative with late strikes AUCKLAND: Australia shattered a valiant New Zealand start to the third Test yesterday seizing the initiative with three late wickets to have the Black Caps at 199 for five at the close of the first day's play. It was a rapid turnaround of fortune after New Zealand had cautiously made their way to 179 for two as Hamish Marshall and Stephen Fleming amassed a 126-run partnership. But they fell within four runs of each other and Lou Vincent came and went for two as Australia took the first-day honours after losing the toss. The bowling honours were shared across the board, but the damage was prepared by spells of inspired miserly bowling from paceman Glenn McGrath who sent down 24 overs, including 17 maidens, and took one for 20. With Australia leading 1-0, New Zealand made a shaky start in their bid to draw the series, slipping to 53 for two before Marshall with 76 and Fleming, who returned to run-scoring form with 65, gave the innings some backbone. Marshall, in onl 0
107849 0 1521 SPOR SPORT North Korea to appeal over 'unfair refereeing' SEOUL: North Korea will appeal to world soccer's governing body Fifa over what it describes as unfair refereeing during its World Cup qualifying match against Bahrain, a pro-North Korean government newspaper reported yesterday. North Korea lost Friday's Group B qualifying match 2-1 to Bahrain. The defeat, which follows a 2-1 loss to Japan at Tokyo last month, dimmed the North's prospects to advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany. "The chief referee took sides with the opposition team too much," North Korea coach Yun Jong Su said after Friday's match in Pyongyang, reported Chosun Sinbo, the official paper of the pro-North Korea General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. "We will officially raise the issue with Fifa," he said. North Korea's national team is playing for the first time on the international stage since 1994. It has not appeared at the World Cup finals since making a surprising run to the quarter-finals in 1966. 0
107850 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Soo Kim bags Porsche golf title HYUN Soo Kim clinched first place in the inaugural Porsche Golf Day at Riffa Golf Club with a great score of 40 points despite the challenging weather conditions. Mohammed Al Sayed and Jae Ho Lee were second and third respectively, both with 37 points while Steve O'Shea was fourth with 34. Richard Duncan won a special prize as leading scorer among the competition's Porsche drivers with a score of 31 points while Craig Haldane dominated the side contests winning three of the five nearest the pin prizes. The tournament was held in the individual stableford format and teed off with a 7.30am shotgun start. Over 50 golfers took part in the event. Kim received his trophy from Gary Wheeler, after-sales manager for Behbehani Brothers, the Bahrain dealers for Porsche. Forthcoming events: Thursday: All Day F1 Scramble - 7am & 12.30pm shotgun starts. Open to all. Friday: F1 Individual Cup - 7am & 12.30pm shotgun starts. Open to all. April 3: 9-Hole P 0
107851 0 1521 SPOR SPORT World No 1 O'Sullivan withdraws Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn from the China Open citing medical reasons, according a report on ICWales, the national website of Wales. The world champion and world number one rang tournament organisers in Beijing explaining why he was withdrawing from the world-ranking event. It also ends O'Sullivan's chances of equalling Stephen Hendry's record five world-ranking titles in a single season. He has already won the Grand Prix, Welsh Open and Irish Masters during a golden 2004-05 campaign that has also yielded the Masters trophy and 280,750 in prize money. 0
107852 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Roses in May wins Dubai World Cup DUBAI: Roses in May became America's fifth winner in the 10 runnings of the world's richest race the $6million Dubai World Cup here yesterday. The American horse trained by Dale Romans and ridden by John Velasquez beat home Saudi challenger Dynever while another American runner Choctaw Nation was third. Roses in May - the class horse in the race having finished second in the Breeders Cup Classic last year - was brought up to the front by Velasquez early in the proceedings to lie on the shoulder of South African challenger Yard-Arm. Velasquez riding one of the races of his life took him to the front rounding the final bend with Choctaw Nation looming round the outside but still a way off. Down the straight Victor Espinoza on Choctaw Nation edged nearer and nearer as he overhauled Jack Sullivan for second and looked as if he could take the leader. However, he ran out of gas in the final 200 metres and it was Dynever, trained by Frenchman Christophe Clement, who looked the l 0
107853 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Wade stars as Miami pip Suns MIAMI: Dwayne Wade scored 35 points, the last of them on a spectacular shot from beyond half court, and Shqaquille O'Neal added 25 as Miami downed the Phoenix Suns 125-115 here yesterday in a basketball showdown. Wade's stunner helped the Heat extend a club-record home win streak to 16 games by snapping the Suns' club-record nine-game road win streak, leaving Miami with the best record in the National Basketball Association. In what could have been a preview of June's NBA Finals, the Heat rose to a league-best 53-17 while the Suns dimmed to 51-17, still the best mark in the Western Conference by half a game over San Antonio. O'Neal cautioned his teammates not to concern themselves with the final, mindful of last year's trip to the final with the Los Angeles Lakers that ended with a loss to the Detroit Pistons. The Heat produced a season-best point total in winning for the 13th time in 14 games. Wade scored all his points in the first three quarters, the most spect 0
107854 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Aqeel takes sixth spot in Kuwait Open bowling BAHRAIN'S Nadia Aqeel finished an impressive sixth in the second Kuwait International Bowling Tournament. Aqeel, who is sponsored by Batelco as a member of the Rising Star Programme under the umbrella of the General Organisation for Youth and Sports, finished with an average of 215.8. The tournament offered a totalled prize money of $150,000 and attracted the top bowlers from all over the world including US, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Malaysia, Colombia, and Mexico along with some fine bowlers from GCC countries. Aqeel missed the cut to top four by just 52 pins. She scored 738 at an average of 202.5. During the earlier stages of the tournament, Aqeel played brilliantly and was leading the ladies section averaging 220.5. Aqeel thanked Batelco for giving her the opportunity to compete and challenge some of the best bowlers in such a big event. 0
107855 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Tickets for Four Nation basketball go on sale TICKETS will go on sale today for the Four-Nation Invitation Basketball Tournament to be held on April 28 and 29 at the Juffair Sports Hall. The tournament is being organised by the Bahrain Basketball Association (BBA) and Guirgisco Group of Companies - Event Division. Four teams are in the fray with the PBA Philippine All Stars team being the top attraction. Specially selected teams from Bahrain, Iraq and the US (ASU) will complete the line-up. The Philippine side will be made up of top PBA superstars and will be captained by Alvin Patrimonio with the other squad members being Bong Alvarez, Ato Agustin, Samboy Lim, Bonel Balingit, Zaldy Realubit, Peter Naron, Jonadel Cardel, Jonathan De Guzman, Manny Victorino and Dave Bautista. Tickets are priced at BD1.5 and are available at all Bahrain Financing Company branches and HotShot, Kowloon, Lolita's Bakery, Moon Plaza Hotel-Sampaguita and McDonald's branches at Exhibition Road and Bab Al Bahrain. For more 0
107856 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Sabah ready for top snooker duel RISING snooker star Habib Sabah is set to battle with the world's top professional players in the 200,000 China Open International Snooker Championship which begins today at the Haidian Stadium in Beijing. Sabah will take on 58th seed Jamie Michie of the United Kingdom in the first round today starting at 5am (Bahrain time) and is set for a showdown with another UK professional Steven Lee, who is the 12th seed, in the second round of this annual event which concludes on April 4. Sabah is the only player from the Middle East selected by the World Snooker Association to take part in the tournament. The world top 16 professionals have been directed seeded into the second round while another 16 professionals have made it to this event through qualifying rounds held last month. Sabah is among 16 amateur players taking part in this event, including 13 from China and one each from Thailand, Kobkit Palajin, and India, Alok Kumar. The 16 first round matches will pit the 0
107857 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Ghazwan for Saudi showjumping contest VETERAN Bahraini rider Sami Ghazwan will leave today for Riyadh to participate in the Arab League Showjumping Championship to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday. A number of top Arab and European ranked riders from more than 12 countries will be taking part in the event. Bahrain Duty Free has again stepped in to support Ghazwan during the championship. "This support made things much easier for me as this type of sport costs a lot of money," said Ghazwan. Ghazwan will participate with two horses Amira and Raheeb. Both the horses impressed right through this year's championships and in particular the last Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's championship held in March. Umpiring course set THE Bahrain Cricket Association is conducting a course for cricket umpires and scorers from April 16 to 23. The course is a part of the development programme of the Asian Cricket Council and will be conducted by Pakistani international umpire Khizar Hayat. Al 0
107858 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Bahrain squad in Tokyo THE Bahrain national soccer team arrived yesterday in Tokyo for their 2006 World Cup qualifying third Group B match against Japan on Wednesday. The players rested after their trip and will begin training today with two practice sessions before this crucial match. The Bahrain team is staying at the Rihga Royal Hotel in Tokyo. Bahrain will be without midfielders Mahmood Jalal and captain Talal Yousif who will serve a one-match suspension after they were booked during Bahrain's match against North Korea in Pyongyang last Friday. The Bahrain delegation was headed by Bahrain Football Association (BFA) vice-president Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa while General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, who is still in Beijing waiting for his visa, is expected to reach Tokyo tomorrow. Meanwhile, BFA member Yousef Hassan said that BD500 was presented to each member of the team as a reward for their 2-1 victory over North Kor 0
107859 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Poland too hot for Azerbaijan LONDON: Poland lit up a busy night of World Cup action with an 8-0 thrashing of Azerbaijan yesterday as the qualifying competition in the European zone resumed in full after the winter break. On a day of 17 qualifiers, with a further 21 on Wednesday, the Poles led the way in the race for Germany 2006 but there was little change in their Group Six as leaders England thumped Northern Ireland 4-0 and Austria won 2-0 in Wales. There were also wins for the Czech Republic, Sweden, Austria, Slovakia and Croatia while Italy, France and the Netherlands were playing later on Saturday. It was a total mismatch in Warsaw where Azerbaijan looked like amateurs against a fast-moving Polish side, led by striker Tomasz Frankowski who scored a hat-trick. Frankowski put Poland ahead in the 12th minute and a comical own goal by Aftandil Hajiyev and a goal by midfielder Kamil Kosowski made it 3-0 at the break. Frankowski completed his hat-trick with two goals in three minutes just past 0
107860 0 1521 SPOR SPORT South Africans edge Uganda to keep lead JOHANNESBURG: South Africa scraped to an unconvincing 2-1 win over Uganda yesterday to maintain their lead in African zone Group Two. Steven Pienaar netted the winning goal in the 72nd minute after Uganda had threatened to derail their World Cup qualification hopes. The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder tucked away a cross from Delron Buckley in one of the few moments of enterprise from the home side, playing in front of a paltry 10,000 crowd at the cavernous 75,000-capacity Soccer City. South Africa led at halftime through a penalty from Quinton Fortune in the 21st minute, although the decision from the Nigerian referee bemused all watching. It was only the second goal for his country in 47 appearances for the Manchester United player. Uganda were awarded an equally fortuitous spot kick midway through the second half which was converted by captain David Obua. The win puts South Africa four ahead of their nearest challengers, the Democratic Republic of Congo and G 0
107861 0 1521 SPOR SPORT Eriksson hails new King Cole MANCHESTER: Sven-Goran Eriksson hailed Joe Cole's performance in his first competitive start for England as "absolutely perfect" and admitted the Chelsea midfielder could have played his way into a regular place in the side. "If he goes on like this it will be very difficult to move him," Eriksson admitted after watching the 23-year-old cap an impressive performance on the left of midfield with England's opening goal in a 4-0 win over Northern Ireland in their World Cup qualifier at Old Trafford. England had to endure a frustrating first half as a result of wasted chances and some inspired goalkeeping from Maik Taylor. But Cole's strike opened the way and Northern Ireland were killed off by goals from Michael Owen and Frank Lampard either side of a Chris Baird own goal. "You are always a little concerned when you don't score goals but at half-time I said just go on playing as we played because we did very well in the first half as well," Eriksson said. "It was jus 0
107862 0 1521 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Easter Sunday Holy Communion, St Christopher's Cathedral, 7am and 10.30am; family service, baptisms and Easter tea party, 4pm; Eucharist for Easter evening, 6pm; Agape Supper, 7pm. Easter Sunday Holy Communion, Awali Church, 9.30am. Easter party for children, Gulf Hotel, noon. Tickets BD11 ++. Combined service - Easter Sunrise at the National Evangelical Church car park, Manama, 5.30am; English language congregation - Easter Communion service, 7pm. Auditions for the Manama Theatre Club's latest production, British Club, Burton Room, Adliya, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact Brig Rooke on 39636617 or 17776489. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8p 0
107863 1 1521 WORL WORLD BLAST HORROR BEIRUT: A bomb exploded in an industrial zone in Beirut last night, turning several buildings into raging infernos and killing at least five people. Police had been tipped off about a car bomb earlier in the evening and were looking for a vehicle, Antoine Gebara, mayor of the northeastern Bouchrieh area in the Lebanese capital, said. He, however, said the blast was the result of a bomb placed at the site. "They must love us - we got it twice in a week," he said referring to an explosion in the nearby predominantly Christian neighbourhood of Jdeideh last Saturday that injured nine people. Witnesses said the blast, coming on the eve of the Easter holiday, happened three hours before Catholics were to head to a midnight mass celebrating Easter. A news photographer at the scene said at least six industrial buildings were ablaze. Firefighters battled desperately to contain huge orange flames leaping from blackened factory windows into the nighttime sky. Tensions in Leb 0
107864 2 1521 WORL WORLD 131 held in Iraq BAGHDAD: Iraqi soldiers backed by US helicopters killed several suspected insurgents and seized 131 more in a dawn raid yesterday, capturing tonnes of explosives earmarked for attacks on the holy city of Karbala. The crackdown came as three US soldiers were killed, two of them in a car bombing in the capital's tense southwest. Two Iraqi security force members and a civilian were also killed around Baghdad. A police officer and an off-duty national guardsman were shot dead in the western Baghdad neighbourhood of Al Yarmuk and outside the capital in Abu Ghraib's marketplace. A civilian was killed when a bomb targeting a US convoy exploded south of the capital. Against the backdrop of increased bloodshed, the country's parliament planned to reconvene on Tuesday to elect a speaker as talks between Kurds and Shi'ites on forming a government foundered. Defence Minister Hazim Al Shaalan said the raid "was a surprise operation based on intensive surveillance by military intelligence". LONDON: Former British prime minister and Labour Party leader James Callaghan died last night on the eve of his 93rd birthday. Lord Callaghan was in power from April 1976 until May 1979, when his government - shaken by a period of bitter industrial unrest known as "the Winter of Discontent" - was swept away by Margaret Thatcher's Conservatives. Callaghan died at home in East Sussex, in southeast England, just 11 days after his wife Audrey, to whom he had been married for 67 years, passed away. He was the longest-living prime minister in British history. Callaghan, who entered Parliament in the Labour Party landslide of 1945, was the only British politician to hold, at different times, the four top posts of prime minister, Treasury chief, foreign secretary and home secretary. He succeeded Harold Wilson as prime minister in April 1976 and governed until May 1979, when strikes, financial crises and party divisions lost him the election against Margaret Thatcher's Conservative Party. Thatcher remem 0
107866 0 1521 WORL WORLD Tunnels found at US prison BAGHDAD: US military police have discovered two long tunnels dug with scraps of metal and wood leading out of the largest detention facility in Iraq, military officials said yesterday. The tunnels - one about 200 metres long and the other about 100m long - led out of cell blocks at Camp Bucca, a US-run facility near the southern Iraq town of Umm Qasr, where more than 6,000 detainees are held. They were discovered on Thursday, before anyone had a chance to escape, Lieutenant Colonel Guy Rudisill, spokesman for detainee operations in Iraq, said. The longer tunnel ran about four to five metres underground and was wide enough for a large man to crawl through. It had completely cleared the prison's security fences, while the other one had not reached out of the compound. "Thanks to some good detective work, we managed to find them before anyone escaped," Rudisill said. The discoveries were made after a military policeman on a routine check last week found a five-foot h 0
107867 0 1521 WORL WORLD Reid hits out at Tory plan LONDON: The Labour Party launched an attack on the Conservatives' health spending plans yesterday, homing in on a row that led to the departure of a senior Tory party official. Health Secretary John Reid, launching a poster campaign, said the Conservatives had a "secret agenda" of huge cuts in spending on the National Health Service, and the party's Deputy chairman Howard Flight had been sacked for telling the truth about the plans. "Mr Flight was sacked for telling the truth. His views are not exceptional among the Tory leadership," Reid said He added: "Cuts and charges are wired into the Tory DNA. And they are widely supported within the leadership." Reid said Conservative leader Michael Howard may have dumped the man but had not dumped the policy. Flight was removed the previous day after it emerged that he told a private dinner that the scale of cuts was being concealed and the party must first win the next election, widely expected on May 5. He was also dropp 0
107868 0 1521 WORL WORLD Monarchy without Camilla favoured LONDON: Most Britons want to retain the monarchy, but few want Camilla Parker Bowles to be queen when Prince Charles takes the throne, an opinion poll in the Daily Mail newspaper suggests. Sixty per cent of the 511 respondents to the ICM poll, said Britain would be worse off without the monarchy, and 71pc disagreed that the monarchy should end with Queen Elizabeth II. But while 57pc approved of Prince Charles marrying longtime partner Parker Bowles in a civil ceremony on April 8, 73pc said she should never become queen at his side. Meanwhile, 65pc also believed that their marriage will weaken the British monarchy, an increase of 16 percentage points since the question was last asked by pollsters six weeks ago. The wedding plans have been mired in controversy ever since they were announced, with Queen Elizabeth notably opting not to attend the civil ceremony in the 17th century Guildhall in Windsor, west of London. The poll was conducted two days after Prime Mini 0
107869 0 1521 WORL WORLD Aniston files for divorce from Pitt LOS ANGELES: Jennifer Aniston has filed for divorce from Brad Pitt, quashing hopes of a happy ending for one of Hollywood's hottest couples. The star of hit TV series Friends filed for divorce in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, three months after she and Pitt jointly announced a separation. The filing gave no indication on how the couple plan to divide their extensive assets, which include several multimillion-dollar homes and a production company. Aniston met Hollywood leading man Pitt on a set-up dinner date in 1998 and the two were married in July 2000 in a lavish oceanside ceremony featuring fireworks and live music by passionate French band The Gipsy Kings. The terse announcement of their separation on January 7 sparked shockwaves and a rain of speculation about the cause of the breakup. Could it have been differences over the ideal moment to have a child? Was it interference from a growing friendship between Pitt and sultry actress Angelina Jolie? The bre 0
107870 0 1521 WORL WORLD Blair hinting at a 'common cause' LONDON: With an election in the offing, British Prime Minister Tony Blair says he is willing to make common cause with the Liberal Democrats to discredit the main opposition Conser-vatives and their policies. In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, published yesterday, Blair did not deny the deep divisions between Labour and the Lib Dems over public spending and the Iraq war. "On the other hand, I think there may be occasions when we make some common cause with them when it comes to pointing out the truth about the Tories," the prime minister said. Blair, who is expected within the next week or two to call a general election for May 5, declined to say how recently he has met Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy. His remarks coincided with disarray in the Conservative camp, after leader Michael Howard struck a senior party member, Howard Flight, from his list of candidates. 0
107871 0 1521 WORL WORLD Omanis with 'secret links' to go on trial MUSCAT: A group of Omanis arrested earlier this year are being detained for their links with a banned secret organisation and will go on trial soon, newspapers reported yesterday, quoting the public prosecution. "A statement issued by Attorney General Hussein bin Ali Al Hilali said the interrogation procedures were about to be completed and they would stand trial in a special court soon," Times of Oman reported. "The statement stressed that all the guarantees given by the Basic Law of the State (Oman's first written constitution issued in 1996) had been taken into consideration and implemented." "The suspects would be allowed to engage lawyers to defend them in the court as per the law, and the sentences issued against them would be announced in the media," the paper said. The statement did not specify how many Islamist suspects were to go on trial. It said only that "a group of citizens were arrested for being linked to a banned secret organisation" and that authorities 0
107872 0 1521 WORL WORLD Soccer violence kills six in Iran TEHRAN: Five people were trampled to death and 40 injured in a crush of spectators after the World Cup soccer qualifier between Iran and Japan, and another person died of an apparent heart attack brought on by the nail-biting clash, reports said yesterday. The injured people have been admitted to three hospitals, Irna quoted Tehran's Emergency Centre as saying. Also injured during the match on Friday was a Japanese woman, who suffered slight facial wounds from a firecracker. The crush occurred immediately after the match, which Iran won 2-1, when an estimated 100,000 spectators flooded out of the packed Azadi stadium. Iranian media said those killed had attempted to use an unauthorised exit, and added that stadium management and national sporting officials have ordered an investigation. The sixth death, reported by IRNA, was caused by a man who was overwhelmed by "too much excitement" - probably a heart attack. Officials also reported that 86 buses were damaged in post-match violence. 0
107873 0 1521 WORL WORLD US troops killed in blast KABUL: Four US soldiers were killed yesterday when their vehicle struck a landmine in southeast Afghanistan, the US military said. The latest marked the worst loss of life in a single day for the US in Afghanistan since three military personnel and three civilians were killed in a plane crash last November. The soldiers had been travelling with Afghan troops in a three-vehicle patrol in Logar province, around 40km south of Kabul. A Taliban spokesman, Mullah Dadullah, said that Taliban fighters had planted the mine. Taliban claims of responsibility are not always reliable, and US military spokeswoman Lieutenant Cindy Moore said it was uncertain whether the mine was old or planted recently. 0
107874 0 1521 WORL WORLD Hindu 'temple' razed RIYADH: Saudi religious police have destroyed a clandestine makeshift Hindu temple in an old district of Riyadh and deported three worshippers found there. Members of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, or religious police, stumbled across a room converted into a temple while raiding a number of flats suspected of being used to manufacture alcohol and distribute pornographic videos, the Al Hayat newspaper said. "They were surprised to find that one room had been converted into a Hindu temple," it said. A caretaker who was found in the worshipping area ignored the religious police orders to stop performing his religious rituals, the paper added. 0
107875 0 1521 WORL WORLD Gang-rape victim files new plea ISLAMABAD: The victim of a notorious gang-rape in Pakistan filed an appeal with country's top court yesterday against the acquittal of five of the six men convicted of the crime. Mukhtaran Mai, who was raped in 2002 on orders of a village council, filed the appeal with the Supreme Court in Islamabad against the March 3 ruling by a provincial high court. Mai's rape provoked an outcry in Pakistan and focused international attention on the plight of women in rural Pakistan after she took the rare step of going public about her ordeal. An anti-terrorism court sentenced six men to death in July 2002 for the attack - four for carrying out rape and two who sat on the village council. But the high court in the central city of Multan overturned the ruling, acquitting five of the six, citing a lack of evidence and commuting the sentence of the sixth to life in prison. Clad in a black embroidered shawl, Mai said after filing her appeal: "One should always remain hopeful and 0
107876 0 1522 BUSI BUSINESS $822m Oman resort planned DUBAI: A Dubai state holding firm announced yesterday that it has signed an agreement with the authorities in Oman to build a $822 million beach-to-mountain resort in the sultanate. Dubai Holding, which runs mega projects in the sultanate, said its arm Dubai International Properties will build the luxury resort in Yiti, near the Omani capital Muscat. The 2.6 million-square-metres resort will be completed in stages by 2007, said a statement by Dubai Holding. 0
107877 0 1522 BUSI BUSINESS China to stop bank bailouts BEIJING: China will end the practice of bailing out bankrupt state-owned enterprises (SOEs) within four years and force them to sink or swim according to market rules, state media yesterday quoted an official as saying. "In four years, SOEs will follow market rules and apply for bankruptcy according to the same laws and regulations as foreign and private companies," Xinhua news agency said in a report quoting Shao Ning, vice minister of the agency in charge of state assets. Shao said the plan by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission had been approved by China's cabinet, the State Council, in February. State media earlier this year reported the plan to stop propping up SOEs but did not give a timeframe. There are still more than 1,800 SOEs to be closed down, according to Xinhua. So far, Beijing and Shanghai as well as the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian have halted government bailouts. 0
107878 0 1522 BUSI BUSINESS Typist held over $6m fraud BEIJING: Chinese authorities have arrested and charged a man who worked as a typist at the Bank of China for fraudulently obtaining $6 million from the state bank, now earmarked for a multi-billion-dollar public share offering. Zhai Changping from a branch in the northern city of Dalian had embezzled the sum since 1999, the official Xinhua news agency said. He had worked as a typist entering data into a computer system. 0
107879 0 1522 BUSI BUSINESS Airline competition predicted GENEVA: Europe's airline industry has about three years to consolidate before it faces strengthened competition from revived US carriers and dynamic Asian airlines, Lufthansa chief executive Wolfgang Mayrhuber said in an interview published yesterday. Mayrhuber said that European companies had coped relatively well with the end of government support but were still operating at "sub-critical mass". "If you look ahead 10 or 15 years, we therefore have no chance of surviving unless we work together," he said. "In the next two, three years not much will happen, but we have a duty towards the next generation to reach a size that will enable Europe to play at world level." 0
107880 0 1522 BUSI BUSINESS Mega Kuwaiti oil project to cost $8.5bn KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti Energy Minister Sheikh Ahmed Fahad Al Sabah said the cost of major plans to develop four oil fields with the assistance of foreign oil majors will be over $8.5 billion, newspapers reported yesterday. Sheikh Ahmed, who last month submitted new draft legislation to regulate the Kuwait Project to the emirate's parliament said that the cost was raised from an early estimate of $7bn. The returns of foreign companies during the 20-year investment will be around $3.2bn, he said. The controversial multi-billion-dollar oil development project has been stalled for over a decade because of resistance by MPs who want to be sure that national oil resources will not be surrendered to international companies. The investment aims at increasing production from secondary reservoirs of oilfields bordering Iraq as part of the emirate's strategic plan to boost output from 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) now to 4m bpd in 2020. Kuwait has set up a new company to m 0
107881 0 1522 BUSI BUSINESS Exports rise RANGOON: Exports from military-ruled Burma jumped nearly 20 per cent in the first 11 months of the fiscal year compared to the same period one year earlier, despite EU and US sanctions. Exports totalled $2.6 billion in the first 11 months of the 2004-2005 fiscal year, which ends March 31. This is a 19.62pc increase compared to the same period in the last fiscal year. 0
107882 1 1522 BUSI BUSINESS GFH and Deutsche Bank sign $39.4m forex deal MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House (GFH) yesterday announced a partnership with Deutsche Bank in a first-of-its-kind foreign exchange hedging deal worth over Euro 30 million ($39.4m). The Islamic FX Option, which is fully Shariah compliant, was developed by Deutsche Bank and approved by the Secretary General and member of GFH Sharia Board Dr Fareed Hadi, and is a major development for the Islamic banking industry. GFH deputy chief executive officer Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi said GFH is proud to be the first bank to utilise the Islamic FX Option provided by Deutsche Bank. "This pioneering product will help GFH to eliminate foreign exchange risks and as such we are pleased to be able to add this type of promissory note or option to our inventory of risk management tools," he noted. Mr Al Jasmi said the option developed by Deutsche Bank would allow Islamic institutions to hedge their foreign currency denominated investments in a Shariah compliant manner. "We 0
107883 2 1522 BUSI BUSINESS GPIC chief honours audit team MANAMA: GPIC general manager Abdul Rahman Jawahery honoured the Quality, Environment and Health Management System Audit Team for their efforts last year in their audit of the company's management systems. Mr Jawahery expressed his thanks and appreciation to the audit team for its excellent performance, which helped develop the company's quality, environment and occupational health management systems. "Being keen on constantly developing its management systems and seeking to achieve continuous improvement in this area, the audit team has completed an advanced training course in integrated audit of the Quality Management System (ISO-9001), Environmental Management (ISO-140001) and Occupational Health and Safety Management (OHSAS-18001)," he added. "GPIC has thus become the first regional organisation to adopt this advanced system of the internal audit of its management systems." The company has already received the Quality Management Award (ISO-9001), Environmental Ma 0
107884 0 1522 COMM COMMENTUS contributing to democracy? Despite the Bush administration's repeated claims to have "kicked open the door of democracy in the Middle East," reality suggests otherwise. To make its case, the administration and its advocates are fond of citing a litany of "successes." Beginning with Afghanistan and Iraq, then moving to Palestine, Lebanon, and recent developments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, the White House spins a tale of "freedom on the march." Their implied argument, of course, is that US actions in Afghanistan and Iraq and the administration's advocacy for democracy are the causal factors that have unleashed this democracy in the broader Middle East. The argument is wrong in both its postulates and its conclusions. While it is true that the US ended Taliban rule in Kabul and removed the Baath regime in Baghdad, and organised elections in both countries, it is far too soon to declare success in either case. It would also be a mistake to declare Afghanistan and Iraq democracies. In the same week that the pres 0
107887 0 1522 LETT LETTERS Mock UN far from a waste of time! Sir, Views that BAHMUN was anything less than beneficial is quite upsetting to many participants, both old and recent. I have been at BAHMUN 11. It has been a very, and I repeat, very valuable experience to me and I would like to correct the few misconceptions that have arisen. From the very start, us government students were placed in the hands of firm qualified instructors and were explained all the rules and procedures of a proper United Nation's conference. We undertook assignments, larger and more difficult than what we are given at school: to truly understand a foreign country. We have been criticised and assisted throughout the whole training period until we achieved the high status which was required of us. We had spoken our ideas and stood up for them. In many cases we had to think on our feet. We had listened to other opinions and had learnt new facts about countries we have never heard of before. I've met many new interesting people and have made friends. BAHMUN wa 0
107888 0 1522 LETT LETTERS Stamp of disapproval SO Prince Charles wants his Camilla, cake and eat it. Will the country have a referendum on this very controversial subject? The last 'Queen' who was intensely disliked by the public because she displaced a loving wife, was Anne Boleyn and she was sent to the Tower to have her head cut off ... nicely though with a French sword. If either Camilla and Charles had any serious devotion to the country or to the future of the Monarchy maybe they would step back and give some thought to this and to the very hard work HM the Queen has put in to give the country stability. The UK is envied throughout the world for its Monarchy, it's stable, it's cheaper than a president, it's been proven for centuries and it is hoped it won't be driven away by selfish individuals. HM The Queen has kept all her vows she made to the country, but both Camilla and Charles have shown that they cannot keep their words, vows made in church or act with integrity. I only hope no-one sends me a letter with 0
107889 0 1522 LETT LETTERS Cure-all exercise ONE of the least available gym apparatus supplied to most gyms is the rowing machine. This very much under-rated exercise machine is ideal for those suffering from asthma, allergies, breathing deficiency etc. The exercise opens up the lungs, encourages increased oxygen to the area and usually is a cure-all for that part of the body. I pointed out to the management of the Sheraton Hotel Image Spa and Leisure Club that they needed a rowing machine for ladies. Within four days this exercise apparatus was installed in the ladies gym - the men's side already having their own. Thank you to the management for their foresight, their care for their customers but most of all - how wonderful it is these days for a response like this, well done Sheraton Hotel, you really are a caring organisation. Lady rower 0
107890 0 1522 LETT LETTERS Horror alley..! YOU are driving along a one way street and a car suddenly turns round the corner heading right in front of you. Check how quick your reflexes are to avoid a head on collision. Want to see if you have the skill to squeeze your car just inches away from cars parked on both sides of a narrow road? Welcome to road 1908, Block 319, Hoora which is adjacent to Gosi commercial complex. Drivers use their best driving skills to park in this small narrow lane even if it takes them about two to three minutes to adjust and do the parallel parking instead of using the spacious parking lot provided by the shopping complex which is a minute's walk and is right next to the building. Maybe the traffic police need to pay a visit to this road at least once and see for themselves how many cars are parked right below the no parking and no stopping at any time boards and show disdain to the no-entry board. AK - fed-up resident of the road 0
107891 0 1522 LETT LETTERS Crane a worry ON March 2, 2005, at about 6pm we were driving on the road adjacent to Al Zamil's new building in Manama. The Al Zamil Building's crane had its counter weight hanging precariously above the road. Do the engineers on the site know about this? Is this normal to them? As if waiting for an accident to happen! Suresh A spokesman for contractors, Chapo Bahrain said: "The position of the crane was determined by the building's projection and existing underground service. It was to the knowledge of the engineers and no other position was possible based on our studies at the time of the crane erection. "All care was taken and all ended according to plan." 0
107892 0 1522 LETT LETTERS Military misinformation JUST a note about your story on India's navy building it's own aircraft carrier. It was very informative, but I believe your list of countries that operate carriers is incorrect. I do not believe China has an operational carrier, but if they do, I'd sure like to know more about it. I know that Brazil operates a squadron of A-4 skyhawks from the Sao Paulo, the former French aircraft carrier Foch. John Hacker 0
107893 0 1522 LETT LETTERS A world ruled by men THIS is in response to the letter 'Banning mannequins would be a good start' by K F (GDN March 25). I think you live in a secluded world where only men rule and women have no rights. If your father, husband or brother say anything you do as they please, even though you may prefer to do otherwise. With that said I'd like to draw your attention to a statement you said in your letter which I'd like to quote, "It is something for the Bahraini people to decide, for expats it's simple: if you don't like it ... you can always go home!". For your information, we expats do not stand around drooling at window mannequins and neither do our kids. It's the locals who like to hang around these shops scratching their you know what. The main reason for this is that you're deprived of the western culture both by the media and the papers, so the first sign of flesh or anything resembling it is enough to excite your hormones. A woman's body is God's creation, learn to love it and not d 0
107894 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL 243 banking graduates to be honoured A CEREMONY to honour 243 graduates from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance will be held on April 4 at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will be under the patronage of Bahrain Monetary Agency governor Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj. Among those being honoured are graduates from the Banking Studies Diploma Programme, Treasure and Capital Markets Diploma Programme, Insurance Diploma Programme, Professional Insurance Certificate Programme, Islamic Banking Diploma Programme and Investment Representative Certification Programme. 0
107895 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Bapco chief is man of the year Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed was named Man of the Year 2005 in the petrochemical sector. Oil Minister and Bapco chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation and congratulations to Dr Al Sayed. Dr Al Sayed was selected for the award during an international conference in Romania in recognition for his work in the field of petrochemical and chemical fertiliser as a president of the Arab Fertiliser Association, vice-president of the International Fertiliser Association and 17 years service with GPIC, where he contributed to the development of this important sector. A gathering of 300 top leaders of the industry selected Dr Al Sayed for the award. 0
107896 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Rights issues to be taught in schools HUMAN rights issues are set to be taught in Bahrain's schools in co-operation with the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society. The organisation will help shape the curriculum in a joint workshop with the Education Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme, according to society member Faisal Fulad. He said the society is also pressing for a National Human Rights Council, which has been proposed through the National Assembly. "We are pushing for this council, which will develop human rights in the country and ensured Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) take part in decision-making," he said. "The human rights issue is something not only the government is responsible for, but national societies too." 0
107897 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Students take the plunge... ST Christopher's Junior School marked World Water Day with a variety of pool activities held at the school's Isa Town campus. The seven to 11-year-olds took part in house relays, raft races, target ball, push float events and other water-based activities in celebration of the day, which falls on March 22 annually. The students also held a cake bake sale to raise money for UK-based charity World Water Aid. The event was organised by humanities subject leader Christine Clarke. 0
107898 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Easter 'Eggs-travaganza'... AN Easter party for families was held yesterday at the Gulf Hotel, Manama. The Easter Eggs-travaganza featured a traditional Easter Sunday lunch buffet and a variety of activities for children, including a treasure hunt, face painting, a pets corner with chicks and rabbits, egg decoration and a best Easter bonnet competition. 0
107899 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Dud cheque trader is sentenced A PAKISTANI businessmen was sentenced to a year in jail after issuing two dud cheques for BD914.620 each. However, he will avoid prison upon payment of a BD100 fine, according to a ruling by the Lower Criminal Court. The cheques were made out to the Health Ministry last summer to pay medical bills and were drawn on his company's account at United Bank Limited. However, the account was empty and both cheques bounced. The defendant failed to appear in court to hear the verdict and was said to be in Pakistan. But a 35-year-old Bahraini who represented him said the company was prepared to settle the amount in full. 0
107900 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL New date set for Babymart opening BABYMART'S grand opening at the Megamart in the Lulu Centre in Manama has been postponed to 6pm on Saturday. The centre was originally scheduled to open on Wednesday, which coincides with the anniversary of the 40th day of the death of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). 0
107901 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Education in spotlight at Gulf expo EDUCATION opportunities both in Bahrain and overseas will be showcased at an exhibition opening today at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The third Gulf Education Exhibition (GEE 2005) will continue until Thursday and provides students with the chance to select courses. This year's event features universities from Bahrain, Jordan, Ireland, Canada, the US, the UK, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, France, Lebanon, India, Malaysia and Australia. They are offering a number of courses including medicine, engineering, sciences and business management. The exhibition will open daily from 9.30am until 1pm and 4.30pm until 9pm. Entrance is free and mobile phones will be given away as prizes for lucky visitors. The event is organised by Reflections for Events and Exhibitions Management. 0
107902 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL The magic of reading! A READING week entitled The Magic of Reading was held at the Ibn Khuldoon National School (IKNS) in Isa Town for the kindergarten and primary students. The week was full of reading activities aimed at showing the youngsters the magic of reading as they learn to decode the secrets of successful reading and to encourage them to be long-term book lovers. More than 200 students, aged four to nine years, enjoyed morning trivia questions, door decorations and poster contests, a Teddy Bear reading picnic and reading buddies from upper grade students. Parents were also invited to read to the students at the school. 0
107903 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Companies 'serious in recruiting graduates' BAHRAIN University students were optimistic after taking part in its Sixth Careers Day yesterday. Computer science student Fatima Jaffar, 22, said companies participating in the event appeared to be serious about recruiting graduates. "There are different organisations in various fields and this gives us the chance to choose where we want to go," she said. "The event has also given us a general idea about companies I didn't know about and I am interested in knowing more about two of them." Mona Mosbah, also 22 and studying the same specialisation, welcomed the opportunity to meet potential employers face to face. "Previously, whenever I applied for a job I left the CV with the company's reception, but in this event I am being presented with the opportunity to meet the company management - something I never dreamt of," she said. Instrumentation student Hussain Dawood, 21, said there was more optimism among students about landing jobs at this year's careers 0
107904 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Two panel members sacked from rights group TWO executive members of the Joint Bahraini Committee Against Violence Towards Women, which is run under Amnesty International (AI), were kicked off the committee yesterday. Shura Council member Faisal Fulad and committee treasurer Badriya Rabea were booted out because they repeatedly violated the committee's code of conduct, according to president Ghada Jam-sheer. She said the decision was taken at an urgent committee meeting yesterday. Such violations are said to include taking decisions on behalf of the committee without consulting other members. Ms Jamsheer added that Ahmed Sultan would replace Ms Rabea as treasurer, while Ali Al Arrayed will replace Mr Fulad. 0
107905 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Fire damages two houses FIRE damaged two wooden houses in Sakhir yesterday morning around 11.50am. Fire broke out in one of the houses, owned by Bapco in the Awali Compound near the Bahrain University, and spread to the neighbouring house, destroying nearly half of both the houses, said sources. Four fire engines from East Riffa Fire Station with 16 firemen put out the blaze in 15 minutes. Nobody was hurt. The cause of fire is under investigation. No further details were available. 0
107906 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL MPs get tips on preparing laws A WORKSHOP on preparing legislation and understanding legislative articles was held yesterday at the Crowne Plaza. The one-day event was organised by the National Assembly and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It was held under the patronage of Shura council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi and parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani and given by Kuwaiti parliament constitutional expert Abdulfatah Hussain. Dr Al Mousawi said the event was important as it taught council members and MPs the right way of analysing different laws. "Members have already gained some knowledge in preparing and understanding legislation, but this workshop will help them further develop their skills tom improve the level of services provided to the people," he said. UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush said the workshop aimed at strengthening the level of democracy in the country. Participants were divided into two groups. The first group was led by 0
107907 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Environment in focus A SEMINAR on Fasht Al Adham and Bahrain's coastal environment is being held today at the Bahrain Medical Society in Juffair. The event is organised by the Environment Friends Society as part of their activities in raising awareness on the protection of reefs from land reclamation and starts at 8.30pm. Society president Khowla Al Muhanadi and other guests will talk about the importance of protecting Bahrain's reefs and coastal environments to participants, who will include Shura and Municipal council members. Entrance is free and all are welcome. 0
107908 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Adventure Drive Arabia launched ADVENTURE Drive Arabia, a motorsport and off-road automotive activity centre, has been launched by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), it announced yesterday. Currently under construction within the BIC, the facility, which is a first of its kind in the Middle East, will feature a wide variety of off-road activities with independent operational areas for 4x4, rally, trials and rally karting. A side-by-side figure eight rally competition circuit will also be included for the circuit's own Rally Sprint contests and act as a stage for international rally competitions. At the heart of the state-of-the-art centre, designed and created by motorsport consultants Motion Works UK, will be a multi-level administration building, featuring briefing and lecture rooms, rest rooms, an all-round-view roof terrace and top floor hospitality suites. In addition, a fully-equipped servicing centre will be constructed for the professional care of the circuit's multi-vehicle fleet of track and of 0
107909 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Students get star tips on art of public speaking AROUND 25 Kingdom University students learnt more about public speaking at a workshop held at the university campus in Zinj. The workshop, entitled The Long Road, was conducted by Alba Five Star Speakers president Ahmed Shukri and membership vice-president Hasanain Al Saffar. The speakers taught the group the three key steps to public speaking, which are knowing their audience, content and delivery. They also taught them the five star habits of powerful speakers. These are: Think Like a Fish (know your bait); Hunt Like a Lioness (focus on your objective); Make a Sandwich (have an introduction, main body and conclusion); Get Set (simplify the talk); and Practise Like a Tiger (like golfer Tiger Woods). The event was held as part of the Alba Five Star Speakers community service activities in co-ordination with the Kingdom University. Alba Five Star Speakers began in October 2003 and is part of Toastmasters International. The aim of the club is to provide a 0
107910 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Photo expo on Bahrain opens A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition was opened at Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, last night. Bahrain in Transition showcases photographs taken by 17 young Bahrainis that portray the concept of the kingdom as a country 'in transition'. "It presents refreshing new images of Bahrain," said organisers. The exhibition will also include the work of British documentary photographer Tom Wichelow. "The participants were told to photograph the action of life in Bahrain and they managed to capture its humour, laughter and everyday, taking pictures that are real," said organisers. The youngsters from Ibn Khuldoon National School had taken part in the Bahrain in Transition project, which was organised by British Council and Al Riwaq Art Gallery. The project began last December with a photography workshop run by Mr Wichelow. The exhibition will be held until April 6 and all are welcome. The gallery is open from 10am to 8pm, Saturday to Thursday. For more informati 0
107911 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Towards a better life... A PERSONAL empowerment workshop is taking place for members of the Institution of Engineers India, Bahrain Chapter tonight from 7pm. It is being conducted by trainer Shantaram Bhandarkar, who will cover subjects including goal setting and communication skills. He has conducted 115 similar workshops across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Both members and their families are welcome to attend. 0
107912 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Unesco award for student A STUDENT from Bahrain recorded a top-10 finish in a regional school competition. Asian School student Jerryl Jacob took home a framed merit certificate for his performance in the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) information test. It was organised by the United Schools International's (USI) regional office, in Bahrain, and 222 students took part in junior and senior categories. Of those, 205 passed and certificates of students who scored 40 per cent or more have been sent to their respective schools. The aim of the examination is to make students aware of Unesco's programmes and activities. New Delhi-based USI is committed to educating about peace and the United Nations in Gulf schools. 0
107913 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Crucial Formula BMW challenge for Hamad BAHRAINI motorsport champion Hamad Al Fardan is all set to make his mark on the first leg of the Formula BMW race, to be held on the sidelines of the Formula One event next week. This is the second year that he takes part in the support race. The 17-year-old Bahraini, son of motorsport champion Ahmed Al Fardan, has been go-karting since he was six years old. He said the transition from go-karting to the vehicles used on the Formula BMW race last year was his biggest challenge. "The cars used in Formula BMW are only a bit slower than F3 vehicles," he told the GDN. "This was my main challenge because my racing background was focused exclusively on go-karting." Hamad had a bad start last year but proved himself in the middle stages of the race, which are held annually in countries around the world. "Towards the middle of the race, I came in third and second place in some of the stages. I hope to do better this year. I can't promise that I'm going to win, but 0
107914 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Gracie's house is emptied THE one-bedroom flat of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon was emptied yesterday - almost five months after her mysterious disappearance. Her eldest daughter, Maria Grace Montibon Reyes, was given a spare key to the flat to pack up her mother's personal belongings, which are to be shipped to the Philippines. The furniture was sold to a second-hand shop to help cover Mrs Reyes' expenses in Bahrain. Mrs Montibon, a 42-year-old debt collector, was reported missing by her Bahraini sponsor and friends on November 5. Police only searched her flat, near the Awal Cinema, last week. The go-ahead for the search was given after the Public Prosecution ordered police to reopen the investigation into Mrs Montibon's disappearance. There were no signs of struggle in the flat and Mrs Montibon's passport, house keys, car key and mobile phone were missing. Mrs Reyes was hoping she would be able to find her mother's passport as she packed up her things, but told the GD 0
107915 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Two arrested for call credit fraud TWO Bahraini youths were arrested for stealing a woman's bank details and using them to top up credit on their mobile phones. They drained BD300 from her account at the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) after they learned her PIN number, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The youths, aged 21 and 25, from Isa Town, were able to do so by calling the NBB telephone banking service, impersonating the account holder and transferring the funds onto their Batelco SimSim accounts. They also topped up the call credit of their friends, but were caught after the woman noticed funds in her account were missing. In total, 30 SimSim cards were topped up with BD10 each over the course of three days in September 2003. The 25-year-old has pleaded guilty to stealing the money in the Lower Criminal Court. "I topped up the SimSim cards of my friends through the NBB hotline from the account of someone I don't know," he said in his statement to police. "I was pressing numbers 0
107916 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Porsche take pole position MANAMA'S streets are to play host today to a unique parade of cars competing in this year's Porsche Michelin SuperCup. The SuperCup series kicks off at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) from Friday to Sunday as a support race to the Second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Two Bahraini drivers, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa, will be among the 15 contenders leaving the Sakhir circuit at noon and heading over to the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa for a Press conference and a photo opportunity. The drivers will then take to the road again for the official parade. Members of the media and the Bahrain Porsche Owners Club will join the competitors as they drive back through the streets of the city in 15 identical Porsches. Shaikh Salman and Shaikh Jaber also took part in an open day of testing and practice yesterday. The BIC is hosting this opening event for the 2005 season for the first time in Bahrain and the Middle East. BAHRAIN'S special athletes are in for a busy season with regional and international championships lined up. Athletes with different disabilities will be competing in events in Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UK, US and Malaysia over the next few months, Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation director Essam Kamal told the GDN. The first Bahraini athlete to take part in an international championship this season is Mohammed Salman Abdulla, who had his right leg and fingers amputated following complications during his birth. The 18-year-old will be representing Bahrain at the First International Swimming Asian Games, which get underway in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday. Mr Kamal said Mohammed is preparing to take part in the World Championships next year and the Paralympics, being held in China, in 2008. "Mohammed is a champion and we hope we can work together to promote him and ensure that he qualifies for more international events," he said. 0
107918 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Egyptian expert to share secrets of the pyramids THE secrets of the pyramids will be highlighted at a talk being held at the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Muharraq, tonight. The talk, at 8pm, will be given by visiting Egyptian Supreme Council for Archaeology secretary-general Zahi Hawas in Arabic. Mr Hawas will deliver the same lecture in English at 8pm tomorrow. The talks are part of a cultural programme held at the centre to encourage researchers and people interested in culture, history and art to meet with experts and discuss issues of mutual interest. On Wednesday, Saudi researcher Dr Mujab Al Zahrani will give a talk in Arabic, entitled Cities of Wounded Memories. Dr Al Zahrani, who is an associate professor of contemporary literature at the King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, will speak about the writings of Abdulrahman Muneef, Edward Saeed and Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad, beginning at 8pm, in Arabic. Syrian poet, writer and London University profess 0
107919 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Youth parliament changes urged NINE Bahraini youth organisations are calling for changes to Bahrain's planned Youth Parliament. Current proposal set the age range for members at 14 to 18 years. "This is a children parliament and should be named otherwise," says Bahrain Youth Forum Society secretary general Hussain Al Eskafi, who spoke on behalf of the other societies. "There is another proposal by the National Action Charter to form a parliament for youth above the age of 18 and I don't know what it would be called," he said. "The proposed Youth Parliament is being supervised by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) girls and childhood directorate and not the Goys youth directorate or the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport." Mr Al Eskafi was speaking yesterday at a Press conference at the National Democratic Action Society premises in Umm Al Hassam. The planned parliament is a joint project between the British Embassy and the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Go 0
107920 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Premier begins New Zealand visit MANAMA: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa will visit New Zealand from today until Wednesday at the invitation of his New Zealand counterpart Helen Clark. He will also hold talks with Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright and other officials centred on ways of bolstering bilateral co-operation. 0
107921 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Career fair opens up new horizons A THREE-DAY career fair got under way at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus yesterday. The Sixth Career Day is being held under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. Thirty-six companies are taking part in the event, which provides students an opportunity to meet employers and recruitment agencies. "These companies and establishments donated generously to the university last year and BD1 million was collected for the university's projects and programmes," said Dr Shaikha Mariam. "Their presence proves their keenness on employing our students and shows the amount of trust these companies and establishments have in them." Dr Shaikha Mariam was accompanied at the opening by university vice-president for community service and planning Dr Alawi Al Hashimi, senior ministry officials and guests. She said it would save students' time and effort by bringing together the country's biggest companies under one roof. M 0
107922 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Workers demand probe into suicide OVER 400 workers are calling for an investigation into the suicide of an Indian tailor, which prompted a riot at the garment factory where he worked. They submitted a petition to the Indian and Bangladesh Embassies, as well as the police, yesterday demanding action against the management of MRS Fashions, in East Riffa. The workers claim Madhu Babu, 25, was driven into taking his own life because of the ill-treatment that was dished out to him. A tailor who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said it is the third such incident at the company in two years. He claimed that Mr Babu was the second employee to commit suicide, while a third man allegedly suffered a heart attack because he was overworked. "We want the company to treat us as human beings," said the spokesman, who asked to remain anonymous. "We all witnessed what happened to Mr Babu and we no longer feel safe working there." Mr Babu was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a security cabin at the facto 0
107923 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Agents' role praised in travel push BAHRAIN'S travel agents have received the government's backing in expanding their activities and strengthening the country's travel market. Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa has offered his support to the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tours Agents (Abtta) in solving certain vital issues facing the industry. The minister who met its board members, headed by president Ebrahim Amin, at his office at Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA) gave his directives to develop and improve the country's travel industry. A meeting of Abtta members held later at the Regency InterContinental Hotel welcomed the outcome of the meeting. "We discussed our issues of concern with the minister, including the reduction of travel agency commission by airlines from seven per cent to 5pc, which came into effect on November 15 last year," Mr Amin told the GDN. "The decision has adversely affected the industry in general, and the minister showed his genuine concern at this d 0
107924 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL New era of ties with UAE hailed MANAMA: A new era in strong Bahrain-UAE relations was hailed by UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan yesterday. Shaikh Khalifa, who was welcomed to Bahrain by His Majesty King Hamad, said in an arrival statement that his visit represents an important opportunity to lead bilateral relations to wider aspects of growth and progress. Also at the airport to welcome the UAE leader were Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa and other officials. The UAE president also pledged full support to the Joint Supreme Committee, which will meet in Bahrain soon. He said the meeting aims to build new pillars of joint co-operation within the framework of the two countries' efforts and keenness to enhance the process of integration among the GCC states and achieve the aspirations of their peoples. The committee is headed by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minis 0
107925 1 1522 BNEW LOCAL FRIENDS! MANAMA: Bahrain and the UAE yesterday further cemented historic ties during key talks. His Majesty King Hamad and visiting UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed strong bilateral links as well as regional and international developments. They were joined by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. His Majesty welcomed the UAE president's visit and stressed two leaderships' keenness to develop ties and promote them into wider horizons of co-operation. They later visited southern region where the UAE president was shown Arabian horses and camels. Shaikh Khalifa expressed admiration of His Majesty's concern and care for protecting Arab heritage. His Majesty also held a luncheon banquet in honour of the visiting leader and his delegation. Present were the Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, parliament and Shura Council chiefs, ministers and guests. 0
107926 2 1522 BNEW LOCAL Medals minted MANAMA: A commemorative gold medal has been issued by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) to help finance construction of the new Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Library and Conference Hall. Work is already underway on the BD12.5 million project located next to Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Juffair. The medal, which carries the image of the late Amir, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, on the front, is available from the BMA for BD300 each. On the reverse of the 22-carat medal is an image of the new library, which is being built in the late Amir's honour. The medal is of 91.7 per cent purity, weighs 31.1gm and has a diameter of 38mm. Each medal comes in a leather presentation box and can be purchased from the BMA's Currency Issue Directorate. 0
107927 3 1522 BNEW LOCAL Cabinet raps rally violators MANAMA: Illegal strikes, rallies and marches were totally condemned yesterday by Bahrain's Cabinet. Ministers stressed the crucial importance of safeguarding the existing legislative constitution and respecting laws. Strong measures will be taken against violators in future, warned the Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. Other key decisions made at yesterday's session included: lThe go-ahead to create a special system for housemaids within labour market laws. lRe-organising the Education Ministry to gear vocational training towards the jobs market and current development. lThe green light for non-Bahrainis to own real estate in more newly-created areas for tourism - particularly land next to Bahrain National Museum, Marina Club and areas between Muharraq and Manama. lModernisi-ng data equipment at the Infor-mation Ministry and creating new job titles. lDraft laws organising 0
107928 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Blood donation THE Sixth Arbeen (40th day after the Death of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed) Blood Donation Camp is to be held on Wednesday at the Ibn Sina Health Centre in Ras Ruman. The event, from 7pm to 11pm, is being organised by the Ras Ruman Health Centre and the Ras Ruman and the Ras Ruman Youth Centre, under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. 0
107929 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL 2,600 jobs shunned MANAMA: Bahrainis are shunning 2,600 job opportunities because they say the salaries are too low, a Labour Ministry official said. "Jobs offering wages exceeding BD300 represent a mere 1.2 per cent, Employment Director Osama Al Absi said. Meanwhile, over 90 per cent of the low-paid jobs entail salaries below BD200. "There is an acute dysfunction between the low-paid jobs being offered and the job-seekers who are, in their striking majority, holders of high degrees," he said. 0
107930 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Muharraq projects vow MANAMA: Bahrain Airport Services and Bahrain Duty Free will invest part of their revenues in tourism and investment projects in Muharraq following directives from Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Muharraq Governor Salman bin Hindi said yesterday. 0
107931 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Greek community marks National Day BAHRAIN'S Greek community celebrated their country's National Day with a reception at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, last night. The event was hosted by Greek consular agent Konstantinos Pallikaropoulos and attended by consular secretary Petros Cottos, diplomats, businessmen and other VIPs. Mr Pallikaropoulos said that around 100 Greeks live in Bahrain and work in various professions. "There used to be a larger Greek community, but most of them left before the 1991 Gulf War," he said. Mr Pallikaropoulos added that the consular agency, located with the offices of GP Zachariades, no longer offers visas since Greece joined the EU. "New visa rules require that only specially trained personnel can issue them, so the French Embassy has kindly taken over that role," he said. "The consular agency still provides other consular services such as authentication of signatures and power of attorney." 0
107932 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Arab women plan meeting The Arab Legal Committee at the Arab Women's Organisation will hold a meeting in Cairo chaired by Bahrain Supreme Council for Women Secretary General Lulwa Al Awadhi tomorrow and Wednesday. 0
107933 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Reform pledge is hailed by Chamber Government's pledge to reform the labour market gradually was yesterday hailed by the business community. "This commitment for a labour market reform project based on a wide consensus has allayed concerns that the plan would be imposed unilaterally, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Khalid Kanoo said. He was responding to Crown Prince and Economic Development Board chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who had urged a flexible approach in implementing the project, so the interests of Bahrainis and the local business community are not compromised. He also hailed calls by the Crown Prince to take the social dimension of the project into consideration, particularly the domestic helpers' special status. 0
107934 0 1522 BNEW LOCAL Forum set Oman Mufti Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalili, Qatar Sunna Researches Centre director Dr Yusif Al Qaradhaoui, Kuwai Beit Al Zakaat chairman Dr Maatoug Abdulla Al Maatoug and Sudanese Minister of State for Finance and National Economy Dr Ahmed Majthoub Ahmed yesterday arrived in Bahrain to attend a forum on Zakaat (almsgiving). They were received by Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa and other officials. The four-day event opens today at Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. 0
107935 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Marlet called up CLAIREFONTAINE: France coach Raymond Domenech yesterday called up Olympique Marseille striker Steve Marlet to replace injured Sidney Govou for Wednesday's World Cup Group qualifier against Israel. It is the first time the 31-year-old Marlet has been picked by Domenech, who took over the team after last year's European championship. Striker Thierry Henry is still nursing the calf strain that kept him out of Saturday's goalless home draw with Switzerland and remains doubtful for the match in Tel Aviv, Domenech said. 0
107936 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Tarfah wins at Kempton BAHRAIN horse Tarfah, owned by Equestrian and Horse Racing Club vice-chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, won the Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes race by five lengths over a distance of 1,600 metres at Kempton Park in England on Saturday. Tarfah, the race favourite, trained by Gerald Butler and ridden by John Egan has now won four times from five starts. 0
107937 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Injury scare for Montoya LONDON: McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya could miss this weekend's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix after falling in a tennis game and injuring his shoulder. McLaren spokeswoman Ellen Kolby said the Colombian picked up the injury on Saturday. She said he was playing with trainer Gerry Convey, but did not know where they were playing. Kolby said the team would decide on its driver lineup on Thursday. "He (Montoya) slipped and fell on his shoulder and got a very tiny hairline crack and a bit of tissue damage," Kolby said. "In the next couple of days he's going to undergo some further scans. The injury is very minor." If Montoya is unable to team with Kimi Raikkonen, he would probably be replaced by one of the team's test drivers: Pedro de la Rosa of Spain or Alexander Wurz or Austria. 0
107938 0 1522 SPOR SPORT First Motors stay ahead FIRST Motors Hyundai (11 points) lead the Tuesday evening league after four weeks of the First Motors Hyundai Night Golf League being played at Riffa Golf Club. In the Wednesday league, the Red Devils are in first place with 10 points while Still Norfolk'n'Goode have dropped to joint second along with the Internationals. Standings Tuesday League: 1 First Motors Hyundai (11 points); 2 Team Club Car (10); 3=Hidd Hackers (8); 3=Tylos 05 (8); 5 Looney Tunes (7); 6=Fore Golf (5); 6=Aome GS (5); 8 Northern European Barbarians (4); 9 Desert Ratesses (2); 10 Golfie Chicks (0). Wednesday League: 1 Red Devils (10); 2=Internationals (8); 2=Still Norfolk'n'Gode (8); 4-Riffa Golf Club (7); 4=Krazy Gang (7); 6 Baker Boys (6); 7=Bahrain Duty Free -Par Buters (4); 7=Alba (4); 9 St Christopher's School (2); 10 Gulf Air (1). 0
107939 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Sorenstam in 5-shot lead MISSION HILLS, California: World number one Annika Sorenstam powered into a five-shot lead after producing a flawless six-under-par 66 in the third round of the Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills yesterday. Aiming for a record-equalling fifth successive win on the LPGA Tour and her eighth victory in a major, the Swede finished on 11-under 205 and said she was probably playing the best golf of her career. American Rosie Jones, 45, birdied the last for a 71 and was alone in second place on six-under 210. Another home player, Cristie Kerr (70), was tied for third on 212 with South Korean Mi-Hyun Kim (72). 0
107940 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Four share the lead PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida: British duo Lee Westwood and Luke Donald and Americans Joe Durant and Tim Herron shared the Players' Championship lead when the rain-hit second round was finally completed yesterday. Donald fired a four-under-par 68 and Herron a 66 as the pair joined overnight pacesetters Westwood and Durant at 10-under 134 with the weather-battered PGA Tour event set for more thunderstorms and delays. With the second round finished, the players were immediately sent back out on to a soggy Stadium Course at the TPC at Sawgrass in a bid to get in the third round before further rain returned to northern Florida. The best case scenario will have golf's unofficial fifth major finishing today, although officials have not ruled out the possibility of the $8 million tournament stretching into tomorrow. Donald and Herron, among the 71 players out on the course when play was halted in fading light on Saturday, stayed in the hunt for the title as they completed their sec 0
107941 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Oxford win boat race LONDON: Oxford powered to victory in the 151st University Boat Race on the River Thames yesterday, avenging last year's controversial defeat to Cambridge. Cambridge, who won the toss and chose the Middlesex station, had a poor start and although they quickly recovered, Oxford never lost the lead and finished well clear. The Dark Blues of Oxford weighed in as the heaviest ever crew, averaging 98.35 kg excluding the non-rowing cox and outweighing Cambridge by about 10 kg a man. 0
107942 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Argentina close in on Cup spot RIO DE JANEIRO: Argentina took a huge step closer to the 2006 World Cup by beating Bolivia in La Paz at 3,600 metres above sea level yesterday while the battle lower down the table intensified with draws in the other two games. Chile's Milovan Mirosevic made up for one of the misses of the year by scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw against Uruguay in Santiago while injury-hit Venezuela were held to a goalless draw at home by Colombia in sweltering Maracaibo. Colombia and Uruguay have made steady improvements after struggling earlier in the marathon competition and remain in the hunt. Argentina's win took them on to 25 points from 12 games, five ahead of world champions Brazil who host Peru in Goiania today. Ecuador and Paraguay, who complete the weekend's action in Quito in the other game, both have 16 points. Then come Uruguay (15), Colombia, Chile and Venezuela (14), Peru (13) and Bolivia (10), the only team without a realistic hope of qualifying. The top fou 0
107943 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Brezec hero of Bobcats win TORONTO: Primoz Brezec posted a career-high 27 points to carry the Charlotte Bobcats to a surprise 94-92 victory over the Miami Heat in NBA action yesterday. Gerald Wallace added 17 points for the Bobcats (15-53), who have caused several upsets this season in spite of their poor record. Charlotte has beaten NBA champions Detroit Pistons, Houston, Denver, Minnesota and now the Heat, who entered the game with the best record (53-18) in the league. The Bobcats led for most of the night but did not score for a three-minute stretch late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Heat to get within three points. Brezec, though, landed an important basket with 57 seconds left. Emeka Okafor added 12 points for the Bobcats before leaving with a sprained ankle in the third quarter. Jason Kapono chipped in with 11 points and Brevin Knight contributed 16 assists. Shaquille O'Neal had 26 points and 16 rebounds for Miami, who lost for the second time in 15 games. Dwyane Wade 0
107944 0 1522 SPOR SPORT England team mates rave over Rooney MANCHESTER: England players have been queuing up to praise Wayne Rooney after the teenage striker produced another prodigious performance against Northern Ireland on Saturday. Though not on the scoresheet in the 4-0 Group Six qualifying romp, Rooney's surging runs were a constant menace and led to England's third goal after muscling past two defenders from a seemingly impossible position. "It is not just his skill but his pure strength," said defender Gary Neville his Manchester United club mate. "Sometimes in training you look as if you are getting the ball and he just brushes you off. "He showed amazing strength for the third goal. He shouldn't really have got along the by-line. He was up against a six feet, four inches tall centre-half and he just brushed him out of the way. "There aren't many who can run with the ball, not just in England but in European football, who can pick it up in central areas and go past players. "He is one of those players who 0
107945 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Mexico hold off US challenge MEXICO CITY: First half goals by Jared Borgetti and Antonio Naelson paved the way as Mexico enjoyed an impressive 2-1 victory against archrivals the United States last night in a Concacaf region World Cup qualifier. The hosts dominated the proceedings for most of the match with Borgetti opening the scoring in the 30th minute when he headed in a knock-back from Jaime Lozano. Three minutes later the US defence was caught flat as an unmarked Naelson collected a flicked-on header from Borgetti before clipping neatly past Kasey Keller. In a wide-open second half, the US moved Landon Donovan into attack from the five-man midfield and it brought an instant change to their game. The Americans pulled a goal back in the 58th minute as Donovan worked a one-two with Eddie Johnson before finding Eddie Lewis alone on the left, the midfielder firing home from 15 metres. Pavel Pardo almost restored Mexico's two-goal cushion but was denied by Keller, who also denied Ramon Morales 0
107946 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Safin crashes to battling Hrbaty MIAMI: Third seed Marat Safin went out of the Nasdaq-100 Open in the third round last night when he was beaten 7-6 (8-6), 6-1 by Dominik Hrbaty. The talented Slovakian took just an hour and 16 minutes to overcome the Australian Open champion, taking full advantage of the Russian's inability to control either his temper or his shots. After losing a close first set when a backhand sailed wide on Hrbaty's second set-point in the tiebreaker, Safin allowed his emotions to get the better of him in the second set, slamming down and kicking his racket and frequently throwing his arms up in exaggerated gestures of despair. Hrbaty soon went 3-1 up and when Safin's serve again proved to be as fragile as his composure, he broke again and served out for an easy win. Hrbaty will face either French wildcard Gael Monfils or South Korean Hyung-Taik Lee. Safin's defeat should ensure that Andy Roddick will hang on to the number three position in the world rankings, despite losing hi 0
107947 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Thaworn lifts title LONDON: Thaworn Wiratchant became the second player from Thailand to win a European Tour title with a five-shot victory at the Indonesia Open in Jakarta yesterday. Thaworn followed in the footsteps of his compatriot Thongchai Jaidee, firing a closing seven-under-par 63 at Cengkareng Golf Club for a 25-under total of 255. It was the lowest 72-hole aggregate in European Tour history, although preferred lies were in operation for an event jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and badly hit by rain. Thongchai, who tied for 11th in Jakarta after returning a final-round 69, clinched his maiden European Tour victory at last year's Malaysian Open and retained the title last month. The unorthodox-swinging Thaworn, three strokes clear of the field when the rain-delayed third round was completed earlier in the day, finished well ahead of second-placed Raphael Jacquelin of France, who carded a 65. Australia's Adam Fraser was a further shot back in third, a hole-in-one at the p 0
107948 0 1522 SPOR SPORT Ponting blasts superb century AUCKLAND: Australian captain Ricky Ponting blasted a century at a rapid one-day pace to put his side within 73 runs of New Zealand's first innings total with six wickets in hand at the close of day two of the third cricket Test here yesterday. However, Australia's frantic scoring ended when Ponting went after slaying 105 off 110 balls, and the run rate slowed from more than five an over to 3.4. At stumps Australia were 219 for four after dismissing New Zealand for 292 just on lunch. In a whirlwind session between lunch and tea, Australia overcame a shaky start to put on 143 for two, with Ponting blazing 76 to breath life into a game which had suffered from New Zealand's pedestrian progress at 2.5 an over. Ponting opened with a six when he came to the crease in the second over with Australia one for eight, and added three more sixes along with 13 fours as he cashed in on the small Eden Park boundaries. He enjoyed one life when slashing the ball through the hands of 0
107949 1 1522 SPOR SPORT INDIANS FACE TOUGH TASK BANGALORE, India: A blistering half-century from opener Shahid Afridi and Younis Khan's solid 84 not out allowed Pakistan to set India a challenging 383-run target in the third and final Test here yesterday. Afridi (58) completed his half century off just 26 deliveries, the quickest by a Pakistani batsman and the second-fastest in Test cricket, as the tourists declared their second innings on 261 for 2. India were 25 for no loss at stumps on the fourth day, with Gautam Gambhir (19) and Virender Sehwag (six) at the crease. They now need 358 in a minimum of 90 overs on what promises to be an exciting final day. Younis was 16 short of becoming the first Pakistani batsman to crack a double-century and a hundred in the same Test when Pakistan declared their innings. He scored 267 in the first innings. Pakistan, trailing 1-0 after their defeat in the second Test at Calcutta, had to go for a win by putting quick runs on the board. They found the right man in Afridi, who 0
107950 2 1522 SPOR SPORT Sabah gets off to a great start BAHRAIN'S Habib Sabah began his campaign in the 200,000-pound China Open International Snooker Championship with a bang yesterday in Beijing. The only Middle East player in this ranking tournament, the 22-year-old Bahraini wild card provided a glimpse of his growing reputation beating world No 55 Jimmy Michie of the United Kingdom 5-3 to book an explosive second round clash with world No 9 Stepehn Lee, also of the UK. Playing in his first ranking tournament and in front of a live camera for the first time, Sabah started shakily against the former British Open and LG Cup semi-finalist Michie. "I was shaking at the start of the match but after a few minutes I was fine," said Sabah. "To win my first match on television is very special. I'm sure my supporters back in Bahrain will be pleased for me - I'm waiting for their calls! " Sabah is a two-time Bahrain champion and was a semi-finalist in last year's IBSF World Amateur Championship in Holland. "Stephen Lee is on 0
107951 3 1522 SPOR SPORT Ralf arrives for Bahrain F1 race Toyota's German driver Ralf Schumacher arrived at the Bahrain International Airport last night to take part in the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held at Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir next month. Ralf, accompanied by wife Cora and son David, was the first Formula One driver to arrive in Bahrain for the event to be held at the $150m circuit from April 1 to 3. He was received on arrival by BIC officials and general manager Martin Whitaker who said, "We are pleased to welcome Ralf and his family on his return to this year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. "I hope that they will have time to enjoy the island and the unique Bahraini hospitality before the racing starts on Friday," Martin continued. Ralf is a nine-year veteran in Formula 1. With six wins from 127 races, the German is in the top 20 of all-time list of points scorers. Ralf's arrival yesterday heralds the start of the influx of the Formula One community back to Bahrain. He will be joined by his 0
107952 0 1522 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Porsche Michelin SuperCup parade beginning from the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, 4pm. Talk on the secrets of the pyramids, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Muharraq, 8pm. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's Trafficking people hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin wat 0
107953 0 1522 WORL WORLD Charles 'must apologise' LONDON: A high-ranking Church of England official has called for Prince Charles to apologise to the ex-husband of his fiancee Camilla Parker Bowles. Bishop David Stancliffe said church rules dictated Prince Charles must atone for committing adultery and he should apologise to Andrew Parker Bowles for breaking up his marriage, The Sunday Times newspaper said. Stancliffe, who is a church authority on rules of worship, said the apology should come before the April 8 wedding. "The Prince of Wales and Mrs Parker Bowles will be taking part in prayers of penitence at the service of prayer and dedication following their civil marriage," Stancliffe reportedly said. "Preparation for the formal expression of suwidely blamed in Britain's tabloid press for the breakdown of Charles' marriage to Princess Diana, divorced army officer Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995. Their divorce came after Charles admitted in a TV documentary in 1994 that he had strayed from his marriage vows, but insiste 0
107954 0 1522 WORL WORLD Abbas raps US on settlements GAZA CITY: In veiled criticism of the US, Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas yesterday said it is unacceptable to support Israeli annexation of West Bank settlement blocs under a final peace settlement. His comments came in the wake of renewed American support for Israel to retain permanent control of parts of the West Bank. Also yesterday, Israel accused Palestinian security forces of smuggling anti-aircraft missiles into the Gaza Strip, a development that could threaten a recent ceasefire agreement. Israel demanded that the Palestinians confiscate the weapons. Israel outraged the Palestinians last week by announcing plans to expand Maaleh Adumim, the largest settlement in the West Bank. 0
107955 0 1522 WORL WORLD Engineer crowned Miss Thailand BANGKOK: An engineering graduate who hopes to become a jet pilot has been crowned Miss Thailand Universe and will represent the kingdom when it hosts the Miss Universe pageant in May. Chananporn Rosjan, 22, beat out 43 contestants to win the Miss Thailand Universe crown. She holds a degree in engineering, and is preparing to start training as a jet pilot for Thai budget airline Air Asia. Chananporn won the one million baht ($25,975, BD9,818) prize along with diamond jewellery and the tiara. Thai women have twice won the Miss Universe competition, in 1965 and 1988, and Thailand previously hosted the contest in 1992. Beauty pageants are extremely popular in Thailand. One of the most famous is the annual Jumbo Queen for large-sized women, while Miss Tiffany crowns Thailand's top transsexual and Miss Spinster is for mature single beauties aged 28 or over. 0
107956 0 1522 WORL WORLD Qatar blast arrest DOHA: Qatari authorities have detained for questioning the brother of an Egyptian man who allegedly carried out a recent suicide bombing that killed one Briton in Doha, relatives and work colleagues said yesterday. Um Abdallah said her husband, Karam Ahmad Abdallah Ali, "was arrested for interrogation just after" the suicide car bombing outside a theater near a British school in the Qatari capital on March 19. 0
107957 0 1522 WORL WORLD Mubarak plot 'Iran spy' jailed CAIRO: An Egyptian man was jailed for 35 years by an emergency tribunal yesterday for spying for Iran and plotting to assassinate Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak in a sentence that cannot be appealed. The court also sentenced former Iranian diplomat Mohammed Reza Doust to 25 years' imprisonment in absentia for being Egyptian Mahmud Aid Dabbus' handler. Dabbus, 31, was sentenced to 25 years for "having plotted to assassinate the president of the republic and for spying and obtaining payments from a foreign country," said presiding judge Adel Adbel Salam. He was sentenced to an additional "10 years for (sharing) intelligence with a foreign country with the aim of destabilising security in Egypt," said the judge. 0
107958 0 1522 WORL WORLD Ulster rallies mark Easter Rising of 1916 DUBLIN: Leaders of the Sinn Fein-IRA movement staged rallies yesterday across Ireland in memory of a failed 1916 rebellion - and in anger that their organisation today stands accused of covering up a Belfast killing. At three mass rallies in Dublin and the two major cities in Northern Ireland, Belfast and Londonderry, Sinn Fein leaders said the killers of Robert McCartney were being cowards by refusing to admit their crime. They emphasised that the failure to bring anybody to justice for McCartney's January 30 slaying outside a Belfast pub was fuelling widespread criticism of Sinn Fein, which represents most Catholics in Northern Ireland. McCartney's sisters, whose campaign has gained worldwide attention, say the IRA has intimidated witnesses while Sinn Fein has discouraged people from giving evidence to police. Detectives have charged nobody with the killing, even though the attack on McCartney began inside a pub crowded with Sinn Fein and IRA members. 0
107959 0 1522 WORL WORLD Japan mad cow case TOKYO: Japan confirmed its 16th case of mad cow disease yesterday in a nine-year-old cow from northern Japan, the government said. Experts concluded that the Holstein cow from Teshio town in northern Hokkaido prefecture (state) was infected with the brain-wasting illness after analysing samples taken this past week, the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement. "All meat, internal organs and parts from this cattle will be incinerated, and there is no danger that they will be circulated in the market," the ministry statement said. 0
107960 0 1522 WORL WORLD Release of Suu Kyi is sought RANGOON: Burmese opposition National League for Democracy yesterday demanded the release of its leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners, at a meeting attended by two recently freed student leaders. Some 250 people, including student leaders Min Ko Naing and Ko Ko Gyi who spent more than a decade in prison, attended an event at NLD headquarters to mark the start of national resistance to Japanese occupation 60 years ago. The NLD urged the ruling junta to engage in "genuine dialogue", in a swipe at the military's constitutional talks boycotted by the party. The NLD first wants its leader, Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and other top leaders, released from house arrest. Earlier yesterday, the junta marked Armed Forces Day with a military parade and a speech by top leader Senior General Than Shwe. Meanwhile, Shwe and visiting India's External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh agreed have agreed that a "stable security environment" along their shared border is a 0
107961 0 1522 WORL WORLD North Korea bird flu alert SEOUL: North Korea for the first time yesterday confirmed an outbreak of deadly bird flu at its poultry farms and said hundreds of thousands of chickens had been culled to contain it. The North's official Korean Central News Agency quoted quarantine authorities as reporting cases at up to three chicken farms in the capital Pyongyang. "The bird flu has recently broken out at two to three chicken farms, including Hadang farm," KCNA said. It did not specify the dates. Hadang is one of the capital's five largest chicken farms. KCNA said state health and quarantine officials "have buried and burnt hundreds of thousands of infected chickens at those farms" to prevent the disease spreading to other areas. No employees have so far been infected, it said. A World Health Organisation official said that a bird flu outbreak in North Korea would be "a nightmare" because working with its secretive government might not be easy. 0
107962 0 1522 WORL WORLD 15 hurt in Thailand BANGKOK: At least 15 railway workers, soldiers and police were injured in two bomb blasts and an hour-long gun battle in Thailand's restive south early yesterday, in an attack which police blamed on Islamic insurgents. Two bombs exploded, 30m from the Sungai Padi railway station in Narathiwat province, as a maintenance train car was travelling from Sungai Kolok to Tanyong, police and railway officials said. A third bomb exploded outside a bank in the same district at almost the same time but no one was injured. 0
107963 0 1522 WORL WORLD Husband buried alive BEIJING: A woman in eastern China drugged her husband with the help of her lesbian lover and then buried him alive in his own home to stop him from interfering in their relationship, state media said yesterday. The two women, Wang Lanying and Mou Hongxiu, from Jiangsu province have been arrested in what is being considered the first reported murder case motivated by a lesbian relationship in China, the Beijing News said. 0
107964 0 1522 WORL WORLD Ex-rebel killed JAMMU, India: Suspected Islamic insurgents shot and killed a former rebel and three members of his family in a raid on his house in India's Jammu-Kashmir state, police said yesterday. Mohammed Shabir, a former guerilla who had resumed farming, his mother, wife and only daughter were killed in the attack on Saturday night in Hassote, a village 150km north of Jammu. Seventeen people were also wounded when militants lobbed a grenade at a security bunker near a crowded bus stand in Srinagar, Kashmir's summer capital. In other incidents, suspected rebels shot dead four people while two civilians were beheaded by rebels across the region. Soldiers shot dead two senior members of Kashmir's frontline rebel group, Hizbul Mujahideen, in separate shootouts. Meanwhile, Pakistan has detained 75 foreign fishermen, including nationals of China, Taiwan, Philippines and India, for illegally entering its territorial waters in the Arabian sea, the Maritime Security Agency said yest 0
107965 0 1522 WORL WORLD Nepal activists held KATHMANDU: Nepali police detained at least seven anti-king activists in Kathmandu yesterday as they protested against King Gyanendra's seizure of power last month and called for restoration of political freedom. Witnesses said the activists, including former legislators, were picked up from the heart of the the capital as they shouted anti-king slogans and waved the Nepali Congress party flags, ignoring a ban on protest rallies. "Restore democracy," and "Withdraw the royal proclamation of emergency", the protesters shouted as riot police detained them. 0
107966 0 1522 WORL WORLD Jackson 'in pain' LOS ANGELES: US pop star Michael Jackson yesterday said he would fight accusations he molested a 13-year old boy despite the pain he has so far endured during the widely-publicised trial. "I'm a fighter, but it's very painful at the end of the day. I'm still human, you know. I'm still a human being, so it does hurt very, very, very much," Jackson told the Keep Hope Alive programme. 0
107967 0 1522 WORL WORLD Mob beats robbers to death DHAKA: A mob beat five suspected robbers to death after catching them looting a jewellery shop in central Bangladesh, police said yesterday. The five were stealing cash and gold late on Saturday from the shop at Raipura in Narsingdi district, 80km east of the capital, Dhaka, said area Police Chief Mir Rezaul Karim. As the alleged robbers started to flee with 5,000 takas (BD32) in cash and an unspecified amount of gold, the shop owner shouted for help, prompting passers-by and other traders to catch the five, Karim said. The severely injured suspects died before police arrived, he said. Police later recovered a revolver and two mobile phones from the scene. Police are investigating the incident, Karim said. 0
107968 1 1522 WORL WORLD Bomber targets military convoy BAGHDAD: At least 16 Iraqis, including three members of a Shi'ite political party, were killed in the country's latest incidents of violence yesterday, police sources said. A suicide car bomber blew himself up last night in the path of a US military convoy in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, said police, but it was not immediately known if there were any US casualties. Three members of the Badr Organistion, a Shi'ite political grouping, were killed on the road near Baquba, 60km northeast of the capital. Gunmen in another car pulled alongside their vehicle and shot them. Iraq military forces and police were also targets of the seemingly relentless insurgent attacks. Three Iraq soldiers were killed and three more were wounded in separate attacks in and around Baquba. Further north, four police were killed and six were wounded when rebels assaulted their police station in Tal Afar with mortars and small arms fire, said Salah Mohammed, a doctor at the Tal Afar hospital. 0
107969 3 1522 WORL WORLD 'Black Tiger' Zaki dies of cancer CAIRO: Acclaimed Egyptian actor Ahmed Zaki, who portrayed former Egyptian presidents Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar Sadat on screen and broke colour barriers in Egyptian cinema, died in a hospital just outside the capital after battling lung cancer, doctors said. He was 55. Zaki was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2004. Fans followed his treatment closely and anxiously, with his ups and downs making headlines in the Egyptian press. Zaki was admitted to hospital in April and July, undergoing chemotheraphy in Paris last year. Zaki had been in hospital since March 8 and suffered a brain haemorrhage almost two weeks later. He was in intensive care at Dar el-Fouad Hospital in Sixth of October City just outside Cairo. A close friend of Zaki's, Gen Kamel Abdel Halim, and doctors at the hospital confirmed he had died yesterday. Before slipping into a coma earlier this month, Zaki had received calls from President Hosni Mubarak and celebrities and cultural figures had flocked 0
107970 0 1523 BUSI BUSINESS Defining moment for Burj Dubai DUBAI: Burj Dubai, Emaar Properties' iconic building, has reached a defining moment in its history as the world's tallest tower rises, making the surrounding district the most prestigious square kilometre in the world. The important second stage of this world-class project follows the completion of complex foundation work on the tower, scheduled for completion in 2008. Emaar had earlier announced that South Korea based-Samsung Corporation has won a global bid for $900 million (Dh3.285 billion) for the construction of the tower. Speaking to the media during a hard-hat tour of the Burj Dubai construction site, Emaar Properties executive director Robert Booth said the foundation work, completed in record 12 months at a cost of $15m (Dh54m) involved some critical measures taken to ensure that the tallest man-made structure sits on a strong steel and concrete podium. The tower's 192 piles have been constructed to depths of more than 50 metres and are bound together by a 3.7 0
107971 0 1523 BUSI BUSINESS $2.5bn project boon for Yemen SANAA: Yemen is hoping for a brighter future with a $2.5 billion gas project, said a news report. The gas project had been planned since 1997 but was delayed owing to the sharp drop in global demand caused by the Asian crisis back then. But the recent rise in demand encouraged the consortium Yemen LNG, 43 per cent owned by the French company Total, to launch the project after finding potential buyers. Three contracts were signed last month for the export of between 6 and 7 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually to the US and South Korea over 20 years starting in 2009. 0
107972 2 1523 BUSI BUSINESS Work on trade centre tower gaining pace MANAMA: The Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC), which is under construction, can now be seen rising above the hoardings around the grounds of the Bahrain Commercial Complex adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel. The 50-storey, twin tower development is expected to be completed by its scheduled date in June next year. The completion of the BWTC will change the Manama skyline, with twin towers standing at 240 metres in height and will also bring with it 34 floors of tenantable office space in each tower There will be an expansion of the existing shopping venue of the Bahrain Commercial Complex to more than double its current size. In addition the Sheraton Hotel will be re-furbished to become an integral part of the BWTC. The BWTC will offer tenants and visitors a complete business environment incorporating extensive facilities to develop and enhance trade opportunities, as well as providing technically sophisticated commercial services, meeting rooms and conference fa 0
107973 0 1523 BUSI BUSINESS BD10m BMA treasury bills oversubscribed MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) announced that the BD10 million weekly issue of Government Treasury Bills has been oversubscribed by 160 per cent The bills, carrying a maturity of 91 days, are issued by the BMA, on behalf of Bahrain. The issue date of the bills is March 30 and the maturity date is June 29. The approximate average price was 99.244pc, while the lowest accepted price was 99.240pc. The weighted average rate of interest is 3.01pc, the highest so far this year following the latest increase in US dollar rates. Similar increases have been effected in other facilities extended by the BMA to Bahrain's banks. Today's rate for the one-week repurchase agreement (Repo) rose to 3pc, from 2.75pc a month ago, while the BD-secured rate was 2.81pc, up from 2.56pc a month ago. A one-week BD deposit facility attracted a rate of 2.6875pc today, compared with 2.4375pc one month ago. 0
107974 0 1523 BUSI BUSINESS Alba 'is set to achieve safe start-up milestone' MANAMA: Alba has commissioned 25 per cent of its new Line 5 Reduction Line in less than 25 days, it was announced yesterday. It means the company is on schedule to commission all 336 pots before the 100-day safe start-up deadline expires. If successful, the 100-day safe start-up will break the current world record by over 80 days - setting a new world record for the fastest start-up of an aluminium reduction line. The Line 5 Reduction Team treated employees to an on-site lunch to celebrate passing the 25pc mark. "With 25pc of the 336 pots successfully commissioned in less than 25 days, I am confident that we will realise the 100-day safe start-up challenge within the set timeframe," said Alba chief executive officer Bruce Hall. "I would like to commend the Line 5 Reduction Team and all of Alba's supporting units for their extraordinary effort and hard work in achieving this goal with the highest safety and quality standards as is customary of a project of such mag 0
107975 1 1523 BUSI BUSINESS New-look Batelco shops 'to push quality services' MANAMA: Batelco yesterday relaunched its newly-transformed shop at its commercial centre in Manama yesterday. The project is part of a BD2.2 million scheme to open a series of shops around Bahrain. Chief executive Tony Hart opened the new shop in the presence of senior Batelco officials. The new-look Batelco Commercial Centre (BCC) shop now bears the new red and white Batelco branding, state-of-the-art product displays and a full range of retail services to give customers a one-stop-shop for their telecommunications needs, says the company. "As Bahrain's national telecommunications company, it is appropriate that our new branding reflects the colours and design of the Bahraini flag and waves which signify the water surrounding our Kingdom," said general manager-sales and marketing Ian Dench. "Over the 15 months since we unveiled our branding, our striking red and white design has become a mark of quality for our customers. "This re-branding exercise 0
107976 3 1523 BUSI BUSINESS Bank stepping up Bahrain services MANAMA: State Bank of India (SBI), India's premier government bank, has taken new steps to expand its services to expatriate Indians in Bahrain. The bank has entered into an agreement with Bahrain Financing Company (BFC) to offer wider remittance facilities for expatriate Indians. A pact was signed by SBI regional head and chief executive officer U N Challu with BFC managing director Meir Nonoo at the Indian Embassy, in the presence of Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra. Under the agreement , BFC can draw on up to 500 branches of SBI. "BFC was hitherto permitted to draw only 63 branches of SBI," Mr Challu told the GDN. "The agreement allows them to issue drafts or use for remittances up to 500 of our branches, with effect from Friday. "SBI and its associates have a total of 14,000 branches in India." The new arrangement will prove a boon to thousands of expatriate Indians in Bahrain, said BFC general manager George Philip. BFC has 13 branc 0
107977 0 1523 COMM COMMENTWho has the right to kill? Terri Schiavo, the brain-damaged woman at the centre of America's landmark right-to-die case, is being edged towards an unconsented death by starvation and dehydration, which according to her doctors, could take as long as two weeks. She is being denied the most fundamental symbols of love and nurturing, despite the best efforts of her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and even the President of the United States, to reverse the decision to remove her feeding tube. We should take heed. If ever a story encapsulated the dangers and hazards of legalising euthanasia it is this one. I would not dream of judging what is right and wrong in this particular instance, for I do not know enough about Terri's case to make due appraisal. But one thing I do know is that the last person on earth who should have a hand in the decision-making is her husband, Michael, who is her legal guardian and who has been fighting for more than a decade to let his 41-year-old wife - said by doctors to be 0
107978 0 1523 COMM COMMENTStalked by heightened fears of street crime WE popped into one of our favourite restaurants with our visitor just the other day, to enjoy the luxury of a leisurely lunch, without the pressure of rushing back to work. One of the staff took me to one side to ask if there was anything more the GDN could do to highlight what appears to be an increasing number of attacks on Asians by Bahraini thugs. His concern had been heightened by a phone call from his wife, who had looked out of her flat window a few nights earlier and seen two Bahrainis attack and rob an Indian man. "We love this country. We have worked half our lives here and our children were born here, but now we cannot walk in the street without fear," he said. Bahrain should be ashamed that crime of this nature, virtually unheard of just a few years ago, should now be so prevalent. There can be little doubt that Asians are being picked off as easy targets, by muggers who will use violence or the threat of it just to grab a few dinars, or a mobile phone 0
107981 0 1523 LETT LETTERS Why 'pay up or die' attitude spreading THE doctor 'Proud to be a doctor' (GDN March 23) has every right to be proud and no-one is disputing the hours they put in. The criticism was made towards a financially well-endowed hospital in Saudi and not Bahrain. It is understood this is one of best in the world. The criticism is: how come a situation where there is so much money, so much obvious wealth, so much on offer to the poor, that humanity takes bottom place? To allow a young boy to die because there was no one to pay for his treatment, is a sick disease of today's society. It's the system at fault, but if I were a doctor at his bedside as he lay dying, I would have to ask myself, could I walk away and do nothing or would I go out and tell the world to change the system. 'Pay up or die' is a Western disease and it's catching. Let us all do something about it - for a start why are some treatments so expensive and out of reach to Mr Poor? We read stories every day in the GDN of someone needing ex 0
107982 0 1523 LETT LETTERS All of a flutter... YESTERDAY my wife and I needed to go from East Riffa to Budaiya and it looked splendid with all the flags to promote the upcoming Grand Prix along the Shaikh Salman Highway. But something wasn't quite right, so on the return journey we continued over the new(ish) flyover towards Hamad Town and I was right, not one Union Jack!!!! Flags for India, Japan, Brazil and some I didn't even recognise but no Union Jack. Have you forgotten Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, Silverstone or Brands Hatch? We in the UK have a long history associated with cars and racing so I am sure this oversight will be rectified with a few flags and an apology in the GDN by whoever was responsible for placing the flags out. Spuss 0
107983 0 1523 LETT LETTERS Don't be lazy! WE find most of the people wasting their valuable and well-earned weekend holidays by getting up very late in the mornings. This also encourages the children to get up very late. Actually weekends should be well utilised by spending more time with the families, especially the children, instead of losing it sleeping. The culture of considering weekend holidays as ones for wasting lazily needs correction by making them more useful and enjoyable, for a healthy and hard working week ahead. The elders should set an example to the younger ones in this respect. R Madhavan 0
107984 0 1523 LETT LETTERS For the record... THIS refers to a letter on civilised behaviour (GDN, March 27) which said that "the English have been civilised for over a thousand years, but brought civilisation to this part of the world only a relatively short time ago". Sitting in Bahrain someone has the nose to say such a thing!! Someone should tell this person that when the English were really sitting in caves, this part of the world was already civilised. Even today, the best of animal behaviour is seen in British discos and nightclubs, making a distinction between a mother and daughter rare in the UK. Utterly Disgusted 0
107985 0 1523 LETT LETTERS Roundabouts a nightmare THE news article about a plan to raze roundabouts as part of a national programme is a positive step to improve the road network. At one time the city planners' idea of a roundabout must have been for a continuous and smooth flow of traffic, but with time and increase in density of vehicles these beautiful roundabouts have turned into nightmares for drivers. During peak office hours the tough gets going, toss a coin if it's heads then no accident and if it's tails look for a dent on your car body. Just a little late for traffic safety week I propose a safety signage before entering the roundabout "accident-prone area, drive safely". One of the agenda for the next road safety meeting may be "Razing roundabouts to reduce accidents". The proposal to have traffic lights at cross-roads is certainly going to pay off. Cdr William 0
107986 0 1523 LETT LETTERS Great news for drivers! THE news item (GDN, March 26) that roundabouts are to be razed is the best news for motorists. It will make a lot of difference to the flow of traffic and bottlenecks presently at roundabouts which unnecessarily slow down traffic and also because of the space wasted by them. Hearing complaints all the time about traffic jams, I had suggested that removing roundabouts would ease a lot of that problem. We had the same situation in Karachi and removing the roundabouts made all the difference. When somebody said "whatever will happen to The Pearl Roundabout then?!!" At least it will stop making you go round in circles! S Babar 0
107987 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Tickets for F1 party go on sale TICKETS for the Fashion TV Grand Prix After-Race Party are on sale from today. The major social event, on Sunday, is to be held at the official host venue - BJ's at Al Bustan Hotel, Adliya. BJ's yesterday announced that 200 advance tickets for the Grand Prix's 'most chic' party are exclusively available from Hava Java in Seef Mall and are priced at BD4 each. "The main benefit of buying the ticket earlier is that you get to line jump and if last year's party is anything to go by, that's a real plus," explained BJ's sales and marketing director Steve Green. Last year's party was the first time that Fashion TV held an event in the Gulf and it was a huge success. Partygoers from all over the world turned up to relax after a long weekend of Formula 1 madness. As the advance tickets are so limited, it is expected that they will sell out fast. This year's party will feature guest DJ and top model Sassy. It is being sponsored by BMW in association with Niv 0
107988 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Career advice for students MORE than 30 British School of Bahrain students attended an informative day of career advice from executives of Bahrain, UK and Oman-based businesses. The youngsters, aged 15 to 17, received advice about some of life's important decisions and career opportunities, at the event held at the school campus in Adliya. Eight speakers addressed the students on various career choices. They included Al Hilal Corporation creative director Alec Lewis, who spoke about creative careers and Awali Hospital consultant paediatrician Dr Jean Borgstrm, who briefed the students about medical career opportunities. The event was organised by sixth form head Jayne Needham and assistant principal Colin Stott. 0
107989 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Vandals slash tyres of cars POLICE are hunting vandals who slashed the tyres of eight cars parked in the Naim area yesterday. The cars belonged to Bahraini and Asian residents and were parked outside their homes in Shaikh Hamad Road, Naim, said sources. The owners of the cars complained to the police after the attack was discovered at around noon. No further details were available. 0
107990 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Club draws up future plans The newly-elected executive board of Pakistan Club approved the number of steps aimed at enhancing the role of the club in social, cultural and sports activities for this year and next. The meeting was chaired by chairman Mohammed Sajid Shaikh and attended by eight executive board members. The executive board started by thanking the leadership and the concerned ministers for their continuous support and co-operation. "The community has helped to raise funds for tsunami victims during the Pakistan Club's campaign and the cheque will be presented to authorities soon," said Mr Shaikh. The committee also discussed the issues related to streamlining the club's sports and cultural activities. The club has various activities and a comprehensive plan to revamp the entire cricket coaching system was discussed. 0
107991 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Website is inaugurated Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa attended a ceremony marking the commissioning of the Bahrain Young Ladies Association website. Present were Shura Council second vice-chairman Mansoor bin Rajab, association chairperson Latifa Al Bunota and other officials. 0
107992 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Libel case adjourned A COURT case by MP Mohammed Khalid Moha-mmed against Al Wasat newspaper, accusing reporter Batool Al Sayed of misquoting him in parliamentary coverage has been adjourned until May 2. The first hearing into the defamation claim was held yesterday, but was adjourned to allow the court to study evidence and listen to witnesses. Mr Mohammed says he was misquoted in a report by Ms Al Sayed on a row between MPs in parliament on November 9, over issuing a statement condemning the US attack on Fallujah, Iraq. He says the report fuelled sectarian anger and resulted in threats against his life. 0
107993 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Witness delays trial A REPORT on an Indian accountant accused of embezzling BD15,727 from the Avis car rental company, in Manama, incorrectly stated that the defendant was not in court for the latest hearing. His lawyer has asked us to point out that the defendant was in court and the case was adjourned until April 17 after a witness failed to turn up. The 27-year-old defendant denies the charge. 0
107994 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Free check up for 400 workers A FREE medical camp is being held on Thursday for a second group of workers at the Down Town Construction Company. It is being organised by the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) at the company camp in Sehla. The first group of 400 workers from the company were given free check-ups on March 3, followed by dinner, at the same premises. Senior medical consultants and paramedics will examine about another 400 workers, starting at 7pm. The last camp was sponsored by Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya, while a variety of donors are sponsoring this camp, plus dinner. The aim is to create greater health awareness amongst workers, said ICRF general secretary C R Nambiar. Those wishing to help the ICRF by sponsoring medical camps or extending voluntary assistance, contact the Indian Embassy on 17714551 or Mr Nambiar on 39650858. 0
107995 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Helping hand for the blind THE Awali Ladies Hospitality Group yesterday donated BD700 to the Saudi Bahraini Institute for the Blind. The cheque was presented by group chairwoman Rasheeda Tadayon to institute director Abdul Wahid Al Khayat, at the institute premises in Isa Town. Mr Al Khayat bought two Braille typewriters for the centre with the money. The major part of the money was raised from the annual Awali Craft Fair and also from the monthly events organised by the group. The next Awali Craft Fair will be held on November 17. More details will be announced closer to the date. 0
107996 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Tourist attacked TWO Bahraini men were arrested after allegedly attacking a Saudi tourist and stealing his mobile phone, according to sources. The incident was reported by the 33-year-old Saudi man. In an unrelated incident, a Bangladeshi man was attacked by a group of Bahrainis. He was found to be too drunk to describe his attackers or the amount of money they had stolen from him. 0
107997 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Officials in visit YEMEN and Palestinian Telecommunications and ICT Ministers Abdulla Mulaimi and Sabri Saidam visited Al Hidaya Al Khalifia School and Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Technology Institute and were briefed on the pioneering e-learning scheme being implemented as part of His Majesty King Hamad's Future Schools project. Turkish and South African Transportation Ministers Binali Yaldrom and Ivy Matsepe Casaburi also visited. Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa co-ordinated the visit with the Education Ministry, on the sidelines of the IT Summit held in Bahrain. 0
107998 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Button-Sato to meet fans FORMULA One drivers Jensen Button and Takuma Sato from the BAR Honda team are to meet their fans on Thursday at the National Motor Company premises, Sitra. The special Honda event is open to the public and visitors will have the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the celebrities, next to a BAR Honda racing car on display. The BAR Honda drivers will be at the Honda showroom from 6.30pm onwards. In conjunction with their visit, special rates and packages will be offered on all Honda cars from 4pm to 8pm on the day of the event. Additionally, all showroom visitors will receive one raffle ticket with the chance to win six F1 tickets. DJ Damian will be providing entertainment, leading up to the grand entrance of the racing stars. The raffle draw, which will be conducted by Mr Button and Mr Sato, will be held at 8pm. 0
107999 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Marshals in position MORE than 950 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix marshals took part in a weeklong training programme at the Bahrain Inter-national Circuit (BIC) media centre. The training, conducted by the Con-federation of Austra-lian Motor Sport (Cams) and sponsored by the BIC, went over the basic as well as specialist training. The marshals, including medical and fire personnel, will take part in the Grand Prix. Motorsport Marshals Club (MMC) general secretary Abdulaziz Al Thawadi said the marshals underwent theoretical and practical training. "We have been training over the past months on every aspect of the international event," he said. "The marshals are ready for the upcoming challenge." About 90 per cent of the marshals are Bahraini and are aged 18 and above. MMC president Fayez Ramzi said they are basically a group of people, who have taken up this duty on a voluntarily basis. "It is our role to support national events and watch them grow," he said. BIC sports 0
108000 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Shura raps rally violators SHURA Council members yesterday condemned Frida-y's demonstration calling for constitutional changes. First vice-chairman Abdulrahman Jamsheer deputised for council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi at the weekly meeting. He called for an immediate halt to activities calling for sectarian divisions. Such activities adversely affect the country's interests and abuse the political openness available in Bahrain which allows for organising rallies and demonstrations. "Organisations calling for such activities should stop immediately and use the available legislative bodies to call for changes instead," he said. "We appreciate the Interior Ministry's efforts in protecting peace, stability and national unity. The National Action Charter and the Constitution, said Mr Jamsheer, have guaranteed everyone freedom of expression provided it did not harm other people's interests and daily activities. 0
108001 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Party mood hots up A GROUP of leading international DJs are to perform in Bahrain in a series of parties being held at the Sheraton Hotel's Club Al Layali, Manama. They are being organised by the hotel and club in association with Dutch production agency Sweet Chocolate. They kick-off with a six-day exclusive party marathon starting tonight and running until Sunday, titled F-1001 Nights. "Four dance stages, six of the hottest DJs from the Netherlands and professional dancers are just some of the surprises at hand," said hotel public relations area director Marta Andreeva. During the F1 weekend, from Friday to Sunday, the club will be transformed into a full F1 setting. Entrance tickets for tonight, Thursday, Friday and Sunday are priced BD6 for men and BD4 for women. Tickets for the parties tomorrow and on Saturday are BD8 for men and BD6 for women. Doors open at 9.30pm every night. Sponsors are KLM and BMMI. 0
108002 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Brush with F1 fever AN art exhibition by Greek artist Mina Valrakie on the Formula One will open tomorrow at 7pm at the Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum. It is being held under the patronage of Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and will continue until Sunday. About 40 paintings on race cars will go on show at the event. 0
108003 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Probe urged into suicide HUMAN rights watchdogs have called for an immediate probe by Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi into the suicide of an Indian tailor in a garments factory. The call came from Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society member Faisal Fulad yesterday, following meetings with workers at MRS Fashions, in East Riffa. Madhu Babu, aged 25, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in a security cabin at the factory on Saturday. His death sparked protests from hundreds of workers, who claim they are being ill-treated, which the company denies. "The society sent a letter to Dr Al Alawi on Sunday morning, but there has been no response so far," said Mr Fulad. 0
108004 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Bahrainisation vow LABOUR Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi yesterday chaired a meeting attended by a delegation representing committees on Bahrainisation at major supermarkets. He congratulated members led by chairman Abdulla Al Binali on their accomplishment by registering 60 per cent Bahrainisation in this sector. The higher percentage of Bahrainis employed will contribute to the reduction of expenses to be paid to the government. Companies not abiding by the Bahrainisation law expected to be introduced soon will have to pay BD100 a month and BD600 for renewals of work permits or the issuance of new licences, Dr Al Alawi said yesterday. 0
108005 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Expert focus on studying in France FRENCH education expert Professor Jean-Pierre Soula will present a series of lectures as part of Gulf Education Expo 2005, which continues at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre until Thursday. His first presentation, entitled Studying in France, How and Why?, will be held at 5pm today. It will be followed by a lecture on an engineering programme called N + I and another in law called EduDroit at 5pm tomorrow. On Thursday, he will present a lecture entitled How to promote higher studies for French teachers, at 11am. It will be followed by a lecture on programmes taught in English and scholarships, at 5pm on the same day. EduFrance and French Embassy educational advisor Audrey Sinnah said the French presence at the show is mainly to attract students to choose France for their higher studies. "English language degree courses are now offered in France because I think that the French understood that it is easier for people to learn French while living 0
108006 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Going bananas over tasty tart... Banana Tarte Tatin This is a variation on the classic French dessert. It is cooked in a heavy paella pan which can be transferred from the hob to the oven. Serve the tart hot or warm as soon as possible after cooking. If left, the bananas may begin to discolour. Serves six to eight. Method: Preheat the oven to gas mark 6, 400F, 200C. Sprinkle a little flour over your work surface. Unroll the puff pastry, lay it flat, then fold it in half like a book. Roll it out into a square measuring approximately 12 x 12in (30 x 30cm), then place it on a baking sheet, cover with plastic film and leave in the fridge to rest. Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients. Melt the butter in the pan or skillet over a medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir with a wooden spoon to combine, allowing the mixture to cover the base of the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture begins to turn golden brown. Remove pan from the heat. Peel the bananas and cut them in h 0
108007 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Workers' rights for housemaids HOUSEMAIDS and other domestic staff will get workers' rights for the first time under new Bahrain labour reforms. A new fee structure for employing domestic staff is also being drawn up, says Labour Ministry employment director Ausamah Al Absi. Bahrain's legal system has been criticised for failing to protect domestic workers, who currently have no rights at all under the Labour Law. The changes will come into effect with the implementation of a national labour market reform project spearheaded by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. "Basically, what we are looking at is how to create a separate yet parallel system for domestic workers," Mr Al Absi told the GDN. "We are going to treat them in a different way when it comes to the fees, but ensure that families - in particular working families - are not affected by including them in the labour reforms. "But other issues relating to regulating them, including them in the 0
108008 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Green plans for two Muharraq villages PLANS to develop two Muharraq villages, Dair and Samaheej, are in the pipeline, it was announced yesterday. Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh said that both villages were on the ministry's development schedule. "We plan to have new gardens and parks in both villages, taking into consideration available land," he said as he visited the villages. "We will also try to acquire more land, if possible, to make sure that both villages are turned into greener places." He was accompanied by Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi, Muharraq Municipal Council chairman Mohammed Al Wazzan and senior ministry officials. Mr Al Saleh said that better cleaning services and beautifying both villages would also ensure a healthier and more attractive environment for residents. "Developing agriculture is also amongst our plans and the ministry is currently using the latest technologies available to ensure better agricultural products not just for pe 0
108009 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Towers 'invasion of villagers' privacy' A MUNICIPAL councillor has hit out at "double standards" after permission was granted to build 10-storey tower blocks next to two villages. The plan has been criticised because the buildings will overlook government houses in Burhama and Sanabis. Opponents say it is an invasion of privacy, but the Manama Municipal Council has given the plan the go-ahead anyway. "The problem is that this land is owned by a very powerful man, who bought it based on its current plan," said Manama Municipal Council member Mohammed Abdulla. "If we decide to decrease the elevations now it would cost him a lot of money and he might take us to court and win. "That is why we decided to stick to the plan, although we have encountered similar cases in which we decreased elevations - despite the owners' disapproval. "This is proof that we are still suffering from double standards when dealing with our problems." The proposal will now go to Municipalities and Agriculture Minist 0
108010 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Doctors debate health strategy DOCTORS are being urged to attend a meeting over proposals to create a Bahrain Medical Council, which would dictate national health policies. A talk on the move, proposed by a group of Shura Council members, is being held at the Bahrain Medical Society, Juffair, tonight. Consultant vascular surgeon Dr Sadiq Abdulla will give a talk on the proposals at 9pm, at the society's Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Hall. The proposed council would oversee the operations of the Health Ministry and dictate health policies in Bahrain, said society academic committee general secretary Dr Khalifa bin Dyna. It has been forwarded by Shura Council members to the society for its input. "The talk by Dr Sadiq will discuss the proposal and the feedback from doctors about the council, which will be made up of laymen, including lawyers and businessmen, if approved," explained Dr bin Dyna. "Such an issue is of paramount importance to doctors in Bahrain because it will dictate poli 0
108011 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Gulf expo offers career options HUNDREDS of students visited the first day of the third Gulf Education Exhibition (GEE 2005) at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre yesterday. The exhibition, which continues until Thursday, gives students wishing to study either in Bahrain or abroad an opportunity to make better choices. This year's event features representatives of universities in Bahrain, Jordan, Ireland, Canada, US, UK, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, France, Lebanon, India, Malaysia and Australia. The courses on offer include medicine, engineering, sciences, business management, accounting and language. The event was opened by Education Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Hussain Al Sadah. The Royal University for Women (RUW), which will be launched for the academic year 2005-2006, was among the event's exhibitors. RUW validation consultant Professor Martin Pitts said the college is being modelled after similar women-only institutions in the West. He said women often do much better in f 0
108012 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Ties hailed AUCKLAND: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa arrived in Auckland yesterday, at the beginning of a three-day visit at the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. He was received at the airport by his New Zealand counterpart and other senior officials. In an arrival statement, Shaikh Khalifa expressed pleasure at the visit. He will meet New Zealand Governor-General and other senior officials to discuss ways of boosting bilateral co-operation in various fields. Shaikh Khalifa also attended a dinner banquet last night at the Cabinet headquarters in Wellington, hosted in his honour by Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright. A number of ministers and senior officials attended the banquet. 0
108013 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Race is on to save environment A MINI-MARATHON is to take place in Budaiya next month to help raise awareness on the importance of protecting our environment. The Third Annual Environmental Fundraising Mini-Marathon is being organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife in association with the Jawad Dome. It is being held on April 15 under the patronage of Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Part of the proceeds collected from the event will be donated to the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation. "The event is the biggest of its kind in Bahrain that is solely dedicated to increase public awareness towards the protection of the environment and caring of our handicapped brethren," said event director Adnan Al Qassab during a Press conference held at the Jawad Dome, Budaiya, yesterday. The Jawad Dome in conjunction with Ecocell Bat 0
108014 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Porsche in limelight at Supercup parade SOME of the world's fastest cars took to the streets of Manama yesterday, to the delight of fans. But the drivers kept within the speed limit for once, as they paraded to promote the Porsche Michelin Supercup, being held alongside the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The parade followed a Press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, to unveil the new Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car - the 997. This latest model will make its debut on the Bahrain International Circuit at 12.10pm on Sunday. Fans had the chance to see and photograph the convoy of 15 identical 997s which will take part in the race. They were joined on the parade by other models, driven by Bahrain Porsche Owners Club members. They made their way from the Ritz-Carlton, through Manama and up to the BIC in Sakhir. Bahraini guest drivers Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa, who will be racing in cars One and Two respectively, also joined the parade. 0
108015 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Flying high in luxury GULF Air is reviving the "golden age" of luxury travel with its new First and Business Class cabins. The first A330 equipped with the new cabins and seats landed at Bahrain International Airport yesterday, following roadshows in Muscat and Abu Dhabi earlier in the day. Business, travel industry and community leaders were taken on a tour of the aircraft by airline president and chief executive James Hogan and other senior officials. Five other A330s will be upgraded with the new seats between now and July 2005, as part of a $10 million (BD3.78m) cabin and seat refurbishment programme, said Mr Hogan. He said Gulf Air was re-creating the golden-age of travel, inspired by its legendary 'Five-Star Tri-Star' service of the late 1970s and 80s, The first of six refurbished A330s entered service on the Abu Dhabi-London route yesterday. "The new premium cabin creates a five-star hotel in the sky to complement award winning five-star Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies," said 0
108016 3 1523 BNEW LOCAL Ferry service plan gathering speed A FLEET of more than 200 vehicles - including cars, coaches and minibuses - will ferry an estimated 10,000 passengers to and from the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. A free bus service will operate daily from 11 hotels across Manama to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), in Sakhir. They will depart every half-hour from 6am and offer a return service until 11pm. Free transport will also be provided for spectators around-the-clock from Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to the 11 hotels. The service is being laid on by the Saudi Bahrain Transport Company (SABTCO) and Bahrain Limo, which have been awarded the official transportation contract for the race. The service was announced last night in a Press conference at the Novotel Al Dana Resort and is free to anyone holding a Formula One ticket, according to SABTCO and Bahrain Limo chief executive officer Adel Al Mehaiza. "The good thing is that it is not just for people coming from overseas," he said. 0
108017 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Schools to close for Grand Prix MANAMA: All Bahrain private and government schools, plus Bahrain University, will be closed for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, to ease traffic congestion, it was announced yesterday. Bahrain University will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, while schools will be closed only on Sunday, the main race day. The closures were announced by Education Minister and Bahrain University board of trustees' president Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. The Cabinet had earlier issued directives to Dr Al Nuaimi and Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa to take all necessary action to ease traffic congestion during the three-day event, which takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 0
108018 1 1523 BNEW LOCAL STRONG BONDS WELLINGTON: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday held top-level talks with Governor-General of New Zealand Dame Silvia Cartwright. Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa also attended the talks. Shaikh Khalifa conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad to the Governor General of New Zealand. He expressed satisfaction over the friendly strong relations bonding Bahrain and New Zealand, asserting that his three-day visit is a good opportunity to enhance these ties. The Premier also emphasised his keenness to boost these progressive relations in different fields. Earlier, in Auckland, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the Premier and his delegation. She also joined the Premier on a sightseeing tour of Auckland's shores and landscapes. Shaikh Khalifa thanked his New Zealand counterpart for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and his d 0
108019 2 1523 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain-UAE ties hailed UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan left yesterday at the end of a two-day visit at the invitation of His Majesty King Hamad. They held talks on distinctive ties linking the two countries and current developments at both regional and international levels. President Khalifa was seen off by His Majesty, Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa and senior officials. In a departure statement, President Khalifa expressed satisfaction over his visit's excellent outcome to further enhance and promote strong ties. He also expressed astonishment at Bahrain's achievements in various fields asserting the UAE keenness to support Bahrain's comprehensive development process. The President pledged the UAE's full backing for measures Bahrain pursues to safeguard its security and stability, wishing the people of Bahrain continued progress and growth. 0
108020 0 1523 BNEW LOCAL Secrets of pyramids revealed THE secrets of the pyramids were revealed at a talk held at the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Muharraq, last night. The talk, in Arabic, was given by visiting Egyptian Supreme Council for Archaeology secretary-general Zahi Hawas. Mr Hawas will deliver the same lecture in English at 8pm tonight. The talks are part of a cultural programme held at the centre to encourage researchers and people interested in culture, history and art to meet experts and discuss issues of mutual interest. Saudi researcher Dr Mujab Al Zahrani will give a talk in Arabic, entitled Cities of Wounded Memories, at 8pm tomorrow. Dr Al Zahrani, who is an associate professor of contemporary literature at the King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, will speak about the writings of Abdulrahman Muneef, Edward Saeed and Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad. All are welcome and entrance is free. For more information and directions, contact the centre 0
108021 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Awali Taverners bow to Tokyo team AWALI Taverners lost their opening match in the 18th International Cricket Sixes Tournament being played in Thailand by losing more wickets to Tokyo Wombats. The Taverners, from Bahrain, have been drawn in a tough group and are paired with last year's losing finalists Surrey Vagrants, bowl winners Moonshine Warathais (victors over Awali last year), Tokyo Wombats - made up of Australian expatriates - and Chiang Mai Warriors, a local team of expatriate Pakistanis. Batting first the Taverners comprising skipper Bob Phillips, Sanjay Rathod, Chris Ranganathan, Andrew Dove, Barrie Radburn and 'guest player' Romesh 'Kalu' Kaluwitharana, the former Sri Lankan Test player, notched up 62 for three in five overs. Opener Kalu (19) was the first out after he and Rathod had added 23 in the first two overs. Ranganathan and Rathod pushed the score along to 51 in four overs before the latter retired on 30 and soon after Dove and Phillips were dismissed for ducks. Radburn warded o 0
108022 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Salman to take part in BMW Asia race SHAIKH Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa will be driving for MTC-Unstoppabulls! Racing Team in the first round of the Formula BMW Asia Series which will be a support race during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to be held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The Bulls! team is owned by Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Shaikh Salman had a successful season in the 2004 Formula BMW Championship and was first among Arab drivers and sixth overall. "The Bulls are recognised internationally due to the success, support and dedication of the racers, supporters and sponsors, MTC Vodafone, MTC Group, Behbehani and Karting for ME. The whole team looks forward to the 2005 season,"' said Shaikh Khalifa. " It is a great honour for me to be selected to drive for the team by Shaikh Khalifa and I hope to bring home even better results this year. The Bulls continue to work as a team under the direction of Shaikh Khalifa and the support from all the team members, particularly our operations Ma 0
108023 0 1523 SPOR SPORT India squad for one-day clash BANGALORE: Leg-spinner Anil Kumble and middle-order batsman Venkatsai Laxman have been dropped from India's squad for the first two one-dayers against Pakistan, the national selectors announced here yesterday. India made two more changes from the team which lost the third and final Test against the tourists by 168 runs, omitting wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik and opener Gautam Gambhir. Batsmen Dinesh Mongia and Mohammad Kaif, left-arm spinner Murali Kartik and wicket-keeper Mahender Dhoni have been included in the 14-man squad. India and Pakistan will play six one-dayers, the first match starting at Cochin on April 2. India squad for the first two one-dayers: Saurav Ganguly (capt), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Mohammad Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Mongia, Mahender Dhoni, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Zaheer Khan, Laxmipathy Balaji, Murali Kartik, Ashish Nehra. 0
108024 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Donald surges ahead PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida: Britain's Luke Donald fired a two-under-par 70 to move one shot clear when the delayed third round of the rain-hit Players' Championship was finally completed last night. The 27-year-old Englishman, co-leader overnight with American Joe Durant at 11 under, held his nerve after double-bogeying the par-four 14th to finish on 12-under 204 in strengthening winds at the TPC at Sawgrass. Durant, who bogeyed the last, was alone in second place after carding a 71 with compatriot Tim Herron a further stroke back in third, after a 72. 0
108025 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Indian hockey player penalised over assault NEW DELHI: The Indian Hockey Federation said yesterday it has banned Punjab Police defender Kanwalpreet Singh for two years for beating up a national squad player during a domestic competition last month, a news agency reported. Singh beat up Deepak Thakur during a Super League match in the Ranjit Singh tournament between Punjab Police and Indian Oil in New Delhi. Thakur also plays for the national squad. He suffered a nose fracture and hand injuries and had to spend several days in a New Delhi hospital following the February 25 assault. 0
108026 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Manama, Muharraq share lead MANAMA and Muharraq maintained their joint lead in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball League after wins over Al Ahli and Al Ittihad respectively in the second leg matches at the Juffair Youth Centre. In the first match, Muharraq scored an emphatic 108-79 victory over Al Ittihad and extended their winning run in search of their first league title. Muharraq have 23 points while Al Ittihad have 15 after suffering their ninth defeat of the season. US professional Lawrence Edward was the top scorer for Muharraq with 28 points while Mohammed Hassan (20 points), Hussain Jassim (20), Ali Hussain (13), Ahmed Janahi (7) and Jassim Mohammed (4) also contributed to the triumph. Manama followed suit by beating Al Ahli 80-60 to join Muharraq at the top of the table. Raymond Hugley of the US stole the limelight scoring 30 points and made several defensive rebounds. Mahmood Ghuloom (17), Mohammed Najaf (12), Ahmed Al Mutawa (9), Ahmed Saeed (6) and captain Nooh Najaf (4) a 0
108027 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Bahrain U-18 team claim second spot BAHRAIN's under-18 team clinched second place in the 18th GCC Tennis Championship in Muscat after losing their decisive match 1-2 to champions Kuwait. Ahmed Al Rabea of Kuwait beat Bahrain's Hassan Abdulreda 6-0, 6-0 in the opening match, but Abdulkarim Abdulreda, who won the best player award, put Bahrain back in the match by defeating Ali Ismail of Kuwait 6-2, 6-3 in the second singles. However, Kuwait secured the title when Ahmed and Abdulla Ashoor defeated Bahrain's Hassan and Abdulkarim 6-1, 6-2 in the doubles. In the under-14 category, the UAE won the title and were followed by Qatar in second place, Kuwait third and Bahrain fourth while Kuwait finished top in the seniors section, while Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain finished second, third and fourth respectively. 0
108028 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Al Nasser edge Muharraq in thriller AL NASSER clinched an exciting 25-20, 28-26, 18-25, 24-26, 15-11 win over defending champions Muharraq to move to the top of the table in the Bahrain Premier Division Volleyball League last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Nine-time champions Muharraq, who recently returned after winning the 24th GCC Clubs Championship in Doha, suffered their first defeat of the season and are joint third with Al Ahli on nine points each. Al Nasser (13 points) took over the lead from Al Najma by one point but from seven matches while Muharraq have two matches in hand. In the other match, Busaiteen outplayed Bahrain Club 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 and revived their chances to finish among the top four teams for a Golden Square final round berth. Busaiteen are fourth with eight points while Bahrain Club are still without a win and are at the bottom of the table with six points from six matches. Meanwhile, Bahrain's veteran referee Jaffer Naseeb arrived home after attending a number of 0
108029 0 1523 SPOR SPORT BOC meeting scheduled THE Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) will be holding a meeting today to co-ordinate with the sports associations representatives on the teams' participation in the first Islamic Solidarity Games to be held in Saudi Arabia from April 8 to 20. The meeting will focus on the programme of the teams taking part in six disciplines - athletics, handball, karate, taekwondo, target ball and six-a-side soccer for disabled. BOC director Hassan Ismail said air tickets will be provided to each of the 85-member delegation and their outfits will be provided by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports. Ismail said the Bahrain delegation will be headed by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports vice-president and BOC president Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and includes deputy head Yaqoub Al Lahdan, secretary Raed Bu Hammod, administrator Mohammed Al Zayed, five media officials and 75 athletes. 0
108030 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Mauresmo eases into quarter-finals MIAMI: World number two Amelie Mauresmo of France shrugged off a rain delay to advance to the quarter-finals of the WTA tier one tournament here last night with a 6-1, 7-5 victory over 16th-seeded Croatian Karolina Sprem. Mauresmo, seeded number one in her fourth appearance at Key Biscayne, improved on her best previous performance here, a fourth-round showing in 2003. The French former world number one was up a break in the second set when rain stopped play for 37 minutes. When play resumed, she dropped her serve to let Sprem level the match at 4-4. But Mauresmo regained the advantage with a break in the 11th game, when Sprem double faulted on break point, and went on to serve out the match. Mauresmo next faces the winner of the match between US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia, the sixth seed, and unseeded Ana Ivanovic of Serbia and Montenegro. In the men's draw, Guillermo Coria, runner-up in last year's tournament, joined the list of seeds ousted fr 0
108031 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Soccer team players offered BD1,000 bonus each A BONUS of BD1,000 will be awarded to each member of the Bahrain national soccer team if they beat Japan in the team's crucial 2006 World Cup qualifying match tomorrow at the Saitama Stadium, according to Bahrain Football Association (BFA) member Yousef Hassan. Bahrain drew goalless with Iran in their first match in Group 'B' and beat North Korea 2-1 in Pyongyang in the second. The third match against Japan starts tomorrow in Saitama at 1.30pm Bahrain time. Bahrain are presently sharing the lead with Iran on four points each from two matches, one point ahead of group favourites Japan while North Korea are at the bottom of the table after losing both their matches. The winners and runners-up of groups 'A' and 'B' will qualify for the finals while third-placed teams will clash in play-offs and the winner take on fourth-placed team from North, Central America and Caribbean region. Coached by Wolfgang Sidka of Germany, the Bahrain team members took part in a two-hour training 0
108032 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Dissenting Inzamam banned for one Test BANGALORE: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq yesterday was suspended for one Test and fined 30 per cent of his match-fee for contesting an umpiring decision during the third and final Test against India here. "Match-referee Chris Broad of England held a hearing with Inzamam after the match and handed him a one-Test ban and fined him 30 per cent of the match-fee," Pakistan team manager Salim Altaf said. The ban means Inzamam will miss the first Test of a two-match series in the West Indies in May this year. Broad, a former England opener, found Inzamam guilty of excessive appealing and showing dissent over an umpiring decision. Inzamam reacted angrily after New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden had ruled Indian opener Virender Sehwag not out following an appeal for caught behind off the bowling of paceman Mohammad Sami early in the day. Pakistani players were also found to be involved in excessive appealing for which the captain was responsible under the International Cri 0
108033 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Sabah takes on Lee in China Open snooker BAHRAIN'S Habib Sabah clashes with world number nine Stephen Lee of the United Kingdom in a mouth-watering second round clash 200,000 China Open International Snooker Championship at the Haidian Stadium in Beijing today (starting 9.30am Bahrain time). Sabah, the only Middle East player in the championship, defeated world number 55 Jimmy Michie 5-3 in the opening round. It is the Bahrain champion's first world ranking event. Mean-while, Thailand's 19-year-old Kobkit Palajin became the third wild card to reach the last 32 when he beat Gerard Greene of the UK 5-1. Palajin followed the example of Sabah and Liang Wen Bo by knocking a main tour professional out of the ranking event. He now faces Hong Kong's Marco Fu. Palajin took a scrappy first frame with the colours, then Kent-based Greene won the second. The Thai player raced through the next three with breaks of 123, 44 and 64 to go 4-1 up and finished the match with a blue to black clearance in frame six. In anot 0
108034 0 1523 SPOR SPORT Schumacher looking forward to Sakhir challenge World champion Michael Schumacher is relishing the new Ferrari's Formula One debut in Bahrain next week after his poor start to the season. "It certainly won't be an easy race for us, but races are seldom easy. I'm looking forward to the challenge," Schumacher said in a statement on his website. Ferrari had planned to give the F2005 its debut in fifth race of the championship in Spain in May after starting with a modified version of the title-winning F2004 that won 15 out of 18 Grands Prix last year. The debut has been brought forward, however, to the third race in Bahrain after the German failed to finish in Australia and was seventh in Malaysia, leaving him with just two points, 14 behind Renault's Fernando Alonso. "The most important fact is that we are far enough along with the new car to be able to use it next weekend," Schumacher said. "Obviously I'm looking forward to the premiere and excited about it." Schumacher, who tested the new car last week, sai 0
108035 1 1523 SPOR SPORT PAKISTANIS WIN THRILLER BANGALORE, India: Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi triggered a sensational Indian collapse with three top wickets to mastermind Pakistan's 168-run victory in the third and final Test here yesterday. Pakistan drew the series 1-1 after India, chasing a 383-run target, were shot out for 214 just before close of play on the last day. The hosts lost their last nine wickets for a meagre 106 on a Chinnaswamy stadium wicket which was still good for batting. The opening Test was drawn at Mohali, while India won the second Test in Calcutta by 195 runs. Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria completed Pakistan's dream victory when he trapped Laxmipathy Balaji leg-before with just 6.1 overs remaining. The 25-year-old Afridi, in the team only as a third spinner after Kaneria and Arshad Khan, did the trick by catching the ultra-defensive Indian batsmen on the wrong foot. Even Sachin Tendulkar, who became India's leading scorer after surpassing Sunil Gavaskar's record of 10,122 runs, looked a pale 0
108036 2 1523 SPOR SPORT New Ferrari car set for Bahrain WORLD champions Ferrari's new car is set to arrive today in Bahrain for the second edition of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, according to the Italian team's technical and operations manager Nigel Stephney who arrived last night. The first 90-member Ferrari delegation which arrived yesterday included engineers, administrators and technicians. The delegation was given a warm welcome by officials from the General Organisation for Youth and Sports. Stephney said the new car had performed well in testing and expected to boost the team's performance in the third leg of the 2005 season. Trail Ferrari have just 10 points from the first two races in 2005 and trail behind leaders Renault who won both in Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur to take their tally to 26 points. World champion Michael Shumacher retired in Melbourne and opened his account with two points in Kuala Lumpur while teammate Rubens Barchello was second in Melbourne but 0
108037 3 1523 SPOR SPORT Kiwis struggle as McGrath strikes AUCKLAND: A feisty half-century from Adam Gilchrist and two quick wickets from a fired-up Glenn McGrath gave Australia a stranglehold over New Zealand at stumps on the third day of the third cricket Test here yesterday. A typical Gilchrist assault carried Australia to 383 in their first innings, a lead of 91. Then McGrath had New Zealand on 11 for two in their second innings, still trailing by 80 runs and with openers Craig Cumming and James Marshall back in the pavilion. A stop-start day with four stoppages for rain and bad light failed to deter an Australian side determined to ram home their dominance after winning the first Test inside four days and being denied by rain from taking the second. Gilchrist, the modern day master-blaster, continued his summer assault on New Zealand's bowlers and was unbeaten on 60 from 62 balls when Australia's first innings ended. The onslaught included 10 fours and a six, and shattered New Zealand when they thought they had a chance of g 0
108038 0 1523 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Seminar on Bahrain's mangroves, Bahrain Garden Club, Juffair, 4pm. Entrance free. The Third Gulf Education Exhibition, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-9pm. Entrance free. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama. For more information, call 17230123. 'Bahrain in Transition' photo exhibition, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 10am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's labour inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's trafficking people hotline: 17870196. BOMBAY: Bollywood tough guy Salman Khan has a date in India's Rajasthan state next week with Hollywood actress Ali Larter, who burst on to the movie scene wearing a whipped-cream bikini in the 1999 film Varsity Blues. The two stars will be meeting up when Hollywood writer-director Willard Carroll finally begins rolling the cameras for his long-touted movie Marigold, Khan said. "The shooting starts next week," said Khan, adding that parts of the movie would also be made on location in the state of Goa and in Bombay. Khan plays a choreographer in the film, in which Larter, who has gone on to make a name for herself in Legally Blonde, House on Haunted Hill and teen thriller Final Destination, plays an arrogant American actress stranded in India. During her ordeal, the actress hires Khan - who has played in dozens of Bollywood hits including Tere naam (In Your Name) and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (I Have Given My Heart Away My Love), as her Bollywood dance instructor, and the two 0
108040 0 1523 WORL WORLD Eight arrested in Jenin raid JERUSALEM: Israeli troops raided the West Bank town of Jenin yesterday, carrying out house-to-house searches and arresting eight Palestinians, witnesses and the army said. During the incursion one soldier was lightly wounded when an explosive device was thrown at the troops, the army said. Military officials said the eight men were militants from the violent Islamic Jihad group and were attempting to build home made rockets. Elsewhere, a Palestinian shepherd was wounded by Israeli gunfire from two security officers guarding a sector of Israel's separation barrier in the southern West Bank, medical sources said. Jalal Abu Zalta, 36, was shot in the leg when the two guards opened fire in his direction as he led his flock through the town of Idna, to the west of Hebron, the source said. Meanwhile, the Islamist movement Hamas is ready to join the Palestine Liberation Organisation, which groups together all the major Palestinian factions, one of its main leaders said.< 0
108041 0 1523 WORL WORLD Taiwan leader on goodwill mission GUANGZHOU, China: A Taiwanese opposition leader arrived in China on a goodwill mission yesterday amid heightened tensions over Beijing's passage of a law authorising force to compel Taiwan to unify with the mainland. "As Taiwan's largest opposition party, we hope to do something about the peace and prosperity that the 23 million people who live in Taiwan need," Chiang Pin-kung, vice-chairman of the Nationalist Party, said. Today, he will visit a shrine to Chinese revolutionaries before travelling to the former Nationalist capital of Nanjing and then Beijing. A spokesman said the delegation hoped to cool tensions between the sides. "We're really hoping to advance understanding between the two sides," Chu Hsiao-tse said. Chiang's visit comes two days after hundreds of thousands of Taiwanese, including President Chen Shui-bian, marched in protest against China's anti-secession law, passed earlier this month. The legislation allows force to be used against Taiwan, w 0
108042 0 1523 WORL WORLD Jackson judge allows prior abuse claims SANTA MARIA, California: The judge in Michael Jackson's child-molestation trial said yesterday he would allow prosecutors to introduce evidence relating to five previous incidents of alleged abuse by the pop star, in a major defeat for his defence. Under the ruling, jurors will be allowed to hear testimony about a 1993 case in which the singer paid some $23 million (BD8.7m) to settle a lawsuit brought by the family of a boy who accused him of sexual abuse. Defence lawyers had strenuously objected to that testimony, arguing that prosecutors were "desperate" and that their case against Jackson had already fallen apart in court. Jackson, 46, is accused in a 10-count indictment of plying a then-13-year-old boy with alcohol and molesting him while the youngster and his family were staying at the entertainer's Neverland Valley Ranch in early 2003. Jackson was never charged in connection with the past accusations. However, prosecutors want to convince jurors that the self-procla 0
108043 0 1523 WORL WORLD Terror suspect reveals plot to bomb embassy SANAA: The purported chief of an Al Qaeda cell in Yemen, one of eight suspects facing trial on charges of plotting to attack Western targets in Sanaa, told a court here yesterday he had planned a strike against the British embassy. "I was entrusted by the brethren in Saudi Arabia to plan an operation against the British embassy. We collected information which we passed on to the brethren in Saudi Arabia," Anwar Al Jilani told the court. Jilani, a 20-year-old Iraqi, has been described as the head of the eight-member cell suspected of membership in Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda, which went on trial March 21. The eight face charges of forming an armed gang to carry out attacks, forging passports and other documents, and possessing arms and explosives, judicial sources said at the opening of the trial. 0
108044 0 1523 WORL WORLD Pope skips blessing VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul failed to appear at a midday Easter Monday blessing that traditionally marks the end of papal Holy Week celebrations, but there was no immediate indication that the pontiff's health had worsened. Although the Vatican had never confirmed this year's event, expectant crowds nonetheless filled St Peter's Square, chanting the Pope's name and hoping for a glimpse of the ailing Roman Catholic leader. 0
108045 0 1523 WORL WORLD Two killed as wave hits mourners MADRID: Mourners gathered on a Spanish shore to spread a teenager's ashes were struck by a large wave and dragged out to sea, killing the boy's father and uncle and nearly causing his mother to drown, officials said yesterday. About 15 people gathered atop a cliff on Sunday on one of Spain's Canary Islands to spread the ashes. Some had climbed down a rocky patch to get closer to the water when a 5-6 metre wave crashed over them, said a boatman who took part in rescue operations. The tragedy occurred in the village of Arucas on the north of Gran Canaria. 0
108046 0 1523 WORL WORLD Extra holiday vow to low paid LONDON: Britain's prime minister yesterday pledged to stop bosses forcing workers to take bank holidays as part of their annual paid leave. Writing in the Daily Mirror newspaper Tony Blair said two million workers currently have to take Britain's eight bank holiday as part of their leave entitlement. "A third term Labour government will help those still missing out by ensuring bank holidays come on top of the right to four weeks paid holiday," he said adding that those people most likely to benefit from his pledge would be mainly low-paid and mostly women. 0
108047 0 1523 WORL WORLD UK fraud cases double LONDON: Reported fraud in Britain more than doubled in 2004, according to research by accountants published yesterday. The value of reported fraud in 2004 was 756 million (BD529.2m), compared with 331m (BD233.9m) in 2003, figures collated by accountants BDO Stoy Hayward show. The increase in fraud cases involving 50,000 (BD35,354) or more, was not as sharp, with 229 cases in 2004, compared with 211 in 2003. Researchers suggested greed, rather than need, was the main motive for fraud. 0
108048 0 1523 WORL WORLD Three hurt in raid on LTTE office COLOMBO: Attackers threw grenades at a political office of the Tamil Tiger rebels in northern Sri Lanka yesterday, wounding at least three people. The attack near Vavuniya, 210km north of Colombo, was confirmed by the pro-rebel TamilNet website. Two explosions at the office wounded at least three people - two of them reportedly Tamil Tiger members, military spokesman Brig Daya Ratnayake said. But Helen Olafsdottir, spokeswoman for the European-sponsored truce monitoring mission, said only one grenade was thrown. She confirmed that three people were wounded. 0
108049 0 1523 WORL WORLD 138 arrested in Nepal KATHMANDU: Riot police yesterday arrested at least 138 supporters of Nepal's largest opposition party, the Nepali Congress, for breaking a ban on protesting the king's power grab last month, party sources said. In the capital Kathmandu, 41 protesters who had gathered in front of the Central Secretariat, which houses the prime minister's office and other government agencies, were taken into custody. The protesters, who were chanting slogans such as "down with autocracy, we want democracy", were dragged away by security forces and loaded into police vans. Former Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Chini Kaji Shrestha was among those arrested. At least 97 other NC leaders and activists were detained yesterday across the country "for holding anti-king protests," the party said. Yesterday's protest in the capital was the largest outside the seat of the government since King Gyanendra sacked a four-party coalition government on February 1 for failing to stem a Maoist insurgen 0
108050 1 1523 WORL WORLD Tsunami panic after quake kills 300 BANDA ACEH, Indonesia: From the northwest coast of Indonesia to southern Sri Lanka, regional tsunami warnings and mass panic following a massive undersea earthquake which killed 300 people and sent hundreds of thousands of people fleeing in search of high ground last night. Warnings were issued on TV, radio, by police loud hailer and by alarmed residents ringing bells to alert people to the threat of a tsunami in areas already devastated by the quake on December 26. The 8.7 earthquake "claimed several lives" on Nias Island, the Indonesian government said. "Hundreds of buildings have been damaged or have collapsed. People who were standing fell over," said Agus Mendrofa, deputy district head on island which was nearest to the epicentre of the quake. Authorities early this morning said more than 300 people have died in the quake. Also close to the epicentre of the quake, residents of the Acehnese capital of Banda Aceh fled into the streets or sought shelter in mosques 0
108051 2 1523 WORL WORLD McCartney sisters may go to court LONDON: The family of a Northern Irish man allegedly murdered by IRA and other thugs said yesterday it was considering launching a fundraising appeal to finance a civil lawsuit if his killers were not soon prosecuted for the crime. "We are still campaigning very hard to get the murderers brought to justice, but so far none of the witnesses has come forward" and spoken to the police directly, Catherine McCartney, a sister of Robert McCartney, told BBC radio. The five sisters and fiancee of McCartney, who was beaten and stabbed to death after a row outside a Belfast bar on January 30, have alleged that the IRA has intimidated witnesses from coming forward. Their high-profile campaign to bring the murderers to justice has put intense political pressure on the IRA's political wing, Sinn Fein. Catherine McCartney said witnesses have until now passed statements through lawyers rather than directly to the police. "These statements are basically saying that people were e 0
108052 3 1523 WORL WORLD Iraq police chief killed BAGHDAD: Gunmen shot dead yesterday a police chief in one of Baghdad's deadliest neighbourhoods as Iraqi politicians pressed on with negotiations over forming a coalition government a day ahead of a key parliament session. There was still no agreement on the government more than eight weeks after historic elections, with sticking points including control of the all-important oil, defence and interior ministries. Overall, 14 Iraqis were killed in violence around the country, security sources said. In the latest blow to Iraq's fledgling security forces, Colonel Abdul Karim Fahid, the chief of Balat Al Shuhada police station in Dura, was gunned down along with his driver in the violent Baghdad district, a defence ministry source said. The group of Iraq's Al Qaeda frontman, Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, claimed responsibility for the killing in a message on an Islamist website saying the police chief had "fought God and his prophet." Elsewhere, a policeman and a municipal cle 0
108053 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Citibank launches three new ATMs MANAMA: Citibank, a member of Citigroup, has introduced three new Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) at accessible locations in Bahrain. Customers will now be able to withdraw money from Citibank ATMs at Mega Mart in Muharraq, the British Club in Adliya and at Seef Mall. The ATMs have been officially launched during a ceremony held at Seef Mall by Citigroup's Middle East managing director Mohammed Al Shroogi in the presence of consumer bank head Ashish Bhugra. The bank plans to add more machines in other suitable locations in Bahrain in the near future. 0
108054 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Technology expo MANAMA: Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro yesterday opened a workshop on the mechanism of transfer of technology, organised by the Ministry in co operation with Gulf Organisation for Industrial Investments, held at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. 0
108055 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Manager named MANAMA: Briton John Sanders joined BDO Jawad Habib's Oman branch as audit and business advisory services division senior manager. Mr Sanders is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and has over 15 years of auditing and management experience in the profession gained with firms of chartered accountants in the UK. His experience includes managing a diverse range of auditing clients, including financial services and listed companies and managing a number of due diligence and special assignments. BDO Jawad Habib is the largest national professional firm in Bahrain for auditing and management consulting and is also a member firm of BDO International, the fifth largest auditing and management-consulting firm in the world. 0
108056 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS MTC in Celtel pact DUBAI: Mobile Telecommuni-cations Company (MTC) announced yesterday that it had entered into a binding agreement with the shareholders of Celtel International, to acquire 100 per cent of its issued capital. Celtel is a leading cellular operator in sub-Saharan Africa. MTC's offer is structured to purchase 85pc of the issued and outstanding shares of Celtel immediately for $2.84 billion, with a commitment to purchase the remaining 15pc of the shares within 24 months of the closing date for $ 520 million. Celtel will operate as a separate legal entity within the MTC Group of Companies. The existing Celtel management will remain in place, and continue to execute their growth plans for the business. 0
108057 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Firm's profits soar MANAMA: Al Ahlia Insurance achieved a net profit of BD919,537 for last year, up from BD853,039 in 2003, it announced yesterday. The company also achieved a gross premium of BD6.8 million for last year, compared to BD 5.5 m, a growth of 23 per cent. Shareholders accepted the accounts together with the report of the auditors BDO Jawad Habib at an annual general assembly held at the company's premises in Manama yesterday. A dividend of 12.5pc as recommended by the board of directors was accepted by the shareholders. 0
108058 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS $75m bank deal MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank (GIB) has mandated a group of international banks to arrange and underwrite a $750 million, five-year term deposit facility. The proceeds of the facility will be used for general funding purposes, it was announced in a statement. 0
108059 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Airport work on target ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi's new airport, being built as phase II of the expansion plan is expected to become operational in 2009, an official said. The two phase expansion includes the construction of a new terminal, that will be ready by August 2005. "In the second phase, a totally new airport will be built. It is expected to become operational in 2009," said Dr Shaikh Ahmad bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman of Abu Dhabi Civil Aviation. 0
108060 0 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi vows to boost supplies Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is ready to increase oil supplies to India from the current level of 430,000 barrels per day, Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al Nuaimi said. Speaking after talks in Riyadh with his Indian counterpart Mani Shankar Aiyar, Al Nuaimi also reiterated Saudi Arabia's hopes of investing in joint venture refineries with India to process Saudi crude. "India relies on the kingdom for a large part of its petroleum imports," Al Nuaimi said. "The kingdom is ready to increase the amount of oil it exports to India," he said. Saudi Arabia has said it is looking to deepen co-operation with India. Both sides have raised the possibility of joint refining ventures, either in Saudi Arabia or India. Sources close to the Indian oil minister said he would discuss with Saudi officials the possibility of Indian involvement in the planned upgrade of Yanbu refinery into an integrated refining and petrochemical complex. 0
108061 1 1524 BUSI BUSINESS Bapco contractors and staff honoured MANAMA: Staff and contractors at Bapco were recognised for their achievements in the company's annual safety awards yesterday. Individual departments and contracting companies who contributed towards maintaining a safe working environment at the refinery were honoured during the event, which took place at the Bapco Club, in Awali. Company president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed presented awards in risk category one to Bapco's oil processing department and local marketing department. In risk category two, awards went to the fire, health and safety department, as well as the project engineering department. In the contractors section, Comsip Al A'ali picked up the award for the large group, while Buchen IRM scooped an award for the small group. "It is pleasing to be able to reflect and comment on all of the developments and improvements that have taken place in Bapco safety management, not only during 2004, but over previous years as well," said Dr Al Sayed in a speech. 0
108062 2 1524 BUSI BUSINESS BNH shareholders agree to raise capital by BD6m MANAMA: Bahrain National Holding Company shareholders yesterday voted to increase its capital by BD6 million, to BD15.35m, at the company's annual general meeting at its new premises in the Seef District. The meeting was chaired by board chairman Qassim Mohamed Fakhroo, who said that BNH recorded a very good year last year, under tough market conditions and heated competition witnessed by the insurance industry domestically and globally. Growth targets for both premiums and profitability were met in all lines of business in addition to investment, and the company also expanded the geographical scope of its operations, he said. Mr Fakhroo said the additional capital would be used to achieve the company's objectives for regional expansion and diversification of its investments, as well as offering superior services to clients. Shareholders also approved the board's recommendation to appoint a new non-shareholding director, in line with Article 177 of the Bahraini Companies 0
108063 0 1524 COMM COMMENTCommitment tested... First came Georgia's Rose revolution, then its Orange successor in Ukraine. As opposition protesters in Kyrgyzstan, this time wearing pink and lemon scarves, stormed the government and forced President Askar Akayev to flee, another corrupt and authoritarian regime in the old Soviet borderland entered its death throes. A domino effect is clearly at work here, as the series of peaceful street revolutions that started early last year in Georgia and then moved to Ukraine sweeps into Central Asia. The reasons behind the trouble in Kyrgyzstan - an astonishingly beautiful but impoverished Central Asian "stan" - resemble those that motivated the earlier protests in Tbilisi and Kiev. In all three countries, frustration with declining living standards combined with anger over a rigged election result to create the ingredients for a popular revolt. The question is whether the West will welcome in overthrow of President Akayev with the same unclouded enthusiasm with which it greeted the changes in G 0
108064 0 1524 COMM COMMENTMedia hype may rob Jackson of fair trial... The Michael Jackson trial raises some interesting questions as to how we balance the scales of justice. Here we have a man accused of one of the worst possible crimes, the sexual molestation of a child. He is a celebrity idolised by millions and it is natural that we should not want to believe that someone who has brought so much pleasure to so many could be capable of such a crime. The fact that he is so famous has turned his trial into a media circus, with TV stations using actors to reconstruct court room scenes and panels of experts analysing and debating each day's proceedings. As a result the line between informative reporting and entertainment has been crossed, with the danger that neither the defendant nor his alleged victim are getting fair representation in the public eye. It is valid to question whether Jackson would have been charged at all, whether the lengthy investigation that preceded his arrest would ever have taken place, if he had not been such 0
108067 0 1524 LETT LETTERS Real sportsmen accept a defeat gracefully! REFERRING to Mr Victor H Kumar's letter (GDN March 25), the players are certainly not puppets but ought to be good sportsmen. It is not only enough to score centuries and break records but also to walk out when you know that you are out irrespective of if the umpire has given you out or not. The batsman in question Tendulkar was out caught bat and pad in the first test and was given not out by the umpire. It was not a faint edge on to the pad but a hefty touch and the batsman was fully aware that he had played the ball. The reaction on the face of the batsman was also a clear indication of that. He had scored six runs at that moment and was eventually out six runs short of his another 'record'. Let me quote the remarks made by Ravi Shastri who was commentating at that moment, "The reaction from the Pakistani team and particularly Captain Inzamam is highly commendable, if I were there in their place I would have lost my marbles". It is all very well to make faces and elicit sympa 0
108068 0 1524 LETT LETTERS Sewage just dumped I WOULD like to know the regulations regarding dumping of sewage. I live on the edge of Budaiya desert which is shrinking fast due to the construction of many new residences and the new St Christopher's junior school. Recently I have noticed unpleasant odours and huge increase in the insect population probably due to the sewage being dumped by up to 20 trucks daily including original contractors and several other companies which may have been brought in after the GDN last week reported problems with septic tank overflows in the Northern governorate. I cannot believe that such dumping, a massive health hazard is legal. Please can someone advise. Concerned resident A MUNICIPALITIES spokesman said: "There is only one legal disposal facility for Bahrain and it is not in Budaiya therefore the reader should report this dumping to the Northern Municipality, director general Dr Mohammed Ali Hassan, telephone 17699999 or switchboard 17691316." 0
108069 0 1524 LETT LETTERS Traffic problem solved I WOULD like to introduce myself as a parent who had written last October regarding the traffic problem near our exit road in Salahiya. It was about my son Mohammed (aged four years) who is suffering from Krups and I had to take him to Salmaniya Hospital immediately and how I was caught in the traffic for more than 25 minutes, and finally I had to come out on the street and control the traffic like a traffic police. It gives me a great pleasure to inform you that the problem no longer exists as the Traffic Department has found a wonderful solution. They have increased the time limits of the signal from 10 seconds to 30 seconds at our exit road and therefore, the cars coming from Burhama or King Faisal Highway have enough time to cross the signal as welI as we at Salahiya (AI Hawaj Complex, Road 5617, 5618, 5619 and 5620, the Kanoo Garden and clients of the Union Insurance) also have enough time to cross the signal. On behalf of the whole Salahiya area, I would like to thank the T 0
108070 0 1524 LETT LETTERS Threat to business I AM running a small restaurant in West Riffa. An expat is running an illegal canteen without CR, selling food at reduced rate in one room. When I checked with the health authorities they told us they are not authorised to check rooms. Where do I go to complain because I am losing so much business? Jamal A HEALTH Ministry spokesman said: "The information your reader has given is correct. We cannot enter private rooms. The reader can however report this to the ministry's food control section giving details including exact location, telephone 17273683." 0
108071 0 1524 LETT LETTERS Dirty tricks again! SO the States have done it again, conveniently lost the only copy of the detainees notes at Guantanamo Bay. They really must have something to hide. What a shame that such a so-called superpower has to stoop to dirty tricks. Should they not be setting an example to the rest of the world, or do they want everyone to start copying their recommended 'code of ethics"? Seymour Justice 0
108072 0 1524 LETT LETTERS It wasn't me! WITH reference to the court case report (GDN March 26) on cash embezzlement from our office by an accountant, I would like to bring to your notice that the incident happened during 2001. I am currently the accounts manager, the person stated in the article is an ex-employee of the company and the same is not mentioned in the article. I have received umpteen calls and it has caused an undue amount of hardship and mental agony to me as the people calling me know that I have been the accounts manager of Avis from 2001 immediately after the above mentioned incident. I believe the GDN, being a very responsible paper, should have taken more care in giving the facts in such a case, so as to not create any undue hardship to people. Meenakshi Sundaram, accounts manager Avis Rent-a-Car EDITOR'S Note : I can confirm that the above is true and we regret any embarrassment to Mr Sundaram. It is not always easy for our reporter to obtain all relevant facts from court 0
108073 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Thieves flee with camera A FILIPINO tourist, visiting from Saudi Arabia, reported that thieves stole a digital camera from his Saudi-registered Mercedes car, which was parked outside the Bahrain Plaza Hotel, Manama. The incident happened at 1am on Saturday. 0
108074 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Protest chain call PEOPLE are being urged to join a human chain being formed to protest against Royal Decree 56-2002, which grants amnesty to police officers for any alleged abuses before 2001. The event, beginning at 4pm on Friday, is being organised by the National Committee for the Support of Martyrs and Victims of Torture. Committee spokesman Raouf Al Shayeb said that the chain would begin at the Burgerland roundabout, on the Budaiya Road and stretch towards Saar. 0
108075 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Superstar DJ to lead beach party A BEACH party - called Arena... Always On! - featuring international superstar DJ Omid 16B, is to be held at the Marina Club on Friday. The event has been organised by OHM Records (Dubai) - the dance music specialist store and events company. It has teamed up with Torque Productions to bring to Bahrain world class DJs, performing to the backdrop of the Marina Club beach. Heading the night is Omid 16B - a true talent on the club scene. Omid Nourizadeh is a DJ, producer and label owner of Alola, Disclosure and Sexonwax Records. He's spreading his musical passion worldwide - from the UK to the US, from Europe to Asia and Australia, and for the first time, on the beaches of Bahrain! Of Persian origin, Omid's family immigrated to London when he was just one-year-old. He started playing the guitar at 14, learned to play drums and bass guitar at 15 and formed his own band when he was 17 - then set up Alola Records in 1994. To date, Omid has remixed gre 0
108076 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Arts group on way A NEW Indian arts group aimed at promoting fine arts and culture will officially be launched in Bahrain tomorrow. Faces Bahrain will be opened at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam premises in Manama, at 8pm. A Malayalam drama, Meghasandhesham, will be staged in association with the Indian Fine Arts Society (Ifas) to mark the event. The Kerala state award winner for best actor in 1994, Thiruvalla Baburaj and comedy artiste Joshy Nambikadavil, will be playing the lead roles in the play, along with local artistes from Bahrain. General secretary Biju Anchal said expects more than 500 people to attend the play, written by Francis Mavelikkara and directed in Bahrain by Sunil Kailas. The drama has been staged on more than 400 stages in Kerala with artistes from Nichethana Theatres, Kerala. "This is the first time the play is being staged in Bahrain with Bahrain-based artistes and we are optimistic that it will be a success," said Mr Anchal. He urged sponsors to come 0
108077 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain revving up for F1 Fever IT'S F1 fever on and off the track, as two of Bahrain's clubs offer a packed weekend of entertainment. Some of the world's biggest DJing names, plus the added bonus of Fashion TV, will be entertaining clubbers. The Official Grand Prix After-Party takes place at BJ's, Al Bustan Hotel, for the second year running on Sunday night. It all kicks off at Likwid, City Centre Hotel, tomorrow night with award-winning Techno DJ, producer and promoter Jim Masters of Base, London, on his fourth visit to Bahrain. Resident DJ Karim Miknas goes on at 10pm and Jim begins his set at 11pm sharp. Admission is BD5 at the door and BD3 for ladies and Likwid ID holders. For more information, contact Arun on 36766627. Also at Likwid, at 10pm, Friday features local DJ Damian and partner DJ X and Saturday features Dave Seaman's future hero Stuart Duncan of Edinburgh's Atomic Baby. Be early, as it will get packed quickly, said organisers. Across town tomorrow, BJ's 0
108078 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL It's time for carnival... THE four-day Formula 1 Carnival gets underway at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa tomorrow, featuring a variety of performances by entertainers, with live music, magic and dancing. "Renowned performers from around the world make each night a captivating exhibition of colour and sound, while expert chefs prepare exquisite culinary masterpieces to delight the most discerning of palates," said organisers The fun begins at 7.30pm each night. Performers include juggler Oliver Groszer, dance duo Slava and his partner, magician Thimon von Berlepsch, Cuban band Siguaraya and dance troupe Las Morenas del Caribe. Cuisine from South America, Asia, Arabia and Europe will be available throughout the festival. Seafood connoisseur and oyster expert Bill Marinelli returns to Bahrain bringing with him the freshest catch of seafood delicacies. All the hotel's outlets will be open throughout the carnival. Tickets for the F1 Carnival are BD38++ per person per ni 0
108079 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Pageant call to ladies A BEAUTY contest is to be held in Bahrain tonight. The Indian Ladies Association's (ILA) new executive committee stages its maiden programme at the Crowne Plaza, from 7pm The event, entitled Beyond Beauty, will feature members and non-members competing for the ILA Queen 2005 and ILA Princess 2005 titles. The first category is for women above 25 years while the second category is for 16 to 25-year-olds. Attractive prizes including diamonds and air tickets are on offer and there will also be many prizes for surprise categories at the event, said president Thanuja Anil. There are more than 25 entries in each category. Surprise categories for the audience are also planned, with prizes. Tickets are priced BD4 for non-members and BD3 for members. Bahrain Financing Company, Al Sarraj Jewellers, Gulf Air, Baby Mart at Mega Mart, Lulu Centre, Al Sarraj Jewellers and the hotel are sponsoring the event. For more information on registration and 0
108080 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Dance events to mark Grand Prix DJ Mazen is in the line-up at two major dance music events being organised to coincide with the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which is from Friday until Sunday. The first, called Ibiza White, will take place tomorrow at Savage, in the Mashal Hotel, and will feature top UK DJ/producer Pete Doyle and local artistes including DJ Damian. Doors open from 10pm and tickets cost BD5 for men and BD3 for women. The second event, called Ibiza Deluxe, is a beach party on Sunday at the Marina Club, starting at 5pm. Headlining will be DJ Touch, from France, who is resident DJ at the legendary Hotel Costes and Mezzanine Alcazar, in Paris. He will be joined by Pete Doyle, a line-up of local DJs and Aquasol Band. Tickets cost BD5 or BD7 after 10pm. 0
108081 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Race tickets for lucky 10 TEN social affairs ministry employees yesterday won Formula One Grand Prix tickets donated by Gulf Air. The 10 whose names were drawn electronically following instructions from Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi are: Amal Abdulaziz Al Sabbagh, Salman Mansour Derbas, Amina Amralla Abdulkarim, Badriya Saleh Mohammed Isa, Farha Ali Ahmed, Samira Ahmed Ali, Abdulla Mohammed Ahmed Shouaib, Eman Saleh Al A'alass, Mona Abdulla Yusif Yagoub, Laila Hassan Salim Boudlim. 0
108082 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Web of honour for Bahrain's best Internet sites THE winners of a nationwide eContent award were announced at a ceremony at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel. The event, under the patronage of Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro, saw 26 local websites in various categories being honoured. The eGovernment category was won by the Finance and National Economy Ministry (movne.gov.bh), the Interior Ministry's eVisa site (evisa.gov.bh), the Commerce and Industry Ministry's commerce portal (commerce.gov.bh), the Shura Council (shura.gov.bh) and the Ports Directorate (bahrainports.gov.bh). The eLearning category was won by the producers of Healthy Living for Children, Healthy Living and Utilisation of eLearning CDs and the Reem88.com website. In the eCulture category were jehat.com, tarbiya.net, alayam.com. khayat.net and bahrainona.com The eHealth category was won by the Health Ministry's website (health.gov.bh) and its intranet and by health promotion site zurba.com < 0
108083 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL F1 music marathon set MORE than 12 hours of entertainment is being held at The Warbler at the Baisan International Hotel, Manama, on Friday. The F1 Music Marathon will feature a variety of Bahrain and Saudi-based bands performing from noon. The bands are Satur's Solo, Bud Battle of the Bands finalists Purple Headake, British band from Saudi Arabia Filet de Soul and Sour Grapes, a Latin jazz Bahraini band. There will also be disc jockeys complementing the live entertainment. "The objective of the show is to have fun," said organisers. "It is not a competition, so there are no winners or losers. It's fun for everybody. "The music played will be varied and each band will play for about an hour." Singer Jo Lincoln and resident band Nelson and the Street Noyz will take over the stage from 8pm. Entrance is free and all are welcome. A brunch will be offered at the event, priced at BD4 net. The Formula 1 practice sessions will be shown on large television s 0
108084 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Going Dutch for F1 party TOP entertainers from Am-sterdam are in Bahrain to launch a new party concept at the Sheraton Hotel's Club Al Layali in Manama. The group of leading international DJs began performing at the club last night in the first of a series of parties being organised by the hotel, in association with Dutch production agency Sweet Chocolate. The F-1001 Nights parties, being held to also mark the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, continue until Sunday. Last night's party also introduced the club's new resident entertainer - DJ Joker. 0
108085 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Online magazine launched THE Arabic version of a new online magazine on contemporary art from the Islamic World has been launched at Al Riwaq Gallery in Adliya. Berlin-based editors Dr Gerhard Haupt and Pat Binder, who are on a world tour to promote and research the magazine, spoke about its features and what they were trying to achieve through it. The publication, currently in its 10th issue, showcases the work of artists whose sources and references originate in the Islamic World. These include not only artists living in Islam-influenced countries or regions but also those who consider such places to be their cultural home but live elsewhere. Dr Haupt said that the magazine had given artists much-needed exposure by highlighting art in places where people would not think to look. "This has helped a lot of artists from different parts of the world to meet and interact and also to gain support and funding," he said. Ms Binder said that artists from Bahrain or any other country coul 0
108086 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Textile chiefs flying in to probe abuse claims A REPRESENTATIVE from American clothing giant J C Penny is due to arrive in Bahrain tomorrow to investigate allegations of abuse at one of its garment suppliers. It is understood MRS Fashions' Hong-Kong based Indian owner Sanju Mahthni is also flying into Bahrain from Singapore today and will meet human rights watchdogs. A lawyer has also been appointed to represent the workers in court. This follows the suicide of a 25-year-old Indian employee, who became depressed after he was allegedly kept in isolation for 15 days with chicken pox. Madhu Babu was found hanging from a ceiling fan on Saturday evening - prompting a riot by hundreds of his co-workers at the company, in East Riffa, which makes trousers for J C Penny. "A representative from J C Penny, in Singapore, will shortly be visiting Bahrain to assess the situation of the factory workers," said a spokesman for the Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS), which is assisting employees. Meanwhile, repre 0
108087 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Tourism push urged INFORMATION Minister and Minister of Sate for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar urged more shopping weeks, exhibitions, conferences, entertainment and cultural festivals in Bahrain. He was speaking as he received managers and representatives of travel and tourism agencies. He also urged them to promote Bahrain as an attractive tourism destination without compromising traditions and ethics. Present was Under-Secretary Mahmoud Al Mahmoud and assistant under-secrtetary for tourism affairs Mubarak Al Atwi. 0
108088 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Ferrari artist to hold F1 expo A TOP sports artist is to hold a Formula One racing exhibition in Bahrain, starting tonight. Official artist for Ferrari, Mina Papatheodorou-Valyrki, will have her works on display at the Art Centre, next to Bahrain National Museum. Capital Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa will open her exhibition at 7 pm tonight . "We are proud to host an exhibition by one of the best sport artists in the world," said Shaikh Humood. Ms Valyraki, from Greece, has been painting exotic sports cars for more than 25 years. "The four-day exhibition will help us further promote the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix internationally," said Shaikh Humood. The centre is open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm each day. Ms Valyraki's paintings will also be on display during at the Bahraini International Circuit (BIC) during the Grand Prix, from Friday until Sunday. An auxiliary show will be set up in the Sakhir Tower, the eight-storey VIP section of BIC, du 0
108089 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Free transport for Grand Prix fans FREE transportation is being offered by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) between the track, hotels and airport during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, it was announced yesterday. Transportation from the hotels to the Bahrain International Airport or from the airport to hotels is available every half-an-hour 24 hours a day during the three day event, which begins on Friday. Transportation from hotels or the airport to the BIC is available every 30 minutes, starting from 6am to 2pm. Transportation from the BIC to the airport or hotels is available every 30 minutes, starting from 3pm to 11pm. Transportation services are available at the following hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, Gulf Hotel, Sheraton Hotel, Regency InterContinental Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Hilton, Movenpick Hotel, Novotel Al Dana Hotel and Resort, Ramada Hotel and Panorama Hotel. 0
108090 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL New-look chest clinic opens at AMH A NEW-look chest clinic was officially opened yesterday at the American Mission Hospital (AMH), by its sponsor the Esterad Investment Company. Company operations and business development head Anas Bennani and senior manager Faisal Ghazi Shehab cut the ribbon to launch the clinic and commemorate the company's sponsorship of BD10,000. AMH chief medical officer and chief executive officer Dr Paul Armerding said the company had been a generous supporter of the not-for-profit hospital for many years. "Our new chest clinic provides a cost-effective, comprehensive and caring service for asthma patients and for those with other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases," he explained. "It is much more patient-friendly, with direct access from the main car park and includes a physician in charge of smoking cessation, a specialist chest physician and a nurse, working together under the umbrella of the clinic." The funds given by Esterad Investment Company are being used to pu 0
108091 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Shower blocks opened ALBA has opened four new shower blocks for its 3,000-strong workforce. They include shower and changing facilities with personal lockers for each employee. The buildings also include a systemised laundry service, according to a company statement yesterday. It marks completion of the first phase of a BD3.25 million project to upgrade employee facilities. The second phase will see a further two amenity buildings built following the commissioning of Line 5, while the third phase will include revamping existing facilities. 0
108092 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Rights society to elect new board ELECTIONS for the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society will be held on April 15, it was announced yesterday. Committee member Faisal Fulad said the elections will be held at the committee's new premises, in a flat in Zinj, near Al Ahli Club. The new premises will enable the society's 11-member committee to meet and plan human rights activities and people from all walks of life to access the society and air their grievances. Mr Fulad said a number of projects to safeguard the human rights of people of all nationalities are also in the pipeline. He said membership to the society was also open, to people of all nationalities and faiths. "We are urging more people of any nationality to join the group to make a strong foundation for the society," he said. "One of our main aims is to make people aware of their rights. Often a good percentage of people exploited are ignorant of their rights." The society, said Mr Fulad, is also planning talks in various 0
108093 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL MPs criticise illegal march MPs yesterday accused the government of fuelling public anger by cracking down after an allegedly illegal march to call for changes in the constitution. The accusation came as MPs argued at their weekly session over whether to issue a statement condemning the rally, held at Sitra by the Al Wefaq National Islamic Society. Members of the Democratic and Islamic Blocs tried to block the statement, but were out-voted. A statement was issued saying that such demonstrations had a negative impact on the country's interests and were an abuse of the political openness in Bahrain. It called for an immediate halt to any activities which divide the community. "We appreciate the Interior Ministry's efforts in protecting peace, stability and national unity in Bahrain," said the statement. "The National Action Charter and the Constitution have guaranteed everyone freedom of expression, provided it does not harm other people's interests and daily activities." Th 0
108094 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Riddle over Haj food poisoning HEALTH inspectors yesterday announced that they were unable to isolate any germs which led to food poisoning incidents which affected 249 people during the Haj pilgrimage in January. Although healthy safety violations were found at kitchens used by the organisers of two separate groups of pilgrims, Bahrain and Saudi health officials were unable to pinpoint them as the cause of the incident. However, Health Ministry officials agreed that the long time that had passed since the food was cooked and served to the pilgrims was a contributing factor. A total of 105 people were treated for food poisoning from the first group on the first day of Eid. A second group of 144 came for treatment on the following day. Health inspectors were unable to establish a causal link between the two groups. Haj Mission Medical Committee chairman Dr Ahmed Al Omran said one of the two groups was found to have more serious hygiene problems than the other. "One of them had only minor hygiene 0
108095 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL F1 hotels plan 'vital' HIGH prices and restrictions on hotel bookings are driving some F1 racing fans away from Bahrain, says travel agents. They are appealing to authorities and hoteliers to review their policy on rooms allocation during future Grand Prix events. Restrictions and conditions imposed on the allocation of five-star hotel rooms have already affected business and led to several cancellations of bookings, say the agents. A five-night minimum stay and a 25 per cent increase in hotel tariffs over the past year are keeping a large number of visitors away, said House of Travel managing director Jehad Amin. "People who come for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix want to stay only for a maximum of three nights," he told the GDN. "We do not have many events or attractions here to keep people occupied for five days. "The Bahrain Internat-ional Circuit (BIC) has already blocked 75 per cent of the five-star hotel rooms for team members and officials. "We found it diffic 0
108096 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL UK chart debut for Bahraini DJ MAZEN Al Maskati plans to become the first Bahraini to release a house music single in the UK this summer. The house music DJ, better known as DJ Mazen, expects to press the final version of his single Silver Media at the end of May. He started work on the track in the UK last October with his friend, fellow DJ and music producer Pete Doyle. Work on the single is now almost complete and it will be released in the UK on his own record label Analogue Soul. "As a DJ you play someone else's tracks, but it is nice to make your own tracks as well," DJ Mazen told the GDN. "It is always a goal to produce your own music. It is the dream of any DJ - that way you can say this is your experience of music. "This is the way I experience music and project it onto the record. It is an amazing feeling to have your own thing." The dance single is described as "electro", which is a style of music that originated back in the 1980s. Its influences can be trace 0
108097 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Strike threat on new dhow law FISHING industry leaders are threatening to strike over the law forcing them to employ only Bahraini dhow captains. The Bahrain Fishermen's Society yesterday called for a suspension of the ban, until a proposed amended law has been decided by parliament. Society members are threatening to go on strike unless the law is suspended by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. The law, which has been repeatedly suspended, came back into effect on March 16, after a six-month grace period for dhow owners to employ and train and Bahraini captains. However, the 350-strong society of dhow owners and wholesalers at the Manama fish market want more time. "None of us has been able to make the necessary arrangement to implement the law since there are not enough Bahrainis who are willing to do the work," said society spokesman Waheed Al Dossary. He said that being a fishing boat captain required five to seven-day fishing tr 0
108098 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Needy students to get more help MORE help could be on the way for needy students at Bahrain University, if MPs get their way. They voted yesterday to ask the government to find ways to shoulder the costs for more students. Education Minister and university board of trustees' president Dr Majid Al Nuaimi said His Majesty King Hamad had cut fees for each course from BD24 to BD8 per credit hour. Each course must be a minimum of 12 credit hours and a maximum of 21. "These are nominal fees and they are the lowest compared to other universities in the region," said Dr Al Nuaimi. "His Majesty also doubled the numbers of students benefiting from the Student Fund, which pays for all requirements of needy students at the university. "The fund is currently paying an annual BD600,000 for 3,000 needy students and plans to help more are in the pipeline and will be carried out according to the current budget and available funds," he added. Dr Al Nuaimi said that Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa 0
108099 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Bangladeshi maid visas are stopped IMMIGRATION authorities in Bahrain have stopped processing visas for Bangladeshi housemaids, following a ban on their recruitment to the Gulf by their government. Bangladesh has tightened its immigration rules, enforcing a ban on its nationals working as housemaids in Gulf countries. "Our Foreign Ministry took a decision to ban the recruitment of housemaids to the Gulf more than three years ago," said Bangladeshi Ambassador Dr Anwarullah Chowdhury. "However, it is only being implemented now and we have conveyed this to Bahrain's Foreign Ministry. "The Foreign Ministry has since issued the directives to the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) and the Labour Ministry." The decision was taken by the Bangladesh government following an increase in the number of complaints of maids being abused by sponsors and recruiting agents in the Gulf, said Dr Chowdhury. "The ban only applies to housemaids and not for male domestic helper 0
108100 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL New era of links WELLINGTON: Bahrain and New Zealand yesterday signed two agreements on bilateral co-operation. The first was between Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the second on economic and trade co-operation. The agreements were signed by Bahrain's Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister Dr Michael Colin. At the end of the official meeting, New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark held a lunch banquet in honour of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and his delegation. Mrs Clark hailed historic relations between Bahrain and New Zealand, lauding ongoing development and progress in Bahrain. Shaikh Khalifa said that his visit was a strong indicator of Bahrain's commitment to further enhance growing historical relations in various fields for the benefit of the two countries. "We have vast potential for co-operation, an 0
108101 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Praise for Bahrain WELLINGTON: Bahrain and New Zealand yesterday signed an agreement to encourage trade and economic co-operation between the two nations, and New Zealand praised the kingdom as a force for stability in the Gulf. The pact was signed during the three-day visit by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who last visited the South Pacific nation in 1976. New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark praised Bahrain for helping to bring stability to the volatile Middle East. "Over the years, we have come to appreciate the role which Bahrain has played as a force for stability in the region," she told guests at a formal state luncheon for Shaikh Khalifa. 0
108102 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Burglar tries to set himself ablaze MANAMA: A convicted burglar doused himself with fluid and threatened to set himself ablaze at Bahrain's criminal courts complex yesterday, reports Mohammed Aslam. The 35-year-old Bahraini claimed he had been unfairly convicted and sentenced to a year in jail, by the Lower Criminal Court. He was found guilty earlier this year of stealing a safe containing more than BD5,500 in mixed currencies, from a factory near Asry. Five other Bahraini men were sentenced with him for the June 1996 raid, said his lawyer. The jobless man appeared in the courtyard yesterday, brandishing a bottle of what later turned out to be coconut oil threatening to set himself ablaze. Court guards and lawyers calmed him down and he eventually left without further incident. 0
108103 1 1524 BNEW LOCAL TRADE PACT WELLINGTON: The Prime Minister held official talks yesterday with New Zealand's Prime Minister Helen Clark. The two sides discussed ongoing relations particularly in trade and investment. The two leaders expressed hope that their efforts would contribute to bolstering broader joint co-operation. In this regard, the Prime Minister of New Zealand hailed the Premier's visit, affirming that it would have a great effect in enhancing links with Bahrain and the Gulf, in general. The two sides discussed potential co-operation in education, tourism, banking and monetary services, information technology, telecommunications and industry as well as ways of increasing investment and trade exchange. They also discussed opportunities for New Zealand companies in Bahrain and the possibility of making good use of facilities and advantages provided by the Bahrain government in establishing industrial projects and public utilities, urging them to take advantage of Bahrain's geogra 0
108104 2 1524 BNEW LOCAL Traffic police map out Formula One routes MANAMA: Traffic police have mapped out routes to keep F1 traffic separate from the daily rush. Clear diversions are being marked out so residents travelling to and from certain areas can avoid the F1 traffic, say police. Alternative routes and routes to the Bahrain International Circuit will be clearly marked, General Directorate of Traffic acting director general Hassan Al Sameem said yesterday. Part of Zallaq Highway and certain roads in Hamad Town will be closed to normal traffic during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which is being held from Friday to Sunday, he said. Mr Al Sameem urged all drivers to follow traffic instructions and F1 fans to set out for the circuit early, have their tickets ready and display their parking permits clearly in their windscreens. "People should listen carefully to the radio and contact the directorate's hotline 17872287 to inquire about the routes," he said. Meanwhile, three new traffic lights have been also installed 0
108105 3 1524 BNEW LOCAL Home ownership plans proposed MANAMA: Families could be allowed to buy their government homes, under a proposal from parliament. Tenants are currently deemed to own the house once they have finished paying instalments over up to 25 years. But they do not own the land and the property is considered as a gift from His Majesty King Hamad, so the families cannot sell it. But MPs yesterday voted in favour of giving the land to the householder, once he has finished paying the instalments. This would mean he could then sell the home if he chose too. Works and Housing Ministry assistant under-secretary for housing Nabeel Abu Al Fateh told parliament that the Royal Court had been already informed about the proposal, but a reply hadn't yet been received. The proposal will now go to Cabinet. 0
108106 0 1524 BNEW LOCAL Condolence cables sent to Indonesia HIS Majesty King Hamad last night sent a cable of condolences to the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono over the major earthquake that hit Sumatra island killing hundreds of people and destroying property. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa sent similar cables to the President and Vice-President Mohammed Yousif Kala. Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent a cable to the President. Monument talks held INFORMATION Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar yesterday chaired a meeting of the Museum Monument Committee in which decisions and recommendations on the budget approved by sub-committees were made. He urged the speeding up of implementation of the museum project which would highlight Bahrain's history through the monument. Ties discussed INFORMATION Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar yes 0
108107 0 1524 SPOR SPORT England retain side for Cup clash NEWCASTLE, England: England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson named yesterday an unchanged side to face Azerbaijan in today's European zone Group Six World Cup qualifying match here at St James' Park and stressed he was happy for David Beckham to continue as captain. The Swede's decision was no surprise given England's 4-0 victory over Northern Ireland on Saturday and came after Beckham (back) and fellow midfielder Steven Gerrard (ankle) both shrugged off minor knocks. 0
108108 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Watford name manager LONDON: Struggling English second division club Watford named 34-year-old Adrian Boothroyd, a man with no previous managerial experience, as their new boss yesterday. Boothroyd becomes the youngest manager of an English Premiership or Football League side, having turned 34 last month. He is several months younger than Fulham's Chris Coleman and Notts County player-manager Ian Richardson, who are also 34. 0
108109 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Renault F1 drivers to visit Sitra showroom RENAULT Formula One drivers Fernando Alonso of Spain and Giancarlo Fisichella of Italy will be visiting the Renault showroom in Sitra tomorrow evening at 7pm and attend the launch of the Renault Megane Sport range. The launch will be followed by a question and answer session. Alonso and Fisichella will also sign autographs and pose for pictures during their visit. Attractive prizes will also be given away to spectators, according to a spokesman from the showroom. The two drivers are in top form as Fisichella won the inaugural Grand Prix of 2005 in Melbourne while Alonso followed suit winning at Kuala Lumpur to put Renault on top of the constructors' table with 26 points. 0
108110 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Lanka row escalates COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's cricket administration crisis has escalated with suspended cricket officials challenging the sports minister's authority to launch a government takeover on grounds of financial mismanagement. Suspended board president Thilanga Sumathipala ordered the closure of the organisation's Colombo headquarters on Monday morning and sent all employees home as he started a legal tussle with sports minister Jeevan Kumaratunga. Chief executive Duleep Mendis was instructed to stop all correspondence on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket and extra security guards have been employed to prevent any of the government's six-man interim committee from entering the premises. The suspended committee also issued a statement clarifying its position and arguing that attempts were being made to "illegally" take over the headquarters. 0
108111 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Funk lifts 7th PGA Tour title PONTE VEDRA BEACH, California: American Fred Funk overcame difficult, windy conditions to become the oldest winner of the prestigious Players' Championship with a one-shot victory at the TPC at Sawgrass yesterday. The 48-year-old, four strokes off the pace going into the rain-delayed final round, fired a one-under-par 71 to clinch the seventh PGA Tour title of his career. Ponte Vedra resident Funk mixed five birdies with four bogeys on a windy day at the Stadium Course to finish at nine-under 279, a stroke ahead of compatriots Tom Lehman (68), Scott Verplank (70) and Briton Luke Donald (76). "I'm speechless right now," Funk said after winning golf's unofficial fifth major. "It was a tough day out there with the wind and the conditions but I was always in control of my swing." 0
108112 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Al Ahli cruise to win over Barbar AL AHLI outplayed defending champions Barbar 34-26 in an exciting Bahrain Handball League Group 'A' match last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Ahmed Abdulnabi, Maher Ashoor, Abbas Malalla and rising star Sadeq Ali led Al Ahli to a crucial victory which kept them top with 14 points from five matches in the six-team round robin league and an unbeaten record. Al Ahli had taken a 17-11 half-time lead. Barbar, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat of the season and dropped to third place with 10 points and one postponed match in hand against Al Shabab. In another Group 'A' match, Al Najma beat Al Dair 25-23 to revive their title hopes. Al Najma moved up to second position with 11 points from five matches while Al Dair are on 10. Al Tadhamon won the main battle in Group 'B' against Tubli whom they beat 30-27 to go top with 12 points. Tubli lost their first match and dropped to second place with 10 points.. 0
108113 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Handball course scheduled THE International Handball Federation's training committee member Dietrich Spate of Germany will arrive in Bahrain today to supervise a development course for handball coaches to be organised by the Bahrain Handball Association (BHA) from April 4 to 6. Twenty-two coaches from different clubs in Bahrain are taking part in the three-day course, managed by international instructor Nabeel Taha. The participants will be awarded certificates at the end of the course. The course is part of the programme of BHA's development committee which was recently formed under president Abdulrahman Bu Ali who is the committee chairman. Other members are Abduljalil Assad, Nabeel Taha, Rida Habib, Ghuloom Hussain and Isa Swayyed. n Bahrain Club in first win BAHRAIN Club notched their first win in the Bahrain Basketball League, sponsored by Batelco, after defeating Nuwaidrat 90-82 in the second leg match at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall. Mustafa Abdulrasool starred for Bahrain Club sco 0
108114 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Sharapova battles to down Henin MIAMI: Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova advanced to the semi-finals of the WTA tour event at Key Biscayne last night with a 6-1, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2 victory over former world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium. The second-seeded Russian served for the match at 5-4 in the second set, when Henin saved three match points en route to a service break for 5-5. Henin, playing her first tournament of the year after battling illness and injury, couldn't convert four set points in the 12th game, but finally managed to make it one-set all in the tiebreaker. Sharapova dominated in the third, racing to a 3-0 lead and breaking Henin in the final game to wrap up the match after two hours 17 minutes. In the semi-finals, Sharapova will face one of the Williams sisters, either three-time defending champion Serena or eighth-seeded Venus, who clash in the quarter-finals later. Slovakian Dominik Hrbaty reached the quarter-finals of the $6.5 million ATP Masters Series tournament 0
108115 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Funk claims seventh PGA career title PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida: American Fred Funk overcame difficult, windy conditions to become the oldest winner of the prestigious Players' Championship with a one-shot victory at the TPC at Sawgrass yesterday. The 48-year-old, four strokes off the pace going into the rain-delayed final round, fired a one-under-par 71 to clinch the seventh PGA Tour title of his career. Ponte Vedra resident Funk mixed five birdies with four bogeys on a windy day at the Stadium Course to finish at nine-under 279, a stroke ahead of compatriots Tom Lehman (68), Scott Verplank (70) and Briton Luke Donald (76). Donald, bidding to become the second European winner at Sawgrass after Sandy Lyle in 1987, had the title in his sights after a 70 in gusting winds of up to 60kph put him one shot clear when the delayed third round of the rain-hit tournament was finally completed earlier in the day. The 27-year-old Englishman, co-leader overnight with American Joe Durant at 11 under, held his nerve after 0
108116 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Bahrain Neon thrash Pocari to claim trophy BAHRAIN Neon XI routed Pocari Sweat XI by 141 runs in the final to claim the Winter Trophy of the Jawad Business Group International Cricket League at the Sri Lanka grounds. After being put in to bat Bahrain Neon smashed a massive 245 for five in 25 overs with openers Wajid Ali (75 from 53 deliveries, including nine fours) and Mohammed Suheel (25 from 15, three fours) getting off to an ideal start as they scored 64 from eight overs. After Suheel's departure, followed soon after by Mohammed Kamal, Atif Khan (73 from 46, five fours and three sixes) joined Ali and the pair quickly moved the score to 184 for 3 after 19.1 overs as they added 114 for the third wicket. Jameel Raja (33 not out) and a quickfire innings from Lawrence Pinto (22 from 8 balls, two fours, two sixes) inflicted further misery on the Pocari bowlers. Pocari Sweat then lost two early wickets to Zarshad Khan (two for 25) and any hope of a recovery evaporated when Uday Shanbhag was run out without scoring. TORONTO: Josh Howard scored 24 points and Dirk Nowitzki added 22 as the Dallas Mavericks beat the Detroit Pistons 95-88 in Auburn Hills, Michigan in NBA action yesterday. Dallas have won six of their last seven games while NBA champions Pistons continue to struggle, losing for the fourth time in five. Keith Van Horn came off the bench to score 17 points for the Mavericks and the Dallas reserves out-scored Detroit's bench 26-2. Chauncey Billups led the Pistons with 26 points and Richard Hamilton added 21 points. Dallas blew a 17-point first-half lead to allow the Pistons to take the lead early in the second-half, but the Mavericks sank several three-pointers to regain the lead in the third quarter and kept it for good. Detroit coach Larry Brown, who is continuing to recover from surgery, missed his ninth straight game and Detroit look to be a poorer team without his leadership. In other NBA action, Vince Carter scored 39 points as the New Jersey Nets edged 0
108118 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Webber raced with fractured rib in Malaysia LONDON: Mark Webber has reported fit for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix after revealing that he drove with a fractured rib in the season-opening Australian and Malaysian races. "He didn't test in Barcelona last week because he wanted a bit more time and asked Williams if he could rest," the Australian's partner and manager Ann Neal said yesterday. "But he's fine now, he's been doing a lot of fitness over the weekend." Neal said Webber, who joined the BMW-powered Williams Formula One team from Jaguar at the end of last year, had picked up the injury in pre-season testing in Spain. "It was basically a consequence of not warming up properly," she said. Webber had tested in Valencia in February and did an installation lap without performing his usual warm-up exercises before going out in the car. Instead of getting out after that one lap to allow mechanics to tweak the settings, the driver was asked to stay in while they worked before carrying on. "W 0
108119 0 1524 SPOR SPORT Battling Sabah crashes to Lee BAHRAIN'S Habib Sabah bowed out of the 200,000 China Open International Snooker Championship going down 5-0 to world number nine Stephen Lee in Beijing yesterday. Sabah, the only Middle East player in the championship and a wild card entry, lost 63-75, 16-75, 51-74, 9-99, 28-79 as Lee recorded breaks of 48, 50 and 46 on way to booking a slot in the last 16. Lee now plays Ireland's Ken Doherty who scored a 5-2 victory over Austarlian Quinten Hann. Doherty, from Dublin, had a golden chance of recording the maximum break of 147 in the opening frame as he potted the first 14 reds with blacks. He also potted the 15th red but he under-cut his attempted pot on the black and it wobbled in the jaws of a top corner leaving the break on 113. Meanwhile, eternal crowd favourite Jimmy White kept his fans in good cheer defeating Jimmy Pinches 5-3. The world No 11 went 2-0 up with breaks of 58 and 55 before Norwich potter Pinches equalised 2-2. White then cleared from green 0
108120 1 1524 SPOR SPORT BAHRAIN LOOK TO STUN JAPAN A CONFIDENT Bahrain will be aiming for another upset victory when they take on Japan in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match at the Saitama Stadium today at 1.30pm (Bahain time). Bahrain and Iran are presently leading this four-team Group 'B' with four points each from one win and a draw, a point ahead of Japan who have one win and a loss, followed by winless North Korea. The top two teams from the group will qualify automatically for next year's tournament in Germany. During their last training session yesterday, Bahrain appeared confident after an 2-1 win over North Korea in Pyongyang on Friday despite the fact the national team will be without influential captain Talal Yousif and midfielder Sayed Mahmood Jalal who will be serving out an one-match ban. Last year's Asian Cup top scorer Ala'a Hubail and Bahrain's premier division top scorer Rashid Jamal are also side-lined with injuries. But Bahrain coach Wolfgang Sidka sounded optimistic on the eve of the match. BAR's Takuma Sato is 'fighting fit' and ready to race in Bahrain this weekend after missing the Malaysian Grand Prix with a viral infection. Sato's team mate, Jenson Button, meanwhile, arrived in Bahrain yesterday after intensive tyre evaluation for Mihcelin and running an aerodynamic programme and the latest specification engines from Honda. Button and test driver Anthony Davidson, who took Sato's place in the second car at the Malaysian Grand Prix, went into testing right after the Kuala Lumpur event. Test driver Enrique Bernoldi also joined in the testing. The team tested hard with Davidson and Bernoldi completing a combined total of 1,768 kms at Le Castellet in southern France last week. "We tested a few new aerodynamic parts with positive results. However, I was unable to carry out any of our planned tyre testing due to bad weather," Button said on the team's website. Taku, who arrived in Bahrain on Monday, is now feeling much better and hoping to open his ow 0
108122 3 1524 SPOR SPORT Aussies complete rout of Kiwis AUCKLAND: Australia completed their rout of New Zealand with an emphatic nine-wicket win in the third cricket Test with a day to spare here yesterday, comfortably wrapping up the series 2-0, and underscoring their reputation as one of the greatest cricket sides ever. In a frantic chase to beat rain and fading light, captain Ricky Ponting blasted an unbeaten 86 at a run-a-ball pace and Justin Langer was on 59 when they reached their 164-run target in the 30th over under the Eden Park floodlights. The only wicket to fall was that of Matthew Hayden, run out for nine by a Daniel Vettori direct hit from mid off, as Australia set out determined to wrap up the Test in four days rather than risk the weather today after being denied victory in the second Test because of rain. While the jury is still out on whether this Australian side is definitely the greatest of all time, they were hailed as a "once in a lifetime" team by New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming. The manner in which 0
108123 0 1524 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Talk in Arabic entitled Cities of Wounded Memories by Saudi researcher Dr Mujab Al Zahrani, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Muharraq, 8pm. Entrance free. The Third Gulf Education Exhibition, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-9pm. Opening of the F1 art exhibition by Greek Mina Valrakie, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 7pm. Bahrain in Transition, photo exhibition, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Art exhibition, In the Place of Soul, by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers a 0
108124 0 1524 WORL WORLD IRA spends stolen cash BELFAST: The Irish Republican Army has laundered money stolen in a massive bank robbery in Belfast last December by buying properties in Britain, a newspaper reported yesterday, citing an Irish government source. The 26.5 million (BD19m) seized from the Northern Bank in the heist was quickly separated into "five or six parcels", according to the Irish Times. Immediately after the robbery, the militant group started exploring the housing market across Britain, the daily said. 0
108125 0 1524 WORL WORLD Journalists missing BUCHAREST: Three Romanian journalists kidnapped in Baghdad managed to send desperate text messages to relatives and colleagues just before they went missing on Monday. "We're kidnapped. This is not a joke. Help!!!!," one of the three, Prima TV reporter Marie Jeanne Ion, managed to message her mother from her mobile phone, her mother Magdalena Ion told Realitatea TV yesterday. Ion's cameraman Sorin Miscoci and journalist Ovidiu Ohanesian of the Romania Libera daily newspaper, were also missing. Meanwhile, a video surfaced yesterday showing three drivers employed by a Jordanian trucking company being shot dead execution style by a militant group in Iraq. 0
108126 0 1524 WORL WORLD Iraqis fail to pick speaker BAGHDAD: The new Iraqi parliament's second session ended in chaos yesterday as deputies failed to select a new speaker and jeered one another, prompting warnings that the body is risking its credibility. With the government in limbo two months after the January 30 election, insurgents caused further mayhem, exploding a car bomb in the ethnically divided city of Kirkuk, killing one person and wounding 17. The parliamentary session was held up for almost three hours as the winning Shi'ite and Kurdish blocs waited for the Sunni minority to decide on a candidate for speaker. Within minutes, acting speaker Sheikh Dhari Al Fayad stunned the audience of political veterans, asking the 275-member assembly to adjourn because of the quarrel over the choice of his successor, a largely symbolic post. "The principal lists are asking to delay the vote for another time so the Sunnis can finish talks among themselves to choose a nominee," he said. US President George W Bush predic 0
108127 0 1524 WORL WORLD Award for Staines NEW DELHI: India has given one its top civilian awards to Australian Gladys Staines, a social worker and widow of missionary Graham Staines who was killed by a Hindu mob along with their two sons in 1999, reports said yesterday. The Padma Shri award was presented to Staines for "remaining steadfast in her devotion to care for people affected by leprosy, despite her personal tragedy", The Hindu said. "I feel honoured and overwhelmed at the same time," said Staines, 54, who received her award at a ceremony in the presidential palace late on Monday. 0
108128 0 1524 WORL WORLD Bug alert by vets LONDON: The antibiotic-resistant superbug MSRA, which has killed hundreds of people in Britain, is now spreading among pets and farm animals, head of the British Veterinary Hospitals Association Bob Partridge said. MRSA is responsible for up to 60 per cent of all hospital infections. Steps have already been taken to prevent it spreading in veterinary hospitals and smaller centres. 0
108129 0 1524 WORL WORLD Tories woo voters LONDON: The leader of Britain's opposition Conservatives tried to lure voters yesterday by announcing plans for a new border police force against illegal immigrants. "There are quarter of a million failed asylum seekers living in our country today. No one knows who they are or where they are. To defeat the terrorist threat we need action, not talk - action to secure our borders," said Michael Howard. 0
108130 0 1524 WORL WORLD Boy, four, drowns PARIS: A four-year-old Indian boy visiting Paris with his parents drowned in the Seine river in central Paris at the weekend, police said yesterday. Mohammed Aijaz Abubaker, was reported missing by his parents as they boarded a river boat for a sightseeing cruise. Maritime police found the boy's body in the Seine less than an hour later, pinned between the boat and the dock. 0
108131 0 1524 WORL WORLD Pope to visit hospital VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II may have to return to the hospital to have a feeding tube inserted, an Italian news agency APcom reported yesterday. It stressed that no decision has been made. 0
108132 0 1524 WORL WORLD Deputy raps UK troops BAGHDAD: An Iraqi deputy from the powerful Al Tamimi tribe in Basra lambasted British troops yesterday for blasting their way into his home near the southern city and arresting 12 members of his family. The governor of Basra, Mohammed Mosbeh Al Waeli, later said the 12 were released after he personally intervened in the matter and that British forces told him that they had received "flawed intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the deputy's home." Elsewhere, a US soldier, assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, died on Monday in a "non-hostile incident," the military said in a statement from Camp Fallujah. 0
108133 0 1524 WORL WORLD Terror suspect held LONDON: A British man who allegedly collected information about a soldier appeared briefly in court yesterday on terrorist charges. Abu Baker Mansha, 21, of south London, appeared at Bow Street Magistrates Court and was charged on Sunday under a section of the Terrorism Act dealing with the collection of information that could be useful to terrorists. He was allegedly found with a newspaper clipping referring to a decorated soldier and personal details including the soldier's address. His next court appearance was set for April 5. 0
108134 0 1524 WORL WORLD Williams sisters on reality show BURBANK, California: Serena and Venus Williams will be starring in their version of a tennis reality show. The sisters' off-court lives - their family, friends and the glamour of big-time tennis - will be featured in a six-episode show that is still untitled but set to premiere on the US cable network ABC Family in July, it was announced yesterday. "The series will provide our fans with an up-close, inside look at our lives away from the tennis courts," Venus Williams said. 0
108135 1 1524 WORL WORLD UN chief cleared UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan yesterday expressed his "relief" after saying he had been exonerated by an independent enquiry into the oil-for-food programme in Iraq. "I was absolutely confident that a thorough enquiry would clear me of any wrongdoing. The committee has now done so," Annan said after the release of the investigation's interim report. "This exoneration by the independent enquiry obviously comes as a great relief," he said. Earlier, investigators said there is insufficient evidence to show that Annan knew of a contract bid by his son's employer for the programme. However, they criticised the UN chief for failing to determine his son's relationship with the Swiss firm. The report also accused the company, Cotecna Inspection and Annan's son, Kojo, of trying to conceal their relationship after the contract was awarded. The report's conclusion was not the clear vindication that the secretary-general had wanted, though the investigation 0
108136 3 1524 WORL WORLD India 'no' to Taslima citizenship NEW DELHI: The Indian government turned down self-exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen's plea for citizenship but has granted her a six-month multiple entry visa. On February 17, Nasreen wrote to Home Minister Shivraj Patil urging India to grant her citizenship, saying the country of her birth had "slammed the doors" on her possible return. The writer fled Bangladesh after the publication of her book Lajjya or "Shame" in 1994 that was critical of the treatment of women in the country and earned her the wrath of Islamists. "Although we relate to her situation, it would have been difficult to make an exception out of her case. It would have required us to change India's Citizenship Act," a government spokesman said. A foreigner has to have lived in India for at least 11 years to apply for citizenship. 0
108137 2 1524 WORL WORLD World vows quake aid NIAS ISLAND, Indonesia: Countries around the world offered condolences and relief after a huge earthquake hit this northwest Indonesian island. Rescuers said yesterday that more than 1,000 people were feared dead in the quake that struck on Monday triggering tsunami warnings which caused panic across the Indian Ocean. "About a third of Gunung Sitoli, the main town in Nias, is reported to have undergone the heaviest damage. It is estimated that more than 1,000 people in Nias island died," the Indonesian Red Cross said in a statement. Some 20,000 people in Gunung Sitoli were without water, the electricity grid was also out of order and roads were badly damaged, the team said. Indonesian officials said at least 430 people had been confirmed dead on Nias and neigbouring Simeulue island off northwest Sumatra. US President George W Bush offered help and condolences yesterday to the victims. India announced an assistance $2 million (BD756,000) to Indonesia. Sin 0
108138 1 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Filipino goods to go on show FILIPINO businesses are to showcase their products in a trade fair and bazaar to be held in June. The First Philippine Trade Fair/Bazaar in Bahrain will be a great opportunity for Bahraini and Filipino businesses to meet and work together, said Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya yesterday. "It is envisioned to showcase an array of Philippine-made products, which are already in the Bahraini market as well as those still to find their place on the display shelves of supermarkets and shopping malls in the kingdom," he told members of the local media at the Philippine Embassy in Zinj. So far, more than 20 businesses in the Philippines have pledged their participation in the trade fair. Businesses expected to be represented are halal processed food, Filipino handicrafts, jewellery, manpower, computer and Information Technology, leather goods, shoes, clothes, house dcor, military logistics (survival and medical kits), aluminium, furniture, dried fruits, aviation and many others. The 0
108139 2 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Sharia first for telecom fund MANAMA: Al Tawfeek Company for Investment Funds has launched the first regional Sharia-compliant telecom fund. The Al Tawfeek Arab Telecommunications Fund is an open-ended investment fund incorporated in Bahrain and regulated by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA). It has a target capital of $500 million and will invest in listed and unlisted Sharia-compliant equity and equity-related securities of telecommunications and related companies established or operating in the Middle East and Africa. The aim is to cash in on a newly-liberalised industry where the mobile telecoms sector is in the early stages of development. "The region is at the centre of attention due to potential growth resulting from unfulfilled demand," said Al Tawfeek chief executive officer Hassan Salim Al Ammari. The new fund was launched in a Press conference at the Sheraton Hotel. Potential for investment and future growth is said to lie in Tunisia and Oman, whose telecoms sectors are expected to 0
108140 3 1525 BUSI BUSINESS BFH-Euro Motors in pact MANAMA: Bahrain Financial Harbour Holding Company (BFH) yesterday announced that Euro Motors would be its business partner for its Bahrain Financial Harbour Excellence Club. The Bahrain Financial Harbour Excellence Club is a holistic management programme that integrates high quality and personalised services that cater to the needs of the financial and business community. Members and guests will experience a royal treatment through hospitality and greeting services, and luxurious limousine cars. "Euro Motors will support the facilitation activities of BFH Excellence Club to serve the guests and investors," said BFH managing director Abdul Rahman Al Jasmi." "We are proud to be associated with Euro Motors to serve our clients and guests. We are confident that Euro Motors will add value to the services of the Excellence Club. "This is a step forward in providing cutting-edge client relations services," he said after signing an agreement with Euro Motors at the BFH premise 0
108141 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS BSB raises capital to BD50m MANAMA: Bahraini Saudi Bank (BSB) has raised its capital to BD50 million, following the successful completion of its rights share offering. A total of 300m shares offered over a two-week period have been over-subscribed. Share allocations are currently being determined and new share certificates will be distributed by April 10. "On behalf of BSB, I would like to thank all shareholders for their confidence and support in this initiative," said chairman Shaikh Fahad Mohammed AI Athel. "This has been clearly demonstrated by the over-subscription of the rights offering. "Continuing a strategic programme of growth, diversification and enhancing our product range and services will be largely facilitated by the increased capital. "This has been made possible by the role of our shareholders, to whom we are most grateful." The shares were issued at BD0.120 each and the rights issue has increased the capital from BD20m to BD50m. All those regist 0
108142 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Takaful net profit rises MANAMA: Takaful Inter-national achieved a net profit of BD257,178 last year, shareholders heard at an annual general meeting yesterday. Board chairman Dr Basheer Al Rashidi said that the company continued to focus on improving the quality of its overall portfolio. "The marketing campaign launched to secure new general and family takaful income was very successful," he said. "Gross takaful contributions of BD5,107,089 for the financial year were the highest in the 15 years of the company's operation. A growth of 24pc over the gross income of 2003 was achieved." Shareholders approved the board's recommendation to allocate BD46,246 to retained earnings and to pay zakat due on shareholders' equity at the rate of 2.5254 fils per share. General manager Younis Jamal said that during the year the company launched several new services as well as expanding existing services. 0
108143 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS EU backs Wolfowitz for World Bank job BRUSSELS: The controversial US candidate to head the World Bank, Paul Wolfowitz, won crucial backing from European leaders yesterday, overriding qualms over his central role in the Iraq war. Wolfowitz, the US deputy defence secretary, sought to reassure Europeans that they would have an important influence at the development institution, saying he planned to build a "multinational" senior management team if confirmed as president. But he declined to make any promises after holding talks with European finance chiefs, a day before World Bank directors choose a new president. "It's very important ... that the senior management of the bank reflect the fact that it is a multilateral institution," Wolfowitz said, when asked if he would appoint a European as vice-president. "It needs to reflect the fact that the European countries as a group are the largest single donors to the Bank ... But it also needs to reflect the full diversity of donors and recipients," he said. T 0
108144 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Traders protest against VAT NEW DELHI: Shops across India shut yesterday to protest next month's launch of a nationwide Value Added Tax (VAT) aimed at boosting revenues for states and the federal government. Petrol station owners held a one-day shutdown yesterday while other businesses such as food markets and goods shops plan a three-day strike. "At least 5,000 trade unions are supporting our strike," said Praveen Khandelwal, secretary general of the Confederation of All India Traders. "Shopkeepers, traders, wholesale agents across the country will stay at home for three days. We had no choice but to strike to raise our legitimate concerns regarding VAT which will force us to pay more taxes," he added. The tax, agreed by state finance ministers in June, is designed to cut multiple layers of levies, boost revenues, reduce inter-state barriers to trade and make accounting more transparent. 0
108145 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS India 'must lift barriers' WASHINGTON: India needs to swiftly knock down trade barriers to open up its giant economy and drive growth, says an IMF staff report which the Indian government agreed to make public for the first time. International Monetary Fund managing director Rodrigo de Rato also conveyed to government leaders during a visit to India this month the need for more "dramatic action" to free up its "relatively closed economy" and integrate with the globalised economy. While India has reduced non-agricultural tariffs, new forms of non-transparent protection have emerged through the widespread use of anti-dumping, sanitary rules, and technical standards. The average agricultural tariff of 40 per cent is higher than those of all but four of 134 developing countries, according to experts. 0
108146 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Morgan turmoil continues NEW YORK: There was more fallout from Morgan Stanley's management shakeup yesterday, as the investment bank's global head of institutional equity trading resigned, joining a number of other high-ranking executives who have walked out. A company spokeswoman confirmed the departure of Guru Ramakrishnan. His decision to leave came a day after the resignations of his boss, John Havens, the head of the Institutional Equity Division, and Vikram Pandit, president and chief operating officer of its Institutional Securities Group. The wave of exits follows chief executive Philip Purcell's decision to replace president Stephan Newhouse with two co-presidents, Morgan Stanley veterans Stephen Crawford and Zoe Cruz. Meanwhile, the firm's former chairman and former president are calling for the ouster of Purcell himself, saying the shakeup he engineered was not in the best interest of the company. Perhaps to help reassure Wall Street, the company promoted one of its foremost investment bankers, Joseph 0
108147 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS ABN Amro bids $8bn for Antonveneta AMSTERDAM: Dutch bank ABN Amro plans to offer 6.3 billion euros ($8.14bn) to acquire Banca Antonveneta, challenging Italy's limits on foreign ownership of its banks. ABN Amro, which already has about 13 per cent of Antonveneta, said in a statement yesterday it will offer 25 euros per outstanding Antonveneta share and will issue 135 million shares to help fund the acquisition of the Italian bank. If regulators and shareholders approve the merger, it would create the ninth-biggest bank in Europe by market value. ABN Amro, which expects the acquisition to have a positive impact on earnings per share after 12 months, is currently ranked 13th in Europe. Antonveneta ranks 41st. 0
108148 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Qatar adopts $10bn budget DOHA: Qatar has adopted a 2005-2006 budget topping $10 billion with a surplus of $60 million, the official QNA news agency reported yesterday. The budget, which comes into effect on April 1, projects revenues of $10.45bn against spending of $10.39bn, it said. The budget is based on an oil price of $27 a barrel. Projected revenues for the upcoming financial year are $3.2bn higher than revenues in the 2004-2005 budget, while projected expenditures exceed those in the previous budget by $2.59bn, QNA said. 0
108149 0 1525 BUSI BUSINESS Shares net gains in cautious trade BOMBAY: Indian shares ended a volatile session yesterday with marginal gains as traders cautiously picked bargains, hoping for a recovery in the market as quarterly earnings pour in next month. Still, weakness in other emerging markets exacerbated by disappointing economic data from Japan and the US, continued to weigh on sentiment. The benchmark 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange Sensitive Index (Sensex) closed 0.21 per cent higher at 6,381.40 points. The broader 50-share National Stock Exchange index was up 0.50pc at 1,993.70 points. "The market has taken quite a beating and we should see a bounce back now," said Rakesh Kumar, head of equity sales at Pranav Securities. "Foreign fund buying has picked up in recent days. Earnings will be announced and investors will look for sectors which are doing well. Now is a good time to buy," Kumar added. Foreign funds have started buying Indian shares again after paring exposures over most of the second half of the month, 0
108150 0 1525 COMM COMMENTNo excuses for logging Many years have passed since we were first exhorted to "Save the Rainforest". It would be wonderful to relate that - over that time - their erosion has been halted, or at least slowed. But, sadly, the destruction continues apace. By some estimates, the world's rainforests are on course to disappear completely by midway through this century. This is something shoppers should bear in mind next time they buy garden furniture. Many garden centres sell furniture made from teak from the Burmese rainforest. They are not breaking the law. Importing and selling timber of dubious provenance is perfectly legal. But they are undoubtedly complicit in the degradation of one of our most precious global resources. And so are many customers. While people are content to buy timber that comes from unsustainable areas, the world's rainforests will continue to shrink. Those who would defend the destruction of the rainforests often cite "development" as an excuse. They argue that the world's rainforests are si 0
108151 0 1525 COMM COMMENTSunshine memories that ease the grief I stepped out into a beautiful, breezy morning yesterday and couldn't help thinking of my friend Tim, who died earlier this month and how he would have loved the sunshine. It is difficult when someone you have known for so long dies to accept that they have really gone and for a while at least, every sunny day or mini milestone in life brings them back to mind. The bonds of friendship are not made of blood as they are with family, but when a friend passes it still leaves a gap that can never be filled. The last picture of Tim and myself was taken by Sara as we visited him in his home the year before last and it shows us squinting in the sunlight, as we stood in his garden on a beautiful spring day, long before the illness that was to take his life became apparent. We came across it as Sara dug through photos to show her friend Liz, who has just left after visiting us here for a week and to see it broke my heart, yet at the same time warmed it. It may be a clich t 0
108154 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Why we should care about animal welfare I KEEP waiting for someone to reply to the people who wrote with an accompanying photograph, about a dugong found bleeding and dead in Tubli Bay (GDN March 8). Apparently we are all too busy with our important lives to give much heed to the sufferings of this animal. My guess would be that it was run over by a boat propeller. Perhaps a few signs would help warn people to slow down and not to drive boats over seagrass beds, which destroys them (upon which the dugongs feed). Since traffic laws on land are hardly heeded, the results might be minimal, but at least no one could claim ignorance in harming this harmless creature as well as other marine life. It was encouraging to read that steps are being taken to stop illegal dumping in Tubli Bay - one ray of light. Regarding the response to a letter on falconry (GDN March 22), the respondent writes: "It seems the writer is extremely sensitive to the sufferings of animals and forgets the millions of children that 0
108155 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Shrimp mystery solved? WITH reference to the article "Bahraini experts find rare shrimp" (GDN March 27) I may be able to add some more information about this find. In February 1988 we had about three days of torrential rain in Bahrain. This resulted in large pools of water gathering, one of the largest of which was on the south side of Zallaq road at Sakhir, just to the east of the Bahrain University where there were many acacia trees at that time. We found many tiny creatures in there which resembled small horseshoe crabs about 35mm long. They were popularly called "Triops" because they had three dark markings on their heads which resembled three eyes. They were semi translucent with an overall colour resembling the colour of the sand in which they were hatched. I seem to remember that the Bahrain Natural History Society published an article in the GDN at the time which described the process by which they laid their eggs in the sand which then lay dormant for years until the right conditions (i. 0
108156 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Ignorant of history DONNA Hall said (GDN March 27) that people of the Middle East are not civilised yet and their civilisation is younger than that of Europe. I believe this opinion shows ignorance of history. Europe was still in darkness and fighting with each other when the Middle East and Muslim world produced great mathematicians, chemists, physicians and astrologists. Old houses, lack of respect for parents, nudism, considering same sex marriages to be legal, absence of social and family values, bombing innocent people of Japan, Iraq and Afghanistan are great examples of your civilisation; if this is civilisation then I would prefer to remain uncivilised. Europeans have their own lifestyle and they have the right to live with it and nobody should criticise them and so we have our own way of living but we do have the right to defend any bad comments made about our civilisation. Finally I would say that living according to our traditions, religion and values doesn't make us uncivilised. 0
108157 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Traffic chaotic WE would like to bring to the attention of the authorities concerned the traffic chaos on the Wadi Al Sail Highway (opposite to the BDF Hospital) especially during office hours. Since this is a very important route in a busy area, we suggest the following:- *Why don't they make this a three-lane road? *Upgrade the road behind the residential areas adjacent to the BDF Hospital and link it to the flyover, at least to divert the traffic (around 1,200 cars) from the hospital directly to the main highway. Residents 0
108158 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Can I visit for FI? I RECENTLY read an article about the Bahraini government issuing free visas to people from certain countries for the Formula 1 races in April. I was wondering if I, a Pakistani resident, could visit the country for the race, as my country was not mentioned in the list. I would be very grateful if someone would help me in this regard, being a great fan of the F1 race. Inshan Azeez *A GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence spokesman said: "As Pakistan is not included on the list referred to by your reader, he will not be eligible for an F1 free visa. A visa for him must be pre-arranged sponsored by a Bahraini company or individual." For further information regarding eligibility for any visas your readers should visit our website: www.evisa.gov.bh 0
108159 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Pearl roundabout an icon! THE Pearl Roundabout is an icon to the Kingdom of Bahrain and is soon going to vanish! I don't understand why. Just because the country is developing and making strides in every field doesn't mean it has to get rid of such a mega structure. I don't think the Pearl Roundabout should go away. S J K 0
108160 0 1525 LETT LETTERS Rents far too high TWO young Bahrainis started their business in the form of a vegetables and fruit shop in the area of Al Buhair in Riffa and they rented an outlet with a shopping complex owned by the council house paying a monthly rent of BD110. They struggled to continue the business but couldn't since the rent almost cost them 50 per cent of the income. When I met them last Friday they were packing their things. Now how come a state body charges young, enthusiastic job seekers such a high rent in a suburb out of Manama at the time that when the whole nation is busy with the issue of unemployment. If we are to encourage Bahrainis to involve themselves in small businesses then we need to provide necessary tools including nominal rents, provided it is the Bahrainis themselves who run the business. In the story explained it was Bahrainis who ran the shop. Council house properties must be available at the lowest cost possible for young citizens as channels of incentives that help reduce the 0
108161 1 1525 BNEW LOCAL A model $750m resort MANAMA MANAMA: The foundation stone for the $750 million (BD283m) Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort was laid at a ceremony yesterday. Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa laid the foundation stone. He also opened the on-site Al Areen Client Relations Centre. The ceremony held at the site, adjacent to the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, also marked the start of construction of the $100m (BD37.8m) Oasis Spa, which will be ready for opening in time for next year's Formula One race. 0
108162 2 1525 BNEW LOCAL Special F1 coin MANAMA MANAMA: A special edition 100 fils coin, which was minted to commemorate the first Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix last year, is available to buy. The coin, which is not for circulation, carries the logo of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The reverse side of the coin bears its denomination. It comes in a presentation pack and can be purchased from the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) currency issue directorate for BD2 each. 0
108163 3 1525 BNEW LOCAL Premier ends visit MANAMA WELLINGTON: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa left the Royal Air Base at Wellington yesterday following a three-day official visit to New Zealand at the invitation of its prime minister. The Premier held talks with Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright and New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark on aspects of enhancing bilateral relations and issues of common concern. He was seen off at the Royal Air Base by Minister of State David Cunliffe and senior officials. 0
108164 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Interview with US Ambassador Exclusive In an exclusive interview with Anwar Abdulrahman, the new American ambassador to Bahrain Mr William Monroe speaks in depth for the first time about his government's policies in the Middle East. We carry his answers in full... **** American politics can be confusing and enigmatic - even to Americans themselves! During the 1950s when John Foster Dulles was foreign secretary, coup after coup was engineered by the US to topple elected governments, beginning with Dr Mohammed Mussadeq. Afghanistan followed in 1973 when its constitutional monarchy was brought down, and in Latin America Salvadore Allende, Chile's first elected leader, was murdered by America. Your country's involvement again in Afghanistan, backing the Mujahideen in 1978 preceded the Iraq debacle. You have a history of placing puppets in power, but time always outflanks you. Why is there never any long-term strategy, because even Bush's so called democratisation of the world will be subject to change by the next Amer 0
108165 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Desert spa foundation stone laid THE development of the landmark $750 million (BD283m) Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort took a significant turn yesterday, with a foundation stone laying ceremony and the opening of a client relations centre. Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa laid the foundation stone and officially opened the on-site Al Areen Client Relations Centre (CRC). Design and construction of the BD2.5m CRC were completed by the UAE-based Al Hamad Contracting Company in a record 78 days. The ceremony also marked the start of construction of the $100m (BD37.7m) Oasis Spa, which would be ready in time for next year's Formula One event. The function was attended by Defence Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, ambassadors, senior d 0
108166 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Medical body to bolster services NEW regulations governing Bahrain's doctors could be introduced within a year. They will be brought in with the formation of a Bahrain Medical Council, which will be responsible for dictating national health policies. The council will also hear patients' complaints and could have power to suspend doctors accused of malpractice. It is part of an effort to raise the standard of medical treatment in Bahrain and build trust between patients and doctors. "The main idea of having the Bahrain Medical Council is to create a body that promotes health standards in general and bring medical practices up to a certain level," said Dr Sadiq Abdulla, who is among those working on the project. According to a proposal submitted to the Shura Council by member Dr Mansour Al Arrayedh, it would be an independent body responsible for overseeing both the private and government health sectors. The 15-member medical council would consist of 10 doctors, elected by their peers, and five ci 0
108167 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL New Zallaq Road speeds up traffic MANAMA NEWLY-widened Zallaq Road has been opened one week ahead of schedule, ready for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The BD1.85 million project included the widening of the road into three lanes on each direction, said Works and Housing Under-Secretary Nayef Al Kalali. "The widening from two lanes to three lanes has been done for the full length of 36 kilometres," he told the GDN. "This is to absorb the expected increase in traffic during the race period. "The development also includes the improvement of the three roundabouts along the road." A new traffic light at the road's junction with the Equestrian Club's entrance, and another traffic light at the junction with Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Road have also been installed. Mr Al Kalali said the road's alignment near Awali and close to the Sakhir Palace has been adjusted. Traffic safety barriers have also been installed in the middle island along 10km in order to improve safety and reduce accidents al 0
108168 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Jordanian ties are hailed MANAMA His Majesty King Hamad yesterday received Jordanian parliamentary speaker Abdul Hadi Al Majali and his delegation. Al Majali conveyed to His Majesty greetings from Jordan's King Abdulla. The King hailed Bahraini-Jordanian bilateral relations in various fields, affirming the importance of such visits in bolstering deep-rooted ties and co-operation between both countries. He also underlined the need for co-operation and exchange of visits between parliaments of both countries and praised the Jordanian parliamentary experience and its democratic achievement. His Majesty called for strengthening the role of Arab parliaments in supporting Arab causes in regional and international arenas. The King reviewed with the visiting parliamentary delegation the recent political developments in the region, especially the Palestinian and Iraqi situations, and ways of boosting safety and stability in the Arab region. 0
108169 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL US-Mideast 'must clarify reform aims' THE Arab region must have an open dialogue with the US on its reform aims for the Middle East, says an Arab politician and scholar. The call came from Egypt's former Foreign Minister and Al Mansoora University's Law College faculty member Dr Mahmood Faraj. He said the reforms must stem from within countries in the region and without harming the Arab and Muslim identities. Dr Faraj was speaking at a seminar entitled Reforms and the Progress of Democracy in the Middle East, held at the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research in Awali. The event was attended by centre chairman Dr Mohammed Al Ghatam, United Nations resident co-ordinator and UN Development Programme resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush, diplomats, scholars and guests. Dr Faraj said that Arab countries must take into consideration the benefits of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and the Middle East Free Trade Area (MEFTA). The two programmes were initiated by US President George W Bus 0
108170 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL BD45m hospital work underway MANAMA PILING work for the new BD45 million King Hamad General Hospital in Muharraq is to be completed in May and construction will start in August this year, it was revealed yesterday. Works and Housing Ministry Under-Secretary Nayef Al Kalali, who inspected the progress of the work in Busaiteen, said the 312-bed hospital project would be ready to open in early 2007. The BD680,000 piling contract was awarded to Keller Grundbau. The German firm, which started work on the site in January, is expected to complete the work on May 14. The hospital will be built in a total area of 227,000 square metres, Mr Al Kalali told the GDN. It will be feature three inter-connected four-storey medical blocks, with a total built-in area of 63,000 square metres, he added. The project has been designed by the Australian Hospital Design Group in co-ordination with Ismail Khonji Associates. The conceptual designs were made by Australian group, Denton Corker Marshal. The p 0
108171 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Counting cost of rampage WORKERS caused BD175,000 worth of damage when they rioted at a Bahrain garments factory, company bosses said yesterday. They say 400 workers ran riot, smashing computers, furniture and tailoring machines, at MRS Fashions, in East Riffa, last Saturday. The riot followed the suicide of 25-year-old Indian tailor Madhu Babu, who worked at the factory, which makes trousers for US clothing giant J C Penny. He is understood to have hanged himself from a ceiling fan in a security cabin after being kept in isolation with chicken pox for 15 days. His colleagues say he was then let out, but was made to work while he was still sick and became deeply depressed. But company officials say Mr Babu was provided with air-conditioned accommodation during quarantine and was visited daily by a doctor. They say the company has now waived the bill for the damaged equipment after 24 of the workers, described as the ringleaders, agreed to return home to India and were flown out last night 0
108172 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Gosi buys 10pc power firm stake THE General Organisation for Social Insurance (Gosi) purchased 10 per cent of the capital of Al Ezzel Power Company, which will run Bahrain's first private power plant. The company is a Belgian-Gulf consortium, equally owned by Tractebel EGI, a division of the Suez Group and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC). The first phase of the $500 million (BD189m) project is expected to come on stream in the Hidd Industrial Area in April next year. In a statement issued yesterday, the company said that an agreement was signed between Gosi's director general Rashid Al Meer and Al Ezzel's chairman Shafeeq Ali. 0
108173 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Top students honoured SEVENTEEN Bahrain High School students were inducted into the Dilmun chapter of the National Honour Society (NHS) at a ceremony held at the school's premises in Juffair yesterday. The students, aged from 15 to 18, were recognised for their outstanding scholarship, leadership, character and service. All of them have a minimum grade point average of 3.4, and all have assumed positive leadership roles both in school and in the community. They exemplify admirable character traits, including integrity, responsibility and diligence and have been active in a variety of service projects both in school and in their respective communities. The students inducted were: seniors Bill Marczak, Preetika Rao, Ola Abulaban and Gail Noronha; juniors Nezar Al Saaedi, Rashid Al Zayani, Saafa Ayoub, Stephen Monroe, Jafaar Ruyan, Maram Salaheldin and Maha Naeem; and sophomores Denay Fuglie, Ozer Isik, Le-Anh Nguyen, Michelle Petrelli, Saiha Sohail and Farah Thalji. The induction ceremony was led by NHS 0
108174 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Gaelic gala promises fun for all MANAMA THE Bahrain Gaelic Festival is all set to be held tomorrow at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Club in Saar. The Bahrain Caledonian Society and the Bahrain Irish Society have come together to create what promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family. There will be music by the Bahrain Police Band, Irish/Scots band The Travellin' Be'rbellies and local rock band Inertia. A group of Scottish and Irish dancers will also be performing. Radio Bahrain DJ and FM TV Hits show host Krazy Kevin will also be providing entertainment. In the sporting arena, 10 teams of men and women will battle it out in games of strength, speed and stamina to claim the individual and overall winners' trophies. Entrance tickets are BD2 for adults and BD1 for children (aged five to 15). Hot and cold food and beverages will be available for sale at the event. Gates open at 9.30am and the prize-giving ceremony will be held at 6pm. 0
108175 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Mohammed aims for Asian triumph MANAMA BAHRAIN'S disabled swimming champion Moha-mmed Salman Abdulla is off to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, tonight to take part in the First Asian Swimming Championship. The games are being held from Saturday to Monday. This is the first time for Mohammed, 18, is competing at an international level, and it is not yet clear which categories he would compete in, said Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation director Essam Kamal. "There will be qualifying sessions tomorrow and on Saturday and the actual championship will be held on Sunday," he said. "It will be a great experience for Mohammed and we are really glad that he has been selected to take part in such an event. "It will give him a feel of such events and will prepare him, physically and mentally, for future championships." Mohammed, who had his right leg, fingers on his left hand and toes on his right foot amputated following complications at birth, has been training with a dedicated coach, Mubarak Mohammed Muba- 0
108176 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Cigar lovers get taste of Cuba... A TASTE of Cuba is on offer for cigar lovers in Bahrain tomorrow night. Faieq Al Zayani Co is hosting a Habanos Connoisseurs evening for lovers of the finest Cuban cigars. The invitation-only event is being held at La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Arts, in Manama, coinciding with the first day of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix day. Event organiser Ali Al Zayani said the evening would offer an opportunity for people to sample Cuban culture, as well as learn about the cigar's origins. It is planned to make the event an annual one. "As Bahrain's finest sporting event takes place, the Kingdom will play host to many nations," he said. "We felt it fitting, therefore, to offer something different to visitors and local dignitaries alike who are here to enjoy the best in motor racing. So, the best in Cuban cigars seemed like the ideal link." Faieq Al Zayani Co has been the distributor of Havana Cigars in Bahrain since 1977. 0
108177 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters gearing up for convention BAHRAIN'S Toastmasters clubs are all gearing up for the division contest. The contest, or the Bahrain Toastmasters Annual Convention (BTAC), is to be held on April 15, at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. "There has been a phenomenal growth in the number of clubs as more and more clubs are convinced about the benefits that Toastmasters offers in terms of communication and leadership," said Bahrain Division governor Philip D'Mello. "Our division has grown to 22 clubs and we can boast of a multi-professional and multi-racial membership of over 650 people from different walks of life, such as bankers, entrepreneurs, marketing executives, engineers, doctors, teachers, students and IT professionals, who are Indians, Bahrainis, Filipinos and British." These 22 clubs come under four areas, which have just had their area level contests. Area level winners are now advancing to the division contest in four categories: international speech, evaluation, humorous and table t 0
108178 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL New chance to see art exhibition ART lovers have been given another week to visit an exhibition being held at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya. The contemporary art exhibition was meant to end today, but has been extended to April 6 due to popular interest. The event, which is being held under the theme In the Place of Soul, features around 60 ceramics, mixed media and collage paintings by Bahraini Lobna Al Amin, Dutch Iraqi Qassim Alsaedy, Dutch Ali Koers and German Brigitte Reuter. Each artist has interpreted the theme in a variety of ways. Through her mixed media paintings, Mrs Al Amin explores past lives and the stories behind old faces, cities and houses, whereas Ms Koers looks at our relationship with technology and the world of high-rise buildings and industrial complexes. For Mr Alsaedy, the theme of the exhibition is about telling the story of how people have lived in the past, whereas ceramist Ms Reuter explores the history of nature. The exhibition opens daily from 10am to 1pm 0
108179 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Minister in jobs vow for citizens LABOUR Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi pledged to find jobs for the unemployed citizens of Dair and Samaheej during a meeting with them yesterday. Dr Al Alawi listened to their grievances during a visit to the Samaheej Club, organised by the Muharraq Governorate. Some claimed that they were unable to find steady employment for over a decade despite being registered as being unemployed with the ministry while others complained about low salaries. Maltreatment by contractors was another issue that was brought up. Dr Al Alawi said he doubted some of the claims because the ministry had found employment for over 11,512 people last year alone. However, he asked the attendees to sign their names on a list which he said he would personally follow up on. "We can provide training for you and help to find you employment," Dr Al Alawi continued. In response to some requests, he said that his ministry was not responsible for finding jobs for people in the public sector. On 0
108180 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Scholarship is awarded to Bahraini MANAMA BAHRAINI student Rashid Subai has been awarded a scholarship to complete his higher studies in France. The French Embassy and BNP Paribas will fund his PhD in economics at Aix-Marseille University for the 2005-2006 academic year. Meanwhile, French education expert Professor Jean-Pierre Soula gave a talk for Bahrain government officials yesterday at the French Embassy, in Manama. Prof Soula, director of international relations at INSA, Toulouse, highlighted the French education system. He is delivering a series of talks as part of the Third Gulf Education Exhibition, which concludes today at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Prof Soula will meet French teachers today to discuss how to promote higher studies in France at 11am, followed by a talk at 5pm on scholarships and programmes taught in English. 0
108181 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Creative pupils are honoured AWARDS were presented by the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ) to three creative Bahraini semi-finalists in the annual Be Here, Design Now competition yesterday at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. Over 550 entries were submitted for the competition, a joint venture between the university and DHL Express, sponsored by Quest International Sports Event (QISE). It was open to female high school seniors from Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Syria. Participants were asked to present a presentation such as a drawing or sketch that would best represent or communicate a quote about the ocean provided by QISE chief executive officer Tracy Edwards. A panel of independent judges, including representatives from the Qatar Education Ministry and VCUQ and QUEST faculty, selected the winners based on composition, creativity, the interpretation of the subject and the overall look of the project. Three particip 0
108182 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL IT project success for 200 Bahrainis TWO hundred Bahrainis graduated yesterday from a scheme designed to equip them for jobs in the information technology industry. Sixty-three have already found jobs, said Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. He was speaking at a graduation ceremony for the first group from the Career Connections initiative, held yesterday under his patronage at the Bahrain Training Institute (BTI) in Isa Town. The initiative was launched in March last year by Microsoft in partnership with the ministry, Bahrain Institute of Technology (BIT) and Bahrain Development Bank (BDB). Its aim is to give unemployed Bahrainis basic computer skills, to open up job opportunities for them. The job-seekers were selected by the ministry to take part in the programme, which provides them with job opportunities on completing the training. Dr Al Alawi said the ministry had been very active in developing the workforce in Bahrain. "By partnering with Microsoft and BIT in the Career Connections initia 0
108183 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL F1 paintings on show CAPITAL Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa opened a Formula One racing exhibition by Greek sports artist Mina Papatheodorou-Valyraki at the Art Centre, next to Bahrain National Museum, last night. Official artist for Ferrari, Ms Valyraki has been painting exotic sports cars for more than 25 years. The exhibition is open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm until Sunday. Ms Valyraki's paintings will also be on display at the Bahraini International Circuit during the Grand Prix, from tomorrow until Sunday. An auxiliary show will be set up in the Sakhir Tower, the eight-storey VIP section of circuit, during the racing event. "We are proud to host an exhibition by one of the best sport artists in the world," said Shaikh Humood. Ms Valyraki, who described the Bahrain event is one of the finest on the Formula One racing series, said she is proud to display her work in the Kingdom which has constructed a world-clas racing facility. 0
108184 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Tourist sites 'shunned by visitors last year' FANS shunned Bahrain's tourist attractions when they flooded the country for last year's Formula One race, according to figures just released. Only 7.4 per cent of the visitors were interested in visiting the tourist attractions. The vast majority left immediately after the three-day event, says a Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research survey. It says that 87pc stayed just three days or less, with an average stay of just 1.9 days. But shopping was a hit, with 52.9pc of the visitors. The survey was carried out during last year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the first time Formula One racing had been held in he Middle East. More than 41,000 spectators reportedly attended the event, out of which 10,452 came through Bahrain airport with F1 tickets or visas issued online, according to figures released at the time. Visitors included almost 20,000 GCC nationals who arrived via the airport and King Fahad Causeway. The survey, which was carried out on 310 0
108185 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Race fans in for a special track treat FANS attending the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are in for an extra special treat. The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) is giving the public the chance to experience the race track first hand. Buses will take people to the track to reveal a side to the BIC that normally only drivers enjoy. As well as taking in a lap of the track, passengers on board will also have the benefit of expert commentary from one of the Formula BMW Asia drivers who will give a unique insight into driving at the circuit. Fans will be able to get insider information on how drivers view the track, how it differs from other circuits and what to expect during the Grand Prix, being held from Friday to Sunday. BIC general manager Martin Whitaker said he was delighted to be able to provide this service. "It's one thing to watch the action on the track from the grandstands, it's another experience altogether to do a lap of the circuit," he said. "What better way to understand what the d 0
108186 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL BD10 million tower planned in Bahrain MANAMA MANAMA: A BD10 million multi-storey tower may be constructed in the parking lot of Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, it was revealed yesterday. The project is still under study, said National Hotels Company chairman Faisal Al Zayani. Meanwhile, the hotel's health club and swimming pool are being revamped in a modernisation project worth BD1.5m. 0
108187 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Farewell party for students THE ASIAN School held a farewell party for their 10th standard students, aged 15 years, at the Gulf Gate Hotel. The youngsters of class nine organised the party for their seniors, with help from their teachers. Abhishek Murthy and Deepthi Pullarkat were selected Master Asian School and Miss Asian School after a quiz competition. School director Joseph Thomas wished the students luck in their future. "It is a turning point in the life of the youngsters and a crucial decision making period. Whatever decision is taken at this point will be the foundation stone of your future," he said. "With strong determination, hard work, sincerity and other related virtues one can achieve a sure success in their career." These qualities, said Mr Thomas, should be the guiding principles in their life. The ninth standard students presented cultural programmes to mark the event, followed by dinner. 0
108188 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Classic films on festival screens SOORYA Bahrain has lined up two programmes for art lovers as the first offerings of its 2005 season for card holders. The first is a four-day International DVD Film Festival called Cinema Ghar, which runs from next Wednesday to Saturday at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. Entry is free for all, although preference will be given to Soorya card-holders. The first film to be screened will be Jour De Fete by Jacques Tati, at 7pm on Wednesday. The French film was released in 1949 and runs 76 minutes. It will be subtitled in English. At 8.45pm that same evening, The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin will be screened. This is one of the few films to use Esperanto in the dialogue (in a famous scene in which Chaplin imitates Hitler). Hindi film Kaya Taran, by Indian journalist and filmmaker Sashi Kumar, will be screened next Thursday, from 7pm. On April 8, there is a full day will three film screenings. The first will be at 10.3 0
108189 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Swiss culture is celebrated A SWISS Food Festival featuring a chocolate fountain is being held at the Movenpick Hotel from April 18 to 25, to celebrate the hotel's first anniversary. Swiss Chef Robert Speth, from Switzerland's leading restaurant Gault Millau, and his team of culinary artists are being flown to Bahrain for the festival, which is being promoted as a celebration of Swiss food, beverages, cheese, chocolate and music. Chef Robert is also this year's Dining Guide Chef of the Year. Festival participants will get the rare opportunity of sampling Chef Robert's French-Swiss signature recipes at the festival and his authentic Swiss breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinners. Swiss musiciant Christian Perreter will also perform at the event. The hotel has imported a special Swiss chocolate fountain, for guests to dip strawberries, marshmallows and healthy fruits into. From April 27 onwards, every Wednesday will be Swiss Night in the hotel with a special Swiss gourmet menu that will be launched by t 0
108190 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL A recipe for success... THE Association of Mar Ivanios College Old Students (Amicos) Bahrain Chapter is organising a cookery contest, in association with the Indian Club. The competition, entitled Taste of India, will be held at the club in Manama on April 8 from 9.30am onwards. It is being organised for the fifth year and is open to all, said Amicos general secretary Satheesh D'Costa. "The competition aims to bring out women's expertise in Indian cuisine," he said. The competition will be held in four categories, vegetarian cuisine, non-vegetarian cuisine, salads and desserts (excluding fruit salads and ice- creams). Prizes in gold and cash will be offered for winners in each category. "We urge sponsors to come forward and support the event," added Mr D'Costa. Entry forms are available at the Indian Club for BD1. The last date for receiving entries will be April 5. For more information contact Beena Thomas on 39132403 or Sasi Manohar on 39229077. 0
108191 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL It's party time at Savage... CLUBBERS are invited to Savage, at the Mashal Hotel, tonight for the Ibiza White party. The DJ line-up includes top UK DJ/producer Pete Doyle and local artistes including DJ Mazen and DJ Damian. Doors open from 10pm and tickets cost BD5 for men and BD3 for women. The event is organised by Analogue Soul, which is also hosting the Ibiza Deluxe beach party on Sunday at the Marina Club, from 5pm. Headlining will be DJ Touch, from France, who is resident DJ at the legendary Hotel Costes and Mezzanine Alcazar, in Paris. He will be joined by Pete Doyle, a line-up of local DJs and Aquasol Band. Tickets cost BD5 or BD7 after 10pm. 0
108192 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Open day at school Fun Fair MANAMA THE Ecole Franaise de Bahren (Bahrain French School) is staging its annual Fun Fair Open Day next Thursday. It will be held from 10am until 2pm, at the school in Busaiteen. Principal Jean-Marc Debry said that the event would be bigger and brighter this year. "Among other fabulous prizes we are offering a Mitsubishi Lancer, courtesy of Zayani Motors (Mitsubishi Motors) and National Car Rental Bahrain as first prize and a return air ticket to Paris, France, courtesy of Gulf Air as second prize," he said. The grand raffle draw will be held at 1pm. A wide range of activities will make sure that all the children and their parents have fun including Clozo the Clown's magic show, face painting, massage by Bodyline, lucky dip, treasure hunt, bouncy castle and much more. "To ensure no one goes hungry or thirsty we are proud to have the participation of Starbucks, Movenpick, Dominos Pizza and Fakhruddin as well as a marvellous buffet prepared by the parents," sai 0
108193 0 1525 BNEW LOCAL Fans rushing for Westlife tickets MANAMA TICKETS are reportedly selling fast for the Westlife concert on April 13, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. They are BD22 each and are on sale at Hava Java in Seef Mall and Al A'ali Shopping Complex and at the Dilmun Club, Saar. Mirage Promotions and Bahrain Duty Free are presenting the concert, with the support of the GDN, Bahrain This Month, Orbit, the Ritz-Carlton and Hava Java. Fans of all ages can expect to hear the very best of Westlife, with special guests Bombay Rockers from Denmark. The Irish boy band, made up of Nick Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan - have just released their new Rat Pack themed album Allow Us To Be Frank. This is a collection of the band's favourite classics from the golden Rat Pack era, featuring tracks originally performed by legends such as Dean Martin, Sammy David Jr and Frank Sinatra. Allow Us To Be Frank pays homage to those bourbon-filled years when the Rat Pack used to hang out and perform at The S 0
108194 1 1525 SPOR SPORT Bad luck Bahrain SAITAMA: Japan overcame Bahrain 1-0 thanks to a Mohammed Salmeen own goal yesterday to get their World Cup qualifying campaign back on track. Japan needed maximum points after last Friday's 2-1 setback in Iran but they were struggling to break down Bahrain's stubborn resistance until Salmeen's clumsy error in the 72nd minute. Japan moved to second in Group B on six points from three games in the last round of Asian qualifying for next year's World Cup. Iran have seven points after beating North Korea 2-0 in Pyongyang earlier in the day. Bahrain have four points with North Korea having lost their three games. The top two teams from each of Asia's two groups of four advance automatically to next year's World Cup in Germany. Japan coach Zico was under intense pressure to get a result after a fortuitous 2-1 victory at home to North Korea last month and last week's defeat in Tehran. His side dominated possession in Saitama but never seriously threatened until a Takayuk 0
108195 2 1525 SPOR SPORT Schumacher pins hopes on new car Michael Schumacher hopes Ferrari's new Formula One car can put him back on the winning track and end Renault's run of success in Bahrain this weekend. "The two screwed up races at the beginning of the season are just more of a motivation for us," the seven-times world champion, a winner at the desert circuit last year, told his personal website. "Everyone is motivated, everyone is ready to go. We will work on taking back the lead step by step, don't worry." With just two points from the first two races, Schumacher and the as-yet unraced F2005 have plenty of ground to make up. Spaniard Fernando Alonso leads the championship with 16 points and his Renault team top the constructors' standings with 26. Ferrari, rocked by stunning defeats in Australia and Malaysia, have pressed the new car into service two races ahead of schedule after trailing dismally at the last race in Sepang. Reliability will be the big question mark now, particularly in the Middle Eastern he 0
108196 3 1525 SPOR SPORT Beckham stars in England win NEWCASTLE, England: England needed second half goals from Steven Gerrard and captain David Beckham to grind out a 2-0 victory over a stubborn Azerbaijan in their World Cup qualifier last night. Gerrard's downward volley broke the deadlock in the 51st minute and Beckham rifled home the second in the 62nd to ensure Sven-Goran Eriksson's men stayed top of Group Six. Thrashed 8-0 by Poland on Saturday, Azerbaijan were clearly determined to avoid another hiding and defended in numbers to ensure there would be no repeat at St James' Park. For England, who hit the woodwork three times, the game looked like a re-run of their 4-0 win over Northern Ireland - deadlocked at halftime after constant pressure before a breakthrough soon after the re-start. The victory will also be a personal boost for Beckham, under fire recently from some sections of the British media and England fans, but who was cheered off the pitch when he was substituted in the final minutes. England applied the ea 0
108197 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Bahrain duo set for BMW series The Formula BMW Asia 2005 season roars to life this weekend with the opening two rounds being part of the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix programme. The new BMW Performance Center at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was the venue for the evaluation and licence courses for the Formula BMW Scholarship programme earlier this year, so it is fitting that the series should get underway at the impressive, state-of-the-art facility. BIC will also play host to the first ever Formula BMW World Final in December, which will see the top drivers from the four regional Formula BMW Series (Germany, the UK, Asia, US) go head-to-head for the first time for a $60,000 purse and, for one of them, the realisation of a dream - a chance for some laps with the BMW WilliamsF1 Team. Promoting the Formula BMW World Final this weekend will be Bahrain's Mohammed Al Baharna, who competed in the series last year, and Mohammed Mattar, in the two official BIC/BMW Motorsport promotional cars. T 0
108198 0 1525 SPOR SPORT BIC FACTS AND FIGURES Circuit: Sakhir, 5.417 km/3.366 miles, race to be held over 57 laps. Total distance 308.523 km/191.716 miles. Start time: 2.30pm Bahrain time 2004 pole position: Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari one minute 30.139 seconds. Race lap record: Schumacher, 1:30.252 (2004). Resume of 2004 race: Michael Schumacher started on pole for the third race in a row and won for the third time in a row as well, with Ferrari team mate Rubens Barrichello following in second place. McLaren had a miserable weekend with both cars retiring. Circuit details: Located in the south of the small island country and surrounded by desert, the $150-million Sakhir circuit is one of the most modern in the world. The undulating, clockwise Grand Prix layout consists of a kilometre long start/finish straight and 12 corners with three clear overtaking points. The crowd capacity is small, with just 50,000 seats. DRIVER'S VIEW: "In some ways, it is quite similar to Melbourne," says R 0
108199 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Montoya is out of Bahrain race McLaren driver Juan Pablo Montoya is out of this Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix after injuring a shoulder playing tennis during the Easter weekend. "Following a number of tests, scans and an examination by one of McLaren's medical counsultants, the team has been advised that Juan Pablo should rest to allow for the injury to heal," McLaren said on the team's website. He will be replaced in Bahrain by McLaren's nominated test driver, Spain's Pedro de la Rosa. The Colombian sustained the injury whilst playing tennis with his personal trainer in Madrid on Saturday. He slipped and fell sustaining a minor hairline fracture to his left shoulder-blade. McLaren said that Montoya would undergo further scans in two weeks time to verify how the injury was healing, but it was expected he would be able to compete in the San Marino Grand Prix at Imola on April 24. "I'm obviously disappointed not to be able to race this coming weekend," said Montoya. "However driving a Formu 0
108200 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Iranians open gap amid violence in Pyongyang SAITAMA, Japan: Iran coach Branko Ivankovic claimed his players' lives were in danger after their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in North Korea yesterday. Iran's victory meant they took the outright lead in their Asian World Cup qualifying group but their joy was soured by a rare outbreak of crowd violence in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, Japan kept the pressure on Iran but the Asian champions needed an own goal to edge past a determined Bahrain side 1-0 at home. Iran top Group B in the final round of Asian qualifiers with seven points from three matches. Japan, who suffered a 2-1 defeat in Tehran last week, have six. Bahrain have four points while North Korea's hopes of qualifying for their second World Cup are in tatters after three consecutive losses. In Group A, 2002 World Cup semi-finalists South Korea overcame Uzbekistan 2-1 at home to get their campaign back on track after defeat in Saudi Arabia last Friday. North Korean soldiers and police were hastily mobil 0
108201 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Ukraine edge Denmark to eye first Cup finals LONDON: Ukraine beat Denmark 1-0 to surge clear at the top of their World Cup qualifying group yesterday and raise hopes of making a major tournament for the first time after a heartbreaking treble of near-misses. Ukraine's Group Two success in Kiev, secured by striker Andriy Voronin's 67th-minute goal after an Oleg Gusev shot rebounded off a post, was the highlight of the early games among the night's 21 European zone qualifiers. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 Ukraine have twice missed out on the World Cup in a playoff and suffered the same fate before the 2000 European championship. However, yesterday's victory over the Euro 2004 quarter-finalist Danes takes them to 17 points from seven games and gives them a five-point cushion. Turkey are second on 12 after thumping Georgia 5-2 away with two goals for Fatih Tekke and one each for Tolga Seyhan, Koray Avci and Tuncay Sanli. The top-of-the-table clash in Group Three ended in stalemate as 0
108202 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Moarban best bet for feature event FOUR races for the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Cup and two supporting races are on the cards at Sakhir tomorrow. The feature event will the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Cup for Group Three imported horses which carries a cash prize of BD2,000 and to be run over 1,000m straight. This race, starting at 5.05pm, has attracted 10 top horses with Moarban expected to beat Historic Treble and Leozian. Moarban is owned by Hassan Ali Hassan, trained by Hani Marzooq and will be ridden by Jaffar Marzooq while Hassan Oun Hassan Mubarak owns Historic Treble which is trained by Sami Saloom and will be ridden by Martin Callaghan. Leozian is owned by Hussain Ebrahim Al Afoo, trained by Bader Al Abed and will be ridden by Ali Al Saffar. The Open race for the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Cup (Bahrain apprentice jockeys only) has also attracted 10 horses. This race, starting at 4.40pm, carries a cash prize of BD1,000 and will be run over 1,600 metres. Grave Deed, owned by 0
108203 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Basharat and Rauf star in FSI victory FSI defeated Ahmed Sharif Furniture by six wickets in an Island Cricket League match. Batting first, Ahmed Sharif scored a challenging 169 for six with main scorers being Naeem (55 not out) and Abbas (48). In reply, FSI scored 53 from the first seven overs and added another 56 from the next seven before they reached the target with a couple of overs remaining. Basharat (64 not out) and Abdul Rauf (30) were the stars of FSI victory. Pak Golden won a one-sided match by 121 runs after scoring 250 for six. Nassir Mahmood (124 from 54 deliveries, eight fours and 11 sixes) was the main scorer. Nass MCC fell well short of the target finishing on 129. In a Standard Chartered Cup game, Golden Neon lost by seven wickets to Young Stars after managing just 141 for nine. Prince (41) top scored as Younis (4-39) and Riyaz (3-32) picked up most of the wickets. Young Stars reached the target scoring 144 for five with Kashif Jilani (73) top scoring. 0
108204 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Awali bounce back in sixes cricket clash AWALI Taverners got back to winning ways defeating Moonshine Warathais in their second match of the 18th International Sixes Cricket Tournament without losing a wicket in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Batting first, Moonshine Warathais, with former Australian Test star Trevor Chappell as skipper, notched up 64 for one in their five overs after being sent in by Taverners skipper Bob Phillips. Taverners made one change from their previous match drafting in Martin Saunders as wicketkeeper in place of Barrie Radburn. Phillips bowled the opening over conceding 14 runs and was unlucky to have a chance dropped. Chris Ranganathan bowled the second and was more expensive conceding 17 runs but he claimed the only wicket of the innings to fall. Former Sri Lanka Test star Romesh Kaluwitharana (Kalu) stemmed the run flow and Andrew Dove (16 runs) and Sanjay Rathod (10) completed the remaining overs. Kalu and Rathod gave Taverners a fine start scoring 19 in the first over. The 0
108205 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Yahya and Katy complete showjumping double YAHYA Ahmed and Katy Lyons both enjoyed double success in the Tashan Riding Centre Showjumping event for juniors and adults held at the Sahara showground. Yahya, riding Kola, won both the Green Horse and Adults Intermediate classes. Katy, riding Kola, clinched Junior Three title and later rode to victory astride Cajun Prince in the Mixed Adult and Junior class. Other class winners were Carolina riding Miss Print in Junior One, Ali Mirza riding Gino in Junior Two and Muslim Ali on DHL Tosca in Adults Novice. Results: Junior One: 1 Carolina/Miss Print; 2 Fahed Sulaiman/Troy; 3 Ali Mirza/Gino; 4 A Aziz Khalifa/Troy; 5 Laura Hamilton/Muffy; 6 Kira Hokins/Nelson. Junior Two: 1 Ali Mirza/Gino; 2 Carolina/Miss Print; 3 Jordan Gillespie/Fine Art; 4 Carolina/Tetly; 5 Emily Atkinson/Tobi; 6 Mariam Al Khalifa/Afrika. Green Horse: 1 Yahya Ahmed/Zahe; 2 Danielle Sheepwash/Echo; 3 Sarah Mutawa/Rosa; 4 Maryam Habib/Amiral; 5 A Ali Ashoor/Amiral; 6 Nina Laurie/Matilda. 0
108206 0 1525 SPOR SPORT O'Neal stars as Heat rout Raptors TORONTO: Shaquille O'Neal notched 28 points and Dwyane Wade added 27 as the Miami Heat scorched the Toronto Raptors 103-91 yesterday, extending their franchise record home win streak to 17 games in an ill-tempered NBA clash. Toronto finished the game without coach Sam Mitchell and forward Morris Peterson, who were both ejected in the fourth quarter. Peterson was sent to the locker room after he fouled Wade and the two had a heated exchange before being separated. Mitchell joined Peterson a few minutes later after arguing a call with officials. Otherwise it was business as usual for the Heat, who toyed with the struggling Raptors until the fourth quarter. After allowing Toronto to get within 81-79 the Heat went on a 15-2 run to take command, improving their record to 53-18. In Cleveland, a weary LeBron James fired 22 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out five assists leading the Cavaliers to a 94-84 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. James, 0
108207 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Venus overcomes struggling Serena MIAMI: Venus Williams ended her sister Serena's quest for a fourth straight WTA Key Biscayne crown yesterday as she triumphed in straight sets in the pair's first meeting since the 2003 Wimbledon final. Venus advanced to a semi-final showdown with reigning Wimbledon champ Maria Sharapova with a 6-1, 7-6 (10-8) victory. The elder Williams sister, 24, kept herself on track for a fourth Key Biscayne title to go with those she won in 1998, 1999 and 2001. On the men's side, world number one Roger Federer kept his quest for a first Miami ATP Masters Series title alive, but the Swiss superstar was extended to three sets for the second night in a row. Federer won his 19th straight match, a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory over big-serving Croatian Mario Ancic. Once again he showed his ability to find a way to win despite a sub-par day. "I just have the feeling I can rely on many strengths in my game which carry me through sometimes even though maybe I'm not playing great," F 0
108208 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Depleted Windies face tough test GEORGETOWN, Guyana: A depleted West Indies will be looking to prove their detractors wrong in the opening Test of four against South Africa that begins here today. Long-standing left-handed batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul walks out on home soil at Bourda Oval leading a West Indies side that has been ravaged by the fallout from the sponsorship row between the West Indies Cricket Board, the West Indies Players' Association and current and previous team sponsors in recent weeks. Several times in his distinguished career Chanderpaul has shown immense fighting qualities with the bat that will not be out of place now, and should not be lost on a side in which there is no Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, and to a lesser extent Fidel Edwards. West Indies' Australia-born coach Bennett King believes Chanderpaul's side can overcome the mental stress that they have had to deal with over the last few weeks and offer a stiff challenge to the South Africans. The T 0
108209 0 1525 SPOR SPORT Al Tamimi off to good start BAHRAINI boxer Osama Al Tamimi claimed two consecutive victories in the China International Kick Boxing Championship being held at Cuango district in Beijing. Competing in the 85-kg category, Al Tamimi got off with a deserving win over Mark Smith of the US on knock-out in the seventh round and marched on by winning his second clash against John Edward of Australia with a similar finish also in the seventh round. A total of eight boxers are taking part in this round-robin competition. Al Tamimi will next take on Malik Johnson of Canada on Saturday also in Cuango and his fourth match will be decided later. Al Tamimi's three other clashes will be held in Macao. His main opponent will be Rod Rogers of the US whom he encounters in his last match to be scheduled later according to the results of both rivals in the tournament. Ebdon crashes out World number eight Peter Ebdon crashed out 5-0 to his 67th-ranked practice partner Ding Junhui in a major upset in the 0
108210 0 1525 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain The Third Gulf Education Exhibition, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, 9.30am-1pm and 4.30pm-9pm. F1 art exhibition by Greek Mina Valrakie, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Formula 1 Carnival featuring music, dancing and magic, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, 7.30pm. Tickets BD38++ per person. Contact 17580000. Performance by British DJ Jim Masters, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, 11pm. Resident DJ Karim Miknas goes on at 10pm. Admission BD5 for non-members and BD3 for ladies and members. Contact Arun at 36766627. F1 Fever with a chance to win tickets for Sunday's race, BJ's, Al Bustan Hotel, 10pm. Faces Bahrain launch, the new Indian arts group, Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, 8pm. Entry for guests only. Welcome Dance and Easter celebration, Karnataka Social Club, 8.30pm. Khel Show, featuring a performance by Indian DJ Taslim and a fashion show, Marina Club, 7.30pm. Tickets BD3 at the gate. Conta 0
108211 1 1525 WORL WORLD ATTACK FEAR BERLIN: Iraq's most wanted man, the fugitive Abu Musab Al Zarqawi, has been planning a chemical weapons attack in Europe. "We in Europe have been afraid that a big bang is coming sometime and that Zarqawi is planning it," an official at Germany's BND federal intelligence service told the political monthly Cicero. The Jordanian extremist and his supporters, who are linked to the Al Qaeda network, have been trying to get hold of arms components in Russia's volatile north Caucasus region and in Georgia, according to the magazine. Another BND source said that it was unclear whether Zarqawi's attempts had been successful. "We only know that he is working on it," a source said. Cicero said intelligence sources presume he has at least 150 supporters. Some of them are thought to have operated in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Wuerttemberg and the capital Berlin where they have tried to set up terrorist cells for a "holy war", it said. Zarqawi has claimed responsibility 0
108212 2 1525 WORL WORLD Ambassador in suicide bid ADDIS ABABA: Israel's ambassador to Ethiopia was in a critical condition yesterday after shooting himself in the head in an apparent suicide bid. The envoy, Doron Grossman, is "in a very bad state" and has been evacuated to Israel for treatment after being discovered seriously wounded in his apartment at Addis Ababa's Hilton Hotel when he did not turn up for work, a diplomatic source said. "He shot himself in the head in his room in the Hilton where he stays. It wasn't an assassination, we think he tried to commit suicide." Grossman, who is single and 48, took up his post in Ethiopia three years ago and was due to be sent this week to South Africa. 0
108213 3 1525 WORL WORLD 16 killed in new Iraq attacks BAGHDAD: Sixteen Iraqis were killed in attacks across the country yesterday, including six civilians who died when insurgents opened fire on US soldiers in the northern city of Mosul, security and medical sources said. A US Marine on patrol in western Iraq's Al Anbar province died when his vehicle struck a landmine, the US military said in a statement. Gunmen in the central Al Rifia district of Mosul shot dead police Captain Ibrahim Amir outside his home and tossed a grenade to finish him off. Mosul's Medical City hospital received the badly-burnt body which was riddled with bullets, a doctor said. Ninety minutes earlier, six civilians, including an elderly woman and child, died in Mosul when insurgents opened fire on US soldiers, medical sources said. Four of the dead were trapped in a burning car. In other violence around Iraq, nine people died. In Abu Ghraib, west of Baghdad, a school guard died in a car bombing and a school teacher was wounded, an interi 0
108214 0 1525 WORL WORLD Star lawyer Cochran dies at 67 LOS ANGELES: US celebrity lawyer Johnnie Cochran, who shot to worldwide fame as head of the legal team that got O J Simpson acquitted of murder, died at the age of 67, his family said. The larger-than-life Cochran died on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles of an inoperable brain tumour. His wife, Dale, and his family appealed for him to be remembered as more than just the lawyer who got Simpson off murder charges. "Certainly Johnnie's career will be noted as one marked by celebrity cases and clientele," the family said in a statement. "But he and his family were most proud of the work he did on behalf of those in the community." Simpson joined the chorus of mourners paying tribute to Cochran, who made his career by fighting alleged injustice by police in Los Angeles. "People will remember Johnnie for the outcome of my trial, but I will remember him as a family man and a good Christian man," the former football star and actor said in a statement. "Johnnie best repr 0
108215 0 1525 WORL WORLD Iran opens up secret atomic site NATANZ: Iranian President Mohammed Khatami escorted journalists on an unprecedented visit to the once-secret Natanz nuclear complex yesterday, giving a glimpse into the underground uranium enrichment plant that the US and Europe demand be shut down. He spent three hours inspecting the plant at the heart of Iran's contested nuclear development programme. Under international pressure, Iran suspended its work on building a centrifuge programme here, but it insists it won't give it up completely. The EU and US believe Iran is building the plant to develop weapons-grade fuel, part of a programme Washington insists aims at building nuclear arms. Tehran says its nuclear programme is only for energy production. The unfinished complex lies underground beneath a barren desert plain at the foot of a central Iranian mountain range. The area is ringed with anti-aircraft guns. Iran says the threat of a US or Israeli strike forced it to build underground to protect its technolog 0
108216 0 1525 WORL WORLD Sharon suffers cabinet blow JERUSALEM: Rightists who failed to torpedo Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Gaza pullout plan in parliament scored a consolation victory yesterday when he was forced to withdraw three nominations to his cabinet. Sharon had appointed the allies in a bid to shore up his flanks after a tumultuous year-long parliamentary battle to carry out the first evacuation of Jewish settlements on occupied land where Palestinians want to create a state. Meanwhile, Israel plans to bar thousands of right-wing Jewish activists from visiting a flashpoint Jerusalem shrine because of concerns they could spark violence with Muslims, a police commander said. Israel has stepped up security at the site, which Muslims call Al Haram Al Sharif and Jews revere as the Temple Mount, amid fears Jewish ultra-nationalists could mount an attack there to obstruct a planned Israeli withdrawal from Gaza this summer. Jerusalem police chief Ilan Franco said he had denied permission to a group of Jewish acti 0
108217 0 1525 WORL WORLD Hundreds stage anti-Mubarak rally CAIRO: Hundreds of Egyptians demanded the departure of President Hosni Mubarak in an unprecedented string of nationwide demonstrations against the regime yesterday, despite efforts by security forces to prevent the protests. Protesters heeded the call of the Kefaya movement in Cairo and the northern cities of Alexandria and Mansura, in the largest popular action against the 76-year-old ruler to date. Security forces were deployed in thousands to thwart what some commentators have suggested could one day lead to Egypt's own 'velvet revolution' and organisers said 30 protesters were briefly detained across the country. In Cairo, the capital's chief of security himself ordered dozens of protesters heading towards the parliament building to retreat or face arrest, forcing the organisers to take the protest to the journalists' union building. Soldier tries to overpower guards FORT BRAGG, North Carolina: A US soldier charged in a fatal grenade attack on two officers in Kuwait 0
108218 0 1525 WORL WORLD Jackson accuser 'rude and unruly' SANTA MARIA, California: A flight attendant who has undercut a prosecution claim that Michael Jackson served alcohol to his accuser during a flight testified in the US pop star's child molestation trial yesterday that the boy was unruly, rude and started a food fight. Cynthia Bell returned to the witness stand for a second day to testify about flying with Jackson, his accuser and members of the boy's family from Miami to Santa Barbara in February 2003. She repeated her earlier testimony that she served Jackson wine in a Diet Coke can and did not see his accuser drink from it, as the prosecution contends. Bell also said Jackson appeared noticeably relaxed from the wine but did not appear drunk. She said that at one point Jackson's accuser threw mashed potatoes at a sleeping doctor who was travelling with Jackson and it resulted in a food fight among many of the passengers. 0
108219 0 1525 WORL WORLD Annan's son 'lying low' LAGOS: UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's 31-year-old son Kojo was keeping his customary low profile yesterday after a damning report into his involvement in the world body's Iraqi oil-for-food programme. Staff in his oil trading firm Petroleum Projects International, in Nigeria's economic capital Lagos, said that they had no idea where he was nor when he would be coming back. Instead, Kojo Annan's lawyers issued a Press release insisting that Tuesday's report from former US reserve chief Paul Volcker had cleared both the secretary general and his son of any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, France reiterated its "full support" for Annan after the release of the report saying it excludes any irregularities on the part of the secretary general. 0
108220 0 1525 WORL WORLD $440,000 jewels stolen ZURICH: A Malaysian businessman yesterday had a suitcase containing jewels worth about $440,000 (BD166,320) stolen at the Zurich airport. The businessman, who had been to the watch and jewellery stores, asked his way to the information booth and left his luggage unattended. A thief seized the moment and made off with a suitcase containing four valuable jewels, Swiss police said. 0
108221 0 1526 COMM COMMENTA healthy appetite... Having read all the published novels of Haruki Murakami as well as being the proud owner of a diploma in sushi-making, I was not surprised the other day when I received an invitation to try the Teppan-yaki at a local Japanese restaurant. "From the Japanese yaki, meaning fried or grilled, and Teppan, a hot iron plate," I said. "Fresh food, cooked in front of you by a Japanese chef." "We see it," the young lady corrected me, "more as a single compound noun, Teppan-yaki, meaning buckets of quality ingredients, singed to perfection on a hot plate by a Samurai chef, washed down with three varieties of sake, and finished off with flambd ice cream." "Setting fire to ice cream has always been a passion of mine," I said, and I accepted the invitation with alacrity. When I arrived, my host asked what I would like to eat. "Just feed me," I replied, which turned out to be an excellent choice. The meal began promptly at 6.30pm with a bowl of edamame, the green edible soybean that you 0
108222 0 1526 COMM COMMENTReturn of old scourges exposes our vulnerability I remember so well standing in the rain, queueing with my foster mother for my turn for a chest X-ray, in a mobile unit designed to screen people for tuberculosis. There were scores of people, queueing throughout the car park at the back of the Marks and Spencer store, in my home town of Stafford, England. Both my parents had suffered from TB and it was in fact while being treated for this that my real mother was diagnosed with the lung cancer that killed her. I do not remember, but am told, that what was then our home in Birmingham was stripped of its wallpaper and bedding and other soft furnishings burned, because it was thought that this would cleanse it of the killer TB. None of this was within my understanding as we waited outside the mobile unit, but I do remember being frightened by what seemed to me so sinister, but was in fact a mercy mission to combat a disease that had gripped the nation. By the 1970s, TB had been all but wiped out in Britain and certai 0
108225 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Are we out of step with the world? WHEN I first came to Bahrain over 25 years ago, the working week was six days for everyone, usually 7am to 2pm. Then the banks came along and introduced their split shift which we have today for most companies. Then the government decided to have a five-day week for their employees. A questionable decision was made to opt for Thursday and Friday as the weekend off. Was it a wrong decision as for the last 20 years the Middle East has been out of step with the rest of the world? Whilst the Middle East continues its expected economic growth some thought ought to be given to the hard times which might loom ahead. The rumours circulating that the government is about to reshuffle the working week to Friday and Saturday being the opted weekend, is a sound sensible idea. It will also work better with the holiday periods as shut down time will be fact rather than a guessing game of who is at their desk and who is not at their desk. Please let it happen soon. Girl Friday 0
108226 0 1526 LETT LETTERS What's going wrong? I THOUGHT I was the only one having trouble with the Bahrain Postal Service but I see from your letters page (GDN March 22) that someone else is. What is going wrong? The airmail service from Bahrain used to be the best in the world - not now. Four weeks to UK and six weeks to the US is what I am finding. Jack Buchanan 0
108227 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Electric shock puzzler WHY is it every time I touch some metal objects or even skin contact to my colleagues at work and even into my house, I am getting this spark or something like an electric shock? This has been going for three to five times a day for a period of two years. Can someone else explain it to me further to relieve my worries each day? Mikee 0
108228 0 1526 LETT LETTERS UK postal mess to blame? I WOULD like to reassure 'Disgruntled mail user' (GDN, March 27) that he is not alone in being concerned about mail to and from the UK. Recently I have had two parcels (one in each direction) go missing. I know of two letters posted in the UK that have not arrived and two more posted from Bahrain on which the jury is still out. I suspect the problem is the UK end since I understand the level of service has taken a nose-dive recently. I collect first-day covers which my mother sends out to me regularly. Some have arrived late, some without first-day cover postmarks and some not at all. I have complained to the UK postal service but they absolve themselves by stating that more than one postal service is involved in delivery. A sad state of affairs. A Wright Another disgruntled mail user 0
108229 0 1526 LETT LETTERS A shocking case THE Terri Schiavo case in the US was a shocking one. Making a decision to disconnect a food tube was tantamount to murder, particularly where there was discord within the family on a decision like this. Was the cost of keeping her alive in question, or the husband who wanted to get on with his life? My mother had motor neurone disease, she was told she would survive two years, she went on for five years, was fitted with a voice machine to help her speak and was fed very successfully through a tube for a year and we were all grateful for the extension of life to her. She just didn't want to leave us. That time in the family was very precious and meaningful. I wonder if the feeding tube would have been pulled out if it were in the stomach of President George W Bush - again an example of US double standards, dependent on who you are, which string is pulled, or how much you have in the bank, never mind the ethics, these can be changed by the minute with just a wave of a cheque 0
108230 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Not just for the rich WE are so excited about the upcoming Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix Formula One race this week but what makes us so sad is that many ordinary citizens like us cannot afford the tickets. We really feel that it is an event not just for the rich people but instead for all people in Bahrain. If the government had spent millions of dinars for this event to become a reality it should benefit all categories of people in our country. Also the government wants all Bahrainis to welcome visitors with national pride and have it as a festival so all the people should get a chance to watch this great event at affordable costs. We hope the F1 authority will consider cutting the prices and give an opportunity to the majority of the citizens to witness this great event - at least by next year? Thomas Thachi 0
108231 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Far ahead in culture and civilisation I REFER to Donna Hall's letter (GDN March 27). I feel pity for him for how ignorant and uneducated he is at least in history. Civilisation originated in the Indus Valley, Nile Valley, Euphrates Tigris valley, China etc... which were all part of Asia/Africa, while Brits as well as most of the other Westerners were simple nomads. Eventually, we lost our leadership during the course of the Industrial Revolution and now we are building up. Please bear in mind that in terms of culture and civilisation we are far ahead of you. Your culture lessness and non-civilised lifestyle is spoiling our young generation. Do not think that Britain is the index for best, but for us, that index is the worst to happen. It is his stupidness to comment that Arabs have to learn culture and civilisation from Britain. Arabs do not require advice from Brits on civilisation as Arabs have a very strong culture which is socially and morally standing higher than any Western culture. The West can adopt some (o 0
108232 0 1526 LETT LETTERS UK postal mess to blame? I WOULD like to reassure 'Disgruntled mail user' (GDN, March 27) that he is not alone in being concerned about mail to and from the UK. Recently I have had two parcels (one in each direction) go missing. I know of two letters posted in the UK that have not arrived and two more posted from Bahrain on which the jury is still out. I suspect the problem is the UK end since I understand the level of service has taken a nose-dive recently. I collect first-day covers which my mother sends out to me regularly. Some have arrived late, some without first-day cover postmarks and some not at all. I have complained to the UK postal service but they absolve themselves by stating that more than one postal service is involved in delivery. A sad state of affairs. A Wright Another disgruntled mail user 0
108233 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Is crime really on the rise? I READ Les Horton's article (GDN March 29) about the rise of crime in Bahrain. I have recently brought this up to a Bahraini friend of mine and this person completely disagreed that crime has been on the rise. I was told that crime has always been like this but it wasn't being reported, and that's why everyone thought that it wasn't happening. I don't know if this is the case, but I will say that I do see an increase of bad attitudes by Bahraini youth in this country. I have not seen anyone being hurt or have never had anything stolen, but I have been harassed by the young guys who go to an all boys school very close to our house in Zinj. They act like they own the whole neighbourhood, and large groups of them make it very difficult to drive around in our area in the mornings. They gather around various houses, including our own, smoke, litter the area, talk trash, and stand/walk in the middle of the road and refuse to move even if you honk. It's almost as if they are 0
108234 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Charity tax compulsory? I RECENTLY went to the Post Office in the Diplomatic Area to post two letters: one sealed and one unsealed which contained printed material. The cashier told me the price for the unsealed letter and, when I queried it, admitted that it should be half that price as it was unsealed. He argued that I should seal it and pay the full amount and refused to take it unsealed. For the other (sealed) letter he did not include the charity tax of 10 fils telling me that I could pay it "if I liked". At my usual Post Office (Awali) letters sent without the charity tax have been returned to sender. Could the Director of Posts advise if unsealed letters of printed material can still be charged at half price and, if so, could he please inform his staff? Also, is the charity tax compulsory or not? B Lady lDIRECTOR of Posts Shaikh Bader bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said: "I would thank the reader for the letter and would like to inform her that the sec 0
108235 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Pearl of a roundabout... THE article (GDN March 26) that stated that the roundabouts were to be razed was welcome except when it stated that the Pearl Roundabout would be second on the agenda. This roundabout no longer poses a problem now that the highway by-passes the circle and it would be a great shame to raze a beautiful landmark of Bahrain. By all means raze most of the other roundabouts - but even some of these are landmarks - like the clock tower in Riffa! Find a balance between the necessity of easing the traffic burden and keeping that which has become an integral part of Bahrain. P Oldfield 0
108236 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Visa not renewed I AM wondering what I can do in my current situation. The situation is that I am working as a domestic worker for the last five years. The problem is that due to the death of my sponsor, my visa has not been renewed for a year now and the sponsor's son has told me that it's very hard to get my visa renewed. So I would really be grateful if you could provide me with the information that if I get an offer from a company which is willing to provide me a visa, is it possible to change my visa which was expired a year ago? Do I require an NOC from my current sponsor? I would really appreciate if you could tell me the procedures and fines for the late renewal so I could do the needful. Nizam Azam Moughal lA GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence spokesman said: "Firstly, the son of the deceased sponsor must request for the cancellation of the reader's residence permit. A copy of the death certificate of the late sponsor must be at 0
108237 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Heathrow or Thiefrow? TRAVELLING to London Airport Heathrow? Or Thiefrow as it's now called. Don't do what I did and put all your worldly goods into one handbag. Separate your credit cards into separate wallets. Make sure you have some spare cash in a pocket, and a pair of reading glasses on your person. Make sure you have packed separately a photocopy of all your credit cards, passport, driving licence, tickets, place these in another hidden area, make sure you have separate keys cut and placed properly; and also an address book with phone numbers separate because your mobile phone will also have gone. The hire car you have booked is useless because without your original driving licence you cannot take it, even if you are a regular customer, have a copy of your licence and the police themselves ask the hire car company, they won't budge. Make sure you have sufficient cash hidden to get a taxi to take you to a relative who will help. Make sure you have some spare passport pho 0
108238 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Expat screening? WITH reference to the recent announcement for the screening of ladies for breast cancer, is this also available for expatriate ladies? And is this at the SMC? What would the procedurebe ? Curious lady expat lA Health Ministry spokesman said: "This is only for Bahraini ladies and the screening will be carried out at local health centres." 0
108239 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Time to get tough I REFER to the front page news 'Getting tough with drivers' (GDN, March 17). Getting tough with the traffic police would be a better start. Nothing is going to change until their approach is getting tough with the offenders, not sometimes, at all times and on the spot and with everyone whoever we are. The times are uncountable when we see the traffic police stand and watch without action. Or we see no police at all. Without this action nothing will change and offenders multiply. Miles 0
108240 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Optimism in the face of death IT is with a saddened heart and a degree of irritation that I have been reading the debate about the "cost" of medical care. The veiled accusations as to doctors playing God, the accusation that the 'pay up or die' attitude is a Western disease etc etc. It is none of these situations. There is not one of us who works in this field who does not feel compassion for the dying - from whatever cause - or the frustration of limited resources. Ask any doctor or nurse who has worked in the Third World - rural Africa, rural India, in a disaster-stricken area - where even resources for fundamental care are limited or unavailable!!! I will not deny that there are the Mother Teresas in the world who work for purely altruistic reasons, but the vast majority of us work to make a living - and medicine is one of those fields. Sadly in the real world this means that medicine is a business too and just like any other organisation that has a budget within which it has to perform, so too do health departme 0
108241 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Let's protect dugongs... DOES anyone know if there is a protection society for the welfare of dugongs or manatees - would this come under the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. Having just come back from Central America, there is a conservation programme available for the protection and rehabilitation of dugongs/manatees that are damaged due to boat propeller blades. They are put into penned areas on the shore line and cared for until the injuries are healed and then released back into the sea. It's the young ones which are the most vulnerable. Such beautiful and docile creatures - we should try to protect this endangered species. Dugong admirer 0
108242 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Union Jack saga amusing... THE curious exclusion of the Union Flag (the Union Jack is only correctly named when it is flown from the rear of a Royal Naval vessel) from the wonderful festival atmosphere generated on your highways, leaves me bemused. BMW, Honda, Jordan, McLaren, Arrows and the Renault teams are based in England. Names like Moss, Brabham, Surtees, Hawthorn, Hill (two) Hunt, Clark, Mansell, Stewart and currently Button and Coulthard have all provided so much to the thrill of Formula One. Where would FI be without the contribution of the British? Flag up this recognition. Fl fan (Irish actually) 0
108243 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Sky's the limit AT SkyMap we draw maps of the most beautiful cities in the world by hand, in 3D and finished in water colour. There are currently 35 maps in our portfolio including Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Zakynthos, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Stockholm. We would like to add Bahrain to our portfolio and we are looking for local partners. Our maps are aimed at the tourist market, helping visitors visualise a city and find what they are looking for. If you would like more information, please contact me: skymap@otenet.gr Mark Etherington-Ritchie, Director Tel Mobile: 0030 6944 450017 Tel office: 0030 210 8942777 0
108244 0 1526 LETT LETTERS A true native... WE are visiting Bahrain for our second time for the Gulf Air Grand Prix and we must reply to the letter (GDN, March 29) where someone wrote in to your paper a letter titled "All of a flutter" signed by Spuss, stating that he was surprised not to see one Union Jack flying, and said have you forgotten Jackie Stewart and James Hunt. For your record sir, Jackie Stewart would never be seen wearing or have anything to do with the so-called Union Jack as he is a true native of Scotland and never sported the Union Jack on his race cars or his helmet or anything to do with his sport but only sported the Saltire, the Scottish flag so please do not associate the greatest ever Formula One world champion driver with the Union Jack. And as far as James Hunt, better known as (James Shunt in the sport) is concerned he also should be better forgotten as he was the world's dirtiest race car driver who caused many accidents with his bad English tantrums on the track, a John McEnroe of Formula One who would 0
108245 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Why a BD10 fee for children? CAN the organisers of the recently-concluded BAHMUN XI explain why a fee of BD10 was collected from the participating children? It is unfortunate that the children were made to pay to participate in an event which is supposed to be a major educational experience. With the money collected from the children and the event sponsors, it appears that the event would have turned in a profit for the Rotary Club of Adliya, whose membership I presume is made up of well-heeled businessmen. I am curious to know how much of its own money did the Rotary Club put in for the event? A very disappointed parent lROTARY Club Adliya president Khalid Fakhro said: "As (BAHMUN) has grown over the past decade, increased expenses have been incurred. These include printing of a full-colour programme book with participants photos and supporting documentation, providing meals and snack breaks to 350 participants for two days, and other incidentals. "We have, after long deliberation, dec 0
108246 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Police clearance poser A COUSIN of mine lived and worked in Bahrain for several years back in the 1990s. He has subsequently returned to India and is in the process of emigrating to the US. He was asked for a police clearance certificate from the CID office in Bahrain for the years he lived here. Can someone please let me know, does he need to travel to Bahrain to get this certificate or could I help him get the same? What other documents would he need? Michelle lAN Interior Ministry spokesman said: "The applicant is required to fill in a form (which we are forwarding to the GDN) and it should be produced at our General Directorate of Crime Detection and Forensic Science Service along with the following: 1. Photocopies of (present passport) pages 1,2,3,4 and page of residence permit stamp which was issued by Bahrain immigration and a copy of Bahraini CPR card. 2. Two current coloured photographs with blue background on matt paper size 4.6cm, non glossy. 0
108247 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Hotel prices high I COULDN'T agree more with Soman Baby's comments (GDN March 30) regarding the high prices and restrictions on hotel bookings!! I had a few friends who wanted to come for the F1 from Ireland but could only stay for three nights here, however due to the restrictions (ie five night minimum stay) they were unable to come. The whole policy badly needs to be reviewed for next year or we are losing a lot of people who would love to come to Bahrain for the Grand Prix!!!! Helen Morrissey 0
108248 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Film finance sought I AM interested in finding film financing with Arab businessmen in the region for a number of film projects that can shoot in the Middle East, India and Asia. Could anyone advise me on how to start this process? Lawrence Kane Producer Diamond Films International 0
108249 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Stamp of disapproval THERE have been letters published in your newspaper within the last week complaining about the Bahraini airmail service. I too have suffered problems just as highlighted by these letters. It used to take four to five days for an airmail to reach the UK but since the new year I have noticed that all my letters take three to four weeks and now for the last four weeks no letters at all are arriving. I, like the writer on March 27, have my letters weighed and put the correct amount of stamps only now to see my letters disappear for good it appears. What has happened to what used to be an excellent postal service? J S Stevens 0
108250 0 1526 LETT LETTERS History lesson needed WITH reference to Donna Hall's letter (GDN March 27) evidently she is unread in the history of world civilisation. To say that the English have been civilised for thousands of years is ludicrous. Please just go back a few centuries only or read Charles Dickens' novels to know how civilised your society was. Your worst giveaway is the treatment of the thousands of innocent civilians in Iraq detention so mercilessly abused and tortured, kept without trial for years. The same and much worse is happening in Afghanistan. Wife bashing, child abuse is the highest and getting worse every day be it the UK or US. Please read what Charlemagne had to say about the British when your Ambassador presented his credentials to the King. Often a little knowledge is dangerous. Obaida ul Chirooki 0
108251 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Bahrain beautiful SOON we will be leaving this beautiful, cheerful and wonderful island. Before that, I would like to thank the Gulf Daily News for publishing my articles. It is a brilliant newspaper. I particularly thank Les Horton and George Williams who personally encouraged me and showed me the power of the pen. I would also like to thank Amira AI Hussaini for giving me a chance to work on the reporters' desk for a few days and bearing with me whenever I made silly mistakes. I am obliged to the Toastmasters community for sharing their speaking expertise, which helped me improve my public speaking. I would also like to thank the Gifted Greens Gavel club for giving me a platform to perform and present my speeches. I would also like to thank the Lions Club of Riffa for their encouragement. I appreciate all the Drama Workshop trainers who skillfully guided me in the Mask Unmasked workshop. I would like to convey my thanks to the Alliance Francaise for helping m 0
108252 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Damsel's delight... I WOULD like to echo the letter (GDN March 23) regarding the Royal AA. I too, am a lady driver who is a member of the Royal AA here in Bahrain. I have recently had reason to avail of the service when my car broke down late at night in an isolated area. I called the AA and spoke to a very helpful man. Within 30 minutes, a Royal AA truck arrived and the man got my car started within minutes. It is great to know that such an efficient and professional service is available in Bahrain. I would encourage all lady drivers to invest in the very affordable BD10 per annum for the piece of mind it gives. Thank you Royal AA for helping "a damsel in distress"! Mrs M Cooper A very satisfied customer 0
108253 0 1526 LETT LETTERS A recent problem REFERRING to your letters page (GDN March 22), I see that someone else has experienced the same problem with the Bahrain Post as I have. I am a Bahraini and send many letters overseas and the writer is correct they are taking longer and longer to get there. I did not have this problem until a few months ago but now it is bad. What is wrong with the Bahrain airmail service? Abdul Wahab DIRECTOR of Posts Shaikh Bader bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said : "I would like to assure all readers that their satisfaction is our main goal here in Bahrain Post and I would like to confirm again that outward mail to every destination such as London, New York and Bombay is handed over to airlines on a daily basis and no mail is pending in post office premises. Readers may measure the efficiency of the Bahrain Post through the delivery service of local and incoming mail to Bahrain which I believe is the core business of any postal organisation. "However, concerns of mail delay wil 0
108254 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Worried writer I THINK Dr Tendai Mugabe (GDN March 22) is right to complain about the Bahrain airmail service, it is getting very slow. My parents live in the UK and I send them two letters a week. Before it used to take less than a week (best was two days) to reach them. It takes at present 21 to 28 days and that is for every letter. My letters to Hong Kong are also affected. There must be a big problem with the postal service and I trust it will be resolved quickly. Lucy Wong 0
108255 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Beaten up for helping a victim THERE was a bag-snatching incident in the Manama suq a few days ago. A poor Indian man was walking out of a shop with a pouch like wallet when a young Bahraini boy tried to snatch it from him. It was 5.30pm and not dark yet. He did not let go and shouted for help. Many people gathered and one Indian man held the boy tight hoping the police would arrive. The Bahrainis who were watching asked the man who was restraining the boy to let him go! He said he wouldn't and what happened afterwards is totally unbelievable. The Bahrainis, including the to-be thief, beat him up black and blue for trying to prevent a crime! This is one of the many crimes that did not make it to the newspapers. I cannot understand the mentality of the locals to support crime just because it was committed by one of their own. Instead of teaching them to stop doing this, they are encouraging it? I am not generalising, most Bahrainis are quite honest. This is reflected in Amira's columns as she 0
108256 0 1526 LETT LETTERS Why no mail check? I HAVE two questions for Batelco regarding their MMS (Multi-media Messenging Service). 1. Why is it not possible to check our MMS mail via an Internet webpage. After all Batelco does provide subscribers with an address, like mobile@mms.com.bh. Other operators provide this service. 2. Does Batelco charge MMS users for both sending and receiving MMS messages? Emile Almahdi lA Batelco spokesman said: "We would like to thank the customer for his/her suggestion. We are currently studying the issue of checking MMS mail via the Internet and will announce the launch of this service to the public in the future. "With regard to the second question, our customers are only charged for sending MMS messages not for receiving them. We would also like to inform customers that now they can also send and receive MMS messages to/from Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar." 0
108257 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL F1 fever on and off the racetrack..! A HOST of side attractions are lined up for the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix being held from today until Sunday at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir. Last year's event was a qualified success and the professional way in which the event was run led to it being awarded the prestigious Best Organised Grand Prix Trophy by the sport's governing body, the FIA. The BIC has developed a wide range of new entertainment activities which are designed to delight and captivate the thousands of race fans and families travelling to the Sakhir track. The FIA Formula One World Championship is among the biggest annual sporting events throughout the world and with it comes the trappings of glamour, colour, ultimate sporting competition and raw energy. Now the organisers at BIC will be adding greater energy and entertainment off-track to match the excitement on it. This year, race fans will be able to get closer to the drivers with autograph sessions in the F1 0
108258 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Free check-ups for 43 orphans FORTY-THREE orphans from the Sanabil Orphan Care Centre, sponsored by Al Noor Birr Society orphans committee, received medical checkups at the centre. The check-ups, organised by the society, included dental, heart and chest, sugar level and ear and throat checks, it was announced yesterday at a Press conference held at the society, in Riffa. The checks were conducted by doctors from the Muharraq Health Centre, Arad Health Centre, National Bank of Bahrain Health Centre, Shaikh Salman Health Centre, the Bahrain Dental Society and the Health Ministry. Society cultural committee member Shaikha Heyam bint Abdulla Al Khalifa said the check-ups were done as part of celebrations to mark the Orphans Day, which falls today. "It turned out that 75 per cent of the children aged seven to 17 years were healthy," she said. "The remaining children needed to visit dental and ear, nose and throat specialists." Shaikha Heyam said one of the children, a 13-year-old boy, was diagnos 0
108259 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Key Scrabble slot won by Balaba BEBOY Balaba's two wins brought him back into the top six in the 35th Scrabble playoffs at the Hilton, elbowing out Bahraini Mohammed Zafar, 15, from the summit. Ben Filio and Mujeeb Rahman also logged in two wins each, consolidating their leads at the top. Single wins were pocketed by Oswald Fernandes, Nestor Javier and Connie Ordenes who has made the best move so far of 109 points for rositing. Meanwhile, Kathirgamar Bhaskaran signed up for the Bahrain-Saudi challenge completing the 10-player Bahrain team for the tournament on April 15 at Yateem Centre. In other matters, at least two top exponents in the brainy game from Saudi Arabia are planning to return to the Yateem Centre today for the week's competition beginning at 2pm. 0
108260 1 1526 BNEW LOCAL F1 fever gripping Bahrain MANAMA Tens of thousands of fans have packed into Bahrain as the country hosts its second Formula One Grand Prix, which opens with practice sessions today. They will be flocking to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir to watch the world's top drivers prepare for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which climaxes on Sunday. Practice sessions continue tomorrow followed by pre-qualifying laps for pole positions. A host of side attractions and support events are also lined up for the three-day event. Gulf Air said that it was operating at near full capacity from virtually all destinations. "We are over 98 per cent full," said public relations manager Hisham Abu Alfateh. "We usually have five flights a day from Dubai and we've added two more for the Grand Prix. All of these are full. "The daily Beirut flights are also full as are flights from Frankfurt, London and Paris." BIC public relations manager Hameed Halwani said he could not release accur 0
108261 2 1526 BNEW LOCAL Heritage car park dug up in protest MANAMA AN entire car park has been dug up in an apparent protest over its creation by the government on privately owned land. The car park was created in Muharraq between the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Abdulla Al Zayed House of Bahrain Press Heritage and the Mohammed bin Faris Music House, which is currently under construction. It was paved for the opening of the Al Zayed centre in November 2002, which was opened by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The intention was to declare the entire area as a national heritage centre, Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, the patron of all the three cultural institutions, told the GDN yesterday. She said that the parking area was paved by the Housing and Works Ministry and that the owners were told that all issues regarding the ownership would be resolved. But Shaikha May and other officials found the car park dug up when they arrived at the Shai 0
108262 3 1526 BNEW LOCAL A living tribute to a legendary poet MANAMA THE memory of one of Bahrain's most renowned poets will be preserved for future generations with a new cultural landmark. The Gudaibiya home of Ibrahim Abdul Hussain Al Arrayed, who died in 2002, will be turned into a poetry centre, exhibiting some of his poetry scripts and other belongings. It will also comprise various halls for cultural activities as well as a library and computer room. The initiative was launched yesterday by Shaikha May bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, who is also the patron of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Abdulla Al Zayed House of Bahrain Press Heritage and the Mohammed bin Faris Music House, which is currently under construction. The Ibrahim Al Arrayed Poetry House will be a landmark reflecting the country's culture and heritage, Shaikha May said at the launch ceremony at the Shaikh Ebrahim centre. It will commemorate the memory of one of Bahrain's most influential poets in the literary movement and will be a 0
108263 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Language 'part of our heritage' MANAMA MANY languages are disappearing and nations must fight to keep them as part of their culture and heritage, says a leading Pakistani author. Globalisation will be a serious threat to national languages and identities, says intellectual, columnist, writer and humorist Mushtaq Ahmed Yousafi. "Only those nations with stronger global exposure and inherent strength will be able to hold their ground and prevail," he said. Mr Yousafi was in Bahrain at the invitation of Pakistani social and literary organisation Al Saqafa, as part of its Pakistan Day celebration programme, held at the Sheraton Hotel. The programme, titled A literary Evening with Mushtaq Ahmed Yousafi coincided with the 11th anniversary of Al Saqafa and was sponsored by Gulf Air. Al Saqafa was founded by long-time resident of Bahrain Mohammad Afdhal Najeeb, who died here in 2002. Mr Yousafi, a banker by profession, is the author of four books of short stories and is one of Pakistan's leading Urdu 0
108264 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini killed in crash A Bahraini man was killed and two others were seriously injured in a horrific car crash near Adhari Park last night. Mohammed Hassan Al Balouchi, 51, who was driving from Budaiya to Mina Salman on Shaikh Salman bin Isa Highway, lost control of his Honda Accord, hit another car before crashing into a lamp-post. He died on the spot. Bahraini Rashid Ali, 16, fractured his legs and Afzal Moosa, in his 20s, suffered head injuries and is in critical condition at Salmaniya Medical Complex. Traffic was blocked for more than two hours on the highway as firemen had to cut open the cars to free the victims. Bahraini Zainab Ali, 48, who was in the other car with three children, escaped unhurt. The accident occurred at 7.45pm. 0
108265 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Stage is set for comedy fundraiser THE Surya Charitable and Cultural Association is orga-nising a charity comedy show tonight. It is being held in association with the Indian Club and Al Osra Restaurant. The Al Osra Surya Guinne-ss Comedy Show by Cochin Guinness troupe will be held at the Indian Club at 7.30pm. The show, led by K S Prasad, will feature a musical night and mimics parade. Eighteen artistes from the Malayalam film industry will be taking the stage, including Prashanth, Manoj, Grashia, Anjana, Pradeep Babu, Brijesh, Unni S Nair, Kishore P Varma and Theresa. Association president T S S Panicker said money raised from the event will be used to help local charities and Indians in need. Tickets are BD25 (VIP reservation, admit four), BD10 (reserved seats for a family of two adults and two children), BD5 (admit two), BD3 (admit one), BD2 (standing). The mega sponsor is KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre. The main sponsors are Al Moayyed Contracting, Dasm-an Air Conditioning and In 0
108266 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL School secretary 'stole tuition fee' A BAHRAINI secretary at a private school was handed a one-month suspended jail sentence after she stole BD2,670 from accounts. The tuition money was paid to the school by the guardian of one of the students. However, the 45-year-old secretary, from Bu Kuwara, pocketed the cash on the last day of school before the 2003 summer holiday. It came to light after the holiday when the guardian was told the school had not received their tuition fees, but was able to produce a receipt. "After the holidays we returned to school, checked the accounts, took stock of other things and discovered that the funds were not entered in the account," said the school principal in a statement to police. "The defendant told me she did not know anything about the missing money or where it had gone." The defendant was found guilty despite denying charges of breach of trust and embezzlement in the Lower Criminal Court. She claimed she gave all tuition fees to an Indian collea 0
108267 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Gulf's best take up Scrabble challenge TWO of the Gulf's highest ranked Scrabble players are competing in the Bahrain-Saudi Challenge team tournament on April 15, at Yateem Centre. Ricky Gonzalez (Munirah), ranked fifth and Salah Salih (Dhahran) eighth, are part of the 10-member Saudi team. Others include Shafique Ahmed, Kate Blanchard, Ishtiaq Chishty, Mahboob Khan, Mohammed Amanulla Khan, Mohammed Osman Ali Khan, Sae'eduddin Khan and Kaleem Server, according to Saudi Arabia Scrabble co-ordinator M O A Khan. Mr Gonzalez and Mahboob Khan are each contributing two trophies to the seven-round team competition, which go to the players who make the best score, top move, most bingos and best non-bingo move. M O A Khan is providing scorekeeping support for the Bahrain-Saudi Challenge. From the Bahrain side, national champion Adeeb Ahmad heads the team which includes Shiraz Amith, Beboy Balaba, Oswald Fernandes, Ben Filio, Nestor Javier, Hashim Kalathil, Mujeeb Rahman and 15-year-old Bahraini Mohammed Zafar. 0
108268 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Charity cash stolen from Hoora shop THREE charity boxes containing around BD100 were stolen from a pastry shop, in Hoora. Thieves broke into Saaduddin Pastry through a bathroom window on the second floor, shop manager Fikhri Rashid told the GDN. They also tried to break open the iron safe, but were unsuccessful. "Staff who came to work at 5.30am discovered the robbery and informed me," said Mr Rashid. "We immediately called the police and they came and took fingerprints." Employees searched the building for the culprits, but did not find anyone. The charity boxes were kept at the ground floor entrance of the pastry showroom. Police are now investigating. 0
108269 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL BIC pavilion to woo investors A SPECIAL pavilion is being opened by the government at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir, to attract investment to Bahrain. The Invest in Bahrain pavilion will be open to the public during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which begins at the BIC today. Sponsored by the Economic Development Board (EDB), the pavilion features some of the most promising ongoing mega projects in Bahrain, including Durrat Al Bahrain, the Bahrain World Trade Centre, Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort and the Bahrain Financial Harbour. The pavilion is the brainchild of General Organisation for Youth and Sport (Goys) president and BIC chairman Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. "Formula One in Bahrain is not just about motor sporting. It is the greatest global PR exercise aimed at showcasing Bahrain's unique cultural heritage, regional strategic importance, modern business infrastructure and investment potential to the world at large," he said. "The yardstick for measuring is not just ho 0
108270 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Beauty queens honoured THE winners of the Indian Ladies Association's (ILA) ILA Queen and ILA Princess were awarded with their prizes. Sajna Krishnakumar was crowned ILA Queen and Neha Bhatia crowned ILA Princess. Sujatha Nair was the runner up for ILA Queen while Tina Mathew was runner up for ILA Princess. Among the members, the prize for Best Hairdo was won by Kiran Jinsi and the Best Smile was won by Astika Shetty. The Bold and Graceful award was won by Florine Mathais. Namrat Nanda and Asma Abdulla won another special category called Face and Grace of the Evening. The judges for the events were Renuka Ravindran, Mahin Al Wazzan, Shalini Sanjay and Girija Kumar. The event, entitled Beyond Beauty, featured a beauty contest at the Crowne Plaza on Wednesday. ILA President Thanuja Anil said the show was well received and appreciated by all. There were 33 contestants in total for both the categories. Fouzia Fareed and Shagufta Nasser compered the show. "We 0
108271 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Shop owner tricked out of BD260 A BAHRAINI allegedly conned the owner of a mobile phone shop into handing over BD260 by claiming he could get discount prices on Nokia handsets. The 30-year-old is accused of taking cash from the Bahraini owner of the store, as well as his mobile phone, before fleeing in his car. He was supposed to use the money to buy three mobile phones from a Saudi staying at the Palace Inn, the Lower Criminal Court heard. However, when the two men arrived at the hotel it is claimed the defendant, from Jidhafs, got back in his car and drove off with the cash and the victim's phone. "He told me the Saudi was short of money and had to sell these three Nokia mobile phones to settle his hotel bill," the 49-year-old businessman said in a statement to police. "I agreed and went to the Palace Inn with him. "When we reached the hotel he asked me to give him the BD260 and wait for him until he finished the deal. "While I was waiting I was surprised to see him starting his car ne 0
108272 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL $25,000 prize won AHLI United Bank (AUB) yesterday announced Hussain Taqi Mohammed Alhoori as the winner of the monthly $25,000 (BD9,450) grand prize in Al Hassad Al Rabeh prize draw. The second prize of $10,000 (BD3,780) in cash, as well as two prizes of $5,000 (BD1,890) and three prizes of $1,000 (BD378) in cash were also awarded. In addition, the quarterly loyalty prize of $15,000 (BD5,670), offered to customers holding certificates for more than one year, was awarded to Akbar Hussain Hajih Sabiri. The winners were randomly selected by computer in the presence of Ernst and Young representative Moa'th Al Shaikh, AUB internal auditor Hameeda Al Sekri, AUB product development officer Mohammed Akbar and Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau representative Basel Saeed at the AUB headquarters in Seef. 0
108273 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Glimpse of paradise in the Seychelles A country which thrives on tourism and tuna - the Seychelles offers a holiday experience as unique as it is varied, drawing on the amazing diversity of 115 pristine islands. The vast majority of the islands remain timeless miniature worlds, flourishing in splendid isolation far from the stresses and strains of a hectic planet. I enjoyed a four-day glimpse of paradise as part of a media group from Bahrain, taken on a tour by Qatar Airways. This tranquil yet vibrant country, largely unspoiled by commercialism, is one of the airline's new destinations. The group, headed by Qatar Airways Bahrain area manager Mohammed Ali, was hosted by Creole Holidays, a destination management company dedicated exclusively to the Seychelles Islands. The Seychelles are located in the equatorial belt and are therefore characterised by a generally warm and humid climate throughout the year. They lie between 4 -10 degrees south of the equator and 1,000 miles off the East African c 0
108274 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Spotlight on education SCORES of secondary school students attended a forum and exhibition on higher education, which was held at the Gulf Hotel. The event was organised by the Supreme Council for Women's youth wing. It included a presentation by Labour Ministry employment director Osama Al Absi on employment challenges of the future and the sectors of the economy which are seeing the most growth. The youngsters also visited an exhibition featuring representatives of various colleges and educational and vocational institutes. 0
108275 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Three injured in car pile-up A BAHRAINI man and two women were injured in a three-car pile-up near Tashan. The man's car was on the wrong side of the road and collided head-on with the women's car, near Al Khamis mosque, said sources. A Saudi family in a third car escaped injury when their vehicle smashed into the wreckage. The Bahraini man suffered multiple fractures while the women suffered injuries. All three were treated at Salmaniya Medical Complex. The accident happened at 11pm on Wednesday. 0
108276 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini faces fraud charges AN unemployed Bahraini is accused of conning an Indian sandwich maker out of BD500 after promising to get a work visa for his brother. It is claimed the 36-year-old persuaded him to hand over the money after showing him a photocopy of a visa, which he claimed to be in the name of the victim's brother. However, when he was supposed to hand over the original he fled in his car, the Lower Criminal Court heard. He did not attend the last hearing and the case was adjourned until June 6. 0
108277 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Competition builds up the tempo MTC-VODAFONE yesterday announced the names of the Formula One (F1) Best Caption competition winners. Customers were asked to send an SMS containing the text F1 to the number 2222 in order to receive a picture. Once received, the customer had to come up with a caption that best captures the picture's essence. The top three winners each got a Grandstand ticket to the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix being held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) starting from today until Sunday. The winners were Ghassan Ghaleb Ali Abdulla, twice, and Hussain Anwar Hassan Mohmood. To make sure all of MTC-Vodafone's customers are in gear for all the upcoming action, competitions and activities have been lined up in a bid to support the race. Customers can still win more prizes by sending their predictions and votes by SMS on who will win the race. Participants can send an SMS with the text list to the number 1111 to receive a full list of drivers and their allocat 0
108278 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Close encounter with celebrity drivers ... FORMULA One fans thronged to the Honda showroom at the National Motor Company (NMC) premises in Sitra yesterday to meet celebrity Formula One drivers Jensen Button and Takuma Sato from the BAR Honda Racing Team. The event was open to the public and fans had the opportunity to have their photographs taken with the Button and Sato, next to a BAR Honda racing car on display. DJ Damian provided entertainment for the evening, leading up to the grand entrance of the racing stars. In conjunction with the Honda drivers' visit, special rates and packages were offered on all Honda cars on the day of the event. In addition, all showroom visitors received one raffle ticket to win six F1 tickets. The raffle draw was conducted by Button and Sato. The team is in Bahrain to take part in the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Button said he hoped for a good race in Bahrain. "It was a very competitive race last year in Bahrain and this year we hope to do better," he said. 0
108279 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL British DJ is flown in for event BRITISH DJ Stuart Duncan is performing at Likwid, City Centre Hotel, Manama tomorrow. The Edinburgh-based DJ has more than 10 years professional experience and has performed all over the world. His first major booking came in the summer of 1993 at Edinburgh's Citrus Club. Stuart's musical tastes cross a number of genre boundaries: whether it's dark, tribalistic progression, futuristic, razor-sharp tech-house, or deep, soulful US grooves, his variety and adaptability is witnessed on dance floors the world over. Stuart performs tomorrow night at Likwid, the official pre-race party for one of the leading F1 teams. Admission is BD3 at the door and free only for guest-list entries. Resident DJ Karim Miknas charges things up at 10pm and Stuart goes on at 11pm sharp. For more information, please contact Arun at 36766627. 0
108280 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Gaelic Festival starts at club THE Second Annual Bahrain Gaelic Festival, jointly organised by the Bahrain Caledonian Society and the Bahrain Irish Society, will be held today at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Club, Saar. There will be a raffle, music and fun activities for all and 10 teams will be competing in a series of Gaelic sports. Entrance tickets are BD2 for adults and BD1 for children (aged five to 15). Gates open at 9.30am and the prize giving ceremony will be held at 6pm. 0
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108282 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL New arts group is launched A NEW Indian arts group aimed at promoting fine arts and culture was officially launched in Bahrain last night. Faces Bahrain was opened at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam premises in Manama and more than 500 people attended the event. A Malayalam drama, Meghasandhesham, was staged in association with the Indian Fine Arts Society (Ifas) to mark the event. The Kerala state award winner for best actor in 1994, Thiruvalla Baburaj and comedy artiste Joshy Nambikadavil, played the leading roles along with local artistes. The play is written by Francis Mavelikkara and directed in Bahrain by Sunil Kailas. 0
108283 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Philippine School honours 100 MORE than 100 students were honoured in three separate graduation ceremonies at the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB), A'ali, yesterday. Out of the total of 121 graduating pupils, 37 were children from the higher kindergarten; 52 from Grade 6; and 32 were senior high school students. The school follows the Philippine education system with the term ending in March and new academic year for 2005-2006 beginning in June. Hundreds of parents and other well-wishers attended the graduating ceremonies. The welcome address was given by the PSB board of governors treasurer Oscar Japitana for the HKG graduation; vice-chairman Reuel Castro for the elementary graduation; and chairman Rodrigo Acosta for the high school graduation. The acceptance and confirmation of the graduates was made by school principal Dr Geronimo Salem. The guest speakers were Mr Acosta for the HKG ceremony, Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya for the elementary ceremony, and Assistant Under-Secretary for 0
108284 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Raffle prizes won FAKHRO Electronics presented the prizes to the winners of the Sony Ericsson Dealer Salesman Raffle Incentive. The weekly draw was held over three weeks and the prizes were presented to the winners during the final draw held at the showroom premises in Hoora. The first prize is a Gulf Air Formula One Main Grand Stand Ticket for three days and the second prize was Sony Ericsson T290i mobile phone. The ticket winners are K C Shameer (Mazyon Phone), Sayeed Imran (196 Telecom) and Ebraham Salah (MTC Vodafone). K Siraj (Sky Phone), Shawn Mathew (Mazyon Phone) and Rasheed (Orange Telephone) won the mobile phones. The draw was held in the presence of Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau representative Basel Saeed. 0
108285 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL A chat with the champs RENAULT F1 champions Fernando Alonso, Giancarlo Fisichella and Franck Montagny met with fans at the YK Almoayyed & Sons Renault dealership in Sitra last night. The winners of the Australian and Malaysian Grand Prix chatted with fans and signed autographs. The event also marked the launch of the Renault sports range - the Megane Sport, the Clio Sport, the Clio V6 and the Megane Coupe Cabriolet. The two-litre Megan Sport starts at BD9,000. The two-litre Clio Sport starts at BD7,600, while the three-litre Clio V6 starts at BD18,000. The Megane Coupe Cabriolet, which also has a two-litre engine, is the only coupe cabriolet in the world with a glass top. It opens and shuts with the press of a button in 22 seconds and the price starts at BD10,750. 0
108286 0 1526 BNEW LOCAL Flags add to flamboyant atmosphere LEEDS-based Northern Flags, established 20 years ago, made a colourful contribution to this year's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix by supplying 4,000 specially designed flags for the occasion. The flags will be flown throughout the Sakhir circuit and along all the major highways of Bahrain to contribute to the flamboyant atmosphere that Formula 1 has become famous for, providing a colourful welcome to thousands of visitors. Northern Flags has been producing flags and banners for Bahrain over many years. "I was shown around the facilities at Sakhir earlier this year and the Kingdom of Bahrain is to be applauded for producing one of the most advanced circuits in the Formula 1 calendar," said Northern Flags managing director Sandy Goodall. "The flags produced by Northern Flags will also be at the focus of the final ceremony. As the world watches the podium ceremony, the flags will provide the backdrop to identify the nationality of the winners, whoever they may be." < 0
108287 1 1526 SPOR SPORT RACING FEVER! World champion Michael Schumacher will be aiming to fight back in the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which will be held at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir from today to Sunday, after seeing his championship defence dented in the opening two races of the year. Schumacher, who was received by BIC officials on arrival at the Bahrain International Airport yesterday, has won the last five world titles. He is hoping that the introduction of his new Ferrari car, brought in by the Italian team two races early, will motivate him to regain his form which saw him win 13 of the 18 Formula One races last year. He has won just two points so far after being hampered by bad weather in qualifying in Australia at the start of March and being simply out-paced by his rivals in Malaysia two weeks ago. But after weeks of relentless testing Ferrari believe their new F2005 is race ready and Schumacher is preparing to take the fight to current championship leaders Renault here in the 0
108288 2 1526 SPOR SPORT Crespo strikes for Argentines MONTEVIDEO: Powerhouses Argentina and Brazil consolidated their positions atop the South American zone World Cup qualifiers in yesterday's action. The Argentines stayed ahead on 28 points from 13 games after a 1-0 home win over Colombia, while world champions Brazil stayed within four points of their arch-rivals after a 1-1 draw in Uruguay. Ecudador's 2-2 draw in Peru left them third in the 10-country group on 20 points with Paraguay in fourth a further point back thanks to a 2-1 home win at home over struggling Chile. The top four teams after all 18 games have been played qualify automatically for the finals in Germany next year with the fifth-placed team going into a two-leg play-off against either Australia or the Solomon Islands. Former AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo was the hero in Buenos Aires scoring the only goal of the game over 10-man Colombia. Argentina set out in positive mood in front of 60,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental, nursing memories no doubt 0
108289 3 1526 SPOR SPORT Johnson puts US on road to victory RIO DE JANEIRO: Guatemala were brought down to earth with a bump when they lost 2-0 away to the US in a World Cup qualifier yesterday while underdogs Panama held Mexico to a 1-1 draw. Trinidad & Tobago picked up their first point in the final stage of the Concacaf qualifiers by holding Costa Rica to a goalless draw in the evening's other match. Mexico, who finished with 10 men in Panama City, stayed top of the group with seven points from three games, followed by the US with six, Guatemala and Costa Rica with four and Panama with two. The top three qualify for Germany in 2006 and the fourth plays off against the fifth team from Asia. Guatemala, fresh from a 5-1 win over Trinidad last Saturday, visited Birmingham, Alabama, with hopes of pulling off another good result as they attempt to reach their first World Cup. But US striker Eddie Johnson, celebrating his 21st birthday, had other ideas as he latched on to Landon Donovan's back-heeled pass and fired home off th 0
108290 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Akhtar hero as Young Boys win YOUNG Boys (Alpha Fire UK) scraped to a one-wicket victory with one ball to spare over Pakistan Club in the Ernst and Young-sponsored Bahrain Cricket Association 50-overs Premier Division. A superb knock of 73 runs by Saeed Akhtar from 37 balls including nine fours and two sixes helped Young Boys secure victory, which victory helped them to take their tally to 31 points, the same as BCC whom they will meet in the final today at 8.30am at the BCC ground. Batting first on winning the toss, Pakistan Club were all out for 257 in 50 overs and Young Boys reached the target scoring 259 for 9. Pakistan Club were given a steady start by openers Rizwan Baig (23) and Imran Sajjad (59) putting on 50 in eight overs. Azeem Ul-Haque (41) joined Sajjad after Baig's departure and took the score to 123 after 23 overs before the other opener was dismissed. Late contributions by Suhail (24), Jawaid (33) and Rizwan Jr (21) helped them post a challenging total. For Young Boy 0
108291 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Marion and Nash star in Suns' win TORONTO: Shawn Marion scored 26 points and Steve Nash had the triple-double as the Phoenix Suns pounded the Philadelphia 76ers 116-87 in NBA action yestrday to clinch the Pacific division title. Steve Nash, a leading candidate for league MVP honours, had 12 points, 12 assists and a career-high 13 rebounds while Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson each chipped in with 20 points as Suns fans celebrated their first division title in 10 years. Included in Richardson's total were three three-pointers giving him the franchise season record of 201. Allen Iverson, the NBA's leading scorer, had 26 points for the 76ers while Chris Webber scored 12. In San Antonio, Frenchman Tony Parker poured in 28 points as the Spurs eased past the Seattle SuperSonics 89-76, notching their 34th home victory to tie a franchise record. Argentine Olympic hero Manu Ginobili had 15 but was the only other member of the Spurs to hit double figures in the defensive contest. Both teams were missing 0
108292 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Wariner aims to create new 400m record RALEIGH, North Carolina: Olympic champion Jeremy Wariner said yesterday there was "a great possibility" he would break mentor Michael Johnson's 400 metres world record this summer. "That's a goal for me this year, if not this year, next year," the 21-year-old said during a teleconference announcing his participation in April's Drake Relays at Des Moines, Iowa. "Me and coach (Clyde) Hart had actually talked about that before, and we both agreed that it is a possible thing for me to do this year or maybe next year," Wariner said. Johnson, who is now Wariner's agent, set the world record of 43.18 seconds at the 1999 world championships in Seville, Spain. Best Wariner's personal best of 44.00 seconds came during his gold-medal run at the Athens Olympics last year. "(Coach Hart) said if I do everything I am supposed to do at practice and then go and run as hard as I can and let it all out on the track, there is a great possibility I can break it," Wariner said 0
108293 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Uefa ban Mourinho for two matches GENEVA, Switzerland: Chelsea were fined 50,000 euros and their manager Jose Mourinho banned for two games by Uefa here yesterday for accusing referee Anders Frisk of improper conduct in the Champions League clash with Barcelona. Mourinho was also fined 13,000 euros and his assistants, Steve Clarke and Les Miles, reprimanded. The sanctions were decided after the disciplinary committee of European football's governing body had listened to Chelsea officials answering charges that the club and Mourinho had brought the game into disrepute. Chelsea will receive the written verdict today and will have three days to appeal the decision. If they do it will go before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne The two-match ban means that Mourinho will not be able to coach his side from the touchline when they take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals. And he will be unable to enter the dressing-rooms and talk to his players at half-time in the g 0
108294 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Sri Lanka board appeals against suspension COLOMBO: Sri Lanka's cricket governing body has lodged an appeal against its suspension by the government over alleged financial irregularities, cricket chief Thilanga Sumathipala said yesterday. Sri Lanka Cricket petitioned the Court of Appeal late on Wednesday seeking the lifting of its suspension slapped by sports minister Jeevan Kumaratunga a week ago, Sumathipala said. "We are seeking court intervention to ensure that the minister does not take any further action in relation to cricket without giving us a hearing," Sumathipala, who was elected to his post last week, said. A date for the hearing has yet to be announced. Sumathipala said the minister's action in suspending Sri Lanka Cricket meant they could not function as an officially recognised national body, but it had no implication for their membership of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Incorporated Sri Lanka Cricket is incorporated as a private company but it is also registered with the 0
108295 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Kiwis rest worn-out Vettori for first Test WELLINGTON: New Zealand announced yesterday that it would rest in-form bowler Daniel Vettori for the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka next week as the Black Caps struggle to recover from their mauling by Australia. Swing bowler Kyle Mills was brought into the squad for Vettori, who suffered lower back pain during the third Test loss to Australia in Auckland this week. It was the only change to the New Zealand squad for the Sri Lanka Test beginning on Monday in Napier. Vettori was New Zealand's main strike bowler as the Black Caps suffered a 5-0 one-day series loss against Australia and then dropped the Test series 2-0. A statement from New Zealand cricket said Vettori was being rested due to his large workload in recent weeks and in hopes he will be available for the second and last Sri Lanka Test in Wellington starting on April 11. The Sri Lankan team began its New Zealand series in December but returned home following the December 26 tsunami. New Zea 0
108296 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Ganguly faces the heat in one-dayers COCHIN, India: Out-of-form India captain Saurav Ganguly will be under pressure to retain his job in a five-match one-day series against Pakistan starting tomorrow. The 32-year-old, having a torrid time with the bat, has come under severe criticism from fans and former players after failing throughout the Test series, which ended in a 1-1 draw earlier this week. He had a miserable average of 9.6 in the three matches. Public opinion has turned so strongly against Ganguly that he was booed by the crowd on his way to the crease in both innings in the final Test in Bangalore. As often happens in India, however, the mood could change quickly if he leads the way for a resounding one-day series win against the cross-border rivals. It is not the lack of Test runs over recent months but the manner of dismissals that have put Ganguly in the firing line. The Indian skipper was particularly shaky in Bangalore, where Pakistan won the match to level the series. He was st 0
108297 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Murali set to bowl again COLOMBO: Sri Lanka spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has been given the all-clear to resume bowling and start the second stage of his rehabilitation from shoulder injury. Muralitharan will travel to England on Monday to start pre-season training with Lancashire and now hopes to regain full fitness by the end of April and possibly play a one-day match against Glamorgan on April 17. "The shoulder is feeling great and although it feels stiff in the morning it is now completely pain free when I bowl," Muralitharan said. Sri Lanka Cricket's Melbourne-based surgeon Dr David Young declared himself satisfied with the shoulder after a consultation earlier this week. Muralitharan underwent surgery on it in August and February. The off spinner, desperate to return after the longest injury layoff of his career, immediately returned to the nets at his club Tamil Union and now bowls between 20-40 deliveries per day to gradually build-up strength in the shoulder. 0
108298 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Alonso fears for his 'safety back home' World drivers' championship leader Fernando Alonso admitted yesterday that he feared for his safety after fans and media besieged his family home in Spain. The 23-year-old from Oviedo, the first Spaniard to lead the championship in Formula One history, told a news conference on the eve of opening practice for this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir that he felt endangered by the frenzy over his success. Asked if he felt threatened by a media onslaught that led to his parents' home being besieged, he said: "For sure (I felt threatened) - but I was not there - I was away at a friend's house and I watched it all on television!" He added: "Leading the championship is not really a problem. It does not give me any more pressure because we have only done two races - and, maybe, I will feel pressure if we were in the last two races and I was leading the championship. "But now is not a real picture of all the drivers and all the championsh 0
108299 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Cycling chief attends meeting THE Bahrain Cycling Association president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa attended the Asian Cycling Federation's general assembly meetings held recently in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Shaikh Khalid will also be attending the Arab Cycling Association's (ACA) general assembly meetings scheduled in the UAE from Saturday to Monday to elect the new ACA panel for the next term. 0
108300 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Taverners gain second victory AWALI Taverners of Bahrain defeated Surrey Vagrants from England to win their second match in the 18th International Cricket Sixes Tournament being held at Chiang Mai, Thailand. The win for the Taverners was particularly sweet as the Vagrants had former Essex skipper Paul Prichard and current South Australia state star Mark Higgs in its ranks. The Taverners left out Andrew Dove and restored Barrie Radburn who took over the wicket keeping duties from Martin Saunders. Once again Taverners skipper Bob Phillips won the toss and chose to field. Prichard and Higgs notched up 19 from the first over by Phillips and added a further 16 in Chris Ranganathan's over. Prichard (31 retired) batted excellently as Taverners bowlers Romesh 'Kalu' Kaluwitharana conceded 18 runs and Saunders 19. Secure Sanjay Rathod conceded nine runs in the last over as the Vagrants totalled 81 without loss in five overs with Higgs (28 not out) and Hinds (14 not out). Tavern 0
108301 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Realistic Trulli to wait for success A very optimistic and realistic Jarno Trulli downplayed his and his team's title ambitions for 2005 at the Bahrain International Circuit yesterday. "I want to keep my feet on the ground and go for points in every race this season. But Toyota must not jump the gun and go for victory this year," warned the Italian who drove big-spending Toyota to their first podium in Malaysia finishing second to Renault's Fernando Alonso. Like Toyota, Trulli has also had an encouraging start to the new season qualifying in the front row in both the races so far in Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur. Trulli was ninth in Melbourne while his teammate Ralf Schumacher was 12th. More interestingly, Toyota are second to Renault in the constructors table with 12 points, 14 points behind the French leaders. "I think it's too early to talk about titles. This is not the right season to fight for the championship though we have had a very good start," said Trulli in stark contrast to technical direct 0
108302 0 1526 SPOR SPORT Young Armaan aims high in BMW series The Formula BMW Asia 2005 season, which begins at the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir on Saturday, will see the youngest driver in the field in India's Armaan Ebrahim who will be hoping to make a mark driving for Team E-Rain in the support event for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The first round will be held tomorrow with the second scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Both will be run over 10 laps. Fifteen-year-old Armaan will be competing with "home heroes" Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa and 17-year-old Hamed Al Fardan, along with three other Formula BMW Juniors - each winner of a $50,000 subsidy and season-long Education and Coaching Programme. The youngsters are: 20-year-old Wang Jian-Wei (CHN/China Team); An Suk-Won (KOR/E-Rain), 18; and Michael Patrizi (AUS/Team Meritus), 20. Also making their Formula BMW Asia debuts this season are 20-year-old Colombo-born Sri Lankan, Dejan de Zoysa (Minardi Team Asia), who is entered in the 2005 Rookie Cup, and team mate J 0
108303 0 1526 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain GULF Air Bahrain Grand Prix first practice, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, 11am-noon; second practice, 2pm-3pm. Contact 17450000. Special track treat for F1 ticket holders, Bahrain International Circuit, public car park 10, 3pm. Contact 17450000. Free bus transfers available for F1 fans travelling to and from the Bahrain International Circuit. Airport to hotels and back: available every 30 minutes around the clock. Hotels/airport to the BIC: available every 30 minutes from 6am to 2pm; and BIC to hotels/airport: available every 30 minutes from 3pm to 11pm. Entertainment including face painting, balloon art, fun and games, henna and music by a DJ to be held to mark the opening of Babymart, Megamart, Lulu Centre, Manama, 6pm-10pm. Entrance free. Performance by DJ Damian and partner DJ X, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, 10pm. Beach party - Arena... Always On! - featuring DJ Omid 16B, Marina Club, 10pm. Tickets BD6 for regular and BD9 for VIP. Fo 0
108304 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Power firm stake bought MANAMA: The Pension Fund Commission of Bahrain subscribed to 10 per cent of the share capital of Al Ezzel Power Company, which will run Bahrain's first private power plant. The company is a Belgian-Gulf consortium equally owned by Tractebel EGI, a division of the Suez Group, and Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC). The first phase of the $500 million (BD189m) project is expected to come onstream in the Hidd Industrial Area by April next year. The company said an agreement was signed between the fund's director-general, Rashid Al Meer, and Al Ezzel Power chairman Shafiq Ali. 0
108305 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Forum on dirty cash MANAMA: A one-day international seminar on anti-money laundering is being held at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) on Thursday from 8am to 10am. The event is being organised by the institute in co-operation with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (Acams). Anti-money laundering professionals Dr Mukund Ballal and Zohair Al Ravi will conduct the seminar. BMA banking supervision executive director Dr Khalid Ateeq will be the keynote speaker at the event, which will be attended by officials from Bahrain's financial sector. 0
108306 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Manager appointed MANAMA: Best Western Elite Hotel, Manama, appointed Sujay Uchil as general manager. This is in addition to his existing responsibility as Bahrain's Hawar Resort Hotel general manager, where he has been heading the operations for the last seven years. Prior to this appointment, he was Best Western Baisan Tower, Manama, food and beverage manager. Mr Uchil has been in Bahrain for the past 10 years. 0
108307 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Board gives go-ahead for airline IPO NEW DELHI: The board of state-owned Indian Airlines yesterday approved an initial public offering to help fund an ambitious plan to buy new planes to compete in the fast growing airline market. "The board has approved the proposal for an initial public offering. We will go ahead as soon as the government gives formal clearance," an airline spokesman said. He said the size of the offering will be decided after the government clearance. The proposal follows a successful initial share sale last month by Indian Airlines' main rival, Jet Airways, which raised $374 million and was heavily oversubscribed. Officials said they did not anticipate any hitches since Aviation Minister Praful Patel had asked the two state-owned airlines, Indian Airlines and international flag carrier Air India, to prepare the ground for initial share sales this year. 0
108308 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS UK house costs fall sharply LONDON: British house prices fell at their sharpest rate in nearly a decade in March, the Nationwide building society said yesterday, just five weeks before an expected general election. Government bonds and interest rate futures shot up after the figures on speculation the Bank of England will not be in a hurry to raise borrowing costs again as evidence builds that five hikes in one-and-a-half years are taking their toll on consumers and the once-booming housing market. "April is a fairly confident no-change. May will be a closer call but on balance we think there are significant downside risks to the economy," said David Page, economist at Investec. "Overall it doesn't look like the housing market is plummeting, but it is soft and the Nationwide figures remind us there is a risk of a more pernicious slump." However, Bank of England figures showed that mortgage lending rose slightly in February to their highest rate in five months. Nationwide said prices fell a s 0
108309 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS LG to invest in Polish plant WARSAW: South Korea's LG Electronics is likely to sign a deal with Polish authorities next week to start a $130 million expansion of its TV plant in northern Poland, a Polish official said yesterday. The group plans to expand its TV factory in Mlawa to produce plasma televisions and negotiations concerning state aid are largely finished. 0
108310 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS US faces sanctions threat in dumping row BRUSSELS: The European Union said yesterday it will impose sanctions on US products to punish Washington for failing to repeal an anti-dumping law ruled illegal by the World Trade Organisation. The EU head office said its action would be joined soon by seven other nations, including Japan, South Korea and Brazil, which had all requested the WTO authorise retaliation. The EU's move would slap additional duties of up to 15 per cent as of May 1 on such US products as paper, textiles, machinery and farm produce. The EU head office said it took its latest step "in light of the continuing failure of the United States to bring its legislation in conformity with its international obligations." The 25-nation EU has long asked for Washington to repeal the three-year-old legislation and the administration of President George W Bush has been working with Congress to bring it into line with its obligations. Yet the EU executive Commission said it was time to bring further action. 0
108311 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Loan facility pact sealed MANAMA: The Bahrain-based Arab Investment Company has been mandated to arrange a three-year, $45 million syndicated term loan facility for the Export and Finance Bank, in Jordan. A consortium of regional and international banks and financial institutions have participated. The facility, with a mandate to raise $20m, was oversubscribed. The following other institutions have participated in the syndication: Doha Bank (Qatar), Commercial International Bank (Egypt), Arab Banking Corporation (Jordan), Jordan International Bank (UK), British Arab Commercial Bank (UK), Mashreq Bank (Dubai), National Bank of Kuwait (Jordan), Ahli Bank of Kuwait (Kuwait), Banque Audi SAL - Audi Saradar Group (Lebanon), State Bank of India (Bahrain) and Arab Bank (Bahrain). The facility was signed in Bahrain by Export and Finance Bank chairman Ali Al Husry and Arab Investment Company banking unit general manager Faisal Al Alwan. 0
108312 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Palestinian budget passed RAMALLAH: The Palestinian parliament passed a 2005 budget yesterday meant to encourage economic reforms and accountability. For the first time, the budget carried a provision for accounts to be examined by international auditors. President Mahmoud Abbas has pledged to clean up Palestinian finances to satisfy foreign donors and local calls for change. The Palestinian Legislative Council approved the $2.2 billion budget, with several amendments, by 35 votes to 10. "The amendments, as well as the debate, have shown great support for the reform process incorporated in the budget," Finance Minister Salam Fayyad said. Fayyad, a former International Monetary Fund official, is credited with initiating a major financial reform process that has won praise from the international community. The long-delayed budget was presented after the Palestinians won pledges of $1.2bn in aid from international donors at a meeting in London on March 1. 0
108313 0 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Wolfowitz is appointed World Bank chief WASHINGTON: The World Bank yesterday appointed Paul Wolfowitz its 10th president with the controversial US deputy defence secretary pledging to uphold the body's "noble mission" of eradicating poverty. But Wolfowitz has an uphill task ahead of him to win over critics convinced that he will turn the world's pre-eminent organisation in the field of international development into a tool of US "neoconservative" politics. The World Bank's 24 executive directors, representing its 184 member nations, said they unanimously selected Wolfowitz as the successor to James Wolfensohn, who steps down on May 31 after a decade in the job. Wolfowitz underscored his intention to pursue the bank's mandate of attacking global poverty. "I want to thank the board for their vote of confidence. It is humbling to be entrusted with the leadership of this critically important international institution," he said in a statement. Wolfowitz recalled that he had visited Brussels on Wednesday to m 0
108314 1 1526 BUSI BUSINESS BD13m Meena 7 Towers sales campaign launched MANAMA: A campaign to market apartments at the BD13 million residential project Meena 7 Towers got under way at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday. One, two and three-bedroom units are available in blocks A, B and C, while bookings for blocks D through G will begin in about two weeks, said Norwich International Consultants (NIC) managing director Neil D'Silva. Construction work on the towers began on January 31 following the appointment of main contractor Charilaos Apostolides (Bahrain) (CHAPO). The towers will be built towards the south of Al Marsa Floating City, on Amwaj Islands. They are a project of Al Saraya Properties Company, businessman Saud Kanoo and other investors. Meena 7 comprises seven condominiums built on an area of 22,722 square metres, with a total built-up area of 44,000 square metres, that house 213 apartments. Around 90pc of towers A, B and C have been sold, NIC operations manager Patricia Assaad said. The marketi 0
108315 2 1526 BUSI BUSINESS Shamil in China fund deal MANAMA: Shamil Bank Bahrain has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with prominent Chinese financial institution CITIC International Assets Management (CITICIAM) to set up and launch a $150 million closed-end China Realty Fund. The MoU was signed during a ceremony in the Chinese capital Beijing between Shamil Bank private banking group head Jamal Tartir and CITICIAM chief executive officer Kelvin Lo. Present at the ceremony were senior representatives from both parties including Solidarity, a Dar Al Mal Islami (DMI) subsidiary and an affiliate of Shamil Bank, investments head Ziyad Arekat, CITIC United Asia Investment managing director Qiu Yi Yong and CITICIAM business development general manager Abby Yu. Mr Tartir said the bank is always looking for opportunities to expand investment potential for its customers and the proposed Sharia-compliant fund is scheduled for launch in June. "This is truly a pioneering instrument as it will unlock the huge potential of 0
108316 3 1526 BUSI BUSINESS High crude prices boost Gulf economic growth DUBAI: The economies of Qatar and the UAE are booming at record rates of growth, largely owing to high oil prices and their openness to foreign investment. Experts forecast they can sustain high growth in the next few years. Meanwhile, crude futures climbed more than $2 a barrel yesterday on the heels of rising prices for petrol and heating oil futures. The US government released data on Wednesday that showed a large increase in crude inventories, but a drop in the supply of petrol and distillate fuel. Also swirling around the market yesterday was a report by Goldman Sachs that raised the possibility of oil prices rising as high as $105 a barrel. According to government figures, the economies of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates showed substantial rises in Gross Domestic Product last year. In the UAE, GDP rose 15 per cent from 293 billion dirhams ($79.7bn) in 2003 to 337bn dirhams in 2004. In the emirate of Dubai itself, official figures say GDP rose 16.7 0
108317 0 1526 WORL WORLD Politically correct lunacy... The Six Nations enticed me back to a February England as cold as charity, for the England-France debacle. England's problem was not the players or injuries, but clearly leadership on and off the field. You could say the same about the country. For my old Lincolnshire pals, for once, the Six Nations was overshadowed by the ban on hunting with dogs. An unenforceable law imposed on rural society by the votes of a petty class obsessed urban Labour 'Luvvies'. Forget the hounds, which rural copper is going to venture out at midnight to arrest the boys lamping hares with their lurchers? What a waste of parliamentary and police time. But the hunting with dogs nonsense has been outdone by the latest anti-rural political foolishness. It has slipped most people's notice that a shotgun licence to shoot vermin will now only be granted where 'the person can demonstrate that appropriate non-lethal methods of control such as scaring are ineffective'. I kid you not. So, the farmer before he shoots the crows and pigeons 0
108318 0 1526 WORL WORLD Florida judge is branded a murderer MIAMI: Florida Judge George Greer, who ordered the feeding tube of brain-damaged Terri Schiavo removed, has been called a murderer and told that he's going to hell. He has been vilified by evangelical Christians, right-wing radio talk hosts, right-to-life advocates, anti-abortion campaigners and Republican politicians - House of Representatives Majority Leader Tom DeLay said Schiavo was the victim of "murder" and "medical terrorism." Yet friends and acquaintances say Greer is a kind and compassionate conservative, a calm and polite Republican, a churchgoer with a keen intellect and a profound respect for the law. He probably never expected to have to live under police guard. "Judge Greer is an evangelical Christian man," Bruce McManus, a Florida probate lawyer, told the St Petersburg Times. "He believes in the right to life as much as some of the people who are criticising him so harshly. 0
108319 0 1526 WORL WORLD Snapshots of William irk Charles LONDON: Prince Charles was in a sour mood yesterday as the popular Press in Britain thrilled at the prospect of a new queen for Britain - not his fiancee, but his dashing young son's girlfriend. Prince William, 22, and his live-in college companion Kate Middleton, also 22, were pictured in all four national tabloids enjoying themselves at the exclusive Klosters ski resort in the Swiss Alps. Charles, who weds his long-time lover Camilla Parker-Bowles in a civil ceremony in Windsor, west of London, next Friday, appeared in the background of some of the snapshots, along with his younger son Prince Harry. "Kate is treated and accepted as one of the family," the best-selling Sun newspaper quoted a source close to the royal family as saying. "This is the strongest sign to date that deep down, Kate is viewed as a future wife for William," who is second in line to the British throne occupied by his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, the source said. The Daily Express said Mi 0
108320 0 1526 WORL WORLD Pope's health worsening VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II's medical condition has worsened, the Italian news agency Apcom reported last night, citing unidentified sources. The Vatican had no immediate comment on the report. Apcom said doctors had to intervene because of a "worrying lowering of (blood) pressure." The news agency also said the Pope reportedly had a high fever. Earlier in the day, the Vatican dismissed suggestions that the Pope was wavering in his decision to carry on in the papacy as he struggles to regain his health, and top cardinal Cardinal Renato Martino said the best measures would be employed to keep him alive. Earlier, a Vatican source said the Pope has lost 19kg in a few weeks and there is great concern over his chances of recovery. Doctors began feeding the pontiff through a nasal tube on Wednesday, the Vatican announced, admitting that his recovery from a throat operation was "slow." Church opinion-makers are divided over whether John Paul should be seen in public, some 0
108321 0 1526 WORL WORLD Ministers are killed in crash NEW DELHI: A pilot and two provincial ministers, one a billionaire industrialist, were killed yesterday when their helicopter crashed in a village in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said. Two others on board the seven-seat private executive helicopter were injured in the crash in the village of Gangoh, police superintendent S A Rizvi said, adding that one of them was in critical condition. Haryana state power minister Om Prakash Jindal, 75, - head of the $2.2-billion steel manufacturing Jindal group - his colleague, agriculture minister Surinder Singh, and the pilot died instantly when the French-made aircraft crashed after a mid-air engine failure, officials said. Survivor Ved Goyal, a relative of Jindal, later told private television networks that the New Delhi-bound aircraft came down moments after its engine failed some 30 minutes after taking off from the Harayana state capital of Chandigarh. 0
108322 0 1526 WORL WORLD Ozzy and wife flee from fire at mansion LONDON: Rocker and reality TV star Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon suffered another blow at their English country mansion after they had to flee when a fire broke out while they were in bed. The blaze started in the living room of the mansion at Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire, after the heat from a fireplace ignited wood panelling. The former Black Sabbath frontman and his wife, who were not injured, were roused by an alarm and ran into the garden with their pets. Two staff members were treated at the scene after breathing in smoke, a fire service spokesman said. Sharon Osbourne told The Sun newspaper she was devastated by the fire. "I am beginning to wonder when this bad luck's ever going to stop," she said. Last November, thieves broke into the mansion and stole a large amount of jewellery. Eleven months before the burglary, Ozzy Osbourne suffered a near-fatal crash on his quad bike in the mansion grounds. A spokeswoman for Buckingh 0
108323 0 1526 WORL WORLD US slammed GENEVA: A UN human rights expert yesterday accused the US of trying to destroy the UN's top human rights forum, after he was denied a chance to meet officials in Washington about the US embargo on Cuba. Jean Ziegler told journalists that has sought to meet US State Department officials dealing with the embargo on Cuba last year during a planned mission to Washington and the Caribbean island to examine the food situation in Cuba. "The government of the United States refused to accept my request," the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food told journalists. Referring to proposals for reform of the United Nations human rights commission, which is currently meeting in Geneva, Ziegler said: "The (President George W) Bush regime not only wants to destroy the Commission, to reduce it, to bring it back to New York to control it." 0
108324 0 1526 WORL WORLD Sports complex at Maze Britain said yesterday it will build a sports stadium on the site of the infamous Maze prison, which for a quarter of a century housed paramilitary convicts and was the scene of a dramatic hunger strike to the death by Republican prisoners. Pitches for rugby and football, an equestrian centre and a track for Gaelic sports will replace the H-blocks, the grim maximum security prison wings that housed convicted paramilitaries. The Maze was former an airforce base called Long Kesh, 24km from Belfast, where Britain began housing prisoners after introducing internment without trial to deal with escalating inter-communal violence in 1971. 0
108325 0 1526 WORL WORLD Toddlers bikinis uproar A Swedish bikini-style top for toddlers will be withdrawn from sale amid criticism from a Norwegian cabinet minister that bra-like clothing was inappropriate for small girls. "It is remarkably daft to make bra-like bikinis for one-year-olds," Norwegian Minister of Children and Family Affairs Laila Daavoey was quoted as telling the Norwegian daily Verdens Gang yesterday. "This is a terrible commercialisation of childhood. Children are not women. Bikinis on small children are a way of linking children to sexuality. We must say 'No' to this," she said. Swedish clothes maker Lindex said it would withdraw one design of top, meant for girls aged 1-2, after an internal review. "It's a bit too similar to an adult top so we are choosing to withdraw it," spokeswoman Ulrika Danielson told Norway's NRK public radio. She said the decision was made independently of the Norwegian criticism. 0
108326 0 1526 WORL WORLD Manual likens Bush to a chimpanzee Belgium's interior minister was left red-faced yesterday after it emerged that photos comparing US President George W Bush to a chimpanzee had been used in a police training manual. "I hadn't seen these photos and I think they are in bad taste," the minister, Patrick Dewael, told the Flemish-language daily Het Laatste Nieuws, which first reported the story. The pictures in question - reprinted by the newspaper - showed a series of the US leader's facial expressions next to shots of a chimpanzee making apparently similar faces. They were intended to help trainee police officers in the western city of Bruges to recognise the importance of body language in dealing with the public. Bush is shown in poses ranging from pensive to finger-waving debating mode. The pictures are all the more embarrassing for Dewael since he had signed a letter calling on Belgian municipal authorities and other police chiefs to use the manual. But he was at pains to insist he did not know about the pictures 0
108327 0 1526 WORL WORLD New 'Dr Who' quits TV series LONDON: British actor Christopher Eccleston has quit his role as time-travelling hero Dr Who after just one episode of the new series was screened, the BBC said yesterday. Eccleston, who took up the ninth reincarnation of the Timelord, feared being typecast. He said he was planning new projects and that he found filming the 13-part series gruelling. "The audience's response for the new Dr Who has been incredible and I am really proud to be part of it and I hope viewers continue to enjoy the series," Eccleston said in a statement. Talks to replace him with period drama Casanova star David Tennant for the second series were taking place, the BBC said. 0
108328 0 1526 WORL WORLD Call girls used for Fonda sex romps NEW YORK: Jane Fonda, who won an Oscar for her portrayal of a prostitute in the 1971 film Klute, solicited call girls for three-way sex with her husband Roger Vadim, the actress revealed in a television interview. Speaking about her upcoming autobiography Jane Fonda: My Life So Far, Fonda also described her visit to a North Vietnamese anti-aircraft gun site during the Vietnam War as one of the biggest mistakes of her life. In the interview to be broadcast on Sunday on the CBS network, the actress said she indulged Vadim's sexual proclivities, despite the personal pain it involved. "One night Vadim brought another woman into my bed and I went along with it ... I'm competitive ... I was going to keep up with the Joneses," Fonda said. "It was the 60s and whatever," she said, adding that she was largely motivated by the fear of losing her French director husband if she refused to go along with his three-in-a-bed romps. "I know one thing: It really hurt me ... and it r 0
108329 0 1526 WORL WORLD Girl shot for refusing to kiss man ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey: A 15-year-old girl was fatally shot after refusing a man's demand for a kiss, authorities said. The alleged gunman was captured in Washington, DC. Atlantic County Prosecutor Jeffrey Blitz said Alfred R Bishop, 21, will be charged with murder in the death of Elisa Hernandez, a high school sophomore. Hernandez had gone to an apartment in her housing complex to visit girlfriends just before midnight on Tuesday, Blitz said. Bishop, a friend of the apartment's occupants who stored some of his belongings there, arrived shortly afterward. After some casual conversation, Bishop tried to get Hernandez to kiss him, but she laughed at him, the prosecutor said. Bishop then pulled out a pistol, put it to her head and demanded a kiss, Blitz said. According to witnesses, Hernandez refused, and pushed the gun away twice before Bishop allegedly shot her through the left eye and fled, Blitz said. She died at the scene. 0
108330 0 1526 WORL WORLD Duo forced to work as maids in US BOSTON: FBI agents arrested a Middle Eastern woman on charges she forced two Indonesian women to work for her as servants and threatened them with "serious harm" if they refused. Hana Al Jader, 39, was arrested on federal charges at her home in the Boston suburb of Winchester, Massachusetts. A US magistrate judge ordered her held without bail pending a hearing. A 14-page indictment said Al Jader illegally confiscated the servants' passports to keep them from moving and travelling, thereby forcing them to work at her home in Massachusetts. Al Jader was also charged with drafting two false work contracts and submitting them to the federal government to get visa extensions for the two servants. The contracts said the women were being paid $1,500 (BD567) a month and working eight hours a day. But prosecutors said they worked more than that, and were paid $300 a month. 0
108331 0 1526 WORL WORLD Washington warned DAKAR: The US will only fuel a rise in Islamic militancy in countries bordering the Sahara desert if it takes a heavy-handed approach to fighting terrorism in the region, an influential think tank said yesterday. Proselytising Pakistani clerics, an Algerian fundamentalist group allied to Al Qaeda and growing resentment of US foreign policy were causes for concern but did not make West Africa a hotbed of terrorism, the International Crisis Group (ICG) said. "There are enough indicators to justify caution and greater western involvement out of security interests, but it has to be done more carefully than it has been so far," ICG's West Africa project director Mike McGovern said in a report. Mindful of the Al Qaeda training camps that emerged in Afghanistan, some US officials say countries like Mali, Niger, Chad and Mauritania, which are among the world's poorest, make similarly fertile hunting ground for militants seeking recruits. ICG welcomed plans by Washington for more social a 0
108332 0 1526 WORL WORLD Poll 'sabotaged' BEIRUT: The opposition yesterday accused the outgoing pro-Syrian government in Lebanon of working to sabotage the holding of elections due by the end of May to retain control of parliament. The opposition was meeting to discuss the formation of a "neutral" government to oversee elections in Lebanon, which was thrown into crisis by the murder of former premier Rafiq Hariri last month. Prime minister-designate Omar Karameh, who plans to resign, was "not tasked with forming a cabinet to organise elections but to sabotage the creation of such a government", the opposition charged in a statement. 0
108333 0 1526 WORL WORLD Appeal to UK parties LONDON: The Archbishop of Canterbury has asked Britain's political parties not to fight the upcoming national election by exploiting voters' fears. In an open letter to party leaders released yesterday, Rowan Williams said that "familiar anxieties" over terrorism, asylum seekers, immigration and crime already looked likely to feature prominently in the campaign for the election, widely expected for May. He warned that by simply proposing "reactive, damage-limiting solutions" to such problems, politicians could put at risk "deeper interests, rights and needs" of individuals and communities. The warning comes as as Prime Minister Tony Blair met his cabinet yesterday for one last time before an expected May general election. Analysts expect Blair and his inner circle to put the finishing touches to the party's manifesto at the meeting in Downing Street. Labour's chief election strategist Alan Milburn said the strength of the economy after eight years of Labour government would be a 0
108334 0 1526 WORL WORLD Priest kidnapped BEIJING: Chinese security personnel have "forcibly abducted" an elderly underground Roman Catholic priest who is the administrator for a leading bishop detained three months ago, a rights group said yesterday. Father Zhao Kexun, 75, was detained on Wednesday as he made his way home from Shadifang in northern Hebei province where he had been celebrating Mass in a private home, the US-based Cardinal Kung Foundation said in a statement. It sasid the whereabouts of Zhao was not known. 0
108335 0 1526 WORL WORLD Albert 'takes over' MONACO: Prince Albert of Monaco is assuming the duties of his father while Prince Rainier remains in intensive care in hospital, the palace announced yesterday. Rainier is suffering from heart and breathing problems. Albert, 47, said he would take over with "force, conviction and passion". 0
108336 1 1526 WORL WORLD DEAD WRONG! WASHINGTON: A US presidential commission said yesterday that America's spy agencies were "dead wrong" when it came to claims about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction before the war. It said the US knows "disturbingly little" about nuclear threats posed by many of its most dangerous adversaries. The commission called for dramatic changes to prevent future failures. It outlined 74 recommendations and said that President George W Bush could implement, most of them without action by Congress. It urged Bush to give broader powers to John Negroponte, his choice to be the new director of national intelligence, to deal with any challenges to his authority from the CIA, Defence Department or other elements of the nation's 15 spy agencies. It also called for sweeping changes at the FBI to combine the bureau's counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence resources into a new office. "We conclude that the intelligence community was dead wrong in almost all of its pre-wa 0
108337 2 1526 WORL WORLD Car bombers kill 10 in Iraq BAGHDAD: Shi'ites marked a major religious holiday yesterday in Iraq, as a suicide car bomber blew himself up near Iraqi security officials guarding a shrine filled with pilgrims. The blast, in Tuz Khormato, 90km south of Kirkuk, killed two soldiers and three bystanders - including a small child. In Samarra, 95km north of Baghdad, a suicide bomber rammed his car into a US military Humvee, killing three people. There were no US casualties. Also in Samarra, gunmen attacked a police station with rocket propelled grenades and gunfire. No casualties were reported. And a roadside bomb injured six policemen on patrol and one bystander in the southern city of Basra. The US military, meanwhile, released details on three US soldiers killed in separate clashes. One soldier was killed in action yesterday near Hawija, 240km north of Baghdad while a second soldier died from injuries he sustained during a clash on Wednesday in northern Mosul. The third soldier was kille 0
108338 3 1526 WORL WORLD Terri Schiavo dies after epic battle PINELLAS PARK, Florida: Terri Schiavo, the severely brain-damaged woman who spent 15 years connected to a feeding tube in an epic legal and medical battle that went all the way to the White House and Congress, died yesterday, 13 days after the tube was removed. She was 41. Schiavo died at the Pinellas Park hospice where she lay for years while her husband and her parents bitterly fought over whether to keep her alive or not. President George W. Bush said: "Today, millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo." "The essence of civilisation is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak," he added. "In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in favour of life." Michael Schiavo's attorney, George Felos, announced the death but had no immediate comment beyond that. Schiavo suffered severe brain damage in 1990 after her heart stopped because of a chemical imbalance that was believed to have been brought on 0
108339 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Properties on show at exhibition MANAMA: An exhibition showcasing properties from around the world was opened yesterday at the Dilmun Club in Saar. The event was organised by Bahrain Mall Property Shop, in association with the club. Visitors were able to view properties from around the world, including Cyprus, Spain, the UK, Oman, Dubai, Lebanon and Thailand. The exhibition will run until next Friday, from 11am to 3pm at the club's Candles restaurant. For more information, contact Property Shop property and investment manager Melanie Bonas on 17552350. 0
108340 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Delhi upbeat on FTA with Islamabad PORT LOUIS: India said yesterday it hoped free trade with its neighbour Pakistan would happen within one to two years, as their sluggish peace process moves forward. Trade is on course to rise more than 150 per cent in the financial year which ended in March to about $500 million, but businessmen predict it could reach $10 billion within five years of signing a free trade agreement. Since the two countries stepped back in 2002 from the brink of what would have been their fourth war since independence, ties have warmed, but trade between the two countries has remained elusive. "We can see trade between India and Pakistan happening in the foreseeable future," Sanjaya Baru, spokesman for the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. "I don't see why it can't happen in the next year or two", said Baru, who is accompanying Singh on a visit to Mauritius. Barriers to commerce cemented by more than a half-century of hostility mean companies selling everything from wheat to tyres to Paki 0
108341 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Cheaper anti-piracy system is urged AMSTERDAM: A powerful group of mobile telecoms operators yesterday called for lower prices for essential anti-piracy systems, warning that high royalty payments may stifle the markets for digital music and video. The mobile phone industry's Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) has developed an open standard for anti-piracy software, but the technology used by the standard is too expensive, said the GSM Association of mobile operators. The association threatened to abandon the open standard and called for new, cheaper digital rights management (DRM) systems, although this could mean fragmentation that would prove frustrating for consumers. Without an open standard, consumers would lose the ability to play any digital track or movie on any device. The operators' complaints follow similar grumbling by manufacturers of mobile phones and consumer electronics, who told Reuters in late February that a $1 royalty per mobile device was too high a price just to protect digital music and vide 0
108342 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Exchange rates call MADRID: The head of the IMF said yesterday that emerging market nations, particularly in Asia, should take further steps to ease their exchange rate mechanisms and described China as "technically ready" for a re-adjustment of the yuan. Emerging market nations should "further ease their exchange rates to gain better control of capital flows," International Monetary Fund managing director Rodrigo Rato told a conference organised by the Institute of International Finance. 0
108343 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS China seeks trade links with India NEW DELHI: If China were to combine its strengths as a manufacturing powerhouse with India's prowess as the world's leading information technology provider, the two would present an unbeatable combination, China's ambassador to India said yesterday ahead of a visit to India by Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao. "We are proposing the development of a free trade area between China and India. If that is achieved, it will be the largest free trade area in the world considering the population of the two countries," Sun Yuxi said. Wen's four-day trip to India starting April 9 is being touted by both New Delhi and Beijing as a landmark visit which could result in a significant upswing in ties between the two countries. Newspaper reports in Beijing recently quoted Wen describing his India visit as the most important event in his calendar this year. 0
108344 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Oil prices soar to new high NEW YORK: Oil prices surged within a striking distance of the record yesterday, powered by a forecast the market could spike above $100 a barrel due to robust global demand and tight spare capacity. Prices have climbed around 30 per cent this year, with big-money speculative funds buying heavily on signs that rapid demand growth in Asia's emerging economies and the United States would strain world supply. US light crude rose $2.09 to $57.49 a barrel, 11 cents away from the all-time high hit March 17. London's Brent crude climbed $2.01 to $56.30. US gasoline futures for May hit a record $1.7270 a gallon on worries that a national stockpile surplus could dwindle. 0
108345 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Citigroup tops 'big firms' list NEW YORK: US banking giant Citigroup tops the list of the world's biggest companies, Forbes magazine said, using a ranking on a formula including sales, profits, assets, market value. Citigroup's top ranking came largely as a result of its assets under management - estimated at $1.484 trillion, the highest among the listed companies in the survey released this week. Ranked second on the Forbes list was US conglomerate General Electric, followed by insurance titan American International Group, Bank of America, British banking group HSBC Group, oil giant Exxon Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell, oil firm BP of Britain, Dutch-based financial group ING and Japanese automaker Toyota. The rankings differ from others based on stock market value - which would put Exxon Mobil at the top - or sales, led by US retailer Wal-Mart Stores, which was 12th on the Forbes list. Microsoft, which is near the top in market value at some $273 billion, ranks 47th on the Forbes list because of a lower leve 0
108346 0 1527 BUSI BUSINESS MCI to reopen takeover talks NEW YORK: MCI, the telecom firm that is object of a heated takeover battle, said yesterday it would reopen talks with Qwest on a new $8.9 billion bid after getting a waiver from its original merger partner Verizon. In a statement, MCI "announced its intention to re-engage with Qwest to review Qwest's March 31, 2005 proposal to acquire the company," the long-distance and data giant that emerged from WorldCom. "MCI has received a waiver from Verizon enabling it to engage in discussions with Qwest at any time until the date of the MCI shareholder vote on the proposed Verizon transaction." The news came a day after Qwest boosted its offer for MCI to about 20 per cent higher than being offered by Verizon and sharply criticised the MCI board for failing to act in the best interest of shareholders. MCI and Verizon agreed on Tuesday to new terms for their merger in a deal valuing MCI at $7.6bn. MCI's board has twice rejected previous Qwest bids for lower ones from Verizon becaus 0
108347 1 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Gulf states bid to attract real estate investors DOHA: Following in the footsteps of Dubai's mega tourism and real estate drive, Gulf states are pushing their own plans to lure visitors and open up their property sector to foreigners to stimulate their economies. Capitalising on a potentially lucrative market, Qatar is in the throes of its first international real estate venture with The Pearl-Qatar, a $2.5 billion artificial island off its coast. The initial phases of selling apartments on the development, which will include housing for up to 30,000 people, met an overwhelming response from regional and international investors, developers said. The island, to take the shape of a bay eventually covering an area of four million square metres of reclaimed land, will boast luxury hotels and marinas. Foreigners who buy property on it will be granted permanent residency, as is the case in Dubai. Hussam Abu Issa, vice-chairman of Salam International Investment Company in Qatar, said the Pearl was the country's first unique pr 0
108348 2 1527 BUSI BUSINESS Race for WTO chief gains pace GENEVA: The final stretch in the race to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO) began yesterday, with senior diplomats launching a round of consultations to gauge support for each of the four men competing for the top job. A panel of WTO ambassadors from Kenya, Norway and Canada kicked off two months of closed-door consultations with their counterparts from other countries in the 148-nation body that sets the rules of global commerce. Under WTO rules, the trio has from April 1 to May 31 to establish which candidate has the broadest backing. "It is understood that the candidate or candidates least likely to attract consensus shall withdraw" over those two months, the rules say. There is no formal polling. Instead, the director-general is picked by consensus after back-room discussions - in theory, because the last leadership contest six years ago turned into a bitter fight. When the position was up for grabs in 1999 it provoked a bitter dispute between supporters of Supa 0
108349 3 1527 BUSI BUSINESS India implements VAT despite traders' protest NEW DELHI: Most Indian states yesterday switched to a government-imposed value-added tax, ignoring a three-day nationwide strike by traders who opposed the new measure, a government official said. Seven states demanded more time to implement the VAT, which replaces varying sales tax systems after traders fearing the new tax would squeeze their profits protested the change. "Twenty states have switched over to the VAT today. Another state ... will join them next week," said Ramesh Chandra, a top bureaucrat overseeing introduction of the new system. The strike evoked a mixed response in most states, with many shops doing brisk business, the Business Standard newspaper said. Only 21 states have decided to implement the tax, while the remaining eight oppose it and have decided to continue with the previous tax regime. The implementation of the VAT has been delayed at least five times since 2001 because some state governments fear they would earn less in tax revenues a 0
108350 0 1527 COMM COMMENTFish wars out of control... Until the mid-20th century, the ocean was a key watery terrain of conflict between competing colonial powers seeking to expand their control over territories and natural resources. Today, the ocean is again a renewed place of conflict. This time it is a battle of small-scale subsistence fishermen battling governments and industrial fishing companies to whom their traditional fishing rights have been given away. These battles, raging from Canada to Chile to Scotland to Taiwan, are the newest round of global resource wars. Late last year a fish war broke out in Italy when Italian boats surrounded and shot out portholes of a Croatian fishing vessel landing their catch at an Italian port. The armed assault was retribution for the Croatian government setting up a "no go" area for foreign vessels which tend to dwarf local subsistence vessels and wipe out local fisheries in only a matter of years. The fish wars are flaring out of control across our planet. In just the past few m 0
108351 0 1527 COMM COMMENTBahrain's tourist attractions hard to find... I really was not surprised to read that fans who visited Bahrain for its debut Grand prix last year shunned the country's tourist attractions. For motor racing fans are not noted for swarming in droves to cultural sites after a day at the circuit. F1 is all about fast cars and fast living and while the teams and fans may like to party in Bahrain's nightspots, you are not likely to find many of them paying homage to the Tree of Life. So we should not be surprised by the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research figures which state that only 7.4 per cent of visitors to last year's Grand Prix were interested in sightseeing. This derisory figure will not be solely the result of disinterest however, for Bahrain's historical sites are hard to find and tough to recognise when you do. The last time I made my way down to the Tree of Life it was surrounded by tank tracks and litter, with nothing to even suggest it may be of interest, or even to explain why. Sara and I 0
108354 0 1527 LETT LETTERS Why I prefer pace of life in Bahrain LET'S hope Bahrain never follows in Dubai's footsteps. I recently went to Dubai for a few days of meetings. I was appalled at what I saw ... rampant inflation, rude drivers, traffic jams - coupled with road rage, overpriced hotels and the largest mix of different nationalities all enclosed within themselves ... not to mention the thousands of young ladies offering their services left and right. And to think that there are some Bahrainis that view Dubai with envy. I'd pick Bahrain over Dubai any day!! I watched from the window of my Dh2,600 night (BD260) modest hotel room a family of five desperately trying to cross the road with the father carrying one child, the mother another and one small child trying to keep up. They wanted to cross the street and no one would stop nor even slow down and allow them to cross ... in fact, it seemed that these drivers were speeding up to make sure that they terrorise this family to discourage their attempt to cross. Then I saw so many high-rise 0
108355 0 1527 LETT LETTERS Police delay puzzling I READ Eunice del Rosario's report (GDN, March 28) on the missing Filipina in Bahrain and couldn't believe that the authorities have waited this long to act on the case. Being a mother of three, I cannot imagine not being able to contact any of my children. Gracie has been missing for all these months and the fact that she has not been in touch with her children could mean that Maria Grace is right. That her mother may not be with us anymore. This is a sad story not only for Maria Grace and her sister for losing their mother, but for Bahrain. This does not give a very good impression on everyone who lives in Bahrain. The authorities are acting very slowly on Gracie's case. God forbid this gives evil-doers here any more ideas. It seems to me it is so easy to do harm to people here, without the authorities ever catching you. All I can say is, I and many others out here are going to start being very careful from now on. Thank you GDN for highlighting G 0
108356 0 1527 LETT LETTERS Twisted logic SINCE when, DH, (GDN, March 27) have the English been civilised?! Did they not cut William Wallace into pieces and send him to the four corners of the world? Civilised? I don't think so ... more like barbaric and where was the "civilised logic" in that? Did they not set foot in other countries to rape, pillage and plunder or to take over? We all know so! Your only logic that is agreeable is that most men should be treated as children and I'm sure 80 per cent of the female population would agree. If you want something done you need a woman behind the scenes to help all the presidents, prime ministers, etc. to befuddle their brains and come to a logical conclusion. Even Prince Charles can't decide, without the help of his "mother" and the public, what to call Camilla and you'd think after all these "30" odd years he might know by now what to call her ... even mistress comes to mind after all their years together, but then I suppose in your English civilised world, none of 0
108357 0 1527 LETT LETTERS Tubli evidence WHO can I report to regarding a certain cement company emptying the contents of cement vehicles directly into Tubli Bay? I have photographic evidence of this practice taking part to back up this statement. This happens at least once a week as far as I have witnessed and with all the hue and cry about protecting the bay, I thought maybe someone somewhere might be interested/concerned about this unenvironmental practice. As for the dumping of rubble from building works on the beach, just don't get me started! Disgusted of Tubli lA municipalities spokesman said: "This should be reported to the Middle Area Municipality technical services director, telephone 17681207." 0
108358 0 1527 LETT LETTERS Of geese and golden eggs? THIS time last year, with every hotel room booked, Bahrain residents were being encouraged to accommodate visitors to the Grand Prix in their homes. What a contrast with this year! Many hotels have spare capacity, and residents returning to their homes find notices advertising cheap Grand Prix tickets stuck to the entrances. What could have caused this? The Grand Prix, after all, is still an immensely attractive event. Could it have anything to do with the outrageous price hikes and minimum-length-of-stay demands by some hotels? It puts one in mind of geese and golden eggs. Malcolm 0
108359 0 1527 LETT LETTERS Yes to overtime payment FURTHER to your reader's letter (GDN, March 26) asking whether employees are entitled to overtime payment for working on national holidays and whether a company can force employees to take compensatory days off the answer to both questions is yes. With regard to the number of days given as holidays for Ashoora the answer is two days. Labour Ministry spokesman 0
108360 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Bapco set to join F1 bandwagon... BAPCO is literally getting into the fast lane - by moving into the world of motor racing. It is planning to organise its own races at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC). The company is also ready and willing to sponsor a Formula One Grand Prix team, says president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed. It is already a major sponsor of the BIC, which is currently hosting the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Tens of thousands of fans are in Bahrain for the event, which began yesterday and climaxes tomorrow. Now Bapco is now set to launch its own one-make championship, featuring Caterham race cars imported from Britain, said Dr Al Sayed. The first car arrived in February and the rest will follow this month. The series, called the Bapco Caterham Challenge, will be launched later this year. "We will be inviting Bahraini drivers to take part and will work very closely with the BIC and the Bahrain Motorsport Federation," said Dr Al Sayed. 0
108361 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Glimpse of Bahrain's hospitality VISITORS to Bahrain are getting a taste of its traditional hospitality at a Heritage Tent set up on the sidelines of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. They are being welcomed at the door with popular local snacks, offered by girls wearing jalabiyas. Inside, visitors get a glimpse into Bahrain's past with several displays showcasing works of artists, both men and women, who are helping to keep tradition alive. The many attractions include live demonstrations on how to build miniature dhows, henna painting, basket-weaving and embroidery. The Culture and National Heritage Directorate stand allows visitors to dress up in traditional Bahraini clothes, including wedding gowns. Some of those are rarely worn today, says directorate secretary Khadija Faraj Al Saad. "We have the Shutfa, which is a larger golden version of the black 'agal worn with the ghitra today. In the past it was worn only by shaikhs and at weddings. "There are also jalabiyas, women's wed 0
108362 1 1527 BNEW LOCAL Roaring start for F1 MANAMA One of the biggest sporting events in the world got off to a roaring start in Bahrain yesterday with top drivers holding practice sessions. Tens of thousands of fans watched them drive around the Bahrain International Circuit track in Sakhir for the 2nd Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which culminates tomorrow. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari teammate Rubens Barrichello had their first official trials of their new car. Practice sessions continue today followed by pre-qualifying laps for pole positions. A host of side attractions and support events are lined up for the three-day event. For the first time fans also got the unique opportunity to get closer to F1 stars and get their autographs. The F1 teams are also meeting fans and the media at various events ahead of the Grand Prix. 0
108363 2 1527 BNEW LOCAL Labour clamp on private sector likely MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain may soon appoint more inspectors to better monitor the private sector for labour irregularities. A plan to increase their numbers to 70 is being studied by the Labour Ministry, Assistant Under-Secretary for Training Affairs Abdulilah Al Qassimi said yesterday. The ministry is unable to fully monitor violations with only 30 inspectors in charge of more than 40,000 small, medium or large private firms, he said. "Most private companies illegally force foreigners to work up to 120 hours a week for salaries below BD70," Mr Qassimi said, adding that 60 hours per week was the top legal limit in Bahrain. 0
108364 3 1527 BNEW LOCAL Experts to map out corporate success plan MANAMA A THREE-DAY workshop on Strategic Alignment between Business and Human Resources (HR) begins at the Regency InterContinental Hotel on Monday. Around 40 HR executives and senior managers in all areas of business are expected to attend the event, which is aimed at improving corporate strategic success in the market place. The event aims to provide delegates with hands-on tools for enhancing strategic HR and business partnership, mapping strategic business and HR alignment and measuring strategic HR contribution and impact. It will focus on the models, tools and techniques used to align HR performance with corporate strategic objectives. This will be achieved through participants' involvement in simulated discussion, case studies and practical exercises. The workshop is being organised by Ideal Management Consulting (IMC) in association with Pennsylvania State University, US. On completion of the programme Penn State University will give participants a certificate 0
108365 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Man jailed for under-age sex MANAMA A BAHRAINI was sentenced to a month in jail after he was convicted of having sex with an underage woman. The 24-year-old married man, from Daih, was found guilty of sleeping with the Bahraini woman, aged 20, with her consent. However, in Bahrain the legal age of consent is 21. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and claimed he didn't know who she was, but was convicted by the Lower Criminal Court. His sentence will be suspended upon payment of BD50. "The father of this girl suggested I marry his daughter for one week only and then divorce her - he has no objection to that," the defendant told police. "This is simply to avoid the scandal if I do not marry her." A medical report showed that the woman, from Hamad Town, had lost her virginity some time ago. There were no signs of sexual assault and the woman herself did not file a complaint. She told police she fell in love with the defendant while she was in school and said her father, who wor 0
108366 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Motorist is jailed for killing girl A BAHRAINI motorist has been sentenced to six months in jail or a BD500 fine, after he knocked down and killed an eight-year-old girl while overtaking. The 18-year-old student, from Sitra, was convicted of causing the Bahraini girl's death, driving without due care and attention, endangering the lives of others and speeding. He pleaded guilty to the first three charges, but denied that he was going too fast - despite admitting he was doing 80kmph in a 50kmph zone. However, he was found guilty of speeding and also fined BD50, at the Lower Criminal Court. The driver was taking a break from studies at a New Zealand university when he hit the girl as she crossed the road, in Sitra, in May 2003, the court heard. "There was a white car in front of me moving slowly and I was in the left lane," the defendant said in his statement to police. "The traffic on this small road was going in both directions. "It was at that moment that I saw the young girl run from in f 0
108367 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Indian maid 'sold bogus job papers' AN Indian housemaid allegedly sold fake employment documents to an Indian driver for BD450. It is claimed she took the money after promising to arrange a work permit for one of the driver's male friends. However, she gave him employment documents for a woman that later turned out to be forged, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The 33-year-old housemaid has pleaded not guilty to a charge of breach of trust. She claims she handed the BD450 over to a Pakistani businessman, who forged the papers and has since left the country. "I handed over the money to a Pakistani businessman - owner of the Homee Baba Jewellery shop," she said in a statement to police. "He gave me a letter stating that he received the money and copies of his CPR, Commercial Registration (CR), other application forms for the General Directorate of Nationality, Passport and Residence Affairs (GDNPR) and a work permit from the Labour Ministry. "I gave the plaintiff all these documents the same da 0
108368 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Mines treaty call A REGIONAL campaign calling on Gulf governments to adopt a UN treaty banning landmines will be launched in Bahrain. Among the GCC states, only Qatar has ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer or Anti-Pers-onnel Mines and on Their Destruction. The treaty aims to rid the world of anti-personnel mines and deals with everything from mine use, production and trade, to victim assistance, mine clearance and stockpile destruction. The campaign, to be spearheaded by the Bahrain Human Rights Society in co-operation with the Cairo-based Protection of Armaments and Conseq-uences Organisation, will be launched at a workshop to be held in Bahrain next month. The workshop, to be held under the patronage of the Information Ministry on April 10 at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, will be attended by journalists from the five GCC states that did not ratify the treaty. "The objective is to make the media in the Gulf aware of the i 0
108369 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Gaelic fun for families THE second annual Bahrain Gaelic Festival was held at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Club yesterday. It was organised jointly by the committees of the Bahrain Caledonian Society and the Bahrain Irish Society. The main arena was dominated by a stage, to house a range of entertainment. The pipes and drums of the Bahrain Police Band, an Irish band and a rock band were all part of the fun. DJ Krazy Kevin also entertained the audience. In the sporting arena, 10 teams of boys and girls battled it out in games of strength, speed and stamina as well as cunning and improvisation to claim the individual and overall winner trophies, The children also enjoyed relay races, three-legged races, sack races, face painting and much more. A grand prize draw with a difference also took place and tickets for flights to the UK donated by Gulf Air, KLM, British Airways as well as a very expensive Swiss watch were on offer. 0
108370 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Car rental woman vanishes A 41-YEAR-OLD British woman disappeared after failing to pay a BD500 rental car bill. She hired a car from the Trans-Gulf Car Rental Company, Manama, but did not pay after returning it. The woman was summoned to appear in court after the company complained to police. However, people in the office where she claimed to work said they had never heard of her. "Her bill amounted to BD450, plus BD50 for damage done to the car, and she agreed verbally to settle it soon," an employee told police. "But as the days went by it became clear that she started avoiding us." Police delivered a summons, for the woman to appear in the Lower Criminal Court, to an office in the Diplomatic Area. However, they were later told by someone at the office that she did not work there. The case was adjourned until May 31 to inform her to appear in court. 0
108371 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Camp for youngsters A THREE-DAY camp for children will take place at the Bahrain Sailing Club, in Zallaq, later this month. The Bahrain Diabetic Society's annual Sherooq Camp will commence on April 20 under the patronage of Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It caters for children aged eight to 15 and features activities covering health, education, recreation, sport and art. Sherooq Camp Committee chairwoman Dr Mariam Al Mulla says the aim is to raise awareness about diabetes, teach children to take care of themselves and make friends. Although we are fully staffed by volunteers, donations are greatly needed to support activities provided during the camp, said Dr Al Mulla. Donations will be placed in a fund and will also help cover the cost of future events. HSBC Bank is the official event sponsor. 0
108372 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Walkway project on track A NEW 1.5 kilometre walkway on the Abu Subuh coast, in Diraz, is expected to be completed in around two months. Work on the BD60,000 project began around six weeks ago and includes toilet facilities, a courtyard, shaded areas and other facilities. The second phase of the project will include more attractions for children, Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Sayed Ali Abdulnabi told the GDN. "But the second phase depends on how much of a budget is allocated for us by the government," he said. "However, we are also looking at the possibility of getting donations from the private sector." Meanwhile, work is also continuing on two new gardens - one in Diraz and the other in the Western Area. The Diraz park will be located on the Budaiya Highway and will become a Bahrain landmark, said Mr Abdulnabi. "It is quite a large park and will include greenery, toilet facilities, walkways and seesaws, swings and other attractions for children," he said. AN Indian accountant went on the run after allegedly stealing over BD2,500 from the travel agency where he worked. The 40-year-old is said to have pocketed BD2,569 from the account of the travel agency, in Budaiya, over a period of three months. It was discovered to be missing after auditors were brought in to check the accounts. The 41-year-old Bahraini owner reported the matter to police, who ordered the accountant to report to the station. However, he never showed up and is now understood to have changed his address. He is now facing an embezzlement charge in the Lower Criminal Court, but did not attend the last hearing. "We contacted the defendant several times and asked him to report to the police station," said the Mina Salman Security Directorate. "He promised us that he will come to give his statement, but he did not show up. "A summons was sent to his address, but he is not available there." The case has been adjourned until May 22. 0
108374 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL More villagers to get houses A HOUSING scheme for villagers in Al Bilad Al Qadeem is to be expanded, so that more families get new homes. The original area designated for the homes was too small, said members of Manama Municipal Council. So they have agreed to part with Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Ministry land next to the project site, so the scheme can be expanded. But councillors want the Works and Housing Ministry to compensate them with another piece of land, elsewhere. The decision follows a Royal order to speed up the project, to meet people's needs. "The land on which the project was due to be built is only 34,000 square metres," said Manama Municipal Council member Al Sayed Jameel Kadhem, who represents Al Bilad Al Qadeem. "This land is too small. "The neighbouring land is owned by our ministry and is about 21,000sqm." The Municipalities and Agricultural Affairs Ministry had already submitted its report on the project to the Royal Court. However, t 0
108375 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Course a ray of hope for 25 patients TWENTY-FIVE beta thalassaemia patients are doing a one-year computer training course for free, thanks to the Bahrain Society for Hereditary Diseases. The society is paying BD400 for each student to take part in the course at the Delmon Academy, in Manama, to help build their confidence. Fifty-five patients have completed the same programme over the past four years, according to society vice-president Dr Shaikha Al Arrayed. "Students can choose their own packages according to their ability to grasp the subject," she said. "But the past training programmes have been an encouragement for us after seeing changes in the psychology of patients who completed the course. "Most of them have obtained jobs at various companies in computer-related departments and the society is helping others get jobs at the earliest in co-operation with the Labour Ministry." It is divided into eight semesters, with each lasting for 45 days. "Many of those who finished the co 0
108376 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Car cleaner and maid arrested A BANGLADESHI car cleaner and housemaid were each jailed for a month after he was caught in her room. The man, 33, was found hiding under a blanket in a closet by the 28-year-old woman's sponsor. He was convicted of entering the house, in Isa Town, illegally and for illegitimate purposes. Beaten She claimed not to know the man and said he entered her room while she was sleeping, but was convicted for assisting him. The car cleaner told police that he was there to fill his bucket with water, but was caught and beaten by a group of five Bahrainis, who called the police. They were sentenced by the Lower Criminal Court and will be deported upon their release. 0
108377 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Police attitude key to helping prevent crime Scratch beneath the surface of any society and crime will inevitably raise its ugly head. Bahrain is no exception to the rule, but in recent years better crime reporting and more public discussion has made it one of today's hot topics. Authorities are reluctant to discuss the issue with the media, so concrete facts and figures are hard to come by. Nevertheless, many Bahrainis feel that crime is indeed on the increase and that something must be done to stop it before the situation gets out of hand. The GDN spoke to several members of the community to find out how they perceive the crime rate and what measures they feel might help bring it down to a more manageable level. The number of crimes is rising rapidly, says Bahrain Women's Society Be Free anti-child abuse project president Dr Soroor Qarooni. Although she believes it is currently under control, she feels that urgent preventative action is needed to stop it spiralling further. "It is differe 0
108378 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL Driver commits suicide MANAMA: An Indian man committed suicide by hanging himself at his flat. K Devadas, 40, was found hanging by a bath towel around 5am yesterday by one of his colleagues as he was about to leave for work. A friend who did not wish to be named said Mr Devadas had been depressed for some time after finding out that he was a diabetic. "We still don't know why he took this drastic step. It is really shocking to all of us," said the friend. Mr Devadas had been working as a driver with Mannai Aluminium and Glass Company in Ma'amir for the last 10 years. Mr Devadas, who is from Kozhencherry, Kerala, leaves wife Shanti, a four-year-old son and a one-year-old daughter whom he had never seen. The body was last night at the Salmaniya Medical Complex mortuary. Steps are being taken by the company to repatriate the body at the earliest. No further details were available. 0
108379 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL 'Chic' show a sell-out TICKETS for the Fashion TV Formula 1 After-Party have sold out. The event is being held tomorrow at BJ's, Al Bustan Hotel, in Adliya. It will feature guest DJ and top model DJ Sassy. This year the event is sponsored by BMW in association with Nivea Beaute and Moet et Chandon. It will be the perfect way for participants and fans of Formula One to let their hair down at what is proving to be the region's annual "chic" event, said organisers. Doors open at 9pm. For more information visit www.bjsnightclub.net. 0
108380 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL F1 gets off to a roaring start DESPITE the scorching heat, a great day was had by young and old as the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix kicked off at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) in Sakhir yesterday. There was no shortage of side attractions available at the vending area of the BIC which were visited by thousands of people. The FIA Formula One World Championship, which climaxes tomorrow, is among the biggest annual sporting events in the world and with it comes the trappings of glamour, colour, the ultimate sporting competition and raw energy. This year, race fans were able to get closer to the drivers with autograph sessions scheduled with F1 stars following their practice sessions. Several stores were set up selling authentic F1 T-shirts, caps and other memorabilia. Plenty of activities for children, including video games, bouncy castles, face painting, and a bull ride are available. The Gulf Air stand, which is exhibiting its latest products and services, also has an F1 0
108381 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL British DJ setting party mood A PERFORMANCE by international DJ Spencer Parker will take place tonight at BJ's, Al Bustan Hotel. Considered one of the leading DJs in the UK, he has performed at prestigious clubs such as the Ministry of Sound, The Cross, The End, Heaven and Fabric. Spencer has been DJing for around eight years and began his career playing warm-up sets at clubs such as Venom, The House of Windsor, Maximus and The Gardening Club. He was soon invited to become a resident at The Velvet Underground. After a very successful three years, Spencer felt the time was right to move on. He left The Velvet Room, as it is now called, and continued to maintain a hectic worldwide DJ schedule. Spencer is currently working as a freelance consultant, ensuring that his record box is always full of the latest tracks from the world's hottest talents. His performance tonight is part of the Bud Grand Prix Party. Doors open at 9pm. For more information, contact 17742323. 0
108382 0 1527 BNEW LOCAL How Nicola lost 13kg... Super-slim Nicola is one of the latest members of TrimDown Slimming Club to reach their target weight. Only a few months ago Nicola was having trouble fitting into her size 14 clothes and knew it was only a matter of time before she went up another dress size. "I was starting to feel really uncomfortable in my work uniform and didn't want to take my jacket off," she explained. "It was really beginning to affect my self-esteem and I began to feel self-conscious." Nicola's weight only started to creep up when she stopped flying as an air hostess, just over two years ago. It was at this point that bad eating habits took over. Nicola very often missed meals and picked at unhealthy choices throughout the day, but as soon as she joined the club she became more organised. "I never really found losing weight a chore, in fact I quite enjoyed it, " she said. Nicola lost weight steadily and always maintained a realistic approach to weight loss. "You d 0
108383 1 1527 SPOR SPORT McLAREN BEST IN PRACTICE MccLaren proved surprisingly ffaster in practice yesterday while a change in scenario did not alter Ferrari's fortunes as they continued to struggle on the opening day of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit. Reserve driver Alex Wruz (1:30.695) was the pace setter in hot and humid conditons as McLaren had the most profitable and productive day with all their three cars finishing in the top 10. Pedro de la Rosa (1:32.333), who will be driving McLaren's second car in the absence of Juan Pablo Monotya, was fourth and Kimi Raikkonen (1:32.988) eighth. By contrast, world champions Ferrari put up a brave face despite Michael Schumacher clocking the fifth best time (1:32.431) and Rubens Barrichello sitting out the second practice session with gearbox problems. Leaders Renault, on the other hand, moved up the table with characteristic flourish and eventually finished with Fernando Alonso second best (1:31.969) and Giancarlo Fisichella seventh (1: 0
108384 2 1527 SPOR SPORT Schumacher happy with new car Defending world drivers champion Michael Schumacher said yesterday that he is happy with the performance of his new Ferrari F2005 - and believes that its arrival will signal a Ferrari revival. The seven-times title winner's defence of his crown was dented in the opening two races of the season in Australia and Malaysia. But after a good day's practice in advance of tomorrow's Bahrain Grand Prix he said he believes Ferrari have a good chance to claim their maiden win in this year's championship. "I was in this car testing last week so I am not nervous any more, but it is still a nice feeling to have the car in your hands and to finally drive it on the track," said the 36-year-old German. Schumacher has picked up just two points so far this year. He added: "The times we have been setting today show that most likely we will not be the 14th or 15th car on the grid any longer, and that we will be stronger. "We ran through our entire planned programme and everyt 0
108385 3 1527 SPOR SPORT Wurz sets the pace as Ferrari struggle FOR the third time in succession this year, world champions Ferrari failed to make any impression on the first day of a Grand Prix as McLaren's Alex Wurz set the pace at the Bahrain International Circuit. The much debated F2005 hit the track as expected but failed to find the much-needed pace and punch to challenge the fast improving McLaren or leaders Renault who completed a very satisfying first day of testing at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Schumacher began brightly in the first session as the new gleaming red car showed some potential and finished second behind Ricardo Zonta of Toyota. The seven-times world champion clocked a best of 1:32.120 during the five-lap session. But later in the afternoon, the German was considerably slower during a 16-lap session and the car too struggled and had to settle for fifth best after locking his breaks. Schumacher's teammate Rubens Barrichello too had problems of his own. The Brazilian warmed-up well in the mo 0
108386 0 1527 SPOR SPORT De la Rosa eyes front row McLaren driver Pedro de la Rosa believes he will be fighting at the front when he makes his racing return in the Bahrain Grand Prix here tomorrow. Regular Friday test driver de la Rosa, who last raced for Jaguar in 2002, was drafted in earlier this week after race driver Juan Pablo Montoya injured his shoulder in a sporting accident last Saturday. He finished in fourth place in practice as test driver Alex Wurz, who stepped in to fill de la Rosa's role in the third car, set the fastest time of the day and the Spaniard is confident of success here tomorrow. "The times (on Friday) are not always a true reflection of the situation but I feel we can be competitive as we clearly have the pace," said de la Rosa. "I am looking forward to see how the rest of the weekend evolves." Dream De la Rosa made his Grand Prix debut with Arrows in 1999, scored his best ever finish of fifth place for Jaguar in the 2001 Italian Grand Prix and has claimed a total of six points in four 1
108387 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Red Bull aim for 'hat-trick' Red Bull Racing boss Christian Horner is hoping his team can claim an unexpected hat-trick with another double-points finish in the Bahrain Grand Prix here tomorrow. The team, which arrived on the grid this year after energy drink giant Red Bull bought the Jaguar Racing team from Ford, has proved the surprise of the season in the first two races. Experienced former McLaren driver David Coulthard and rookie Christian Klien finished fourth and seventh in Australia then sixth and eighth in Malaysia and Horner hopes they can keep the momentum going this weekend. "A hat-trick of double points-scoring finishes would be absolutely unbelievable," said Horner. "I am more than happy with the start but we have gained momentum and we need to look forward and not backwards. "We will give it a go on Sunday and see what we can do. We had a good first day, worked through our own programme and we are happy with the progress and the plan and now qualifying is important." Horner knows that 0
108388 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Salman wins BMW Asia Series pole position MTC-Unstoppabulls! driver Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa gave Bahraini motorsport fans reason to cheer yesterday during their "home" Grand Prix weekend when he took pole position for the opening two rounds of the 2005 Formula BMW Asia season. At the 5.4-km Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, the 23-year-old Team E-Rain driver was fastest in both the qualifying rounds and was followed by Formula BMW Asia Junior Michael Patrizi, from Austria, (Team Meritus) who had topped the time sheets for much of the session. The 20-year-old Patrizi was followed by another Junior, Armaan Ebrahim (India/E-Rain) who, at just 15 years of age, acquitted himself well in his maiden outing at the BIC. Shaikh Salman set the fastest lap of 2:10.833 in dramatic style during the final 10 seconds of the session. However, he was quick to give credit for his impressive performance to his Korean team: "I'm very proud of course as this is my home circuit, but I'm really happy for the team." 1
108389 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Chanderpaul hits Test career best GEORGETOWN: Shivnarine Chanderpaul made a career best score as records tumbled on the second day of the first Test between the West Indies and South Africa last night. Chanderpaul was 177 not out as the West Indies reached 490 for four after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Ryan Hinds was 36 not out in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 100. The total is the West Indies highest in Tests against South Africa, surpassing the 427 they scored in Cape Town in 2003-04. Chanderpaul and Wavell Hinds shared 284 for the fourth wicket, the highest partnership for any wicket for the West Indies against South Africa. The previous record was the 174 Ramnaresh Sarwan and Chris Gayle put on for the fourth wicket in Centurion in 2003-04. Hinds scored 213, the highest score by a West Indian against South Africa. Brian Lara's 202, which he scored in Johannesburg in 2003-04, was the previous best. Lacklustre The morning session was reduced to an ho 0
108390 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Al Falah wins endurance race SAUDI Arabia's Abdulrahman Al Falah notched the Late Mohammed bin Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi International Endurance Horseride Championship held in Kuwait. Al Falah finished first in five hours, one minute and 34 seconds. Jordan's Saleh Attiya (5:25:01) came second, third was Saleh Al Kathiri (5:30:32) of Qatar and Kuwaiti rider Abdulla Saeed (5:43:11) fourth. A team of three Bahrainis - Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Salman Al Jalahma and Abbas Ali took part in the same event but had to withdraw from the race. Shaikh Salman, the Al Fateh Stable leader, was unable to complete the race after his horse suffered an injury before the start of the second stage. Shaikh Salman said he was satisfied with this result as his stable did not prepare well for the event. Al Jalahma and Ali also failed to finish the race after their horses could not pass the veterinary test after the second and third stages respectively. It was the second participation for the Bahraini riders 0
108391 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Historic Treble in thrilling victory HISTORIC Treble scored a thrilling victory over Moarban to claim the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Cup, the feature event of the races yesterday at Sakhir. Historic Treble, owned by Hassan Oun Hassan Mubarak, trained by Sami Saloom and ridden by Martin Callaghan, beat Moarban by a neck to win the top prize in this BD2,000 race for Group Three imported horses. Calling the Shots was third and Leozian fourth. Grave Deed lived up to expectations winning the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait Cup (Bahraini apprentince jockeys only). Grave Deed, owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by Fawzi Nass and ridden by Mohammed Al Saffar, beat Designer by two-and-half lengths to win the top prize in this BD1,000 race. Tiara, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by James Naylor and ridden by Hassan Al Mubasher, beat Acid Raid by a neck to win the Bank of Bahrian and Kuwait Cup race for locally bred horses which carried a cash prize of BD1,000. Queen's Guard won the Bank of Bahrain and Ku 0
108392 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Salman wins BMW Asia Series pole position MTC-Unstoppabulls! driver Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa gave Bahraini motorsport fans reason to cheer yesterday during their "home" Grand Prix weekend when he took pole position for the opening two rounds of the 2005 Formula BMW Asia season. At the 5.4-km Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, the 23-year-old Team E-Rain driver was fastest in both the qualifying rounds and was followed by Formula BMW Asia Junior Michael Patrizi, from Austria, (Team Meritus) who had topped the time sheets for much of the session. The 20-year-old Patrizi was followed by another Junior, Armaan Ebrahim (India/E-Rain) who, at just 15 years of age, acquitted himself well in his maiden outing at the BIC. Shaikh Salman set the fastest lap of 2:10.833 in dramatic style during the final 10 seconds of the session. However, he was quick to give credit for his impressive performance to his Korean team: "I'm very proud of course as this is my home circuit, but I'm really happy for the team." 0
108393 0 1527 SPOR SPORT De la Rosa eyes front row McLaren driver Pedro de la Rosa believes he will be fighting at the front when he makes his racing return in the Bahrain Grand Prix here tomorrow. Regular Friday test driver de la Rosa, who last raced for Jaguar in 2002, was drafted in earlier this week after race driver Juan Pablo Montoya injured his shoulder in a sporting accident last Saturday. He finished in fourth place in practice as test driver Alex Wurz, who stepped in to fill de la Rosa's role in the third car, set the fastest time of the day and the Spaniard is confident of success here tomorrow. "The times (on Friday) are not always a true reflection of the situation but I feel we can be competitive as we clearly have the pace," said de la Rosa. "I am looking forward to see how the rest of the weekend evolves." Dream De la Rosa made his Grand Prix debut with Arrows in 1999, scored his best ever finish of fifth place for Jaguar in the 2001 Italian Grand Prix and has claimed a total of six points in four 0
108394 0 1527 SPOR SPORT Taverners ease past Warriors AWALI Taverners completed their group matches with a 33-run win over Chiang Mai Warriors in the 18th International Cricket Sixes Tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Taverners, who opted to bat after winning the toss, made one change from the previous match replacing Barrie Radburn behind the stumps with Andrew Dove. Warriors, considered the weakest team in the group, are made up of expatriate Pakistanis. Taverners notched up 83 for one in five overs after former Sri Lanka Test player Romesh 'Kalu' Kaluwitharana and Sanjay Rathod smashed 21 from the opening over. Kalu hit a spectacular six and retired on 35 and with Chris Ranganathan coming to the crease the score moved to 46 after two overs. Chiang Mai conceded just nine runs in the third over while the fourth produced 16 runs as the Taverners moved to 71. Ranganathan was bowled in the final over as Rathod (30 not out) smashed the last ball for a six with skipper Bob Phillips at the crease. Phillips ga 0
108395 0 1527 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix third practice session, Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, 9am-9.45am; fourth practice, 10.15am-11am; first qualifying, 1pm. For tickets and more information contact 17450000. Special track treat for F1 ticket holders, Bahrain International Circuit, public car park 10, 3pm. Contact 17450000. Free bus transfers available for F1 fans travelling to and from the Bahrain International Circuit. Airport to hotels and back: available every 30 minutes around the clock. Hotels/airport to the BIC: available every 30 minutes from 6am to 2pm; and BIC to hotels/airport: available every 30 minutes from 3pm to 11pm. The Global Village Fashion Show by Bahrain-based designer Juni Capulong, Blue Elephant Restaurant, Seef district, 9pm. Tables sold out. Entertainment including face painting, balloon art, fun and games, henna and music by a DJ to be held to mark the opening of Babymart, Megamart, Lulu Centre, Manama, 6pm-10pm. Entrance free. F 0
108396 0 1527 WORL WORLD Stripped of pageant title APPLETON, Wisconsin: Ms Wheelchair Wisconsin has been stripped of her title because pageant officials say she can stand - and point to a newspaper picture as proof. Janeal Lee, who has muscular dystrophy and uses a scooter, was snapped by The Post-Crescent newspaper standing among her high school maths students. The photo was not an expose. "I've been made to feel as if I can't represent the disabled citizens of Wisconsin because I'm not disabled enough," Lee said. Lee, 30, had planned to go to the national pageant with her younger sister, who also has muscular dystrophy and won the competition in Minnesota. Students at Kaukauna High School, where Lee teaches, raised $1,000 (BD378) for her trip to the national pageant. The move by the state pageant officials, led by co-ordinator Gina Hackel, is supported by the national board. Candidates for the crown have to "mostly be seen in the public using their wheelchairs or scooters," said Judy Hoit, Ms Wheelchair A 0
108397 0 1527 WORL WORLD Bhutto's democracy hope NEW DELHI: Pakistan's self-exiled former prime minister Benazir Bhutto yesterday said she hoped to return to the country soon "after the return of democracy". "On our part we are trying our best to find ways as to how to speed up the process of return of democracy in Pakistan," said Bhutto, on arrival in Jaipur, capital of India's Rajasthan state. However, Bhutto, who was on her way to offer prayers at shrine of a revered Indian Sufi saint, ruled out any agitation against Musharraf's rule. Bhutto, who governed Pakistan twice between 1988 and 1996, was accompanied by her husband Asif Ali Zardari, who was released from eight years' imprisonment in Pakistan last June on charges of murder and corruption. "We had a fruitful meeting with President Pervez Musharraf in Jeddah recently over the issue of restoration of democracy in Pakistan and we hope that process would be speeded up," Bhutto was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency. 0
108398 0 1527 WORL WORLD Nepal releases Koirala KATHMANDU: Nepal's royal government freed a popular former prime minister and 258 other detainees yesterday, officials said, the biggest prisoner release since King Gyanendra seized full power two months ago. Former premier Girija Prasad Koirala's release came amid mounting global pressure on the king, who in February sacked the government, declared a state of emergency and launched a crackdown on political activists to prevent opposition. "We have lifted his house arrest," a top interior ministry official said about 82-year-old Koirala, a four-time prime minister. He said 258 other activists had been freed from detention in several districts across the Himalayan kingdom. Koirala's release follows that of another former prime minister, Sher Bahadur Deuba, last month. Gyanendra sacked Deuba on February 1 saying his government had failed to quell a Maoist revolt that has killed more than 11,000 people. India welcomed Koirala's release. 0
108399 0 1527 WORL WORLD How new church leader is chosen VATICAN CITY: With the Pope gravely ill, the Roman Catholic Church is preparing for the elaborate rituals that mark the end of one papacy and the start of the next. Here is a guide to what is due to happen when the Pope dies: * Once a Pope dies, his camerlengo (chamberlain) officially confirms his death, seals his private apartment and prepares the funeral and the conclave to elect a successor. * The camerlengo and three elected cardinal assistants decide when the Pope's body is to be taken into St Peter's Basilica for public viewing. They also make sure the Pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and his lead seal are broken so they cannot be used by anyone else. No autopsy is performed. * Funeral rites last nine days, with the date of the funeral and burial to be decided by the cardinals between the fourth and sixth day after his death. Popes are laid to rest in the crypt underneath St. Peter's Basilica. They are traditionally buried in a casket of cypress wood which is sealed inside 0
108400 0 1527 WORL WORLD John Paul ready to die says former secretary DUBLIN: Pope John Paul II signalled he is ready to die by choosing not to return to hospital, his former private secretary said yesterday. "The fact that he has not gone back to hospital shows that he is serenely carrying the cross and ready to give up and to say 'It is finished'," said John Magee, Bishop of Cloyne in Ireland, who worked for the Pope for nine years and was with him during an assassination attempt in 1981. "The only time he told me that he wasn't going to die was immediately after being shot in 1981 when he turned to me as he was being put into the ambulance ... He said 'John, this is not the death'," Magee told Irish broadcaster RTE. The Pope believes divine intervention saved him from death. "He's always been ready to die," Magee said. "Now that he knows that he is coming to the end of his earthly existence he is looking forward to the reward that is certainly his for having been such a faithful servant of the Lord," Magee said. Over the 0
108401 0 1527 WORL WORLD Next pontiff from Africa? LAGOS: As African Catholics prayed for the health of Pope John Paul II yesterday, speculation mounted that the ailing pontiff could soon be succeeded by Africa's first Pope in more than 1,500 years. With church congregations rising across Africa, southern Asia and Latin America observers see a global church that is increasingly orientated towards the south and away from its European heartland. In which case, some ask, is it time to think of marking this shift by naming an African Pope, the first since Pope Gelasius I, who led the church between 492 and 496 when early Christians were struggling to convert a pagan Europe. Step forward Cardinal Francis Arinze, the 72-year-old Prefect of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, one of John Paul II's closest advisers, a staunch conservative and number four in the Vatican hierarchy. Vatican experts say the choice for the job will depend on whether Italian cardinals are determined to win back a post they dominated for centuries unti 0
108402 0 1527 WORL WORLD Pope on verge of death VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II was clinging to life in deteriorating condition last night with his breath shallow and his heart and kidneys failing after suffering blood poisoning from a urinary tract infection, the Vatican said. Italian news agency ADNKronos, without citing sources, reported that a brain monitor hooked to the Pope had gone flat. But a senior Vatican official said that the Pope was still alive and that there was no such monitoring device in his apartment. Another agency, APCom, said the Pope's situation was critical but also said John Paul was not connected to a monitor. As rumours swirled about the 84-year-old Pope's condition, thousands of pilgrims gathered at St Peter's for the reciting of the rosary as part of citywide prayers for John Paul. The square, which can hold about 50,000 people. The Pope is nearing death, a senior Vatican official suggested last night, saying: "This evening or this night, Christ opens the door to the Pope." Angelo 0
108403 0 1527 WORL WORLD Few takers for erotica festival LONDON: Organisers of a major erotic festival are closing for business in Manchester due to a lack of interest, which they blame on recalcitrant northern English men. Erotica Manchester opened yesterday, selling a range of sex aids, clothing and footwear, but ticket sales have been poor and organisers say they will not be coming back. "We've tried to warm this city up for more than two years but northerners just haven't responded in sufficient numbers," said event director Savvas Christodoulou. "They are happy enough to come to our London event in the autumn but they seem embarrassed about being seen at Erotica Manchester." Organisers said their research shows northern women wanted to attend the three-day adult show but were "under the thumb of their other halves". 0
108404 0 1527 WORL WORLD Press raps 'grumpy' prince LONDON: "A bloody grumpy sod," sneered the Sun tabloid. "His Royal Huffiness," huffed the Daily Mail. A day after Prince Charles characterised the Press pack as "these bloody people" in mumbled comments that were picked up by microphones, British papers aimed poisoned pens at the prince a week before his wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles. The Daily Mail's editorial characterised the prince as "sour, scratchy and petulant," and urged him to get a grip on his royal responsibilities. The Daily Star said "this ill-mannered tantrum only proves that the fortune squandered on Charles's posh education was an utter waste." The Sun newspaper commented that Charles looked bad in comparison to his elder son William, whose "manner was well-balanced, mature and measured." 0
108405 0 1527 WORL WORLD Festival honour for star ISTANBUL: The 24th Istanbul International Film Festival was to open here late yesterday with Italian actress Sophia Loren the guest of honour. Loren was a late stand-in for French actress Emanuelle Beart, who refused to come in protest against Turkish policemen brutalising participants at a Women's Day rally here last month. The festival, which runs until April 17, will see a total of 166 films, 13 of them competing for the festival's top prize, the Golden Tulip. 0
108406 0 1527 WORL WORLD Four beheaded in Saudi for murders RIYADH: Four Saudis were beheaded yesterday for murder, including three alleged Islamists convicted of killing policemen and local officials in Sakaka, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Hisham bin Awad Monzel Al Odha, Mohamad bin Awad bin Raja Al Balhud and Amjad bin Abdel Aziz bin Khamis Al Jaber were convicted of "forming a criminal gang and carrying out kidnappings, thefts and killings". They were also convicted of "assassinating and opening fire on security servicemen and some officials in the region of Al Jawf," near the Jordanian border. A fourth Saudi identified as Sultan bin Abdel Rahman bin Manah Al Zeid was sentenced to five years in jail for covering up for them. In Tabook, the fourth man, Bandar bin Mohamad bin Nasser Al Qaraani Al Huwaiti, was executed for stabbing to death a Saudi national. 0
108407 0 1527 WORL WORLD Andersen remembered COPENHAGEN: Danish royals and international celebrities last night attended a play based on the works of Hans Christian Andersen, kicking off three days of celebrations to mark the fairytale writer's 200th birthday. Queen Margrethe, Crown Prince Frederik and his Australian-born wife, Crown Princess Mary, were among the guests invited to Copenhagen's downtown Royal Theatre. Many of the goodwill Andersen ambassadors appointed to promote the Dane worldwide for the jubilee, also are expected at the 235-year-old theatre's main Old Stage. With its red velvet walls and seats and its golden balconies, the theatre can seat 1,300. About 2,000 police officers, or one-fifth of Denmark's police force, have been assigned to watch over the three-day celebrations honouring Andersen, famed for children's classics including The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Little Mermaid. Today, Andersen's actual birthday, royals and other celebrities will board a special train to his n 0
108408 0 1527 WORL WORLD Berger in documents plea WASHINGTON: Former US national security adviser Sandy Berger pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally taking classified documents from the National Archives, the Justice Department said. Berger has been charged with a misdemeanour count of unauthorised removal and retention of classified documents, which carries a maximum penalty of a year in prison and a $100,000 (BD37,800) fine, a Justice Department spokesman said. 0
108409 0 1527 WORL WORLD Walesa hails key role WARSAW: Lech Walesa, the former leader of Poland's Solidarity movement, praised Pope John Paul II yesterday for his key role in bringing down communism and said Poland still needs its beloved native son as it faces a difficult future. "In this era of globalisation, we really need the Holy Father. We should pray so God leaves him with us for a while," Walesa said by telephone from Prague. "I really hope that if the entire world prays hard enough then God will listen. I still hope the Pope will pull through." Walesa reflected on the powerful role John Paul played in bringing down communism in his native Poland. "We know what the Pope has achieved. Fifty per cent of the collapse of communism is his doing," Walesa said. "He came and said: 'Let God change the face of the Earth, this Earth.' More than one year after he spoke these words, we were able to organise 10 million people for strikes, protests and negotiations." He recalled the importance of the Mass that John Paul delivered in Wars 0
108410 0 1527 WORL WORLD 13 held for Madrid train blasts MADRID: Spanish police yesterday arrested 13 people with suspected links to Islamic extremist movements and those who carried out the Madrid train bombings last year, the interior ministry announced. Four of those arrested had close ties to Youssef Belhadj, the man believed to be Al Qaeda's spokesman in Europe who was extradited yesterday from Belgium to Spain on suspicion of involvement in the March 2004 attacks. Six of those detained in the operation involving around 100 police officers were Moroccans. 0
108411 0 1527 WORL WORLD Vow to rekindle temple issue BOMBAY: Senior Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan said yesterday that a controversial campaign to build a temple on the ruins of a destroyed mosque would be reignited. BJP will mark 25 years of its birth on April 6 and the temple campaign is likely to take centre stage at a national convention of the party in New Delhi. The BJP had in the early 1990s garnered massive support by campaigning to have a temple to the Hindu god Ram built on the site of the 16th century Babri mosque in the northern town of Ayodhya. The campaign led to the demolition in 1992 by Hindu zealots of the mosque, sparking massive Hindu-Muslim riots across the country in which more than 2,000 people were killed. 0
108412 0 1527 WORL WORLD New bishops are appointed VATICAN CITY: The Vatican announced the appointment of a swathe of new bishops and archbishops as well as four papal envoys yesterday as Pope John Paul II hovered near death. The announcement bears the Pope's signature and were made at various times during March before the pontiff's health suddenly deteriorated. The 12 appointments will have no bearing on the election of his successor as they do not involve any cardinals, who alone sit in the conclave that elects the next head of the Roman Catholic Church. Among the promotions are Monsignor Paul Nguyen Thanh Hoan as Bishop of Phan Thiet, Vietnam. Apostolic administrators were appointed to Estonia and Uzbekistan and papal nuncios to Japan and New Zealand. In the same announcement, the Vatican said that the Pope had accepted the resignation of Cardinal Miguel Obando Bravo as Archbishop of Managua because of his advancing age, as well as five other resignations. 0
108413 0 1527 WORL WORLD Germany's Sinatra' dies BERLIN: Harald Juhnke, the actor and entertainer hailed by many as the German Frank Sinatra, has died aged 75 after a long battle with dementia and alcoholism. Juhnke, who passed away yesterday, was one of Germany's best-loved stars of television, film and stage, but his later years were clouded by his battle with the bottle and media reports about his deteriorating mental state. "Harald Juhnke embodied ability and human tragedy like almost no other person," wrote German state broadcaster ARD in remembrance of the Berlin-born tabloid fixture. His death sparked a wave of tributes, from President Horst Koehler down. Op success for king OSLO: King Harald of Norway underwent "successful" heart surgery yesterday at an Oslo hospital, doctors said, though they advised the 68-year-old monarch to reduce his workload in the coming months. The operation, described as relatively routine, took more than three hours and was aimed at unclogging a valve between the king's heart and his 0
108414 0 1527 WORL WORLD 13 held for Madrid train blasts MADRID: Spanish police yesterday arrested 13 people with suspected links to Islamic extremist movements and those who carried out the Madrid train bombings last year, the interior ministry announced. Four of those arrested had close ties to Youssef Belhadj, the man believed to be Al Qaeda's spokesman in Europe who was extradited yesterday from Belgium to Spain on suspicion of involvement in the March 2004 attacks. Six of those detained in the operation involving around 100 police officers were Moroccans. 0
108415 1 1527 WORL WORLD PRAYERS FOR POPE VATICAN CITY: The Vatican early today denied Pope John Paul had died as thousands of pilgrims for him. news agency ADNKronos, without citing sources, reported that a brain monitor hooked to the Pope had gone flat. But a senior Vatican official said there was no such monitoring device in the Pontiff's apartment. The Pope was clinging to life in deteriorating condition, with his breath shallow and his heart and kidneys failing, the Vatican said. A senior official suggested his death was imminent as the Vatican prepared Catholics the world over for his demise. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls added that John Paul II had been able to join in the prayers of those assisting him at his bedside in the Vatican apartment. "This evening, or tonight, Christ is opening the door to the Pope," said Monsignor Angelo Comastri, the Pope's vicar general for the Vatican city, as he led pilgrims though the Rosary prayer. The gravely ill Pope was already "seeing and tou 0
108416 2 1527 WORL WORLD Hamas rally over Israeli protest plan NUSSEIRAT, Gaza Strip: About 10,000 members and supporters of Hamas demonstrated yesterday against plans by Israeli opponents of the planned Gaza Strip evacuation to rally at a disputed Jerusalem holy site. Jerusalem Police chief Ilan Franco has said he would block the April 10 rally at the site, known to Jews as Temple Mount and to Muslims as Haram as-Sharif, because the protesters posed a security risk. The site is one of the most contentious issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Al Aqsa Mosque compound, Islam's third-holiest site, is built there atop the ruins of the biblical Jewish Temples, Judaism's holiest site. "We voice our protest and condemnation against the continuous Zionist attempt to attack Al Aqsa Mosque and the holy sites," Hamas leader Said Siam told reporters at the Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. "If those criminals carry out the crime we leave this matter to our military wing and there will be no quiet, God willing," Siam said. About 0
108417 3 1527 WORL WORLD Boost security call by clerics BAGHDAD: Influential Sunni scholars encouraged Iraqis to join the country's security forces and protect the country, issuing an edict yesterday that departed sharply from earlier warnings against participating in the fledgling police and army. Also yesterday, an explosion damaged a ninth-century, spiral minaret that is one of Iraq's most recognised landmarks. The blast in the central city of Samarra blew a large hole in the structure, police said. Witnesses said two men climbed the 50m tall minaret, then returned to the ground before the explosion. The minaret is a symbol of Samarra's past glory, the only remains of a mosque dating back from the Abbasid Islamic dynasty. It is featured on Iraq's 250-dinar bill. The edict, endorsed by a group of 64 Sunni clerics and scholars, instructed enlistees to refrain from helping foreign troops against their own countrymen. But Ahmed Abdul Ghafour Al Samarrai, a cleric in the influential Association of Muslim Scholars 0
108418 1 1528 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain 'setting example for regional economies' Doha: Bahrain is among the leading economies in the Arab world, setting examples others should follow, according to an international report. The World Economic Forum yesterday released the Arab World Competitiveness Report 2005, the first ever systematic benchmarking exercise for the Arab region. The report, released in Doha, Qatar, ranks and compares 12 of the region's economies and highlights the enormous challenges that the Arab world faces. Qatar is ranked first in the region, followed closely by the UAE and Bahrain. The three states are the most competitive in the region, with stable macro-economic environments and institutional reforms providing the background against which governments are engaged in processes of rapid modernisation, says the report. It says Arab countries face many of the same challenges - unusually high levels of unemployment, insufficiently diversified economies unduly dependent on the energy sector and a productive structure dominated by the pub 0
108419 2 1528 BUSI BUSINESS Opec chief 'set to begin talks on raising quotas' KUWAIT: Opec's president said he was likely to start telephone consultations with the group's oil ministers today on increasing production quotas by a further 500,000 barrels per day to help cool surging oil prices. Shaikh Ahmad Al Fahd Al Sabah, who is also Kuwait's energy minister, said he believed the additional oil supplies were likely to hit markets by the start of next month at the latest. "I think the talks start tomorrow," Shaikh Ahmad said yesterday on the sidelines of the two-day EuroGulf Energy Forum in Kuwait City. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries lifted its output ceiling by 500,000 bpd to 27.5 million bpd in mid-March and said it would consult on whether to increase formal quotas by a further 500,000 bpd if oil prices continued to rise. In recent days, Opec has said it would wait before enforcing a second quota increase. On Tuesday, Shaikh Ahmad said Opec did not need to increase oil production now but would wait to raise supply more by than 1m bpd 0
108420 3 1528 BUSI BUSINESS CompuMe launches showroom MANAMA: Information Technology (IT) and digital supplier CompuMe has opened its first showroom in Bahrain. It is its seventh outlet in the region and follows similar openings in Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Cairo and Doha. CompuMe Bahrain chairman Dr Yousif Fakhro and CompuMe chief executive officer Leon Beuyukian opened the store. "Being a market leader in its segment due to its immense popularity and underlying trust among consumers it will be a huge step towards establishing itself in the competitive yet growing IT market," said Dr Fakhro. Mr Beuyukian added that a second store could be opened in Bahrain in the near future. 0
108421 0 1528 BUSI BUSINESS UAE clamp on informal money transfers 'successful' ABU DHABI: The UAE said yesterday it had been successful in regulating operators of a system of informal overseas money transfers known as "hawala" but more needs to be done to prevent its abuse by criminals. "The UAE Central Bank has brought over 150 hawaladhars (hawala operators) under its control since April 2003. We have not found any suspicious remittances or dealings by them so far," Central Bank chief Sultan bin Nasser Al Suwaidi told reporters at the Third International Hawala Conference here. Over 375 delegates from 70 countries are attending the two-day conference organised jointly by the UAE Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Middle East-North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENA-FATF), a regional division of the inter-governmental FATF which fights money laundering and terror funding. "Our approach is to get them registered and report everything to the Central Bank. We are committed to secrecy about the hawala operators so they are on our side a 0
108422 0 1528 BUSI BUSINESS Arig AGM approves results MANAMA: Arab Insurance Group (Arig) held its 24th annual general assembly meeting for shareholders at the Sheraton Hotel. The meeting, which was attended by 90 per cent of shareholders, was presided over by Arig chairman Khalid Al Bustani. Shareholders approved Arig's 2004 results, which registered a sharp increase to $26.5 million from $7.9m for 2003. The 2004 earnings represented a 16.4pc time weighted return on average shareholders' equity compared with 6.4pc for the previous year. The general assembly also elected the board of directors for the next three years. Two new members, Real Estate Bank, UAE, general manager Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Zaabi and Emirates Management Services Corporation, UAE, general manager Ali Ibrahim Kajoor replace Nooruddin A Nooruddin and Dr Salem Bengharbia. Shareholders also appointed KPMG as the new auditors for the 2005 financial year. The change in auditors is being made in line with best practices for corporate g 0
108423 0 1528 BUSI BUSINESS China bank hit by loan scandal BEIJING: Bank of China, the nation's top foreign exchange lender racing for a listing, has sacked officials from its Beijing branch after a property developer secured loans illegally, revealing serious breaches in credit controls. The official Xinhua news agency said yesterday an unspecified number of executives, including a deputy director of the branch's business department, were sacked after the local developer used fake documents to borrow 645 million yuan ($77.94m). Since reporting the case to the Public Security Bureau, Bank of China had taken steps to limit financial losses, stemming from nearly 200 loans extended between December 2000 and June 2002, Xinhua said, citing bank spokesman Wang Zhaowen. The deputy director in question was also barred from working in the banking sector again, the news agency said. Bank of China, whose efforts to take on foreign stakeholders and list have been clouded by an embezzlement scandal, took the unusual step in February of appoin 0
108424 0 1528 BUSI BUSINESS GCC-EU to discuss trade deal RIYADH: Upcoming talks between the GCC and the European Union (EU) will mark a major step on the road to concluding a long-stalled free trade agreement, the GCC's chief said yesterday. The April 4 to 5 meeting in Bahrain of foreign ministers of the two sides "will constitute a turning point in GCC-EU negotiations for a free trade pact between the two blocs," Secretary-General Abdulrahman Al Attiyah said in a statement. A statement issued by the European Commission in Brussels on Friday ahead of the annual meeting said ministers were expected to "agree on the way forward for EU-GCC Free Trade Area negotiations with the aim of concluding them at the earliest opportunity." "The Commission will be represented at the (meeting) by Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson," the statement said. The two blocs signed a framework economic co-operation agreement in 1988 but have failed to 0
108425 0 1528 BUSI BUSINESS Metlife strikes $1.7bn deal NEW YORK: MetLife agreed to sell its Manhattan building above Grand Central Station, formerly called the Pan Am building, for $1.72 billion, its second major real-estate deal this week. The sale to Tishman Speyer Properties LP is expected to result in a gain of more than $750 million, net of income taxes, and won't have a material impact on operating earnings, the insurance company said. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter. The building, located at 200 Park Avenue, will continue to serve as the company's corporate headquarters and the prominent "MetLife" sign atop the building will remain in place. After the sale is completed, MetLife plans to maintain a prominent presence in the building, which contains several company offices and MetLife's boardroom. 0
108426 0 1528 BUSI BUSINESS Company appoints three new managers MANAMA: BDO Jawad Habib has made three new managerial appointments. Michelle Bailey has joined JHC Recruitment, a division of BDO Jawad Habib, as recruitment manager. Ms Bailey holds a Bachelor's degree in psychology and has 15 years' experience at various managerial levels in recruitment, human resources, staff management and training. She will be responsible for providing human resources and recruitment services to a wide range of national and regional clients. Sanjay Tupe joined BDO Jawad Habib as audit and business advisory services division manager. Mr Tupe is a chartered accountant with 11 years' experience in auditing and management with companies in India. Riyaz Jivanjee joined the company as management consulting division manager. Mr Jivanjee has 15 years of experience in various consulting and managerial posts in real estate, hospitality and e-commerce. BDO Jawad Habib is a member of BDO International, which is described as t 0
108427 0 1528 COMM COMMENTNo room for complacency There was always a risk that the Indian Ocean would be struck by a fresh disaster in the wake of the Boxing Day tsunami. Seismologists had warned that the enormous earthquake off the Indonesian island of Sumatra that triggered last December's catastrophic sea surge, had added to the stress on this tectonic region and increased the chance of another quake. And so it proved. Monday evening's tremor, which had a magnitude of 8.7 on the Richter scale, occurred on the same tectonic fault line as the Boxing Day quake. And it prompted thousands of people all around the Indian Ocean to flee from coastal areas, terrified that the terrible events of three months ago were about to repeat themselves. It is estimated over a thousand people may have died on the Indonesian island of Nias - most when their homes collapsed during the quake. As in most natural disasters of this kind, the complete death toll will not be known for some days. But it is clear the results have been far less lethal than the Box 0
108428 0 1528 COMM COMMENTRules put brakes on the media One of the reasons our Formula One coverage is not as extensive this year as we would like to offer you as the readers, is because of the stringent restrictions imposed on the media by the F1 authorities. As Bahrain's biggest selling English language newspaper, we have been allocated only one pass allowing us full access to the media centre and other facilities at the Bahrain International Circuit. This is one pass, for a single, named journalist and it is non-transferable, so should that journalist suffer some calamity and be unable to work, then we would have no official access at all. We have not been allowed a pass for a single photographer, so our ability to cover this global event has been seriously curtailed. BIC officials tell us that this is not their doing, but that of the F1 authorities, who have total control over media access and who gets passes and who doesn't. The BIC did, after much fuss on our part, offer to get us another pass for a journalist w 0
108431 0 1528 LETT LETTERS Construction misery for office workers IN the Diplomatic Area, a hub of financial institutions and ministerial/governmental buildings, these days there is so much noise in the neighbourhood that one has to wonder how do people concentrate on work in their offices and maintain their levels of productivity. Construction is going on for a new building, which is always a welcome sign as it signifies further development of the area; however, in an area like this, construction should be carried out in off-peak hours i.e. after 3pm, when most of the offices are closed. Of course there are offices with official timings till later in the afternoon, however, doing at least this much will minimise the misery that all of us working in the Diplomatic Area have to go through. I request the appropriate authority to take notice of this issue. Ghazal Z Khan 0
108432 0 1528 LETT LETTERS Delivery costs daunting IN the gadgets-to-go section of the Gulf Weekly is advertised products available from Magellens - online. I tried placing an order but was quite shocked to see the very high delivery rates for even small items - but the most disturbing news is that they will not deliver to a PO Box. Seemingly they are an American company as all rates are quoted in dollars, surely if America wishes to break into the Arabian market, some research should have been done to understand the fact that everyone in this part of the world has a PO Box address and not a location address. This would increase their share of the market as the items on offer look interesting, but adding on the very high cost of delivery out of the US is very daunting Ivor Winch 0
108433 0 1528 LETT LETTERS Losing trust in post I AM responding to 'Disgruntled mail-user' (GDN, March 27). No, Disgruntled mail user, it is not only you who has a problem. On December 8, 2004 I sent a letter to my bank in the UK with a cheque enclosed. It didn't arrive until February 17. This is totally unacceptable and caused inordinate problems. There is something most definitely wrong with the postal service in Bahrain and not until the managers stop burying their heads in the sand and admit it will it ever get sorted. As a consequence I now no longer post anything to the UK but use DHL, fax, e-mail and on-line banking. I have lived here for five years and have not had these problems before but cannot afford to risk sending anything through the Bahrain Postal Service. An upset ex-postal service user 0
108434 0 1528 LETT LETTERS Forgiveness vital BISHOP David Stancliffe has been reported as saying Britian's Prince Charles should apologise to Andrew Parker-Bowles, the ex-husband of his fiance, Camilla Parker-Bowles, for breaking up his marriage. He suggested it should come before the April 8 wedding. As a registered marriage and family therapist, I have seen the devastation to marriages and families, where predators, who believe any person they choose to seduce is fair game, without taking into account the marital status of the person they target. Often, the person who has the affair and leaves the marriage, had no intention of ending the marriage prior to the advances of the seducer. They cannot find valid reasons why they want to end their marriage and often use excuses like: 'I am not in love anymore'. They claim to love their spouse, but say the chemistry has gone. In the healing process, forgiveness is a vital part for adults and children. This is not a false forgiveness, but one where the person asking forgiveness is really 0
108435 0 1528 LETT LETTERS We need sleep! A NEWLY-OPENED Internet cafe at Road 234, Manama 302 has turned out to be a nuisance to residents who have had sleepless nights since it started. This Internet cafe is providing cordless telephones to its customers for making long distance calls. Customers are coming out of the shop with these cordless telephones and start speaking loudly from early morning at 5am till late night (in fact from 4am onwards on Fridays). A minimum of four to five cordless telephone users are using this calling facility at a time. The sleep of the poor residents of nearby buildings is affected very badly due to the unusual and abnormal speech noise by these cordless telephone users in the open place. Since the telephone calls are through the Internet and the voice clarity is low, the callers go on raising their voice making the life miserable for the residents. Would the responsible authority take appropriate action in order to have peaceful living for these residents of the nearby buildings in quest 0
108436 0 1528 LETT LETTERS Resignation legal FURTHER to your reader's letter (GDN, March 27) asking whether it is legal to resign whilst on leave and whether the notice period of one month can be given from leave, the answer to both questions is yes. With regard to the third question concerning indemnity and other benefits this will depend on how many years he has worked for that employer. Labour Ministry spokesman 0
108437 0 1528 LETT LETTERS Tele-marketing torture I HAVE become sick having become a target of tele-marketing. I am curious to know who the hell invented this novel technique (sorry Graham Bell, I know that's not you). Those beautiful girls (I suppose) must be having ESP choosing to ring me exactly at my naptime. Hi folks, if you really, really want to torture your enemies, just disclose their contact numbers when those mesmerising voices wake you up and demand at the end of the conversation "Do you mind to give three of your close friends' numbers!" Abdul Qaiyum 0
108438 1 1528 BNEW LOCAL RACING AHEAD MANAMA MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad said yesterday that Formula One will help revitalise Bahrain tourism and the economy. It also places Bahrain firmly on the international sporting map. His Majesty made his remarks while visiting Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) with Saudi Eastern Province Governor Prince Mohammed bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz. He emphasised the important role sport plays in bringing countries together "in an atmosphere and spirit of friendship and honourable competition". The King was received by Crown Prince and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport President Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He toured the racetrack's utilities, saw different cars, garages and administrative offices and listened to a briefing on the services provided for competitors as well as safety procedures. Later, His Majesty visited BIC's tower where he watched part of a practice session, met a number of VIP visitors and discussed Formula One with them. 0
108439 2 1528 BNEW LOCAL Man to die for killing his lover's husband MANAMA MANAMA: A Pakistani watchman was sentenced to death yesterday for murdering his Bahraini lover's 72-year-old husband. The 42-year-old woman, who had a child by her lover, was jailed for life by the High Criminal Court for her part in the murder. Her 37-year-old lover beat her husband unconscious in his home in Mukharqa, near the Manama Police Fort, in August 2003. They then doused him and the house with fuel and set it ablaze, the court heard. They were also charged with endangering the lives of others by setting the home ablaze and the woman was also charged with colluding with a public servant to forge a birth certificate for the baby boy. The certificate falsely claimed that the boy was fathered by her husband, but forensic tests showed that her lover was the father, the court heard. Both defendants were in court to hear their sentences. The watchman's lawyer, who asked not to be named, said he would be lodging an appeal. 0
108440 3 1528 BNEW LOCAL RUF sports cars to be built in Bahrain MANAMA GERMANY'S high performance sports car-maker, RUF-Automobile, is to set up a joint venture factory in Bahrain. It will be the first car manufacturing plant in Bahrain and the Gulf. The new company, RUF-Middle East (RUF-ME) will manufacture cars at a factory near the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir. The company is being set up with local businessman, Rashad Janahi, at an initial investment of $50 million (BD18.9m). A joint announcement was made by RUF-Automobile managing director Alois Ruf and Mr Janahi yesterday in the presence of Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Environ-ment, Marine Resources and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Press conference, at the Al Areen Desert Spa & Resort Client Relations Centre, near the BIC, was also attended by Al Areen Holding Company chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, vice-chairman and Gulf Finance House (GFH) chief executive officer Esam Janahi, GFH deputy chief executive o 0
108441 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL HIS MAJESTY WELCOMED IN EGYPT MANAMA MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad last night arrived at Sharm el-Sheikh Airport at the start of a visit of several days. He was welcomed by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. His Majesty will hold talks with the president on bilateral ties, the situation in the Middle East, particularly the Palestinian and Iraqi issues as well as the situation in Lebanon. He was accompanied by Royal Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, head of the survey and land registration bureau Shaikh Salman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and other officials. 0
108442 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL 'Green' campaign for race circuit SCIENTISTS believe that the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) could be an ideal venue to promote environmental awareness and renewable energy. They propose that the BIC could harness renewable energy inputs such as solar and wind power to generate electricity for air-conditioning, lighting and water irrigation. Other environmentally friendly suggestions include the planting of Jojoba trees (a species renowned for having a low demand for water) near the circuit, which would be aesthetically pleasing, as well as help clean the environment. The researchers from Bahrain University, Reading University, UK, Cranfield University, UK and the BIC compiled these suggestions after conducting a four-month study during and after the 2004 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The paper, entitled Bahrain's Formula One Racing Circuit: Energy and Environmental Considerations, will appear in the next issue of the journal Applied Energy, which is published by Amsterdam-based Elsevier every quarter. The jo 0
108443 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Carnival to cast a spell A FOUR-DAY Formula One Carnival at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa concludes tonight. It features a variety of performances by entertainers and includes live music, magic and dancing. The event starts at 7.30pm and the performers include juggler Oliver Groszer, dance duo Slava and his partner, magician Thimon von Berlepsch, Cuban band Siguaraya and dance troupe Las Morenas del Caribe. Tickets for the F1 Carnival are BD38++ per person per night, inclusive of food and entertainment. For reservations and inquiries, contact the hotel on 17580000. 0
108444 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Drawing on Bahraini culture MANAMA AN array of abstract paintings inspired by 18 months in Bahrain will go on sale next week to raise money for poor people in post-war Iraq. They are the work of Iraqi Ambassador and self-taught artist Ghassan Mohsen, who is planning his first solo exhibition since taking up his post in 2003. Around 50 acrylic paintings, which currently adorn the walls of his home in Budaiya, will go on display at the Art Centre near the Bahrain National Museum on Saturday. The exhibition, called Approaching Abstract, will open at 7pm and continue for a week - with proceeds from sales being sent to needy families in Iraq. It is being held under the patronage of Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar. This is the Ambassador's first solo exhibition in Bahrain and 12th of his career - following others in Iraq, India, Pakistan and Cairo, Egypt. He said much of the inspiration for his work has come from the arts and culture of Bahrain. " 0
108445 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Grand Mosque offering an insight into Islamic culture MANAMA PEOPLE wishing to learn more about Islam and Islamic culture are welcome to visit the Al Fateh Grand Mosque, Juffair Today is the final day of a three-day programme organised by the Al Fateh Islamic Centre and Discover Islam especially for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. They say the aim is not to preach, but to create more awareness among visitors about Islamic heritage. Visitors are being served traditional Bahraini snacks and given a tour of the mosque. Literature on Islam is also being distributed and visitors can have their names written in Arabic by a calligrapher. Discover Islam is also welcoming visitors and distributing leaflets at Bab Al Bahrain, in Manama, and the Bahrain International Airport. The centre is open today from 8am to 8pm. 0
108446 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL More guards to protect Tubli Bay THREE new police checkpoints began operating at Tubli Bay yesterday, to stop illegal dumping. This brings the total of checkpoints around the bay up to five, which will be manned 24 hours a day, MPs heard yesterday. The increase follows calls from Manama and Central Municipal Councils after workers from construction companies were caught dumping building refuse last month. The councils have already submitted these cases to the General Prosecutor. Violations at the bay were discussed yesterday between the specially set-up Tubli Bay parliamentary probe committee members, Manama Municipal Council chairman Murthada Bader and Central Municipal Council health and environment committee chairman Abbas Mahfoodh and council member Redha Humaidan. Probe committee chairman MP Abdulnabi Salman said violations were continuing because the police were not doing their job properly. "These violations happen in front of their eyes, although they are present at the checkpoints 24 hou 0
108447 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Health check-up for drivers MANAMA A FREE medical screening was provided yesterday to the Formula One 10 BMW international racing drivers by the Bahrain Specialist Hospital. Hospital cardiologist Dr Shashi Ranjan, assisted by a group of nurses, performed the compulsory medical check-ups requested by the international car racing committee. The team is taking part in the second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix being held at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), which ends today. 0
108448 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL One-way traffic to beat jam TRAFFIC from the Awali Roundabout, on Zallaq Highway, heading towards the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) will be diverted today to allow the entire highway to be used after the race by departing Formula One spectators. Diversions are expected to be in place in the late afternoon, according to a General Directorate of Traffic spokesman. Similar measures will be put in place on the new Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, which means the whole highway will accommodate one-way traffic until it reaches the Seef District. "Traffic wasn't too bad on the first two days, but on the actual day of the Grand Prix we expect a huge rush of people leaving the track at the end of the race," said the spokesman. "The only way to enter Zallaq or Sakhir will be to go through Hamad Town or Malkiya." People are advised to listen for traffic updates on the radio or contact the directorate's hotline on 17872287. Three new traffic lights have been specially installed on Zallaq 0
108449 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to mark World Health Day bahrain will join the rest of the world to observe World Health Day on Thursday. This year's theme, 'Healthy mothers and children', is also the focus of the world health report 2005, which will be launched on that day. The slogan for world health day 2005 is 'Make every mother and child count', which reflects the reality that the health of women and children is not a high priority of many governments and the international community, the head of health education at the ministry of health, Dr Amal Jowder, said. "Clubs, schools, social centres, government officials, representatives of all the communities and others will be involved in several events to celebrate the day," she said. World Health Day, marked since 1950, aims to increase awareness about a specific health theme to highlight a priority area of concern of World Health Organisation (WHO), she said. This year's theme reflects the need to change today's reality that half a million women die during pregnancy and 0
108450 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL New deal to protect monuments signed An agreement to protect of the monuments and important buildings was signed yesterday between the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture and the UN's Developmental Programme. Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh and UNDP's regional director Dr Khalid Alloush signed the agreement. Under the agreement a BD121,000 study would be conducted to restore Bahrain's heritage sites. It also entails developing scientific and technical potential and improving local capabilities of those who will be taking part in implementing the study's proposals. Manama and Muharraq are going to be taken as models for the study, which will take up to 18 months to complete. Archaeologists will be assigned to consider ways of maintaining buildings and key areas. 0
108451 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL BD300,000 school facility opened MANAMA Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi yesterday opened a new academic building at the Shaikh Isa bin Ali Secondary Commercial Boys' School in Isa Town. The BD300,000 three-storey building comprises 12 classrooms, an education resources centre, science laboratory, debate hall and faculty rooms among other facilities. Dr Al Nuaimi, who was accompanied by ministry officials, was welcomed and taken on a tour by school principal Ali Al Hashimi. Mr Hashimi said the school's administration had carried out a number of projects to upgrade education services. They include linking its three academic buildings with an intercom network, setting up rest areas for students and installing Internet facilities at all departments. 0
108452 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Bid to cut Shura powers blocked MANAMA MOVES to decrease the power of the Shura Council are being blocked by two parliamentary blocs. Al Menbar and Al Asala Islamic Blocs are refusing the change, saying the time is not right, parliament heard at an extraordinary session yesterday. Two thirds of the National Assembly, comprised of 40 elected MPs and 40 appointed Shura Council members, must vote in favour of any such change. The Islamic, Democratic, Economists and some MPs from the Independent Bloc are backing a proposal to grant MPs more legislative powers and to shrink the Shura Council to a consultative body only. Parliament legislative and legal affairs committee vice-chairman and Islamic Bloc president Ali Al Samaheeji said that such a change appeared impossible, since Shura members were unlikely to give up their power. "Al Asala and Al Menbar together comprise around 50 per cent of MPs and this means that our quest for change will be shelved unless they change their minds, but that doesn't mean we can't c 0
108453 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Top Filipino awards plea to Bahrainis BAHRAINIS are being encouraged to nominate outstanding Filipinos, including housemaids, for a top award. The search is on for the Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers in Bahrain 2005 awards scheme. It was launched by the Philippines Embassy at the start of this year to honour Filipinos of various working backgrounds for their excellence. The deadline for nominations is on April 15. "We have received many nominations from members of the public since launching the awards scheme," said Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya. "More than 30 individuals have been nominated, but we would really like to cover much more ground." Mr Maglaya said he hopes Bahraini individuals and organisations will take part in the scheme. He urges Bahraini families in particular to nominate their Filipina housemaids for the award. To date, nominees include engineers, doctors, nurses and artists. The award's categories are as follows: education; domestic services (d 0
108454 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Raider held after stabbing MANAMA: An Indian man was stabbed in the stomach as he fought off a Bahraini robber in Manama flat last night. A Bangladeshi neighbour who went to his rescue was also injured, but together they managed to subdue the robber and tie him to a chair. The incident happened at around 7.30pm when the robber walked into a flat near the Royal Hotel and demanded money. The tenant, from Kerala, refused and a fight broke out in which he was stabbed. Neighbour Musharraq Khlashi said he heard screams and went to help. He said he suffered a slight cut in the fight that ensued, but that they tied the robber to a chair until police arrived and arrested him. It is thought two Bahraini accomplices were waiting outside. The injured Indian man was taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex for treatment. Mr Khlashi was understood to have gone with police to give a statement. 0
108455 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL UK artist offers lessons in painting PLACES are still available for various adult and child art courses at the Al Riwaq Art Gallery in Adliya. The classes will be taught by Ilona Szalay, who is a practising artist based in London. Ms Szalay is a graduate of Oxford University and has studied fine arts at the renowned Central St Martins School, London and the Byam Shaw School of Art, London. She has been tutoring students in art and art theory/history for several years from GCSE through to master degree level. The adult course will cover various aspects of drawing from still life, the human form to landscape and architecture using a variety of media including pencil, chalk, charcoal, ink, watercolour and paints. It will culminate with an individual project where the ideas discussed about technique, art history references and the students personal research work are combined to create a final piece. The course is a total of 20 hours divided into twice weekly 2.5-hour sessions. The fee is BD50 pe 0
108456 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Supporters of Asia IT summit honoured Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa yesterday hosted a luncheon reception in honour of organisations and individuals who contributed towards the success of the third Asia IT Ministers' Summit. The minister delegated Transportation Under-Secretary Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to attend the reception at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. More than 40 people including officials from the Transportation Ministry, Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau (BCEB), local newspapers, Bahrain Radio and Television Corporation and other ministries were presented with gifts of appreciation. Shaikh Mohammed conveyed the greetings of the minister to the participants and thanked them for their support to the summit. Delegations from 35 countries, including 19 ministers, attended the summit held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) on March 21 and 22, under Shaikh Ali's patronage. The landmark summit was a continuation of the dialogu 0
108457 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Raid terror for mother and girl, 8 MANAMA BURGLARS were scared off by a woman's screams after they kicked open her locked bedroom door while she slept. The Filipina mother was inside with her eight-year-old daughter when intruders broke into the first floor apartment, in Gudaibiya, before smashing their way into the bedroom. However, the two men fled empty-handed when the 36-year-old began screaming for help. Her Bahraini husband Ghazi Abdulla, 48, was out at the time and says at first his wife thought it was him. "I received a call from my wife at around 8.15pm telling me what happened," he said. "I rushed over to see the main entrance broken and the bedroom door kicked in. "My wife tells me that she heard some noise outside, but thought nothing of it. "She thought it was the neighbour's children playing because it wasn't that late at night. "Then she saw the bedroom doorknob turning and thought it was me making all that noise trying to get in. "She was just going to shout at me f 0
108458 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Specialist private hospital on way A NEW private hospital is being established in Bahrain at a cost of BD28 million, it was revealed yesterday. The first phase of the project will be the BD3m Al Hayat Specialist Hospital, which will open in Gudaibiya this June. It is being jointly promoted by Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, India, Meo Clinic, in Germany, and Al Dossary Group, Bahrain. The first phase is a four-storey building housing 52 beds, two operation theatres and multi speciality clinics, director Daven Mehta told the GDN. A second phase, costing about BD25m, will have advanced heart surgery, cancer treatment and kidney transplant facilities. The hospital has already recruited 140 people for the first phase, including doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals from India, Bahrain, the Philippines and Eastern Europe. "Among the highlights of the facilities will be some of the most advanced radiology and laboratory equipment," said Mr Mehta. "The cardiac CT scan, which will help dia 0
108459 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Fitness workshops to be held GERMAN Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) black-belt trainer Ann Christiansen is to conduct a series of workshops at the World Beat Fitness Centre in Janabiya. NIA is an expressive movement practice that uses the body's way to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fitness and well-being. It is founded on the concept that there is a dancer, martial artist and highly aware person in each one of us. It is a worldwide fitness movement with over 20 years of technical advancement. "If you're searching for something to stimulate you, motivate you, and inspire you to revolutionise your workout then look no further, the NIA technique is exactly what you're looking for," said centre director Jane Goodwin. "This gentle, graceful and powerful cardiovascular movement focuses on awakening and empowering your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves. "Integrating Western dance modalities such as modern, jazz and Duncan dance, with Eastern martial 0
108460 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Indian singer to take stage HINDUSTANI singer Sri Ramesh Narayan is to perform in Bahrain on Friday at the Gulf Air Club in Salmabad, starting at 6.30pm. The Indian Institute for Performing Arts is organising the concert. The noted Indian artiste will be accompanied by five musicians on stage. Limited entry passes for corporates are available at BD5 (admit two) per pass. For more information, contact 17231717 or 39055938. 0
108461 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Children step out for charity OVER 100 children and their parents attended a Family Fun Day at the Budaiya Pre-School in Saar to raise money for the Bahrain Red Crescent Society Tsunami Relief Fund. The children, aged two to five years, made special art projects to sell to their parents. Over BD800 was raised from donations made by parents and local businesses. The youngsters, who also played games, took part in a lucky draw. Supporting companies included Intercol, the Conservatory, Nokia, A Piece of Cake, Artikel, GIPC, Crowne Plaza, Profile Fitness Centre, Best Salon, D Done Salon, The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, Cappuccino Cafe, Golden Noodles Restaurant, Nada Dairy, La Ventana Caf and Dar Al Kalima books. 0
108462 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Pipelines damaged A FIRE broke out yesterday at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus. The fire, which damaged 16 metres of air-conditioning pipelines, broke out at the new College of Science building, which is still under construction. It was caused by the heat during welding work, carried out by a contractor on the site. The university was closed at the time as students were given yesterday and today off on the occasion of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, which ends today. A university statement said the contractor would shoulder the repair expenses, since the place was under his supervision at the time of the incident. "We thank the university security for their alertness and firemen for their quick response to the university's call," said the statement. No one was hurt at the incident. 0
108463 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Seminar on meditation MANAMA MIND management will come under the spotlight in a seminar tonight at the Bahrain Meditation Centre (BMC). The seminar, from 7pm to 9pm, will be conducted by centre director Aruna Ladva. The event is free and all are welcome. To register contact the centre on 17712545. 0
108464 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Fashion show a sellout MANAMA A SELL-OUT crowd of more than 300 people attended a fashion show last night at the Blue Elephant restaurant, Seef District, featuring the latest collection by Bahrain-based designer Juni Capulong. The designer, from Style - House of Haute Couture, unveiled a 50-piece collection inspired by the global community. The models were Brittney Bartholomew, Laila Al Yafi, Maria Guansing, Maya Menon, Kiran Chandy, Hani Hassan Abdul Hussein, Nikki Savage, Nick Stojanovich, Jazmine Farrior, Reggie Madison, Donnah Labis, Ahmed Sayed, Donnabelle Baylor, Mitch Larona and Ina Esmeralda-Castro. The show was held in collaboration with the Blue Elephant Restaurant, Pearl Island Advertising, American Express, Euro Motors, Sharafali Fine Fabrics, Al Hawaj, Shiseido, Style Beauty Salon, Gulf Computer Services, Royal University for Women, Pakistani Women's Association, Mustan Moiz for Video and Photography and Music and Lights. 0
108465 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Blaze hits parked car A PARKED CAR burst into flames near Baqer Furnishing, Sehla, yesterday. The Volkswagen was locked, its engine turned off and the driver away when the fire started at about 2.30pm. Civil Defence officials put out the fire before it damaged vehicles parked next to it. The cause of the fire was not known although an electric short-circuit in the wiring was suspected, said sources. 0
108466 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Charity workers thanked by club A LUNCH was held at the Mezzaluna Restaurant in Adliya by Jacques Dessange Health Club to thank those who supported an event to raise money for tsunami victims. About 80 women pedalled continuously for 12 hours on 10 indoor cycles at the club in Adliya in February, raising BD14,500. The spinathon was organised by health club manager Nicky Pearse. Al Ghalia Company project development manager Suzanne Gissing Yousef presented the cheque to Bahrain Red Crescent Society representative Dr Maryam Al Mulla for the society's Tsunami Relief Fund. 0
108467 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Marshals 'vital for F1 success' TODAY is the culmination of weeks of hard work for members of the Motorsport Marshals Club as they take their places at the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. strong marshals' team is essential to the success of the Grand Prix and the club has been preparing for the event for the last two months, with special intensive training on the last week. The club is made up of over 950 marshals - all volunteers who work and train in their spare time. These include fire marshals, recovery marshals, medical marshals, pitt marshals, flag marshals and others, said club public relations head Mo Hussein. "The marshals train all year round for various events but we have been training them specifically for the F1 in the last two months," he said. "They've been working very hard learning how to deal with health emergencies, fires and other problems. "The last two days have also been very hard work in the hot sun. They've been coming to work at 5.30am and not leaving until after 7pm." 0
108468 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Fans promised sideshows... MANAMA THERE will be no shortage of side attractions to keep people busy as the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix climaxes at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), Sakhir, today. The FIA Formula One World Championship is among the biggest annual sporting events in the world and with it comes the trappings of glamour, colour, ultimate sporting competition and raw energy. Fans were able to meet and get autographs signed by F1 champions during the first two days of the event. Several stores selling authentic F1 T-shirts, caps and other memorabilia are found at the circuit's vending area. Plenty of activities for children, including video games, bouncing castles, face painting, a bull ride and others are available. The Gulf Air stand, which is exhibiting its latest products and services, also has an F1 simulation ride. The Economic Development Board (EDB) had a stand offering visitors to Bahrain a glimpse of upcoming projects, including the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Bah 0
108469 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Beach party at Marina A BEACH party to round off the Formula One weekend will take place at the Marina Club, in Manama, tonight. DJs have flown in from the UK and France for the Ibiza Deluxe beach party, which starts at 5pm and continues through until 2am. Headlining will be DJ Touch, from France, who is resident DJ at the legendary Hotel Costes and Mezzanine Alcazar, in Paris. He will be joined by top UK DJ/producer Pete Doyle, plus a line-up of local DJs, including DJ Mazen and Aquasol Band. The event is organised by Analogue Soul and tickets cost BD5 or BD7 after 10pm. 0
108470 0 1528 BNEW LOCAL Tickets won FIVE lucky competition winners each got free tickets to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Dr Beulah Isaacs, Lamees Hussain Qassim, Ahmed Suliman Bubshait, Redha Majeed and Hussain Ali Kuwaitan were entered into a draw after test-driving Skoda cars. They were presented tickets by Skoda showroom general manager Norbert Wilhelm. 0
108471 1 1528 SPOR SPORT RENAULT ROLL ON QUALIFYING action could not have got better as Fernando Alonso set the Renault car on a roll racing to the provisional pole spot for today's Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. The Renault cars were once again impressive as the leaders showed enough speed and power to raise hopes of a hat-trick of titles following their triumphs in Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur. Leader Alonso was clearly the fastest driver on track yesterday during the first qualifying session as he clocked a super fast 1:29.848 after starting out last. The first Spaniard to be leading the driver's table was virtually on song except for the final corner where he lost some time. But Alonso had set such a hot pace in the first three stages that he could still drive home ahead of Toyota's Jarno Trulli who was second best in 1:29.993. The Italian once again proved his one-lap supremacy and now looks set to clinch his third successive front row spot and improve on his second place finish in Sepang. Michael Schu 0
108472 2 1528 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Salman wins Asian title Bahrain's star Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa clinched a brilliant victory in the opening round of the Formula BMW Asia Series at the Bahrain International Circuit to give local motorsport fans a lot to cheer about. The 23-year-old Shaikh Salman, driving for Team E-Rain, won the 10-lap support event for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix after a brilliant drive to finish in 21 minutes 54.233 seconds. Nineteen-year-old Malaysian Charlie-Ro Charles (Team Meritus) - a newcomer to the series - impressed in his very first outing coming in second while BMW Junior, Michael Patrizi (Team Meritus), the 20-year-old from Austria, took the final podium spot. Both of them are Rookie Cup entrants. It was a successful day for local drivers as Hamed Al Fardan (Team Meritus) took fourth place after an eventful drive, which saw him almost airborne after taking an excursion over a kerb. He also set the fastest lap of the race, adding to the pride of local supporters. The jubilant MTC-Unstoppabulls! driv 0
108473 3 1528 SPOR SPORT Tendulkar bowls India to victory COCHIN, India: Sachin Tendulkar struck telling blows with the ball as hosts India delighted a sell-out home crowd of 75,000 with an 87-run victory over Pakistan in the first one-day international yesterday. Tendulkar made amends for failing with the bat by picking up five for 50 with his leg-spin as India bowled out Pakistan for 194 in reply to their own 281 for eight from 50 overs at the Nehru stadium. Mohammad Hafeez top scored for the tourists with 42, but wickets tumbled at regular intervals to hand India a 1-0 lead in the six-match series. India's challenging total was built by centuries from Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid, who put on a record 201 for the third wicket after seamer Rana Naved-ul Hasan removed Tendulkar and captain Saurav Ganguly off consecutive balls in the day's second over. Sehwag smashed 108 off 95 balls with nine boundaries and three sixes after being dropped twice before he had reached double figures. Dravid made a gutsy 104 in stifling heat and humidi 0
108474 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Gudjohnsen seals win for Chelsea SOUTHAMPTON, England: Eidur Gudjohnsen struck a goal in each half as Chelsea put their off-field problems behind them to take another big step towards the Premiership title with a 3-1 win over Southampton at St Mary's Stadium here yesterday. Frank Lampard and Gudjohnsen scored in the opening period to put the league leaders on course for their seventh consecutive away league victory - a new club and Premiership record. And although Saints subsitute Kevin Phillips pulled one back midway through the second half, Gudjohnsen rounded off a flowing move to seal the victory and put Chelsea 13 points clear at the top of the table with seven games remaining. Chelsea had endured a difficult two weeks off the pitch and their build up to the game had been hit by stories coming out of Portugal that coach Jose Mourinho was set to quit at the end of the season. However, their hopes of clinching the Premiership title had been further strengthened earlier in the afternoon with nearest ri 0
108475 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Dyer and Bowyer apologise after brawl NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United team mates Kieron Dyer and Lee Bowyer apologised to "everyone qconnected to the club" after they were sent off for fighting each other late in their side's 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa yesterday. The two England internationals were involved in the remarkable fight eight minutes from time when Newcastle were already down to 10 men after Steven Taylor had been sent off for handball. It was a dreadful turnaround for the club only a day after the good news that striker Alan Shearer had decided to play on for another year and both Dyer and Bowyer appeared at a post-match news conference to offer their apologies. "We would like to apologise to the fans, the chairman, the management staff, all the players, to everyone connected with Newcastle, my family and everybody who witnessed what happened today," said Bowyer, who left the field with a huge rip down the front of his shirt. "We are sincerely sorry," added the midfielder, no stranger to controver 0
108476 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Alonso fastest in qualifying World leader Fernando Alonso was in sizzling form while world championship hopefuls Renault stepped up the pace in the first qualifying round of the Gulf Air Barhrain Grand Prix yesterday. Alonso's heroics on a hot and humid day paid handsome dividends as the Spainiard grabbed provinsional pole and raised hopes of a Sepang repeat here today. Alonso, who started on pole and finished at the centre of the podium in Sepang to top the driver's table with 16 points, was the last on the circuit in the one-lap first qualfication but proved the best clocking a super fast time of 1:29.848 and beating Toyota's Jarno Trulli who was second best in 1:29.993. World champion Michael Schumacher, meanwhile, led the qualifying for the first time this season but only briefly as Trulli and Alonso turned on the heat to become the only drivers to go under the one minute and 30-second mark. But the new Ferrari car was able to show the pace and punch needed to challenge the leading pack and 0
108477 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Toyota eye second podium Toyota are looking for their second successive Formula One podium finish in today's Bahrain Grand Prix after waiting more than three years for their first. With Italian Jarno Trulli having every chance of his third successive front row start after finishing a close second in yesterday's first qualifying session, technical director Mike Gascoyne spelled out the team's ambitions. "Yet again we have a car in second position, but the team is now looking to achieve more than that," the Englishman said. "We have to consolidate Jarno's starting position and aim to score at least our second podium." Final qualifying is on today before the race. Trulli finished runner-up to Renault's championship leader Fernando Alonso in the Malaysian Grand Prix for Toyota's first top-three finish since they came into the sport in 2002. "I'm performing well because the team is doing a great job," said Trulli, whose team mate Ralf Schumacher was only 11th in qualifying after losing time a 0
108478 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Ferrari back in business Michael Schumacher believes Ferrari have heard the alarm call and woken up from their slumbering start to the season. The seven times Formula One world champion, preparing for the new F2005's debut race today, was third in first qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix and smiling again. Two weeks ago in Malaysia he had been way off the pace in last year's modified car, qualifying 13th and finishing seventh as Spaniard Fernando Alonso handed Renault their second win in a row. The once-dominant Italian team responded by rushing their new car into service two races earlier than planned and, for Schumacher at least, the gamble looked like it was paying off even if Alonso was still the fastest. "It is fair to say that Malaysia gave us a wake-up call and I must thank the team for the great effort it has made to move the new car schedule forward," said the German. "It was important to have it here in Bahrain because of the new engine rule," he added. "All the work 0
108479 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Injured Montoya to make comeback at Imola McLaren boss Ron Dennis said here yesterday that he expects injured driver Juan Pablo Montoya to return to the fold in time for the next race in San Marino. Montoya was ruled out of this weekend's race in Bahrain after injuring his shoulder blade in what the team said was a tennis accident although rumours that it was in a motorbike crash have been circulating in the Sakhir paddock. But Dennis insisted he "does not care" how the Colombian injured himself as long as he makes a rapid recovery and suggested he is confident that will be in time for the Imola race in three weekends' time. "Juan Pablo told us it was a tennis (accident), I don't care," said Dennis. "If he hasn't told the truth, he hasn't told the truth. "I don't care if he slipped in the bath and hit his head or he was jumping double-decker buses. "He is free to do what he wants to do, we place no restriction on our drivers and we never have done, but the injury has been carefully analysed by our special 0
108480 0 1528 SPOR SPORT West Indies send South Africa reeling GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Fast bowlers Pedro Collins and Daren Powell delivered some early, punishing blows to leave South Africa on 44 for four at tea on the rain-marred third day of their opening Test against West Indies last night. At the break, AB de Villiers was not out on 24 and Mark Boucher was not out nought, as South Africa continued their reply to the West Indies' mammouth first innings total of 543 for five declared following a delayed start to the day's cricket. Collins snared the wickets of South Africa captain Graeme Smith and the dangerous Herschelle Gibbs in six overs that cost 21 runs, and Powell removed the two Jacques - Rudolph and Kallis - to take figures of two for 18 from six overs into the break. South Africa continued from their overnight position of two without loss, but suffered an early setback when Smith was caught behind for two nibbling at a ball moving away outside the off stump. Next over, Powell, who has earned a recall after two years in the wi 0
108481 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Rashid's team lift F1 Scramble title THE team of Rashid, Khalid, Jamal Al Amin and Ali Follad took first place in the F1 Scramble competition held at the Riffa Golf Club premises with an excellent score of 56.50. In second place was the team of Mark and Amanda McCarthy, Andrew Kennedy and Mark Holmans with a score of 59.30. The tournament was concluded with a prize-giving ceremony and barbecue in Riffa's Nineteen restaurant. The overall winner in the Club's F1 Cup was Ho Young Lee who achieved 41 points. Junior golfers Jassim Al Mardi and Francis Reichenbach clinched second and third place respectively, both with 39 points. Forthcoming events: Friday: Batelco World Cup of Golf - 7am and 12.30pm shotgun starts. Open to all. April 15: Jaguar Monthly Medal Series - Tee times from 6.30 to 9am. Open to members and guests. April 22: BMW World Qualifier - 7am shotgun start - Leading 33 per cent play second round from 1pm. Open to members and invited guests only. 0
108482 0 1528 SPOR SPORT Al Hala too good for Manama club AL HALA recorded an emphatic 80-55 victory over reigning champions Manama in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball League second leg match last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Al Hala proved the better side during most of the proceedings to clinch a deserving win which gave them joint second position with Muharraq on 23 points each. Manama, the 13-time champions who are the league champions for the last eight consecutive years, remained at the top of the table with 24 points although they lost for the second time this season. The top four teams in this 10-team round robin league will qualify for the Golden Square final round to be played in knock-out format. Karzakan win in style KARZAKAN shocked defending champions Al Shakhoora 1-0 in a Group 'B' match of the 12th A'ali Credit Youth Soccer Championship which got underway at the club grounds. Sayed Hassan Zuhair scored the winning goal in the 23rd minute to give his team a flying start. The 0
108483 0 1528 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain F-1001 Finish - Urban Mania F1 party, featuring top Dutch DJs and dancers, Sheraton Hotel, Club Al Layali, 9.30pm. Tickets BD6 for men and BD4 for women. Ibiza Deluxe beach party featuring DJ Touch, from France, UK DJ/producer Pete Doyle and a line-up of local artists, Marina Club, 5pm to 2am. Tickets BD5 or BD7 after 10pm. Photography exhibition, Bahrain in Transition, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact the British Council on 17261555 or gallery on 17717441 or 36715782. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Special track treat for F1 ticket holders, Bahrain International Circuit, public car park 10, 3pm. Contact 17450000. Free bus transfers available for F1 fans travelling to and from the Bahrain International Circuit. Airport to hotels and back: available every 30 minutes around the clock. Hotels/airport to the BIC: available every 30 minutes from 6am to 2pm; and BIC 0
108484 1 1528 WORL WORLD World mourns as Pope dies VATICAN CITY: The world was early today mourning Pope John Paul who died two days after suffering heart failure brought on by two months of acute breathing problems and other infections. Church bells rang across Rome last night, signalling the end of one of the longest papacies in history, as Italians and foreigners streamed to St Peter's Square to pray for his soul. The death of the Polish-born pontiff was announced to a huge crowd of pilgrims who had gathered for a vigil under his apartment windows in the Square. US President George W Bush said "the world has lost a champion of human freedom". "Quite apart from his role as a spiritual guide to more than a billion men, women and children, he was a tireless advocate of peace, a true pioneer in interfaith dialogue and a strong force for critical self-evaluation by the Church itself," UN chief Kofi Annan said. British Prime Minister Tony Blair said the world had lost a religious leader who was revered by Catholics and non- 0
108485 2 1528 WORL WORLD Abbas extends security alert RAMALLAH: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas yesterday placed West Bank security services on a 'state of alert' in a bid to curb rampant security chaos, a Palestinian security official said. Troops began deploying across main West Bank cities late yesterday, just hours after the Palestinian leader ordered similar measures in Ramallah following an incident earlier this week in which gunmen opened fire inside his Muqataa headquarters compound. Abbas also ordered the ratification of a law that would effectively force hundreds of security officers from Fatah's older guard into early retirement, a Palestinian official said. "Hundreds of security men will retire," the official said, adding that the legislation would take effect next week. Abbas also accepted the resignation of Haj Ismail, head of Palestinian national security in the West Bank, whom he had urged to quit for failing to halt growing lawlessness between rival factions. Fatah gunmen fired at the president's compound in Ramalla 0
108486 3 1528 WORL WORLD Pachachi bids for post of vice-president BAGHDAD: Veteran Sunni politician Adnan Pachachi declared his candidacy for Iraq's vice presidency yesterday amid intense competition for government posts among the Sunnis. "I'm announcing formally my candidacy for the post of vice president because I feel that I have a lot of support from a wide spectrum of Sunni groups," Pachachi said in Baghdad. The octogenarian politician also took a swipe at his rivals Sharif Ali, the heir to Iraq's monarchy toppled in 1958, and tribal magnate and outgoing Iraqi president Sheikh Ghazi Al Yawar who have already announced their candidacies. "I personally would have preferred to wait for the (National) Front to nominate me, but there have been other announcements," he said. He was referring to a loose umbrella grouping of Sunni parties and religious figures that is supposed to represent the community's interests in the new parliament where the Sunnis have only 16 seats after largely boycotting the election two months ago. "I wanted to quash rum 0
108487 0 1528 WORL WORLD The angels welcome you! VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II, the Polish pontiff who led the Roman Catholic Church for more than a quarter century and became history's most-travelled Pope, died last night in his Vatican apartment. He was 84. "The angels welcome you," Vatican TV said after the announcement came from papal spokes-man Joaquin Navarro-Valls. "The Holy Father, John Paul II, died at 9.37pm in his private apartment. All procedures foreseen in the Apostolic Consti-tution Universi Dominici Gregis, promulgated by John Paul II on February 22, 1996, have been activated," his statement said. It was distributed to journalists via e-mail. John Paul expired as cardinals were leading more than 70,000 people at St Peter's Square in prayers for him in his "last journey". Bells tolled at the Vatican and across Rome, and Vatican, Italian and EU flags were being lowered to half-staff across the capital. The Pope died after suffering heart and kidney failure after being admitted to hospital twice in as man 0
108488 0 1528 WORL WORLD Faithfuls hope legacy will be carried forward VATICAN CITY: Even as they prayed for the dying Pope on St Peter's Square, Catholics were looking to the next pontiff, all keen he should carry forward John Paul's legacy but some hoping he would be more liberal on doctrine. Hundreds of faithful were gathered in a sombre vigil under the Pope's windows yesterday. But amidst their sadness at the Pope's fading there was also hope for the future of the Church. "I'm sure the Lord will not abandon his Church. After this great Pope there will be an even greater one," said Father Ugo Tadni, an Italian priest. "He will have to continue (John Paul's) work, the opening to the world and to all religions, to believers and non-believers, the love for young people ... the great political gestures as well as the most simple ones, speaking to the sick and to prisoners." The charismatic Polish Pope has fostered better ties between his Church and other religions, especially Judaism, during his 26-year reign. John Paul is also credited with hel 0
108489 0 1528 WORL WORLD Five are slain in car bomb blast BAGHDAD: A car bomb killed five people near Baghdad yesterday, as Sunni and Shi'ite Arab politicians bickered over who will be speaker of Iraq's new parliament more than two months after it was elected. Insurgents killed four policemen and one civilian in a car bomb on a highway 20km north of Baghdad. The policemen were killed as they inspected the booby-trapped vehicle, which had been parked on the main highway outside Khan Bani Sad, Iraqi army and medical sources said. A civilian driving by also died, while two civilians and another policeman were wounded. In Baghdad, gunmen opened fire from a car, killing Hassib Zamil outside of the Education Ministry offices in the Sadr City neighbourhood, education official Ibrahim Abid Wali said. Elsewhere, the Abu Ghraib prison - made infamous by reports of prisoner abuse - came under attack last evening, police officer Akram Al Zawbayee said. Insurgents fired rocket propelled grenades and set off two car bombs at the pri 0
108490 0 1528 WORL WORLD Beirut faces polls delay BEIRUT: Lebanon's pro-Syrian forces yesterday went on the counter-attack with a demand that could delay elections due in May, as the country was shaken by another bombing amid a quickening Syrian troop withdrawal. In Damascus, an official said that Foreign Minister Farooq Al Shara would unveil a timetable for a full pullout after talks with UN special envoy Terje Roed-Larsen today. Roed-Larsen, who is to meet Syrian President Bashar Assad today expressed optimism about the outcome of talks. Prime minister-designate Omar Karameh, at a meeting late on Friday with his pro-Syrian allies, decided to stay on, despite having failed over the past three weeks to form a new government to ease Lebanon's political crisis. Karameh, who said on Tuesday he would resign, was tasked with forming a cabinet "to save the country", following the opposition's refusal to join a national unity government, said parliament speaker Nabih Berri. He said the new government would draw up an 0
108491 0 1528 WORL WORLD Kyrgyzstan president 'has agreed to resign' BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan: Ousted President Askar Akayev has agreed to resign without returning to Kyrgyzstan, the parliament speaker said yesterday, signalling a major step toward dispelling the political uncertainty that has plagued the Central Asian nation since the longtime leader was forced from power by opposition protesters. "We have received a verbal agreement" from Akayev, who fled to Russia after his ouster on March 24, to sign his resignation letter outside the country rather than returning and stepping down during a session of parliament, as constitutionally required, the legislature's speaker Omurbek Tekebayev said. He said members of a commission seeking Akayev's formal surrender of power would travel to Moscow today to meet with the former president. "Akayev has agreed to step down voluntarily and through his representatives in Bishkek conveyed his desire to meet in Moscow and to conclude all the necessary formalities in the embassy of Kyrgyzstan," Tekebayev told Russia's state- 0
108492 0 1528 WORL WORLD US Marine is gunned down BAGHDAD: A US Marine was killed in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi, the military said yesterday. The Marine, assigned to the First Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, was killed by enemy small-arms fire while conducting security operations in Ramadi, the military said. The death brings to 1,527 the number of US military personnel killed in Iraq since the US-led invasion a little over two years ago, according to a tally based on Pentagon figures. 0
108493 0 1528 WORL WORLD Explosives truck seized PARIS: French police seized 100kg of Semtex explosives hidden in a truck yesterday and arrested several people on suspicion of trafficking to criminal groups, the Paris public prosecutor's office said. Acting on a tip off, the police swooped on the truck while it was parked in the town of Hazebrouck in northern France and found the explosives in a hidden compartment. The truck had just arrived in France from another country. Investigators believed the explosives were to be sold in small batches to criminal groups, rather than used for terror purposes, the prosecutor's office added. Officials suspended JAIPUR, India: Authorities in India's desert state of Rajasthan have suspended eight forest officials after more than two dozen tigers vanished from a wildlife sanctuary in less than two years, a state minister said yesterday. Concerned over the fast dwindling tiger population, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last month ordered a police investigation 0
108494 0 1528 WORL WORLD 36 die in Yemen clashes SANAA: Yemeni army tanks and helicopters pounded Shi'ite rebel strongholds in the north yesterday, killing at least 36 people. Fighting broke out late in the northern area of Nishour after rebels tried to attack an army camp. Ten soldiers and six rebels died in the battle, an official said. Clashes spread close to Saada province yesterday, killing at least 20 rebels, sources said. It was the latest in a series of clashes between government forces and rebel followers of slain Shi'ite Muslim cleric Hussein Al Houthi. Local sources said the government was using tribal leaders to mediate a rebel surrender. Houthi, a Zaidi Shi'ite Muslim who founded a radical group called Believing Youth, was killed last September after two months of clashes with security forces in which at least 200 rebels and state troops died. Yemeni security sources have blamed Houthi's father, Sheikh Badr el-Deen, for the new round of violence which has killed dozens of government soldiers and rebels since erupting in late March 0
108495 0 1528 WORL WORLD Young recovering after surgery NEW YORK: Neil Young is recovering from surgery to address a brain aneurysm. After performing with the Pretenders on March 14 at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in New York, the artist experienced what his publicist describes as 'visual field disturbances', and an MRI scan revealed the source of the problem. Rather than have surgery immediately, Young spent the next week in Nashville recording for an as-yet-unrevealed project. The procedure has been called 'a complete success', and Young is expected to make a full recovery. But the artist has been forced to cancel his planned appearance today at Canada's Juno Awards while he recuperates. "I grew up (in Winnipeg) and was really looking forward to the show as well as spending some time with my old friends and family,'' Young said. "Thanks to my doctors, I'm feeling a lot better now, so I hope I can get a rain check.'' 0
108496 0 1528 WORL WORLD Shi'ites are battling Sunni insurgency BAGHDAD: The US-led campaign to subdue rebel-held areas in the Sunni Arab heartland has leaned heavily on Shi'ite troops amid a failure to attract the embittered Sunni minority into the Iraqi army and police. Alarmed by the situation, Sunni religious leaders issued an edict calling on the community, which dominated successive Iraqi governments before the US-led invasion of 2003, to join the security forces. Iraqi and US commanders acknowledged that to subdue rebel areas they had been forced to deploy heavily Shi'ite forces in the Sunni triangle north and west of the capital. The commanders defended the use of one community to police another as a default measure forced upon them by the failure of Sunnis to volunteer for the new post-Saddam Hussein security forces. Until recently, US and Iraqi commanders insisted Iraqi forces were by and large an equal mix of Shi'ites, Sunnis and Kurds, with no one group dominating the ranks. That is no longer the case. "You have to 0
108497 0 1528 WORL WORLD Homeless man sparks alert STOCKHOLM: A homeless man searching for a place to sleep broke a window and climbed inside the Swedish parliament building early yesterday. Police dogs searching the compound found the man sleeping inside the building. Guards at the nearby royal castle spotted the man as he shattered the window on the parliament building's ground floor, police spokesman Mikael Petterson said. Ten police officers with dogs searched the building, which is not staffed on weekends except for security guards, and located the man after about an hour, Petterson said. "He was just some kind of drug user looking for a place to sleep," Petterson said. "He didn't have anything against the Parliament itself. But it was the wrong place to break into." The break-in happened at about 6.30am, Petterson said. Aside from the broken window, there was no sign of vandalism within the building, he said. 0
108498 0 1528 WORL WORLD La Scala director Muti quits MILAN: Riccardo Muti fell on his baton and resigned from La Scala yesterday, ending his 19-year reign at Milan's glittering opera house after a bitter battle for power. The famously hot-tempered conductor said he had no choice but to leave after workers and musicians cried mutiny and went on strike, forcing La Scala to cancel several performances. "Making music together is not just a team effort. It requires us to respect each other, to share our passion and to understand each other - feelings I thought underpinned these 20 years of work at La Scala," Muti said. "Despite the great esteem the board of directors has for me, the theatrical show of hostility from people I have worked with for nearly 20 years has made it utterly impossible to continue our relationship, which has to be based on harmony and trust". Muti is hailed as one of the world's great conductors but is also widely criticised for running La Scala as his own private fiefdom and holding back innovation at a t 0
108499 0 1528 WORL WORLD Mugabe ready to mend fences with Blair HARARE: Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe yesterday said that he was furious at British Prime Minister Tony Blair for accusing him of violating human rights but added that he was ready to bury the hatchet. Mugabe, whose party won a massive two-thirds majority in elections, said Blair had failed to recognise Britain's obligation to compensate white commercial farmers when he came to power under a previous accord negotiated at Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. He accused Blair of waging a campaign of lies against Zimbabwe over the seizures of white farms in 2000 and human rights violations. Mugabe, who has been at loggerheads with Blair in recent years, said that the British prime minister had apparently admitted to South African President Thabo Mbeki that he regretted his handling of the land reform issue. Mugabe also urged the country's main opposition to accept defeat after his party scored a massive win in elections. Mugabe, whose ZANU-PF party won a landslide v 0
108500 0 1528 WORL WORLD Blair gears up for election LONDON: The campaigning in Britain has been under way for months - informal but vicious - and soon it's likely to be official. Prime Minister Tony Blair, pressing hard for a third term, is expected to announce this week that national elections will be held in early May. Political observers have long assumed that Blair would call the vote for May 5, when local elections are already planned around Britain. To do so, he must go to Buckingham Palace to ask Queen Elizabeth II to dissolve Parliament, which he is expected to do as early as tomorrow. The clearest sign Blair was preparing to call an election came on Thursday, when he chaired a meeting of his "political Cabinet," in which ministers gathered without the civil servants who normally accompany them. Despite doubts over the Iraq war and public weariness with Blair after eight years in power, he still dominates British politics with a huge majority in Parliament and is expected to lead his Labour party to an unprecedente 0
108501 0 1528 WORL WORLD Girl, 16, is missing after walk LONDON: Police kept up their search in Plymouth yesterday for a 16-year-old girl who went missing when taking a dog for a walk. Kirsty Chapman was last seen on Thursday afternoon when she took her grandparents' pet poodle for a walk in the Ford area of Plymouth, south west England. The dog was found wandering around hours later. Devon and Cornwall police said there were unconfirmed reports that Chapman had been talking to a 50-year-old man on the Internet. An announcement appealing for information was made at the local soccer match yesterday afternoon. The teenager, from Coads Green, near Launceston, is described as white with very dark curly brown hair. She was last seen wearing a dark green top and combat trousers. She was staying with grandparents at the time of her disappearance. 0
108502 0 1528 WORL WORLD Kashmiri rebels threaten passengers SRINAGAR: Kashmiri rebels threatened yesterday to kill passengers planning to travel in a historic bus service that would unite divided families in Indian and Pakistani regions of Kashmir after more than half a century. The bus service, scheduled to be flagged off on Thursday between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, is being seen as one of the most concrete signs of a cautious peace process between the nuclear rivals India and Pakistan after decades of violence. "Those people who intend to board the bus are warned not to play with their lives," a joint statement from Al Nasireen, Save Kashmir Movement, Farzandan-e-Milat and Al Arifeen groups said. The four separatist groups had earlier in the week warned Kashmiris not to travel on the bus, saying it was a ploy to sabotage "Kashmir's freedom struggle". The Al Nasireen and Save Kashmir Movement had claimed responsibilities for attacks on Indian military targets in the past, while Farzandan-e-Milat and Al Arifeen are little known 0
108503 0 1528 WORL WORLD Man, 83, hopes to drive bus MUZAFFARBAD: Undaunted by threats from insurgents, 83-year-old Noor Ali Kiyani is hoping to drive the first bus to link the Indian and Pakistani capitals of divided Kashmir in more than 50 years, scheduled next week. "I would love to drive the bus... I want to see my old friends in Srinagar," Kiyani said yesterday, referring to the capital of India's Jammu-Kashmir state. Speaking from his home in Chinari, a village in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir, Kiyani said he was not scared of rebels. Kiyani had worked for one of the bus services that had plied the 170km road between Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani Kashmir, and Srinagar. 0
108504 0 1528 WORL WORLD Runaway boy is sent back by Indian border police NEW DELHI: A Pakistani boy who ran away from home and strayed into India after a fight with his brother was returned home by Indian border guards, a news report said. Indian and Pakistani citizens often are arrested for mistakenly straying across the two countries' shared borders. Both countries have returned each others' nationals in recent months. The 15-year-old boy from a village near Pakistan's Peshawar town left home after being beaten up by his brother and accidentally crossed the India-Pakistan border on Thursday, Press Trust of India (PTI) reported. Indian border guards found him. Although the boy faced arrest for illegal entry, Indian authorities decided to return the boy to Pakistani officials at a border meeting in the Jammu region, PTI reported. A similar story two years ago inspired the film, Little Terrorist, which was nominated for an Oscar this year. A 13-year-old Pakistani boy had crossed into Indian-controlled Kashmir while chasing his cattle in 2003.</ 0
108505 0 1528 WORL WORLD Koirala call to restore democracy KATHMANDU: Former Nepal prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala yesterday used his first day of freedom after two months of house arrest to demand King Gyanendra restore democracy immediately if he wants to defeat the Maoist insurgency. "The parliament must be reinstated by the king which will activate the constitution and, after that, an all-party government can be formed which will tackle the Maoist problem," Koirala said at his first Press conference since his release on Friday evening. Koirala, 82, was one of hundreds of political leaders and activists held since February 1 when Gyanendra sacked the government and declared emergency rule in the Himalayan nation. The king said his power grab was necessary to tackle a Maoist insurgency. Koirala, leader of the Nepali Congress party, was among 83 people freed on Friday. Gyanendra released other senior politicians held under house arrest, including former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, in early March. Koir 0
108506 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Philippines may ban housemaids THE Philippines is studying the possibility of banning the deployment of housemaids to Bahrain and other Gulf countries. A Congressional inquiry is underway into the levels of abuse of domestic workers in the region. This follows an increase in complaints by Filipina domestic helpers of abuses ranging from contract violation, unpaid wages, overwork and maltreatment, to physical abuse, sexual harassment and in extreme cases rape and forced prostitution. "Housemaids are the most exploited workforce in Bahrain," said Philippine Embassy labour attach Attorney Alan Macaraya. He confirmed that 95 per cent of the cases the embassy assists with every year involve unskilled workers, mainly domestic helpers. "There should be a ban on unskilled expatriate workers in Bahrain," said Mr Macaraya. "There has been an increase of abuse and I would like to see the Philippine government ban the employment of housemaids in the kingdom. "I would encourage it to happen 0
108507 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Flat raid ordeal for pair TWO waitresses fled in terror when they got home to find their flat ransacked by raiders. They thought the thieves might still be in the Gudaibiya flat and ran to a nearby police station for help. The women returned to the flat escorted by police and discovered that the thieves had stolen cash and gold jewellery worth more than BD2,000. Ethiopian Aynlem Wonldemicheal shares the flat with her 35-year-old sister Aster and cousin Amina Arabo, 30. "My cousin and I work as waitresses at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Spa," 31-year-old Ms Wonldemicheal said yesterday. "The company bus dropped us near our building after our shift finished, at around 1.30am. "When we reached our apartment we found the main door ajar and all the lights on." They thought it might be the sister, who works at Al Bandar Hotel and Resort, also as a waitress. "We kept on calling her name but there was no answer," said Ms Wonldemicheal. "We walked into one of our b 0
108508 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain hit by eye epidemic BAHRAIN has been hit by an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis, which is described as a highly contagious eye infection. Consultant ophthalmologist Dr Ahmed Abdulla Ahmed said he had seen several cases of this infection over the past two weeks. "I see an average five to six cases daily - we seem to be the middle of an epidemic of viral conjunctivitis," he told the GDN. "Most viral infections produce a mild, self-limiting conjunctivitis, but some have the potential to produce severe, disabling visual difficulties. "Viral conjunctivitis often affects both eyes, mainly the eyelids and cornea." The key clinical signs of viral conjunctivitis are conjunctival infection, tearing, serious discharge and infected eyelids. "The condition is highly contagious," said Dr Ahmed. "Patients will usually report recent contact with someone who had either red eyes or an upper respiratory infection. "It starts in one eye, then spreads to the other eye within a f 0
108509 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Tower project work on target WORK is ahead of schedule on a BD980,000 tower block, in Juffair, that will generate income for charity. The Islamic Education Society (Charitable) Building is being constructed on a 7,000 square-metre site near Al Fateh Islamic Centre (Grand Mosque). It will consist of flats and offices that will be rented out to generate long-term income for the society's various charitable projects. Work on the 11-storey building began last December and was expected to take 18 months, but officials say it will be ready before May next year. The response has been so positive that the society spent an extra BD230,000 on the project. "Things are going better than expected and the project, the biggest of its type, could be completed at the beginning of next year," said society public relations and social committee head Adel Busaiba. "Even with the expansion of the project, which was initially expected to cost BD750,000, it is moving ahead smoothly. "People's response 0
108510 1 1529 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain joins Arab world in praising Pope MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday joined the Arab world in mourning Pope John Paul, hailing him as a torchbearer for peace.His Majesty King Hamad, in a cable to Cardinal Eduardo Martinez Somalo, hailed the international status enjoyed by the late Pope in achieving peace and harmony among different religions. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent similar condolence cables to Cardinal Somalo. Arabs heaped praise on the Pope, who died on Saturday night, for his efforts to reconcile religions and his pro-Arab positions. Sheikh Mohammed Sayyed Tantawi of the Al Azhar mosque in Cairo - the highest authority in Sunni Islam - said Pope John Paul II would be missed by both religions. "The death of the Pope is a great loss for the Catholic Church and the Muslim world. " 0
108511 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Fans brave heat for sellout race! TENS of thousands of fans braved the sudden burst of heat to see the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix yesterday. Around 42,000 packed into the Bahrain International Circuit for the climax to the three-day event, as the temperature hit 39 Celsius. They came from all over the world, many of them hard-core racing fans, others just along for the excitement and the entertainment that comes with the F1 circus. There were F1 globe-trotters who follow the teams from country to country, visitors from the US to Australia, others who had just hopped across from other Gulf countries. Two thousand Bahrain University students were treated to tickets by the BIC and thousands of local fans, Bahraini and expatriate, also packed into the circuit. Millions more people watched the race live on television, taking the name of Bahrain into livingrooms all over the world. Yesterday was also a good day for merchandisers at the track, who had reported slow business o 0
108512 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Catholics mourn death of Pope OVER 35,000 Roman Catholics in Bahrain are mourning the death of Pope John Paul II, who died on Saturday night at the Vatican, aged 84. He suffered heart failure brought on by two months of acute breathing problems and other infections. He had been head of the world's one billion Roman Catholics for 26 years and made human rights a central focus of his papacy. Almost all the world leaders paying tribute to the Pope had met him, either on trips to Rome or during his visits to more than 130 countries. In November 1999, His Majesty King Hamad paid a historic visit to the Vatican and met him. Sacred Heart Church Bahrain parish priest Father Thomas Quadros announced yesterday that a condolence meeting will be held on Thursday at 4pm in the church's Bishop Trinanzi Auditorium, Manama. "We wish to inform that all clergy members, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps will be received separately by the clergy of the church," he added. The meeting w 0
108513 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Conference to highlight needs of the disabled DISABLED people's needs are to be discussed at a conference being held in Bahrain next month. The Bahrain Family Physicians Association is organising the conference at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel from May 9 to May 11. It will be held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh and entitled Equity of Opportunities. Association president Dr Abdul Hussain Al Ajami said the main mission of the conference would be to highlight major activities which include early identification to reduce the impact of impairment. It will also focus on access to rehabilitation, integration of rehabilitation services into the primary health care system, promotion of community-based rehabilitation and strengthening interactions among people with disabilities, health care workers, professionals and the community. "In Bahrain, the need for interaction among health, education, social and labour sectors is essential to ensure that people with disabilities receive all available 0
108514 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Wallet stolen from flat AN Indian who shares a three-bedroom flat with 11 other men claimed his wallet, containing over BD200, was stolen from under his mattress. Abdulghani Tekakaira, a 40-year-old textile salesman, said he always puts it there before he goes to sleep at night. "I woke up in the morning and went to the toilet for about 15 minutes," he said. "When I returned to get my wallet I discovered that it was missing. "It contained BD240 in cash and my CPR card." Mr Tekakaira said the thief didn't take his mobile phone, which was also hidden under his bed. "I contacted the police and they said the thief is most likely one of my roommates," he said. "They asked if I suspected anyone, but I didn't know who would do such a thing. "Some of them are from my family and the rest are friends." 0
108515 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Chamber forum to probe tourism THE future of the tourism industry in Bahrain will be the focus of a forum being held today by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, at its premises in Manama. The event will be attended by board chairmen, investors and officials of hotels, tourism resorts, travel agencies and commercial complexes. The forum will highlight the obstacles facing the sector and the means of boosting the tourism industry, the chamber said in a statement. The event, which will start at 10am, will be open for all concerned establishments and individuals to attend. 0
108516 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Hotel boss honoured by institute AL Bander Hotel and Resort human resources and training director K K Stephen has been selected by the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute to receive the Lamp of Knowledge Award for being an Outstanding Distance Learning Student. The award recognises an outstanding student who has made the most effective use of the Educational Institute's Independent learning programmes. The awards presentation will be held on April 28 during the Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr Stephen has successfully completed various hospitality courses from the same Institute including Certified Human Resource Executive (CHRE), Certified Hospitality Trainer (CHT) and Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA). He is also a recipient of two doctorate degrees in philosophy and business administration, both in human resource development and management. 0
108517 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL BIBF graduates to be honoured MORE than 200 graduates from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) will take a bow today at a ceremony being held at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The graduation ceremony is being held under the patronage of Bahrain Monetary Agency governor Rasheed Al Maraj. The 243 graduates being honoured are from the Banking Studies Diploma Programme, Treasure and Capital Markets Diploma Programme, Insurance Diploma Programme, Professional Insurance Certificate Programme, Islamic Banking Diploma Programme and Investment Representative Certification Programme. 0
108518 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Thugs beat up man TWO Bahrainis beat up a 41-year-old Indian man before stealing his mobile phone and wallet containing BD50, his CPR card and driving licence. The incident happened next to the Central Market bus station, in Manama, sources told the GDN. They said the victim was drunk at the time of the incident and received treatment for scratches and bruises. The matter was reported to police. 0
108519 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Registration still open for cookery competition TOMORROW is the last chance to register for a cooking contest organised by the Association of Mar Ivanios College Old Students (Amicos) Bahrain Chapter. The association is organising the contest in association with the Indian Club. The competition, entitled Taste of India, will be held at the club, in Manama, on Friday from 9.30am. It is being organised for the fifth year and is open to all. "The main objective of the competition is to organise a social event targeted at women residents of Bahrain, offering them an opportunity to display their culinary prowess and expertise in Indian cuisine," said Amicos general secretary Satheesh D'Costa. The competition will be held in four categories: vegetarian cuisine, non-vegetarian cuisine, salads and desserts (excluding fruit salads and ice- creams). Prizes in gold and cash will be offered for winners in each category. "We urge sponsors to come forward and support the event," added Mr D'Costa. Entr 0
108520 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Saudi attacked in suq THIEVES attacked a Saudi man before stealing his mobile phone and wallet containing 600 Saudi riyals (BD60). The 26-year-old was walking to his car in the Manama suq at around 1am when the attack happened, sources told the GDN. Police are investigating the incident. 0
108521 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL POWER MOVE MANAMA: Privati-sation of the Hidd power and water station complex was given a green light yesterday by Bah-rain's Cabinet. Private sector companies will handle expansion projects, a decision ministers forwarded to the Finance Ministry for implementation. The Cabinet session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, made other important decisions yesterday including: Amending present laws to make it illegal for domestic or foreign media to publish names of criminal suspects before they are convicted. Forwarding plans to build an investment complex at Hidd Industrial zone to the relevant public utilities committee at the Industry and Commerce Ministry. Housing of seven youth clubs under one roof on Budaiya Highway, opposite Sanabis. 0
108522 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Festival backs society A FESTIVAL in support of Al Wefaq National Islamic Society was held last night at the National Democratic Action Society (NDAS) in Umm Al Hassam. The festival was organised by the three other societies with Al Wefaq in the Allied Quadruple. They are NDAS, Islamic Action Society and the National Democratic Society. The aim was to show solidarity with Al Wefaq, which is facing prosecution for organising an allegedly illegal demonstration calling for constitutional changes, 11 days ago. The gathering included speeches by representatives from the three societies, in addition to Al Menbar Democratic Progressive Association and Al Wasat Arab Islamic Democratic Association. Representatives from the Constitutional Conference general-secretariat, Bahrain Bar Society, General Federation of Trade Unions and Al Oruba Club will speak at the event, held under the theme Protecting Rights. NDAS president Ibrahim Shareef said that the event was sending a message that Al W 0
108523 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Youth guilty of raping student A BAHRAINI youth was sentenced to one month in jail, or a BD100 fine, for raping a 17-year-old Bahraini schoolboy at knifepoint. The 23-year-old, from Aker village, beat the teenager and threatened to kill him if he did not consent, the Lower Criminal Court heard. It happened in November 2003 after he stopped at a bus stop, in Hamad Town, and offered to give his victim and one of his friends a lift to school. When they arrived at the school, in Isa Town, the rapist asked the victim to stay behind in his car to discuss something. However, he drove him to a remote area in Sanad and told him to take off his clothes. "He said he wanted to sodomise me and told me to take off my clothes," the victim said in a statement to police. "I told him that I am not that type of a boy. "He then got angry, started beating me and said from today onward you will be that type of boy." The rapist then got out of the car, pulled out a knife and threatened to kill 0
108524 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Chance to register for art courses workshop ADULTS and children still have time to sign up for art courses at the Dar Albareh Art Gallery, in Adliya. Activities start this week and will be conducted by Brazilian artist Luciana Farah, who is a visiting curator at the gallery. Ms Farah is currently working on a comparative study of Western and Islamic art techniques. The workshop for children is designed to encourage creativity and personal expression, provide instruction in the use of materials and techniques for creating images and introduce children to art history and culture. For children aged seven to 10, there will be instruction in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and photography. For children aged 11 to 15, there will be more in-depth instruction in one or more of these processes related to the artwork of an artist, culture, style or time period. The eight-week course will be held for 11 to 14-year-olds on Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm, and for seven to 10-year-olds from 10am t 0
108525 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Al Wefaq rally focus of talks SOCIAL Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi is expected to meet with Al Wefaq National Islamic Society board members tomorrow to discuss the society's organisation of an unauthorised demonstration. The meeting will be held at 9am at the ministry premises in Isa Town. The society breached an order by the Interior Ministry not to hold a demonstration on constitutional changes 11 days ago. The Interior Ministry through the General Prosecutor has filed a court case against Al Wefaq. 0
108526 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Mangrove tips Keen gardeners learnt more about Bah-rain's mangrove plants in a seminar held at the Bahrain Garden Club (BGC), in Juffair. Bahrain University lecturer Dr Hashim Al Sayed, pictured, spoke at the event. 0
108527 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Gulf ace Scrabble champion A FORMER teenage Bahrain champion and Gulf titleholder won the 21st Australian National Scrabble Championships this week. Naween Fernando won 18 of 21 games at the championships in Tasmania among 98 competitors for the title. His final game was against Rod Talbot, who was a mere half point behind him at that stage. Had Talbot won against Fernando, besides the championship he would have earned a seat on the Australian team for the World Scrabble Championship later this year. Talbot ranked third at the end of the event. Fernando, aged 25, has already qualified for the four-player Australian team, due to his high rating. Aside from a huge rolling trophy, he received a cash prize and a keepsake clock with his name engraved on it. Having started in competitive Scrabble at the age of seven in the Bahrain Scrabble League, he was runner-up in the first national championship in 1987. Fernando took the Bahrain title at age of 10 in 1990 and three more tim 0
108528 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Cities of wounded memories SAUDI researcher Dr Mujab Al Zahrani gave a talk entitled Cities of Wounded Memories, at the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research, Muharraq. Dr Al Zahrani, who is an associate professor of contemporary literature at the King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, spoke in Arabic about the writings of Abdulrahman Muneef, Edward Saeed and Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad. The next talk at the centre will be given by Syrian poet, writer and London University professor of Arabic Dr Kamal Abu Dheeb on April 11, also in Arabic. His talk, at 8pm, is entitled Boundaries of Text and Interpretation Policies. The talks are part of a cultural programme held at the centre to encourage researchers and people interested in culture, history and art to meet with experts and discuss issues of mutual interest. All are welcome and entrance to all the events is free of charge. For more information and directions, contact the centre on 17322549. THE Bahrain British Business Forum will hold its Annual General Assembly (AGA) at midday tomorrow in the British Club's Concorde Restaurant, Adliya. The lunch is free for members who have paid their 2005 subscription fees, or those who pay on the day. The cost is BD8 for guests and members who have not yet paid their subscription fees. Meanwhile, to be eligible to vote for the new executive committee, members must have paid their subscription fees for this year and must have been members for at least six months prior to the AGA. 0
108530 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Ma'ameer Beach revamp a step closer A REPORT on damage caused to Ma'ameer Beach, near Bapco, by almost 20 years of illegal dumping is expected to be ready next week. Environment experts have been working on the report since February after a sand producing company, which is responsible for illegally dumping silt, agreed to clean up the beach. Once the report is ready, the Awal Ready Mix Concrete Company (Armcon) will start cleaning and removing the waste it has dumped, supervised by the Central Municipality, the Fisheries Directorate and the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. In addition, the municipality will work on rehabilitating the beach by planting trees along the coast. The aim is to encourage people to use the beach as a recreational area. Armcon has been ordered by the Central Municipal Council to clean up the beach, but company officials claim they volunteered to do the job as a public service. "Our laws clearly state that if a compan 0
108531 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Lorries facing residential ban LORRIES could be banned from residential areas in Muharraq if a pilot scheme proves successful. The three-month trial will start in October and continue until December, in a single Muharraq Municipal Council constituency. The issue was discussed yesterday at the council premises in Busaiteen between representatives from the council, the Muharraq Governorate, the Muharraq Municipality, the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry and the Industry and Commerce Ministry. Council public relations and information committee Salah Al Jowder said that the Constituency Two, which he represents, had been chosen for the trial. "According to a survey prepared by the council, there are on average 135 trucks a day in the constituency, which includes the Muharraq Central Market and the Muharraq Health Centre," he said. "These trucks are creating heavy congestion there, in addition to threats to people's safety, health and peace of mind." Mr Al Jowder said that No Entry sig 0
108532 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Hot air balloon is grounded by wind BAD weather grounded a hot air balloon, which was due to be one of the attractions at yesterday's Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. The promotional balloon was flown for a short period early on Friday morning, but strong winds forced its pilots to land. Windy weather on Saturday and yesterday kept the balloon from taking off again. It was due to be piloted yesterday by American Don Conner, a professional balloonist, and Briton Dave Baker, who works at British Telecom (BT) and pilots a balloon part time for them. "It's a promotional balloon for Gulf Air, which I have flown for the airline in 18 different countries," said Mr Conner, who helped launch the airline's balloon promotion in Oman in 1995. "This is our first event of the new season, but unfortunately we only managed to get the balloon up for a short period at the start of the Grand Prix." Mr Baker said balloons are a common promotional activity and serve many purposes. "They are used t 0
108533 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Bid to raise municipal tax blocked A NATIONWIDE move to increase a municipal tax on landowners has been thrown out. The aim was to tax empty plots of land according to their size, rather than at a flat BD6 a month. The proposal was put by the joint municipal councils legislative committee and all five councils had to vote on it. Muharraq Municipal Council was the last to vote and yesterday rejected the proposal. This made three against, with Southern and Municipal Councils also rejecting it, while the Northern and Manama councils voted in favour. To approve the change would be the thin edge of the wedge, said Muharraq Municipal Council public relations and information committee chairman Salah Al Jowder. He said if this went ahead, then the next step would be taxing people according to the size of their homes, instead of the flat-rate BD2. "We have been elected to ease people's worries and not increase them," said Mr Al Jowder. 0
108534 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Worshippers calling for expansion of mosque WORSHIPPERS are again calling for improvements to an overcrowded mosque - this time after being forced to pray outside in the heat. An earlier call went out two weeks ago when worshippers were caught in the rain as they prayed outside. The Imam Al Sadiq Mosque, in Ghufool, needs major expansion to meet the increased number of worshippers going there, say community leaders. "The Jaffari Waqf Directorate (Endowment) has been promising us that the mosque problem will be solved and that worshippers will be accommodated inside," said Manama Municipal Council member Jaffar Al Kaidoom. "This has been going on for years without anything being done. "We acknowledge that it was hard to have major expansions to the mosque considering its location, but simple modifications may help." The mosque is segregated so that men perform their prayers on the ground floor, while women pray upstairs. The male congregation is considerably larger and there is not always eno 0
108535 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Swimmer beats odds to win gold A DISABLED Bahraini swimmer has won a gold medal in his first international event. Mohammed Salman Abdulla, 18, was the only Bahraini competing in the First Asian Swimming Championship, which ended in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. He took the gold in the freestyle S10 category of the three-day event, said Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation director Essam Kamal. Mohammed, who had his right leg, fingers on his left hand and toes on his right foot amputated following complications during birth, competed against swimmers from all over Asia. He made it to the finish line in exactly one minute. Mr Kamal said Mohammed, who was accompanied by swimming coach Mubarak Mohammed Mubarak, also won fourth place in the free stroke category, after completing the race in one minute 20 seconds. "This is a great achievement for Bahrain and a moment of pride for Mohammed," said Mr Kamal. "I just spoke to him over the phone and you cannot imagine his happiness a 0
108536 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Knife attack victim is recovering AN Indian man who was stabbed repeatedly in the stomach as he fought off a Bahraini robber in his Manama flat, was said to be stable yesterday. Stanley Lasarado, 50, was said to be recovering but still in pain, at the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC). He was attacked when a robber walked into his flat near the Royal Hotel, Manama and demanded money, at around 7.30pm on Saturday. Bangladeshi neighbour Musharraq Khalashi went to his rescue and also suffered minor wounds, but was released from hospital after being given stitches. Mr Lasarado was initially in a critical condition and was put on a ventilator, but later stabilised, said sources. "He may have to stay in the hospital for a few days, as the stab wounds are deep," they said. Mr Lasarado, from Mangalore, and Mr Khalashi managed to subdue the robber and tie him to a chair until police arrived and arrested him. It is understood that the Bahraini man was still in police custody yesterday. 0
108537 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Tailor is beaten up and robbed A PAKISTANI tailor was beaten up and robbed by four Bahrainis who ambushed him in the street. Sajjad Murad, 24, was robbed of his wallet, containing BD20 and his CPR card. He said they pounced on him as he walked in Lulu Road, Manama, at around 11pm. His brother took him to police, who took him to the Salmaniya Medical Complex for treatment. 0
108538 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Focus on oil sector THE Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research will hold a seminar on the future of the oil industry in the Arab region, at its premises in Awali today. The lecture, which will start at 6pm, will be conducted by the centre's strategic studies adviser Dr Mohammed Jalal. The centre has sent invitations to political and economic specialists to attend the lecture and take part in an open discussion. 0
108539 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Changing role of secretaries probed THE changing role of secretaries was the focus of a training course organised by the GPIC Training Centre. The programme aimed at developing the skills of secretaries in the company was organised by the centre in collaboration with the GPIC Information Technology Department. GPIC general manager Abdul Rahman Jawahery and a number of executive managers attended part of the course. Information technology manager Adnan Al Mahmood gave a presentation about global changes, the role played by secretaries and its significance in office and business administration. He also dealt with the latest development in the secretaries' business and information technologies used in office operations. Mr Al Mahmood informed the participants about the proper methods of using computers and modern technologies in running departmental operations. He urged the participants to take advantage of the technologies and systems used in the company to optimise their performanc 0
108540 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL After party is a huge success A SELL-OUT crowd attended the Fashion TV (FTV) Formula One After Party 2005 at BJ's at Al Bustan Hotel, Adliya, last night. The party featured a performance by guest British DJ and top model Sassy. Following the success of last year's first FTV F1 After Party, BJ's was once again selected as the official venue of the chic F1 event. The event was sponsored by BMW in association with Nivea Beaut and Moet and Chandon. 0
108541 2 1529 BNEW LOCAL Grand Prix is a sellout! MANAMA: A sell-out crowd of 42,000 packed the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) for the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix yesterday.Ticket sales raced ahead of the Grand Prix's Bahrain debut last year, when the 34,000-strong turnout was swollen by give-aways. Yesterday's numbers included 34,000 people seated in the BIC's grandstands, while others watched the event from the VIP tower, corporate boxes and the Paddock Club - as Renault's Fernando Alonso raced to victory. More than 2,000 promotional tickets were given away to university students and the rest were virtually all sales, said BIC public relations manager Hameed Halwani. "Last year 34,000 people watched the event, including people in the free-standing area," he said. "Although the free-standing area is the normal practice in Europe and the tickets are cheaper, we decided against using it again here in Bahrain because the weather conditions are different." Mr Halwani said that the closure of the free 0
108542 0 1529 BNEW LOCAL Cabinet hails UAE president's visit Bahrain's Cabinet yesterday hailed the outcome of UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan's visit to Bahrain. The weekly session was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. The visit will further enhance bilateral co-operation and the integration progress among GCC states, said ministers. The Cabinet wished His Majesty King Hamad every success in his current official visit to Egypt, and lauded the outcome of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa's visit to New Zealand and agreements he signed on bilateral co-operation. The Deputy Prime Minister briefed the Cabinet on conclusion of the Prime Minister's talks with New Zealand's Governor General Dame Silvia Cartwright and Prime Minister Helen Clark. The Cabinet then welcomed Bahrain's hosting of the Gulf Air Grand Prix which will enhance Bahrain's outstanding position in world sport and tourism. The Cabinet was also briefed of m 0
108543 3 1529 BNEW LOCAL Campaign to help abuse victims A NATIONAL campaign has been launched to throw a lifeline to victims of domestic abuse.The aim is to make victims and organisations which deal with them more aware of the help offered by the new Batelco Centre for Family Violence Victims, Budaiya. The campaign is being spearheaded by the Bahrain Society Combating Domestic Violence, which is running the centre, the first of its kind in the Gulf. The centre, next to Ruyan Commercial Complex, on the Budaiya Highway, is offering free medical, psychological, legal and social assistance to domestic abuse victims. It will be officially opened by next week, following last month's soft opening. "The society has printed 5,000 brochures comprising contact information on the centre and on domestic violence," chairwoman Dr Bana Bu Zabun told the GDN. She said the brochures would be distributed to women's societies, social centres and health centres. Dr Bu Zabun, who is also a family physician at Ibn Al Nafees Hospital, 0
108544 1 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Emirates builds $353m facility DUBAI: Emirates airlines is building one of the world's largest civil aviation engineering centres, a $353 million facility that will occupy 136 acres, the company said yesterday.The new centre, north of Dubai International Airport, will cater to the airline's 74 aircraft fleet that is expected to double in the coming seven years. Emirates airlines has 99 aircraft on order, including 45 A380 superjumbos. Consisting of eight hangars - which alone cover the area of 17 soccer fields - the centre will be one of the world's largest civil aviation maintenance facilities and the airline's single largest facility investment, an airline statement said. Emirates' chairman, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the cost-effective project will support the airline's growth by providing in-house maintenance and generate revenue through third-party servicing contracts. The centre is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2006. Its main consultants are France's Aeroports de Paris and the 0
108545 2 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Lebanese find jobs as Syrian workers leave BEIRUT: Jobless until two weeks ago, Lebanese Ibrahim Abboud has found salvation in the departure of thousands of Syrian workers who he said undercut prices and made it impossible for him to eke out a living as a street vendor.Thousands of Syrians labourers have quit Lebanon since Syria bowed to international pressure and Lebanese opposition demands to withdraw its troops after three decades in Lebanon, following huge street protests in Beirut. Many Lebanese couldn't be happier. "I started selling vegetables 10 days ago. I was encouraged by the departure of Syrian workers," said Abboud as he sold produce from a wooden cart on a Beirut roadside. "They don't compete with us anymore ... I am very happy today because I made a lot of money," he added. Lebanese have long resented Syrian workers in their country, seeing their presence as a constant reminder of the grip Syria has kept on its neighbour since it poured troops into Lebanon early in its 1975-1990 civil war. They compl 0
108546 3 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Qatar opens up stock market DOHA: Qatar yesterday partially opened its stock market foreigners, allowing them to trade on the state's stock exchange and own up to 25 per cent of the equity of listed firms."I have the pleasure to announce the start of a new phase of Qatar's economy," Economy Minister Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Thani told an official ceremony. Qatar announced in February that foreigners would be able to buy and sell shares on the stock market. Earlier this year, Mohammed bin Issa Hamad Al Mehannadi, minister of state for cabinet affairs, said non-Qataris would be allowed to own up to 25pc of companies listed on the Qatari exchange. Qatari financial analyst Beshir Al Kahlut said in February that the measure would "boost activity and develop the Qatari stock market," which has a capitalization of some 40 billion dollars. Qatar, which holds the third largest reserves of liquefied natural gas, is hoping to attract foreign capital in a bid to become the number one exporter of gas in the world.</ 0
108549 0 1529 SPOR SPORT South Africa face tough battle to save Test GEORGETOWN, Guyana: South Africa were fighting for survival on Sunday as the intriguing first Test against the West Indies was poised for a last day epic showdown. Forced to follow on 355 runs behind on the penultimate day, the visitors reached 85 for two in their second when bad light stopped play three overs early. They had earlier been dismissed for a modest first innings total of 188. South Africa could have been in an even worse situation at stumps had West Indies accepted two chances to remove left-hander Jacques Rudolph in the final hour. On two, Devon Smith dropped him at slip off Narsingh Deonarine, and on 14, part-time left-arm spin bowler Ryan Hinds dropped a return chance. After making West Indies toil unsuccessfully in the equatorial heat between lunch and tea, South Africa lost opening batsmen AB de Villiers and skipper Graeme Smith in the final period to fast bowlers Reon King and Pedro Collins. Hardly a ball beat the bats of Smith and de Vi 0
108550 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Kabul approves $4.75bn budget KABUL: The Afghan government yesterday approved spending of $4.75 billion over the next year, critical funds for the country's slow recovery provided almost entirely by foreign donors. President Hamid Karzai's Cabinet passed the interim budget for the year beginning March 21 - 1384 in the Afghan calendar - on Saturday, the Finance Ministry said, two days before donors meet in Kabul to discuss how best to rebuild the country after decades of civil war. The plan for fiscal 2005 foresees a 3.3 per cent decline in spending from the previous year, though a final version by June is expected to factor in more aid. Government income, raised mainly from customs, is projected to rise 19pc to $333 million, covering only 7pc of spending, the ministry said in a statement. The budget reflects Afghanistan's ongoing security problems, with $1.4bn, or 30pc of the total, allocated for the US-trained army and the police force. 0
108551 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS $2bn Oman deal won by Bechtel MUSCAT: US company Bechtel has won an engineering, procurement and construction management contract for a $2 billion aluminium smelter project in Oman, local media reported yesterday. The Times of Oman said Bechtel had been "chosen as the preferred bidder for the job". The daily said the contract would cover the construction of a potline with a capacity of about 330,000 tonnes per annum in the first phase of the project. The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) in February signed a shareholders agreement with Oman Oil Co (OOC) and Canadian Alcan to develop the plant to be based adjacent to the existing Sohar Industrial Area. Construction on the plant will start soon after financial close, expected in the second half of this year, ADWEA said. The plant will be operational by 2008. With completion of the second phase, annual capacity will rise to 650,000 tonnes. The Sohar Aluminium Co was created in September to own and operate the new smelter. ADWEA an 0
108552 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait stocks hit new high KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti shares rallied past the 8,000-point psychological barrier for the first time yesterday on the back of mega deals struck by listed firms and optimistic economic indicators, traders said. The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) index closed on 8,025.30 points, a new all-time high, up 0.5 per cent on Saturday's close and 2pc on last week's finish of 7,869.10 points. The index, which has gained some 1,000 points in less than a month, is now up 25.2pc on last year's close of 6,409.50 points. 0
108553 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Libya seeks Opec green light to raise production TRIPOLI: Libyan Prime Minister Shukri Ghanem said yesterday that his country was trying to win the approval of Opec to raise its production quota within the cartel. Libya "is trying to convince Opec to revise its production quota," Ghanem said, adding however that Tripoli would respect the oil organisation's decisions. "We are not the only ones asking for that," Ghanem said. "There are countries that can't meet their quotas while others have a surplus," he added. Libya wants "to increase its oil production capacity and this is precisely why it granted exploration rights to foreign firms," Ghanem said. Earlier this year Libya granted 15 exploration licences to oil firms, with US companies getting the lion's share, for the first time in 40 years. "Libya wants to increase its production but it also wants to maintain stability on the markets," Ghanem said. Libya produces 1.4 million barrels of oil per day but hopes to increase it to 3m bpd by 2010, Ghanem said. 0
108554 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS National Motor chief wins top GM honour MANAMA: National Motor Company (NMC), the dealer for Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac and Hummer in Bahrain, won the General Motors (GM) 2004 Chairman's Challenge Award after achieving a total annual sales increase of 39 per cent over 2003. GM Corporation chairman and chief executive officer Rick Wagoner presented NMC chairman Abdul Rahman Abdulla Mohammed the award at a gala dinner held in Monaco, attended by company senior executives. Mr Mohammed said they are delighted to receive this award and thanked all their customers for their confidence and support. GM Middle East managing director Terry Johnsson congratulated the NMC team for a job well done. "Their contribution has been invaluable in helping us achieve an overall growth of more than 55pc in 2004 in the region," he said. 0
108555 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS $77m fraud scandal at Bank of China HONG KONG: The scandal-plagued Bank of China is embroiled in another fraud investigation following the discovery of a 644 million yuan ($77m) mortgage scam, a report in Sunday Morning Post newspaper in Hong Kong said yesterday. The incident, which took place between December 2000 and June 2002, is the latest in a string of scandals over the past five years that have rocked the huge lender as it prepares for a public flotation. In the latest scam, the bank was found to have issued mortgage loans for 273 flats in the upmarket Senhao Apartment complex that was never finished, the newspaper reported. The complex's developer, Beijing Huayunda, forged employees' documents to apply for the loans, the report said, before taking the money out of Beijing. The Post said the head of the bank's retail business Xu Weilian pocketed an eight million yuan "gift" from Beijing Huayunda. 0
108556 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS New council a boost for reforms MANAMA: Bahrain has announced the creation of its national competitiveness council, where independent business organisations will push for reform and transparency in the economy. The announcement was made following the Arab Competitiveness Roundtable in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. A 15-member delegation from Bahrain's private sector, government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) took part in discussions. The outcome is the formation of the Bahraini National Competitiveness Council, which was created with the help of Arab Business Council vice-chairman Khalid Abdulla Janahi. Members of the founding committee elected Jawad Habib Jawad as chairman, while Economic Development Board (EDB) research services unit manager Sulaf Zakharia was named as secretary-general. 0
108557 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS ECB to keep rates steady PARIS: The European Central Bank will leave eurozone interest rates unchanged for the 22nd straight month this Thursday, with a tightening move seen unlikely before the second half of the year, economists are predicting. Thirty economists interviewed by AFP and its financial news unit AFX said they expected the ECB to keep its main refinancing rate at two per cent at the Thursday meeting of its governing council. Speculation that the ECB might be looking to raise the cost of borrowing in the middle of the year mounted two weeks ago following a report suggesting that the council regarded current rates as well below neutral levels. Council members may want to raise rates once economic growth is strong enough. 0
108558 0 1529 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain hosting first IT security forum MANAMA: Bahrain is hosting the Hack In The Box (HITB) 2005 global IT security conference for the first time in the region starting on April 10, announced eSecurity Gulf Group (eSgulf). Two days of workshops with the participation of international, regional and local security experts will follow the two-day conference, being held at the Taj Palace Hotel in Manama. HITB is a well-known event especially in Asia and is sponsored by the non-profit Hack In The Box organisation. It is being held for the fifth time and focuses on an in-depth knowledge on security and will end on April 13. eSgulf chief executive officer Jorge Sebastiao said the conference primarily aims to promote security awareness to security professionals and their counterparts working in organisations. HITB 2005 targets different levels of security expertise of different sectors including IT managers, application developers, auditors and security consultants. Keynote speakers will highlight th 0
108559 0 1529 COMM COMMENTHypocrisy and human rights I briefly met Natan Sharansky about five years ago. We were sitting together at NBC TV waiting for our respective interviews. I wanted to speak with him. In fact, I had wanted to speak with him since the late 1980's. I recalled, vividly, Sharansky's stance as a "prisoner of conscience" in the former Soviet Union, his celebrated release and, later, his arrival in Israel. I also remembered how, while at first silent about Israel's treatment of Palestinians, he finally spoke out in condemnation. And then, I recalled, how the Israeli establishment pounced on him and not only silenced this former human rights champion but turned him into an apologist for Israeli policy. Later, as Sharansky entered Israeli politics, he was allied with the right wing. He moved from silence in the face of violations of Palestinian human rights to being an advocate for these violations. Still later, as a minister in the government, he carried out these same violations. I followed all this closely, becaus 0
108560 0 1529 COMM COMMENTA shorter working week would create more jobs! If you are among the vast majority of people in Bahrain who work a six-day week, then you are working 52 days a year more than much of the rest of the world. That means that for every seven employees, companies in Bahrain are getting an extra working year - free. Throw in the fact that, as a key labour official declared this week, many companies are illegally forcing expatriate employees to work up to 120 hours a week for salaries of below BD70 a month, then it is little wonder that there is such strong resistance to reform. At the risk of totally depressing yourself, try logging your hours over the course of a month and then look at how much of that extra time you are actually paid for. The legal working week here is 48 hours, longer than much of Europe and elsewhere, but at considerably lower wage levels. Labour officials admit that they are unable to enforce laws to stop widespread abuse, with only 30 inspectors to monitor more than 40,000 small, medium, or larg 0
108561 0 1529 LETT LETTERS Terri Schiavo's life was already over I READ Sympathiser's letter (GDN, April 1) regarding Terri Schiavo with incredulity. "I wonder if the feeding tube would have been pulled out if it were in the stomach of President George W Bush - again an example of US double standards." Not really. More an example of someone's overactive imagination dreaming up a hypothetical situation and then deciding on an outcome to suit an entirely spurious argument. I am glad that Sympathiser's mother was able to benefit from an extension to her life, but does this have any relevance? Far from being able to communicate with her family, Terri Schiavo was, according to doctors, totally unaware of her surroundings with no chance of recovery. It was not merely a question of finances or of a husband wishing to get on with his life, but primarily about the needs of the patient. The court considered that to continue to feed her was pointless. It is hardly tantamount to murder if her life, by any reasonable definition, wa 0
108562 0 1529 LETT LETTERS Matter of pride, but... IT is a matter of pride for the government of Bahrain to have come forward to issue free visas for people visiting this Kingdom for attending the F1 races. But to exclude some countries from this graceful gesture, whatever be the reason, is highly regrettable. Sport, art, music and such other spheres of human activities are beyond the realm of region, religion, language and other barriers artificially created by man. To discriminate people in matters like the issuance of free visas for grand activities like the F1 race is really a deplorable move, especially by a country like Bahrain, which has been very progressive in its outlook in many spheres. Thousands of expats from the countries excluded from the list eligible for free visas are toiling in this country, not only for their own prospects but for the development of Bahrain. The decision to deny people from these countries from enjoying this concession extended on this gala occasion is bound to have hurt their 0
108563 0 1529 LETT LETTERS A true Brit indeed! FURTHER to letters this week referring to the lack of Union Flags along the roads of Bahrain, I would like to point out that the flag of Great Britain has been flying proudly alongside every other national flag for the last seven days. It is prominent outside the Bahrain International Airport and Bahrain International Circuit and although outnumbered by the Tifiosi was flown in the stands during practice on Friday. We are who we are and most of us don't need a flag to remind us of our nationality or pride in our nation. If you actually reduce your speed along the highways you would notice that the Union Flag is there (at last count there are three adjacent to the BDF Hospital). It just isn't as colourful as the others. The Ford Motor dealers from Donegal (GDN, April 1) have obviously done their homework as well (sic) Sir Jackie Stewart is I believe still very much involved with the British motor racing scene and in particular as president of the British Racing Drivers Cl 0
108564 0 1529 LETT LETTERS Nice one chaps! HOW very clever of "someone" to decide to have road works on the busiest stretch of road at the busiest weekend of the year - the F1. Traffic along the Salmaniya road in front of the hospital, has been reduced to single traffic for the past week creating sheer chaos. Why wait until now, there has been plenty of time for this project? Whoever is to blame for this blunder, deny them an Fl ticket for life!! Frustrated 0
108565 0 1529 LETT LETTERS Shoes to blame for 'shocks' THIS is in reply to Mikee in Electric shock puzzler (GDN, April 1). Mikee, this has been happening to me a lot. The reason is simple. The blame is on your shoes. I had one pair of shoes that when I used to wear, I used to always get shocked. In order for a person not to get shocked, electricity from his body should pass through him and then through his feet to the ground. However, some shoes prevent all the electricity from leaving a person and so when that person touches a metal object, he will get shocked. You can change your shoes and probably you will not get shocked. However, you can also do something else. When you are going to touch a metal object, put your other hand in your pocket and then touch it. What happens here is that the electricity in your body will go out from your hand. So try those two 'remedies' and hope you never get shocked. Bash 0
108566 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Karthikeyan disappointed Indian Narain Karthikeyan suffered the first major disappointment in his Formula One race career here yesterday when he retired from the Bahrain Grand Prix after just two laps. Karthikeyan, who finished his first two races for Jordan in 15th and 11th positions in Australia and Malaysia, had hoped to secure a hat-trick of finishes and maybe even break into the top 10 here this weekend. But in gruelling conditions of 42 degrees Celsius his car ground to a halt on his third lap with an electrical problem that the team said would be investigated after the race. Karthikeyan said: "It is really a pity I had to retire in the race as I made a really good start and I managed to overtake a few cars. I was keeping up the pace but suddenly the car just stopped on the track." Karthikeyan had qualified 18th after a disappointing session yesterday morning dropped him behind his team-mate Tiago Montiero, who went on to claim the 10-placed finish that the Indian had been searching for. Last year's world championship runners-up BAR-Honda were left licking their wounds after another disastrous failure in the Bahrain Grand Prix here yesterday. Lead driver Jenson Button was on a trail of successive podiums this time last year, but this season he and his Japanese team-mate Takuma Sato are yet to finish a race let alone get sight of the top three. And after criticising his team when both engines blew up before three laps were over at the last race in Malaysia, Button this time sent a calm message of encouragement after another race full of disappointment. "The pace wasn't too bad but we need to work on the reliability at the moment," he said. "We are going to be testing next week. We will have a stronger car for Imola but it's just working on the reliability at the moment. "We were obviously hoping for better things but we have to look hard for reliability so I just hope that the next race at San Marino is where our season will finally get started." 0
108568 0 1529 SPOR SPORT McCann holds off Hassan challenge CHRIS McCann got back to his winning ways in the three-kilometre race organised at Awali by the Bahrain Road Runners (BRR) under the umbrella of the Bahrain Athletics Association. The race saw the participation of 60 runners which signalled the beginning of the summer. McCann held off a stiff challenge from Sawab Hassan to cross the finish line in nine minutes 49 seconds, just a second ahead. A further 11 seconds behind in third place was Emad Fadhel (10.01) who battled it out with Redha Hussain (10.09) in the men's open category. Ali Anbar (M45, 10.44) was the first of the veterans home in sixth place while in the M55 category Tim Boswell (10.58) made an impressive comeback to finish three seconds ahead of Tim Owen in 9th and 10th positions respectively. GhanimAl Zallaqi (12.46) was not seriously challenged in his M50 category and Gerry Bernard (M70) impressed with a 17.32 finish. Joyce Boswell (13.03) led the Ladies category but had to overcome yo 0
108569 1 1529 SPOR SPORT ALONSO ON SONG Championship leader Fernando Alonso made it a pole-to-podium victory at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix as Renault continued their brilliant run winning all the three races this year while for Ferrari it was another fiasco. Alonso was in a class of his own as Ferrari's hopes of making a winning debut with their new car evaporated in the stiffling desert heat. Alonso further piled on the world champions' misery lapping Rubens Barrichello towards the end of the race while seven-time champion Michael Schumacher went off the track on lap 12 and headed straight into the garage with suspect hydraulic failure. Italian Jarno Trulli crossed the line 13.409 seconds behind Alonso to take Toyota's second top three finish in succession, with McLaren's Kimi Raikko-nen in third spot. 0
108570 2 1529 SPOR SPORT Boughey edges Shaikh Salman Thailand's Robert Boughey, of Team Meritus, clinched a maiden win in Round Two of the Formula BMW Asia at the Bahrain International Circuit yesterday racing to victory in 21 minutes 50.528 seconds. But Bahrain fans had plenty to cheer about for the second day in succession as local drivers put up a strong showing with two podium finishes. Saturday's round one winner Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa was second and Mohammed Al Baharna third respectively. The 22-year-old Boughey got off to a superb start in the 10-lap race, a support event to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, to get past Bahraini star Shaikh Salman of Team E-Rain and never looked back. Shaikh Salman, who also races for Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa's MTC-Unstoppabulls! team, crossed the line in second after dramatically edging out Al Baharna of Minardi Team Asia on the final lap. For Shaikh Salman and Al Baharna, it was a proud moment to see the Bahrain flag flying on the podium at their country's Fo 0
108571 3 1529 SPOR SPORT Alonso races to second victory Fernando Alonso cruised from the pole to the middle of the podium with remarkable flourish and fluency for his second successive title yesterday. But for struggling Ferrari the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix turned into another fiasco as first Michael Sachumaher spun off the track on turn 10 of lap 12 and drove straight into the garage while Rubens Barrichello was lapped by Alonso and then overtaken by Red Bull's David Coulthard for eight spot. The world champions were left with no points for the first time this year while a persevering Jarno Trulli of Toyota raced to his second successive runner-up spot and Kimi Raikkonen put McLaren on the podium for the first time this season. Toyota had another good day with Ralf Schumacher finishing fourth while McLaren's Pedro de la Rosa's drove like a man possessed to finish fifth ahead of Williams Mark Webber and Sauber's Felipe Massa. David Coulthard ensured Red Bull finish their third straight race with a point finishing eighth. It 0
108572 0 1529 SPOR SPORT QUICK TAKES with DRIVERS Fernando Alonso, winner The R25 was perfect today and the team has been fantastic all weekend with no mistakes. To score 26 points out of 30 possible is brilliant but we need to stay cautious. We have only done three races out of 19 in a very long season. However, I think that if we stay competitive like we are and if we can avoid mechanical problems then we will be hard to beat. Jarno Trulli, 2nd The car performed amazingly well, it was quick and reliable with no issues whatsoever. The braking, cooling, Michelin tyres, engine, everything worked well. I realised midway through the race that it was futile to try and catch Fernando and we were safely in second, which is tremendous for everyone in the team. Ralf Schumacher, 4th Another great result for the team after our success in Malaysia. I had a good race, although it was pretty slippery, but that is to be expected at this track. The end result was dictated by the mistake in qualifying yesterday which bumped me down to 1 0
108573 0 1529 SPOR SPORT De la Rosa is glad with fifth Spanish stand-in Pedro de la Rosa proved his worth to McLaren yesterday with a memorable performance in Bahrain. "This was my best race in Formula One by a mile," he said after finishing fifth. "It's the first time in Formula One that I've had a competitive car and I have been able to enjoy and overtake people instead of being overtaken. "I had a lot of fun and it's always fun when you finally overtake people." The 34-year-old battled his way past Briton Jenson Button's BAR, Brazilian Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari and Australian Mark Webber's Williams. "We had a massive battle there, I tell you," he said of his clash with Webber. De la Rosa had not raced since the end of the 2002 season when he left Jaguar. In four years in Formula One, two with now-defunct Arrows and two with Jaguar, his best result was fifth at Monza with Jaguar in 2001. Injured Employed as a test driver by McLaren, he found himself racing in Bahrain after Col 0
108574 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Renault hails 100th crown Fernando Alonso's commanding drive to victory in Bahrain wrote another page in Renault's Formula One history. The Spaniard's success at the dusty desert track was the 100th for a Renault engine and also the first time that the French manufacturer had managed to win three races in succession. Yet at the end, despite the sizzling heat, the 23-year-old made it all seem so easy after also securing Renault's third pole position in a row. "It is the third consecutive weekend where I can say I have had no problems. It is fantastic, a dream," he told a news conference. "The strongest point is the long runs, we are so constant in the laps and we can push even harder when we want. "We have an extremely good package...and the tyres are unbelievable as well." With the opening three 'flyaway' races out of the way, Alonso leads the championship with 26 points to the 16 amassed by Toyota's Jarno Trulli, the Italian who was his Renault partner last year. For l 0
108575 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Broadhurst wins as Lane stumbles CASCAIS, Portugal: Paul Broadhurst won the Estoril Portuguese Open yesterday by one stroke after fellow Englishman Barry Lane threw away his victory chances with a horror show on the final hole. With Broadhurst finished on 13-under 271 after a final round 67, Lane needed just to avoid a bogey at the par-four 18th to claim his sixth European Tour title. However, the 44-year-old hit his second shot out of bounds and ended up taking a nine to hand Broadhurst victory and drop himself down to fifth. Broadhurst, lying fourth, two shots off the lead after completing his rain-delayed third round in the morning, seemed to have blown his chances when he bogeyed two of the first five holes, before a run of seven birdies transformed his round. Scotland's Paul Lawrie, the 1999 British Open champion, led from the start of the fourth round until he also paid for a terrible finish, racking up a triple-bogey seven at the penultimate hole. He then missed a six-footer on the last for 0
108576 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Ferrari put up a brave face Michael Schumacher put a brave face on his worst start to a Formula One season after a pointless weekend for champions Ferrari in Bahrain. The German, who has a meagre haul of two points from three races after winning the first five last year, suffered his first mechanical retirement since July 2001 while Renault chalked up three wins in a row. Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, who had wrestled with gearbox problems all weekend, trailed in ninth - the first time since the Brazilian Grand Prix of April 2003 that the Italian team has come away from a race empty handed. Ferrari, beaten in the 2004 Brazilian season-ender, have also now racked up a four-race losing streak for the first time since Schumacher broke his leg at Silverstone in 1999. The German, winner of 13 of last year's 18 races on his way to a seventh title, was disappointed but refusing to be downcast. Instead, he justified the team's decision to rush their new car into service ahead of schedule to counter t 0
108577 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Bangladesh team tame Taverners AWALI Taverners lost to Cricketeers by 25 runs in the quarter-finals of the cup competition of the 18th International Cricket Sixes Tournament in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The team from Bangladesh led by former national team skipper Faruq Ahmed and including a number of former Bangladesh internationals were put into bat by Awali skipper Bob Phillips. Phillips gave away 11 runs in his opening over, but Ranganathan conceded 19 as the Cricketeers moved along to 30. Former Sri Lanka Test player Romesh Kaluwitharana 'Kalu' gave away only three runs and a leg bye to slow down the run rate. In the fourth over Martin Saunders's first two balls were hit for sixes by former international Rehan Rashid, but off the next ball Rashid was caught on the boundary by Ranganathan and Cricketeers captain Ahmed was dismissed first ball caught on the boundary by Kalu. The hat-trick was averted in style as the new batsman smashed a six followed by two on the final delivery. Sanja 0
108578 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Superb Clijsters tames Sharapova MIAMI: Kim Clijsters's resurgence continued here yesterday as the former world number one from Belgium defeated second-seeded Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-5 to claim the WTA title at Key Biscayne. As she did at Indian Wells, California, last week, Clijsters made her championship run from the unseeded ranks, reconfirming her return from the wrist injury that sidelined her for much of 2004. The 21-year-old shrugged off a rain delay of nearly an hour, then persevered as both players struggled to hold serve in a second set played in blustery winds under threatening skies. "I think what I did very well today was to be really patient," Clijsters said. "On each side of the court you have to produce different tactics. I think I adjusted better to conditions." After two exchanges of service breaks in the second set, Clijsters claimed a 4-3 lead with a remarkable break point, in which she managed to lob back a Sharapova overhead to keep the rally alive until the unset 0
108579 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Rangers return to summit GLASGOW: Rangers returned to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park yesterday to take a vital edge in the title chase. Rangers were 3-0 up thanks to two goals from Gregory Vignal and a header from Croatia striker Dado Prso. But Kevin McBride scored a penalty in the 71st minute and after Rangers midfielder Barry Ferguson was sent off eight minutes later, Martyn Corrigan scored with six minutes remaining to give the visitors the jitters. Rangers are now a point clear of bitter rivals Celtic and have a better goal difference with seven games remaining. Rangers were handed the initiative in the title race when Hearts dished out a potentially fatal blow to Celtic's title ambitions, beating them 2-0 at Parkhead on Saturday. Rangers thrashed Motherwell 5-1 in the League Cup final two weeks ago before the break for international matches but Gers boss Alex McLeish made changes to the Cup-winning line-up. Hamed Namouchi rep 0
108580 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Barcelona salvage point in a thrilling comeback MADRID: Giovanni van Bronckhorst saved Barcelona's blushes by grabbing a late equaliser five minutes into injury time to give the Spanish first division leaders a 3-3 draw with 10-man Real Betis yesterday. The Dutch defender found the net after Betis had assumed that they had three points in the bag and left the ball to run loose in their area, with the referee poised to blow the whistle. Real Betis winger Joaquin Sanchez showed just why he has been linked with several of Europe's top clubs by scoring two of the visitors' goals. Both English Premiership leaders Chelsea and Spanish giants Real Madrid have been rumoured to have told Betis they have open cheque books for the 23 year-old Spanish international, who opened the scoring after just 11 minutes. Joaquin darted down the right wing to connect neatly with a cross from Edu, after the Brazilian's speed had left the Barca rearguard trailing. However, Barca got back on level terms four minutes later after Betis defender Di 0
108581 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Everton crash as Gera nets winner WEST BROMWICH, England: Zoltan Gera further enhanced his burgeoning reputation yesterday with the crucial winner over Everton that will give Bryan Robson renewed hope that West Bromwich Albion can avoid an immediate return to the Championship. Hungary midfielder Gera struck with a powerful header just after the hour to elevate Albion to third bottom in the English Premiership and level on points with Southampton one place above them. Albion's victory was their third in four matches and Robson's squad could now have the chance to rewrite Premiership history by becoming the first club to be bottom at Christmas and secure survival. It was a bitterly disappointing defeat for David Moyes's Everton, who were desperate for three points to improve their hopes of earning a place in next season's Champions League. "It's a massive win because it puts the pressure on Portsmouth, Southampton and Crystal Palace. That's what we needed but the main thing is that we keep going," Robson to 0
108582 0 1529 SPOR SPORT McCarron leads by two shots TORONTO: American Scott McCarron topped the leaderboard at the rain-battered BellSouth Classic yesterday as first round play was finally completed and the second got underway. Battling to get a 72-hole finish in by today, the day began with half the field racing to complete their opening rounds at the TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia. At the same time golfers were being sent off on their second. McCarron, who had shared the overnight clubhouse lead at three-under with compatriots JL Lewis, and Ted Purdy, made an early move on Sunday with birdies on three of his first four holes to go to six-under with 13 to play. Billy Mayfair and Jason Allred, who have yet to start their second round, sit two shots back at four-under. 0
108583 0 1529 SPOR SPORT Ding stuns Hendry to claim title BEIJING: Chinese hope Ding Junhui, who turned 18 just two days ago, celebrated his birthday in stunning style yesterday when he beat former world champion Stephen Hendry to win the China Open. Ding clinched a memorable 9-5 triumph in the final to become the first Asian winner of a ranking tournament for 10 years. The last regional player to perform such a feat was James Wattana who won his first Thailand Open title in 1994. He is also the second youngest ever winner of a ranking title, just nine days older than Ronnie O'Sullivan was when he won the 1993 UK Championship. Furthermore, Ding is also the first player to win a ranking event after entering as a wild card. "I didn't feel any pressure because I knew that I would learn a lot from Stephen Hendry as I have never played him before," said Ding. Hendry predicted a great future for Ding in the sport. "There is no doubt that Ding is a superb talent and to win this event in front of his fans is an amazing achieveme 0
108584 0 1529 WORL WORLD Mark Thatcher denied US visa LONDON: Mark Thatcher said yesterday he was refused a visa to enter the United States because of his conviction in South Africa related to a failed coup plot. The son of former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher pleaded guilty in January in a court in Cape Town to a role in a mercenary plot to overthrow the government of oil-rich Equatorial Guinea. He was given a four-year suspended sentence and a $500,000 (BD189,000) fine in a plea bargain. The 51-year-old had been hoping to join his American-born wife Diane, and his two children, who have been living in the United States. He said, "It is quite true that my visa application has been rejected. It was always a calculated risk when I plea-bargained in South Africa. "As a result of this decision, I shall make the family home in Europe, not the UK, and my family will be joining me as soon as arrangements are made. "But the children will continue to be educated in America." Thatcher, who lived in Sout 0
108585 0 1529 WORL WORLD Sunni Arab is new speaker BAGHDAD: Iraqi lawmakers ended days of bickering yesterday by electing Industry Minister Hajim Al Hassani, a Sunni Arab, as their parliament speaker, clearing a major hurdle that has held up the formation of a new government two months after the country's first free elections in 50 years. But lawmakers, still facing the sticky questions of who gets what Cabinet posts, didn't name the nation's new president - likely Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani - and his two deputies, as they had hoped. They promised to tackle that milestone on Wednesday. Once named, Talabani and his deputies have two weeks to pick a prime minister, expected to be Shi'ite politician Ibrahim Al Jaafari. Some lawmakers have expressed frustration at the slow progress, noting they only have until August 15 to write a new constitution. While the candidates for president and prime minister were nailed down weeks ago, lawmakers had stalled over who would get key Cabinet posts and how to reach out to Sunni Arabs who lar 0
108586 0 1529 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Bahrain in Transition, photo exhibition, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 8am-8pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups comprising more than 15 people or require tour in a specific language other than English. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's People Trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs, 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance Classes, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, beginners, 7.30pm; intermediate/advanced, 8.30pm. Lessons cost BD2. 0
108587 1 1529 WORL WORLD Torchbearer for peace and morality LONDON: The world mourned Pope John Paul II, hailing him as a torchbearer for peace and moral certainty and a force in the fall of the Iron Curtain - albeit one who imposed an unbending rule on his own vast flock.From Brazil to the Philippines, South Africa to Germany, and above all in his Polish homeland, Roman Catholics prayed, wept and hugged each other in grief when news flashed across the globe of the death of the Pope. "The Catholic Church has lost its shepherd. The world has lost a champion of human freedom," US President George W Bush said at the White House. "We're grateful to God for sending such a man ... a hero for the ages," said Bush, who went to war in Iraq despite the Pope's opposition. John Paul, a dynamic preacher who travelled the world, battled communism and proclaimed his moral code, set an example of how to live life. In his later years, crushed by sickness that slowed his vigorous gait and silenced his powerful voice, he became an example of how to suffer an 0
108588 0 1529 WORL WORLD A man and his mission Millions of words have been written about Pope John Paul, and this was a tribute to him by ANWAR ABDULRAHMAN published in the GDN on August 5, 1996... Iwould like to share some thoughts on a moving and potent biography. It is the story of an extraordinary man with an exceptional mission... In order to understand Karol Wojtyla, historical background about his country of origin and his upbringing is essential. He was born in Poland in 1920, a land which witnessed tragedy after tragedy - from independence to the Nazi invasion, followed by Russian occupation, Communist indoctrination and the rise of the proletariat when belief was gagged and religion almost outlawed. Young Karol experienced all these traumatic changes and more. For personal tragedy also struck early on April 13, 1929 when his beloved mother died at the age of 45. He was still only nine years old. A mother's death to such a young child must have meant enormous pain, agony, loneliness and insec 0
108589 0 1529 WORL WORLD Queen Latifah takes home silver blimp LOS ANGELES: The green slime poured down on celebrities and fans alike at a raucous 18th annual Kids Choice Awards broadcast on the Nickelodeon children's cable network. Rapper-actor Will Smith kicked off the evening with a spirited performance of the song Switch accompanied by a supporting cast that included breakdancers and throngs of people in feathered costumes. Host Ben Stiller arrived in a tricked-out miniature convertible, dressed from head to toe in a silver jumpsuit he said would prevent him from being that year's celebrity slime victim. Last year's co-host, Cameron Diaz, immediately pelted him with cream pies. Between bouts of silliness, a number of awards were handed out, including the "Wannabe Award", for the celebrity kids most want to be like. This year's trophy, a silver blimp, went to Queen Latifah, who was introduced by Halle Berry. A giddy Latifah seemed delighted by the award, holding it over her head and shouting, "I get a blimp." Other 0
108590 0 1529 WORL WORLD Princess to miss Charles wedding LONDON: Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria will give a miss to the wedding of Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, in order to open an IKEA store in Japan. The News of the World tabloid said 27-year-old Victoria, daughter of King Carl XVI Gustaf, was among a long list of European royals expected to miss the wedding next Friday. Instead, she will attend the inauguration of a new branch of the Swedish furniture chain in Japan. The only royal household sending a "suitable" guest, the tabloid said, was Norway, which will be represented by 31-year-old Crown Prince Haakon. Illusionists make mark PALANGA, Lithuania: Two Lithuanians wearing only T-shirts and sweat pants emerged yesterday from a block of ice, inside which they had spent 63 hours and 31 minutes in an attempt to outdo a similar stunt by US illusionist David Blaine. Shivering with cold, Arvydas Gaiciunas, 36, and his 29-year-old sister, Diana Gaiciunaite, were greeted by cheers and applause from thousands of onlookers a 0
108591 0 1529 WORL WORLD Pontiff died of blood poisoning says Vatican VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II died of blood poisoning and the collapse of his blood vessels, the Vatican announced yesterday, releasing the official death certificate a day after the pontiff's passing. The certificate listed the ailments the 84-year-old Pope suffered from, including acknowledging officially for the first time that John Paul had Parkinson's disease. John Paul had suffered heart and kidney failure brought on by a urinary tract infection last week. The official certificate used the medical terminology for blood poisoning and blood vessel collapse, which is septic shock and an irreversible cardio-circulatory collapse. The other ailments listed were episodes of acute breathing insufficiency and a resulting tracheotomy to insert a breathing tube in his windpipe; cardiopathic hypertension; lack of blood flow; benign prostatic hypertrophy, or non-cancerous disfunction of the prostate, complicated by the urinary tract infection spreading to the blood. 0
108592 0 1529 WORL WORLD Tribute to bombers 'shocking' CAIRO: Egypt is astonished at Israel's tribute to nine Egyptian Jews recruited by the Jewish state to carry out "terrorist operations" in Cairo and Alexandria in the 1950s, the foreign minister said. Israeli President Moshe Katsav last week honoured the Egyptian Jews recruited by Israel as agents to ruin Cairo's rapprochement with the United States and Britain by firebombing sites frequented by foreigners the cities. Israel hoped the attacks, which caused no casualties, would be blamed on local insurgents. But the young Zionist bombers were caught and confessed at public trials. Two were hanged and the rest served jail terms and emigrated to Israel. "We are utterly astonished at this tribute, especially at this time after 50 years have passed since they carried out (the attacks)," Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit said. "What calls for astonishment in this matter is that those people were Jewish Egyptians and, likewise, they carried out explosions in cinemas and 0
108593 2 1529 WORL WORLD Rome bracing for huge influx ROME: Rome is scrambling to be ready for what might be one of its biggest influxes of people in modern times: the arrival of up to two million pilgrims paying their final respects to the late Pope John Paul II. The city is preparing security measures, as well as thousands of beds, water supplies, medical assistance and bus shuttles ahead of the late pontiff's funeral, expected to be held later in the week. "For us, it will be an extraordinary challenge," Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni said yesterday. "It will be like organising a Jubilee in 48 hours," he added, referring to yearlong celebrations in 2000 that brought several million pilgrims to the Italian capital and required massive preparations. Starting today, the Pope's body will lie in state at St Peter's Basilica - a display expected to draw a steady stream of people. The funeral Mass will be held in St Peter's Square. It is expected to last over two hours and draw world leaders, the Vatican hierarchy and ordinary faithful. 0
108594 0 1529 WORL WORLD Riots mar women's marathon ISLAMABAD: Nine people, most of them police, were wounded yesterday when hardline Muslims opened fire as they protested the participation of women in a running race, police said. "Eight policemen were injured when activists of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA Islamist alliance) fired on them," Gujranwala police chief Arif Mushtaq, who was among the wounded, said. "One of the protesters was also injured as he got a bullet wound in his leg," Mushtaq said, adding that about a dozen people were detained for damaging vehicles and public property. He said police fired bullets only in the air and used teargas to disperse the mob. The riots erupted outside a stadium in Gujranwala city, about 200km southeast of Islamabad, when police stopped armed MMA activists from disrupting a "mini-marathon" race, he said. About 1,000 people, including women and children, had turned up for the race, which was cancelled because of the clashes, he said. Mushtaq said MMA activists resen 0
108595 0 1529 WORL WORLD Marines die in blasts BAGHDAD: Two US service members were killed in central Iraq, the military said yesterday. A Marine was killed by an explosion while conducting combat operations in the city of Hadithah, 220km northwest of Baghdad and another was killed yesterday when a bomb exploded near the central city of Beiji. In the northern city of Mosul two car bombings left at least one Iraqi dead and several others injured, while a Kurdish soldier was killed when gunmen opened fire on his car. Prison raid claimed DUBAI: Al Qaeda's wing in Iraq said yesterday seven suicide bombers spearheaded its overnight raid on Abu Ghraib prison that wounded 44 US soldiers, according to an Internet statement. Border re-opened TEHRAN: Iraq yesterday reopened a major southern border crosing with Iran, with the Islamic republic warning its citizens not to go to Iraq because of the security situation, the official Irna agency reported. Iraq closed the Shalamcheh crossing, close to Iraq's second city of B 0
108596 3 1529 WORL WORLD Labour playing economy card LONDON: Britain's governing Labour Party told voters yesterday it would build on the country's economic stability while its opponents would wreck it as Prime Minister Tony Blair prepared to call an election, expected on May 5. But Blair's office ended speculation he would visit Queen Elizabeth today to seek the dissolution of parliament and unveil the poll date, saying the prime minister would attend vespers at Westminster Cathedral in memory of Pope John Paul. Parties are still gearing up for a May 5 vote and the election race in reality has been under way for months. Opinion polls point to a victory for the centre-left Labour Party but put Blair's large parliamentary majority at risk. "Labour wants to ... get the election on to its agenda of the economy and public services and create the impression that the momentum for improvement is with them and that the Conservatives would cause problems," pollster Peter Kellner said. Labour held on to its lead in a poll yesterday. 0
108597 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS OMAN PLANNING NEW $500 MILLION PORT MUSCAT: Oman plans to create a commercial port at a cost of more than $500 million . "The plan is under way," Transport Minister Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Harthi said yesterday. Royal Haskoning of the Netherlands, together with Lebanon's Khatib and Alami, is designing the port and shipyard in Duqm, central Oman, which will be able to handle ultra-large crude carriers. It said that the initial estimated cost of $260m had increased to "at least $500m" as the development scope widened. 0
108598 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Sukuk issue success MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency yesterday said its monthly issue of Sukuk Al Salam Islamic securities has been oversubscribed. The $25m issue, carrying a maturity of 91 days, begins tomorrow and matures on July 6. The expected return is 3.12 per cent and the total tenders received are $80.31m. The securities are issued by the agency on behalf of the Bahrain government. 0
108599 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Oil industry's future probed MANAMA: A seminar on the future of the oil industry in the Arab region was held yesterday at the premises of the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research in Awali. The lecture, entitled Oil Between Politics and Economy in the Arab Region - A Futuristic Look, was conducted by the centre's strategic studies adviser Dr Mohammed Jalal. Present were the centre's chairman Mohammed Al Ghatam and political and economic specialists, who took part in an open discussion following the seminar. 0
108600 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Firm to develop Oman project MANAMA: Bahraini company Raymon has been selected as the main strategic developer for the Blue City construction project in Oman, it was revealed. The project, which will be launched next month, will cover 35 square kilometres and cost up to $15 billion, Raymon chairman Ahmed Abou Baker Janahi told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej. 0
108601 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS MTC plans loan for Celtel takeover KUWAIT: Kuwaiti mobile phone operator MTC will fund its recently announced $3.36 billion acquisition of Netherlands-based Celtel with existing cash and a $2.4bn loan being arranged by international bankers. 0
108602 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Thai ties hailed BANGKOK: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received at his residence Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Dr Surakiat Sathianthai. They discussed the scope of bilateral co-operation between the two countries in light of economic agreements signed by both sides aimed at increasing trade and opening new areas for joint investment. The Premier affirmed Bahrain's full support to the private sector in the kingdom towards setting up joint economic projects and providing necessary facilities. 0
108603 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Opec output boost DUBAI: Opec's 10 members bound by official output limits will pump 28.1 million barrels per day (bpd) in April, an Opec delegate said yesterday, a rise of 400,000 bpd from estimated production the previous month. Opec output, excluding Iraq, was running at 27.7m bpd last month. Saudi Arabia plans to increase production to 9.5 million bpd this month, while Kuwait will pump 2.55 million bpd, the delegate said. 0
108604 0 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Oil hits $58 LONDON: World oil prices hit fresh historic highs last night, climbing above $58 a barrel in New York on tight supplies, as Opec began consultations to consider raising output by 500,000 barrels per day. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for May delivery, struck a record intra-day high of $58.28 in early deals amid worries over US refining capacity and the continued fallout from a study that indicated prices could hit $100, analysts said. The price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in May hit $57 for the first time, peaking at $57.65 per barrel. 0
108605 1 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Al Hilal-Daily Mail launch top Gulf construction expo MANAMA: Bahrain is to host a world-class buildings and interiors exhibition early next year, enabling the kingdom to benefit from the multi-billion dinar construction boom in the region. The Bahrain Convention & Exhibition Bureau (BCEB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Bahrain's Al Hilal Group, and dmg world media Dubai, UAE, to launch the Gulf Building and Interior Design, gulfBID 2006. The gulfBID will now be an annual trade show that will be held each year at the Bahrain International Exhibition Cen-tre (BIEC). The first event will take place from May 16 to 18 next year. The event will be organised by Hilal Conferences & Exhibitions, a division of the Al Hilal Group and dmg world media Dubai, supported by the BCEB. Industry and Commerce Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Foreign Trade and BCEB deputy chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa signed the agreement yesterday, with Al Hilal Group managing director Ronnie Middleton and dmg world 0
108606 2 1530 BUSI BUSINESS BIBF students graduate MANAMA: More than 270 Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) graduates were honoured yesterday. Bahrain Monetary Agency Governor Rasheed Al Maraj presented the graduates with their certificates at a ceremony held at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition centre. Thirty-six students received diplomas in Intermediate Banking Studies, 34 in Advanced Banking Studies, 12 in Treasury and Capital Markets, 90 in Intermediate Insurance Studies, 37 in Advanced Insurance Studies, 30 in Professional Insurance, 25 in Advanced Islamic Banking and 12 in Investment Representative Programme. Special awards were given by various financial institutions to outstanding students. Mr Al Maraj congratulated the graduates and praised all the hard work. "This ceremony is in part a measure of personal success of the students and the success of the faculty," he said. "But the success we honour goes beyond the personal and is a measure of the success of Bahra 0
108607 3 1530 BUSI BUSINESS Firms strike a 'cool' deal MANAMA: Property consultants DTZ Bahrain signed a contract with Tabreed Bahrain, a local joint venture company for supplying a district cooling solution for the Bahrain World Trade Centre (BWTC). Tabreed will provide chilled water to the BWTC from its district cooling plant, which will be specially constructed in the Diplomatic Area in order to offer a cooling solution for the building. The benefits to the user of a district cooling system are considerable with lower capital expenditure, cheaper operating costs and considerably better rates of efficiency. The district cooling system offers a far more environmentally-friendly method of cooling with lower power requirement as well as much lower carbon dioxide emissions. Tabreed Bahrain managing director Dany Safi said this method of cooling buildings is expected to become more popular throughout the kingdom. "Tabreed has already secured forward commitments from six major companies. Further sites for cooling plant 0
108608 0 1530 COMM COMMENTPope changed the world... He was frail and old and in obvious pain, stricken by arthritis, afflicted by Parkinson's and able to breathe only through a tube in his throat. He could barely stand without assistance and was wholly incapable of speech, his final words to the world tailing off in a laboured rasp. Yet nobody who witnessed the last, poignant public appearance of John Paul II a few days ago could have doubted the blazing clarity of his message. This wasn't an occasion of weakness or defeat. This was a living demonstration of religious faith, courage in the face of adversity and the compelling power of example. Who but this most remarkable of Popes could have turned his own suffering into a symbol of hope? With his life visibly ebbing away, he had reason enough to step down and accept whatever ease and care his doctors could give him. Instead, he saw it as his duty to God and man to continue the burdens of office as a public reminder that human life is infinitely precious, even if marked by pain, i 0
108609 0 1530 COMM COMMENTA woeful tale's painful footnote I am currently walking around with what looks like a Polo mint stuck to the little toe on my left foot. This is the result of new shoes, which have given me a throbbing, agonisingly painful corn that simply won't go away. By the end of each working day I am hobbling and my only respite is Fridays, when I can abandon wearing shoes for a full 24 hours. For all our human technology, there are still some relatively minor ailments that bring us misery, like toothache, the common cold and corns on the feet. The corn pad that now adorns my foot is exactly the same as the ones I used to see my mother putting on when we were children. She blamed her ills on being on her feet all day, running around after four children, cooking, washing, mopping and all the rest that running a full house takes. I can still remember her in front of the TV, her foot on a stool and a whopping great corn pad sticking out under her tights - and woe betide any of us who snickered at the s 0
108612 0 1530 LETT LETTERS We can ALL play a part in preventing crime! I READ with great interest the leading article of 2nd April by Sara Horton expressing concern over crime in the Kingdom. I agree with much that has been written by the contributors and would not argue that the police are but one element in fighting crime. Indeed, I sometimes wonder whether too much emphasis is placed on the who, the where and the how of crime, rather than asking why is crime committed? Here, the causes of crime are multi-faceted: factors such as parental guidance, education, personal and collective values, employment, peer pressure, opportunity, incitement, the legal system, sentencing policy and many others. All play a significant part. In short, not one of us can say we have no part to play in preventing crime. I concur totally that the professionalism of the kingdom's police and its attitude to society plays a major role, and I acknowledge fully that we have much to learn. It is for this reason that we have embarked on a major programme of reassessment and ret 0
108613 0 1530 LETT LETTERS Post help offer THIS refers to letters (GDN April 1) regarding postal delays. We can extend our help in carrying mail to Singapore/Delhi/Cologne and other parts of the world as we Lufthansa Cargo have a daily cargo freighter service operating direct to Singapore and the capacity to carry mail on agreed procedures with the Director of posts/Bahrain. Muthu Balasubramanian BAHFH/A Manager Handling Services Lufthansa Cargo AG Tel: +973 17339168 0
108614 0 1530 LETT LETTERS Shocking but harmless I AM not sure if Mikee (GDN April 1) wants to take the mickey out of me by asking this question on April Fools Day but it could be that the writer is not aware of the natural process of separating electric charges by means friction of rubbing two different materials together and which is more pronounced during dry weather conditions. (ie dry skin rubbing against a nylon shirt when walking, brushing your hair with a plastic comb, or walking across a nylon carpet and even sliding across a plastic car seat) and thereby building up static electricity. The separated (surplus) electric charge so gained would like to be neutralised again and will thus flow back as an electric current when we touch something, particularly a good conductor like a metal door knob or even a 'neutral' friend. This sudden flow back of the charge is then experienced as an electric shock However I would like to put Mikee's mind at rest and tell him that many people experience this phenomena and although it may be 'shoc 0
108615 0 1530 LETT LETTERS Umpire rules REFERRING to Mr Qasim Alikhan's letter (GDN March 30) condemning Sachin Tendulkar for not being a sportsman and not 'walking' when Mr Alikhan thought he was clearly out. It is not the batsman's responsibility to decide if he is out, neither that of the commentator. It is the task allocated to the umpire. If the batsman thought he was 'not out' and refused to leave the wicket when given out what would happen to the game? In Tendulkar's career he must have been given 'out' and 'not out' incorrectly about the same number of times, it all balances. This is the age of professionalism, the umpire is also a professional, there to do a job, and the only time a batsman should walk is when he has run out of petrol. Ron Knowles 0
108616 0 1530 LETT LETTERS An aghast landlubber! I WAS pleased and somewhat astonished at Actually Irish F1 Fan's support (GDN April 1) for the display of the Union Flag. I was surprised and gratified that his interest in all things British extended to differentiating between the Union Flag and Union Jack. However, I was aghast when he claimed that the Jack is flown from the rear of a naval vessel. Even landlubbers like myself know that a Jack is a national flag flown from the Jackstaff of a vessel. The Jackstaff is attached to the bowsprit which is the bow (or for Actually Irish, the pointy end) of the vessel. The Jack is normally only flown whilst a naval vessel is in port, or in the case of the Royal Navy, at sea to indicate the Flagship of an Admiral of the Fleet. It is an Ensign that is flown at the stern of a vessel or from a yard. In the case of the Royal Navy it is the White Ensign with the Red Ensign being flown by the British merchant marine. However, I am open to correction should somebody know otherwise. A Wright ( 0
108617 0 1530 LETT LETTERS Secret is out CAN some one help me? I forget my password and secret Qusten of my yahoo IDD so how can I get it? Shams 0
108618 0 1530 LETT LETTERS Boys still together WESTLIFE hasn't outlived The Backstreet Boys. If you have read the news lately you would be aware that The Backstreet Boys are still very much together and very much going strong. In fact they are currently on tour getting ready to release their new album. So before you go run your pen I suggest you get your facts straight. Just because they took a break doesn't mean they broke up. Maybe Westlife should have done that, maybe then they wouldn't be a member short and maybe they should look into actually singing their own songs instead of covers. Maybe then they'd be known world-wide like other 'boy bands'. A very upset reader 0
108619 0 1530 LETT LETTERS For the record... I JUST read your article, "Fans Rushing for Westlife Tickets" (GDN March 31) and noticed you made an error. When you stated that Westlife has exceeded the shelf life of a 'boy band', you stated that they outlived the Backstreet Boys. The Backstreet Boys formed in 1993 and are still going strong 12 years later. They took an extended break, but they will be back with a new album due out this summer. They're already performing on a promotional tour in the states and will head to Europe in the upcoming months. They are by no means 'gone' and Westlife certainly hasn't 'outlived'' them. I agree that Westlife has surpassed the shelf life of an average boyband by being together for six years, but that's only half the time the Backstreet Boys have been a group. Just because they took an extended break doesn't mean they broke up. Katie 0
108620 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Condolences sent HIS Majesty King Hamad last night sent a cable of condolences to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahad bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, marking the death of Prince Musaad bin Ahmed Al Sedairy. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent similar cables to King Fahad, Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and National Guard Commander Prince Abdulla bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and Saudi Second Deputy Premier, Defence and Aviation Minister and Inspector General Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud. 0
108621 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Indian Club ransacked by raiders MANAMA: Raiders ransacked the Indian Club in Manama yesterday, smashed open a safe and stole BD1,600. They scaled the exterior wall and smashed open an aluminium door to get into the reception. From there they smashed their way through several doors to get into every area of the club. The club closed at 11.30pm on Sunday night and the raid was discovered by three office staff who arrived for work at 10.45am yesterday, said club president Vicky Kambhoj. He said the raiders smashed open a steel safe and stole about BD1,500, then also snatched about BD100 in petty cash from the two bars and canteen. "We were shocked to see the offices completely ransacked and we immediately called for the police," said Mr Kambhoj. Police found some screwdrivers and clothes lying outside the bar door on the first floor. Incoming secretary Ulhas Karnavar said that there would be no change in the induction ceremony of the new committee, which is due to take place at the 0
108622 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Envoy visits university US Ambassador William Monroe visited Bahrain University's Sakhir campus. He met academic programmes and scientific research vice-president Dr Mohammed Al Sayed and planning and community service vice-president Dr Alawi Al Hashimi, who took him on a tour of the campus. Mr Monroe, accompanied by cultural attach Aleta Wenger and senior embassy officials, visited the American Studies Centre and met with College of Arts foreign languages department head Dr Abdulaziz Buleila, centre director Dr John Hillis and several centre students. The embassy is currently offering scholarships and fellowships to university students in the US and is studying a plan to exchange Bahraini and American lecturers soon. 0
108623 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Tips on care that every parent must take A CHILD safety seminar takes place tonight at 8.30pm at the Zen-Do Bahrain Kickboxing Club, Hamala. Club founding director Suhail Algosaibi said the seminar was very important to parents. "The seminar is free and we only have 49 places available. Priority will be given to parents of our child members," he said. The following topics are to be covered: the history of child molestation; the definition of a child molester; common myths associated with child molestation; what is 'stranger danger' and 'acquaintance molestation'; the most common means, tactics and lures child molesters use to snatch and/or seduce their victims; does child molestation exist in Bahrain; what parents can do to educate their child about the dangers of child molestation; how to spot the signs of molestation or abuse in the children around you; and many more. "This seminar is priceless and we're conducting it absolutely free," said Mr Algosaibi. "In fact, not only is it free but we're also giving away 0
108624 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Thieves loot apartment in Hoora THIEVES raided an apartment in Hoora and stripped it of an air-conditioner, refrigerator, TV, video player, satellite receiver and microwave oven. The apartment is rented by an Indian couple who were away at the time. The husband was on vacation in India and the wife was staying with her sister while he was away. They both work for the Abdul Rahman Yaqoobi Construction Company, which also owns the building they live in. The wife collects the rents for the company from the building's tenants, said Abdul Rahman Yaqoobi Construction Company owner Abdul Rahman Yaqoobi. "She was on her usual round collecting rent from some tenants who were late when she decided to go upstairs to check on their apartment," said Mr Yaqoobi. "When she reached their apartment, she found the door open and their belongings missing. "Apparently, the thieves took advantage of the tenants' absence and looted the place. "We reported the matter to Gudaibiya police." 0
108625 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Traffic flow milestone IT took just 45 minutes for 28,000 cars to clear the Bahrain International Circuit area after the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, it was revealed yesterday. This was a major achievement for the General Directorate of Traffic, said acting director general Colonel Hassan Isa Al Sameem. Traffic flowed out through Zallaq Highway and the new Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, after the race on Sunday. All incoming traffic from these roads was stopped and all lanes were used for outgoing traffic, said Col Al Sameem. 0
108626 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL GPIC backs society with BD2,000 aid GPIC has donated BD2,000 to the Friendship Society for the Blind. General manager Abdul Rahman Jawahery visited the society premises in Sanad, where director Ali Mohamed Haji briefed him about the society's role in providing care for handicapped and blind children. Mr Haji expressed on behalf of the society's chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa his thanks and appreciation to Oil Minister and GPIC board chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa and the GPIC executive management for their continuous support. The meeting was attended by GPIC plant operations manager Yousuf Abdulla, public relations manager Zuhair Tawfiqi, society secretary Abdul Wahid Al Khayat, and a number of the society officials. 0
108627 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Vandals handed over to police TWO Bahraini teenagers who broke into a car and stole the stereo were caught just yards away. The victim's friend spotted them lurking suspiciously near the scene of the crime. He alerted his friend and they chased and caught one of the youths and handed him over to police. Mohammed Khamis, aged 27, returned to his car in Manama at around 1am, to find its rear right window smashed and the stereo set missing. "I participated in the Hussaini precessions in Manama and then got to my car to go home," said Mr Khamis. "I found the rear right side window broken and the stereo set, which cost over, BD100 missing. "My friend Abdulla needed me to give him a ride back home so I called him on his mobile and told him to rush over so, we could go to the police station together. "He ran to the car, but when he reached the turn of the street I was parked on he found two Bahraini boys peeking round the corner and acting suspiciously. "They were startled by Abdulla 0
108628 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Expert to talk on freedom POSSIBILITIES and Problems with the Forward Strategy of Freedom will be the topic under discussion at a lecture being held on Wednesday at the National Democratic Action Society in Umm Al Hassam. The lecture will be held at 8.30pm and will be conducted by Dr Scott Waalkes, who is living in Bahrain with his family for the 2004-2005 academic year as a Fulbright Scholar. The talk will focus on three positive and three negative signs coming out of Washington, US for reformers in Bahrain. Dr Waalkes has published several articles in international studies and is working on a book dealing with religious responses to globalisation. The lecture will be in English and there will a translation in Arabic. All are welcome. 0
108629 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Film-maker to attend DVD festival INDIAN journalist and film director Sashi Kumar is arriving in Bahrain tomorrow to attend the Soorya international DVD festival, entitled Cinemaghar. The famous personality's film Kaya Taran is to be the centrepiece of the festival, which will run from tomorrow to Saturday at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. Entry is free for all throughout the four-day festival, although preference will be given to Soorya card-holders. The films to be screened are as follows: Jour De Fete by Jacques Tati tomorrow at 7pm, followed by The Great Dictator by Charlie Chaplin at 8.45pm. Kaya Taran will be screened on Thursday from 7pm. On April 8, there is a full day will three film screenings. The first will be at 10.30am and the movie is Redbeard - Akiro Kurosawa's 1965 classic; at 4pm Otto Preminger's 1952 classic Carmen Jones will be screened and at 7pm, it will be the festival classic showcasing Bengali genius Ritwick Ghatak. On Saturday, the last day 0
108630 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Roadshow to focus on education in Australia PROSPECTIVE students have a chance to find out more about studying in Australia, at an educational roadshow being held tomorrow at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. More than 30 representatives from 20 Australian universities are taking part in the event, from 4pm to 9pm. More than 2,000 students from the Gulf went to Australia for higher education, says IDP Education Australia, based in Canberra, which is organising the roadshow. IDP Education Australia is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, established in 1969. It is owned by 37 Universities of Australia and more than 250 institutes, colleges and schools in Australia are members. The regional office in Dubai, the first in the Middle East, is a part of the global IDP network of 65 offices operating in 34 countries spanning Australasia, Indian sub-continent, Europe, Africa, Middle East, North and Latin America. IDP provides information on opportunities available for further study in Australia. 0
108631 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL New tourism strategy sought A CALL for a new strategy for Bahrain's tourism industry went out from businessmen yesterday. They met with Tourism Affairs Assistant Under-Secretary Mubarak Al Atwi at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) premises in Manama. Travel agency, hotel and other company officials said they were not getting the support they need from the government. BCCI second vice-president Dr Essam Fakhro said that the businessmen also welcomed an idea by the Economic Development Board (EDB) to establish a tourism body made up mainly of representatives of the private sector. "Many of us think that this should be done as quickly as possible in order to map out a strategy for the country's tourism industry," he said. Mr Al Atwi said that he disagreed that there wasn't a strategy. The government has a plan that it is executing, he said, but emphasised the difference between a strategy and a more comprehensive vision for the future of the industry. "Bahrain's visio 0
108632 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Marshals to the rescue FIRES and at least one collision were among the incidents the Motorsport Marshals Club responded successfully to on the day of the Gulf Air Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix. Club president Fayez Ramzy Fayez declared the event an unqualified success from the race organising point of view. "Last year we won Best Organised Race award from the sport's governing body the FIA and this year we did even better," he said. "FIA race director Charlie Whiting told us that the organisation was perfect this year." The collision occurred during the Porsche Michelin Supercup Race. The marshals responded to the scene of the incident within seconds. The fire started in an F1 car and the fire extinguisher was deployed within 10 seconds. No one was injured in both cases. "There will always be incidents, but the way that we respond to it is how we measure our success," said Mr Fayez. "The response of the marshals in a timely and efficient manner allowed the races to cont 0
108633 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Ahmed wins Spain soccer match trip AN 11-year-old Bahraini boy is counting the days to one of the biggest matches on the European soccer calendar, the twice-yearly clash between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Gulf Pearl School student Ahmed Jaber Omran is among five winners from the Arab countries to win a trip to the match, through Al Jazeera sports channel's Spanish La Liga competition. Ahmed, who will be accompanied by his father Jaber, will travel on Friday to watch the match, known as 'El Classico' on Sunday. Al Jazeera will bear all travel, transportation and accommodation expenses for the five-day trip, including 2,000 euros (BD984) in pocket money and pay 79 euros (BD39) for the match ticket. The match will be held at Real Madrid's Bernabau Stadium in the Spanish capital. Ahmed, of Daih is a keen Barcelona fan, but thought he would be in trouble for entering the competition. "I was scared that my father would be angry because I have spent a lot of money making phone calls 0
108634 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Community halls opened in Tubli TWO new multi-purpose halls, donated by the Kanoo family and named after the late Fatima Ebrahim Kanoo, were opened in Tubli last night. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. The halls, which are around 240sq m each, can be used by anyone for weddings, funerals, seminars and other occasions. To book the hall, people can either visit the complex or call 39666994. 0
108635 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Tapping the potential in people... REGISTRATION is now open for a one-day seminar, Empow-ering People for Maximum Achievement, which is being held in Bahrain later this year. The seminar, aimed at executives, managers and professionals, will be held on September 28 at the Gulf Hotel under the patronage of the Prime Minis-ter's Court Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Topics to be covered include: the seven qualities of high achievers, how to improve performance, the magic of self-direction, strategies for effective leadership, motivating yourself and others to peak performance and building peak performance teams. The seminar will be conducted by American Brian Tracy, who is a well-known speaker and author on the development of human potential and personal effectiveness. Mr Tracy is the chairman of Brian Tracy International, a human resource company based in San Diego, California, with affiliates throughout America and in 31 countries. The event is being organised by Jiwa Training Centr 0
108636 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL FTA talks to top GCC-EU agenda PROGRESS in the Free Trade Area (FTA) negotiations will top the agenda of the annual GCC-EU foreign ministers meeting being held today in Bahrain, which currently chairs the GCC. Regional issues of joint interest such as developments in Iraq, EU negotiations with Iran, prospects for Middle East peace and Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organisation will also be reviewed at the one-day event. The GCC delegation attending the meeting, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, will be headed by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Also present will be GCC Secretary-General Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, Gulf ministers and other officials. The EU's delegation will be headed by Jean Affelborn, Foreign Minister of Luxembourg, which is currently presiding the EU. It also comprises Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Commissioner for Trade Peter Mandelson. In 0
108637 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Brushing up on oral health A FESTIVAL to mark World Health Week was launched at the Budaiya Primary and Intermediate Girls School yesterday. The three-day event, which aims to shed light on oral and dental health, is being organised by the school in co-ordination with the Health Ministry and a number of hospitals, pharmacies and other government schools. Yesterday's opening ceremony included speeches from school headmistress Nafeesa Mohammed Obaid and Health Ministry oral and dental health services president Dr Abbas Al Fardan. It also featured skits by students who demonstrated the importance of healthy teeth, a free medical check-up, an exhibition on healthy diets and a competition organised by the school's educational sources centre. Education Under-Secretary Dr Hussain Al Sada distributed prizes to festival participants and organisers. 0
108638 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL GCC tour agents enjoy charms of Gold Coast BAHRAIN travel agents took part in a five-day tourism forum held in the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. They were part of a delegation of more than 50 GCC-based travel agents, who were invited by Tourism Australia (TA) to meet Australian tourism operators and to experience the destination first hand in the run-up to the heavy July and August travel season. The Bahrain agents and tour operators from Gulf Air, Al Gosaibi Travel, Kanoo Travels, House of Travels and Sunshine Tours took part in the familiarisation programme and formal workshops hosted at the popular Gold Coast resort area known as Surfers' Paradise. While in Queensland, the agents met more than 40 sellers and had the chance to experience the fun 'Down Under' firsthand. The gathering, TA's first annual Yinala Convention, was specially devised for the needs of travel professionals from the GCC. 0
108639 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Ministry in bid to keep councils on their toes A COMPREHENSIVE plan to upgrade municipal work is on the drawing board, Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh said yesterday. The plan will require a new budget and ensure that municipal councils function in a manner in line with people's expectations. "We are not satisfied with what has been achieved in municipal work and the steps that have been taken so far are not enough to meet people's requirements," he told Shura Council members at their weekly meeting. Mr Al Saleh was responding to a question by member Mohammed Radhi on the ministry's efforts to launch awareness programmes aimed at protecting public utilities and property from vandalism. Mr Radhi said the country allocates millions of dinars annually from its budget to maintain parks and provide playground equipment. "This must be coupled with a comprehensive plan to raise awareness among citizens and residents on safeguarding public utilities," he said. Budget "The 0
108640 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Technician is found hanging MANAMA: Technician K G Manoharan, 26, was found hanging outside his flat in Hoora yesterday morning, reports Vinitha Viswanath. Mr Manoharan, a bachelor from Kunnamkulam, Trichur, Kerala was employed by Unico in Mina Salman. His room-mates discovered the body when they stepped out of their flat heading for office at 4.15am. They claimed Mr Manoharan had appeared normal the day before his suicide. Sources said the company has agreed to help repatriate the body. 0
108641 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Funds plea for Kerala care centre A CALL has gone out to support an organisation in Kerala, India, which provides shelter and care to more than 400 destitute and mentally ill people, including orphans. Snehalayam in Mundathi-kode, Trichur, is being run by A R Antony, who is in Bahrain as part of a Gulf tour to raise money for the centre. Mr Antony, who hopes to raise funds to complete a project to house those under his care, said the project started from humble beginnings after he was admitted to a hospital with a bone marrow disease 15 years ago. Unable to provide for himself or his family, he contemplated suicide. Fighting off his thoughts, he vowed to take care of the needy, if he survived. "From a small beginning with the help of some benefactors, I am now able to look after more than 400 people, including 20 orphans," Mr Antony told the GDN. "Among them are mentally retarded, physically challenged and Aids and cancer patients," he said. "After I was treated, I started accommodating 0
108642 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL More jobs hope for nationals MANAMA: Moves are underway to reserve jobs in more sectors for Bahrainis, it was revealed last night. These may include travel and tourism, car showrooms, furniture and big stores. Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa also disclosed that more than 11,000 Bahrainis were offered jobs in the private sector last year. During the same period, 1,670 Bahrainis were employed by the government. He was speaking as the government submitted a draft law on labour market reform. The document, which includes 47 articles, urges an independent panel to be formed to monitor the reforms. 0
108643 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL New hospital to spur jobs drive AN intensive programme to train Bahraini medical professionals will be implemented in a new private hospital, which will be opened soon, it was revealed yesterday. The BD28 million Al Hayat Specialist Hospital, which will be opened in two phases, will be launched with a BD3m first phase in Gudaibiya this June. The project will create several jobs for Bahraini health care professionals, said director Daven Mehta. "We are working with the Labour Ministry to recruit qualified Bahrainis," he told a Press conference at the Gulf Hotel, in the presence of officials from Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, India, Meo Clinic, in Germany, and Aldoseri Group, Bahrain, which are promoting the project. "Bahraini nurses who graduate from the College of Health Sciences (CHS) will be sent to Ruby Hall Clinic, a 500-bed specialist hospital in Pune, for specialised training." The first phase is a four-storey building, housing 52 beds, two operation theatres and multi-speciality clinics.</ 0
108644 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain must think 'green'! ENVIRONMENTAL awa-reness in Bahrain has improved significantly over the last 20 years, but laws protecting important mar-ine and wildlife habitats such as Tubli Bay still need to be enforced, says a top expert. Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Re-sources, Environment and Wildlife director-general and vice-president Dr Ismail Mohammed Al Madani has been campaigning for the protection of Tubli Bay for the past 15 years. But unfortunately the situation has not improved, he says. "Reclamation is still a problem and it's an irreversible process," said Dr Al Madani. "Dumping is a second priority as it can be dealt with later, but if the habitat has gone there is nothing we can do, so I always say stop reclamation as a first priority. "In 1995, the Cabinet decided to freeze reclamation in Tubli Bay, but 10 years later nothing strong has happened. We need to activate these laws." Last month Dr Al Madani was named Best Environmen-tal Personality f 0
108645 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Family planning board elected The majority of the positions on the Bahrain Family Planning Association (BFPA) board have been won by women. The election was held during the annual general assembly at the association premises in Ghufool. Dr Tawfeeq Naseeb was re-elected as president . Other office-bearers elected were vice-president and head of counselling centre Dr Deena Al Najar, secretary Abdulghani Aljamri, head of finance Abdulnabi Ahmed, head of youth committee Bassima Ahmed, head of women committee Shamma Al Dossary, and board member Naseem Al Alwan. "We are happy that for the first time, the majority of the positions on the board have been won by women," said Dr Naseeb. "Among them is 20-year-old Naseem, one of the youngest women to be elected to the board of a non-governmental voluntary organisation in Bahrain . "We are happy that women and youth members will now steer the activities of BFPA." Family planning programmes, especially public education services, will be st 0
108646 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Tug-of-love court drama A FILIPINA mother goes to court in Bahrain today hoping to win back her two-year-old daughter, a year into her custody battle. But even if the Sharia Court rules in Lecita Flores' favour, she will then have to find her daughter Sara, who is thought to have been taken out of Bahrain by her father. Immigration authorities in Bahrain and Kuwait have told Ms Flores that her Bahraini ex-husband left Bahrain in February. Officials in Kuwait also informed her that he was in custody, charged with kidnapping Sara and taking her to Bahrain, when the couple lived in Kuwait. But there is no trace of Sara. Ms Flores said she last saw her in January and talked to her on the phone in February. Kuwaiti immigration officials confirmed that her ex-husband entered Kuwait by car on February 4, but gave no details of Sara. Philippine Embassy officials in Bahrain checked with Bahrain authorities and received confirmation that Sara was definitely "out of Bahrain". Ms F 0
108647 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Festival of culture at university A THREE-DAY cultural festival began yesterday at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus. The event is organised by the university's Student Affairs Deanship under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. It is being held under theme Confidence, Motivation, Patience and Success. Events opened by Dr Shaikha Mariam yesterday included an artwork and graduation projects exhibition, in addition to a students' poetry competition. Deanship student activities director Khalil Al Khunaizi said that an open discussion between Dr Shaikha Mariam and the students on their hopes and the hurdles they face at the university would held today, at 11.30am. "Dr Shaikha Mariam will be accompanied by senior university officials who will answer all inquiries and questions related to the university's by-laws, projects and performance," he said. "We expect thousands of students to attend the event and places have been allocated already for them." 0
108648 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Social centre for village on way ONE of Bahrain's poorer villages may soon get its own purpose-built social centre. Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi backed the project when she visited Bilad Al Qadim yesterday. She met village representatives and listened to the people's needs during a public meeting at the Al Bilad Al Qadim Intermediate School for Boys. The visit was one of a series being made under the directives of His Majesty King Hamad to ministers, telling them to tour Bahrain's villages and towns to serve residents and their needs. Present was Central Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, MP Shaikh Abdulla Al A'Ali, ministry and governorate officials and Bilad Al Qadim representatives. Dr Al Balooshi said field visits were important to get a realistic idea of what citizens needed, to further develop the area. "Our aim at the ministry is to help develop our country's villages and towns to push the society's growth," she said. Dr Al Balooshi said the King's di 0
108649 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Watchdog hails corruption fight Bahrain has successfully maintained its ability to combat corruption in the construction sector, a transparency watchdog said yesterday. This was largely thanks to the setting up of the Tenders Board, which has been able to meet the standards established by Transparency International (TI). "In comparison to the past, Bahrain has made significant improvements in combating corruption in the construction sector thanks to conditions set up by the Tenders Board and relevant laws," said Bahrain Transparency Chairman Dr Jassim Al Ajmi. He was speaking at a Press conference marking the launch of Transparency International's Global Corruption Report for 2005 held at Mercure Hotel in Al Seef area. The report, released in London on March 16, highlights the magnitude of corruption in large-scale public projects in the construction sector. It says that the scale of corruption in construction is magnified by the size and scope of the sector, which is estimated to stand at appro 0
108650 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL BD100,000 facelift for garden... MORE than BD100,000 will be spent on renovating the Water Garden, Ghufool. The Manama Municipal Council and the Manama Municipality are currently studying plans to remodel the garden, which is the biggest in Bahrain, and make it more appealing to visitors. The project will take into consideration the available budget and people's expectations, said council public relations and information committee chairman Sadiq Rahma. "There are various proposals, but a final decision hasn't been taken yet on any of them," he said. "A certainty is that the whole place will be revamped. But we haven't met yet with the garden's investor - who is a partner in the decision-making process. "We will have to listen to his feedback on the available proposals." Mr Rahma, who is also constituency three (Gufool and Burhama) councillor, said that a new walkway would be built in the garden. "New games will be installed and more trees will be planted," he noted. "The pla 0
108651 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Schools contest on solar energy SCHOOLS worldwide are invited to enter an art and essay competition on solar energy with the chance of winning an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida, US. The Solar Schools Brighter Future International Competition 2005 is being conducted by the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) in conjunction with the American Solar Energy Society. The competition is being held to mark the International Solar World Congress and the 50th anniversary of the International Solar Energy Society, which is taking place from August 6 to 12 in Orlando, Florida. Entries are encouraged from students attending primary and secondary schools that incorporate solar energy in any form, including natural daylighting, photovoltaics, solar water heating, passive heating, wind power, or even methane digesters. The goal of the Solar Schools Brighter Future initiative is to identify and compile shining examples of solar schools throughout the world in an effort to better inform the gen 0
108652 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL 5,000 orphans get financial aid NEARLY 10,000 orphans and widows are being cared for under a scheme sponsored by His Majesty King Hamad. Help went out to 5,235 orphans and 4,638 widows last year, the Orphans Sponsorship Committee says in its annual report, issued yesterday. Amongst the orphans, 2,738 females and 2,497 males, from newborn to 21 years old, are receiving financial support under the scheme. Support also includes school supplies, university scholarships, honouring ceremonies for outstanding students and field visits. The committee also runs training programmes, recreational activities on national and special occasions as well as taking part in various conferences and seminars. The majority of the orphans sponsored by the committee are in the 15-19 age group (2,294), followed by the 10-14 age group (1,583), 21-20 age group (622), five-nine age group (595) and 0-four age group (141). Of the widows offered financial support by the committee, the majority were in the 60-69 age gr 0
108653 1 1530 BNEW LOCAL KING BACKS KEY EGYPT UN ROLE SHARM EL SHEIKH: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday strongly backed Egypt to occupy a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Its political and economic position fully qualified the country for such a role, he said during talks yesterday with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The two leaders also discussed historical relations which go back to the beginning of the century with the arrival of the first educational missions from Egypt to Bahrain. They also exchanged views and opinions on latest regional and international developments, particularly with regard to Arab Summit resolutions. Efforts aimed at implementing peace in the Middle East and establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as the capital was high on their talks agenda, as was safeguarding the sovereignty, unity and ensuring the re-construction of Iraq. 0
108654 2 1530 BNEW LOCAL Reforms 'vital' A CALL for sweeping political and human rights reforms throughout the Arab world is made in a document to be issued by the United Nations (UN) today. The Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) 2004 is being issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP). This is the third AHDR to be issued, and the theme of this year's report is "freedom and good governance". A launching ceremony will be held at the UN House today, where UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush will outline the salient features of the report to the media and invited officials. The official launching will be done today by King Abdullah of Jordan in Amman, at a ceremony which will be attended Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Bureau for Arab States director Dr Rima Hunaidi. The report, written by an independent group of leading Arab scholars and intellectuals, was sponsored by UNDP together with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and t 0
108655 3 1530 BNEW LOCAL Expert help 'vital for child abuse victims' QUALIFIED staff must be employed at schools to combat sexual abuse among young girls and adolescents, says a domestic violence watch group. School social counsellors currently were the least likely to be confided in by sexually abused girls, according to a study by the Bahrain Society Combating Domes-tic Violence. "The girls who have approached the society were complaining about their schools' social counsellors whom, they said, lacked confidentiality and credibility," said society chairwoman Dr Bana Bu Zabun. "The counsellors must have the knowledge and the skills to gain the trust of students and be able to give them advice." School principals and other faculty members, said Dr Bu Zabun, also needed to be made aware of the means to deal with victims of sexual abuse. "From our experience, they are not taking the issue seriously enough and are not taking the initiative to educate students about the issue," she said. Dr Bu Zabun said the society was current 0
108656 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini hurt in hotel shooting MANAMA: A Bahraini was shot in the hand by another man who pulled out a gun during a brawl. Violence flared as five Bahrainis traded insults, the Interior Ministry said in a statement released last night. One man shot another in the hand, said the statement from the Manama security directorate. No further information was available, but it is understood from sources that the incident happened at a hotel off Exhibition Road, at 2am yesterday. The men are believed to have got into an argument over a woman, said the sources. 0
108657 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL Creamy mussels treat grilled to perfection Mussels with Roquefort Delightfully quick and easy, the sauce for these tender mussels is the cooking juices, rich cream and Roquefort. Serves two. Ingredients: 1kg fresh mussels 142ml carton double cream 50g Roquefort Freshly ground black pepper You will also need a small square of clean J-cloth or muslin Method: Scrub the mussels in plenty of cold water, scratch them clean of barnacles with a flat-bladed knife and discard any broken or open ones that don't close when you give them a hard tap. Pull out the fibrous beards protruding from the closed shells. Put the mussels into a large saucepan, add 120ml water, cover tightly with a lid and place over a high heat for five minutes, until they are cooked and the shells have opened. Remove, lift out the mussels with a slotted spoon and place in a large bowl, reserving the liquid in the pan. Throw away any mussels that remain unopened, th 0
108658 0 1530 BNEW LOCAL GCC-EU talks 'offer vast opportunity' Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa yesterday met Luxembourg Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister and current EU President Jean Asselborn, who is heading the EU side to the GCC-EU ministerial meeting today. Shaikh Mohammed affirmed the importance of this meeting in providing an opportunity to review the scope of economic and trade co-operation between the two groups, as well as paving the way for signing the Free Trade Agreement this year. 0
108659 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Top BOC officials to leave for Saudi BAHRAIN Olympic Committee (BOC) officials Hassan Ismail and Mohammed Al Zayed will head today for Saudi Arabia to make arrangements for the official Bahraini delegation taking part in the first Islamic Solidarity Games scheduled from April 8 to 20. An 85-member delegation will be competing in six disciplines - athletics, handball, karate, taekwondo, target ball and six-a-side soccer for disabled. The Bahrain delegation will be headed by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports vice-president and BOC president Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and includes deputy head Yaqoub Al Lahdan, secretary Raed Bu Hammod, administrator Mohammed Al Zayed, five media officials and 75 athletes. Organised by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation, the event is being held for the first time and will take place in four cities - Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Taif with athletes representing countries from Asia, Africa and the Middle East in the fray. 0
108660 0 1530 SPOR SPORT New rules helped us say Toyota LONDON: Formula One's new rules have helped Toyota come out of nowhere to challenge the familiar frontrunners, according to technical director Mike Gascoyne. After three seasons with scant reward for an estimated $1 billion investment in the sport, the Japanese car giant is second in the championship after three races and two successive podiums. Ferrari, champions for the last six years, are meanwhile struggling in sixth position. "It's exactly what Formula One needed," said Gascoyne after Italian Jarno Trulli finished second to Renault's championship leader Fernando Alonso in Bahrain on Sunday to follow up his second place in Malaysia two weeks before. "Formula One's always been cyclical, teams get it right and then they drop off. "I think you are just seeing the result of that. "There were teams that were coming up, Toyota have probably come from nowhere but Renault was building up, and you've just seen the results of that." Although Toyota have 0
108661 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Top stables gear up for endurance challenge TOP stables in the Kingdom began preparations for the Breef International Endurance Horseride Championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) tomorrow starting at midnight at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir. The event will be over 120 kms and consists of juniors and seniors races with each category comprising five stages. The first and second stages will be over 30 kms, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 for the fifth. The Breef earlier announced that cash prizes will be given away to the top 10 riders in each category. The Breef received a number of entries for the seniors race while many young riders have registered for the juniors race which is a qualifier for the World Championship to be held in Bahrain in December. Among favourite stables taking part in the event are the Royal Endurance Team, Al Khaldia, Ahmed Al Fateh, Al Salam, Al Asayel, and Al Talia. Today is the last day for registration. 0
108662 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Doha Asiad gets $10m boost from airline DOHA: Qatar Airways and the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee (DAGOC) signed a partnership agreement worth $10 million (BD3.78m) to appoint Qatar Airways as the official airline for the 2006 Asian Games. Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker and DAGOC director general Abdulla Al Qahtani signed the agreement in Doha yesterday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The alliance with Qatar Airways, the national airline of Qatar, will enable DAGOC to deliver the highest possible standard of airline service to athletes, officials, spectators and media representatives participating in the 15th Asiad. "The Games is the major focal point for Qatar over the next 18 months and it will bring tremendous benefits to our country. The provision of a world-class airline in Qatar Airways flying participants and supporting the event will be a key aspect of the success of the Games," said Al Qahtani. "The support of Qatar Airways as the official airline at a time when our progress i 0
108663 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Celtics hit by injury to Walker LONDON: Boston Celtics forward Antoine Walker is struggling with an injured left knee and is uncertain when he will be back in action. Walker sustained the injury against his former team Atlanta on Friday. He said he was unable to walk the following day and therefore had to miss yesterday's 97-93 defeat by the Philadelphia 76ers. "I don't have any mobility right now in my knee," Walker was quoted as saying on the Boston Globe's website. "Until I get that back, it's going to be a while until I play again." The forward was hoping to play at Washington but said a more realistic target for his return was Saturday's game at New Jersey. Philadelphia's win yesterday helped the 76ers move within three games of the first place Celtics in the Atlantic Division. 0
108664 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Zuayed strike lifts Busaiteen YOUSEF Zuayed was on target in Busaiteen's 1-0 victory over East Riffa in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League match last night at the Isa Town Stadium. The all-important goal came in the 78th when Zuayed smashed a volley after a well-executed cross from the other striker Salah Sami for his sixth goal of the season. Busaiteen moved to fifth place with 20 points while East Riffa remained in the relegation zone on 13 points. In another match, Bahrain Club defeated Manama 3-1. It was Bahrain Club's fifth win of the season and are presently seventh with 17 points. Manama suffered their ninth defeat and stayed second from the bottom with eight points. Today's fixtures: 5.15pm - Al Shabab vs Al Najma; 7.15pm - Muharraq vs Al Hala (both at Isa Town Stadium). 0
108665 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Muharraq beat Najma MUHARRAQ maintained their lead in the Bahrain Basketball League, sponsored by Batelco, after a well-earned 94-88 victory over Al Najma in the second-leg match last night at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall. Managed by their new Egyptian coach Khalid Bakheit, Muharraq dominated the match and their victory helped them stay at the top of the table with 25 points from 13 matches. Al Najma, who are out of the running for a spot among the top four in the Golden Square final round, were unable to match Muharraq and suffered their ninth defeat of the season with 15 points to their credit. In another match, Al Ahli thrashed Isa Town 133-54 to move up to third with 22 points. Isa Town are at the bottom with Bahrain Club on 13 points each. Today's fixtures: 5.30pm - Sitra vs Bahrain Club; 7.30pm - Al Ittihad vs Nuwaidrat. 0
108666 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Resurgent Clijsters is ranked 17 PARIS: Belgium's Kim Clijsters, sidelined most of the past year with a left wrist injury, continued her charge up the women's tennis rankings by jumping from 38th to 17th position in the latest WTA rankings released yesterday. Clijsters, 21, claimed her second WTA tier one title in as many outings on Saturday, posting a 6-3, 7-5 victory over second-seeded Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova in the final at Key Biscayne. As she did at Indian Wells, California, the previous week, former world number one Clijsters made her championship run from the unseeded ranks. The Belgain jumped from 133rd to 38th last week after the Indian Wells win. Top 20 rankings: 1. Lindsay Davenport (USA) 5233pts, 2. Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) 4992, 3. Maria Sharapova (RUS) 4892, 4. Serena Williams (USA) 4223, 5. Elena Dementieva (RUS) 3633, 6. Anastasia Myskina (RUS) 3427, 7. Svetlana Kuznetsova (RUS) 3323, 8. Venus Williams (USA) 2628, 9. Alicia Molik (AUS) 2599, 10. Vera Zvonareva (RUS) 2217, 11. Jenn 0
108667 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Pakistanis insured for $445,000 AHMEDABAD: Organisers of a one-day cricket match in a communally-sensitive western Indian city have insured the touring Pakistan team for $445,000 as security cover, officials said yesterday. India and Pakistan will play the one-dayer on April 12 in Ahmedabad, the commercial capital of Gujarat state where at least 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were hacked, burnt or shot to death in 2002 following the death of 59 Hindus in a train carriage fire blamed by state authorities on a Muslim mob. Pakistan had initially declined to play a five-day Test match in Ahmedabad but later agreed to take part in a one-dayer after the Indian cricket board and local officials guaranteed them high-level security. Safeguard Gujarat Cricket Association president Narhari Amin said each of the 16 Pakistan cricketers and support staff will be insured for $22,000 for the two-day duration of their stay in Ahmedabad. "This insurance is to safeguard us against any eventuality," said Amin, addin 0
108668 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Mickelson and Olazabal close in on leader TORONTO: US Masters champion Phil Mickelson and Jose Maria Olazabal rocketed up the leaderboard with sizzling second rounds at the rain-hit BellSouth Classic yesterday, to sit one stroke back of clubhouse leader Scott McCarron. With the first two days of the $5 million tournament wiped out by torrential rain, officials have shortened the event to 54 holes. While there were no disruptions yesterday, 32 golfers still failed to complete their rounds at the TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia. Second round play was followed immediately by the third and final round and those qualified for the Masters, which starts on Thursday, racing across the state to the Augusta National. Mickelson confirmed his readiness to defend his Masters crown, rebounding from an opening round 74 to card a seven-under 65. After wrapping up his first round with three consecutive pars, Mickelson returned to scorch the Greg Norman designed layout, mixing six birdies and an eagle with a single bo 0
108669 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Lankans bound by Marshall law NAPIER, New Zealand: Fledgling Test cricketer Hamish Marshall added a second Test century to his blossoming credentials as New Zealand built a solid base in the first Test against Sri Lanka here yesterday. Marshall, who began the day with an impressive average of 54 from five Tests, was unbeaten on 133 when bad light brought an early end to play with New Zealand on 267 for three. Nathan Astle was 37 not out, adding an unbroken 80 with Marshall in 17 overs for the fourth wicket. After a pedestrian first session when New Zealand reached 61 for one off 29 overs, they added 114 off 30 overs in the middle two hours and 82 in the final session before play was called off with six scheduled overs remaining. Hamish Marshall and his identical twin James laid a sound base for the New Zealand innings, coming together after the early dismissal of Craig Cumming and putting on 107 in 140 minutes before James was caught for 52 off the bowling of legspinner Upul Chandana. It was 0
108670 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Dravid backs under-fire Ganguly VISAKHAPATNAM, India: Indian captain Saurav Ganguly's failure as a batsman is not putting extra pressure on the team during the one-day series against arch-rivals Pakistan, vice-captain Rahul Dravid insisted yesterday. Ganguly managed just 48 runs in five Test innings against Pakistan and was dimissed for a first-ball duck in the opening one-day international at Cochin on Saturday which India won by 87 runs. "There is no pressure because of that and we are sure Saurav will come up with a good performance sooner or later," Dravid said ahead of the second one-dayer in this coastal town today. "Each player in the team has a role to play and there are times when some are out of form. The challenge is to carry people who are out of form and still manage the right results." India won at Cochin mainly due to centuries from Virender Sehwag and Dravid and a five-wicket haul by part-time spinner Sachin Tendulkar. "India and Pakistan are evenly matched sides and we have gre 0
108671 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Miami win among best says Federer MIAMI: World number one Roger Federer said his comeback victory over Rafael Nadal in the Nasdaq-100 Open was one of the highlights of his career. Federer came from two sets and a break down to beat the Spanish teenager 2-6, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3, 6-1 to earn his sixth Masters Series title. He has now gone unbeaten in 18 finals in a row. As well as his comeback against Nadal, Federer beat Briton Tim Henman in the quarter-finals and American Andre Agassi in the semi-finals. "I'm very happy and extremely proud, you know, to beat all these guys back to back, because they're some of the most dangerous players out there right now," he said. "That I could actually beat Henman and Agassi the way I did, playing really great, and coming back from two sets to love, this is one of the tournaments I'll remember probably most throughout my career." Federer had previously only overturned a two-set deficit twice in his career. "I'm really happy that I came back becaus 0
108672 0 1530 SPOR SPORT BCC tame Young Boys to lift title BAHRAIN Cricket Club (BCC) defeated Young Boys (Alpha Fire UK) by seven wickets to claim the Ernst and Young-sponsored 50-overs Premier Division Cricket League Trophy at the BCC ground. Batting first after winning the toss, Young Boys top order batsmen failed to deliver the goods and were soon in trouble when they lost opener Zahid Majeed in the third over caught by Nadeem Mukhtar off Yaser Sadeq without scoring. In-form Amir Butt (25 from 21 deliveries, including five fours) was the next to go bowled by Zafar Zaheer and M Yaqoob soon followed, bowled by Fahad Sadeq for just two leaving Young Boys reeling at 66 for three in 17 overs. Skipper Qamar Saeed joined Abdul Waheed and the duo shared a 54-run stand for the fourth wicket before Abdul Waheed (59 from 93 balls, 10 fours) was caught in the deep by Mohammed Adil off Nadeem Mukhtar. Tahir Dar (14) never settled down and was caught by Mohammed Asif in the deep off Asghar Bajwa. Saeed's (49 from 61 balls, four 0
108673 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Kallis holds off Windies victory charge GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs batted doggedly to see South Africa to 214 for three at tea on the fifth and final day of their opening cricket Test against West Indies last night. Kallis, the number 2-ranked batsman in the world, passed his 50 just after lunch off 177 balls. He became the only the second South African batsman, beside retired Gary Kirsten, to pass the 7,000-run barrier when he scored 55. At the break, Kallis was unbeaten on 69 and Gibbs was not out on 38, as the visitors continued their fight to save the Test after being asked to follow-on 355 runs behind on the first innings. Kallis and Gibbs, two batsmen who have delighted in the West Indies bowling in previous Tests, hardly put a foot wrong in the period between lunch and tea, and added 95, unbroken, for the fourth wicket. Similarly, Kallis and Gibbs had batted with purpose to carry South Africa through to lunch on 169 for three against West Indies bowling that was emasc 0
108674 1 1530 SPOR SPORT BAROS BOOST FOR LIVERPOOL LIVERPOOL: Milan Baros will return to Liverpool's line-up for today's Champions League quarter-final first leg with Juventus. The Czech striker is currently serving a three-match domestic ban but is able to play in Europe. Midfielder Dietmar Hamann is likely to miss both matches with a knee injury and Fernando Morientes and Mauricio Pellegrino are cup-tied, so Sami Hyypia will return to the defence. Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez will make a late decision on whether to bring back Poland goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek, who missed the 1-0 win over Bolton with a hamstring strain, or stick with Scott Carson. The air will be thick with emotion in Liverpool and Milan as the shadow of Heysel hangs over their first leg meeting at Anfield today, the first competitive game between the clubs since 39 fans died when a wall collapsed after crowd trouble at the 1985 final in Brussels. Goodwill gestures are expected off the pitch, while on it Liverpool's injury problems mean Juventus, 0
108675 2 1530 SPOR SPORT Sixers win with Iverson heroics ST LOUIS: Allen Iverson had 38 points and nine assists as the Philadelphia 76ers almost squandered a big lead over the Celtics before prevailing 97-93 in Boston to keep their playoff hopes alive yesterday. The 76ers moved to within three games of the first place Celtics in the Atlantic Division, and are one game ahead of Orlando for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Samuel Dalembert added 18 points and 15 rebounds for the 76ers, who were without the injured Chris Webber for the third straight game. Iverson played 44 minutes for the Sixers and also had six steals, despite a strained groin that caused him to miss the fourth quarter of the team's previous game against Dallas. Paul Pierce led Boston with 26 points and 13 rebounds and Ricky Davis added 27 points, but the Celtics lost for the fourth time in five games. Antoine Walker missed the game with a bruised knee. In other games, Stephen Jackson and Anthony Johnson both scored 15 0
108676 3 1530 SPOR SPORT Early wins vital for Renault's title race MANAMA: World championship leaders Renault believe their strong start to the season will pay dividends at the end of the year after securing their third successive victory in the Gulf Bahrain Grand Prix here on Sunday. Spaniard Fernando Alonso raced from pole position to the chequered flag to secure his second successive victory and put himself 10 points clear of second-placed Toyota driver Jarno Trulli of Italy in the drivers' championship. And Renault boss Pat Symonds said: "While every race might be worth the same number of points there is no doubt that if you get a good start it gives everything impetus. "So I suppose, in reality, good results at the start of the season are probably worth more than those at the end, and you have to say we have had a very good start. "This year, to be honest, the cars that we have been leading the races with have not had to run at full speed either, so we have something in hand. "But we are certainly not taking anything for gra 0
108677 0 1530 SPOR SPORT Kuerten wins on comeback VALENCIA, Spain: Triple French Open champion Gustavo Kuerten won his first match after a six-month lay-off in beating fourth seed Olivier Rochus in the first round of the 340,250-euro ATP event here last night. Kuerten beat Belgian Rochus 6-2, 6-4 following his recovery from another hip operation. Former world number one Kuerten, whose last match was a defeat in the first round of last September's US Open, recently split with long-time coach Larri Passos. Kuerten told the tournament website www.open-comunidad-valenciana.com: "As far as my full recovery is concerned I can only take one day at a time. In the months following my operation I have felt very good and that makes me positive." 0
108678 0 1530 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Gulf Night Out, Gulf Hotel, poolside, 8pm. Tickets BD11++ per person and BD9++ for Prestige Club members. Contact 17713000. Australian universities to showcase the strength and diversity Australian education, IDP Education Australia's Bahrain Roadshow and Interview Programme, Regency InterContinental Hotel, 4pm-9pm. Contact 17703772 or email idpbah@megabytebah.com Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Bahrain in Transition, photo exhibition, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's Trafficking people hotline: 17870196. Circuit, British Club, 9am 0
108679 0 1530 WORL WORLD Saudi kills seven militants RIYADH: Saudi security forces killed seven suspected Al Qaeda militants in a marathon gunbattle which raged for a second day in the north of the kingdom, the interior ministry said yesterday. Seven members of "the deviant group" died, and an eighth was critically wounded, in the clash in Al Rass in the Al Qassim region, 320km north of Riyadh. Several security men were wounded and security forces were continuing to "cleanse" the scene of the clash. The gunbattle began when security forces deployed in the area early on Sunday to track down a group of suspects holed up in a residential building and came under fire from automatic weapons. The suspects also hurled hand grenades, but security forces "silenced the sources of fire" and evacuated the area, which includes a girls school, of residents. The ministry did not identify any of the dead or the wounded suspect, who was arrested and taken to hospital. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahad bin Abdulazi 0
108680 0 1530 WORL WORLD Tearful pilgrims throng to pay last respects... VATICAN CITY: The doors of St Peter's Basilica last night opened to hundreds of thousands of mourners waiting to pay their respects to Pope John Paul II, four days before his body is entombed in the grotto below the church alongside Popes of past centuries. An Italian news agency said police intervened to control the crush when the public was allowed to enter the church after a ritual-filled prayer service attended by cardinals, prelates and dignitaries. There was no immediate report of serious disorder or injury. People crossed themselves as they walked passed the body, some taking pictures of the late Pope in his crimson robe and white bishop's miter. The doors opened more than an hour before Vatican officials had said they would begin the public viewing. Applause rose from the tens of thousands of mourners in St Peter's Square as the Pope's body was transferred to the basilica. Twelve pallbearers, flanked by Swiss Guards in red-plumed helmets, carried the late 0
108681 0 1530 WORL WORLD Suicide blast near prison BAGHDAD: The US military claimed yesterday that about 50 insurgents were wounded in a failed attempt to enter the infamous Abu Ghraib prison west of Baghdad, while Iraqi police said a suicide bomber driving a tractor blew himself up near where the weekend attack took place. Al Qaeda posted a second Internet statement boasting that its fighters carried out the bold attempt on Saturday to force their way into the prison. The statement said two fighters were injured and 10 more were killed in battle, including seven suicide bombers. It said a group of about 20 militants scaled the prison's walls. Yesterday's bombing killed the attacker and injured four civilians, police Lt Akram Al Zubaeyee said. The United States is holding 10,500 prisoners in Iraq, with nearly 3,500 of them at Abu Ghraib. Some Iraqi MPs have called for the release of the prisoners, and the National Assembly's newly elected speaker, Hajim Al Hassani, told Al Jazeera television the topic will be among 0
108682 0 1530 WORL WORLD Conclave date yet to be fixed VATICAN CITY: Cardinals, who met in congregation for the first time yesterday since the death of the Pope, did not announce a date for the start of a conclave to elect his successor. Under Vatican rules, the conclave cannot meet until at least 15 days after the Pope's death late on Saturday, which would be April 17. As eulogies flowed in for John Paul II, the world looked ahead to a new Pope, with huge swathes of the Roman Catholic Church hoping for a loosening of strict doctrine on condoms, or perhaps a spiritual leader from Africa. "It is likely to be a transitional Pope - possibly an Italian. That would be a way of guaranteeing John Paul II's legacy," said Christian Terras, director of the Catholic magazine Golias, which was critical of John Paul's papacy. "But the new Pope will have to bandage the wounds at the heart of the Church, notably concerning priests, bishops and theologians who have been repressed. John Paul II's rigour paralysed the most active and dynamic m 0
108683 0 1530 WORL WORLD Charles postpones wedding by one day... LONDON: Prince Charles has postponed his wedding to Camilla Parker Bowles by one day so it does not coincide with the funeral of Pope John Paul II, his office announced yesterday. A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said Charles would represent Queen Elizabeth II at John Paul's funeral and added, "That must take priority." She said engagements were being rescheduled to fit in the royal wedding. Prince Charles and Parker Bowles made the decision to move the wedding after he cut short his Swiss skiing holiday yesterday, a spokesman for his Clarence House office said. Charles returned to attend a memorial service for the Pope at London's Westminster Cathedral, which Parker Bowles also attended. She will not be going to the Pope's funeral, the spokesman said. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope's funeral would be held on Friday. Charles' wedding had previously been scheduled for Friday and the major ceremonial occasion, a service of blessing, had been set for 1330 0
108684 0 1530 WORL WORLD Peres 'held secret talks with Qurie' RAMALLAH: Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurie and Israel's Deputy Premier Shimon Peres held secret talks last week in the highest level meeting between the two sides since a landmark summit two months ago, a Palestinian official and reports said yesterday. The official confirmed a report in a newspaper that the meeting took place last Wednesday and was also attended by chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat and civil affairs minister Mohammed Dahlan as well as Israeli minister without portfolio Haim Ramon. During the meeting, the Palestinians called for an immediate halt to all settlement activity in the occupied territories, as required under the terms of the road map peace plan, in particular a reversal of a decision to build 3,500 housing units at the Maale Adumim settlement bloc, near Jerusalem. Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon met in Egypt in February, the first time the two most senior leaders on both sides had held 0
108685 0 1530 WORL WORLD 'Fight Maoists' appeal by king KATHMANDU: King Gyanen-dra rallied the Nepalese army to the fight against the Maoist insurgeny yesterday in his first speech since seizing total power on February 1. "Terrorism cannot be an alternative to democracy," the king said in an address to new officers in the Royal Nepal Army. "The alternative to democracy is democracy itself," he said at Kharipati on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. Meanwhile, an explosion killed a high school student and injured two others in Nepal, while soldiers gunned down at least three suspected guerillas in stepped-up operations against the insurgents, officials said. 0
108686 0 1530 WORL WORLD Extremist tried to convert John Paul ISTANBUL: Turkish Muslim extremist Metin Kaplan, alias "The Caliph of Cologne", told a tribunal here yesterday how he tried to convert the late Pope John Paul II to Islam. "When I was in Germany, before the Pope's death, I wrote him a letter, asking him to convert to Islam," Kaplan, a 51-year-old father of three, told the court. Kaplan said it was his "responsibility" as a Muslim to try to bring the Pope into the Islamic fold. The prosecutor sought life imprisonment for Kaplan, accusing him of trying to forcefully overthrow Turkey's secular political system. Among the charges against Kaplan, leader of the Cologne-based extremist group, is an alleged 1988 bid to use an explosives-laden plane to blow up the mausoleum in Ankara of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the secular Turkish republic. 0
108687 0 1530 WORL WORLD Passengers flee as train catches fire NEW DELHI: Passengers leaped out of a moving train after it caught fire yesterday in eastern India and authorities feared there were casualties. The fire spread to five cars of the Toofan Express train as it headed to the eastern city of Howrah, regional railway official Vijay Mohan said. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. "Some casualties are feared as some of the passengers jumped from the moving train in panic," Mohan said. The accident took place between Darauli and Dildar Nagar stations on the eastern border of Uttar Pradesh state. The driver of a passing freight train noticed the fire and alerted the stricken train's driver, who then stopped the train, blocking traffic, Mohan said. 0
108688 0 1530 WORL WORLD Poles seeking burial fit for kings KRAKOW: Officials in Krakow, where Pope John Paul II served as archbishop, have expressed hope that his heart could be buried in their cathedral alongside Poland's mediaeval kings and saints. But church leaders rejected the idea. The Vatican said John Paul's remains will be interred in the grotto of St Peter's Basilica. It wasn't immediately clear whether that would end long-standing hopes that part of John Paul - the first non-Italian pope in 455 years - could be laid to rest in Krakow's Wawel Cathedral. 0
108689 0 1530 WORL WORLD God and truth are on our side says Jackson SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson got a boost from fans before what could be another rough week in court as fans staged a candlelight vigil early yesterday. A rally at a hotel attended by about 200 Jackson fans included a call from the singer himself in which he told fans, "God and the truth are on our side. We will be victorious." Jackson, whose comments were limited because he is under a court gag order, said he has "the most wonderful fans in the world." In court, a key prosecution witness flip-flopped dramatically yesterday over whether Jackson's child sex accuser and his family were held prisoner at the star's Neverland Ranch. Jackson's former house manager Jesus Salas first told trial jurors that he believed the boy and his family were held against their will at the estate, and then admitted that they had not been. Salas first told jurors how he drove the accuser's tearful mother away from Neverland in Jackson's Rolls Royce under the cover of darkne 0
108690 0 1530 WORL WORLD 'Killer' freed after wife turns up alive BEIJING: A Chinese man jailed and badly beaten for his wife's murder has been freed after she turned up not only alive but with another husband. She Xianglin's wife, Zhang Zaiyu, disappeared after a domestic dispute in 1994 and when a woman's body was found in a local reservoir, She was detained on suspicion of killing his wife, the China Daily said. The body was so decomposed it could not be identified, but a local court found She, a former part-time police officer from central Hubei province, guilty of murder and sentenced him to death. A provincial court later commuted the sentence to 15 years in prison. She, 39, was coerced into confessing to her murder and badly beaten in prison, the daily said. 0
108691 0 1530 WORL WORLD Tiger rebels kill Lanka official COLOMBO: Suspected Tamil Tiger rebels shot dead a government official yesterday amid escalating violence in Sri Lanka's volatile east. T Kailanathan, 55, a director at the Ministry of Vocational Training, was having lunch when suspected guerillas opened fire, said military spokesman Brig Daya Ratnayake. The attack was allegedly the third targeting EPDP supporters in less than a week. 0
108692 0 1530 WORL WORLD Security boost for Kashmiri families SRINAGAR: Indian authorities have moved passengers due to take the first bus in decades between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir to a heavily guarded complex in Kashmir's main city, behind machinegun nests and razor wire. Anti-Indian militants have told Kashmiri families, desperate to reunite, not to ride the first bus service on Thursday along a twisting mountain road, warning it will become their "coffin". "After the latest militant threat, 10 passengers travelling in the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad bus have been shifted to the TRC," an official with Jammu and Kashmir government said. 0
108693 0 1530 WORL WORLD Blair delays poll announcement LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair attended a prayer service yesterday for Pope John Paul II as he postponed his announcement of a date for general elections and the start of official campaigning. Blair attended a service in Westminster Cathedral yesterday for the pontiff, officials said, in lieu of going to Buckingham Palace to ask Queen Elizabeth II to dissolve parliament as a prelude to the campaign. Asked he might see the head of state today, Blair's official spokesman replied: "Wait and see." Under the election process, the queen would give parliament a few days to pass outstanding bills before dissolving it and elections would then be held within a minimum of 17 days. For weeks now, Blair has been expected to call an election for May 5 in hopes of winning a third straight term for his Labour Party. 0
108694 0 1530 WORL WORLD Warships deal ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will buy four frigates from China, its longtime ally and main supplier of military equipment, the Defence Ministry said yesterday. Senior defence officials from Pakistan and China signed the deal for the warships, long-sought by Pakistan, in Rawalpindi, a city near the capital Islamabad. "These F-22P frigates will be equipped with organic helicopters specially designed for anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles along with numerous associated self-defence systems," the ministry said. 0
108695 1 1530 WORL WORLD Bush for Friday's funeral VATICAN CITY: US President George W Bush will join a galaxy of world leaders at Friday's funeral of Pope John Paul II. Also present among the more than 200 world leaders will be UN chief Kofi Annan and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. First Lady Laura Bush will accompany the president and they could leave for Rome as early as tomorrow, the White House said. Cardinals, who convened yesterday for the first time since the pontiff's death two days ago, confirmed he would be buried in St Peter's Basilica in line with tradition rather than his native Poland. Announcing details of the funeral arrangements, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the requiem mass would be celebrated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican's doctrinal enforcer and a possible successor. Roman authorities are braced for as many as two million mourners in the largest such event the city has seen. "For us it is an extraordinary test, of the most tremendous importance. It's go 0
108696 2 1530 WORL WORLD Four shot dead in Lahore car raid LAHORE: Assailants opened fire on a car on the outskirts of this eastern Pakistani city, killing four people in what police said was part of a family feud. No one claimed responsibility for the shooting near Lahore, the capital of eastern Punjab province. But Lahore police official Zubair Nawaz said the attack was part of an old feud between two families over some land. A former head of a Lahore-based lawyers' association, Tariq Majeed, his driver and two bodyguards were killed in the attack, Nawaz said. The four gunmen suspected of carrying out the attack were in another car and fled after the firing, he said. Nawaz said Majeed was under investigation for the murder of a man from the rival family but that he had been freed on bail. In another attack in Lahore on Friday, gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire on a car carrying the vice principal of a Shi'ite school, killing him and wounding his daughter, police said. In an unrelated incident in the south 0
108697 3 1530 WORL WORLD Armed gang raids Thai police station BANGKOK: Groups of armed men assaulted a police station and a government office yesterday in a second day of major attacks in Thailand's Muslim-dominated far south, raising concerns that an Islamic insurgency in the region was gaining momentum. The two groups, made up of about 10 men each, carried out separate attacks, with one group firing a grenade launcher on the police station and the other attacking the administrative office in Joh Irong district of Narathiwat province, Police Col Thanongsak Wangsupah said. He said no one was hurt in either attack, and police and soldiers were looking for the assailants, who escaped and fled to the forest on a nearby mountain. The assaults came hours after a bomb buried in a road at a technical college in neighboring Yala province wounded four soldiers. Three other attacks in the southern province of Songkhla on Sunday killed two people and wounded more than 70 in what some officials feared could mark an escalation in an Islamic ins 0
108698 1 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Gulf Air in Lufthansa Technik deal HAMBURG: Gulf Air signed a BD52 million (US$138m) contract with Lufthansa Technik to provide inventory and component maintenance services over a five-year period. Gulf Air president and chief executive James Hogan visited the company's headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, where he met with Lufthansa Technik's chairman August Henningsen to sign the agreement. The total component support agreement, which follows the sale last year of most of Gulf Air's stock of rotable components, covers component provisioning from specification, initial provisioning, home-base allocation to repair and overhaul, logistics, troubleshooting and engineering services. Outlining the decision Mr Hogan said it has several operational benefits, reduces business complexity and allows Gulf Air to focus on the customer. "By tapping into Lufthansa Technik's vast resources, we will also achieve economies of scale we could not possibly attain independently," he said. "Apart from obvious cost savings, this means i 0
108699 2 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Arabs 'should wake up to economic challenges' MANAMA: Businesses and governments in the Arab world need a wake-up call to catch up with the rest of the world, said visiting World Economic Forum managing director Fritz Sicre. He added that Arab countries lag far behind their counterparts in the developed world in many areas, including education and the quality of research. There is also much more red tape impeding businesses. "In a study of laws and a survey of businessmen in 109 countries, Bahrain - for example - ranks 50th in the world on judicial independence," said Mr Sicre. "It ranks 82nd on the amount of red tape that impedes investment and is 89th among the countries surveyed on Press freedom. "It is also 89th in the research and development category." Bahrain National Council for Competitiveness chairman Jawad Habib said more investment is needed in areas that require innovation and research. Meanwhile, Arab Business Council vice-chairman Khalid Janahi said businesses need to look beyond short 0
108700 3 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Dredging firm to set up base MANAMA: An Indian government corporation that carries out dredging activities around the world is to establish a regional office in Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday. The Dredging Corporation of India (DCI) is already involved in dredging work in Bahrain. However, it will establish a base in the country for its activities in the region, said Dubai-based SMS Global managing director Vikram Lele, whose company represents DCI in the Gulf. DCI is working with Bahraini firm Al Ghanah Contracting, which has won a BD24.9 million contract for reclamation work in Busaiteen and Hidd. The work involves about 30 million cubic metres of dredging over a period of 15 months. DCI finance and operations director A K Dhar and deputy general manager (marketing) P Rama Rao have arrived in Bahrain to review the progress of the work. They held talks with Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra, as well as leading businessmen and government officials yesterday. One third of the 0
108701 0 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Islamabad launches tax reforms KARACHI: Pakistan's tax collecting agency has launched a major $149 million reform plan with the lion's share of the cost being picked up by the World Bank, an official said yesterday. The administrative shake-up, being implemented over the next five years, is aimed at increasing revenues in a country where only 1.1 per cent of the total 150m population pay income tax. It will involve encouraging taxpayers to assess themselves instead of relying on a national inspection system that many Pakistanis regard as corrupt, as well as increasing automation, officials said. "It would increase the revenue and the base of taxpayers, improve efficiency and make the tax regime friendly for the payers," Central Board of Revenue spokesman Hafeez Mughal said. The World Bank is providing $102.9m of the total, while Britain's Department for International Development has allocated $23m and the Pakistan government has given $23.1m, he said. The reform plan is due to be completed by 0
108702 0 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Airlines face $5.5bn losses Geneva: Major airlines face greater losses than last year because of the ongoing surge in oil prices, the main industry association warned as it forecast total losses of $5.5 billion this year. "The high price of fuel is robbing our profitability," International Air Transport Association director-general Giovanni Bisignani said. Total losses in the airline industry had reached $4.8bn last year as the fuel bill rose from $44bn a year earlier to $63bn, according to IATA. "If oil averages at $43 per barrel for 2005, the bill will be 76bn. And that would leave us with an industry loss of $5.5bn for 2005 and over $40bn for the period 2001-2005," Bisignani said. Just three months ago IATA had been counting on a return to profit for airlines, predicting income of $1.2bn if oil prices averaged $38 a barrel for Brent crude this year. Yesterday, prices of Brent crude reached a new record of $57.65 barrel in London. Several major airlines have announced increases in 0
108703 0 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Long-term growth 'is unsatisfactory' NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Minister Manmohan Singh said yesterday the country was not on track to achieving long-term growth targets. He told a meeting of the economic thinktank, the Planning Commission, that objectives such as improving employment generation had been "unsatisfactory so far." "There are several positive features which are noted, but there are also signs that the economy is not on track to achieve many of the important targets... corrective policies are therefore urgently needed," Singh said and added a cornerstone of the long-term growth plan was reversing the decline in growth in the farm sector, but said the "performance of agriculture appeared to have deteriorated even further." "It is important that as a country, we learn to walk on two legs, one embracing the processes of high growth and the other on economic development to the marginalised," Singh added. 0
108704 0 1531 BUSI BUSINESS Indian shares lose ground BOMBAY: Bombay shares lost nearly a per cent yesterday as concerns over oil prices and a firm dollar kept traders wary. The benchmark 30-share Bombay index was down 0.82pc at 6,550.29 points, with losers outnumbering gainers 1,340 to 712 in volumes of 164.5 million shares. "The market is still in a consolidative mode, and some sectors such as steel had become overheated in recent sessions because of which some levelling was bound to happen," said a trader with Lohia Securities. "Foreign portfolio inflows are also not that strong, as with the dollar appreciating a lot of money is flowing towards the United States, though allocations for emerging markets and India would still be high." Oil prices had soared to a new high of $58.28 a barrel on Monday, before slipping to a little under $57, though traders are worried about the persistent strong price trend. Oil is India's largest import and strong demand from the country is supporting the spiral in global prices. Fore 0
108705 0 1531 COMM COMMENTUN flawed but important... The United Nations must treat the conclusions of Paul Volcker's report on the Iraqi oil-for-food programme with the utmost seriousness. The report, by the former chairman of the US Federal Reserve, makes it clear that the conduct of Kofi Annan fell below that expected of someone in his position. The UN secretary general should have been more alive to the potential dangers of awarding a UN oil-for-food contract to Cotecna, a firm that employed his son. And as the report points out, Mr Annan should have made greater efforts to determine the nature of his son's relationship with Cotecna. It is difficult to find fault with the conclusion that, by failing to do so, Mr Annan created a perception of a conflict of interest. But it is important to maintain a sense of perspective. The secretary general's sin was one of omission, rather than commission. And the report makes it clear that this does not constitute sufficient grounds for his resignation. Furthermore, the real issue is not the behaviour of the 0
108706 0 1531 COMM COMMENTMPs must learn true meaning of democracy! At first, they wanted a democracy. Then, they got a democracy. And now that they have a democracy, they are not sure whether they want to deal with it and the freedoms and "decadence" it could bring or not. The fundamental principle behind a democracy is freedom, a concept some of our MPs and many others in our beloved kingdom are obviously not familiar with. They are claiming to be democratic, but are not yet ready to deal with society in a mature way and allow people to make their own choices. Will limiting people's freedom ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld in Bahrain? Will infringing on the rights guaranteed by the Constitution and the United Nations Human Rights Charter instil the teachings of democracy? These are all redundant questions. The real question is who is behind the motion to drag Bahrain back to the dark ages? Freedom means that individuals are free to do whatever they want, provided their action doesn't break the law or trespasses 0
108707 0 1531 COMM COMMENTSociety's attitude can play a key part in tackling crime I fully agree with the message from a senior Bahraini police official, who says that we must all play our part in tackling crime. For those who commit crimes are not from another species, they are part of the human community and as such part of us. "Not one of us can say that we have no part to play in crime," says Chief of Public Security Major General Abdul Latif Rashid Al Zayani - and he is right. He goes on, in an open letter published in yesterday's GDN, to hold out his hand in an offer of partnership with the community, to work together in tackling crime and creating an environment we all feel safe to live in. Maj Gen Al Zayani acknowledges that the police have much to learn and that they need the involvement of the public, in an unprecedented step towards policing by consensus - a cornerstone of any democracy. This is an opportunity not to be missed and I hope that community leaders grasp it, for some serious changes are also needed in society's attitude to crime a 0
108710 0 1531 LETT LETTERS The world has lost an irreplaceable icon...! With the death of Pope John Paul II, the world has lost an icon, a larger than life figure, a man of immense stature and towering intellect. His contribution to uplifting human dignity worldwide in this sad world is immeasurable. No matter the religion we belonged to he has touched many lives. In the ocean of depravity he was an atoll of goodness and a beacon of morality. He had succeeded to transcend to a level that God wanted all humans to be by giving mankind dignity, kindness, compassion, love, peace, hope and tolerance. I am not a Catholic but I have always had the greatest admiration for him which bordered on fascination. To me he was an embodiment of the teachings of Jesus Christ. As millions of others I had somebody to look up to and emulate. In today's world as we sink day by day into the abyss of darkness, immorality, war, poverty, greed and misery we are in grave need of such outstanding humans. Truly the Christian world has lost one of their all time greatest 0
108711 0 1531 LETT LETTERS F1 system wonderful I WOULD like to compliment organisers for the wonderful traffic arrangements at F1. I had feared that it would take hours to leave the race track area but the foresightedness and planning made sure that the exit was fast and quick. Things unfortunately were not so perfect inside though. The newly installed TV screens were simply not bright enough to fight the sun and did not serve the purpose they were meant for. Ditto for the public announcement system which lost miserably to the sound of cars zooming past the grandstand. Also since smoking was not prohibited in the stand, I got exposed to passive smoking throughout the event as I happened to have a seat next to a group of chain smokers. Tariq Raza 0
108712 0 1531 LETT LETTERS Rollover horrific I WAS a witness to a horrific rollover accident last Thursday night on Palace Avenue where three women were thrown from the vehicle and which most likely involved multiple casualties. I know you might say how could this happen on Palace Avenue, however it did and was the result of exhibition driving at high speed by the young individual behind the wheel. I am absolutely shocked that after three days now, this event has not been reported in the GDN and yet, an article recently about an Indian's wallet containing BD200 being stolen from under the mattress in his flat has been published. I know tragic events involving cars and racing do not coincide with the grand prix however, Bahrain has a serious problem on the roads which is not regulated or policed and one wonders how many more have to innocently die before something is done about the problem. The least which can be done for the innocent lives lost is to report what has happened. name and address supplied *EDITOR'S n 0
108713 0 1531 LETT LETTERS Living in the past I WRITE regarding a number of issues and feel I must address some of the GDN readers who are in need of guidance. Regarding the issue of lost mail I have nothing but respect for the staff of the Adliya post office who have always a smile for everyone. I have a PO Box and I have always got my mail on time and very quickly. Perhaps the lady from the UK should address her mail clearly and correctly. I must say that although being British myself, I feel we live in the past and as Britons we cannot bear to see others better or trying their best. I think that the majority of the British should recall their roots, what do the majority do and have back home? Nothing really! I have seen parents sending the kids down to the chip shop for their meals which is almost always a bag of chips, the normal meal is beans on toast, pie and chips. Children are hooligans on the most part, the British drink too much, there is more fighting in the streets of England than in Bahrain and we come out and try to l 0
108714 0 1531 LETT LETTERS Something fishy... I READ (GDN April 2) that a man was fined BD500 for slapping a fisherman with a hamoor. Later on in the paper in your "Motorist is Jailed for Killing Girl" story I read that a Bahraini motorist had been sentenced to six months imprisonment or a BD500 fine. I thought I had read it incorrectly so I went back to check, but I was right - a Bahraini, having killed an eight-year-old girl, got the same punishment as a man who slapped another with a fish! How do they work this out? Surely a human life is worth more than somebody's dignity? Which sentence was a slap in the face? Flabbergasted Teenager 0
108715 0 1531 LETT LETTERS Deadly episode... I'M just commenting on George Greer and the county in which this unbelievable horror was committed against Terri Schiavo. It's almost a deadly episode of the Twilight Zone. From the Sheriff's dept who never investigated many claims of abuse to the judge who took pure hearsay involving the life and death issues of a woman who wasn't dying, and at the end - a County Coroner who refused to allow an independent forensic expert to oversee Terri's autopsy. Pinellis County is the most audacious county from head to toe that I've ever seen and they get away with it. It's as if this wild county can make up any rules or change any laws at their discretion as I'd heard if the family wanted an independent forensic expert it has to be granted, so we'll never know the truth as this entire county has purely covered up for each other. This should be a wake-up call for Floridians - if this county can get away with murder, this may be coming to a county near you. Pam Demm 0
108716 1 1531 BNEW LOCAL FAST-TRACK TRADE DEAL MANAMA MANAMA: The GCC and the European Union yesterday agreed to fast-track negotiations over a Free Trade Area agreement. It will be the first bloc-to-bloc agreement of its kind in the world. Negotiations, which began in 1990, will be concluded by the end of this year, the two sides agreed at their annual foreign ministers' meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. They also agreed to hold the next round of negotiations on June 7, in Brussels, Belgium. All GCC countries stand to benefit greatly from the agreement, said Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He was speaking to reporters after visiting the delegations at the end of the talks. The GCC delegation was led by Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister and GCC Ministerial Council president Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. "This will mean more trade and further development and prosperity once it is signed," said Shaikh Salman. He praised the objective 0
108717 2 1531 BNEW LOCAL 'Islamic watchdog' approved by MPs MANAMA MANAMA: A new Islamic watchdog could soon be set up to monitor people's behaviour. MPs yesterday voted to create the watchdog and it will now be put to the Cabinet. Its job would be to promote Islam and admonish those who behave in an anti-Islamic manner, but it would have no policing powers, MPs heard at the weekly parliament session. But some MPs objected, fearing it could develop into a religious police force. The Islamic Affairs Ministry also objected, saying it was already safeguarding Islamic values in Bahrain. The move was backed by parliament's legislative and legal affairs committee, after studying the original proposal submitted by MP Shaikh Jassim Al Saeedi. "The council would offer spiritual guidance and religious encouragement through the media and by publicly preaching Islam teachings," said Shaikh Al Saeedi. But he said it would not have any power to police the community and would function under the Islamic Affairs Ministry's umbrella. 0
108718 3 1531 BNEW LOCAL New nationality law on the way MANAMA A NEW nationality law is on the way, Minister of State for Shura Council and Parliament Affairs Abdulaziz Al Fadhel told MPs yesterday. "The new law is being currently prepared by the Cabinet and soon it will be submitted to parliament," he said at the weekly parliament session. This will replace the current law, which was introduced in 1963, said Mr Al Fadhel. He said the General Directorate of Nationality, Passport and Residence (GDNPR) did not make the final decision on individual naturalisations. "The decision is taken by His Majesty King Hamad. He can exempt whoever he likes from the regular naturalisation procedures," he said. "There is no evidence that anyone has been naturalised outside the law." Mr Al Fadhel said that the Cabinet had agreed to create a separate financial, administrative and legal monitoring directorate, under the direct supervision of Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Nat 0
108719 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Reprieve for Al Wefaq MANAMA The government has scrapped plans to sue Al Wefaq Islamic Society for staging the Sitra rally in defiance of its ban. Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi yesterday met members of the society to discuss March 25 protest. She explained that such rallies are subject to a law by decree 18 for 1973 and recognition of the society was based on an understanding that a licence must be obtained prior to staging any such activities. Chairman and members emphasised their keenness to adhere to the law and to co-ordinate with concerned authorities in future to avoid misunderstanding. In view of this, the ministry will not impose any legal action against the society for staging the Sitra rally, to preserve national unity. 0
108720 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Fast-track visas FAST-track visas are being offered to tourists, business professionals and students from Bahrain travelling to the US. Most visas can now be processed the same day, US Embassy consular officers announced at a Press conference held yesterday, at La Chaise Coffee Shop in Gudaibiya. The time taken to process visas has been cut dramatically over the last two years mainly due to improved technology related to name checks and biometrics such as fingerprinting and facial recognition. "We have actually implemented some new policies in the last year that are really exciting and have streamlined our process to the point that we are now processing most visas in the same day," said US Embassy consular officer Larilyn Reffett. "So there are no lengthy waits like there were previously and because of the new technologies that we have our standards are higher than ever and we are able to do things quicker and more efficiently." All visa applicants worldwide are required to have prints of 0
108721 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Democracy call to Arab nations A NEW report that calls for sweeping political and human rights reforms throughout the Arab world was released yesterday. The Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) 2004 was written by a leading group of independent Arab scholars and intellectuals. It analyses the pace of political change in the Arab world and strongly urges a rapid acceleration of democratic reform. The report was sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development and the Arab Gulf Programme for UN development organisations. There are specific proposals for new regional human rights institutions, robust and freely elected legislatures and truly independent judiciaries. "The report is extremely rich and focuses on the different aspects of good governance in the Arab countries," said UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. He was speaking to the media following the release of the report at 0
108722 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Uprooting corruption 'will spur real progress' MANAMA CORRUPTION is institutionalised in government and business throughout the Arab world, a United Nations-sponsored report revealed yesterday. Authors of the Arab Human Development Report (AHDR) 2004 say corruption must be confronted and uprooted in Arab countries if the region is to develop free institutions and implement the rule of law. The report was released in Bahrain at UN House by UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. Political and economic corruption is so commonplace in the region that surveys conducted in five Arab countries showed that 90 per cent of the people believe that corruption pervades their societies. The surveys were carried out among members of the public in Algeria, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco and Palestine. Another international survey shows nearly 70pc of the public in these five countries believe that "the country is run for the benefit of the influential few". Bahrain was not approached to take part in a 0
108723 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Festival to shed light on heritage MANAMA GUNS and swords dating back 400 years will be among historic artefacts going on display next week as part of Bahrain's 13th Heritage Festival. The event will also spotlight the traditional sport of falconry with live shows and an exhibition dedicated to desert hunting. It will open at 4pm next Wednesday and continue for nine days at Bahrain National Museum's Heritage Village. The annual event, being organised by the Information Ministry's culture and national heritage directorate, is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. It aims to raise awareness about Bahrain's heritage - particularly its roots in hunting, which was both a traditional sport and a way of life. "We managed to collect a wide range of weapons such as guns and swords dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries," said Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood. "There will also be an exhibition of photographs related to falcons and hunting. "An exhibition based 0
108724 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Tug-of-love mum's hopes are dashed FILIPINA Lecita Flores is losing hope that she will ever see her two-year-old daughter again. The Sharia Court yesterday again adjourned her custody case at a time when she was hoping it would reunite her with Sara. The case, which was filed with the court in April 17 last year, has been further adjourned until May 3. Ms Flores' visit visa to Bahrain expires on Saturday and Philippine Embassy officials were yesterday trying to renew it for at least another 45 days. Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya has personally written a letter to immigration authorities requesting the extension. Philippine Embassy consular assistant Ramon Nerida said that they were doing their best to help Ms Flores win back Sara, who is thought to have been taken out of Bahrain by her Bahraini father. Mr Nerida said he was confident that immigration authorities would renew the visa. But Ms Flores was so upset yesterday that she may not see her daughter again. "I am losing hope and I 0
108725 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL GCC-EU pledge historic FTA MANAMA THE GCC is on its way to securing a world first in terms of international economic and trade agrements. Talks with the European Union over the world's first region-to-region Free Trade Area agreement will be completed by the end of the year, it was declared yesterday. The pledge was made in the final communiqu following the GCC-EU annual foreign ministers meeting, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Spa. The meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister and GCC Ministerial Council president Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and Luxembourg Deputy Premier, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister and EU Ministerial Council president Jean Asselborn. Both sides have committed to enter into negotiations on the FTA based on the1989 EU-GCC Co-operation Agreement. The negotiations were initiated in 1990 but remained pending until 1999 when the GCC announced its decision to create a Customs Union by March 2005. It was later advanced to 2003 at the GCC Summit held 0
108726 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Europe is urged to spur partnership with Gulf THE breakthrough over trade talks came after a call earlier in the day by the GCC to the European Union, to sign the long-awaited Free Trade Area agreement. Further efforts are required from the EU to activate the economic partnership between the two blocs, said Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister and GCC Ministerial Council president Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. He was speaking at the opening session of the annual GCC-EU foreign ministers meeting, held yesterday in Bahrain, which currently chairs the GCC. The meeting, held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, was co-chaired by Shaikh Mohammed and Luxembourg Deputy Premier, Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister and EU Ministerial Council president Jean Affelborn. Mr Affelborn heads the 25-strong European delegation, comprising foreign ministers and ministers of state. The two regional entities "have not to date been able to realise any major achievement" since the opening of economic dialogue between the 0
108727 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Tributes to the Pope THE GCC and the European Union yesterday paid tribute to Pope John II, at the opening session of their annual foreign ministers' meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. "On behalf of all GCC states, I express our deepest condolences on the death of Pope John II, who was a man of peace," said Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Foreign Minister of Luxembourg Jean Affelborn praised the role of the Pope in promoting human rights, peace, solidarity and tolerance. "His message to the world was of peace and dialogue," said Mr Affelborn. 0
108728 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Missing mother 'may be dead' THE daughter of missing Filipina Gracie Montibon believes she may be dead. "My mother has been missing for a long time and it hurts to think about it, but I am starting to accept that she may be dead," said Maria Grace Montibon Reyes. Now she is hoping that the Public Prosecution will give her access to her mother's bank accounts in Bahrain. Mrs Montibon, who was reported missing by her Bahraini sponsor Ali Al Oraibi on November 5, was said to have about BD6,000 in three separate bank accounts in Bahrain. Police also took for safe keeping about BD300 in cash and some gold jewellery from Mrs Montibon's one-bedroom Manama flat, when it was searched for the first time last month. Mrs Reyes, who arrived in Bahrain on March 11 to search for her mother, said police took the cash and jewellery "in case someone came forward to claim them". "They said that if no-one claimed the cash and jewellery then they would wait for the Public Prosecutor's approval to hand them over 0
108729 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Condolence book opens MANAMA A CONDOLENCE book was opened at the Sacred Heart Church, Manama, yesterday in memory of the late Pope John Paul II. People are welcome to sign the book, which will remain open until Tuesday from 8am to 12.30pm and 3pm to 9pm daily. The Pope died on Saturday at the Vatican, aged 84. Sacred Heart Church Bahrain parish priest, Father Thomas Quadros, said a condolence meeting will be held tomorrow at 4pm in the church's Bishop Trinanzi Auditorium. "All clergy members, dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps will be received separately by the clergy of the church," he added. The meeting will be followed by a mass at 7pm. For more information contact the church on 17253598. 0
108730 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Students invited for top courses MANAMA STUDENTS from Bahrain and worldwide are being encouraged to study in the US. US university presidents want foreign students to study in the US to help Americans learn about other cultures. They also want Bahraini graduates taking further studies to fill teaching gaps which have occurred since the September 11 2001 attack on the US, said US Embassy Press and cultural attach Aleta Wenger. Ms Wenger said that university presidents felt so strongly about this that a group of them wrote to the state department in Washington to ask them to address the problem. Figures shows that in the academic year of 2001/2 there were 601 students from Bahrain studying in the US. This declined significantly after September 11, 2001 to only 451 students from Bahrain studying in the US in 2002/3 and 2003/4. Figures show that for the academic year 2004/5 only 444 students from Bahrain are in the US. This figure is comparable to Oman, which has 445 students studying in t 0
108731 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Students get tips on education in Australia SCORES of prospective students yesterday met with representatives from 20 Australian universities at an educational roadshow, held at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. The roadshow is travelling around the Middle East and will be staged next in Dubai on Friday and Saturday. It has been organised by IDP Education Australia, based in Canberra, which is an independent, non-profit organisation, established in 1969. It is owned by 37 universities and more than 250 institutes, colleges and schools in Australia are members of IDP. The regional office in Dubai, the first in the Middle East, is a part of the global IDP network of 65 offices operating in 34 countries spanning Australasia, Indian Sub- Continent, Europe, Africa, Middle East, North and Latin America. All counselling services provided to students and their families are free. 0
108732 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Air fares to the sub-continent set to rise AIR fares from Bahrain to India and other countries on the sub-continent are set to go up, an airline official revealed yesterday. A meeting of the airlines' Yield Improvement Committee's (YIC) committee for the Indian sub-continent discussed the need to increase fares with immediate effect. All officials agreed on the urgent need to improve the yield, said committee chairman and Qatar Airways area manager Mohammed Ali. It was agreed to implement a new fare structure with the approval of Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), Mr Ali told the GDN. "The current trend of undercutting fares by various airlines is affecting the industry," he said. "The ever-increasing fuel charges cost the airline a lot of money. "On top of this, the trend set by some airlines in slashing fares drastically is not benefiting anyone." In the past airlines had agreed to maintain a reasonable fare structure. "We shall soon establish a reasonable fare structure for the Indian sub-co 0
108733 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Club committee to be inducted AN induction ceremony for the Indian Club's new executive committee will take place tomorrow. It will be held at the club, in Manama, at 7.30pm and Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra will be the chief guest. A variety of entertainment and cultural programmes will follow the ceremony and all members are urged to attend. The new committee consists of president P K Paul, vice-president Mathew Joseph, general secretary Ulhas Karnavar, assistant general secretary V S Thakur, treasurer Hemant Desai, assistant treasurer Stalin Joseph, entertainment secretary M J Job, assistant entertainment secretary Alex Arrackal, badminton secretary Ashok Kumar, indoor games secretary M S Das, cricket secretary Stany Fernandes, tennis secretary Abhijit Konar and internal auditors Uday Shanbagh and Varghese Karakkal. 0
108734 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Agents for Dubai expo A BAHRAIN pavilion representing over 40 hotels and travel agents will take part in the Arabian Travel Market 2005 (ATM), which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre next month. The pavilion, which is hosted by Tourism Affairs, aims to promote Bahrain as a tourist destination. The delegation includes representation from all the country's major five star hotels and travel agents. The expo, which runs from May 3 to 6, includes exhibitors from 60 countries, including 52 national and regional tourism bodies. Total floor space now stands at 15,308-square-metres, which is up by 31 per cent from last year. Organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions group exhibitions director Chris Chackal said Bahrain will be prominently featured at the event with over 300-square-metres of exhibition space. "The World Travel and Tourism Council lists Bahrain as one of the world's top 30 emerging travel destinations," he said. Mr Chackal said the number of trade visitors from Bahra 0
108735 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL BD284m loans probe on way MANAMA MANAMA: A parliamentary committee may be set up to investigate loans worth BD284 million, acquired by the government three years ago without Shura Council approval. The committee will also probe Bahrain public debts unless Finance Ministry submits accurate data. "Bahrain public debts rose from BD1,352 billion in 2003 (37 per cent of GDP) to BD1,452bn last year," said Al Menbar Bloc MP Abdulaziz Almeer. 0
108736 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Thieves raid Manama shop THIEVES stole a computer and perfume worth BD200 from a store on Mehza Road, in Manama. An Indian salesman, aged 38, who works at the store said he closed the shop at 10pm, but returned in the morning to find the shutters broken. "The door was unlocked and the thieves left their knifes and cutters at the scene," he said. "They stole the men's perfume and also a computer worth about BD150." Police were called and have dusted the shop for fingerprints. Seminar lined up A THREE-day flower arranging seminar will start today at 4.30pm at the Bahrain Garden Club, in Juffair. It will be conducted by Nada Jassim. Jewellery expo A THREE-DAY exhibition showcasing jewellery from Bahrain and Thailand opens today at Al Zain Jewellery, Seef Mall. Items to go on display include 18 and 21 carat gold jewellery, as well as colour gemstones and natural pearls. There will also be items of jewellery new to Bahrain brought here 0
108737 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL A record turnout for AWA bazaar A RECORD number of 65 stalls are to sell a variety of goods during the American Women's Association's (AWA) Spring Bazaar tomorrow, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite. The annual fair, which attracts thousands of shoppers each time, will be opened by Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. at 10am. "This is the biggest Spring Fair the AWA is organising," AWA public relations officer Nagda Elghandakly said yesterday. "We were very surprised at the high number of sellers this year and we also have a very long waiting list." Most of the exhibitors are Bahrain-based with a few from Saudi Arabia. Items to be sold include handmade products, toys, greeting cards, carpets, original art works, home decors and jewellery. "Many of the items are made in Bahrain, with other products also coming in from Kashmir and several countries including India and Pakistan," said Mrs Elghandakly. Charitable institutions are to also sell craft goods. 0
108738 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Westlife concert heads for sellout TICKETS are selling fast for Westlife's concert at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa's beach garden, on April 13. The Irish boy band is to perform all its No 1 hits as well as a section from their new Rat Pack themed album Allow Us To Be Frank. "We are confident the Bahrain show will be a fantastic night for all Westlife fans and their families," said organisers. Westlife - Nick Byrne, Mark Feehily, Kian Egan and Shane Filan - have performed to over three millions fans on four sell-out arena tours, becoming the biggest selling arena tour act ever. The concert is part of the band's Middle East tour, which also takes them to Dubai on April 14. Special guests supporting Westlife will be the Bombay Rockers, whose fan base in Europe is getting bigger and bigger. The duo from Denmark has recently broken music records in Denmark when their single Ari Ari sold over 21,000 copies in its first week of release. Their other hits include Rock the Party a 0
108739 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Bands highlight of St George's Day banquet THE Royal Society of St George will hold its St George's Day Banquet and Ball at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite on April 21. The event is held every year to commemorate St George's Day, England's patron saint and this year promises a wealth of local entertainment. The Bahrain Police Band, Neighbours and DJ Krazy Kevin will all entertain throughout the evening, which starts with a welcome reception at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a five-course dinner with refreshments. "The St George's Day Banquet and Ball has always had tremendous support, for which we thank our members and their guests," said society chairman Jonty Crosse. "This year we also thank BMMI for providing the evening's refreshments, and Cathay Pacific for our star draw prize. "All the proceeds we raise are used to buy needy equipment or a cash donation to Bahrain charities, which last year included Bahrain Down Syndrome Society, Bahrain International Seafarers' Societ 0
108740 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Treat for Omar Sharif fans MANAMA MONSIEUR Ibrahim et Les Fleurs du Coran will be screened tonight at the Bahrain Cinema Club, Juffair, starting at 8pm. The French film, by Franois Dupeyron, stars the legendary Omar Sharif as Monsieur Ibrahim, Pierre Boulanger as Momo, Gilbert Melki as Momo's father, Lola Naynmark as Myriam, Anne Suarez as Sylvie, Isabelle Adjani as Brigitte Bardot and Mata Gavin as Fatou. The film is set in a working class neighbourhood in 1960s Paris, where two unlikely characters - a young Jew and an elderly Muslim - begin a friendship. Momo is a boy without guidance who is struggling to cope with a distant father and absentee mother, while Ibrahim is a smiling old Turkish Muslim running the local shop. The old man and the boy develop a friendship over the course of their many transactions, as Ibrahim attempts to impart his knowledge learned from the Quran to Momo. The role won Omar Sharif the Audience Award for Best Actor at the 2003 Venice Film Festival. 0
108741 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Film festival off to a classic start MANAMA THE four-day international DVD film festival organised by Soorya Bahrain begins tonight at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. The event, entitled Cinema Ghar, is to be attended by a number of VIPs, including well-known Indian director Sashi Kumar, whose film Kaya Taran is being featured in the festival. It is open to all free, although preference will be given to Soorya cardholders. The first film to be screened will be Jour De Fete, by Jacques Tati, at 7pm today. The French comedy film was released in 1949 and stars Guy Decomble as Roger, Jacques Tati as Francoise the postman, Paul Frankeur as Marcel and Santa Relli as Roger's wife. It will be subtitled in English. Charlie Chaplin's 1940 comedy film The Great Dictator will be screened at 8.45pm tonight. This is one of the few films to use Esperanto in the dialogue (in a famous scene in which Chaplin imitates Hitler). Other stars include Paulette Goddard as Hannah, Jack Oakie as the dictato 0
108742 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Get-together for ladies IF you are new to Bahrain and would like to meet other newcomers plus some friendly people who have been here for some time, you are invited to a Second Sunday Newcomers Coffee Morning. The event, on Sunday, will be held at Starbucks in Budaiya from 9.30am to 11am. The group aims to help ladies settle into Bahrain by providing local information on schools, shopping, fitness and social outlets and so on. They will also be given contact telephone numbers in case they have any questions later. During the meeting on Sunday, there will be a brief talk on possibilities for short holidays from Bahrain. The group meets every second Sunday of every month at the same venue. For more information, contact Vicki on 39174247 or Andrea on 39027892. 0
108743 0 1531 BNEW LOCAL Prize chance at school fair A BIGGER and brighter fun fair this year is being promised by the Ecole Franaise de Bahren (Bahrain French School). The Fun Fair Open Day is being held tomorrow from 10am to 2pm, at the school in Busaiteen. "Among other fabulous prizes we are offering a Mitsubishi Lancer, courtesy of Zayani Motors (Mitsubishi Motors) and National Car Rental Bahrain as first prize and a return air ticket to Paris, France, courtesy of Gulf Air as second prize," said principal Jean-Marc Debry. The grand raffle draw will be held at 1pm. A wide range of activities will make sure that all the children and their parents have fun including Clozo the Clown's magic show, face painting, massage by Bodyline, lucky dip, treasure hunt, bouncy castle and much more. "To ensure no one goes hungry or thirsty we are proud to have the participation of Starbucks, Movenpick's, Dominos Pizza and Fakhruddin as well as a marvellous buffet prepared by the parents," said Mr Debry. First aid and fr 0
108744 1 1531 SPOR SPORT LIVERPOOL BANG ON TARGET LONDON: Liverpool scored with a pair of early volleys to beat Juventus 2-1 in a Champions League quarter-final match last night that commemorated the Heysel Stadium tragedy nearly 20 years ago. Sami Hyypia scored the first goal from the left side in the 10th minute and Luis Garcia added the second with a hard shot from well outside the area in the 25th. Defender Fabio Cannavaro replied for Juventus, scoring his first Champions League goal with a powerful header in the 63rd. In another quarter-final match, PSV Eindhoven came back to draw 1-1 with host Lyon. Florent Malouda sent a low shot past PSV goalkeeper Gomes in the 12th minute, but Phillip Cocu equalised for the Dutch leaders in the 79th after exchanging passes with teammate Park Ji-sung. The second-leg matches will be played next Wednesday. In Liverpool, former stars Michel Platini and Ian Rush joined with thousands of fans in an emotional ceremony to remember the 39 people who were killed at Heysel Stadium in Brussels, Belgium, be 0
108745 2 1531 SPOR SPORT Dhoni slams ton in India victory VISAKHAPATNAM, India: Mahendra Dhoni was a surprise hero with an explosive maiden century as India thrashed Pakistan by 58 runs in the second one-day international here yesterday. The 24-year-old wicket-keeper smashed an entertaining 148 in only his fifth match to help the hosts amass 356 for nine, India's third-highest total in one-dayers. Pakistan were restricted to 298 despite fighting half-centuries from all-rounder Abdul Razzaq (88) and Yousuf Youhana (71) to concede a 2-0 lead in the six-match series. "Chasing such a big score is never easy," said Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq. "We could have been in with a chance if we had more wickets in hand. But I think we can still bounce back in the series." Electing to bat, India were put in command by Dhoni who was involved in two big stands with hard-hitting opener Virender Sehwag (74) and Rahul Dravid (52). Dhoni was promoted to the number-three position after scoring just 22 in total in his previous four one-dayers as a lower- 0
108746 3 1531 SPOR SPORT Bulls! thrilled by Shaikh Salman victory MTC-Unstoppabulls! team owner Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is thrilled with the success of Shaikh Salman bin Rashid Al Khalifa in the Formula BMW Asia Championship during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Shaikh Salman, driving for Team E-Rain, won the first round on Saturday and was the runner-up in the second on Sunday. The 23-year-old Shaikh Salman wrote his way into the history books as the first Bahraini to win an international race in Bahrain. The Bulls! already have Mini-Cooper, MeCar, Karting and Drag racing champions in their folds. "It is a proud moment for me to win in Bahrain. I thank the team, our sponsors and well-wishers for their unfaltering support and particularly to Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa who continues to believe in me and has made this possible for me," said Shaikh Salman. The next two rounds in the series are set for Malaysia on May 14 and 15. Races are also scheduled to be held in Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Australia and China l 0
108747 0 1531 SPOR SPORT Endurance riders set for challenge TOP riders from some of the leading stables are set for the Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) Horseride Championship which will be flagged off at midnight at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir under the patronage of Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The five-stage event will be held over 120 kms and consists of juniors and seniors races. Two qualifying races over 60 and 85 kms will also be held with an aim to give a chance to young riders. Most of the entries are for the juniors event which is a qualifying race for the Juniors World Cup to be held in the Kingdom in December. Among the favourite stables are Al Salam and Al Asayel. The Al Salam Stable will be represented by Ahmed Abdulaziz, Mohammed Abdulaziz, Abdulla Faisal Hamad Fakhrawi and Karim Faisal while eight riders - Hamad Salem, Rashid Saad, Fahad Sulaiman, Khalid Al Khatry, Abdulaziz Adam, Sa'ad Abdulla, Khalifa Al Dossary and Mohammed Al Thawadi are from the Al Asayel Stable Mean 0
108748 0 1531 SPOR SPORT Kiwis pile on huge score NAPIER, New Zealand: Hamish Marshall and Nathan Astle scored centuries and Brendon McCullum fell one short as New Zealand amassed a huge total of 561 on the second day of the first Test here yesterday. As the runs flowed on a benign pitch, Sri Lanka were 48 without loss from 12 overs when bad light forced an early end to the day, with Sanath Jayasuriya on 31 and Marvan Atapattu on 14. New Zealand were dismissed for their sixth highest Test total, one hour into the final session. Marshall topscored with 160, Astle scored 114 while disappointed wicketkeeper McCullum became the seventh New Zealander to be dismissed for 99 in a Test innings. James Franklin chipped in with his highest Test score, reaching 55. With little in the wicket to worry the batsmen, it was left to the Lisath Malinga and his unorthodox slingy action to keep the batsmen honest and he was rewarded with four wickets including Marshall and McCullum. Marshall set the tone for the day in the morning se 0
108749 0 1531 SPOR SPORT South Africans save Test with Kallis century GEORGETOWN: The captains of West Indies and South Africa declared themselves satisfied after their teams drew the first Test yesterday. "We know we haven't played well but sometimes it is more satisfying to get out of trouble like this," South Africa captain Graeme Smith told a news conference. South Africa, who followed on 355 runs behind, reached 269 for four when the teams shook hands on a draw. Jacques Kallis steered South Africa to safety with an undefeated 109, his 21st century. The innings saw Kallis equal Gary Kirsten's record for the most Test centuries by a South African. Shivnarine Chanderpaul captained West Indies for the first time in his 81st Test after seven players, including regular captain Brian Lara, were left out of the squad over a contractual dispute. 0
108750 0 1531 SPOR SPORT Mickelson claims title in playoff TORONTO: Phil Mickelson won the rain-hit BellSouth Classic after being taken to a fourth playoff hole by Rich Beem at the TPC at Sugarloaf in Duluth, Georgia yesterday. Masters champion Mickelson will head to Augusta with his 26th PGA Tour victory after sinking a birdie putt on the 17th to see off the brave challenge of Beem, the 2002 PGA champion. The playoff began with five players - Arjun Atwal, Brandt Jobe and Jose Maria Olazabal as well as Mickelson and Beem - after they had tied on eight-under-par 208 after three rounds. Atwal and Jobe dropped out at the first playoff hole - the 18th - after missing their putts for par while the other three parred the hole and moved on to the 17th. With the first two days of the $5-million tournament wiped out by torrential rain, officials had been forced to shorten the event to 54 holes but an extra day was still required. 0
108751 0 1531 SPOR SPORT Injured Balaji out of third one-dayer VISAKHAPATNAM, India: India fast bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji will miss the third one-day international against Pakistan due to a side strain. Seamer Ajit Agarkar was included in the squad for the next two matches in Jamshedpur on Saturday and Ahmedabad. Squad: Saurav Ganguly (captain), Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammad Kaif, Mahendra Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Dinesh Mongia, Murali Kartik, Ashish Nehra, Zaheer Khan, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Ajit Agarkar. MacGill for Ashes tour SYDNEY: Leg-spinner Stuart MacGill was named yesterday in Australia's 16-man touring squad for the Ashes series against England this northern summer. MacGill, his New South Wales teammate Brad Haddin and South Australian quick Shaun Tait were the three additions to the 13-man squad that beat New Zealand 2-0 in the Test series last month. Test squad: Ricky Ponting (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Michael Clarke, Jason Gi 0
108752 0 1531 SPOR SPORT Al Shabab rally to beat Al Najma AL SHABAB and Muharraq scored over Al Najma and Al Hala to stay in contention for the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League title. At the Isa Town Stadium, Ali Abdulla scored two goals in Al Shabab's 3-1 victory over Al Najma to reach third position with 24 points. Al Najma remain fifth with 18 points. Ali Saeed gave Al Najma the lead in the 28th minute but Al Shabab replied with two goals from striker Ali Abdulla in the last five minutes. Abdulla goals were masterminded by Al Shabab's Iraqi playmaker Haytham Kadhim. Al Shabab secured the points with a third goal by the other Iraqi professional Baha'a Kadhim in the 69th minute. Defending champions Muharraq followed suit with a comfortable 2-0 victory over bottom team Al Hala in the other match held at the same venue. Muharraq moved ahead of Al Ahli to second place with 25 points, five points behind leaders Riffa. Al Hala remain at the bottom with two points. Today's fixture: 6.30pm - Al Ahli vs Riffa 0
108753 0 1531 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Cultural Festival featuring musical performances by the Music Club, Bahrain University, Sakhir, 10am. Lecture in English, entitled Possibilities and Problems with the Forward Strategy of Freedom, by Dr Scott Waalkes, National Democratic Action Society, Umm Al Hassam, 8.30pm. There will be a translation in Arabic. All are welcome. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 8am-8pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups comprising more than 15 people, or if you require tour in a specific language other than English. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Labour Ministry's labour inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's people trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching dep 0
108754 1 1531 WORL WORLD US 'policy hinders reform in Mideast' AMMAN: Arab intellectuals and reformers say they have seen few advances towards democracy in the Arab world in the past year. The third Arab Human Development Report (AHDR), released yesterday under UN auspices, said most reforms were "embryonic and fragmentary" and did not amount to a serious effort to end repression in the region, which has some of the world's most authoritarian governments. The United States, which says it aims to promote democracy in the region, contributed to an international context that hampered progress through its policy towards Israel, its actions in Iraq and security measures affecting Arabs, the report said. Both the US and Egyptian governments criticised parts of an early draft of the report, leading to a dispute that held up its release for at least three months. The report, which covers the year from Oct. 2003, was written before elections in Iraq and street protests in Lebanon that the Bush administration has cited as evidence of change. R 0
108755 2 1531 WORL WORLD Four US troops die in clashes BAGHDAD: Two militant groups posted separate Internet videos yesterday claiming to have killed an Iraqi soldier and an alleged informant, and insurgents launched a string of attacks across the country that left four US soldiers dead and targeted Iraqi government and religious figures. Yesterday's stepped up bombings and ambushes came after a relative lull in fighting, including the lowest monthly death toll for the US military in a year: 34 service members killed in March. Iraqi lawmakers prepared to name a new Iraqi president during their session today, taking a step toward building a new government and writing a permanent constitution. Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani was expected to get the job. His two vice-presidential posts are likely to go Shi'ite Adel Abdul-Mahdi and interim President Ghazi Al Yawar, a Sunni Arab. Lawmakers had originally pressed Al Yawar to take the speaker's post, but he turned it down, saying he wanted to be a vice-president. Senior Kurdish official Barha 0
108756 3 1531 WORL WORLD Canterbury bishop to attend funeral LONDON: Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams confirmed yesterday that he will attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II, becoming the first serving leader of the Church of England to attend a pontiff's burial. At the funeral, Williams' office said, he would be wearing a ring presented by Pope Paul VI to a previous archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Ramsey. Ramsey, who was then retired, attended the funeral of Paul VI. Pope John Paul II visited Canterbury Cathedral during his trip to Britain in 1982, and Williams has described the late pontiff as a "faithful and prayerful friend of the Anglican Church." England's national church split from the Roman Catholic Church more than four centuries ago when the Pope refused to annul the marriage of King Henry VIII to Catherine of Aragon. Meanwhile, close to a million mourners have paid their last respects in front of the body of Pope John Paul II, the Vatican said, as it issued more details yesterday of his funeral and said he ha 0
108757 0 1531 WORL WORLD Italy gets ready for security nightmare ROME: Italian authorities braced for a security headache yesterday as they prepared for 200 foreign leaders and dignitaries at the funeral of Pope John Paul II, with another two million mourners expected to throng the streets. In addition to protecting heads of state and royalty from around the world, officials have to cope with massive traffic jams and packed train stations and airports, while ensuring health services for mourners. And with so many people expected, authorities are having to prepare for the possibility, however remote, of an attack on the rare gathering of so many leaders, including US President George W Bush and countless ministers. Among those attending the funeral are Bush, French President Jacques Chirac, UN chief Kofi Annan, British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Philippines President Gloria Arroyo. King Juan Carlos of Spain is also expected for the funeral. Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said on Monday that he had mobilised nearly 6,500 security p 0
108758 0 1531 WORL WORLD Israeli troops beat Palestinian officers HEBRON, West Bank: Israeli troops beat five unarmed Palestinian traffic police in the West Bank city of Hebron yesterday, a witness and officials said, throwing them to the ground and hitting one with a rifle butt. After the beating, which lasted several minutes, the soldiers shackled the policemen and hauled them away in an army jeep. The incident prompted dozens of Palestinians to throw rocks and bottles at the soldiers. An Associated Press photographer who witnessed the incident said about 12 Israeli soldiers approached the policemen and ordered them to leave the area. When the policemen refused, the soldiers began to remove them by force, at times beating them, dragging one policemen on the ground while kicking him, and hitting another on the head with the butt of an M-16 rifle. One Palestinian policemen was seen with a swollen red eye, and another with blood dripping from his mouth. An Israeli military official present at the scene said that the Palestinian p 0
108759 0 1531 WORL WORLD Top post for Talabani BAGHDAD: Veteran Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani will be named Iraq's new president at a parliament meeting today, senior government sources said. The two vice-presidents would be Adel Abdul Mahdi, a Shi'ite politician who is currently finance minister, and outgoing President Ghazi Yawar, a Sunni Arab. 0
108760 0 1531 WORL WORLD Ministers sacked DOHA: The Amir of Qatar Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dismissed two cabinet members and his chief of staff yesterday over fraudulent share dealings, the official QNA news agency reported. Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Mohammed bin Isa Al Muhannadi leaves with no replacement announced. Faisal bin Abdullah Al Mahmud was named the new Minister of Religious Affairs in place of Mohammed Al Manaa. The Amir's private secretary, Shaikh Abderrahman bin Saud Al Thani, was promoted to the job of chief of staff to succeed Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud Al Thani. 0
108761 0 1531 WORL WORLD US is likened to Al Qaeda PARIS: Iranian President Mohammad Khatami placed the US administration on the same footing as Al Qaeda and other terrorist organisations, telling a UN meeting in Paris yesterday that both were guilty of trying to impose their views on the world. "War and terrorism have the same root. Both use violence to attain the same narrow objectives," Khatami told delegates at a conference on dialogue between civilisations at the UN's cultural organisation Unesco. 0
108762 0 1531 WORL WORLD UK journalists plead not guilty NORTON, Zimbabwe: Two British journalists who were arrested in Zimbabwe while interviewing voters on elections day pleaded not guilty yesterday to violating the country's media and immigration laws. The Sunday Telegraph's chief foreign correspondent Toby John Harnden, 37, and photographer Julian Paul Simmonds, 46, wore khaki prison garb and handcuffs as they turned up in court for the opening of their trial. The two were arrested near a polling station in Norton, 40km west of the capital Harare, on Thursday as millions of Zimbabweans went to the polls to elect a new parliament. "The accused had no right to cover the elections without accreditation," prosecutor Albert Masamha told the court. Lawyer Beatrice Mtetwa, representing the two journalists, told the court that they were on a holiday and that they had been granted 14-day visas which were to expire on Monday. Before their arrest they had visited several tourist resorts and were on their way to Harare when they were arrested. The trial continues. < 0
108763 0 1531 WORL WORLD Kuwait health minister quits KUWAIT: Kuwait's health minister said yesterday he had submitted his resignation, after 10 members of parliament filed a no-confidence motion over allegations of mismanagement, the state news agency Kuna reported. It quoted Mohammad Al Jarallah as saying it was up to Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah to decide whether to accept his resignation. Jarallah endured hours of tough questioning on Monday by an Islamist MP over allegations of mismanagement, squandering public funds and the deterioration of health services in the state. 0
108764 0 1531 WORL WORLD 'Secret' cardinal's identity unknown VATICAN CITY: The Vatican still does not know the identity of a cardinal nominated by Pope John Paul II two years ago but whose identity he kept secret, Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said yesterday, adding that it may be contained in a testament he had left for cardinals. "At the moment, nobody knows anything about it. Before the Pope's death, it wasn't revealed," Navarro-Valls told reporters at the Vatican. Burial to be in earth VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II, his face covered by a white silk veil, will be buried in the earthen ground beneath Saint Peter's Basilica, the master of liturgical ceremonies, Piero Marini, said yesterday. "The Holy Father wanted to be buried in the earth," Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro Valls added at a joint Press briefing with Marini. He said however that John Paul II had left no other provisions concerning his funeral. The Polish-born pontiff will be buried at the site left vacant by the coffin of Pope John XXIII, who 0
108765 0 1531 WORL WORLD Man, 24, quizzed over Jackson 'groping' SANTA MARIA, California: Lawyers for Michael Jackson subjected a 24-year-old man to a detailed grilling yesterday over why he changed his story about claims he was molested three times by the singer starting from the age of seven. The man, whose mother worked as a maid for Jackson until the early 1990s, said he had not told his mother or his wife about the events, and admitted he denied being groped when interviewed by police for the first time about 11 years ago. "In the beginning, I thought I could hold them (police investigators) off and make them go away," the man said under intense questioning. "I didn't want to tell anybody I had been molested." The man, who said he was 10 years old when the third and last incident occurred, said he was embarrassed and ashamed to talk about what happened to him. Meanwhile, Jackson's former maid told his trial jury how she once caught the superstar in the shower with a seven- or eight-year-old Australian boy. "I walked in and they wer 0
108766 0 1531 WORL WORLD Charles-Camilla plan lunchtime wedding LONDON: The rescheduled wedding of Britain's Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles will take place around lunchtime on Saturday, just 90 minutes before another couple marry, royal aides said yesterday. Aides said the nuptials - postponed by one day to enable the prince to attend Pope John Paul's funeral on Friday - were now set for 12:30pm (1130 GMT) at the 17th century town hall in Windsor, west of London. However, the prince's spokesman Paddy Harverson said the 20-minute civil ceremony and the heavy security around it would not disrupt the three other weddings the same day, particularly the one scheduled for 2pm (0100 GMT). "Their guests will be able to get in and out quite happily," Harverson said. Grace Beesley, 33, a Windsor resident who is scheduled to marry Fraser Moores, 34, right afterward, was happy with the arrangement. "It will just be another dimension to the day," Beesley said. The royal wedding time is one hour earlier than the original Friday ti 0
108767 0 1531 WORL WORLD Vicar to wed 'Calendar Girls' widow LONDON: The widow who inspired the hit movie Calendar Girls is to marry the vicar who comforted her after her husband died. The Rev Charles Knowles said yesterday he will marry Angela Baker, 58, of Linton-in-Craven in northern England in November, seven years after the death of her first husband John. His death from leukaemia at the age of 54 prompted Baker and other members of the Rylstone and District Women's Institute to pose naked for a calendar which raised more than 1 million (BD680,400) for leukaemia research and was turned into a 2003 film starring Julie Walters and Helen Mirren. Knowles said the couple will marry in Rye, southern England, and then hold a civil ceremony in Linton-in-Craven, where Baker works as a registrar. Knowles met the Bakers while the three were students at Sheffield University and kept in touch ever since. After John Baker died, Knowles sent Mrs Baker a supportive letter and helped her with her grief. Their relationship developed from there 0
108768 1 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Labour reforms 'can help create 100,000 new jobs' MANAMA: Sweeping labour reforms are vital to help create 100,000 new jobs in 10 years, says an expert. Otherwise Bahrain could face an unemployment rate of 35 per cent, says Economic Development Board management consultant Bob Aley. But those same reforms could push up inflation by 10 pc over the next six years, he said. EDB management consultant Bob Aley said that the upward spike was expected to be a one-off, as adjustments are made following the policy changes, which are expected to make expatriate employees more expensive and Bahrainis more competitive in the labour market. "There is no doubt in my mind that there will be inflation," he said. "Some sectors will pass on the extra cost to customers while others will absorb more of it. It won't be the same across the board." Under the proposals, employers would pay BD600 per expatriate worker every two years for work permits and renewal. They would also pay monthly fees per expatriate worker beginning 0
108769 2 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain-US trade boost MANAMA: The Bahrain American Chamber of Commerce (Bahrain AmCham), which is designed to encourage trade between the US and Bahrain, was officially launched by US Ambassador William Monroe yesterday. It is expected to lead to a closer working relationship between US and Bahraini businesses and act as a catalyst for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The new chamber reflects the US's commitment to encouraging bilateral trade and investment, said Mr Monroe. He said it is expected to give a positive boost to American companies operating in or entering the Bahrain market. "The FTA is expected to be ratified within the coming weeks or months. It will heighten interest in Bahrain from US companies," he said. "I know that the US companies will be pleased to find an AmCham up and operating here." He was speaking at a launch breakfast at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday. Chamber president Samir Benmakhlouf said there are currently 180 American companies or joint-venture op 0
108770 3 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Key IT forum begins MANAMA: Information Technology (IT) professionals from around the region will attend the Mvenpick IT Seminar for the Middle East, which starts today at the hotel. The three-day event - which runs until Saturday under the theme Think Global, Not Local - is being organised by the hotel in co-operation with Batelco. It will focus on futuristic technologies with particular emphasis on mobile solutions, wireless Internet and enhancing IT services for the hotel group's business guests. Batelco, as the platinum sponsor, is helping to host IT specialists from the hotel's 25 locations across the region. Batelco's experts will present ways in which mobile and Internet services can help improve business productivity for both hotel management and Mvenpick's clientele. 0
108771 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Airline posts 6.4pc rise in passengers MANAMA: Indian Airlines (IA) increased its passenger traffic out of Bahrain by 6.4 per cent between April 2004 and March 2005, compared with the previous year. The airline, which started operations to the Gulf in 1992 with three flights, will soon increase this number to 100, according to IA regional manager (Gulf) Pankaj Srivastava. "We started with flights to Calicut, but since then Cochin was added and the frequency was increased to daily operations," he said. Mr Srivastava was in Bahrain to attend the airline's annual agents' award ceremony, which was held at the Hilton last night. Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra was the chief guest and country manager G Dinakaran welcomed participants. Mr Srivastava said 2004-2005 had been a challenging year for the airline. "The unprecedented increase in capacity by existing airlines and the entry of new airlines resulted in a drop in yield," he said. "The exceptional rise in fuel costs increased the cost of ou 0
108772 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Microsoft unveils e-business products for small enterprises MANAMA: Microsoft Bahrain yesterday unveiled an e-business showcase for small and medium enterprises at the Bahrain Investors Centre, Seef Mall. The showcase demonstrates the ideal IT environment for small and medium enterprises to adopt e-business, said Microsoft Bahrain country manager Samir Benmakhlouf. "Microsoft Bahrain works closely with the Commerce and Industry Ministry to support small and medium enterprises," he said. Yesterday's showcase demonstrated e-business benefits for different small and medium enterprises, including senior management, human resources, finance, sales and marketing, and employees who operate outside the office. Mr Benmakhlouf said small and medium enterprises in Bahrain needed to be encouraged to grow and develop. Firm strikes $300m deals MANAMA: PVAXX Industries, the commercial materials sales corporation, yesterday announced it has concluded letters of intent worth $300 million with regional and international shipping pallet buyers du 0
108773 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Growth funds to be launched MANAMA: HSBC is launching three new capital secured growth funds. The Nasdaq-100 Fund, which also provides investors with the added security of a minimum return, is linked to the performance of many of the world's largest and best-known companies. It is designed to offer a minimum return of 8.25 per cent for US dollar investors (nine pc for sterling and seven pc for euros) plus an unlimited return based on five potential annual bonuses, which are linked to the performance of the Index. The Pacific Partners Fund is linked to the performance of three Asian indices: the FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index, the Hang Seng Index, and the MSCI Singapore Cash Index. This fund gives customers the opportunity to benefit from a final performance bonus based on growth. Additionally, the fund locks in growth should the total growth of these indices on a quarterly basis reach 18pc, or subsequently 36pc. The Titans Fund invests in the growth potential of 50 of the world's leading compa 0
108774 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS DHL to take part in pilot project MANAMA: DHL announced yesterday that it is taking part in the introduction of a GCC-wide system of digitalised e-clearance that will allow shipments to be cleared through customs within seconds. The Deutsche Post World Net subsidiary revealed that it had agreed to partner Dubai Customs in implementing the pilot programme, which will lead to the full-blown GCC system. The Dubai project is expected to lead to full e-clearance in the UAE within the next 18 months and the possibility that shipments could be cleared even before they enter port. "We are in the process of helping to adapt the system to the needs of all of the GCC countries and progress has been extremely promising," said DHL's Middle East director Phil Couchman. The first phase of the introduction of e-clearance will completely digitalise Dubai's customs procedures and create a streamlined system. DHL's newly-appointed UAE customs and gateway manager Derek Tully, who is co-ordinating the liaison with D 0
108775 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi upbeat on oil reserves RIYADH: Oil giant Saudi Arabia might manage to add 200 billion barrels of crude reserves to its existing 261bn barrels, which make up a quarter of the world's total, Oil Minister Ali Al Nuaimi said. "There is a possibility that the kingdom will increase its reserves by around 200bn barrels, either through new finds or by increasing what it produces from existing fields," Al Nuaimi said. It would be in addition to some 261bn barrels of reserves that are the world's largest, he said. 0
108776 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Growth warning WASHINGTON: Global economic growth is expected to cool slightly in 2005 after the strongest pace of expansion in four years last year, the World Bank said yesterday, while the IMF warned high oil prices were braking growth. The World Bank's annual Global Development Finance 2005 report showed overall economic growth of 3.8 per cent in 2004, while projecting a slowdown to 3.1pc in 2005. Separately, the International Monetary Fund warned that high oil prices were increasingly a "downside risk" to the global economy, and forecast they would trim at least 0.25 to 0.50 percentage points off growth this year. 0
108777 0 1532 BUSI BUSINESS Shares climb as earnings awaited BOMBAY: Indian shares closed higher yesterday as traders hoped for robust earnings announcements starting next week, though caution prevailed after the recent sharp drop in top indices. The benchmark 30-share Bombay index rose 0.86 per cent to close at 6,604.41 points. The broader 50-share National index rose 0.82pc to 2,069.30 points. "From next week, the major technology companies will start announcing earnings, and the market will wait for their guidances," said Dheeraj Malvani, analyst with Wallfort Financial Services Ltd. "Earnings are expected to be good, and besides, the market has corrected a bit, so now may be a good opportunity to buy." The Bombay index has lost about 5pc from the all-time high of 6,954.86 points on March 9, following a near 25pc rally in the preceding six-month period on robust economic growth and strong corporate profitability. Companies will announce January-March earnings from next week, and notable ones include Hero Hon 0
108778 0 1532 COMM COMMENTTo a beloved grandfather Dearest Baba Ebrahim, Having you as a grandfather is the greatest gift anyone could ever wish for. How can I explain the pride that bursts within me when I say out loud that you, Ebrahim Mohammed Hassan Fakhro, is my grandfather? When they write about you in the newspapers or bring up your name, I fervently point out with a big smile on my face and pride in my voice to those around me, "He is MY grandfather". We glory in a father who had made a difference in this small country of ours. You had such a great influence that made many people, both young and old, look up to you admiringly. There aren't many leaders these days but you were definitely one. You lead with your honesty, beliefs, and moral values. Baba Ebrahim, you had a great role in Bahrain's society but you had an even greater role in our lives, your loving family. Ever since we opened our eyes to this world, you were there. I still have sweet memories of you from my childhood. I wish I could hold on to them forever and lock the 0
108779 0 1532 COMM COMMENTChild's needs are paramount in custody battles Custody battles over children are always complicated cases and should be handled with the child's needs paramount in the minds of all concerned. The courts must take great care, but they should also act as quickly as possible, for the longer the issue drags on the greater the trauma for the child. Filipina Lecita Flores went back to court on Tuesday hoping for a conclusion to her year-long battle to secure custody of her two-year-old daughter Sara from her Bahraini ex-husband. But the case was once again adjourned for nearly a month, leaving her in fear that she may never see Sara again. This is not an ordinary custody battle, in that Ms Flores alleges that her ex-husband has fled the country and that Sara has been spirited away, putting her out of reach. Authorities in Kuwait have confirmed to the Philippine Embassy that the ex-husband arrived there on February 4 and was arrested on kidnap charges. The couple lived in Kuwait and Ms Flores filed kidnap cha 0
108782 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Police workshop initiative a great step forward! AT last! Someone in authority, Major General Abdul Latif Rashid Al Zayani, chief of public security (GDN April 5) is willing to publicly accept that the acceleration of crime in Bahrain is a serious problem. Most certainly one of the many points he highlighted, i.e. sentencing, is fast becoming a joke - a month's jail or BD100 fine for sodomy at knifepoint? Rape? No problem! Four years jail, suspended if a BD500 fine is paid. Fraud? BD16,800 worth of jewellery bought with dud cheques = a BD5,000 fine? Not a bad deal depending on how you look at it. All power to the Major and his invitation to participate in a 'workshop'. I look forward to further details on how to contribute to an exchange of ideas. L Shott 0
108783 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Where's the justice? PLEASE can someone in authority, perhaps the judge tell me how a man who rapes a boy is sentenced to one month in jail or BD100 fine? Where is the justice in that. That is all the punishment a man gets for committing such a heinous crime! K F 0
108784 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Cricket a great leveller THERE is nothing wrong with a batsman not walking when given 'not out' by an umpire (GDN letters March 30). That's because the game of cricket is a great leveller and sooner rather than later a player has a decision going against him - the 'rub of the green' so to speak! What cannot be condoned is someone not accepting the good with the bad. There have been great cricketers in the past who were 'walkers' but who later changed to playing the game by the umpires. But a Sunil Gawaskar or a Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi wouldn't let their emotions get the better of them. Having watched India-Pakistan cricketing contests since the 1970s, however, one thing stands out today. The game is being played as a sport and not war. The players and spectators on both sides of the border are like long-lost cousins playing hard on the field but genuinely applauding competing performance. This portends an enjoyable future! Prakash D'Souza 0
108785 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Turned back at causeway? WE have been hearing rumours of expats being turned back at the causeway and requiring permits to cross the bridge from Saudi Arabia to Bahrain (even with valid multiple exit/re-entrys on their passports), but there has been no official release in the Press anywhere. Is this true? Where are these permits obtained, and what are the exact regulations? Ross McNaughton *A GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence spokesman said: "Entry visas can be issued to foreign visitors arriving in Bahrain from the King Fahad Causeway as per the following conditions. - The visitor must have had a valid residence in Saudi Arabia for at least six months at the time of arrival and the remaining validity must be for a similar period. - The visitor must have a valid return visa to Saudi Arabia covering the visit period. - The visa is issued to visitors in specific professions. and it is not granted to labourers and clerical employees or similar employment, 0
108786 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Here we go again... LAST week, front page of the GDN, 'Bravo Bahrain'. Then, back page (GDN March 31) 'Bad luck Bahrain'. Hey, you out there, what was that all about? Football, of course. I can't believe my eyes after what happened to Bahrain in last year's Asian Cup. They are not supposed to let the Japanese make fun of them again. All eyes are on the red flag of the Kingdom but they did it again, this time in style in their own fashion - by giving Japan an own goal! I don't call this bad luck, I call it foolish play. If Bahrain continue losing what is the point of going to the World Cup? Japan couldn't score a goal, Bahrain did it for them and gave the red fans a heart attack in the Asian Cup. With only minutes to play Bahrain let Japan win. I took time off work to watch them play - and they put in an own goal for Japan and tell the Japanese they go to Germany. We do not want to face Brazil, Senegal and the Cameroons. I can't understand why the Bahrain team failed, going f 0
108787 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Can I complain? I DO not understand why some drivers try to run over the car in front if he is driving fast and the other is unluckily on the fast track? I many times face and observe some drivers harassing others by driving very close to their cars from the rear that any time an accident could happen! Is there any law to stop them or can I complain against them at the traffic department for harassing other drivers? Ahmed 0
108788 0 1532 LETT LETTERS Punishment is far too lenient..! ISN'T there something seriously wrong with the justice system in this country when you can be fined BD500 for slapping a man with a wet fish (GDN April 2) but fined only BD100 for raping and sodomising a 17-year-old schoolboy boy at knifepoint (GDN April 4) C Hopper 0
108789 1 1532 BNEW LOCAL INFLATION WARNING MANAMA MANAMA: Inflation could rise by 10 per cent over the next six years, as Bahrain implements its sweeping labour reforms, says an expert. Some firms will be badly hit, but doing nothing is not an option, as Bahrain needs to create 100,000 jobs in 10 years, says Economic Development Board management consultant Bob Aley. He said the spike was expected to be a one-off, as adjustments are made following the policy changes. New labour charges are expected to make expatriate employees more expensive and Bahrainis more competitive in the labour market. "There is no doubt in my mind that there will be inflation," said Mr Aley, speaking at a presentation at the Rotary Club of Salmaniya's weekly luncheon at the Hilton yesterday. "Some sectors will pass on the extra cost to customers while others will absorb more of it. It won't be the same across the board." He expects inflation to rise gradually by about 10pc between now and two to three years with the imposition of the full 0
108790 2 1532 BNEW LOCAL Urged to merge! MANAMA SCORES of social, Islamic and philanthropic societies in Bahrain are being urged to merge, to cut down their numbers. It will also better serve the community by focusing resources where they are most needed, says Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. Meanwhile, a BD50,000-a-year ministry fund used to help some societies has been frozen, until new rules about its uses are agreed. Dr Al Balooshi led an open discussion attended by around 50 societies yesterday, aimed at offering them the opportunity to voice their grievances and their recommendations. The meeting was the second in a series of open discussions being held between Dr Al Balooshi and non-governmental organisations. She held the first with around 40 charity funds, on March 15. "The number of registered societies in the ministry has been increasing significantly, reaching around 380 societies," said Dr Al Balooshi. "Even though this is a healthy development in the country for NGOs to be a 0
108791 3 1532 BNEW LOCAL Premier begins visit... MANAMA Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday began an official visit to the Philippin-es. He was received on arrival in Manila by Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and other officials. 0
108792 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Every mother and child counts... MANAMA BAHRAIN is joining the rest of the world today in marking international World Health Day. A host of activities have been lined up by the Health Ministry, which will continue until the end of June. They will focus on this year's World Health Day slogan: Make Every Mother and Child Count. Health centres around Bahrain will hold various seminars on child protection, prevention of child abuse, iron deficiency and anaemia in children, as well as general subjects on health and well-being. Health Ministry consultant family physician Dr Farouq Al Zurba said this year's theme is an important area to highlight, especially as women play a vital role in maintaining the health of the family. "Bahrain places utmost importance on strong mother and child health programmes, public awareness and compliance," he said. "More can be done in the field to create more awareness. "For example, there are steps that a woman should take before she conceives - she must prepare hersel 0
108793 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Labour policies to be revamped TWO new organisations are to help push forward labour reforms by streamlining labour fees and the allocation of training funds. The Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Labour Market Regulatory Authority and the Labour Fund Authority. They are being set up in line with the labour market reforms initiated by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The new bodies will start functioning after legal formalities are completed and endorsed by the Shura Council and parliament. "The Labour Market Regulatory Authority will set policies on the development of a new labour market structure in the kingdom," said Labour Ministry assistant under-secretary for training and acting assistant under-secretary for labour, Abdul Elah Al Qassimi. "It will decide on the new fees for labour permits for expatriate workers. "Though an international consultant has submitted its recommendations on a new fee structure, it is up to the authority to t 0
108794 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Societies urged to abide by the law SOCIETIES and other organisations have been urged to keep their activities within the law. The call came from new Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, as she met more than 50 societies yesterday as part of a series of open meetings. "With this new ministry and in line with His Majesty the King's vision, social and civic work must take a new turn and start a new page," she said. "You all must have learned already about our meeting with Al Wefaq Islamic Society." She was referring to her meeting with Al Wefaq on Tuesday, during which she said the ministry would not be taking legal action against it for staging an illegal rally in Sitra on March 25. "The current law governing societies, established in 1989, must be followed by all civic organisations," said Dr Al Balooshi. "The intention is not for the ministry to become a policing authority, but to assist and regulate the activities of societies. "We hope to start work on establishing a strong rel 0
108795 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Press worker dies MANAMA MANAMA: A 49-year-old Indian father collapsed and died as he queued up for treatment after going to a health centre complaining of breathlessness yesterday. Mathew Scariya, 49, has been in Bahrain for 21 years and leaves a widow, Sheila and a son aged 13 and a daughter, nine, in his native Pathan-amthitta, Kerala. He was a senior printer in the computer stationery printing press, at Arabian Printing and Publishing House. Mr Scariya had worked the night shift and went home to the company accommodation in Gudaibiya at around 6am yesterday, said colleague C J Samuel. He said Mr Scariya went alone to the Naim Health Centre at around 7am, complaining of breathlessness. He collapsed in the admissions queue and died at the scene, said Mr Samuel. He said Mr Scariya had a history of asthma and the exact cause of death was not yet known. Arrangements are being made to fly home his body. 0
108796 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL MPs visit desert spa site MANAMA A PARLIAMENTARY delegation from Jordan visited the newly opened Al Areen Client Relations Centre (CRC) and learned more about the development of the $750 million (BD283m) Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort. The group, led by Jordanian Legislative Council president Abdul Hady Al Majali, was welcomed by CRC Al Areen principal Murad Ramadan and was briefed on the project, which aims to enhance Bahrain's reputation as a preferred regional destination for family tourists. The delegation was also taken on a guided tour of the CRC, which serves as a fully integrated sales and support centre for developers, consisting of audio-visual and display areas, and functions as a hub for promoting and advertising the development. The CRC was officially opened last week by Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 0
108797 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Reality TV stars in Bahrain concert EIGHT stars from the Arab reality show Star Academy are to perform in Bahrain next month. The stars will perform in a concert on May 19 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, a month before expected. A similar concert was lined up last year, but the Information Ministry refused permission. Bahrain's Murad Events Management director Mohammed Murad said that the ministry had already given him the go ahead in writing for the show, after he presented officials with an agreement from Star System, which organises live shows and tours for the group. "This year, four finalists and four participants chosen through votes will be part of the live shows and tours, rather than eight finalists as last year," he told the GDN yesterday. Bahrain's 20-year-old star Ahmed Salahaddin, voted out of the show last month, will also take part in the live show. His place is assured because of his popularity within the GCC, said Mr Murad. He said that Bahrain would be the first cou 0
108798 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Mix-up horror for pregnant woman MANAMA A PREGNANT Bahraini woman, aged 27, was injected with the wrong drug after staff at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) confused her with a 63-year-old cancer patient. She was injected with the drug Omnipaque before being taken for an X-ray, which should have been given to an elderly woman with cancer of the womb. The woman, from Mahooz, decided to press charges against those responsible after she suffered a miscarriage. A 28-year-old nurse and a 41-year-old technician, both Bahrainis, are now facing criminal charges in the Lower Criminal Court for making mistakes on duty and causing harm to the public. Both individuals and the hospital have admitted the mistake, but claim it had nothing to do with her losing the baby. "The nurse made the mistake of placing the sticker of a 63-year-old woman suffering from cancer on the file of my pregnant wife," said her husband in a statement to police. "So the treatment that should have been given to that woman was given to my wife 0
108799 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Women's activist defiant A COURT case in which women's rights campaigner Ghada Jamsheer is accused of using foul language to a former judge has been adjourned until June 15. Former Sharia judge Jassim Al Thawadi filed a complaint that Ms Jamsheer, who is also Women's Petition Committee president, used foul language during one of his sessions, three years ago. Ms Jamsheer alleges that the charge is part of a campaign to silence her. "Defending women's rights will always top my priorities and will continue to be so, whatever the consequences are," she said after leaving court yesterday. "Whatever the decision is, it will never affect my fight for women's rights and better treatment to women in this kingdom." The first hearing into the case, brought by the General Prosecutor's office, was held yesterday at the Lower Criminal Court. Four Bahraini lawyers have voluntarily come forward to support Ms Jamsheer. They are Samy Seyadi, Ali Al Arrayedh, Abdulla Hashim and Mohammed Al Mutawa. 0
108800 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Charity wedding for 100 couples PREPARATIONS are well underway for the Islamic Education Society's 13th Annual Mass Wedding, to be held at the end of the month. One hundred couples will tie the knot at the event, to be held at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel. It will be held under the patronage of Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Wildlife and the Environment president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The men-only event is scheduled for April 30, at 8pm. Society public relations and social committee head Adel Busaiba said that a special committee had been set up to assess applications and meet with applicants, to choose those most in need for help. "We can't get everybody included in this scheme, because the allocated budget can't meet all their needs. The place where the grooms will stand has also been designed specifically for a certain number of grooms," he said. "We know that many are interested to join, 0
108801 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Curtain rises on DVD film festival SOORYA Bahrain opened its four-day international DVD film festival at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair, last night. A total of eight films, two of which were screened last night, are being featured in the Cinema Ghar Festival. The first two films were French comedy Jour De Fete ,by Jacques Tati and classic film The Great Dictator, by Charlie Chaplin. Tonight's programme had to be changed, after organisers were informed that Indian director Sashi Kumar was not able to attend the festival. Mr Kumar's award-winning Hindi film, Kaya Taran, was to be screened tonight followed by a discussion on the relevance of cinema shaping our perception of current affairs. "Sashi Kumar unfortunately said he had to attend another important function and therefore couldn't fly to Bahrain for the festival," said organisers. Soorya Bahrain hopes to screen Kaya Taran at a later date. Instead, two films will be shown tonight - Jean Renoir's 1951 classic, The River, at 7pm 0
108802 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Trader is jailed for BD7m fraud MANAMA A BAHRAINI businessman was jailed for three years yesterday for his part in a BD7 million investment fraud. A Lebanese man was also sentenced to three years in jail, or a fine of BD50,000, by the Lower Criminal Court. The man is in Hong Kong and was sentenced in his absence. A Bahraini businesswoman was acquitted of any involvement in the fraud, but was not in court to hear the verdict. All three were accused of duping 215 companies, organisations, including charities and individuals, out of BD7m between them through a phoney investments scheme. A female lawyer representing all the victims filed a complaint with police on March 10 last year, the court heard. All three defendants were accused of fraud, by giving investors the impression they could make huge profits by investing through them in projects in Hong Kong. The defendants violated the company law by giving false details in the financial report about their profits and also failed to submit repor 0
108803 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Dilmun date for Saudi band MANAMA SAUDI Arabia-based band, The Touch, is to perform at the Dilmun Club in Saar next Thursday, starting at 8.30pm. Formed in Al Khobar eight years ago, the eight-piece band plays a combination of soul, blues and rock. Tickets are available at BD8 for members and BD10 for guests, including a buffet dinner. For more information, contact 17690926 or 17692986. Meanwhile, the club is bringing back the Lobster Thermidore Night tonight. Tickets are BD10 per person. Three quizzes are being held this month for members, all starting at 8.30pm. The first will be the members' quiz, sponsored by Gulf Cellar, being held tonight. A Money Mindbenders' Quiz takes place on April 13. This event is sponsored by African and Eastern.The last quiz for this month is the Theme Quiz on April 27. A Race Night is being hosted by the Riding Section on April 20 at the club's Candles Restaurant. Tickets are BD6 for members and BD7 for guests, including race cards and buffet supper. A school dinn 0
108804 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Thousands expected at AWA fair ONE of the American Women's Association's (AWA) biggest fundraisers of the year takes place today at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite. Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi is to open the Spring Bazaar at 10am. Thousands of shoppers are expected to attend the event, which features 65 stalls offering a variety of goods ranging from handmade crafts, carpets, home decors to original artwork and jewellery. This year's spring fair is the biggest to be organised by the AWA. Most of the exhibitors are Bahrain-based with a few from Saudi Arabia. The one-day fair will be held from 10am to 2pm and all are welcome. Entrance tickets cost 500 fils per person. Children under five will be admitted for free. All proceeds collected from the entrance fees goes to charity. 0
108805 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Jealous husband tortures his wife A KUWAITI woman was dragged into a car by her jealous husband, who burnt her face, tongue, hands, legs and chest with a cigarette, sources told the GDN. The 29-year-old had just arrived at the hotel where she was staying in Bahrain when he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her into his vehicle. An eyewitness working at the hotel said the husband was angry because she stayed out the whole night and was dropped off in the morning by another man. The Kuwaiti couple had travelled to Bahrain together, but the wife thought her husband had already returned home. However, he apparently came back to Bahrain without her knowledge and spent the entire night waiting for her to show up at the hotel. The witness said that after attacking his wife and burning her with a cigarette, he snatched more than BD100 from her purse and drove off. "The husband flew back to Kuwait while she stayed in Bahrain saying she wanted to do some more shopping," said the witness, who asked to rem 0
108806 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Mobile phone is snatched FOUR Bahrainis attacked a 48-year-old Indian man, snatched his mobile phone and fled, sources told the GDN. The incident, which happened at night close to the Gulf Gate Hotel, was reported to police. The victim claimed he was unable to defend himself because he was drunk. 0
108807 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Meditation the way to happiness A FREE meditation lecture for adults will be held from 8pm to 9.30pm tonight at Bahrain Medical Society, in Juffair. It will focus an ancient Indian technique of meditation called Vipassana, which aims to eradicate mental impurities and achieve happiness. All are welcome. There will also be a one-day Anapana Meditation course for children, aged from eight to 15, tomorrow from 9am to 3pm at the same venue. The purpose of the course is to help improve children's awareness, concentration and memory. To register for the course contact Dr Beena Muktesh after 3pm on 39800226, or 17622843, or 17729823. 0
108808 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL University students discuss key issues MANAMA HUNDREDS of students attended an open discussion with Bahrain University president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. The meeting was a part of a three-day cultural festival, which ended yesterday at the university's Sakhir campus. The event was organised by the Student Affairs Deanship, under Dr Shaikha Mariam's patronage. It was held under the theme Confidence, Motivation, Patience and Success. This was the first interactive meeting of its kind between Dr Shaikha Mariam, the university's administration and the students. It focussed on ways of improving services at the university and making students' lives easier. Discussions on courses accreditation, offered programmes, academic staff, services, peers tutoring and graduation requirements topped issues at the meeting. Others issues included admission and registration, add and drop, orientation programmes, English courses, minor specialisations, and availability of more resources in the university's 0
108809 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Karnataka group elects executive committee Mogaveers Bahrain elected its new executive committee during a function held at the Century Party Hall, Adliya. The group is a community guild formed by the people of coastal Karnataka state in India. Above, seated, from left, general secretary J P Boloor, assistant general secretary Nagesh G Naik, vice-president Ranjan Salian Iddya, honorary president B Prabhakar Puthran, president Leeladhar Baikampady, vice-president H Anand Mogera, treasurer Vishwanath Suvarna and committee member Krishna Kunder with, standing, from left, assistant entertainment secretary Chandrashekhar Shriyan, sports secretary Theertha K Suvarna, organising secretary Jagannath Kadekar, committee member Vittal Suvarna, internal auditor Subhash Chandra, committee member Arun Kumar Karkera and entertainment secretary Girish Iddya. 0
108810 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Memorial service for the Pope A CONDOLENCE meeting will be held today in memory of the late Pope John Paul II. It will take place at the Sacred Heart Church, Manama, from 4pm. Roman Catholics mourning his death are welcome to attend the meeting, which will be followed by a Mass. The Pope died at the Vatican on Saturday, aged 84, after suffering heart failure brought on by two months of acute breathing problems and other infections. All members of the clergy, diplomatic corps and dignitaries will be received separately today. Several parishioners have been attending Mass at the church to pray for the late Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Catholic Church. A condolence book was also opened by the church and all are welcome to sign it until Tuesday. The church is open from 8am to 12.30pm and from 3pm to 9pm daily. For more information, contact the church on 17253598. 0
108811 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Thai jewellery goes on show A THREE-DAY exhibition showcasing jewellery from Bahrain and Thailand was opened at Al Zain Jewellery, Seef Mall, yesterday Shaikha Mariam bint Salman Al Khalifa opened the exhibition in a ceremony attended by Al Zain owner Jihad Abdulla Al Zain, company officials and special guests. Jewellery from Bangkok-based company Lotus Arts De Vivre is being displayed at the exhibition including 18 and 21 carat gold jewellery, as well as colour gemstones and natural pearls. It continues until tomorrow and is open from 10am to 10pm daily. All are welcome. 0
108812 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Reforms at UN to be discussed REFORMS at the United Nations will be the focus of a seminar organised today by the Bahraini Network of Civic Societies for Development at Al Oruba Club, in Juffair. The seminar, starting at 9.30am, will be conducted by Dr Ali Fakhro, Dr Muneera Fakhro, Abdulnabi Al Ekri, Mohammed Al Shareef, Fareeda Ghulam and Abdulla Janahi. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan proposed the reforms in a report launched on March 21. It recommends changes to enhance human rights and democratisation worldwide, reduce global poverty, combat major diseases and increase international security co-operation. "A section of the report is devoted to structural changes to improve efficiency, reduce corruption and provide for more equitable representation on the Security Council," said Mr Al Ekri, who is also the society's spokesman. The report will top the agenda at a special UN summit in September to be attended by leaders of the 191 member states, including US President George W Bush. Mr Al Ek 0
108813 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Australian film screening AUSTRALIAN film, Chopper, is to be screened at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's poolside on Monday, starting at 9pm. This will be the first of a series of 'movies under the stars' events at the hotel. "The idea is to screen cult classics from different regions," said organisers. "Ask any Australian about Chopper and they will know it and want to see it." The film is based on a true story of the notorious Aussie gangster Mark 'Chopper' Read, who shot to fame with his biography, which he wrote in prison. Tickets are BD2 per person, inclusive of popcorn and light beverage. Seating will be lounge and "cushion type lie around". 0
108814 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Workshop on Ashoora for youngsters MANAMA YOUNG people are being invited to take part today in a workshop, Ashoora from a Youth Perspective, at Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, Ghufool. The event, from 9.30am to 2.30pm, has been organised by the Bahrain Youth Centre, which operates under the umbrella of the society. Participants, supervised by clergymen and representatives from Islamic and civil societies, will be divided into four groups. The event, in Arabic, will conclude with discussions over reports submitted by each group. To register or for more information call 39759753. 0
108815 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Pupils 'show and tell' in competition MANAMA THE Arabian Pearl Gulf School conducted a Show and Tell contest for pupils, at its premises in Khamis. About 40 youngsters aged seven to 11, from grades three, four and five, demonstrated their communicative and creative skills. Judges for the contest were Manama Toastmasters Club members Joel Indrupati and Sanjukta Pal. School principal Ebtesam Al Zera and vice-principal Rashida Suleman thanked English teachers Sharmista Gupta, Maria Visitation Serue and Marisette Ordanza for training the children for the event. Each pupil had to pick a topic to talk about, coupled with a display. For instance, pupils talked about their mothers or brothers and had to bring them in for the talk. Grade Five winners are: Joint first, Ali Daif and Seba Abbas Yousif; second, Noor Mohsin and Mariam Bader and third Hayat Sayed Ali Khalaf and Ammar Yasser Mutawa. Grade Four winners are: Joint first, Ahmed Abbas and Ahmed Kamel: second, Sara Hashim and Mohammed Nader and third, S 0
108816 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL 8,890 families get power relief A TOTAL of 8,891 Bahraini families benefited last year from a royal gesture to help them pay electricity and water bills. This was revealed at a meeting of the committee in charge of implementing the gesture held yesterday under the chairmanship of Social Affairs Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The meeting also discussed the means of resolving the payments of 2,040 electricity and water bills of needy families, who are yet to pay their bills from last July until February. 0
108817 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Thief lands in double trouble A THIEF landed in double trouble when he stole cash from a female lodger's room. He would have walked free after agreeing in front of police to repay the cash. But police checked his residence permit, discovered it had expired - and arrested him. His 31-year-old Indian lodger told police that BD95 had been stolen from her room in his flat, to which he had a spare key. She had been saving the money towards raising BD600 to buy a visa to bring her husband to Bahrain. At the police station, the man agreed to pay her back the money but then the police discovered that his residence permit had expired. "They arrested him right away. The case is in progress and I still did not get my money back," said the woman, who asked not to be named. 0
108818 0 1532 BNEW LOCAL Smoking poses grave risk during pregnancy PREGNANT women who smoke are placing their own health and the health of their child at risk, according to a leading expert on kicking the habit. But even passive smoking can be a serious risk to mothers and children, American Mission Hospital (AMH) general practitioner and anti-smoking clinic head Dr Babu Ramachandran told the GDN. He said when women smoke during pregnancy it increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, still-birth or death in early infancy. "Babies exposed to cigarette smoke in the womb generally have low birth weight," he said. "They grow up with reduced lung function, they are prone to upper respiratory tract infections and chronic cough, chronic middle ear infections and many more." Meanwhile, children whose parents smoke pay the price by suffering double the amount of bronchitis and pneumonia as other children. They are also hospitalised more frequently before their first birthday than children of non-smoking parents. "Moreover, childr 0
108819 1 1532 SPOR SPORT BAYERN BOW TO CHELSEA LONDON: Chelsea's Frank Lampard struck twice in the second-half as his team beat Bayern Munich 4-2 in last night's Champions League quarter-final first-leg. England midfielder Lampard scored two superbly-taken goals in between strikes by Joe Cole and Didier Drogba to give Chelsea a two-goal lead to take to Munich for Tuesday's second-leg. Bayern's second goal was a controversial penalty given by Dutch referee Rene Temmink in the third minute of stoppage time and converted by Michael Ballack, who had fallen in the area after very little contact. In another match, Andriy Shevchenko marked his return from injury by scoring AC Milan's second goal in a 2-0 victory over Inter Milan. The European Footballer of the Year, who last played on February 19, headed Andrea Pirlo's free kick from deep on the right inside the far post 16 minutes from time. It was almost a carbon copy of Jaap Stam's opener in first-half injury time, the Dutch defender also glancing a Pirlo free kick from t 0
108820 2 1532 SPOR SPORT Obaid on target as Riffa pip Ahli HAIDER Obaid scored an injury-time header to guide Riffa to an exciting 3-2 victory over arch title-contenders Al Ahli in a Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer second-leg match last night at the Isa Town Stadium. The Iraqi defender moved upfront to head home a late goal which gave Riffa maximum points and put them on course to claim the title for the ninth time, the first since 2003. Riffa stretched their lead to eight points and are presently with 33 from 13 matches and are followed by reigning champions Muharraq (25 points) in second place and Al Shabab third with 24. Al Ahli missed a precious opportunity to get back into the title race after they suffered their fourth defeat of the season and remain fifth with 23 points. The match, attended by a large crowd from both the teams, was an exciting affair with two goals being scored in a space of one minute. Riffa and national team star Salman Isa made the most of a loose ball inside the penalty area to strike 0
108821 3 1532 SPOR SPORT Top officials leave for Islamic Games THE Supreme Council for Youth and Sports vice-president and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa left yesterday for Saudi Arabia to attend the opening ceremony of the first Islamic Solidarity Games starting tomorrow. Shaikh Isa will attend the opening ceremony and part of the competitions following an invitation from the Saudi Arabia's Youth Care chief Shaikh Sultan bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz. Shaikh Isa was accompanied by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa who is also BOC vice-president. Bahrain will be competing in seven disciplines - athletics, handball, weightlifting, karate, taekwondo, target ball and six-a-side soccer for disabled. The teams of athletics, handball, karate, taekwondo and six-a-side soccer will depart today while the weightlifting and the target ball teams will leave on Saturday. 0
108822 0 1532 SPOR SPORT Warne is Wisden's leading world cricketer LONDON: Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne has been named the leading cricketer in the world, succeeding his Australian captain Ricky Ponting who won Wisden's inaugural honour last year. Warne claimed the award ahead of three English candidates - Andrew Flintoff, Andrew Strauss and Graham Thorpe - following his impressive return from a drugs ban to retain his place in Australia's imposing line-up. Australia's dominance over world cricket is reflected by 10 of their players being included in the Wisden 40, the almanac's listing of the world's leading players, with England and India being their nearest rivals with six included. But England's Test revival has led to Wisden naming an all-English selection for their five cricketers of the year for the first time in 45 years. The 2005 Cricketer's Almanac has chosen five cricketers every year based on their influence on the previous English season since 1889 with overseas players traditionally dominating the selections. But in re 0
108823 0 1532 SPOR SPORT New Chelsea deal for Mourinho LONDON: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been offered a new contract by the Premiership club, his agent said yesterday. "The negotiations are going well and nearing an end," Jorge Mendes told the London Evening Standard. "It will be concluded very soon, maybe even on Thursday." Mourinho, whose existing contract with Chelsea was due to run out in 2007, has been offered a three-year extension worth 5.2-million (BD3.7m) a year, according to the Evening Standard. The new deal would earn him a pay rise of 1-million a year, added the report. Sony sign Fifa deal LONDON: Sony Corporation has signed a $305-million deal to become a sponsor of Fifa from 2007 to 2014, soccer's world governing body announced yesterday. The deal is the first global sponsorship agreement entered into by the Japanese electronics, entertainment and technology group and they will join Adidas and Hyundai and three as yet unnamed companies as "Fifa partners". 0
108824 0 1532 SPOR SPORT Batelco backs top golf tournament BATELCO has teamed up with Riffa Golf Club to sponsor the World Cup of Golf Tournament which will be held tomorrow with two shotgun starts at 7am and 12.30pm. Around 200 players representing 100 teams in groups of four will tee-off over the 18-hole championship course in what is designed to be a fun and competitive day of golf. The format for the day will be Better-Ball Stableford which means that teams of two will compete with only the better score counting towards the final tally. Among the players competing are Bahrain national team golfers Ali Misbah and Nasser Yacoob who are turning out for the Friends team. Abdulla Sultan, another national team player, will play along with his son Sultan Abdulla. Bahrain 1 has two teams in the fray and they will be represented by Adel Ali Al Fayyadh and Ali Sagar Al Noaimi with the second team consisting of Diab Sagar Al Noaimi and Sagar Diab Al Noaimi. Teams from England, US, Korea, Ireland, Bahrain, Holland, Sou 0
108825 0 1532 SPOR SPORT F1 teams undecided over Mosley meeting LONDON: Formula One teams and carmakers planning their own series from 2008 will decide today whether or not to return to the negotiating table with the sport's governing body. The nine teams, all except champions Ferrari, and five manufacturers meet in London to add more flesh to the bones of their plans. "It will be all about moving further forward with the four working groups, taking the 2008 regulations to the next stage and laying down a proper road map of times and dates and objectives," Minardi boss Paul Stoddart said of that meeting. International Automobile Federation (FIA) president Max Mosley has invited all teams to Paris on April 15 to discuss the technical regulations for 2008 in accordance with an existing commercial agreement that expires in 2007. So far only Ferrari, isolated over their refusal to join the others in reduced testing, have agreed to extend that 'Concorde Agreement' until 2012. The last time the FIA called a meeting to discuss the re 0
108826 0 1532 SPOR SPORT All The Way for feature THREE cup events are the highlights of the races at Sakhir tomorrow. Four supporting races are also on the cards. All The Way, owned by Hussain Bu Kannan, trained by Fadhel Al Asfoor and to be ridden by Mark Callaghan, is the firm favourite to win the Open race for Shaikh Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup which carries a cash prize of BD3,000 and to be run over 2,000 metres starting at 5.45pm. News Sky, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by James Naylor and to be ridden by Mohammed Saeed, and Grave Deed, owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by Fawzi Nass and to be ridden by Mohammed Al Saffar, are expected to give the favourite a run for its money. The Batelco Broadband Stakes (Batelco Challenge) for Group Two imported horses have attracted 13 horses. This race, starting at 5.20pm, carries a cash prize of BD5,000 and will be run over 1,600 metres. Reidies Choice, owned by Al Nasseriyeh, trained by Naylor and to be ridden by Callaghan, is tipped to win this race ahead of Warrad a 0
108827 0 1532 SPOR SPORT Jayawardene and Atapattu hit tons NAPIER, New Zealand: Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene pounded the New Zealand bowlers to all corners of the ground with centuries apiece as Sri Lanka reached a safe 351 for three by stumps on day three, but the first Test bore all the hallmarks of a draw. In reply to New Zealand's first innings of 561, the Sri Lankans need just 11 more runs to avoid the follow on, a foregone conclusion on a pitch that has become a bowler's graveyard. Jayawardene was 118 not out at the close, his 13th Test century, while Thilan Samaraweera was on 34. Atapattu, out for 127, posted his 16th Test century and his first against New Zealand to become only the fourth player in cricket history to complete a set of centuries against all nine Test-playing nations. His innings of 127 ended when he was caught by New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming at slip off Nathan Astle's bowling, ending a third wicket stand of 184 with Jayawardene. With the tourists cruising at four runs per over on a friendl 0
108828 0 1532 SPOR SPORT De Ferran gets new BAR post LONDON: Former CART champion and Indy 500 winner Gil De Ferran has been appointed sporting director of the under-performing BAR Formula One team. Honda-powered BAR said yesterday that the 37-year-old Brazilian would effectively be running the team at race weekends. He starts the new role immediately and his first race with the team will be the San Marino Grand Prix on April 24. BAR, overall runners-up to Ferrari last season with Briton Jenson Button and Japan's Takuma Sato, have been a disappointment in 2005 with neither of their cars finishing any of the three races so far. "To progress towards our final goal of winning the world championship we knew there was a piece of the jigsaw still missing, which is hands-on experience of what it takes to win in single-seater racing at the highest level," said team head Nicky. "There is no substitute for racing experience and Gil needs little introduction. "He has a unique talent which combines a successful career a 0
108829 0 1532 SPOR SPORT International career over says Lehmann SYDNEY: Darren Lehmann has conceded his international career is probably over after he was left out of Australia's 16-man squad to tour England this year. The 35-year-old said yesterday that while he had not given up hope of a comeback he did not expect to play for Australia again. "You only have to read between the lines," he said. "I'm disappointed, but that's the way they (the selectors) decided to go. "If I was a selector I would have done the same thing, so I think they've made the right choice." Lehmann played 27 Tests for Australia between 1998 and 2004. A free-scoring left-hand batsmen, he made 1,798 runs at an average of 44.95 including five centuries and a top score of 177. Lehmann also played 117 one-day internationals. He scored the winning runs in the 1999 World Cup final and also took the winning catch in the 2003 World Cup final. Lehmann was promoted to vice-captain for Australia's Test tour of India last year in the absence of skipper Ricky 0
108830 0 1532 SPOR SPORT Wade hero as Heat bag top seed spot TORONTO: Dwyane Wade tied a career-high 39 points as the Miami Heat clinched the top seed spot in the Eastern Conference with a convincing 104-86 home win over the Chicago Bulls yesterday. Udonis Haslem added 16 points and 15 rebounds for Miami before he was ejected late in the game. It was the Heat's 18th straight win at home, the longest home streak in the NBA since the Sacramento Kings had a similar run three years ago, and it assured Miami of home court advantage throughout the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Heat won without injured Shaquille O'Neal while the Bulls were missing Eddy Curry, Luol Deng and Othella Harrington. Damon Jones chipped in with 17 points for Miami, while Eddie Jones added 15. The short-handed Bulls were trying to win 10 straight games for the first time since Michael Jordan retired but their nine-game winning streak never looked like being extended against a strong Miami team. Andres Nocioni and Ben Gordon both scored 14 points for the 0
108831 0 1532 SPOR SPORT Saudi Arabia and Qatari golfers book Plage spots SAUDI Arabia's national team golf captain Ali Ahmed Balharith and five others from a field of more than 110 entrants have qualified for the Belle Mare Plage Challenge Cup from the Saudi Arabian qualifying round at Dirab Golf and Recreation Centre. In the 0-15 handicap category, Balharith won best gross with a four over 76 and Filipino Edwin Anonuevo best net with an even par 72. In the 16-28 handicap category, the qualifiers were Mudit Saxena with a best gross score of 88 and Ian Stewart with a best net of 65. The two women qualifiers were Korean Woo Hee Choi (85, best gross) and American Laura Collins (76, best net). Longest drives went to Clark Windross and Woo and closest to pin to Yousaf Al Mahfouz and Yoon Yong Sook. Meanwhile, at Doha Golf Club in Qatar, more than 160 golfers took part in another qualifying round to determine the six who would advance to the final. In the 0-15 handicap category best gross was won by Scott Ward (73) and best net (69) by Adam 0
108832 0 1532 SPOR SPORT Aqeela tames battling Dalal AQEELA Nasser beat Dalal Salama 2-1 in the University of Bahrain Knock-out Tennis Tournament which got underway on Tuesday at the university's sports hall in Sakhir. In other matches, Aisha Al Awadi defeated Sakeena Ali 2-0, while Zahra Al Sayed Mahdi eased past Nawal Faisal 2-0. The event is being supervised by Fatma Al Ghatam and Eman Shawqi. Serco tame Gulf Air SERCO defeated Gulf Air by 24 runs in a League Two match of the Corporate Cricket League organised by EZFiT. Batting first, Serco notched up 66 runs with Pavan (20) top scoring, In reply, Gulf Air finished on 42. Brief scores: Serco 66 (Pavan 24) bt Gulf Air 42 by 24 runs. MTC-Vodafone 103 (Sameer 35) bt BMMI 66 by 37 runs. Total Flooring Solutions 93 (Irvan 45) bt Standard Chartered Bank 16 by 77 runs. Ernst & Young Gladiators 88 (Fuwad 18) bt American Express 48 by 40 runs. Standings (points): League One: Citibank (17), Ernst and Young Gladia 0
108833 0 1532 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Free consultations by surgeons, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, 9am-1pm. Contact 17812200. Jewellery exhibition, Al Zain Jewellery, Seef Mall, 10am-10pm. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 8am-8pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups comprising more than 15 people or require tour in a specific language other than English. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Induction ceremony for the Indian Clubs new executive committee, followed by an entertainment programme, clubhouse, Manama, 7.30pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministrys Labour Inspection hot 0
108834 1 1532 WORL WORLD 16 killed as US helicopter crashes in desert KABUL: A US military helicopter smashed into a flat desert in southeastern Afghanistan yesterday, killing the four American crew and at least 12 others. It was the deadliest military crash here since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom. An Afghan police official said most of the dead appeared to be American. However, the US military provided no details of the passengers' identity. Two more people were listed as missing. The US military suggested that severe weather brought down the CH-47 Chinook near Ghazni city, 125km southwest of the capital, Kabul, as it returned from a mission in the militant-plagued south. It was flying back from a "routine mission" to the main American base at Bagram when controllers lost radio contact. A second Chinook made it safely back to the sprawling base north of Kabul. 0
108835 2 1532 WORL WORLD Conclave date set VATICAN CITY: The College of Cardinals set April 18 as the date for the historic start of the conclave to elect a successor to Pope John Paul II, as the Vatican made final arrangements for the funeral that is expected to draw millions of pilgrims and world leaders to Rome. Vatican spokesman Joaquin Navarro-Valls said the cardinals would celebrate a morning Mass on April 18, and then be sequestered in the Sistine Chapel in the early afternoon to start the conclave. According to church law, prelates are expected to hold one ballot on the first day of a conclave. The date was set on the third day of preparatory meetings of cardinals, who are flocking to Rome for tomorrow's funeral and burial of John Paul, who died on Saturday at 84 after a 26-year term as the leader of the world's one billion Roman Catholics. During yesterday's session, cardinals also read John Paul's spiritual testament, a 15-page document written in his native Polish over the course of his pontificate starting in 1979, a 0
108836 3 1532 WORL WORLD Tributes flow in for Prince Rainier MONACO: Tributes flooded in yesterday for Monaco's Prince Rainier, the 81-year-old leader who transformed the tiny Mediterranean microstate into a thriving modern economy and touched the world with his fairy-tale marriage to Grace Kelly. Rainier - who ruled the principality from 1949 and was the world's second longest-reigning monarch after the king of Thailand - died after a month in hospital battling heart, lung and kidney problems. French President Jacques Chirac praised Rainier's courage and tenacity in the face of failing health. Britain's Queen Elizabeth, who succeeds the prince as the longest serving monarch in Europe, sent a message to the family, saying she was saddened by his death. 0
108837 0 1532 WORL WORLD Italy faces big security task ROME: Anti-aircraft rocket launchers are in place around Rome, and a navy warship armed with torpedoes is patrolling the coastline near the capital. Those and other security measures are Italy's menacing message to terrorists ahead of Pope John Paul II's funeral. Although Italian authorities are playing down the threat of an attack, they're also taking no chances: Tomorrow's funeral will draw millions of pilgrims along with US President George W Bush, two of his predecessors and dozens of monarchs, presidents and prime ministers. There are plenty of reasons why militants might consider a strike, foremost among them Italy's involvement in the US-led coalition in Iraq and an ongoing investigation into alleged Al Qaeda cells in the northern city of Milan. And there are plenty of potential targets: Bush, who flew to Rome last night; former US presidents George H W Bush and Bill Clinton; US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice; Britain's Prince Charles and Prime Minister Tony Blair; UN Secreta 0
108838 0 1532 WORL WORLD Rainier transformed Monaco MONACO: Monaco was in mourning yesterday after the death of Prince Rainier, the 81-year-old leader who transformed the tiny Mediterranean microstate into a thriving modern economy and touched the world with his fairy-tale marriage to Grace Kelly. Rainier - who ruled the principality from 1949 and was the world's second longest-reigning monarch after the king of Thailand - died yesterday after a month in hospital battling heart, lung and kidney problems. A palace source said that his funeral will take place in Monaco's cathedral on April 15. He will then be interred in the crypt next to his beloved wife, who died in a car crash 23 years ago. Church bells tolled across the pocket principality, which is smaller than New York's Central Park. Television and radio stations interrupted normal programmes to air classical music and tributes. The flag above the royal palace was already at half-mast because of the death of Pope John Paul II. The mood among the devoutly Catholic popu 0
108839 0 1532 WORL WORLD Kashmir bus centre raided SRINAGAR: Gun-toting Islamic rebels yesterday stormed and torched a centre sheltering passengers due to travel on a historic bus ride between divided Indian and Pakistani Kashmir, causing dozens of injuries. Terrified people, including women and children, hurled themselves through ground floor windows as fire engulfed the heavily fortified complex in Srinagar, flames leaping high into the air and thick black smoke blanketing the city centre. The army said it killed one of the two suicide attackers in the early stages of the raid, but were still hunting the second. Other reports said both the suicide bombers were killed. Officials say dozens of civilians were injured in the attack, but the more than two dozen passengers scheduled to make the journey to Pakistani Kashmir in today's inaugural run - who were living at the complex because of earlier guerilla threats - escaped unharmed. "God! Please don't let anyone else see such a horrible day!" wailed one distraught survivor as he ra 0
108840 0 1532 WORL WORLD Sinn Fein urges IRA to end struggle BELFAST: Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams appealed directly to Irish Republican Army members yesterday to leave their 35-year "armed struggle" in Northern Ireland behind. British Prime Minister Tony Blair welcomed Adams's appeal, but said the "final judgment" would depend on whether the paramilitary group heeded the call. Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern praised Adams's appeal, but said that "nothing less than a complete and decisive end" to all its paramilitary activities and capabilities would lead to lasting peace in Northern Ireland. Adams, a reputed IRA commander since the mid-1970s, didn't directly call for the outlawed organisation to disarm fully and disband as the British, Irish and American governments have repeatedly demanded. But Adams did call for IRA members to begin internal discussions immediately about giving their exclusive support to Sinn Fein, the major Catholic-backed party in this British territory. "Our struggle has reached a defining moment," Adams sa 0
108841 0 1532 WORL WORLD Blair and Howard lock horns LONDON: Prime Minister Tony Blair clashed head-on yesterday with opposition Conservative leader Michael Howard, the man dead-set on getting his job, in their last verbal showdown in parliament before the May 5 election. With their respective pack of MPs cheering them on, Blair and Howard gave voters a flavour of the next four weeks of campaigning, with the Tory chief accusing the prime minister of "eight years of broken promises". "He talks about his record ... I'll tell him about his record," said Howard, backed by a literal chorus of Tory legislators. "Taxes - up! Crime - up! Immigration - up! Waiting times (in hospitals) - up! MRSA (the deadly hospital superbug) -- up! Truancy - up!" he shouted in the jam-packed House of Commons. "Take-home pay - down! Pensions - down! Productivity growth - down! Manufacturing employment down! (Crime) detection rates - down!" Blair, relishing the fight, shot back with a dire warning that economic stability and jobs will be endangered 0
108842 0 1532 WORL WORLD Belfast sisters plan civil suit BRUSSELS: The sisters of murdered Belfast man Robert McCartney are seeking to raise 250,000 (BD177,849) for a civil action to put his killers behind bars, another blow to Sinn Fein, the political ally of the IRA. Three of his sisters visited Brussels to raise their fight for justice with EU politicians. McCartney, a 33-year old Roman Catholic and father of two, was stabbed to death outside a Belfast pub by a gang that included known IRA members. Nobody has been arrested for the murder. "It's 10 weeks on Sunday since the murder of our brother," Gemma McCartney, a sister, told a meeting of the Socialist group in the EU assembly. "We are now coming up against a blank wall." The McCartney family say the Irish Republican Army is intimidating people from coming forward to give evidence to police. They are seeking to start a civil case similiar to the one taken by the families of the 1998 Omagh bombing. "That's how much (250,000 sterling) we need to raise," 0
108843 0 1532 WORL WORLD A presidential shock for Saddam BAGHDAD: Saddam Hussein watched the election of Iraq's new president on video and was shaken by what he saw, the country's Human Rights Minister Bakhtiar Amin said yesterday. "He was clearly upset. He realised that it was over, that a democratic process had taken place and that there was a new, elected president," Amin said. "It was not just the fact that there was a new president, but that the president was a Kurd. And the previous interim president became a vice-president. What's more, it all happened without bloodshed," he said. US hails election - Page 2 Suspect killed RIYADH: Abdul Rahman Al Yazji, one of the suspected Al Qaeda militants on Saudi Arabia's most wanted list, was killed in a clash with security forces in Riyadh yesterday. The interior ministry said, quoted by state television, said Yazji was shot dead during a raid by security forces on a house in which he was holed up with a comrade in an industrial area in the south of the capital. Another 14 militants, in 0
108844 0 1532 WORL WORLD Don Quixote honoured by silicon knights ... A mad, mad world ... Physicists in Spain are celebrating the 400th anniversary of publication of Miguel de Cervantes Don Quixote in a very small way: they wrote the first paragraph on a silicon chip in letters so tiny the whole 1,000-page book would fit on the tips of six human hairs. The feat - just for fun - shows off a data-storage technique developed years ago by the Microelectronics Institute of Madrid, part of the government's top scientific research agency. It uses a device called an atomic force microscope, which runs a ceramic or semiconductor tip over a silicon surface in much the same way as a phonograph needle scans a record. Using water vapour in the atmosphere and an electric charge, that tip basically etches out tiny letters on the surface, lead researcher Ricardo Garcia told the newspaper El Pais. The technique can be used to make computer chips and so-called electronic paper, thin flexible sheets that can store and erase information. Garcia's team added a high-tech element to a year 0
108845 0 1532 WORL WORLD Craig picked as the new James Bond LONDON: The producers of the hugely successful James Bond film franchise have chosen British actor Daniel Craig to take over the role of the suave super-spy. The 37-year-old has been offered a three-film deal by Bond producer Barbara Broccoli and is expected to sign up formally in the next few weeks, the Sun newspaper reported. Craig, a tough-looking character actor who has mixed up appearances in many art-house titles with roles in blockbusters such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, just beat fellow Briton Clive Owen for the role, the report said. Craig would be the sixth Bond in the official series of films based on the novels by Ian Fleming, following Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and most recent incumbent Pierce Brosnan. According to the Sun, Owen - nominated for an Oscar this year for film Closer - had told casting agents he did not want the job, although Broccoli was already favouring Craig. While Craig remains relatively unknown outside Britai 0
108846 0 1532 WORL WORLD Bush praises election of Talabani and Yawar WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush yesterday hailed the election of an Iraqi president by the national assembly as a "momentous step" toward democracy in the country. Bush said he expected the new president Jalal Talabani and two vice presidents and vice presidents Adel Abdul Mahdi and Ghazi Al Yawar to quickly appoint a government. "Iraq' Transitional National Assembly took a momentous step forward in Iraq's transition to democracy today, voting by an overwhelming majority to elect the presidency council of the Iraqi transitional government," said Bush. The Arab League also hailed the choice of former Kurdish fighter Jalal Talabani as the president. Its Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs Ahmed Ben Hilli also underscored the tight relationship between Talabani and the Arab League. 0
108847 0 1532 WORL WORLD Millions of babies 'dying needlessly' GENEVA: One woman still dies every minute in pregnancy or childbirth, while each 60 seconds 20 young children succumb to easily preventable disease, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said yesterday. The UN agency said the situation for expectant mothers and babies had worsened since the 1990s in dozens of countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, defying global advances in medicine. "Despite much good work over the years, 10.6 million children and 529,000 mothers are still dying each year, mostly from avoidable causes," the WHO said in its annual report, entitled Make Every Mother and Child Count. On current trends, some countries in Africa could take another 150 years to reach UN targets for reducing maternal mortality, officials said. The WHO called for an additional investment of $9 billion (BD3.4bn) annually on maternal and child healthcare, including programmes to combat malnutrition and avoidable diseases. 0
108848 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Workers 'stole camera parts' TWO Indians working at a Bahrain store are accused of selling spare parts and pocketing the cash for themselves. They allegedly stole photography and printing equipment, covered up the theft by making false entries in the client register and then sold it to people who did not deal directly with the company. The two defendants are the former 54-year-old store manager and 32-year-old marketing manager for Al Zayani Commercial Services, in Manama. Both men are now facing charges of breach of trust and stealing in the Lower Criminal Court. They have pleaded not guilty to the charges, which date back to 2003. However, the company lawyer claimed they would remove spare parts from their boxes before selling them without providing receipts and without depositing the money in the company account. "Both defendants possessed keys to the store," said the lawyer in a letter to the court. "They used to come to the store during official holidays when the owner and 0
108849 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Walking circuits plan is unveiled PLANS have been unveiled to build three new family walking circuits in Manama. An existing walkway near the site of the Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) has also been earmarked for renovation. The three new walkways will also include clinics to provide free health advice and medical check-ups to families, according to Manama Municipal Council vice-chairman Tariq Al Shaikh. Discussions are now taking place between the council and the Manama Municipality to determine their location. "We are currently surveying the area north of the Marina Club, the open ground behind the Bahrain map, in Tubli, and La Maison De Caf, and that alongside the road leading from Al Dana Mall to the Pearl Roundabout," he said. "Everything is being studied carefully to ensure the place has car parks to accommodate families using the walkways." Mr Al Shaikh, who is also public utilities and services committee chairman, said the walkways would be similar to the one on Estiqlal Highway 0
108850 1 1533 BNEW LOCAL Cyclists set for endurance ride AROUND a dozen cyclists will set off on a 200km endurance ride around Bahrain today in what has been described as the first attempt to peddle the circumference of the country.They will start their journey at 5am in Awali and do not expect to finish until 1pm at the earliest. The endurance ride is not a race or a charitable event, but a challenge by a group who believe the distance has not been done before in Bahrain - although shorter distances have been covered in the last year. "We are starting early in the morning while it is cooler and hope to avoid the heavy traffic on the Sitra causeway and in Muharraq," said organiser Paul Cleaver. The journey will be split into three legs and the first is a 63km stint starting in Awali, passing Alba, Sitra, Mina Salman, over the new causeway to Hidd and Muharraq, back into Manama along the King Faisal Highway, past Seef, along the Budaiya Highway and finishing in Janabiya. After a short rest the second leg will take cyclists down t 0
108851 1 1533 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain-Singapore sign open skies pact MANAMA SINGAPORE: Bahrain and Singapore signed an open skies agreement yesterday that removed all bilateral restrictions on passenger and cargo flights for their national airlines.The accord also allows Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Gulf Air to use each other's airports as a base to launch flights to third countries. Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, who signed the agreement with his Singapore counterpart Yeo Cheow Tong, immediately invited SIA to resume flights to Bahrain, which were halted in 1988. "We want to offer all the facilities, all the services for them to resume back their operations to Bahrain airport," Shaikh Ali said after the signing ceremony. "We see there is growth in the aviation industry, there's a lot of good potential around Bahrain for Singapore airlines to fly to and beyond Bahrain." He said SIA suspended flights to Bahrain following the advent of long-range planes that allowed the carrier to fly directly from Singapore to Europe w 0
108852 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Cashing in on Grand Prix success OVER one third of Bahrain companies who took part in a national survey admitted to inflating their prices during the first Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix last year. Thirty-nine of 132 establishments questioned said they bumped up their prices because of an increase in demand. Hotels, restaurants and car-rental companies in particular admitted to increasing their prices in the survey, conducted by the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research (BCSR). It estimated that prices went up on average across all sectors by 38pc - stating that 44pc of companies kept the prices up for less than a week, while 25pc kept them for more than a week. "Increases in prices in some hotels reached 100pc, while others answered that the increase did not exceed 25pc," said the survey. Meanwhile, around 65.3pc of businesses said they profited from last year's race. Financial gains were highest in restaurants, hotels, travel agencies, boutiques and car rental companies. The surv 0
108853 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Embassy welfare officer is named A NEW welfare officer is arriving in Bahrain next week to assume duties and responsibilities at the Philippine Embassy, Zinj. Venus Bravo is to take over the post, left by former welfare officer Hassan Jumdain, next Friday. Mr Jumdain completed his four-year term in Bahrain last month. The Philippines' Department of Labour and Employment has also confirmed that Martina Muli is to arrive with Ms Bravo as administrative staff. Several staff at the embassy are leaving Bahrain this month after completing their two-year duty. Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya is to authorise a finance/administrative officer to be the responsible custodian of Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration membership collections until the arrival of Ms Bravo. 0
108854 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Music show marks Tamil New Year A MUSICAL extravaganza has been lined up by the Indian Club tonight to celebrate the Tamil New Year. It is entitled Chithirai Thiru Vizha and starts at 6.30pm at the club, in Manama. The event will feature local musicians Ravi and Jaffar, who are taking to the stage after a long break. Seema Manimaran, a former resident of Bahrain now settled in Madras, is being specially flown in to entertain the audience. Other artists are Preethi Santhosh, Udaya Kumar, Moovendran Subash, Mohammed Siraj, Saleem Zakaria and Sukumar. Rajesh will entertain the crowd with mimicry. "The audience will be entertained with a number of songs from the 70s, as well as the latest music," said programme co-ordinator Pandy Narayanan. Friends Orchestra, led by Shams Cochin, will provide music for the event. "It will also have classical cinematic dances and mimicry items," said Mr Narayanan. The event is sponsored by Sangeetha Restaurant and is open to all. 0
108855 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL 220 donate blood at camp Around 220 people donated blood yesterday at the Sixth Prophet Mohammed Blood Donation Camp, Budaiya Health Centre. More than 400 people showed up for the event organised by the Duraz Charity Fund in co-ordination with the Health Ministry's Blood Bank. It took place under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. The anniversary of Prophet Mohammed's death falls today. 0
108856 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Festival to support needy students A CHARITY festival that will raise money to send poor and unemployed Bahrainis to university gets underway next week. The first Zaka Fund Charity Exhibition is taking place at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre from April 16 to 20. It is being held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, who will open the event. "We will use money from the carnival to help finance poor students who have high grades to get into university," said Zaka Fund chairman Ali Al Musalam. "The money will also go to help create small commercial centres where unemployed people can set up shops. "They will be given ownership of these shops by paying off the amount used for capital." The Zaka Fund raises money for poor Bahrainis through donations and activities. Mr Al Musalam said Zaka (Islamic alms) isn't simply about giving money and food to the poor - but helping them improve themselves and become product 0
108857 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Property show targets investors Investors in Bahrain are being targeted to buy property in the Philippines. Representatives from Camella and Palmera Properties International showcased properties in the Philippines at a seminar yesterday in the Mvenpick Hotel. A series of follow-up seminars are also planned today at Magnate International Properties office, in Exhibition Avenue, from 10am to 10pm. The delegation is currently touring the Gulf looking for investors and will also visit Kuwait, Qatar and Oman. Those interested in buying property in the Philippines can call 39604062, 39028214 or 39231274 for more information or to register. 0
108858 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Boy, 11, flies to Madrid for soccer game AN 11-year-old Bahraini boy leaves today to attend one of the biggest matches of the European soccer calendar - the twice-yearly clash between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. Gulf Pearl School student Ahmed Jaber Omran is one of five winners from Arab countries to win a trip to the match through Al Jazeera sports channel's Spanish La Liga competition. Ahmed will be accompanied by his father Jaber at the match, known as "El Classico", on Sunday. Al Jazeera will bear all travel, transportation and accommodation expenses for the five-day trip, including 2,000 euros (BD984) in pocket money, as well as the 79-euro (BD39) match ticket. The game will be played at the Bernabeu Stadium in the Spanish capital Madrid. Ahmed, of Daih, is a keen Barcelona fan. 0
108859 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL New year event THE Telugu Kala Samithi is celebrating Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, today at the Palace Inn from 10am. Indian Ambassador Bhaskar Kumar Mitra is attending as chief guest. The programme includes the induction of the club's new executive committee, entertainment by members' children and a traditional Ugadi lunch. Entry coupons cost BD2 for adults and BD1 for children. 0
108860 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Shares teach-in for students ABOUT 30 high school students who took part in a simulated stock-trading programme went on an educational tour of the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE) yesterday. BSE director Fouad Rashid made arrangements for them to observe activities of the brokers during trading hours. The students are from the Bahrain Bayan School, Ibn Khuldoon National School, Bahrain School, Naseem International School, St Christopher's School and two public schools. They were also briefed on the history and role of the BSE by electronic trading co-ordinator compliance officer Isa Bu Zaid. The programme, called TradeQuest, is held under the auspices of the American Association of Bahrain (AAB) and sponsored by various companies and organisations. It is operated as a competitive financial simulation geared to give students a realistic experience in the stock market - focusing on understanding the market, analysing and selecting stocks, as well as managing a portfolio of equity investments lis 0
108861 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Key award for Indian editor A SOCIAL service award will be presented to chairman and editor-in-chief of Indian-based newspaper Kerala Kaumudi M S Mani tonight. It will be handed over by the Gurudeva Cultural Association at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam at 8pm Award committee convenor Joy Kotoor said the award is presented once in three years to people actively involved in improving society in general, both in India and abroad. Association president G Raju will present a memento and certificate to Mr Mani. 0
108862 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Aramco staff visit heritage sites OVER 100 members of the Saudi Aramco Employees Association (SAEA) visited Bahrain's archaeological and heritage sites yesterday as part of a two-day visit to explore the country's history. The visit was organised by SAEA president Rami Kamal, with the help of Damam Regional Museum archaeologist Nabil Al Shaikh, to show members there is more to Bahrain than shopping and fine restaurants. "Since Bahrain is basically minutes away, many of the members visit it a lot, but don't really know the country and its history," said Mr Al Shaikh. "The cultural and heritage sites are fascinating and are some of the best in the world, but unfortunately a lot of the sites are basically being ignored." The group included Americans, Saudis, Europeans and Indians who were taken on the tour by Bahrain National Museum archaeologists Mohammed Redha and Ali Hassan. They visited the museum, Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque), Beit Al Quran, Arad Fort, Shaikh Isa bin Ali's House, Shaikh 0
108863 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Trader accused of selling porn AN Indian salesman is accused of selling pornographic Indian magazines from the cosmetics shop where he works, in Manama. However, he claims they are openly available at other stores in Bahrain and only feature pictures of Indian actresses, as well as adverts showing semi-clothed women. The 49-year-old has now been charged with possessing pornographic magazines for sale and distribution. He was summoned after an inspector from the Information Ministry raided the shop, which also sells cosmetics, perfumes, beauty products and tobacco, among other things. It is claimed he sold Indian newspapers and magazines without a licence and all publications - allegedly including pornographic magazines - were confiscated. However, he says he bought them from another shop in Salmaniya and denied they are pornographic. "That shop distributes these magazines and these can be found all over Bahrain," he said in a statement to police. "These newspapers and magazines a 0
108864 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Spring bazaar held ALMOST 70 exhibitors took part in the American Women's Association (AWA) Spring Bazaar yesterday at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. Shoppers had the opportunity to browse through a variety of products ranging from gold artifacts to Moroccan food and pottery. All proceeds from the 500 fils entrance fee and the book sales will go to charity. In addition, a raffle draw was held at the end of the event and a number of prizes were up for grabs including a return-trip to London courtesy of British Airways. The grand prize winner was Nagda Elghandakly, holder of ticket number 1240. Other winning ticket numbers were as follows: 0059, 1249, 0528, 0357, 0008, 1151, 0019, 1216, 0645, 0033, 0811, 1218, 1245, 1236, 0616, 0845, 0658, 0157, 1226, 0897, 0335, 0866, 0012, 0043, 0691, 0067, 0013, 0688, 1181, 1198, 0952, 0519. Those who have not yet claimed their prizes can call Mrs Elghandakly on 39682357 or Iman Fouad on 39407053 within the next week to pick up thei 0
108865 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Chefs take up Taste of India challenge... BUDDING chefs will put their skills to the test today in a cooking competition at the Indian Club, in Manama. It has been organised by the Association of Mar Ivanios College Old Students (Amicos) Bahrain chapter and starts at 9.30am. The contest called Taste of India is being organised for the fifth year and is open to all. The competition will be held in four categories: vegetarian cuisine, non-vegetarian cuisine, salads and desserts (excluding fruit salads and ice- creams). Prizes in gold and cash will be offered for winners in each category. For more information contact Beena Thomas on 39132403 or Sasi Manohar on 39229077. 0
108866 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Language sermons MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering Friday sermons in different languages today. The following is a schedule for the sermons, provided by the Islamic Affairs Ministry. * Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Fateh Mosque in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque in Isa Town, Saar Mosque in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira Bin Shoba Mosque in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque in Barbar. * Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque in Manama, Othman Bin Afan Mosque in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque in East Riffa and Adliya Mosque in Adliya. * Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama. * Bangladeshi: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama and Saar Mosque in Saar. * English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. * Sinhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. The translations will be made following the lunchtime prayers. 0
108867 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL UN reforms plan discussed A SEMINAR on United Nations reforms was held yesterday by the Bahraini Network of Civic Societies for Development at Al Oruba Club, in Juffair. It was conducted by Dr Ali Fakhro, Dr Muneera Fakhro, Abdulnabi Al Ekri, Mohammed Al Shareef, Fareeda Ghulam and Abdulla Janahi. Speakers covered various aspects related to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's report on proposed reforms launched on March 21. They discussed recommendations related to human rights, global poverty, major diseases, international security co-operation and structural changes at the UN. The report will top the agenda at a special UN summit in September to be attended by leaders of the 191 member states, including US President George W Bush. Present were representatives from non-governmental organisations and individuals concerned with international affairs. 0
108868 0 1533 BNEW LOCAL Drivers rev up for charity OVER $100,000 was raised during a Mini Challenge charity race held during second Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix last week. The race, which featured 10 Mini Coopers driven by local drivers, was organised by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and EuroMotors. A Bahraini company sponsored each car in the challenge and each driver paid an entrance fee of $10,000, which will go to Bahraini charities. The winners of the charity race, sponsored by EuroMotors, were Fahad Al Musallum from the Unstoppabulls, Ali Aryan from the Al Areen Desert Spa and Salah Salahuddin from Intercol. Among those that took part in the race were Crown Prince Court president Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa and EuroMotors managing director Zayed Al Zayani. 0
108869 3 1533 BNEW LOCAL Stepping out to spread health awareness... HUNDREDS of people celebrated World Health Day yesterday with a one-kilometre walkathon held at the walking circuit, off Al Estiqlal Highway, Sanad.World Health Day falls annually on April 7 and this year it was held under the slogan Make Every Mother and Child Count. The theme was chosen to highlight the fact that almost 11 million children under five years die every year from causes that are largely preventable, according to the World Health Organisation World Health Report 2005 - Make Every Mother and Child Count. "Among them are four million babies who will not survive the first month of life. At the same time, more than half a million women will die in pregnancy, childbirth or soon after," says the report. It says that reducing this toll in line with the Millennium Development Goals depends largely on every mother and every child having the right to access to health care from pregnancy through childbirth, the neonatal period and childhood. The walkathon, held under 0
108870 1 1533 BUSI BUSINESS BoE keeps rate on hold ahead of polls LONDON: The Bank of England (BoE) left its key interest rate unchanged at 4.75 per cent for the eighth month in a row yesterday at the central bank's final monetary policy meeting before Britons vote in a general election.British Prime Minister Tony Blair on Tuesday called a nationwide vote for May 5, with his Labour government hoping to win an unprecedented third consecutive term in power on the back of sustained economic growth, high employment and low inflation. The BoE refrained from raising rates yesterday amid a mixed picture of softer consumer spending and a faltering housing market. Britain's housing market recorded the biggest monthly drop in property prices for a decade in March, a survey from major home loan provider Nationwide revealed, while separate BoE data showed a fall in the number of people applying for home loans. As is customary when no change is made to the "repo" rate - the rate of interest at which the BoE lends to commercial banks - the bank gave no expla 0
108871 2 1533 BUSI BUSINESS $2.5bn India gas project gets nod NEW DELHI: The Indian government gave the green light yesterday to Reliance Industries, India's biggest petrochemical producer, for a $2.49bn project to develop a natural gas field.Reliance director Vinod K Sibal told the Press Trust of India, that the approval would lead to the production of 40 million cubic metres of gas a day in the Krishna Godavari basin off the Bay of Bengal. This production level would be achieved at the the Dhirubhai-1 and Dhirubhai-3 gas fields from the end of 2007. "The development plan approved by us envisages Reliance Industries investing $2.49bn," he told the news agency. "The development plan has been approved based on our estimation of five to six trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves," Sibal added. Energy hungry India is expected to require 400m cubic metres of gas per day by 2025, up from 90m cubic metres now. 0
108872 3 1533 BUSI BUSINESS ECB leaves key rates untouched FRANKFURT: The European Central Bank held its key rates steady as expected at its regular monthly policy-setting meeting yesterday as recent disappointing economic data offset the bank's concerns about potential inflationary threats arising from the renewed surge in oil prices.The ECB said it held the minimum bid rate for its regular refinancing operations steady at two per cent, where it has been since June 2003. And the guardian of the euro also held its other two key rates - the deposit rate and the marginal lending rate - unchanged at 1pc and 3pc respectively. ECB watchers had unanimously predicted that eurozone borrowing costs would remain where they were, so the euro was stable at around $1.2910 immediately after the rate announcement. Instead, financial markets were waiting to hear whether the bank had altered its assessment of growth prospects for the single currency region in the wake of recent disappointing data. Analysts believe the ECB would actually like to r 0
108873 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS Motorola opens lab in Bangalore BANGALORE: Communica-tion equipment maker Motorola yesterday opened a research centre in Bangalore, India's technology hub, and announced an annual investment of $17 million in two existing software development centres in the country. "We look at this country as a strategic hub for developing our technology products for the global market," Padmasree Warrior, Motorola's executive vice president and chief technology officer, told reporters in the southern city. The new centre will develop next generation wireless networking technology, she said. Motorola, based in Libertyville, Illinois, already runs software development centres in Bangalore and southern Hyderabad city, employing 1,700 engineers. Its Indian sales office employs 300 people. Motorola also plans to hire 500 software engineers in India each year and invest $17m to expand its development centres. The company has so far invested more than $150m in India. 0
108874 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai firm's towering profits DUBAI: Dubai-based developer EMAAR Properties, which is building what is projected to be the world's tallest skyscraper, announced yesterday record first quarter net profits of 1.32 billion dirhams ($360 million). EMAAR said in a statement the figure was up 537 per cent on 20m dirhams achieved in the same period last year, a record rise. Revenues rose 154pc to 2.83bn dirhams compared with the corresponding period in 2004, said EMAAR, which last year posted net profits of 1.69bn dirhams. Earnings per share reached 1.96 dirhams. When completed, EMAAR's Burj Dubai tower will stand some 800 metres high, comfortably taller than any building currently standing. Dubai is in the midst of a construction frenzy, with resorts, malls and residential complexes sprouting across its desert sands. The emirate aims to establish itself as the Gulf's business and leisure hub, and plans to attract 15m visitors a year by 2010 and 40m by 2015. EMAAR, which lists the Dubai gove 0
108875 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS Crude could rise to $100 a barrel says IMF economist WASHINGTON: Forecasts that oil prices could surpass $100 a barrel are not "outlandish", a senior International Monetary Fund official said yesterday. Commenting on a study by investment bank Goldman Sachs that predicted oil prices could go as high as $105 a barrel, IMF senior economist Raghuram Rajan said that scenario was possible. "To the extent that there is some kind of a supply disruption, $100 a barrel does not seem outlandish," he told reporters. But Rajan added: "Is it the most likely scenario? I think not necessarily; it depends on how the market evolves. "The point that we want to make is that the market is tight," he said, presenting an IMF study on the oil markets that forms part of the organisation's twice-yearly World Economic Outlook report. "So large movements either in demand or in supply can have significant effects on price," the IMF official said. But Rajan also played down the historical parallels to current price trends that have seen 0
108876 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS Exchange goes hi-tech LONDON: London's International Petroleum Exchange's decision to scrap open outcry trading is a high-risk strategy in its battle to fend off competition from rival the New York Mercantile Exchange. The IPE shut its oil trading pit yesterday, and from today offer only electronic trade. By contrast, Nymex, the world's biggest commodity futures exchange, has committed itself to maintaining open outcry and in November opened a pit in Dublin that hosts a rival version of the IPE's flagship Brent crude futures contract. Many traders and analysts predict the IPE's long dominance of Brent means its electronic contract will ultimately win out over Nymex's open outcry version, and maintain a trend of financial markets that have gone all-electronic. "The market that has the better liquidity will very likely retain it, in this case the IPE," said Christopher Bellew of Bache Financial. But others say that given the strength of oil dealers' feeling against electronic trade, the 0
108877 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS Beijing fury over EU move against textile imports BEIJING: China yesterday reacted furiously to new measures taken by the European Union against imports of Chinese textiles, calling the move a potential blow to the global clothing trade. "This departs from the spirit of free trade proposed by Europe and seriously violates the basic principles of the World Trade Organisation," commerce ministry spokesman Chong Quan said in a statement on the ministry's website. "It will have a negative impact not just on Sino-European textile trade, but on overall global textile trade," he said. The Chinese response came a day after the European Union unveiled "alert levels" for growth rates in Chinese clothing imports which will trigger investigations and informal consultations with China. The EU action, and other parallel actions by the US, reflect a world coming to terms with the end on January 1 of a 31-year-old international textile import quota system. The expiry of the system has left producers in developed and developing c 0
108878 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS MG Rover suspends production LONDON: Cash-strapped car manufacturer MG Rover Group said yesterday it has suspended production at its British factory, blaming negative media coverage surrounding its talks with the Shanghai Automotive Industrial about a takeover for spooking suppliers. The company also called on the British government to firm up its offer of a 100 million bridging loan to keep MG Rover solvent to assist the deal, warning that time is "clearly running out." Reports have suggested that the deal, announced in November by MG Rover, is close to collapsing because of Chinese concerns about the British manufacturer's perilous financial situation. MG Rover executives and British government officials are in China holding emergency talks with SAIC. MG Rover said no cars were being built yesterday at its Longbridge plant in Birmingham, central England. "Given the amount of negative media coverage this week it is no surprise that we have suffered a few isolated component supply problems," the co 0
108879 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS Bank of China in tie-up talks BEIJING: Bank of China, one of the nation's four state-owned commercial banks, yesterday said it was in talks with Deutsche Bank, UBS AG and Bank of America for a possible strategic partnership. "We are talking with these banks," said Wang Zhaowen, spokesman for the Chinese bank. The state-controlled Financial News daily yesterday quoted Wang as saying that Bank of China is in talks with Bank of America and other banks including Swiss and German entities. It is the first time Bank of China announced the names of the foreign banks interested in buying a stake in the state-owned bank. Wang said the talks were still ongoing and they would try to reach an agreement within the first half of this year. But he would not name the other banks. The Financial News reported that at least six foreign banks are in talks with Bank of China for a strategic partnership. Strategic investors could help improve the management of the bank, which has been embroiled in a series 0
108880 0 1533 BUSI BUSINESS British group sells Kazakh oilfield stake ALMATY: Britain's BG Group said yesterday it had completed the sale of its stake in Kazakhstan's mammoth Kashagan offshore oilfield for some $1.8 billion. BG, formerly part of British Gas, "has today received an aggregate pre-tax cash consideration of approximately $1.8bn" for its 16.67 per cent stake in the "supergiant" Kashagan field in the Caspian Sea, a statement on BG's Internet site read. The announcement confirms an earlier announced plan to share out the BG stake among five other partners in the Kashagan consortium - Eni, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, Total and ConocoPhillips. These partners are now expected to sell half of the BG stake on to the Kazakh state's Kazmunaigaz. The deal is seen as something of a coup for Kazmunaigaz following doubts voiced by some in the consortium about the Kazakh firm's willingness to match the investment by the other partners. Italy's ENI, the operating partner, confirmed the plan for the five purchasing companies to sell half of 0
108881 0 1533 COMM COMMENTAn F1 marshal confesses... Now that the last whistle is blown, last flag waved and even the last message on the observer channel is nothing but mere static, we try to come to grips with real life. The adrenaline rush had fooled us into believing we were on another plane. Is this what an alcoholic or a drug addict feels, the psychedelic ecstasy? Or is it purely the thrill of being alive, being a part of something every motor sport enthusiast dreams of. The roar of the engines is fading fast but like the mother of a new-born baby, we don't want to let it go. Even as every muscle in our body aches, we try to get used to the peace and quiet of the antiseptic environment of our offices. We try real hard to behave normally, like we used to just three days ago but something within us has changed. As I look around the uninspired faces of my colleagues, I want to scream... "This is not life, this is not we are meant to live." And all I am met with is stony indifference of the corporate environment. My dear 0
108882 0 1533 COMM COMMENTTime for 003 1/2's day in the Hollywood limelight? I have to admit, I'm feeling a touch miffed. For each time the role of James Bond comes up, I'm convinced that my turn has come. Yet once again a usurper has taken my place, this time in the form of 37-year-old British actor Daniel Craig, who will slip into Pierce Brosnan's shoes. All the Bonds - Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Brosnan have been stereotypical of the hero genre - tall, dark, handsome and, of course, deadly. I have been a fan since Connery's days back in the 1960s and can remember sitting with my father in the local cinema, enthralled by all the gadgetry and the high-speed chases. In later years I was still hooked and would come out of Bond movies feeling taller and braver, though the feeling usually wore off by the time I had stood in the rain for half an hour, waiting for the bus home. Brosnan was good as the latest reincarnation but I have to admit that by the time he came on the scene the magic had gone and 0
108885 0 1533 LETT LETTERS No one to help after hit-and-run ordeal I MET with a horrifying incident last week near the Clock roundabout on Exhibition Avenue. I was hit by some careless and reckless driver in a car while I was on my way with my colleague on the motorcyle. I was sitting behind and the car came and hit me on the right leg due to which we lost control of the vehicle and both fell down. The driver of the car fled the scene without giving a second thought of what had happened to us. Some of the few very good-hearted Bahraini people came to our rescue and advised us to take the car number and call the police. As responsible expats we called 199 thinking we shall register our complaint with the traffic police. The accident happened at around 10.45am and even after an hour there was no sign of any traffic gentleman who could assist us in lodging a complaint. We called more than twice and got the same answer that we should wait until the police come. But after about two-and-a half hours we lost hope and left the place without lodgi 0
108886 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Water queue huge THE Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix this year came with immense heat and there was plenty of water to be bought at various stands. But once seated for the race if you wanted more cool water you had to get up and go down to the forecourt and queue a long time. A suggestion for next year, please can salesmen come up and sell their water direct to the viewers - the high price of 500 fils for a small bottle equates to a high percentage of profit to pay for more salesmen, this way sales will rocket even more, people can stay in their seats so everyone will be happier. Thirsty 0
108887 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Students a nuisance I WAS lucky enough to be given a ticket for the Formula One race at the last minute. It was in the Grandstand where 2,000 boys from the university were also given free tickets. They duly arrived, after the race had started of course, equipped with all they needed to watch the race, i.e. mobile phone, pack of fags and duly took seats, not their allocated ones of course. So throughout the race they were up and down all the time, in and out, on their mobiles, chain smoking - a total distraction. Around them were the visitors to Bahrain, who had paid a high price to come, high hotel bills, and spending to boost the Bahrain economy. Next year for this event, a suggestion is that an area is reserved for this situation away from the affluent visitors where the students can do their own thing without disturbing the F1 visitors. Observer 0
108888 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Wake-up call to courts THE punishment for crimes committed does not in anyway fit the type of crimes being committed. In the majority of the cases, the perpetrators get away with a slap on the wrist, and nothing else. And this is not the first time that this has been noted... several GDN readers have already expressed this several times. There was a report that a 23-year-old 'youth' raped a teenage boy, at knifepoint. What did the 'youth' get in return? A one month jail sentence, or a BD100 fine? You have got to be kidding me. When will the higher authorities, the fine lawmakers of Bahrain realise that they are a laughing stock to the rest of the world? What kind of signal are they sending to the people in Bahrain? To me it seems that the message they are sending is that you can commit any heinous act you want, whenever you want, against whomever you want, but we'll forgive you, and give you a second, a third and however many other chances you want. So, to the high courts and lawmakers.. 0
108889 0 1533 LETT LETTERS I've been conned! I WAS going to meet my wife at Bahrain International Airport the other night and was in a hurry, when a man in a thobe (national dress) approached me outside the arrivals terminal, saying 'hello how are you', and then 'you don't recognise me, do you?' I looked puzzled and he said 'think of where you work', and I named my company, to which he said 'yes'. Being a large company I named the only department where he could have worked and again he said 'yes'. He then went on to say that he was sending his wife and children on a trip to Dubai and had BD270 to pay as excess baggage and if I could lend him BD70 as he only had BD200 and no credit card. Wanting to help a colleague I gave him BD60 and he said he'd pay me back in the morning. Well you can guess the rest. So if anyone approaches you anywhere in Bahrain pretending to know you and you feel embarrassed because you can't remember from where, apologise and walk away and keep your money in your pocket. Mr Stu 0
108890 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Thank you GDN... NOT only have you replied to my letter (GDN, April 1) but you have taken the trouble to personally call me and post the relevant forms. I applaud your Letters Page desk who took the time to follow up and personally call me with the details on the phone and a promise to post the forms which I have received. God bless you. I know now why I have stayed 20 years on this wonderful island. Michelle 0
108891 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Appalling example IT was shocking to read that a motorist who caused the death of an eight-year-old girl has been sentenced to just six months imprisonment, which, too, he can avoid by paying only BD500. What kind of example are we setting here? Is there no value for life in Bahrain? Anand 0
108892 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Schiavo ruling tragic XERXES says (GDN, April 4) Terri Schiavo's life was already over so what did it matter. My question is "Who Sez? Only the Almighty can decide when one's life is over not another human being for whatever purpose, convenience, monetary or just indifference. How does anyone know for sure that poor Terri did not want to die, those poor parents really didn't have a say in it and they were doing their parental duty in deeply caring for their daughter. It's tragic that some judge can rule who shall die and who shall not die, doesn't sound like democracy to me. Saddened reader 0
108893 0 1533 LETT LETTERS A humble man of great vision... MY family and I were grieved on seeing the passing away of our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, on late Saturday night at his Vatican residence. Pope John Paul was a man of vision, he was a Pope of the people, not only of the 1.1 billion Catholics throughout the world, but of all people with whom he met. People from all across the globe respected and appreciated the man who cared for the downtrodden, especially the youth of this age. My wife and I will never forget the day when we heard his Holy Mass at the St Peter's Basilica in Rome during the Jubilee year of 2000. I am also honoured to be one of the recipient from the 10, when we received the Papal Honour, PRO ECCLESIA ET PONTIFICE that same year, which I always cherish. We have no words, but thank God, for giving us a humble, loving and caring Pope of our times, who will always be remembered by the young and the old. May God grant his soul eternal rest. John Rebello 0
108894 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Judgements a lottery WHAT sentence shall we give the rapist this week? Will it be one-week or 25 years? We just don't know! Let's reach into the judge's head to find out. That's how it seems sometimes, like a bit of a raffle or a lucky dip. The sentences dolled out by the courts are all a bit too random. Regarding the Bahraini youth raping a student, first of all, let's just see what he is guilty of. 1: Kidnapping 2: Possession of a deadly weapon 3: Rape 4: Failure to appear in court 5: Buggery (an act in itself punishable by 10 years imprisonment) What does he get for doing this? One month or BD100. How can the courts cheapen a life like this? Now, if the boy had gone to the rapist and requested BD100 for sexual intercourse, he would be considered a male prostitute and sentenced accordingly. But in this case the rapist takes what he wants, hands over BD100 but this time to the court and it's OK? There are two major differences, firstly, it's not 0
108895 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Too judgemental? IN the tourism article written by Mr Les Horton (GDN April 2) he stated "I really was not surprised to read that fans who visited Bahrain for its debut Grand Prix last year shunned the country's tourist attractions." Well, first of all, I would like to remind you about an article (GDN March 27) regarding "New plan aims to preserve natural resources" which talks about tourism within the article that suggests that in the year 2002, 3.64 million tourists visited Bahrain - which was six times bigger than the country's population. You may not find any of your articles as being offensive however regarding your comment (GDN March 23) that the Western community should suggest that all Muslims should be extremists, I and many other Muslims find this very harsh for a person living in a Muslim country to talk in such a manner. We follow a religion and this is what it informs us to do. You have no right what so ever to be talking about how the women in Bahrain act or behave. If they are w 0
108896 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Inputting error... WITH reference to the letter regarding the 'Crossed Lines' between the Thai and Yemen Embassies (GDN March 19), Batelco thanks your reader for pointing out the error in the yellow pages of our newly-published 2005 telephone directory and apologises for any inconvenience that the mistake has caused. We have thoroughly investigated the matter and unfortunately, while the white pages listings are correct, both the Thai and Yemen Embassy entries in the yellow pages are listed using the Yemen Embassy telephone number. This mistake occurred as a result of an inputting error at TeleGulf, the agency that publishes the directory. In order to resolve the issue, Batelco has contacted both embassies to advise them of the error and the Yemen Embassy has very kindly agreed to re-direct calls for the Embassy of Thailand, giving callers the correct telephone number. We have also written to both embassies explaining what went wrong, and what actions TeleGulf and Batelco are taking to rectify the 0
108897 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Critique brilliant Donna Hill (GDN March 27) offered a brilliant, tongue-in-cheek critique of Les Horton's commentary. Those of us who are still carrying the shackles of colonial slavery in our minds obviously have mis-read/understood her intent and are continuing to (wrongly) lambast her literary piece. Who is to determine the right from the wrong? What is the difference between fact and truth? What is moral behaviour, and by whose definition? What is righteousness? These are only some of the questions which have occupied thinkers/philosophers/moralists for centuries, and we still await answers. In the meantime, has it become so difficult for each of us, a human - no different from an other human - to accept this simple truth and extend love and compassion? I guess, we are focused on the saying "I am unique; Just like everyone else." Pankaj 0
108898 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Tourist attractions need promoting... THIS is in response to Les Horton for his comments "Bahrain's tourist attractions hard to find" (GDN April 2). I agree with him that most of tourist attractions in Bahrain are very poorly maintained and don't facilitate the tourists even for the basic necessities like sanitation. However, I would request him not to show only the dark side of the picture because as a matter of fact there are some exceptionally excellent tourist attractions on this island what you hardly find in any other place. I am amazed why Horton didn't take his guests to Beit-al-Quran which is a beautiful private collection of very rare and valuable manuscripts and many antique pieces of Art. Dr A Latif Kanoo deserves a great honour for preserving and presenting it so beautifully and for doing a great service to the field of arts and Arabic history. Beit Al Quran is open to all, free of cost and provides all the basic facilities in its extremely beautiful building. The second very rare and marv 0
108899 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Moves to end abuse of housemaids are crucial I READ the article "Philippines may ban housemaids" (GDN April 4) about how the Philippines is trying to decide whether or not to continue the deployment of domestic workers/housemaids to Bahrain and other Gulf countries. I wonder what will happen when and if these countries really put a stop to housemaids coming to the Gulf. Who would want to take on the responsibility of being a slave to the families? Gulf nationals? I seriously doubt it. Which person in his right mind would want to be treated like some housemaids are treated? There would be an immediate shortage of help here and turning to your own people to fill these positions would be very difficult. It would mean, for one thing, taking a long hard look at how one human treats another. Because I have seen, first hand, how some of these housemaids are treated, and it's not a pretty sight. It would also possibly mean not having a person there to serve every whim and be subjected to cruelty, name calling, physical abuse, 0
108900 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Court time wasted on silly cases READING the newspaper (GDN April 2) over my usual morning cup of tea, I was amazed at the story of a customer who hit a fisherman with a Hamour during an argument and was fined BD500 compensation! l had to double check the date of the paper to make sure it wasn't an April Fool's joke... I mean really? How do these matters end up in court, wasting valuable time and money when there are far more serious crimes to be dealt with. After all, the customer and the fisherman must be two extremely immature adults if they really have to take their petty argument to court in order for it be to be resolved. So, imagine, when I turned the page and read the article about the motorist who knocked down and killed an eight-year-old girl whilst speeding and, believe it or not, is offered the option of six months in Jail or a BD500 fine! Well I just about choked on my tea!!! Can someone please explain to me how these two "incidents" can possibly be given the same sentences? Who exactly is i 0
108901 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Oblivious to workers' suffering I READ with interest the warning of Dr Salah Ali given in 1998 (GDN June 27) when he was deputy chief of health education, regarding the dangers of food poisoning and especially of sunstroke, with which I am concerned in this letter. As Dr Ali stated, sunstroke occurs when the human body is exposed "to high temperatures accompanied by physical activities which lead to a loss of a large quantity of salt and water in the body due to perspiration and sweating" and again he says with higher humidity "the chances of suffering from sunstroke is bigger" and when "a person is exposed to direct sun for a long time." Has anyone seen the labourers, construction workers, municipal workers and thousands of others who in the hottest part of the day work in the glaring intense heat for hours at a time? And do these passers-by in the air-conditioned cars know that many of them have no water facility near at hand? And also that they have no headgear or hat to protect them? And that most of these u 0
108902 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Miraculous findings of US commission THE US presidential commission for an inquiry into the Iraq war has come up with its miraculous findings! Miraculous not because they decided Iraq didn't possess any weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) - that was widely expected - miraculous because it had the guts to say so! However, the commission knew how far it can push its luck, for rather than saying anything about the all-powerful president who actually called the shots, they have come up with some 70-odd recommendations for the intelligence agencies that should keep everyone in the US busy for a while. It is almost funny that far from an apology, the president came out with messages of support from the American people for a brighter and secure future and God knows what else, and with his vows to "fix things up at the CIA and the intelligence bureaus" as a whole. It is funny too, that this new turn in the history of the Iraq war has actually received less media attention than the Terri Schiavo case. Once aga 0
108903 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Can I return? I AM resigning from my present job and going back to India as I have another job offer in Bahrain which I want to take up. I really want to come back to Bahrain for this new job. How soon can I come back to Bahrain? Ashraf EDITOR'S note: The General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence has advised readers that a recent regulation (GDN, August 10, 2004) states that if an employer cancels the residence permit of his employee and the employee leaves Bahrain, then the employee can return to the country at any time without the need for a release letter, provided he has no criminal record. The act of cancelling the residence permit terminates the agreement between the sponsor and employee. Any application by a subsequent sponsor for a new work visa (No Objection Certificate) for the employee must be submitted to GDNPR while the employee is out of Bahrain. 0
108904 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Price drop shock I BOUGHT a Nokia 6670 mobile phone in January for BD200. Just three months later Nokia has reduced the price to BD150, a 25 per cent reduction in the selling price. This shows that Nokia has little regard for their customers who have recently bought their products and see the value dropping like a lead weight. Other mobile phone suppliers such as Sony do not operate such brutal marketing practices to the detriment of existing customers. Peter Sitta AN Intercol spokesman said: "It is indeed true that Nokia 6670 prices went through a perceptible price drop during the period January to March 2005. The price variations for this model as well as others is based on a number of factors including availability, cost variations owing to exchange rate variations and price changes effected by the manufacturer. More often it is the combined effect of such factors that force a price change in the market. We hope that you can understand that none of these variables are within t 0
108905 0 1533 LETT LETTERS No Brownie points! IN response to Mansoor's letter (GDN, March 30) I would like to say that I agree that Donna was ignorant by claiming this as she obviously didn't know enough of the history of the Middle East to claim such things. But for those of us who did, I would like to say that pointing out all the things which you don't agree with that happens, not only in Europe, but in America, the Far East, Australia, and pretty much the rest of the world, will not get you brownie points. You don't embrace these things for your own reasons, which are fair enough, but everyone is entitled to live how they want to live and if pointing out what our civilisations do badly will only come back on you as our list of your atrocities would be much longer. I am sorry for anyone who is hurt by my letter but something needed to be said. P.S. The Pearl Roundabout is a symbol of Bahrain and its development. Losing it would be a sign that development is of higher importance than historical value. Concer 0
108906 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Postal service revamp badly needed? I TOO have been experiencing problems with the mail service here in Bahrain, but it's not only in sending mail but also receiving it. My mother sent me a letter from the US with family pictures last year in October and I never received the letter, and one of my sisters has mailed cards that I've never received. Boxes have been mailed to me that have taken at least five months to get here, and I have had the same problems in sending to the US. Most of my mail takes months to reach my family. It has got to the point that I don't want to use the postal service here because I never know if my mail will get to the US or not. My husband and I have started using Federal Express and Airbourne because these carriers seem to be the only way to ensure that your mail reaches the US or where ever it's going, in a timely manner. But it's very costly to send with these carriers. The postal service in Bahrain should have services and standard practices that they follow to ensure that the 0
108907 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Win at Bangalore was icing on cake THE win in the third and final Test at Bangalore in the India-Pakistan cricket series was certainly the icing on the cake for captain Inzamam Ul-Haq in his 100th Test match, 'Pakistanis win thriller' (GDN, March 29). His team showed a lot of character by fighting back after losing the second Test to square the series. One could also sense the sheer aggression and the determination among the Pakistanis as they worked together to plot an Indian defeat. On the other hand, the Indians were disappointing in their approach. Having 10 wickets in hand on the final day, a victory was possible. But their top batsmen except for Virender Sewhag got themselves into a hole trying to defend, instead of playing normal cricket, which probably was the reason for their downfall. It's time for Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly to respond and let his bat do the talking and motivate his team for a win, to prove his detractors wrong. The GDN deserves a pat for the excellent coverage of the India-Pak 0
108908 0 1533 LETT LETTERS Sporting spirit vital WITH reference to the letter written by Qasim Alikhan (GDN, March 30), let me first congratulate Mr Alikhan for getting the star letter of the week. Basically I am a cricket lover and I'm not a fan of any cricketer. I completely agree with you, when it comes to the point where a batsman or a bowler should have a sportsman's spirit in them. In my previous letter, I have clearly mentioned in the fourth paragraph, that if a player is really out and standing his ground, then the cricket board should cut 50 per cent of his match fee. Referring to Sachin Tendulkar's not out decision in the first Test, I blame the umpire again. Maybe all the Indians including Tendulkar must have felt relieved with the decision, but the entire nation (Pakistan) with their 11 players were appealing for justice. In this case, don't the players have the right to appeal to the third umpire? Umpires should forget about their egos and consult the third umpire straightaway. For example, Pakistan caption 0
108909 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Bahrain to host final of BMW world series THE Bahrain International Circuit at Sakhir will be the venue for the first world final of the Formula BMW motor racing series from December 13 to 16. Racing drivers from the four regional Formula BMW series (Germany, Britain, Asia, US) will compete against each other for the first time. The best of the talented junior drivers can look forward to a total purse of $60,000 with the overall champion getting the chance to drive the BMW Williams Formula One car. "Bahrain is an ideal venue for the first final," said BMW motorsport director Mario Theissen. "Even in December, the Gulf region affords good weather conditions for high-calibre motor racing. But what we regard as particularly important is that the circuit boasts first-rate safety standards." During the four days of competition the young drivers will compete in qualifying and intermediate heats for a place in the final on December 16. Between the Formula BMW races spectators can enjoy a motor racing support pro 0
108910 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Kiwi Test heads towards a draw NAPIER, New Zealand: Unorthodox Sri Lankan speedster Lasith Malinga struck twice to add a late dash of spice to the first cricket Test against New Zealand as it appeared destined to end in a draw at the end of the fourth day here yesterday. New Zealand go into the final day at two for 64, a 127-run lead, and with star batsman Hamish Marshall already back in the pavilion following a dubious dismissal in the fading light. Sri Lanka were all out in their first innings for 498 at tea - with centuries to Mahela Jayawardene and captain Marvan Atapattu - giving New Zealand a 63-run lead with four sessions remaining on a placid pitch. But Malinga rewrote the script and showed what was still possible on the final day. He troubled the New Zealand batsmen with his pace, swing, and slinging action to trap Craig Cumming leg-before wicket for 16, and followed up two overs later with a the wicket of dangerman Marshall for six. Marshall could consider himself unlucky on two count 0
108911 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Rossi looks for revenge in first race JEREZ, Spain: World champion Valentino Rossi has an account to settle with the Jerez circuit on Sunday when MotoGP's best attended race takes on a new role as the season opener. More than 125,000 fans are expected at the Andalucian circuit for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix and Rossi hopes they will be basking in spring sunshine as he opens his bid for a fifth successive world title. Last year, Spain's Sete Gibernau took advantage of a rainstorm to steer his Honda to victory in what was the second race of the season - two weeks after Italian Rossi had sensationally claimed the first for Yamaha in South Africa. "Jerez is one of my favourite tracks. It suits my riding style well (and) I almost always have a good race," said Rossi, who has won five times here at all levels. "However, after last year I have an account to settle with the circuit. I was very fast in the dry, with pole position, but then the rain ruined it on race day." Gibernau is looking forward to a ra 0
108912 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Meeran Garage CC sail past Pak Golden MEERAN Garage CC defeated Pak Golden CC by 36 runs in the Alpha Fire Island Cricket League Tournament. Batting first, Meeran Garage CC began scoring 50 runs from the first six overs but the departure of openers Naveed (21) and Imran (17) saw them lose wickets at regular intervals. However, Farhan (63 not out from 24 deliveries) and Ali (27) batted well to steer their side to 166 for seven in the allotted 20 overs. Naseem (four for 37) was the pick of the Pak Golden bowlers. In reply, Pak Golden CC lost opener Nasir (23) when the score was 42 and only Raees (53) offered any resistance as Irfan Ghani (six for 19) ripped through the middle-order to seal a comfortable victory. Ahmed Sharif Furniture crushed Bukannan CC by 71 runs after notching up 200 for six with Asif (43) and Imran (35) being the main scorers. Bukannan were never in the hunt and were bundled out for 129 with Shahzad (35) the only batsman offering any resistance. Young Star enjoy 0
108913 1 1533 SPOR SPORT SHEARER ON TARGET NEWCASTLE, England: Captain Alan Shearer scored the only goal as Newcastle, still reeling from the weekend punch-up between teammates Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer, beat Sporting Lisbon 1-0 in the first-leg of their Uefa Cup quarter-final clash last night.Former England skipper Shearer kept up his record of scoring in every Uefa Cup tie he has played in this season with his 37th minute header but it remains to be seen whether the goal will be enough to see Newcastle survive the second-leg in Portugal next Thursday. Shearer's goal came when he headed in a cross from Laurent Robert past goalkeeper Ricardo but Sporting were left asking questions over their poor defending which left the vetera striker with plenty of time to finish. But despite their territorial dominance, the Magpies were unable to find a decisive second goal. Graeme Souness's side was also hit by an injury setback at half-time when Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, struggling with a hip injury, was replaced by Steve H 0
108914 2 1533 SPOR SPORT Chelsea refuse to dismiss rumours LONDON: Chelsea refused to dismiss rumours their manager Jose Mourinho cheated his touchline ban by contacting his assistants during their Champions League win over Bayern Munich.The Portuguese boss was banished from the touchline and the dressing rooms for both legs of the quarter-final, starting at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday where the Blues cruised to a 4-2 victory. Coach Rui Faria, on the Chelsea bench, appeared to put his hand to his ear at several points, as if listening to an earpiece, but rather than dismissing the rumours outright, the Blues repeatedly blanked suggestions any underhand moves had taken place. "We've not had anything from Uefa at all. We've got nothing to say about it," said director of communications Simon Greenberg, suggesting the matter would only become a problem if European football's governing body felt there was sufficient evidence to step in. Mourinho is serving a ban handed down by Uefa for accusing referee Anders Frisk of improper conduct in the l 0
108915 3 1533 SPOR SPORT Al Shafar races to seniors victory MOHAMMED Al Shafar of Al Talia Stable clinched the seniors title while Al Sayel Stable's rider Abdulaziz Adam won in the juniors category in the 120 kms Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Horseride Championship yesterday at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.Al Shafar steered Lormar Lorraine to victory in this five-stage event in a total time of six hours, 39 minutes and eight seconds. Second and third places were won by Jabur Al Dosseri (6:39.11) and Ahmed Al Rumaihi (6:39.22), both representing Al Talia Stable who rode Faras Kaoma and Chesterfield respectively. Riding Freelance, Hamad Al Meraisi (8:06.58) of the Royal Endurance Team had a good start leading in the first stage but he slipped to fourth position after the fifth and final stage. Breef first vice-president and Al Khaldiya team captain Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was among the riders who took part in the seniors race but was unable to finish among the top three. In the juniors section, Abdul 0
108916 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Perrin takes over Pompey as manager LONDON: Premiership strugglers Portsmouth confirmed Frenchman Alain Perrin as their new manager last night. Former Luton and Tottenham manager David Pleat is to assist Perrin in a consultancy role for the remaining seven Premiership games of the season. Perrin, who made his name in management by leading unfashionable Troyes into the French First Division and also into the Uefa Cup, signed a contract running to the end of the 2006/07 season. Perrin, 48, said on Sky Sports News: "I believe I could come to England next season so it is a little early for me. I am free now. I am very happy to join the Premiership because it is the best championship in Europe. "I came immediately because I like to coach and I miss football, being with players and preparing for games." Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric said of Perrin: "He is going to have to learn about British football quickly so I couldn't find a better man to help him than David Pleat." 0
108917 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Bowyer apologises for brawl NEWCASTLE, England: Newcastle United's Lee Bowyer has appealed to the club's fans to forgive him for his part in the on-pitch brawl with team mate Kieron Dyer. Bowyer has been charged by the Football Association with violent conduct and suspended for four domestic games after being sent off with fellow midfielder Dyer for fighting during last Saturday's Premiership game with Aston Villa. "I'd die for this football club and all I can do is to plead with the Newcastle United fans to forgive me," Bowyer was quoted as saying in the Newcastle Evening Chronicle yesterday. "It has been a nightmare for me since Saturday knowing just how much I let everyone down. "But Kieron Dyer has made up with me and all I can do is hope that the supporters do likewise and forgive me. "Nobody knows more than me that what I did on Saturday was indefensible and it is something I will regret for the rest of my career. There's nothing more I can do but say how sorry I am. If there was anyth 0
108918 0 1533 SPOR SPORT India begin search for new coach JAMSHEDPUR, India: India's cricket board is seeking a foreign coach to replace New Zealander John Wright when he steps down following the one-day series against Pakistan this month, a team source said yesterday. "The players have said they want to move forward and go to a new coach who has past experience and who will be able to carry forward what John has done," the source said. He said three Australians were in contention, former all-rounder Tom Moody, who is currently the director of cricket with English county Worcestershire, Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore and former Australia captain Greg Chappell. The source said domestic media reports that former India captain Sunil Gavaskar or any other Indian coach would come in were incorrect. "They (the Indian board) are not considering an Indian coach for the job," he said. Former New Zealand captain Wright took over in November 2000 and is credited with moulding the talented, but inconsistent bunch of players into a co 0
108919 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Inzamam is reprimanded by ICC for throwing bat JAMSHEDPUR: Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council for throwing his bat after being run out in a one-day international against India. The incident occurred during Tuesday's second one-dayer in Visakhapatnam when Inzamam had to walk after a mix-up with Abdul Razzaq. India won by 58 runs for a 2-0 lead in the six-match series. Inzamam shouted at Razzaq and threw his bat towards the dressing room while coming off the field having equalled former team-mate Wasim Akram's world record of being run out 38 times. "As captain, Inzamam must learn to set the example for his team to follow." ICC match referee Chris Broad said. Inzamam said: "I am ashamed of my behavior. I know I should not have behaved the way I did but I succumbed to match pressure. It was purely an act that happened in the heat of the moment." He was banned for one Test by Broad when he showed dissent at an umpire's decision during the third Test in Bangal 0
108920 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Buoyed West Indies confident of victory PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: West Indies, buoyed by their performance in the first Test and the return of four key players, will be looking to go the full distance and win the second Test against South Africa that starts today. West Indies defied the gloom merchants to outplay South Africa for all but the last two periods of the drawn first Test. And with Brian Lara, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo back after settling their sponsorship dispute, West Indies will be hoping to for victory. "We went in as underdogs and we nearly pulled off a victory and that's a big positive," said Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has been appointed West Indies captain for the remainder of the series against the Proteas and Pakistan to follow. "I do not think we would want to change much about the first Test except the outcome, and this is what we will be hoping to do in Trinidad." But from their bowling performance on the second day and their batting over the last five periods 0
108921 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Fan arrested for hurling a stone at Pakistan bus JAMSHEDPUR: An Indian cricket fan has been arrested for throwing a stone at the Pakistani cricket team bus, shattering a window and narrowly missing captain Inzamam-ul Haq. The incident occurred yesterday after the Indian and Pakistani teams arrived at Ranchi airport on their way to Jamshedpur, where the third one-day international will be played tomorrow. As the Pakistan team bus left the airport, a stone was hurled from the roadside where thousands had gathered to catch a glimpse of the cricketers, according to Pakistan team manager Salim Altaf. "The stone broke the window pane and just missed Inzamam who was sitting nearby," Altaf said. "I believe the man responsible has been arrested." Pakistan cancelled a scheduled practice session yesterday evening because of the incident. 0
108922 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Iverson stars as 76ers win TORONTO: Allen Iverson scored 48 points as the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Charlotte Bobcats 106-103 in National Basketball Association play yesterday in Philadelphia. The Sixers led by 25 points in the first-half thanks to Iverson, who scored 30, but the Bobcats fought back to close to within one point in the fourth quarter before falling short. Philadelphia leads the New Jersey Nets by one and-half games for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Kyle Korver sank two late free throws to seal the win for the Sixers, as Charlotte lost for the sixth straight game. Iverson went 17-for-31 from the field and had eight assists and seven rebounds. Marc Jackson added 13 points for the Sixers. Primoz Brezac led Charlotte with 23 points and 10 rebounds. In other NBA games, Stephen Jackson scored 23 points to help the Indiana Pacers to a 98-77 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Indianapolis. Reggie Miller added 17 points to help the P 0
108923 0 1533 SPOR SPORT LEADING MOTOGP DRIVERS Valentino Rossi (Italy) Yamaha Age: 26 (Born February 16 1979). Bike: Yamaha M1. GP debut: 1996 (125cc). GP starts: 140 GP wins: 68 (12 in 125cc, 14 in 250cc, 42 in 500cc/MotoGP) Last season: First, 304 points. Nine race wins. World championship titles: 1997 (125cc), 1999 (250cc), 2001 (500cc) 2002, 2003, 2004 (MotoGP) His gamble in quitting Honda for Yamaha at the end of the 2003 season did not stop him from winning a fourth successive title in the top class of Grand Prix racing and he could match Australian Mick Doohan with a fifth this year. With his place among the greatest riders in history assured, the only question is whether he can stay motivated. Sete Gibernau (Spain) Honda Age: 32 (Born December 15 1972). Bike: Honda RCV. GP debut: 1992 (250cc). GP starts: 142 GP wins: Nine (all 500cc/MotoGP) Last season: Second, 257 points. Four race wins. World championship titles: None. Conquered a suspect temperament to finish second b 0
108924 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Mickelson makes a stumbling start AUGUSTA, Georgia:Americans Scott Verplank and Casey Wittenberg and Australia's Nick O'Hern set the early pace in the weather-delayed US Masters first round yesterday. The trio moved to two under at an overcast Augusta National where defending champion Phil Mickelson made a stumbling start with a bogey at the par-four first hole. Verplank, who teed off at the par-four 10th after a five-and-a-half hour delay because of early morning thunderstorms and lightning, launched his round with birdies at the par-five 13th and the par-four 14th. Wittenberg, who tied for 13th on his Masters debut as an amateur last year, collected three birdies and a bogey in his first seven holes while left-hander O'Hern picked up shots at the second and third. Among the big names, US Open champion Retief Goosen was one under after four holes with three-times winner Tiger Woods and world number one Vijay Singh both level par after one. South Africa's Ernie Els, who finished runner-up a stroke 0
108925 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Bahrainis set for Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia BAHRAINI delegations arrived in Jeddah for the first Islamic Solidarity Games which get underway today at 8.30pm at the King Abdulaziz Sports City's Stadium in Mecca. Around 7,000 athletes representing 54 Islamic countries are taking part in this two-week event being organised for the first time. The Games are being held under the patronage of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdulla bin Abdulaziz. The Bahraini handball, karate, taekwondo, five-a-side soccer and target ball teams arrived yesterday while the weightlifting and athletics delegations are due to arrive tomorrow. The delegation's deputy head and Bahrain Olympic Committee treasurer Yaqoub Al Lahdan said Bahrain is delighted to be participating in this prestigious competition. Al Lahdan hailed the efforts exerted by the organisers and the facilities being provided to the delegations taking part in the event. He added that Saudi Arabia is capable of making this event a great success although it is being organised only 0
108926 0 1533 SPOR SPORT Mohammed lifts overall junior cycling crown MOHAMMED Obaid of Riffa Club bagged the individual title for juniors in the Bahrain Cycling League, sponsored by Batelco. Mohammed accumulated 62 points in the six-event season involving cyclists from six clubs - East Riffa, Riffa, Samaheej, Budaiya, Al Shabab and A'ali. Abed Bakhsh of East Riffa with 35 points finished second and Daij Juma'a (29 points) of East Riffa third. Samaheej's Mohammed Yousef (26) claimed fourth position. Bahrain Cycling Association president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa congratulated the winners and thanked Batelco for sponsoring the event. Shaikh Khalid also thanked the General Organisation for Youth and Sports as well as the traffic directorate for their co-operation. Final standings: 1 Mohammed Obaid (Riffa, 62 points), 2 Abed Bakhsh (East Riffa, 35), 3 Daij Juma'a (East Riffa, 29), 4 Mohammed Yousef (Samaheej, 26), 5 Ali Abdulla (East Riffa, 23), 6 Isa Daij (Budaiya, 16), 7 Mishal Al Dossary (East Riffa, 11), 8 Mohamme 0
108927 0 1533 WORL WORLD Arch Saddam foe takes the reins in Iraq BAGHDAD: One of Saddam Hussein's most implacable enemies took his oath as the largely ceremonial president yesterday and quickly named another longtime foe of the toppled dictator to the powerful post of prime minister. The swearing-in ceremony came just two days short of the second anniversary of Baghdad's fall to US-led forces and underlined the growing power and co-operation of the Shi'ite Arab majority and Kurdish minority - two groups that were long oppressed by Saddam's regime. The session wasn't without its problems, however. After his inaugural speech, interim President Jalal Talabani, a Kurdish leader, walked off the stage to talk to his vice-presidents, returning after television feeds of the event were cut off to shout out to a dispersing crowd that his President's Council had named Shi'ite Arab Ibrahim Al Jaafari the new prime minister. Senior Kurdish official Barham Saleh blamed the error on confusion, saying MPs and the media thought the ceremony had ended.< 0
108928 0 1533 WORL WORLD Four killed in Cairo bombing CAIRO: A French national and US citizen were killed last night in a bomb attack on one of Cairo's main tourist areas, officials said. Eighteen others were wounded. Some eyewitnesses said the explosion outside a perfume shop in the Al Azhar area of Islamic Cairo occurred after a man riding a motorcycle threw a bomb at a group of tourists. Others said a booby-trapped motorbike had exploded. Witnesses said two Egyptians had also died in the blast, including the daughter of a local shop owner. There was no official confirmation of the cause of the blast and the fate of the vehicle's owner was not known. The wounded included four French, three US citizens, an Italian, a Turk and nine Egyptians. The blast occurred in front of a building in the Gawhar Al Qaed street 200m away from the jewellers district in Al Azhar. The area was cordoned off and hundreds of police deployed in the area. Several ambulances drove to the area, while diplomats from the 0
108929 0 1533 WORL WORLD Arch Saddam foe takes the reins in Iraq BAGHDAD: One of Saddam Hussein's most implacable enemies took his oath as the largely ceremonial president yesterday and quickly named another longtime foe of the toppled dictator to the powerful post of prime minister. The swearing-in ceremony came just two days short of the second anniversary of Baghdad's fall to US-led forces and underlined the growing power and co-operation of the Shi'ite Arab majority and Kurdish minority - two groups that were long oppressed by Saddam's regime. The session wasn't without its problems, however. After his inaugural speech, interim President Jalal Talabani, a Kurdish leader, walked off the stage to talk to his vice-presidents, returning after television feeds of the event were cut off to shout out to a dispersing crowd that his President's Council had named Shi'ite Arab Ibrahim Al Jaafari the new prime minister. Senior Kurdish official Barham Saleh blamed the error on confusion, saying MPs and the media thought the ceremony had ended.< 0
108930 0 1533 WORL WORLD Rocket is fired at Israeli town JERUSALEM: A rocket fired from northern Gaza landed near the Israeli town of Sderot yesterday causing no injuries or damage, but Israeli officials said it was a sign that Palestinians are not moving against militants. Israeli Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz called the Thursday rocket attack a "most serious event that Israel finds completely unacceptable", charging that it was "painful proof" that the Palestinian leadership was not acting to rein in militants, despite its declarations about restoring order. "I demand that Abu Mazen take all necessary steps to prevent it from happening again," Mofaz said in a statement, referring to Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas by his nickname. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket launching. Palestinian Interior Ministry spokesman Tawfiq Abu Khoussa said Palestinian security forces were investigating. Meanwhile, Mofaz yesterday decided to transfer the 21 Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip to the Palesti 0
108931 0 1533 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Performance by Indian classical musician Ramesh Narayan, Gulf Air Club, Salmabad, 6.30pm. Entry by invitation only. Contact 17231717 or 39055938. Fundraiser and friendly rugby match in memory of the late Mike Jones, American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar, 2.30pm. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's labour inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's people trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Areen Wildlife Park, 8am-4pm. Tour fees BD1 adults, 500 fils children. Contact 17836116. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Goo 0
108932 1 1533 WORL WORLD UN ORDERS HARIRI PROBE UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council last night ordered an international investigation into the assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri in a bomb attack in Beirut in February.The 15-nation council unanimously adopted a resolution establishing the outside inquiry after a UN fact-finding mission concluded that Lebanon's own probe into the February 14 killing suffered from "serious flaws" and could not reach a credible conclusion. The mission also blamed Syrian military intelligence "for a lack of security, protection and law and order" in Lebanon at the time of Hariri's death. Syria is widely blamed by Lebanese opposition politicians for Hariri's death after he accused Damascus of meddling in Beirut's internal politics. The council resolution was drafted by France, the former colonial power in Lebanon, and the US and co-sponsored by Britain. "We want to get to the bottom of this assassination and what we believe to be a terrorist act," US envoy S 0
108933 0 1533 WORL WORLD Canada to probe Air India bombing VANCOUVER: The Canadian government yesterday eased its opposition to a public inquiry into the Air India bombings, amid complaints that police bungled the probe into what was at that time history's deadliest attack on a civilian airliner. Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan said she will appoint an independent advisor to decide if a broader investigation is warranted into the handling of the crash of Air India Flight 182 in 1985, which killed 329 people. She had previously rejected calls for such an inquiry. McLellan, who is also Public Safety Minister, said in Ottawa the advisor would examine "whether there are questions that remain unanswered, and whether we can reasonably expect answers 20 years after the event". Demands for a probe flared last month after a judge acquitted two Sikh activists charged with bombing the flight and attempting to destroy another Air India jet - a blast that killed two Tokyo airport workers. The judge said the evidence collected in o 0
108934 0 1533 WORL WORLD Parties clash on poll issues LONDON: Britain's political parties clashed yesterday over tax and spending, a prime battleground as Prime Minister Tony Blair seeks re-election on May 5. Seizing on a fresh row over the opposition Conservative party's spending plans, Blair's Labour party accused its rivals of a secret agenda of "massive" spending cuts. Hitting back, the Conservatives warned voters that Labour would have to increase taxes after the election to plug a hole in the public finances - a view supported by many economists. Finance Minister Gordon Brown, speaking a day after Blair virtually confirmed he would keep him in the job if Labour wins, refused to make pledges on tax. Staging yet another show of unity with his old rival Brown, this time at a London fish market, Blair said voters faced a choice: "Whether to keep the economy strong, keep investment in public services, keep the country moving forward or go back to the risk of instability and spending cuts of the past," he said. 0
108935 0 1533 WORL WORLD IRA 'thinking about laying down arms' BELFAST: The Irish Republican Army said yesterday it was giving "due consideration" to an appeal from its political wing Sinn Fein to fully embrace politics and abandon its armed struggle in Northern Ireland. "The leadership of the IRA was given notice of the appeal by Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams," said the Catholic paramilitary group. "We have noted his comments. The IRA will give his appeal due consideration and will respond in due course," it said in a brief statement, signed, like all IRA communiques, with the moniker "P O'Neill". Adams - whose party is running candidates in Britain's May 5 general election - had said in remarks he had supported the IRA in the past because there had been no choice. But he added that today "there is an alternative", as he acknowledged that international public opinion had swung against the IRA over its alleged criminal activities. The IRA, which has been observing a ceasefire since July 1997, stands accused of carrying out 0
108936 0 1533 WORL WORLD Norwegian envoy to re-start Lanka talks COLOMBO: A Norwegian peace broker plans to visit Sri Lanka this month to coax the Tamil Tiger rebels and the government back to peace talks stalled for nearly two years, an official said yesterday. Erik Solheim is expected to visit the island on April 18 for four days and meet with President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Tamil Tiger rebel leaders, the Norwegian Embassy official said. Peace talks to end Sri Lanka's two-decade civil war were stalled in April 2003 when the rebels withdrew due to differences with the government over how much power should be given to ethnic Tamils in the north and east. The official said that Solheim will also discuss creating a joint body comprising government and rebel officials to disburse aid to people in the rebel-held northeast affected by the December 26 tsunami. Sri Lanka's warring parties have yet to agree on how to disburse millions of dollars in foreign aid for tsunami survivors more than three months after the disaster, Foreign Ministe 0
108937 0 1533 WORL WORLD I'm a moderate says premier BAGHDAD: Ibrahim Al Jaafari spent more than two decades as an exile trying to topple Saddam Hussein's government - with the close support of an Islamic militant group and Iranian clerics. Now, as Iraq's new interim prime minister, he has asserted he is a moderate even as some have questioned his ties to Iran and his work for Iraq's first Shi'ite Islamic political party - the Islamic Dawa Party - of which he is spokesman. Dawa was accused of carrying out several terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings in Baghdad and trying to blow up the US and French embassies in Kuwait in 1983. Although Al Jaafari served in Dawa leadership positions, he has distanced himself from the group's attacks. But his long history with the group - he first joined in 1968 - still raises many eyebrows. Dawa's ties to Iran, where Al Jaafari lived for nearly 10 years in exile, have also unsettled some who fear foreign influence in Iraq. After Saddam launched a bloody crackdown on Dawa in 0
108938 0 1533 WORL WORLD Syria begins final troop pullout BEIRUT: Syria began yesterday the final phase of a troop pullout ending a 29-year military presence in Lebanon, as consultations for a new cabinet to oversee long-awaited parliamentary elections gathered momentum. While the remaining Syrian troops officially began their final return home, Syrian Information Minister Mahdi Dakhlallah vowed that the pullout would be completed before an April 30 deadline. "The Syrian pullout may take place well before the end of the month, just as it did for the first phase that was due to end at the end of March and actually wrapped up in the middle of the month," Dakhlallah was quoted as saying. A senior Lebanese commander said the final phase had begun for the remaining 8,000 troops in the eastern Bekaa Valley where Syria has pulled back all its remaining forces. Troops destroyed military shelters in two important bases in the central villages of Marj and Makseh, while special forces were evacuating a position in Aayha. A convoy o 0
108939 0 1533 WORL WORLD I'm a moderate says premier BAGHDAD: Ibrahim Al Jaafari spent more than two decades as an exile trying to topple Saddam Hussein's government - with the close support of an Islamic militant group and Iranian clerics. Now, as Iraq's new interim prime minister, he has asserted he is a moderate even as some have questioned his ties to Iran and his work for Iraq's first Shi'ite Islamic political party - the Islamic Dawa Party - of which he is spokesman. Dawa was accused of carrying out several terrorist attacks, including suicide bombings in Baghdad and trying to blow up the US and French embassies in Kuwait in 1983. Although Al Jaafari served in Dawa leadership positions, he has distanced himself from the group's attacks. But his long history with the group - he first joined in 1968 - still raises many eyebrows. Dawa's ties to Iran, where Al Jaafari lived for nearly 10 years in exile, have also unsettled some who fear foreign influence in Iraq. After Saddam launched a bloody crackdown on Dawa in 0
108940 0 1533 WORL WORLD The final testament VATICAN CITY: As world leaders converged for the funeral of John Paul II and officials struggled with the biggest security operation in Rome's history, the Vatican disclosed that the ailing Pope considered resigning five years ago. The Pope, who died on Saturday at 84, also revealed in his testament that he had contemplated being buried in his native Poland. In the end he decided to leave his funeral arrangements to the College of Cardinals, which has decided to convene on April 18 to begin the process of electing his successor. The funeral, scheduled to begin at 10am on Friday, has created a security nightmare in a city swamped by pilgrims and a diplomatic headache for the Vatican. John Paul II was one of the longest-reigning and best loved popes and officials estimated that between two and four million visitors had flooded into Rome to pay their respects since his body was put on display in Saint Peter's Basilica on Monday. As the flood of humanity continued to 0
108941 0 1533 WORL WORLD Girl married to a dog... A GIRL in eastern India has been married to a dog in a bid to ward off tigers. The tribal wedding took place to the beating of drums in a slum on the outskirts of Orissa state capital Bhubaneswar, witnesses said. Local people said the girl had developed abnormalities in her teeth which made her prone to "being devoured by a tiger". The tribal ritual is believed to rid her of the danger, they said. Red-faced BBC apologises A RED-FACED BBC has had to apologise for requesting an interview with Bob Marley, the Jamaican reggae legend who died 24 years ago. BBC Three, one of the public broadcaster's digital TV channels, sent an e-mail to the Bob Marley Foundation saying it wanted to do a documentary about his hit song No Woman No Cry. It said the project would involve Marley - who died of cancer in May 1981 at the age of 36 - "spending one or two days with us", and that "it would only work with some participation from Bob Marley himself". The BBC said: "We are obviously very embarrassed that w 0
108942 0 1533 WORL WORLD Beckhams get go-ahead for building playhouse LONDON: England soccer captain David Beckham and pop-star wife Victoria have won planning permission to finish a two-storey playhouse for their three children, their local council said yesterday. They were granted the go-ahead for the "Wendy House" at their estate in Sawbridgeworth, East Hertfordshire, on condition that it "shall not be used for permanent habitable occupation", in the words of the planning document. The playhouse for Brooklyn, 6, Romeo, 2, and Cruz, who was born in February, will cost 100,000 (BD70,686), said a report from Britain's domestic Press Association news agency. It will go up alongside an existing play castle complete with tower and drawbridge. It will also be more than half the price of the average real house in Britain, which goes for 182,920 according to official data. The Beckhams, who reside in Spain where David plays for Real Madrid, only occasionally visit their rambling Hertfordshire property, which is nicknamed "Beckhingham Palace". < 0
108943 0 1533 WORL WORLD Monaco gears up for Rainier funeral MONACO: Monaco mourned Prince Rainier, the monarch who reigned over the wealthy Mediterranean microstate for more than half a century, as preparations got under way for his funeral next week. "It's a shock for the Monegasques," said Alexandra Battaglia, an employee of the prinicipality's tourist office. Rainier, who brought Hollywood glamour to Monaco when he married the American film star Grace Kelly, died in hospital battling heart, lung and kidney problems. E-mail messages of condolence from around the world were arriving by the thousands at the palace, an official said, adding that each would receive a response. Mourners laid bouquets of flowers in the square in front of the palace, perched atop a high promontory overlooking a port full of luxury yachts. Some shops remained closed, and state workers wore dark suits to their offices. The funeral of Rainier, a father figure who dominated the lives of Monegasques since he took the throne in 1949, will be held in 0
108944 0 1533 WORL WORLD 'I saw singer fondling boy' SANTA MARIA, California: A former security guard at Michael Jackson's Never-land Ranch claimed yesterday he saw the star kissing, fondling and performing oral sex on a young boy in the 1990s. Ralph Chacon told the US superstar's child molestation trial in California that he saw the alleged incident when he peeked through a bathroom window one evening in late 1992 or early 1993. The then 13-year-old boy involved in the alleged assault won a 1994 out-of-court settlement from Jackson worth more than $20 million (BD7.56m), in a deal that ensured his silence and averted a criminal trial. Chacon, who left Jackson's employment on bad terms in 1994, said he first saw the star and the boy in a jacuzzi in a building near Neverland's amusement arcade, but the two got out and headed to the shower together. Feeling something was amiss, the guard said he peeked through a window to see what was going on and saw Jackson and the boy standing naked together in the lighted bathroom. MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan: Hopes rose for lasting peace between India and Pakistan yesterday as bus passengers defied Islamic militants and crossed the militarised line dividing Kashmir for the first time in nearly 60 years.Kashmiris wept joyfully and clutched their loved ones after being reunited by the historic bus service, following decades of bloodshed and bitter separation caused by the nuclear rivals' competing claims to the Himalayan region. "It's a blessing. I never thought this day would come," said passenger Raja Naseer Khan, 60, a retired civil servant from Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, as he met his niece Noreen Arif for the first time. Arif, a lawmaker and adviser to the prime minister of the Pakistani side burst into tears and told him: "I've always wanted to see you. My mother always talked about you." The journeys began under tight security following an attack on Wednesday by militants on a guest house where passengers were being protected in Srina 0
108946 0 1533 WORL WORLD Gunman on killing spree LAUREL, Delaware: A man wearing body armour shot six people, killing two, during a violent spree yesterday in the eastern US states of Maryland and Delaware before police arrested him. Police said the suspect also hijacked a vehicle, shot and killed a dog, and rammed a sport utility vehicle into a house during the rampage. Delaware police said they have a motive for the attacks, but would not release details. The attacks started in Laurel, where three men were shot, and continued across the border in Maryland, where the suspect fled on foot before being caught. The other three people were shot in Salisbury, Maryland, including one who died. Police identified the suspect only as a man in his late teens or early 20s. A witness said police told her that the suspect was trying to shoot into an apartment in Laurel where his girlfriend lived when the crime spree began. 0
108947 0 1533 WORL WORLD Girls held over bomb fears NEW YORK: US federal agents reportedly arrested two 16-year-old girls last month on suspicion that they intended to become suicide bombers. The New York Times newspaper, citing a document provided by a federal agent, said yesterday that the teenagers - illegal immigrants from Guinea and Bangladesh - were being held in a family detention facility in Pennsylvania. The document said the FBI believed the girls presented "an imminent threat to the security of the US based upon evidence that they plan to be suicide bombers." However, the daily also quoted a government official who cast doubt on the actual threat posed by the teenagers, as well as a spokesman for one of the girls' families who suggested that the accusation stemmed from a misunderstanding over a school essay. Riots hit Cuba's largest jail HAVANA: Inmates rioted yesterday at Cuba's largest prison for the second time in three weeks, and dozens of prisoners have been hurt, sources said. "Several dozen inmat 0
108948 3 1533 WORL WORLD UK police probe Windsor breach LONDON: Yet another gremlin has gatecrashed the planning for tomorrow's wedding of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles, this time in the form of an undercover reporter taking a make-believe bomb into one of the venues to expose security flaws.In a brazen stunt, a journalist from Britain's best-selling newspaper, The Sun, posing as a delivery man, breezed into Windsor Castle and drove around the grounds freely in a rented white van. Inside the van was a brown box cheekily marked "bomb", yet reporter Alex Peake said none of the police officers guarding the castle, just west of London - where Queen Elizabeth II was in residence at the time - were suspicious. "It was all absurdly easy... Had it (the fake bomb) been real, it could have devastated the castle and caused carnage - even killing the queen," Peake reported. London's Metropolitan Police, responsible for guarding the royal family, launched an "immediate inquiry" into the embarrassing breakdown in security, the second at W 0
108949 1 1534 BUSI BUSINESS World crude prices dip as supply worries ease LONDON: World oil prices fell yesterday for the fourth successive day, slipping below $54 a barrel on easing supply concerns, after soaring to record highs earlier in the week. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May, dropped 61 cents to $53.50 a barrel in early deals. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in May, lost 70 cents to $53.34 a barrel. London's International Petroleum Exchange moved to full-scale electronic dealing on Friday, ending a quarter of a century of pit, or open-cry, trading. Oil prices have fallen heavily after hitting record peaks on Monday of $58.28 a barrel in New York and $57.65 in London. But they have since plummeted by more than three dollars. Prices continued to fall Friday "following a bout of fund selling", analysts at the Sucden brokerage firm said. "Speculators who are behind mammoth gains in the oil and commodities markets in 2005 unwound their long positions, leading some analysts 0
108950 2 1534 BUSI BUSINESS Yukos case one step closer to verdict MOSCOW: Defence lawyers for the oil tycoon who was once Russia's richest man wrapped up closing arguments in the 10-month criminal trial, again criticising what they say is a politically motivated case orchestrated by the Kremlin. As the most closely watched trial of post-Soviet Russia history draws one step closer to a verdict, lawyers called for the panel of three judges to acquit former Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky and his business partner Platon Lebedev on charges of fraud, embezzlement and tax evasion. Prosecutors have demanded the two be sentenced to the maximum of 10 years in prison. "This case will not be decided in this court, the Moscow city court, even the Supreme Court or the European court," lawyer Karina Moskalenko said. "It will be decided in the court of history... And the court of history will be strict with all of us." With the conclusion of the defence's closing arguments, prosecutors and lawyers now have the chance to rebut one another's cases, after which 0
108951 3 1534 BUSI BUSINESS Indian exports rise 24pc to touch record $80bn NEW DELHI: India's exports surged 24 per cent to a record $80 billion for the year ended March, but a soaring oil import bill meant the country still ran a trade deficit, Trade Minister Kamal Nath said yesterday. "This growth is unprecedented in India's economic history. If we can maintain the momentum I am confident that India will cross $150bn" in exports by 2007, Nath said. He said India could not only boost its less than one per cent share of world trade, but could also add as many as 10 million jobs over the next four years if it achieved the target. India revised its export target for the current financial year started April 1, upwards to $92bn from $88bn in view of the "unprecedented achievement," Nath said. Imports during the last financial year grew 34pc to $105bn - exceeding export earnings by $25bn - primarily because of a higher oil import bill as fuel prices rose to record levels in the past year. "If oil imports were not counted, then our exports exc 0
108952 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS NBK posts net profit of $152m MANAMA: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) reported a record net profit of $152 million during the first three months of 2005, compared with $108m for the same period last year - an increase of 39 per cent. The bank's return on equity and return on assets also rose to 3.3pc and 32pc respectively. NBK's total assets totalled $18.9bn at the end of last year, while shareholders' equity before the distribution of cash dividends stood at $1.91bn. NBK's international network currently spans New York, London, Paris, Geneva, Lebanon, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and Singapore. It also has the largest local network within Kuwait, consisting of 47 branches. 0
108953 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS Apicorp appoints new chief MANAMA: The Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp) board of directors announced the appointment of Ahmed bin Hamad Al Noaimi as its new general manager. Mr Al Noaimi succeeds Rasheed Mohamed Al Maraj, who has been appointed as the Bahrain Monetary Agency Governor. Mr Al Noaimi is no stranger to Apircorp, an affiliate of the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (Oapec). He represented Qatar in Apicorp's board of directors for the period 1992 to 2004. In addition, he has assumed a number of senior positions at the Finance Ministry in Qatar, the most recent among them was an economic adviser to the Higher Council for Economic Affairs and Investments in Qatar. The board of directors' resolution to appoint Mr Al Noaimi as general manager of the corporation was taken in its first meeting for 2005, which took place on Wednesday in Cairo, Egypt. 0
108954 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS Blair upbeat over reaching MG Rover rescue deal LONDON: A deal between ailing British carmaker MG Rover and a Chinese company might still be possible despite the collapse of talks between the firms, Prime Minister Tony Blair said yesterday. Blair said he and finance minister Gordon Brown had both held talks with Chinese leaders following news that a proposed tie-up between Rover and China's Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC) had failed. Blair and Brown paid a visit to Rover's Longbridge plant in Birmingham, central England, following news of the collapsed deal. He and Brown would do "everything we can" to secure Rover's future, the premier added. MG Rover Group succumbed to its mounting debts yesterday and filed for a form of bankruptcy protection after a deal with SAIC fell through and a hoped-for government loan failed to materialise. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was appointed administrator of MG Rover after the Shanghai Automative Industrial Co, concerned about the extent of the financial probl 0
108955 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS EU textile curbs on Beijing demanded BRUSSELS: Europe's textile industry leaders lambasted the EU executive yesterday for failing to stem a rising tide of cheap Chinese imports, warning that without action up to one million jobs could be lost this year alone. Their angry demonstration in Brussels raised pressure on the European Union's trade chief, Peter Mandelson, who was at the same time fending off complaints from a Chinese minister at a meeting several blocks away. "Bloody hell, just put things right!" demanded Euratex President Filiep Libeert, whose organisation represents businesses he said generate four per cent of Europe's gross domestic product and provide 7pc of its jobs. It says Chinese textiles and clothing are flooding into European markets, destroying traditional industries, and the pace is set to quicken under a new quota-free international regime for trade in the sector. Backed by Mediterranean rim countries with traditional clothing industries, Euratex called last month on the European Com 0
108956 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS US oil giant to invest in Nigeria ABUJA: US oil giant ChevronTexaco is to build an oil refinery at its Escravos facility in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger delta, the boss of state-run Nigerian National Petroleum Corportation (NNPC) said yesterday. Funsho Kupolokun said the government has already approved the 30,000 barrels per day project to be located at ChevronTexaco's oil terminal at the mouth of the Escravos River in Delta State. No date has been fixed for the signing of the project expected to be completed within one year after the signing ceremony, he said. 0
108957 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS South Korea approves biggest foreign investment SEOUL: South Korean authorities approved yesterday the nation's largest single foreign investment - Standard Chartered's $3.3 billion purchase of the country's seventh largest lender, Korea First Bank. The Asia-focused bank agreed in January to buy the entire stake in the Korean bank, beating its bigger rival HSBC Holdings. The deal marks Standard Chartered's biggest acquisition. Following the approval, Korea First Bank is set to hold a shareholders' meeting on April 15 to appoint new management, the bank said. John Filmeridis, StanChart's global product head, will be named the new chief executive officer upon shareholder approval, it said. Shareholders will also be asked to approve a plan to delist Korea First Bank's shares, a spokeswoman at the Korean bank said by telephone. Shares in Korea First Bank have not been traded since 1999, when it was nationalised after being hit by the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis. The acquisition will make South Korea StanChart's second-biggest m 0
108958 0 1534 BUSI BUSINESS China go-ahead for Avon direct selling BEIJING: Ding-dong! The Avon lady is coming back to China. Cosmetics giant Avon Products said yesterday it had won Chinese government approval to test direct selling in three regions beginning this month, seeking a stronger presence in the world's seventh-largest economy. "The objective of the test is to help the government find a suitable direct selling model that would fit the needs of Chinese consumers, promote social stability and help protect consumers against illegal practices," Avon chief executive officer Andrea Jung told reporters. China closed the door on Avon's direct selling in 1998, confining the company to selling through retail outlets. But last July, Avon, one of the legitimate companies also broadsided by the ban, said it had won verbal approval from the government to once again send its famed army of sales staff directly to Chinese homes. Avon is the world's top direct seller of beauty products, with $7.7 billion in sales in 2004. Jung did not say how big the c 0
108959 0 1534 COMM COMMENTSmall things make a difference... Recently, I went to Hilton Hotel to receive a prize for the Lions Club Walk-in Essay competition. As soon as I walked in, I spotted Mr and Mrs Mistry, two of my trainers in a drama workshop, which I had attended three years ago. They are very popular figures in Bahrain because of the dramas and skits that they have put together. I went up to them and greeted them, thinking, "Most probably they will not remember me. They meet many people who are more important than me. Moreover, I am just another drama enthusiast." But they proved me wrong. As soon as they saw me, they enthusiastically said, "Hi, you are Naman, right? We remember the small thank you card you had given to us on the last day of the drama workshop." I was shocked! I had never believed that such a small card could make such a big difference. During a recent school field trip that we had, the screw in my spectacles fell off and I had to keep my hand over my spectacles to avoid the glass from falling down. Finally one of my friends hel 0
108960 0 1534 COMM COMMENTSocial calls not their cup of tea Got home the other night to see from the caller ID that my parents had phoned from the UK three times in around an hour and a half. Now my parents are from that generation which regards the telephone with suspicion, as a tool to be used only when absolutely necessary. They do not make a habit out of social calls and I have fingers to spare when it comes to counting the number of times they have called me in Bahrain, in the 17 years I have been here. So to see so many attempted calls within such a short time could only mean bad news and it was only after some calming, deep breaths that I picked up the phone to call them back. The events of the following few minutes are at once a charming and infuriating insight into the minds of two elderly people, brought up in an era when luxuries were few and it was considered a disgrace to waste money or any other resource. My father picks up the phone and, while I am still saying hello, puts it down again and goes off to fetch my mot 0
108963 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Pearl landmark symbol should be protected IN response to the letter by SJK (GDN March 31) regarding the Pearl roundabout I, too, am of the belief that this should remain intact. The Pearl Roundabout has been a landmark in Manama for many years, indeed a National Monument, which not only represents the history and culture of Bahrain but is a structure of beauty and architectural elegance, giving not just colour due to the surrounding greenery and seasonal flora, but also incorporating a beautiful water feature. Situated either prior to entering or leaving the Corniche, it is an eye-catching attraction to tourists and residents alike. To dispose of this and replace it for traffic lights, thus giving the excuse for certain drivers to run even more red lights than they already do, would in my view, be sacrilege. Residents of Bahrain please unite and join the save the Pearl Roundabout campaign. HAB 0
108964 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Belt up... please I HAVE been in Bahrain for about a year now and have kept my opinions much to myself for this time but now I have seen enough of the same thing to finally believe it's not just a random act but a collection of people without the proper parenting skills. What have I seen? Well there are, on any given day, 20 to 30 cars I see on the Bahrain streets with children in them. OK no big deal, right. Sure. But here's the problem ranging from infancy to the adult. They are not, repeat not wearing seatbelts. They are wandering around inside the car, standing, laying down, pulling dad's hair while he drives etc etc. I'm sure we all know how bad the drivers are here in this part of the world, changing lanes without signalling, cutting people off, driving at warp speed, driving on the sidewalk etc etc. Any parent whether expat or local who puts his/her child in the car without buckling them in is simply irresponsible and should not be allowed to have children. It takes a mere s 0
108965 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Walk-in check-ups? I WAS very interested to read news that the Specialist Private Hospital is on the way to being built particularly as they state they will have the first cardiac CT scan which will help diagnose heart diseases without doing an angiogram. This has been needed in Bahrain for a long time and I hope that the man in the street will be able to go along and have a walk-in check-up as a routine visit so that his arteries can have a viewing before trouble starts. This could be a great preventative situation for heart disease. Heartened 0
108966 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Washed out, man! I AM and have been very unhappy for the past couple of years, mainly because every aspect of life and energy in me gets drowned over and over daily. After my graduation from high school, my life has been a void. Empty and dull. I am always trying to overcome this paralysing infinite loop in time... it's just sad, really!! The opportunity to go out there and "explore" no longer exists in my vocabulary; let alone schedule. The last time I remember doing something new and interesting was initiating a band with some friends and throwing rock parties, that Al Ayam Press eventually blew off with some absurd allegations and conspicuous fairytale lies. It seems like everything goes against an Arabic tradition. The height to which we are growing and the expanse of how open our open-mindness can touch is unfortunately at its least bit. Not some of us maybe, but the levels of most of us, especially those with tight grasps on their culture and 1,000-year-old tradition 0
108967 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Signal needed I LIVE in Ras Ruman opposite Old Hoora Batelco. This is to bring to your kind attention for the need of a signal near old Hoora Batelco Bus stop (Palace Avenue) instead of the present Zebra Crossing. Vehicles from Ras Ruman and from Dasman centre end often come at great speed and it is difficult to sight vehicles coming in from Ras Ruman because of the curve in the road (towards Ras Ruman end.) It is very dangerous to cross this road during morning hours because of peak hour traffic where motorists often whiz past the Zebra Crossing at great speed. To worsen matters, many young schoolchildren have to cross the road to get to the school adjoining the compound of Old Hoora Batelco. A few days ago one horrific accident also took place at this very junction. I request the concerned authorities to kindly work towards installing a signal at this junction where pedestrians are allowed the option to press a button and cross the road before some major mishap take 0
108968 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Any charity work? AS summer is approaching I want to put my time to good use. Almost a senior in college this might be the last summer I have to build up my resume. I was wondering if you can help me with names of charities or organisations that need summer help. Mona *A BAHRAIN Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA) spokesman said: "We are usually short of volunteers for the summer months so would be delighted to have help. The reader should contact Melinda, the sanctuary manager, telephone 17591231. Alternatively your reader would be welcome to help at the BSPCA thrift shop, telephone 17593479." 0
108969 0 1534 LETT LETTERS Joy to see local produce SUPERMARKETS used to stock kitchen roll made locally at a fraction of the branded packages brought in. In view of the very high exchange rate now with pound sterling, local produce becomes all the more attractive. It's a great joy to see "Made in Bahrain" or "Made in the UAE" or "Made in Saudi" so let's have more local light industries to boost Bahrain's economy. It was great to read that Bahrain is to make 'super cars' so let's roam the supermarket shelves and see what produce can be manufactured here, boosting the economy and providing more jobs for the boys. Ivor Plan 0
108970 1 1534 BNEW LOCAL Families scared to leave home MANAMA FRIGHTENED families want more police patrols to combat rising crime in Dair and Samaheej, in Muharraq. A string of daylight raids has reportedly left village men afraid to go to work, leaving their wives or daughters unprotected at home. Several homes in the area have been burgled over the past few months and residents are worried over who will be the next victim. Villagers have complained to their municipal councillor Hussain Isa, saying that many of them are scared to leave their homes unattended, even to go to work. Husbands and fathers are worried about what may happen if a burglar gets into their home while their wives or daughters are there, unprotected, said Mr Isa. "The problem is thefts these days happen during the daytime rather than at nights, because fathers and mothers go to work and children are at their schools," he said. "Some residents have housemaids, others don't, but it is not difficult to enter the house with the housemaid there or not." 0
108971 2 1534 BNEW LOCAL Companies 'may maintain parks' MANAMA PRIVATE companies may soon take over the maintenance of Bahrain's public parks. A proposal for the private sector to take on the task in the Central Governorate, which includes Isa Town, Tubli, Sanad, East Riffa and Sitra, has been submitted to the Central Municipal Council. It follows a trip by Central Municipal Councillors to Dubai earlier this year, during which they were impressed by the emirate's public services. The proposal was presented in the form of a report on the trip to Dubai, but an official version will be submitted later. It will also include a number of other proposals aimed at improving services at public parks in the area. "By the end of this year we would have completed 15 new parks in the Central area," said council member Abdul Rahman Al Hassan. "Maintaining these parks will prove to be a heavy load for the municipality. "Park repairs and maintenance in Dubai are quite quick because it has been privatised. "However, privatis 0
108972 3 1534 BNEW LOCAL Amex employees 'stole $100,000' MANAMA THREE Bahraini employees allegedly stole more than $100,000 (BD37,800) from American Express (Amex) by reactivating two cancelled credit cards, changing the account details and withdrawing cash through ATM machines. One of the cards belonged to a top Amex executive which was reactivated a month after he was transferred to a different country and subsequently used to withdraw $99,463 (BD37,597). Another belonged to a man whose card was cancelled after he died, but was then reactivated and used to take out $18,376 (BD6,946). A 34-year-old Bahraini male and two Bahraini females, aged 29 and 44, have been charged with forging company documents and stealing from their employer. However, the 44-year-old woman has since died after a losing fight against cancer. Her two colleagues are now standing trial for the theft, which occurred over a period of 11 months from January to December of 2003. It was only noticed almost a year later after the cards were used to withdraw BD 0
108973 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Heritage sites to be restored INTERNATIONALLY renowned consultants will arrive in Bahrain soon to help restore some of the country's important monuments and heritage buildings. The BD121,000 project is being spearheaded by the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Work on the year-long project will start within two months, said UN resident co-ordinator and UNDP resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush, who signed an agreement with Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh. "We are proud to be involved in this vital project that will help the country restore and preserve some of the important monuments and heritage buildings," he told the GDN. "It will be implemented in two of Bahrain's major cities Manama and Muharraq." Dr Alloush said the UNDP would carry out in-depth research and appoint the best international consultants and archaeologists available to carry out work in Bahrain. "We will shortlist consu 0
108974 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL 8,000 'used the airport during Grand Prix' AROUND 8,000 visitors came through Bahrain International Airport (BIA) during the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix period. A sell-out crowd of 42,000 packed the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) for the race last Sunday. About 90 flights arrived at the airport during the race period, according to a statement by Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "They included chartered flights carrying Formula One spectators and private business jets, while a large number of racing fans from various countries arrived through scheduled flights by international airlines," he said. The minister thanked all those involved in welcoming guests to the country and making sure the airport operated smoothly. He said their efforts were instrumental in the success of "this grand international sports event". Meanwhile, Shaikh Ali reported a six per cent growth in passenger and cargo movement at the airport in the first quarter of the year, compared to the same per 0
108975 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Swapping horse for a bicycle... MANAMA RIDER Hussaini Abdulla is swapping his horse for a bicycle, for a marathon tour of the Gulf. The 38-year-old Bapco security officer sets out tomorrow to ride through all the six GCC capitals. His aim is to pay homage to the late UAE President Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Mr Abdulla, a Bahraini father of three, will take in Kuwait City, Riyadh, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, before returning to Bahrain, in around 40 days. His cycling trip is under the patronage of Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Wildlife and the Environment president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, following directives from his Majesty King Hamad. He will take off from the Southern Governorate building in Awali at 9am and hopes to return on May 20. Mr Abdulla says that this journey is a tribute to the late Shaikh Zayed, for his support to GCC sports, educational institutes and charities. It is also his way of expressing his gratitude t 0
108976 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Urdu poets take the stage at literary session MANAMA HALQA-E-ADAB, the Urdu language literary and cultural organisation, held a poetry session at the Paradise Hotel, Manama. Poets from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain took part and more than 100 people attended the programme. Chief guest at the event was Pakistan Embassy Minister/Charge D'Affaires Shaukat Ali Mukadam. Organisation chairman Rizwan Mumtaz thanked all the participants especially those who came all the way from Saudi Arabia. The poets from Saudi Arabia were Saeed Anwar and Mairaj Ansari and from Bahrain were Mohammed Anwer Bhatty, Riaz Shahid, Syed Razi Bari, Anwer Mayal, Faisal Rana, Abdul Haq Arif and Shahid Najeebabadi. The organisation is organising a mega literary event during the first week of September, in which leading poets from the sub-continent will be invited. More details will be announced closer to the date. 0
108977 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Computer experts set to discuss IT security COMPUTER experts from around the globe will gather in Bahrain this week for an Information Technology (IT) security conference, which opens tomorrow at the Taj Palace Hotel. The Hack In The Box (HITB) Security Conference and Exhibition 2005 will continue until Wednesday and this is the first time it is taking place outside Malaysia. Visitors from all over the world attend the conference every year to see some of the biggest names in network security present their latest research and findings. With growing incidences of security attacks and hacking, businesses around the world have a profound need to implement complete security solutions, according to organisers. The conference addresses these security issues on both a regional and international scale, providing solutions for businesses. Speakers at the conference will include Counterpane Internet Security founder chief technical officer Bruce Schneier and Argus Systems Group business development general manager a 0
108978 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Envoy's solo art exhibition opens MANAMA AN art exhibition by Iraqi Ambassador Ghassan Mohsen will open today at the Art Centre, near Bahrain National Museum. Around 50 acrylic paintings inspired by 18 months living in Bahrain will go on display. The exhibition, called Approaching Abstract, will be held under the patronage of Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar. It will open at 7pm and continue for a week - with proceeds from sales being sent to needy families in Iraq. This is the ambassador's first solo exhibition in Bahrain and 12th of his career following others in Iraq, India, Pakistan and Cairo, Egypt. Inspiration for his work has come from the arts and culture of Bahrain since he moved here a year-and-a-half ago. Born in Iraq in 1945, the self-taught artist is a member of the Iraq Artists Society and previously held diplomatic posts in Cairo, Abu Dhabi, New York and Islamabad. 0
108979 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL 40 oil paintings to go on display AROUND 40 oil paintings by renowned Iraqi artist Jaber Alwan will go display at the Al Riwaq Art Gallery, Adliya, at 7pm tomorrow. Mr Alwan graduated from the Fine Arts Institute in Baghdad in 1970 and since 1972 has been living and working as an artist in Rome, Italy. His work has been exhibited in galleries and museums all over the world including Austria, the UK, Italy, Iraq, France, Tunisia and Lebanon. He was awarded his third degree at the Sculpture Faculty in the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome. The exhibition, which runs until May 5, is open to visitors daily from 10am to 8pm. For more information contact the gallery on 17717441, fax 17715421 or e-mail info@alriwaqgallery.org. 0
108980 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Countdown starts for key marathon THE countdown to the 25th anniversary Bahrain Marathon Relay has started, with less than 250 days to go. Bahrain Round Table (BRT), the annual race organisers, have launched preparations to ensure a bigger and more successful event with even more international visibility this year. Last year's marathon raised BD22,600 for charity, the highest amount raised by the event for many years. A total of 93 teams registered last year, making it the second largest number of team entries in the history of the event, with over 1,400 runners taking part. This year's event will be held on November 25, which falls on a Friday, with the date nicely coinciding with the 25th anniversary. As always, the race is a team event, run over almost 50km, comprising 16 legs of 3km each. "The terrain is extraordinarily varying, ranging from roads through the desert around the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir, where the relay starts, to highways and finishing among the modern hig 0
108981 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Pupils show off skills MORE than 260 children from the Ibn Khuldoon National School in Isa Town took part in their annual sports day, held at the American Express Bahrain Rugby Football Club, Saar. The pupils, from grades four and five, aged between nine and 10, took part in a variety of events. These included sack races, high jumping, soccer and tug-of-war. 0
108982 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Two friends accused of trespassing MANAMA A BRITON and his South African friend have been charged with trespassing in a BDF-controlled restricted area. Both men deny the charges, saying that they were not aware that they shouldn't be in the desert area in the south of Bahrain. The Briton has also been charged with being drunk in a public place, which he has admitted. The 32-year-old Briton and his 38-year-old friend told police that they had gone to the desert for a picnic. They said that they had been turned back by a military patrol and decided to stop a short while later to eat. The Briton added that it was at this point that a military vehicle appeared. One of the military personnel then started kicking, punching and verbally abusing him, said the Briton. He claimed that the man even tried to hit him with his revolver, but the South African had intervened and stopped the situation escalating any further. He admitted being drunk at the time and continuing to drink in the car whi 0
108983 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Emergency aid forum is backed by society MANAMA THE Bahrain Red Crescent Society is to help organise an international emergency aid conference in Morocco. The sixth Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies will be held in Morocco in April next year. It will map out how organisations can work together to help any country hit by disaster. BRCS hosted the fifth conference in Bahrain in March last year. BRCS assistant general secretary Dr Fawzi Amin told the GDN that the Moroccan Red Crescent Society had asked for help in organising the next conference. Preparatory meetings for the conference are underway and the first has already been held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. BRCS secretary-general Sadiq Al Shehabi attended the meeting on behalf of Bahrain. "The Moroccan Red Crescent Society has approached us seeking advice as to what are the steps to be taken and where to begin," said Dr Amin. "They have to plan everything, brochures, publicity, the agenda, sp 0
108984 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Alarm bells over bird flu pandemic UP to 50 million people could die if there is a global outbreak of the bird flu virus which has struck part of Asia, warn experts. The avian influenza virus, scientifically known as H5N1, kills 75 per cent of its victims. It is mutating and there is evidence that it can now be passed from human to human, making a global pandemic a real threat, says the World Health Organisation (WHO). Warning bells are being rung all over the world and nations are stockpiling vaccines. But in Bahrain, health authorities say there is little to be worried about. There are no specific plans in place, Health Ministry disease control section chief Dr Mona Al Mousawi told the GDN, despite Western nations stockpiling anti-viral drugs and vaccines. The WHO is attempting to mobilise a global campaign to prepare for the potential pandemic, warning that the effectiveness of these preparations will be crucial in determining the final death toll. The virus has been transmitted directl 0
108985 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL New strain death rate worrying FLU pandemics are nothing new. In fact, in the last century alone there were three. However, what makes this potential pandemic different is the extremely high death rate, particularly when the youth and previous good health of the victims is taken into account, and the fact that international travel will make it so easy to spread. The most deadly pandemic of the last century, which killed about 50 million people in 1918, spread globally within just six to eight months and in an age of air travel the next pandemic could move much faster. The death rate so far from the H5N1 influenza strain is far higher than that seen in the 1918 pandemic, says US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention scientist Dr Nancy Cox. "It is at least as dangerous as smallpox," she told the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches, eye infections, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and other severe and life-threatening c 0
108986 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Quarantine of infected birds 'can check disease' THE first cases of human infection with the H5N1 strain of bird flu were seen in Hong Kong in 1997. Eighteen people suffered from severe respiratory disease, of whom six died. This infection coincided with an epidemic of fatal avian influenza in Hong Kong's poultry population. Once the cause was identified, authorities culled the entire poultry population of 1.5 million birds within just three days, an act which the World Health Organisation (WHO) believes may have averted a pandemic. Two more cases were identified in Hong Kong in 2003, but it wasn't until January last year that international alarm bells started ringing loudly. Health authorities in Thailand and Vietnam reported their first cases of human infection at the same time that birds in both countries were suffering. Since then the disease has also been found in poultry in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan and Laos. A total of 79 human cases have been identified in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam s 0
108987 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Keeping the virus at bay... AS Bahrain has not experienced any cases of bird flu, it's extremely unlikely that you could contract it here at the present time. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) advises those travelling to Asia to avoid live bird markets and poultry farms. Although no cases have been identified yet of people contracting the disease through eating contaminated poultry, the WHO has issued these food safety recommendations: uSeparate raw meat from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination: do not use the same chopping board or the same knife. uDo not handle both raw and cooked foods without washing your hands in between and do not place cooked meat back on the same plate or surface it was on before cooking. uDo not use raw or soft boiled eggs in food preparations that will not be heat treated/cooked. uAfter handling frozen or thawed raw chicken or eggs, use soap to thoroughly wash your hands, surfaces and utensils that have been in contact with the r 0
108988 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Society rebuilds homes in Rafah MANAMA A BAHRAINI charity is rebuilding homes for Palestinian families whose houses were bulldozed by the Israelis. The Islamic Education Society has spent more BD39,000 to build 65 one-storey houses for needy families in Rafah. Their original homes were bulldozed by the Israelis, said society aid and orphans committee head Jassim Al Maawada. "These families then had no place to go to and had a rough time finding shelter," he said. "They were in poor financial status after losing all of their belongings." Mr Al Maawada said the society decided to help them return to their neighbourhood after receiving a letter highlighting their plight. "The new town has been praised by United Nations engineers, who believe it offers the state-of-the-art facilities." Mr Al Maawada said the project was expected to be complete in May next year. "It is being supervised for the society by Khan Younis-based Dar Al Keetab and Sonah Society," he said. "We are currently studyin 0
108989 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Cyclists ride to a record... FIVE cyclists yesterday completed a 200km ride which, organisers of the event believe, is the first time anyone has cycled around the Kingdom. At the crack of dawn 15 cyclists set off on this challenging venture and after nine hours and 40 minutes Chuck Chandonnet came in first followed by Paul Hamilton, Josh Scott, Alan Eagles and Paul Cleaver. The endurance ride is not a race or a charitable event, but a challenge by a group to try and cover this distance which they believe has not been done before in Bahrain. "When we started it was still dark and cool and this gave us an ideal start," said Paul Cleaver, one of the organisers. The challenge was split into three legs. The first started from Awali, passing over Sitra causeway, Mina Salman, the airport, back to Manama through the Seef area and down Budaiya road to Janabiya. The second leg took the cyclists down the western coast to Zallaq, Al Areen Wildlife Park, Formula 1 track and back to Awali via Jebel Dukhan. A ONE-DAY Anapana Meditation course for children, aged eight to 15 years, was held yesterday at the Bahrain Medical Society, Juffair. The purpose of the free course was to help improve children's awareness, concentration and memory. Anapana is the first stop in the practice of Vipasana meditation, which means "to see things as they really are". Vipasana is a logical process of mental purification through self-observation. The ideal time to begin the training is in childhood when children as young as eight can easily learn the technique. 0
108991 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL Sex pest doctor fined MANAMA: A high-ranking BDF doctor was yesterday fined BD600 for sexually harassing three women, including a senior colleague. Four witnesses testified against the Arab practitioner in the Military Court. The women will each receive BD200 compensation. BD4m aid for families MANAMA: Social assistance to needy Bahraini families rose to BD4.231 million, up from BD4.20m last year. The package now benefits 10,718 families, Social Affairs Assistance Director Hanan Kamal said yesterday. She said 8,936 families benefit from the BD1.075m Royal package to reduce electricity and water charges while 4,330 families receive regular aid from societies and charity funds. 0
108992 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL BIC medical centre praised MANAMA: A Formula One team director was treated for three chest fractures at the Bahrain International Circuit Medical Centre. The team director suffered the fractures before arriving in Bahrain, Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) accident and emergency department chief Dr Nabeel Al Ansari said yesterday, at a Press conference at SMC marking the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. "We dealt with 33 emergency cases, most of them involving F1 garage mechanics." He added that the centre has three fully-equipped intensive care rooms. 0
108993 0 1534 BNEW LOCAL New Year treat for Tamils THE Indian Club celebrated the Tamil New Year in style last night. A musical extravaganza entitled Chithirai Thiru Vizha was held at the club premises in Manama. It featured local duo Ravi and Jaffar; and Seema Manimaran, a former resident of Bahrain now settled in Madras, was specially flown in to entertain the audience. The other artistes were Preethi Santhosh, Udaya Kumar, Moovendran Subash, Mohammed Siraj, Saleem Zakaria and Sukumar. Rajesh entertained the crowd with mimicry. Friends Orchestra led by Shams Cochin provided music for the event. It also had classical cinematic dances and mimicry. The event was sponsored by Sangeetha Restaurant. 0
108994 1 1534 SPOR SPORT LARA SLAMS SUPERB TON PORT OF SPAIN: Brian Lara marked his return to the West Indies side with his 27th Test century on the first day of the second Test against South Africa last night. Lara, left out of the drawn first Test in Guyana because of a dispute over personal sponsorship, was in magnificent form to take West Indies from a precarious 13 for two to 185 for three after tea. His innings saw him leapfrog Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar into third place on the all-time list of leading run scorers in Test cricket. Lara began the match with 10,094 runs. He also surpassed Sir Garry Sobers as his country's most prolific century maker Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who retained the captaincy despite the return of Lara, won the toss and chose to bat on a green-looking pitch. His decison was a bold one but South African fast bowler Makhaya Ntini made early inroads with two quick wickets. In the sixth over Chris Gayle, who was also returning after sitting out the first Test, top edged a pull shot to 0
108995 2 1534 SPOR SPORT Hajis Handicap team claim title THE team of Hajis Handicap - Issam Abdulla, John Reynolds, Danny Hagerty and Dewi Jones - clinched the Batelco-sponsored World Cup of Golf Tournament yesterday at Riffa Golf Club with 87 points. The tournament was played in the Better-Ball Stableford format with 50 teams of four in the fray. The teams were split into two per hole and teed off at different holes. The best individual scores of each of the two groups were calculated and combined for the final tally. Players were given a three quarters handicap allowance. Hajis Handicap set the early pace after the shotgun start and never looked back despite more teams joining the action after the second shotgun start. Competition was fierce with most of the national team golfers the fray along with many top expatriate players who represented around 20 countries. In ideal conditions, the Friends team of Mohammed Ahmed, Ali Misbah, Nabeel Sabt and Nasser Yacoob (82) came second with Yeon Gul Kim, Jae Ho Lee, Hyun Soo K 0
108996 3 1534 SPOR SPORT Fleming thwarts Lanka victory bid NAPIER, New Zealand: A courageous knock by injured skipper Stephen Fleming countered the feisty bowling of the unorthodox Lasith Malinga to steer New Zealand to safety and a drawn first cricket Test against Sri Lanka here yesterday. Malinga ended with a well-deserved five wicket bag, but not before Fleming had returned to the crease with an injured hand to carry New Zealand from their precarious lunch total of 148 for seven to be all out at tea for 238. His valuable 41 helped set the Sri Lankans the improbable target of 302 to win off 29 overs, and their innings lasted just nine balls and seven runs before the match was abandoned because of bad light. But the Sri Lankans could feel they took the honours after nearly six months out of the Test arena, and will have a psychological advantage going into the second Test next week. Captain Marvan Atapattu said they felt they could have won the first Test until Fleming, nursing an injured hand, came to New Zealand's rescue. 0
108997 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Howell sizzles before storms halt Masters AUGUSTA, Georgia: European Ryder Cup hero David Howell had a blistering start to his second round here at the Masters when he fired five birdies in his opening seven holes. The 29-year-old, making his Masters debut, shared the lead with fellow Brit Luke Donald and American Chris DiMarco when play was suspended for the second day in a row thanks to thunderstorms. Donald, playing some of the best golf of his young career, shot an opening four-under 68 when he completed his storm-delayed first round here yesterday. He stretched that to five-under when he birdied the second hole of his second round before play was brought to a halt. DiMarco had only played one hole of his second round when the halt was ordered. The 27-year-old Donald, tipped by three-time Masters champion Nick Faldo as Europe's best young prospect, refused to get carried away with his opening round. Lurking behind the leaders are world number one Vijay Singh, at four-under, and defending champ 0
108998 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Sauber relationship with Villeneuve 'strained' BERN, Switzerland: Swiss Formula One team Sauber have admitted their relationship with driver Jacques Villeneuve is strained. "The partnership between Jacques Villeneuve and Sauber Petronas is currently at a difficult point," team owner Peter Sauber said yesterday. The 1997 world champion has failed to score points in any of the season's three races so far and was replaced by Felipe Massa during testing in Barcelona this week after posting the slowest time on Wednesday. Villeneuve's best lap time of one minute 18.10 seconds was almost a second behind the next slowest driver Olivier Panis of Toyota and nearly four seconds off the leading pace set by McLaren's Pedro de la Rossa. Peter Sauber said the decision to switch drivers in Barcelona was taken on purely technical grounds. "The objective of our test in Barcelona is to evaluate new aerodynamic components," he said. "Our times were so slow and inconsistent on Wednesday that the engineers were not certain 0
108999 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Anshaam wins Cup in thriller ANSHAAM scored a thrilling upset victory to claim the Shaikh Rashid bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup, one of the three cup events at the races at Sakhir yesterday. Anshaam, owned by Bouresly Racing Syndicate, trained by Fadhel Al Asfoor and ridden by Hussain Abdulla, pipped Quick Act by half-a-length to claim the top prize in this BD3,000 race while Grave Deed was third and True Courage fourth. Yiflan, owned by Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, trained by Frank Mendez and ridden by Trevor Naughton, claimed the Batelco Broadband Stakes (Batelco Challenge), which carried a cash prize of BD5,000, beating Reidies Choice by a neck. Day Fort was third and Sea Dart fourth. Jamr Al Oyoon, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and ridden by D Bouland, beat Queen's Guard by a length to claim the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Co (Asry) Cup, which carried a cash prize of BD3,000, while Ghayth was third and Summer Breeze fourth. In t 0
109000 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Saar Road Oldies clinch rugby clash SAAR Road Golden Oldies defeated Avenue 35 Golden Oldies 33-17 in a commemorative match to remember Mike Jones yesterday at the Bahrain Rugby Club premises in Saar. Jones, who died in his late 60s last February in England following a massive heart attack, was a member of the Bahrain Rugby Club for more than 20 years. He also was instrumental in helping to raise the BD250,000 needed to move the club to its present location and was its food and beverages manager. The two teams were made up of players from the old clubhouse days and those since the club moved to its present premises. Avenue 35 had the upperhand by half time leading 10-0 in a match split into four quarters which included nine players over 50 years of age and three over 60. A crowd of around 600 attended the match which began with a minute's silence and included Jones' daughter Nicky and son Tony who had flown in for the occasion. More than BD500 was donated to the Heart Foundation charity at the request of Jo 0
109001 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Pakistan will hit back says Younis JAMSHEDPUR, India: Pakistan vice-captain Younis Khan believes his team will bounce back in the one-day series against India as they did in the Test series once they get into the swing of things. "It is only a matter of finding the rhythm and we have every chance of winning some matches on the trot," said Younis, who missed the first two one-dayers with a fever. "We drew the Test series by winning the final match in Bangalore and we can do the same in the one-dayers too," a fit-again Younis said ahead of the third match at the Keenan stadium here today. Pakistan, who trail 0-2 in the six-match series, must win today to keep alive their hopes of winning the series. "One-dayers are all about playing well on a particular day. India had two good days but we can come back and win the next four matches," said Younis who set up Pakistan's memorable win in Bangalore with a career-best 267 and 84 not out. "I am fit to play but we have yet to decide on the composition," he s 0
109002 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Flintoff is confident of being fit for Ashes MANCHESTER: Andrew Flintoff said here yesterday he was on course to be fully fit for the start of the Ashes Test series against Australia which gets underway in July. The Lancashire and England all-rounder, widely regarded as vital to the Test side's hopes of ending a run of eight straight Ashes series defeats, underwent surgery on his left ankle in February which prevented him playing in the one-day series in South Africa. Flintoff, 27, has since being following a rehabilitation programme at Lancashire devised by the Old Trafford club's physisotherapist. Injuries and selection decisions have meant that Flintoff has still to play a Test against Australia, the world's number one side, despite 45 England appearances in the five-day game. But he insisted he had every confidence he'd take the field against Ricky Ponting's men at Lord's on July 21 for what will be the first Test of a five-match series. "It's coming on well. It's nine weeks on Sunday since the op and it 0
109003 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Kidd picks up 66th triple-double as Nets win TORONTO: Jason Kidd recorded his 66th career triple-double and Vince Carter scored 32 points as the New Jersey Nets beat the Knicks 110-98 in National Basketball Association action in New York yesterday. Kidd had 28 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for the Nets (37-39), who have won eight of their past 11 games to move to within one game of the Philadelphia 76ers for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks lost their season-high eighth straight game and were all but mathematically eliminated from the playoff hunt with the loss. New York trailed by as many as 26 in the third quarter but rallied to get within six points in the fourth before fading. Brian Scalabrine added 12 points for New Jersey, while Nenad Krstic chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Stephon Marbury led New York with 30 points and nine assists, while Jamal Crawford added 26 points for New York. The Nets won the season series over the Knicks 3-1 in a physical gam 0
109004 0 1534 SPOR SPORT Bahrain U-15 team set for Asia Cup BAHRAIN'S cricket team leave today to participate in the Asian Cricket Council's Under-15 Asia Cup which gets underway on Monday in the UAE. A 14-man squad led by David Mathias has been named by the Bahrain Cricket Association (BCA) and have been training under coach Faustinus Branson Arulvasangam. Sixteen countries are participating and they are divided into four groups with Bahrain in Group B along with Oman, Bhutan and Hong Kong. Matches are 40 overs per side and played on a league cum knock out basis with the top two teams in each group progressing to the quarter-finals. The tournament will be played at four venues with matches scheduled at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Dubai Cricket Council Grounds 1 and 2 and Shaikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. A ceremony was held at the Pakistan Club last night before the team left along with manager Hamid Sadiq, coach Arulvasagam and umpire William Gerard Rebert. Squad: David Mathias; Karan Kumar; Danish Jasnai 0
109005 0 1534 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Free surgery consultations, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, 9am-1pm; lectures on kidney diseases, 10am; stress diseases, 11.30am; prostrate diseases, 5pm. Contact 17812200. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Condolence book signing for Pope John Paul II, Sacred Heart Church, Manama, 8am-12.30pm and from 3pm-9pm. Contact 17253598. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's Trafficking people hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Sa 0
109006 1 1534 WORL WORLD FAREWELL! VATICAN CITY: Pope John Paul II was laid to rest in Saint Peter's basilica yesterday after an elaborate and emotional funeral rite. Vatican officials said the Pope was buried in the crypt close to the spot said to contain the remains of Peter, the apostle chosen by Jesus Christ to found his church almost 2,000 years ago. The burial inaugurated a nine-day period of mourning for the Polish-born pontiff, who died last Saturday aged 84 after a 26-year reign, the third longest in history. On April 18, Roman Catholic cardinals are to meet behind closed doors to start the process of electing his successor. About 300,000 mourners thronged in and around Saint Peter's Square, where the Pope's body lay in a plain wooden coffin during the mass attended by the political and religious leaders of more than half the world's nations. An estimated 700,000 other pilgrims filled surrounding streets to watch the ceremony on giant video screens. Banners reading "Santo Subito" (sainthoo 0
109007 2 1534 WORL WORLD Egypt bomb fuels clampdown fears CAIRO: Activists campaigning for political reform in Egypt last night said they were worried the government would use a bombing in central Cairo as an excuse to nip their fledgling protest movement in the bud. The Kefaya (Enough) Movement, the Muslim Brotherhood and the liberal Ghad Party all condemned the attack, which killed three people, including two tourists, in the Old City on Thursday, and said it would not distract them from their campaign for more democracy. Politicians and analysts said at the very least the government would see the incident as grounds for rejecting the opposition demand that it abolish emergency law, which has been in force since President Hosni Mubarak took office in 1981. "We are accustomed to the government exploiting unfortunate incidents to maximise the chances of continuing the state of emergency and minimising the chances of expanding the democratic margin," Ghad Party leader Ayman Nour said. Mohamed el-Sayed Said, deputy director of the Al Ahra 0
109008 3 1534 WORL WORLD Clean government vow by Jaafari BAGHDAD: Iraq's newly-appointed premier began yesterday the process of building a cabinet he said must include efficient technocrats and nationalists with a "clean history," as insurgents released another hostage. Despite the weeks of delay and bickering in nominating Ibrahim Al Jaafari, Washington expressed hope Iraq's political calendar providing for a permanent constitution and definitive elections by the end of 2005 would be respected. Jaafari said after his appointment by new President Jalal Talabani and his two deputies that he would work to form a government within two weeks, although he theoretically has a month to do so. "The ministries need efficient technocrats, nationalists with a good and clean history and team players who are comfortable working within a diverse setting," Jaafari said. He promised "to fight corruption and institute administrative reforms" after several members of his United Iraqi Alliance (UIA), parliament's largest bloc, accused the outgoing govern 0
109009 0 1534 WORL WORLD Key challenges await new Pope VATICAN CITY: For all its stately solemnity, the funeral yesterday of John Paul II means attention now turns to choosing a successor, and cardinals have more than a week to reflect before meeting for their secret conclave. As they ponder in the ornate surroundings of the Vatican, they must weigh up a perplexing array of demands ranging from theological doctrine to skin colour via inter-faith dialogue, contraception and attitudes to women and gays. But into weighty matters essentially reflecting sin and the soul comes an imponderable which perhaps two weeks ago could not have been foreseen - the immense outpouring of affection that John Paul inspired. If the cardinals were not aware before that they need a successor who will have an equally sure touch with the public, the millions of people around the world who mourned the Pope's death will have made it crystal clear. The conclave begins on April 18. From that afternoon on, after a solemn mass and swearing-in ceremony, the 0
109010 0 1534 WORL WORLD Arch foes shake hands at funeral JERUSALEM: Even in death, Pope John Paul II managed to bring together the bitterest of foes, with the Israeli president meeting his Syrian and Iranian counterparts for the first time at the pontiff's funeral yesterday. During the requiem mass in St Peter's Square, Israeli President Moshe Katzav shook the hand of Syria's Bashar Al Assad and exchanged a few words in Persian with Iran's Mohammad Khatami, Israeli media reported. Shortly afterwards, the Syrian leader, who was sitting behind his Israeli counterpart in the dignitaries' section, took the initiative to shake Katsav's hand a second time, it said. The unprecedented meeting took place in the wake of an emotional funeral for the late Pope, which was attended by scores the political and religious leaders from around the world. During the brief exchange between Khatami and the Katsav, the two leaders discussed the Iranian town of Yazd where they were both born. Israeli officials initially hailed the unprecedented pleasa 0
109011 0 1534 WORL WORLD Jets intercept aircraft ROME: A small jet sent to Rome to pick up Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski after the funeral of Pope John Paul II was intercepted by an Italian fighter plane following reports that it had a bomb on board, Ansa news agency reported. No bomb was found on the business jet-type Learjet which was originally headed to Rome's Ciampino Airport and escorted to Pratica di Mare Military Base near the Italian capital, where it was searched. Ansa earlier quoted Italy's air force chief General Leonardo Tricario as saying intelligence reports indicated that a bomb was on board the aircraft. The plane later left Pratica di Mare for Ciampino where Crvenkovski and five other people were to embark to return to Skopje. Unlike Rome's main Fiumicino airport, Ciampino has been closed to commercial traffic amid a security clampdown in and around Rome for world leaders attending the Pope's funeral. A no-flight zone covering a radius of about 120km around Rome up to an altitude of about 21, 0
109012 0 1534 WORL WORLD Thin majority may force Blair to quit LONDON: Britain's Labour Party is almost certain to win the May 5 election, but a weaker majority could prompt Prime Minister Tony Blair to resign as early as next year, according to a Reuters poll of 18 political analysts. The median forecast of 17 of the analysts polled this week showed a 90 per cent chance Labour will win a third term, but many expect a weaker majority than when last polled in January. "This is an unusually unpredictable election," said Geoffrey Foote at the University of Teeside. He predicts a Labour victory with a slim majority of 40-79 seats - down from 161 now. "Cynicism about the government's image of spin, intensified by a war people fail to see as in the national interest, could depress turnout to a point where Labour loses. But most likely it will depress turnout to a point where Labour's majority could be badly reduced," he added. Ten out of 18 analysts said Labour would win the election with a majority of 40-79 seats, seven said between 80 a 0
109013 0 1534 WORL WORLD Kashmiris hail historic bus service SRINAGAR: Kashmiris hailed a historic bus service between Indian and Pakistani Kashmir as a concrete step towards resolving the vexed territorial dispute and said militant separatists should not be allowed to disrupt it. Analysts praised India and Pakistan for what they said was the determination of the two countries to go ahead with the bus launch, the first to connect the two Kashmirs in nearly 60 years, despite threats from militants. But they said New Delhi and Islamabad still had a long way to go to untie the Kashmir knot, as they had yet to show much inclination to move from entrenched diplomatic positions despite the hype and celebrations over the transport link. "I was crying with joy when I saw television pictures of the bus crossing over to this side," Pakiza Carrim, 25, a sociology student at a university in Srinagar "Kashmiris have won half of the battle." "Now, it is the sincerity of the two countries that will make a difference to the future of Kashmir. I w 0
109014 0 1534 WORL WORLD Seoul to help Pyongyang combat bird flu SEOUL: North Korea said yesterday it is willing to accept South Korea's offer to help contain its first acknowledged outbreak of bird flu, South Korean officials said. In a telephone message, the North expressed gratitude for Seoul's offer and asked for unspecified amounts of equipment and medicine, the South's Unification Ministry said. The message also said tests confirmed that the birds were infected with the H7 strain - not the H5N1 strain that has jumped from poultry to humans in Southeast Asia - and that the outbreak may have been caused by infected migratory birds from neighbouring countries, the ministry said. The North said it has slaughtered 210,000 infected birds since the outbreak was discovered on February 25. Pyongyang first acknowledged the bird flu outbreak on March 27. UN experts who visited North Korea have said thousands of birds were killed on three farms near the capital Pyongyang. Also yesterday, North Korea said it has quarantined t 0
109015 0 1534 WORL WORLD Israel vows to grab land in West Bank RAMALLAH: The Israeli army has ordered the seizure of blocs of Palestinian land in two areas of the West Bank for "military use", Palestinian sources said yesterday. An Israeli army officer delivered a confiscation order covering 120 hectares to the municipal council in Deir Bzeih village, west of Ramallah, local councillor Mohammed Ghanem said. He said the land was seized for a road to be reserved for Jewish settlers and linking that area to Israel. Meanwhile, tens of thousands of Hamas supporters paraded through Gaza City, threatening to end a month-long truce if Jewish extremists follow through on a pledge to hold a rally at a disputed holy site in Jerusalem next week. Waving green Hamas flags and posters of the Al Aqsa mosque, the protesters chanted, "We will redeem Al Aqsa with our souls and our blood," and "They will only enter Al Aqsa over our dead bodies." In the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp, some 1,200 masked and armed members of Islamic Jihad, another m 0
109016 0 1534 WORL WORLD 75 killed in Yemen violence SANAA: At least 75 people have been killed in the fiercest battles between Yemeni security forces and Shi'ite rebels in northern Yemen. They said anti-terrorism troops had been parachuted into the rugged mountains of Saada province, 240km north of the capital Sanaa, to reinforce forces battling supporters of slain anti-US cleric Hussein Al Houthi for over three weeks. The deaths raised to at least 171 the number of people killed on both sides since the violence erupted on March 19. The Yemeni government blames Al Houthi's father, Shaikh Badr el Deen, for the new round of fighting. The medics said at least 25 other people from both sides were wounded in the fighting. They said most of the casualties appeared to be among the rebels. Yemeni troops have been pounding Houthi loyalists, with artillery and tankfire since Wednesday night trying to force them to surrender, witnesses in the area said. Local government officials said the rebels have rejected mediati 0
109017 0 1534 WORL WORLD Chef 'saw star fondle Culkin...' SANTA MARIA, California: A former chef at Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch told jurors yesterday that he saw the pop icon with his hand down the front of child movie star Macaulay Culkin's pants. The latest explosive testimony against the faded "King of Pop" during his child molestation trial came from chef Phillip Lemarque, who worked at the fantasy-themed Neverland for about 10 months in 1991. Lemarque told jurors he saw the alleged abuse when he brought French fries to Jackson and the Home Alone star, who would have been 10 or 11 at the time, in the estate's arcade where the pair were playing video games. "Michael was playing with Macaulay Culkin at one of the games," the chef said, explaining that the singer was holding up Culkin because the boy was too short to reach the controls of the game. "His left hand was inside the pants of the kid," he said. "It was in the crotch area," the chef said as Jackson looked on from the defendant's table in the court in the California town 0
109018 0 1534 WORL WORLD P Diddy told to pay more child support NEW YORK: Hip-hop star Sean "P Diddy" Combs has been ordered to pay more than $21,000 (BD7,940) a month in child support to an ex-girlfriend with whom he has an 11-year-old son. The order by the New York Supreme Court's Appellate Division, came after Combs appealed a Westchester Family Court ruling last year that he should pay $35,000 a month. He currently pays about $5,000. The ex-girlfriend, Misa Hylton-Brim, had sued for higher monthly payments and about $398,000 (BD150,445) in back support for their son, Justin. The appellate court judge awarded a lower but undisclosed amount in back support and ordered Combs to pay Hylton-Brim's legal fees. The judge set monthly support payments at $21,782. A Combs spokesman said Combs, 35, would appeal the decision to the state Court of Appeals. 0
109019 0 1534 WORL WORLD Caroline's husband in hospital MONACO: The husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, Prince Ernst August of Hanover, was in a "serious" condition in a Monaco hospital yesterday suffering from an inflamed pancreas, even as the mini-state prepared to bury his father-in-law Prince Rainier. The German prince, who is 51, was taken to the Princess Grace hospital with acute pancreatitis early on Tuesday, the day before Rainier's death, the royal palace said. Earlier a palace insider denied reports that the prince was in a coma. Ernst August is Princess Caroline's third husband. They married in 1999 and have a daughter, Alexandra. Monaco went into mourning on Wednesday after the death of Prince Rainier, 81, who ruled the tiny Mediterranean principality for more than 55 years. His funeral takes place on Friday. "We are stunned. It is yet another trial for the family," said Monaco's Archbishop Bernard Barsi. Born in February 1954, Ernst August is the head of the house of Hanover which ruled the United Kingdom from 0
109020 0 1534 WORL WORLD 'Voice of Greece' mourned ATHENS: Singer Grigoris Bithikotsis, whose voice inspired Greeks through postwar hardships of poverty, dictatorship or exile, has died aged 83. An Athens hospital said yesterday that the man widely regarded as the national voice of Greece died from organ failure, after three months in hospital following heart problems. He rose from a humble bouzouki player to a hero seen as a defender of democracy. 0
109021 0 1534 WORL WORLD Royal wedding today WINDSOR, England: At last Prince Charles weds his true love today, in a royal marriage delayed for years by complications and put off for one more day by the Pope's funeral. His mother, Queen Elizabeth II, is not attending the civil ceremony, the public still bridles at accepting Camilla Parker Bowles as a future queen, and many pine for the late Princess Di. The wedding has brought a buzz to Windsor, a riverside town 30km west of London that has been home to British monarchs for a millennium. Embassy alert LONDON: Britain said last night it was suspending all operations at its embassy in Yemen after receiving a credible security threat as Yemeni government forces killed more than 72 rebels during two days of clashes in a northern town. 0
109022 0 1534 WORL WORLD 14 killed in Algerian ambush ALGIERS: Islamic insurgents killed 14 people in a brutal attack outside the Algerian capital, trapping the victims at a fake roadblock, then killing them and burning their vehicles, journalists in the region said yesterday. The Thursday night attack occurred at Oued-Djerma in the Larbaa region, 30km southwest of Algiers, they said. Attackers struck just hours after President Abdelaziz Bouteflika said that security had "largely been re-established" after more than a decade of violence in this North African nation. No one claimed responsibility for the attack. However, Islamic insurgents have for years used fake roadblocks to rob travellers, usually killing them in the process. The brutality of the attack and the method recalled the bloody killings and massacres that wracked Algeria starting in 1992, with violence peaking in the mid-1990s. Continual offensives by security forces have quashed most pockets of insurgents. Bouteflika, marking the first anniversary yeste 0
109023 0 1534 WORL WORLD 50 Maoists slain by Nepal troops KATHMANDU: Nepalese troops killed at least 50 Maoist rebels during a night-long battle in western Nepal to repel a largescale attack on a security forces base. "We have confirmed reports that the bodies of 50 rebels in combat dress and 31 automatic weapons have been recovered from the clash site," an army official said. Nine soldiers were also wounded in the attack on the base at Khara village in Rukum district about 400km west of Kathmandu, he said. "Hectic search operations are going on to locate the rebels who are suspected to be hiding in the neighbouring areas," he said. It was not possible to independently verify details of the clash in the remote area. It was believed to be the largest clash between rebels and government security forces since King Gyanendra sacked the government on February 1. Up to 200 people protesting Gyanendra's power-grab were arrested yesterday, witnesses and political parties said, although police could only confirm that 70 were rou 0
109024 0 1534 WORL WORLD China furious over Lama's Japan visit TOKYO: Tibet's exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama arrived in Tokyo yesterday triggering the latest Chinese protest against Japan. The Dalai Lama kicked off his 10th visit to largely Buddhist Japan with a visit to a famous shrine and a fresh tribute to late Pope John Paul II, who had repeatedly met the monk in defiance of China which has ruled Tibet since 1951. "We strongly demand Japan to take pragmatic steps to honour its solemn promise on the Tibet issue, to prevent the Dalai Lama from visiting Japan and not to provide a stage for his political activities," foreign ministry said. The 69-year-old monk will spend 11 days around Japan in which he will deliver five religious lectures. A Japanese foreign ministry official said the Dalai Lama was considered purely a "private figure." The visit comes amid rising confrontation between Japan and China over disputed gas reserves and how the two countries remember their Second World War history. 0
109025 0 1534 WORL WORLD Grenade blast at Beirut bank BEIRUT: A hand grenade was lobbed at a bank in a Christian town northeast of Beirut last night. There were no casualties reported, but the bomb caused some damage to the building in the mountain resort town of Dhour Shweir, police said. Dhour Shweir is about 20km northeast of Beirut in the Christian heartland. It was the fifth explosion to rock Christian areas of Lebanon since March 19. Four previous explosions killed three people and wounded 24 and caused severe damage to the shopping, residential and industrial areas they targeted. Fear has gripped Lebanon following the recent spate of bombs, which have been placed under or near cars. 0
109026 0 1534 WORL WORLD Beirut wants Hariri probe speeded up BEIRUT: Lebanon wants the international probe into the killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri finished as soon as possible, Foreign Minister Mahmoud Hammoud said yesterday. Hammoud said he expects a contact from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan for urgent consultations regarding the formation of the investigation commission in the February 14 killing that the UN Security Council called for this week. "It is in Lebanon's interest that the international investigation team into the terrorist crime of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, called for by the Security Council, be completed as soon as possible in order to know the truth," Hammoud said in the first comment by a Lebanese official on the world body's call for an international probe. The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously approved the resolution authorising the international inquiry into Hariri's death. Hammoud said that Lebanon had already reaffirmed its consent to allowing an international team investig 0
109027 0 1534 WORL WORLD Granny with a taste for pot is spared jail A MAD, MAD WORLD... A 66-year-old British grandmother who has a taste for marijuana casserole and admitted to sharing cannabis-laced cookies with fellow pensioners was spared jail yesterday. Patricia Tabram from East Lea in the northern tip of England, who said she ate cannabis in food to alleviate pains in her neck and back, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug with intent to supply. But Judge David Hodson said he would not make a "martyr" of her when she returned to Newcastle Crown Court for sentencing. Instead, she received a six-month suspended prison sentence. Outside the court, she said she intended to keep taking the drug "because it is far better than any tablets you can get from the doctor". The grey-haired granny has become a symbol for those who want Britain to legalise pot. She is even writing a book. Police said they raided Tabram's home after a tip-off in May last year and found 31 cannabis plants along with hydroponic cultivation equipment. In a later raid they found 47 bags of "skunk", a partic 0
109028 1 1535 BUSI NULL Small businesses urged to adopt new technologies MANAMA: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to take advantage of new technologies to reduce their costs and improve efficiency, says Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro. Failure to modernise is a world-wide phenomenon which is a major factor contributing to the failure of these companies, he said. "These businesses often don't understand the importance of maintaining high quality standards. They also lack expertise and are against change," said Dr Fakhro. "They usually don't appreciate the benefits that are to be gained from employing modern methods." He was speaking at the launch of the new B-OnLine initiative for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector at the Bahrain Investors Centre in Seef Mall. The one-stop solution was launched by Microsoft and the ministry. It is designed to help small businesses in deploying the latest technologies within their day to day businesses, allowing extended business reach and access to markets beyond 0
109029 2 1535 BUSI NULL 20,000 jobs threatened by collapse of MG Rover LONGBRIDGE, England: Workers at the Longbridge plant in the English Midlands are fearful for more than 20,000 regional jobs under threat following the collapse of car maker MG Rover this week. The downfall, after a deal with Chinese partners failed, will damage the economy of the Birmingham area, residents said. It may also hurt the local prospects for Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour party at May's general election. "There are blokes walking around in shock," said Pat Wilson, 54, who has worked at Longbridge for 32 years. "Everyone was thinking it was always going to be there... There are about 25,000 people it will affect - house prices could fall, small shops could close." In the Great Stone pub in nearby Northfield - the Labour parliamentary seat that could be won or lost on this issue - staff old and new reflected on the week's events which culminated in MG Rover calling in adminstrators on Friday. Going into administration does hold out a glimmer 0
109030 3 1535 BUSI NULL Opec against immediate output raise as oil eases KUWAIT CITY: Opec's president said yesterday there was no need for an imminent output increase after oil prices eased, but he believed the market would still impose a proposed rise of 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May. "The price started to come down now. It's even below what it was in Isfahan, so the reason for starting the discussions (to raise output) has been removed," said Shaikh Ahmed Fahd Al Sabah in reference to last month's Opec meeting in Iran. "(But) I think the market behaviour will force producers to increase production in May... This is my belief as (energy minister of) Kuwait," he told reporters. "I think the 500,000 barrels increase will come any way... before June," said the Opec chief, adding that global demand for oil is estimated to rise by one million bpd in the third quarter. World oil prices fell on Friday for the fourth successive day to dip below $54 a barrel as supply concerns that drove the market up to record highs earlier this week eased.</ 0
109031 0 1535 BUSI NULL China-India aim to bolster trade BANGALORE: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived here yesterday on the last leg of a four-nation South Asia tour for talks with Indian leaders who expect to boost trade between the two Asian giants. The premier's engagements in Bangalore include a visit to the offices of Tata Consultancy Services, India's biggest software services exporter, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Chinese telecom major, Huawei Technologies. According to IT industry experts, China is keen to grab a slice of the multi-billion dollar software exports and outsourcing market, currently dominated by India. Wen will today leave for New Delhi, where he is to meet Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh for talks. He is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow. Wen and his 150-member delegation will discuss ways to expand trade between two of the world's fastest-growing economies. Indian officials have said the agenda for talks will be topped by business, 0
109032 0 1535 BUSI NULL French vow support for growth in Morocco POITIERS, France: French leaders pledged support yesterday for Morocco's plan to overhaul its infrastructure, starting with a joint study on equipping the North African nation with a high-speed rail network by 2015. Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin said France, proud creator of its high-speed TGV trains, will work "beside the Moroccan government" in preliminary studies for a rail project that foresees fast trains linking Casablanca with Marrakesh and Marrakesh with Agadir. Raffarin made the comments in the central city of Poitiers after a meeting with Moroccan Prime Minister Driss Jettou, on a visit to drum up French support for Morocco's economic development. "Morocco wants to raise its infrastructure to a higher level," said Jettou, who symbolically rode out to Poitiers on a TGV. "We are counting a lot on France to study this plan together." Raffarin and Jettou visited the Futuroscope leisure park in Poitiers. Earlier, Jettou met in Paris French President J 0
109033 0 1535 BUSI NULL Oil strike called off LAGOS: Nigeria's two main oil unions yesterday dropped a threat to paralyse their industry by holding a nationwide strike, saying that they had forged a deal on working conditions with employers and the government. The announcement of a "three-day warning strike", which was to have begun tomorrow, had helped push world oil prices to this week's record level. "The national strike is hereby suspended, because we do not want to keep the whole country in suspense," said Elijah Okougbo, general secretary of Nupeng, Nigeria's main blue-collar oil union. His announcement was endorsed by his counterpart from the white-collar union Pengassan, Mojibayo Fadakinte, at the same news conference in Lagos. The unions have reached a deal with the main international oil majors on pensions, on limiting short-term contract employment, on union representation and on limiting the firms' intake of non-Nigerian staff, they said. 0
109034 0 1535 BUSI NULL Saudi steps up bid to join WTO WASHINGTON: Top US and Saudi officials will meet next week on Riyadh's bid to join the World Trade Organisation, the US Trade Representative's Office said as talks between the two countries intensified. Acting US Trade Representative Peter Allgeier and Saudi Commerce and Industry Minister Hashem Yamani are tentatively scheduled to meet in the US capital on Thursday, USTR said. Saudi Arabia's chief WTO accession negotiator, Fawaz Al Alamy, has been in Washington since late March for extensive talks on the oil producer's long-time bid to join the 148-nation organisation based in Geneva. The US has urged the kingdom to take stronger action against the illegal copying of US-recorded products. Another obstacle to an agreement has been shelf-life restrictions on food products that Washington says are out of line with international norms. A USTR spokeswoman had no immediate comment on whether the two sides were close to an agreement. Bank profits soar KUWAIT CITY: The National 0
109035 0 1535 BUSI NULL EU 'ready for talks in subsidies row' BRUSSELS: EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson said yesterday the European Union was ready to continue negotiations with the United States over government aid to their respective aircraft makers after they gave up on trying to find an accord by tomorrow's deadline, echoing the sentiments of his US counterpart. "I regret that it has not been possible to reach an interim agreement by 11 April," Mandelson said in a statement. "But given the complexity of the issues this is perhaps not surprising." He added: "Both sides should now pause for further thought, and review the situation. The EU remains interested in reaching an initial agreement that reduces the levels of government support in this sector and completing a comprehensive agreement in the longer term. I stand ready to continue negotiation." The office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said on Friday it remained ready for negotiations after tomorrow's deadline has expired to forestall the row ending back at the World T 0
109036 0 1535 BUSI NULL Jordan showcased MANAMA: Bahrainis are being targeted to spend their holidays in Jordan. A travel trade show will take place at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa tomorrow to showcase holiday and leisure opportunities in Jordan. It is being staged by a delegation from the Jordan Tourism Board, as well as a number of Jordanian tour operators, travel agents and hotel representatives. The trade show, which will be held in the Al Ghazal Ballroom, will be open to the public from 12.30pm. 0
109037 0 1535 COMM NULL No, we are NOT alone! These days you don't hear much about UFOs. Reports of close encounters with little green men are rightly regarded as pure hokum. E.T. never got to phone home, it is generally accepted, because E.T. never landed here in the first place. Yet the very big question remains: are we truly alone in the universe? I for one don't think we are. In fact, I am more convinced than ever that there is extra-terrestrial life out there somewhere. There is nothing particularly revolutionary in that view - it is widely shared - but what is new and exciting is that I am equally convinced we will be able to prove the existence of such life within the next 10 years. My confidence starts with the growing consensus that there is actually nothing very unique about life evolving on Earth. Find another planet of roughly the same size and composition, and with a similar set of physical conditions, and most scientists now believe that life - perhaps not quite as we know it but similar - will emerge again. As Britain's Prince Charles and his bride Camilla begin married life, I can't help but feel sorry that the run up to their wedding was so fraught with difficulty and discord. There is so much misery in the world, so much war, terrorism and crime, you would think that a little romance and happiness would be much welcomed. But the British Press has long disliked Charles and while the public may have once forgiven his past indiscretions, the media has kept up a relentless campaign of ridicule and vitriol. I have always had a soft spot for Charles, mostly because he has always been the family buffoon, at one time apparently more interested in hugging trees than in affairs of state. We have in fact met, though just once and it is extremely unlikely that he would remember me. He may, however, have a vague memory of nearly running over a small, 19-year-old trainee reporter, as he toured the JCB plant near Uttoxeter, UK, which was being honoured for some industrial achievement, t 0
109039 0 1535 LETT NULL Why people in glass houses shouldn't... WITH the "killing" of poor Terri Schiavo, isn't it time for the US to start looking at their own human rights issue instead of spending time policing other countries' standards of human rights? Name and address supplied 0
109040 0 1535 LETT NULL More shade at F1? FIRSTLY, congratulations to Bahrain on staging the second Gulf Air Formula One Grand Prix. It was an experience I won't forget in a while, with traffic control spot on! A suggestion from a spectator's point of view. Please provide more shade. It is understandable that there will be queues at any outlets, but we want to enjoy our experience and return home with a smile, not looking like a tomato! Cherry! 0
109041 0 1535 LETT NULL Going backwards? I AM a 27-year-old Bahraini woman worried by the frustrating situation in Bahrain. Why can't people notice that this religious phase in Bahrain is driving us backwards? It is destroying the economic well-being of the country at a critical time where all neighbouring countries are opening up. - Women driving in veils is neither civilised nor safe. - No organisers want to hold concerts (especially with female singers) in Bahrain anymore. - I wear whatever I want and do whatever I want... we need no "religious watchdogs" to tell us how to behave. If my family raised me this way, no "body/organisation" should have the right to tell me otherwise. - We thought parliament was a step to solving problems in Bahrain. It is only creating more. - I am ashamed to see men in parliament that are discussing the right of military men to have "beards". Aren't there more serious issues we are facing? Unemployment? Poverty? We should be looking at Dubai as an example. 0
109042 0 1535 LETT NULL Passengers puzzle I WAS surprised to read in the statement from the immigration authorities (GDN, March 17), that the number of passengers using Bahrain airport and seaports dropped to 90,646 in February 2005 from 210,098 in Febraury 2004, a staggering 57 per cent. Most surprising, as 2004 was so good and Bahrain like the rest of the region is booming. But can this be so? Last year the airport handled record throughput reaching almost 5.2 million passengers, about 20pc up on 2004 as was stated in the GDN earlier this year and some of my friends in the aviation sector say it continues to grow. Are the immigration figures correct, do they cover the total number of travellers using the airport? Edward Smyth *A General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence spokesman said: "We would like to confirm the total number of passengers arriving and departing through immigration at all Bahrain ports of entry (Bahrain International Airport, King Fahad Causeway and all sea ports) for 0
109043 0 1535 LETT NULL Facelift long overdue WITH regards to the BD100,000 that will be spent on "face-lifting" the water garden at Ghufool, I say it's high time! I have lived on the island for two years, and in that time I have noticed that the Water Gardens is the only place where a family can go, spend a day, and have an entirely pleasant time in the outdoors. Surely, our weather does not always permit it - but when it does, I could probably speak for most of us that we would like to take advantage of it. The government needs to start taking more seriously the state of our parks and beautifying them in a natural way with the trees, bushes, flowers that are able to grow in Bahrain. In the two years that I have been here, the plans of a car park has been talked about like a shadow and beautifying efforts have only gone to the Mother and Child Park which isn't built for much except a nice walk (fair enough.) But with the amenities that are offered at the Water Gardens, the sounds, the smells, the colours and the she 0
109044 0 1535 LETT NULL Spoken English? IS there anybody conducting spoken English courses, other than institutes who charge such high prices? B V M 0
109045 0 1535 LETT NULL Airlines cry foul WITH regards to the column 'Air fares set to rise' (GDN, April 6), what I would like to know is how come when people from the sub-continent are finally being given better fare rates by new airlines that the old ones are trying to increase their prices by 10 per cent for this sector? I understand when you say that fuel prices have gone up and you have to make a profit. But then are these new cheaper fare airlines also not making a profit even though their fares are much less? The old airlines have milked the sub-continent's people for many years and finally when we have some healthy competition coming up the old airlines cry foul. Whatever happened to free market and forces of demand and supply? Sammy Dias 0
109046 0 1535 LETT NULL Pay scales scandalous 'EQUAL opportunity employer', there is no such phrase in Gulf culture. Here I am from Pakistan - did my engineering in the United States, yet I get half the amount of pay that a Westerner gets, doing the same work, even though he has less experience and fewer qualifications than me. And the great part is that if I go ahead and get Canadian or American nationality, then my pay gets doubled as well. And here I thought coming to the Gulf, I would be more privileged than others. This practice of TCN - third country national, is not only unethical, it is also un-Islamic. The person should get paid according to the job he is doing, not according to his skin colour or passport! Asghar Alikhan 0
109047 1 1535 BNEW NULL OPEN FOR BUSINESS! MANAMA MANILA: The Premier yesterday urged businessmen to step up trade relations with other countries in everyone's best interests. During his official visit to the Philippines, Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday stressed the crucial importance of such relations to fuel Bahrain's economic development. He made his call while receiving a Bahraini trade delegation, headed by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Khalid Kanoo, currently there on a tour of East Asian countries. The Premier hailed the role of the private sector in economic development and that played by businessmen in attracting investment and joint agreements with foreign investors, which provide citizens with working opportunities and increase economic activity and growth. The delegation briefed the Prime Minister on the results of the tour and talks held with Asian officials and businessmen, thanking him for continued efforts to boost relations with countries, which contribute to attracting furthe 0
109048 2 1535 BNEW NULL Desperate parents in kidney op appeal MANAMA PARENTS of a 14-year-old Bahraini boy are appealing for BD4,000 to pay for an operation to save him from kidney failure. Mohammed Jassim Nasser Abbas, a student at Hamad Town Intermediate School for Boys, was born disabled and is unable to stand or walk. He is also suffering urinary and excretion problems, which caused further damage to his bladder and kidneys. Mohammed's mother, Najah Ali Abdulrahman, is campaigning to raise money for an operation after watching his condition deteriorate. "Day after day I am seeing my son fade away," she said. "Things are going from bad to worse and even after having several operations in Bahrain and abroad, Mohammed is still in pain." A Health Ministry report says Mohammed is suffering from meningomyelocele, hydrocephalus, paraplegia and neurogenic bladder problems. Ms Abdulrahman says Mohammed's operation is available in Amman, Jordan, and that success is guaranteed. "We wouldn't take our son to a place where hi 0
109049 3 1535 BNEW NULL Woman dies in car crash MANAMA MANAMA: A Bahraini woman was killed in a car crash in A'ali yesterday. She was heading south on Avenue 38 when she lost control of her Toyota Corolla, hit the central reservation, landed in the opposite lane and smashed into a Nissan Sunny driven by a Bahraini youngster. He suffered multiple fractures. A female cousin who was travelling in the woman's car was treated at BDF Hospital. 0
109050 0 1535 BNEW NULL Bahraini's cycling odyssey begins MANAMA MANAMA: Bahraini traveller Khalid Abdulla Hussain today begins a cycling tour of the GCC in tribute to the late UAE president Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He leaves from Southern Governorate headquarters escorted by a group representing Bahrain's national cycling squad, Saudi Bahrain Institute for the Blind and Al Eman School. Mr Hussain will cross Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE before reaching Oman in 41 days. The trip is being patronised by Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 0
109051 0 1535 BNEW NULL GCC urged to ratify treaty banning landmines A WORKSHOP on a United Nations (UN) treaty banning landmines will be held today by the Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS), in co-operation with the Cairo-based Protection of Armaments and Consequences Organisation. The four-day event, to be held under the patronage of the Information Ministry at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, will be attended by journalists from the five GCC states that have not ratified the treaty. Out of the six GCC states, only Qatar has ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer or Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. Society board member Isa Al Ghayeb said the workshop aims to initiate a regional campaign calling on Gulf governments to adopt the treaty, which aims to rid the world of anti-personnel mines. He said the workshop would cover landmine problems in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as provisions in the treaty related to mine use, production and trade, victim assistance, m 0
109052 0 1535 BNEW NULL University to boost courses BAHRAIN University is seeking international accreditation for more of its courses. This will mean better career and foreign study opportunities for graduates. The university is currently on the final stages of getting its College of Education programmes internationally approved. The college expects to receive official accreditation by the end of this year. Moves for international accreditation for various programmes at the College of Engineering and College of Business Administration are also going ahead. Improving the quality of the education provided at the university will be come under the spotlight at the Fifth Quality of Higher Education Conference, which begins tomorrow at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The three-day event is organised by the university under the patronage of Education Minister and university board of trustees' president Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. Organising committee chairman Dr Khalil Shobar said that the event aimed at raising the qua 0
109053 0 1535 BNEW NULL Parks reopen with new walkway and recreation facilities MANAMA TWO parks have been reopened for West Riffa residents after renovations were completed. More than BD18,000 has been spent on the Umm Ghuwaifa Park and BD20,000 on the West Riffa Park. Southern Municipal Council vice-chairman Ali Al Mohannadi said renovations at Umm Ghuwaifa Park included a BD11,500 surrounding wall to keep out vandals and domestic animals. "The park will also include a new walkway and children's games," he said. "Instead of going to either the Al Estiqlal Walkway in Sanad or A'ali Walkway residents will now be able to walk or jog in a place nearer their homes, while at the same time having their children enjoy their time." Mr Al Mohannadi said trees and other plants had been also planted in the park to make it more appealing to visitors. "We don't have any recreational facility in the Southern Governorate and I believe the only place families could go to is parks nearby, but if the place is badly maintained and unsafe no-one will risk his family 0
109054 0 1535 BNEW NULL Ratings blow to Bahrain hotels MANAMA TWENTY-EIGHT Bahrain hotels have been 'demoted' under a new star ratings system. Another nine have been given extra stars, including promoting one hotel from a four to five star, it was announced yesterday. The new hotel rating system has been developed for Bahrain by the US-based SRI International company. SRI performed a two-year, $120,000 (BD45,360) study, which resulted in new criteria to replace Bahrain's outdated classification system. The report on the SRI's findings has been submitted to the Information Ministry's Tourism Affairs, which will notify hotels today of their new classification. An annual assessment tour of all of Bahrain's 91 hotels is also being instigated. It will involve an inspection team made up of representatives from Tourism Affairs, the Civil Defence and Fire Service and the Health Ministry. "The Information Ministry aims to establish a hotel classification system that matches international standards," Assistant Under-Secreta 0
109055 0 1535 BNEW NULL 48,000 used airport during Grand Prix AROUND 48,000 passengers passed through Bahrain International Airport during the three days of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. About 90 flights arrived specifically for the race during the three days, according to a statement released by Transport-ation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "They included chartered flights carrying Formula One spectators and private business jets, while a large number of racing fans from various countries arrived though scheduled flights by international airlines," he said. The airport handled a total of 48,000 passengers over the three days, of which 8,000 arrived with F1 tickets or visas approved online for fans attending the Grand Prix, from April 1 to 3, a Civil Aviation Affairs spokesman Yousef Mahmood clarified yesterday. A sell-out crowd of 42,000 fans packed the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) for the race last Sunday, which was won by Renault's Spanish driver Fernando Alonso. 0
109056 0 1535 BNEW NULL Woman hurt as car flips over MANAMA A BAHRAINI woman suffered minor injuries after her car overturned on Shaikh Salman Highway, in Isa Town, and hit a palm tree yesterday morning. Ahlam Hassan Mukki, 35, was driving from Manama to Isa Town at around 9.20am when she lost control of her Toyota Corolla, climbed the central reservation, hit a palm tree and flipped over. She suffered minor injuries and some chest pains due to the shock, said sources. An ambulance from Salmaniya Medical Complex reached the scene and took Ms Mukki to the BDF Hospital at her request. No further details were available. 0
109057 0 1535 BNEW NULL New business avenues open NEW businesses have been given the all-clear to set up in certain areas of Muharraq - but barred from others. Fourteen roads in Muharraq have been classified as commercial, paving the way for new businesses. But they will not be allowed to set up shop in areas designated as residential, under new rules drawn up by Muharraq Municipal Council. The aim is to allow shops and other commercial facilities within reach of residential areas, but not amongst people's homes, said council chairman Mohammed Al Wazzan. He said that the council submitted a report to the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry listing roads it wanted to be commercial and residential. Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh has agreed to carry out the change and it was already in effect, said Mr Al Wazzan. "We have carried out a survey on all avenues and roads in the governorate and based on our findings we took the decision on what avenues and roads are good as residential and what are good as comme 0
109058 0 1535 BNEW NULL Money can't buy you love - but it helps! LOOKS come first for 70 per cent of Bahraini men when it comes to choosing a wife, says a survey released yesterday. But while the majority of men want a beautiful wife, just 28pc of single Bahraini women are looking for a handsome husband, according to the lifestyle poll. It was conducted amongst 300 unmarried Bahraini men and women, aged 18 to 25 and divided equally between the sexes, by Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research secretary-general for scientific studies Dr Abdulrahman Musaqir. Celebrity looks appealed to some but not to others, with an equal 41pc of men and women saying they would not marry a lookalike. However, 7pc of the men wanted a bride to look like Bahraini actress Zainab Al Askari, 7pc chose Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, 6pc US singer Jennifer Lopez, 5pc Lebanese singer Alisa and 5pc Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi. Women preferred Lebanese singer Wa'el Kafori (4pc), Holly-wood heart-throb Tom Cruise (4pc), Saudi singer Rashid Al Majid, Egyptian actor Ah 0
109059 0 1535 BNEW NULL Tips on putting fun back into reading for children FREE Oxford Reading Tree workshops geared to primary school teachers will be held in Bahrain this week. They will be led by Oxford University Press trainer Judith Shenton at the Shaikha Hessa Girls' School, Riffa. The first workshop, called Introducing Reading to Foundation and Key Stage One, will be held on April 13 at 8am and repeated again at 5.30pm. The second workshop, called A Differentiated Approach to Reading at Key Stages One and Two, will be held on April 14 at 10am. Each session will last about one and a half hours and be practical in nature. The workshops will provide information on all recent additions to Oxford Reading Tree and would be of interest to anyone using the series at school, or at home. The Oxford Reading Tree series is extensively used worldwide. More than 18,000 primary schools use it in the UK and countless children in Bahrain are learning to read with some of the characters from the books Biff, Chip and Kipper. Mrs She 0
109060 0 1535 BNEW NULL A new chapter in learning ... MANAMA ANOTHER 15,000 new or good-condition second-hand books are needed to give away to children from throughout the country, later this month. Organisers of the third Children's Arts and Literature Festival 2005 are aiming to collect 30,000 books for their Book for All event, which will be held on April 23 in recognition of World Book Day. The chief objective of Book for All is to encourage children to read more, and develop an interest in visiting their local libraries to quench their thirst for knowledge. More than 8,000 children attended a similar event last year in the space of three hours, so demand for books outstripped supply. "This year we have set a target of collecting 30,000 books to meet the high demand and ensure that every child who attends Book for All has the opportunity to get their free book," said festival steering committee head Shaikha Marwah bint Rashid Al Khalifa. "We have already allocated 15,000 books by way of our kind sponsors, so we are halfway the 0
109061 0 1535 BNEW NULL Hospital open day on eye problems MANAMA MANAGEMENT of eye problems will come under the spotlight in an open day next week at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB). The event will be held at 7pm on April 19 under the title Recent Solutions in Management of Eye Problems. It will be conducted by visiting ophthalmology professor Dr Dev Paul Cheema, who will be in Bahrain from Saturday to April 20. Dr Cheema is an ophthalmology surgeon at the McGill University of Canada and is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. The open day is being held in co-ordination with IHB ophthalmology consultant and department head Dr Deepak Khosla. It is free and all are welcome. Dr Cheema will also give a scientific talk to Bahrain ophthalmologists on Corneal Persistent Epithelial Defects. The event will be held at 8.30pm next Sunday at the same venue, in co-operation with the Bahrain Ophthalmologists. It is free and all medical professiona 0
109062 0 1535 BNEW NULL Race to save environment MORE than 500 runners, including disabled sportsmen, are expected to take part in the Third Annual Environmental Fundraising Mini-Marathon on Friday. The event is being organised to help raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. It is being organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Re-sources, Environment and Wildlife, in association with the Jawad Dome. The event is being held under the patronage of Southern Governor and Commission president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Part of its proceeds will be donated to the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF). Several special athletes are to take part, said event director Adnan Al Qassab. "This event is the biggest of its kind in Bahrain that is solely dedicated to increase public awareness towards the protection of the environment and caring of our handicapped brethren," he said. Officials from the Commission will also be present at the event to hand out 0
109063 0 1535 BNEW NULL Model UN forum 'an eye-opener' IT was an experience of a lifetime for 14 members of the Gulf's first Model United Nations (MUN) Society, who returned to Bahrain after taking part in a major MUN meeting in Edinburgh, Scotland. They are all students at AMA International University and represented Denmark and Cote D'ivoire (Ivory Coast) at the Harvard World MUN Conference, held between March 27 and April 2. Around 1,000 delegates from over 50 countries on six continents took part, but the Bahrain group was the first from the GCC. Society president Majida Al Zakari, 21, said they had a lot of fun working hard during the day and socialising in the evening. During the event she argued Denmark's pro-refugee stance regarding the entry of Balkan countries into the European Union. "Denmark feels very strongly about the refugee issue. A programme should be set up to ensure the safe return home of refugees from the Balkans who want to go back," she said. Meanwhile, the event was a real eye-opener for 21-year-old 0
109064 0 1535 BNEW NULL Students to protest sectarian remark STUDENTS are planning to stage a wildcat demonstration today in front of a lecturer's office at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus, over alleged sectarian remarks. But Islamic studies lecturer Ahmed Al Mahmood has refuted the accusations and has posted on his office door a statement saying that he promotes dialogue between sects. University Student Council treasurer Sadiq Shabani said that the accusations were unproven and urged those organising the unauthorised demonstration to halt it. Messages urging students to demonstrate have been posted on walls and the Internet, by anonymous organisers. "This will cause chaos and havoc at the university and division between members of both sects, something no one wants to see or hear," said Mr Shabani. He said that the council was willing to investigate any genuine allegations over remarks supposedly made during a lecture last Tuesday. Anyone with a complaint should go to the council and submit a signed statement. 0
109065 0 1535 BNEW NULL Actors to be awarded at ceremony AN awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday to honour the winners of the Alliance Francaise de Bahrein's annual French Drama Festival. The event will begin at 6pm at the centre, in Isa Town. The festival was held last month and saw the participation of French language pupils and their teachers from St Christopher's School, APG School, Ibn Khuldoon National School, Isa Town Commercial School, Sacred Heart School, Bahrain Bayan School, Al Hekma International School, the Shaikh Abdul Aziz School, the Arabian Gulf University, Ecole Francaise de Bahrein and the Alliance Francaise de Bahrein. Prizes will be awarded to the best actors in two categories: seven to 12 and 13 and above. A trophy will be awarded to the school that presented the best production. Two students and a teacher are to be presented with summer holidays in Paris and Avignon, France, in July. 0
109066 0 1535 BNEW NULL What the Rotters did next The Closed Circle by Jonathan Coe ... Viking Coe's follow-up to The Rotters' Club ties up many loose ends, but also provides a thought-provoking read for newcomers to his work. The youngsters of the 1970s who populated The Rotters' Club have now grown up and The Closed Circle catches up with them in the throes of mid-life crisis and the turmoil prompted by the millennium. While they may have been married, divorced, disillusioned or worse, the past is still shaping their future and brings them all together once again. The usual suspects are back, including Benjamin Trotter as a frustrated would-be author who is jealous of his brother Paul's dubious position as a slimy New Labour MP. Alongside them the stories of other former bright young things are played out, from Claire Newman, whose obsession with her sister's disappearance still rules her life, to Steve Richards, a black family man targeted by racists and Philip Chase, a local reporter who struggles to put the world to rights through his work. This is an exceptional b 0
109067 0 1535 BNEW NULL Unpleasant narration spoils wonderful plot The Villa of Mysteries by David Hewson ... Pan When a beautiful young girl's body is discovered lying in a peat bog near Rome, pathologist Teresa Lupo thinks she has struck archaeological gold. Her features are so well preserved that she could have died yesterday, but the evidence suggests that she was in fact murdered in a pagan ritual hundreds of years ago. However, inspector Leo Falcone is less easily swayed by the method of her death, the ancient artefacts found on her body and the coin placed in her mouth to pay the ferryman to take her into the underworld. Eleanor Jamieson's face has haunted him ever since her disappearance more than 16 years ago and he has no trouble recognising her now. Investigating a cold case is hard at the best of times, but when your murder victim is the step-daughter of a retired mobster who won't talk to you and your only leads are notorious mafia figures, things can only get harder. When another girl goes missing, a girl who could be Eleanor's twin, the situation gets ever more complicated. Assistant State Attorney C J Townsend has a guilty secret. She may appear to be a fine, upstanding lawyer, but she knows that she has bent the rules to breaking point in a bid to put a serial killer behind bars. So do three others, all of whom turn up dead one by one, striking terror in C J's heart. Each mutilated body has a message just for her, a warning that the past is rapidly catching up with her. It's only a matter of time before the cops realise that the murders lead straight to her door and in the meantime she has to deal with the convicted killer's legal appeal and her own private demons. So begins a convoluted tale of lies, betrayal, violent death, torture and sadistic rape. This is certainly not one for the faint-hearted reader but if you have the stomach for it you could well find it interesting. Hoffman has been compared to Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs and she can certainly hold her own in this field. In the final analysis ther 0
109069 0 1535 BNEW NULL Ultimate quest for a man... Around The World in 80 Dates by Jennifer Cox ... William Heinemann Jules Verne's fictional Around The World in 80 Days has spawned many a madcap trip, but this real life adventure has to be one of the most desperate. Crushed by the disintegration of yet another relationship, Cox looks around her native England and doesn't like what she sees. She may be a successful travel journalist in her own right, with looks and personality to match, but the men she meets just don't live up to expectations. Cox wants a soulmate and is prepared to go to any lengths to find one. Inspired by Phileas Fogg's epic journey, she decides to embark on the ultimate quest for a man. Her contacts and their friends are enlisted as date wranglers to find 80 blind dates across the globe and the lonely heart bravely sets out on her bizarre journey. At first she expects her biggest problem to be fending off the unwelcome attentions of men who can't understand that she's looking for love, not lust, but the real challenges begin when, against all odds, she finds not on 0
109070 0 1535 BNEW NULL Read to get promotion! Police in a Mexico City suburb are being ordered to read or wave goodbye to their chances of promotion. "We believe reading will improve their vocabulary and their writing skills, help them express themselves, order their ideas and communicate with the public," said Nezahualcoyotl mayor Luis Sanchez. "Reading will make them better police officers and better people." Classes will be given to those with literacy problems and regular tests will be held to check that the policemen are reading as instructed. Among the recommended authors are Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. Officers are also being told to reduce their cholesterol levels. ^^^^ Hunter S Thompson's ashes are to be shot from a cannon placed inside a 53ft high sculpture of his 'gonzo fist' emblem, according to his wife Anita Thompson. The writer had previously mapped out the scheme with his friend and colleague Ralph Steadman. He killed himself in February. No date has been set for the event, but 0
109071 0 1535 BNEW NULL Author named for sequel JM Barrie's famous character Peter Pan is to enjoy another outing, following the appointment of author Geraldine McCaughrean to write the official sequel. She was chosen out of 100 entrants who applied to copyright owner Great Ormond Street children's hospital, London, to write the book. It will be published next year by Oxford University Press and funds will go toward the British hospital's activities. 0
109072 0 1535 BNEW NULL Talk throws light on child abuse MANAMA A child safety seminar took place at the Zen-Do Bahrain Kickboxing Club, in Hamala. About 50 people attended the event, which was organised by club founding director Suhail Algosaibi. The speaker was Anti Child Abuse and Neglect Programme (Be Free) director Dr Soroor Qarooni. She is the founder of the anti child abuse movement in the country. Topics covered at the seminar included the definition of a child molester; common myths associated with child molestation; what is 'stranger danger' and 'acquaintance molestation'. 0
109073 0 1535 BNEW NULL Equipment donated to school MANAMA A VARIETY of advanced technological training equipment was donated to the Jidhafs Technical School by Al Jazira Motor Company, which is part of the Ebrahim K Kanoo Group. The donation is part of the company's commitment to provide quality training to Bahraini nationals. It took place in a presentation ceremony at the Volvo Service Centre, Ma'ameer. EK Kanoo training manager Haroon Coovadia and human resources department assistant Mohammed Al Nasser presented the equipment to school assistant director Abdul Hady Mohammed Hussain. 0
109074 0 1535 BNEW NULL Toastmasters planning talks TOASTMASTERS from 22 clubs are gearing up for the Bahrain Toastmasters Annual Convention (BTAC) on Friday. It starts from 9am at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair, and features four contests: international speech, humorous speech, evaluation and table topics. Eight contestants are expected to participate in each category. "There are going to be about 350 people at the event, which Division C Toastmasters will take part in," said event public relations co-ordinator Gita Ponnuchamy. "The multi-cultural group of Division C Toastmasters boasts Pakistanis, Sri Lankans, Filipinos, Bahrainis, Britons, Indians and other nationalities. "It has a cumulative membership of 650 Toastmasters." Winners will progress to the district contest in Jordan next month and the district winner will represent the Middle East at the Toastmasters International convention to be held in Toronto, Canada, this summer. 0
109075 0 1535 BNEW NULL Sporting fun... ABOUT 800 Ibn Khuldoon National School (IKNS) students took part in the school's annual sports day, held at the Isa Town Stadium. The students, aged 10 to 18, took part in a variety of sports, including running, jumping and other athletic events. They were grouped into four houses, Awal, Delmon, Tylos and Arados and competed for points. Arados came first, with 670 points, Awal second with 611 points, Delmon third with 573 points and Tylos fourth with 512 points. 0
109076 0 1535 BNEW NULL Father of two dies MANAMA: A 46-year-old Indian father of two died yesterday in Salmaniya Medical Complex where he was admitted after vomitting blood. Hameed C, from Perigathur, Kozhikode, Kerala, was the personal driver of businessman Farouk Almoayyed and had been in Bahrain for 10 years. He leaves behind wife Rafia and daughters Najila and Sahila. Efforts are being made to send the body home. 0
109077 0 1535 BNEW NULL Drug banned MANAMA: A drug used in treatment for arthritis has been withdrawn from Bahrain pharmacies. Bextra is suspected of causing stomach and intestinal haemorrhage, cardiac problems and serious skin side effects. The move follows a meeting between Health Ministry pharmacy director Dr Laila Abdulrahman and representatives of the company which imports it. Children's library MANAMA: A special library for children will soon be built in Manama. The first of its kind in Bahrain, it will cost up to BD300,000. The Education Ministry is reportedly finalising designs. A learning centre for kindergarten teachers, costing BD500,000, is also planned. 0
109078 0 1535 BNEW NULL BD8,200 burglary MANAMA: Raiders fled with a safe containing BD8,200 after breaking into the office of Baisan Hotel and Resort, near Dolphin House, Marina corniche, reports Vinitha Viswanath. A spokesman said the burglary was discovered at 8am yesterday as staff reported for duty. 0
109079 1 1535 SPOR NULL DiMARCO DAZZLES AUGUSTA, Georgia: Joint first-round leader Chris DiMarco raced to a four-shot lead over the rest of the Masters field here last night when he shot his second straight five-under par 67. It was a flawless performance from the 36-year-old American who finished sixth here last year. But lurking in second place was Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, who matched DiMarco with a 67. But only two shots further back was Tiger Woods, who shot a stunning six-under 66. Bjorn was helped by two eagles in the back nine at 13 and 15 but the Dane refused to let himself get too carried away. It was a dramatic turnaround for Woods who on Thursday and Friday was struggling. As a soggy Augusta National began to dry out from two days of thunderstorms that have wreaked havoc with the schedule - the 91 players only manging to finish the first round on Friday - DiMarco made the most of the better conditions. DiMarco had started the day tied with England's David Howell and Luke Donald but while DiMar 0
109080 2 1535 SPOR NULL United crash to lowly Norwich LONDON: English Premiership leaders Chelsea saw their lead at the top cut to 11 points after they came from a goal behind to draw 1-1 against Birmingham at Stamford Bridge yesterday. Second-placed Arsenal closed the gap after being made to work hard for a 1-0 win away to Middlesbrough but Manchester United's dwindling title hopes were finally extinguished with a shock 2-0 defeat at bottom-of-the-table Norwich. Victory still left Norwich three points adrift of second from bottom Crystal Palace, who travel to Everton today. The Canaries inflicted what was only United's third defeat of the season thanks to two second-half goals at Carrow Road, courtesy of a Dean Ashton header and a Leon McKenzie volley. Elsewhere at the bottom, Portsmouth - in their first match under new French boss Alain Perrin - beat Charlton 4-2 to pull seven points clear of the relegation zone. Blackburn also continued to move away from danger with a 3-0 thrashing of Pompey's nearest pursuers Southampton 0
109081 3 1535 SPOR NULL Pakistan too hot for India JAMSHEDPUR, India: Salman Butt smashed an impressive century and seamer Rana Naved-ul-Hasan grabbed a career-best six for 27 as Pakistan whipped India by 106 runs in the third one-day international here yesterday. Butt slammed a solid 101 to help Pakistan post a big total of 319 for nine on a good batting pitch. Rana Naved then restricted India to 213 with his superb effort with the ball. The tourists kept alive their hopes with the first win in the six-match series. They had lost the first two games at Cochin and Visakhapatnam. Pakistan's total was never under threat as Rana Naved ripped through the top order to virtually reduce the match to a no-contest. They had wrapped up the game when they sent India reeling at 82 for six in 17 overs. Lower-order batsman Irfan Pathan top-scored with an aggressive 64 in a dismal Indian batting performance, but it came too late to stop Pakistan from completing an emphatic victory. "We desperately needed a win here," said Pakist 0
109082 0 1535 SPOR NULL Bahrain handball team set for clash THE Bahrain national handball team will take on Azerbaijan in a Group 'C' preliminary round match in the first Islamic Solidarity Games today starting at 4pm in Mecca at the Al Wehda Club gym. It is the first match for Bahrain who arrived in Jeddah on Thursday while Azerbaijan will play their second match in this three-team group after they lost their opening match to favourites Tunisia 41-25 yesterday. A total of 12 teams representing Asian and African Islamic countries are in the fray and were drawn into four groups of three teams with group winners and runners-up qualifying for the quarter-finals. Bahrain, who won the Gulf Cup title in Doha, are expected to clinch maximum points today and enter the quarter-finals regardless of the result of their second and last match against Tunisia tomorrow. The Bahraini team under coach Essam Abdulla underwent a training session yesterday at the venue in preparation for today's match. Bahrain will rely on veteran captain Moh 0
109083 0 1535 SPOR NULL Hedgehunter wins National glory LIVERPOOL, England: Irish raider Hedgehunter, the 7-1 favourite ridden by Ruby Walsh, romped to a 14-length victory in the Aintree Grand National yesterday. Second place went to 40-1 shot Royal Auclair, the mount of Christian Williams, who had a head to spare over 66-1 outsider Simply Gifted, partnered by Brian Harding. Only 21 horses finished the race out of the 40-strong field. The unlucky horse of the race was Tony McCoy's mount Clan Royal who was hampered by two loose horses when leading at Becher's Brook on the second circuit and was forced into the side of the fence and out of the race. Champion jockey McCoy, who has still to win the race after 10 attempts, buried his head in his hands in the weighing room in huge frustration. Hedgehunter, who fell at the last fence last year when still in contention for a place, took over after Clan Royal's exit and galloped clear from the last fence. Hedgehunter is trained in Ireland by Willie Mullins who was wi 0
109084 0 1535 SPOR NULL Dundee Utd clinch spot in Cup final GLASGOW: Dundee United clinched a place in the Scottish Cup final with a 2-1 win against Hibernian at Hampden yesterday. Jim McIntyre and Trinidad's Jason Scotland scored the goals to take the Tannadice side through after Derek Riordan had put Hibs ahead. Hibernian had dominated the semi-final and deservedly took the lead in the 58th minute, but United's caretaker manager Gordon Chisholm made two inspired substitutions to turn the game. Tony Mowbray's young Hibs side had looked the most likely side to open the scoring in the early stages and with less than a minute gone Stephen Glass hit a rasping shot from 25 yards which was saved by United goalkeeper Tony Bullock. Riordan then came close in the ninth minute when he tried a chip from the edge of the penalty area but the ball drifted a yard over Bullock's bar. The Edinburgh side were continuing to press forward looking to break the deadlock and in the 22nd minute Steven Whittaker cracked a shot from 25 yards which 0
109085 0 1535 SPOR NULL Reading end Sunderland's winning run LONDON: Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy insisted there is no need to panic despite his Championship leaders losing 2-1 at home to Reading to bring to an end their eight-match winning run. McCarthy claimed his side are still in the best position to return to the Premiership as they hold a five-point lead over Wigan and Ipswich. Julio Arca gave Sunderland the lead early in the second half but play-off hopefuls Reading levelled through Dave Kitson before the same player converted a penalty to snatch victory following a foul on Steve Sidwell at the Stadium of Light. Wigan moved back into the other automatic promotion places with a 2-0 win away to Cardiff. With second-placed Ipswich playing Wolves tomorrow, the Latics' victory was enough to take them above the Tractor Boys on goal difference. 0
109086 0 1535 SPOR NULL Indian women eye World Cup CENTURION, South Africa: India face four-time winners Australia in the final of the women's World Cup here today hoping to succeed where their male counterparts failed two years ago. Back in 2003, Saurav Ganguly's Indians were trounced by Australia in the men's final at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. But India's women skipper Mithali Raj believes her team's position as rank outsiders - they are playing in their first final - could work in their favour against the favourites. She is also determined to shake off a knee injury to make her mark on the match. "I will definitely play the final - I cannot just leave my team now," said Raj. "I suffered the injury before the World Cup, and it had almost healed, but I don't need to worry about it." India beat defending champions New Zealand by 40 runs in the semi-final at Potchefstroom on Thursday, sweet revenge for losing to the Kiwis in the group stages. Despite losing a recent home series 4-3 to Australia, the Indian si 0
109087 0 1535 SPOR NULL Muharraq rout Nuwaidrat MUHARRAQ routed Nuwaidrat 94-71 to maintain their lead in the Bahrain Basketball League, sponsored by Batelco, last night at the Umm Al Hassam Sports Hall. With four matches remaining for the Golden Square round, Muharraq stay at the top of the table with 27 points. They are followed by defending champions Manama who are on 24 points with one match in hand. Nuwaidrat, who are already out of the battle for the Golden Square round, remain sixth with 19 points after they were handed their ninth defeat of the season. In another match, Sitra revived their chances of qualifying for the final round following a deserving 91-76 win over Al Ittihad. Sitra are in joint third position with Al Hala with 23 points each. Al Ittihad's 11th defeat keeps them in seventh place with 17 points along with Al Najma. Today's schedule: 5.30pm: Al Ahli vs Al Najma; 7.30pm: Isa Town vs Al Hala. Al Najma extend lead in volleyball league AL NAJMA extended their lead in the Ba 0
109088 0 1535 SPOR NULL KCA cricket tournament scheduled THE KERALA Catholic Association (KCA) is organising a Six-A-Side Softball Cricket Tournament in co-operation with Malayalam News from April 21 at the KCA grounds. More than 50 teams are expected to take part in this annual tournament which will go on for four weeks. Apart from trophies for the winners and the runners-up, best batsman, best bowler and man of the match trophies will also be awarded. Registration fee is BD25 per team and the last day for registration is April 18. The captains will be meeting on the same day at 8pm at the KCA premises for the draw and a briefing on the rules and regulations. For further information contact Mathew Joseph on 39407393 or Prince on 39798886. Major sponsors are Gulf Cellar while other sponsors are Berger Paints, Hassan and Habib son of Mohamood. 0
109089 0 1535 SPOR NULL Al Tamimi clinches fifth win BAHRAINI boxer Osama Al Tamimi recorded his fifth straight victory in the China International Kick Boxing Championship beating Brossy Mat of France yesterday in Guangzhou. Al Tamimi, who is competing in the 85-kg weight category, knocked out his opponent in the 11th round in a clash which was dominated by the Bahraini boxer. The 30-year-old Al Tamimi earlier recorded victories over Mike Smith of the US, Australia's John Edward, Malik Johnson of Canada and Ging Juan Li of China all on knock-out. The Bahraini boxer will be aiming for a treble after having won the International Tai Boxing Championship in 2003 in Mexico and last year's Black Storm Kick Boxing Championship in New Delhi. 0
109090 0 1535 SPOR NULL Windies put brakes on South Africa PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Two wickets in the last hour prior to tea slowed South Africa down to 99 for two on the second day of the second Test against West Indies last night. At the break, South Africa captain Graeme Smith was not out on 43 and all-rounder Jacques Kallis was not out on eight, as the visitors continued their reply to West Indies first innings total of 347 in which Brian Lara fell just four runs short of an eighth Test double century. Fast bowler Reon King made the breakthrough for West Indies, when opener AB de Villiers was caught at cover for 33 when he drove straight into the lap of captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Less than 15 minutes before the break, Dwayne Bravo added the wicket of Jacques Rudolph caught behind for eight when the left-hander played defensively forward to a ball outside the off-stump. Earlier, batting maestro Brian Lara was the centre of attraction during the morning after he continued from 159 and West Indies from their overnight posi 0
109091 0 1535 SPOR NULL GCC athletics panel to meet THE executive committee of the GCC Athletics Championships scheduled in Bahrain from April 27 to 29, will hold a meeting today at the National Stadium's conference hall in Riffa to discuss preparations for this event to be organised by the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA). The committee is headed by BAA president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and includes BAA vice-president Mohammed Jalal, tournament director Mohammed Ahmed and members Abdulrahman Askar, Khalid Al Khayat, Khalid Al Dossary, Lubna Al Nayem, Mahmood Abu Edrees, Dr Hussain Al Haddad and Majed Sultan. 0
109092 0 1535 WHAT NULL What's on in Bahrain SECOND Sunday Newcomers Coffee Morning, Starbucks Coffee, Budaiya, 9.30am-11am. Contact 39174247 or 39027892. Free medical lectures, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, lung and asthma diseases, 10am; common skin problems, 11.30am; plastic surgery and body sculpting, 5pm. Contact 17812200. Cooking class for women, La Perle Restaurant, Novotel Al Dana Resort, 10am-2pm. Fee is BD8 per person. Contact 17298008. Cooking course for women, Children and Mothers Welfare Society, Isa Town, 4pm-6pm. Contact 17689909. Opening of exhibition by Iraqi artist Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 7pm. Art exhibition by Iraqi Ambassador Ghassan Mohsen, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Candle vigil in tribute to the late Pope John Paul II, Hussaini Drawing Society for Islamic Arts, Manama, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Contact 39772377 or 36697707. Art exhibition by Chilea 0
109093 1 1535 WORL NULL Married at last... WINDSOR, England: Britain's Prince Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in a simple register office wedding yesterday, some 35 years after the couple first became lovers. Charles, 56 and Parker Bowles, 57, emerged to the cheers of a large crowd following a civil ceremony lasting about 20 minutes. The marriage, which was attended by Charles' two sons Princes William and Harry but not by his mother the Queen, comes eight years after the death of his first wife Princess Diana. * His Majesty King Hamad last night attended a reception hosted by Queen Elizabeth marking the wedding. Present were Prime Minister Tony Blair and other dignitaries. 0
109094 2 1535 WORL NULL Israelis kill three teenagers playing soccer GAZA CITY: Israeli troops killed three Palestinian youths playing soccer in the Gaza Strip yesterday, triggering mortar fire on settlements and threats by militants to drop a de facto truce. The killings were the first since militants agreed with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in March to abide by the ceasefire, and Islamic Jihad and Hamas issued warnings to Israel but stopped short of ending the truce. In further tension, more than 10,000 Palestinians warned at a protest of a new uprising if right-wing Jews hoping to derail Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's plans for a Gaza pullout try to enter a religiously sensitive Jerusalem site today. "So far, the Palestinian factions have not declared an end to the calm ... but they are studying the issue anew because of continued Zionist aggression," Islamic Jihad chief Mohammed Al Hindi said. Any surge in violence could complicate Sharon's pullout plan, due to begin mid-year, and pose a new challenge to Sharon and George 0
109095 3 1535 WORL NULL 32 die in new Iraq violence BAGHDAD: At least 32 people were killed and scores wounded in attacks against Iraqi security forces and civilians yesterday, the second anniversary of the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime. The attacks came as supporters of militant Shi'ite cleric Muqtada Al Sadr filled the streets of Baghdad yesterday marking the fall of Baghdad and demanded that their American invaders go home, shouting "No! No, to Satan!" About 5,000 protesters held a similar demonstration in the Sunni triangle city of Ramadi. In the most deadly attack, a roadside bomb killed 15 Iraqi soldiers and wounded others on the main highway through Latifiyah, 40km south of Baghdad, a defence ministry official said. Gunmen shot dead newly appointed police chief Ziad Al Joghaithi in the Iraqi town of Haditha as he left a meeting with US troops yesterday. On the same road just outside Latifiyah, five civilians were gunned down. Four drivers were killed and four wounded in an ambush on a trade ministry convoy t 0
109096 0 1535 WORL NULL Capture of Saddam a tradeoff? LONDON: One of Saddam Hussain's bodyguards Qayess Al Namiq denied that the ousted leader was arrested as he hid in the bottom of a hole in a farmhouse in Tikrit. Al Namiq, who accompanied Saddam from the fall of Baghdad on April 9, 2003, to the moment he were arrested, told London-based Al Sharq Al Awsat daily that Saddam was not in that hole but was in his private farm when he was captured, adding that he was taken there by US troops. He also confirmed that Saddam had met his two sons - Uday and Qusai a month before they were killed. Also, he was in very good mental condition contrary to reports alleging he was depressed. He and Saddam used a small Datsun truck, a motorcycle, a bicycle and sometimes a horse to move around the city. 0
109097 0 1535 WORL NULL Cheers greet newly-weds WINDSOR, England: Confetti and cheers greeted Britain's Prince Charles and his new bride Camilla after their wedding in Windsor yesterday as they shook hands with and chatted to hundreds of fans. Smiling broadly, the newly-weds emerged from the chapel at Windsor Castle, where they were blessed, to meet 2,000 well-wishers who were chosen to gather inside the castle grounds away from an even larger horde of spectators outside. They first posed on the steps of St George's Chapel for photographs with the other close members of the royal family - including Charles's parents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, as well as his sons, Princes William and Harry. Then, as the others were whisked off to a reception at the castle by car or coach, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall engaged with the public for the first time as a married couple - much to their fans' delight. "Hip, hip, hooray!" shouted several spectators as the pair worked their way along a crowd barrier, shaking hands 0
109098 0 1535 WORL NULL Devoted Di fans vent their anger LONDON: As Prince Charles took a new wife in Windsor, a hardy bunch of devoted Princess Diana fans vented their rage and grief at the gates of her former palace yesterday. "The Rottweiler got her lying, cheating man?" said one sign propped against the gate at Kensington Palace, adopting the late princess's bitter nickname for the former Camilla Parker Bowles. About 15 members of the Diana Circle decked the gates with flowers and pictures of the princess. Palace staff took down from the gates a picture that showed the face of the new Duchess of Cornwall superimposed on a horse. Many Britons blamed Parker Bowles and her relationship with the prince for the breakup of her marriage, and a hard core of Diana's admirers have not forgiven her. Dolores Ramtohul, 65, came to leave a bouquet at the gates. "I think it (the wedding) is terrible. It is a very bad example for our youngsters. It makes a mockery of the sacrament," Ramtohul said. "I come here to su 0
109099 0 1535 WORL NULL Spring wedding I took your news outdoors, and strolled a while In silence on my square of garden-ground Where I could dim the roar of arguments, Ignore the scandal-flywheel whirring round, And hear instead the green fuse in the flower Ignite, the breeze stretch out a shadow-hand To ruffle blossom on its sticking points, The blackbirds sing, and singing take their stand. I took your news outdoors, and found the Spring Had honored all its promises to start Disclosing how the principles of earth Can make a common purpose with the heart. The heart which slips and sidles like a stream Weighed down by winter-wreckage near its source - But given time, and come the clearing rain, Breaks loose to revel in its proper course. The above poem by Britain's Poet Laureate Andrew Motion alludes to the tribulations of Prince Charles' relationship with Camilla Parker Bowle 0
109100 0 1535 WORL NULL Honeymoon in Scotland... WINDSOR, England: Newlyweds Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, left for their honeymoon in Scotland yesterday after their wedding in Windsor. Nearly a thousand supporters who stayed on to wish them farewell cheered along the street as the couple, married hours earlier in the town west of London, drove off with "Just Married" scrawled in white across their car's back window. The couple were due to fly to Aberdeen, northern Scotland, and then travel on to their Highland retreat at the royal residence Birkhall. The newlyweds are expected to spend around a week to 10 days at their hideaway. Birkhall was for many years one of Queen Mother's regular Scottish retreats. Situated just outside the village of Ballater, the sturdy, whitewashed stone house lies near the confluence of the Dee and its tributary the Muick. With gardens laid out by the late Queen Mother sloping down to the riverside, the house is well screened by woods and is almost impossible 0
109101 0 1535 WORL NULL Sinn Fein 'must be kept out' DUBLIN: Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell said yesterday that Sinn Fein had effectively excluded itself from involvement in any government north or south of the Irish border until its IRA military wing is disbanded. McDowell, who is president of the Progressive Democrats, the junior partner in Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern's ruling coalition, told his party's annual conference that the government had taken a clear stand. He said the Irish government had sent a "no budge, no fudge, no deal" message to Sinn Fein, the main Catholic party in Northern Ireland, and to the IRA, which has been blamed for bank robberies and other violent crime. "There is no room for ambiguity, ambivalence or double-talk," McDowell said, "The IRA must be disbanded. Without that, there will be no progress in the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement." That 1998 deal set up a power-sharing government between Northern Ireland's rival Protestant and Catholic communities, but the go 0
109102 0 1535 WORL NULL Arms found in search for paintings OSLO: Norwegian police yesterday said they had found weapons, including a machine gun, in the home of a man arrested in connection with last year's theft of Edvard Munch's world-famous masterpieces The Scream and Madonna. "Several weapons have been found, including an MP5" machine gun, Oslo police attorney Morten Hojem Ervik. "We now have to check to see if he had a permit for these weapons. We are not sure yet if this is illegal," he added. The weapons were found after police made their first arrest directly connected with theft of the paintings, although Oslo police had said the arrests abroad earlier in the week of four people in connection with a Norwegian bank robbery could help in the Munch case. "A man in his 30s was arrested on Friday ... and charged with participating in the armed theft of the Munch museum," Oslo police said in a statement, adding that the paintings had "not as yet been recovered but the police are optimistic". The Scream (1893) and Madon 0
109103 0 1535 WORL NULL road to marriage WINDSOR, England: Chronology of Prince Charles and Camilla's 30-year-old relationship. 1970: Charles and Camilla Shand meet for the first time at a polo match in Windsor. 1971: The pair begin a relationship, but it cools when Charles joins the Royal Navy and is posted overseas. July 1973: Camilla marries her admirer army officer Andrew Parker Bowles. Late 1970s: Charles and Camilla keep up contact and became close again, despite her marriage. July 29, 1981: Lady Diana marries Charles. June 21, 1982: Birth of Prince William. September 15, 1984: Birth of Prince Harry. 1985: Reports of difficulties in the royal marriage. 1992: Transcripts of the so-called "Camillagate" tapes, recordings of intimate phone conversations between Charles and Camilla, are revealed. June 1992: Andrew Morton's book Diana: Her True Story is published, alleging she is deeply unhappy and has attempted suicide. December 1992: Then-prime minister J 0
109104 0 1535 WORL NULL Anglican cleric files objection to union WINDSOR, England: An Anglican cleric filed a last-minute objection yesterday to Britain's royal wedding, maintaining that Prince Charles, divorced from the late Princess Diana, could not remarry while being heir the to the British throne. Father Paul Williamson, 56, a Church of England vicar at St George's Church in west London, was the first person to arrive at civic offices in Windsor which opened to register protests against the marriage. Williamson's objection, along with two others also filed, were later rejected by Dennis Roberts, deputy registrar general of the local council, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The vicar's complaint was based mainly on the grounds that Queen Elizabeth II had broken her coronation oath to preserve the doctrine of the Church of England by consenting to the wedding of the two divorcees outside the church. Under Britain's constitution, the monarch serves as Supreme Governor of the Church of England, and must pledge to protect 0
109105 0 1535 WORL NULL Anti-Japanese protests turn violent BEIJING: Thousands of demonstrators carrying Chinese flags and anti-Japanese banners march-ed through Beijing yesterday in a nationalistic protest that turned violent over Japan's handling of its wartime past and Tokyo's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. Up to 10,000 protesters brought traffic to a standstill in the capital's Haidian district, and sometimes clashed with police as they marched around historic Beijing University and then headed into the heart of the city toward Japanese diplomatic compounds. "Down with Japan," "Boycott Japanese Goods," and "Oppose a permanent seat for Japan on the UN Security Council," they shouted. After marching for hours, protesters threw stones, bottles and eggs at the Japanese embassy and smashed windows as they continued shouting slogans and intermittently singing China's national anthem. Although a heavy police presence and fully armed riot squads appeared to be trying to maintain order, they made no ef 0
109106 0 1535 WORL NULL Cardinals agree media blackout VATICAN CITY: Cardinals meeting at the Vatican yesterday agreed unanimously not to give interviews to the media ahead of their conclave to elect a successor to Pope John Paul II, a Vatican spokesman said. The decision does not amount to a ban, but a "request" to journalists during a period of "more intense prayer" for the cardinals, Joaquin Navarro-Valls said. Italian news media have reported that Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the dean of the College of Cardinals who has been mentioned as a possible successor to Pope John Paul II, had argued for the ban. Navarro-Valls said only that all the cardinals approved it. The spokesman said the decision against accepting interviews should not be considered an act of "discourtesy" or lack of interest in the media. A total of 117 cardinals are eligible - by virtue of being under 80 years old - to take part in the conclave that is to begin on April 18. But Navarro-Valls also announced that Cardinal Adolfo Antonia Suarez Rivera o 0
109107 0 1535 WORL NULL Ernst August 'requires permanent medical care' MONACO: The husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, Prince Ernst August of Hanover, yesterday remained in intensive care in a Monaco hospital suffering from an inflamed pancreas, amid preparations to bury his father-in-law Prince Rainier. "He is still in intensive care in the Princess Grace hospital. There has been no change since Friday," when his condition was described as serious, a member of his entourage said. The German prince, 51, was rushed into hospital with acute pancreatitis on Tuesday, the day before Rainier's death. Biological and radiological tests as well as a scan have been carried out to determine the gravity of his condition, which "requires permanent medical attention", a palace official said. Pancreatitis is commonly linked with alcohol abuse or gallstones. Ernst August is Princess Caroline's third husband. They married in 1999 and have a daughter, Alexandra. Monaco went into mourning on Wednesday after the death of Prince Rainier, 81, 0
109108 0 1535 WORL NULL Lincoln coat up for grabs A FRAMED scrap of cloth, reportedly from the coat that former US president Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was assassinated, is to be auctioned on the Internet - minimum bid $1 million (BD378,000). Owner George St Pierre plans to put the cloth up for sale on GoAntiques.com on April 17. But some experts are sceptical that the postage stamp-sized swatch - bought by St Pierre for $10 in a secondhand store in 1987 - is really from the coat. They say St Pierre has no documentation of ownership of the item from the time it supposedly was snipped from Lincoln's coat by souvenir scavengers until he bought it. "How do we know what's genuine, a fairy tale, a wish or fraudulent?" said memorabilia broker Daniel Weinberg in Chicago. "It needs more than someone saying it appears the cloth may be similar to what Lincoln wore." St Pierre has authentication of sorts - most of it written correspondence from people who have examined the cloth since he bought it in Quincy, Illinois. That includes a letter from Frank He 0
109109 0 1535 WORL NULL China premier on India visit BANGALORE: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao yesterday began a four-day visit to India - where he was expected to discuss a border dispute and trade co-operation with Indian leaders as the emerging regional powers try to set aside differences and cultivate closer ties. Wen was also expected to raise the issue of Tibet and the role of the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, who lives in exile in India, Chinese officials have said. Wen began his Indian trip by first visiting Bangalore, India's information technology hub. He was received by Dharam Singh, the top elected official of southern Karnataka state. He didn't talk to reporters at the Bangalore airport. Police prevented Tibetan activists, who oppose Beijing's rule in the Himalayan territory, from holding any protest demonstration against Wen's visit in Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka state. Police detained two Tibetan leaders to prevent them from organising Tibetans in the city and prevented 50 Tibetan students fro 0
109110 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Anti-drugs push to target young A NATIONWIDE campaign to combat drug abuse among Bahrain's young people will be launched by the end of this month. The campaign, spearheaded by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports, is expected to run for two weeks. Being held under the theme With the Youth - Always and Forever, it will be carried out in co-operation of a host of non-governmental organisations and youth clubs. Media committee head Yousef Bin Khalil said its objective is to raise awareness on the psychological, health and social impacts of drugs. "We hope the campaign will also be instrumental in raising awareness among families and at schools, to exert further efforts in teaching young Bahrainis about the dangers of drug abuse," he said. Mr Bin Khalil said the campaign would feature seminars, lectures, media campaigns, training programmes, a new website, an exhibition and sports tournament. A survey on drug use amongst the young will also be carried out by the campaign's organisin 0
109111 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Help at click of a button for tourists A NEW website will help tourists and residents find their way around Bahrain, at the touch of a button. Key in an address and the site will produce a map showing exactly where it is, be it a tourist site, private home, shop, restaurant, hotel, or any other business. If you need to know where the nearest police, fire station or hospital is, it will tell you. Or if you just want a good Chinese dinner, then the site will show you what restaurants are available and where they are. The website was launched yesterday by the Central Informatics Organisation (CIO). It provides updated maps to locate addresses and other information for each area in Bahrain, CIO acting president, Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyattala Al Khalifa, said in a statement. Through the website, www.bahrainlocator.gov.bh, people can locate various sites based on the geographical information system (GIS) technology used to create it. For instance, key in the full address of the Gulf Daily News c 0
109112 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Mannequins ban councillor up in arms A MUHARRAQ Municipal Councillor is furious after his proposal to ban scantily clad mannequins from lingerie shop windows was apparently ignored by his colleagues. Majeed Karimi suggested the ban last November, but he says that since then it appears to have been "lost". He now plans to submit the proposal for a second time at a meeting of the Muharraq Municipal Council today. "What people don't understand is that modern mannequins look too real and are exciting to young men, who crowd around the shop windows," Mr Karimi told the GDN. "Displaying mannequins in lingerie is against Islamic and social values, but who listens? "These mannequins look like real women with exactly the same features. "I have received various complaints from people who say they feel aroused by these mannequins." Mr Karimi claims young men in Muharraq linger in front of lingerie shops - not only to watch women enter and leave, but also to fantasise about the mannequins. < 0
109113 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Motorcyclists win award at Dubai show THREE Bahraini motorcyclists won first prize at a bike show held as part of Dubai Bike Week 2005. Around 250 riders from around the world took part in the three-day event, which featured bike rides, games, stunt shows and bike shows - including all brands and models. Bahrain was represented by around 35 members from the Bahrain Motorcycle Club (BMC). The bike show was divided into various categories depending on the brand and model of the bike. First prizes were awarded to BMC vice-president Samer Al Arayedh for the Harley-Davidson V-Rod category; club member Isa Kooheji for the Japanese brand category; and Fawaz Al Gusaibi for the touring category. Bike Week was presented by Harley-Davidson UAE, Chevrolet and organised by ITP Events Ltd. "It's not our first participation in a bike show - we also took part in the first, second and third Middle East Rally in 2001, 2002 and 2003," said Mr Al Arayedh. "Also the Kuwait Bike Show in 2003. Any chance to r 0
109114 1 1536 BNEW LOCAL University defuses 'sectarian' protest MANAMA BAHRAIN University officials stepped in yesterday to defuse a student protest over alleged sectarian remarks by a lecturer.More than 150 students gathered in front of the Islamic studies professor Dr Ahmed Al Mahmood's office, in protest over remarks he allegedly made during a lecture last Tuesday. Dr Al Mahmood stayed away under instructions from university officials, but has strenuously denied making any sectarian remarks. The students were taken by College of Arts Islamic and Arabic language department acting head Dr Abdulqader Al Marzooqi to a nearby room to discuss the situation. But, numbers swelled and the students were told to go to a bigger hall to meet with officials. College of Arts dean Dr Ibrahim Ghuloom, Student Affairs dean Dr Huda Al Khaja, Dr Al Marzooqi, Student Council treasurer Sadiq Shabani and council member Hussain Al Sabagh all attended the meeting. Dr Ghuloom said that the accusations were mere rumours, unless the students were prepared to 0
109115 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain 'must back ban on landmines' BAHRAIN should speak out in support of the United Nations treaty banning landmines, an international human rights group activist urged yesterday. Most importantly, it should ratify the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction, says global organisation Human Rights Watch senior advocate Mary Wareham. Human Rights Watch says the US stockpiled approximately 90,000 anti-personnel mines in the Gulf, according to its latest information, taken before 2002. International organisation Landmine Monitor confirms the US stockpiled 3,124 anti-personnel mines in Bahrain, but its status is not known following the conflict in Iraq. "The Bahraini government needs to go on record about using, producing and trading in landmines," said Ms Wareham. "If there are still stockpiled mines, then Bahrain needs to give a statement in this regard, to ensure further transparency." Ms Wareham was spea 0
109116 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Film will show global suffering AN independent film on the horrors of anti-personnel mines is being promoted in Bahrain. Disarm, a 60-minute film featuring scenes from Burma, Iraq, Colombia, Afghanistan and Bosnia, is produced and directed by Human Rights Watch senior advocate Mary Wareham. "I hope that I will have the opportunity to screen the film here during the workshop on landmine treaties," she said. "I would also love to show the film here in the future either during a film festival or the local TV station." Ms Wareham said that translated subtitles for the film in Arabic, Russian, Spanish and French were currently being finalised. Further information on the film can be found on www.disarmfilm.org. 0
109117 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Bapco union cancels rally BAPCO employees cancelled a rally, scheduled for today, after its trade union reached an agreement with the management over transportation allowances. The settlement was reached at an extraordinary meeting between management and the Trade Union of Bapco Employees executive office at the directives of Oil Minister and Bapco Chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. The company agreed to raise the transportation allowance to BD30, which will be paid to all employees regardless of rank from May 1, the union said in a statement yesterday. A joint committee will also be formed to discuss the gradual increase of the allowance to a higher rate. 0
109118 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL BD8.4M FOR NEEDY MANAMA: Bahrain yesterday doubled funds allocated to help needy families from BD4.2 million to BD8.4m. The move by the Cabinet is designed to give maximum social assistance to those who really require it, following decisions by Bahrain's leadership. His Majesty King Hamad last night issued directives to expand humanitarian services to citizens by setting up two commercial complexes, one in Sitra and the other in Malkiya. Their incomes will also go to needy families in all parts of the kingdom. It will be deposited in a special account and social insurance will be paid to the families through the project's income. In another move to help citizens, the Cabinet approved backdated annual 2004 bonuses for all Bahraini civil and military employees - on condition that those receiving this year's bonus are selected on merit. 0
109119 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Suicide bid by robbery suspect MANAMA: A Bahraini robbery suspect cut his wrists and swallowed a razor blade in an apparent suicide attempt in police custody yesterday. The incident happened at about 8.30am at Isa Town police station, said sources. They said the 30-year-old suspect, from Isa Town, cut his wrists with a razor blade then swallowed it. He was taken to the BDF Hospital, where he was later said by sources to be stable. It is understood the suspect was arrested last Friday in connection with a string of offences, including robbery. No further details were available. 0
109120 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Hospital harassment claims are probed MANAMA: Alleged 'immoral irregularities' at the BDF Hospital are being probed by a special committee. This follows a senior doctor being fined BD600 for verbally abusing two female employees. The Arab practitioner first appeared in February before the Military First Degree Court and was fined BD400 for defamation and BD200 for insults, said a BDF General Command statement last night. The verdict was later upheld by the Military Court of Appeal in a session last week. Meanwhile, an MP claimed that this senior BDF practitioner had a record of abuses and moral irregularities. "I received many telephone calls from several BDF employees voicing their grievances and complaining of irregularities and arbitrary measures, Al Menbar Parliamentary Bloc MP Shaikh Mohammed Khalid told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej. He also revealed that a committee had been set up by Defence Minister and BDF Deputy Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa to probe alleged immoral irr 0
109121 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Pick-up stolen in Manama MANAMA: A 22-YEAR-OLD Datsun pick-up was stolen from behind Lulu Cinema, in Manama, at around 10.30am. Its 75-year-old owner, Saleem Habib Al Haj, parked the vehicle to go shopping, but when he returned it was missing. "People saw someone driving off with the vehicle, but didn't know that it was actually being stolen," he said. "I've been to the police, but still haven't heard any news about my vehicle." The blue Datsun, made in 1983, carries the registration number 53966. Anyone with information about the pick-up can contact Mr Haj on 39147726. 0
109122 2 1536 BNEW LOCAL Three hurt in leap from blazing building THREE Bangladeshi workers were injured when they leapt from the first floor of a blazing building yesterday.Firemen braved smoke and flames to reach nine other men trapped inside and lead them to safety. The fire broke out in the two-storey building, near the Bin Salim Ma'atam, in Manama, at around 3am. It is used as labour accommodation for 12 workers and it is thought the blaze was caused by a kerosene stove left unattended, said sources. Nine people, five Indians and four Bangladeshis, were evacuated by firemen, while three leapt from the bathroom on the first floor. Six people were staying upstairs, where the blaze started and six downstairs. "The people who leapt suffered minor injuries and they were taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex by ambulance," said sources. "They were later discharged. Two suffered sprained ankles on both legs while one suffered minor burns to his hands and cheeks." Fire gutted the main sittingroom, kitchen and bathroom 0
109123 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Cabinet praises King's visit to Egypt Bahrain's Cabinet yesterday praised His Majesty King Hamad's visit to Egypt and the talks he held with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, hailing strong ties linking the two countries. The Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, also hailed visits by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to Thailand and the Philippines and their positive impact on friendly ties and co-operation with these countries in particular and South-eastern Asian states in general. Then, the session condemned the Cairo blast near Al Azhar Mosque, extending sincere condolences to families of the victims and vowing solidarity with Egypt in eliminating all sorts of terrorism. Later on the Cabinet listened to a number of reports. The first was introduced by Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa on the outcome of the 15th GCC-EU ministerial council's session, held recently in Bahrain. Th 0
109124 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Sportingchance for pupils BAHRAIN'S biggest sporting event for able-bodied and disabled schoolchildren is significantly smaller this year. The 10th Lions School Olympics has only attracted about 450 children from eight private schools and two disabled institutions, compared to over 1,000 from 12 private and government schools and three disabled institutions last year. There are no government schools participating in this year's Olympics, which are organised by the Lions Club of Bahrain. "From the very first Lions School Olympics 10 years ago, we have always had students from government schools participating," said Lions School Olympics chairman, club board member and public relations chairman Mahesh Bhatia. "The Information Ministry told us during past meetings that they were trying to get pupils from government schools to participate in this year's event." He hopes that government schools will start joining the major sporting event again next year. "The Lions School Olympics is a very popular even 0
109125 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Stage set for university poll BAHRAIN University students wishing to nominate themselves for the fourth Student Council elections next month will be able to do so soon. Forms for the elections, which will be held on May 18, will be available at both university campuses in Isa Town and Sakhir within days. The exact number of council seats has yet to be decided, said elections committee vice-chairman and acting student development director Ahmed Al Mulla. He said that student lists from each college had been just brought in by the Admission and Registration Deanship and he hoped they would be revised before the end of the week. The numbers of students in each college will determine the size of the council. The current 22-seat council comprises 13 students elected by poll and seven students representing the university's seven college societies, plus two representing the university's seven clubs. "We have more than 18,500 students, but this doesn't mean that everyone is eligible to vote, as those o 0
109126 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Push for new law to protect women A COMMITTEE has been formed to push for a new family law, as well as legislation that criminalises violence against women in Bahrain. It follows an Amnesty International (AI) conference on combating violence against women, which took place in Manama last January. The new committee, formed yesterday, will be responsible for making sure the recommendations of the conference are implemented. It comprises three members from AI's national partnership committee (Al Sharaka) and three MPs, according to an agreement with parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. The conference, held in Bahrain on January 8, spelled out 25 recommendations and called for a judicial, government and social action plan to stop violence against women. 0
109127 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Seminar for managers A SEMINAR on interpersonal skills for project managers is being held tomorrow at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair, from 7pm. It is being organised by the society in co-operation with the Project Management Institute - Arabian Gulf Chapter. The presentation will be conducted by accredited human resource development professional John Blacklaws. All are welcome. 0
109128 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Two charged with BD4,000 ATM fraud A HARD-UP Pakistani, who borrowed an ATM card to withdraw BD40 from someone else's account, is one of two men suspected of emptying it of over BD4,000. The 21-year-old daughter of the Saudi cardholder gave him the card and the PIN number after he asked to borrow some cash. He then approached the daughter - who he worked with - a second time and asked to borrow the card again so he could put the money back. However, he was arrested and jailed for being an illegal immigrant before he had a chance to return the card. A second Pakistani, his 31-year-old flatmate, went to visit him in Dry Dock Prison, collected the card and delivered it to the owner. But when the 45-year-old Saudi cardholder tried to use it four months later she discovered that BD4,012 had been withdrawn from her account at Standard Chartered Bank, the Lower Criminal Court heard. The second Pakistani, a barber at the Interior Ministry, was also arrested and both are now facing charges of fraud 0
109129 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Westlife ticket joy for pupils TWO British School students won tickets for the Westlife concert being held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa on Wednesday. Year four student Liesl Wium, aged nine, and reception student Kate Williamson, five, were selected at random in a draw at the school yesterday. The tickets were donated by Mirage Promotions for the school's Easter celebrations organised by the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA). PTA committee members Lynn Reutenf, Liane Williams, Amelita Keevan, Adele Badr, Debbie Davies and Stephanie Esterhuizen attended the draw. 0
109130 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Fire destroys Jidhafs carpentry workshop FIRE destroyed a single-storey carpentry workshop in Jidhafs early yesterday morning. The blaze broke out at the Issa Zeera Real Estate and Carpentry Workshop, in Granada Gardens, at around 1am. Company maintenance in-charge Sharif Parker told the GDN that the loss was yet to be estimated, but that the workshop was totally destroyed. "Luckily nobody was injured. But it is a major loss and we still have to assess the loss," said Mr Parker. Twelve firemen in three fire engines put out the blaze within minutes. "We are thankful to the firemen who stopped the fire from spreading," added Mr Parker. He said the cause of fire was under investigation. 0
109131 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Book traces history of arts and crafts BAHRAIN'S traditional arts and crafts may be dying out, but a book documenting their beauty and history will hopefully ensure they are remembered forever. Bahraini Hands is a 159-paged coffee table book, published by Bahraini firm Al Waraqoon, which showcases more than 30 traditional Bahraini arts and crafts. The book, written in both Arabic and English, is made up of more than 200 photographs, with small captions and has a comprehensive appendix detailing the art and craft's history, tools, and function. What is particularly unique about this book is that almost all of the photographs are of Bahraini hands at work. Only a few of the photographs capture glimpses of faces. There are photographs showing hands making ropes, grinding spices, making pottery, baking bread, building dhows, painting henna, milling flour and stitching traditional garments. The two authors and photographers of the book, Al Waraqoon managing partners Maysa Mohammed Jaber Al Ansari an 0
109132 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Printer presented A COMPUTER printer was presented to American Mission Hospital (AMH) yesterday by Fakhro Electronics. The OKI High Speed ML 395 Computer Printer, worth BD500, was donated on behalf of OKI Europe by Fakhro Electronics general manager Alfredo D'Souza. AMH human resources and finance director, Dr Graham Orme, collected the printer from the company's showroom, in Manama. The donation was given in support of the 2005 American Association of Bahrain (AAB) - AMH Island Classic Charity Golf Tournament, which is being held this year from November 17 to 19 at His Majesty King Hamad's private golf course, in Riffa. This is the ninth consecutive year that Fakhro Electronics has sponsored the event as part of its ongoing community service. In earlier years, Fakhro Electronics has been a silver and gold sponsor. This year it is a hole sponsor. 0
109133 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL 'Fine companies for lax information security!' CARELESS companies should face tough penalties for being lax with information security, says a global expert. Business security infrastructures throughout the world are too weak, says visiting security technologist Bruce Schneier, who has written several bestselling books on the subject. He says companies will not make the extra effort to protect information unless they face stiff penalties for failing to do so. Weak security at companies is a worldwide phenomenon and it is up to society to correct this, said Mr Schneier. Companies are often in possession of information about other people or businesses, such as credit details - which is open to theft. "Society must decide how important security is to them and set how strong the punishment should be for companies which flout security regulations," Mr Schneier told the GDN. "The degree of liability should be set and the strictness of regulations." Mr Schneier, who is the founder of security company Co 0
109134 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Civil Service to review work safety A WORKSHOP on work related accidents at ministries and government organisations will be held today at the Gulf Hotel's Dana Ballroom. The one-day event will be held under the patronage of Civil Service Bureau president Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. It will cover means of controlling accidents in the work place, highlighting the types of accidents, the costs resulting from them and methods of recording them, said a bureau spokesman, It will also feature the elements of vocational safety and health that must exist in the workplace, safety instructions and rules as well as the role of the supervisors concerned. More than 350 employees from 19 ministries and governmental organisations will be attending the workshop. 0
109135 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Pair held for bank video POLICE were called after two men were spotted filming HSBC Bank, in the Seef District, sources told the GDN. They were spotted by a Bahraini security guard, who noticed them acting suspiciously. However, when he confronted them they refused to stop or hand over the film, said sources. Police are now investigating the matter. No more details were available yesterday. 0
109136 0 1536 BNEW LOCAL Top Iraqi artist launches expo AN exhibition, showcasing around 40 oil paintings by renowned Iraqi artist Jaber Alwan, was opened last night at the Al Riwaq Art Gallery, in Adliya. Mr Alwan graduated from the Fine Arts Institute in Baghdad in 1970. Since 1972, he has been living and working as an artist in Rome, Italy. The exhibition, which runs until May 5, is open to visitors daily from 10am to 8pm. For more information, contact the gallery on 17717441, fax 17715421 or e-mail info@alriwaqgallery.org 0
109137 3 1536 BNEW LOCAL Ex-Bahrain resident loses cancer battle VETERAN Bahrain resident Heather Dew died in her native UK at 6am yesterday, after a long battle with cancer.Mrs Dew, aged 60, leaves behind her husband Philip, daughters Nadia, Layla and Xenia and son-in-law Dave. She played an active role in the Bahrain community during her more than 15 years here. Mrs Dew was an American Women's Association member, Bahrain Garden Club (BGC) member, Bahrain Anglican Church Council member and was St Christopher's Cathedral Social Committee chairwoman right up until she left Bahrain in October last year. "She was a quiet person, who didn't draw attention to herself, but her contributions to the Bahrain Garden Club were terrific," said friend Roy Kietzman. "She was very active in church and especially in the flower festival for the cathedral. "Sometimes the cathedral would hold a dinner function and she was always the principal organiser. Her contributions should not be forgotten." The award-winning gardener will be missed 0
109138 1 1536 BUSI BUSINESS BD5m BNH building opened MANAMA: Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) Governor Rasheed Al Maraj officially opened Bahrain National Holding's (BNH) new BD5 million premises in the Seef District yesterday.The 10-storey building also houses the company's Bahrain National Life and Bahrain National Insurance divisions. Mr Al Maraj was taken on a tour of the premises by chairman Qassim Fakhro, accompanied by board members, the executive management and other guests. The event coincides with the company's 35th anniversary, which was celebrated with a dinner reception at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre last night. It was attended by approximately 600 guests, including local and foreign dignitaries, government officials and other VIPs. Mr Al Maraj offered BMA's support to companies in the insurance sector. "The sector is very important to us and we believe that our upcoming Rulebook will set high standards for the industry," he said. "We also believe that we as 0
109139 2 1536 BUSI BUSINESS NBB posts record profits MANAMA: National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) yesterday announced a record first quarter net profit of BD9.1 million, up 9.9 per cent over the same time last year.Continuous and sustainable growth in the bank's financial performance is a direct outcome of its robust business strategies and risk management processes,said managing director and chief executive Hassan Juma. A continued expansion in the bank's loan and deposits book resulted in an increase of net interest income from BD6.26m during the first quarter of last year to BD8.07m this year. However, other income of BD5.60m remained almost flat at the previous year's level of BD5.63m, primarily on account of a decline in treasury income, arising from reduced levels of returns on the treasury's managed funds portfolio and reduced levels of realised profits on sales of the available-for-sale securities portfolio, said the bank. Also, other income from retail lending activities showed a decline on account of new regulatory restricti 0
109140 3 1536 BUSI BUSINESS Bahraini banker on Arab board MANAMA: Bahraini banker Adnan Ahmed Yousif has been appointed new deputy chairman of the Union of Arab Banks.He was elected yesterday during the board of directors' meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Lebanese banker Joseph Tarabia was re-elected as chairman, while National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia chairman Abdulla Salem Bahamdan was named Arab Banker of the Year 2004. Mr Yousif, who is chief executive officer of Albaraka Banking Group, said he is honoured at being elected to the post, which he will hold for four years. "This election is testimony to Bahrain's leading position in the Arab banking industry," he said. 0
109141 0 1536 BUSI BUSINESS China-India 'must lead the world in IT' BANGALORE: Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said yesterday that China and India should work together to lead the world in information technology, jointly heralding a new "Asian century." On a visit to India's southern technology hub of Bangalore, Wen said the two nations should put aside their historic rivalry and instead pool their resources. "I strongly believe that if we join hands together, we will certainly be able to set a new trail in the IT business world. When the particular day comes, it will signify the coming of the Asian century of the IT industry," Wen said in an address to information technology professionals in Bangalore. India's software skills combined with China's dominance in hardware can trigger a tectonic shift in the global technological landscape, Wen said at the offices of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country's biggest provider of software development and outsourcing services. China is keen to develop a free trade area between the two countries. Their 0
109142 0 1536 BUSI BUSINESS Opec likely to boost supplies KUWAIT CITY: Opec may boost oil supplies by a further 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) next month to help meet an anticipated demand surge in the second half of the year, the organisation's president said. Gulf members, especially, want global inventories to build more. "Kuwait believes that the increase in production is still possible and may come in May due to the expected rise in demand by about 1m barrels per day in the third quarter," Kuwaiti Oil Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah said. 0
109143 0 1536 BUSI BUSINESS Exchange Rates COUNTRY SELL CASH SELL DRAFT AUSTRALIA (Dollar) 0.2948 0.2948 BANGLADESH (Taka) 0.00624 0.00607 CANADA(Dollar) 0.3118 0.3098 CYPRUS (Pound) 0.8435 - DENMARK 0.0685 - EGYPT (Pound) 0.0692 0.0657 EUROPEAN UNION (Euro) 0.4925 0.4905 HONG KONG (Dollar) 0.0496 0.0492 INDIA (Rupee) 0.00897 0.00873 INDONESIA (Rupiah) 0.00004184 - IRAN (Tuman) 0.0004322 - IRAQ (Dinar) 0.000263 - JAPAN (Yen) 0.00356 0.00356 JORDAN (Dinar) 0.5351 0.5350 KOREA (Won) 0.00039221 - KUWAIT (Dinar) 1.2970 1.2970 MALAYSIA (Ringgit) 0.1017 - MALTA (Lira) 1.11637 - NEW ZEALAND (Dollar) 0.2749 0.2739 NORWAY (Krone) 0.0616 - N. Yemen (Riyal) - 0.0020125 NEPAL (Rupee) 0.00539 OMAN (Riyal) 0.9800 0.9830 PAKISTAN (Rupee) 0.00646 0.00636 PHILIPPINES (Peso) 0.00734 0.00693 QATAR (Riyal) 0.10365 0.10375 SAUDI ARABIA (Riyal) 0.10059 0 0
109144 0 1536 COMM COMMENTThe Pope and the world... When the Roman Catholic Church's College of Cardinals meets next week to select a new leader for the world's more than one billion Catholics, they will begin their deliberations by considering the needs of their Church and the situation of Catholics in the world. It was just this set of deliberations, 26 years ago, that brought a little known Polish priest, Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, to the papacy. Same considerations, but a different world. Back then, the centre of gravity of the Church was still Europe. That continent was divided, with the east under Communist rule. Western Europe has prospered in the post Second World War period. But here, the Catholic Church was concerned with the legacy of anti-Semitism and the erosion of spiritual values due to growing materialism. Problems existed elsewhere as well, especially in largely Catholic Latin America where crushing poverty had spawned revolutionary movements again under the region's corrupt and repressive regimes. Into 0
109145 0 1536 COMM COMMENTRoad rage a new scourge An incident caught in the corner of my eye as I passed the scene of an accident on the opposite side of the carriageway brought home to me just how much Bahrain has changed in recent years. Around 10 years ago, finally debt-free and enjoying the tax-free benefits of the expatriate life, I bought myself the first brand new car I had ever owned. It was an Audi Cabriolet and I had been in possession of it for just two days when I heard a screech of brakes and saw another car veering out of control behind me, at traffic lights on the Sitra highway. I braced myself for the impact but, as luck would have it, the car swung to the right and smashed into the back of another car right by mine, in the next lane. The two Bahraini drivers got out, each looking shaken and, having checked that neither was hurt, embraced and shook hands with vigour. It was as if, in the midst of misfortune, they were celebrating the fact that the only damage done was to the cars which were, after all, not 0
109148 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Drowning in school life nostalgia... FINALLY, the moment has come. My last board exam was over on March 19, 2005 and we students freaked out as we left the auditorium. "It's finally over! Thank goodness!!". No more sleepless nights of worry and anxiety, but suddenly I stopped and turned around and my eyes scanned the school -the school where I had spent the last 13 years of my life, the school with all its memories of my teachers and friends passed through my mind. Yes there were no more classes, no more running late to class, no more chatting with my pals near the canteen, no more hearing our class co-ordinator ordering us back to class and no more corny jokes of my dear friends. I found myself drowning in the nostalgic memories of my beautiful school life. I am on my way to step into a new environment, where things won't be the same any more. It's going to be a challenge - "Survival of the fittest" might be the most suitable phrase for the new life. Of all the memories I have of my school, I can 0
109149 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Oldest con in book THIS is in answer to "Mr Stupid's" tale of being conned out of money (GDN April 8). The "Do you remember me, I remember you" trick is one of the oldest in the book and alive and well here in the Philippines, which must be one of the world's con-trick capitals. Here's what you do. Grasp the person's hand firmly and shake it hard. Exhibit great friendship and affection. Announce how you are delighted to see him again. Say you're so glad you've met up with him because you want to get that 200 (dinars, dollars whatever) back that he still owes you from that card game last week. I guarantee your con-man will melt away faster than an ice cube placed in boiling water. Graham 0
109150 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Frustrated drivers I WOULD like to comment on the frustrated drivers of Bahrain who think they drive correctly. Not all people who speed on the road are lunatics, some really do take care when they speed. But, if you come to recall the training obtained prior to getting a driver's permit, you will certainly recall getting explicit repetition that "the right lane is for normal driving and the left lane is for overtaking" and when you go for the exam you stick to the right lane unless you are taking a left turn or you fail. Having reminded everyone with the simple rule, if a person wants to drive at 60km/h without being frustrated use the correct lane. Let the ones who haste use the correct lane as well which is the left lane! It is not only the speeding drivers that cause accidents, but also the slow drivers who do not use the right lanes as they are haphazard letting people overtake on the right side of the road. So when the traffic police look for speeders, I suggest they also look for "road hogs" or pe 0
109151 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Policing unwise THE last thing we need in Bahrain is religious policing of our streets. Their way is not Islamic and this will keep moderate Muslims from any sect feeling alienated and will deter the young from Islam rather than make them love it. Solomon 0
109152 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Ministers impressive I'VE been impressed by the political skills of new ministers in handling relations with Bahrain's opposition. Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa and Social Affairs Minister Fatima Al Balooshi have shown a deftness of touch in dealing with Al Wefaq and crucially have not fallen into the trap of escalating matters. All credit to them. Sitting in the cafe 0
109153 0 1536 LETT LETTERS I love Bahrain! I WOULD just like to say that whilst being away from Bahrain, I have been missing it immensely! I love Bahrain very much and can't wait to return! It is a wonderful country. S M 0
109154 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Any osteopaths out there? A COLLEAGUE of mine suffers from backache. Where physiotherapy has not helped, he turned to alternative treatments and was seeking an osteopath or chiropractor, which surprisingly is not available here in Bahrain. He did find one in Dubai though, where he has travelled for treatment. I would think that one of our good specialist hospitals here in Bahrain would have osteopathy... Do we?? Michelle 0
109155 0 1536 LETT LETTERS Recording of funeral? SADLY, I was unable to watch the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Did anyone manage to record this, I would love a copy if possible. YT 0
109156 0 1536 LETT LETTERS A heartless murder I TOTALLY agree with Pam Demmitt (GDN April 6) regarding the late Terri Schiavo. It is absurd and unbelievable the lengths the corrupt system can reach in favour of a crime. The Schlinders exhausted all their means in trying to save their daughter's life, yet, the state ruled in favour of a cold and heartless murder. How those judges can sleep at night, is beyond me. Somehow, somewhere, I hope and pray the truth will be revealed and Michael Schiavo will get what he deserves. P S Where was Amnesty International??? S Rajab 0
109157 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Bahrain in quarter-finals with win over Azerbaijan BAHRAIN defeated Azerbaijan 38-28 to book a berth in the quarter-finals of the first Islamic Solidarity Games yesterday at the Al Wehda Club gym in Jeddah. The first match for the Bahraini team in this three-team Group 'C' preliminary round was decisive as the top two teams from each of the four groups qualify for the quarter-finals. Having lost their first match to title contenders Tunisia, Azerbaijan bowed out of the competition as Tunisia and Bahrain secured places in the quarter-finals without considering the outcome of their clash scheduled for today at 6pm. Bahrain's triumph was inspired by Abdulwahab Ali who made an outstanding comeback to the squad by scoring most of the goals, including the first five in the first-half which ended in favour of Bahrain 21-9. Ali was assisted by veteran captain Mohammed Abdulnabi, Mahmood Abdulqader, Abbas Malalla and Ahmed Tarrada while Ahmed Al Tajer, Hassan Madan and Hussain Madan stood out in the defence and goalkeeper Ahmed Ma 0
109158 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Everton boost bid for Champions slot LIVERPOOL: Everton recorded an emphatic 4-0 win over struggling Crystal Palace at Goodison Park yesterday, capped by a goal for James Vaughan that wrote the 16-year-old into the record books as the Premiership's youngest goalscorer. The win also restored Everton's bid to claim a place in next season's Champions League. Jermain Defoe's first half goal was good enough to give Tottenham a 1-0 win over Newcastle at White Hart Lane that took the north London club into seventh place and bolstered their chances of playing in next season's Uefa Cup. The England striker was first to react when Newcastle keeper Steve Harper, deputising for the injured Shay Given, struck a clearance into Tottenham's Simon Davies three minutes before half-time. In Liverpool, introduced for his debut as a 74th minute substitute, Vaughan completed a sweeping three-man move when he connected with Kevin Kilbane's low cross with three minutes left. At 16 years and 271 days old, Vaughan beat the rec 0
109159 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Real romp to victory over Barcelona MADRID: Real Madrid reduced Barcelona's lead at the top of the Spanish first division to six points with a memorable 4-2 win in one of the world's most famous derby matches yesterday. After a season when there has been widespread criticism of Real Madrid's 'galacticos', all their stars were shining brightly. First half goals from Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and club captain Raul Gonzalez were followed up with a second half effort from England striker Michael Owen. Barca got on the scoresheet thanks to their own superstars, African Player of the Year and the Spanish first division's top scorer Samuel Eto'o and World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, but there was no question that Real were the top guns. Zidane opned the scoring after just seven minutes, heading home a Ronaldo pass, and the Brazilian World Cup winner broke his recent goal drought 13 minutes later when he connected with a David Beckham free-kick. Eto'o got one back for Barca after 29 minutes to briefly si 0
109160 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Davenport battles to third Amelia Island title AMELIA ISLAND, Florida: World number one Lindsay Davenport survived an error-strewn performance to beat Italian Silvia Farina Elia 7-5, 7-5 last night and win the Amelia Island Championship for the third time. The defending champion made 36 unforced errors and had to come from 4-2 down in the second set to secure her second title of the year. "I made a lot of errors but I hung in there and was able to come out on top in the end," Davenport said. "She is a really tricky player to play. I never seem to be able to find my rhythm against her. Today I felt like I threw in a bunch of errors, but I had to (go for my shots) because I didn't want her to dictate. "But I got the job done and am really happy to have won." After being broken in her opening service game, Farina Elia frustrated Davenport on the green clay with some superb retrieving and a deft touch, and had a break point chance to lead 6-5. But Davenport, who struggled with her timing throughout, saved i 0
109161 1 1536 SPOR SPORT TIGER IS ON COURSE AUGUSTA, Georgia: Tiger Woods stayed on track for his ninth major victory last night, three clear after six holes of the US Masters final round.Birdies at the first two holes had put him four shots clear before he three-putted for bogey at the par-four fifth. Three ahead of the field after completing a seven-under-par 65 earlier in the day in the weather-delayed third round, Woods remains in command. Chris DiMarco, Woods's playing partner, was alone in second place at nine under with defending champion Phil Mickelson a further three strokes back in third, after collecting his first birdie of the round at the fourth. Three-times champion Woods hit his wedge approach at the par-four first to seven feet before holing out from 10 feet at the par-five second, despite finding a bunker off the tee and the first cut of rough to the right with his second shot. Regulation pars followed at the third and fourth before Woods, wearing his traditional last-day red shirt, three-putted th 0
109162 2 1536 SPOR SPORT Australian women rout India for Cup CENTURION, South Africa: Australia beat India by 98 runs in the final of the women's cricket World Cup, to win their fifth title in eight tournaments, here yesterday.Australia scored 215 for 4 in their 50 overs and bowled India out for 117 for a comfortable victory at Centurion Park. Karen Rolton became only the second player to make a century in a final, her 107 from 138 balls, including 11 fours, setting up a total that India never looked like challenging. Australia were initially struggling at 31 for 2 before Rolton came to the rescue. She put on 139 for the fourth wicket with Indian-born Lisa Sthalker, who was caught and bowled in the final over for 55. "We were only looking at 180," said Rolton. "We were just trying to work their spinners, work the singles, put the pressure on their fielders." India, appearing in their first final, began well by dismissing both openers with the new ball but were then left to rue Rolton being dropped on 62. They remove 0
109163 3 1536 SPOR SPORT Riffa rout Shabab to stay on course RIFFA are on course to regain their ninth title in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League following a well-earned 5-1 win over Al Shabab last night at the National Stadium.Two goals each from national team strikers Salman Isa and Ahmed Hassan and one from Abdulrahman Al Malki led Riffa to their 10th consecutive victory and stretched their lead over reigning champions Muharraq to 10 points. They need three points from the remaining four matches to secure the crown. Al Shabab remained third on 24 points. Riffa stamped their authority on the match and eventually found the target after 15 minute through national team striker Hassan who made a good run on the right flank before smashing the ball past Al Shabab's goalkeeper Mohsin Abdulwahab. Riffa missed the services of international defender Abdulaziz Al Dossary for three weeks due to injury and Iraqi striker Ahmed Menajed who is serving a four-match suspension. However, the nine-time champions never loo 0
109164 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Carter stars as Nets ease past Celtics TORONTO: Vince Carter scored 45 points as the New Jersey Nets continued their drive towards the playoffs with a 99-86 win over the Boston Celtics in National Basketball Association play in East Rutherford yesterday. Carter had 24 of his points in the first quarter alone as the Nets (38-39) won for the 11th time in their past 14 games to sit just behind Cleveland and Philadelphia in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. It was a career-high quarter point total for Carter, who also tied his season-high for points in one game while going 18-for-32 from the field. Nenad Krstic added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Nets, while Jason Kidd had 17 assists and nine rebounds to go along with his four points. Paul Pierce had 16 points to lead the Celtics, who played most of the game without their coach after Doc Rivers was ejected for arguing a call in the first quarter. Ricky Davis added 14 points for Boston. In other games, Andre Iguodala had 2 0
109165 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Top cyclists are honoured THE Bahrain Cycling Association (BCA) honoured the winners of the BCA/Batelco League at the closing ceremony held at the National Stadium's conference hall in Riffa. Bani Jamra Youth Centre dominated the youth category winning the team and individual titles. East Riffa came second in the team section and Al Shabab were third. In the individual category, Ali Mansoor of Bani Jamra Youth Centre took first position, followed by compatriot Mansoor Mohammed and third was Hassan Assiri of East Riffa East Riffa took the juniors team crown with Riffa in second place and third were Samaheej. Mohammed Obaid of Riffa was the winner in the individual section and was followed by East Riffa's Abed Bakhsh and compatriot Daij Khalid third. The Bahrain national juniors and youth team members who took part in the GCC Cycling Championship hosted by the Kingdom, were also honoured. The juniors team comprised of Mohammed Obaid, Abed Bakhsh, Zaher Ali, Daij Khalifa and Abdulaziz Dhiab while th 0
109166 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Pereira is on the dot with her prediction OLGA Pereira crossed the finish line in her predicted time of 32 minutes 30 seconds to win the Predictor race organised by the Bahrain Road Runners (BRR) under the umbrella of the Bahrain Athletics Association near the Al Ahli Club. The race winner is the one who finishes closest to his or her own predicted time. The 39 runners could choose to run either the shorter 4.7-km or 6.7-km distances. Ali Anbar was only two seconds off his predicted time finishing the longer distance in 25:58 to claim second place while Ishaq Murad claimed third place with six seconds off his predicted 28:33. Altogether six runners finished under 10 seconds of their predicted times - including Anwar Khan, Hussain Al Waldi - who were running the course for the first time, and Jalal Al Shehabi. Alex Middleton who was the only junior to participate did well to finish the shorter distance in 26:59 - but was 3:06 off his predicted time. The next event on the runners calendar will be an 0
109167 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Bahrain sailors win glory BAHRAIN'S National Sailing Team affirmed their status as the number one team in the GCC as they took top honours in the Emirates International Regatta held in Abu Dhabi. Olympian, Bahrain Laser champion and team captain Sami Kooheji, turned on the style once again, winning the Laser Standard class from a field of top international and Gulf sailors. In second place was Adam Cockerill from the UK. " I'm not able to devote as much time to sailing this year due to academic commitments," explained Sami, who is training to be a commercial airline pilot. "Although I've been working out in the gym I haven't had the time to train on the water enough, so I was pleased to win this regatta in the face of some very good opposition." Wind conditions were light to moderate over the two days, with stronger winds on the first day which enabled Sami to establish an overall lead with two first places and a second. Team members Abdulla Janahi and Abdul Aziz Al Mahmeed sailed well 0
109168 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Celtic break Hearts for final spot GLASGOW: Celtic broke Hearts in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden yesterday, their 2-1 win earning the Glasgow giants a date in the May 28 final against Dundee United. Chris Sutton and Craig Bellamy scored the goals for Celtic but Hearts battled back bravely and a fantastic strike from Lithuanian Deividas Cesnauskis set up a nervy finish for Celtic. The Parkhead side had been looking for revenge for the 2-0 defeat they suffered at the hands of Hearts eight days previously in the Scottish Premier League and started the match at a furious pace. Only three minutes into the game they went ahead through Sutton. Alan Thompson's inswinging corner from the right was met by the big English striker at the front post and he headed powerfully into the roof of the net. Bulgarian captain Stilian Petrov nearly doubled Celtic's lead in the 18th minute when Bellamy played a cross in from the left, behind the Hearts defence, but under pressure from Steven Pressley his effort from six- 0
109169 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Smith hits ton to lead South African charge PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Skipper Graeme Smith hit his ninth Test century to help South Africa reach 301 for five at tea on the third day of the second Test against West Indies last night. At the break, Herschelle Gibbs was not out on 33 and Ashwell Prince was not out on nine, as the tourists continued their reply to the West Indies first innings total of 347. The visitors suffered a major setback when Smith was adjudged lbw for 148 playing across the steady medium-pace of Wavell Hinds. Smith hit 17 boundaries from 313 balls in a little over 7-1/2 hours for his ninth Test hundred that carried him past 3,000 Test runs. The left-handed Smith added 52 for the fifth wicket with former opening partner Gibbs to continue wearing down the West Indies bowlers before his departure. Before lunch, South Africa continued from their overnight position of 182 for three to reach 238 for four at the interval. For most of the morning period, cut short by a 15-minute interruption for 0
109170 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Sri Lankans hold edge over Kiwis WELLINGTON: Sri Lanka hold a psychological edge going into the second cricket Test against New Zealand here today with their top order batsmen presenting a more solid unit in the first Test while the Black Caps struggled with the unorthodox bowling of Lasith Malinga. The Basin Reserve wicket has been a batsman's paradise this summer, although there is the suggestion of a little moisture to give the bowlers early encouragement. "If there's some moisture in the wicket it's going to suit us," New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming said. "The way Sri Lanka played in the last game their techniques are better suited for lower, flatter wickets. If it does bounce and do a bit sideways then it may give us a chance." This is a crucial Test for New Zealand who haven't won an international against a major opponent since March last year against South Africa in Auckland. In a torrid summer they have been flogged by Australia at home and away, and suffered the now familiar second 0
109171 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Palermo overcome Messina ROME: Serie A dark horses Palermo improved their chances of playing Champions League football next season by defeating Sicilian rivals Messina 2-1 yesterday. Luca Toni scored the winner 13 minutes from time, setting a new personal best with his 14th league goal of the season. Chesting down a cross just inside the 18-yard box, the Italy international threw off his marker with a swift turn and rifled in a low, right-footed drive past Messina keeper Marco Storari. Palermo remain in sixth place despite their hard-fought home victory, but gained valuable ground on their two rivals for the coveted fourth spot, Udinese and Sampdoria. Udinese fought back from 2-0 down to earn a 3-3 draw at home to Roma, while Sampdoria were held to a goalless draw away to Sardinian side Cagliari. Fourth-placed Udinese have 49 points, one more than Sampdoria and two more than Palermo. Atalanta boosted their chances of surviving the drop with an emphatic 3-0 victory at home to fello 0
109172 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Rossi wins title in dramatic race JEREZ, Spain: Valentino Rossi started his quest for a fifth successive world title in dramatic style yesterday, winning the Spanish Grand Prix after his main rival Sete Gibernau was forced off the track at the last corner. Local favourite Gibernau, the winner here at his home race last year, had led on his Honda for all but the last two of the 27 laps when Yamaha rider Rossi finally forced his way past the Spaniard on the inside. The pair, first and second in the title race for the last two years, raced wheel-to-wheel and swapped the lead back and forth over the last two circuits of the track. It looked like Gibernau just had the edge heading out of the penultimate turn in the season-opening race but Rossi forced his way through on the inside and the two bikes made contact broadside. Gibernau was forced into the gravel trap and Rossi was left free to cruise across the line with his front wheel raised in triumph. "It was a very tough race and it was a very tough 0
109173 0 1536 SPOR SPORT Westbrook wins Supercup race Richard Westbrook of Britain clinched victory for the Lechner Racing School Team at the season's opening round of the Porsche Michelin Supercup in Bahrain. Westbrook started the 12-lap race from pole position and though he lost the sprint to the first corner against Christian Menzel of Germany he regained the lead in the seventh lap. Westbrook is only the second British driver since Kelvin Burt in 1994 at Silverstone to win a Porsche Michelin Supercup race. Bahrain's Shaikh Jaber bin Ali Al Khalifa driving for Porsche AG was 14th and Shaikh Salman bin Essa Al Khalifa also driving a Porsche AG was not classified. Results: Richard Westbrook (GB) Lechner Racing School Team (28 minutes 30.976 seconds); 2 Patrick Huisman (NL) Lechner Racing School Team (3.677 seconds behind); 3 Christian Menzel (D) Tolimit Motorsport (4.756); 4 Jan Seyffarth (D) UPS Porsche Junior Team (5.072); 5 Bernd Maylander (D) Porsche AG (9.660); 6 Allesandro Zampedri (I) Lechner Racing School Team 0
109174 0 1536 WORL WORLD Frenchman injured in Cairo blast dies CAIRO: A Frenchman wounded in a bombing in Cairo last week has died, raising the death toll to four, Egyptian police and the French Embassy said yesterday. The blast in a traditional market in old Cairo last Thursday also killed a French woman, an American man and an unidentified person whom police suspect was the bomber. The Frenchman died on his arrival in France for treatment, a French diplomat said. Police said 15 people have been detained for questioning about the blast, which wounded 18 other people. The three kilogramme bomb that exploded near the Khan Al Khalili tourist bazaar was a homemade device, packed with nails, police have said. Prosecutor-General Maher Abdel Wahed has said the investigation revealed that the attack was "an individual act." Egyptian authorities are investigating whether a suicide bomber carried out the attack. Egyptian Cabinet spokesman Magdy Rady has said the bomb either exploded prematurely or the bomber intended to 0
109175 0 1536 WORL WORLD Talabani opposes death for Saddam CAIRO: Iraq's new president, Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani said that he opposed the idea of ousted dictator Saddam Hussein being sentenced to death. "I am among the lawyers who signed an international petition against the death penalty in the world and it would be problem for me if Iraqi courts issued death sentences," he told Asharq Al Awsat newspaper. The new head of state, who spent much of his life fighting Saddam's regime, stressed however that he could not decide on a pardon individually if the deposed president was sentenced to death. "The issue of a possible pardon is the responsibility of the presidential council and I cannot make an individual decision," he said. Kurds were among the communities who suffered the most under the iron-fisted rule of Saddam. Among the main charges facing him and his henchmen is the brutal Anfal campaign against the Kurds carried out in the 1980s. Meanwhile, Iraq's newly-elected deputies tried yesterday to bring some order to 0
109176 0 1536 WORL WORLD William favoured for British crown LONDON: Britons would prefer having the crown skip Prince Charles and go to his elder son Prince William when Queen Elizabeth II dies, new polls showed. The polls, one showing a clear majority for the 22-year-old William and the other giving him just an edge, were published a day after the wedding of Prince Charles and his long-time love Camilla Parker Bowles in the town of Windsor, west of London. A YouGov survey published by the Sunday Times found that 58 per cent of Britons wanted Charles to give up his claim to the throne in favour of his son William, against 25pc who say he should not. By a majority of 60pc to 21pc, those surveyed said they expected William to make a better king than Charles, 56, with women preferring the young prince by a margin of 68pc to 18pc. A separate Mori poll for The Observer and Sunday Mirror found that 42pc of Britons wanted William to become the next king, compared to 40pc for Charles. Only 16pc of people polled by YouGov think that Camill 0
109177 0 1536 WORL WORLD Prince Harry to visit Lesotho this week JOHANNESBURG: Britain's Prince Harry, fresh from attending his father's wedding to Camilla, is set to visit the arid mountain southern African kingdom of Lesotho this week, a source said. A British source said Harry, who has visited Lesotho twice already, was due to "make a private visit sometime this week" but declined to give details. Another source from Lesotho said Harry was expected to arrive today. Last year, the British Red Cross set up a fund for Aids victims in Lesotho after the screening of a documentary shot by Prince Harry during an earlier visit. Harry, had spent eight weeks in Lesotho, helping to build a clinic, bridges and erecting fences while shooting parts of the documentary "The Forgotten Kingdom: Prince Harry in Lesotho." In the documentary, filmed when he was spending a gap year in Lesotho, Harry vowed to carry on the legacy of his mother, who was killed in August 1997, a year after her divorce from Prince Charles, heir to the British throne. 0
109178 0 1536 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals annual general meeting, British Club, Gallery, 7.30pm. Current membership cards must be presented at the reception to gain entry. Medical lectures, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, child maltreatment, 10am; stroke, 11.30am; gall bladder diseases and key hole surgery, 5pm. Contact 17812200. Seminar on the role of small and medium industry in generating employment, Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance, Juffair, 7pm-9pm. All welcome. Contact 17825518. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information , call 17230123. Art exhibition by Iraqi Ambassador Ghassan Mohsen, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Candle vigil in tribute to the late Pope John Paul II, Hussaini Drawing Society for Islamic Arts, Manama, 7.30pm-10.30pm. Contact 39772377 or 36697707. Condolence book signing for the late P 0
109179 1 1536 WORL WORLD 20,000 join 'unity' rally BEIRUT: Tens of thousands of Lebanese men, women and children wearing white thronged the streets of central Beirut yesterday to join a "unity" run 30 years after the start of the devastating civil war.About 20,000 people from Christian and Muslim regions across the country walked or ran through the city in answer to a call by opposition MP Bahia Hariri, sister of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri whose assassination in February sparked a national crisis. "We are not scared for our country anymore because you have proven, by crowding public places, that you will not let those who assassinated Rafiq Hariri destroy Lebanon," Bahia Hariri said. "You have broken the wall of fear by filling up public places and by demonstrating that you have not been terrorised by the murderers." Under the slogan "running hand in hand," the participants ran or walked a five-kilometre route between the city's Riad Solh square and Martyrs' Square where Hariri was buried. The run began after Bahia Hariri set 0
109180 0 1536 WORL WORLD Envoy kidnapped ISLAMABAD: Militants in Iraq have kidnapped a Pakistani diplomat, the foreign ministry said yesterday. Malik Mohammed Javed, a deputy counsellor at the embassy who has lived in Iraq for six years, had been kidnapped by a group calling itself the Omar Khattab group, after evening prayers on Saturday in Baghdad's western Amariya district, officials said. Pakistan Information Minister Sheikh Rashid said one of the kidnappers had contacted Pakistan's charge d'affaires in Iraq by telephone yesterday and told him that Javed was in their custody. 0
109181 0 1536 WORL WORLD Kuwait ruler accepts minister's resignation KUWAIT CITY: The Amir of Kuwait Shaikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah has accepted the resignation of the health minister, a move that voids the no-confidence vote he was facing, the cabinet said yesterday. The cabinet statement did not say who will replace Mohammed Al Jarrallah, but Prime Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah told the official Kuwait News Agency that the energy minister, Shaikh Ahmed Fahad Al Ahmed Al Sabah, had been asked to serve as acting health minister. Al Jarrallah had submitted his resignation last Tuesday, a day after he was questioned in parliament and his opponents mustered enough support to force a no-confidence vote on April 18. He was blamed for shortages of medicine in state hospitals. He was also accused of failing to implement a court ruling, and of not doing enough to contain "cancer and other serious diseases." Al Jarrallah, a doctor, said the charges were inaccurate and exaggerated. UK embassy in Sanaa reopens SANAA: The British embassy in Y 0
109182 0 1536 WORL WORLD More flowers for Di after royal wedding PARIS: A day after the wedding of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles, more flowers than usual were placed at Paris' Place de l'Alma yesterday where the prince's late wife Diana was killed in a car crash in 1997. Diana admirers placed flowers around the Flame of Liberty, which has become an unofficial memorial to the late princess since her death. One message attached to a bouquet of roses read: "To Diana who will always be Princess of Wales". Another carried a caricature showing Diana in tears between Charles and his new wife. Charles married Camilla, formalising an on-off relationship that has endured for more than three decades. Camilla, whom many hold responsible for the break-up of Charles' marriage to the glamorous Diana a year before her death, has adopted the title of Duchess of Cornwall rather than Princess of Wales, held by Diana, though legally she gains all the titles her husband has. 0
109183 0 1536 WORL WORLD Miracle! Pope 'saved dying American' VATICAN CITY: Catholic cardinals took a break yesterday from their daily deliberations as an account emerged by the late Pope John Paul II's private secretary of a purported miracle that could help any claim for sainthood. Italy's La Stampa daily quoted the private secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz, as relating how an American, who was seriously ill, received communion from the Pope, and was cured. According to La Stampa, Dziwisz said an acquaintance had once asked him if an American friend who was dying from a brain tumour could meet the Pope. The acquaintance said the man had only three wishes: to see John Paul II, go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and return to the United States to die. At a private mass, the Pope gave the sick man communion. Later, Dziwisz's acquaintance rang him to say the tumour "completely disappeared in just a few hours." In his account of the incident, Dziwisz did not speak of a miracle, but of a sign of "the supreme power of God." < 0
109184 0 1536 WORL WORLD Allawi agrees to join government BAGHDAD: Iraq's outgoing Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has agreed that his parliamentary bloc will join the country's new government, and he is in negotiations on what cabinet posts it will receive, his spokesman said yesterday. Thaer Al Naqib said Allawi's bloc wanted four cabinet posts, including one of the main ministries, as a condition for participation. Allawi's supporters had previously said they would not join the government, preferring to act as opposition in parliament. "Iyad Allawi decided that his bloc will take part in the new government because he believes in making the political and democratic process in Iraqi successful," Naqib said. 0
109185 0 1536 WORL WORLD Bond with Brown 'like a marriage' LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday compared his political bond with his popular finance minister Gordon Brown to a marriage as they pursued Labour Party's campaign for re-election in May. In the News of the World yesterday, Blair and Brown gave their first joint interview in a decade, with the prime minister admitting they often disagreed "like a married couple" after 22 years together. The interview opened with the question whether they hated each other to the point they hardly speak to each other or work together any more. "Of course you'll have things that you'll discuss and occasionally you can disagree. But that basic belief that motivates the two of us is the same," Blair said. "So the personal bond - like a marriage - is also a political bond which is founded on shared values and that common belief," Blair said. Brown said: "when you've known someone for 22 years, and you've had to work out problems together, you do have a bond." 0
109186 0 1536 WORL WORLD Cruz role combines 'beauty and brains' LOS ANGELES: Penelope Cruz may have stayed away from Los Angeles early in her career because of the difficulty actresses can have finding roles that combine beauty and brains. Or maybe, as she puts it, it was simply because dinner arrived at the wrong time. Whatever the reason, the Spanish beauty is back in the US with this weekend's debut of Hollywood action flick Sahara,"co-starring her current flame, Matthew McConaughey. For fans who'd rather watch her brainy side, Cruz, who turns 31 this month, is showing that off in the Italian film, "Don't Move," playing in art house theaters. She said she was energised by her global career, if a bit tired. Prince still serious MONACO: The husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, Prince Ernst August of Hanover, was in "stable but serious" condition yesterday with an inflamed pancreas, a source close to his entourage said as Monaco residents began paying their last respects to Caroline's late father Prince Rainier. Ernst August, 51, was rushed to hos 0
109187 2 1536 WORL WORLD Thousands mount vigil JERUSALEM: King Abdullah of Jordan yesterday warned that any attack by Jewish extremists on Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound will undermine regional stability.His warning came as thousands of Muslims, backed by senior members of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, formed a mass human shield on a vigil at the mosque against any possible threat to the flashpoint site. "Any attack ... or attempt to harm this site which is sacred for Arabs and Muslims will undermine security and stability in the region," King Abdullah said in a statement to Petra news agency in Amman. With thousands of police also deployed to bar the extremists, no more than a few dozen right-wing Jews turned up, after their newly-formed movement had vowed to rally 10,000 supporters at the holy site. "We appeal to all Arabs and the entire Muslim world to protect Al Aqsa," said Hamas leader Hassan Yussef, who left Israeli officials red-faced after slipping into Jerusalem undetected. Yousef was detained by t 0
109188 0 1536 WORL WORLD Nepal rebel toll rises to 113 KATHMANDU: The bodies of 113 Maoist rebels have been recovered following a major battle with government forces in western Nepal late last week, an army official said yesterday. Thursday's clash was believed to be the largest since King Gyanendra sacked the government on February 1. Rebels also stormed a jail in central Nepal, killed two policemen and set free 28 inmates, including 20 guerillas, late on Saturday. The rebels also bombed half a dozen government offices during the raid in Charikot, 150km northeast of the capital Kathmandu, a police officer said. Two Russian trekkers are recovering in hospital in the Nepalese capital after being injured in a bomb attack by Maoist rebels as they were travelling to Mount Everest's base camp. 10 killed in Kashmir SRINAGAR: Ten people were killed and 20 injured yesterday in a grenade blast and in clashes between militants and soldiers and police in Indian Kashmir, police said. Two civilians died and 20 were injured when militants hurled a hand g 0
109189 0 1536 WORL WORLD Tension mounts amid talks bid COLOMBO: Tension is rising in Sri Lanka's restive northeast even as peacebroker Norway prepares to make a fresh attempt to restart talks between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels, officials and diplomats said yesterday. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) seized a soldier in Trincomalee district on Saturday, a day after ceasefire monitors said the rebels had attacked a navy craft in violation of a truce. With Norwegian-led ceasefire monitors urging the release of the soldier, the Tigers by Sunday afternoon had allowed the sergeant to go free. The Sunday Times newspaper said the navy had issued an alert amid fears of fresh attacks and warned that rebels could hit installations like Colombo's port and Trincomalee's harbour. "There is tension in the region after a spate of attacks last week," a local military official said. 0
109190 0 1536 WORL WORLD Anti-Japan protests rock China BEIJING: Anti-Japan protests erupted for a second day in China yesterday, as Tokyo demanded an apology and better protection for its citizens and interests a day after demonstrators smashed windows at Japan's embassy in Beijing. Demonstrations against Japan have spread in China since Tokyo approved a new history textbook that critics say glosses over atrocities by Japan's military in the first half of the 20th century, including forcing tens of thousands of women into sex slavery. Beijing slammed the decision, calling the book "poison" for youthful minds. Some 10,000 protesters surrounded a Japanese-run Jasco supermarket in the southern city of Shenzhen yesterday, said Ide Keiji, a spokesman for the Japanese Embassy in Beijing. They shouted "Boycott Japanese goods!" and some threw plastic bottles of mineral water at the store. About 3,000 people marched towards the Japanese Consulate General in the southern city of Guangzhou for a "spontaneous demonstration" and police we 0
109191 3 1536 WORL WORLD India-China may sign border pact NEW DELHI: Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao arrived in New Delhi yesterday for talks as India said it hoped for a lasting resolution to a thorny border dispute which once led the world's two most populous nations to war. Indian foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said the two sides would sign an agreement on political "guiding principles" on the vexed boundary issue during talks today between Wen and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh. He said the agreement was firmed up during discussions earlier yesterday between Indian National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo. The talks were "fruitful with a view to finalising the documents on Guiding Principles for signatures tomorrow," Sarna said. Narayanan and Dai were nominated by India and China in 2003 to negotiate territorial claims as experts delineate the boundary on a map and then on the ground. "For the first time we see a commonality on both sides to find a solution," Nar 0
109192 1 1537 BUSI BUSINESS Banking forum is planned MANAMA: Banking supervisors and industry executives from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are to meet in Bahrain to discuss the implementation of new international bank capital rules. The meeting on the Practical Application of Basel II Accord, tomorrow and on Thursday, is jointly organised by the Financial Stability Institute (FSI) of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the GCC General Secretariat, with the support of the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), Institute of International Finance and the Union of Arab Banks. It will be held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The Basel II Accord is also the focus of a regional seminar for banking supervisors, currently underway at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), in Juffair. The seminar, from Sunday until today, is organised by the FSI, the GCC General Secretariat's Committee of Banking Supervisors and the BMA. "The BMA is pleased to host these two important events, whi 0
109193 2 1537 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrain set to stage first Arab cable conference MANAMA: Ways of strengthening the cables industry in the Middle East and North Africa will be discussed at the first Arab Cable Conference, which will be held from April 25 to 27 at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. Arab Cable Manufacturers Association executive committee secretary general Hamid Rashid Al Zayani said over 120 delegates will be present, including representatives of shipping and transport companies. "One of the biggest problems facing the Arab cable industry is sea and land transportation," he said. "There just aren't enough routes between Arab countries, which means that goods have to make ridiculous detours in order to reach their final destination. "For example, we have to ship to Italy in order to reach Tunisia. And it actually costs less to ship to Japan than it does to ship to Egypt." He was speaking at a Press conference at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel yesterday announcing details of the event. The conference is hosted by Midal Cables and u 0
109194 3 1537 BUSI BUSINESS China 'may revalue its currency' BERLIN: China is thinking hard about revaluing its currency the yuan, German Finance Minister Hans Eichel said. In an interview, Eichel was asked whether China's decision to send only a low-level delegation to the Group of Seven meeting in Washington this week should be interpreted as a sign Beijing was keen to stick to its current exchange rate. "I don't see a link between (China's) staying away and any considerations relating to policy on its currency," he said. "I know that apart from that, China is currently thinking very hard about revaluing its currency," Eichel said. Critics of China's exchange rate policy say the yuan is undervalued and gives it an unfair advantage on export markets. Eichel also said the high cost of oil was causing "real problems" which could not be solved quickly and that economic growth would have to be coupled with lower oil consumption. "The Chinese and the Americans need to make a particularly big effort on this," he said. < 0
109195 0 1537 BUSI BUSINESS Boubyan Bank widens horizons KUWAIT CITY: Boubyan Bank yesterday signed a deal to acquire a 20 per cent stake in Bank Muamalat Indonesia, which controls nearly half of the Asian nation's Islamic banking sector, the head of the Kuwaiti Islamic bank said. Boubyan Bank "aims through this deal to make Bank Muamalat Indonesia the strategic passageway to the rest of the East Asian nations", Chairman and Managing Director Yacob Al Muzaini said. He did not specify the value of the transaction. Boubyan Bank aims to start providing full commercial banking services to the public in the third quarter of this year and will compete with Kuwait Finance House, which now has a monopoly on Islamic banking in the Gulf Arab state. Al Muzaini said Bank Muamalat Indonesia controls up to 50pc of the Islamic banking sector in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation. He said the Indonesian bank, set up in 1991 as that country's first Islamic bank, now has 156 branches and up to 1 million customers. < 0
109196 0 1537 BUSI BUSINESS Role of SMIs analysed MANAMA: Scores of people learnt more about the role of small and medium industries (SMI) at a seminar held last night at the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF), in Juffair. Industry and Commerce Ministry petrochemical and plastic industry head engineer Abdul Rahim Fakhroo spoke about the role SMIs play in generating employment through industrial development, their current profile and what can be done to increase employment generation in Bahrain through the development of this sector. "The Industry and Commerce Ministry in co-operation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisations provide a programme designed to develop businessmen and women," said Mr Fakhroo. "Within this programme, ongoing workshops are conducted to develop the abilities of new entrepreneurs. "In co-operation with the Bahrain Development Bank, the ministry has also provided the Business Incubator Centre for embracing small industrial ideas, skills and investments under globall 0
109197 0 1537 BUSI BUSINESS Latest insurance trends probed MANAMA: Thirty-one insurance executives representing 19 companies from across the Middle East, Africa and Asia took part in Arab Insurance Group's (Arig) annual seminar, which opened at its headquarters in the Diplomatic Area yesterday. Ten topics under the theme Life and Medical Insurance: New Frontiers will be presented over the three-day event. The programme will address the challenges facing life and medical insurers and the role of IT and actuaries in meeting them. It will also cover topics in claims management, reinsurance and underwriting trends. Arig reinsurance general manager Yassir Abaharna said the event provides an opportunity to discuss the latest developments with its regional partners. He added the company's strategy includes expanding its reinsurance business in these growing product segments. 0
109198 0 1537 BUSI BUSINESS Indian shares lose ground BOMBAY: Shares on the benchmark Bombay index slipped 1.3 per cent yesterday, tracking weak global indices, as investors awaited key quarterly earnings. Top motorcycle maker Hero Honda Motors will report earnings today, followed by private-sector HDFC Bank tomorrow and bellwether software services firm Infosys Technologies on Thursday. The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index fell 1.27pc to 6,397.52 points. Losers beat gainers nearly 2 to 1 in modest trade of 141 million shares, compared to Friday's volume of 164m. The Bombay index lost 1.9pc last week. The 50-issue National Stock Exchange index fell 1.13pc to 2,008.20 points. "We are seeing lacklustre buying interest from domestic funds and retail investors, as well as foreign funds, until the major earnings come in," said Jignesh Shah, a trader at Refco-Sify Securities. "Investors are worried about the impact of high crude oil prices on the manufacturing sector and the 'fringe benefit' tax on software servic 0
109199 0 1537 COMM COMMENTPlain-speaking is needed... Given the complexities of Northern Irish politics, it is probably unrealistic to expect a straight answer to a straight question where Sinn Fein and Gerry Adams are concerned. We can only infer that the statement Mr Adams gave, in all its gnomic opacity, was intended by way of an answer to the questions widely asked in the wake of the multi-million pound raid on the Northern Bank and the murder of Robert McCartney: Is Sinn Fein still committed to the peace process and, if it is, when is it going to sever all links with the IRA? The answer Mr Adams gave to the first question, at least, seemed unequivocal. He appealed to the IRA to seize what he called "a defining moment" to "rebuild the peace process". His words were cushioned with the sort of lavish praise that so often accompanies a concession. He lauded IRA members for their "determination, selflessness and courage". He also stressed - doubtless for those suspicious of the IRA's good faith on, for instance, decommissioning - that the IRA had h 0
109200 0 1537 COMM COMMENTDanger lurking in closed young minds I wasn't in the room to hear what Bahrain University lecturer Dr Ahmed Al Mahmood allegedly said that has caused such upset. Neither were the majority of the 150 or so students who staged a wildcat protest at the university, denouncing him for alleged sectarian remarks during a lecture last Tuesday. The vast majority of them had no real idea why they were protesting. They responded to rumours, spread by some who claimed to have heard the remarks, but who have so far not been prepared to put their complaints in writing. This may seem a small incident, but danger lurks in the minds of those who can be spurred into mass action by rumour mongers. Such a Pavlovian response is all the more disturbing when it involves those whom you would expect to be more open-minded than others, since they have the advantage of a university education. Is this to be Bahrain's version of democracy and free speech? Are we to see the "sectarian" banner waved every time someone expresses an opi 0
109201 0 1537 COMM COMMENTIslamic watchdog proposal just a load of hot air... I APPRECIATE the concern, friends, but if I want to spend the afterlife burning in the flames of eternal damnation, it's my business and nobody else's. Apparently this puts me at odds with parliament, however, which last week took it upon itself to pass a proposal to set up a new watchdog to discourage anti-Islamic behaviour. If established, its members will have no power to arrest anyone but, if they don't like the way you dress or socialise, can give you a darn good telling off! Well, I'll be damned... if we need saving from anyone, it's from extremists whose idea of women's rights is allowing them to drive while wearing veils and banning them from travelling abroad without the consent of their husbands or 'guardians'. Not out of disrespect, of course, but for their own good. Such a watchdog would undoubtedly try to influence the way people live their lives, but can only meet with limited success. It may succeed in controlling the way people behave in pu 0
109204 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Brave Mohammed sets an example for us all IT is indeed special people like disabled Bahraini swimmer Mohammed Salman Abdulla (GDN, April 4) who brave all odds to achieve what he did in winning the gold medal in the freestyle swimming competition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a lesson for us that one can achieve anything with a will to do so against all odds. And it is special people like Kate Fellowes who made it financially possible for Mohammed to compete by the BD575.500 donation in memory of her father, killed in a car accident in Bahrain, who was a sportsman and teacher in the British School of Bahrain. Indeed she has given hope to brave children like Mohammed who have the courage, but not the means to fulfil their dreams. What a legacy her father leaves behind if she continues to support disabled talented children who will keep the name of her father alive by their outstanding achievements. S Babar 0
109205 0 1537 LETT LETTERS MPs get real! I WOULD like to add my voice to that of Rana (GDN, April 10) in regard to religious watchdogs. Didn't everyone ask for freedom when we voted for parliament? Can parliament address the real issues? We are good, respectable adults. We don't need to be watched by anyone, thank you parliament. Khalid 0
109206 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Claims rise 500pc! THIS refers to the opinion, among others expressed to your reporter, that crime has not risen, but it is being reported frequently and therefore there is a perception that crime has increased although it is not so. Insurance companies have seen theft claims increase by 500 per cent in the last two years, and that is from those who are insured. Firms and individuals without theft insurance bear their losses themselves. Insurance companies are now increasing premiums for theft cover and putting conditions such as installation of alarms, securing of safes and so on. These measures will increase the cost of doing business in Bahrain and hurt the economy. Francis G 0
109207 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Mother's love universal A MOTHER'S compassionate love for one's child is indeed universal and it is quite distressing to know the agony that Lucila is going through. Your little girl might not know anything of these court custody battles, but mind you, though I am one of the thousands of supporters - if not million - of this heart-wrenching episode, she will surely feel that she was really wanted and loved by her mother once she reaches the right age. Spiritually, your presence around her will be felt by her, rest your mind that God will always guide and shield her throughout her journey. Terry Habib 0
109208 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Localised postal problem? I HAVE read a lot of correspondence in your paper of late on the worsening airmail service offered by the Bahrain Post. I have found the problem to be localised. I live in Adliya and normally use the Adliya Post Office for all my airmail letters, and like all your readers, found about three or four months ago that they all took three to four weeks to reach Europe. I posted a letter in Hidd Post office and the letter made it to the UK in three days. I now always use Hidd and have told all my friends as they too were having trouble in Adliya. So the answer to everyone's problems is to find a Post Office that does not hide your mail. Mrs Gracie Long lDirector of Posts Shaikh Bader Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said: "I would like to thank the reader for her trust in Bahrain Post and specifically Hidd Post Office. I confirm my earlier remarks that there is no delay in mail service no matter the location. "Mail is collected daily from all post offices and proc 0
109209 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Outrageously lenient A MONTH in jail or BD100 fine for sodomising an innocent boy? That is outrageous. What on earth are the law courts thinking about when they pass this kind of judgment? What is wrong with the judicial system in this otherwise beautiful country? S A 0
109210 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Double standards WHEN France declared regulations banning any religious symbols, many people, especially Muslims, were offended, but others defended the French position by the statement that France is a secular country. There is no biased rules against Muslims, they don't believe in the connection of religion and the government. Yet, when Pope John Paul II died, the president of France ordered the lowering of all flags in mourning. Please can someone explain this to me? Reem 0
109211 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Sums don't add up AS a teacher, I am accustomed to picking up the little foibles (or faibles, as we French say!) of children trying to fathom their way through the mysterious world of mathematics. Being also a regular customer of a local supermarket, I am embarrassed to have to admit that it was an annoying English parent who pointed out to me their latest faux pas: Six tins of Snappy Tom catfood for the price of five is a reduction of only 16.6666666666666666 per cent and not, as claimed, 20 per cent. Jean-Marc Debris Professeur emeritus de mathematiques Ecole Francaise de Bahrein 0
109212 0 1537 LETT LETTERS A plausible con FURTHER to Mr Stupid's letter (GDN, April 8), I was approached on Adliya high street by the same character, a well turned out type in national dress. Same M O 'don't you recognise me?... etc'. However, being streetwise, I made him for a con artist quickly and he scuttled away in a hurry. I am a Western expat and I presume Mr Stupid is as well. If pointed out to the police, I believe that he presumes that the policemen will support him against any complaint by a Westerner just as traffic accidents between locals and Westerners are routinely handled. This con artist's behaviour has now been made public twice so that I hope GDN readers who encounter this character will not hesitate to point him out to the police if approached. Streetwise expat 0
109213 0 1537 LETT LETTERS Sentence not right I READ your report "Youth guilty of raping student" (GDN, April 4). I was amazed to read that the guilty party was to be jailed one month or had to pay a fine of BD100 for raping a young boy. I would think sodomy is to be punished severely according to the Islamic rules. I read some time ago that consenting Asian adults were caught having sex, but were jailed. I would like to have some clarification in this matter. Name and address supplied 0
109214 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Crash woman 'critical' MANAMA: A Bahraini woman was recovering in hospital yesterday after being thrown from her car in an accident on Al Esteqlal Highway, Sanad. The 27-year-old was hurled through a side window after her car careered off the road, smashed into a cement block supporting a road sign and flipped over. The woman suffered multiple fractures and head injuries, sources told the GDN. She was apparently trying to change lanes but was trapped behind a truck and lost control of her vehicle when she braked. The incident happened at around 9am and she was taken to the BDF Hospital for treatment. She was later transferred to Salmaniya Medical Complex where her condition was described as stable. No further details were available. 0
109215 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain's borrowing right on track MANAMA: Bahrain's state borrowing is all above board and geared towards helping develop the country, the government declared yesterday. The country is meeting all its loan repayment schedules, the Finance and National Economy Ministry declared in a statement issued in response to some Press reports. It said the BD284 million debt being quoted in some local newspapers represented legitimate withdrawals under long-term loan agreements. State borrowing is a common option throughout the world and in Bahrain it provides financial support for projects related to developing the economic and social sectors, said the ministry. The aim is to raise citizens' living standards through projects such as housing and medical services, as well as the country's infrastructure. Bahrain's international economic ratings had been raised by global rating agencies thanks in part to the country's promptness in paying back its debts, said the ministry. All loan agreements are consistent wit 0
109216 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Hong Kong deal... HONG KONG: Hong Kong and Bahrain have agreed to expand cargo and passenger flights as well as code-share arrangements that allow airlines to sell seats on one another's flights. The two sides also agreed to expand fifth freedom rights, which allow airlines to carry passengers to one country and then fly on to another country, rather than have to return to the country of origin. "I'm glad that what we have signed today will lead to a very liberal air services regime between Hong Kong and Bahrain. I'm sure that it will lead to closer ties between Hong Kong and Bahrain," said Hong Kong's Secretary for Economic Development and Labour Bureau Stephen Ip. Hong Kong's largest carrier Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and Gulf Air are currently operating 11 weekly passenger services between Hong Kong and Bahrain. 0
109217 1 1537 BNEW LOCAL EASTERN PROMISE! MANAMA MANILA: Philippines President Gloria Arroyo yesterday held talks with Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. He extended greetings from His Majesty King Hamad. President Arroyo hailed strong relations bonding Bahrain and the Philippines and said she hoped these ties would be further enhanced. She also thanked the Bahraini government for caring for the Filipino community working in the kingdom. President Arroyo also hailed the leading regional and international role being played by Bahrain and its positive contributions to serving international peace and security. She also hailed the fruitful results of the recent visit by a Bahraini commercial delegation to the Philippines which will boost investment. She also spoke of benefiting from Bahrain's banking and financial expertise. 0
109218 2 1537 BNEW LOCAL Club clears decks for charity raft race MANAMA THIS year's Bahrain Raft Race, falling on the centenary of the international Rotary organisation, promises to be as popular as ever. The event, which was first held in 1979, is recognised as one of Bahrain's leading charity events. It is being organised by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in association with Al Bander Hotel and Resort, where it will be held on April 22. People from all walks or life look forward to the event every year, said raft race committee public relations head Raed Samahiji. "Not only does it attract families keen to enjoy a day out and teams anxious to prove their prowess in the water, but it also provides key support for local charities," he said. "Since it was first held in early 1979 at Hidd beach it is estimated the event has raised well over half a million dinars for island charities. "This year we hope to raise BD30,000." There will be a grand raffle draw once again with a Jaguar X-Type as first prize. This year on 0
109219 3 1537 BNEW LOCAL Implants hope for deaf children MANAMA DEAF children are being given new hope, with the restarting of a scheme to give them revolutionary cochlear implants. The Health Ministry has restarted the programme and it is being conducted for the first time with an all-Bahraini surgical team, officials announced yesterday. The ministry has donated BD152,000 to Salmaniya Medical Complex to restart the programme, which was put on hold two years ago because of budget restrictions. The money will cover the costs of 11 cochlear implant operations and equipment needed for the operations. Each cochlear implant costs BD12,000 and this does not include staff costs, hospital stay and other provisions. SMC ear, nose and throat consultants Dr Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Dr Ahmed Jamal last week performed cochlear implant surgery on six patients. They were supervised by Professor Roland Laszig from Freiburg, Germany, who has performed 1,500 cochlear implants. The two surgeons will carry out another five operati 0
109220 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Arab terror cash link 'negligible' MANAMA A FINANCIAL expert yesterday played down the Arab world's role in global money laundering and terrorist financing. Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) president, Dr Muhammad Baasiri, said the September 11 attacks focused the world's attention on this part of the world. "But the Middle East and North Africa actually play a very small part in terrorist financing and money laundering," he said. "No credible statistics exist anywhere in the world regarding this issue. "However, the much smaller size of the MENA economies is proof in itself that they play a very small role in this type of criminal activity." Dr Baasiri also said some countries have in place very effective regulations to combat these crimes, while others still have a way to go. He added that it is important for countries to come together and find a common solution. Dr Baasiri was speaking at the First Plenary Meeting Against Money Laundering and Terrorist 0
109221 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Man bails out cheque fraud wife A BAHRAINI woman who passed a string of dud cheques has been given a suspended sentence, after her husband promised to repay more than BD11,000. The woman was fined BD500 by the Lower Criminal Court, but the sentence was suspended for three years. Her 51-year-old businessman husband told the court that he would pay more than BD11,000 to the victim, a photo equipment company, instalments that would take him until next year to clear. He also produced documentation from the plaintiff's lawyer, agreeing to withdraw the case. The defendant did not appear in court but her husband did and presented an official power of attorney from his wife, authorising him to appear on her behalf. His wife was charged with passing seven cheques each with a face value of BD304, but he told the court that there were cheques totalling more than BD11,000 outstanding. He said his wife admitted the charges levelled against her. He also presented a document from the female lawyer of the pla 0
109222 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Help for families AN extra 32 needy Bahraini families will have their municipal rates slashed as part of a government initiative to help the poor. It brings the total number of families to benefit from the scheme to 9,739. In some cases they are exempt from paying taxes due previously, while others will be exempt from future taxes, according to Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Juma Al Kaabi. All beneficiaries do not own their own property. It follows a decree to reduce municipal tax for needy families by Municipalities and Agricul-tural Affairs Minister Ali Al Saleh. 0
109223 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Future 'depends on education' BAHRAIN'S future depends on top quality education for students at all levels, says Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. "Education is important to our developmental projects and future programmes and without it everything falls apart," he said yesterday. "The ministry is currently assessing its educational system in co-operation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to help formulate a strong educational system." Dr Al Nuaimi was speaking at the opening of the Fifth Quality of Higher Education Conference, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The three-day event has been organised by the university, under the patronage of Dr Al Nuaimi, who is also university board of trustees president. Present at the opening ceremony were Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi and university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. Dr Al Nuaimi stressed that improving the quality of education in schools and other institutions was not down 0
109224 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Indian TV channel to help victims of tsunami A FREE-TO-AIR Indian satellite channel is offering viewers in Bahrain, and around the world, a chance to help tsunami victims in parts of Kerala rebuild their homes. Jeevan Charities, sponsored by Jeevan Television, is to build 45 homes in the Kollam and Alleppey Districts of Kerala with the support of the Indian government. The future of thousands of tsunami victims in both districts remains uncertain nearly four months after the tsunami hit the region. Though temporary shelters offered by the government are in place, the construction of permanent houses is still going on and the help of people from abroad is now being sought. "The devastating tsunami, which hit the coast of Kerala on December 26, caused severe damage to human life and property," said Jeevan Telecasting Corporation director Jose Pudukaden. "Jeevan right from the day of the tragedy has been trying to do its best by getting amenities for the tragedy-hit people. "As part of our endeavour to 0
109225 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Rethink urged over commercial zones TWO of Bahrain's five municipal councils are calling for a rethink over commercial zoning in their areas. Northern and Central Municipal Councils want more roads to be designated as commercial, so that people can open small businesses. The Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry launched a nationwide campaign in 2003 to introduce additional commercial roads throughout the country. This was in response to numerous requests from residents asking for licences to open shops in residential areas. A committee, made up of representatives from various ministries, was set up to review suggested roads submitted by the municipal councils. However, some municipal councillors are dissatisfied with the committee's results and are demanding an explanation as to why some of their proposals have been rejected. The Northern Municipal Council proposed 22 roads, but only 15 were accepted. "Our proposals are based on the residents' requests," said council member Jumaa 0
109226 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Airport tax relief for poor rejected A BID to exempt around 40,000 needy families and people with special needs from paying the BD3 airport tax was rejected yesterday by the Shura Council. It said the government had already expressed its intention to increase social welfare, which was confirmed by the Cabinet's decision on Sunday to double social assistance from BD4.2 million to BD8.4m. Council members also agreed with a report by the financial and economic affairs committee, which said the move was not in line with the country's obligations to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on the equal treatment of passengers. The committee was responding to a proposal submitted by member Faisal Fulad to include needy families among those exempted from the BD3 airport tax. He suggested this should be done through amending Royal Decree 14 of 1986 that regulates the process. However, following the rejection, Mr Fulad said he would present an amended proposal in October. Those currently exe 0
109227 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL UK funeral for Heather Dew THE funeral of former Bahrain resident Heather Dew, who died of cancer last Sunday will be held in Wiltshire, UK on Friday. Mrs Dew died at the age of 60 in a hospice near her home in Wiltshire, surrounded by her husband Philip and daughters Nadia, Layla and Xenia. She was born in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, UK, but spent most of her working life in the Middle East, arriving first in Lebanon in 1974, followed by Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 1976 and then Bahrain in 1988. Mrs Dew was an American Women's Association member, Bahrain Garden Club member, Bahrain Anglican Church Council member and was St Christopher's Cathedral Social Committee chairwoman right up until she left Bahrain in October last year. "She was a wonderful person, very talented and artistic, a quiet person. She had the lovely gift of befriending people," said friend Gloria Ray. "Even when she was ill I never heard her complaining once, she never grumbled. She was quite amazing. We will all miss her ve 0
109228 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Poll chance for students APPLICATIONS from candidates wishing to take seats on the Bahrain University Student Council are now being accepted. Forms for the elections, which will be held on May 18, are available at both university campuses in Isa Town and Sakhir. The numbers of students in each college determines the size of the council, which will have the same number of seats as the current one. The existing 22-seat council comprises 13 students elected by poll and seven students representing the university's seven college societies, plus two representing the university's seven clubs. The deadline for registration is May 4. 0
109229 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL NIA way to fitness... A GLOBAL fitness movement, Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA), is to be highlighted in a series of workshops at the World Beat Fitness Centre in Janabiya. In Bahrain, NIA is only taught at the World Beat Fitness Centre and currently the only Bahrain-based professionally qualified trainer is the centre's director Jane Goodwin. "NIA is a growing movement in Bahrain," Mrs Goodwin told the GDN. "It is fairly new in the kingdom but more and more people are discovering its benefits and this is what I hope to do here and organise more workshops such as this latest one to promote NIA. "This gentle, graceful and powerful cardiovascular movement focuses on awakening and empowering your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual selves." She has invited NIA Black Belt trainer Ann Christiansen from Hamburg, Germany, to conduct the series of workshops at the centre from Thursday to Saturday. The workshops in Bahrain will be presented in four parts. Thursday aftern 0
109230 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL New centre to help jobs push A NON-PROFIT education centre that will help prepare Bahraini youth for the labour market was opened yesterday by Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa. The sole objective of InJAz Bahrain, which is located at the Business Incubator Centre, in Hidd Industrial Area, is to help Bahraini youngsters develop skills and knowledge to meet the needs and requirements of the market. It is part of Junior Achievement World-wide - an international organisation with representation in over 112 countries. Bahrain is the first GCC state to establish this organisation, which aims to cultivate entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. InJAz Bahrain provides Bahraini youth with opportunities to experience how business works by participating in activity-based programmes. "We seek, through InJAz Bahrain, to help the Bahraini youth acquire high quality knowledge relating to personal success," said InJAz Bahrain executive director Shaikha Hessa. "We encourage them to take the initiativ 0
109231 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Watchdog plea to inspect jails A HUMAN rights group says it may approach His Majesty King Hamad for permission to inspect Bahrain's prisons. The Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) submitted a request to the Interior Ministry in January to inspect all jails . It did so after its members were not allowed to visit hunger-striking prisoners at the Criminal Investigation Directorate in Adliya in December. The group says it received verbal permission in February, but is still waiting for the go-ahead in writing. "We got verbal permission, but are yet to receive official confirmation," said BHRS member Dr Abdulla Alderazi. "We tried to follow up the matter with the Interior Ministry to no avail. "It is strange that it is taking so long, but this is not the first time we have been ignored. "We submitted similar requests in previous years and received similar treatment. "However, this is the first year we got verbal confirmation instead of being totally ignored." The BHRS wants to go 0
109232 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL New court to hear rights case AN appeal against the closure of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights is being switched to another court. The High Civil Appeal Court yesterday adjourned the case until April 19, for it to be transferred to the Administrative Court. BCHR lawyer Abdulla Al Shamlawi said that the case had been wrongly put before the appeal court due to a clerical error by court officials. He said the appeal was launched after the High Civil Court threw out their previous case in January. It ruled that the BCHR had no legal argument against the then Labour and Social Affairs Ministry, which closed it on September 28 for allegedly breaching the 1989 Societies Law. The closure followed a seminar on poverty organised by BCHR, at Oruba Club, Juffair. Government lawyer Masooma Abdul Rasool did not attend the court hearing yesterday. Advocate Mary Wareham, of the Washington-based Human Rights Watch, attended as an observer. "We are following the case very closely and are concerned that it be r 0
109233 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Move to defuse council clash A PEACE offering has been made in the clash between councillors and Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi. Parliament second vice-chairman Adel Al Maawada and Muharraq dignitary Yousif Al Arabi have stepped in to defuse the situation. They met Muharraq Municipal Council members yesterday at the council premises in Busaiteen. Anger flared after Mr Bin Hindi last week met Muharraq Civil Society member Yousif Bu Zaboon. He asked Mr Bin Hindi to submit a request on his behalf to His Majesty King Hamad to axe the council, for failing to respond properly to the King's programme to rebuild or renovate dilapidated family homes all over the country. Upset When the details of the meeting appeared in local newspapers, councillors were upset and issued a counter statement demanding an apology from Mr Bin Hindi, but he reportedly refused. He said the council had failed to respond to the programme and the recent collapse of two houses was proof of this. Mr Al Maawada urged councillor 0
109234 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL New medical council law provisions to be amended A PROPOSED new law to establish a medical council was withdrawn from the Shura Council yesterday, for further amendments to provisions regulating its authority and duties. It was withdrawn on the request of member Dr Mansoor Al Arrayedh, who had presented the original proposal to set up a medical body to be responsible for upgrading health services. He decided to withdraw it in view of the provisions in the charter regulating the Shura Council, which state that a proposed law by a member could either be rejected or approved and presented directly to the Cabinet. But the council cannot amend any of the articles in a proposed law by one of its members, until after it has been reviewed by the Cabinet. Dr Al Arrayed agreed to withdraw the law to carry out some amendments, instead of having it rejected by the council, in view of the government's reservations. He told council members at their weekly meeting that he would submit the new law with the new amendments next w 0
109235 0 1537 BNEW LOCAL Saudi 'swindled out of BD16,600' A BAHRAIN-based businessman has denied swindling a Saudi out of BD16,600 by selling him cars that didn't exist. The 35-year-old Egyptian, married to a Bahraini, is accused of fraud. He allegedly promised to sell the Saudi businessman two cars which he claimed belonged to a Bahrain government minister. The other man handed over the money on November 1, 2003, but never received the cars, the Lower Criminal Court heard. "On the delivery date, he told me the minister was busy and played delaying tactics," the 33-year-old Saudi told police. I visited the concerned minister and complained to him about this Egyptian man who was selling his cars and the minister was surprised and said he knew nothing about it and did not know this man." The complainant said he contacted the Egyptian man's Bahraini wife, who told him that if he came to Bahrain she would have him arrested. He also claimed that he signed a partnership contract with the Egyptian in Cairo to es 0
109236 1 1537 SPOR SPORT TIGER CLAIMS NINTH MAJOR AUGUSTA, Georgia: Tiger Woods turned the 'Fab Four' into a one-man show as he willed his way to a sudden-death playoff win over Chris DiMarco and a fourth US Masters title yesterday. With the type of performance not seen since 2000, when he held all four majors and ruled supreme over the sport, the 29-year-old American served notice he was ready to embark on a new reign after ending a barren run of 10 majors without a win. All the talk ahead of the year's first major had centred around the so-called 'Fab Four' of Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els. However, as the sun set over Augusta National on Sunday, Woods had Singh's number one world ranking, Mickelson's green jacket and reached the turn on his career goal of bettering Jack Nicklaus's record 18 majors. While Woods' performance lacked the crushing brilliance of his 12-stroke 1997 Masters victory, it may well have been his most tenacious as he overcame bogeys on his final two holes to claim his 43rd PGA T 0
109237 2 1537 SPOR SPORT Martin triggers Lanka collapse WELLINGTON: New Zealand fast bowler Chris Martin destroyed the cream of Sri Lankan batting with career best figures of six for 54 as the Black Caps dominated the opening day of the second cricket Test at the Basin Reserve here yesterday. Sri Lanka were all out for 211, recovering from seven for 86, and New Zealand were 52 without loss at stumps. Playing his 23rd Test, Martin's return topped his previous best of six for 76 against South Africa in March last year, while Thilan Samaraweera surived on luck to topscore for Sri Lanka with his eighth Test half-century before being the last wicket to fall for 73. For much of Sri Lanka's innings Martin toiled away as the only New Zealand bowler to threaten their talent-laden top order, despite ideal conditions for bowling. "It definitely swung around and it was magic to have that," he said. Unleashed With a cool southerly breeze at his back Martin had his first wicket within three balls after New Zealand won the to 0
109238 3 1537 SPOR SPORT Bahrain in good start BAHRAIN started with a bang in the Asian Cricket Council Under-15 Asia yesterday with a comfortable nine-wicket victory over Oman in Dubai. In the other matches the UAE beat Maldives by five wickets and picked up a bonus point while Nepal also secured a bonus point after a nine-wicket victory over Qatar. Bahrain skipper David Mathias won the toss and decided to put Oman into bat in this 40 overs per inings match. Oman made a solid start with openers Vineeth M V (19 from 30 deliveries) and Luvieen Alva (29 from 40, including four fours) putting together a partnership of 57 runs in 11 overs. Bahrain's Gavin Rodrigues made the breakthrough with a spectacular catch off his own bowling to dismiss Vineeth. From there on wickets fell at regular intervals and Oman were dismissed for 167 runs in 38.5 overs. Of the latter batsmen, only Purval Sule (27 from 52, three fours) offered much resistance as five of the dismissals were run outs. The pick of the B 0
109239 0 1537 SPOR SPORT Top security for Pakistan, India fourth one-dayer AHMEDABAD, India: Elite troops and police yesterday swamped this western Indian city, the scene of bloody communal riots three years ago, as India and Pakistan prepared to clash in a key fourth one-day cricket match today. Security officials are leaving nothing to chance in Ahmedabad where at least 2,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in 2002 after the death of 59 Hindus in a train carriage fire blamed by state authorities on a Muslim mob. Pakistan had initially declined to play a five-day Test match in the Gujarat state commercial capital but later agreed to take part in a one-day match after the Indian cricket board and local officials guaranteed high-level security. The sell-out crowd of 47,000 will have to show proof of their identity before they are granted entry into the Motera stadium on the outskirts of the city which resembled a well-guarded fortress on the eve of the match. Gates will open three hours before the scheduled start, to give enough time to check 0
109240 0 1537 SPOR SPORT Tiger hits winning trail again Eldrick 'Tiger' Woods's victory at Augusta in the early hours yesterday may well trigger a second reign which can be far more dominating and intimidating than his first in 2002 when he held all four majors and much more that mattered in golf. For it was not just another green jacket victory for Tiger at the US Masters, it was much more in terms of regaining self-confidence and self-esteem after a barren run in 10 majors since his last big success at the US Open in 2002. To me, Tiger seemed to be battling at two levels in the final round at Augusta; one was a physical duel against a persevering Chris DiMarco and the other a psychological tussle with himself and his self-doubts which in the past had proved self-destructive. In the end, Tiger, I thought, triumphed more due to his own strong will than any extraordinary skill, notwithstanding moments of pure magic like the miracle birdie at the par-three 16th and the 18-foot victory putt at the first extra hole. But right thr 0
109241 0 1537 SPOR SPORT Pistons move closer to central division crown TORONTO: Richard Hamilton scored 17 points as the Detroit Pistons took advantage of the absence of Shaquille O'Neal to defeat the Miami Heat 80-72 and move within a game of clinching the Central Divison title in NBA action yesterday. The Pistons dominated early in Miami and then withstood a determined Heat comeback in the fourth quarter to win their sixth straight game and beat their hosts for the second time in three meetings this season. O'Neal missed his third straight game with a stomach virus and it hurt Miami, who posted season-scoring lows for a quarter, half and game while shooting just 34.6 percent, another season low. The Heat have lost two straight games, only the fourth time all season that has happened to the Eastern Conference leaders. Tayshaun Prince added 16 points for the Pistons, who led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter. Ben Wallace had 12 points and 14 rebounds. Eddie Jones scored 19 points and Udonis Haslem had 13 points and 11 rebo 0
109242 0 1537 SPOR SPORT South Africans gain edge as Lara falls PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad: Three wickets, two to Nicky Boje, in the last 15 minutes before tea left West Indies on 86 for four at the break and shifted the balance of power South Africa's way on the fourth day of the second cricket Test last night. At the break, Ramnaresh Sarwan was not out on 47, after Wavell Hinds, first innings century-maker Brian Lara, and West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul fell in the space of 18 balls to leave the home team in a scrap to save the match. South Africa had gained a first innings lead of 51, after they were dismissed for 398 during the morning period, and West Indies reached 26 for one at lunch having lost Chris Gayle before the interval. After lunch, Hinds and Sarwan doggedly resisted the South African attack for most of the afternoon period. Hinds even had the benefit of being dropped on 14 by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher off Kallis, but Boje made the crucial breakthrough for South Africa when he had Hinds lbw for 22. He t 0
109243 0 1537 SPOR SPORT Coria and Ferrero book second round slots MONACO: Defending champion Guillermo Coria joined 2002 and 2003 winner Juan Carlos Ferrero in the second round of the Monte Carlo Masters as both men defied Riviera rain and biting cold to hammer home their clay court credentials yesterday. Coria, the sixth-seeded Argentinian, beat French wildcard Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 7-5 while Ferrero, battling back after a 2004 shattered by illness and injury, saw off Ivo Karlovic of Croatia 6-4, 6-1. Coria, whose final win here in 2004 gave him an astonishing 26th consecutive win on clay, took his overall record here to 16 wins against three defeats but it was a far from convincing display by the 23-year-old. He lost serve three times in the second set but fortunately for him, Mathieu was even more brittle being broken four times and the Argentinian eventually wrapped up the tie on his fourth match point. Coria now faces French qualifier Thierry Ascione. Ferrero next meets Jiri Novak, the 16th-seeded Czech, with the possibility of a 0
109244 0 1537 SPOR SPORT Philippines All-Star team for 4-nation basketball BAHRAIN'S basketball fans will have a chance to win valuable prizes during the Four-Nation Invitational Tournament to take place at the Juffair Dome on April 28 and 29. The tournament is being organised by the Bahrain Basketball Association and Guirgisco Group of Companies. The Philippines All-Star Selection team made up of PBA stars, rookies and veterans will be in the fray along with Bahrain and Iraqi select teams and the US (ASU) team. Spicing up the event will be trivia questions regarding the PBA and NBA and the chance to win great prizes. There will also be exciting side events for spectators with lots of prizes to be given away. The Philippine team will make an appearance at McDonald's Exhibition Road on April 27 from 4pm to sign autographs and a photo sessions. Tickets are priced BD1.500 and will be available at Bahrain Financing Company, Ongpin Restaurant, Kowloon, Hotshots Cafe, McDonald's, Moon Plaza-Sampaguita and Bahay Kubo. Ticket 0
109245 0 1537 SPOR SPORT Goans seven-a-side soccer to kick off THE Bahrain Goans Seven-a-side Soccer League for the Fr Felicio Diniz Trophy kicks off tomorrow at 7.45pm at the Al Qadisiya Club grounds in Salmaniya. The inaugural match of the tournament will be between Navelim and Tivim followed by Margao and Verna at 8.30pm. The league, which was postponed by a week due to the death of Pope John Paul, is being organised under the patronage of the Konkan Singers Club with eight teams in the fray. Matches will be played on Wednesdays at Al Qadisiya Club grounds with a 7.45pm kickoff and on Fridays at the open grounds next to East Riffa stadium kicking off at 3pm. Former Bahrain Expatriate League referee Sadanand Naik will officiate all matches with the assistance of Joy Corda and Seby Fernandes. Konkan Singers Club president Edward D'Almeida will be the chief guest at the inaugural match tomorrow at the Al Qadisiya grounds. 0
109246 0 1537 SPOR SPORT IAAF amend rules for 'changing' nationality LONDON: Track and field athletes who change nationality can not now compete for their new country until three years after acquiring citizenship. At present athletes are banned from competing for another country until three years after they last represented their original federation. In a statement on Sunday the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said the rule change was subject to confirmation by the world governing body's congress in Helsinki this August. "This period may be reduced to 12 months with the agreement of the members concerned," the statement said. Several former Kenyan athletes, notably world steeplechase champion and record holder Saif Saaeed Shaheen, now compete for Qatar after emigrating for economic reasons. Shaheen, formerly known as Stephen Cherono, was granted Qatar citizenship in August 2003 and went on to win the world title in Paris in the same month. 0
109247 0 1537 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Free medical lectures, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, ENT diseases, 10am; oral cancer, 11.30am; limb injury and limb elongation, 5pm. Contact 17812200. Art exhibition by Iraqi Ambassador Ghassan Mohsen, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Art exhibition by Iraqi Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Condolence book signing for the late Pope John Paul II, Sacred Heart Church, Manama, 8am-12.30pm and 3pm-9pm. Contact 17253598. Gulf Night Out, Gulf Hotel, poolside, 8pm. Tickets BD11++ per person and BD9++ for Prestige Club members. Contact 17713000. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labou 0
109248 0 1537 WORL WORLD Blair slams Tory tax cuts pledge LONDON: Britain's opposition Conservatives pledged yesterday to ensure large tax cuts if they win next month's elections, but Prime Minister Tony Blair struck first by ridiculing the plan just before it was announced. Meanwhile, parliament was dissolved by Queen Elizabeth II, as part of the formal process leading up to general elections on May 5. The queen's royal proclamation was brought to Westminster, the seat of parliament, and later read out by an official "cryer" on the steps of the historic Royal Exchange building in the City financial district. The 659 lawmakers left their seats in the House of Commons, and will be replaced a month later, on May 11, when a newly elected group is sworn in. With the economy the key battleground for the election less than four weeks away, Conservative leader Michael Howard appealed to concerns among business leaders and others that the governing Labour Party will have to raise taxes. "People are longing for a government that 0
109249 1 1537 WORL WORLD Car bombers target base RAMADI: Three suicide car bombers blew themselves up outside a US military base in Iraq near the Syrian border yesterday, as a US contractor was kidnapped in Baghdad. Meanwhile, Iraq moved closer to forming its first freely elected government in half a century amid growing calls for the departure of US troops who invaded the country in March 2003 to topple Saddam Hussein. Prime minister-designate Ibrahim Al Jaafari's government could be in place by the end of the week, officials said. The US contractor was abducted from a reconstruction work site. Three US marines were wounded when three suicide bombers, one of them driving a fire truck, set off their charges outside Camp Gannon, a forward operating base in Qaim, western Iraq. Following the explosions, gunmen in another vehicle opened fire on the camp prompting troops to call in a Cobra attack helicopter that destroyed the car, killing the two gunmen inside. A local hospital said it received three wounded 0
109250 2 1537 WORL WORLD Bush call to Sharon RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Authority last night urged Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to heed US President George W Bush's call to meet Israel's "road map" obligation not to expand Jewish settlements. Bush told Sharon, during talks in Texas, the US, he was concerned about West Bank settlement growth and urged him to stick to his obligations under the US-sponsored road map to a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. Top Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said the vision of a two-state solution would be jeopardised if Israel continued expanding settlements on occupied land and kept up construction of a barrier it is building in the West Bank. Bush also praised the Palestinian leadership, but made clear more must be done. "I appreciate the fact that they've taken some action on security. We want to continue to work with them on consolidating security forces." Meanwhile, Hamas said a de facto truce was in danger of collapse due to Israel's failure to release all the Pa 0
109251 3 1537 WORL WORLD 58 Hindu pilgrims killed in dam flood NEW DELHI: Fifty-eight Hindu pilgrims taking a holy dip in the Narmada river in central India were drowned after a dam upstream released water for power generation. Local police chief Swaraj Puri yesterday said 35 people were still reported missing. Nearly 100,000 Hindus had assembled for an annual bathing festival, the "Bhootdi Aamavasya" or "Moonless Night," along the banks of the Narmada River on Saturday night in the town of Dharaji, 300km from the capital Bhopal of the central state of Madhya Pradesh, when the water was released through the dam about 25km away, police said. Hindu religious rituals often include bathing in rivers seen as holy. Local residents said the river rose suddenly after the state-run National Hydel Development Corporation (NHDC) released water from the Indira Sagar reservoir on the heavily dammed Narmada river. A senior company official said in Bhopal that the firm had released 60 cubic metres of water as part of a power generation plan 0
109252 0 1537 WORL WORLD Frantic bid to rescue 200 trapped in factory crash DHAKA: Rescuers raced against time yesterday to save 200 workers still believed trapped in the rubble of an eight-storey factory building that collapsed in Bangladesh early yesterday, killing at least 20 people. The concrete building, packed with night-shift workers, caved in soon after when a boiler exploded at the Spectrum Sweater and Knitting Industries factory, 30km northwest of Dhaka, police said. Firemen using shovels and bare hands dug frantically as survivors called for help from beneath the debris and distraught relatives gathered at the scene. "For the people there, chances of survival are getting thinner all the time if we cannot bring in some specialist equipment," said a fireman at the scene. "Without that, it could take more than two weeks to lift all the debris," he added. One man called police on his mobile telephone to say he was trapped with 20 others. Survivors said the building collapsed after a loud explosion. "Within two or th 0
109253 0 1537 WORL WORLD New chief for India's Marxists NEW DELHI: British-educated author and publisher Prakash Karat, 57, was unanimously elected as the general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) yesterday at the close of a six-day party conclave. He replaces Harkishan Singh Surjeet, 89, as the head of a party that lends crucial support to the government and is often critical of its attempts at economic reform such as selling state-owned companies. Surjeet cited ill health in resigning. Fiercely socialist and democratic, Karat was arrested twice for protesting against the then prime minister Indira Gandhi for declaring a state of emergency in the mid-1970s. Despite being jailed twice Karat continued to criticize the government and publish pro-democracy writings during the emergency years. Karat was also a vocal student leader as president of India's Jawaharlal Nehru University student union during an era of powerful youth movements in India in the early-1970s. 0
109254 0 1537 WORL WORLD Protests as Law leads papal mass VATICAN CITY: US victims of paedophile priests carried their protest to the Vatican yesterday as a controversial cardinal led a special mass for John Paul II, bringing centrestage one of the key problems facing the Catholic Church as it searches for a new pontiff. Two women leaders of the US-based Survivors Network of the Abused by Priests (SNAP) were escorted out of Vatican territory on St Peter's Square as they tried to distribute leaflets headed: "Please help us to heal the wounded and protect the vulnerable." Hordes of journalists and cameramen surrounded the pair, who were then taken by Vatican security officials beyond a white line near the edge of the cobblestoned square marking the border with Italy. They were protesting the fact that Cardinal Bernard Law had been given the signal honour of leading one of the Vatican's special masses of the "Novendiali" - the nine days of mourning for the dead Pope. Unperturbed, Law celebrated the mass surrounded by dozens of car 0
109255 0 1537 WORL WORLD Jacko 'licked boy's head' SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's longtime publicist reluctantly conceded yesterday he once saw the superstar embracing and licking the head of a young boy who later accused him of molestation. Bob Jones, the accused star's spokesman from 1987 until late 2004 when he left and wrote a book about his life with Jackson, said he saw the bizarre licking scene on a flight from Paris to Los Angeles in the 1990s. But the witness called by prosecutors trying to convict Jackson at trial for allegedly abusing a 13-year-old cancer survivor two years ago appeared reticent to dig the dirt on his boss of 30 years. "I do not remember any head licking" involving a boy who in 1994 won a settlement worth more than $20 million (BD7.52m) from Jackson, Jones told trial jurors. But prosecutor Gordon Auchincloss eventually got Jones to admit that he wrote an email to his co-author Stacy Brown in which he said he saw Jackson lick the boy's head. In the electronic missive, Jones said that 0
109256 0 1537 WORL WORLD UAE to use robots as camel jockeys DUBAI: The UAE is to mount robot jockeys on racing camels later this year after having slapped a ban on the use of children in the region's popular sport. It will become the second Gulf Arab state, after Qatar, to use robots and ban child jockeys following criticism that infants, some as young as four, were being brought in from poor countries, mostly in Asia, to race the camels. The UAE's first robot jockey exercise has been successfully carried out in the capital, Abu Dhabi, according to media reports this week which also said that the first robots would be produced in August, ready for use in the next camel racing season after the summer. Last month, the UAE declared the use of jockeys under the age of 16 and weighing less than 45kg illegal from April 16. The UAE had in principle already banned the use of children under 15 since 1993, but abuses remain widespread. The US State Department and human rights groups say children are exploited by traffickers who pay 0
109257 0 1537 WORL WORLD Dr Death 'did not give any suicide warning' LONDON: British serial killer Harold Shipman gave no warning before he hanged himself in jail, his widow told an inquest yesterday into his January 2004 death. Primrose Shipman told the inquest that she and her husband, a family physician thought to have killed about 250 patients over three decades, had only discussed suicide once and that he had denied considering it. During the two-minute conversation held in a prison in Manchester, the northwest English city where he had practiced medicine, she had asked him if he "felt suicidal", and he had said he was not but would tell her if he was. She also told the coroner leading the inquest that she had planned to visit Shipman on the day after his death, which would have been his 58th birthday. Shipman, Britain's worst serial killer who earned the nickname "Doctor Death", hanged himself in Wakefield prison, in England's northern Yorkshire region, where he was serving a life sentence without parole for a sample selection of 15 0
109258 0 1537 WORL WORLD Guidelines on religion for schools LONDON: Schools should avoid phrases like "the body of Jesus" and refrain from linking Islam to violence when teaching religion, according to guidance issued this week. And whatever they do, they should avoid frightening the children with the Holy Ghost. The guidance - aimed at avoiding insults to world faiths in schools - also urges teachers to resist pictures of "emaciated men caked in mud" when explaining Hinduism, in case children think the religion is "for weirdos and masochists". It was contained with Norfolk County Council's draft Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. "Don't, when exploring the Eucharist, suggest the bread and wine become 'the body of Jesus' or 'the blood of Jesus,'" it added. The guidance suggested using the words Holy Spirit instead of Holy Ghost to avoid being "spooky." Elsewhere, the report said: "Do avoid equating Islam with terrorism and violence e.g. avoid photographs of Muslims holding swords, Kalashnikovs, etc." 0
109259 0 1537 WORL WORLD Lifeline for cot deaths mother LONDON: The conviction of a mother convicted six years ago of killing her two children was quashed by London's Appeal Court yesterday. Three of the country's top judges, ruled that the conviction and life sentence imposed on 31-year-old Donna Anthony could not stand. There will be no re-trial. The prosecution offered no opposition to her appeal which had been referred to the court on the basis that evidence against her had come from, among others, Professor Sir Roy Meadow, the paediatrician whose evidence has been discredited in other similar cases. An earlier appeal by Anthony, of Yeovil, Somerset, was dismissed in June 2000. Anthony has always maintained that the two babies, who at the time of their deaths were aged 11 months and four months, were cot death victims. However, her case was sent back to the Appeal Court by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) following consideration of fresh evidence from medical experts. Anthony's appeal was one of 28 refer 0
109260 1 1538 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi real estate fund 'a boon for small investors' MANAMA: The first regulated fund investing in the Saudi real estate market was launched in Bahrain yesterday. The Royal Amwaj Real Estate Development Fund allows non-GCC investors with budgets below three million Saudi riyals to invest in the booming Saudi real estate market for the first time. The fund, which will be available for subscription on April 18, will be managed by Shamil Bank of Bahrain. It was approved for launch and marketing by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), which will regulate it. The Royal Amwaj Resort, the project in which the fund will invest, will be developed and marketed to potential buyers by Saudi Arabian real estate company Rikaz for Development and Planning. Rikaz president and chief executive officer Shaikh Khalid Al Gahtani said that although GCC investors could invest in the real estate market for many years, the door was totally closed for international investors unless they invested over three million riyals. "The fund hera 0
109261 2 1538 BUSI BUSINESS BMB 'is aiming to raise $75m in share capital' MANAMA: BMB Investment Bank (BMB) yesterday announced its results for last year, which show a modest return to profitability. It also announced detailed plans for a capital re-organisation and a rights offering. The difficulties of the last few years, most notably the cancellation of interbank and trading lines, forced the bank into the selling of assets during 2002 and 2003 at distressed prices for it to meet its liquidity needs. This and various other factors meant the bank had to re-organise its capital to survive. It is therefore aiming to raise $75 million in share capital, which if successful will result in its capital adequacy ratio being increased to almost 23 per cent. A general meeting of shareholders has been called for May 3 to approve its proposed restructuring and rights issue. The proposal involves a reduction in the bank's paid-up capital to cover accumulated losses, followed by an offering of new shares to the amount of $50m and a new 0
109262 3 1538 BUSI BUSINESS Women to learn more about banking MANAMA: The first banking training programme for women in the Middle East begins at the Bahrain Training Institute (BTI) on Saturday. Twenty-two women will be taking part in the programme, which is being run in co-operation with Citibank. BTI director Mohammed Derbas said it was inline with other internationally acknowledged programmes offered at the institute. "This programme will help ensure a place for women in the banking sector and with Citibank's co-operation I believe this is possible," he said. "Participants will receive an international certificate, meaning that the chance of them being accepted in the labour market is more than others with certificates in their field." BTI training consultant Zahra Rahma said participants would undergo a one-year course, which would include both theoretical and practical training. "It will be divided into two courses, each for a 12-week period, in addition to on-job training for three months," she said. 0
109263 0 1538 BUSI BUSINESS Investment bank posts net income of $786,000 MANAMA: A net income of $786,000 for last year was announced by the newly opened International Investment Bank (IIB) in its annual general meeting at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday. The AGM was chaired by IIB vice-chairman Ahmed Salem Ahmed Bugshan, who was pleased with the results after just a little over a year of operation. "The bank's shareholders have approved that 10 per cent of this amount is to be allocated to the bank's legal reserve, and the balance to retained earnings, in order to support its future growth," said Mr Bugshan. In March last year IIB launched the Bahrain Property Fund, the first fund of its kind in Bahrain, which has invested more than $37 million in several commercial and residential properties in Bahrain. The fund's objective is to provide investors with a steady income stream and the potential for superior capital gains. At the end of last year, the bank also arranged a $23m placement to acquire an indirect interest in an in 0
109264 0 1538 COMM COMMENTPlucky as a plectrum There is an unwritten linguistic rule at home that whenever one of the offspring begins a conversation with the word 'Dad', uttered with an extended middle vowel that makes the word almost bisyllabic, then it is a sure sign that he wants something. The recent holidays began with just such a conversation. "Da-aad," Comber Junior began. "Yes, my dear offspring," I replied cautiously, "what can I do for you that does not involve the outlay of considerable sums of hard-earned money?" "Ah," Junior continued, "that may be a problem. Can I have a guitar?" "I hardly think this is a good moment to be taking up a new musical instrument," I said. "You should be working hard for your forthcoming GCSE examinations. What with computer games, television, the Internet, pinochle, croquet and marshmallow roasting, you hardly need yet another displacement activity." "But Papa," he said, switching from the pleading 'Dad' to a more reasoning mode of address, "that's just the point. Th 0
109265 0 1538 COMM COMMENTA tough test of manhood at medical So, the school medical is back, albeit in a limited reincarnation of its old self. Schools throughout the UK are to periodically check children's weight, as part of a nationwide campaign to defuse the obesity timebomb. In my schooldays childhood obesity was rare, since there were few burger bars and little of the other convenience food that fills the family larder today. But regular medical checks were very much a part of school life, for in those days the education system took on the role of substitute parent. We were given free milk each morning to keep up our calcium levels, subsidised lunches to ensure at least some nutritional intake and regular basic medical checks. So provided children made it to school and most did, since truancy laws were pretty tough on pupil and parent, they could be assured of reasonable care for body and mind. The school medicals were always mayhem, with scores of children queuing outside the makeshift clinic, waiting to 0
109268 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Why do people smoke so much in Bahrain? AS a Westerner who enjoys his life in Bahrain, I feel I must ask the following question. Last Friday afternoon, I sat at a hotel swimming pool and enjoyed a few cool drinks - nice in the heat. During this time, a group of Bahraini chaps sat opposite me and between them went through 100 plus cigarettes. They drank no alcohol, but to be honest, I think they will be dead long before me if they keep smoking as they are now. Why do Bahrainis smoke so much? In Europe, smoking is taxed to a massive degree, here in Bahrain, it would appear that people are invited to smoke as much as they can. I was at the Grand Prix and a certain brand was giving its cigarettes away! I started smoking when I was 16 and it has taken me 25 years to give up. Max 0
109269 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Blatant discrimination! ASGAR Ali Khan makes an excellent point (GDN, April 10) regarding the blatant racial discrimination that prevails in the Gulf with regards to employment. Time and again, prospective employers after having made their judgement based on the qualifications and experience shown in the resume, shamelessly do a quick about-turn as soon as they find out that the candidate is not from one of the most favoured nations in the West. There may have been a case for preference in days gone by when the latest technology was exclusively the domain of the nations in the West. Unfortunately, that no longer is the case. The world has now become a global village and personnel all over the world now work with systems and techniques that are at the cutting edge of technology. It is now possible that a person who may only have worked in Pakistan can have experience that is more technologically advanced than someone from the West. It is time employers in the Gulf woke up and smelt the coffee and 0
109270 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Shura Council vital WHAT better justification could there be for keeping the Shura Council than the lower house's passing legislation to set up so called "morality" police? If the opposition's campaign to scrap the Shura Council is successful, then almost immediately we'll see gangs of religious police patrolling Bahrain's streets. Concerned reader 0
109271 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Schoolboy cover-up? I WONDER why no one has mooted the brilliant idea of having young boys covered up too? With deviants on the prowl and lenient sentencing, this should be the ideal way to prevent such disasters! (GDN, April 4, a BD100 fine, hopefully not as a result of some archaic Egyptian law!!) These maniacs get excited and their hormones rage at the sight of school-going boys and their bare flesh. Since men will be men, having boys suitably covered up will no doubt prevent such happenings, but it will also lead to a drastic reduction in sodomy rates. I know for certain that in India or the West, these paedeophiles would have a range of sentences from life incarceration to chemical castration. Varghese Koshy 0
109272 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Charity work available FURTHER to the recent inquiry regarding charity work in the summer months from Mona (GDN, April 9), I would be most grateful if you could advise Mona that the Gulf Thrift Shop, situated behind Gulf Insurance off the Shaikh Salman Highway, is also looking for volunteers during the summer months. I can be contacted on my mobile on 39479247 any time. Best regards. Mrs T A Kazerooni 0
109273 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Attack on freedom THANK goodness for the Shura Council. I was appalled that the lower house this week passed a law to send groups of people onto the streets to tell people how to dress and act, but relieved that this outrageous attack on personal freedom can be blocked by the Shura Council. It is no surprise that two weeks ago, large numbers of extremists congregated in Sitra for a rally to disband the Shura Council, because it is the only thing that stands between them and their aim of tearing down the kingdom's proud tradition of tolerance and progressive policies. Alarmed 0
109274 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Bring back W C Regarding Mr Knowles' letter (GDN, April 5), this issue will run and run (or walk and walk)? Isn't this indicative of modern society that modern man does not want to take responsibility for his actions? If you are out, you are out even if it is not seen by the umpire. The honourable thing to do is to walk and hold your head up high. A professional man would rather hide behind someone else's mistake and take advantage of this weakness. Rather than taking averages, if every professional player walked when he knew he was out, all decisions would be correct. Bring back W C Grace. Kit Mandu 0
109275 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Until proven I WAS intrigued by your article (GDN, April 9) regarding a Briton being arrested for trespassing in a restricted area, ie one where the public is not allowed. He was then charged with being 'drunk in a public place'; surely a contradiction in terms. I say 'not guilty' so more's the pity he admitted the offence. A Wright 0
109276 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Can wives teach or nurse? I WOULD like to know from the Labour Ministry, if housewives can take up employment as teachers or nurses. What is the procedure in such a situation? I have seen some companies issuing NOC to their staff, on request from Labour Ministry to take up employment. Is it legal for organisations to issue such an NOC? NAS lEDITOR'S note: The Labour Ministry has advised readers that any employer who wishes to employ a resident who does not have a work permit (for example a housewife) must obtain a work permit from the Labour Ministry. In the case of nurses, the employer will be required to provide evidence that their qualifications are acceptable to the Health Ministry. In the case of teachers, the employer will be required to provide evidence that their qualifications are acceptable to the Education Ministry. Changes to sponsorship and residency visa will need to be approved by the General Director of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs who may have other issues w 0
109277 0 1538 LETT LETTERS Column plagiarised? DO I detect a bit of plagiarism regarding the article printed on the right hand column of the letters page (GDN, April 10) or is Mr Barrie Jones the same Barrie Jones, Professor of Astronomy, The Open University, whose identical article was in a well-known British tabloid last Wednesday. B T B lEDITOR'S note : You are quite right - this column was syndicated and many papers, including the GDN chose to publish it as the topic was so interesting. 0
109278 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Scrabble challenge date set A BD200 prize is up for grabs for the winner of The Bahrain-Saudi Scrabble Challenge, which gets underway at 8am on Friday. It is organised in association with the Bahrain Mind Sports Association at the Yateem Centre, Manama. An awards ceremony will take place on the same day at 6pm and is open to the public. Meanwhile, Nestor Javier edged Oswald Fernandes out of the top six in the 35th Scrabble playoffs. Those who finish in the top six will earn a Bahrain seat at the 15th Gulf Scrabble Tournament in June. Other players now in contention are Adeeb Ahmad, Kathirgamar Bhaskaran, Ben Filio, Mujeeb Rahman and 15-year-old Bahraini Mohammed Zafar. 0
109279 1 1538 BNEW LOCAL TERROR LAWMANAMA MANAMA: A tough new 'terror law' is being introduced to fight those seeking to spread panic in Bahrain. His Majesty King Hamad announced the planned new measures yesterday to protect citizens and residents. "Terror fosters distorted thoughts and criminal conduct, and it is our national and religious duty to protect ourselves," said His Majesty. He explained that the new law will be known as the 'Terror Law'. "It will particularly apply to terror acts instigated from outside the country aimed at spreading panic inside local society. "It will not be applicable to citizens not found to be involved in actual terrorist acts," he said. His Majesty was speaking to Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani and heads of committees. He said it was the responsibility of everyone to preserve constitutional freedoms and democratic achievements firmly established by the National Action Charter. "Terror acts are on the ris 0
109280 2 1538 BNEW LOCAL Massive revamp for police force MANAMA Bahrain is to get a better trained police force, geared to working in partnership with the people, a top official announced yesterday. The aim is to "rebuild" the policeman into someone people know, trust and will treat as one of the community. It is all part of a two-pronged strategy to create a police force capable of dealing with every eventuality, yet still be people-friendly, said Public Security director Brigadier Abdulatif Al Zayani. The first strategy is to modernise and develop, which will mean extensive re-assessment and retraining, he said. It will also mean getting the community involved in crime prevention, said Brig Al Zayani. He said that the second strategy was to provide a trained force, highly competent in combating terrorism, safeguarding public order and handling crises and disasters. Human rights, accountability, humane treatment, efficiency and rapid response will be paramount elements to developing the police force, said Brig Al Zaya 0
109281 3 1538 BNEW LOCAL Nurses' ethical duties outlined MANAMA A PROFESSIONAL conduct code to guide nurses in ethical decision-making and behaviour was launched yesterday. The Bahrain National Code of Professional Conduct for Nursing was launched under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Aziz Hamza also attended the launch, at the Al Ma'arif Auditorium, College of Health Sciences, Salmaniya. "We are aiming to provide protection to those patients who are receiving medical services," said Dr Haffadh. "There is no doubt that by spreading awareness among the public about their rights and duties and also by educating nurses about their professional duties and the values of this noble profession, that we will avoid many of the problems that occur in public health services. "For this reason we have also established a special section in the ministry to follow up patient complaints." The code is a joint effort between the Health Ministry Licensure and Registration Office and the Bahrain Nurs 0
109282 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL School bus clash MANAMA A SCHOOL bus driver allegedly attacked a group of pupils, aged nine and 11, leaving one needing hospital treatment. Five students from the Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School, in Salmabad, claim they were attacked during the incident, which happened last Saturday on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway. The driver has been accused of hitting a female pupil on the thigh, twisting the wrist of another and slapping a nine-year-old girl in the face. However, three of the five pupils involved have since been suspended on the grounds that they provoked him, say parents. A group of angry parents gathered at the school yesterday to protest against its decision. "I was shocked to receive my daughter's suspension letter," said one parent, who asked to remain anonymous. "The school's decision was wrong. I am going to take my daughter out of that school as soon as this semester ends." The Bahraini bus driver works for the Capital Transportation Establishment 0
109283 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Car stolen from outside hotel THIEVES stole a Saudi-registered car just 30 minutes after it was driven into Bahrain over the King Fahad Causeway. The 1989 Chevrolet Caprice was taken from outside the main entrance of Phoenicia Hotel while its owner, 27-year-old Saudi Abdul Hadi bin Ahmed Al Fadhli, was checking into a room. It was discovered a week later in Riffa where it had been dumped and torched. All valuables in the car, including 20,000 Saudi Riyals (BD2,000) and a Saudi passport, had been stolen. Mr Al Fadhli says he travelled to Bahrain on business, but had to suspend his plans because of the theft. "My friend and I were in Bahrain for business," said Mr Al Fadhli. "We drove off the causeway at around 2am and headed straight to the Phoenicia Hotel. "I left the car in front of the hotel and returned less than half-an-hour later to get my luggage, but the car was not there." He reported the missing vehicle to Gudaibiya police. "I had around 20,000 Saudi Riyals (BD 0
109284 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL MPs yet to study anti-terror law MPs have yet to study a new anti-terrorism law proposed by the government. It was passed to parliament by the government last month, but has yet to go to committee. Meanwhile, an inquiry is continuing into who leaked the proposals to the Arabic Press, after they had been passed to parliament. The investigation was ordered by parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. "It is true the law has been passed to us by the government, but we haven't looked at it yet," parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice-chairman Abdulla Al Dossari told the GDN on the sidelines of yesterday's parliament session. "The law is not on our committee's agenda at the moment and it will take time before we begin discussing it." Mr Al Dossari is deputising for committee chairman Ahmed Bahzad, who is in the US at the moment. It is understood that the law includes the death penalty for acts of terrorism. But human rights groups say it give 0
109285 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Heartache husband ends life A HEARTBROKEN husband committed suicide after his wife demanded a divorce over the phone. Maqsood Ahmed, 35, from Pakistan, was found hanging from his bedroom ceiling fan by his flatmate when he returned home for lunch. His body was discovered in his Hoora apartment at around 2.30pm. Mr Ahmed's friend, Mohammed Fadhel, told the GDN that he was depressed after speaking to his wife back home in Sialkot, Pakistan. "Mr Ahmed got married and came to Bahrain nine months ago - since then his wife's behaviour had been upsetting him," he said. "They had constant disputes over the phone, but he loved her dearly and used to share his problems with us. "We used to pacify him and had agreed to go with him to Pakistan to settle the matter, but he took this drastic step before that." Mr Ahmed, who worked as an auto mechanic for the BDF, apparently committed suicide after returning home after a night shift. He left a suicide note to explain why he decided 0
109286 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Economy on the move say CEOs CONFIDENCE in Bahrain's economy is increasing amongst the country's business bosses, according to survey results released yesterday. It polled more than 100 chief executive officers of companies in all sectors, says the Commerce and Industry Ministry. Confidence amongst the CEOs has increased over the last six months, says the survey. The CEOs' Confidence Index was launched in June and is being prepared independently by market research firm InCite. It will be issued on a quarterly basis and the results of the first survey indicate that the CEOs believe that the economy is running at a speed of 66 out of a maximum of 100. They have a slightly higher confidence in their particular companies, with a speed of 73. In terms of their respective economic sectors, CEOs identified a speed of 68 per cent. The aggregation of the three speeds provides an overall view of the confidence level for the quarter as represented by a speed of 69pc. Ministry Domestic T 0
109287 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Groups formed to fight dirty money TWO working groups have been formed to help step up the fight against money laundering in the region. They have been established following a two-day meeting of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF). The First Plenary Meeting Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing, chaired by president Dr Muhammad Baasiri, ended at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre yesterday. Dr Baasiri told a Press conference that the two working groups would follow a set action plan to achieve MENAFATF's goals before its next meeting on September 25 and 26, in Beirut. "One of the groups will deal with creating awareness about the issue among the country's regulators while the other will deal with setting up standards on how the member countries should deal with each other," he said. A two-day seminar on raising awareness about money-laundering begins at the hotel today. The purpose of the meeting was to assess 0
109288 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Workers slam dismissals AROUND 20 demonstrators gathered at a roundabout, in Salmabad, yesterday to protest against the sacking of seven drivers from the Haji Hassan Al A'ali Trading and Contracting Company. They carried placards asking for the company's owners to investigate whether the dismissals were unfair. Habib Ali Hassan, who spoke on behalf of the demonstrators, accused the company's new management of targeting Bahrainis after they took over a year ago. "A lot of us have heavy loans and children to feed and have been serving this company for more than 10 years," he said. "Before this management took over, the working environment was healthier than it is now. "We want an investigation into the circumstances in which our colleagues were sacked." Attempts to contact the company yesterday proved unsuccessful. 0
109289 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Workshops to help teachers promote reading habit PRIMARY school teachers are invited to learn more about the latest Oxford Reading Tree series by attending workshops being held today and tomorrow at the Shaikha Hessa Girls' School, in Riffa. The workshops will be conducted by Oxford University Press trainer Judith Shenton. The first workshop, called Introducing Reading to Foundation and Key Stage One, will be held at 8am today and repeated again at 5.30pm. The second workshop, called A Differentiated Approach to Reading at Key Stages One and Two, will be held tomorrow at 10am. Each session will last about one-and-a-half hours and be practical in nature. Information The workshops will provide information on all recent additions to Oxford Reading Tree and would be of interest to anyone using the series at school, or at home. Mrs Shenton is a working primary school teacher with more than 30 years experience, 20 of which have been spent teaching in the Middle East. She has introduced the Oxf 0
109290 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Bombay Rockers aim to take fans by storm THEY'VE already taken most of Europe and Asia by storm. They're a household name in India and now this up and coming duo are set to rock music fans in the Middle East with their own special mix of urban club tracks. They're called Bombay Rockers, but don't let the name fool you; these talented young men are not from Bombay (Mumbai), though one of them is sure of Indian origin. They are based in Denmark and have rocketed to international stardom with their debut album Introducing... Bombay Rockers ! It's not everyday that I receive phone calls from pop stars, but that's just what happened the other day when Bombay Rockers Navtej Singh (alias Naf) and Thomas Sardorf took time out for an interview. The duo told me that they were very excited about their first performance in Bahrain tonight, as the opening act for Westlife's concert at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa in the Seef District. Speaking from Copenhagen, Naf and Thomas, both 25, said they we 0
109291 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL St George's Day banquet lined up ST GEORGE'S Day is to be commemorated by the Royal Society of St George in Bahrain on April 21. The St George's Day Banquet and Ball will be held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Manama. The Bahrain Police Band, Neighbours and DJ Krazy Kevin will all entertain throughout the evening, which starts with a welcome reception at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a five-course dinner with refreshments. "The St George's Day Banquet and Ball has always had tremendous support, for which we thank our members and their guests," said society chairman Jonty Crosse. "This year we also thank BMMI for providing the evening's refreshments and a thank you also to Cathay Pacific for our star draw prize. "All the proceeds we raise are used to buy needy equipment or a cash donation to Bahrain charities, which last year included Bahrain Down Syndrome Society, Bahrain International Seafarers' Society, the BSPCA, RIA, BA Dreamflight, The Palm Association and the Bahrain Women's Association 0
109292 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Fugitive is fined for car theft A BAHRAINI fugitive has been fined BD50 in his absence, after stealing a car, twice stealing petrol and hurling cannabis from the vehicle window as police chased him. He is still on the run, after abandoning the car with an accomplice during the chase and fleeing on foot, the Lower Criminal Court heard. Police spotted him in the car after it was reported stolen from Sanad by the Bahraini owner's husband, on December 31 last year. The 48-year-old husband, a senior electronic technician, told police his pass allowing him access to non-public area of Bahrain International Airport was also in the car. The defendant was well known to police for a string of offences, the court heard. He has been summoned by police three times in connection with the car theft but failed to respond. A police patrolman told how he and a colleague spotted the car in the Sanad area and gave a chase when the men inside sped off. "We followed them to the Buhair area and whi 0
109293 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL 18 Bahrainis win help to set up firms EIGHTEEN Bahraini entrepreneurs have embarked on a programme to help them launch their own companies. The entrepreneurship development and enterprise creation programme is being run by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) through its Arab Regional Centre for Entrepreneurship and Investment Training (ARCEIT). The course is being run for the 12th time in co-operation with the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Bahrain Development Bank, the Bahrain Businesswomen's Society, Bahrain Young Entrepreneurs Association and Al Ayam. It involves four weeks of classroom training for Bahraini entrepreneurs, followed by business counselling and support services to aid project implementation. These include technology choice, international partnerships and how to apply for licences and bank loans. ARCEIT has trained 175 Bahraini entrepreneurs to date and is expanding its operations into other countries in the region. It is also offering the programme in Kuwait an 0
109294 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Festival to raise funds for the needy A FESTIVAL that will help send poor Bahrainis to university and find jobs for the unemployed opens on Saturday. The first Zaka Fund Charity Exhibition will continue until Wednesday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. It is being held under the patronage of Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, who will open the event. Fund chairman Ali Al Musalam said the aim is to raise BD70,000 through the festival, which is expected to draw more than 20,000 people. "We will use money from the carnival to help finance poor students who have high grades get into university," he said. "The money will also help set up small commercial centres where unemployed people can set up shop. "They will be given ownership of these shops and then pay off a loan used for capital." The festival will feature a daily competition where prizes will be handed out to those who correctly answer questions about Zaka. "We ha 0
109295 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL New office to oversee reforms A NEW office has been created dedicated to co-ordinating and supporting Bahrain's economic reforms initiatives. The Programme Management Office aims to help implement initiatives that arose from the Economic Reform Workshop in February under the patronage of Crown Prince, BDF Commander-in-Chief and Economic Development Board (EDB) chairman Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The PMO will be based within the EDB's premises in the Seef District and provide the hub from which reforms in Bahrain will be implemented. It will work closely with both the private and public sector to drive forward projects aimed at stimulating economic growth, according to a statement yesterday. Bahrain's reforms rest on three major pillars: labour market reform, economic reform and education and training reform. Economic reform is the central pillar of this overall programme and is critical for the realisation of Bahrain's aspirations in delivering higher living standards, wealth and oppo 0
109296 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL MPs condemn Al Aqsa threat PARLIAMENT yesterday condemned a threat by Isra-eli extremists to storm Jerus-alem's Al Aqsa Mosque. "Parliament expresses its full solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people," it said in a statement following its weekly meeting. Meanwhile, MPs also condemned the attack on Al Azhar Area in Cairo, Egypt, last week that led to the death of three civilians and injured 18 others. 0
109297 0 1538 BNEW LOCAL Societies debate constitution SIXTEEN political societies met last night at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel to discuss possible changes to the national constitution. The meeting was called by the four societies that boycotted parliamentary elections in 2002 and the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI). The boycotting societies are Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, Islamic Action Society, National Democratic Action Society and the National Democratic Society. Participants from non-boycotting and boycotting societies are drafting changes to the constitution that they all agree on. 0
109298 1 1538 SPOR SPORT CHELSEA SECURE SEMI-FINAL SLOT MUNICH: Chelsea reached the Champions League semi-finals for the second successive season despite losing 3-2 to Bayern Munich last night. The other quarter-final between Inter Milan and city rivals AC Milan was abandoned after 73 minutes after Milan goalkeeper Dida was struck by a flare thrown down from the stands. German referee Markus Merk took the players off the pitch at the San Siro stadium after Inter fans began hurling plastic bottles and then over 30 flares on to the penalty area below them after a header by Esteban Cambiasso was disallowed. Dida received medical treatment to his shoulder while Inter players urged their fans to stop hurling objects on to the pitch. The players came back on to the field after 25 minutes but Merk took them off again after just 30 seconds and abandoned the game when more flares came raining down. Milan were leading 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Andriy Shevchenko, which had put them 3-0 up on aggregate after they won la 0
109299 2 1538 SPOR SPORT Vincent, Fleming put Kiwis ahead WELLINGTON: Lou Vincent and Stephen Fleming defied a rampant Chaminda Vaas to carry New Zealand to 253 for four, a 42-run first innings lead over Sri Lanka when rain brought an early close to the second day of the second Test here yesterday. Vaas took all four wickets, and was sitting on a hat trick when Fleming came to the wicket to join Vincent and swing the Test back in New Zealand's favour with an unbroken 100-run partnership. Playing in his 20th Test, Vincent reached the milestone of 1,000 Test runs as he posted his ninth half-century in reaching 79 when the rain set in. He had faced 188 balls and his innings included eight fours and a magnificent six driven straight back over the head of Mahela Jayawardene. Fleming was not out 60, also with eight boundaries, finding timely form after a disappointing season and showing little effect from the knee injury that kept him off the field for much of the first day of this Test. The pair came together after Vaas trapped opene 0
109300 3 1538 SPOR SPORT Pakistanis level with thrilling win AHMEDABAD, India: Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq smashed the final delivery of the match from Sachin Tendulkar for a boundary to lead Pakistan to a thrilling series-levelling win over India in the fourth one-day international here yesterday. The cover drive to the fence before some 48,000 partisan Indian fans at the Motera stadium handed Pakistan a three-wicket win which tied the six-match series 2-2. The remaining two matches will be played in Kanpur on Friday and New Delhi on Sunday, the last one to be watched by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a personal invitation from Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Tendulkar ended up on the losing side despite top-scoring for the hosts with 123 which increased his world record tally of one-day centuries to 38. Pakistan's brilliant effort to pass India's 315 for six wickets in stifling hot weather was the fourth-highest successful chase in limited-overs history and secured them back-to-back wins. Pakistan, who drew a pre 0
109301 0 1538 SPOR SPORT Ntini stars as South Africans wrap up Test PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad: South Africa won the second Test against the West Indies by eight wickets on the final day last night at Queen's Park Oval. South Africa's victory target was 144, and a patient, opening stand of 117 between AB de Villiers (62) and captain Graeme Smith (41) made sure the tourists knocked off the required runs for the loss of only the pair's wickets, to take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series. A straight-driven Jacques Kallis boundary earned the winning runs as South Africa made 146 for two. He finished on 19 not out, with Jacques Rudolph on 7. The winning platform was set up by fast bowler Makhaya Ntini, who claimed the best match figures in South Africa's Test history by taking seven for 37 for overall figures of 13 for 132. West Indies, hopeful at 170 for five at the start of the day, was swept away for 194 in the second innings after Ntini took four wickets for three runs in 4.5 overs with the second new ball. Stranded Ramnaresh 0
109302 0 1538 SPOR SPORT Farhan races into 100m semi-finals BAHRAINI athlete Mohammed Farhan stormed into the men's 100m semi-final in the first Islamic Solidarity Games being held in Mecca. Farhan raced to victory in heat four in 10.59 seconds to book a place in the semi-final set for today. The final will aslo be held today. Farhan was followed by Dadish Ebrahimov (10.78 seconds) of Azerbaijan in second place while Mali's Tadyani Claibali (10.96) was third. In handball, Bahrain outplayed favourites Tunisia 42-34 to finish top in Group 'C'. Both Bahrain and Tunisia have qualified for the quarter-finals. Bahrain were drawn in the quarter-finals with Saudi Arabia who topped Group 'A' in the preliminary round and runners-up of Groups 'B' and 'D' Jordan and Syria respectively. The other group includes Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia. The quarter-finals will be a round robin league with the group winners and runners-up booking berth in the semi-finals. The Bahrain five-a-side soccer team bowed out after losing thei 0
109303 0 1538 SPOR SPORT 75 golfers set for Goys clash MORE than 75 golfers from Bahrain and the Arab region will be taking part in the sixth President of Goys Golf Championship scheduled for tomorrow at the Riffa Golf Club premises. The event, being organised by the Bahrain Golf Association (BGA) for the sixth consecutive year with support from the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys), will tee off at 7am and will conclude at 6.30pm with a prize-giving ceremony at the club premises. The tournament will be held under the patronage of Goys president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and prizes will be presented to the top 30 players. BGA captain Adel Fayyad said the competition is expected to be fierce with some of the best Bahraini and Arab players in the fray. Among the Bahraini golfers in the fray are Nasser Yaqoub, Abdulla Sultan and Sultan Al Hakam. 0
109304 0 1538 SPOR SPORT Ganguly is banned for six games AHMEDABAD: India captain Saurav Ganguly has been banned for six one-day internationals for his team's slow over-rate during the fourth match against Pakistan here yesterday, an official said. "We have been told by International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad that Saurav has been suspended for six matches," Indian cricket board joint-secretary Gautam Dasgupta said. Vice-captain Rahul Dravid will lead India in the two remaining matches against Pakistan in Kanpur on Friday and New Delhi on Sunday, Dasgupta added. The six-match series is tied 2-2 following Pakistan's win here. The match ended at least 40 minutes after the scheduled time as India, fielding second, took extra time to bowl their overs. The ICC had fined Ganguly 70 per cent of his match fee for a similar offence during the third match in Jamshedpur on Saturday. Ganguly's suspension comes amid growing calls for his sacking after his poor form with the bat. It was not immediately known if G 0
109305 0 1538 SPOR SPORT Farhan races into 100m semi-finals BAHRAINI athlete Mohammed Farhan stormed into the men's 100m semi-final in the first Islamic Solidarity Games being held in Mecca. Farhan raced to victory in heat four in 10.59 seconds to book a place in the semi-final set for today. The final will aslo be held today. Farhan was followed by Dadish Ebrahimov (10.78 seconds) of Azerbaijan in second place while Mali's Tadyani Claibali (10.96) was third. In handball, Bahrain outplayed favourites Tunisia 42-34 to finish top in Group 'C'. Both Bahrain and Tunisia have qualified for the quarter-finals. Bahrain were drawn in the quarter-finals with Saudi Arabia who topped Group 'A' in the preliminary round and runners-up of Groups 'B' and 'D' Jordan and Syria respectively. The other group includes Algeria, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia. The quarter-finals will be a round robin league with the group winners and runners-up booking berth in the semi-finals. The Bahrain five-a-side soccer team bowed out after losing thei 0
109306 0 1538 SPOR SPORT Pistons claim top position in central division TORONTO: Chauncey Billups scored 28 points, including the winning jumper with eight seconds left in overtime, as the Detroit Pistons clinched first place in the Central Division with an 85-84 win over the Chicago Bulls in National Basketball Association play yesterday. Detroit (50-27) won the Central title for the third time in four years with the win. The reigning NBA champions also won for the 10th straight time in Chicago. The Pistons rallied from eight points down in the final 2:49 of regulation before pulling out the overtime win, as the Bulls failed to gain ground in their fight to secure home court advantage for the first round of the playoffs. The Bulls still lead fifth-place Washington and Indiana by two games with five remaining in the regular season. The top four teams in the Eastern Conference standings get home court for the first round. Rasheed Wallace added 14 points for the Pistons, while Ben Wallace had 12 points and 13 rebounds. Kirk Hinrich had 0
109307 0 1538 SPOR SPORT Federer and Safin sail through MONACO: World number one Roger Federer racked up his 23rd successive win of 2005 as he opened up his clay court season with a 6-3, 6-1 demolition of Britain's Greg Rusedski in the first round of the Monte Carlo Masters. Second seeded Russian Marat Safin, still the only man to beat Federer this year, also comfortably reached the second round but former double champion Gustavo Kuerten of Brazil, third-seeded Briton Tim Henman and fifth seeded Spaniard Carlos Moya were all knocked out last night. Australian Open champion Safin eased past South Korea's Lee Hyung-Taik 6-0, 7-5 while triple French Open winner Kuerten, the champion in 1999 and 2001, lost 7-5, 6-2 to Mario Ancic, the Croatian 13th seed. Henman lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to Argentina's Mariano Zabaleta Results - Page 37 0
109308 0 1538 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Medical lectures, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, uterine prolapse and complications after 40, 10am; infertility, 5pm. Contact 17812200. Art exhibition by Iraqi Ambassador Ghassan Mohsen, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Art exhibition by Iraqi Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Specialised Career Day for electrical and electronics studies students, Bahrain University, Isa Town, 9am-2pm. Lions Schools Olympics pre-briefing, Regency InterContinental Hotel, 6.30pm. Contact 39080097. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's People Trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditione 0
109309 1 1538 WORL WORLD $2m snatched in hostage drama BELFAST: Gunmen in Belfast yesterday forced the employee of a security firm to hand over 1 million ($1.9m) from a security van after taking his girlfriend hostage. Several armed men burst into the house of the man, who works for Brinks, early in the morning in the Protestant quarter of Castlereagh. They took his girlfriend hostage and forced him to "bring a substantial sum of money to a (gas) station" in his cash delivery van, the police said. Once the money had changed hands, the gunmen set the hostage free and unharmed in the Protestant Annadale area of southern Belfast. The police have yet to establish who committed the crime, but have not ruled out the possibility of either Protestant or Catholic paramilitary groups being involved. 0
109310 2 1538 WORL WORLD Al Qaeda leaders caught BAGHDAD: Four leaders of three Al Qaeda linked groups were captured in a US-Iraqi operation on Monday that netted 67 suspected insurgents in Dura district of Baghdad. The four face charges of murder, assassination, beheadings, bombings and attacks against security forces. The other 63 detainees are still being questioned to determine their role in violence in Dura. Those arrested form part of the leadership of the Ansar Al Sunna group, Tawhid Wal Jihad (Unity and Holy War), and Ansar Al Islam. 0
109311 3 1538 WORL WORLD UK poll race 'turning ugly' LONDON: Britain's election campaign, with its rows about immigration and anti-Semitism, threatens to sour community relations, the country's race equality head said. "I don't like what I'm hearing. I think it is becoming ugly," said Trevor Phillips, head of the independent Commission for Racial Equality. The campaign began with a row over the ruling Labour party's election posters which appeared to play on the Jewish roots of Conservative leader Michael Howard, depicting him as Fagan hypnotising voters. Complaints forced Labour to withdraw the poster. The right-leaning Conservatives then called for a clampdown on gipsies' rights, and have unveiled an election manifesto which puts immigration controls at the heart of their policies. "I think it's because people are having debates about perfectly legitimate subjects but maybe doing it in ways which create tensions and conflicts which are not legitimate," Phillips told The Times newspaper. He said he had writ 0
109312 0 1538 WORL WORLD UK poll race 'turning ugly' BERLIN: Four schoolgirls held by an Iranian man armed with two knives were freed by police after a five-hour hostage-taking in western Germany yesterday. The man believed to be in his 50s had taken them hostage after boarding a bus and then forced the girls, aged from 11 to 16, into the cellar of a suburban house in the town of Ennepetal near Wuppertal. Police said the girls were fine, but did not provide any information on the condition of the hostage-taker, and refused to comment on media reports that he was an asylum-seeker who was demanding that his children be allowed to join him in Germany. "I have a problem with the German government," the hostage-taker was quoted as saying by a witness on N-24 television. The TV said the hostage-taker had previously come to the attention of police. 0
109313 0 1538 WORL WORLD Baby son joy for Kennedy LONDON: Charles Kennedy, the leader of Britain's smaller opposition Liberal Democrats, took time out from a tough election race yesterday to became a father after his wife gave birth to a baby son. His party also postponed a plan to launch their election manifesto, while at the same time pressing on with a determined bid to cut the lead of the ruling Labour Party and main opposition Conservatives in the May 5 polls. Charles and Sarah Kennedy announced that Donald James had been born at 12.14am (2314 GMT Monday) at St Thomas's Hospital in London, weighing six pounds nine ounces. 0
109314 0 1538 WORL WORLD Hurley's boyfriend seeks divorce BOMBAY: Supermodel Elizabeth Hurley's flamboyant Indian boyfriend Arun Nayar is seeking a divorce from his Italian wife on the grounds that she treated him cruelly, a lawyer said yesterday. Nayar, from Bombay, is claiming that his wife Valentina Pedroni put him through "mental torture" during their marital life. "He (Nayar) has said in his petition that my client Valentina was cruel to him," Valentina's lawyer Mrinalini Deshmukh said. "That is the ground on which he is seeking divorce from my client. I cannot reveal more than this." Deshmukh said the petition will be heard in Bombay's Bandra family court on May 5. The Times of India said yesterday that Nayar alleges Valentina treated him "in a most cruel manner, continuously torturing him mentally by making wild allegations and harassing him". They married in Bombay in 1997 and then under Italian law in Milan and lived in a south Bombay apartment facing the sea. Nayar and Hurley, meanwhile, have been roman 0
109315 0 1538 WORL WORLD Vanunu in dock for breaking curbs JERUSALEM: Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu went on trial yesterday accused of violating terms of his release from prison by talking to foreign reporters and trying to visit the West Bank. Vanunu, 50, was released last April after serving an 18-year term for spilling secrets about the Dimona nuclear reactor to a British newspaper. The revelations of the former technician led experts to conclude that Israel had nuclear weapons. "It is shameful to Israeli democracy to bring me back to court after all those years in prison," Vanunu said outside the Jerusalem court. "This case is proving to the world that Israel is not a real democracy." "As a human being, I have the right to express my political views and my ideas. I have no more secrets," said Vanunu. Under the terms of Vanunu's release, he was forbidden from speaking to foreign media and had to remain inside Israel. If convicted of violating the bans, he could be jailed for up to two years. 0
109316 0 1538 WORL WORLD Petition for sainthood VATICAN CITY: Cardinals meeting daily in Rome to discuss the main issues facing the Roman Catholic Church ahead of a conclave next week to elect a Pope have signed a petition asking a future Pope to "accelerate" the beatification of John Paul II, a report said yesterday. The petition was signed by "many" but not all of the 134 cardinals present at yesterday's meeting, according to the Italian daily Corriere della Sera. The prelates have clearly caught the popular mood following the funeral mass for the late Pope on Friday, when some in the massive crowd began chanting "santo, santo", demanding that the Polish-born pontiff be declared a saint. The letter had been left on a table for cardinals to sign and at the end of the meeting was handed to the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, who will have the task of delivering it to the next Pope. Cardinals held their eighth general congregation since the death of the Pope yesterday, the arrival of 89-yea 0
109317 0 1538 WORL WORLD Rumsfeld warns against purges BAGHDAD: US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld yesterday delivered a terse warning to Iraq's new leaders, urging them to avoid political purges that could lead to charges of corruption in the new government. His warning during a surprise visit to the country came as suicide car bombings around Mosul killed 10 civilians. The US military said five Iraqis were killed by a suicide car bomb in northern Mosul and five others died in a similar attack in the town of Tal Afar, west of Mosul. Rumsfeld expressed particular concern about any clear-out of Iraq's defence and interior ministries, which are at the heart of efforts to put Iraq's security forces in charge of battling the country's Sunni insurgency. Some fear the Shi'ite and Kurdish parties that came to power in the January 30 election could dismiss Sunni officials after suffering decades of oppression under Saddam Hussein's regime. He also warned against delays in the political process, particularly the drafting of 0
109318 0 1538 WORL WORLD Cloned cattle meat 'safe' WASHINGTON: Meat and milk from cloned cattle are virtually identical to the same products from prize animals bred the old-fashioned way, researchers in Japan and the US reported yesterday. While cautioning that their study is not the definitive report on whether it is safe to eat cloned animals, the researchers said it suggested they might be. Xiangzhong Yang of the University of Connecticut and colleagues at the National Institute of Agrobiological Science and National Institute of Animal Health in Kagoshima, Japan, cloned beef and dairy cattle and examined their meat and milk. They compared the meat and milk from the clones to that of animals of similar age, breed and genetics bred naturally. "We found no significant differences in the composition of milk from cloned animals compared with the comparator animals managed under the same conditions," the researchers wrote in their report, to be published this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The 0
109319 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL BAS flying high with record performance BAHRAIN Airport Services (BAS) has smashed a string of records, including making the highest revenue last year in the company's 28-year history. "The revenue, before appropriations, exceeded the company's original paid up capital of BD3 million," BAS board chairman Jamil Wafa told the GDN. "This rare achievement may motivate the shareholders to transform this private company into a Bahraini public company in future. "It is my earnest wish and desire to transform this private sector company into a Bahraini public company. "The performance achieved by the company last year may motivate the shareholders to take steps in this direction." This will provide an opportunity for more Bahrainis to become partners in a company which is the sole provider of total aircraft support services at Bahrain International Airport, he said. The annual general assembly, held at the BAS headquarters, expressed delight at the record performance. The meeting recommended a 0
109320 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Ancient call of the desert BAHRAIN'S history came to life as thousands of people enjoyed the first day of the Heritage Festival. The annual celebration of the nation's heritage was opened yesterday by Crown Prince and BDF Comman-der-in-Chief Shaikh Sal-man bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Old weaponry and falconry arts is the theme of the 10-day event, which is being held at the Bahrain National Museum's Heri-tage Village. The festival, organised by the Information Ministry's culture and national heritage directorate, is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. Ruling Family members, ministers, ambassadors and other VIPs attended the opening. The dignitaries took a tour of an exhibition, featuring a wide range of weapons such as guns, swords and daggers, some of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar said the aim of the festival was to increase public awareness about Bahrain's ric 0
109321 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain may sign landmines treaty BAHRAIN could soon sign a global treaty banning the use and stockpiling of landmines, it was revealed yesterday. It has also been urged to bring it up at the next GCC Summit in December, to urge other Gulf states to sign. Members of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBLO) raised the issue during a visit to Bahrain to conduct a workshop on the treaty, which concluded at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. The workshop was organised by the Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS) in co-operation with the Cairo-based Protection of Armaments and Consequences Organisation (PACO). It was attended by 10 journalists from the five GCC states that have not ratified the treaty. Of the six GCC states, only Qatar has ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer or Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. Campaign advocate and PACO executive director Ayman Siroor said a request had been made to Bahrain to raise the 0
109322 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Nursing courses to get boost from WHO BAHRAIN is getting international help to beef up its nursing and midwifery teaching programmes. A World Health Organisation (WHO) nursing and health policy consultant spent four days at the College of Health Sciences (CHS) in Salmaniya, as part of a two-week consultancy for the Health Ministry. Short-term WHO Nursing and Health Policy consultant Fadwa Affara is advising the Health Ministry on the future directions for the development of professional education, with particular reference to strengthening the current nursing and midwifery education programmes at the college. Her recommendations will be based on an analysis of the pre-service and post-basic nursing educational programmes and future development plans of the CHS. Ms Affara reviewed the curriculum of the new direct entry Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing Programme, in order to develop a strategic plan for education at the Health Ministry. She also looked at course distribution, sequence, credit allo 0
109323 1 1539 BNEW LOCAL King in UAE talks MANAMA DUBAI: His Majesty King Hamad will hold talks today in the UAE with President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on distinguished ties and latest regional and international developments. His Majesty was yesterday welcomed at Dubai airport by Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister General Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the head of the Civil Aviation in Dubai Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the head of Emirates Airways Saeed Mohammed Al Kindi, ministers, Bahrain's Ambassador to the UAE Shaikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and UAE Ambassador Abdulaziz Al Shamsi. 0
109324 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Bahmun delegate to visit New York MODEL United Nations delegate Shuja Ul-Arfeen will soon get to see first-hand how the real thing works. The St Christopher's School pupil has been selected to travel to New York to visit the United Nations during its General Assembly meetings, in September. Shuja, Pakistan Community Toastmasters (PACT) Orators Gavel Club vice-president (education), was selected out of 250 students from 22 public and private schools, including three schools from Saudi Arabia and UAE. The selection was held during the 11thh Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun), held last month at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo School, in Isa Town. The criteria for selection were based on the student's ability to research issues relating to the countries they represented at Bahmun. Writing, public speaking, presentation skills and thinking abilities of the students were also assessed. Shuja was presented with a memento during the Gavel Club meeting last night, at the Pakistan Club premises in Manam 0
109325 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL BD1m fishing port planned AROUND BD1 million will be spent to build a new state-of-the-art fishing port in Ras Raya, Dair. Sixty per cent of Bahrain's fish catch comes in through the existing port, which is old and dilapidated. The whole expense for the new project will be shouldered by Ossis Property Developers, which is developing the $ 1 billion (BD378m) Amwaj Islands project, off Muharraq. It is building the port as a contribution to the local community, Muharraq Municipal Council member Hussain Isa told the GDN. "We had plans for a small port for 14 to 20 boats, but this new port can harbour up to 140," he said. "It will also include a petrol station and a mega store where boats can fuel up and where the crew can buy what they need, without leaving the port." Mr Isa said that the port would also include a fish market, where fishermen will be able to sell their catch. "It will also include various workshops for repairs, so fishermen need not take their boats elsewhere, 0
109326 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Conference 'will help women play bigger role' A NATIONAL strategy for developing the role of Bahraini women will come into focus at a conference later this month. The event will be held on April 25 under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty the King and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. It will be held under the theme Women are Worthy Partners in the Country's Development and Growth, according to a council statement yesterday. The strategy, drawn up by the council and launched early last month, aims to promote women to decision-making positions. "The forum aims at turning the national strategy into comprehensive programmes and plans that will determine the priorities, aspects for co-operation and assessment measures," the council said. It said representatives from various governmental and Non-Govermental Organisations (NGOs), private sector and international organisations have been invited to attend. The council said the conference was i 0
109327 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Indian driver 'disappeared' AN Indian driver is facing criminal charges in the Lower Criminal Court after running away from his Saudi sponsor. He allegedly disappeared with 200 Saudi riyals and 130 UAE dirhams that he was supposed to pay a car mechanic for repairing his sponsor's car. His passport and CPR are also missing. The 48-year-old, living in the Seef District, has now been charged with breach of trust, but did not show up for the last court hearing. The court adjourned the case until June 21 to inform the defendant to attend. 0
109328 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL HSBC backs UK scholarship plan A CHEQUE for BD2,659 was presented to British Ambassador Robin Lamb by HSBC Bank to help fund the Chevening Scholarship Scheme. This is the British government's premier scholarship scheme for international students and offers talented Bahraini graduates a chance to pursue postgraduate courses at some of the UK's top universities. It also provides scholars a chance to become more familiar with the UK and its culture. 0
109329 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Sports fun for children AROUND 180 children took part in the Bahrain Bayan School's pre-school sports day yesterday. The youngsters, aged three to six, took part in many fun-filled activities at the school, in Isa Town. Principal Dot Loveland said the youngsters enjoyed the day, during which they competed in events including the sack race, relay and volleyball. "The main aim was not competition but fun," she said. Medals of participation and ice creams were presented to all the children, who were cheered on by around 200 parents. 0
109330 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Widow to leave on tragic note SUSAN Joseph leaves Bahrain for her native Kerala tomorrow, with her grief at the loss of her husband eased by a lifetime of memories. Her husband, a community worker and artist Mavelikkara V Joseph, died in Bahrain last July, of brain haemorrhage. Mr Joseph, 55, an artist with Al Mulla Advertising, had lived in Bahrain for 27 years. He was a member of most of the Indian clubs and associations. After Mr Joseph's funeral, in Kerala, Jaivee was brought back to Bahrain to finish his schooling, while daughter Ansu and the other son Jaisu stayed back in Kerala, continuing their studies. Susan was a temporary employee with the Indian School, where Jaivee has just completed his 10th grade. "As Jaivee has completed his schooling, it is time for me to say goodbye to the good people of Bahrain," she told the GDN. Susan has held several positions with the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam ladies' wing. Their three children have won several awards for winning competitions 0
109331 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Advertising issues in spotlight ISSUES facing the regional advertising industry were discussed at an International Advertising Association (IAA) meeting in Dubai. IAA member and IAA Bahrain Chapter president Khamis Al Muqla represented the country at the meeting, which was chaired by IAA president Michael Lee. Among items on the agenda was the association's preparation for the upcoming IAA World Congress, which will take place from March 21 to 23 in Dubai. This is the third time that it is being held in an Arab country, having been previously staged in Cairo and Beirut. Mr Al Muqla said a Bahrain delegation representing the country's major advertising and media companies would take part. The event included presentations highlighting the activities of the IAA's various chapters in the region. Mr Al Muqla also spoke about the first Bahrain Advertising Awards, which will be held later in the year. The New York-based IAA was established in 1938 and includes over 4,000 members from 79 0
109332 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL BD400 donated to home BAHRAIN resident Ross Baker yesterday donated BD400 to the Bahrain Child Care Home (BCCH) in Hoora. Mr Baker raised the money by collecting donations for shaving off his moustache of 29 years. The fund-raiser, who is from New Zealand, has been working in Bahrain for the last two and-a-half-years as a safety manager for Bechtel International. The shave was conducted in front of friends and members of the public at Ric's Kountry Kitchen in Juffair. The biggest donation was BD100, which came from Ric's Kountry Kitchen owners Rick and Debbie Abernathy. The donation was received by BCCH head Hanan Mohammed Mohanna and also present were Bechtel International representative Nick Smith, social worker Fatima Azeez and Mr Abernathy. 0
109333 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL French trade fair team set for visit A DELEGATION from France's Promosalons, which is responsible for promoting 60 trade fairs in France and abroad, will visit Bahrain on Monday. It will be promoting nine trade fairs in France, including Pollutec (environmental equipment, technology and services), Equip Auto (automotive equipment), Sima (agricultural business) and Europain (bakery and pastry), among others. The delegation will hold meetings with Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry members on Monday. 0
109334 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL University plans new buildings NEW buildings and facilities are underway at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus. The university is currently constructing two new buildings for the College of Science and College of Information Technology, two restroom facilities for students, a car tunnel for students to drive through, and parks. Buildings and maintenance director Fouad Mashallah said that work on two new separate restroom facilities for male and female students would begin within days and continue for two months. "The new restrooms will include a prayer room and places to wash up for prayers," he said. "They will also include couches and televisions and recreational facilities." Mr Mashallah said that the new Student Council building would be ready by the middle of next monthk. "We are currently putting the final touches on the building, which will include offices for members and rooms for committee meetings," he said. Mr Mashallah said that a new car tunnel for students would be constr 0
109335 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Allowances for jobless proposed UNEMPLOYMENT allowances may soon be paid to the jobless, it was revealed yesterday. Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi said a survey, conducted by the Bahrain Centre Studies and Research in co-operation with the International Labour Organisation, is aimed at drafting an insurance system against unemployment, according to which each unemployed citizen receives an allowance within the framework of the constitution and insurance law. The minister pointed out that the survey will be a beginning to approve the insurance system. In an interview with CNBC TV, he said there was not an accurate and documented statistical survey with regards to the number of unemployed people in Bahrain. Only 7,000 citizens are registered in the ministry's employment bureau, which does not give the right picture of unemployment as many jobless citizens are not registered. He added that this survey is the first of its kind in the region pointing out that unemployment is top of the ministry 0
109336 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Handshake halts council bust-up A CLASH between Muharraq Governor Salman Bin Hindi and municipal councillors has been settled. They have patched up their differences at a meeting set up after parliament second vice-chairman Adel Al Maawada and Muharraq dignitary Yousif Al Arabi stepped in to defuse the situation. They held meetings with both parties and Mr Bin Hindi and Muharraq Municipal Councillors later met in Mr Al Maawada's majlis. Mr Bin Hindi and the councillors agreed to work together for the best interests of the people of Muharraq. Tempers flared last week after Mr Bin Hindi met Muharraq Civil Society member Yousif Bu Zaboon. He asked Mr Bin Hindi to submit a request on his behalf to His Majesty King Hamad to axe the council, for failing to respond properly to the King's programmed to rebuild or renovate dilapidated family homes throughout the kingdom. When the details of the meeting appeared in local newspapers, councilors were upset and issued a statement demanding an apology 0
109337 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Drama winners take a bow THE winners of the French Drama Festival held at the Alliance Francaise de Bahrein were honoured at an awards ceremony last night. The festival, held at the Alliance last month, involved French language students from 11 schools and their teachers. The pupils, all aged under 18, were given a chance to perform short plays at the annual festival. The participating schools were St Christopher's School, Arabian Pearl Gulf School, Ibn Khuldoon School, Isa Town Commercial School, Sacred Heart School, Bahrain Bayan School, Al Hekma International School, Shaikh Abdul Aziz School, Ecole Francaise de Bahrein, Alliance Francaise and the Arabian Gulf University. The awards ceremony was held at the Alliance Francaise in Isa Town and the winners were announced as follows: Best Actors were named as Mohammed Maher Merna from the Alliance Francaise, Samuel Hinchlisse from St Christopher's School, Hessa Al Sindi from the Bahrain Bayan School, Marwan Dhib from the Shaikh Abdul Aziz S 0
109338 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Westlife wow fans MORE than 2,000 fans turned out for Irish boy band Westlife's first Bahrain concert last night. The show was presented at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa by Mirage Promotions and Bahrain Duty Free. Radio Bahrain DJ Sammy the Wammy warmed up the crowd and introduced the evening's support act - the up and coming duo Bombay Rockers. The concert was supported by the GDN, Bahrain This Month, Orbit, the Ritz-Carlton and Hava Java. 0
109339 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Judges needed for inter-school speech contest A CALL has gone out for people to act as judges for the St Christopher's School Public Speaking Competition, being held on April 26 at the school in Isa Town. Thirty-six students from the St Christopher's School, Indian School, Sacred Heart, Bahrain Bayan, British and Al Mahd Day Boarding Schools will be taking part in the event, which is sponsored by GPIC. They will be talking about issues such as human cloning, genetically modified food and teenagers' freedom in Bahrain and will also be asked questions by the audience. Organiser Garry Russell said they were desperately looking for three judges to take part in the event, being held from 7pm to about 10pm. "Basically we're looking for three adults, 18 years and above, who have some experience in public speaking," he said. "The only restriction is that judges can't have a child competing in the competition." Mr Russell said the judges would be given a 10-minute training session before the event and would basically 0
109340 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Motorist victim of road rage A MOTORIST required hospital treatment after a Pakistani policeman punched him, dragged him to the ground, tore off his shirt and verbally abused him in a fit of road rage, sources told the GDN. The 48-year-old allegedly lost his temper over a traffic dispute in Naim. However, his Pakistani victim managed to take down his car registration number before he drove off and called the police. Sources say the policeman was summoned for questioning and admitted the attack, but claimed the other man started it. No more details were available. 0
109341 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Drugs bid foiled MANAMA: A drug convict was caught trying to smuggle hashish, hidden in his artificial legs, into his jail cell, the Lower Criminal Court heard yesterday. The convict, who is serving a 10-year sentence on an earlier drug smuggling charge, was allowed out of the jail to visit his sick mother. The court also heard the prisoner handed over his artificial limbs when confronted on his return by suspicious policemen. 0
109342 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL BAS smashes all records MANAMA: Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) is celebrating the highest revenue in its 28-year history. It smashed a string of records last year and as a result staff will get a one-month salary bonus and shareholders the biggest ever dividend paid out by the company, at 30 per cent. Revenues last year were the best ever and passengers, cargo and the number of flights handled all soared, said board chairman Jamil Wafa. Passengers handled hit 5.14 million and revenue exceeded the company's original paid up capital of BD3m, he told the GDN after the company's annual general assembly. 0
109343 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Keralite group chief on visit THE WORLD Malayalee Council's (WMC) US-based global chairman Andrew Pappachan is visiting Bahrain tomorrow. A special thanksgiving dinner is being arranged for the supporters of the World Malayalee Council global conference, which was held in Bahrain in September last year. The dinner, organised by the WMC's Bahrain province, will be held at the Taj Palace in Gudaibiya, at 7.30pm. Certificates will be presented by Mr Pappachan followed by dinner. For more information contact WMC global conference committee member Manzoor P Moideen on 39605709. 0
109344 2 1539 BNEW LOCAL Medal honour for Premier... MANILA: The Prime Minister was honoured yesterday for his statesmanship.The Philippines conferred the Highest Parliamentary Medal on him in recognition of his "tremendous efforts that helped turn Bahrain into a constitutional kingdom". Another famous recipient of this award recently was Nelson Mandela. The Premier is also a key man behind Bahrain's economic and military advancement - turning it into a regional hub, said the citation. The medal was presented at the Premier's Manila residence by Speaker Jose De Venecia. Philippines deputy parliament speaker Gerry A Salapuddin stressed that the medal is also a sign of gratitude towards the Prime Minister for "his care of the Philippines' community in Bahrain and his support for the Philippines' initiative to establish an integration council for Asian countries, launching a Muslim-Christian dialogue to ease existing tension in many parts of the world." He left the Philippines last night and was seen off by Foreign Affairs Sec 0
109345 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Diabetic society discusses children's camp plans PLANS for the annual Bahrain Diabetic Society's children's festival were discussed yesterday at the Bahrain Red Crescent Society, in Manama. The three-day Sherooq Camp will open at the Bahrain Sailing Club next Wednesday under the patronage of Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The meeting, attended by parents and children taking part, discussed the various health, educational, recreational, sport and art activities being organised for participants, aged eight to 15. It also featured a short film about a girl who learnt to live with diabetes after taking part in the camp, which aims to raise awareness about diabetes, teach children to take care of themselves and make friends. 0
109346 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Schools set for major sports event SCHOOLS taking part in this year's Lions School Olympics were briefed by organisers from the Lions Club of Bahrain at the Regency InterContinental Hotel, Manama, last night. The Lions School Olympics is the biggest sporting event for able-bodied and disabled schoolchildren in the country. It will be held tomorrow at the Muharraq Stadium, starting at 7.30am. About 450 children from the Indian School, Asian School, New Indian School, Al Noor International School, Al Mahd Day Boarding School, New Millennium School, National Institute of Open School (formerly called the Al Amal Institute), Sacred Heart School, Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) and Sneha - the recreational centre run by the Indian Ladies Association - are taking part in the games. The children, aged nine to 18, are to compete in the following events: 100 metres, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m; the 4 x 100m relay; long jump; shot put; and triple jump. 0
109347 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Envoy in call to support rights push THE world should understand that democracy and human rights issues vary from region to region, says Bahrain's permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva. Ambassador Saeed Mohammed Al Faihani said that the world should understand the unique characteristics of each region in order to develop democracy and human rights. "It's important to take these particularities into account when designing plans and programmes to promote human rights and fundamental freedoms," he said. "The international community should realise these differences so that democracy and human rights are guaranteed. "Meanwhile, it is in our interest to realise the importance of the continuation of the positive democratic and human rights developments worldwide through the international community's comprehensive moral support." He was giving a presentation entitled the "New Century Challenges of the Kingdom of Bahrain: Democracy and Human Rights Development" at the Geneva Diplomatic Clu 0
109348 0 1539 BNEW LOCAL Forum to probe new poll rules PROPOSED new rules for parliamentary and municipal elections will be discussed at a forum being held today by the Bahrain Transparency Society. The one-day event, organised in co-operation with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), will be held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS, Diplomatic Area. It will be attended by representatives from political societies, non-governmental organisations and the National Assembly. "The discussions will centre on the recommendations of the national monitoring committee of the 2002 parliamentary elections," society chairman Jassim Al Ajmi told the GDN. The committee was set up by the society along with Bahrain Human Rights Society and a group of individuals to monitor the transparency of the elections. "We are holding this conference now to allow decision-makers enough time before the forthcoming elections to take the necessary measures to improve the election process, including amending the relevant laws," 0
109349 3 1539 BNEW LOCAL Celebration of culture! MANAMA: The call of the wild signalled the opening of Bahrain's annual heritage festival yesterday.Falconry and hunting are two key elements in the theme of the 10-day festival, opened by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He opened the festival at the Bahrain National Museum's Heritage Village, on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad, under whose patronage it is being held. Shaikh Salman was greeted by Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, Central Governor Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood and other ministry officials. Present at the opening were senior Ruling Family members, ministers, diplomats, governors, MPs, Shura Council members, dignitaries and other guests. Shaikh Salman toured the exhibits and attractions at the festival, held this year under the theme Bahrain's old weaponry and falconry. He said he was honou 0
109350 1 1539 BUSI BUSINESS Prepare for new rules in accounting banks urged MANAMA: The global banking supervisory community and banking industry must prepare for the implementation of the Basel II standards ahead of the January 1, 2008 deadline, a senior Gulf banking regulator said. GCC Council of Banking Supervisors chairman and Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency banking supervision director, Fahd Al Mufarrij, said the challenge is even greater in emerging markets. "Banks and supervisors must begin to think carefully about their strategy and take the necessary steps to ensure timely and smooth implementation," he said. "Supervisors will also have to decide on the areas in which they have national discretion and communicate these to the banks. "Basel II has far-reaching implications for the stability of the banking system worldwide and for international capital flows," said Mr Al Mufarrij. He was speaking at the opening of a two-day meeting on the Practical Application of the Basel II accord at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday. MANAMA: Alba started up half of its Potline 5 five days ahead of schedule, the company said in a statement.It energised the entire north portion of the Potline in less than 45 days, which means the company is well-positioned to beat its target of completing the start-up in 100 days. In doing so it will set a world aluminium industry standard for the fastest start-up of an Aluminium Reduction Line. The "100-Day Safe Start-up" challenge began a week early at the end of February, giving Alba a head start in the energising of Line 5. However, 168 out of 336 pots are now energised. The successful completion of the start-up within the 100-day timeframe will signal the culmination of what has been a huge venture for Alba, bringing the large-scale $1.7 billion Line 5 expansion into operation. "We have succeeded in starting up the Reduction Line ahead of schedule and with the highest safety standards," said Alba chief executive officer Bruce Hall. "This makes us 0
109352 3 1539 BUSI BUSINESS Mena to set up investment HQ in Bahrain MANAMA: Bahrain was chosen to host an investment centre for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) at the second meeting of the Mena steering group committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in Paris.The centre will provide support to investment authorities in the region involved in the Mena-OECD programme. They are divided into five working groups based in different Mena countries and the centre will cater to their regular communication and meeting requirements. It will also measure the economic and investment performance of each individual participating Mena country. It will provide an on-line library and research facilities to assist experts in their analysis regarding Mena programme progress; foster strategic alliances and investment programmes through study tours and training workshops; and assist Mena-OECD Investment Programme experts in survey creation and collection. The Paris meeting was held to follow up on the activities of 0
109353 0 1539 BUSI BUSINESS Arab-China forum hailed BEIJING: Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) chairman Khalid Kanoo hailed the results of the first Arab-Chinese business forum, which ended in Beijing on Tuesday. Mr Kanoo expressed confidence that the forum will boost economic and trade co-operation between Arab countries and China. He called for the forum to be held regularly. Mr Kanoo urged the participants to establish joint projects and partnerships. He also called for the establishment of a Chinese trade centre in the kingdom and the holding of a Chinese week. 0
109354 0 1539 BUSI BUSINESS Bapco raises staff allowance MANAMA: Bapco's board of directors approved an increase in the transportation allowance of all employees at its 19th meeting. It agreed to raise the transportation allowance to BD30, which will be paid to all employees regardless of rank. The board also affirmed its continued co-operation with the Trade Union of Bapco Employees to "rationalise" the existing employee transportation system, the company said in a statement. Bapco employees had cancelled a rally, scheduled for Monday, after the union reached an agreement with company management over transportation allowances. A joint committee is due to be formed to discuss the gradual increase of the allowance. The board meeting was chaired by deputy chairman Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Bonds issue success MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) yesterday announced that the BD5 million monthly issue of Government Treasury Bills was oversubscribed by 160 per cent. The bills, carrying a maturity period of 182 days, are issued by t 0
109355 0 1539 BUSI BUSINESS Minister in US for key talks MANAMA: Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa yesterday left for the US at the head of Bahrain's delegation to the World Bank development committee meetings. He will also attend the meetings of the International Monetary Fund in Washington. He is accompanied by Bahrain Monetary Agency Governor Rasheed Al Maraj and other officials. 0
109356 0 1539 COMM COMMENTPets entitled to love... and property! Our cats have been giving me funny looks lately, like they may be expecting something. I'll swear that both Lucy and Sox have more than once tried to trip me up on the stairs, as if to hasten my demise under the guise of an unfortunate accident. It may be that they have read the latest report from the British pet welfare organisation Blue Cross, on the provisions people make for their pets in their wills. Fifty-four per cent of those surveyed will be requesting in their wills that their pet has the run of the home, with round-the-clock professional care. Thirty pc of owners leave family members inheritance money specifically to look after their pets once they have gone. Six pc will leave their homes to their pets and 8pc will leave more money to their animals than to family and friends. More than half of all owners polled have made provisions for their pets in their wills and of those who haven't, 86pc are planning to do so, according to the survey. < 0
109357 0 1539 COMM COMMENTIraq at the crossroads Two years after the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq is finally starting to have something akin to an elected administration. It is not perfect. The elections which produced the interim parliament were boycotted by the Sunni minority. Their negligible representation in the organs of power will do little to stem the continuing insurgency and could threaten trouble for the future. Some resent what they say has been a "sectarian carve-up" and a "fix". But it is better than it might have been. After 10 weeks of haggling, Iraq has a Kurdish president - Jalal Talabani, who is the only non-Arab head of state of a majority Arab country. His two deputies are a Shia and a Sunni. The prime minister, Ibrahim Jaafari, is a Shia. In saying, as he did after being sworn in last week, that there had to be continued dialogue to complete a full understanding with the Sunny Arabs, Mr Talabani showed that he at least understood the need not to leave the Sunnis out of the equation. Agreement on the 0
109360 0 1539 LETT LETTERS Ambulance information system is a farce! RECENTLY, my father-in-law had a heart discomfort, a condition known in the medical terminology as ANGINA PECTORIS, which is basically a chest pain induced due to physical exertion and temporary lack of oxygen supply to the heart. An ambulance from the BDF hospital was called and they carried some emergency procedure. They placed a tablet known as "nitroglycerine" under his tongue to alleviate the chest pain and took him to BDF intensive care unit hospital for emergency observation. So far so good, but the question is why can't the Health Ministry devise and recommend a centralised computer system that enlists all the Bahraini citizens as well as the expatriates' medical records and all the ambulances and hospitals are supplied with computers. This will help in emergency situations like the above. The ambulance men do not go round in circles and are urged to ask a desperate, confused patient about his medical records and whether he is diabetic or had previous heart operation and 0
109361 0 1539 LETT LETTERS Run off road - three times! AFTER six years in Bahrain, and six years of reading almost every day in the GDN how uncontrolled drivers are senselessly killing each other on the streets, I have observed first hand how and why this happens. While riding motorcycles with a friend, we were run off the road by a young Bahraini driver. Not once, but three times. It was a deliberate attempt to do harm to my friend and myself, after which the driver sped away. We gave chase so that I could record the licence plate and report it to authorities. While following the vehicle, we came upon a Bahrain police car, with two officers. I fervently tried to explain to the officers what had taken place, and they elected to give chase to the departing car. Now in most cases when a driver notices a police car following them, with lights flashing and siren going, they pun over. But evidently, this driver was not in attendance on the day this was explained by his driving instructor. The police chased the driver for more than 0
109362 0 1539 LETT LETTERS A splendid effort... THE dance and musical programme on April 8 at the Indian Club was a real feast for all music lovers. The highlight of the show was an old number "marainthirunthey paarkkum" from the film thillanaa mohanaambaal presented by Jaffar and Seema. I am a new resident of Bahrain and was elated at the splendid efforts of the organisers so far away from our homeland. Tamizharasan 0
109363 0 1539 SPOR SPORT It's time for Ganguly to bow out The most contentious issue facing India today is should captain Saurav Ganguly be sacked. My humble opinion is no, he should not be sacked; but asked to quietly resign as a reward for all his contributions to the Indian team. But it won't be so simple, either for the selectors to sack him given the diverse passion for the game in India or the captain himself given the multi-layer, multi-million-rupee sponsorship deals. Captaincy in India has always been mired in controversy - at the time of hiring as well as firing - and not a single Indian captain has gone out without hitting the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Except Sunil Gavaskar perhaps, as the then Indian captain quit in front of a packed house in Melbourne after leading his team to victory in the World Championship of Cricket in 1986. But even that was preceded by a game of 'mini musical chairs' with Kapil Dev when India should have been capitalising on the windfall following their 1983 World Cup victo 0
109364 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Al Sadadi set for rally challenge BAHRAIN'S Hassan Al Sadadi, the sole driver from the Kingdom, will be hoping to upset the odds and break Qatari Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah's stranglehold in the FIA Middle East Rally Championship when the Mitsubishi Qatar International Rally, the fourth of nine rounds, gets underway this evening in Doha. Al Attiyah has won all the three rallies so far this season to top the standings with 30 points. Sadadi, sponsored by Dubai based company Damas and driving a Subaru Impreza WRX, finished 11th yesterday in a practice session which involved testing and scrutineering. "It is a tough and challenging course on flat gravel and with the weather much hotter than Bahrain this will be a long three days," said Sadadi speaking from Doha. Currently joint 11th in the standings, Sadadi had to retire early in the Oman and Bahrain rallies due to terminal mechanical problems. But Sadadi enjoyed some success in the UAE Rally finishing sixth. In the Bahrain Rally, the husband and wife t 0
109365 0 1539 SPOR SPORT India captain to appeal against ban NEW DELHI: India's captain Saurav Ganguly will appeal against the six-match ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for slow over-rates during the ongoing one-day series against Pakistan, local media said yesterday. "Ganguly has decided to appeal against the decision," the Press Trust of India (PTI) quoted unnamed sources close to the captain as saying. A formal announcement on the appeal is expected today. Ganguly's supporters, meanwhile, burnt effigies of Broad, a former England batsman, outside the Eden Gardens stadium in Calcutta, the Indian captain's home city. Broad, who fined Ganguly 70 per cent of his match fee for slow over-rates in the third international in Jamshedpur on Saturday, imposed the ban after India again fell three overs short in the next match in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Pakistan won both matches to square the absorbing six-match series 2-2. "I made Mr Ganguly aware of the potential penalties at the previous hearing and it 0
109366 1 1539 SPOR SPORT LIVERPOOL IN SEMI-FINALS TURIN, Italy: Liverpool reached the Champions League semi-finals after a battling goalless draw at Juventus last night secured a 2-1 aggregate victory.Liverpool, who have won the European Cup four times, will now face Chelsea in the first all-English semi-final after the Premiership leaders got past Bayern Munich on Tuesday. The closest Juve came to scoring was when Fabio Cannavaro headed against the post after 78 minutes and they will regret the great chance missed by their Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the early stages of a disappointing match. In the other match, PSV, the 1988 European champions, knocked out Olympique Lyon 4-2 on penalties after extra-time failed to seperate the teams who finished 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate. The Dutch side now meet the eventual winner of the other quarter-final which was abandoned because of crowd trouble after 73 minutes on Tuesday with AC Milan holding a 3-0 aggregate lead over Inter. Uefa's Disciplinary panel will rule on the 0
109367 2 1539 SPOR SPORT Vincent slams double century WELLINGTON: A magnificent double century from Lou Vincent put New Zealand firmly in command of the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka at stumps on the third day.Vincent's 224 was the seventh highest Test innings by a New Zealander and provided the backbone of New Zealand's 522 for nine declared. It gave New Zealand a 311 first innings lead, and when the umpires called time to end day three, Sri Lanka were 10 for one in their second innings. Vincent was at the crease for 522 minutes, facing 347 balls and hitting 24 fours and four sixes before being run out by Sanath Jayasuriya while attempting a second run. By then the damage had been done and the hard work of left-armer Chaminda Vaas, who had New Zealand at six for 294, had been undone. Vaas was the most successful Sri Lankan bowler, finishing with six for 108, but his sterling effort took second place to Vincent's patient knock that left Sri Lanka with an uphill battle to save the Test and the series. New Zeal 0
109368 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Safin and Nadal cruise into third round MONTE CARLO: Marat Safin and Rafael Nadal dropped just seven games between them as they cruised into the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday. After two days of cool temperatures and cloud, the sun shone brightly on the Country Club as Spain's Nadal dazzled with a 6-0, 6-3 demolition of Belgian Xavier Malisse before Russian Safin overpowered Frenchman Cyril Saulnier 6-3 6-1. Defending champion Guillermo Coria was also impressive as he beat French qualifier Thierry Ascione 6-2 6-1. The 18-year-old Nadal dropped just nine points in a one-sided first set leaving Malisse, no mean performer on clay, apparently powerless to stop the onslaught. Malisse eventually registered on the scoreboard in the eighth game of the match but his fragile resistance crumbled again when Nadal broke serve to lead 4-2 after an amazing close-quarters exchange of volleying. The Spaniard, who is emerging as a serious contender for this year's French Open after back-to-back titles o 0
109369 3 1539 SPOR SPORT Uefa set to rule on abandoned match MILAN: Uefa will decide tomorrow what action to take over the abandoned Champions League quarter-final second leg between AC Milan and city rivals Inter Milan.After winning the first-leg 2-0, AC Milan were leading the second leg 1-0 after 73 minutes on Tuesday when the game was stopped because flares were thrown on to the pitch of the San Siro Stadium the two clubs share. Uefa said yesterday its disciplinary body will meet at 3pm tomorrow. The body will have to decide on the result of the game and will handle any ban, suspension or fine related to the crowd disorder. Uefa could order the second leg to be replayed or just the last 17 minutes but precedent suggest AC Milan, whose fans were not involved in the trouble, will be awarded victory and Inter a very heavy fine or a suspension and a banning order. German referee Markus Merk took the players off the pitch after AC Milan keeper Dida was struck by one of dozens of flares thrown down from the stands after a header from 0
109370 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Border steps down as Aussie selector SYDNEY: Allan Border announced yesterday he was quitting his position on Australia's national selection panel. The former Test captain had served on the four-man panel for seven years but said he was resigning because he was too busy with his other commitments, though he will remain as a director of Cricket Australia. "Although I am still enjoying the involvement, the role of selector is a big time commitment that takes you away from home on a regular basis," Border said in a statement. "At this stage of my life, I'm looking to do other things with my time." Cricket Australia chairman James Sutherland paid tribute to Border and said there was no immediate decision on who would replace him. The three remaining selectors are Trevor Hohns, David Boon and Andrew Hilditch. "Allan has made a remarkable contribution to Australian cricket well beyond his playing days," Sutherland said. "His work as a selector has helped ensure some of the legacies he left 0
109371 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Chelsea in new tap-up controversy LONDON: Champions League semi-finalists Chelsea have been caught up in another tap-up row after chief executive Peter Kenyon was reported to have met Manchester United star defender Rio Ferdinand. But the England defender has told his manager Alex Ferguson the London restaurant meeting was an accident. "I went to meet my agent and Mr Kenyon was there. I had no idea he was going to be there. People can believe it or not but it's the truth, " Ferdinand told The Sun. "It was in a public place and other people were there. We said a brief hello and did not discuss football. I've got no intention of leaving United and that's that." Ferdinand's agent Pini Zahavi is also close to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and Kenyon is the former chief executive at Manchester. Chelsea said Kenyon, Zahavi and their partners were meeting socially when London-born Ferdinand, whose best friend is Chelsea's Frank Lampard, rang to say he needed to pick up some paperwork. "If two p 0
109372 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Berlusconi wants 'drastic measures' on fan violence ROME: Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi authorised the use of "drastic measures" yesterday in a crackdown on violence in Italy's football stadiums. Berlusconi, who also owns AC Milan, met Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu a day after a barrage of missiles from Inter Milan fans led to their team's Champions League derby against AC Milan being called off at San Siro. Berlusconi's office issued a statement warning: "There is a clear risk of even more serious incidents in future, a risk which must be avoided by all possible means. "Premier Berlusconi urged the interior minister to maintain the firm line that has been taken for some time, with particular reference to preventative measures. "However, resorting to the most drastic measures available should not be ruled out if necessary." Italy's Football Federation responded by saying stricter measures for dealing with the throwing of objects on to the pitch were being introduced. In a statement the federation sai 0
109373 0 1539 SPOR SPORT PGA Tour's supporting cast in focus TORONTO: With Tiger Woods and rest of the big guns taking the week off following the US Masters, the PGA's supporting cast will have the spotlight when the Heritage Classic tees off today in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The traditional follow-up to the year's first major, the Heritage has often suffered coming on the heels of the Masters and this year is no exception. The $5.2 million tournament failed to attract any of the world's top 10 to the Harbour Town Golf Links and only three of the top 20, led by number 11 and champion Stewart Cink. Masters champions Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Nick Faldo all have plaid jackets that go to the winner of the Heritage hanging in their closets. However, after beating Chris DiMarco in a playoff at Augusta National on Sunday Woods had no immediate interest in adding to his wardrobe. Davis Love III has probably had the Heritage circled in his calendar since the end of last season. The Heritage has provided Love 0
109374 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Keane raps team mates over shoddy display MANCHESTER: Manchester United captain Roy Keane says the club's recent performances have not been up to scratch and not all of his team mates have been giving 100 per cent. "We can all make excuses but people are probably sick of excuses," Keane told the club's television channel. "Generally, our performances have been very poor. They haven't been good enough." Keane missed last weekend's defeat at Premiership strugglers Norwich City to ensure he would be able to play on Sunday against Newcastle United in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, the club's last realistic chance of a trophy this season. "It is all well and good looking at other people but I think the most important thing is you have to look at yourself," said the Irishman. "You have to ask yourself 'are you giving 100 per cent to the club for the manager and for the fans?' I am not sure that every player can say they are. "I am sure the manager and the staff are doing that and I am not sure that everyone can 0
109375 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Historic Treble looks best for feature event HISTORIC Treble looks good to claim the Bahrain Petroleum Company Cup (Bapco), one of the three cup events at the races tomorrow in Sakhir. Historic Treble, owned by Hassan Oun Hassan Mubarak, trained by Sami Saloom and to be ridden by M O Callaghan, is expected to beat Boston Lodge and Leozian for the top prize in this BD2,000 race for Group Three imported horses to be run over 1,200 metres, starting at 5.30pm. Boston Lodge is owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by Fawzi Nass and will be ridden by P Whitmore while Leozian is owned by Hussain Embrahim Al Afoo, trained by Bader Al Abed and will be ridden by Abdulla Faisal. The race for the second Bahrain Petroleum Company Cup (Bapco) has attracted six horses. This race, for locally bred horses, carries a cash prize of BD1,000 and will be run over 1,200 metres, starting at 5.05pm. Six Speed, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, trained by James Naylor and to be ridden by Callaghan, is the favourite to win this ra 0
109376 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Al Tamimi bags sixth victory Osama Al Tamimi marched on in the China International Kick Boxing Championship by defeating Din Ian of Scotland on knock-out in the first round in Shanghai. The 30-year-old Bahraini, who is competing in the 85-kg weight category, is on the verge of winning his third consecutive title after having won the International Tai Boxing Championship in 2003 in Mexico and last year's Black Storm Kickboxing Championship in New Delhi. Al Tamimi will take on Shonie Sinosin of Brazil tomorrow and is on course for a showdown with defending champion Rod Riguers of the US scheduled on Sunday at the same venue. It was the sixth successive victory for Al Tamimi who earlier scored wins over Mark Smith of the US, Australia's John Edward, Malik Johnson of Canada, China's John Lee and French Brossy Mat in this round-robin competition. 0
109377 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Bahrain to take on Abu Dhabi BAHRAIN American Express First XVs take on Abu Dhabi at 3pm tomorrow in their last home match of the season at its premises in Saar. Bahrain, which is a mix of experience, youth, golden oldies and a couple of Bahrainis, are up against a strong Abu Dhabi side who have a chance to take this season's Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union League title. For the first time in more than a season Arabian Gulf internationals Rob Subbiani, Chris Matthews and Nigel Palmer will be on the field together, bringing lots of experience to the side. "It will be a tough match but we hope to finish our home season on a good note," said club captain Gregg Harris. Squad: Brendan Jansen, Rory Power, Gareth Brown, Trefor Elliott, Dave Marshall, Nigel Palmer, Ryan Connolly, Adam Knights, Shaun MacPherson, Chris Matthews, Simon Tucker, Matt Gibbs, Ali Nuibati, Hassan Abbas, Rob Subbiani. Replacements: J P LeRoux, John Doyle, Joe Smith, Lawrence Spence. 0
109378 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Zvonareva crashes to Benesova CHARLESTON, South Carolina: Second seed Elena Dementieva made a confident start to her claycourt campaign as she beat compatriot Alina Jidkova 6-4, 6-4 yesterday to reach the third round of the Family Circle Cup. But there was a surprise defeat for another Russian as sixth seed Vera Zvonareva let slip a 4-1 final set lead against Iveta Benesova of the Czech Republic to go out. Dementieva, who missed last week's Amelia Island Championship because of a hip injury, showed no signs of discomfort and looked to be enjoying her return to clay. Jidkova began well, breaking to lead 3-1 but the 23-year-old Dementieva, runner-up at the French Open last year, won four of the next five games to take the set. Dementieva sent down 11 double faults but her serve, so often the weak point of her game in the past, was much improved and she clinched victory with a deft drop shot. Earlier, Zvonareva, the world number 10, recovered from a set and a break down against Benesova to level 0
109379 0 1539 SPOR SPORT Stoudemire leads Suns past Hornets PHOENIX, Arizona: Amare Stoudemire scored 27 points while Shawn Marion added 18 points and 17 rebounds to spark Phoenix past New Orleans 99-85 to keep the National Basketball Association's best record. The Suns, playing their fourth game in five nights, improved to a league-best 59-19, staying one game ahead of the San Antonio Spurs in the fight for home-court advantage throughout the NBA playoffs. Stoudemire scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and Marion blocked six shots to help the Suns' cause against a stubborn Hornets team with the worst record in the NBA's Western Conference at 18-59. The Suns trailed 77-73 with 10:56 remaining, but Marion sank a 3-point shot to ignite a 15-2 run in a span of just over 7 1/2 minutes. Stoudemire scored six points in the spurt that produced an 88-79 Suns lead. At San Antonio, the Spurs had 30 points from Argentina's Manu Ginobili plus 10 points and 14 rebounds from Nazr Mohammed as the Spurs clinched the Southwest division 0
109380 0 1539 WORL WORLD 150 Bhutto party supporters held ISLAMABAD: Pakistan police arrested about 150 opposition party supporters from various parts of eastern Punjab province ahead of a senior leader's return from overseas, a party spokesman said yesterday. Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was freed on bail in December after serving eight years in prison on corruption charges. Later, he left for Dubai in the UAE to meet with Bhutto, who has lived there since 1999 to avoid arrest in corruption cases. Since his release, he has emerged a prominent opposition figure in Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party, or PPP. The arrests came a day after the PPP announced it would hold a big rally on Saturday in the eastern city of Lahore to welcome Zardari on his return from Dubai. Yesterday, PPP spokesman Naveed Chaudhry claimed that police have arrested 150 party supporters in overnight raids in Lahore, the provincial capital, and elsewhere in Punjab. "We condemn these arrests and will hold the ra 0
109381 0 1539 WORL WORLD Cannibal may get life term KARLSRUHE, Germany: German federal prosecutors yesterday called for a self-confessed cannibal to be sentenced to a life jail term as an appeal against his original verdict began. Armin Meiwes, 43, was sentenced to eight and a half years in jail in January last year after being found guilty of manslaughter in a trial that fascinated and appalled Germany. The trial judges rejected prosecution calls for a murder conviction, which would have carried a life term of 15 years. Germany's highest judicial court is now to decide whether his sentence should be upgraded or whether there should be a retrial. A decision is expected on April 22. The trial heard that his victim, a 43-year-old engineer Bernd Juergen Brandes, had been a willing participant whom he had met through the Internet. The computer technician had admitted slaying, carving up and eating Brandes, but insisted his victim had asked him to do so. The evidence in the case was lurid. After making 0
109382 0 1539 WORL WORLD Pregnant Spears ends speculation LOS ANGELES: US pop princess Britney Spears has confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child, ending weeks of frenzied speculation over whether she was launching a new career as a mother. "The time has finally come to share our wonderful news that we are expecting our first child together," Spears and her husband of seven months, Kevin Federline, announced on the singer's website. "There are reports that I was in the hospital this weekend, Kevin and I just want everyone to know that all is well. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Love Britney and Kevin." Spears, 23, and Federline, a 27-year-old former backup dancer in Spears' stage troupe, married secretly in September after a whirlwind romance. Media have speculated for weeks that the entertainer was expecting, but she had refused to comment on her family status. Other reports said Spears is about four months pregnant. While the baby will be Spears' first, it will be Federline's third child. 0
109383 0 1539 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Free Psychiatry Consultations by consultant psychiatrist, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, 9am-1pm. Contact 17812200. Vishu (Malayalam New Year) and Baisakhi (Punjabi Festival) celebration, Indian Club, 9pm. Entrance free for members and BD1 for guests. Contact M J Job 39873887. Performance by Saudi Arabia-based band The Touch, Dilmun club, Saar, 8.30pm. Tickets BD8 members and BD10 guests. Contact 17690926 or 17692986. Vishu (Malayalam New Year) celebration, Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, 8pm. Entrance free. All are welcome. Contact K Janardhanan on 39895431. Art exhibition by Iraqi Ambassador Ghassan Mohsen, Art Centre, near the Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. Art exhibition by Iraqi Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Art exhibition by top Bahraini artists Mohammed Al Mahdi and Sayed Abdulla Al Sari, Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, Juffair, 9am-1pm and 3pm-10pm. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) 0
109384 1 1539 WORL WORLD Killer virus sparks alert GENEVA: The World Health Organisation issued a warning yesterday after a US institute sent to thousands of laboratories samples of a lethal flu virus that killed up to four million people in the late 1950s.The controversy revealed an apparent loophole in biosafety procedures, as the WHO and national health authorities ordered the labs to destroy the samples. "There is a slim, but a real risk that this could spark a pandemic," said Maria Cheng, a spokeswoman for the WHO, explaining that many people around the world would have no protection if the virus were ever released from the high-security labs. The virus, H2N2, killed between one million and four million people worldwide during the Asian influenza pandemic of 1957-58 before disappearing in 1968. "As far as pandemics go, it (the event in 1957-58) was relatively mild. But if this were to recur, it would have significant consequences for the public health system," Cheng said. The samples were included in kits used to r 0
109385 0 1539 WORL WORLD Children vote for Mandela STOCKHOLM: Former South African president Nelson Mandela, his wife and a group of Kenyan Aids activists shared the 2005 World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child yesterday. The $100,000 (BD37,800) prize is split in two parts, the Global Friends' Award and the World's Children's Prize. Mandela and his wife, Graca Machel, received the Global Friends' Award for their efforts to improve the freedom and equal rights of all South African children, and the right for every girl to attend school, organisers said at a news conference in Stockholm. The second award was given to the Mothers of St Rita in Kenya, a group of 20 women who for seven years have been helping children orphaned by Aids. The winner of the Global Friends' Award was decided in a vote by nearly 2.4 million children in schools around the world, while the World's Children's Prize was awarded by a jury of children from 15 countries, organisers said. "You children have my support, whether I'm alive 0
109386 0 1539 WORL WORLD Blair confirms plan to step down as party leader LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair confirmed that he would step down as leader of the Labour Party after a possible third term in office, as he launched his party's election manifesto yesterday. "I have said that this is my last election. At the election following there will be a different leader," Blair said. However Blair, flanked by six other ministers, including his most likely successor, Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown, insisted that he would serve a full third term in government if his party won a record third successive victory in the May 5 polls. Asked if he wanted Brown to succeed him, Blair said the main issue was to focus on the elections and hold off on speculation. "Before any of us ... start discussing who should be the next prime minister, let's make sure I'm the next prime minister on May 5," he said. Blair voiced Labour's promise to forge ahead with a "radical acceleration of the changes" made during its two terms in government fol 0
109387 0 1539 WORL WORLD Rooney as prime minister? LONDON: If Wayne Rooney ever opts to hang up his soccer boots, there may be a future in politics. At least that is what a survey of British children suggests. The next generation of voters feel the Manchester United and England forward would be the best man for the job of prime minister, according to this week's Kids General Election survey. While current leader Tony Blair will not lose sleep over the poll, it will do nothing for his ego to know 15 per cent of the nine- to 13-year-olds surveyed by the Cartoon Network opted for Rooney - nearly double the amount who chose the Labour man. Even 12pc of the 1,000 youngsters questioned preferred fictional wizard Harry Potter. Instead of Iraq, immigration and the economy, youngsters would want a Prime Minister Rooney to address bullying, school dinners and the burning issue of the recent break-up of British boy band Busted. 0
109388 0 1539 WORL WORLD Celebrities keep their distance LONDON: Don't expect to see stars lining up to congratulate British Prime Minister Tony Blair after the May 5 election, should he win as expected. The affair between pop idols and politicians at the start of Blair's rule in 1997 quickly faded, while Hollywood's failed endorsement of John Kerry in America and recent embarrassments of his own will remind Blair of the risk of courting the famous. Reflecting the power of celebrity, the joke now goes that stars with urgent issues to discuss are finding time in their busy schedules to talk to Blair, not the other way around. When Blair's Labour Party chose the popular U2 anthem Beautiful Day for its general election campaign, the Irish rockers were quick to distance themselves from him. "It is not an endorsement of the Labour Party on U2's part," a spokesman for the band said. "The group is flattered that Labour likes the tune, but they reserve their right to fall in and out with any political party and its policies." T 0
109389 0 1539 WORL WORLD KEY POLICIES PRIME Minister Tony Blair's ruling Labour party has announc-ed its full slate of policy plans for a May 5 election. Following is a breakdown of the main themes: ECONOMY * To preserve economic stability. * To keep two per cent inflation target. * It ruled out any increase in basic or top rates of income tax but did not make a wider pledge on other taxes. * Labour will not extend VAT to food, children's clothes, books, newspapers and public transport fares. * To meet fiscal rules and borrow only to invest over the economic cycle and keep net debt at "stable and prudent" level. * To increase the number of people employed from around 75pc to 80pc of the working age population. * To help create a million more home owners by 2010. * To lift minimum wage to 5.35 pounds by October 2006 from 4.85 now. EUROPE * To hold a referendum on future EU constitution next year and campaign for a "yes" vote. * To promote 0
109390 0 1539 WORL WORLD Maoists order closure of Nepal private schools KATHMANDU: Nepal's elite private schools said yesterday Maoist rebels have told them to shut down in 24 hours unless they cut fees and meet other demands, but the schools have vowed to defy the order. A group representing Nepal's private schools said the rebels demanded the institutions close today unless they lower admission and tuition costs, scrap singing of the national anthem and remove photographs of King Gyanendra. The demands are part of a drive by the Maoists to instal their own "people's education" system in schools and coincides with the start of the new academic year in Nepal. The Maoist warning is the latest challenge to the authority of King Gyanendra, who seized power February 1, saying the move was necessary to tackle the insurgency. "We've been receiving warnings from the students' union by letter, e-mails and phone to close from today for failing to meet their demands," Umesh Shrestha, head of the Private and Boarding School Organisations-Nepal, said. "But we're 0
109391 0 1539 WORL WORLD Bombay's dance bars to be shut BOMBAY: Indian authorities have decided to close down some 600 cabarets in the commercial capital Bombay, a government spokesman said yesterday, robbing the country's entertainment hub of one of its major attractions. The move by the the western state of Maharashtra, of which Bombay is the capital, to shut down cabarets that employ girls to dance follows fears that they corrupt youth, threaten local culture and encourage prostitution, he said. The move follows a decision last month to close nearly 650 of these establishments elsewhere in Maharashtra. The closure of the cabarets was likely to render jobless more than 150,000 people across the state, including dancers, waiters, bouncers and security guards, officials said. "The government's decision will force a majority of the 75,000 girls working in bars into the flesh trade at one go," said Varsha Kale, president of Bharatiya Bar Girls' Union. 0
109392 0 1539 WORL WORLD Daredevil lovers beware! LONDON: Daredevil men who believe they can attract women with their reckless behaviour, should think again. A survey of 100 men and women by researchers at the University of Maine in Orono, showed that women are not impressed by bungee jumping and other risky types of behaviour but actually prefer men who take fewer chances. "Men thought women would be impressed by pointless gambles, but women in fact preferred cautious men," New Scientist magazine said last night. One theory to explain risky male behaviour is that men are showing off their strength and bravery to woo potential partners. But researcher William Farthing said women prefer high-status males to risk-takers. "So if he has higher status among other men, women might like him for his status, even though they don't like risk-taking itself," he said. 0
109393 0 1539 WORL WORLD Hostage pleads for US pullout BAGHDAD: A US hostage in Iraq has urged Washington to negotiate with his kidnappers and withdraw American troops from the country, Al Jazeera television reported yesterday, showing footage of the captive. A US embassy spokesman in Baghdad said the man on the tape appeared to be Jeffrey Ake from Indiana, the same American subcontractor it said had been kidnapped on Monday. "It seems to be him," said Robert Callahan. "The name on the video matched the name of the man who had been abducted." The hostage, surrounded by three masked gunmen and seated behind a wooden desk, called on the US administration to "open a dialogue with the Iraqi resistance" to save his life, the Arab satellite channel said. He also urged US forces to promptly pull out of Iraq, according to the Qatar-based news channel, which said the remarks were "obtained from him in abnormal conditions". A security source, asking not to be identified, said the American - who is married with children - was abducte 0
109394 2 1539 WORL WORLD 12 officers die in Iraq blast BAGHDAD: Insurgents set off a series of explosions yesterday in Iraq, hitting a US Department of Defence convoy as a senior US official visited the capital and killing 12 police officers near Kirkuk, the US military and local police said.Al Qaeda in Iraq claimed responsibility for the Baghdad car bomb, which the military said damaged two US government sport utility vehicles and five civilian cars. The car bomb was among four explosions that rocked central Baghdad early yesterday, the military said. The second was a car bomb that didn't cause any damage, and the third was a "secondary explosion" nearby, the military said. The military gave no information on the fourth explosion, but twin blasts exploded near a convoy of two US Humvees and a fuel tanker as it made its way through a Baghdad neighbourhood. Near Kirkuk, 12 policemen gathered to help dismantle an apparent decoy bomb were killed by another explosion yesterday, police said. Three others were injured. Police Brigadier Sar 0
109395 0 1539 WORL WORLD Jackpot win for 60 cents A MIDDLE-AGED Portuguese couple walked into a casino near Lisbon and left minutes later with $828,514 (BD313,180) after putting a total of just 60 cents into a slot machine. The couple, who requested anonymity, inserted just three 20-cent coins into the machine at Casino Estoril, located in the sea-side resort of Estoril 30km west of the capital, on Friday night before they won the jackpot. Popular dish alert TRANSLATED, its name means "touch your heart", but a government report released yesterday has found that Hong Kong's national dish - dim sum - may actually stop your heart. Some of the bite-sized nibbles are so high in fat and sodium that regular consumption could lead to obesity and severe cardio-vascular illnesses, a study by the city's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department found. "Generally, steamed items are low in total fat while pan-fried and deep-fried dim sum ... are high in total fat," department consultant Ho Yuk-yin said. Dim sum has b 0
109396 0 1539 WORL WORLD New Freud self-portrait LONDON: A new self-portrait by Lucian Freud, who is widely considered Britain's greatest living figurative artist, went on display yesterday at London's National Portrait Gallery. "The Painter Surprised by a Naked Admirer" shows the 82-year-old standing in his paint-splattered studio while a naked woman crouching on the floor clutches his leg. The oil painting, measuring 137 by 107 centimetres, features Freud's trademark use of muddy colours to depict worn and irregular naked human flesh. Freud, the grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, hasn't revealed the identity of the woman in the painting. Freud's sitters have ranged from friends and family to Queen Elizabeth II and supermodel Kate Moss. His near-lifesize painting of the naked and pregnant Moss sold at auction for 3.9 million (BD2.7m) in February. At the same Christie's auction, another Freud painting, "Red Haired Man on a Chair," sold for 4.1m, a record price for the artist at auction. 0
109397 0 1539 WORL WORLD Cartoonist cleared ATHENS: An appeals court yesterday overturned the conviction of Austrian cartoonist Gerhard Haderer for blasphemy over a comic book portraying Jesus as a marijuana smoking hippie. Haderer, 54, was given a six-month suspended prison sentence in January for "maliciously insulting the Orthodox Church" and his book The Life of Jesus was banned in Greece - causing protests from European human rights groups and other cartoonists. The book, published in several European countries, portrays Jesus as a hippie surfer who enjoys smoking marijuana with friends and celebrities including Jimi Hendrix. "He has been cleared and the book is no longer banned," Haderer's lawyer, Maria Marazioti, said. "We all agreed it's not something that special to have the book published in the Greek market, and that the artist had no intention to insult Christianity. Everyone understood that, even the priests." The three-member court was unanimous in its ruling. Haderer was not present at the he 0
109398 0 1539 WORL WORLD Musical on the life of Lennon SAN FRANCISCO: Former Beatle John Lennon's life has become a musical show boasting previously unpublished songs written by the musical legend who was murdered nearly 25 years ago. Lennon, which opened in San Francisco on Tuesday, spotlights the singer and songwriter's life, from his poor start in Liverpool to the peak of his Beatles fame, to peace activist and ultimately the victim of a crazed fan. But the show will not feature a look-alike wearing Lennon's trademark round glasses and long hair. Instead, nine members of a multi-racial cast will play out scenes from the British superstar's life. "It's a book musical, although the performing style is not traditional," said director Don Scardino, a Beatle fan. "It's kind of a 'story theatre' way of dramatising the story." 0
109399 3 1539 WORL WORLD Labour pledges 'better Britain' LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair launched his party's election manifesto yesterday, a platform that weighed heavy on economics.Blair called Britain "better, stronger and fairer" than what it was eight years ago. "This manifesto is quintessentially new Labour," he said. "At its core is the traditional value that we should stand up for the many, not the few, breaking down the barriers that hold people back, allowing everyone to fulfil their potential." The manifesto, entitled Britain Forward Not Back, sets out the party's taxation policies, promising no increases in income tax or sales tax on food, children's clothes or books. The manifesto, however, makes no commitment to freeze social security contributions. "I believe this country is better, stronger, fairer than the country we inherited from the Conservatives in 1997, but we can do so much more," he said. "By combining progressive values with radical means these are the commitments in detail th 0
109400 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Banks record surge in profits KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait Finance House (KFH), the largest Islamic bank in the emirate, and the Gulf Bank announced yesterday a sharp increase in profits for the first quarter of this year. KFH, which operates under sharia law, posted 49.8 million dinars ($169m) on March 31, up 45 per cent on $116m posted in the same period last year, chairman Bader Al Mukhaizeem said in a statement. KFH was established in 1977 with a paid-up capital of about $190m to apply Islamic banking principles which do not allow interest. The assets of the bank, in which the government has a major stake, rose 11pc to $12 billion at the end of the quarter, up from $10.8bn last year. The Gulf Bank, the second largest commercial bank in Kuwait, meanwhile announced a 26pc rise in net profits to $57m at the end of the first quarter over the previous year's $45m. 0
109401 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait-Singapore in trade talks SINGAPORE: Singapore and Kuwait have made progress on negotiating a free trade agreement, the two countries said yesterday after ending a second round of talks. "Both sides had fruitful discussions and made further progress on the key issues tabled during the first round such as trade in goods, rules of origin, customs, investment and government procurement," a statement said. "Both sides also commenced discussions on services, financial services and the legal aspects of the FTA." The latest negotiations were held from Monday to Wednesday in Kuwait and the third round of talks will take place in Singapore in June, the statement said. A pioneer in the field, Singapore has signed free trade deals with the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the European Free Trade Association, which groups Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. 0
109402 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Nestle CEO to become chairman LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Nestle rewarded its chief executive with the additional title of chairman yesterday, after shareholders rejected opponents who said the consolidation runs counter to the way companies should be moving. About 36 per cent of the shareholders present at the annual meeting supported a dissident proposal to ban combined titles, but the majority rejected it. That cleared the way for the board to appoint CEO Peter Brabeck as chairman - which it did immediately after the shareholders meeting, the company said. But in the face of the shareholder pressure unusual in Europe, the world's biggest food maker signalled it would limit the time Brabeck would also serve as chairman. "We can't give you the exact amount of time for which Mr Brabeck will fill the double mandate, but the general feeling at Nestle is that this double mandate could last around two to three years," outgoing Chairman Rainer Gut said. Nestle said it wanted to give Brabeck the double mandate i 0
109403 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS UK firms top world's best-run list NEW YORK: UK-based companies top a list of the world's best-run firms released yesterday, with regional leaders that include Anglo-Australian miner BHP Billiton, US-based Cooper Industries, and Canadian software group Cognos. Stock index provider FTSE Group and corporate governance specialists Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) outlined how they rank companies in their FTSE ISS Corporate Governance Index series, which was launched in December. The series contains six regional indexes, covering 2,200 companies in 24 countries. The world's top five performers are BHP Billiton; Smith & Nephew, a UK medical devices company; utility Scottish Power; UK telecoms company BT Group; and Cognos. After Cooper, the top US companies are automaker General Motors, bank National City, contract electronics manufacturer Flextronics International and oil and gas producer Occidental Petroleum. In Europe, top-ranked companies include French cement maker Lafarge and Dutch food gro 0
109404 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Bush calls on Beijing to float its currency WASHINGTON: US President George W Bush urged China yesterday to let its currency float. "We have a very complex but a good relationship with China right now and I intend to keep it that way," Bush told the American Society of Newspapers Editors convention. "On trade, we're pressing China, for example for floating their currency so we can have free and fair trade," he said. China's yuan, also known as the renminbi, is pegged at 8.27 to the US dollar and kept in a narrow band by the Chinese central bank, a move critics say undervalues the currency and keeps Chinese exports artificially cheap. Some US lawmakers have blamed the peg for the massive US trade deficit with China, which ran to $162 billion in 2004. But the Chinese government insists that the yuan is not significantly undervalued and that its industries are merely more competitive. However, US Treasury Under-Secretary John Taylor said yesterday that China has taken the necessary steps to adopt a fl 0
109405 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Bahrainis 'reluctant e-shoppers' MANAMA: Bahrain shoppers appear to be reluctant to complete online transactions with locally based traders, according to sales figures released by Bahrain's first e-marketplace. The website www.myallneeds.com had four successful online transactions in March worth a total of BD70.400. They were completed with the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Al Ezz Trading Company and Fakhrawi Bookshop. Future Transformation chief executive officer Khalil Al Marzooq, whose company developed the website, said that although the initial amount is small, he expects it to grow as people become more accustomed to the service. "At the moment people are a little hesitant to buy things online locally, but they are comfortable purchasing things from major international online retailers," he said. "We are working to develop the site to gain Bahraini consumers' confidence in the e-commerce concept. "Therefore we provide two payment options, online payment and payment on delivery. BANGALORE: Infosys Technologies yesterday forecast weaker-than-expected growth, because US customers are slowing their orders with the No 2 Indian outsourcer as they implement new compliance rules. Infosys said revenues in the first quarter would be flat with the fourth quarter because customers are busy complying with rules aimed at cracking down on accounting fraud. It said the issues are temporary and it expects the second, third and fourth quarters to pick up. The stock fell more than five per cent to its lowest since late January, pulling down peers such as Cognizant Technology and Wipro. Infosys, whose customers include financial giants Goldman Sachs and Bank of America, automates bank operations and develops and maintains software applications for other companies. Indian services providers have enjoyed 40pc revenue growth due to their low pricing, but with more stringent accounting rules customers are looking harder at whose services enable better record-k 0
109407 0 1540 BUSI BUSINESS France upbeat amid Eurozone economic gloom PARIS: France's central bank forecast a pick-up in economic growth yesterday but this was a drop of optimism in an ocean of European gloom, following cuts in IMF and OECD forecasts for the region as oil prices stay strong. Despite a flood of negative readouts on business output and confidence in recent weeks, the Bank of France said its monthly survey pointed to growth in the country edging up to 0.5 per cent in the April-June period from 0.4pc in January-March. But the European Central Bank said it was worried about oil costs hitting business and household spending power in the wider euro zone, implying this was a greater concern than the risk that they would raise inflation. "Persistently high oil prices in particular pose downside risks to growth," the ECB said in its monthly bulletin. Oil prices are hovering above $50 a barrel after a hitting a record of more than $58 last week. High crude prices pose an additional and immediate threat to the economies of most 0
109408 1 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Qatar to boost energy ties with power-hungry India NEW DELHI: Qatar Amir Shaikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani discussed boosting energy ties with power-hungry India on the first full day of a state visit to the South Asian country yesterday. India, which is heavily dependent on imported fuel, is keenly interested in increasing co-operation in the energy sector with Qatar and boosting other trade. Shaikh Hamad met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and their talks focused on stepping up co-operation in the energy sector, the Press Trust of India news agency reported. "We look forward to deepening the co-operation between Qatar and India in the fields of oil, natural gas, petrochemicals, steel industry and other strategic industries," the Amir said after arriving in New Delhi late on Wednesday. The Amir was given a ceremonial welcome at the presidential palace. Qatar, which boasts the world third's largest gas reserves, has agreed to deliver 7.5 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually to India. The first sh 0
109409 2 1540 BUSI BUSINESS Iran 'not contacted on Opec production raise' TEHRAN: Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said yesterday he had not yet been contacted by his Opec counterparts on whether the groupneeded to pump a further 500,000 barrels per day (bpd). Kuwaiti Oil Minister Shaikh Ahmad Al Fahd Al Sabah said telephone consultations on extra oil had started last week. But Zanganeh told reporters at an oil fair in Tehran that Iran was not yet involved. "Negotiations have not started yet and we will discuss it when the head of the conference (Opec) suggests," he said, declining to be drawn on Iran's view. Venezuela, Nigeria and Algeria have already come out against the proposed hike. Qatar and Kuwait have said extra oil could be needed to meet a demand surge in the third quarter. New York futures prices, that surged past $58 last week, have cooled to around $50 on news that US inventories are buoyant and Chinese industrial demand growth is slowing. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in May, w 0
109410 3 1540 BUSI BUSINESS WTO predicts slowdown in global trade growth GENEVA: Global goods trade increased in volume by nine per cent last year but will probably grow by only 6.5pc at best this year, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) said yesterday. In a survey of the past year and outlook for 2005, the Geneva-based body said the slowdown looked inevitable following a decline in world economic growth which began in the second half of 2004. "Compared to 2004, real interest rates are expected to be higher in the developed markets and the impact of higher energy costs worldwide is expected to contribute to some weakness in the global economy," the survey said. "Changes in global gross domestic product (GDP) typically lead to even larger changes in global trade growth," it added. Economists generally expect trade growth in an average year to be about double that of world gross domestic product (GDP) - which the WTO said was likely to expand by between three and 3.5pc this year against 4.0 percent in 2004. But the survey said that if a 0
109411 0 1540 COMM COMMENTFrightening children... Jack and Jill, we are told, went up a hill to fetch a pail of water. Before I go any further with this dreadful story, let me make it clear that I regard it as a blatant case of overmanning. Two people climbing one hill in order to fetch a single pail of water is quite unnecessary and must be viewed as a possible cause of the accident that ensued. The evidence is sketchy. All we are told is that Jack fell and suffered severe head injuries which were subsequently treated by his mother by wrapping his head in vinegar and brown paper. The woman's medical credentials are not given, but brown paper soaked in vinegar may produce a substance called dimethyl sulphide which used to be recommended for pain relief, but is now thought to have potentially damaging side effects, including the fading of carpets if spilt on them. Who was carrying the pail when the accident occurred? Was there some altercation between Jack and Jill that led to the fall? How could Jill have been so careless as to fall after 0
109412 0 1540 COMM COMMENTWhy won't world ban appalling weaponry? What the landmines treaty does is ask the world to take just one appalling weapon and throw it away, never to be used again. There are millions of landmines scattered all over current and former war zones and they will be killing and maiming innocent people for decades to come - even if no more mines are put down. Anti-personnel mines are one of the most horrific weapons in the global arsenal, for they remain active and deadly long after the conflict is over. How many pictures of limbless children, maimed while playing soccer, or tending the family livestock, do we have to see before there is the kind of outrage required to force nations to clean up this deadly debris? True, the majority of countries have signed and ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. But look who stands amongst the 42 which haven't - the US, China and Russia - all the big boys who fuelled the 0
109415 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Bahrain's full tourism potential not realised I WAS most interested to see the call for a new tourism strategy in Bahrain. It is one I welcome wholeheartedly. I spent many happy years as a child and teenager in Bahrain and feel it is my second home. Although based in England, I visit Bahrain regularly and over the last 12 years, I have organised and brought many groups of tourists to Bahrain - some who were previous Bahrain residents and some newcomers to the island. All have returned to their homes in the UK and the rest of Europe wishing to make return trips and indeed many of them have. For that reason, I feel I would be the ideal person to help with projects to further the progress of Bahrain's tourist industry. I feel very strongly that many aspects of "our" country are not being used and shown off to their full potential. Apart from bringing in revenue to Bahrain, the tourism industry is an ideal vehicle to help young people into the world of work and one which is open equally to men and women. < 0
109416 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Marine treasures being protected I WOULD like to thank Mr C S Nake for his letter (GDN March 13) and his great concern about our Kingdom's environment and the treasures of our marine environment. As everyone is well aware our Kingdom is a small island and a developing country with limited land resources for its developmental activities. Unfortunately, the expansion of land is at the expense of marine resources. Our government is controlling the developmental projects like the Bahrain Financial Harbour, tourism projects and other urbanisation projects through a network of different ministries by adopting very stringent regulations before the award of the final approval for the establishment of the projects in line with the international norms followed by other countries such as the UK, Denmark and Singapore. As far as the General Directorate for the Protection of Marine Resources (GDPMR) is concerned, we have a long course of action such as evaluation of feasibility studies of tourism and urbanisation projects, e 0
109417 0 1540 LETT LETTERS A sad farewell... HOW do you say goodbye to a place you've loved for 13 years? How do you tear away memories living in every step, every stone of that place and wrap them up without losing a single one? The place I am talking about, my school, The Indian School, over these 13 years has become my other home, my other family. Now that my school life is over I feel no relief, only loss and stabs of disbelief. Could I really have hung up my uniform for the last time? Could I really have entered the school gates as one among its pilgrims for the last time? ..... Truly a million memories. We think of several ways to make ourselves believe that at least we've said an adequate farewell to the things we love deeply and have to leave. For me and my friends it was desperately snapping shots of every moment we got together those last days and unleashing feelings we always feared to express, in the drama of the last moments. Among these last things I wish to offer a humble, heartfelt thanks to all 0
109418 0 1540 LETT LETTERS A worldwide phenomenon THIS is in reference to Rana's letter "Going backwards?" (GDN April 10). I agree with her for the last phrase she used, "live and let live". But I have some comments for all other points she made. She is worried about the frustrating situation due to religion in Bahrain. Not only her but the whole world should be worried about the religious situation in entire world today. Every individual living on this earth should act against any attack on humanity in the name of religion. In the time when the most powerful nation smashes and destroys two extremely poor and weak nations following a particular religion. This religious extremism and barbarism should be stopped in order for love, peace and harmony to prevail on this earth. Rana wants to know if we are going backwards by allowing women in veils to drive on roads. Not at all. In fact it is a very good sign of progress and development that women are given the right to drive even if they decide to put veils on their faces. 0
109419 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Not a pretty sight..! GLOSSY magazines, tourist brochures and video advertising clips bring images of beauty and sophistication. And, on the other hand, I experience the realities of these pictures all taken within a few hundred metres of each other in the residential suburb of Saar. There is truth in both but the latter is not exactly helping to further the image of Bahrain as a tourist destination. Disappointed 0
109420 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Best concert ever! The WESTLIFE & BOMBAY ROCKERS CONCERT at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa was a rockin' concert!!! The songs by the two bands were a great mixture of funky and classy pop. The Bombay Rockers with their hit single "Rock the Party" to the Best of Westlife. I rate this concert the best in Bahrain. Because this concert was rockin' and cool!!! Salman Kenth 0
109421 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Quality the key to development IT is heartening to note that positive steps are being taken towards improving employment opportunities to meet the growing necessity of Bahrain in the long run (GDN April 7). I would like to place some of the very important factors which have to be kept in mind in this regard, based on the experiences of various developed, developing and underdeveloped countries of the world. It will be in the interest of this country to take note of the impacts such steps have had elsewhere and tailor a scheme which will be improved in quality and will yield desired results in the long run suitable for Bahrain. Any increase in employment potential should be generated based on improved demand of qualitative and quantitative requirements needed for higher production and productivity in the agricultural, engineering, goods, services and other sectors. At no time non-productive avenues of employment should be allowed, which will result in heavy burden on the economy of the country resulting in un 0
109422 0 1540 LETT LETTERS John Paul ignored critical issues I REFER to the letter 'Irreplaceable Icon' (GDN April 6). Doubtless, many share the same view as Mr Koshy on the subject of the greatness of Pope John Paul II, and it would have to be a very brave person (or editor of a newspaper) indeed to contradict his opinions in this particular regard. However let's not also forget that during the 'reign' of Pope John Paul II, many vital catholic concerns (small c) and issues that ought to have been addressed have been ignored. I do of course refer to the deliberate exclusion of women from the priesthood, the policy adopted of "hiding" priests from the law during the "paedophile period". The open encouragement of the non-use of condoms (in the Pope's words 'evil'), specifically, and birth control generally, leading to the spread of Aids and irresponsible, uncontrolled birth explosions in the poorer nations on earth. (This incidentally excludes India which has done a remarkable job in population control and demonstrably this has raise 0
109423 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Congratulations! FIRSTLY, I'd like to congratulate the BIC team for successfully hosting the Gulf Air Grand Prix again. I'd like to add some points for further improvement of next year's event. Firstly, since it is so hot, (the weather almost touched 42*C), I would advise the organisers to have coolers or ice boxes in every row/alternate rows. Moreover, cold water should be provided free in the stands. It shouldn't be that every time we are thirsty, we've to go down to buy water. Another option would be to have some staff selling drinks in the stands. The second problem was about the visibility of the large TV screens due to sunlight. They shouldn't have removed the screens which were placed in the corners like last year. So, hopefully, there'll be improvements next year. Once again, congratulations for making the event a success. M S 0
109424 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Don't just blame speed merchants IN response to the letter "Frustrated drivers" (GDN, April 11), when it comes to arguing about the traffic here in Bahrain, it's easy to blame speedsters, especially if you can't keep up with them. But speed doesn't kill, suddenly stopping does. Suddenly stopping can happen for a variety of reasons. Yielding to the person making a left turn from the centre lane because he didn't want to wait in queue like all the others. Receiving a very important call on the cell phone and slowing the car down to a crawl (in the middle lane) so a person can talk without having to concentrate on his driving. Yielding to the person coming off the side of the road or an unpaved "make believe" road who can't see cars in their blind spot (or because he just wasn't looking). To ease some of your traffic problems, try driving on the shoulder. This works really well during rush hour traffic, even though it just makes more considerate drivers even slower than before because they have to wait for 0
109425 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Safety reminder WITH reference to your article regarding the Falcon Trading Company/Bosch Power Tools Technical Presentation titled "Bosch power adventure" (GDN, April 5) they claimed to have had around 500 technical "students" from all government schools in attendance. Perhaps this would have been the ideal time to also educate these up and coming engineering students on the correct use of "PPE" For the benefit of senior management at Falcon Trading it stands for "Personal Protection Equipment". Shown in the picture young students were happily drilling away through concrete blocks. What's missing? To mention just a few, the following: No safety shoes, no eye protection, no safety gloves, no hearing protection, no safety helmets. A golden opportunity on basic safety definitely botched, certainly no Bosch power adventure. Godfrey A FALCON Trading Company spokesman said: "We appreciate your reader's concern on the safety of students attending our Bosch power tools 0
109426 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Bunkering chance? VESSEL bunkering is big money-earning business and an internationally recognised trade, with vast numbers of vessels transmitting the Arabian Gulf such as cargo ships, container vessels and Panamax, Afromax and VLCC tankers calling at Gulf ports, either to load or discharge their cargoes. All these vessels are in big demand for fuel oil and a large quantity of fuel oil, so their owners, the shipping companies call at the Gulf ports, if their ships are within its limit or operating close by to purchase their requirements of fuel oil from the suppliers in any particular Gulf port, because it is the cheapest and best quality in the world. Bunker price and quality is a dominating factor in the shipping industry and it affects the profit and loss margin and the freight rate. Some of the shipping companies' bunkering budget can reach up to $50 to $70 million annually. Recently some of the well-known European shipping companies have changed their flag state and port of registry to one o 0
109427 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Sponsoring parents? MY father is a retired government expat employee who has lived in Bahrain for more that 30 years and given sincere and loyal service to this beautiful kingdom. My four siblings were born and raised in Bahrain. Now after my studies I am employed in one of the leading banks of Bahrain. I would like the immigration authorities to elaborate on how I can sponsor my aged parents enabling them to stay back in Bahrain. I would also like to reassure that since they are not able to take up any employment I am willing to support them in all areas like medical treatment and other costs of living. Since all of us siblings are here in the kingdom we have nobody to look after my parents if they have to leave this island and go back to their homeland. I sincerely believe that they will consider my father's long service to the nation and that he has lived here for most of his life and would come up with a solution to enable me to keep my parents here in this beautiful and generous kingdom. < 0
109428 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Traffic jams infuriating AFTER staying for a period of almost two years in the Sultanate of Oman and also visiting the UAE frequently, it's about three months now that I have been in Bahrain. Comparatively, though Bahrain is smaller in size, it is no doubt a beautiful and clean place. However, unlike other GCC countries one crucial problem is being observed in Bahrain i.e. the traffic jams. Long queues of vehicles can be seen waiting up to even half an hour or so to pass through traffic lights. This I believe is increasing day by day. Whether the government or municipality has thought of it seriously or not, there is a need for tackling it and finding a feasible solution. This traffic congestion can be observed especially in the peak period of morning and evening hours at the traffic signal junctions. However, one simple thing definitely comes to mind to handle such problem - build flyovers all around Bahrain. Critical and congested roundabouts and traffic signal junctions can be identifi 0
109429 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Air fares rise unfair I REFER to the report 'Air fares to the sub-continent set to rise' (GDN, April 6). Even though it has been illogical that the air fares to India and other countries in the sub-continent may go up with immediate effect due to fuel increase, but why does the concerned emphasis be only on the Indian sub-continent? No other sectors will be affected due to fuel charge increase? Will they reduce the fares if the fuel charge decreases? The maximum profit generating sector of all the airlines, I believe, is Gulf sectors, and most of the airlines are reaping their profit, as there is not much competition in these sectors and no other means of travelling from Gulf. I would request the Civil Aviation Authorities to explore the 'significance of demand of the airlines' to increase the airfare before they approve any fare rise. Many low-budget airlines are entering the airline industry. If they don't earn profit, how will they survive in the market? Airlines, especially in the Gulf sectors wo 0
109430 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Better job offer dilemma I HAVE been working successfully for a company in Bahrain for nine months. Now I have a better job offer from another company in Bahrain and I wish to change. I would like to know that if my present employer does not give me a release (NOC) or does not cancel my residence permit even after my resignation and exit from the country how can I return to Bahrain immediately to join the new company? M H A General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs spokesman said: "According to current legislation, if an employer cancels the residence permit of his employee and the employee leaves Bahrain, then the employee can return to the country at any time without the need for a release letter, provided he has no criminal record. However, in the reader's case, if his present sponsor does not cancel the residence permit and the reader leaves Bahrain, he must remain outside Bahrain until the residence permit has expired. When the RP has expired, the new sponsor can ap 0
109431 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Stirring a hornet's nest over remarks ONE'S heart goes out to Donna Hall (GDN, March 27) and subsequent 'rebuttals' vilifying and pillorying her: she has indeed stirred up a hornet's nest, hasn't she with her ill-considered remarks about 'civilisation'. Those so-called rebuttals have been vicious. Ashok Kumar (GDN, April 1) goes so far as to declare that the English language is "a mongrel". Another way of looking at it would be to salute the richness, diversity and incredible complexity of this leading world language. The British are 'uncivilised' Mr Kumar? Not in my book, sir. Relatively speaking, the British as a group are the most decent and human in the world: there is no other group with whom I would rather have had dealings. Of course, Arabs, Asians and similar groups are proud of their long heritage - not without cause, All the same, I would remind these shrill folk of what M K Gandhi said once: "The greatness of a nation and its moral fibre can be gauged by the way it treats its animals". My stance is 0
109432 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Can I visit Bahrain and look for work? I AM a British lady and would like to visit Bahrain with my young daughter (she is not even a year old yet). Is it possible for me to enter Bahrain as a tourist with my baby and get the visa at the airport upon arrival? I am an unmarried single mother and would like to look for work in Bahrain as I have heard many good things about the country. Can I look for a job when I am there and have my tourist visa transferred into a working one? Would there be any problems if I bring my baby, who is six months old, to Bahrain? Ms Quincy A GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs spokesman said: "As a British passport holder, the reader can obtain a three-month visit visa on arrival at Bahrain International Airport for herself and also for her daughter. The cost of the visa is BD5 (approximately 7.20). This visa specifically states that the visitor may not take up paid employment for the duration of the visa. However, if the visitor is offered a job whilst in Ba 0
109433 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Housing plan heartening IT is very heartening to note that the government has a plan to build 48,000 housing units (GDN, April 11) for the needy. But the disturbing factor is that this construction is going to be spread over the next 20 years. Already there are about 43,000 applicants pending now and by the time this project is completed, possibly an equal number of applicants will again be waiting for allotment, even after completion of this massive project. Thus the purpose of implementing the scheme will be defeated. Instead, the government may purchase existing buildings of flats in good condition and allot them to present applicants. Presently, many buildings remain unoccupied and many multi-storied flat complexes are under construction. So availability is not a problem. Besides costwise, the existing buildings may turn out to be more economical. So the government will have the dual benefit of an immediate solution to the problem at a cheaper price. R Madhavan 0
109434 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Currency allowance? I READ the article predicting that there will be an inflation in Bahrain currency in the coming years. As the rate of the dollar has fallen down to such a low level, isn't it time that Bahrain should also think about giving an allowance to compensate for this, on the lines of other Gulf countries. As we all know that Bahraini dinars are pegged with dollars, it affects the earnings of Asian expats working in Bahrain. I hope people will think over this point, and act so that they will at least get the amount of money they came here on. Salaries should increase with time and experience and not become less. Abid 0
109435 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Well done IFS HOW long are we going to have to listen to flute and violin concerts? Let's do in Rome as the Romans do! Kudos to the Indian Fine Arts Society (IFS) who have transformed themselves to strife with big bang music. Enough with these old fashioned people sitting cross-legged and boring us with traditional Sa-Re-Ga-Ma. Well done IFS and let's have more fun and excitement to rock the crowd. Expecting more treats with a twist in the future. Sreepriya 0
109436 0 1540 LETT LETTERS A sign of respect DEAR Reem (GDN, April 12). First I would like to make it clear that I believe you should be able to wear what you want, especially when it comes to your beliefs. But with regards to your comment regarding lowering of all flags when the Pope died, please note that this was done out of respect for a man who put all his personal ambitions aside to help the world. The Pope has contributed so much to making this world a better place and he spent all his time only for good. From the amount of people from all faiths who attended his funeral and prayed for him, you can gather the amount of love and respect people had for him. But if you still cannot fathom this point, then take this into account. As the Vatican is a separate city state from Italy and as Pope, the late John Paul II was the head of this so he was also given respect as the head of a state. Sammy Dias 0
109437 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Quick response, but... I MUST applaud the traffic department for the quick response to an accident at an intersection early morning on April 11 near Maison de Cafe' at Zinj. But was there any reason to park their vehicle in the middle of the intersection, impeding the flow of the morning rush creating even more havoc? The police simply took advantage of their position and parked in the most convenient place for them. There was plenty of room to park their car so as not to cause more problems and then... while one officer was writing up the report, the other stood talking to him and making no effort to direct traffic. Good on ya boys! Keep up the good work! Randle 0
109438 0 1540 LETT LETTERS Osteopath on his way THIS is with reference to the letter from Michelle (GDN, April 11) who was looking for an osteopath doctor in Bahrain for her friend. I got the information yesterday that there's a certain osteopath doctor David coming to Bahrain to give treatment on April 16 and 17. Mitch 0
109439 0 1540 LETT LETTERS A ridiculous issue... SO it appears that the mannequin issue has reared its ridiculous head once again (GDN, April 11). The whole saga is becoming somewhat tiresome, isn't it? Does Mr 'Councillor' not see that mannequins are not the problem here; the people who are apparently aroused by them are, clearly. In the civilised world, there is a name for people like this, perverts!! I propose that when these perverts are spotted gathering around these shop windows they be arrested, named and shamed. Stop making excuses for the lewd behaviour of some of your fellow debauched gender Sir, and get a life, do us all a favour. Long live the mannequins! C Horse 0
109440 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Keralites usher in the New Year More than 900 people attended the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam's Vishu (the Malayalam New Year celebration) at its Manama premises last night. It was celebrated with a traditional display of gold, fruits, vegetables, grains and new clothes. The main highlight of the celebration was a play entitled Swapnam Kondoru Thulabharam. Actors and dancers played a host of characters in the play directed by Radhakrishnan Kodungalloor. The drama was written by Ashamon Kodungalloor and was based on a social theme about how women are treated like slaves - even in modern society. Music was composed by Radhakrishnan Chalad and light arrangements by Tony Perumanoor. 0
109441 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Arab social affairs discussed WAYS to upgrade the role of the Arab Social Affairs Ministers Council were discussed at the Social Affairs Ministry, Isa Town. Governmental organisations, research centres and education establishments gave their feedback on various proposed policies. Labour Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi said the event was in line with the council's decision at its annual meeting in December last year to develop activities and programmes. Present at the meeting were representatives from various non-governmental organisations, Bahrain University, Arabian Gulf University, the Supreme Council for Women, GCC Labour Ministers and Social Affairs Executive Office and ministry officials. Reports related to the development of the council's work were presented by Arabian Gulf University professors Dr Mariam Al Shirawi and Khalaf Ahmed. Bahrain's proposals will be presented to the council's executive committee after being drafted by the ministry. 0
109442 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Key tips for keep-fit buffs A SERIES of workshops on Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) began at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya, yesterday. NIA black belt trainer Ann Christiansen from Hamburg, Germany, is conducting the workshops, which will continue until tomorrow. Today's workshop will begin at 9am and explore the five sensations responsible for maintaining fitness. This afternoon, the workshop on NIA's Journey Through The Seven Chakras will run from 1pm to 5pm. Tomorrow, the last day of the workshop, Ms Christiansen and centre director Jane Goodwin will present a master class together from 9am to 10.30am. 0
109443 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Grand celebrations to usher in New Year for Tamils THE Indian Fine Arts Society (Ifas) celebrates the Tamil New Year tonight, in association with the Bahrain Muthamizh Manram Tamil group. Celebrations will be held from 6pm at the Indian Club in Manama and organisers expect a crowd of about 2,000 people. The programme, entitled Chithirai Muthamizh Vizha, will feature classical and folk dances, humorous skits and light music. Proceeds from the show will be used to help the families of Tamil workers who have died in Bahrain. Dr Shyamala Vinod will be performing in Bahrain for the first time, accompanied by her husband M Vinod. The couple have recently settled in Bahrain after living in Oman. Other local singers performing will be Sujatha Swaminathan, Aswathi, Asha Verma, Nisha, Sree Kutty, Siva, Venkat, Dr Ravi, Vinod, Salim, Kader and Gopi. Well-known dancers in Bahrain, such as Adhee Nair and Divya Vijayan, will present Bharatnatyam and Kuchupudi dances. Symphony Orchestra will provide mu 0
109444 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Premier congratulated Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received a cable of congratulations from Shura Council chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, Batelco chairman and National Bank of Bahrain managing director and chief executive Hassan Juma and various clubs and associations on his decoration with the Highest Parliamentary Medal by the Philippines Parliament. 0
109445 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL School meeting set A MEETING between the Philippine School Bahrain board of governors and parents will be held today at 10am at the school's A'ali premises. All parents are requested to attend the event, where the school's future plans will be discussed. 0
109446 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Message delivered Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi yesterday met Yemeni Ambassador Ali Abdulla Al Bajeeri. He presented him with a written message from his Yemeni counterpart Dr Abdul Salam Al Joufi dealing with bilateral ties. 0
109447 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Maths workshop held THE Indian School organised a workshop for middle school mathematics teachers from all schools in Bahrain at its Isa Town campus yesterday. Thirty-five teachers attended the workshop, organised by maths department head V R Palaniswamy. They were from Al Raja School, Al Noor International School, Ibn Al Hytham Islamic School, Pakistan School, Bahrain Bayan School, Naseem International School, Hawar International School, The Asian School, Al Hekma International Model School and the Indian school. The main objective of the programme was to provide a common platform to the teachers in different curriculum. 0
109448 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL 32 speakers vying for top honours... TOASTMASTERS from 22 clubs are participating in the Bahrain Toastmasters' Annual Convention (BTAC) today. It starts at 9am at the Bahrain Society of Engineers (BSE), Juffair, and features four contests: International speech, humorous speech, evaluation and table topics. Eight contestants are expected to participate in each category. "There are going to be about 350 people at the event," said event public relations co-ordinator Gita Ponnuchamy. Winners will progress to the district contest in Jordan next month and the district winner will represent the Middle East at the Toastmasters' International convention to be held in Toronto, Canada, this summer. 0
109449 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL 450 take on special Olympics challenge YOUNG athletes from eight private schools and two disabled institutions are to compete in the 10th Lions Schools Olympics today at the Muharraq Stadium. The Lions Club of Bahrain is organising the annual event, which is the country's biggest sporting event for able-bodied and disabled children. This year's Olympics has attracted more than 450 children, aged nine to 18, from The Indian School, Asian School, New Indian School, Al Noor International School, Al Mahd Day Boarding School, New Millennium School, National Institute of Open School (formerly called Al Amal Institute) and Sacred Heart School. Disabled children from the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) and Sneha, the recreational centre run by the Indian Ladies Association, are also taking part this year. The opening ceremony will be at 7.30am and the awards distribution at 4.30pm. They are to compete in the following events: 100 metres, 200m, 400m and 800m; the 4x100m relay race, long jump, shot put and 0
109450 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Ballrooms clamp MANAMA: Ballrooms in some of Bahrain's three-star hotels will be closed down from next month. This was decided at a meeting between the investors society and owners of hotels and restaurants who also agreed to hold talks on the issue with Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood. 0
109451 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Terror law proposals opposed A CALL went out yesterday for peaceful demonstrations against the proposed new terrorism law, put to parliament by the government. The call came from the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), which says the proposed law contains articles drafted in a manner that would allow authorities to misuse it to restrict freedoms. "The draft laws comprises vague articles, while others had no relation to terrorism," said the BCHR, which is currently appealing against its closure for allegedly breaching the Societies Law. Article 3 of the proposed law sets the death sentence as the maximum punishment for terrorist activity, but the definition of terrorism is vague, says the BCHR. It also gives an example of Article 10, which warns of jail or a fine for anyone using religion, a place of worship, public places or religious occasions to launch inciteful accusations or extremist ideas. Those who put up posters inciting hatred, or disrespect for divine religions, harm national un 0
109452 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Last call to name top 10 Filipinos LAST minute nominations are being welcomed by the Philippine Embassy in its search for the top 10 Filipino workers in the country. Today is the last day for submitting nomination forms for the Ten Outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers, in Bahrain 2005 awards scheme. The embassy will be open from 8am to 3pm today to accept last-minute entries. "In the last few days, we've had many Filipinos coming to the embassy and submit nomination forms," Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya told the GDN. We expect that more will come before the deadline." The search was launched by the embassy at the start of this year to honour Filipinos working in various fields. All nationalities are welcome to nominate Filipinos for the award. Bahrainis, in particular, are being encouraged to nominate who they think are the best Filipino workers in the country. Mr Maglaya urged, Bahraini families in particular , to nominate their Filipina housemaids. "The award is for both sk 0
109453 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Indoor plants 'can control air pollution' Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution, says an environmental expert. "Plants in your home or office are not only decorative, but are surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful pollutants and cleaning the air inside modern buildings," says Dr Salim Akhter. People feel safe in their home and offices, but there is hidden danger in the air, says Dr Akhter, a chemistry professor at Bahrain University's College of Science, at Isa Town. "We must not ignore a vital environmental fact that the air circulating within our homes or our work places, is very often, contaminated by industrial chemicals," says the Pakistani expert. "After all, it is an undeniable fact that we do bring industrial products not only inside our homes but also into our work places. "Most people are fully aware of the adverse effect outdoor air pollution has on our health. "However, many do not know that indoor a 0
109454 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Charity dish to raise funds for the needy ORGANISERS are hoping to raise thousands of dinars for the needy at the 10th Al Birr Annual Charity Dish, which opens at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) tomorrow. The one-day event, organised by Al Noor Charity Welfare, will be held under the patronage of Shaikha Lulwa, daughter of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. It is the biggest event on the society's calendar and raises money for worthy causes each year. Society president Shaikha Lamya bint Mohammed Al Khalifa said proceeds would support the society's charity activities in Bahrain. "We will use the money to help with activities such as building and renovating homes for the needy, providing them medical treatment and supporting orphans," she explained. This year's event will be even bigger because it is the 10th anniversary and will take up four halls at the BIEC, said Shaikha Lamya. "The amount of money raised during these events depends on the size, so we hope t 0
109455 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Brothel madam convicted again A BROTHEL madam was jailed for three months and fined BD300 after she was arrested in a police raid on her East Riffa flat. It is the second time the 40-year-old Indian woman has been convicted and she will be deported again upon completion of her sentence. She was booted out of the country last year, but told police that she managed to get back into Bahrain by obtaining a new passport in India under a different name. The woman had only been back for three months when she was arrested the second time. She denied five charges including operating a brothel and depending on the earnings of prostitution, but was convicted by the Lower Criminal Court. A 28-year-old Indian woman also arrested in the raid was acquitted on a charge of being a prostitute. However, she was sentenced to two months in prison - followed by deportation - after it was discovered she was in the country illegally because she was not working for her sponsor. The women were arrested 0
109456 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Work begins on walking circuit WORK has begun on a BD280,000 walking circuit on the Muharraq coastline. The circuit is the first phase of a new theme park being built on land between the Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Causeway and the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Causeway, linking Manama and Muharraq. It will include a modern fishing port, a maritime sports centre, a water garden, coffee shops and more. Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Joint Municipal Services Mohammed Al Shaikh said that the first phase would also include planting trees, setting up children's games and family resting areas. "If people think that Al Estiqlal Walkway, Sanad, is amazing, they should wait to see this walkway, which will be more developed and better," he said. "This is just the beginning and when the whole project is completed, it will be a place where people from all over the country can enjoy themselves." The walking circuit is expected to be finished in June. Work on t 0
109457 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Marathon bid by runners to protect environment HUNDREDS of runners, including several VIPs, are set to take part in the Third Annual Environmental Fundraising Mini-Marathon today along the Budaiya Highway. The mini-marathon, organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife in association with the Jawad Dome, hopes to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment. It is being held under the patronage of Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Part of the proceeds collected will be donated to the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF). About 100 runners have registered for the event, with about 300 more expected to register before the race begins at 8.30am today. A number of special athletes from the BDSF are also taking part in the race. The Jawad Dome in conjunction with Ecocell Batteries is sponsoring the event. "The mai 0
109458 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Cookbook offers over 70 recipes A COOKbook containing more than 70 international recipes is being launched tomorrow to help raise money for Al Noor Charity Welfare. The launch will take place at the charity's 10th Al Birr Annual Charity Dish, which is going ahead tomorrow at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Alber Cuisine is a 150-page cookbook by Bahraini chef Aysha Bahlool, which contains recipes for soups, appetisers, main courses, desserts, as well as tips and ingredients on how to make sauces, stocks and biscuit dough. Mrs Bahlool has been cooking for more than 20 years and is author of The Chef and the Innovative Chef - The Ultimate Source of Unique Recipes. She has also presented several cookery shows and judged various national cooking competitions. "Aysha is one of the famous chefs in Bahrain and she has been very supportive to our society," said society president Shaikha Lamya bint Mohammed Al Khalifa. "She established the book in a very short space of time - about o 0
109459 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Mines treaty on track A GLOBAL treaty banning landmines will be discussed by GCC Defence Ministers at a meeting to be held before the GCC Summit at the end of the year. This was revealed at a joint statement issued yesterday by the Bahrain Human Rights Society, the Protection of Armaments and Consequences Organisation, the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Human Rights Watch. The statement was issued following a workshop in Bahrain on the treaty, which was held for GCC journalists from Sunday to Wednesday. Foreign Ministry legal affairs director Dr Abdulkarim Mohammed met a delegation representing the four organisations and told them that the GCC countries were trying to develop a common approach on many issues, including the treaty. Of the six GCC states, only Qatar has signed and ratified the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on Their Destruction. "Dr Mohammed referred to the 2000 decision adopted by 0
109460 0 1540 BNEW LOCAL Fraud case adjourned THE case of a former Batelco engineer who admits stealing equipment worth more than BD100,000 from the company has been further adjourned. The 33-year-old Bahraini defendant failed to show up for the latest hearing, so the Lower Criminal Court adjourned the case until June 20. He has also already admitted swindling the company out of more than BD21,000 by doing unauthorised work for customers and pocketing the money, as reported earlier in the GDN. The defendant was caught by chance, when police searched his house in August 2001, following a burglary at a home where he had done some work, the court heard at an earlier hearing. Police found telephone sets, switchboards and wiring belonging to Batelco worth BD102,389. He also embezzled BD21,645 by charging Batelco customers to install connections and keeping the money for himself, the court heard. The engineer told police he used to keep old equipment taken out of customers' offices and homes, instead of r 0
109461 1 1540 BNEW LOCAL King in key UAE talks AL AIN: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday held talks with UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Al Rawdah Palace, in Al Ain. They reviewed distinguished and deep-rooted relations and ways of boosting them. Present were Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy UAE Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ministers and senior officials, in addition to the delegation accompanying His Majesty and ambassadors of both countries. Later, the King attended a luncheon hosted in his honour. 0
109462 2 1540 BNEW LOCAL Call to redraw poll boundaries A CALL to redraw the constituencies for next year's parliamentary and municipal elections went out from a gathering in Bahrain yesterday. It would ensure more proportionate representation, particularly in densely populated areas. Activists also called for an end to the practice of stamping voters' passports, used in the first elections in 2002. But any new election laws introduced must be in place at least six months before the polls, said delegates at a gathering organised by the Bahrain Transparency Society. It discussed proposed new election rules, based on a list of 39 recommendations by the last parliamentary elections national monitoring committee. The committee was made up of Bahrain Transparency Society and Bahrain Human Rights Society members and individuals. It recruited 250 volunteers to monitor the elections. Around 70 representatives of societies, including those which boycotted the parliamentary polls but took part in the municipal e 0
109463 3 1540 BNEW LOCAL BD50 allowance for handicapped PEOPLE with special needs will soon get a BD50 monthly allowance from the government. There are also plans for a government school just for children with special needs, said Parliament chairman Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Dhahrani. He was speaking during the opening ceremony of a one-day seminar on social responsibility towards the blind, held under his patronage. The event, at the Gulf Hotel's Awal Ballroom, was organised by the Friendship Society for the Blind's social committee. It was sponsored by GPIC and attended by society president Shaikh Ahmed bin Salman Al Khalifa, committee head Sabah Al Omran and parliament and Shura Council members. Mr Dhahrani said its aim was to shed light on the importance of having the blind become active members of society. "Societies are made up of a mixture of people with different specialities, abilities and gifts," he explained. "Successful societies are those that make use of this variety." People who have 0
109464 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Bukannan tame Kewalram Titan BUKANNAN Furniture CC defeated Kewalram Titan CC by 25 runs in the Island Cricket League's Alpha Fire Tournament. Batting first, Bukannan CC began well scoring 75 in the first seven overs before Naeem (40) was the first to go. Shahzad (58) and Mumtaz (58) then made big contributions pushing the score along to 197 for four in their allotted 20 overs. In reply, Kewalram Titan CC began well making 45 in the opening five overs when opener Joel (36) was dismissed. Despite fine efforts from Raj (66 not out) and Thomas (46 not out), Kewalram Titan CC fell short of the target when they were restricted to 172 for three. FSI CC recorded a six-wicket victory over Kims Bahrain Medical Centre CC after the latter made 148 for seven. Goher (42) and Siraj (23) were the main scorers. FSI CC reached the target in the 19th over with Rauf (62) top scoring and Amjad (24 not out) weighing in with an useful contribution. Standard Chartered Bank CC enjoyed a crushin 0
109465 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Bridge results WEEKLY bridge results: Bahrain Bridge Club: 1 Tahir Hameed & Munawar Ihsan 63.49%, 2 Mahmood Jawad & Hari Shankar 57.94%, 2 Andrew Fernandes & Akter Burak 59.94% and 4 Abdul Aziz Sidky & Dawood Nonoo 57.14%. Karnataka Social Club: 1 Akter Burak & Andrew Fernandes 56.25%, 2 Tahir Hameed & Hari Haran 55.00%, 3 Mrs Fernandes & Marian Sequeira 52.50% and 4 HK Pai & Maxi Sedqueira 51.00%. 0
109466 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Haider stars in Al Daih victory HUSSAIN Haider scored a hat-trick to help Al Daih book a berth in the second round of the 12th A'ali Credit Youth Soccer Championship following a 3-1 victory over Salmabad in a Group 'A' match at the A'ali Club grounds. Haider opened the scoring for Al Daih after 15 minutes and added his second in the 26th minute. Salmabad pulled a goal back in the 37th minute through Mohammed Hassan but Haider put the score beyond reach in the 74th minute. Al Daih are on seven points from three matches while Salmabad suffered their third consecutive defeats. In another group match, Jannosan and Barbar played out a goalless draw. Barbar took their first point from three matches and Jannosan are on one point but from two matches. Today's fixtures: Group 'D': 4pm - Abu Saiba vs Al Ekir, Group 'C': Sanad vs Karbabad (both at A'ali grounds), Group 'D': Sa'ar vs Deaf and Dumb (Sa'ar grounds). 0
109467 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Shoaib keen to bounce back LAHORE, Pakistan: Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar hopes to play a lead role on the tour of the West Indies next month after missing the current series against India due to injury. "I will regret missing the series against India for the rest of my career," Akhtar said. He pulled out of the India tour with a hamstring problem picked up on Pakistan's tour of Australia in January. "But I am fully fit now and raring to go for the West Indies tour. I want to play a lead role," added Akhtar, who has played four domestic matches in the last three weeks to prove his fitness. Pakistan drew the three-match Test series 1-1 and play India in the fifth of six one-dayers in Kanpur today, after levelling the series with a last ball win at Ahmedabad on Tuesday. 0
109468 0 1540 SPOR SPORT O'Sullivan plans to represent Australia LONDON: Ireland's former world 5,000 metres champion Sonia O'Sullivan plans to represent Australia at next year's Common-wealth Games in Melbourne. O'Sullivan, 35, who has two daughters by her Australian partner Nic Bideau, will decide which event she would like to run after Sunday's London marathon. "I'm planning to improve my visa situation in Australia," O'Sullivan told a news conference yesterday. "Currently I'm just a visitor. When I go down there I have to leave after three months." O'Sullivan, who won the 5,000 gold medal at the 1995 Gothenburg world championships followed by the world long and short course country titles in Morocco three years later, said she wanted to get permanent residency in Australia. "If I get that I will consider getting citizenship," she said. "I live a stone's throw away from the Melbourne Cricket Ground where the Games will be held." O'Sullivan, the only Irish woman to win an Olympic track medal after her 5,000 silver at 0
109469 0 1540 SPOR SPORT O'Sullivan set to defend snooker title SHEFFIELD, England: World number one Ronnie O'Sullivan begins the defence of his world title tomorrow as snooker chiefs debate whether to move the tournament away from the Crucible. The possibility of moving to a new venue was considered after World Snooker, the game's governing body, invited applications from other cities interested in staging the tournament. The Crucible has been home to the championship since 1977. Stephen Hendry, winner of a record seven world titles, has given his backing to keeping the tournament in Sheffield. "I think everyone would be sad if it wasn't at Sheffield any more. There's no doubt about it, the Crucible is synonymous with the world championship," he said. "If a move was what was needed to give the game a shot in the arm then obviously we'd be prepared to do it, but nobody would like to leave Sheffield. It's provided a lot of good memories for myself." Ken Doherty, who won the title in 1997, echoed Hendry's sentiments. Pr 0
109470 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Flower slams Streak return LONDON: Former Zimbabwe batsman Andy Flower has criticised the return to international cricket of Heath Streak, on the grounds that nothing had changed since he led a group of rebel players against the country's cricket authorities. "That Heath Streak led them into it and is now back playing is poor form. There have not been the wholesale changes they were demanding but they want to go back," Flower told the May edition of the Wisden Cricketer Magazine. Flower, whose younger brother Grant has joined him at English county Essex, added: "I don't know what the reasons are. "But you don't make a big stand then, when nothing changes, go back and say: 'Actually, I do want a contract.' Now there are half a dozen or so young white players out of a job." Streak spent nearly a year out of international cricket after being sacked as captain having alleged racial bias in selection by the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. His dismissal led to a total of 15 white players quitting the African mi 0
109471 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Argentine soccer player arrested for racist remark RIO DE JANEIRO: An Argentine footballer was arrested on the pitch for racially insulting a Brazilian opponent during a Libertadores Cup match in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, his coach and media reports said. Quilmes defender Leandro Desabato was arrested at the end of his team's 3-1 defeat by Sao Paulo over an incident involving rival striker Grafite during the first-half, media reports said. Desabato was taken to a nearby police station with club officials for questioning, Brazilian television said. Grafite also went to the station to make a statement. Desabato appeared to make a comment to Grafite who pushed his hand in Desabato's face. Grafite was sent off along with Quilmes midfielder Carlos Arano, who was involved in the incident, but no action was taken against Desabato by the referee. Quilmes left the field at the end of the game amid chaotic scenes which continued outside their dressing-room where dozens of Brazilian cameramen and photographers waited for the v 0
109472 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Okur nets 25 points as Jazz tame Spurs TORONTO: Mehmet Okur nailed 25 points to earn the Utah Jazz a 93-91 win over San Antonio yesterday, spoiling Tim Duncan's return from injury and denting his team's hopes of finishing the season with the league's best record in NBA. Twice NBA MVP Duncan, who had missed nearly a month with a badly sprained ankle, made a solid return for the Spurs, hitting for 17 points and snaring seven rounds. Okur, who scored the winning bucket with two seconds to play, also had a big night on the boards pulling in 16 rebound while Matt Harpring added 17 points. Manu Ginobili had 21 points in a losing cause for the Spurs (58-21) who lost ground to the idle Phoenix Suns (59-19) for top spot in the overall standings. In Indianapolis, Reggie Miller poured in 22 points and Stephen Jackson added 17 as the Indiana Pacers rallied past the New Jersey Nets 90-86 to clinch their eighth straight playoff berth. Reaching the postseason was a major accomplishment for the Pacers especially as th 0
109473 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Loeb set for Le Mans PARIS: World rallying champion Sebastien Loeb of France will take part in this year's Le Mans 24-Hour race, the Pescarolo Sport team confirmed yesterday. Loeb will team up with Eric Helary and Soheil Ayari in one of two Judd V10-powered cars for the June 18 and 19 motor racing classic. The team is run by former winner Henri Pescarolo. "I have no intention of switching to endurance racing but I am sure it will be nice to race at Le Mans," said Loeb, whose Citroen team are withdrawing from rally racing at the end of the year. "Contacts have been made but no decision has been taken," Loeb said when asked about his future. 0
109474 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Injured Gibernau looks to hit back LONDON: Sete Gibernau has more than just the mental scars to remind him of his clash with world champion Valentino Rossi last weekend as he prepares for Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix. The Catalan has spent the week undergoing treatment on his left shoulder, which he injured in the final-corner crash with his Italian rival at the Spanish season-opener last Sunday. Gibernau was furious with race-winner Rossi after the incident and, although he could have done with more time to recuperate, is keen to kick-start his title challenge at Estoril. "I'm feeling very highly motivated ... and the only thing I'm thinking about is recovering as well as I possibly can," said the 32-year-old Honda rider. "It's a shame there isn't (an extra) week between the races to be in better shape but I'm confident that it will have a minimal effect on our work." Gibernau does not have a great record in Portugal with fourth placed finishes in the last two seasons the only times he has 0
109475 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Gutsy French teenager sends Venus crashing CHARLESTON, South Carolina: Champion Venus Williams was unceremoniously dumped out of the Family Circle Cup last night, beaten 7-5, 6-4 by 17-year-old Tatiana Golovin of France in the third round. The fourth seed paid the price for an error-laden performance, particularly on her forehand, and Golovin moved through to the quarter-finals and a meeting with seventh seed Nadia Petrova of Russia. Venus, who had struggled past Denisa Chladkova in her opening match on Wednesday, made an inauspicious start, double-faulting three times in the first game to give 13th seed Golovin the early break. The American looked back on track when she broke back in the seventh game but Golovin, the world number 25, attacked the Venus forehand and it paid dividends. She broke again to lead 6-5. She then saved a break point on her own serve to take the opening set. The second set went with serve until the seventh game when the Williams forehand failed her again, handing Golovin the advant 0
109476 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Indian board asks Ganguly to 'sit out' of one-dayer KANPUR, India: Indian captain Saurav Ganguly has been asked not to play in today's fifth one-dayer against Pakistan by the country's cricket board despite his availability pending an appeal against a six-match ban. The 32-year-old player, under fire due to his poor batting form, was banned for six one-dayers on Tuesday by International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Chris Broad for his team's repeated slow over rate during the fourth one-dayer. India suffered a last-ball defeat in the match as Pakistan drew the series level at 2-2. Although Ganguly was free to play in Kanpur after lodging an appeal to the ICC, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yesterday asked him not to. Rahul Dravid had been named to lead the team in the last two games of the six-match series, in which Ganguly had initially not been named after the ban was announced. Ganguly was still expected to travel from his hometown Calcutta to the northern city. "Since less than 0
109477 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Federer struggles as Safin bows out MONACO: World number one Roger Federer struggled to subdue battling Chilean Fernando Gonzalez to reach the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals yesterday and take his winning streak to 25 matches this year. The top seed won 6-2, 6-7 (3-7), 6-4 in two hours and 21 minutes of topsy-turvy centre court action and will face French teenager Richard Gasquet for a place in the semi-finals. Federer, who now boasts a 35-1 winning record in 2005, is chasing a sixth title of the year and is hoping to become the first player to win three Masters in a row. But second seeded Russian Marat Safin, the only man to beat Federer this year on his way to the Australian Open title, crashed out 6-2, 6-4 to Juan Carlos Ferrero. Rafael Nadal, the 11th-seeded Spaniard whose form has electrified the tournament, brushed aside Belgium's Olivier Rochus 6-1, 6-2. Federer breezed through the first set and then would have had match point in the 12th game of the second but he agreed to replay the point after 0
109478 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Liverpool look to end Chelsea run LONDON: After beating Juventus in a style reminiscent of the great Liverpool sides of 20 years ago, Rafael Benitez's side are looking forward to taking revenge against Chelsea in an all-English Champions League semi-final. Liverpool earned a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Delle Alpi on Wednesday with an outstanding defensive display to go through 2-1 on aggregate and guarantee an English side will reach the final, in Istanbul, for the first time since 1999. Six years ago Manchester United won the cup after a superb 3-2 win at Juventus in the semi-final, and Benitez says his side believe they can become the first Liverpool side to reach the final since the ill-fated 1985 game at the Heysel stadium. "We are getting a lot of confidence from these Champions League games," Benitez said. "It will be difficult and for me Chelsea will be favourites. They are top of the table in the Premiership and we have nothing to lose." The two legs of the semi-final take place on April 0
109479 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Philpot claims Awali Gulf title DAVID Philpot (42 net, 99 gross) scored a rare victory in the Gulf Cellar Trophy at the Awali Golf Club. Philpot finished ahead of four players with the same scores - Ali Misbah (41, 67), Graham Hurdon (41, 70), Simon Brown (41, 77) and Ali Al Noaimi (41, 68). Magda, wife of Dave Roberts of the sponsors, handed out the prizes to the winners. In the W H C Brien Trophy, sponsored by Billy Brien himself, Janet McAlpine (43 net, 87 gross) took the honours with Graham Tole (41, 73) having to settle for second place with Simon Brown (40, 77) third. Brien handed out the prizes to all the winners. Results Gulf Cellar Trophy: 1 Dave Philpot (42 net, 99 gross); 2 Ali Misbah (41, 67); 3 Graham Hurdon (41, 70); 4 Simon Brown (41, 77); 5 Ali Al Noaimi (41, 68); 6 Enver Salie (40, 85); 7 Stephen White (40, 79); 8 Mike Earp (39,*). lost on countback: Khalid Al Dossary (39, 73); John Hallam (39, 82). Ladies: Nearest the pin (fourth hole): Yvonne Newall, (14th 0
109480 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Bahrain squad leave for junior India tournament BAHRAIN'S under-13 cricket team flew out to New Delhi yesterday to take part in the Cofrutos Invitational Tournament to be held in the Indian capital starting today. The tournament is organised by the Madan Lal Cricket Academy with seven teams in the fray - four teams from India and one each from the UAE, Pakistan and Bahrain. The tournament concludes on April 24. The event will be played in a single group round robin league basis and the top two teams at the end of the round robin league will qualify for the finals to be held on April 24. Each match will be of 30 overs a side and the finals will be of 35 overs a side. The Bahraini side has been trained by Bahrain Cricket Academy chief coach Mohan Kutty. The Bahrain under-15 team, meanwhile, are taking part in the Asian Cricket Council under-15 Asia Cup in Sharjah. Bahrain schedule: April 15: vs Modern B K, April 17: vs Pakistan, April 19: vs Ashok Malhotra Cricket Academy, April 20: vs Cofrutos, April 21: vs M 0
109481 1 1540 SPOR SPORT NEWCASTLE CRASH OUT LISBON: Sporting Lisbon stormed back from a goal down to beat Newcastle United 4-1 and qualify for the Uefa Cup semi-finals last night. The English club, 1-0 up from the first-leg, seemed to be cruising when England midfielder Kieron Dyer put them in front after 20 minutes. Sporting, though, hit back to equalise through striker Marius Nicolae before half-time and turned the tie around after the interval with goals by Sa Pinto (71 minutes), Beto (77) and Fabio Rochemback in stoppage time to seal a 4-2 aggregate win. The Portuguese side will play Dutch team AZ Alkmaar in the two-legged semi-finals. In other matches, Parma played out a goalless draw with Austria Vienna which left the tie balanced 1-1 on aggregate, giving them victory on the away goals rule. AZ Alkmaar, meanwhile, held firm to draw 1-1 at home with Villarreal and reach the semi-finals as both sides were reduced to 10 men. The Dutch side, who went through 3-2 on aggregate and extended their run 0
109482 2 1540 SPOR SPORT Kiwis complete Sri Lankan rout WELLINGTON: New Zealand ended a miserable 12 months of Test cricket when they comprehensively outplayed Sri Lanka to win the second Test by an innings and 38 runs inside four days here yesterday and take the series 1-0. The win was set up by the magnificent 224 from Lou Vincent which carried New Zealand to a 311-run lead on the first innings and virtually put Sri Lanka out of the game. In the chase to keep the Test alive, Tillakaratne Dilshan topscored with a valiant 73 but the resistance ended with his dismissal and the first innings deficit proved to be a big hurdle to overcome. The win ended a dismal run for New Zealand who have lost eight Tests - to South Africa, England and Australia - since March last year. "We knew we had one chance towards the end of the summer to give the summer a bit of perspective and I think we've done that," jubilant captain Stephen Fleming said. "Players like Lou Vincent, who was threatening right from the first game gave a performance like 0
109483 3 1540 SPOR SPORT Bahraini target ball team win BAHRAIN'S national target ball team for the disabled got off to a winning start in the first Islamic Solidarity Games defeating Kuwait 7-5 yesterday at the King Abdulaziz University gym in Jeddah. The Bahraini team took control of the first-half and led 4-1 with two goals each from Darraj brothers Yousef and Khalid. Kuwait came back in the second-half and scored three consecutive goals to draw level at 4-4. Bahrain regained the lead at 5-4 with a goal from Abdulaziz Abdulnabi but Kuwait hit back again with a penalty. But Yousef and Khalid, who completed a hat-trick each, were on target again to seal a Bahraini victory. Other Bahraini team members are Hameed Darraj, Hossam Al Shehabi and Fadhel Ali. Coached by Mousa Hassan and Hussain Mushaima. Bahrain will be hoping to maintain their good form today when they take on title contenders Iraq. However, the Bahrain national handball team could not match the target ball team's performance as they were held 29-2 0
109484 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Uefa award match to Milan PARIS: European football's governing body Uefa has confirmed AC Milan as winners of their abandoned quarter-final against Inter. Uefa has marked the six-times champions down for an April 26 semi-final first-eg against Dutch side PSV Eindhoven at the San Siro. The return is on May 4. Chelsea face Liverpool in an all-English semi-final first leg on April 27 at Stamford Bridge with the Anfield return on May 3. The winners meet in the May 25 Istanbul final. Milan's quarter-final second leg was abandoned 17 minutes from time with Milan leading 1-0 after Inter fans threw dozens of flares onto the pitch. 0
109485 0 1540 SPOR SPORT Alpha team win two matches in Sri Lanka ALPHA Fire Services cricket team, Bahrain, returned home after winning two of three matches during a recent week-long tour to Sri Lanka. The team managed by Frank Ryde was captained by Bahraini Omran Ghani while Akmal Malik was the vice-captain. The team played the opening match against Katubaddu Sports Club at the R Premadas International Stadium in Colombo which they lost by three wickets. In the second match at the Tyronne Fernando International Stadium in Moratuwa, the team defeated Moratuwa United Cricket Club by six wickets and defeated the same opponents at the same venue by 38 runs in the final match. The team members are planning to play a series of matches in September against the Malaysian National 'A' team in Kuala Lumpur. Brief scores: Alpha Fire 100 all out (A Malik 25, R Kelly 20, S Perera 20, O Ghani 15, F Ryde 10no) lost to Katubaddu SC 102 for 7 (K Jayawickrama 2-16, G Parera 2-20, A Malik 2-25) by three wickets. Moratuwa United 0
109486 0 1540 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Dinner in honour of the World Malayalee Council's US-based global chairman Andrew Pappachan, Taj Palace Hotel, Gudaibiya, 7.30pm. Contact Manzoor P Moideen on 39605709. Malibu beach party, Novotel Al Dana Resort, 2pm-8pm. Tickets BD6 per person. All are welcome. Performance by DJ Martin Solveig, Likwid, City Centre Hotel, 11pm. DJ Karim Miknas kicks off at 10pm. Tickets BD5 at the door and BD3 for ladies and ID holders. Contact Arun 36766627. Tamil New Year celebration by the Indian Fine Arts Society, Indian Club, 6pm. Entrance is 500 fils per person. Children below 12 enter for free. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's People Trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunse 0
109487 0 1540 WORL WORLD Breakthrough on Kashmir 'unlikely' NEW DELHI: India does not expect talks with Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf this weekend to produce a dramatic breakthrough nor will the visit scuttle a peace process, a top Indian official said. National Security Adviser M K Narayanan said India was not sure what Musharraf was looking to achieve during talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh because he had not made any clear proposals to resolve a long-running territorial row over Kashmir. Musharraf is due to visit New Delhi to attend an India-Pakistan cricket match on April 17 and also meet Singh to boost a cautious peace process between the nuclear-armed neighbours. "Expect neither a dramatic breakthrough nor a breakdown," Narayanan said. "On the table, Pakistan has produced very few proposals on Kashmir. We remain unsure what the General ... wants," he said. But Indian Foreign Minister Natwar Singh said Pakistan should not expect a deadline to resolve the dispute. "It would not be prudent to imp 0
109488 0 1540 WORL WORLD Cardinals split over candidate VATICAN CITY: A German cardinal seen as a front-runner to be the next Pope has run into opposition from his fellow prelates, leaving them split yesterday, just four days before a conclave to elect the successor to Pope John Paul II. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger - nicknamed "God's Rottweiler" during his long tenure as the guardian of Catholic doctrine - is a polarising influence on the pre-conclave negotiations, according to Italian media reports. Opposition to the former head of the powerful Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is centering around the scholarly Carlo Maria Martini, a former archbishop of Milan. Experienced Vatican watchers agree they can garner between 40 and 50 votes each, short of the 77 needed for the requisite two-thirds majority. Many of the 115 cardinals who will go into the secret conclave on Monday are undecided, however. Any deadlock could see an unknown compromise candidate emerge, as happened when Krakow archbishop Karol Wojt 0
109489 0 1540 WORL WORLD Reid denies hospitals spreading superbugs LONDON: Health Secretary John Reid denied claims that government health targets are helping spread drug-resistant superbugs in British hospitals, as the issue rose steadily up the pre-election agenda. "Those who say it's about government targets are the same as those who say it's all about dirty hospitals," he said. "It isn't about dirty hospitals. In some of our clean hospitals ... there is still a spread of MRSA." Dealing with the spread of MRSA, which killed nearly 1,000 people in England in 2003, has become a top political issue in the run-up to Britain's May 5 general election. Last week Michael Howard, leader of the opposition Conservative party, said Tony Blair's Labour government had failed to get a grip on MRSA, adding that NHS patients "are dying because of Mr Blair's targets." Reid said there was no correlation between hospitals which were hitting targets by treating high numbers of patients and the level of infections from MRSA. Reid was spe 0
109490 0 1540 WORL WORLD 'I was forced to praise Jackson' SANTA MARIA: The mother of Michael Jackson's child sex accuser claimed yesterday she agreed to allow the star's aides to whisk her family to Brazil for fear her loved ones would be killed if she refused. The woman, who gave a tearful but disjointed performance on the witness stand on Wednesday when she told of an alleged plot by the faded "King of Pop" to kidnap her and her three children, said a Jackson bodyguard warned that her parents and boyfriend would be murdered if she did not co-operate. Jackson, 46, is on trial for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old cancer survivor, plying him with alcohol and conspiring to hold his family against their will at his Neverland Ranch and a Los Angeles area hotel two years ago. Prosecutors claim the panicked singer and his aides isolated the family and plotted to whisk them to Brazil after the airing of a television documentary in which he held his future accuser's hand and admitted that children shared his bed. They never made the trip. 0
109491 0 1540 WORL WORLD UN slams Israeli methods GENEVA: The UN Commission on Human Rights yesterday condemned Israel's use of force against Palestinian civilians and called on the Jewish state to stop building settlements in the occupied territories. The 53-member state body, at its annual session, adopted three resolutions on Israel presented by Arab countries. The US, Israel's main ally, and Australia were alone in voting against both the resolution on settlements and one on the occupied Syrian Golan Heights. Britain, Canada, Germany and Italy were among those joining the US in voting against a text condemning Israel for use of force, including executions, and "continued systematic violations" in the West Bank and Gaza Strip occupied since 1967. Israel, which has no vote at the six-week forum, rejected the resolutions as "one-sided". 0
109492 0 1540 WORL WORLD Minister warns of unrest BEIRUT: The caretaker interior minister warned yesterday that a delay in parliamentary elections could lead to unrest, as the search for a new prime minister began with time running short to form a government and arrange a vote. The comments by Suleiman Franjieh, whose ministry organises the vote, came a day after the opposition threatened to resort to street protests to force the government to call an election. The opposition is confident of winning the vote and ending Syria's longtime domination of parliament. The chances of holding a vote were further thrown into doubt on Wednesday when pro-Syrian politician Omar Karami stepped down as prime minister-designate, saying he was unable to form a new Cabinet after nearly seven weeks of trying. "I don't know whether we'll be heading toward defusing the situation. Things may become more complicated and it might lead to protests," Franjieh warned. Elections are supposed to be held by May 31, when parliament's term runs out - but a go 0
109493 0 1540 WORL WORLD Teenagers admit killing grandparents FAYETTEVILLE, Georgia: A 15-year-old girl and her ex-girlfriend pleaded guilty yesterday to stabbing her grandparents to death last summer so the young couple could be together. Holly Harvey told the judge that while she was knifing her 73-year-old grandmother, "my eyes were closed the whole time." Harvey pleaded guilty to two counts of malice murder and was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences. She will not be eligible for parole for 20 years. Sandy Ketchum, 16, was sentenced to three life terms, to be served concurrently. Sarah Collier and her husband, Carl Collier, 74, were each stabbed numerous times on August 2 inside the couple's house in northern Fayette County, outside Atlanta. As part of her plea, Harvey detailed how she killed the couple. She said she and Ketchum had stayed out all night, then spent the morning of the killings listening to music in her basement bedroom. That was when Ketchum suggested stealing the grandparents' truck "to get som 0
109494 0 1540 WORL WORLD 27 militants held in raid BAQUBA: Iraqi forces seized 27 Islamic militants in Baquba, 60km north of Baghdad, yesterday along with weapons and leaflets linked to the Al Qaeda network, the army said. "Sixteen of the arrested, including two Egyptians, are wanted by authorities for crimes they are believed to have been committed," said Colonel Ismael Ibrahim. "Large quantities of weapons were seized ... and leaflets of the Jordanian Islamist Abu Musab Al Zarqawi urging militants to carry out attacks against US and Iraq forces were found too." The defence ministry said it had also arrested 49 suspects in raids launched on Wednesday around the northern city of Mosul, a hotbed of rebel activity. The US government, meanwhile, raced to find hostage Jeffrey Ake, who was shown pleading for his life in a video aired on Al Jazeera satellite channel television the previous day. "We remain actively engaged", in trying to find Ake, a US official in Baghdad said. "We are committed to doing everythin 0
109495 0 1540 WORL WORLD Charles-Camilla open park LONDON: Prince Charles and his bride Camilla, the new Duchess of Cornwall, made their first official public appearance as a married couple yesterday, taking time out from their honeymoon to inaugurate a play park in Scotland. Several hundred locals in Ballater, Aberdeenshire in northern Scotland, turned out to cheer the royals, who were married on Saturday in Windsor, outside London. The duke and duchess of Rothesay - their official titles in Scotland - were also treated to a bagpipe performance and a tour of the new site at Monaltrie Park. The British heir to the throne, wearing traditional Highland dress, watched as Camilla, in a crimson coat with tartan trim, performed her first official duty as a royal, cutting a tartan ribbon with gold-plated scissors to officially open the park. The couple, who have known each other for nearly 35 years, were married last weekend in a civil ceremony in Windsor town, followed by a religious blessing at Windsor Castle, the weekend resi 0
109496 0 1540 WORL WORLD Singer admits drink driving RICHMOND, Virginia: Michael Eugene Archer, better known as R&B singer D'Angelo, has pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of alcohol after a January traffic stop. Archer, 31, a Virginia native, waived his preliminary hearing on a third charge of possession of cocaine, a felony. A district court judge certified that charge to a circuit court grand jury. The inger was fined $250 (BD94) and given a 90-day suspended jail term on the DUI conviction. Archer's driver's licence was suspended for a year. On the marijuana charge, Archer was fined $50 and given a 10-day suspended jail term. In an unusual legal maneuver, authorities said Archer appealed both the marijuana and DUI convictions to the circuit court. Archer was pulled over in Richmond, where he was charged with driving under the influence. 0
109497 0 1540 WORL WORLD Monaco prepares for final farewell to Rainier MONACO: Final touches were being put in place last night for the funeral of Monaco's long-time ruler Prince Rainier III who will be laid to rest beside his wife Grace after a ceremony today attended by royalty and political leaders from around the world. French President Jacques Chirac, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Britain's Prince Andrew are among the dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony in Monaco's 19th century cathedral, which stands in the old quarter high above the Mediterranean Sea. As the principality's 32,000 inhabitants prepared to bid farewell to their ruler of 55 years, police sealed off the 200 metre-route down which the prince's coffin will be carried from a private chapel in the royal palace. Wreaths of flowers covered the steps to the cathedral, and workmen rushed to install carpets and cables for live television coverage. A descendant of the 700 year-old Grimaldi dynasty, Rainier, 81, took power in 1949 and was Europe's longest-ruling monarch when 0
109498 0 1540 WORL WORLD Oil-for-food fraud trio charged in US court NEW YORK: Three people, including a Texas businessman, were charged yesterday with scheming to pay millions of dollars in secret kickbacks to Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime as part of the UN oil-for-food programme. The Texan, David Chalmers, and Ludmil Dionissiev, a Bulgarian citizen, were arrested in Texas, US Attorney David Kelley said. Extradition was being sought of the third defendant, British oil trader John Irving. Chalmers is the fist US citizen to be charged in connection with the scandal-tainted programme. According to the indictment, Chalmers and his two associates played a "pivotal role" in fixing the price of oil that was traded under the programme and "facilitated payment of illegal surcharges" on the oil to the former Saddam regime. "These secret payments were illegal kickbacks ... to front companies and bank accounts designated and controlled by the Iraqi regime," Kelley said. "The defendants were essentially diverting funds that otherwise w 0
109499 0 1540 WORL WORLD Court spares 'infanticide' claim doctor LONDON: Britain's High Court yesterday upheld a decision allowing an eminent doctor to keep his job despite wrongly accusing a father of infanticide. Professor David Southall accused Stephen Clark of killing his two babies after watching a television interview with Clark following his wife's 1999 conviction for the murders. Southall's claims appeared in evidence at a family court charged with deciding who should look after a third Clark child. A High Court judge said the medical profession's regulator the General Medical Council (GMC)was right to keep the paediatrician on the medical register, under strict conditions. "I do not think that to impose conditions on Professor Southall's registration was unduly lenient," Justice Collins told the court. "Erasure was not required." The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence - which oversees the nation's medical bodies - had referred the decision to the High Court because it felt Southall should have b 0
109500 0 1540 WORL WORLD Twin bombings leave 18 dead BAGHDAD: Twin suicide car bombings yesterday killed at least 18 people in an attack on a police convoy in Baghdad. The group of Al Qaeda's Iraq frontman Abu Musab Al Zarqawi said it carried out the attacks. An interior ministry official warned that the death toll may rise as some people were blown to pieces by the mid-morning blasts which sent two huge plumes of black smoke curling above the city. Later, a suicide bomber killed four policemen and wounded six civilians in a marketplace in Mahawil, 80km south of Baghdad, police and medical sources said. 0
109501 0 1540 WORL WORLD Iran hangs serial robber TEHRAN: Iran yesterday publicly hanged a serial bank robber who killed a policeman during a clash with security forces, the afternoon daily Kayhan reported. Ghobad Siah-Mansour was found guilty of several armed bank robberies in the central city of Isfahan and was hanged in the neighbouring town of Najaf-Abad. 0
109502 0 1540 WORL WORLD Zimbabwe acquits UK journalists NORTON, Zimbabwe: A Zimbabwe court yesterday acquitted two British journalists of reporting on the country's March 31 parliamentary polls without permission but said they should still face charges of overstaying their visas. Magistrate Never Diza said state prosecutors had failed to prove that Toby Harnden, chief foreign correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph, and photographer colleague Julian Simmonds were working in the country illegally. "All in all, the state failed to provide sufficient evidence to show the accused persons have a case to answer," Diza said. "I find both of them not guilty and acquitted." Diza said the pair, who were arrested in Norton near Harare as Zimbabwe held the polls, should still face trial on lesser charges that they overstayed their visas in the country. If found guilty on these charges, they could expect a fine. Harnden and Simmonds had originally been charged with violating Zimbabwe's strict media laws, which require any foreign 0
109503 0 1540 WORL WORLD Kilroy-Silk launches campaign LONDON: Former chat-show host Robert Kilroy-Silk stepped back into the political spotlight with an attack on immigration as he launched his Veritas party's manifesto for the British election. The Eurosceptic politician, who founded Veritas in February after quitting the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP), also put crime and taxes at the heart of his party's platform for the May 5 election. "You can't tell me a single town in this country that has voted for multi-culturalism," said Kilroy-Silk, who stepped down from his BBC chat show over anti-Arab remarks that sparked outrage. "You cannot cite to me a single city in this land that has asked for more immigration ... It is something that has been imposed on them by the liberal fascists in London. It's not what people want," he added. While the opposition Conservatives have helped push asylum and immigration high up the election agenda, most polls point to a clear win for Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour party. 0
109504 0 1540 WORL WORLD 16 arrested in cash swindle BOMBAY: Indian police have arrested 16 people in an investigation into the fraudulent transfer of more than $400,000 (BD151,200) from Citibank customer accounts in the US to bogus accounts in India, officials said last night. Investiga-tors said employees of a business process outsourcing company, MphasiS, persuaded Citibank customers to disclose information that would make their accounts accessible. The money was transferred to accounts opened by the accused in Pune. MphasiS said three of its former employees were involved. 0
109505 0 1540 WORL WORLD Musharraf 'ready for talks with Bhutto' RAWALPINDI: Pakistani military ruler President Pervez Musharraf said yesterday he would be willing to meet opposition leader-in-exile Benazir Bhutto to advance rapprochement with liberal forces, but not yet. He said Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party was not helping reconciliation by planning rallies tomorrow to welcome back her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, from a visit to her in exile in Dubai. "Moderate forces need to unite to suppress the extremist forces," Musharraf said in an interview. "This is what I think is extremely important from a national perspective." Musharraf, the target of at least three assassination attempts in the past three years, also said he believed the dangers to him had decreased. But he said he still had sleepless nights about the threat posed to Pakistan by religious militants. 0
109506 0 1540 WORL WORLD 80 charged with burying children NEW DELHI: Indian police have charged 80 people with burying children alive in an ancient Hindu ceremony known as "the festival of pits". The ceremony, in which children - some less than a year old - are buried alive briefly and then dug up, happened on Monday in southern Tamil Nadu state, a news report said yesterday. Authorities have been trying for years to stop it and people found guilty face up to three years in jail and or a fine of 5,000 rupees (BD43). Every two years, parents who have vowed to bury their first-born if they are blessed with a child, take part in the Kuzhimattru Thiru Vizha ceremony. The children are drugged to make them unconscious and placed in shallow "graves" in temple courtyards. The pits are covered with leaves and dirt and the children are pulled out after Hindu priests chant a brief prayer - lasting up to a minute. 0
109507 0 1540 WORL WORLD Cairo blast suspects arrested CAIRO: Egyptian police said they detained three people outside Cairo yesterday in connection with a bomb attack last week in a popular Cairo bazaar. Egyptian police now have nine people in custody in connection with the attack, which killed three tourists and the bomber. The bomber has been identified as Hassan Rafaat Ahmed Bishindi, an engineering student born in 1987 who had recently begun to take an interest in Islamist militant ideas. 0
109508 0 1540 WORL WORLD 10 Kurdish rebels killed in Turkey DIYARBAKIR, Turkey: Turkish troops killed at least 10 Kurdish rebels in a clash in southeast Turkey and three soldiers died in the fighting yesterday, military sources said. Some media reports said as many as 21 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) guerillas died in the firefight, which took place in the Besta area bordering Sirnak and Siirt provinces. The military launched an operation backed by helicopters in pursuit of the militants. 0
109509 1 1540 WORL WORLD BRITAIN PLANS IRAQ PULLOUT LONDON: Britain might start pulling its troops out of Iraq next year, Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said yesterday. A timeframe for the withdrawal may be drawn up towards the end of this year. His comments come amid fierce campaigning ahead of the May 5 general election, with polls predicting Prime Minister Tony Blair's governing Labour Party will lose some of its dominant majority in parliament due in part to its unpopular Iraq policy. "The period of progressive rundown in forces is much more likely to happen next year and not this year," Straw told the Financial Times newspaper. He warned, however, that there would be no reduction in Britain's 7,500-strong military force - the largest foreign contingent in Iraq after the US - before the end of the year, when a UN mandate authorising their presence is due to expire. Any decision on pulling out troops would be taken in consultation with Washington and other coalition partners, Straw said. Britain has said i 0
109510 2 1540 WORL WORLD Abbas raps Israel NABLUS, West Bank: Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement after undercover troops yesterday shot dead a militant during an arrest operation in the northern West Bank. As the death of the Al Aqsa Brigades fighter threatened to undermine efforts to draw a line under the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Abbas also ordered a reorganisation of his sprawling security services designed to end the lawlessness on the streets of the Palestinian territories. Fellow members of the Brigades vowed to avenge Ibrahim Smeri's death after he was killed in the Balata refugee camp on the outskirts of Nablus. Israeli sources said Smeri, the first Palestinian to be killed by troops in the West Bank in more than a month, had been planning a shooting attack in Jerusalem and responded to an attempt to arrest him by opening fire at the soldiers. The soldiers returned fire, wounding the 23-year-old who died shortly afterwards despite receiving treatment at an 0
109511 3 1540 WORL WORLD Labour MPs face Muslim backlash LONDON: Britain's Muslim vote and the backlash against the war in Iraq threaten to topple a clutch of Labour Party members in the parliament, including the foreign secretary, in the national election on May 5. Muslims represent just three per cent of Britain's population, but their concentration gives them greater political muscle - and they have flexed it to overturn Labour majorities in two by-elections since the start of the US-led war in Iraq. Analysts are watching how many Muslims will desert Prime Minister Tony Blair. It is led by former Labour representative in the parliament George Galloway, who was expelled from the party after he urged British soldiers not to fight in Iraq. "For me, it is a protest vote, saying 'No' to Labour," said Abdullah Shaheen, 27, who intends to vote for Galloway in Bethnal Green and Bow, in east London. "We want someone to stand up for our interests," Shaheen, a Briton of Bangladeshi ancestry, said. Liberal Democrats, 0
109512 0 1541 BUSI BUSINESS Infosys woes drag down index BOMBAY: India's key share index fell to a near-three-month low yesterday, with tech sector shares leading the slide after bellwether Infosys Technologies forecast weaker-than-expected growth. Drug makers were also down after Dr Reddy's Laboratories lost its case to make a generic version of Eli Lilly and Co's schizophrenia drug Zyprexa in a US court. The 30-share Bombay index fell 3.39 per cent to close at 6,248.34 points, its lowest level since January 27. It shaved off 219.58 points - the biggest single day points loss since May 28, 2004. It has now lost 5.3pc since the end of December and is over 10pc off the all-time high of 6,954.86 hit on March 9. Losers outnumbered gainers 1,664 to 410 in volumes of 142 million shares yesterday. The broader National index fell 3.41pc to 1,956.30 points. "The market was looking to Infosys' results to give guidance to the market, at least for the short term. Infosys' guidance was muted," said Jayesh Shroff, fund 0
109513 0 1541 BUSI BUSINESS European stocks lose ground LONDON: Pan-European share indexes closed down more than one per cent yesterday after weak results from global tech giants and soft US economic data raised concerns before next week's busy company reporting schedule. Ericsson led a battered European technology sector down after its joint venture unit with Japan's Sony came up short with its quarterly earnings. IBM, Samsung Electronics and Sun Microsystems also disappointed investors, weighing on stock markets from Asia to the United States. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of pan-European blue chips closed 1.5pc lower at 1,083.8 points. The narrower DJ Euro Stoxx 50 index shed 2pc to 3,013.9 points and ended lower on the week for the first time in four weeks. Around Europe, London's FTSE 100 closed 1.1pc lower, Paris's CAC-40 ended down 1.9pc and Frankfurt's DAX closed 2.1pc weaker. In Zurich, the SMI eased 0.2pc. Europe's first-quarter results season kicks off in earnest next week, and signs are that high commodity pri 0
109514 0 1541 BUSI BUSINESS India plans to import Qatar crude NEW DELHI: India plans to buy up to 1 million tonnes a year of crude from Qatar for a state refiner and wants higher imports of liquefied natural gas to boost ties with the Opec producer, India's petroleum minister said yesterday. Mani Shankar Aiyar said crude oil would be imported by the Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL), a subsidiary of state-run exploration firm Oil and Natural Gas Corporation. "We have agreed in principle that MRPL will pick up 0.5-1 million tonnes of Qatari crude. Commercial negotiations are to be initiated," Aiyar said on the sidelines of a news conference but did not give more details. "It's too early in the day to say what the (final) quantity is, what the quality is, what the time frame is, but in principle some crude as available from Qatar will be picked up for the MRPL refinery," he said, adding that the private sector was already buying crude from Qatar. 0
109515 0 1541 BUSI BUSINESS Lamy favourite for WTO chief GENEVA: Former European Union trade chief Pascal Lamy is the candidate most likely to attract consensus as the new director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), a key mediator said yesterday. Jaya Krishna Cuttaree from Mauritius had the second-highest level of support, while Uruguay's Carlos Perez del Castillo was third, said Amina C Mohamed, Kenya's ambassador to the WTO. "We indicated that the candidate with the highest level of support was Pascal Lamy," Mohamed said Brazil yesterday withdrew its candidate to lead the WTO, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said. All three leading candidates have broad backing from members, although a small number expressed concerns about Lamy's ability to lead the organisation, Mohamed told an informal meeting of trade negotiators, without specifying details. 0
109516 1 1541 BUSI BUSINESS Investment push 'vital for small and medium firms' MANAMA: More investment is needed in small and medium retail companies from both the government and private sectors, according to a local entrepreneur. He says this will help them develop brands and franchises that are appealing on the international level. "In the Middle East we still have a deficiency in producing local branding," said CTM Event Management general manager Saeed Omar. "It is very difficult for locals to come up with brands that can be international. "Businessmen are always selling readymade brands and franchises instead of making their own. "Bahrain could export their brands and franchises at least to the GCC. "You need to have a global mentality to think global and not just local. "This is one of the difficulties this market is still facing. It's good to have brands, but what about your own?" Mr Omar said money invested in small and medium businesses by the private and government sectors should be spent on infrastructur 0
109517 3 1541 BUSI BUSINESS End of road for Rover as 5,000 jobs slashed LONDON: Bankrupt British automaker MG Rover faced the end of the road yesterday as administrators moved to axe more than 80 per cent of its 6,100 workers after a failed tie-up with a proposed Chinese partner. Administrators said they were exploring the sale of the group's assets. The demise of Britain's last volume independent automaker provides a headache for Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose Labour government is hoping to win a third successive general election next month on a ticket extolling his party's management of the economy. Blair swiftly announced a 150 million ($283.8m) support package for workers and suppliers hit by MG Rover's collapse. Around 18,000 suppliers jobs are said to be affected. Administrators tasked with running the century-old carmaker since it began bankruptcy procedures a week ago announced the thousands of job losses after revealing that Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC) wished to play no further part in a rescue deal to save t 0
109518 0 1541 COMM COMMENTA Palestinian prison-state? IN PEACE-making, as in law, business, and other areas of life, the devil is in the details. The crux of the conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians is not over a Palestinian state. The ''quartet" of the Middle East road map - Europe, Russia, the United Nations, and the United States - all agree that a Palestinian state must emerge. Even Ariel Sharon himself, the father of the settlements and a fervent proponent of the Greater Land of Israel ideology, has come to understand the need for a Palestinian state in order to relieve Israel of the four million Palestinians living in the occupied territories. No, the problem is not a Palestinian state, but a viable Palestinian state. Viability, a term found in the road map, is not a secondary issue. After almost four decades of deliberate Israeli de-development of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, the Palestinians are left today with scorched earth. No functioning economy (the Palestinians, 70 per cent of whom live on less than $ 0
109519 0 1541 COMM COMMENTVillage a refuge for young victims of Israeli brutality There are some people US President George Bush and British Premier Tony Blair should meet. They are the children of The Save Our Souls Children's Village in Bethlehem, left destitute and orphaned by Israel's brutal campaign against the Palestinian people. These children might like to tell Bush, Blair and anyone else who supports Israel what it is like to go to bed in fear every night, to see your home destroyed or your mother, father, brother or sister cut down by Israeli bullets. They might like to explain how they wet their beds when the nightmares come and they might like to ask these two leaders how they can sleep at night, as the sponsors of a regime that murders children just for being Palestinian. These are the victims that Israel targets while the world looks the other way, for if it can kill, maim or emotionally destroy the Palestinian nation's children, then it will have won. But in the middle of all this is a charity-run village where volunteers, includ 0
109522 0 1541 LETT LETTERS Plastic is one of our deadliest pollutants THUMBS up to the public commission for marine resources, environment and wildlife for waking up from the cat-nap and getting all set to save Bahrain. I always wonder why a small country like Bahrain never struggled to get out of the suffocating blanket of 'plastic', the deadly pollutant. We here live a ready-made life packed and wrapped in plastic. Plastic debris cannot be completely recycled or decomposed because it is non-biodegradable. Plastic containers can leach harmful chemicals into bottled water and contaminate food products. These may interfere with hormones that control and regulate growth, health and behaviour in wildlife and humans leading to birth defects, problems of sexual development, breast cancer and mental problems like attention deficit disorder, reduced IQ and violent behaviour. By discarding plastic thoughtlessly eg: Fishing gear and packaging, we are causing the death of millions of mammals, birds, reptiles and marine wildlife. Imparting strong and strict l 0
109523 0 1541 LETT LETTERS No reply from school CAN someone please tell me if there is a Parent Teacher Association in place at Al Noor International School, and if so how would I contact them? I have tried to get this information from the school directly but have not received a reply. L E AL Noor School principal Hassan Al Mehri said "I am delighted to give the parent the necessary information regarding PTA. Kindly advise the parent concerned to get in touch with me on Tel: 17 736773." 0
109524 0 1541 LETT LETTERS Film trailers worry I WOULD like to know why Bahrain cinemas do not revise their trailer lists before showing them? I have been to the movies when the main feature is a family film but the trailers not suitable for young viewers. To show horror trailers when the main attraction is a kids movie is appalling and unacceptable. I went on Friday April 8 with my kids to Saar to watch The Pacifier. Before the film started there were several trailers. As a mother I did not approve of most but I will not accept horror movie trailers such as The Key11. I had to distract my youngsters till it finished. This is not fair. We are there to enjoy ourselves not waiting to see what comes up next. This is not the first time. I have even gone 10 minutes late to avoid the trailers. All I ask is to make sure they are suited to the main feature. A concerned mother BAHRAIN Cinema Company general manager Ahmed Rashid said: "Although Pacifier falls under the censorship category of PG13 which is a cau 0
109525 0 1541 LETT LETTERS A poor suggestion! "AIRPORT tax relief for poor rejected!!!! "And correctly so. My esteemed fellow citizen Mr F Fulad, as a member of our parliament it is your duty to improve the lives of every Bahraini especially the needy. However do you think a needy Bahraini earning a small salary will really be concerned with having his airport tax waived??? Businessmen who travel frequently might have a case - other more fortunate families who travel frequently again might have a case. But needy families!!! I do not think, (and I think the majority would agree here), that waiving the three dinar airport tax would be of benefit to needy families - they do not travel abroad frequently and if they did they would more likely use the causeway. If there is anything you could do, then it is to ensure they all have the following - education, health care, housing, jobs - then maybe one day when you have found a proposal to do all that we can switch our attention to the ground breaking very important s 0
109526 0 1541 LETT LETTERS Confusing cause and effect "THESE mannequins are affecting the way our children are being raised said Mr Karimi" (GDN April 11). This gentleman seems to be confusing cause and effect. Surely it is the way our children are being raised which is causing them to react in such an inappropriate manner to the sight of a shop window dummy. Doesn't he realise that it is totally unnatural for anyone to become sexually aroused by the sight of a plastic mannequin, no matter how it is dressed? Why doesn't this poor man concentrate his efforts on protesting about things which really matter, such as the destruction of Bahrain's natural heritage and reputation for tolerance; illegal reclamation of Tubli Bay (more land on which to build blocks of flats = more money for the landlords), groves of palm tree being left to die (more land on which to build blocks of flats = more money for the landlords), the disappearance of the Saar desert (more land on which to build blocks of flats = more money for the landlords), daily emissions o 0
109527 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL East meets West at fashion expo AROUND 170 ethnic dresses, tops, kaftans and other items will go on display at a two-day clothing exhibition being held this week. The East meets West Hazah collection by Bahraini Hebah Al Hasan features summer clothing made from various materials including silk, cotton, hand-embroidered chiffon and lace. The Bahraini fashion designer, who also has a background in international relations and interior design, has been working on this collection for the last five months. Each of the designs is unique and sizes range from extra small to extra-large. What is striking about this collection is the intricate detail that has gone into each outfit. Some of the most impressive pieces are the tops which have hundreds of individual butterflies sewn onto them. "My personality is very East meets West. I hold a lot on to our traditions, but I am also very Western," said Ms Al Hasan. "In the summer I might go to London and see if I can display some of my fashion 0
109528 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL School board and parents agree fee rise A 10 PER CENT increase in tuition fees at all levels at the Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) was agreed in a meeting yesterday between the school's board of governors and parents. The agreement came two weeks after the first consultation meeting held at the school, where plans to increase tuition fees were announced. This is the first time that fees are to be increased since the school opened in 1995. The board said there was a need to increase fees after the school experienced operating losses amounting to about BD17,000 in the last two academic years. Several parents, who were given the opportunity to voice their opinion to the board, attended yesterday's meeting. The school, established in 1995, has grown steadily over the years in its first premises at Kanoo Gardens in Salmaniya. At the meeting yesterday, parents were presented with a slide show highlighting the difference between the old school premises and the new building situated in the 2.6-hectare property in A'ali, wher 0
109529 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Trader in hot water over fake tea A BAHRAINI businessman was fined BD20 after he was caught selling counterfeit tea bags from his shop in the Central Market. His was one of 12 shops that were selling fake Lipton Yellow Label Tea in Manama, according to the official distributor. Inspectors from the Industry and Commerce Ministry raided his grocery store after receiving a complaint from brand owner Unilever. They seized two cartons of counterfeit tea bags and 15 individual packets of Lipton Yellow Label Tea. The raid followed a tip-off by the Bahrain Technical and Trading Company, which is the official distributor of Lipton tea in Bahrain. The shop owner failed to show up in the Lower Criminal Court to hear the verdict. He was fined for violating the Trademark Law. The court also ordered that all counterfeit tea in his possession should be confiscated. 0
109530 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters take the stage THIRTY-TWO toastmasters from 22 clubs competed yesterday in the Bahrain Toastmasters Annual Convention at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. The contest featured four categories: international speech, humorous speech, evaluation and table topics. Eight contestants took part each category. Winners have progressed to the district contest in Jordan next month and the district winner will represent the Middle East at the Toastmasters International convention to be held in Toronto, Canada, this summer. Names of yesterday's winners will be published in tomorrow's GDN. 0
109531 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Jenny lets her hair down... MEET Jenny Walters, a current member of TrimDown Slimming Club who is now half way to reaching her target weight. Jenny has lost 11kg and gone from a dress size 16/18 to a 12/14. But she also wanted to update her look and feel good while she continues her weight loss. So off we went for a hair and make-up make-over, to give Jenny a well-deserved boost. Feeling good about herself will help Jenny keep going while she continues losing weight. Hair Jenny was very flexible with her hair and the only stipulation was that she didn't want it too short, because "it makes me look like Friar Tuck". We were in great hands with stylist Louise Bowater, who took the time to talk to Jenny about her lifestyle and how much time she spends on her hair. The main aim was to update Jenny's bob-style haircut, but still keep it manageable. Jenny is an extremely youthful looking 54-year-old and was happy to go with Louise's suggestion of layering the back with feathered 0
109532 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL UK expert to provide vital tips on pregnancy A FREE antenatal programme is once again being offered by the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB). Activities include antenatal classes, lactation support, exercise and relaxation classes for pregnant mothers and early pregnancy classes. Sister Amy Vogelaar, who is a licensed midwife and health educator from the UK, will be in charge of the programme. She has specialised in natural deliveries and breast-feeding and has worked in the US for five years as a health educator and trainer - working with children, adolescents, adults and professional groups. Ms Vogelaar's lactation support will help prepare mothers for breastfeeding. She will also give free consultations to help women with breastfeeding and any other problems. The programme, dub-bed Mums and Babies Group, will be held every Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. IHB is also launching a seven-week antenatal class this Tuesday, which will meet once a week from 6pm to 8pm. Fathers, relativ 0
109533 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL BD17m block planned CONSTRUCTION of a new J W Marriott apartment block is set to start in Bahrain following a contract signing tomorrow at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Resort. The project, which is estimated to cost BD17 million, will consist of two towers each with 21 floors. It will cover a total area of 65,000 square feet and is owned by the Bahrain-based Gulf Touristic Projects Company. J W Marriott will be responsible for running the apartments. Gulf Touristic Projects Company chairman Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa said construction is due to start on May 1 and should be completed in two years. 0
109534 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Governor to attend festival SOUTHERN Governor and head of the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Widlife, Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa today attends Dubai Heritage Festival on the World Sahara People's civilisations and cultures. The festival will be opened by Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Algerian President Abdulaziz Bouteflika and UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. The event is being held in co-ordination with World Sahara Organisation and Shaikh Zayed Environment Award enterprise. Several heads of states and UN representatives in addition to 45 tourism ministers will attend. 0
109535 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Complaints by residents spark closure of farms UNAUTHORISED makeshift farms are being forced to shut down following complaints by residents in the Northern Governorate. They say the farms, which contain cows, goats and other animals, are making their lives a misery because of the smell. The area includes around 40 villages with small farms, but some are not licensed by the Northern Municipality. Northern Municipal Council chairman Majeed Sayed Ali Abdulnabi said it is now in the process of identifying illegal farms and shutting them down. However, even the legal farms may eventually be forced to move because of complaints. "These villages used to be relatively remote, but the urban centres have expanded since then and are now very near to the farms," said Mr Abdulnabi. "We have received complaints about the smell emanating from these farms and the bad hygiene practices. "For now we are forcing the illegal farms to close, but we may end up moving the legal farms to one area so they are not sprea 0
109536 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL 40 nations for key conference MANAMA: More than 40 countries will take part in a prestigious human resources conference and exhibition opening tomorrow. The four-day event, being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, has been organised by Arab Human Resources Organisation under the slogan "Passion for Leadership". 0
109537 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Cultural show marks Tamil New Year... MORE than 2,000 people attended Tamil New Year celebrations last night at the Indian Club in Manama. The event was organised by the Indian Fine Arts Society (Ifas) in association with the Bahrain Muthamizh Manram Tamil group. The programme, entitled Chithirai Muthamizh Vizha, featured classical and folk dances, a humorous skit and a light music programme. Organisers said that the proceeds from the show would be used to help the families of the deceased workers from Tamil Nadu state. Well-known dancers in Bahrain performed Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dances. Symphony Orchestra provided music for the event supported by local artistes. A humorous skit written by Milleth Khan entitled Pullie Raja MBBS supported by Muthamizh Manram members also enthralled the audience. Guest of honour at the event was Indian Airlines country manager - Bahrain - G Dinakaran. The Ifas and the Muthamizh Manram has contributed Indian rupees one lakh (BD854) to the I 0
109538 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Women's union on way MANAMA: A women's union may finally be on its way. A preparatory committee plans to finalise the statute soon and present it to Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi. The move will defuse a three-year stalemate during which the now split Labour and Social Affairs Ministry refused to recognise the union. 0
109539 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Marriage bonus plea MANAMA: MPs have proposed increasing the marriage bonus to BD540 from BD300. The move follows a request submitted by Al Menbar Islamic Bloc to parliament, said MP Hassan Bokhammas. If approved, the bonus will be paid once in a lifetime. 0
109540 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Tax mix-up MANAMA: Municipal taxes worth BD1 million have been written off by mistake as part of the Prime Minister's initiative to offer relief to Bahrain's needy families in electricity and water arrears, Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh said yesterday. Another BD9m, including BD3m from 2001, in municipal taxes are still outstanding as arrears, he added. 0
109541 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Board dissolved MANAMA: The Bahrain Medical Society board has been dissolved after three members, including the chairman, resigned, sources told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej. Widening disagreements among the members were reportedly behind the dissolution. 0
109542 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Oman college offers medical skills A MEDICAL institution in Oman is to forge closer ties with Bahrain's education and health authorities to train more Bahrainis in medicine. Two officials from Oman Medical College (OMC) have just left Bahrain after meeting officials and prospective students. OMC finance and administration manager Bader Mubarak Al Busaidy and registrar Madhu Menon said they are keen to offer admission to more Bahraini students. "Out of 325 students on our rolls now, only one student is from Bahrain," Mr Al Busaidy told the GDN. "We salute the government policy of attracting internationally renowned medical institutions to set up their base in Bahrain. "Though this will give an opportunity for more Bahrainis to pursue medical studies, these institutions may not be able to meet the demand from all applicants. We believe that OMC can fill this gap." Mr Al Busaidy said OMC would establish stronger links with the education and health authorities in Bahrain. A high-level 0
109543 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini jailed for scrap metal theft A BAHRAINI man has been jailed for three months for stealing and selling 550 tonnes of scrap metal. The 33-year-old denied the charges, saying that he bought and sold the scrap in good faith, not knowing it was stolen, the Lower Criminal Court heard. He was convicted of swindling one company by selling it stolen scrap and of stealing the scrap iron from another company. The defendant told police that last December he went with a man he regularly bought scrap from to a wasteland near Alba, where there was 550 tonnes of scrap iron. "I went with him to inspect the scrap iron and I agreed to buy it from him and I paid him BD2,000. There was another man with us when I paid him the money," he said. The defendant said he went to another company the next day and sold the scrap for BD3,500. "After one week I received a call from the manager of the company that bought the scrap iron from me," he said. "He told me that he was facing a problem with the police 0
109544 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Festival to raise funds for needy THE first Zaka Fund Charity Exhibition will be opened at 9am today, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The event, under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, aims to raise funds to send poor Bahrainis to university and find jobs for the unemployed. The festival will feature a daily competition, in which prizes will be presented to those who correctly answer questions about Zaka. Charitable societies and tradesmen will be taking part in the event, as well as productive families and craftsmen who will be selling various products. There will also be an antique car and motorbike exhibition, a fashion show for women, a play about Zaka and lectures. Event sponsors are the National Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Islamic Bank, Batelco, Abdulla Nass Company, International Islamic Charitable Organisation, Asry, Canadian Training Centre, Gulf Hotel, Armcon, Bahrain Airport Services and Yousif Bin Ahme 0
109545 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Games glory for Indian School THE Indian School yesterday won the 10th Lions School Olympics held at the Muharraq Stadium, Arad. More than 450 students from eight private schools and two disabled institutions took part. This is smaller than last year's event, which attracted more than 1,000 participants from 12 private and government schools and three disabled institutions. There were no government schools participating in this year's Olympics, which are organised by the Lions Club of Bahrain. Al Noor International School were runners-up. "From the very first Lions School Olympics 10 years ago, we have always had students from government schools participating," said Lions School Olympics chairman, club board member and public relations chairman Mahesh Bhatia. "The Information Ministry told us during past meetings that they were trying to get pupils from government schools to participate in this year's event." He hopes that government schools will start joining the major sportin 0
109546 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Time to feed on self-esteem... Shape up with Bahrain TrimDown Slimming Club founder and weight management consultant Julia Nellist, who offers advice on staying healthy, happy and slim in this fortnightly series. Julia can be contacted by e-mail at stujulia@batelco.com.bh HAVE you ever noticed that you only bump into the most glamorous people, or an old flame, when you are having your worst hair day, wearing no make-up and sporting your most unflattering outfit? It is thought that our whole mood for the day can be affected by our feelings first thing in the morning. I once read that a child who is given a big beautiful smile when they wake up will be in a great mood all day. I did actually try this theory, but unfortunately, my children kept asking if I was all right when a huge grin loomed at them during breakfast (I think the smile is supposed to be genuine!) Is the solution to all this to be prepared and groomed at all hours of the day and night? No thanks, but making the most of 0
109547 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Cowboy insurance agents on prowl COWBOY insurance salesmen dealing out of suitcases are preying on unwary consumers, say industry leaders. Customers should also be wary of offshore companies, says Zurich International Life chief executive officer Martin Davis. Finance industry regulators are increasingly working together, to give consumers more protection, he said. Some of the insurance companies in question are well-recognised brands but are based in countries, which have weak regulators, said Mr Davies. "Consumers should make sure that the policies and products that they buy into are well regulated," he said. It helps if the companies are also regulated in the countries in which they are selling the products. "If the company is regulated elsewhere, there isn't much that the local regulator can do to protect the consumer," said Mr Davies. Travelling salesmen often come to countries and sell products illegally, said Zurich International Life Bahrain branch manager Raymond Nakfour. 0
109548 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL A ray of hope amidst violence... Orphaned or destitute Palestinian children are being offered an oasis of love in the midst of war, helped by a Bahraini volunteer. SARA HORTON reports For many Palestinian children, the future looks bleak. Despite any number of 'peace plans', the reality is that the Israelis are still occupying their territory and forcing their families into poverty, while they grow up in a climate of anger and fear. Many youngsters wake up every morning in ramshackle, crowded homes, go to work rather than to school in an effort to support themselves and their families and worry more about where the next meal is going to come from, than their potential careers. Even playing a simple game of football can be deadly, as three teenagers discovered last week as they kicked a ball about in the Gaza Strip, only to be killed by Israeli troops. The Save Our Souls (SOS) Children's Village in Bethlehem is trying to give as many children as it can a better start in life. It is p 0
109549 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL Livestock complex to be built near Awali PLANS are on the drawing board to build a BD1 million livestock complex near Awali. But it will take private investment to turn the scheme into reality, says a leading municipal councillor. The Southern Municipal Council and Southern Municipality do not have the funding and are planning to lease the land near Awali to an investor. It will then be rented to smaller livestock farmers, to draw them away from residential areas, said council technical committee chairman Adel Al Moraisi. He said that the municipality had just BD200,000 a year for its own projects. "This money is allocated for other projects, building parks and developing gardens and this means that the cattleyard is just ink on paper," said Mr Al Moraisi. "We have contacted the four other councils to join hands with us in the project, which would serve the whole of Bahrain, but they don't have the required budget either." "This is why our council has decided to put this project to inve 0
109550 1 1541 BNEW LOCAL Education block work set to begin WORK on a BD121,500 educational block is to start at the National Evangelical Church (NEC) complex tomorrow in preparation for its centennial celebrations. A 20-year-old building housing a fellowship hall and classrooms adjacent to the church is to be demolished and replaced with a new block. The project is part of the NEC's centennial celebrations scheduled for early next year, said NEC English Language Congregation pastor, the Reverend Richard Westra. "The new block has been designed by Ismail Khonji Associates," he told the GDN. "The BD121,500 contract has been awarded to Fairmech and the project is scheduled for completion in December." Meanwhile, Fairmech managing director N P Hari said construction will start tomorrow. "The three-storey block, with a built-in area of 750sq m, will include a worship hall on the ground floor and four classrooms each on the second and third floors," he added. "We hope to complete the project in seven months." A NEW BD1 million Dilmun Lounge for First Class and Business Class passengers is to be opened at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) next month. The project is being implemented by Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) as part of a plan to provide world-class services to premium passengers of various airlines using the airport. The new lounge, which will replace the current Dilmun Lounge on the departure area, will be located on the top floor of the airport building, said BAS chairman Jamil Wafa. The area was earlier occupied by Bahrain Duty Free. The new lounge has more than double the capacity of the present Dilmun Lounge, said Mr Wafa. "The 600sqm lounge has 120 seats, two shower rooms and a special area for disabled people," he added. The project has been designed by French-Lebanese architects George Karam Designs, in association with Tony Hutton Associates of Britain. Work is being carried out by local contractors Kontra. "It is being built 0
109552 3 1541 BNEW LOCAL 500 set the pace at charity marathon MORE than 500 runners, including the disabled, took part in the Third Annual Environmental Fund-raising Mini-Marathon yesterday. The event, aimed at raising awareness on the importance of protecting our environment, was organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife in association with the Jawad Dome. It was held under the patronage of Southern Governor and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Part of the proceeds collected from the event will be donated to the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF). Several special athletes took part in the race, said event director Adnan Al Qassab. "This event is the biggest of its kind in Bahrain that is solely dedicated to increase public awareness towards the protection of the environment and caring for the handicapped," he said. "We expect the funds raised from the event 0
109553 0 1541 BNEW LOCAL New proposal A Group of MPs have submitted a proposal to the parliament to set up Supreme Council for Employment and Human Resources. If approved, it would replace the current Supreme Council for Vocational Training. The proposal was submitted by a group of Al Menbar Bloc MPs led by Dr Saadi Mohammed Abdulla. 0
109554 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Bahrain too strong for Abu Dhabi BAHRAIN American Express First XVs defeated Abu Dhabi 41-9 in their last home match of the season in the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union League yesterday at its premises in Saar, writes Aidan Payne. Abu Dhabi's Juan Alarez opened the scoring when he kicked a penalty giving the visitors a 3-0 lead. Playing his farewell match for Bahrain, Eddie Pereira intercepted a pass for Matt Gibbs to touch down with Chris Matthews converting for a 7-3 lead. Bahrain's Shaun MacPherson was instrumental in setting up the second try with Matthews scoring and converting for a 14-6 lead. Gareth Brown made it three for Bahrain with Pereira touching down and Matthews converting for a 21-6 lead. The hosts further extended their lead with two Matthews' penalties. Matthews scored the final try and converted to complete the rout. 0
109555 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Shaikh Nasser improves his world ranking BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa improved his world rankings to 26th in the latest list released by the International Equestrian Federation. Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain, improved his ranking after accumulated 436 points. Shaikh Nasser is also ninth overall among the Arab riders. Other Bahraini riders who were among the top 100 in the world are Ahmed Al Ruwaie (364 points) and Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa (358), both of Al Talia Stable, who are presently in 38th and 42nd positions respectively. Shaikh Nasser expressed delighted for this achievement and said it underlined the development of endurance sport in the Kingdom. Shaikh Nasser said this achievement would not have been accomplished without the continuous support of His Majesty King Hamad to endurance activities. Maurice Saint of France is currently at the top of the world ranking with 1,238 points and is 0
109556 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Birmingham agree deal LONDON: Birmingham City say they have agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign on-loan winger Jermaine Pennant on a permanent basis. "We've tried our utmost to make the deal possible but now that part has been done," Birmingham manager Steve Bruce told Sky Sports News last night. No details of any transfer fee were disclosed. 0
109557 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Inter banned for six matches NYON, Switzerland: European football's governing body Uefa handed Inter Milan a six-match stadium ban last night after their quarter-final with AC Milan was abandoned when Inter fans threw flares on to the pitch. Inter will play their next four matches in continental competition behind-closed-doors with an additional two-match ban activated should a further offence be committed in the next three years, Uefa said in a statement. Inter, who were also hit with a fine of 300,000 Swiss francs (BD94,500), have three days in which to lodge an appeal. Uefa also confirmed the quarter-final, second-leg has been awarded to AC Milan as a 3-0 forfeit and Milan therefore go through to the semi-finals on a 5-0 aggregate. 0
109558 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Chess clash set THE Bahrain Mind Sports Association (BMSA) President's Open Chess Tournament gets underway tonight at its premises in Muharraq from 7pm. The tournament will be played in the nine-round Swiss system with more than 30 players in the fray. Registration is open until 6pm today and cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finishers and the best juniors. BMSA president Adel Al Assoumi will open the tournament and for more information contact 39455902 or visit the website www.chess.alafoo.com 0
109559 0 1541 SPOR SPORT 46 referees to attend course THE Bahrain Football Association (BFA) is organising a course for new referees starting today at 4pm at the association's conference hall in Riffa. The course, being held under the patronage of BFA president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, has attracted 46 Bahraini referees and concludes on April 23. The course will be supervised by referees committee head and BFA general secretary Ahmed Jassim. The participants will be awarded certificates at the closing ceremony to be held at the same venue. 0
109560 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Argentine granted bail RIO DE JANEIRO: Argentine footballer Leandro Desabato was granted bail yesterday after spending the day in custody on charges of racially insulting a Brazilian opponent during a Libertadores Cup match in Sao Paulo. Desabato, who plays for Buenos Aires club Quilmes, was arrested on the pitch at the end of their 3-1 defeat by Sao Paulo on Wednesday evening following a clash with rival striker Grafite. But the player, who will be allowed back to his team's hotel as soon as the bail of Real 10,000 (BD1,465) is paid, can still not leave Brazil, where he faces charges of slander aggravated by racism. 0
109561 0 1541 SPOR SPORT FA reject claims LONDON: Football Association officials have rejected claims by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson they moved the FA Cup semi-finals to Cardiff to suit Arsenal. "Every season we are under pressure to find large neutral semi-final venues to maximise the number of fans able to follow their teams," an FA spokesman insisted. Ferguson said the switch from Villa Park made it difficult for Manchester fans. But Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood denied they had been asked their opinion. 0
109562 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Henin in semi-finals as Davenport retires CHARLESTON, South Carolina: Top-ranked Lindsay Davenport retired with a hip injury against former No 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne during their Family Circle Cup quarter-final yesterday. Henin-Hardenne led 3-6, 6-3, 1-0 when Davenport quit because of the right hip flexor she strained in the first set. The result was a bonus for Henin-Hardenne, who advanced to the semi-finals in just her second comeback tournament from a virus and broken knee. "My physical shape was a bit of a question before coming to the States, but mentally I'm feeling a little bit stronger, and physically I feel my problems are past," the Belgian said. In today's semi-finals she will meet French teen Tatiana Golovin, who eliminated seventh-seeded Nadia Petrova 7-5, 6-3, a day after removing defending champ Venus Williams. Davenport, who'd reached the final of her last five tournaments and won two, lost her first two service games to Henin-Hardenne and took an injury time-out while trailing 3-2. She 0
109563 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Designer lifts Bapco Trophy DESIGNER scored an upset victory to claim the Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) Cup, one of the three cup events, at the races yesterday in Sakhir. Designer, owned by Mohammed Jassim Mohammed Nama, trained by Taleb Ali and ridden by Hussain Makki, scored a convincing four-length victory over Calling The Shots in this BD2,000 race for Group Three imported horses ran over 1,200 metres. Calling The Shots is owned by Habib Ramadhan, trained by A Redha Abbas and was ridden by Hassan Azzat while Hassan Oun Hassan Mubarak owns third-placed Historic Treble, which was the favourite to win this race, while Sami Saloom is its trainer and M O Callaghan was the jockey. Leozian was fourth. Favourite Six Speed, on the other hand, lived up to expectations winning the second Bapco Cup for locally bred horses which carried a cash prize of BD1,000 and ran over 1,200 metres. Six Speed, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, trained by James Naylor and ridden by Callaghan, bea 0
109564 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Bahrain get walk-over from Bhutan BAHRAIN received a walk-over over from Bhutan yesterday and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Asian Cricket Council's Under-15 Asia Cup in Sharjah yesterday. Bahrain take on Hong Kong today to determine who will top group B. In other matches so far, Kuwait defeated Saudi Arabia and Thailand, Singapore pushed aside Thailand, Hong Kong beat Oman and Nepal beat Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Bahrain beat the UAE by 19 runs in a friendly match. Brief scores: Friendly match: Bahrain 166 for 9 in 40 overs (Samad Mohammed 32, Gavin Rodrigues 31, Vivek Nair 20; Omar 3-31) bt UAE 147 all out in 35.2 overs (Omar 43, Pranav 20; Gavin Rodrigues 2-16, Danish Jasnaik 2-27) by 19 runs. Asia Cup: Saudi Arabia 135 all out in 34 overs (Usman Ashraf 35, Obaid Ullah 26, Hamza Moshin 24; Haider Hussain 3-30) lost to Kuwait 137 for 7 in 34 overs (Vicky Suri 27, Navtaj Singh 27; Haroon Zahid 2-21, Obaidullah 2-40) by three wickets. Thailand 126 all out in 34 overs ( 0
109565 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Yousif races to victory in handicap event ABDULLA Yousif ran a fine race to win the eight-km handicap event organised by the Bahrain Roadrunners in Awali. This is a race in which runners are handicapped in reference to their past performances to give every participant a fair chance to win the race. A total of 41 runners took part in the race in cool and fine conditions. Yousif, who was handicapped by five minutes, passed the first five runners who started ahead of him to cross the finish line in 43.54 minutes. Khalifa Najim, handicapped by one minute, was the second to cross the line in 45.33. Fuad Saliba claimed third place having started with a 50-second handicap. The fastest actual runner was Redha Hussain who finished 22nd, starting with a 21.20-minute deficit. Calendar The next event on the runners calendar will be a 10-km race at the Awali Golf Club on Thursday starting at 4pm. For more information, contact Joyce Boswell 39465378 or Adnan Al Qassab on 39685547. Results: (in 0
109566 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Al Attiyah takes Qatar Rally lead DOHA: Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson were the leaders in the Mitsubishi Qatar International Rally, round four of the 2005 FIA Middle East Rally Championship, after six timed special stages of the opening leg yesterday. Twenty-nine cars started the two-day event, being organised by the Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation, in the deserts around Doha. Al Attiyah set the fastest time through the opening Umm Sial stage. Bahrain's only driver Hassan Al Sadadi, sponsored by Dubai-based Damas, had a good start moving to sixth place after the first stage but five flat tires, including two in the fifth and sixth stages, saw him drop to 16th position at the end of the first day. UAE's Shaikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Ulster co-driver Michael Orr held second position in the Power Horse-sponsored Subaru Impreza WRX STi, 24.8 seconds behind the Qatari with Jordan's Amjad Farrah and UAE's Shaikh Suhail bin Khalifa Al Maktoum in third and fourth. 0
109567 0 1541 SPOR SPORT Gasquet ends Federer winning streak MONACO: World number one Roger Federer saw his 25-match winning run in 2005 come crashing to an end here last night when he was beaten in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters by teenage French qualifier Richard Gasquet. Federer's 6-7 (1-7), 6-2, 7-6 (10-8) loss to the world number 101 was only his second in his last 53 matches, a run stretching back to the US Open last year. It was an epic two hour 20 minutes battle on centre court with the 18-year-old wasting two match points before clinching his famous win in a nerve-shredding final set tiebreak where Federer also threw away three match points of his own. The 18-year-old Gasquet was playing in his first ATP event of the year and spends most of his career on the second tier Challenger circuit. His reward is a semi-final clash against explosive Spanish 18-year-old Rafael Nadal, the number 11 seed, who crushed French Open champion Gaston Gaudio, the sixth seeded Argentinian, 6-3, 6-0. Last night's defeat made Fed 0
109568 1 1541 SPOR SPORT AFRIDI BLASTS INDIANS KANPUR, India: Shahid Afridi smashed the second-fastest one-day century as Pakistan trounced India by five wickets yesterday to take an unassailable 3-2 lead in the six-match series. The opener hit 10 boundaries and nine sixes in a brilliant 102 off 46 balls to help Pakistan overtake India's challenging 249 for six with 47 deliveries to spare at the Green Park here. India must now win the final one-dayer in New Delhi tomorrow in front of Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf to draw the series. Afridi, who holds the world record for the fastest one-day hundred, off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996, equalled the second-best effort of 45 deliveries by West Indian Brian Lara against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 1999. The 25-year-old fell one ball after reaching his fourth hundred when he was bowled by off-spinner Harbhajan Singh playing a rare defensive shot to the great relief of the Indian fielders. Salman Butt, enjoying a ringside view of Afridi's fireworks, contributed just 2 0
109569 2 1541 SPOR SPORT Riffa secure Bahrain soccer league title RIFFA regained the Bahrain Premier Division soccer title in a thrilling fashion last night at the Isa Town Stadium with three matches still in hand. It was a great moment for the champions as they bounced back from the brink of defeat to draw 2-2 against defending champions and arch rivals Muharraq. A victory for Muharraq could have kept the title race open but Salman Isa destroyed all those hopes with a last-minute goal which triggered celebrations in the Riffa stands. Riffa's performance was all the more memorable as they fought with 10-men for more than an hour and were reduced to nine while trailing by a goal and four minutes to go. But Riffa did not give up and were richly and rightly rewarded for their perseverance. However, it was Muharraq who started the match in style as Jordanian striker Badran Al Shagran put them ahead with two swift strikes in the 10th and 18th minutes. Hassona Al Shaikh put Riffa back in the match immediately after the re-star 0
109570 3 1541 SPOR SPORT Yaqoub claims Goys golf title NASSER Yaqoub notched the title in the President of Goys Golf Championship organised by the Bahrain Golf Association (BGA) and held at the Riffa Golf Club premises. Yaqoub, the Bahrain national team veteran, proved too strong scoring a 68 gross and defeating his main rival and national team member Daij Ahmed who managed a 73. A total of 78 golfers took part in the event which was played in Strokeplay format. Shaikh Rashid bin Saqer Al Khalifa claimed the best net score of 70 while Mohammed Rashid came second on countback. Ali Misbah (71) was third, Saleh Juma'a (72) fourth. Abdulla Al Fadala, Abdulla Mohammed and Daij Khalifa finished fifth, sixth and seventh respectively on countback. The tournament was held under the patronage of the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa who presented trophies to the winners. Shaikh Fawaz also awarded prizes to the top 30 players. BGA captain Adel Fayyad thanked 0
109571 0 1541 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain 13th Heritage Festival, Old Weaponry and Falconry Arts; Heritage Village, Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 5pm-9pm. Entrance free. Workshop on the Neuromuscular Integrative Action, World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya, 9am-10.30am. Contact 17612576 or 39607262. Exhibition by Iraqi artist Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Exhibition by top Bahraini artists Mohammed Al Mahdi and Sayed Abdulla Al Sari, Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, Juffair, 9am-1pm and 3pm-10pm. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or special arrangements required. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 0
109572 0 1541 WORL WORLD Cardinals are urged not to be ambitious VATICAN CITY: Roman Catholic cardinals meeting ahead of a secret conclave to elect the next Pope have been warned by a papal preacher to rein in their personal ambitions, according to Press reports yesterday. The blunt warning came from Franciscan priest Raniero Cantalamessa, the preacher to the papal household, in a "meditation" delivered to the cardinals who from Monday will start deliberating on a successor to John Paul II. "Be guided by the Holy Spirit," Cantalamessa told the assembled cardinals, according to reports that did not reveal their sources - understandably, as the prelates last weekend agreed unanimously not to give interviews. "Don't be ambitious" or be tempted to "promote yourselves", or the conclave will descend into chaos, Cantalamessa reportedly said in his stern admonition. The message was delivered on Thursday to help the cardinals, the Catholic Church's highest officials under a Pope, make what the Vatican has called "an enlightened choice". < 0
109573 0 1541 WORL WORLD A final farewell to Rainier MONACO: Residents of the tiny principality of Monaco bid farewell yesterday to their long-time ruler Prince Rainier III, who was to be laid to rest beside his beloved wife Grace after a funeral service of solemn royal ritual. A crowd of several hundred watched uniformed members of the royal guard carry Rainier's coffin through the black-draped palace gates and along the short route - across the palace square and down a narrow side street - to the Cathedral of St Nicholas. A cannon fired 36 shots from a fort overlooking the luxury harbour, slow bells chimed and a band played a funeral match to the beat of muffled drums. A line of Penitents - members of a Roman Catholic order dressed in white and black robes - accompanied the coffin, covered with a Monegasque banner. Leading the mourners were Rainier's three children by the US actress Grace Kelly: Caroline, Albert, who has succeeded him as prince, and Stephanie. Caroline's three elder children Andrea, Charlotte and Pierre w 0
109574 0 1541 WORL WORLD 60 Iraqis taken hostage BAGHDAD: Sunni insurgents have taken at least 60 people hostage in an Iraqi town near Baghdad and are threatening to kill them unless Shi'ites leave, said a Shi'ite official who said he was contacted by residents there. "People from the town called me begging the Iraqi government to save their relatives who are hostages. They told me there are at least 60 hostages," the Shi'ite official said. The official said insurgents with heavy weapons appear to have taken control of the town of Madaen, just south of Baghdad, and no police or government forces were in sight. "The residents told me the insurgents were wandering the streets in cars and warning people on loudspeakers that if Shi'ites want the hostages to be safe they must leave town," said the official. Meanwhile, two bomb attacks in Baghdad yesterday killed one and wounded nine as inmates rioted in Iraq's largest US-run prison and an official warned that a new government was at least a week away from formation. 0
109575 0 1541 WORL WORLD Killer virus samples destroyed GENEVA: Laboratories outside the US are expected by today to have destroyed all specimens of the killer influenza virus they received as part of routine test kits, the UN health agency said. Two missing shipments destined for Mexico and Lebanon, however, are still being traced. Because of fears of a global pandemic should the virus be released, the World Health Organisation has been urging the destruction by thousands of labs in 18 countries that received vials of the nearly 50-year-old H2N2 virus. Two-thirds of the specimens had been destroyed by yesterday morning, WHO's influenza chief Klaus Stohr said. Ten of the countries confirmed that their labs were rid of the virus. Laboratories in the US, which received most of 3,747 kits sent out in October and February, were taking longer because they had so many samples to deal with, Stohr said. 0
109576 0 1541 WORL WORLD Moderate Mikati Lebanon premier BEIRUT: Lebanon last night named moderate pro-Syrian Najib Mikati, an opposition-backed former public works minister, as prime minister. The announcement by President Emile Lahoud came two days after prime minister-designate Omar Karimi gave up his efforts to form a cabinet after nearly seven weeks. Sources said Mikati won the backing of at least 58 of the 128 MPs, including the minority opposition. 0
109577 0 1541 WORL WORLD Gift for Musharraf NEW DELHI: Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf will receive a special gift during his three-day visit to India this weekend from the New Delhi Municipal Corporation, his birth certificate. The birth registration record of Musharraf, who was born in Delhi, has been found by the New Delhi Municipal Corporation and a certificate was being prepared, the civic body's spokesman Madan Thapliyal was quoted by the Press Trust of India as saying. Meanwhile, in Kashmir, six Islamic militants, including three wanted commanders, a soldier and a Muslim civilian were killed during raids by Indian troops yesterday. 0
109578 0 1541 WORL WORLD Bhutto protest vow LAHORE: The husband of exiled Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto yesterday vowed "street agitation" if the government tried to block a rally by supporters to welcome him home at the weekend. Asif Ali Zardari made the vow after Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party complained that thousands of its activists had been detained to prevent them going to the eastern city of Lahore today to mark his return from a visit to his wife in Dubai. "We don't want confrontation with the government," Zardari said. 0
109579 0 1541 WORL WORLD Key witness quizzed SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's lead defence lawyer kicked off his cross-examination of the mother of the singer's accuser, with a combative, fast-moving barrage of questions that caused the woman to turn to jurors at one point and say, "No, he's wrong." Lead defence attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr repeatedly instructed the mother to respond succinctly and directly to his questions, but she launched into lengthy speeches in answer to each inquiry. Judge Rodney S Melville chastised Mesereau for unprofessional conduct at one point, and asked the woman not to give lengthy answers unrelated to the questions she was asked. 0
109580 0 1541 WORL WORLD Daughter, 15, beats top Arctic explorer A 15-year-old girl has trekked across an Arctic island quicker than her father - one of Britain's top explorers. Alicia Hempleman-Adams took 10 days to walk and ski 240km across Baffin Island in north-east Canada. Her father, David, 48, who won fame by reaching both the South and North Poles on foot, setting a series of air-balloon records and climbing the highest mountain on every continent, had previously taken 11 days. "It's a double-edged sword," he said. "I'm immensely proud of what she has achieved, but a bit miffed she has beaten my time," he said from Canada. Alicia and her three companions had to battle a wind chill factor of -40C, thin ice and open water. But this will not necessarily mean the start of a career in exploration, she said. "I want to try other things first." 0
109581 0 1541 WORL WORLD Life-saving op for panda A giant panda paralysed in a fight over a female during the mating season has had a pioneering operation to save its life, but it remains touch and go whether it will ever be able to stand again. Kangkang spent two-and-half-hours under the knife at the Animal Experimental Centre of the Xijing Hospital in Xian to mend a broken back, the China Daily said. Doctors managed to stabilise the panda's fractured spine but said it needs six months to a year of intensive care to fully recover. Even then there are no guarantees that it will ever stand again. It is the first time such an operation has been carried out on a panda, an endangered species that is only found in China. Kangkang, 20, was found on April 4 in the Shaanxi Changqing Nature Reserve. 0
109582 0 1541 WORL WORLD 'Laden' book on sale LAUSANNE, Switzerland: Switzerland's supreme court yesterday upheld an earlier judgment to allow the sale of a book by two French authors alleging that companies owned by a half-brother of Osama bin Laden could have helped bankroll Al Qaeda. The Federal Tribunal ruled against Yeslam Binladin and two of his companies. They had argued for a ban on sales of Ben Laden - La Verite Interdite in Switzerland. The 300-page book about Osama bin Laden's global terror network, by Jean-Charles Brisard and Guillaume Dasquie, first was published in November 2001. The court also rejected Binladin's claim for one million Swiss francs (BD311,472) in damages from the authors. Binladin, a Geneva businessman and Swiss citizen, spells his name differently from Osama bin Laden and has condemned the Al Qaeda mastermind. 0
109583 0 1541 WORL WORLD Oslo rejects Vanunu's asylum plea OSLO: Norway said yesterday it had turned down an asylum request by Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu for procedural reasons. Vanunu, who worked as a technician at Israel's top-secret Dimona nuclear facility in the 1980s, spent 18 years in jail after he revealed information about Israel's nuclear capability to a UK paper. "Nobody can obtain asylum in Norway without making their request in Norway itself," said Norway's minister for local and regional affairs, Erna Solberg. "The government for its part does not plan to invite Vanunu here to give him political asylum in a special procedure," Solberg, whose portfolio includes immigration, told NRK radio. Vanunu told the radio station that he had not been notified of any Norwegian rejection. 0
109584 1 1541 WORL WORLD SCANDAL TWIST LONDON: Britain and the US last night angrily rejected a claim by UN chief Kofi Annan that it shares the blame with the US for corruption which tainted the Iraq oil-for-food programme. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Britain was "consistently in the lead in seeking to enforce sanctions against Iraq" when Saddam Hussein was in power. Secretary-General Annan, whose integrity has been damaged by his son's implication in a scandal surrounding the oil programme, said in New York that most of the money Saddam had pocketed "came out of smuggling outside the oil-for-food programme, and it was on the American and British watch". "Possibly they were the ones who knew exactly what was going on," he said, "and that the countries themselves decided to close their eyes to smuggling to Turkey and Jordan because they were allies." Annan spoke after US prosecutors charged three people with scheming to pay millions of dollars in kickbacks to Saddam's embargoed regime out of the fund, which 0
109585 2 1541 WORL WORLD 20 die in Paris blaze horror PARIS: Police last night searched the ruins of a Paris hotel for clues after a devastating fire killed 20 people, half of them children. The inferno, one of the deadliest blazes in the French capital in 30 years, destroyed the six-storey one-star Paris-Opera hotel, located behind the upmarket Galeries Lafayette department store and near the historic Garnier opera house. As an inquiry got underway, a police source said the cause of the fire at the budget hotel - used both as temporary public housing for needy families and by bargain-hunting tourists - was "undoubtedly accidental". The source, who said there was no evidence "that would lead us to think this was arson", said investigators believed the early-morning fire could have started in a first floor room with a microwave. Witnesses described scenes of panic as hotel guests jumped or threw their children from the upper floors of the burning building in desperate efforts to save their lives. A fireman said seven 0
109586 3 1541 WORL WORLD UK postal vote fraud fears rise LONDON: Postal voting, introduced four years ago to boost participation in Britain's elections, is turning into a political liability for the Labour government after two fraud cases were exposed just weeks before the May 5 poll. Massive demand for the mail-in ballots means that up to 15 per cent of Britain's 44 million eligible voters - 6m people - could cast their votes in a system described by one judge as so flawed it would "disgrace a banana republic". Two surveys published yesterday showed that in districts with a tight race, applications for mail-in ballots have increased up to five times their numbers in the 2001 general election, the first time they were made available to all voters. The Times newspaper, reporting a 500-per cent leap in some constituencies, said parties were trying to increase voter turnout by pushing the postal ballots. The Guardian, surveying 20 key races, saw a rise of up to 300pc in some of them. The new system, touted as bringing democracy to 0
109587 1 1542 BUSI BUSINESS High oil prices worry G7 WASHINGTON: Finance chiefs from the Group of Seven economic powers yesterday vowed to fix global economic imbalances with "vigorous" actions, from deficit reduction to reform, and guard world growth from perils like higher oil. At the close of their meeting in Washington, the G7 finance ministers and central bankers said economic growth looked healthy even in the face of costlier energy. "The global expansion has remained robust, and the outlook continues to point to solid growth for 2005," the officials said in a statement following their meeting. They said tame inflation, favourable financing conditions and "appropriate" monetary policies in their regions gave reason to hope for continued solid growth. "But challenges remain. Higher oil prices are a headwind, and the expansion is less balanced than before," the ministers said. "We welcome efforts to improve oil market data, increase medium-term energy supply and efficiency." The officials from the US, Britain, France, G 0
109588 2 1542 BUSI BUSINESS Batelco launches new-look portal MANAMA: Batelco unveiled its new look mobile portal brand aywah yesterday. It replaces infoME and offers customers a specialised mobile portal that merges mobile and Internet technologies to deliver "the latest cool and trendy content" directly to mobile phones. A portal is designed to serve as a gateway to a network of sites that provide users with a quick, useful and fun way of obtaining and downloading information, getting involved with products and services and making the most of technology, said Batelco Mobile Services senior manager Hamza Ali. "Unlike websites - which are generally the equivalent of an information cul-de-sac - portals are highly interactive and offer a virtually limitless source of information, entertainment and opportunity via links to relevant sites," he said. "The aywah portal also offers Batelco mobile customers the opportunity to download a greater variety of images, ring tones, screensavers, logos, themes, video clips and games to their phone 0
109589 3 1542 BUSI BUSINESS Top Saudi bank posts $325 million profits RIYADH: National Commercial Bank (NCB), Saudi Arabia's largest, said yesterday its first-quarter net profits rose 30.4 per cent to 1.217 billion riyals ($324.5 million). The bank said in a statement net operating income grew by 35pc to 1.263bn riyals. Shareholder equity rose 33pc to 15.16bn riyals. Return on average assets was 3.7pc and return on average equity was 33.6pc. The bank gave no comparative figures. Earnings per share climbed 30.4pc to 10.1 riyals. Customer deposits for the mainly state-owned bank were up 8.3pc to 103.458bn riyals, while net loans and advances reached 66.095bn riyals, a 33.1pc increase over the same period last year. Saudi banks have posted strong performances as high oil prices have pumped cash into the economy of the world's largest oil exporter. NCB's profits rose by 17.1pc to 3.531bn riyals in 2004. 0
109590 0 1542 BUSI BUSINESS Inaction on debt relief is slammed WASHINGTON: The Group of Seven industrialised powers claimed "progress" yesterday on debt relief for the world's poorest nations, but campaigners slammed their failure to announce a breakthrough. Millions more children will die before the countries next debate the issue at a summit in July, activists said after talks among the G7 finance ministers. Most strikingly, the ministers made no mention of a British proposal under which the IMF would sell a portion of its massive gold reserves to cancel the debt owed it by poor countries. The proposal is reported to have the backing of France and Germany but not the US, the IMF's biggest shareholder. Campaigners said the cost of the G7's failure to find agreement now would be measured in lives, with another two million children under five set to die before July from disease and malnutrition brought about by extreme poverty. 0
109591 0 1542 BUSI BUSINESS Economic 'realities ignored' WASHINGTON: If developing nations are not given more say in global financial institutions, they will leave the fold of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, a top Group of 24 official said. "The current system of governance is completely out of line with economic realities," Ariel Buira, director of the G24 Secretariat, told a news conference. "What is happening is that many countries are now moving away from these institutions." Finance chiefs from the Group of 24 emerging nations also complained the US did not consult them on the choice of Paul Wolfowitz as new World Bank president. The ministers, gathering on the eve of IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington, said representation in the lenders' hierarchy did not accurately represent the growing stake of emerging markets in the global economy. "Ministers stress the need for concrete actions to reduce the democratic deficit and enhance the voice and participation of developing countries in decision-ma 0
109592 0 1542 BUSI BUSINESS Markets brace for corporate earnings and inflation data NEW YORK: Earnings from big companies like Intel and Pfizer, as well as key inflation reports, will help determine whether US stocks will continue to skid lower or bounce back next week. Tomorrow kicks off one of the heaviest weeks of the quarterly earnings season and some of the other companies slated to report include General Motors and Ford Motor, Internet companies eBay and Yahoo, financial heavyweight Merrill Lynch & Co and soft-drink giant Coca-Cola. "Earnings are starting to dominate the market," Rick Meckler, president of investment firm LibertyView Capital Management, said on Friday. "The bigger names are going to set the tone for their sectors." For the week, the blue-chip Dow Jones industrial average suffered its worst weekly decline since March 2003 - down 3.57 per cent. The broad Standard & Poor's 500 Index - down 3.27pc - and the tech-laced Nasdaq Composite Index - off 4.56pc - had their biggest weekly drops since August 2004. On Friday, all three stock inde 0
109593 0 1542 COMM COMMENTA better society? "I firmly believe that building and developing communities is a basis for building a country. Field visits are important to get a realistic idea of what citizens need; we aim to develop our country's villages and towns to push society's growth. The King's directive showed his continuous support for society and its development." I am quoting Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, Social Affairs Minister. (GDN, April 5, Page15). Her remarks and her presence in our society certainly reflects major developments in our homeland Bahrain. Not only is she the second female minister, but since her appointment we have been hearing a lot about societal development. Creating a better living place is at the top of every citizen's agenda. Throughout Bahrain's economic development in the past decades, I feel that the welfare of our society has received marginal attention. Captivatingly, the rise in the number of social societies ironically matches the rise in the price of euros. Is that good or bad? Wh 0
109594 0 1542 COMM COMMENTLavish wedding spenders do not deserve state aid I am a great believer in the welfare state, in so far as it supports those who cannot fully support themselves, such as invalids, the disabled, the elderly or the genuinely unemployed. But I do not believe that state aid should be blindly paid to those who do not genuinely need it, or are unwilling to help themselves, nor should it serve to paper over the cracks instead of solving the real problem. So I have little sympathy for the MPs' call to increase the marriage bonus for Bahrainis from B300 to BD540, in a country where people will spend thousands on the ceremony, then complain that they have nowhere to live. I personally know Bahraini couples who have gone deeply into debt to spend anything from BD8,000 to BD20,000 for the wedding reception and jewellery for the bride - then complain that they cannot raise the deposit to get a mortgage for a house, or even afford the rent for a decent flat. Yes there are those who are genuinely poor and I am not against those getting a helpin 0
109597 0 1542 LETT LETTERS Judges must explain sentence reasoning WHO are our judges? We are reading more and more of unjust sentences being passed by our courts in Bahrain. Not long ago I had read that a man was charged BD100 for raping a boy or face one month in jail and recently I read that a man was fined BD500 for slapping a fisherman with a hamour!!! For our safety and well-being, we as a society living in Bahrain have the right to clarification and a logical explanation of how these sentences are passed. So it can only be fair to ask for someone to shed some light on the judiciary process and the judges' prerequisite qualifications here in Bahrain. B Mabi 0
109598 0 1542 LETT LETTERS Smoking a weakness THE "No smoking" article (GDN, April 11) is right up my street. I've always associated the smoking habit as one of weakness, you know the sort of sign, cannot drive a car without lighting up, or make a phone call with a puffing thing in the mouth. And why are not cigarette butts considered to be litter? All over the ground we see dirty cigarette ends just thrown away as though it was a divine right. I walked into the foyer of a well-known five-star hotel this week to have a short business meeting. It's not marked 'non-smoking" and there are ashtrays positioned everywhere. I was pretty vexed when someone's chauffeur or messenger arrived, sat close by and immediately "lit up". I also think it immensely rude when seated at a table eating and someone decides to pollute your eating area by puffing their nicotine over your food. And what about when you visit the hairdresser? You have just had your hair washed and smelling nice, when someone decides to "light up" 0
109599 0 1542 LETT LETTERS A model farce... GDN headline: April 11, 2007 'Man caught asleep in loving embrace with mannequin... again!' Yet another young man was found in the display window of a lingerie shop, yesterday morning by a startled shop owner as he pulled up the window shutters to start the day. The owner, S N M who didn't wish to be named, was surprised to see his display windows in a mess and upon looking down found his mannequin in the warm embrace of a young man. The 'couple' who seemed to have had a pleasant, peaceful slumber, were rudely awakened by the shouting of the shop owner. Immediately waking up, the young man jumped to his feet, and ran out the back door leaving his partner stranded. Needless to say, the mannequin pretended to remain asleep, to avoid embarrassing questions by her employer. Upon arrival, the police, questioned the mannequin on the details of her illicit relationship with the boy, but she remained stubbornly quiet and refused to give away the identity of her lover. Mean 0
109600 0 1542 LETT LETTERS Driving testimonial? I AM an ex-resident of Bahrain now living in the United States. While in Bahrain I had a 100 per cent accident-free driving record. I would like to know whether the Traffic Directorate of Bahrain can issue me a testimonial for my driving record in Bahrain stating that there were no accidents/offences attributed to me. I require this for some prospective employers. I request the Traffic Directorate to inform me of the procedure for obtaining a certificate as above. Maxim *A GENERAL Directorate of Traffic spokesman said: "The procedure is straightforward. The reader should write to the General Director of Traffic, PO Box 13, Manama requesting the above certificate giving his personal details including his Bahrain CPR number and driving licence number and the fee of BD15." 0
109601 0 1542 LETT LETTERS Bitter sweet ordeal WE are the tenants of flats above a sweet shop. They prepare these sweets, potato chips, mixtures etc on a large scale from early morning till midnight in a residential area. We want to know whether that is permissible? The cooking is done with a kerosene furnace. We have constantly suffered from intense smell and heat from their kitchen. The whole apartment is continuously filled with acrid smoke and unbearable smell. Please advice as to who is to be contacted for the grievance. Harassed tenants *EDITOR'S note: The ministries of Interior and Municipality and have advised readers that matters of public nuisance can be reported to their municipality or local police station.' 0
109602 1 1542 BNEW LOCAL PORTS DEAL CLOSE MANAMA MANAMA: A deal to privatise Bahrain's two sea ports will be signed in July, it was declared yesterday. Three companies have submitted their final bids for the 25-year contract to run Mina Salman and the giant new Khalifa bin Salman Port in Hidd. They are the Danish Maersk Company, Hong Kong-based Hutchison Port Holdings and International Container Services Company of the Philippines. Britain's Mersey Docks and Harbour Company was originally amongst four companies shortlisted, but has dropped out, says a statement from Customs, Ports and Free Zones Affairs, at the Finance Ministry. Customs, Ports and Free Zones Affairs president Eid Abdulla Yousef said the assessment process would be completed by the end of July, when the contract will be signed with one of the three companies. "The assessment process was set up by a privatisation specialist to ensure the highest level of transparency and competence," said Mr Yousef. He said the assessment would be carried out by 0
109603 2 1542 BNEW LOCAL King returns from UAE MANAMA ABU DHABI: His Majesty King Hamad returned home yesterday after a visit to the UAE. While in Abu Dhabi, he held talks with UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on ways of enhancing relations. His Majesty was seen off by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and officials. 0
109604 3 1542 BNEW LOCAL Golden girls! Team wins 11 medals MANAMA ELEVEN medals, including seven gold, were won by female Bahraini athletes in the Gulf's first Disabled Girls Championship, held in Sharjah, UAE. The 10-member team aged eight years and above, competed against other disabled athletes from Oman, Kuwait and the UAE, in the first regional contest of its kind to be held exclusively for females. "We are very proud of the team's performance at the event, which was the result of a year of preparation," said Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation technical committee head Subah Al Thawadi. Mr Al Thawadi, who accompanied the team to the one-week event, said that the federation started preparations for the event in March, last year when the event was first announced. "Girl athletes were chosen from various centres for the disabled in the country, with a focus on those who had outstanding results at previous local, regional and international competitions," he said on their return. Disabled female Bahrainis have been taking part in variou 0
109605 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Female athletes to take part in first-ever GCC 'Olympics' MANAMA FEMALE athletes are to compete for the first time at the GCC Special Olympics next week. Eight Bahraini female athletes are to join the hundreds of disabled sportsmen and women at the games, which open on Saturday in Doha, Qatar. The Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation (BDSF) and Special Olympics Bahrain (SOB) are sending 16 athletes to compete in the Fifth GCC Special Olympics, which will continue until April 27. The event is being organised by the GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports, which is headquartered in Bahrain and chaired by Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Shaikh Daij, who is also the president of both the BDSF and SOB, will declare the games open on Saturday. The GCC Special Olympics is held every two years, said BDSF technical committee director Essam Kamal."This is the first time in the GCC Special Olympics' history that female athletes are taking part. "We are integrating boys and girls in the games to give female athletes a chance to parti 0
109606 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL New festival lifeline for needy scholars A CHARITY festival that is raising money to send poor Bahrainis to university and find jobs for the unemployed opened yesterday. The first Zaka Fund Charity Exhibition is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre and will continue until Wednesday. It was opened by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa, who patronised the event. Shaikh Abdulla, who was greeted by a group of traditional singers and dancers, thanked organisers for shouldering social responsibility. "I'm honoured to be opening such a philanthropic event that is aimed at giving aid to the needy and encourages people to give Zaka (Islamic alms)," he said. "This festival shows the cohesion and strong links enjoyed by Bahrain's society to help the poor." Shaikh Abdulla also praised the role of the Zaka Fund in organising such events, which spread awareness on the culture of giving alms. He was accompanied by Municipalities and Agricu 0
109607 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Missing Filipina's accounts frozen MISSING Filipina Gracie Montibon's bank accounts in Bahrain could stay frozen for up to two years. Her daughter Maria Gracie Montibon Reyes requested through the Philippine Embassy earlier this month that she be granted access to the bank accounts. Mrs Montibon, who was reported missing by her Bahraini sponsor Ali Al Oraibi on November 5 last year, is said to have about BD6,000 in three separate accounts. But the Public Prosecutor has ruled that Mrs Montibon's accounts must remain untouched until at least a year since she was reported missing. "The authorities denied the request at this time," Mrs Reyes said in Bahrain yesterday. "The prosecutor said that my mother has not been found yet and that officially they cannot declare her dead, mainly because of lack of evidence. The prosecutor said it would take at least a year, or maybe even two years, before anyone can be granted access to the bank accounts." Mrs Montibon's car, which is still parked outside her apartment buil 0
109608 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Arab honour for entrepreneur MANAMA A BAHRAINI woman has won a prestigious regional award for the Best Arab Start-up Business in the Arab world. Global Cargo & Traveller's Services managing director Huda Mohammed Janahi received the Mohammad Bin Rashid Award for Young Business Leader from Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister General Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The ceremony was held at the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The awards honoured young entrepreneurs for their creative and successful new projects in the small to medium enterprises sector. Ms Janahi's project was selected from more than 800 entries from the Arab world and she is the only winner from Bahrain. "The award recognises creativity and excellence that go into making new projects successful," said Mohammad Bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders board chairman Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammad Al Maktoum. "Today's world is full of stiff competition. Creativity and excellence is the only way to success," h 0
109609 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Smoking clamp laws proposed MANAMA SMOKING could be soon prohibited in shopping malls and other enclosed public areas, if a proposal by Al Menbar Islamic Parliamentary Bloc goes ahead. Public transport, government buildings, educational institutions, places of worship, sports halls and health facilities would all be affected. The proposed law was submitted yesterday by bloc president Dr Salah Abdulrahman to parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani. Dr Abdulrahman, who is also Bahrain Anti-Smoking Society president, said that the proposed law wouldn't ban smoking, just regulate it. "We have been receiving a lot of complaints from people who are irritated and harmed by the clouds of smoke spreading around in closed areas," he said. "I repeat, the law doesn't ban smoking and those responsible for these places could always have a special area were smokers could have their cigarettes, away from the crowd." Dr Abdulrahman said that this was already in place at Bahrain International Airport, somethi 0
109610 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL 'Ban men' debate splits parliament ISLAMIC MPs were divided yesterday over a move to ban men from taking part in women's societies. They were discussing a proposed change to article one of the 1989 Societies Law, which would make it illegal for men to participate in societies set up for women. The amendment was eventually thrown out following opposition from parliament's Al Menbar Islamic Bloc. It was put forward originally by parliament's services committee during an extraordinary session to discuss the 60-article law. However, it was met with fierce opposition by Al Menbar president MP Dr Salah Abdulrahman. He argued that a lot of men are active in women's societies and said banning them would be unfair. "We want better women's societies and excluding qualified men would harm them rather benefit them," he said. "Including men doesn't flout Islamic values - a lot of Islamic societies in Bahrain are comprised of both men and women and so far they have proven to be successful." Dr Ab 0
109611 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Six workers are injured in accident MANAMA SIX Asian workers sustained serious injuries yesterday when they were thrown off a truck that was hit from behind by another on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway. The driver of the truck that was hit had changed lanes in an attempt to park the vehicle to answer a call on his mobile phone. No one from the second truck was injured. The injured workers were treated at Salmaniya Medical Complex. Meanwhile, in a second accident, a man and a woman were seriously injured when their cars collided on Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Highway. Police are investigating both accidents. 0
109612 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Jobs report dodging core issues say MPs MPs criticised the government yesterday for allegedly dodging the real issue surrounding unemployment. They reacted angrily to the fact that a report on unemployment submitted by the Cabinet to parliament yesterday made no mention of the McKinsey report. The McKinsey report was commissioned by the government under directives from Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. It recommends radical labour market reforms and MPs demanded to know why it was not even mentioned in the government's report. MP Isa Abu Al Fateh said that the government report was like a morphine injection to MPs. "The report never talks about solutions to the problems, it just talks about what the government has done in the past," he said. "The government should study the cause of unemployment and not come up with short-run solutions or something they have already told us about before." Parliament financial and economic committee vice-chairman Jassim Al 0
109613 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Better school facilities urged for Karanah PARENTS in Karanah demanded a new primary and intermediate school for girls, as well as better transport for students, during a meeting with Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi yesterday. They also demanded children be accepted at the Karanah Primary School for Girls based on their place of residence. Their demands were read out by Karanah Charity Fund board of trustees' president Sayed Maki Al Wedaie during a meeting at the school. In response, Dr Al Nuaimi said a new academic building would be built at the school to accommodate more students. "We are providing transportation for 33,000 students at all school levels throughout the year and students should be punctual to meet the bus, which comes and leaves at a specified time." He also ordered ministry staff to investigate registration at the school and make sure only those from the village and surrounding areas are being accepted. Also present at the meeting were Northern Governor Ahmed Bin Saloom, Shu 0
109614 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Driver skips bus attack meeting A SCHOOL bus driver accused of attacking a group of pupils, leaving one needing hospital treatment, reportedly failed to appear at the Isa Town police station yesterday. The incident involved five Bahraini pupils, four girls and a boy, from the Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School, Salmabad. They say they were attacked during an incident on the school bus, run by the private Capital Transportation company, last Saturday on Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway. The driver allegedly hit a female pupil on the thigh, twisted the wrist of an 11-year-old girl and slapped a nine-year-old girl in the face. Three of the five pupils involved have since been suspended on the grounds that they provoked him, say parents. The driver and the parents were summoned to the police station at 8am yesterday. But the driver failed to show up and the meeting was put back to the same time today, said one of the parents. 0
109615 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL International travel and tourism show planned MANAMA AN international travel and tourism expo is taking place next month under the patronage of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE-2005) will run from May 9 to 11 at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel. The event is being organised by Sunshine Tours, a subsidiary of the Unitag Group. It has been described as a platform to capitalise on the growing tourism industry in Bahrain by Unitag Group chairman and chief executive Jamil Wafa. "The expo is also a demonstration of the encouragement being offered by the Information Ministry's Tourism Affairs to the private sector to contribute and promote tourism in the country," he said. Statistics from the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence show that over five million people visited Bahrain last year. The private sector is therefore being encouraged to come up with strategies to attract 0
109616 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Advice on pain and headaches MANAMA NECK pain and headaches will be discussed in an open day at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) on Wednesday. IHB consultant psychiatrist Dr Tareq El Maadawy will give a talk on headaches, while IHB orthopaedic spine surgery consultant Dr Mohammed Rasheed will discuss neck pain. The free open day will include a panel discussion and specialist advice. It will be held at 6.30pm at the Internal Medicine Hall, IHB. All are welcome. For more information, contact the hospital on 17598222. 0
109617 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Official sold fake motor certificates A VEHICLE inspector at the General Directorate of Traffic was arrested after he was caught selling registration certificates to motorists, sources told the GDN. He signed and stamped the blank documents before selling them to drivers for anywhere between BD10 and BD20. They would then fill them in themselves and renew their registration without having to put their vehicle through an inspection. Sources said the 22-year-old Bahraini admitted the scam after he was caught red handed in a police sting operation. Officers also uncovered a number of blank registration forms that had already been stamped. A 29-year-old Bahraini, who was in the process of buying illegal vehicle registrations, was also taken for questioning. 0
109618 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini steps out for charity A BAHRAINI runner takes on the world for charity today when he takes part in the 25th Flora London Marathon. AJ Coyne Durazi will join almost 50,000 other runners in the 26-mile (41.6km) race, which starts in Blackheath and Greenwich Parks in Southeast London and finishes next to St James Park. The 18-year-old is hoping to raise 1,400 (BD1,007) for Sense, a charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf and blind. The charity also supports people who have sensory impairments with additional disabilities. The runner, who is on a gap year between college and university, took up the marathon challenge in November after some friends proposed the idea to him. He has been preparing for his debut marathon ever since and is determined to finish the race in less than four hours. "The training's been going really well and I'm all set for tomorrow," AJ told the GDN yesterday by telephoned from Warwickshire, UK, where he lives with his Irish 0
109619 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Pay rise row sparked crisis on medical society board A FAILURE to negotiate pay rises for medical staff was one of the reasons why three board members resigned from the Bahrain Medical Society (BMS), it was revealed yesterday. Vice-president Dr Abdul Khaliq Al Oraibi submitted his resignation, along with two others, as a result. However, president Dr Ali Jaffar Al Aradi denied reports that the board has been dissolved. "We received the resignation letter of Dr Al Oraibi and we are studying it," he told the GDN. "There is only one resignation and the board will meet shortly to discuss the situation. "The resigned member has no right to speak on behalf of the board." Dr Al Aradi said the society's activities had not been affected. Meanwhile Dr Al Oraibi said he submitted the resignation along with two other board members in protest against the style of functioning of the president. "All decisions are taken by the president unilaterally, in a dictatorial way," he added. "The smooth functionin 0
109620 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Key workshop for companies A WORKSHOP on Environmental Management Systems (EMS) is being held from tomorrow to Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza's Bahrain Conference Centre, Manama. The Arab Fertiliser Association (AFA) and the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) are jointly organising the programme. EMS is a management approach that enables an organisation to identify, monitor and control its environmental aspects. Workshop registration will open at the hotel from 5pm to 8pm today. Registration can also be done tomorrow from 7am to 8.30am. The workshop's opening session will begin at 8.30am and the inaugural address will be made by AFA secretary-general Dr Shafik Ashkar. This will be followed by speeches from AFA chairman Hedhili Kefi and Oil Minister and GPIC chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, whose speech will be delivered by GPIC general manager Abdulrahman Jawahery. The keynote address will be made by Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed. Four papers on EMS will 0
109621 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Toastmasters vie for slot in district competition MANAMA MORE than 300 members from 22 clubs attended the Bahrain Toastmasters Annual Convention at the Bahrain Society of Engineers, Juffair. It featured four competitions, which were contested by eight Toastmasters each, and the winners will compete in the District Contests in Jordan on May 12 and 13. The district winner will represent the Middle East at the Toastmasters International Convention in Toronto, Canada, in August, for the coveted title of World Champion of Public Speaking. The Bahrain results are as follows: International speech contest winner was Aruldas Thomas from the KCA Toastmasters; second place went to Hamza Ali from Alba Five Star Toastmasters and in third place was Alex Sen Varughese from the World Malayalee Council Toastmasters. In the humorous speech contest, first place was won by Joel Indrupati from the Manama Toastmasters Club, second place went to Hamza Ali from Alba Five Star Toastmasters and third place was taken by Mansoor Moideen from the F 0
109622 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Sulphur forum is planned LATEST developments in the sulphur industry will be discussed at a major conference in Bahrain next month. The Second Sulphur Middle East Conference will open on May 16 and run for three days at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. It will be preceded by a two-day training course, which kicks off on May 15. The conference is being held under the patronage of Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa and targets technologists from the Middle East's growing sulphur industry. It is organised by British Sulphur Events, London, and is sponsored by the international magazines Sulphur and Arab Oil and Gas. For more information or registration e-mail conferences@crugroup.com or telephone (0044) 207 9032444. 0
109623 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Seminar to analyse IT security A SEMINAR on technology security appliances entitled Best Practice to Next Practice is being held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Wednesday from 9.30am to 1pm. The event is being organised by Paramount Computer Systems/Intercol, a leading player in the information security space in the Gulf region. It is aimed at reducing the risk exposure of clients who rely solely on a number of systems for securing their IT infrastructure. A number of new security products in the region will also be launched at the event. Paramount Systems chief executive officer Premchand Kurup said that in the information security arena, failing to deploy the right technology at the right time can leave the enterprise vulnerable to external and internal security threats. "Businesses in the region will be confident that they are providing themselves with the very best in information security," he said. 0
109624 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Bahrainisation campaign is paying off Bahrainis now represent 44 per cent of the travel and tourism workforce - up from 19pc at the start of the Bahrainisation programme. The new figures were released as Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi presided over a meeting of the Bahrainisation Committee, chaired by Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. The rate of Bahrainisation in the cars sector rose from 31pc to 46pc, which led to pay rises for the employees. Work opportunities are reportedly still available in this sector for Bahraini job-seekers registered with the Labour Ministry. The same figures also show Bahrainis representing 60pc of the workforce in big supermarkets, compared with a mere 20pc in the furniture sector. Hence a decision by the Labour Ministry to put up to 20 furniture companies under close scrutiny for failing to secure the higher rate of Bahrainisation required. The labour minister also ordered a committee to be set up to shortlist jobs which can be Bahrainised in the 0
109625 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain 'should be proud of traditions' BAHRAIN must keep its traditions alive for future generations, says Shaikha Lulwa, daughter of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. "I'm proud of my country and worship its soil," she said. "The people of Bahrain are all part of one big family and we should stand united as one to ensure its growth." Shaikha Lulwa was speaking at the opening of the 10th Al Birr Annual Charity Dish, organised by Al Noor Charity Welfare. The one-day event was held under Shaikha Lulwa's patronage yesterday, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Those who try to cause disruption and hinder the country's growth will not succeed, because the Bahrainis who helped build it won't allow it and the trust they have in their hearts will not be broken, said Shaikha Lulwa. "The amount of well-wishers who showed up at the event shows how much Bahrainis care about helping those in need," she continued. Shaikha Lulwa added that she hoped the society, which has been 0
109626 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Charity dish winners Highest sales: First prize of BD3,899: Shaikha Zin bint Khalid Al Khalifa; second prize of BD3,005: Shaikha Nour bint Rashid Al Khalifa; third prize of BD2,203: Basma Centre. Best table design: Shaikha Fatma bint Khalifa Al Khalifa & Shaikha Al Anoud bint Daij Al Khalifa; Shaikha Hind bint Hamad Al Khalifa & Shaikha Abeer bint Abdulrahman Al Khalifa; Shaikha Shaikha bint Mubarak Al Khalifa. Best dish design: Shaikha Nour bint Rashid Al Khalifa; Shaikha Latifa bint Jaber Al Khalifa; Shaikha Mariam bint Khalid Al Khalifa & Shaikha Hala bint Ahmed Al Khalifa. Most original idea: Shaikha Nour bint Rashid Al Khalifa; Shaikha Lamis bint Daij Al Khalifa; Shaikha Manal & Shaikha Naila & Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa. Table creativity: Mothers and Children Welfare Society; Huda Al Murbati; Shaikha Saida bint Salman Al Khalifa. Dish creativity: Shaikha Nada bint Salman Al Khalifa; Mariam Abdulla Saif; Naima Amal Al Dosary. Best salted Bahraini dish: Shaikha Hin 0
109627 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Final farewell MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain's Royal Court yesterday announced the death of Shaikha Nora bint Hamad bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the wife of Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa. The late Shaikha Nora will be buried this morning in Riffa graveyard. 0
109628 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Salmaniya clamp MANAMA MANAMA: Relatives and visitors have been barred from delivery ward 38 at Salmaniya Medical Complex from today to ensure patients' privacy and to protect them from infections, hospital sources told our sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej last night. Investment boost MANAMA: The number of companies registering online with the Bahrain Investors Centre surged by 88 per cent to 299 last year. Sources yesterday said this reflected the kingdom's success in attracting capital and creating an investment-friendly atmosphere. Hearing adjourned MANAMA: The hearing in a case by Bahrain Young Ladies Association and four other societies against the Social Affairs Ministry has been adjourned till May 28 by the Higher Administrative Court. The societies are blaming the ministry of refusing a statue they drafted to set up a new women's union, sources said yesterday. 0
109629 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Economic growth plan is reviewed Crown Prince and Economic Development Board president Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday received at Riffa Palace a Skidmore, Owning and Merrill company delegation in charge of National Structural Planning for Bahrain. They briefed him on steps for the project regarded as the main pillar for redevelopment of the economy under the Crown Prince's supervision. He directed them to draw up a long and comprehensive plan for economic and social developments that will contribute to drafting a clear vision for the future such as utilisation of lands for investment projects. Present were Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh, Works and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder and head of Crown Prince Court Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa. 0
109630 0 1542 BNEW LOCAL Robbery bid by bogus police foiled MANAMA: Two bogus policemen who stole BD70 after conning their way into a flat were foiled when one of their victims called the real police yesterday. One thief escaped with BD70 stolen from an Asian labourers' wallet as they searched the flat, but his accomplice was arrested at the scene. Bangladeshi Abu Jamal Bhuya and his brother Rashid were walking home from the Rambo Hotel, Hoora, at around 1am, when they were stopped by two men claiming to be police. Abu lives in Hoora and his brother, who works for another company and lives elsewhere in Bahrain, was visiting him for the evening. "We went out for dinner and were returning at around 1am when two men came from behind a car and said that they were policemen, searching for runaway workers," said Abu. "They told us that according to their report the workers were hiding in our flat. "We did not know what to do. We had to abide by the law and we handed the key to them. Twelve people share the flat, 0
109631 1 1542 SPOR SPORT PIRES NETS AS GUNNERS WIN CARDIFF: Arsenal advanced into their fourth FA Cup final in the last five years with a 3-0 victory over Premiership rivals Blackburn Rovers at the Millennium Stadium here yesterday. Robert Pires struck three minutes before half-time but the France winger's goal was all that separated the sides until the 86th minute when Dutch substitute Robin van Perside netted before scoring again in stoppage time with a powerful shot. The Gunners will now face the winners of today's second semi-final between Newcastle and holders Manchester United on May 21 when the final takes place at the Millennium Stadium for the last time before returning to Wembley next year. Arsenal's win was proof that doggedness will only get you so far. Through determination and an occasionally brutal resolve, Blackburn thwarted the nine-times FA Cup winners for 42 minutes, with Brad Friedel making a series of fine saves, before the north London giants' greater class eventually told. Even when they were only a goal be 0
109632 2 1542 SPOR SPORT Bahrain handball team bow to Saudi BAHRAIN's national handball team bowed out of the first Islamic Solidarity Games after losing 31-26 to hosts Saudi Arabia in a crucial Group 'A' match last night at the King Abdulaziz Sports City gym in Mecca. It was a do-or-die encounter for Bahrain (3 points) who were desperate for a victory to qualify for the semi-finals. Bahrain were trailing 12-8 at half-time. Led by veteran captain Mohammed Abdulnabi, Bahrain tried their best to get back in the second-half but were unable to match the strength of the Saudis who stayed in front by a good margin and held on for their third successive victory to finish top in the four-team group with six points. In yesterday's other match, Syria defeated Jordan 35-27 to finish ahead of Bahrain on goal difference and book a berth in the semi-finals. In Group 'B, Egypt and Algeria qualified as group winners and runners-up respectively. The semi-finals are scheduled for today when Egypt take on Syria while Saudi Arabia play Alge 0
109633 3 1542 SPOR SPORT Bolton in line for European berth LONDON: Bottom club Norwich City threw away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 at fellow strugglers Crystal Palace while Bolton Wanderers moved above Liverpool into fifth place in the English Premiership soccer yesterday. Norwich were on course for their first away league win of the season when Dean Ashton's double helped them to a 3-1 lead at Selhurst Park but Michael Hughes and Andy Johnson, with a disputed late penalty, secured a point for Palace. Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf scored Bolton's winner in a 2-1 victory at Charlton Athletic, a result that lifted them above his former club, Champions League semi-finalists Liverpool, who drew 2-2 with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield. Chelsea, 11 points clear at the top and homing in on their first English title since 1955, do not play until Wednesday when they host second-placed Arsenal who beat Blackburn 3-0 in the FA Cup semi-finals yesterday. Bolton are the form team of those seeking European qualification and their manager Sam Allardyce 0
109634 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Wright set to quit after one-dayers NEW DELHI: New Zealand's John Wright will end his 4-1/2 year reign as India's first foreign coach today after a six-match one-day series versus Pakistan. The former Kiwi captain, respected for his low profile in a cricket-mad nation and for his toughness within the dressing room, plans to return home to spend more time with his family. Stand-in captain Rahul Dravid said the players have planned a nice farewell after the series. The team would work extra hard to win and square the series 3-3, he said yesterday. "There is always a motivation to win," he said. "It has been an eventful journey for John. He has had his ups and downs but at the end of the day he probably had a few more ups than downs. "We within the team will honour him in our own special and private way." Wright, 50, had not been the favourite for the job when he was appointed in 2000, but is seen as an unlikely success story. He demanded more passion from his talented but inconsistent 0
109635 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Nadal rallies to end Gasquet hopes MONACO: Spain's Rafael Nadal won the battle of teenage sensations by staging a storming comeback to reach the final of the Monte Carlo Masters yesterday, ending French qualifier Richard Gasquet's magical run with a 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-3 win. The 18-year-old left-hander will now face defending champion Guillermo Coria of Argentina in today's final after the sixth seed defeated former double Monte Carlo champion Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain 6-2, 7-5. Gasquet, ranked 101 in the world and who had sensationally knocked out world number one Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, won the first set but his dreams of making today's final were brought crashing down by the rejuvenated 11th seed. Nadal, now boasting a 19-2 season record on clay with two titles, will be appearing in his second successive Masters final. Nadal had broken first to lead 4-3 and then had the chance to serve for the set before the Frenchman came back to level at 5-5. Gasquet then netted a lazy volley t 0
109636 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Celtic rally to down Aberdeen in thriller GLASGOW: Celtic fought back from two goals down to beat Aberdeen 3-2 thanks to a Craig Bellamy winner at Parkhead in the Scottish Premier League yesterday. The victory puts them five points clear in the title race with Celtic on 83 points from 33 games while second-placed Rangers, who visit Dunfermline today, have 78 from 32. "It was sensational, absolutely sensational," manager Martin O'Neill said of Celtic's comeback. "To be 2-0 down is a long way back. I would like to say it was phenonmenal character out there today to come back and win the game." Zander Diamond opened the scoring for Aberdeen after 10 minutes and Darren Mackie made it 2-0 four minutes later to stun the crowd of 59,998 and leave Celtic facing a second successive home defeat. But Stanislav Varga's header got Celtic back in the match in the 26th minute and John Hartson made it 2-2 after the break before on-loan Newcastle United striker Bellamy scored his first home goal for the club to clinch 0
109637 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Al Ahli too good for East Riffa AL AHLI outplayed East Riffa 3-1 in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League last night at the Isa Town Stadium. With title having already been won by Riffa, Al Ahli were keen to win last night's match to be among the top four teams to qualify for the Crown Prince Cup scheduled for next month. After a goalless first-half, Ali Habib put Al Ahli ahead in the 60th minute. East Riffa levelled the scores in the 77th minute through their top scorer Omar Belal but Al Ahli responded a minute later scoring the second goal through Habib. East Riffa had a precious opportunity to equalise two minutes later when referee Jassim Mahmood awarded them a penalty kick. However, Al Ahli's goal-keeper Ahmed Meshaima made a good save to deny East Riffa's Tunisian skipper Lutfi Al Tarabulsi. Substitute striker Mohammed Ayyash secured the points for Al Ahli scoring the third goal. Emphatic win for Saar SAAR routed the Deaf and Dumb team 8-0 in the 12t 0
109638 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Carter stars as Nets tame Raptors TORONTO: Vince Carter was loudly booed in his first game back in Toronto and made no new friends scoring 39 points as the New Jersey Nets kept their NBA playoff hopes alive with a 101-90 win over the Raptors yesterday. Once the city's favourite sports celebrity, Carter became public enemy number one among Toronto sports fans after he demanded a trade earlier in the season and then admitted he never gave 100 per cent while playing in the NBA's northern outpost. Carter was booed during team introductions by a capacity crowd at the Air Canada Centre and jeered every time he touched the ball. If the unwanted attention bothered Carter, it did not show in his performance as he also had nine rebounds and four assists to help keep the Nets in the chase for an Eastern Conference playoff berth with three games to play. "It was fun to come back and play here," said Carter, who spent six seasons in a Raptors uniform. "I'm fine, we won." As usual, the Nets got plenty of produc 0
109639 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Wigan on course for promotion LONDON: On-loan striker Brett Ormerod's double kept second-placed Wigan Athletic on course for automatic promotion to the Premiership yesterday. A 2-0 victory at Leicester City moved Wigan to within two points of leaders Sunderland, who are at home to third-placed Ipswich Town today. Ormerod, on loan from Southampton, scored with headers in each half to leave Leicester just three points above the relegation places. Sunderland have 84 points from 42 matches, with Wigan, who have played 43, on 82 and Ipswich on 79, also from 42 matches. Preston North End, in fourth, increased their playoff chances with a 3-0 demolition of Cardiff City with David Nugent scoring twice. Former European champions Nottingham Forest remained six points adrift of safety after a 1-0 defeat at fifth-placed Reading. Forest, facing an embarrassing fall into English soccer's third tier, had goalkeeper Paul Gerrard sent off 20 minutes from time for handling a back pass and James Harper s 0
109640 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Jaguar Medal Series qualifiers spotted TODD Gillespie, Andrew Kennedy and Peter Falk qualified for the finals of the Jaguar Monthly Medal Series by taking first, second and third places respectively in the 0-12 handicap section of the April qualifier at Riffa Golf Club premises. In the 13-36 handicap section, Abdulmohsen Al Gosaibi, Melvin Castro and Paul Beaumont took the top three slots and will also take part in the finals scheduled in December. Results (net): 0-12 handicap section: Todd Gillespie (69), Andrew Kennedy (70), Peter Falk (71). 13-36 handicap section: Abdulmohsen Al Gosaibi (69), Melvin Castro (70), Paul Beaumont (72). Nearest the pin 8th hole: Daryn Williams. Forthcoming events: Friday: BMW World Final, Bahrain qualifier first round. 7am shotgun start. Second round tee times from 1pm. Open to members over 18 years of age and guests of Euro Motors only. April 29: Chrysler Golf Day. 7.30am shotgun start. Open to members & guests. May 6: Khalil Ur Rehman Su 0
109641 0 1542 SPOR SPORT Al Attiyah powers to victory in Doha DOHA: Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and Ulster co-driver Chris Patterson took a third successive victory in the Mitsubishi Qatar International Rally, round four of the 2005 FIA Middle East Rally Championship, which concluded yesterday. Damas-sponsored Bahraini driver Hassan Al Sadadi and co-driver Criag Parry of Britain powered their Subaru Impreza WRX Sti to finished 14th in this 10-stage event in three hours, 13 minutes and nine seconds. Al Sadadi said he was satisfied with his performance in the rally although he faced problems with tyres in the early stages of the first day on Friday. Al Sadadi thanked Damas for its support to him and the rest of the team who return today and will start preparations for the Jordan International Rally, round five of the championship, scheduled in three weeks time. Al Attiyah and Patterson hold a 16-point lead in the FIA regional series with five events to run. Al Attiyah began the final four stages, north of Doha, a mere 56.8 second 0
109642 0 1542 SPOR SPORT O'Sullivan rallies for slender lead SHEFFIELD, England: Reigning champion Ronnie O'Sullivan was in at the deep end on the opening day of the World Championships here last night as he was tested by youngster Stephen Maguire. The Londoner quickly fell behind the Glaswegian 2-0 and then 3-2 in their best of 19 frames clash, but then rallied to take a 5-4 lead by the end of an intriguing first session. He now requires another five frames to make a successful start to his trophy defence and become the first player into the last 16 of the sport's top event. Maguire though is far from finished as he attempts to avenge last year's defeat at the same stage. The highlight of the morning play was O'Sullivan's break of 115 in the sixth frame. It was the first century of the 17-day marathon and the 400th ton of his career. 0
109643 0 1542 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain THE 13th Heritage Festival, Old Weaponry and Falconry Arts; Heritage Village, Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 5pm-9pm. Entrance free. Art exhibition by top Bahraini artists Mohammed Al Mahdi and Sayed Abdulla Al Sari, Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, Juffair, 9am-1pm and 3pm-10pm. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or special arrangements required. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Exhibition by Iraqi artist Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's labour inspection hotline: 17870176 0
109644 1 1542 WORL WORLD Major Iraq offensive to free hostages BAGHDAD: A major offensive was underway early this morning in Iraq's "Triangle of Death" to free more than 150 hostages, mainly women and children. US and Iraqi forces launched the raid on the central town of Madaen after Sunni insurgents threatened to kill the hostages in 24 hours unless all Shias left. The insurgents overnight dragged the civilians from their homes, ordered the others out of town and dynamited a mosque - threatening a potentially inflaming sectarian divide. Troops last night surrounded the town after attempts failed to defuse the crisis peacefully. Earlier, the number of hostages had been put at up to 60. A Shi'ite official in Baghdad said some of the Madaen hostages had been taken to two schools in the town and a mosque in the adjacent town of Salman Pak. A growing number of families had been fleeing Madaen, about 40 km southeast of Baghdad, since the hostage standoff began, said the official. The crisis began when more than 100 masked militants drove 0
109645 2 1542 WORL WORLD Musharraf brings 'message of peace' NEW DELHI: Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf arrived in the Indian capital, saying he came "with a message of peace" and hoped the South Asian nuclear rivals would be able to resolve their decades-old differences over Kashmir. Musharraf flew into New Delhi after making a stop at the shrine of a Muslim saint in the western Indian state of Rajasthan. "We have prayed that in the times to come, all differences between India and Pakistan are resolved and peace returns," he said after visiting the shrine. Musharraf is in India for a three-day visit, with a series of meetings squeezed around a cricket match between the two countries. He met Indian External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh before attending a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Instead of the traditional gift of a sword, Musharraf was offered a bouquet of flowers at the shrine - a goodwill gesture for the ongoing India-Pakistan peace process. "We have come here with a message of peace and unit 0
109646 3 1542 WORL WORLD Saudi warning on mobiles RIYADH: Anyone using camera phones to distribute pornography may face up to 1,000 lashes, a 12-year jail term and a 100,000 riyal (BD10,080) fine under a proposed Saudi law. It comes after a Saudi court in January sentenced three men to jail and up to 1,200 lashes each for orchestrating and filming the rape of a teenage girl using telephones equipped with cameras and distributing the footage via the telephones. The Shura council was expected to endorse the new law soon, local newspapers said. 0
109647 0 1542 WORL WORLD Global monitors for British polls LONDON: International observers from Ukraine, Serbia and Montenegro and Russia will for the first time monitor Britain's general elections on May 5, a newspaper reported yesterday. The 10 observers sent by the Warsaw-based Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights will arrive at the end of April to assess Britain's first experience of large-scale postal voting at a general election, The Times said. Other representatives will travel from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Denmark, Canada, the US and Norway, The Times reported. The observers will draft a report for the 55 countries which fund the organisation, which is linked to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. The organisation, the newspaper said, assessed the 2003 local elections in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland and sent observers to the recent elections in Ukraine, which were rerun after widespread allegations of fraud. A spokeswoman for the organisation said the observers would concent 0
109648 0 1542 WORL WORLD Election may be delayed JERUSALEM: Delayed electoral reform threatened yesterday to hold up Palestinian parliamentary elections, and to send Islamic Hamas militants back to war with Israel. Hamas, suspecting that Mahmoud Abbas' ruling Fatah party wants to buy time to try to shore up support, said it would consider calling off an unofficial truce with Israel if the July 17 balloting were postponed. Hamas agreed to Abbas' appeal for a ceasefire in part because the Palestinian leader pledged to reform the Palestinian Authority. Abbas said yesterday that he planned to proceed with the election on time, but a senior Cabinet minister suggested the vote might be put off until after Israel's summer pullout from the Gaza Strip. Hamas, expected to make a strong showing in its first legislative contest, has said it would only participate in the race if the election law were revised to afford better representation for smaller parties. Parliament was expected to vote today on an amended election law 0
109649 0 1542 WORL WORLD 10 ricin plot suspects win apology LONDON: The British government has apologised to 10 people for saying that the grounds for subjecting them to new anti-terror measures were links to the ricin poison plot in London, a newspaper said yesterday. The government admitted having made a "clerical error" when it said the grounds for the measures was that they "belonged to and have provided support for a network of north African extremists directly involved in terrorist planning in the UK, including the use of toxic chemicals," The Guardian said. The admission came in a letter of apology sent to the men. On Wednesday, Kamel Bourgas, an Algerian who stabbed a policeman to death and planned poison attacks across Britain, was jailed for 17 years. However, four co-defendants were acquitted and a second trial was abandoned. The Guardian said the fact the control orders attempted to connect the 10 men to the ricin plot will cast further doubt on the validity of the secret evidence the government claims it has on them.< 0
109650 0 1542 WORL WORLD Schoolgirl, 16, stabbed to death LONDON: A teenaged schoolgirl was stabbed to death in a frenzied attack in a house in northeast England, police said last night. Officers were called to a house on an estate in the Teesside town of Hartlepool where the body of Kimberley Bage, 16, was found. She had suffered multiple stab wounds. A 29-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the death. "The young girl, I believe, fought valiantly for her life. Tragically, she was unsuccessful," police said. 0
109651 0 1542 WORL WORLD Anti-Japan protesters on rampage SHANGHAI: About 20,000 anti-Japanese protesters rampaged in Shanghai yesterday, stoning Japan's consulate and smashing cars and shops in a protest over Tokyo's wartime history and its bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat. Thousands of police watched but did little to restrain the crowd. Japan filed an official protest, complaining that Chinese authorities failed to stop the violence. Thousands of people also took part in peaceful protest marches in two other cities, defying government demands for restraint. In Beijing, hundreds of police blanketed Tiananmen Square in the centre of the Chinese capital to block a planned protest. In Shanghai, police in riot helmets kept protesters away from the consulate building but let protesters throw eggs and rocks. Protesters smashed windows at more than a dozen Japanese-style noodle shops and bars, many of them Chinese-owned. Others broke the windows of a police car, chanting "Kill the Japanese!", after a ru 0
109652 0 1542 WORL WORLD Mikati in talks to form cabinet BEIRUT: Nagib Mikati, a moderate named Lebanon's prime minister with backing from both pro-Syrian and opposition figures, began talks yesterday to form a cabinet amid rising hopes for prompt elections. His appointment came after his pro-Syrian predecessor Omar Karameh resigned twice in six weeks, leaving the country without a government as it confronted its deepest political crisis since the end of the 1975-1990 war. US President George W Bush also issued a stern reminder to Syria, the main powerbroker in Lebanon for almost three decades, to complete its troop pullout from the country before the elections. The European Union said it hoped a new cabinet would be formed "at an early date... and urges the Lebanese authorities to proceed without delay to free, fair and transparent elections on schedule." Mikati met former prime ministers and started parliamentary consultations, facing an April-end deadline to call elections. "I come with an open hand and an open hear 0
109653 0 1542 WORL WORLD Bhutto's husband held on arrival in Pakistan LAHORE: Pakistani police yesterday detained former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's husband at the airport as he flew in from Dubai to launch a political movement for democracy. A squad of elite police commandos barged into a private jet as it landed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in the eastern city of Lahore at dawn carrying Asif Ali Zardari, his political aides and media representatives. Outside the airport, baton-wielding police attacked dozens of Pakistan Peoples Party workers who had defied a tough crackdown and managed to sneak in through a chain of pickets close to the airfield, witnesses said. Zardari was whisked away in a heavily guarded police van to his Bilawal house residence near the airport where he was put under virtual house arrest. Some 30 prominent Pakistan Peoples Party leaders including federal and provincial legislators were arrested when they tried to reach Bilawal house to meet Zardari, a party spokesman said. Zardari condemned the arrests 0
109654 0 1542 WORL WORLD Birthplace visit planned NEW DELHI: The Pakistani president will receive birth certificates for himself, an older brother and his sister when he visits his birthplace in India this weekend, but a leading newspaper said yesterday that Pervez Musharraf is two years younger than he thinks. New Delhi Municipal Corporation dug out the originals after Musharraf's mother, Begum Zarin, visited the Indian capital's Lala Girdharilal Maternity Hospital last month and asked to see the birth certificates of her sons Javed and Pervez, officials said. They were thought to have been born there in July 1941 and August 1942 respectively. 0
109655 0 1542 WORL WORLD Top rebel group backs bus link SRINAGAR: Indian Kashmir's dominant rebel group said yesterday that Islamic militants fighting New Delhi's rule should not oppose a historic new bus service linking the Indian- and Pakistani-zones of the Himalayan territory. India and Pakistan on April 7 launched the route between Indian Kashmir's capital Srinagar and Muzaffarabad, capital of the Pakistani zone of the divided region. "No (genuine) freedom fighter will attack or fire a single bullet on the bus," Syed Salahudin, leader of Hizbul Mujahideen based in Pakistan-held Kashmir, said in a statement. The second bus is due to roll on Thursday. The bus has been bitterly opposed by some rebels who fear it will take the steam out of the separatist cause. Four rebel groups which do not belong to the United Jihad (Holy War) Council that Salahudin also heads have threatened to attack the bus. Meanwhile, Indian troops killed six Muslim guerilla leaders in gunbattles in Kashmir, the army and police said. 0
109656 0 1542 WORL WORLD Warming of India-Pakistan relations Significant developments in relations between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan: August 14, 1947: Pakistan is created as a nation. The next day, India gains independence from Britain after two centuries of colonial rule. October 1947: War breaks out between India and Pakistan in Kashmir. UN brokers a truce 16 months later. September 1965: The two countries fight a second war over Kashmir, ending after three weeks in a UN-brokered cease-fire. January 1966: India and Pakistan sign a Soviet Union-sponsored peace deal. December 1971: A third war breaks out - this time over Bangladesh, which had been East Pakistan. July 1972: India and Pakistan agree that a cease-fire line called the Line of Control will divide Kashmir, although not as an official border. November 1989: Islamic insurgency starts in Kashmir. May 1998: India conducts five nuclear tests. Pakistan carries out its first nuclear tests. The United States and several other nations 0
109657 0 1542 WORL WORLD Abbas set to hold talks with Mubarak CAIRO: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas arrived at the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh yesterday at the start of a two-day visit for talks with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, the official Mena agency reported. Abbas was due to meet with Mubarak this morning before travelling to Amman for talks with Jordan's King Abdullah. Mena said Abbas would brief the Egyptian leader on the latest developments in the territories and obstacles impeding the implementation of a deal reached with Israel in February at Sharm El Sheikh. The Egyptian president has been playing an increasingly prominent role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, hosting the Sharm El Sheikh summit between Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. 0
109658 0 1542 WORL WORLD Cardinals destroy John Paul's ring VATICAN CITY: Roman Catholic cardinals destroyed the late Pope John Paul's ring and seal yesterday in a symbolic end to his authority before secluding themselves from the world to elect his successor. The cardinals will begin their conclave tomorrow, and the Vatican said smoke would pour from a chimney above the Sistine Chapel twice a day to tell the world whether or not a new Pope had been elected. At the meeting the cardinals watched an ancient ritual marking the transition between two Popes - the destruction of John Paul's "Fisherman's Ring" and his lead seal, two symbols of his authority. During John Paul's 26-year pontificate and his many trips across the world, countless pilgrims kissed the gold signet ring. At 4.30pm (1430 GMT) tomorrow, the 115 cardinals under the age of 80 with the right to choose a new Pope will file in solemn procession into the Sistine Chapel, with its Michelangelo frescoes, where voting takes place. They come from 52 nations. The cardinals wi 0
109659 0 1542 WORL WORLD Agca offers to help write sequel ISTANBUL: Mehmet Ali Agca, who tried to assassinate Pope John Paul II in 1981, has written to US author Dan Brown, offering to help him write a sequel to his best-seller The Da Vinci Code, Agca's lawyer said yesterday. "If Dan Brown accepts and if the justice ministry gives its authorisation (my client) says that beneficial results for the whole of humanity could emerge from this encounter," Mustafa Demirbag said. Agca is serving sentences in an Istanbul prison for robbery and murder in the 1970s, handed down by a Turkish court following his extradition from Rome after 19 years in jail for his attack on the Pope. Demirbag said he also wanted to meet Australian director and actor Mel Gibson to assist him in the making of a film on the Pope. Agca, who was pardoned by John Paul II, was refused permission by Ankara to attend the Pope's funeral on April 8. Demirbag denied "baseless" reports that Agca's mental health was failing, insisting that he was "perfectly sane."< 0
109660 0 1542 WORL WORLD Tribute is held for Cervantes NEW YORK: Some of the literary world's most prominent figures, including British novelist Salman Rushdie and US author Paul Auster, were expected to pay homage last night to Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and his immortal classic, Don Quixote of La Mancha. Canadian author Margaret Atwood, Algerian writer Assia Djebar, Italy's Claudio Magris, Norman Manea of Romania, Antonio Munoz Molina of Spain and Colombia's Laura Restrepo were also scheduled to honour Cervantes at a special event here commemorating the quadricentennial of his fanciful book. The celebration, held last evening at the city's public library, is part of New York's Festival of International Literature, sponsored by the PEN American Centre and New York's Cervantes Institute. The organisers said in a statement that the story "about a man under the spell of fiction has been casting its own spell on readers everywhere for four centuries. "The story of Don Quixote has become a kind of natural resource - not only fo 0
109661 0 1542 WORL WORLD Artistic couple plan 'gift to humanity' A mad, mad world... A Berlin couple plan to have their first baby at an art gallery, the gallery owner said yesterday, confirming a newspaper report. "It's a gift to humanity, a once in a lifetime thing," Bild newspaper quoted Winfried Witt, partner of mother-to-be Ramune Gele, as saying. Johann Novak, manager of the DNA-Galerie in central Berlin, said the artistic couple wanted to challenge conventional norms. "It's a bit of test to see if society can cope," he said. About 30 people are expected to attend the birth, scheduled for April 24. They would be told to come to the gallery as soon as the 27-year-old Gele's contractions became regular, Witt was quoted as saying. Novak said the gallery, which usually shows installations and video art, would be closed during the birth. "The private aspect will be maintained," he said. Surfer escapes shark attack An Australian surfer used his board to fight off a shark at a popular Sydney beach yesterday, then sh 0
109662 0 1542 WORL WORLD Malaysian woman dies at 113 KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's oldest woman, who has died aged 113, said that being happy was the secret of her longevity, a report said yesterday. Lim Khoo Chai died on Friday in northern Perak state, just three months shy of her 114th birthday on July 5, the Star said. Lim was endorsed as the country's oldest woman by the Malaysia Book of Records in July 2003, it said. She had been admitted to hospital last Saturday following complaints of stomach discomfort. "We didn't expect her to go so soon. All of us thought she was going to live for at least another 10 years," Lim's granddaughter Chin Suan Choo was quoted as saying. Born in 1891, Lim got married in her 40s and was the breadwinner of her family, working as a babysitter and janitor. She had three children, 25 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. When asked in 2003 about her secret to longevity and staying healthy, Lim said, "Don't worry. Be happy." 0
109663 0 1542 WORL WORLD Rap singer held for crash NEW YORK: Rapper DMX was arrested after a three-car crash involving a police cruiser on a major New York City expressway, police said yesterday. Police said a car driven by DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, hit another car, which then slammed into the cruiser late on Friday on the Major Deegan Expressway in the Bronx. Two police officers were treated for minor injuries. The 34-year-old hip-hop star was charged with driving with a suspended licence and released, police said. 0
109664 0 1542 WORL WORLD 17 die in new Iraq attacks BAGHDAD: At least 17 people were killed, including two US soldiers and a Turkish trucker, in attacks around Iraq yesterday, while two Filipinos were wounded as they headed to work at Baghdad airport, police said. In the ethnically mixed town of Baquba, at least seven people were killed, including three police, in a lunchtime explosion at a restaurant, an Iraqi army officer said. At least five more people were wounded, Colonel Ismail Ibrahim said. He did not immediately know if the blast, which blew out the back of the restaurant, was due to a bomb inside the establishment or to a booby-trapped car outside. Insurgents have been very active in the town some 60km north of Baghdad. One US soldier was killed in a roadside bomb attack around 11am on an armoured convoy just north of Baghdad, the US military said. Another US soldier died late on Friday of wounds sustained in a mortar or rocket attack near Tikrit, north of the capital, the military said. A 0
109665 0 1542 WORL WORLD Ethnic clashes in Khuzestan TEHRAN: Three people were killed in fierce fighting between Arabs and Iranian security forces in a province bordering Iraq. Iran's official news agency said clashes erupted in the Arab-majority province of Khuzestan over reported plans to change the ethnic make-up of the area. Al Jazeera television said three Arabs were killed, many more injured and as many as 250 arrested after banks and police stations were set ablaze. But local police quoted by student news agency ISNA would only confirm that one person had been shot, and not by police, without providing further details or specifying if the individual had been killed. Police said 137 people behind the rioting were arrested while another eight were injured. The unrest, which broke out in three areas of the province's main city Ahvaz, resulted in damage to public buildings and banks. The news agency reported three injured and, quoting an official at the governorate's office, said the area was calm and the police 0
109666 1 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Effective leadership 'is key to business growth' MANAMA: Leaders who make a real difference are the key to success in any organisation, says a government minister. Leadership is the key ingredient for bringing about change in organisations, said Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Dr Abdul Hussain Mirza. He was speaking as he opened the eighth international conference and exhibition of the Arabian Society for Human Resources Management (Ashrm). Mr Mirza was delegated by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to open the event, at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel. The theme of the four-day event is Leadership Quest. Ashrm president and conference chairman Said Babidan welcomed the gathering. Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed was the keynote speaker. "Leadership Quest is a very pertinent subject in today's ever changing environment and calls for reforms in the private and public sector organisations," said Dr Mirza. "Leadership plays a vital rol 0
109667 2 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Modern management tools 'vital for progress' MANAMA: Effective leadership which can focus on proper management tools can contribute substantially towards the success of any organisation, says Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed. Changing business environment in an era of globalisation calls for a change in the style of leadership and management methods, he told the conference. Dr Al Sayed spoke on the Role of Leadership in Turning Companies into Successful Organisations. He focused on the combined effect of creativity, motivation and organisational culture on the success of companies. Dr Al Sayed talked about the five management tools which he described in the acronym, "MOSIF". The letters denote Motivation, Objectives, Strategy, Implementing the agreed plan, and Follow up operations. "Corporations need to follow these steps to succeed and be able to face future developments," said Dr Al Sayed . He emphasised that the most important assets of any organisation are its human resource 0
109668 3 1543 BUSI BUSINESS $187m share offer success for Investment FIRM MANAMA: Bahrain-based Islamic Joint Venture Partners acted as principal adviser and arranger for the 100 million share offering by UK-based European Islamic Investment Bank. The offering was oversubscribed and increased to 115 million, with subscribers from the UK and Gulf region, including Islamic banks, fund management companies and high net worth individuals. "We were delighted on behalf of EIIB with the response from investors, particularly in the short period that the private placement was available to potential subscribers," said IJVP Chairman Adnan Ahmed Yousif. "We should like to express our thanks to the Bahrain Monetary Agency and their senior officers for their encouragement and assistance in this exciting new Islamic banking project, which is the creation of a new Islamic wholesale/investment bank, based in London, but focusing on the whole of Europe, the Gulf region and Asia". EIIB will shortly be submitting an application to the Financial Services Auth 0
109669 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Sales boost for Dodge DUBAI: The powerful Dodge brand led a first quarter sales boost of 17 per cent for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Middle East with sales up 60pc over the same period last year. "It's obvious that there is an increasing demand for our range of sedans and 4 x 4 vehicles," said Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge Middle East vice-president and sales and marketing director Bruce Ohms. "The Dodge Durango has been a huge success with the new model significantly outselling its predecessor while the award-winning 300C is taking the region by storm." Chrysler brand sales were up 45pc, helped by a sparkling performance by the Hemi powered 300C. Meanwhile, the Jeep Wrangler increased sales, while the Cherokee again proved to be a popular model with families. 0
109670 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS GIB 'finance leader' MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank (GIB) maintained its position as the GCC's primary provider of project and structured finance services last year. "GIB retained its mantle as the dominant regional structured finance player, coming first in the annual MEED league table of GCC banks for the fourth consecutive year," according to MEED magazine, which monitors the project finance market in the region. "Also notable is the diversity of GIB's mandates, which include a liquefied natural gas ship borrowing, an aircraft financing and deals in the petrochemicals and hydrocarbons sectors. GIB has also topped Dealogic ProjectWare's regional mandated arranger and provider table in the MENA region for 2004. Dealogic is a global database covering project finance deals. 0
109671 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Oil boom masks weak Middle East growth WASHINGTON: Exceptional rises in world oil prices that propelled export revenues in the Middle East and North Africa in recent years have also masked underlying weakness in the region, the World Bank said yesterday. "Strong growth over the last two years does not change the fundamentals for this region," said Mustapha Nabli, the World Bank's chief economist for the Middle East and North Africa. "We are still talking about a region with limited private sector activity and employment creation, limited integration into the global economy, and strong dependence on volatile oil markets," he added. Economic growth in the region spanning Morocco to Iran surged an average 5.6 per cent over the past two years, well above its 3.6pc expansion rate during the 1990s, as soaring energy prices lined oil producers' coffers. Excluding gains from oil, the bank said the region's growth likely averaged 4pc or less per year in 2003 and 2004. The World Bank said 97pc of the growth gain 0
109672 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Oman oil windfall wipes deficit MUSCAT: High oil prices helped Oman wipe out a projected 500 million rial ($1.3 billion) budget deficit for 2004 to realise a 398.5m rial surplus instead, official figures showed. Economy Ministry statistics issued recently put actual revenue at 4.04bn rials and expenditure at 3.64 billion rials - instead of a projected 2.93bn rials and 3.43bn rials respectively. Oil earnings reached 2.75bn rials, the ministry said. Economy Minister Ahmad bin Abdul-Nabi Mekki has said that the small non-Opec oil producer also hoped to "settle" a forecast 2005 budget deficit of 540m rials. The sultanate based its 2005 state budget on a conservative oil price of $23 a barrel, compared with $21 in the 2004 budget. Oil Ministry officials said they expected the average price of Omani crude to be around $38 per barrel this year compared with $34 in 2004. "Thanks to higher oil prices, the decline in Oman's oil production has not had a negative impact on the economy," said Nabil 0
109673 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Banks sukuk deal ABU DHABI: Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation announced that Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), ABCIB Islamic Asset Management and ABC Islamic Bank agreed to act as joint underwriters and placement agents for a corporate Sukuk issue by Al Safeena Ltd. In the first deal of its type, the institutions have agreed to underwrite the $26 million Islamic issue, which is being used in the financing of a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) on charter to a Saudi Arabian shipping company, with a sub-charter to the transportation subsidiary of a leading national GCC oil and petrochemical conglomerate. ADCB senior vice-president and head of the corporate banking group Seumas Gallacher signed the transaction alongside Arab Banking Corporation's chief representative in the UAE Mohamed El Calamawy. 0
109674 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS India-Pakistan review panel to boost trade ties NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan have decided to revive a joint business panel to boost trade despite India failing to convince its nuclear-armed neighbour to grant it most-favoured trading nation status. The decision to focus on the economic aspects of the relationship came during a meeting yesterday between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, who are trying to push forward a fragile peace process. "It was also agreed that it is in the interest of India and Pakistan to promote their economic and trade relations," India Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran told a news conference. "There is a sense now that yes, it is worthwhile reviving the joint commission which can then look into the trade relationship between the two countries, the economic relationship between the two countries and hopefully take it forward." Ties have warmed between the two countries since they stepped back in 2002 from the brink of what would have been their fourth war since gaini 0
109675 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS IMF urges flexible yuan policy WASHINGTON: China should adopt a more flexible exchange rate system while its economy is strong - a a move that would give Beijing more policy tools and improve Asia's currency flexibility, the International Monetary Fund's Asia director said yesterday. David Burton said the IMF believed that despite Chinese fears its currency would rise in value, hurting exports and employment as a result, freeing the renminbi would be "desirable". "In the short run, given the sort of pressures on the renminbi, it certainly would mean it would appreciate, but we think that flexibility is the right thing for China," Burton said. He said the timing and nature of any Chinese currency move was hard to predict and "something that has to be decided at a very high level politically in China." But he also said "many conditions are quite favourable" for moving now. "It's always best to do these things from a position of strength - that's one of the lessons from international experience," Burton s 0
109676 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai projects $1.1bn surplus DUBAI: Dubai has projected a surplus of nearly $1.1 billion in its budget for fiscal 2005, newspapers reported yesterday. Expenditure is projected at 52bn dirhams ($14.1bn) against revenue of 56bn dirhams ($15.2bn), they said. This sends out a strong signal that even a non-oil regional economy can, with economic diversification, record healthy revenue flows, the English-language daily Gulf News quoted economists as saying. Dubai, a part of the seven-member UAE federation, is a thriving regional business, services and tourism hub. Most of the UAE's oil production comes from the largest emirate of Abu Dhabi. The UAE federal government in February announced a balanced 2005 budget of $6.18bn. 0
109677 0 1543 BUSI BUSINESS $869 million tower deal DUBAI: Three UAE banks signed a $869 million deal yesterday to finance the building of Burj Dubai - projected, at around 800 metres, to become the world's tallest tower, the official Wam news agency reported. Mashreq Bank, Emirates International Bank, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank inked the agreement with South Korea's Samsung Corporation and its partners, it said, quoting a statement by Mashreq Bank. The three banks will provide the credit facilities to the builders in equal shares, the statement said. Burj Dubai, due for completion at the end of 2008, will be the centrepiece of a multi-billion-dollar Burj Dubai District and Downtown Dubai. 0
109678 0 1543 COMM COMMENTWriting on the wall... Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is a master strategist. US President George Bush is a master tactician. The two met this week and both accomplished their respective objectives. Sharon's goals have been clear for many years now. He is unilaterally drawing the permanent borders of the state of Israel, to secure its future as a Jewish state. A long-time advocate of the "Jordan is Palestine" school, he has seen the writing on the wall. A Palestinian state in parts of mandatory Palestine is inevitable because the international community demands it, the US supports it, and Israel needs it for reasons related to both security and demographic realities. The only problem that remained for Sharon was how to limit the definition of the Palestinian state and how, at the same time, to maximise Israeli territorial advantage. To resolve this issue, Sharon made the determination, early on, to act unilaterally. He took advantage of Israel's strength, its close partnership with a preoccupied and sup 0
109679 0 1543 COMM COMMENTRising house prices spawning new kidults generation They are called kidults - young adults who should have flown the family nest but simply can't afford to do so. Rising house prices in the UK are forcing young people to live under the parental roof for far longer than before, according to government figures. Sixty per cent of men and 40pc of women aged 20 to 25 are still living at home, up 2pc and 5pc respectively over the last two years. The Halifax bank reports that first time-home buyers have been priced out of the market in nine out of 10 towns and that the average age of the first-time buyer is now 34. House prices have outstripped wages and many graduates leave university already in serious debt, leaving them with little or no chance of qualifying for a mortgage, let alone raising the hefty deposit. The result is kidults - fully grown adults who must still live under their parents' wings, with all the social and economic implications that it brings. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation charity research org 0
109682 0 1543 LETT LETTERS How I was conned by a street seller I'VE noticed a lot more beggars on the streets as of late and also teens selling religious stuff and flowers. Yesterday, I had the misfortune of trusting one such young guy. I've given him money in the past for religious scripture to hang from the rear-view mirror but yesterday I decided to buy some beautiful flowers he was selling. When my husband got out of the car, he told the boy "no" to his request to buy some flowers. I didn't turn around to look because I was sure the boy would look at me and ask me to buy them. So I continued to look forward and listened to the radio. After my husband had entered the grocery store, the same young man came to my window and held out his bouquet of flowers asking me to purchase one. I asked how much and he told me a dinar. Feeling like that wasn't a lot and thinking that this young man could probably use the money, I decided to buy a bunch of flowers. They smelled great and were the same type of roses that we're growing in our garden 0
109683 0 1543 LETT LETTERS Why do workers stare? WHY do gentlemen in the back of large work trucks, riding to and from work make a habit of staring at you and/or your wife while you are waiting behind them at traffic lights. I find this completely and utterly rude! Talk amongst yourselves, do whatever but what is the reason for you to stare without blinking the entire time? I am behind you at the lights and a lot of the time I see you stare then say something to your friend then he stares and the cycle repeats itself. How would you like it if I came to your house and stared in your window for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. You wouldn't like it. Would you? Show some respect or get the bird... your choice. M J 0
109684 0 1543 LETT LETTERS Sowing white oats? I HAVE been looking for wholegrain oats and almost all supermarkets I've visited have stocked up on only white oats. I know that Quaker and other well-known brands do have wholegrain oats. Is there somewhere in Bahrain I can readily buy this from? Mona A 0
109685 0 1543 LETT LETTERS Money being wasted THERE'S lots of wasted money that could so easily be diverted to the poorer sectors of our community. 1. Think of the gallons of wasted yellow and black paint on the kerbs. 2. What about all the wasted electricity running traffic lights. 3. Auction off all those preeeety blue and white four wheel drives. (Can I have one of the white motorbikes??) 4. Make worthwhile clothes out of the white uniforms on the streets. 5. Can anyone think of any more recycling ideas?? Ivor Corolla 0
109686 0 1543 LETT LETTERS Aversion therapy? COUNCILLOR Majeed Karimi is right to openly discuss the debilitating problems faced by men sexually attracted to mannequins. Those men who came forward to raise this problem with their elected representative deserve our respect and understanding - it cannot have been easy for them. Why is it just left to Al Wefaq to take the issue seriously - why isn't more being done to help them? For instance, what type of psychiatric and social services assistance can these individuals expect to receive from the Health Ministry? Would a programme of 'aversion therapy' be appropriate? Concerned 0
109687 0 1543 LETT LETTERS Abortion is murder THIS is in reference to the letter sent by C Henderson (GDN April 15) about the late Pope John Paul II. First of all, on the issue of the Church ignoring important world issues, let me tell you that it's rubbish. The Holy Father had done more than almost anyone to criticise issues like the war in Iraq, Communism, etc. He is pro-life and doesn't support issues like abortion or artificial contraception. Let me tell you why. Abortion, no matter what anyone says, is nothing short of murder and that too of an innocent unborn child. We believe that life starts from the moment the egg gets fertilised. So if someone doesn't want children, all they have to do is make sure that doesn't happen. But using condoms, is wrong. Mainly because it's artificial and not a natural means of contraception. And on the issue of Aids, the best solution is not to have sex. If you are faithful to your wife or husband and don't have any extra-marital flings, the only way to get Aids is if you have 0
109688 0 1543 LETT LETTERS No more pearls of wisdom? WE used to hear the pearls of wisdom and thoughts once or twice a month from the Old Guru in the Old Coffee Shop. For more than a year he has not been heard of. As the majority of people used to talking have shifted from Manama beach and Marina beach to walking in the malls, this Old Guru may have too. Of course, from such modern coffee shops no pearls of wisdom can be expected. M S 0
109689 1 1543 BNEW LOCAL WORK HARD CALL! MANAMA Work hard or your annual bonus may be cut! That is the message to Bahrainis under new guidelines for civil servants encouraged by the Prime Minister. They were discussed in depth yesterday by the Cabinet. Criteria for bonuses will include performance, productivity and discipline of employees. These were outlined in a memo from the Civil Service Bureau. The Cabinet decided to form a committee including representatives of ministries and experts to draw up a clear blueprint. Yesterday's Cabinet also reviewed a draft law to establish an independent General Organisation for Tourism, Culture and National Heritage. This was referred to ministerial committees for financial and legal affairs. The Cabinet was then briefed on a decision taken by the Shura Council and parliament on an agreement to protect and encourage investment and avoid taxation between Bahrain and Lebanon. This will pave the way for the Cabinet to submit two draft laws to His Majesty King Hamad fo 0
109690 2 1543 BNEW LOCAL BD17m Marriott project on way MANAMA CONSTRUCTION will start next month on the first Marriott Executive Apartments to be built in Bahrain, officials announced yesterday. The BD17 million building will consist of two towers, each with 21 floors and 94 five-star luxury apartments, offering long-stay visitors a choice of 188 apartments ranging from one to three-bedroom units. The project will be built on a 65,000 square foot piece of land in Juffair. It will be situated approximately 10km from Bahrain International Airport. Final contracts for the property were signed yesterday by Gulf Touristic Projects chairman Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa and Al Hamad Construction and Development Company chairman Nashaat Sahwawneh. Present at the signing ceremony were Marriott International Middle East and Africa vice-president Anton Najjar and Marriott Lodging Development director Aboudi Asali and Gulf Touristic Projects deputy chairman Rashad Janahi. The ceremony was also attended by the project 0
109691 3 1543 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain crackdown on illegal residents MANAMA THE number of illegal residents detained and deported from Bahrain more than quadrupled last year, it was revealed yesterday. A total of 2,851 foreigners, more than 50 per cent of them women, were deported last year, against 621 in 2003, said General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence investigation and follow-up director Colonel Khalid Abdulla Al Moawdah. More than 1,100 companies were penalised for employing workers in breach of immigration laws, up more than 200 on the previous year. The increase in deportations is being attributed to increased inspection campaigns by police in public places, hotels, and furnished apartments. More than 50 per cent of those deported were women, who were mainly involved in prostitution, said Col Al Moawdah. There were also 682 free visa workers, who were arrested by immigration police during their regular patrols, he told the GDN. "This was against 260 free visa workers deported in 2003," said Col Al Moa 0
109692 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL King opening a cornerstone of democracy MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain's new Constitutional Court building will be officially opened today by His Majesty King Hamad. The King will address the nation to mark the opening, which marks an historic moment in Bahrain's democratic reforms. Constitutional Court president Ibrahim Humaidan will also give a speech at the ceremony. It will also be attended by officials from the Arab Constitutional Courts and Councils Union, the European Commission for Democracy Through Law (Venice Commission) and similar courts in 17 countries. The old courts building on Government Road, Manama, first built in 1937, has been transformed under a BD1.1 million renovation scheme. This follows the King's directives to create a landmark premises in the centre of the capital for the Constitutional Court, which has been functioning out of temporary premises. The new structure retains the traditional features of the original building, reflecting the history of law and justice in Bahrain, said a spokesman 0
109693 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Special children helped by HSBC CHILDREN with learning difficulties are to get more help thanks to a BD12,000 gift. The cash has been given to the Bahrain Institute for Special Education (BISE) by HSBC's Community Middle East Foundation, it was announced yesterday. The announcement was made by HSBC personal financial services manager Jassim Bu-Ali, HSBC support services head Mariam Bucheri and BISE president Dr Zahra Issa Al Zeera, at a press conference held at BISE's premises in Mahooz. The money will be used to sponsor the education, assessment and remediation for three children, a long-distance teachers' training programme and purchasing computers, assessment tools and training materials. BISE, established in 2002, is a non-profit organisation that aims to help individuals with special needs, especially children with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD) and Down Syndrome. Since 2002 they have helped around 400 special needs children, aged b 0
109694 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Environmental laws probe at key workshop A WORKSHOP on environmental laws opens in Bahrain today. It is being organised by the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) in co-operation with the Arab Fertilisers Association (AFA). The three-day event, at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, will be held under the patronage of Oil Minister and GPIC chairman Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. The workshop, titled Environmental Management Systems, is one of the key events being organised by AFA as part of its 2005 calendar. It is designed to provide the participants with information about the latest environmental management systems to be adopted by the fertiliser industry, said GPIC general manager and organising committee chairman Abdul Rahman Jawahery. "The event also aims to develop the necessary awareness among the employees of AFA member companies," he added. Mr Jawahery said speakers at the workshop would include experts and specialists in the fertiliser industry and environmental 0
109695 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL US censoring letters written by children LETTERS written by the children of a Bahraini detainee at Guantanamo Bay were censored by US forces before being delivered to him. It has prompted accusations from his lawyers that there are not enough checks on the power being exercised by his American captors. Detainee Essa Al Murbati showed the letters to his attorney during a visit to the high security prison last month. "He explained to me that the letters were from his children, but were censored by the US forces before they were given to him," lawyer Joshua Colangelo-Bryan told the GDN. Mr Colangelo-Bryan is part of a team from the New York-based legal firm Dorsey and Whitney, which is acting on behalf of the six Bahrainis. "It struck me as strange to censor something written by children to their father," he said. "I imagine similar letters are censored all the time - even those from relatives. "In this instance, when children write letters, it begs the question what was so sensitive that i 0
109696 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL 28 teams sign up for carnival TWENTY-EIGHT teams have so far signed up for the Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya's 10th Annual Against The Clock (ATC). The fund-raising event will be held on April 29 at Al Bander Hotel and Resort ,in Sitra. More teams are welcome to join and have until Thursday (21-4) to sign up, said event chairman Ghazi Farhan. The club hopes to raise at least BD13,000 from the event, which is being sponsored by the Bahrain National Insurance for the second time. "The money will go towards setting up a computer lab for the Al Rashad Centre for Autistic Children and to construct a carpentry workshop for them," said Mr Farhan. "We hope many people will join in on the fun which contributes to a good cause." The event will be a family fun carnival day and will be held from 9am to 6pm. Entrance will be BD1 per person. Among the attractions will be games, stalls, refreshments and live entertainment. There will be a variety of games that require a range of physical, 0
109697 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL New youth parliament row to be discussed OFFICIALS and youth leaders meet today to try to settle a dispute over the youth parliament, being formed later this year. General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) officials will meet representatives from nine youth organisations. Project director Amal Al Dossary will meet the representatives at 5pm at the Goys premises in Umm Al Hassam. The youth organisations say the current proposed age range for members, of 14 to 18 years, would create a children's rather than youth parliament. They want the name changed to children's parliament, to pave the way for forming a second youth parliament, with older members. The planned parliament is a joint project between the British Embassy and Goys, in co-operation with the British Council and the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef). Preparations are being spearheaded by the National Committee for Childhood, chaired by Ms Al Dossary, who is also Goys' girls activities and childhood director. Ms Al 0
109698 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Updated map of Manama published A NEW and updated version of the Kingdom of Bahrain Manama Map has been published to include the latest developments in the country. Bahrain-based mapmaker Edward Moore is now in the process of completing a series of maps on other areas. He is putting together a Muharraq map, which will be out shortly, followed by maps of Sitra and Riffa. The foldout Manama map, which was first printed in 2003, also comes with an updated booklet that details the Manama and Seef areas, as well as places of interest. Mr Moore said 32 extra pages have been added to the booklet, which acts as a guide of Manama. "I've highlighted what Bahrain has to offer including its heritage and historical sites," he said. "There is also lots of useful information for tourists." The booklet includes a list of Arabic words and phrases commonly used in Gulf countries, as well as a list of important phone numbers. The map, released by Edward Moore Advertising, Public Relations a 0
109699 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Five-star rating for hotel A BAHRAIN hotel will be awarded an official five-star rating certificate tonight during the launch ceremony of its Swiss Food Festival. Mvenpick general manager Frank Reichenbach will receive the certificate from Information Ministry Under-Secretary for Tourism Mubarak Al Atwi. Present at the ceremony will be Swiss Ambassador to Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait Jean Philippe Tissieres, other diplomats and invited guests. The festival, a celebration of the hotel's first anniversary, will feature over 100 varieties of cheese and a Swiss chocolate fountain, in which guests can dip strawberries, marshmallows and healthy fruits. Specially flown in for the event is Switzerland's Gault Millau Chef of the Year 2005 Robert Speth, who is bringing his team of culinary artists. Festival participants will get the rare opportunity of sampling Chef Robert's French-Swiss signature recipes at the festival and his authentic Swiss breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinners. Christian 0
109700 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Scientific research expo at university A CONFERENCE on scientific research begins today at Bahrain University's Sakhir campus. The First Annual Scientific Research Conference is organised by the university's Scientific Research Deanship, in collaboration with all the university's colleges. It is being held under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa, under the theme Towards Distinguished Sceintific Research. Research dean Dr Abdali Hassan said the two-day conference was aimed at encouraging scientific research among the academic staff and students. "It also aims at consolidating the relationship between the university and other scientific research organisations in Bahrain and other GCC and Arab countries," he said. Dr Hassan said the research deanship had been reorganised, to ensure better efficiency and service to researchers. Researchers seeking funding and other help no longer have to work their way through a long list of officials, he said. T 0
109701 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Open day for Egyptians AN open day for members of the Egyptian community is taking place at the Egyptian Embassy, Mahooz, on Thursday. It starts at 11am and will be attended by a delegation representing ministries and organisations related to the affairs of Egyptians living abroad. "The objective of the meeting is for the delegation to discuss how to solve problems facing the Egyptian community," Egyptian Ambassador Dr Azmi Khalifa said. The delegation comprises representatives from the Foreign Affairs, Interior, Finance, Education, Higher Education and Housing ministries, as well as the investment bureau. "The delegation will also receive requests from members of the community in Bahrain related to these government organisations and present the relevant points of view," said the Ambassador. 0
109702 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Heritage festival a major success OVER 44,000 people have attended the 13th Heritage Festival at the Bahrain National Museum's Heritage Village since it opened last Wednesday, it was announced yesterday. The event, under the theme Bahrain's Old Weaponry and Falconry Arts, is organised by the Information Ministry's culture and national heritage directorate. It is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. Festival organising committee head Layla Al Hadi said 85 per cent of the visitors are Bahrainis, while the rest mostly come from other GCC countries. "People are showing a great interest in the event and enjoying all the attractions being offered this year," she said. "The aim of the festival is to increase public awareness about Bahrain's heritage and its history in hunting, which wasn't just a means of living but also an entertaining sport." A wide range of weapons such as guns, daggers and swords dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries are being showcased at the event. 0
109703 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Fitness in spotlight MORE than 30 women attended a series of workshops on the Neuromuscular Integrative Action (NIA) movement, at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya. The workshops were conducted by visiting German NIA black belt trainer Ann Christiansen, a former Olympic swimmer. Ms Christiansen, in conjunction with World Beat Fitness Centre, plans to conduct a white belt (beginners) intensive course in February next year. Registration will begin in June. Anyone interested in participating in the course are welcome to contact the centre on 17612576 or log on to www.worldbeatfitness.com or www.anniann.de 0
109704 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Wife beaters face tough new laws MEN who beat their wives, daughters, sisters or mothers could soon face stiff penalties under a proposed new law. A proposed law against family violence has been drafted by the Al Menbar Islamic Parliamentary Bloc. It also proposes creating a National Committee Against Family Violence, to combat the phenomenon. The proposal was submitted yesterday to parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani and will now be referred to the concerned parliamentary committee for discussion. It follows studies which revealed that nearly a third of Bahraini men used violence against their wives, daughters, sisters, or even their mothers. Bloc member Dr Abdullatif Al Shaikh, the MP behind the idea, said that the law would be the first of its type in the country and the Arab world. "This law will help protect women from violence and ensure they are living happily and with dignity, safe from any thing affecting their contribution to their families and children," he said. He 0
109705 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Indian culinary feast lined up A FESTIVAL of culinary delights is being staged to celebrate the numerous New Years marked by various Indian communities. The Indian Ladies Association (ILA) taste fest is titled Beyond Taste... Ghar Ka Gourmet. It will be held at the Karnataka Social Club hall in Manama, from 5pm on April 29. "From January to April, the Indian calendar is completely filled with festivities to mark the changing of seasons and the bringing in of the harvest in different parts of India," said ILA president Thanuja Anil. "In Bahrain, the Indian community celebrates Baisakhi, Vishu, Bihu, Ugadi, Nowroz, Gudi Padva, Chetichand, Tamil New Year, Bengali New Year and the Al Hijri New Year in a happy jumble, since we all have friends across the community. "Each festival has its own special cuisine and we want to highlight that in our event." The event focuses on home-cooked delicacies and is being organised in collaboration with the ILA's Good Home sub-committee. Groups wi 0
109706 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL BRT lifts brakes off new car park A NEW car park in Isa Town, which is expected to raise as much as BD3,000-a-month for Bahrain's disabled, will get a much-needed computerised system and tollbooths thanks to a donation by the Bahrain Round Table (BRT). The society has pledged to purchase the BD8,000 system from the Bahrain Car Parks Company after reading an appeal by Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) in the GDN. The car park, located next to BMI, was completed late last year and will be used by visitors to the new Central Population Register (CPR) office. It was simply lacking the tollbooths and specialised system, which the institute initially hoped to have flown in from the US. BMI appealed for funds through the GDN last October, but did not get any response for months. The BD20,000-plus price tag is believed to have scared off potential donors. "I think the price was too much, being BD20,000," said BMI founding member and head of buildings Isa Al Watani. "We really needed the compute 0
109707 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Insight into working world for students St Christopher's School pupils were given an introduction to InJAz Bahrain, a non-profit education centre that aims to prepare youngsters for the labour market. InJAz was officially opened by its executive director Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa last week. Its sole objective is to help youngsters develop skills and knowledge to meet the needs and requirements of the market. Shaikha Hessa gave a talk to over 130 Year 8 pupils, aged 13 and 14, at the St Christopher's School in Isa Town. Senior school assistant head Mike Gaunt said the students found InJAz Bahrain very favourable. The pupils were split into groups of about 25 members and each group had a business partner and teacher partner. "The business partners were all volunteers from different companies in Bahrain," said Mr Gaunt. "The business partners and teachers explained to the students what the world of work is all about." He added that St Christopher's was the first private 0
109708 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Jobs talks to end stalemate FURNITURE dealers are being urged to open their doors to Bahraini job-seekers. The call came at a meeting with Labour Ministry aimed at breaking the stalemate over Bahrainisation in the sector. It has the lowest Bahrainisation rate, at around 13 per cent, of all the private sectors, said Labour Ministry in-company training adviser Jassim Busuhail. There are around 1,500 expatriate workers and around 250 Bahrainis in the country's furniture business. The Labour Ministry wants to see total Bahrainisation of the industry, but says little has been achieved since a committee was set up by the ministry in 2003. It was made up of a number of furniture dealers and ministry representatives, headed by Mr Busuhail. Members met at ministry yesterday to see what could be done, before the committee meets with Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi on April 30. The meeting was headed by Mr Busuhail and unemployment committee head and ministry adviser Abdulla Al Bin 0
109709 0 1543 BNEW LOCAL Big Scrabble victory for Bahrain BAHRAIN cruised to a 34-19 victory against Saudi Arabia in the Bahrain-Saudi Scrabble Challenge. The nine-member teams competed in seven rounds at Yateem Centre, Manama, for the BD180 cash prize. It was presented along with a trophy to Bahrain team captain Adeeb Ahmad by Bahrain Mind Sports Association president Adel Al Asoomi. Bahrain won four out of seven rounds, which gave the team enough credit to take the prize. The day's best player was Salah Salih, of Saudi Arabia, who won all his games and was presented with a BD25 gift voucher by chief guest and acting Pakistan Ambassador Shaukat Ali Mukadam. Other members of the Bahrain team were Shiraz Amith, Beboy Balaba, Kathirgamar Bhaskaran, Ben Filio, Oswald Fernandes, Nestor Javier, Connie Ordenes and Mohammed Zafar. 0
109710 1 1543 SPOR SPORT PAKISTAN WRAP UP SERIES NEW DELHI: Pakistan capped a fairytale fightback with a 159-run victory over India in the sixth and final one-dayer marred by crowd trouble here yesterday to clinch the series 4-2. Pakistan, who had lost the first two matches, completed their fourth successive win when they bundled the hosts out for 144 in reply to their own challenging total of 303 for 8 in the last game of their tour. India had all but lost the match before a missile-throwing incident forced the rival teams to walk off the heavily-guarded Ferozeshah Kotla ground. They were then reeling at 94 for 6 after a spineless batting performance, which had left the spectators angry. The win was a formality for Pakistan when the game resumed after nearly 20 minutes. It was a disappointing end to John Wright's five-year stint as India coach as his players failed to rise to the occasion in his farewell match. The fixture was watched for more than an hour in the morning by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf a 0
109711 2 1543 SPOR SPORT Van Nistelrooy on target for United CARDIFF: Holders Manchester United will play Arsenal in the FA Cup final next month after crushing Newcastle United 4-1 in a one-sided semi-final at the Millennium Stadium yesterday. Two goals from Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, his first since injury in November, and efforts from Paul Scholes and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed an emphatic victory for United. Shola Ameobi scored for Newcastle who looked tired and off the pace following their 4-1 defeat to Sporting that saw them eliminated in the Uefa Cup quarter-finals on Thursday. Manchester United effectively had the match won by halftime as goals from Van Nistelrooy after 19 minutes and a 44th minute header from Scholes put them into a commanding lead. Second half strikes from Van Nistelrooy after 58 minutes and Cristiano Ronaldo (76th) sealed United's place in the final for the 17th time, equalling Arsenal's record set on Saturday when they beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 in the first semi-final. Newcastle's hopes wer 0
109712 3 1543 SPOR SPORT Nadal lifts title in style MONACO: Spain's Rafael Nadal became the second youngest ever winner of a Masters Series tournament when he beat defending champion Guillermo Coria of Argentina 6-3, 6-1, 0-6, 7-5 in a thrilling Monte Carlo title showdown here yesterday. The 18-year-old left-hander, seeded 11, also collected his third title of the year and took his record on clay to 20-2 to hammer home his credentials as a firm favourite for the French Open which gets underway in Paris in five weeks' time. At 18 years and 10 months, Nadal is just five months older than America's Michael Chang who remains the youngest winner of a Masters when he took the Toronto title in 1990. Nadal, who was two points from victory against world number one Roger Federer in the Miami Masters two weeks ago and overcame a third set wobble here, is also the first teenager to win a Masters event since Andrei Medvedev in Hamburg in 1994. Coria, the sixth seed, was playing in his third successive final here but he never settled in 0
109713 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Radcliffe wins London Marathon LONDON: World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe put her Olympic Games trauma behind her yesterday with a virtuoso display of solo running to win the London marathon for the third time in as many attempts. The 31-year-Briton, who failed to finish either the marathon or the 10,000 in Athens last year, strode to victory in two hours 17 minutes 42 seconds, more than five minutes ahead of second-placed Constantina Tomescu-Dita of Romania. Radcliffe's two world records of 2:15:25 and 2:17:18, set in London and Chicago, are the only two faster times in history and she also took her prize money for Sunday morning efforts past $200,000 with a $125,000 bonus for breaking her own previous best in a women-only race. Pressure Kenya's former world half-marathon champion Martin Lel upstaged his more illustrious compatriots Paul Tergat and Evans Rutto to win the men's event in an official time of 2:07:26 ahead of world champion Jaouad Gharib of Morocco. Pre-race favourite an 0
109714 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Juventus go clear after Milan upset MILAN: Juventus moved three points clear at the top of Serie A after rivals AC Milan fell to a shock 2-1 defeat at lowly Siena yesterday. Juve put their Champions League exit at the hands of Liverpool in midweek behind them as a Zlatan Ibrahimovic hat-trick helped Fabio Capello's side to a 5-2 triumph over Lecce at the Delle Alpi stadium. A header by Siena's Francesco Cozza four minutes from time delivered Milan's first league defeat since January. Juventus have 70 points with AC Milan on 67 and third-placed Inter Milan, who beat Cagliari 2-0, are 11 points behind their city rivals. Juventus play Inter in Turin on Wednesday. At the foot of the table, Fiorentina fell into the relegation zone as a 2-0 defeat at Livorno led their travelling supporters to call for the sacking of coach Dino Zoff. After 13 Serie A and European matches without a loss Milan, who face PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League semi-finals, were brought down to earth with a result that could pro 0
109715 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Prso scores winner for Rangers GLASGOW: Rangers cut Celtic's lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League to two points with a 1-0 win at Dunfermline yesterday thanks to a Dado Prso goal. The Croatian striker headed home after six minutes to secure a victory that takes Rangers on to 81 points from 33 games as they chase their 51st championship. Celtic, hunting their 40th title, have 83 points from 33 games after a dramatic 3-2 home win over Aberdeen on Saturday when they fell two goals behind in the opening 14 minutes. Rangers manager Alex McLeish is now relishing next Sunday's showdown with Celtic at Ibrox. "We are looking forward to it. We have waited a long time for this," he told BBC Radio Scotland. "We are kind of at the situation we were a few weeks ago before Celtic unexpectedly dropped points at home to Hearts and we unexpectedly dropped points against Dundee United to put it back to the status quo of three or four weeks ago." McLeish agreed it was a vital win and added: 0
109716 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Hunter nudges ahead of Holt in first round SHEFFIELD, England: World number four Paul Hunter holds a slender 5-4 lead over Michael Holt at the end of the opening session in their World Snooker Championship first round match last night. Hunter, who recently announced he has been diagnosed with colon cancer, received a warm welcome from the Crucible crowd as he entered the arena. Holt won two out of the opening three frames before Hunter went ahead for the first time in the match at 3-2. A break of 74 saw Hunter go 4-2 up, but Holt kept in touch by winning two out of the last three frames. Hunter decided to compete in the tournament after hearing of his illness but could be forced to withdraw if tests reveal an immediate course of chemotherapy is required. Alan McManus came through a tough first round tie against fellow Scot Drew Henry, winning the deciding frame to complete a 10-9 victory. Qualifier Shaun Murphy has a 5-4 lead over Chris Small following the opening session in their first round match 0
109717 0 1543 SPOR SPORT No title specified LONDON: Striker Darren Bent grabbed a late equaliser to salvage a 2-2 draw for third-placed Ipswich Town against Championship leaders Sunderland at Portman Road yesterday. Bent took advantage of a dithering Sunderland defence after 89 minutes to prevent the leaders restoring their five-point lead over second-placed Wigan Athletic, who won 2-0 at Leicester City on Saturday. Sunderland have 85 points, with Wigan on 82 and Ipswich on 80 with three games to go. Sunderland looked to have snatched victory when Carl Robinson's 84th-minute finish put them 2-1 up. Sunderland's former Ipswich striker Marcus Stewart missed a penalty in a scoreless first half. Richard Naylor gave Ipswich a 66th-minute lead only for Sunderland's Stephen Elliott to equalise five minutes later. 0
109718 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Australia plan to join Asia backed SYDNEY: Australia have cleared another hurdle in their bid to join the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) said they fully supported the move. The AFC announced last month that it would allow Australia to join them but only if the move was backed by the OFC and the world governing body Fifa. The Football Federation of Australia (FFA) formally applied to the OFC for permission to leave and the proposal was unanimously supported at an OFC executive meeting in Noumea on the weekend. "The move of Australia to Asia is one the executive and I fully support as it will further develop football in Australia and at the same time provide many opportunities for the remaining OFC members," OFC president Reynald Temarii said. "Their departure is the catalyst we need in OFC to try even harder to develop the game in this region. "Although they will be part of Asia we will continue to foster friendly relations with them and have exchanges. Aft 0
109719 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Barros races to victory ESTORIL, Portugal: Brazilian Alex Barros won the rain-hit Portuguese Grand Prix yesterday with world champion Valentino Rossi finishing second to increase his championship lead. Rossi's compatriot Max Biaggi, like Barros on a Honda, finished third after clawing his way back from eighth place on the starting grid. In treacherous conditions in the second race of the MotoGP season, Spanish championship contender Sete Gibernau lost the lead in the 16th lap when his Honda slid from under him on a corner, dumping him out of a race he had been leading from the first of the 28 laps. It was a bitter disappointment for a second successive week after he was pushed into second place by Yamaha rider Rossi on the final corner of the Spanish Grand Prix, ending up in the gravel trap. It was the first grand prix win for 34-year-old Barros since the Valencia Grand Prix in 2002, and only the seventh of his career. Many Brazilian flags peppered the 26,000-strong crowd and Barros was 0
109720 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Battling Mansoor bows to Tiseer MOROCCAN International Master Mohammed Tiseer defeated Mansoor Bukhalaf to open his campaign in the Bahrain Mind Sports Association (BMSA) President's Open Chess Championship on a positive note. The tournament, featuring more than 50 participants of all ages and nationalities, is the first open event to attract players from abroad. BMSA president Adel Al Assoumi made the first move to inaugurate the nine round Swiss system format which concludes on April 30. Results: Round one: Mohammed Tiseer bt Mansoor Bukhalaf; Zeyad Janahi bt. Saeed Baqer, Ali Ghasra bt Osama Hammad; Hussain Ayyad bt A Nasser Abdulla, Mohammed Jawad bt Ali Abbas; Khalaf Bukhalaf bt Ali Ahmed; Ali Al Jaber bt Raed Salem; Khalil Bukhalaf bt Sameer Abdulla; Ashley Freeman bt Hisham Ali Isa; Majid Al Attar bt Prutha D. Second round fixtures: Mohammed Tiseer v Vinod CP; Zeyad Janahi v Lou Filisalda; Ali Al Ghasra v Khalil Bukhalaf; Hussain Ayyad v Jaimi Tabuzo; Majid Al Attar v Froilan Magpantai 0
109721 0 1543 SPOR SPORT Rebello scores hat-trick as Navelim cruise past Tivim A hat-trick by Melroy Rebello helped Navelim thrash Tivim 9-0 in the opening round of the Bahrain Goans Seven-a-side Soccer League for the Father Felicio Diniz Trophy. In the inaugural match at Al Qadisiya grounds, Rebello registered the first hat-trick of the league as Navelim overwhelmed Tivim with the other scorers being Cirilo Baretto (2), Henry Fernandes (2), Godwin Pinto and John Sequeira one each. In other matches, Margao went down fighting to Verna 3-1. Some fine goal keeping from Jeffrey D'Costa prevented the young Verna strikers from increasing the tally. Joaquim Fernandes, James Borges and Agnelo Misquita scored for Verna while former senior division player of Bombay Seby Fernandes reduced the margin for Margao. In the two other matches played at the open grounds in East Riffa, Bajil Dias scored once in each half to lead his team Benaulim to a 2-0 victory over Vasco and striker Antonio Fernandes caught the eye of the spectators scoring both goals in the secon 0
109722 0 1543 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain 13th Heritage Festival, Old Weaponry and Falconry Arts; Heritage Village, Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 5pm-9pm. Entrance free. o Art exhibition by top Bahraini artists Mohammed Al Mahdi and Sayed Abdulla Al Sari, Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, Juffair, 9am-1pm and 3pm-10pm. o Pakistan Club Toastmasters (Pact) meeting, Pakistan Club auditorium, Manama, held every first and third Monday of every month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Farkhanda Sayed Bukhari on 39892138. o Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. o Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or special arrangements are needed. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. o Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for 0
109723 1 1543 WORL WORLD Soldiers tighten grip on Iraq town BAGHDAD: Iraqi troops, backed by US soldiers, last night further tightened their cordon on a town where Sunni gunmen had abducted hundreds of people and had threatened to kill them unless all Shi'ites left. But the commandos held off from an all-out offensive, waiting for the result of renewed negotiations with the gunmen who, according to a defence ministry official, had put up "severe resistance". The hostage-taking in Madaen, 30km south of Baghdad, has sparked fears of wider sectarian strife at a time when leaders from Shia and Sunni communities are seeking agreement on the make-up of a government. 0
109724 2 1543 WORL WORLD Afghan militants blow up tankers KANDAHAR: Taliban rebels set off a bomb next to a fuel tanker parked outside the main US military base in southern Afghanistan early yesterday, setting off a chain of large explosions that destroyed five tankers and injured three drivers, officials said. The attack took place just after 3am, while Pakistani and Afghan drivers waiting to deliver fuel to the US base at Kandahar airport were sleeping, said Gen Muslim Ahmed, the local Afghan military commander. No American soldiers were injured. One of the injured drivers, Sher Alam, said he was woken by the initial blast and ran for his life. "I was sleeping at the time and suddenly I heard an explosion. When I woke up there was a huge fire engulfing the fuel tanker near mine. We all ran away and there were more explosions," said Alam, whose feet and hands were injured by flying debris. Ahmed said American troops arrived shortly after the blasts to put out the fire. No arrests were made. Yesterday morning black smoke 0
109725 3 1543 WORL WORLD New vow to bolster links NEW DELHI: Following some cricket with a quick round of talks aimed at improving ties, the leaders of India and Pakistan agreed yesterday to increase cross-border transport links, boost business ties and explore ways to reduce the military presence on a Himalayan glacier claimed by both countries. During their nearly two-hour meeting, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf discussed many issues which have bedeviled relations between the two countries for decades. "We discussed all issues between our two countries, including the Jammu-Kashmir dispute," Musharraf said. "I am very happy to say that we have made progress on all these issues." Musharraf and Singh agreed to revive a joint commission to boost business ties and discussed opening more trade routes and potential pipelines that would bring gas from Iran and Turkmenistan to India via Pakistan, Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran said. The two sides also agreed to restore a r 0
109726 0 1543 WORL WORLD China rebuffs riot apology demand BEIJING: China said yesterday that it had nothing to apologise for after rioters damaged the Japanese Embassy and a consulate, instead accusing Tokyo of hurting Chinese feelings with its handling of Japan's wartime history. Japan blamed China for the aggression as authorities allowed new protests in at least six cities over Tokyo's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and what critics say is its effort to conceal wartime atrocities. "The Chinese government has never done anything that wronged the Japanese people," Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing told his Japanese counterpart, who flew to Beijing to protest the violence. Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura arrived with relations between the two Asian giants at their lowest point in decades. Police in Shanghai let 20,000 protesters break windows at the Japanese consulate, vandalise restaurants and damage cars. Yesterday, thousands of protesters in Shenzhen and Guangzhou called for a boycott of 0
109727 0 1543 WORL WORLD Princess Haya hails Emirati women DUBAI: One year after marrying Dubai's Crown Prince Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Princess Haya bint Al Hussein of Jordan believes Emirati women are an example to Arabs of how to combine modernity and tradition. In her first interview with Western media since the wedding, Princess Haya, said of her belief that women can be modern and still respect Arab and Muslim traditions, as they do in the UAE. "In my work and in our family gatherings I have closely been watching women in the Emirates, and I am in great admiration of them ... and I never fail to be amazed at the way in which they combine modernity with Arab and Muslim traditions," she said. "I have so much respect for the way they balance the two, and genuinely believe that an Emirati woman can serve as an example of a modern Muslim woman, to the rest of the Arab and Muslim worlds. "They are proof to me that an Arab woman can be modern without feeling the need to be Westernised, as examplified in the role of S 0
109728 0 1543 WORL WORLD Cash demand for victims' families JENIN: Dozens of Palesti-nian gunmen, in another challenge to President Mahmoud Abbas, put on a show of force in the West Bank yesterday to demand money for families of Palestinians killed or hurt in fighting with Israel. The protest in Jenin by Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades followed incidents last month in which gunmen from the group trashed restaurants in Ramallah patronised by Palestinian leaders and shot at his compound. "We have decided to stay here, in Jenin's main square, with the sons of martyrs until the Palestinian Authority pays the stipends," said Zachariya Zubeidi, Al Aqsa's West Bank leader, referring to relatives of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces. The Palestinian Authority has made piecemeal payments to the families, but the brigades are demanding regular, monthly allotments. After blocking traffic in the centre of Jenin, the gunmen swept into a government building where they chased out staff and demanded local MPs resign to put pressure on authorities to 0
109729 0 1543 WORL WORLD Two killed in cross-border shootout DHAKA: Bangladeshi and Indian border forces exchanged fire on their frontier, killing an Indian trooper and a young Bangladeshi girl, a security force official said yesterday. The gunbattle occurred along Bangladesh's eastern Akhaura border as talks between Bangladeshi and Indian officials in Dhaka on New Delhi's controversial fencing of the 4,095km frontier ended without resolution, the official said. "Bangladesh troops exchanged fire to defend its farmers after (India's) Border Security Force (BSF) men encroached into Bangladeshi territory at the Akhaura border," a spokesman for the Bangladesh Rifles said. "We handed over the body of one dead BSF assistant commandant ... and a wounded soldier to the BSF," he said, adding a Bangladeshi girl was also killed in the shootout. "The situation is still tense at Akhaura border," local police superintendent there A T M Tareq said by telephone. A BSF spokesman, however, said Bangladesh Rifles soldiers had on Saturday open 0
109730 0 1543 WORL WORLD Terrorism tops UK poll agenda LONDON: Terrorism topped the election campaign agenda yesterday as the British government pledged to fight the threat with identity cards, amid a warning from London's top policeman that Al Qaeda was targeting the country. "There's real clarity now that Al Qaeda affiliates are targeting Britain," Sir Ian Blair, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police said. That came days after Kamel Bourgass, an Algerian suspected of links to Al Qaeda, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for planning attacks involving ricin. With about three weeks to go, the Labour Party was on track for victory though probably with a smaller majority, according to several weekend polls. Bourgass was found guilty of conspiring to "commit a public nuisance by the use of poisons and/or explosives", after one of the biggest anti-terror operations ever to be mounted in the country. A busy train service to the capital's Heathrow airport was to be the target of a ricin poison plot, a newspaper report sa 0
109731 0 1543 WORL WORLD Kuwait MPs move to fight graft KUWAIT CITY: A group of serving and former Kuwaiti MPs have decided to set up a local unit of a worldwide organisation fighting corruption amid allegations of rising graft among government officials, an MP said yesterday. The Kuwait chapter of the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) is slated to be launched later this month, said MP Nasser Al Sane, who is vice-chairman of GOPAC and head of the Arab chapter. The chapter will become the third anti-corruption unit of GOPAC in Arab parliaments after the Palestinian Authority and Yemen, Sane said. Corruption The Berlin-based graft watchdog Transparency International said in its report last year that a rise in perceived corruption had been observed in Kuwait went up from 35th position to 44th among 146 countries surveyed. Last week, several Kuwaiti MPs called on the state minister for cabinet affairs, Mohammad Daifallah Sharar, to quit over graft charges, some of which had been confirmed b 0
109732 0 1543 WORL WORLD 12 killed as bus plunges into river ZURICH: At least 12 people were killed when a bus plunged into a ravine in southwestern Switzerland yesterday. Police and rescue authorities could not confirm the death toll but said the 28 passengers were likely all Swiss. The bus, taking vacationers from Bern to Genoa for a cruise, fell about 150m when it slid off the road from Martigny to the tunnel under the Great St Bernard pass near the Italian border, a spokesman for Valais canton police said. "The rescuers are having difficulty reaching the bus," police spokesman Renato Kalbermatten said. Swiss state television said there had been heavy snowfalls in the region overnight. The bus left the road between the villages of Orsieres and Liddes at 9:50am. Emergency vehicles and rescue helicopters were called in from other cantons but bad weather prevented them from reaching the scene. Emergency workers said that some passengers were thrown out of the bus as it fell into the ravine but that others were still trappe 0
109733 0 1543 WORL WORLD Anti-Israel protests JAKARTA: More than 10,000 members of a conservative Indonesian Muslim party staged peaceful anti-Israel protests in several cities yesterday, including a major one in Jakarta outside the US embassy. In the capital, 5,000-10,000 protesters from the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) shouted anti-American slogans outside the heavily guarded embassy, witnesses said. Many waved Palestinian flags. Speakers lashed out at Israel and demanded Washington stop financial or political support for the Jewish state. Traffic in the centre of the city was disrupted for several hours. Smaller protests by party members were held in at least three other cities across the world's most populous Muslim nation, the official Antara news agency reported. Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel and there are periodic street protests in the country against the Jewish state. Yesterday's rally also comes days before a summit of Asian and African leaders in Jakarta, wher 0
109734 0 1543 WORL WORLD GCC to merge cash network MUSCAT: GCC countries plan to integrate their inter-bank cheque clearing systems through a state-of-the-art facility called real time gross settlement. Central Bank of Oman executive president Hamoud Sangour Al Zadjali said a specialised committee was working on a mechanism to dramatically improve the way in which payments are made by banks, financial institutions and the government. "The most important benefit from the new payment clearing system is that the payments are going to be secured, as it is done on real-time basis," he said, adding the new system would become operational in Oman by the second half of the year. Al Zadjali said the system has been introduced in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and would be extended to the remaining GCC member states to unify the region. 0
109735 0 1543 WORL WORLD Cardinals all set for conclave VATICAN CITY: Cardinals from 52 countries withdrew into solemn seclusion ahead of an ultra-secret conclave today during which they will choose the 265th pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. The 115 cardinals moved into the purpose-built, hotel-like Santa Marta residence behind Vatican walls where they will rest, eat and confer between votes during the first conclave of the third millennium. Ahead of the conclave, a bookmaker made Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger 3-1 favorite to be elected Pope The conclave will begin in the afternoon after a morning of pomp and pageantry, including a solemn mass in Saint Peter's Basilica to invoke God's guidance in their choice, and a procession to the fresco-adorned Sistine Chapel where the crucial vote takes place. The prelates drew lots on Thursday to determine which of the 106 suites and 23 individual rooms they would occupy. "The new Pope has already been chosen by the Lord, we must only pray to know who it is," said I 0
109736 0 1543 WORL WORLD Egypt arrests three over bazaar blast CAIRO: Egyptian authorities have arrested three more men over their suspected roles in the deadly blast that rocked a central Cairo bazaar, while a fourth managed to escape, the interior ministry said yesterday. "The security services have uncovered links between the perpetrator of the blast and a group of four people who took part in training and recruiting the culprit and in manufacturing the device," it said in a statement. Akram Fawzi, 35, Reda Ahmed, 19, and Tareq Ali, 34, were nabbed over the past few days in the Cairo district and north of the capital, in Qaliubia, it said. The presumed accomplice on the run was named as Ashraf Said Yussef. The latest arrests brought to at least nine the number of people held by the security services over the April 7 attack which killed two French citizens, a US national and the bomber. The bomber, who was blown to pieces when the device he was carrying went off, was identified last week as an 18-year-old Islamist, following DNA te 0
109737 0 1543 WORL WORLD Camilla puts off first royal engagement due to polls LONDON: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, has postponed her first solo royal engagement, Prince Charles' office announced. Camilla had planned to visit a hospital in southern England on April 25, but the trip has been put back until sometime after next Tuesday's national election, a spokesman for Clarence House said. The spokesman denied that Camilla was facing nerves, as some media reports have suggested. He said it would be "insensitive" for a senior member of the royal family to visit a hospital before the election, in which the running of Britain's health service is a major issue. "The suggestion that in some way she has some kind of nerves is absolutely 100 per cent completely wrong," the spokesman said. "Going to a hospital when health is one of the key election issues was considered inappropriate during the election period." 0
109738 0 1543 WORL WORLD Carradine to play Bush in war drama LOS ANGELES: Keith Carradine as George W Bush? Carradine, who appeared in such cult Robert Altman films as Nashville and Thieves Like Us as well as on Broadway in The Will Rogers Follies, will portray the president in the American premiere of David Hare's play about the lead-up to the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. The drama, which will open on June 5 at the Mark Taper Forum, also stars Julian Sands as British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Preview performances begin on May 25. Stuff Happens had its world premiere last September at London's National Theatre, where it opened to positive reviews. The American production, directed by Gordon Davidson, will also feature Dakin Matthews as Vice President Dick Cheney and John Michael Higgins as Defence Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld. 0
109739 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Blueprint for the future... BAHRAIN is drawing up a national master plan of new industrial areas, towns, roads and other developments. The zoning blueprint will make the country more attractive to investors by developing the right things in the right areas, say officials. A team of international urban planners, headed by US company Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), has been appointed by the government to study future needs. The BD3.5 million study will be completed in two phases over two years. In preparation, a National Planning Development Strategy was launched yesterday by the Economic Development Board (EDB) and the Housing and Urban Development Committee (HUDC). Both are chaired by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa . The project is part of Bahrain's pioneering re-forms, Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh said at the launch ceremony, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. "The new strategy will address an 0
109740 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Hospital visit row man held A BAHRAINI man was arrested after he tried to get into the women's ward at Salmaniya Medical Complex after visiting hours. The man, who is thought to be in his late 20s, was stopped by a security guard as he tried to use a hospital lift at 2.30am. He demanded to see his wife, but when questioned by the guard gave two different names for her. The man flew into a rage when the guard refused to let him in and police were called after staff were unable to calm him down. "It was around 2.30am when I saw this man trying to take an elevator to the wards upstairs," said the Bahraini security guard, who asked not to be named. "I stopped him and asked him where he was off to and then he told me he was going to visit his wife who is a patient at the hospital." "I asked for his wife's name and the ward number and asked the information desk to check if we have a patient with such a name. "They told me that there was nobody by that name at that ward. "I t 0
109741 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain 'ideal haven for fleeing Filipinos' BAHRAIN could be a staging post for Filipinos fleeing Iraq following a spate of attacks that has left one dead and two wounded. Embassy officials here are on standby to help if needed, Philippines Amba-ssador to Bahrain Eduardo Maglaya said yesterday. Filipinos working illegally in Iraq are being ordered home by their government, but sources say many many stay on, because of high wages. Some of those who go home may pass through Bahrain as it is one of the most direct routes, said Mr Maglaya. Filipino driver and security guard Rey Torres, who worked for Qatar Inter-national Trading Company, was killed in Baghdad on Sunday in Baghdad after he was caught in crossfire. He was the first Filipino killed in Iraq since truck driver Angelo dela Cruz was abducted by Iraqi gunmen in July last year. Five Filipino workers, including two wounded, arrived in the Philippines via Bahrain yesterday after being ambushed in Baghdad on Saturday. Mr Maglaya told the GDN 0
109742 1 1544 BNEW LOCAL LEGAL LANDMARK MANAMA MANAMA: His Majesty the King yesterday hailed the opening of Bahrain's Constitutional Court as an historic landmark every citizen can be proud of. "It emphasises our commitment to apply democracy, justice and freedom," he told hundreds gathered at the ceremony including many high-ranking international dignitaries. He added that Bahrain has gone further than many countries in protecting basic rights. "Every individual, thanks to this court, can appeal against any law that he or she believes to be unconstitutional. This gives citizens full authority to protect their rights in accordance with legal procedures," said the King. He called for regional and international co-operation by legal experts and institutions to enhance the work of Bahrain's Constitutional Court. "Collective efforts within the framework of joint humanitarian values of our different cultures and civilisations will strengthen the spirit of constructive dialogue, tolerance and co-existence between nations," h 0
109743 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Traffic clamp 'helps cut road deaths' DEATHS on Bahrain's roads are falling each year thanks to continuous police campaigns, Shura Council members heard yesterday. Seventy people died in road accidents last year and the aim is to get the figure down again this year, said Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. "Twenty-eight of them were drivers, 16 were passengers and 26 were pedestrians, he said. "This shows that 40 per cent of those who died were drivers, 22.9pc were passengers and 37.1pc pedestrians." Shaikh Rashid said that the numbers of deaths on the roads were decreasing year after year, something that reflected how affective the ministry's campaigns were. "Eighty-one people were killed in 2002 and 77 people in 2003 and this shows that the numbers are decreasing gradually," he said. "Bahrain has seen a significant increase in the number of vehicles on its roads, new drivers and those coming through the King Fahad Causeway and the decrease in deaths tells a lot." S 0
109744 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL 'Attack' driver facing arrest A SCHOOL bus driver accused of attacking a group of pupils, leaving one needing hospital treatment, faces arrest unless he appears before police today. The ultimatum was issued yesterday, after the Bahraini driver reportedly failed to appear at the Isa Town police station for the third consecutive day. He has been summoned after being accused of attacking five Bahraini pupils - four girls and a boy - one aged nine and three aged 11, from the Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School, Salmabad. The driver has been accused of hitting a female pupil on the thigh, twisting the wrist of another and slapping a nine-year-old girl in the face. However, three of the five pupils involved have since been suspended on the grounds that they provoked him, say parents. Police say they will issue a warrant for the driver's arrest if he fails to appear at the station today. "The driver has failed to appear at the station for the past three days," said Central security direct 0
109745 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL 100,000 reasons to be happy... BAHRAINI Sayed Jaffar Hussain Abdulla Hussain has 100,000 new reasons to be happy. He is the first winner of the newly-increased $100,000 (BD37,800) quarterly Alwatani Savings draw at the National Bank of Bahrain. Mr Hussain received his prize along with five weekly winners from last month and this month, who each won $10,000 (BD3,780). NBB senior manager, retail banking, Khalid Juma, presented the prizes. The next $100,000 quarterly prize is scheduled to be drawn in early July. NBB ExpressSavers and SaveWave account holders, who maintain a monthly average balance of BD100 or more, are entered automatically in the Alwatani Savings programme. Each additional amount of BD100 maintained in eligible accounts, entitles the account holder to one additional chance in the draw. 0
109746 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Schools project to be reviewed A CONFERENCE on The King Hamad Future Schools Project begins today. The two-day event is being held under the patronage of Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. More than 3,000 secondary school administrators, teachers and students are expected to take part in the 19th Education Ministry Educational Conference, which will be held in the 11 secondary schools that are initially implementing the project. The event is being held under the theme The King Hamad Future Schools Project: A Need To Be Inline With Future Changes. Assistant Under-Secretary for Curricula and Training Dr Abdulla Al Mutawa said there was a reason behind holding the event at the 11 schools implementing the project, rather than holding it in one place. "Each school is like a work team and we can't mix participants together," he said. "Although each school will discuss the same theme, this doesn't mean the schools share the same strengths and weaknesses." Dr Al Mutawa said that them 0
109747 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Shura vows to guard freedoms PEOPLE'S freedoms will be protected even in the midst of the war against terrorism, the Shura Council vowed yesterday. The proposed new anti-terrorism law will not harm people's freedom or the nation's democratic progress, said members. "We have gained a lot in the past few years since the initiation of the National Action Charter and we will do whatever we can to protect it," said first vice-chairman Abdulrahman Jamsheer. He chaired the first part of the weekly session in place of chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, currently abroad. "We have the right as a legislative body to make changes to the law, wherever we feel is necessary according to the Constitution and our by-laws," said Mr Jamsheer. "The council will ensure that the law doesn't harm human rights, public freedoms and international treaties." Mr Jamsheer was reading a statement yesterday on behalf of other council members, following their audience with His Majesty King Hamad last week over the prop 0
109748 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Stolen mini-bus is found near AMH A DRIVER who reported his mini-bus stolen found it two days later unscratched and parked next to the American Mission Hospital (AMH). Shaikh Asif Ali, aged 57, from Pakistan, said he parked in front of his home in Fereej Fadhel, Manama, at around 9pm on Friday. When he left home the next day it was missing and he reported the theft to police. However, he decided to look for the mini-bus himself and drove around to see if he could spot it. He saw it parked next to the AMH on Sunday, but some of its contents were missing. "I was able to put my key in the ignition and found it was working properly," he said. "The thieves stole a six foot aluminium ladder and my toolbox, but the car didn't have any scratches or dents in it thankfully." Invitation to become a leader! REGISTRATION for an eight-week youth leadership programme organised by the Kerala Catholic Association (KCA) ends today. It is open to teenagers aged 13 to 18 and will take place every Friday from 11.45 am to 1.45 pm. Th 0
109749 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Better access to land 'vital for investments' ACCESS to land is a significant barrier to investment in Bahrain, a study initiated by the Economic Development Board (EDB) has revealed. Overall four priorities for improving the environment for businesses were identified during the Economic Reform Workshop, says a report prepared by the EDB. Eighty-nine per cent of the total land area in Bahrain is unzoned, it revealed. The report was released yesterday during the launching of the National Planning Development Strategies at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. Access to land, infrastructure, government interaction and access to capital were identified as the key barriers for growth during the workshop, it said . The report quoted a major logistics company as saying that it has been struggling to get space next to the airport, especially since most of it is owned by the government. "A small factory owner said he had not been able to find a decent piece of land in the industrial zone, so he did not kno 0
109750 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Widow homeless after blaze A BAHRAINI widow and her three children were left homeless after a fire gutted their Muharraq flat yesterday. Wafa Abdulla Ali, 47, had gone to collect her two youngest children from school when the fire broke out, at around 1.30pm. She got back with Mohammed Abdul Aziz, nine, and Ahmed Abdul Aziz, eight, to find the flat ablaze. Mrs Ali fled with the children after flames leaped out as she opened the front door. The flat was on the ground floor of a three-storey building near Ramez Trading in Muharraq, but there were no other tenants at home, said sources. Ms Ali's elder son Khalid Abdul Aziz, 23, who works for the Electricity and Water Ministry, said the fire broke out in the sittingroom of their two-bedroom, rented flat. "My mother came back home after picking up my two brothers from school," said Mr Abdul Aziz. "When she opened the door flames and smoke leapt out. She was scared and ran out to safety with my brothers," said Mr Aziz. He 0
109751 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Graphic etchings put on display GRAPHIC etchings are being featured in an art exhibition that opened last night at the Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya. The event, organised by the society, was opened by Interior Minister Under-Secretary for Nationality, Passport and Residence Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. It features about 60 graphic etchings by artists Jaffar Al Oraibi, Ali Khamis and Ali Mubarak highlighting colours and space. The event will continue until April 27 and is open from 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm daily. 0
109752 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL 28 teams in fray for raft race honour TWENTY-EIGHT teams are to "paddle it out" in one of the year's biggest charity events - the Bahrain Raft Race. The event, organised by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in association with Al Bander Hotel and Resort, takes place on Friday at the resort in Sitra, with the first race expected to begin at 9am. Hundreds of spectators, particularly families, are expected to attend the event to cheer on the teams. It is a major charity event, as well as a great day out for the teams and families, said raft race committee public relations head Raed Al Samahiji. "Since it was first held in early 1979 at Hidd beach, it is estimated the event has raised well over half a million dinars for island charities," he said. "This year we hope to raise BD30,000." There will be a grand raffle draw once again with a Jaguar X-Type, worth about BD10,000, as first prize. This year only 1,000 tickets will be sold at BD20 each. The teams taking part this year are as fo 0
109753 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL New 'environmental laws on way' NEW environmental laws will be introduced in Bahrain to replace existing legislation, according to Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) general manager Abdul Rahman Al Jawahery. He said the country is reviewing its policy to take into account the need for sustained development. "Bahrain has already made vast strides towards the development of its environmental laws and legislations and is in the process of reviewing the existing legislation," said Mr Al Jawahery. "New laws and regulations are to be introduced to take into account the current environmental conditions and requirements of sustained development that we all seek to realise." He was speaking yesterday at the opening of a three-day workshop on environmental management systems, which is being held at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza. The workshop, held under the patronage of Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, is organised by GPIC in co-ordination with the Arab Fertiliser Associa 0
109754 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini's fine run for charity A BAHRAINI runner has raised more than 1,000 (BD720.5) for charity by running in the 25th Flora London Marathon, which was held on Sunday. AJ Coyne Durazi completed the 26-mile (41.6km) race in four hours and 40 minutes. The 18-year-old was one of more than 35,000 runners taking part in the annual event, which started in Blackheath and Greenwich Parks in Southeast London and finished next to St James Park. "It was such a good buzz. It was so surreal going under Tower Bridge and seeing the sights was brilliant. Running through St James Park was great," AJ said yesterday by telephone, from his Irish mother's home in Warwickshire, UK. "The atmosphere was the best part of it, everyone is very supportive and you can hear them shouting your name." AJ ran to raise money for Sense, a charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deaf and blind. The charity also supports people who have sensory impairments with additional disabilities. A FIVE-STAR rating certificate was awarded to the Mvenpick Hotel last night at the launch of its Swiss Food Festival. Swiss Ambassador to Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait Jean Philippe Tissieres launched the festival which was attended by general manager Frank Reichenbach, other diplomats and invited guests. Participants tasted over 100 varieties of Swiss cheese, as well as dipped marshmallows and fruits into a Swiss chocolate fountain. Switzerland's Gault Millau Chef of the Year 2005, Robert Speth, was flown in especially for the event to prepare signature gourmet recipes for guests. Entertainment was provided by acclaimed Swiss artist Christian Perreten, who performed a wide range of music including the alphorn, accordion and yodelling. 0
109756 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Club's beauty pageant goes international WOMEN of all nationalities living in all six GCC countries are being invited to enter the May Queen 2005 beauty contest. It is organised every year in Bahrain by the Indian Club, but this is the first time it will be an international event. "Over the years women aged 15 to 30, of various nationalities, have competed for the coveted crown of May Queen," said general secretary Ulhas Karnavar. "But due to the tremendous attention this event has gained we decided to open it to ladies of all nationalities throughout the GCC for the first time." The event will take place over two nights next month at the Indian Club, in Manama. It will commence with an Exclusive Members or Sponsors Nite on May 12, which will be judged by club members only. Participants will perform onstage for members from 8pm. "The first night will be judged by members, who will vote for the Members Queen and the results will be declared during the finale," said Mr Karnavar. "But 0
109757 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Woman grilled in Jackson trial SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's defence team yesterday grilled the mother of his teenage accuser for a second day, probing character flaws and inconsistencies in testimony by one of the major witnesses in the case against the singer. In a series of testy exchanges, the woman clashed repeatedly with Jackson attorney Tom Mesereau as he suggested she had a habit of latching onto celebrities for favours and influence. Test for accused MANAMA: The case of a gunman who tried to rob Standard Chartered Bank's East Riffa branch has been adjourned pending a psychological report. The suspect tried to slip into the bank disguised as a woman, dressed in an abaya but was spotted by the bank's Pakistani guard Ashiq Hussain, the High Criminal Court heard yesterday. He was referred to the Psychiatric Hospital to assess his mental aptitude upon a request submitted by his lawyer Moosa Al Balooshi. US promise to UK LONDON: The US has promised not to seek the death 0
109758 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Statute set basis for new court THE 2002 constitution established the Constituti-onal Court, which consists of a president and six members, appointed by royal order. Any legislator, member of the government or notable individual can challenge the constitutionality of laws in the court. The decisions of the court are final, binding and immediate, unless the court defers the effects of its ruling to a later date. Any convictions obtain-ed under a penal law that has been found unconstitutional are automatically overturned. His Majesty the King can also refer to the court any draft laws before they are adopted to determine the extent of their compatibility with the constitution. Royal Order 4 of 2002 appointed Ibrahim Humaidan as president of the Constitution Court, with Mohammed Bargh-ash, Muneer Mansour, Khalifa Al Binali, Salim Al Kuwari, Mohammed Abduljawad and Abbas Al Setri as members. 0
109759 2 1544 BNEW LOCAL History made at Shura... MANAMA: Alice Samaan made history on two counts yesterday when she chaired the Shura Council.She became the first woman and the first Christian to chair any Shura or parliamentary session in Bahrain and reportedly the Arab and Islamic world. Ms Samaan took the chair after first vice-chairman Abdulrahman Jamsheer and second vice-chairman Mansoor bin Rajab left for the official opening of the Constitutional Court. Mr Jamsheer chaired the first part of the session in place of chairman Dr Faisal Al Mousawi, who is abroad. Council rules state that in the absence of the chairman and his two deputies, the oldest member should chair the session - in this case Ms Samaan. "A women chairing the session is a clear example of the democracy we are witnessing here today in Bahrain," said Ms Samaan. "The council's by-laws state that the oldest take the chair when the three top council members are absent, without mentioning gender and this by itself reflects Bahrain's keenness to f 0
109760 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Alice puts nation in spotlight ALICE Samaan not only made history when she chaired part of yesterday's Shura Council session. She also put Bahrain's democratic reforms in the global spotlight, as officials from all over the world attended the opening of the Constitutional Court. "A woman presiding over the Shura Council, I believe, is a very good sign of the democratic reform process in Bahrain," Italian Constitutional Court vice-president Dr Fernanda Contri said. She said that thanks to Bahrain's democratic process, it had maintained its position in the region as a pioneering country in a variety of fields Ms Samaan yesterday became the first woman and the first Christian to chair any Shura or parliamentary session in Bahrain and reportedly the Arab and Islamic world. She took the chair after first vice-chairman Abdulrahman Jamsheer and second vice-chairman Mansoor bin Rajab left for the official opening of the Constitutional Court. Mr Jamsheer chaired the first part of the session in 0
109761 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Design 'model for UK project' THE Constitutional Court building will be a valuable model for a similar project in the UK, a leading British lawmaker said at the ceremony. The new UK Supreme Court, due to open in 2008, will take over the role of the House of Lords as the highest appeal court in the land, under the Constitutional Reform Act. Lord Hope of Craighead, who will become one of the justices of the court once the transfer takes place on October 1, was in Bahrain for yesterday's ceremony. Lord Hope, who was among a delegation representing constitutional courts and judicial councils from various parts of the world, said that UK's model of the Supreme Court was very similar to Bahrain's Constitutional Court. He said that learning about Bahrain's court building would be instrumental in modernising his country's new court. "Bahrain's example will be very helpful in the planning the new structure for the Supreme Court," said Lord Hope. "We need a new building and learning about the des 0
109762 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Legal wall 'to protect basic rights' THE values of humanity and justice are enshrined in Bahrain's new Constitutional Court, said His Majesty King Hamad yesterday. "This historic legislative building reminds us of our great ancestors' efforts for over two centuries to establish the rule of law among citizens and residents based on Islamic Sharia law principles," he told the inaugural ceremony. He said it was important that every citizen in Bahrain, man or woman, can express their concern about the way in which the Constitutional Court functions, and can benefit from the rights, freedoms and opportunities that it gives to every individual. "This court represents the legal wall that protects these rights. "Since promulgation of the law establishing this court in September 2002, every preparation has been made to provide the court and its judges with all necessary instruments, resources and information," he said. His Majesty was accompanied by the Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin 0
109763 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Funds shortage 'curbing research' A LACK of funds is strangling academic research at Bahrain University, according to a senior lecturer. The university allocates a budget of BD70,000 to finance research every year, but that is not enough, according to vice-president for academic programmes and scientific research Dr Mohammed Hassan Al Sayed. He now wants the government and firms to consider using the university's resources to conduct research instead of appointing private consultants. "In light of the current direction towards decreasing the university's budget by BD3 million for 2006 and coming years, scientific research will be the first victim," he said. "The Scientific Research Deanship has to think of alternative sources for funds. "We have to open up to society and gain the trust of companies, establishments and ministries and get them to sponsor scientific research. "Why do they resort to international advisers and not approach us?" Over the past five years Bahrain University 0
109764 0 1544 BNEW LOCAL Workshop to create young 'businessmen' TEENAGED students from four government schools are to take part in an entrepreneurship workshop being jointly organised by InJAz Bahrain, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) and the Education Ministry. The workshop, entitled Entrepreneurship Master Class, will be held today at the Isa Town Secondary School for Boys at 8am and Al Marifa Secondary School for Girls at 9am. It will also run tomorrow at Jidhafs Secondary School for Girls from 8am and Al Naim Secondary School for Boys from 9am. The six-hour workshop encourages students to think about starting their own business as a career option and identify the key entrepreneurial skills required. It also enables entrepreneurs and business partners who will voluntarily deliver the workshop to inspire students through presentations, activities and discussion centred on their own life experiences. The workshop will be conducted by volunteers from the Bahrain Young Entrepreneurs Association. 0
109765 3 1544 BNEW LOCAL A shield of justice... BAHRAIN'S new Const-itutional Court was yesterday hailed as a shield of justice, protecting human rights and the rule of law. It will be a flagship of democracy and signals Bahrain's determination to continue its political, social and economic reforms, said officials. The court has been established to further the rights and freedoms of individuals, without any discrimination, said president Ibrahim Humaidan. "It will continue to be a shield of justice, represented in protecting constitutional legitimacy in this era of reforms initiated by His Majesty King Hamad," he said. Mr Humaidan was speaking at the ceremony marking the opening of the court building by His Majesty. It was attended by the Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, senior Royal Family members, Shura and parliament chairmen, ministers and MPs. Present were officials from the Union of the Arab Constitutional Courts and Councils and the European Commission for Demo 0
109766 1 1544 BUSI BUSINESS GFH to promote $500m Jordanian project MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf Finance House (GFH) is to promote a $500 million development project in Jordan.The Royal Metropolis project, which will support Jordan's efforts to attract foreign direct investment, has received the go-ahead from the Jordan government. The strategy for the project was presented by GFH to senior officials of the Jordanian government late last year. Emphasising GFH's regional investment strategy, chief executive officer Esam Janahi said Royal Metropolis signalled the entry of GFH into Jordan. "It is our first stepping stone in infrastructure development into the country," he added. "The project complements our regional investment strategy and our vision to be one of the leading players in the region in conceiving and developing major infrastructure projects." The development of the project will be undertaken in phases starting with Jordan Gate and Royal Village, two salient components of Royal Metropolis. The Districts, of w 0
109767 2 1544 BUSI BUSINESS Bank launches scheme to help small businesses MANAMA: The Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) is launching a hi-tech project to support the functioning and management of the country's small industries and businesses.As part of the project, a computerised software system will be introduced for accounting and financial control in such establishments. "The BDB is focusing on an important aspect of enterprise management - accounting and finance - which has not been given due attention by small industries and business clients," said BDB vice-president of small business development Tariq Al Jalahama. "This at times leads to management problems and affects the functioning of business enterprises. "The BDB has identified appropriate software packages for accounting and financial control." The induction of this software among client business enterprises as a management tool will further streamline the enterprise management system, said Mr Al Jalahama. "After due analysis of the various accounting software available and 0
109768 3 1544 BUSI BUSINESS Indian bank in remittance deal MANAMA: India-based Syndicate Bank yesterday signed an agreement with the National Finance and Exchange Co WLL, Bahrain to enable it to offer remittance services to Indian expatriates in Bahrain.The agreement was signed by Syndicate Bank chairman and managing director N Kantha Kumar, international banking division general manager D C Pai and National Finance and Exchange Co chairman Haron Naji Cohen at the latter's head office, in Manama. Also present at the signing were National Finance and Exchange Co consultant C N Bhatia and operations and business relations head K Rangarajan. The arrangement will allow Syndicate Bank to offer their remittance products, Syndicate e-Draft and Syndicate e-Remit, through National Finance and Exchange Co in Bahrain. They can then be drawn on all of Syndicate Bank's 1,799 branches in India. Syndicate e-Draft is a facility for National Finance and Exchange Co to transmit the remittance. The data is filed electronically to the Syndicate Ba 0
109769 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS New group to combat 'dirty cash' launched BEIRUT: The Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has set up a regional grouping to combat money laundering in the Middle East and North Africa, the head of the Arab banking association said yesterday. Joseph Torbey told a Beirut forum that 14 Arab states had joined the new grouping, FATF's seventh regional affiliate around the world. The new body's president - Lebanon's Mohammed Baasiri - said "no Arab country is on the FATF blacklist". But Torbey called on Arab states to "demonstrate transparency" following accusations since the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States that Arab financial and charitable institutions had been abused to fund terrorism. "After adopting laws against money laundering and terrorism funding in the past few years, Arab states should introduce new measures to boost the immunity of their banks," Torbey said. "The most important measures are aimed at creating an Arab co-ordination mechanism to fight money laundering and an 0
109770 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS Martha Stewart takes to satellite air waves NEW YORK: US lifestyle diva and recently released prison inmate Martha Stewart announced yesterday the launch of a satellite radio channel targetting women listeners. Launched in a deal with Sirius Satellite Radio, the 24-hour channel, devoted to topics like cooking, gardening and decorating, marks another step in Stewart's bid to rebuild her home-making business empire after serving five months in prison for lying about a dodgy stock deal. Stewart, who has been forced to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet since her release, said that the move into radio would allow her company, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, to provide tip and inspiration "to the homemakers of America and beyond." The radio channel follows close on the heels of two television shows that Stewart has lined up, including a knock-off of real estate mogul Donald Trump's The Apprentice reality show. The deal with Sirius has a four-year lifespan. "We have a very active, very loyal following of wo 0
109771 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS BBK posts decline in revenues MANAMA: The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) announced a net income of BD6.7 million for the first quarter of the year, a marginal decrease of BD600,000 compared to the same time last year. It was put down to extraordinary income of BD1.9m the previous year through the sale of a strategic investment. If excluded, the core net income for the first quarter this year was higher by BD1.2m - or 22pc - compared to last year. Total assets grew by 8.5pc by March this year, compared to the same month last year, reflecting the continuous growth in the bank's asset base. Total loans and advances stood at BD782m as of March, an increase of 12pc over last year's figure of BD697m for the same period. Customer deposits were BD876m, compared to BD842m at the same time last year. The increase in balance sheet indicators reflects a steady increase in the underlying core business, said the bank in a statement. Commenting on the results, general manger and chief 0
109772 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS New chief is named by finance firm MANAMA: Ijlal Alvi is the new chief executive officer of the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM). He succeeds Abdul Rais Abdul Majid, who served as IIFM's first chief executive officer from April 2002 until last August. Mr Alvi brings with him over 18 years experience in treasury, investments, financial institutions, corporate marketing and Islamic banking. He has served with a number of leading international and regional financial institutions. Prior to his appointment at the IIFM, he was deputy general manager of the International Banking Corporation in Bahrain. He has also worked at Algosaibi Investment Holdings and Habib Bank, in Bahrain, as well as with Deutsche Bank in Vietnam, Singapore and Pakistan, and Mashreq Bank in Dubai. Mr Alvi said he was delighted to take up the assignment at the IIFM and looks forward to furthering the institution's mission. "We are determined to meet the expectations of Islamic financial institutions worldwide 0
109773 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS India-Pakistan vow pipeline talks push NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan vowed yesterday to pursue a proposed $4 billion natural gas pipeline from Iran to South Asia, shrugging off US concerns over the project. A joint statement at the end of Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's visit to India said the two countries agreed to co-operate in several areas including the energy sector. "It was agreed that the ministers of petroleum and natural gas would meet in May to explore co-operation in the sector including on the issue of pipelines," it said. "The whole world is buying oil and signing agreements with Iran and this a project which will benefit the three countries. Pakistan is desirous of moving forward on this issue," Musharraf said. Last month, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice conveyed her government's concerns about the project as Washington seeks to pressure Tehran over what is says is a secret nuclear weapons programme. Energy-thirsty India is also in talks to build a $3.3bn pipeline from Turk 0
109774 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS Capri-Sonne plans $27m investment Dubai: Arab Beverages Establishment (ABE), producers of Capri-Sonne Fruit Juice, under the licence of Capri-Sun AG Switzerland, will set up operations at the Dubai Techno Park to facilitate its large scale expansion plans. The company will be investing Dh100 million ($27.3m), as part of its initial investment in the new facility, which will span over an area of 200,000 square feet. "The infrastructure and support services available at the Park are truly up to international standards and it makes perfect business sense for us to base our operations here," said Capri Sonne chief executive officer Nils El Aaqad. He said: "Our decision to move into the state of the art facility at Dubai Techno Park was a result of our major growth plans for the local and export markets. "We plan to double our daily production capacity to around 40 thousand packets an hour and will soon be introducing a new range to our line of fruit snacks. "We are certain that we will easily achi 0
109775 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS Islamabad rolls out indigenous car KARACHI: Pakistan yesterday launched its first locally designed car, saying it had joined an elite group of 16 countries to achieve the feat. "This is a red-letter day in the history of our manufacturing sector," Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said at the roll-out ceremony of the 800cc Revo, designed and assembled by Karachi-based Adam Motors. "With this, Pakistan has joined the club of 16 countries having the capability of designing an original car," he said. However the company admitted that the engine and transmission of the new vehicle were currently being imported from China, Pakistan's long-term economic ally. "We are getting the technology from China and we will soon start building the engines also," Khan said. The same category of Japanese cars that currently dominate the country's roads cost 315,000 rupees, the company said. Pakistan's auto industry generated sales of 51 billion rupees in 2003-04, compared with 15bn rupees in 2002-03, according to o 0
109776 0 1544 BUSI BUSINESS French group seeks trade fair partners MANAMA: A delegation from French organisation Promosalons is in Bahrain looking for partners to stage trade fairs. They met representatives of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry yesterday. Promosalons, which is a non-profit organisation responsible for the promotion of 60 trade fairs in France and abroad, is visiting all GCC countries to drum up interest in its shows. In 2003, more than 600,000 foreign professionals visited French trade shows - of which eight per cent were from the Middle East, said chief executive officer Claude Dimont-Mellac in a Press briefing yesterday at the Novotel Al Dana Resort. In the year 2002 trade fairs they promoted in France welcomed more than 400 Bahraini professional visitors. The services they offer include promoting and marketing shows, trade fairs and exhibition venues, lobbying, market research, visitor promotion and targeting exhibitors. "We are offering potential exhibitors VIP services which helps them get more 0
109777 0 1544 COMM COMMENTTransformation of a nation... Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has reason to be proud of his first year as Spain's Prime Minister. He has transformed Spain from a pro-Bush, churchbound bulwark of conservatism to a more secular, female-friendly, Europhile beacon of progress, a model of how civil rights can be extended even in the shadow of terrorism. This smiling, stooped man with wide eyes and dangling arms was dismissed initially even among his supporters as an insipid Mr Bean figure. But since he took office a year ago, he has emerged as a brave leader with strong convictions who so far hasn't put a foot wrong. The reforming impulse, the idea that strengthening people's rights is popular and can only win support, sweeps through the measures set in train over the past year: on abortion, divorce, violence against women, removing compulsory religion in schools. There's feeling of optimism, exhilaration at the fresh breezes gusting through Spain's musty corridors of power. Half of Zapatero's cabinet ministe 0
109778 0 1544 COMM COMMENTKind wishes from far away... It speaks volumes about human nature that my mother, who has never been abroad save for an overseas posting to Malta during World War Two, always hankered for a life of retired bliss in New Zealand, which is about as far from the UK as you can get. I remember when we were children she would often read about New Zealand, revel in pictures of its beautiful green countryside and muse about uprooting the entire family for a new life amidst the sheep farms. Looking back, I think she felt that New Zealand, with its relatively small population and wide open spaces, still had what England was losing under its rapidly expanding industrialisation and its ever-spreading urban sprawl. Perhaps those photographs reminded her of her own childhood, amidst the green Welsh valleys, where everyone knew each other and neighbours were quick with a hand to help when needed. It was a dream that never came true and now, at 90 years old, one which is also long forgotten. But I thought of h 0
109781 0 1544 LETT LETTERS Free cultural events poorly attended... LAST week The Soorya Festival showed a selection of classical films which were a delight to watch. This selection was free to the public and held at the Bahrain Society of Engineers' Hall, a very comfortable venue. Sadly this was not very well attended although publicised in advance. It was a great opportunity to watch good family films without violence and bad language, such a gem these days. Let's please have more of these well chosen cultural programmes. Ardent film watcher 0
109782 0 1544 LETT LETTERS Big bang worrying COMING from Bangkok on April 5 on GA115 there was a tremendous bang on take off, sounded like a tyre burst. I was actually sitting close to a GF First Officer who was flying on to another destination and he tried to find out what the problem was but he could not get into the flight deck. No one mentioned anything to the passengers but we carried on to Bahrain and on arrival we all got off at an unusual place because apparently the aircraft was unable to taxi after landing. I heard some rumours that the aircraft had struck a tree on take off and the remains of the tree were stuck in the engine and undercarriage but no-one seemed to know what was going on. I haven't seen anything in the newspaper yet - but it was very worrying at the time. Concerned A Gulf Air spokesman said: "This letter was followed up and the Bangkok to Bahrain Gulf Air flight on April 5 was as normal as it ever could be." 0
109783 0 1544 LETT LETTERS A touching story THE Ray of Hope article by Sara Horton (GDN, April 16) was touching and how wonderful that Bahraini Layla Kaiksow has the courage and energy to be in Bethlehem doing such sterling work in the face of all the hidden dangers. Maybe this article ought to be translated into other languages and given to the United Nations, in fact, plaster the walls with it for their next get-together. Maybe it could be sent to the White House as an example of prejudice and injustice. Maybe the next president might have a conscience. Is there a Bahrain account set up so that we can donate here in Bahrain? Housewife 0
109784 0 1544 LETT LETTERS Storm in a teacup SATURDAY'S paper detailed a story of a tea trader violating the trademark law. Apparently the authorities were "tipped off" that something illegal was going on. The authorities must be hiding in a cave somewhere if they need to be "tipped off" that trademark and copyright laws are being violated in Bahrain! You don't even have to make a trip to the suq to find violations. Pick up a pair of "Adibas" or "Mike" shoes (both with copied logos trademarked by the legitimate manufacturers). There are many other garment industry violations in the kingdom. Visit almost any video or computer store. Most of them are using copied DVDs and unlicensed software. Anon A Mous 0
109785 0 1544 LETT LETTERS Banks stooping low I AM sure that by now everybody is aware that we are going through a tough economic situation, where everybody is complaining against one thing or another, but whether the giant commercial banks are helping our country towards prosperity or not remains a mystery. Some are offering relatively small loans and repayments. I had always imagined that the international investment banks with massive surplus capital are here to aid economic development projects, but it is beyond our comprehension that they scavenge on the leftovers by offering such loans to poor individuals and luring them to borrow such trivial amounts. Does this kind of attitude help our economy? I just can't imagine what sort of businessmen borrow such amounts and invest it in what? Contrary this is a disgraceful and defaming act to a financial hub. Where are the relevant authorities to stop such disgraceful acts? I am confident that we need investment but not in this form and style! Ali R Kazerooni 0
109786 0 1544 LETT LETTERS Rubbish everywhere! I READ in your letters page (GDN, April 16) about someone putting the 'thumbs up' to the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife for finally waking up from their 'cat nap'? If they have woken up, then fantastic. Maybe they will consider looking at what I believe is called 'Abu Saiba' beach (running from Budaiya beach towards the village of Diraz, Budaiya). I walk my dogs along this beach every morning and am confronted by a sea of plastic rubbish bags, polystyrene food boxes, broken chairs, old shoes etc left by the villagers each and every evening. Yes, the government has employed litter-pickers who start at 6am and are finished by 8am so most people do not see the disgraceful litter thrown down every night. It upsets me that by the morning, I am sure a large percentage of the litter has already blown into the sea. What makes me even sadder is the fact that the majority of people throwing down the litter are unlikely to b 0
109787 0 1544 LETT LETTERS Slow but steady TOP marks to the environment fund-raisers and the Jawad family for the third mini-marathon held last Friday. The turnout was fantastic and it was a very successful. We all had a wonderful time - hopefully the funds raised were useful. One small criticism, why is it that it's the men and children who have the age classification worked out for the prize sector whereas for the ladies there was no age classification - is this discrimination? Here I was at the age of 95 trying to overtake this amazing 16-year-old sprinting away and I just knew I could not catch up with him. But at least I finished! Exhausted 0
109788 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Toyota chief aims for three podiums in row LONDON: Toyota can seize another podium finish at this weekend's San Marino Grand Prix, according to technical director Mike Gascoyne. "In three races we have qualified in the top three at each event and picked up two podium positions," the Briton said on the team's website. "We struggled in the race in Melbourne for different reasons but our true pace was demonstrated in Malaysia and Bahrain. I honestly do not see any reason why that level of competitiveness should not continue in Imola and beyond. "Imola does not hold any particular fears or worries for me," said Gascoyne. Germany's Ralf Schumacher won at Imola for Williams in 2001, the first victory of his Formula One career, while Italian Jarno Trulli was fifth last year for Renault. Trulli has been second in the last two races and is second in the championship to his former Renault team mate Fernando Alonso of Spain. Ralf is fourth but Gascoyne said the German would have his say soon. "Ralf is not anno 0
109789 0 1544 SPOR SPORT GANGULY BAN UPHELD BY ICC CALCUTTA: India captain Saurav Ganguly has lost his appeal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against a six-match ban for his side's slow over rates in two one-day internationals against Pakistan earlier this month. ICC appeals commissioner Michael Beloff endorsed the decision of match referee Chris Broad to find Ganguly guilty after India exceeded the allotted time to complete their overs for the second successive game in Ahmedabad last Tuesday. Ganguly, under pressure to hold his place in the India team because of poor batting form, was banned for six one-day games after the last-ball defeat to Pakistan in Ahmedabad. He missed the last two games of the series. Ganguly said he would discuss the issue with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). India tour Sri Lanka in August for a one-day tri-series also involving West Indies. "I'll use this time to practice hard and get back to form," he told reporters in Calcutta yesterday. "I have received t 0
109790 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Big city marathon Grand Slam on cards LONDON: Organisers of the five big city marathons are planning to launch a Grand Slam format with a special bonus for any athlete who wins the London, New York City, Boston, Chicago and Berlin races. "I can confirm there have been discussions but there's nothing in place yet," London race director Dave Bedford said. "I would prefer not to comment any further at the moment." Sources close to another of the big marathons said the five race directors had met at St Etienne in France last month during the world cross country championships to discuss closer co-operation. They said a Grand Slam proposal was likely to be announced during the world athletics championships in Helsinki this August. New York race director Mary Wittenberg said all the race directors were in constant contact. "We see the opportunity to take the sport to a new level," she said. "And we all want the title of the world's best marathon. 0
109791 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Holt holds on to see off brave Hunter SHEFFIELD, England: Paul Hunter, diagnosed with colon cancer two weeks ago, became the highest-ranked player to exit the World Snooker Championship so far when he was beaten 10-8 by fellow Englishman and close friend Michael Holt in the first round at the Crucible Theatre here last night. But Hunter vowed to return in 12 months time as he prepared to discover the full extent of his illness. "Hopefully I will be back here fighting next year," said the three-time Masters champion, who has been friends with Holt for 15 years. Hunter, seeded fourth, carried a 5-4 lead into the day's play and then made two century breaks. But these were not enough to stop world number 29 Holt, in his first televised appearance at the tournament, recording the most significant win of his career. Holt ground out a 9-6 lead to put himself on the brink of victory before Hunter hit back to win the next two frames. Holt though held his nerve in the next, with a break of 38 seeing him 0
109792 1 1544 SPOR SPORT Pakistanis get heroes' welcome LAHORE: The victorious Pakistan cricket team returned home yesterday evening from their memorable tour of India to a heroes welcome from hundreds of fans.Pakistan, described as the weakest team ever to tour India by critics, drew the three-match Test series 1-1 and then outplayed the hosts 4-2 in the six-match one-day series on their first tour of India in six years. The fans waved Pakistan flags and threw flower petals at the players on their arrival at Lahore international airport. Some also lifted captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and paceman Rana Naved-ul-Hasan - man-of-the-series in the one-day matches - onto their shoulders. Pakistan won the sixth and final one-day match in New Delhi by a convincing margin of 159 runs to clinch the one-day series on Sunday. The match in the Indian capital also formed the basis of another round of peace talks between the two countries as Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf attended the match on Indian Prime Minister's Manmohan Singh's invitatio 0
109793 2 1544 SPOR SPORT Lonard wins maiden title after a close final round TORONTO: Australia's Peter Lonard showcased his survival skills during a rollercoaster final round at the Heritage Classic yesterday, claiming a maiden PGA Tour win that he literally thought he would never see.Having contracted Ross River Fever, a mosquito-borne disease that affects eyesight, Lonard was forced to give up full time tournament play in 1994 and take a job working as a club pro at Oatlands Golf Club in his native Sydney. Over a decade of hard graft later, Lonard's determination was on full display at the Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina where he clawed his way to an untidy final round four-over 75 to hang on for a two-stroke victory. "That happened probably almost 10, 11, 12 years ago, so it's taken me that long to actually win one," said Lonard, thinking back to when he was diagnosed with the debilitating virus. "It's been a long road," he added. "I was playing in Europe when I was 23, 24, hoping to emulate the (Greg) Normans and the (Ia 0
109794 3 1544 SPOR SPORT Renault to boost Fisichella hopes LONDON: Renault hope to boost Italian Giancarlo Fisichella in front of his home fans at Imola this weekend.Fisichella could get first use of a lighter and more powerful 'B specification' engine that the championship-leading team had not planned to introduce until the fifth round in Spain next month. Engines must last for two successive Grands Prix under Formula One's new rules but can be changed without penalty if a driver fails to finish the previous race, as Fisichella did in Bahrain on April 3. Rob White, Renault's engine technical director, said the team had speeded up work on the revised engine so that it could be an option in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix. "The final decision on its use will depend on dyno tests and the detailed analysis of results from testing last week in Paul Ricard (Le Castellet)," he added in a team preview. "We will not be taking any short cuts in the approval process in order to race (the) RS25B (engine) at Imola instead of Barcelona." </ 0
109795 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Embattled Jones last in 400m ALNUT, California: Embattled sprinter Marion Jones' exit from the Mt SAC Relays was noticeably faster than her performance on the track. The 29-year-old American struggled yesterday in her first race since crashing out of the 2004 Athens Olympics. Running in the 400 metres, Jones lumbered across the finish line in 55.03 seconds, more than three seconds adrift of winner Novlene Williams who clocked 51.49. Jones typically uses Mt SAC as a stage to launch her outdoor campaign and test her early season progress. But if yesterday's result is any indication then the former darling of US athletics is in for a tough season. She left the Mt SAC track immediately yesterday and did not attend a scheduled post-race news conference despite assurances from her team and meet officials that she would. Jones finished the race then sat under a tree on the warm up track with partner Tim Montgomery before getting up and walking across the warmup field to a waiting red van. La 0
109796 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Doha team lift Aramex soccer title DOHA defeated Jeddah 8-4 in the final to clinch the Aramex GCC Football tournament at the Busaiteen Sports Club in Muharraq. Hosts Bahrain had to settle for third place following a 2-1 defeat of Riyadh while the UAE claimed fifth place with a 2-1 win over Dhahran. Six teams from the various Aramex offices in the GCC were split into two groups playing on a round-robin basis. Bahrain, in Group A, began well with a 5-1 win over UAE and followed up with a 3-0 defeat of Riyadh before falling in the semi-finals losing 2-1 to Jeddah, Top scorer in the tournament was Khalid Ezzeddine of Doha with 17 goals while Mohammed Alkhas also of Doha finished with seven goals. Results: Final: Doha bt Jeddah 8-4. Third place: Bahrain bt Riyadh 2-1. Semi-finals: Doha bt Riyadh 6-1; Jeddah bt Bahrain 2-1. Fifth place: UAE bt Dhahran 2-1. Group A: Jeddah bt Dhahran 3-1; Doha bt Jeddah 3-2; Doha bt Dhahran 12-2. Group B: Bahrain bt UAE 5-1; Doha bt Jeddah 3-2; UAE drew w 0
109797 0 1544 SPOR SPORT BCC overwhelm Kannada Sangha BAHRAIN Cricket Club (BCC) got off to a bright start in the Sadeq Memorial Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament, sponsored by Aref Sadeq, with an eight-wicket win over Kannada Sangha in the opening round at the BCC ground. Fahad Sadeq was the hero for BCC with an unbeaten century and taking three wickets. Electing to bat after winning the toss, Kannada Sangha scored 37 in five overs before Biju (17) was stumped by Shahzad Ahmed off the bowling of M Adil. Prashant Shetty (40 from 44 deliveries, three fours and two sixes) then fell to Asghar Bajwa stumped brilliantly by Ahmed. Dharmesh (52 from 57 balls, four fours and a six) was yet another stumping victim off Fahad's bowling after he and Prashant Shettigar shared a quick 70-run fourth wicket partnership. Kannada Sangha ended on 205 for eight from 30 overs with Fahad the pick of the BCC bowlers with 3 for 32. BCC began poorly losing a couple of wickets in the third over with the score on 26 as Ashraf Mughal 0
109798 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Paradorn is too strong for Carlsen BARCELONA, Spain: Paradorn Srichaphan powered to his first clay-court victory since Roland Garros last spring, crushing Kenneth Carlsen 6-1, 6-2 to advance yesterday at the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open. The Thai 15th seed, beaten by Cyril Saulnier in the first round in Monte Carlo, turned his poor form on its head with the win at the Real Club de Tenis. The top Thai's success sets up a meeting tomorrow against young Swiss player Stanislav Wawrinka. The former junior champion in Paris showed that his clay game packs a punch with a demolition of Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 6-3, 6-1. With Rafael Nadal coming off the high which marked his Monte Carlo Masters title Sunday over Guillermo Coria, the fourth-seeded teenager from Mallorca will be the focus of attention in tennis-mad Barcelona. Nadal will draw a crowd for a doubles test today alongside Feliciano Lopez and his singles campaign begins tomorrow against the winner of Spaniard Marc Lopez and Gilles Muller of Lux 0
109799 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Al Tamimi bags kick boxing title BAHRAINI boxer Osama Al Tamimi clinched the China International Kick Boxing Championship's 85-kg title by defeating reigning champion Rod Riguez of the US by a knock-out in the eighth round in Guangzhou. The 30-year-old Bahraini notched his third consecutive title after having won the International Tai Boxing Championship in 2003 in Mexico and last year's Black Storm Kickboxing Championship in New Delhi, India. Al Tamimi was presented with the trophy by World Thai Boxing Association president Peter Singh in the presence of members, event organisers and other Thai boxing officials. Al Tamimi earlier won all his encounters against Mark Smith of the US, Australia's John Edward, Malik Johnson of Canada, China's John Lee, Frenchman Brossy Mat, Din Ian of Scotland and in Shonie Sinosin of Brazil on knock-out in the round-robin competition. Al Tamimi dedicated this achievement to the leadership and to the people of Bahrain. He also thanked the General Organisation for Youth and 0
109800 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Target ball team bow to Kuwaitis BAHRAIN's national target ball team suffered a heavy 11-1 defeat at the hands of Algeria and bowed out of the Islamic Solidarity Games being held at the King Abdulaziz University gym in Jeddah. Yesterday's defeat ended Bahrain's hopes of reaching the semi-finals scheduled for today. Coached by Mousa Hassan and Hussain Mushaima, the Bahrain team was represented by Darraj brothers Yousef and Khalid, Hameed Darraj, Hossam Al Shehabi and Fadhel Ali. The target ball team's exit ended Bahrain's campaign in this two-week games which concludes today with a closing ceremony. Bahrain took part in seven disciplines - athletics, weightlifting, karate, taekwondo, handball, six-a-side soccer for the disabled and target ball. Al Shakhoora win REIGNING champions Al Shakhoora moved to the top of Group 'B' in the 12th A'ali Credit Youth Soccer Championship defeating Al Ma'ameer 1-0 at A'ali Club grounds. Ammar Abdulhassan scored the winner in the 69th minute as Al Shakho 0
109801 0 1544 SPOR SPORT Carter stars as Nets stay in line for playoff slot TORONTO: Vince Carter scored 43 points and Jason Kidd had a triple-double as the New Jersey Nets closed in on a NBA playoff berth with a 104-83 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in East Rutherford. New Jersey (40-40) won for the 13th time in 17 games to move into a tie with Cleveland (40-40) for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. Philadelphia (41-39) is seventh, with all three teams having two games to play. With the Nets shading the tie-breaker with both teams, wins in their last two games will secure a playoff spot. The 76ers need either one win or a Cleveland loss to clinch their postseason berth. Carter added 11 rebounds, while Kidd had 11 points, 10 rebounds and 16 assists for his 67th career triple-double. Nenad Krstic added 18 points and 10 rebounds for New Jersey, while Brian Scalabrine chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds. Allen Iverson scored 33 points for the Sixers, who were out-scored 65-47 in the first-half. Chris Webber add 0
109802 0 1544 WORL WORLD Sadr warns Allawi on hostage crisis hoax BAGHDAD: Radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada Sadr yesterday warned the caretaker Iraqi government, headed by Iyad Allawi, against taking "foolish action" over a stand-off in the town of Madain. "We want the area to be spared the foolish actions of some in the government," his spokesman said. He also demanded clarification about the situation after Iraqi forces regained control but failed to find any hostages, putting paid to reports that Sunni gunmen had seized more than 150 Shi'ites and were threatening to kill them. The three-day standoff around Madain, fuelled by rumours, suspicion and sharply conflicting reports, had threatened to spiral into all-out national crisis as Sunnis and Shi'ites negotiate on the formation of a new government. The warning came as at least 14 Iraqis, including a police general, were killed in attacks, while police and US forces said they had detained eight suspected insurgents. Iraqi commandos combing an area on the outskirts of Baghdad wh 0
109803 0 1544 WORL WORLD Irish soccer club banks on Leeson 'expertise' DUBLIN: Nick Leeson, who committed the world's biggest banking fraud, has landed his first new job in a decade - as commercial director of a soccer club in the west of Ireland. Leeson spent four years in prison in Singapore for covering up more than 800 million (BD571m) in trading losses that destroyed Barings, Britain's oldest merchant bank, in 1995. He game to Galway two years ago with his second wife, Leona, who comes from the western Irish city. Until now, he said, he's been earning a living principally from delivering speeches on the Barings disaster, his survival of colon cancer, and the lessons from those experiences . "It's been lucrative but all very piecemeal, so I've been keeping one eye open all the time for something interesting," Leeson said in a phone interview. When he interviewed for the job at Galway United Football Club, he said he offered no references - and began by discussing the scandal. Leeson will be tasked with the demanding j 0
109804 0 1544 WORL WORLD The final countdown... VATICAN CITY: Roman Catholic cardinals failed to elect a new Pope last night in the first ballot of an ultra-secret conclave that has once again drawn the eyes of the world on the Vatican. More than two hours after the 115 cardinals withdrew into strict seclusion, black smoke emerged from a chimney on the Sistine Chapel signalling that the first vote had been inconclusive. Initially, it appeared to the 20,000 people massed on Saint Peter's Square that the first wisps were white, indicating a new spiritual leader of the 1.1 billion Roman Catholics worldwide after the death of John Paul II. "It seemed white so we all ran forward toward St Peter's hoping to see the new Pope," said Nino Trifaro. The prelates will not vote again until today, and from then on four times a day until they reach the required two-thirds consensus. The cardinals had earlier retreated into the Sistine Chapel to begin their deliberations, its great wooden doors swinging shut as they closed them 0
109805 0 1544 WORL WORLD Lahore police free Zardari supporters LAHORE: Pakistani authorities yesterday said they had released most of the opposition workers whom they detained ahead of the return of former premier Benazir Bhutto's husband. More than 500 workers were bailed out by different courts in the eastern city of Lahore, where Asif Ali Zardari was himself briefly detained after he arrived from Dubai on Saturday. The majority of more than 30 Pakistan People's Party MPs who were detained in Lahore have also been released, a party spokesman said. Bhutto's husband was released from an eight-year sentence in December last year after a court granted him bail in the last of a string of corruption and murder charges pending against him. He has spent nearly four months in Dubai, where Bhutto is in self-imposed exile to avoid corruption charges stemming from her two terms as prime minister of Pakistan. Zardari initially described the action against him and the party as a blow to reconciliation efforts with military leader Preside 0
109806 0 1544 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Charity festival, Zaka Fund Charity Exhibition, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, 10am-1pm and 4pm-10pm. Entrance free. Lecture on endangered species, focusing on the Grey Partidge in Ireland, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Medical University of Bahrain, Lecture Theatre One, Al Safar Building, Seef District, 8pm. All welcome. Tourism talk on Switzerland by Gstaad - Saanenland Tourism Department managing director Roger Seifritz, Movenpick Hotel, Muharraq, 1pm. Baby massage workshop, World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya, 5pm-6.30pm. Contact 17612576. Art exhibition by top Bahraini artists Mohammed Al Mahdi and Sayed Abdulla Al Sari, Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, Juffair, 9am-1pm and 3pm-10pm. Art exhibition by Iraqi Jaber Alwan, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Gulf Night Out, Gulf Hotel, poolside, 8pm. Tickets BD11++ per person and BD9++ for Prestige Club members. Contact 17713000. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Vald 0
109807 1 1544 WORL WORLD Hostage drama 'fabricated' BAGHDAD: Iraqis yesterday accused their leaders of fabricating a hostage crisis for political ends and urged them instead to focus on tackling relentless violence and unemployment after two years of turmoil. Shi'ite officials said on Saturday that Sunni Muslim insurgents were holding 150 Shi'ite hostages in Madain, 45km south of Baghdad, and were threatening to kill them unless Shi'ites left the area. Caretaker Prime Minister Iyad Allawi vowed to punish the "terrorist" kidnappers he linked with Al Qaeda's wing in Iraq. But raids by Iraqi forces backed by US troops have yielded no kidnappers or hostages. "It is all lies. Instead of fighting terrorism the government is just making things up. What we need are jobs," said Abu Zahra, a 35-year-old labourer standing with other workers hoping to get menial jobs 0
109808 0 1544 WORL WORLD Ex-garbage man admits murders LONDON: A former rubbish collector pleaded guilty yesterday to murdering his girlfriend, her twin sister and an elderly couple in northern England last July. Police had charged Mark Hobson, 35, after a massive investigation following the discovery of the naked bodies of 27-year-old Claire and Diane Sanderson, and former Spitfire pilot James Britton and his wife Joan in Yorkshire last year. Leeds Crown Court adjourned sentencing until April 27. Officers said there seemed to be no reason for the killing spree which began with the brutal end of a tumultuous 18-month love affair and ended with Hobson living rough in a hidden tent near a petrol station. "We do not know his motives or why he turned into a vicious killer," senior investigating officer detective superintendent Javad Ali said in Leeds. "He gave no explanation for his actions." Hobson violently attacked the Sanderson twins in an apartment in the village of Camblesforth in July last year. LONDON: A senior Labour activist in Prime Minister Tony Blair's constituency has quit to campaign on behalf of a candidate whose son was killed in the Iraq war. Dave Cattell, a member of Labour's executive committee in Sedgefield, northern England, said that the war had raised issues about Blair's "honesty and integrity". He said he would now campaign for independent candidate Reg Keys, the father of slain British soldier Lance Cpl Thomas Keys, 20, who is running for parliament in Blair's constituency. Blair must hold his parliamentary seat in May 5 election in order to remain Labour Party leader and to be prime minister if Labour wins a majority. 0
109810 0 1544 WORL WORLD Galloway's challenge LONDON: The anti-war party Respect said yesterday it would launch a legal challenge to the postal ballot system, claiming Labour candidates were using it to rig the outcome in Britain's upcoming general election. George Galloway, the party leader who was expelled from the Labour Party over the Iraq war, said two recent cases exposing postal ballot fraud by Labour politicians was proof that the mail-in votes were not credible and should be counted not at all, or separately. "We intend to ... go to court this week and try to suspend postal voting in this election," Galloway told journalists at a Respect campaign event. "The very minimum we expect a judge to decide would be for postal votes to be counted separately from the votes count at the ballot box, and announced separately," he said. "That is the only way that it will be possible after the fact to investigate what impact these tactics of postal-vote rigging - which we believe New Labour is involved in - (have). SRINAGAR: Kashmiris in India yesterday welcomed the announcement of more bus and transport links for trade across the heavily-militarised ceasefire line dividing the Himalayan state. India and Pakistan yesterday agreed to open more meeting points for divided families, trade, religious pilgrimages and cultural exchanges in Kashmir. "We welcome the steps," said Ghulam Mohiudin, a leading fruit trader in northern Baramulla district. Mohiudin and his colleagues have sought to sell fruits such as apples to Pakistan-administered Kashmir since the first trans-Kashmir bus rolled on April 7 after a gap of nearly six decades. "We want to do trade with our brothers," he said. Trade has been restricted since the subcontinent was split in 1947. Before the start of the bus service, the only land crossing was at Wagah in the Punjab state. Most trade between the countries is done via transit through Dubai. The joint declaration also brought good news for thousands of fami 0
109812 0 1544 WORL WORLD Rebel chief rules out talks with Nepal king NEW DELHI: Nepal's elusive Maoist rebel leader "Prachanda" has ruled out peace talks or a ceasefire with the government, predicting that the nine-year war would see the Maoists come to power soon. "Right now, we do not see any possibility of talks with these mediaeval and barbaric feudal autocrats," he told Reuters in an interview by e-mail received yesterday. "Right now, the possibility of a ceasefire does not exist." Prachanda's combative words come two months after Nepal's King Gyanendra seized power, declared a state of emergency and vowed to bring peace. Suspected Communist rebels killed a senior police official in southern Nepal. Two men on a motorcycle opened fire killing police official Bishnu Pokhrel at the main market area in Janakpur, about 300km southeast of Katmandu, the state-run Nepal Television said. 0
109813 0 1544 WORL WORLD Australians held in Bali CANBERRA: Nine Australians have been arrested for heroin trafficking on the Indonesian island of Bali, where an Australian woman is already facing a possible death sentence on drug smuggling charges, authorities said yesterday. Australia-Indonesia relations could be seriously damaged if the death penalty was carried out in the case of Australian Schapelle Corby, 27, who is awaiting a verdict in her trial of attempting to smuggle marijuana into Bali, analysts say. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said eight Australian men and one woman, aged between 18 and 29 years, were arrested allegedly with 8kg of heroin following a 10-week operation between Australian and Indonesian police. An Australian Federal Police spokeswoman said five of the Australians were arrested at Bali's main airport, with four of them allegedly wearing 2kg of heroin strapped to their bodies. The others were arrested at a Bali hotel where more heroin, scales and other equipment, was allegedly found. Ties hit new low</ 0
109814 0 1544 WORL WORLD Dhaka warned over shootout GUWAHATI: India warned Bangladesh yesterday not to escalate border tensions by "unprovoked attacks" following a weekend skirmish that left two people dead. "Unprovoked attack and escalation of tension in the border areas is not healthy for a friendly atmosphere," said Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary, director general of India's Border Security Force (BSF) "We're exercising maximum restraint but will be forced to take strong action against such criminal activities," he said in Guwahati city in the northeastern state of Assam. The warning followed an exchange of fire on Saturday between Bangladeshi forces and the BSF that officials said killed an Indian trooper and a young Bangladeshi girl. The gunbattle along Bangladesh's eastern Akhaura border erupted as talks between Bangladeshi and Indian officials in Dhaka on ending rows over New Delhi's fencing of their common 4,095km frontier and other security issues ended without resolution. India says it is building the fence to prevent rebels, illegal migrants 0
109815 0 1544 WORL WORLD Saudi blasts Israel for blocking peace RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday condemned Israel for obstructing the Middle East peace process as the Jewish state announced plans to build new homes in a West Bank settlement. The Saudi cabinet said Israel was escalating the crisis with its confiscation of land in Palestinian villages and attempting to block progress in peace talks. The Israeli government issued a tender seeking bids for construction of 50 new homes in Elkana, a settlement near the line between Israel and the West Bank, raising the risk of new tensions with the US. An Israel Lands Authority spokesman said infrastructure work had been completed, and construction of the homes could begin in two or three months. The United States warned Israel against expanding settlements, and said it would seek an explanation from the government about the plan to build 50 new homes in the West Bank. President George W Bush "made his views pretty clear" during his meeting last week in Crawford, Texas, with Sharon th 0
109816 2 1544 WORL WORLD Peace process 'irreversible' NEW DELHI: India and Pakistan yesterday said their peace process was "irreversible".They also pledged to boost transport links across Kashmir, as Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf wrapped up an upbeat three-day visit. "The two leaders had substantive talks on all issues. They determined that the peace process was now irreversible," Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said, reading from a joint statement while Musharraf looked on. The Pakistani leader, on his first visit to India since 2001 when a summit with then premier Atal Behari Vajpayee collapsed over Kashmir, told newspaper editors in New Delhi earlier that progress in the talks had exceeded expectations be-cause of the "very flexible" approach shown by both sides. He cautioned that Kashmir remained a flashpoint but ruled out a military option. "Unless we resolve the dispute it can erupt again in a future time under a different leadership," Musharraf said. Musharraf also said India and Pakistan should en 0
109817 0 1544 WORL WORLD Residents marry sacred trees Residents in the Indian city of Calcutta have "married" two colourfully decorated trees in an elaborate ceremony to ward off an evil spell. The marriage between the sacred trees - whose trunks were decorated with red cloth, streaks of vermilion and marigold garlands - was followed by a banquet attended by nearly 1,000 people. "There is an evil eye that has been cast on us. So we decided to take recourse to spiritual means to ward it off," Gouri Shankar Sengupta, one of the organisers of the wedding between a banyan tree and a peepul, a kind of fig tree, said yesterday. A spate of burglaries had hit the area recently, as well as a murder and two suicides, which many residents felt came from an evil spell. The "marriage" took place on Saturday but wedding celebrations were to end early today. During the ceremony, a Hindu priest chanted hymns and lit a holy fire near the trees, which stand side by side. 0
109818 0 1544 WORL WORLD Vandalism in the name of art An eccentric artist who says he has been vandalising cars in the name of art found himself being investigated by police yesterday. Mark McGowan's stunts until now have included pushing a nut for 11km with his nose and rolling himself across London. He revealed recently that he intended to display pictures of himself scratching the paintwork of cars at an exhibition in Glasgow, Scotland. Yesterday, police said they were investigating McGowan's claim that he had used a key to scratch 17 vehicles around Glasgow's Botanic Gardens in March and another 30 vehicles in Camberwell, south London. A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said no complaints had been received, but urged anyone whose car has been damaged to come forward. McGowan, 39, attracted world attention when he pushed a nut with his nose to Prime Minister Tony Blair's 10 Downing Street office to protest against debts run up by students to pay for their studies. He once rolled himself across London for 7.2km singing W 0
109819 0 1544 WORL WORLD British honour for India actor s Indian actor Om Puri and Britain's Deputy High Commissioner to India Ian Hughes with Puri's medal after he was invested with an Honorary OBE (Order of the British Empire) at a ceremony at the British Council Auditorium in Bombay yesterday. Puri was honoured for his services to the British Film Industry. He is the first Indian actor to be awarded an Honorary OBE and the first to be nominated in the best actor category for the Bafta awards. 0
109820 0 1544 WORL WORLD Defend doctrines call by Ratzinger VATICAN CITY: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the front-runner before the Roman Catholic Church's papal election, urged fellow cardinals yesterday not to bow to modern trends but defend traditional Vatican doctrines. Spelling out his views before their voting conclave, he told electors to stand up for an "adult faith" that withstood ideologies, sects and an "anything goes" mentality that marked modern times. While Ratzinger at 78 may be too old to win, his doctrinal orthodoxy has strong support among conservatives while his moderate critics have yet to line up a clear alternative. 0
109821 3 1544 WORL WORLD Blair puts fresh focus on health LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday widened his campaign for re-election on May 5, promising speedier cancer detection under the free-care-for-all National Health Service (NHS) if his Labour Party is returned to power.The new focus on health, after campaigning hard on the government's economic record, marks the beginning of a direct battle between Labour and opposition Conservatives over the number-one election concern of Britain's 44 million eligible voters. Blair's statement came as new opinion polls showed Labour widening its lead over the Conservatives. Speaking live on television, Blair made a triple pledge to reduce waiting periods for screenings for breast, cervical and bowel cancer, saying it would "make a difference to thousands of patients". By 2008, every woman seeking a breast cancer screening, and every patient with suspected bowel cancer, would be seen by a specialist in the NHS within two weeks of referral by a general practitioner, he said. 0
109822 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain 'facing nurses shortage' BAHRAIN was yesterday told it could face a medical staffing shortage if it fails to train its own nurses. The message was delivered by World Health Organisation (WHO) nursing and health policy consultant Fadwa Affara, who said there is increasing competition for nurses from overseas. "We need to improve nursing services and nursing education to make nursing a more attractive profession where people want to stay and who are able to provide excellent care to the community," she told the GDN. "Bahrain is facing an expanding health service and it needs more nurses who are prepared in greater depth." Ms Affara said in the past Bahrain could easily recruit nurses from countries in Asia. But it now has to compete for qualified medical staff with the US and Europe, who are also recruiting from the same region. "The pool of nurses is smaller and Bahrain sometimes finds it difficult to get them, so you need to rely on developing your own resources," she said. A FILIPINA mother fighting for custody of her two-year-old daughter was put under round-the-clock suicide watch yesterday. Lecita Flores was deeply distressed after being told that she could stay in Bahrain for just two more weeks. She had been hoping for a further 45-day visa, so she can stay to fight her case in court. Immigration officials initially ordered the 44-year-old to return to the Philippines yesterday, but embassy officials requested more time to arrange the necessary documents for her to go home. "Nobody wants to help me. Nobody cares. I just want to stay, I don't want to leave my daughter. I can't live, I don't want to live without her," sobbed Ms Flores, who last saw her daughter in January and has no idea where she is. Ms Flores is staying at the embassy, where a doctor and other staff are keeping close watch on her, for fear she may try to kill herself, said consular assistant Ramon Nerida. Ms Flores was told that she could reapply for a 0
109824 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Blunders kill four patients FOUR patients have died over the past four years at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) due to mistakes by medical staff. The figure was revealed by Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. She was addressing the parliament yesterday. She said 48 patient deaths had been investigated by a special committee from 2001 till last year. Out of these, only four were being found to be because of mistakes by hospital staff, said Dr Haffadh. "Whenever we receive a complaint, it straightaway goes to a special committee, and the committee investigates it," she said. "We have investigated all of the 48 cases and those responsible for the unintentional mistakes in the four deaths have been dealt with according to the law." Dr Haffadh was responding at the parliament weekly session to a question by MP Dr Isa Al Mutawa on the number of deaths caused by medical mistakes recorded at SMC. "The deaths have no relationship with shortages in equipment or medicine," she sa 0
109825 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Rights activists probe terror law MOVES to ensure that the government's proposed new anti-terrorism law does not violate human rights will be discussed tonight. The Bahrain Human Rights Society is spearheading discussions on the proposed law, presented by the government to the Parliament for urgent consideration. Representatives from around 30 political and legal affairs societies as well as 10 legal experts have been invited to attend the meeting, at the society's Adliya premises, said secretary-general Salman Kamaludeen. "The main objective of the meeting is to reach common ground on the means of dealing with the new law before it is passed by the Parliament," he said. "In our view, there are two main issues related to the articles in the law when compared with provisions of the National Action Charter and the Constitution, as well as the international agreements signed and ratified by Bahrain." Mr Kamaludeen said that the first aspect was that many articles violated and contradicted the princi 0
109826 1 1545 BNEW LOCAL BATELCO DOES IT AGAIN! MANAMA MANAMA: Batelco's profits for the first quarter of the year soared to BD22.5 million, up 16 per cent on the same time last year.Gross revenues hit BD52.6m, up by five pc on the same time last year, the company announced yesterday. "However, during this period, Batelco received the full proceeds of BD3.9m from the sale of our investment in Intelsat, resulting in a gain upon disposal of the investment of BD1.7m," said chairman Hassan Juma. "The underlying growth in profits, excluding this one-off exceptional disposal, was seven pc over the same period last year. "Profits performance for the remainder of 2005 may well be positively influenced by additional asset disposals during the rest of the year, as the company seeks to further improve its operational efficiency." 0
109827 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL IHB open day sheds light on eye problems AN open day on the management of eye problems was held last night at the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB). Scores of people attended the event, which was conducted by visiting ophthalmology professor Dr Dev Paul Cheema, in co-ordination with IHB ophthalmology consultant and department head Dr Deepak Khosla. Dr Cheema is an ophthalmology surgeon at the McGill University of Canada and is a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada. Meanwhile, people are invited to attend an open day on neck pain and headaches, which is being held at 6.30pm tonight at the same venue. IHB consultant psychiatrist Dr Tareq El Maadawy will give a talk on headaches, while IHB orthopaedic spine surgery consultant Dr Mohammed Rasheed will discuss neck pain. The free event will also include a panel discussion and specialist advice. All are welcome. For more information contact the IHB on 17598222. 0
109828 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Fund-raiser to help special children PEOPLE are being urged to help raise money for charity by taking part in Artwalk 2005, being held tomorrow, at the Nooruddin Garden in Janabiya. The annual event is being organised by the fledgling Vision Foundation, in collaboration with the Al Wafa Centre. Proceeds will go towards the centre in Isa Town, which assists children with learning disabilities and autism. Foundation founder Ameera Nooruddin said this year's event would be divided into three sections. "There will be Thai and Japanese sections, run by each country's embassy here in Bahrain," she said. "The ambassadors' wives of each country will be heading each section, which offer tastes of each country's culture." Ms Nooruddin said the theme of the Thai section is the country's New Year. "It will include a traditional Thai greeting, massage, food and handicrafts," she explained. "The Japanese section is located near a lagoon and its theme is a garden landscape which will incl 0
109829 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Tender Board gets new HQ THE Tender Board has moved to new offices in the Almoayyed Tower, in Seef District, from its previous location at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, in nearby Sanabis. The new offices will house all the employees in one location, which will speed up the handling of procedures, says the board. Starting next Tuesday, all bids related to tenders should be submitted to new offices, on the seventh floor of Almoayyed Tower. Starting from next Wednesday, all public tender opening sessions will be held on the same floor. 0
109830 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Hygiene crackdown on Bahrain's restaurants HEALTH inspectors are cracking down on restaurants, food shops and hair salons which break hygiene laws. A total of 411 restaurants and food shops and 166 hairdressing salons were fined in the second half of last year, said Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. "Twenty-three restaurants and food shops and 37 hairdressing salons have been closed down," she told MPs at the weekly parliament session. Dr Haffadh said that 13,400 restaurants and food shops were registered with the ministry. She said 1,910 hair salons were also registered with the ministry, but only 1,270 of them were operative. "We have paid 16,762 visits to the restaurants and food shops and 1,910 visits to the hairdressing salons registered with the ministry during the six months period," she said. "This means a visit every five months to restaurants and food shops and one visit every two months to the salons." Dr Haffadh said that 419 closure warnings had been sent to restaurants and food 0
109831 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Doctors join fight against abusers DOCTORS could soon be obliged to record all female patients who report to hospitals and clinics showing signs of abuse. The Health Ministry is studying a proposal to issue compulsory forms, which doctors would have to fill out every time they treated a woman who had been attacked. It is the idea of Amnesty International's (AI) National Partnership Committee, which is known as Al Sharaka, and was put forward at a meeting with doctors attended by Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. Al Sharaka was set up late last year as part of a global AI campaign to highlight violence against women as a human rights issue. The group hopes the move will ensure such cases are given special attention, as well as document the extent of violence against women in the country. Its media director Fawzia Rabea said Dr Haffadh was keen to implement the proposal. "We agreed at the meeting to set up a joint committee between the ministry and Al Sharaka to draw up a final draft of the for 0
109832 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL School bus driver is quizzed A SCHOOL bus driver accused of attacking a group of pupils was questioned by police yesterday. Police had threatened to issued an arrest warrant if he did not present himself at the Isa Town police station, after he reportedly failed to show up for three consecutive days. The Bahraini driver, employed by Capital Transport, was summoned after being accused of hitting five Bahraini pupils, four girls and a boy, one aged nine and three aged 11, from the Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School, Salmabad. Central security director Brigadier Isa Fulaifil said yesterday the parents would meet police today. However, three of the five pupils involved have been suspended on the grounds that they provoked the driver, say parents. Parents are demanding a meeting with school management and a representative from the Education Ministry's private education directorate. They are demanding action against the suspension. School officials said all inquiries should be directed 0
109833 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Job-seekers to get work ethic lessons JOB-SEEKERS are to get compulsory classes on the work ethic and how to behave in the workplace. They will have to take the classes if they want the Labour Ministry to help find them jobs, it was announced yesterday. They will also be put through training schemes for specific jobs, but will only be employed if they pass. The new scheme was revealed at a meeting yesterday of a joint task force made up of private employers and ministry officials. Companies will also be able to specify the training they want potential recruits put through before starting work, said Assistant Under-Secretary for Training Abdulelah Al Qassimi, who chaired the meeting. "The ministry will provide the necessary training after signing an initial employment contract, stipulating that the job-seeker must pass the training programme," he said. Once the job-seeker successfully completes the training programme, a new contract will be signed for him or her to start work immediately. 0
109834 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Airline steps up capacity SRILANKAN Airlines has increased its capacity out of Bahrain by more than 60 per cent, with traffic rights to carry passengers to Abu Dhabi and back. The airline has started operating its new 294-seater, wide-bodied A330 aircraft to Bahrain three days a week, said sales manager-Bahrain Dammika Kulatunge. It was earlier operating a 120-seater A320 on Tuesdays and Sundays and the new A330 on Thursdays, via Doha, on the Bahrain-Colombo sector. "By changing the type of aircraft, we have increased the capacity out of Bahrain by more than 60pc," revealed Mr Kulatunge. "We also changed the days of operations to Sunday, Tuesday and Friday, with flights leaving Bahrain on all days at 7.35pm." Mr Kulatunge said all the flights to Colombo were now being operated via Abu Dhabi. "We have been granted traffic rights to take passengers from Bahrain to Abu Dhabi and back," he revealed. "The initial response has been encouraging and the flight is a boon to a large 0
109835 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Fund-raiser for youth falls short of target TODAY is the last day to support a charity festival aimed at helping needy students and the unemployed. The Zaka Fund Exhibition opened last Saturday at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre and has so far raised around BD50,000 - less than half its target. It is being held under the patronage of Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa and continues from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm today. Zaka Fund chairman Ali Al Musalam said the festival had so far raised not more than BD50,000. "We were hoping to raise between BD80,000 to BD100,000," he said. "The reason why we didn't raise as much money as we expected could be because we didn't charge fees from a lot of productive families taking part in the event. "We are thankful for what we've been given and to all those who supported us." The event features a daily competition in which prizes will be handed out to those who correctly answer questions abo 0
109836 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Registration for students starts REGISTRATION for the new academic year at Bahrain University began yesterday. It continues until next Wednesday, at the Registration and Admission Deanship at the Sakhir campus. Registration director Abdul-latif Al Kooheji urged secondary school students in their final semester to complete formalities as soon as possible. "Students should bring with them a copy of their grades during the past five semesters, excluding the current, which they will complete in June," he said. Students should bring with them four new passport size photos and a copy of their CPR and passport. Registration fees are BD10. 0
109837 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Royal backing for education hailed Bahrain's 19th educational conference 'King Hamad future schools, a response to future changes' kicked off yesterday under the auspices of Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. It was attended by more than 3,000 secondary school administrators, teachers and students, representing 11 secondary schools covered by the royal project. Dr Al Nuaimi hailed His Majesty's generous support for education, supported by Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He described the project's inauguration on January 18 as a landmark. The project, based on e-learning, will boost overall education levels and provide an advanced learning environment in which scientific research is prioritised, technology is utilised, mechanisms of teaching are developed and communication, enhanced by image and sound - not only domestically, but at regional and international levels, the minister explained. 0
109838 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Irish star who gave up the law for music IRISH musician Tim Ambler is performing in Bahrain next week at two venues. The lawyer-turned-musician, recording artist and songwriter, is to perform at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Fiddlers Green at 9pm on April 28 and at the British Club at 5pm, on April 29. Even at school, Tim served as an apprentice with a variety of bands, first as a drummer and backing singer, before moving on to guitar and lead vocals, which is when he started to write songs. At Hull University, doing the "sensible" thing and graduating in law, Tim's taste in music became honed, as did the kind of bands he played in. Always the lyricist, he often put the "meaning" of a song on a par with the melody, and at this point his talent emerged. He then moved to the Inns of Court School of Law in London, to qualify as a barrister. Music, however, was always his first love and as pen and paper met, his writing style consolidated itself into a blend of influences: Bob Dylan, Paul Simon 0
109839 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Search on for May Queen WOMEN of all nationalities are being invited to take part in the Young Goans Club's annual search for a May Queen. The club will hold its annual May Queen Ball on May 5 at the Palace Inn's Falcon Hall, starting at 8pm. Twenty contestants are expected to compete for the title. All those interested in participating are welcome to contact show co-ordinator Rosario Pereira on 39808508. Entrance is free for members, who can pick up their invitation cards from the Konkan Singers Club in Manama on April 28 and 29. from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. Guests will be charged BD2.500 per head, which includes a buffet. The main sponsor for the event is Bahrain Ferro Alloys and co-sponsors are Mothercare, Western Union, Al Jazira Cold Stores, Bemco, OTSC, Hempel Paints, Mohammed Fakhro, Cash Trading and United Commercial Agencies. 0
109840 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Indian stars for mega show A MEGA stage show will be held in Bahrain later this month. Desert Dreams 2005, will be held on April 28, at the Indian School in Isa Town from 8pm. The programme is being presented by the Konkan Singers Club, in association with Mayuri Fashions. Stars from the Malayalam film industry will be taking part in the show, which will feature comedy, dancing and music. Artistes will include Sreenivasan, Kunchacko Boban, Jayasoorya, Mukesh, Rahman, Rajesh, Nikhil, Ranjini Jose, Jagadish, Janardhanan, Aniyappan, Kavya Madhavan, Bhavana, Meenakshi, Samvrutha, Geethu Mohandas, Kalpana, Bindu Panicker and many more. The show is being directed by Rajeev Kumar and the dances are choreographed by Harikumar. Tickets are priced BD100 (admit four with special reservation), BD30 (admit four, reserved), BD10 (admit one, reserved) BD5 (admit one) and BD3 (admit one). Fairmech is the mega sponsor for the show while Bahrain Financing Company is the major sponsor. THREE top comedians are to perform in this month's Guinness Comedy Club, at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Manama. The event will be held on April 27, starting at 9pm, at the hotel's Skylight Lounge. The comedians are Jamaican Tony Hendriks, who was voted Best Jamaican Comedian of 1999 and 2000 and Britons Dominic Frisby and Rhodry Rhys. Tony believes that anyone can fool all the people most of the time. He is Jamaica's greatest export since ganja and he promises to make you giggle more. Known as Paleface, he became a household name in Jamaica with five seasons of his successful TV show Paleface Point of View. He is tecognised in Britain as "the white bloke who speaks Jamaican", on Sky TV's Caribbean Uncovered and in the US for presenting Lifestyles of the Caribbean on Comedy Central. Tony recently won the Race in Media Award for Best Radio Entertainment for I Love Carnival, produced for BBC London by the Community Affairs Unit.</ 0
109842 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Society lines up school dinner party REMEMBER those old school dinners? Wafer-thin roast beef, bangers and mash, sticky treacle pudding! Well, dig deep in the cupboard, break out that old school uniform and join the Bahrain Welsh Society at the Candles Restaurant in the Dilmun Club, Saar, next Wednesday. They will be taking a trip into the past with a typical school dinner, fun and games and music from the 60s and 70s. Dress is casual or school uniform and tickets are now available at BD10 for members and BD12 for non-members. The price includes traditional school dinner with "teachers' refreshments" being served at 7.30pm. "The menu will evoke many happy memories of times sat in the school canteen complaining about the teachers, dinner ladies or inedible food," said organisers. The menu details and more information are available on www.bahrainwelsh.com There will be some fun and games, a table exam with prizes for the best and worst table, a raffle to raise money for charity and danc 0
109843 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL 'Fab Four' in tribute act... BEATLES fans are in for a treat this weekend as a leading tribute band performs at two venues in Manama. The Fab Beatles were named by the BBC as the Best Sounding and Looking Beatles tribute band in the UK and commissioned by EMI to promote the Beatles 1 CD. They will be at the Wrangler, Elite Hotel in Juffair, tonight and at the Warbler, Baisan International Hotel, tomorrow. Formed in 1991, the band members are Kev Day as John Lennon (performing on the guitar, piano, harmonica and vocals), Andy Southard as Paul McCartney (bass and vocals), Steve Hemming as George Harrison (guitar and vocals) and Pete Isbell as Ringo Starr (drums and vocals). Tickets are BD5 per person and performances begin at 10pm on both nights. For more information, contact Amitabh on 39685300 or Jude on 39812397. 0
109844 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL UK singer to take the stage BRITISH musician Stefan Malinowski performs at Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant in Adliya, on Sunday. The singer, keyboard player, guitarist and drummer plays all styles of music. Many music lovers in Bahrain will know Stefan, who has performed in Bahrain for some time. He was also a member of the now defunct International Playboys, two-time winners of the Bud Battle of the Bands. Stefan began his career at the age of 10 with the award-winning East Area Schools Youth Bands and has played almost every kind of gig, from street corners to London's Royal Albert Hall. His show begins at 8pm. For more information, contact 17713093 or fax 17712606. Pageant invite FILIPINAS, aged 18 to 30, are being urged to take to the catwalk for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain beauty pageant. Screening for contestants will be held tonight and on Sunday from 9pm. So far, eight Filipinas have been selected for the event, organised by the Filipino Club. The contest is scheduled to be held on June 17 as part of the Fi 0
109845 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Likwid to host star DJ Andy LIKWID welcomes another guest DJ tonight.This time it is acclaimed American artiste Andy Caldwell, whose passion for the art of music started long before the advent of electronica. He is a former concert trumpeter and piano player, who subordinated his horn and foot-pedals in favour of two turntables and a bag of vinyl. Andy's first track, Superfunkidiculous, was released in 1994 and quickly became a top hit throughout the club scene, leading to a collaboration project with childhood friend Gabriel Rene. Together they formed the San Francisco band Soulstice and produced and wrote music for the release of the band's album Illusion and the remix album, Mixed Illusions. During that time, Andy also created a steady stream of his own releases for OM Records including three stand-alone, single releases, as well as releases featured on Mark Farina's widely popular Mushroom Jazz series. His singles were also included on six consecutive Om Lounge compilations and two full 0
109846 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Show tickets selling fast TICKETS for the Destiny's Child concert in the Gulf are selling fast, with one VIP category already sold out. Bahrain fans can purchase tickets from the concert presenters Mirage Promotions in Manama or online. Bahrain-based Mirage Promotions and Chevrolet Live are presenting the show on May 12 in the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, as part of the Destiny's Child Fulfilled ... and LOVIN' IT world tour. Tickets can be purchased online on www.itptickets.com or from Mirage at BD23.500 pit standing, BD16.500 regular standing, BD30.500 grandstand seated and BD33.500 grandstand VIP seated. The VVIP Cage category is already sold out. For further information, contact Mirage Promotions on 17715277 or fax 17715377 or email mirage@batelco.com.bh or log on to www.miragepromotionsonline.com 0
109847 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Book for All scheme a huge success MORE than 30,000 books have been collected in the Book for All appeal, it was announced yesterday. They will be distributed on Saturday as part of the Children's Arts and Literature Festival 2005. The Book for All project provides all children in Bahrain an opportunity to visit their local designated library and select one book as a gift from the festival. They will be distributed according to age group and language, with the aim of encouraging children to read more and develop an interest in visiting libraries. Festival organisers set a target of collecting 30,000 books for this year's event, after many children were left empty-handed as 8,000 books were given out in a matter of hours at last year's event. Saturday's event is being held in recognition of World Book Day, under the patronage of Shaikha Hala bint Daij Al Khalifa. Children are welcome to select a book of their choice between 9am and 5pm at the following locations: the Northern Governorate, 0
109848 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Hunt for the best disc jockey DISC Jockeys in Bahrain are to display their talent in spinning the discs and mixing, at Rock Bottom Caf, Ramee International Hotel, Juffair. A series of competitions to find the best DJ in the kingdom is being held at the nightspot, starting on Monday. Entrants must be aged 21 and above and provide a demo CD no longer than 30 minutes by today. All styles of music will be considered. A maximum of 12 competitors will be chosen for the initial heat stages on Monday, May 2 and 9. Four finalists will then play to win on May 16. On the night, a panel of four judges will appraise the DJs on the following: technical abilities, track selection and extra touches. All entrants must be at Rock Bottom by 9.30pm on Monday. Each DJ's set will be 30 minutes with 15-minute intervals. For more information, contact Adam on 36399467 or email adamgraca@yahoo.com. 0
109849 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Delightful invitation! THE British Club is to hold its regular Delights of the World event next Wednesday from 7pm. Members and their guests are invited to come along and enjoy the food, relax and meet new people. Four buffet stations from around the world will be available. The meal includes a bottle of refreshment. Entrance is free to members with vouchers and BD6 for everyone else. Early bookings are recommended. Meanwhile, the club's Quiz Night will be held tomorrow at the Belgrave Arms, starting at 8pm. Members and their guests are invited to put their minds to the test. Prizes will be awarded to winners. 0
109850 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Children join health drive A THREE-DAY camp for children will take place at the Bahrain Sailing Club, in Zallaq, from today. The Bahrain Diabetic Society's annual Sherooq Camp is being held under the patronage of Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Thirty-six Bahraini children, aged eight to 15 years, joined by five from Qatar and four from the UAE, are taking part in the camp. It will feature activities covering health, education, recreation, sport and art, said Sherooq Camp Committee chairwoman Dr Mariam Al Mulla. "The event aims to raise awareness about diabetes as well as teach children to take care of themselves and make friends," she said. The opening ceremony of the camp, which starts at 4.30pm, will feature poetry recitation and songs performed by students of Safra Primary and Intermediate Girls School. The event will also feature a health exhibition, comprising various posters, brochures and various education items as well as paintings. Taking part in the 0
109851 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Fashion goes ethnic... EAST meets West is the theme of a new fashion collection by Hazah, which went on show yesterday at the Al Riwaq Art Gallery in Adliya. The two-day exhibition features around 170 ethnic kaftans, tops, dresses and other items for women. Each of the designs is unique and sizes range from extra small to extra large. The summer collection includes clothing made from various materials including silk, cotton, hand embroidered chiffon and lace. The items have been created by fashion designer Bahraini Hebah Al Hasan, who also has a background in international relations and interior design. The exhibition is open again today from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm. All are welcome. 0
109852 2 1545 BNEW LOCAL Manama coastline businesses face relocation MANAMA: Existing businesses on a Manama coastline, earmarked for a facelift, may be relocated.The Manama Municipal Council yesterday agreed to develop the one-kilometre stretch of coast heading from the Marina Club towards Ahmed Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque). However, it also agreed to form a committee to study whether or not to renew the lease of businesses currently located on the shore. "Families tend to avoid the coastline because of sheesha smoke coming from all the coffee shops that are dotted along its path," said Manama Municipality director general Abdul Karim Hassan Ali. "That is why we want to study whether to renew the contracts of current investors or not. "Most of the contracts have expired anyway and some of them have already been cancelled by the ministry. "This new coastline is going to be the new face of Manama." The project is still in its early stages and cannot go ahead without the approval of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Minister Ali 0
109853 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Cleric dies in Saudi car crash MANAMA: One of Bahrain's top clergymen was killed in a car crash in Dammam, Saudi Arabia yesterday. Shaikh Jaffar Al Moadin, 42, of A'ali, was driving back with his wife after visiting a friend in Dammam. His wife suffered multiple injuries but was out of intensive care and reportedly stable in Salmaniya Medical Complex last night. "The front tyre of his car burst suddenly. He lost control over the car and smashed into a trailer parked on the side of the road," said a relative, who asked not to be named. "He died on the spot. His wife was rushed to the SMC with multiple injuries, but her condition is stable." She had not been told last night of her husband's death. Family members are expected to break the news to her today. Hundreds of people attended Shaikh Al Moadin's funeral, led by top Bahraini clergymen, at A'ali cemetery at 6pm yesterday. Shaikh Al Moadin leaves six sons. 0
109854 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL GIB shows way... MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank (GIB) yesterday reported a net income of $73.1 million in the first quarter of this year, up 86 per cent on the same period last year. "The exceptionally strong year-on-year advance reflected continued growth in the group's merchant banking revenues," GIB said in a statement. Total assets stood at $20 billion by the end of March, up $0.8bn on the 2004 year-end level. The bank recorded a net income of $150.2m last year, a 42pc increase over 2003. 0
109855 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Batelco profits from rise in mobile users BATELCO'S profits are being driven up by soaring numbers of mobile phone customers, despite competition, the company declared yesterday. The company's profits for the first quarter of the year soared to BD22.5 million, up 16 per cent on the same time last year. Gross revenues hit BD52.6m, up by five pc on the same time last year. Profits were swollen by BD3.9m from the sale of Batelco's investment in Intelsat, resulting in a gain upon disposal of the investment of BD1.7m. Growth in profits, excluding this, was seven pc over the same time last year. Revenue growth and profits continue to be driven by an increase in the number of Batelco mobile customers and by revenue generated by the company's investment in its Broadband Bahrain programme, together with efficiency improvements throughout the company, says the company. "We have now been operating in a competitive market for more than 16 months, yet mobile customer numbers continue to rise - by more than 15 0
109856 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL TRA blocks illegal call back link AN illegal hook-up that allows people to dodge charges on international calls has been blocked by Bahrain's Telecommunica-tions Regulatory Authority. It stepped in yesterday to order operators to immediately block an international call back number in Singapore. International call back works by calling a designated international number and then hanging up. The number then will call you back and allows other parties to join the call. This way the call originator does not pay his operator any fees for the international call made. The TRA order went out to all licensees holding an Inter-national Facilities Licence, namely Batelco, North Star Communications, MTC Vodafone Bahrain and Mena Broadband Services. It was issued after this illegal service was brought to the attention of the TRA by the company offering the service, having noticed that call back calls were being made from Bahrain to this number, said a TRA statement. The call back service is illegal in 0
109857 3 1545 BNEW LOCAL 86,000 get a glimpse of heritage MORE THAN 86,000 people have now attended the 13th Heritage Festival at the Bahrain National Museum's Heritage Village since it opened on Wednesday, it was announced yesterday.Festival organising committee head Layla Al Hadi said many of the visitors were school students who went during the morning. "We had a lot of people visit us from Bahrain, the GCC and other nationalities," she said. "Everyone enjoyed the variety of exhibitions and activities at the event and had a good time." Ms Al Hadi said a book on Bahrain's Old Weaponry and Falconry, which was launched for the event, generated much interest. "We've collected information from storytellers," she said. "Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa also played an important role in providing us with information on the different types of falcons and their importance." More than 20,000 copies of the book in English and Arabic were printed, but organisers ran out within three days of the festival's opening. < 0
109860 0 1545 SPOR SPORT Higgins and White seal second round spots SHEFFIELD, England: Former winner John Higgins knocked out England's Mark Selby 10-5 in a first-round match yesterday before admitting Paul Hunter's battle against cancer was overshadowing the world championship. Earlier, English veteran Jimmy White beat Ireland's Fergal O'Brien 10-5. Higgins, who won the title in 1998, compiled three century breaks on his way to victory over qualifier Selby. "I'll do my best to win it (the title) but it's just a snooker tournament following the news regarding Paul Hunter," Scot Higgins told reporters. "It's terrible and I think it's affected every player. I'm sure he knows all the players are right behind him." Englishman Hunter, the world number four, is preparing to undergo a course of chemotherapy following his first-round exit on Monday. Seven-times champion Stephen Hendry opened up a 7-2 lead over Australia's Neil Robertson at the end of the opening session in their first-round match. Scot Hendry, who last won the ti 0
109861 1 1545 SPOR SPORT BOLTON MISS OUT LONDON: Southampton climbed out of the bottom three, albeit on goal difference, after Kevin Phillips scored in a 1-1 Premiership draw away to Bolton last night which frustrated the hosts' Champions League ambitions.Sam Allardyce's side looked on course to go above Everton and into fourth place, the last Champions League spot on offer to English clubs, after Stelios Giannakopoulos headed in El-Hadji Diouf's cross in the 25th minute. Saints, who could return to the bottom three today if West Brom get at least a point away to Tottenham, then saw Nigel Quashie twice clear off the line ahead of the former Portsmouth player's return to Fratton Park for this weekend's south coast derby. Diouf later missed a clear chance and it needed a superb double save from Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to keep Sam Allardyce's men ahead. But with 21 minutes to go striker Phillips levelled when, after Bruno N'Gotty missed Rory Delap's through ball, the former Sunderland star struck from 10 yards out 0
109862 1 1545 BUSI BUSINESS New call to support Gulf retail forum MANAMA: Organisers of the first Gulf retail conference in Bahrain say the poor response to the event from businesses and government bodies has dampened their spirit.Gulf Retail 2005 is scheduled to be held from May 16 to 18 at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, under the patronage of Commerce and Industry Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro. The event is the first conference of its kind to discuss the future of the Gulf retail industry and is being organised by the Bahrain International Retail Development Centre (BIRD), in association with CTM Events Management. The theme of the conference is trends of the retail industry in the region: investment approach. "We have been planning such an important event in the interest of commercial development in the region in general and Bahrain in particular," said BIRD general manager Essa Sayyar. "However, the response we received from the private sector so far has been below our expectations and the government bodies have been passive. 0
109863 2 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Printing firm to train Bahrainis in hi-tech skills MANAMA: Printing systems giant Heidelberg is to train young Bahrainis in state-of-the-art printing technology. The 151-year-old German manufacturer of printing and other allied machines, Heidelberg, has sold its Computer-to-Plate (CtP) technology to Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Institute of Technology in Muharraq. Instructors from the institute will be trained at Heidelberg's Print Media Academy in Cairo, said Heidelberg Gulf's Dubai-based managing director Dr Joachim Englisch. "We are delighted to learn that the Bahrain government is to launch a diploma programme in printing technology later this year," he told the GDN. "We shall be delighted to train Bahrainis in the state-of-the-art technology. We supplied one of the latest CtP machines to Shaikh Khalifa Institute, where we had earlier supplied equipment worth BD3.5 million." The new technology ensures better quality control, higher efficiency and less wastage, said Dr Englisch. "In times of innovation and 0
109864 3 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Investment plan unveiled by Standard Chartered MANAMA: Standard Chartered bank unveiled its new international investment plan, The Universal Investor, in a ceremony yesterday at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.The launch was attended by Standard Chartered Bahrain chief executive and Northern Gulf and Levant regional head Martin Fish, other senior management and clients. The plan is managed by Omnia (Bermuda) and offers opportunities for long-term growth. Mr Fish said the plan was added as part of continuing efforts to broaden the bank's range of investment products for its clients. Omnia (Bermuda) is a subsidiary of UK-based Old Mutual, a leading global financial services company with operations in the US, Europe Africa and Asia. Universal Investor is a US dollar-based Capital Guaranteed Plus Product with guarantee plus option periods of five, seven and 10 years available. It has a 100 per cent investment allocation with no loads or up-front charges. Asset allocation portfolios are combined wit 0
109865 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi to open up aviation sector ABU DHABI: Saudi Arabia will this year grant a licence for a second airline and further liberalise the telecoms sector as part of a raft of economic reforms, the chief of the kingdom's highest economic policy-making body said. "The main elements of our economic reform programme are institutional and structural reforms, privatisation and more development of human resources," Abdulrahman Al Tuwaijri, secretary general of the Supreme Economic Council, said in an interview yesterday. "We expect to award a licence to a private airline company before the end of 2005. Next year, we will award the third mobile phone licence as well as the second landline telephone licence," said Tuwaijri, speaking on the sidelines of the 2005 Privatisation of Infrastructure Facilities conference in Abu Dhabi. The council is responsible for supervising the privatisation programme and its implementation. Saudi Telecom was partly privatised in 2002. It faces competition in the mobile phone sector of 0
109866 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS MTC-Vodafone's new SMS link MANAMA: MTC-Vodafone customers can now chat using WAP links and Java Client with their friends on MTC-Vodafone in Bahrain and Kuwait, Fastlink in Jordan, MSN Messenger and Yahoo. The company has added features to M-Chat, which connects Internet users and GSM mobile customers. "We have seen the growth of the Internet, chatting on-line and by SMS," said MTC-Vodafone, Bahrain, product development senior manager Mohamed Alhashili. "Using WAP links and the new tailored JAVA Client customers will be able to chat interactively with their friends." 0
109867 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS GIB gains increase 86pc MANAMA: Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank (GIB) reported consolidated net income after tax of $73.1 million for the first quarter of the year, representing a $33.9m (86 per cent) increase over the same period last year. Net interest income of $46.2m was 7pc up on the same period last year. Other income at $54.8m was up by $20.9m, or 62pc. Investment banking and management fees were also 8pc up on the previous year, representing an "important and growing contributor to the group's non-interest earnings". Net income is reported after a $2.3m net writeback of provisions for credit losses (2004: $8.8m charge). Consolidated total assets were $20 billion at the quarter end, which was $0.8bn up from the end of last year. This was attributed to increases of $0.3bn in loans and advances and $0.5bn in placements. The rise in placements reflected the high level of liquidity prevailing during the period. This contributed to a $0.6bn increase in deposits from 0
109868 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Sabic profits on the rise Riyadh: Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic) said its first-quarter net profit rose by 116 per cent from the same period last year to of 5.077 billion riyals ($1.354bn). Sabic said that first-quarter profits were also up 8pc from the last three months of 2004. It posted profits of 4.691bn riyals in the last quarter profits of 2004. The firm said its total product output of 11.2 million tonnes was up 12.4pc from the first quarter of last year, but down 2.7pc from the last quarter of 2004. 0
109869 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Dubai Metro 'longest automated system' Dubai: The 14 billion Dirham ($3.81bn) Dubai Metro system will be the longest state-of-the-art fully automated system in the world, a seminar heard. A paper on the project was presented by Dubai Municipality's Transportation Planning specialist, Dr Abdelqader Elshabani, to the seminar attended by over 100 Dubai Property Group (DPG) members and non-members. Elshabani said: "The provision of a fast, efficient, non-polluting, integrated rapid transit network throughout the city will provide a cleaner environment and greater mobility. Dubai Metro will support Dubai's growth and on-going success." Dubai Municipality plans to take on the city's growing traffic congestion and transportation problems by increasing the stake of the public sector in the transportation market. There are currently some 465,000 registered cars on the streets and 5,000 taxis that belong to private sector companies. There are 57 bus routes that carry out 90 million passenger trips per year and it is g 0
109870 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS $100 million sukuk bonds are open for subscription MANAMA: A fully underwritten $100 million issue of Islamic Ijara Sukuk (leasing bonds) for the Commercial Real Estate Company (CRC) opened for subscription yesterday. The announcement came from the arrangers and structuring advisers, Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Bahrain-based Liquidity Management Centre (LMC) and Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz). The Ijara Sukuk represents the first Islamic Shari'a compliant Sukuk offering in Kuwait, arranged for the CRC in support of its growing real estate development projects in Kuwait and the region. CRC is the largest publicly listed real estate company in Kuwait, with its business operations being conducted in accordance with the principles of the Islamic Shari'a. The Ijara Sukuk has been structured as lease-to-own Islamic Shari'a compliant securities with a five-year term maturing in 2010 and offering a semi-annual return on the Sukuk of 125 basis points over US dollar six months LIBOR. The Sukuk is the first offering o 0
109871 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Oasis Leasing plans $218m rights issue Abu Dhabi: UAE's Oasis International Leasing said a 800 million dirhams ($218m) rights issue would open on May 15, subject to regulatory approval. Oasis, which mostly leases planes, said in a statement the money would help finance big-ticket acquisitions on behalf of companies in the UAE. Oasis is currently negotiating to buy aircraft intended for Etihad Airways and an air-conditioning plant for Tabreed. The rights issue, the second by Oasis, will increase the Abu Dhabi-based company's paid-up capital to 1.5 billion dirhams. In October, Oasis raised 200m dirhams through a rights issue that was oversubscribed. Oasis said it expected strong demand for the issue, which shareholders have approved. The issue will be open to everyone holding shares days before the opening of the 10-day subscription period, which still has to be approved by the Abu Dhabi bourse. 0
109872 0 1545 BUSI BUSINESS Last chance to join leadership forum MANAMA: An international conference on leadership is to open its final day sessions to the public today. The eighth international conference and exhibition of the Arabian Society for Human Resources Management (ASHRM) is being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. The four-day event ends at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, today. "We have decided to keep the final sessions open free to the public," said ASHRM president and conference chairman Said Babidan. The conference theme is Leadership Quest. The event was opened by Cabinet Affairs Minister Dr Abdul Hussain Mirza. Bapco president Dr Mustafa Al Sayed was the keynote speaker at the opening session. Today's sessions, which end by noon, will start with a keynote speech by Canadian Training Centre of Human Development chairman Dr Ibrahim El Fiky. More than 600 delegates from 40 countries attended the event, said Mr Babidan. The event also included an exhibi 0
109873 0 1545 COMM COMMENTMemories of 50 years ago The old man was sitting in his favourite corner of the coffee shop when one of the regulars asked him: "Tell us old guru, what is the most tragic book you have read in your life?" The old man replied without hesitation: "It is not a book, but an article, in fact a column. I read it exactly 50 years ago when hardly 34-years-old and working as a seaman aboard a British-India liner. "When my ship docked at Bombay port, I sauntered into the city where I bought a copy of a two-day-old London Daily Mirror. I was fond of its columnist William Connor, better known by his pen name Cassandra. That particular newspaper carried a powerful piece by him headlined 'The Woman Who Hangs Today' dated July 13th, 1955. "Cassandra began by saying: 'It is a fine day for haymaking, a fine day for fishing, a fine day for lolling in the sunshine. And if you feel that way - and I mourn to admit that millions of you do - it's a fine day for a hanging.' "This referred to Ruth Ellis, the last person 0
109874 0 1545 COMM COMMENTWell done Alice, but this is no wonderland for women There are two ways of looking at the back-slapping that followed Alice Samaan's brief spell in the chair at Monday's Shura Council session. It was history in the making, in that it was the first time a woman had chaired a National Assembly body in Bahrain and apparently in the whole Arab and Islamic world. Ms Samaan is right that Bahrain should be praised for creating a situation where a woman could take the chair by virtue of her seniority over everyone else in the Shura chamber. But the fact that it was such an historic occasion is also indicative of just how far the Arab world has to go before women can genuinely say that they have won their right to equal opportunity. When a woman chairs a legislative body without it being worthy of mention in the Press, then women will truly have arrived. But while we celebrate this signpost in the region's political and social history, we should not forget that this is a society in which domestic violence against women is en 0
109875 0 1545 LETT LETTERS 'Terror Law' moves are reassuring... THAT immediate and very severe measures have to be taken to curb violence, crime and other anti-social activities in this historically peace-loving country will be the sane advice of all those interested to ensure orderly life in Bahrain on a long-term basis. We cannot be silent spectators to the deteriorating situation which is affecting many innocent people who are subjected to mental agony and loss of property besides losing valuable lives. It is very welcome news that a new 'Terror Law' is being introduced to protect the interest of the country and its people (GDN, April 13). Let the same be done with due care but without delay. Every day the increasing news of avoidable and controllable crimes are reported, making many peace-loving people very scared and sick. Such reports, when repeatedly seen by children and youngsters, can be very damaging for their purposeful future. On behalf of all those who have been affected and who want Bahrain to maintain its image as a peaceful cou 0
109876 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Qualified but jobless I AM writing to show my concern regarding my son and niece who have graduated with a B.Sc and M.Sc respectively, from the UK. As parents we have strived hard to give our children the best start in life by giving them the best education available. Now at the age of 23 they find themselves on the job market searching for a job worthy of their hard earned degrees. It would appear that the saying it's not what you know but who you know' is true as despite many applications made to reputable companies they have received no responses not even a 'thank you, no thank you'. As young, keen, energetic Bahrainis who have dreams for the future they are sinking further and further into despair, which is both disheartening and of great concern. Why is it that my son who has graduated with an honours degree in 'networking and software engineering' and my niece who has graduated with a masters degree (merit) in 'international management and cross cultural communications' are sitting at hom 0
109877 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Split personalities I HAVE heard from some psycho-analyst or other that a person's real personality is known when they are behind a wheel of a car. If this is true then there are an awful lot of un-nice people on the road. From a really nice person 0
109878 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Editorial enlightening I APPLAUD Jeff Harper's article "A Palestinian prison-state?" in the editorial (GDN, April 16). It was factual but most of all it was easy to understand a situation which sometimes appears complex. It's about time this sort of factual history be written into international history books so that the truth is displayed for everyone and not interpreted into a convenience story-telling for politics, but more importantly for posterity. Historian 0
109879 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Are they joking? I SUPPORT no smoking in public areas especially in restaurants, which I find very annoying and the most important of all. It will be nevertheless very interesting to see if this law is enforced and who will actually monitor these areas. As a frequent visitor to the UAE where some malls are 'non smoking' with only designated areas assigned to those who smoke you will still see people walking around smoking! Do you honestly think that an Indian worker will be able to tell an Arab to put his cigarette out? I really don't think so..., if you can find one man that has the courage to do so... he will be a better man than me GungaDin! Randle 0
109880 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Weight of evidence A FEW months back a Bangladeshi footpath trolley vendor was arrested and taken to court for short-weighing. The Bahraini customer stated for a long time he used to buy fish from the vendor but one day, when in doubt, he checked and found out that the fish weighed one and half kilos instead of two. A GDN reader commented that all Bangladeshi and Indian vendors keep their weighing machines wrapped in shopping bags and when weighing the face of the scales always point towards themselves and not the customers. It was really a very good observation. These vendors, I observed the other day, were using scales calibrated in pounds and not kilogrammes. For two kilos if a customer has the chance to notice, the pointer reaches to four but the vendor gives it to you as two kgs whereas it is about one and a half kilo. Citizen 0
109881 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Why the hurry? SPEED, speed and more speed... why are so many of Bahrain's drivers in such a hurry all the time? They drive at speeds way exceeding the limit only to meet with the never-ending queues at roundabouts and traffic lights and reach their destinations no quicker than the turtle drivers plodding along behind. That's as long as they don't cause an accident and perhaps kill themselves and some innocent motorists along the way. This leads me to wonder why cars are capable of going way in excess of the speed limit. On Bahrain's roads the limit is 100km and I drive a car that is apparently capable of doing up to 220km! Where is the logic? But then again, if I'm not mistaken, cars are typically designed by men, so logic should not be expected! Would it not make more sense for car manufacturers to produce cars for public use that cannot go faster than about 100km, and limit speeds in excess of this to only ambulances and fire engines. Anyone who fancies the th 0
109882 0 1545 LETT LETTERS Heartbreaking news A TEENAGE girl stabbed to death. Some parents' beloved little girl. A great future in front of her, what else, she was just 16. All her dreams and her parents' hopes brutally snuffed out by a mad man. I cried when I read the news (GDN, April 17) how valiantly the 16-year-old fought for her life and lost the battle. In my opinion, the murderer should be publicly flogged and hanged, so that the next person who even thinks about such a despicable act knows the consequences of his actions. Maybe I am not thinking straight because I have a 15-year-old daughter. Yasmin 0
109883 0 1545 SPOR SPORT England unveil plan to reach the summit LONDON: English cricket chiefs unveiled a new national plan for the sport here yesterday, with a target date of 2009 for the national side to become the best in the world replacing the 2007 goal announced in a mission statement four years ago. England have risen to second in the world Test rankings since 2001 and are now only behind world champions Australia whom they host in an Ashes series starting in July. And with another campaign against the all-conquering Australians - who have won all eight Ashes series since 1989 - scheduled for 2007, recently-appointed England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive David Collier felt 2009 was a more realistic date for the side to reach the sport's summit. "We have had a successful run and won the last four Test series," Collier told BBC Radio Four's Today programme. "We want our men's, women's and disability teams to be number one or two in both the Test and one-day games by 2009," the former Nottinghamshire chief added.A Bahraini could be driving in the Formula One Championship within 10 years following an ambitious initiative launched yesterday by the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and Bapco. At a Press conference at the BIC premises in Sakhir, the two companies announced they have come together under the theme 'Race for Bahrain' which is a contest aimed at unearthing a talented Bahraini who will compete at international levels with Formula One the ultimate goal. Organisers expect the competition, which is open to all Bahraini nationals aged 18 to 26, will attract thousands of applicants. Entry forms will be available at all Bapco fuel stations throughout the Kingdom. They should be completed and handed back to Bapco fuel stations or reach the BIC by May 31. Organisers said that 300 candidates will be selected to participate in the first stage of the tests at the BIC with 100 hopefuls going through to the next stage. Competition is expected to be fierce with the num 0
109885 0 1545 SPOR SPORT Oman set for GCC ahtletics OMAN's athletics delegation will arrive today for the GCC Athletics Championship which begins on April 27 at the National Stadium in Riffa. The Omani delegation will be the first of the five other Gulf teams arriving in Bahrain to prepare for this tournament which will go on for three days. Teams from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE are expected to arrive in the Kingdom shortly, while Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) will be holding the selection trials to name their squad. Headed by Oman Athletics Association's representative Shaikh Saud bin Hamad Al Rawahi, Oman will be represented by 28 athletes, including 14 in the seniors and 14 in the juniors. The Omanis are expected to have a private training camp for a week before the start of the event. The GCC organising committee approved the number of competitions in each age category. There are 21 contests for the seniors division and 19 for the juniors section. BAA president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Kh 0
109886 2 1545 SPOR SPORT Sixers clinch playoffs spot TORONTO: Allen Iverson poured in 39 points, dished out 12 assists and grabbed seven rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 122-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday and back into the playoffs after missing out last year.It was another tireless effort by Iverson but the NBA's leading scorer got plenty of support, with Kyle Korver contributing 19 points, Chris Webber 18 points and Andre Iguodala adding 15 as the 76ers delighted the home crowd by extending their season. With a playoff spot secure, the 76ers could even finish as high as sixth in the Eastern Conference when the regular season ends tomorrow. Dan Gadzuric had 21 points and a career-high 20 rebounds for the Bucks. In Memphis, Mike Miller had 28 points to guide the Grizzlies to a 94-92 win over the Spurs, ending San Antonio's bid to finish top of the Western Conference standings. San Antonio's loss guarantees top seeding for the Phoenix in the West and home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Pau Ga 0
109887 3 1545 SPOR SPORT Wurz to replace Montoya at Imola LONDON: Austrian Alexander Wurz will stand in for injured Colombian Juan Pablo Montoya at McLaren in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix, the Formula One team said yesterday.The race will be the 31-year-old's first since the season-ending Malaysian Grand Prix of October 2000, when he drove for Benetton. Montoya fractured his shoulder in a sporting accident last month, officially playing tennis although the paddock rumour mill has suggested he was on a motocross bike, and is now expected back at the Spanish Grand Prix in May. "It is disappointing that Juan Pablo is not yet fully recovered from the injury he sustained to his shoulder... however it is imperative that his shoulder heals properly to ensure no additional risk," said McLaren chief executive Martin Whitmarsh. "We will assess the situation again next week but at this stage we are optimistic he will return for the Spanish Grand Prix as the shoulder is healing well. "As Alex is now fully comfortable in the MP4-20, we have 0
109888 0 1545 SPOR SPORT Red Bull driver Liuzzi relaxed for home debut LONDON: Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi feels he has plenty to live up to when he makes his Formula One debut before his home fans at Imola this weekend. "I must admit I was hoping for an easier debut," the Red Bull driver told Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper yesterday. "The great results in the first races by (Jarno) Trulli and (Giancarlo) Fisichella only make the battle with them harder and heighten expectations about me," he added. "But at the same time their performances have had a good effect for all of us, cancelling at least in part that scepticism that has always accompanied Italian drivers. "Jarno and Giancarlo have shown that we too, if we are given a winning car, can have our say." Liuzzi is replacing Austrian Christian Klien for the next three races at Red Bull after starting the season as Friday test driver. Under the new rules, Liuzzi will have to use the same engine that Klien had in Bahrain although it should have plenty of mileage left in 0
109889 0 1545 SPOR SPORT 12 share lead in chess tournament TWELVE players share the lead with two points each after the second round of the Bahrain Mind Sports Association President's Open Chess Championship in Muharraq. International Master Moroccan Mohammed Tiseer outplayed Vinod CP of India in an equal opening, but the former employed his experience to transfer the small positional advantage into a full point. On board two, Bahraini Zeyad Janahi scored an easy victory with an extra pawn over Filipino Lou Filisalda, while Ali Al Ghasra had the better of talented Khalil Bukhalaf who crumbed under a heavy king attack by Al Ghasra. The only upset came from veteran Jamie Tabuzo who defeated youth champion Hussain Ayyad. From a drawn position, Ayyad buckled under time pressure after losing many pawns and conceded the match. More than 60 players of different ages and nationalities are participating in this internationally-accredited championship. Other round two top boards results: Ashley Freeman bt Majid Al Attar; Khalaf 0
109890 0 1545 SPOR SPORT Snooker challenge set TODAY is the last day to submit entries for the Youth Under-21 Snooker Championship, organised by the Bahrain Billiards and Snooker Association (BBSA) starting on Saturday at the association's premises, said BBSA general secretary Sabah Habib. The event, which is sponsored by Yaquby Store, is open to all Bahraini youths and the best eight players will be selected to represent the national team for the 2005 IBSF Under 21's and Senior's World Snooker Championships from August 15 to 25 at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The participants will also have the opportunity to undergo training under former Bahrain and GCC snooker champion Ghuloom Abbas at the association premises. For more information, contact the BBSA on 17825301. 0
109891 0 1545 SPOR SPORT Lehmann hopes dashed SYDNEY: Australian selectors dashed any faint hopes batsman Darren Lehmann held of regaining a spot in the national side yesterday when they included the 35-year-old in a group of six players not offered new contracts for the 2005-06 season. Selectors opted to bring fresh faces into the 25-man group of contracted players, which forms the core of Australia's Test and one-day squads. They axed ageing fringe players Martin Love, Ian Harvey, Matthew Elliott, Jimmy Maher and Brad Williams, who had failed to pressure the incumbent starting line up. Instead, selectors opted for Victorian all-rounder Cameron White, 21, South Australian off-spinner Daniel Cullen, 21, Queensland all-rounder James Hopes, 26, NSW wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, 27, and Victorian quick Michael Lewis, 30. NSW fast bowler Nathan Bracken, 27, found his way back into the fold after being dropped in 2004-05. Cricket Australia's contracted players for 2005-06: Ricky Ponting (captain), Nathan Bracken, Micha 0
109892 0 1545 SPOR SPORT Pollock selection dilemma BRIDGETOWN: South Africa must decide whether to risk selecting Shaun Pollock for the third Test against the West Indies, which starts in Bridgetown tomorrow. All rounder Pollock has missed South Africa's last three Tests and three one-day internationals because of chronic inflammation in his left ankle but he joined the squad on Monday night. He bowled without obvious discomfort at net practice yesterday. "My ankle feels better with every ball I bowl, but it's not my decision," Pollock said. "There isn't much I can accomplish in the two days before the Test, but for the selectors to be able to see me bowl might ease the decision they have to make," he added. With 377 wickets and 3,120 runs in 93 matches, Pollock would normally be an automatic selection but aside from the risk of him breaking down South Africa may not want to tamper with the combination that won the second Test by eight wickets in Port of Spain. Strike bowler Makhaya Ntini took 13 wickets f 0
109893 0 1545 WORL WORLD Protesters slam Muslim council LONDON: Radical Muslim protesters disrupted a Press conference where leaders of Britain's main Islamic group, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), were discussing the country's May 5 general election. Fifteen men, most of them in the late teens and early 20s and two of them hiding their faces with headscarves, burst into the event yesterday at the Central London Mosque, where the council was unveiling a voting guide for the estimated one million British voters who are Muslims. Council secretary general Iqbal Sacranie suspended the conference for 15 minutes as one of the protesters shouted: "We are here to condemn you and your organisation." The protesters, who said they were from a group called the Saviour Sect, distributed leaflets declaring that leaders from all of Britain's political parties were "shayaateen (devils), crooks, criminals and false gods". "Voting is an act of apostasy," said one organiser in his 20s, who declined to give his name. "Allah is the on 0
109894 0 1545 WORL WORLD Shipman's suicide 'planned' LONDON: The suicide of Britain's worst serial killer could not have been predicted or prevented by prison staff, the prisons ombudsman told an inquest into the doctor's death yesterday. Family doctor Harold Shipman, who is believed to have murdered around 250 people, was sentenced to life in prison in 2000 for killing 15 patients while working in Hyde, near Manchester in northern England. He hanged himself in his cell in January last year. Steven Shaw, who investigates complaints into the running of Britain's prisons, told the inquest at Leeds Crown Court that his own inquiry had shown Shipman carefully planned his death, possibly for weeks. Shaw criticised Frankland Prison, near Durham, for failing to pass on information that Shipman had threatened suicide when it transferred the doctor to Wakefield Prison in June 2003. As a result, Shipman was never placed under close supervision at Wakefield when he wrote of his despair in his diary and complained that he felt 0
109895 0 1545 WORL WORLD 12 killed in Iraq BAGHDAD: Guerilla attacks killed at least 12 people in Iraq yesterday as a resurgence in violence piled pressure on politicians struggling to form a government more than 11 weeks after elections. Meanwhile, legislators adjourned in protest and demanded an apology after a Shi'ite legislator linked to a radical anti-American cleric tearfully said he was handcuffed and humiliated at a US checkpoint. 0
109896 0 1545 WORL WORLD Ratzinger new Pope VATICAN CITY: The Roman Catholic Church yesterday elected Germany's Joseph Ratzinger, a staunch conservative, as its first new Pope of the third millennium with the task of ushering its 1.1 billion followers into a new era. The 78-year-old cardinal, the Vatican's doctrinal enforcer under John Paul II, will take the name Benedict XVI, the Vatican announced, and later said he would be inaugurated on Sunday. A delirious crowd approaching 200,000 cheered and waved wildly as Ratzinger, the 265th pontiff in the Church's 2,000-year history, smiled and acknowledged the applause from the curtain-draped balcony of Saint Peter's basilica. World's political and religious leaders last night welcomed Ratzinger's appointment as the new Pope. 0
109897 0 1545 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain GERMAN speaking ladies coffee morning, Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa, Le Mediterranee, 9am. Contact 17720101. Open day including a panel discussion and specialist advice, International Hospital of Bahrain, Internal Medicine Hall, 6.30pm. All welcome. Contact 17598222. Seminar on technology security appliances, Best Practice to Next Practice, by Paramount Computer Systems/Intercol, Crowne Plaza, 9.30am-1pm. Graphic etchings exhibition, Bahrain Arts Society, Budaiya, 8am-1pm and 4pm-8pm. 13th Heritage Festival, Old Weaponry and Falconry Arts; Heritage Village, Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 5pm-9pm. Entrance free. Last day of the charity festival, Zaka Fund Charity Exhibition, Bahrain International Exhibition Centre, 10am-1pm and 4pm-10pm. Entrance free. Art exhibition by top Bahraini artists Mohammed Al Mahdi and Sayed Abdulla Al Sari, Bahrain Contemporary Art Society, Juffair, 9am-1pm and 3pm-10pm. Art exhibition by Iraqi Jaber Alwan, Al Riw 0
109898 1 1545 WORL WORLD A doctrinal watchdog VATICAN CITY: German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was elected Pope last night, has played the role of doctrinal watchdog at the Vatican since 1981.Under the 78-year-old's meek demeanour lies a steely intellect ready to dissect theological works for their dogmatic purity and debate fiercely against dissenters. His traditionalist judgements have delighted fellow conservatives and outraged liberal Catholics and members of other faiths. He was elected the new Pope in the first conclave of the new millennium by cardinals intent on sticking to conservative policy. He chose the name Pope Benedict XVI . Ratzinger emerged onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, where he waved to a wildly cheering crowd of tens of thousands and gave his first blessing as Pope. Other cardinals clad in their crimson robes came out on other balconies to watch him. Pilgrims chanted "Benedict! Benedict!" as the church's 265th pontiff appeared. "Dear brothers and sisters, after the great Pope J 0
109899 0 1545 WORL WORLD King celebrates in style MANZINI: Africa's last absolute monarch, King Mswati III of Swaziland, feted his 37th birthday yesterday with a million-dollar-plus bash amid criticism that his extravagance was bleeding the poverty-stricken and Aids-afflicted nation dry. The free-spending ruler, at the helm of the southern African kingdom since the age of 18, told a crowd of at least 20,000 people packing a stadium in the commercial hub of Manzini that his country had been blessed since the year of his birth and its independence from Britain. "God has been watching over us since we became independent 37 years ago which is the time I was born," the king said, speaking in a rich baritone. Describing his birthday as an "important national event," Mswati claimed that his subjects overwhelmingly wanted to "uphold the monarchy and for the king to continue to lead the nation in every respect." 0
109900 0 1545 WORL WORLD Tutu may need treatment again JOHANNESBURG: South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize-winning cleric Desmond Tutu said yesterday he may need further treatment for prostate cancer after tests showed a possible recurrence of the illness he suffered in the 1990s. Tutu, 73, received successful treatment after a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test in 1997 found he had cancer. Recent tests showed his PSA level had begun to rise again, he said in a statement. "This may indicate a recurrence of my cancer," said Tutu, who retired as head of the Anglican church in Southern Africa in June 1996. "I am fit and healthy at present and my doctors will monitor my condition closely. They may need to introduce further treatment in the future," Tutu said. He asked the media "to allow me the space to carry on with my ministry". Big names at Cannes PARIS: The 2005 Cannes film festival will mark a return to the big names with top, cult directors who have dominated global cinema since the 1980s competing against younger Asian filmmakers, org 0
109901 0 1545 WORL WORLD 22 Maoists are killed in Nepal gunbattles KATHMANDU: At least 22 Maoist rebels and three soldiers were killed yesterday in two clashes in western Nepal, an army headquarters official said. "At least 22 Maoist rebels and three security personnel were killed in clashes between a group of armed Maoists and security forces in western Nepal late afternoon," the offical said. The clashes occurred at Ramja and Rakot in Rolpa district 400km west of the capital Kathmandu. Army personnel recovered 13 weapons from the clash sites. In the southeast of the Himalayan country, Maoists shot dead a top police official while he was on duty at Janakpur in Dhanusha district, police said yesterday. The incident took place on Monday night, a police spokesman said, naming the official as Bishnu Pokhrel, deputy superintendent of police in Janakpur, about 378km southeast of Kathmandu. He was the third high-level officer to be gunned down since King Gyanendra assumed absolute power on February 1. Gyandendra will seek inter 0
109902 0 1545 WORL WORLD Delhi warns Dhaka over border killings NEW DELHI: India yesterday delivered a strong warning to Bangladesh over last week's killing of two Indian border guards by their Bangladeshi counterparts. The Indian foreign ministry summoned the acting ambassador of Bangladesh in New Delhi and strongly protested the killings, which "appeared premeditated and pre-planned," foreign ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna said. Sarna said his ministry conveyed to the Bangladeshi ambassador "its deep disappointment over the incident and stated that its repercussions could not be ignored." On Sunday, Bangladesh said the Indian border guards had intruded into its territory, setting off a gunfight that left two Indian soldiers and a Bangladeshi girl dead. 156 fishermen freed ISLAMABAD: India yesterday handed over 156 Pakistani fishermen it had released as a humanitarian gesture during a visit by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, officials said. The men, arrested during the past year for illegally fishing in Indian territorial waters, we 0
109903 0 1545 WORL WORLD 1999 killing of lawyer probed CRAIGAVON, Northern Irela-nd: A fact-finding investigation that opened yesterday into the 1999 assassination of a Catholic attorney will be free of political interference, the probe's chairman pledged. Sir Michael Morland, a retired English High Court judge, said he would not allow interest groups on any side of the case, including the British government, to influence his efforts to nail down the full truth behind the killing of Rosemary Nelson. Nelson, 40, died after Protestant extremists detonated a booby-trap bomb under the seat of her car as she was driving to a local elementary school to pick up one of her three children on March 15, 1999. 0
109904 0 1545 WORL WORLD Humiliation fury BAGHDAD: Iraqi MPs yesterday adjourned in protest and demanded an apology after a Shi'ite legislator linked to a radical anti-American cleric tearfully said he was handcuffed and humiliated at a US checkpoint. It was the third day running that Iraq's interim parliament was sidetracked from its job of setting up a government and writing a constitution. Beyond the sand bags and blast walls of the US-protected Green Zone, where the National Assembly meets, at least a 12 Iraqis were killed and more than 60 wounded in a series of attacks, including two that targeted the country's new army and its recruits. Representative Fattah Al Sheik stood before the assembly and cried as he described being stopped at a checkpoint on the way to work in morning. He claimed an American soldier kicked his car, mocked the legislature, handcuffed him and held him by the neck. "What happened to me represents an insult to the whole National Assembly that was elected by the Iraqi people. This shows 0
109905 0 1545 WORL WORLD Professors join Egypt protest CAIRO: More than 100 Egyptian university professors staged a rare protest yesterday against the interference of security forces on campuses and in support of the country's growing reform movement. The silent demonstration held at Cairo University was called by the "movement of March 9 for the independence of universities" founded three years ago by Egyptian professors. Egypt has witnessed an unprecedented string of rallies calling for political and economic reforms and the lifting of the state of emergency imposed in 1981 after the assassination of president Anwar Sadat. India blaze kills 18 NEW DELHI: At least 18 villagers were burned to death and 50 injured in southern India yesterday after firecrackers stored in a community hall caught fire and the flames spread to thatched huts nearby. The incident took place in Nuvvularevu village in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh state, about 750km northeast of state capital Hyderabad. Informant faces trial A 0
109906 0 1545 WORL WORLD Whites are 'sons of Satan' says book OSLO: A book being distributed secretively on the streets of Oslo which describes white people as the work of the devil has sparked anger in Norway and an anti-racist group said yesterday it had filed a police report. "The claims in this book are totally disqualified by their foolish nature, but in a multicultural society where we try to live in harmony it's important to act against this kind of manifestation," said Nadeem Butt, the head of Antirasistisk Senter which filed the complaint. This is the first time the group has defended native Norwegians in an anti-racism case, he said. Police must now determine whether the book, entitled Son of Satan, falls under anti-racism laws. The book is written by an unidentified author in Urdu, a language spoken in Pakistan and India. It is sold by individuals on the streets who quietly approach potential customers. Excerpts published in the daily Verdens Gang read: "This barbarian, this venimous snake, has poisoned humanity. 0
109907 2 1545 WORL WORLD Accuser mum's photos doubted SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's defence attorney yesterday challenged the authenticity of photographs that appeared to show the mother of the pop star's accuser with severe bruises from an alleged beating by store security guards that led to her family receiving more than $150,000 in a lawsuit settlement.The incident occurred in 1998 and is unrelated to the molestation case facing Jackson but has arisen as a test of the mother's credibility. Jackson's defence claims his accuser's family has a history of false claims. Defence attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr attacked the photos, introduced by the prosecution on Monday, by eliciting the woman's acknowledgment that in a deposition for the lawsuit she talked about the fact that bruises do not show up immediately but turn dark over time. When Mesereau asked her when the purported injury photos were taken, she said they were done immediately. She said her then-husband took her to have pictures made to document her injuries. < 0
109908 0 1545 BNEW LOCAL Highway to be widened MANAMA: Work will be carried out on Budaiya Highway under a project to improve road safety and ease traffic congestion, the Works and Housing Ministry announced yesterday. A section of the road linking King Faisal Highway and Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway will be further widened to ease traffic congestion, said Assistant Under-Secretary Essam Khalaf. The junction between Budaiya Highway and Tashan Highway will also be widened as part of the development project which already has been approved by the Traffic Directorate's technical committee and the Municipal Council. Under the plan, Budaiya Highway will have four lanes while three lanes will be constructed for motorists proceeding from Sanabis and Tashan. Pedestrians will also be provided with crossings to ensure their safety. The second-hand car dealers' showrooms will be relocated to a service highway which will be constructed parallel to Budaiya Highway. 0
109909 0 1545 WORL WORLD Artist made up vandalism story AN eccentric artist who found himself being investigated by police in Britain after claiming to have vandalised cars in the name of art said he made the story up. Mark McGowan had said he intended to display pictures of himself scratching the paintwork of cars at an exhibition in Glasg-ow, Scotland. But after police announced they were investigating McGowan's claim that he used a key to scratch 47 vehicles in Glasgow and London, the artist retracted his story. "I never keyed any cars - it was just an art project that has gone horribly wrong. The whole thing has been a nightmare," he said. "All I wanted to do was highlight the plight of people who have had their cars scratched, which has somehow spiraled out of control." McGowan, 37, said the vehicles in two pictures of him apparently vandalising cars belonged to his brother-in-law and a pub barmaid. Both cars had already been scratched and he staged photos to make it appear he carried out the vandalism. McGowan once push-ed a nut with his nose to Prime 0
109910 3 1545 WORL WORLD India 'tops global HIV list at 8.5m' PARIS: India has now outstripped South Africa as the country with the highest tally of people living with Aids or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the head of the Global Fund said here yesterday.Richard Feachem, executive director of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, said "the official statistics show India in second place and South Africa in first place." But, Feachem said, "The official statistics are wrong. India is in first place." "The epidemic (in India) is growing very rapidly. It is out of control. There is nothing happening in India today that is big or serious enough to prevent it." The UN agency Unaids' latest official figures for the national prevalence of HIV/Aids were published in July 2004, giving the estimated incidence as at the end of 2003. South Africa had the highest total of any country in the world, with an estimated 5.3 million infected adults and children in a range of 4.5 to 6.2m. India's total was put at 5.1m, but 0
109911 1 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Gulf Air signs loan deal to cover costs MANAMA: Gulf Air has taken out a $7.5 million loan to protect itself against high fuel prices and strong regional competition, it was announced yesterday. An agreement was signed with Bank Muscat International (BMI), which will provide the short-term loan initially for a period of one year. However, the bridging finance may be rolled over at the bank's discretion. "While we are in good shape financially and have met our 2004 financial objectives in terms of Project Falcon, 2005 is a completely new proposition," said Gulf Air president and chief executive James Hogan. "Restructuring is an ongoing process, added to which we have more pressing challenges in the form of strong regional competition and the high fuel price. "Recent IATA [International Air Transport Association] and industry predictions point to losses in the region of $5.5 billion if the fuel price remains at present levels. "We are therefore taking all appropriate measures to ensure that we can meet ou 0
109912 2 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Bank opens new Budaiya branch MANAMA: The Bahrain Islamic Bank has opened its 12th branch on Budaiya Highway, next to the Budaiya Commercial Complex. A ceremony marking the opening of the branch was attended by the bank's chief executive Yousef Khalaf and other senior officials. "Our focus will now be on further upgrading our electronic banking services through the Internet and mobiles," said Mr Khalaf. "However, the bank will continue to open up new ATM machines at various shopping complexes and residential areas." 0
109913 3 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Global oil market 'is balanced' PARIS: Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah said yesterday that the global oil market was "well-balanced", adding it was premature to say what the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries would do at its next meeting in June. "It's an early stage to say what Opec will decide in June," Al Attiyah said at a news conference in Paris. "The market is well-balanced," he said, noting that Opec members "have the highest inventories since 2002 - there is more oil in the market than we expected". Commenting on an announcement on Monday by Opec president and Kuwaiti Oil Minister Shaikh Ahmed Fahd Al Sabah, that the group would increase oil output by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May to meet growth in demand in the third quarter, Al Attiyah said that he had not been contacted on the matter. "The president of Opec will consult and make phone calls before any decision and I haven't yet received his call," the Qatari minister said. Opec ministers raised o 0
109914 0 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi tycoon urges family firms to go public RIYADH: Family-owned companies in Saudi Arabia should go public to ensure future growth and avoid bitter succession disputes, a leading Saudi business figure said yesterday. Fahad Al Sultan, secretary-general of the Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, urged family firms set up during the oil boom of the 1970s to offer shares to the public as part of necessary structural changes. "We need to move such companies towards an institutional and objective manner of management. They have to think seriously about going public," he said on the sidelines of a capital market conference in Riyadh. "When most companies move to the second generation (of the family) there is a great chance they will face major difficulties and controversy amongst these families." Sultan said 95 per cent of Saudi companies are family owned, including 45 of the top 100 companies in the kingdom. Saudi firms have been reporting impressive profits on the back of a booming economy driven by high o 0
109915 0 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Deal 'likely in plane row' GENEVA: European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said yesterday the European Union and the United States could reach a deal in their row over plane subsidies. Speaking to journalists in Geneva, where he addressed the World Trade Organisation, Barroso said: "I believe it is possible to reach an amicable agreement ... in the Boeing-Airbus affair." The two sides missed an April 11 deadline for patching up their differences over alleged illegal state aid to the two companies. Barroso did not say on what basis a future accord could be reached. Brussels and Washington put aside competing lawsuits at the World Trade Organisation in January, giving themselves three months to reach a deal on stopping billions of dollars in state support received by the aviation titans. The two sides' failure to meet their deadline had raised the prospect the lawsuits would resume, but both sides have said there is still a window of opportunity for negotiation. However, the US has 0
109916 0 1546 BUSI BUSINESS 'Adopt clean methods' call MANAMA: Fertiliser manufacturers were encouraged to adopt clean production philosophy at an environmental management systems workshop, which ended yesterday. The three-day workshop was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, under the patronage of Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa. It was organised by Gulf Petrochemical Industries Companyin co-ordination with the Arab Fertiliser Association (AFA). The workshop was designed to provide fertiliser industry personnel with an in-depth view of environmental management systems and other environmental issues in fertiliser plants. It also provided an opportunity for over 100 experts from AFA member companies and concerned organisations to exchange ideas. Export avenues probed MANAMA: Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa yesterday received Bahrain's Exports Development Society chairman Dr Yusif Misha'al and discussed export opportunities and future plans. Business pioneers form society MANA 0
109917 0 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Mideast 'tourism booming' SINGAPORE: The Middle East, backed by its vast oil wealth to build mega tourist drawcards, is now a strong rival in the race to attract more foreign visitors, Singapore's former premier Goh Chok Tong said yesterday. Apart from neighbouring countries, Singapore now has to also contend with the challenge from the region which is rapidly diversifying its economy away from the oil sector, said Goh, who is now senior minister after stepping down in August. "They are not just targeting Arab dollars but tourists from around the world," Goh, 63, said in a speech in parliament. "So it is not just Singapore competing with Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China for tourism. "We are also competing against Dubai, Qatar and other countries in the Middle East." It is therefore in Singapore's long-term economic interest to give the green light for two casino resorts to be built, Goh said. The casino projects, which was given the go-ahead by the government on Monday, h 0
109918 0 1546 BUSI BUSINESS Indian company to buy Bulgarian steel mill SOFIA: Indian steel producer Ispat Industries has signed a preliminary agreement to take control of Bulgaria's largest steel mill, Kremikovtzi, by mid-June, documents showed yesterday. Finmetals Holding, which owns 71 per cent of Kremikovtzi, said in a filing with the Bulgarian Stock Exchange that Ispat unit Global Steel Holdings had signed an agreement to fully acquire Finmetals and take over the mill. "The deal should be finalised in the next 60 days," the bourse said in a statement. Press officials from both Kremikovtzi and Global Steel Holdings in Sofia said the companies would not comment before shares changed hands. Ispat has been in talks to acquire Kremikovtzi since last year and has had a representative sitting on its management board since August. In March, it said it planned to invest at least $300 million in Kremikovtzi over three years following the takeover, but it did not say whether that included the price of the acquisition itself. Despite 0
109919 0 1546 COMM COMMENTThe downfall of Berlusconi... Are the plates shifting beneath Rome? Are we seeing the beginning of the end of Silvio Berlusconi, the longest-serving Italian prime minister since the Second World War? Mr Berlusconi's centre-right coalition is in turmoil. The government's disastrous showing in regional elections earlier this month has caused tensions between the coalition parties to erupt, leading to the withdrawal of two junior partners. Even if this crisis does not provoke an early election, the prognosis for the long-term survival of the Prime Minister and his Forza Italia movement looks bleak. Four years after storming to power, his record is dismal and the patience of the Italian electorate is wearing thin. It is alarm at the prospect of political annihilation when the country gives its verdict that lies behind his allies' decision to desert. Why has Italy fallen out of love with the billionaire media magnate and his unique brand of political showmanship? The economy is the short answer. There is profound disappoin 0
109920 0 1546 COMM COMMENTBahrain can do more to help Flores If ever there was a situation in which Bahrain should bend its immigration rules, surely the case of Filipina mother Lecita Flores is it. She is now in deep distress after being given two weeks to leave the country, despite the fact that she is embroiled in a custody battle with her Bahraini ex-husband over their two-year-old daughter Sarah. Immigration authorities have already been flexible and I can understand that they must abide by the country's laws, but this is a special case that deserves exceptional treatment. Ms Flores has already been granted custody of Sarah by a court in Kuwait, where she and her then husband lived before they parted. She filed for custody after he left Kuwait and returned with their daughter to Bahrain, from where he told her he had divorced her. Ms Flores then filed a charge of kidnapping in Kuwait, where her now ex-husband is reportedly in custody, after travelling back there in February. She has not seen Sarah since January 0
109923 0 1546 LETT LETTERS Helping hands needed during the holidays THE school holidays are starting and there will be many young boys and girls looking forward to the vacation period and of travelling with their families. But, also, there will be many who will opt to stay back and enjoy their summer here in Bahrain. Can I make a suggestion to all those families and the young kids who are here? It would be a wonderful opportunity if they could group together or even with their mums and dads and join us at Helping Hands. During summer we go scouting around the island looking for thirsty souls working hard on the roadside, or construction sites, sweating out in the heat and offer them nice cool drinks or juices or plain water whatever is available and donated to us. A right time to share and care. I am sure you will not only enjoy the experience, but carry with you maybe for a lifetime the smiles and happiness you brought to these tortured souls waiting for just such a gesture. I request the parents and families to encourage 0
109924 0 1546 LETT LETTERS Show some sympathy! I FIND it funny even replying to M J's letter, 'Why do workers stare?' (GDN, April 18). However, I could not resist. It may be awkward waiting for two minutes in a traffic jam behind a bunch of workers who are staring and apparently commenting about you and your wife, but maybe you could take into consideration that these workers have just left work after long hours slaving away in the sun. They are "packed" together in the truck going back to their joint accommodation (more than 10 workers of different nationalities crammed together in prison-like flats). They sit in the back of a truck in unbearable heat, not complaining about the scalding sun, not complaining about the pay they will receive and selflessly send home to their families, not complaining about their next rotten meal or the foreign flatmate they have to bunk with - while you and your wife are sitting in your air-conditioned car complaining, "Why are these workers so rude? Don't they have any manners? Let's write in a newspap 0
109925 0 1546 LETT LETTERS Give workers a break! IN response to: "Why do workers stare" (GDN April 18): Dear Mr M J, give those poor guys in the back of the truck a break! I don't know how much money you make or your social status, but if you are not piled in the back of a truck with 15 of your co-workers after a 12-hour work day in the blistering heat, then you are probably doing better than those guys. Maybe they stare at you wishing they could spend just one day in your shoes. Or, maybe they stare at you and your wife thinking how nice it must be to be with your family. Or maybe they stare because you are funny looking?? Talk amongst themselves, you say? About what? How miserable it was today ... or how bad tomorrow is going to be?? Also, if you are waiting at a traffic light for 20 minutes, I suggest you report it to the traffic maintenance department ... there might be something wrong with that traffic signal! N L Y 0
109926 0 1546 LETT LETTERS 'Getting away' with rape IS a BD100 fine or a month in jail the usual sentence for raping a minor in Bahrain? Has this always been the case or is it because Bahrain's jails are overcrowded? Paying a prostitute for her services probably wouldn't have cost the rapist much less than the BD100 fine, which ultimately means that the criminal will no doubt repeat the atrocity and others too if they know that they can get away with it. I agree with S A "String them up" (GDN, April 18). The parents of this child must be going through sheer hell wondering how anyone could literally get away with raping their son. If the judicial system cannot protect its people, then in turn, it is up to the people of Bahrain to take the law into their own hands and stop this paedophile repeating the offence with somebody else's son or daughter. A good start would be to pin up posters of the rapist all over the neighbourhood to ensure that all children and their parents keep well away from him. I would also go one step furt 0
109927 0 1546 LETT LETTERS Still fuming... I WILL be wonderfully happy when the "no smoking" ban comes into effect in Bahrain. Currently, it's not much fun trying to find a seat in a restaurant right in the corner away from the puffing menaces, and it always happens when you are in nicotine-free oblivion, that a smoker will decide to sit close by. When I was travelling in the States, a lot of restaurants now have a separate cordoned-off glass cage-like partition for those who want to eat and puff. Maybe this would be a solution. Non-smoker 0
109928 0 1546 LETT LETTERS Count your blessings WITH reference to the "Why do workers stare?" letter (GDN, April 18), I would like to inform you, my fella, that those workers are actually thinking of how good and comfortable your behind is, sitting in an airconditioned vehicle, next to your beloved, heading to your free company-provided villa, after maybe eight hours of work in the office, while, they are 20 people, in a truck without AC, without their loved ones around, working for 10 to 12 hours for not more than 10 per cent of your salary and living 10 people to a three-bedroom flat. Now do you understand why they stare? Ali Sasaran 0
109929 1 1546 BNEW LOCAL EDUCATION WATCHDOG MANAMA MANAMA: Higher education institutes which fail to meet standards could be shut down by a new authority being created in Bahrain. The Higher Education Council will be formed under the Higher Education Law, approved by parliament and the Shura Council and sanctioned yesterday by His Majesty King Hamad. The council, which awaits a Royal decree for it to be created, will be headed by the Education Minister and made up of not less than 10 members, who represent public and private higher education establishments. The law, which takes effect today, gives the council the right to approve or revoke licences, said the Education Ministry. "This law is going to organise the higher education process," said ministry public relations head Dr Nabil Al Asoomi. "It is found in almost every country all over the world. "It will sort out all that has to do with establishing universities, their curricula and their admission requirements." 0
109930 2 1546 BNEW LOCAL Crown Prince holds official talks in US MANAMA WASHINGTON: The Bah-rain-US Free Trade Agreement will further enhance economic, commercial and investment co-operation, Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said last night. The Crown Prince, who began his official US visit, was speaking as he met US Trade Representative's Assistant for Europe and the Middle East Katherine Novelli. "The FTA will further consolidate Bahrain's status as a regional financial, economic and trade hub" he said. They discussed ways of further boosting bilateral trade exchanges and investment opportunities. Shaikh Salman also discussed security issues with US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley. The Crown Prince met US Navy Secretary Jordan England and discussed latest developments and regional issues. Shaikh Salman hailed the US role as a regional peace broker. The Crown Prince later met US House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. 0
109931 3 1546 BNEW LOCAL Anti-drugs push to target Bahrain's youngsters MANAMA A CAMPAIGN will be launched next week to spread the word against drugs among Bahrain's young people. The long-term aim is to train one group of young people to educate others about the dangers of drug abuse. They in turn will train others and so on, in a snowball effect that will reach nearly 90 per cent of the nation's youth over five years, say organisers. It will kick off with a BD40,000, 10-day campaign which will be launched on Tuesday by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys). It will feature seminars, exhibitions, surveys, sports tournaments and media campaigns. The initial campaign will include a UN-accredited training workshop for 70 youngsters, who will then train others. The national anti-drugs campaign, under the theme It's Your Decision, is the first of its kind targeting young people in Bahrain, Goys youth affairs director Hisham Al Jowder, said at a Press conference at the Bahrain National Stadium. "The campaign is being carried out by 0
109932 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Mosque worshippers catch charity box thief MANAMA MANAMA: Worshippers seized a Bahraini thief spotted stealing from a charity collection box at a mosque. They handed him over to police after he was seen using a torch and a stick wrapped with sticky tape, to fish notes out of the box. One worshipper spotted the man, aged in his mid-20s, and others helped detain him at Osama Bin Zayed Mosque, Arad. They were later praised by Muharraq security director Colonel Samy Al Rashid for catching the thief, who is thought to have committed similar thefts at other mosques. Mosque Imam Adnan Al Bader was appalled by the thief's actions, "The safe is for the Hidd Charity Fund and I don't know why someone would ever think of stealing money which would go to the poor," he said. "This is the first time any theft has ever happened in this mosque and I can't believe that there are such disrespectful people in Bahrain. "Thank God, someone spotted him or else poor people's money would have gone." The thief was last nig 0
109933 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Housing vow for Bilad Al Qadeem BLueprints for a mega residential and development project in Bilad Al Qadeem were disclosed yesterday as Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh toured the village. The project, covering 12,000 square metres, will include a suq having 58 shops, mosque and a social centre. An adjacent land covering 34,000 square metres has also been allotted to construct a residential project. "Green spaces will also be provided for residents as part of the Bahrain urbanisation plans," the minister pledged. Derelict homes being used as drug and sex dens will also be torn down, Mr Al Saleh said. He also promised to expand a housing scheme earmarked for land in the area. A list of people's requests was read out by the area's municipal councillor Sayed Jameel Kadhim. They asked that the ministry transfer some land to the Works and Housing Ministry, so it could add it to the housing project. Mr Al Saleh said if that was what residents' wanted, then 0
109934 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Society drive to help custody row Filipina A CAMPAIGN is to be launched by the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) to help reunite a Filipina mother with her two-year-old daughter. The society stepped in to assist Lecita Flores, who is fighting for custody of her daughter Sarah, after reading about her plight in the GDN yesterday. BHRWS member Faisal Fulad said that the society had been following the case for months and felt that "something had to be done to correct this injustice". The society plans to launch the Sarah Campaign next week and encourages other societies and individuals to join in to support Ms Flores. She has been fighting to get her daughter back since April last year. Ms Flores and her Bahraini husband were living in Kuwait when he left for Bahrain with Sarah, leaving Ms Flores behind. He later told her from Bahrain that he had divorced her. On Tuesday, the 44-year-old mother was put under round-the-clock suicide watch at the Philippine Embassy's shelter, where she is stayin 0
109935 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Pregnant wife hit with plastic hose MANAMA A PREGNANT Sri Lankan woman was beaten with a plastic hose by her Bahraini husband, after she refused to abort the baby. The 34-year-old woman was extremely lucky not to lose the baby, said doctors at Salmaniya Medical Complex. The woman, who is four months pregnant, was attacked when her jobless husband turned up at the hotel where she works, at around 2.30pm. Scared colleagues, ran off leaving her alone with her husband, she said. "He pushed me to the floor and started beating me with the hose, he was so angry," said the woman, who works as a cashier. "He said he wanted me to get rid of the baby, but I told him I wanted to keep our baby. "Nobody helped me." Staff alerted the police, who later arrested the 32-year-old man. The woman spent two days in hospital with severe bruising, but later took her husband back after he signed a court pledge never to attack her again. "He's my husband. I have no other family in Bahrain and I do not want to 0
109936 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Teams urged to join Raft Race fun MANAMA ORGANISERS are welcoming last-minute team entries for tomorrow's Bahrain Raft Race. Twenty-nine teams have registered in the major fund-raising event, which is being held at Al Bander Hotel and Resort, Sitra. "Everything is ready, but if there are still any teams out there wanting to join in the fun then they're welcome to sign up," said organisers. The entry fee for each team is BD250. Bahrain Raft Race 2005 is one of the year's biggest charity events. It is being organised by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in association with Al Bander, with the aim of raising at least BD30,000 for local charities. "Since it was first held in early 1979 at Hidd beach, it is estimated the event has raised well over half a million dinars for island charities," said raft race committee public relations head Raed Al Samahiji. There will be a grand raffle draw with a Jaguar X-Type, worth about BD10,000, to be given as the first prize. Only 1,000 raffle tickets are being sold thi 0
109937 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Women to hone political skills A TRAINING programme will start soon for prospective female candidates in next year's municipal and parliamentary elections. It is being launched by the Supreme Council for Women to give female candidates a better chance The programme will provide the candidates with all the information and skills that will improve their chances of getting elected, council Secretary-General Lulwa Al Awadhi told reporters yesterday. It will be funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which will also provide the expertise. Ms Al Awadhi was speaking following a ceremony marking the signing of a co-operation agreement between the council and the UNDP, at UN House in Manama. It was co-signed by Ms Al Awadhi and UN resident co-ordinator and UN Development Programme resident representative Dr Khaled Alloush. "The agreement is part of the council's plan to upgrade the political participation of women in the country and work will start soon in view of the nearing date of 0
109938 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Traditional dances to mark Soorya festival MANAMA INDIA'S unofficial cultural ambassador, Soorya Krishnamoorthy, arrives in Bahrain today. He is the founder of Soorya, the South-East Asia's oldest and largest film and stage society. Mr Krishnamoorthy is heading a troupe of artistes for the Soorya Festival 2005, which takes place in Manama this evening. The former scientist, who has dedicated his life to the cause of cultural integration for the past half-century, has seen his India-based foundation grow over the past five years to a worldwide chain of chapters. Soorya, which has an active chapter in Bahrain, is the only organisation of its kind to carry out cultural work in Saudi Arabia. It has chapters in all GCC countries, in Singapore, Malaysia and in six centres in Europe as well as in the UK. The Soorya Bahrain chapter has been functioning for five years under the patronage of the Information Ministry and the Indian Embassy. Chief guest at tonight's programme will be Information Ministry Under-Sec 0
109939 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Kerala medical ties boost HEALTH Under-Secretary Dr Aziz Hamza leaves for Kerala tonight to forge new links in medical co-operation. His visit to the Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Trivandrum will pave way for increased medical co-operation between the Health Ministry and private medical institutions in India. KIMS is managing a private medical centre in Bahrain, which is the KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre (KBMC) located in Umm Al Hassam. Dr Hamza will be accompanied by KBMC chairman Ahmed Jawahery. During his five-day stay in Kerala, he will meet the state's Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and other ministers. "I am happy to make a visit to Kerala and to one of the top speciality medical centres in the state," Dr Hamza told the GDN. Dr Hamza will tour the various medical facilities at KIMS and attend presentations by pharmaceutical companies. He will also attend a dinner reception being hosted in his honour by the Non-Resident Keralite Affairs (Norka). "We 0
109940 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Union fury after Bahraini sacked MANAMA: A Bahraini employee at DHL was allegedly fired from his job after 17 years without being given an explanation. The DHL Labour Union is now demanding that the company gives Hussain Bushehri his job back. "Why would a Bahraini employee be fired from his job at a time when Bahrainis are being put into the labour market due to the Bahrainisation strategy?" asked the union in a statement yesterday. "We are shocked at the administration's move and urge them to rethink their decision." DHL officials were unavailable for comment yesterday. 0
109941 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Special athletes on their marks... JAWAHER Ibrahim, aged 10, has packed her favourite toys in her suitcase. Seamstress Fatima Darwish, 24, has already taken leave from work at a Bahrain factory. Both are taking part in the fifth GCC Special Olympics, which open in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday. They will join six other Bahrain female special athletes, who all suffer from mental retardation, to make history at the Games. This is the first time that female athletes are taking part in the Games, organised by the Bahrain-based GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports. Bahrain is sending one of its largest delegations ever to an international sporting event, with athletes (eight males and eight females), aged 10 to 24, set to take part in athletics, long jump, shot put and softball throwing events. Jawaher will be one of the youngest competitors in this year's Games. All the Bahraini athletes, except for Ms Darwish, are pupils at either RIA Integration, the Rehabilitation Home, Rehabilita-tion Centre, Hop 0
109942 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL 'Grand Prix' for charity on track MANAMA A SPONSORED "wheelathon" will take place at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) next month to raise money for charity. It is being organised by St Christopher's Cathedral and participants can cycle, scooter, skateboard, roller blade or use their wheelchair to get around the track. The event, slated for May 6, will raise funds for local charities that support disadvantaged children and athletes. Two courses are available - the Grand Prix, a challenging 5.4km course with significant hills and the Mini, which is a shorter, flat course in the Main Grandstand area. There will be children's entertainment provided by Nicky's, music by a DJ and "wheelathon" T-shirts on sale. Participants can also have a professional souvenir photo taken by National Photo Services, with the BIC in the background. However, the minimum sponsorship to take part is BD10 for adults and BD2 for children under 18. Free commemorative T-shirts will be given to those who raise BD25 or more in 0
109943 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Teachings on moral values for the young MANAMA YOUNG people will learn more about moral values at a gathering today at the Father's House, in Umm Al Hassam. The meeting, called Working Among Youth (WAY), is the first such event in Bahrain and will be addressed by Brother Jeetu Frants. He is a young Indian preacher and associate leader of Divine Mandate Ministries International, a Christian organisation headquartered in Dubai. The gathering is open to all of Bahrain's youth, aged 15 and above, and starts at 7.30pm. The WAY will meet on the third Thursday of every month, from 7.30pm to 9pm, and discuss problems facing young people - both on the collective and individual level. The Father's House is located behind Copper Chimney Restaurant and can be found at Villa 474, Road 3912, Block 339. Entrance is free. Please contact Pastor Koshy on 36441284 or Brother Joshy on 36345674. 0
109944 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Cable received His Majesty King Hamad yesterday received a cable from Constitutional Court president Ibrahim Humaidan in which he expressed appreciation for his attendance at the inauguration ceremony. Prophet's birthday marked Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa last night patronised a ceremony at Al Fateh Islamic Centre marking Prophet Mohammed's birthday. The event, organised by Islamic Affairs Directorate, was also attended by Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, scholars, clerics diplomats and other senior officials. Co-operation discussed Her Highness Shaikha Hessa bint Ali Al Khalifa, wife of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in the presence of Shaikha Lulwa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa yesterday received at her court in Riffa, Yaseen-ul-Haq, wife of Pakistan's chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Ihsan-ul-Haq, and discussed ways of bolstering bilateral co-operat 0
109945 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Terror law opposed MANAMA: A new anti-terrorism law proposed by the government was rejected last night by about 14 political and legal affairs societies. They were taking part in an open discussion on the draft law, which the government has submitted to parliament for discussion. The meeting was spearheaded by the Bahrain Human Rights Society and was held at its premises in Adliya. A joint statement from the societies urged parliament to reject the law, or the government to withdraw and reconsider it, particularly articles which they said restricted human rights. A copy of the statement will also be forwarded to His Majesty King Hamad and the Premier's Court. They also called for an open dialogue between the government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to further promote economic, political and social reforms. 0
109946 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL New Indian envoy named MANAMA: Dr Balkrishna Shetty will be India's new ambassador to Bahrain, it was revealed by the Indian External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi last night. He will shortly succeed Bhaskar Kumar Mitra who has been posted to Myanmar. Dr Shetty is currently India's envoy to Senegal. 0
109947 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Traffic clamp MANAMA: Traffic patrol cars equipped with digital cameras have reported 3,634 violations on Bahrain's highways over three months. Of these, 515 were seat-belt violations, 160 cases of unlicensed driving, 180 non-registered vehicles and 44 expired licences, said Traffic Directorate road safety department chief Abdulrahman Sabah Al Khalifa yesterday. Birthday marked MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad yesterday exchanged cables of good wishes with Arab and Muslim leaders, heads of state, ministers and state officials, marking the anniversary of Prophet Mohammed's birthday. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent similar cables. 0
109948 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Drunk man is arrested A POLICE patrol arrested a 35-year-old Indian, who was found sleeping under a six-wheel truck parked on Shaikh Hamad Road, in Naim. He was picked up at around 1am and detained at Naim Police Station after he was found to be drunk, sources told the GDN. Celebration planned THE Sri Lanka Club will be celebrating the Sinhalese New Year tomorrow with a variety of activities from 8.30am, at its cricket ground in Hunainiya, West Riffa . The highlights of the day are traditional games for children and adults, a fancy dress competition, a bicycle race for children and a quiz draw. Traditional New Year breakfast will be provided free, while lunch packets will be sold at a nominal rate. All Sri Lankans are welcome. Focus on libraries A SEMINAR to examine why many young people do not use public libraries is being held at Beit Al Quran at 8pm on Tuesday. The event is being organised by the Bahrain Women's Society, in collaboration wi 0
109949 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Seminar held on IT security appliances TECHNOLOGY security appliances came under the spotlight at a seminar held yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Around 70 information technology professionals attended the talk, entitled Best Practice to Next Practice. It was conducted by Imprivata, Single Sign On operations vice-president Wayne Parslow. The aim of the seminar was to update information technology (IT) professionals on the latest security interventions designed for protecting IT infrastructure. The event was organised by Paramount Computer Systems/Intercol, a leading player in the information security space in the Gulf region. 0
109950 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL School holds annual day THE Al Noor International School's kindergarten section held its 12th Annual Day celebrations at its premises in Sitra last night. The main highlight of the evening was presentation of prizes to 65 pupils for their extra-curricular activities, such as competitions and sports. Chief guest at the event was Shura Council member Alice Samaan. Also present were the school chairman Ali Hassan, principal Hassan Al Mehri, directors Mohammed Mashood and Jamsheed Ali, staff and over 500 parents. The kindergarten school band performed at the event. 0
109951 0 1546 BNEW LOCAL Virtual racers for Dubai games VIRTUAL gaming and racing enthusiasts are competing today and tomorrow for the chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Dubai to compete in a Middle East championship. Participants will race against each other on the recently launched PlayStation 2 Gran Turismo 4 (GT4) driving simulator from 3pm at Seef Mall. The event is organised by Sony Gulf FZE and Ashraf Brothers, Sony's distributor in Bahrain. The winner will represent Bahrain in the Middle East GT4 Challenge Grand Final being held in Dubai next month. Top drivers from all GCC countries will race against each other at next month's event and the Middle East champion will win a new Nissan 350Z sports car. They will also get a chance to compete for the world champion title in Le Mans, France, in June 2005. Club skills chance THE Kerala Catholic Association is conducting a Youth Leadership Programme (YLP) for youngsters aged 13 years to 18. It will be held under the guidance of KCA Toast 0
109952 1 1546 SPOR SPORT EVERTON TAME 9-MAN UNITED LONDON: Chelsea inched closer to the Premiership trophy with a goalless draw against second-placed Arsenal here at Stamford Bridge last night. But the point means they will not be able to wrap up the title on the 50th anniversary of their only other top-flight title when they play Fulham in Saturday's west London derby. The draw left Chelsea 11 points clear of Arsenal with 15 still on offer for the Gunners from the final five league games. Elsewhere, Everton strengthened their grip on the fourth Champions League place with a 1-0 win at home to Manchester United where the visitors finished with nine men after both Gary Neville and Paul Scholes were sent-off. Down at the bottom basement club Norwich gave themselves a lifeline with a winner from Dean Ashton in the fourth minute of injury time to beat Newcastle 2-1 after Patrick Kluivert had equalised in the last minute of normal time. The victory saw Norwich, still bottom, move level on points with Crystal Palace after the L 0
109953 2 1546 SPOR SPORT Milan back on top as Juventus crash ROME: Juventus' Serie A title hopes suffered a setback last night after they lost 1-0 at home to third-placed Inter Milan and championship rivals AC Milan won by the same score against relegation-threatened Chievo. Juve had opened up a three-point lead over Milan after Sunday's games, but they undid all their good work with a lacklustre display at the Delle Alpi which saw them crash to their fourth league defeat. Julio Cruz's 24th-minute goal, a towering header from Jose Ze Maria's right-wing cross, proved decisive and maintained Inter's impressive run of form away from home. Roberto Mancini's side have not lost a league match away from the San Siro since May 2, 2004. Clarence Seedorf was Milan's match-winner in the 65th minute at the San Siro, firing home right-footed after a robust run took him past two feeble challenges and into the penalty box. With just six games to go, Juve and Milan are level on 70 points, 11 ahead of Inter. Sampdoria held onto four 0
109954 3 1546 SPOR SPORT Lodge Keeper is best for feature LODGE Keeper is the favourite to clinch the Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup at tomorrow's horseracing competition at the Equestrian and Horseracing Club premises in Sakhir. Owned by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and trained by Nicolas De Croutte, Lodge Keeper will be ridden by the French jockey Gerald Avranche, who is one of the top riders in the Kingdom. Jalad and Chronos are the other contenders for the last race of the day which is for imported group three horses, over a distance of 2,200 metres and a total prizemoney of BD2,000 up for grabs. The second major race of the day is for the Amwaj Islands Cup with four horses taking part. Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa's Afeef, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and ridden by talented jockey Ali Al Saffar, is the favourite to win this race. Other horses expected to challenge Afeef in this BD1,000 race, which is for local bred horses to be run over 2,400m, are Ghayth and Jamr Al Oyoon. Eight horse 0
109955 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Williams claims rare maximum break SHEFFIELD, England: Mark Williams made a maximum 147 break as he rounded off his first round win in the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre here last night in style. The Welshman, a double former world champion, made his perfect break of 15 reds, 15 blacks and all the colours as he completed a 10-1 rout of Robert Milkins. "The only dodgy moment was when I went from brown to blue and I jabbed it a bit," said Williams. "My legs were fine and didn't wobble at all! I'm over the moon, though I am shaking a bit now! "When I got to 64 I thought I would never have a better chance to get a maximum at the world championships, though, there was one black I would never have attempted if I hadn't been 9-1 up at the time." Williams, who won the world title in 2000 and 2003, received a 147,000 cash bonus and has guaranteed himself at least a share of the highest break prize of 14,000. The Cardiff left-hander became the fifth player to achieve a 147 at a 0
109956 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Safin bows to Acasuso BARCELONA, Spain: Australian Open champion Marat Safin vowed to battle through a slump which is wrecking his tennis season after bowing out listlessly in his opening match yesterday at the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open. The scratchy Russian top seed went down without a fight 6-4, 6-4 to Argentine journeyman Jose Acasuso in the second round after a bye. The knockout in one hour, 33 minutes, left Safin worried as his season slide continues unchecked. "I slowed down after Australian," admitted the two-time Grand Slam holder, a former world number one. "I haven't been able to win two rounds anywhere. "It's frustrating being in this condition. The only solution is to run, to fight." Safin, who never got a sniff at a break point against his 69th-ranked opponent while losing serve once per set, said he's known for weeks that the worst could come as he fails to follow up on his Melbourne success, which included a semi-final win over Roger Federer. Second se 0
109957 0 1546 SPOR SPORT GCC squads gear up for athletics event QATAR and the UAE delegations will arrive on Monday for the GCC Athletics Championship scheduled to start on Wednesday at the National Stadium. In a letter sent to the Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA), the Qatari delegation provided a list of a 58-member delegation, comprising of administrators, coaches, referees and athletes. The UAE delegation will also arrive on the same day and consist of 17 members, including 10 athletes. The three-day event will consist of 21 competitions for the seniors division and 19 for the juniors section. The Saudi Athletics Association sent its representative and national team manager Ebrahim Al Owairan to arrange the Saudi team's training, accommodation and transportation during their stay in Bahrain. The Omani team was the first GCC team to reach Bahrain last night and were welcomed on arrival by BAA's public relations head Khalid Al Dossary and other association officials. General Organisation for Youth and Sports president and 0
109958 0 1546 SPOR SPORT 12 teams to vie for YMCA challenge YMCA Cricket Challenge held a captains' meeting at Caesars restaurant in Adliya to finalise preparations for its tournament which gets underway from 8am today at the New Indian School premises. Matches will be played today and tomorrow on a round-robin basis with 12 teams in the fray followed by the semi-finals and final on April 28. Sacred Heart Church are the current champions after defeating Syro Malabar Community. All spectators are welcome. The main sponsors of the event are Batelco, ICICI Bank and Gulf Air while the co-sponsors are Sunshine Tours, Atlas Jewellery, Bahrain Danish Dairy, Royal Sun Alliance, GPZ, KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre, BIRD, Aref Sadeq Design and Consultants, Nader Gas and Asgharali & Sons. 0
109959 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Juniors set to clash in handball THE first Samaheej Club Juniors Beach Handball Championship begins today at 3.30pm at the Amwaj Islands grounds with six teams in the fray. Hosts Samaheej will take on Al Dair in the opening match. Bahrain Club, Tubli, Al Najma and Amwaj Islands are also taking part in the two-day event. The teams were drawn into two groups of three teams. Each group winners and runners-up will qualify for the semi-finals scheduled for tomorrow starting at 4pm. The final will also be played tomorrow at 5pm. Samaheej, Al Dair and Bahrain Club were drawn in Group 'A' while Group 'B' consists of Tubli, Al Najma and Amwaj Islands. The event is being organised in co-operation with the Bahrain Handball Association and is sponsored by Amwaj Islands. Schedule: Today: 3.30pm - Samaheej vs Al Dair; 4pm - Amwaj Islands vs Tubli; 4.30pm - Al Dair vs Bahrain Club; 5pm - Tubli vs Al Najma; 5.30pm - Bahrain Club vs Samaheej. Tomorrow: 3.30pm - Al Najma vs Amwaj Islands; 4pm - Group 'A' 0
109960 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Tendulkar roped in for tsunami charity clash LONDON: Indian star batsman Sachin Tendulkar has agreed to play in the Asia XI against the International XI here at The Oval on June 20 in a charity game largely to help rebuild lives devastated by the tsunami in Sri Lanka it was announced yesterday. Several of the biggest names in world cricket had already confirmed their participation in the match. Also playing for the Asia team will be Tendulkar's team-mate Rahul Dravid, Sri Lanka left-arm quick Chaminda Vaas, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami, Lankan spin great Muttiah Muralitharan, India spinners Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble and Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood, who knows The Oval well from his time there as a Surrey player. The International XI will include such names as Australia leg-spin legend Shane Warne, West Indies batting great Brian Lara, South Africa stars Shaun Pollock and skipper Graeme Smith, Kiwi duo Stephen Fleming and Chris Cairns, as well as Surrey and England batsmen Graham Thorpe and Mark Butcher. AHMED Abduljabbar leads the way on the sixth day of the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Charity Championship being held at the Bapco Club premises in Awali. National team player Abduljabbar maintained his impressive form to extend his lead with an average of 226 with total pinfalls of 2037. Abduljabbar played two good series of 697 and 686 with a highest game in the championship of 278. He is followed by Awali Bowling Club's Nabeel Khalifa with an average of 221 after notching up 687 and 690 in the same night. Khalifa clinched both daily series and high game of 690 and 269 respectively. Yasmine Akeel leads the women's category with an average of 210. The number of trials reached 338 and the number of participants moved up to 71. More bowlers are urged to participate to raise funds for charity. Ahli advance with victory AL AHLI moved to second position in the Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League, sponsored by Batelco, after defeating Bah 0
109962 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Bangladesh extend Whatmore contract DHAKA: Bangladesh have extended the contract of their Australian coach Dav Whatmore for two more years until 2007. "The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) feels that it was important to have continuity and to ensure that the bright young talent that has been introduced into the squad in his tenure continues to have his influence through to the 2007 Cricket World Cup," the BCB said in a statement yesterday. Bangladesh tasted their first ever Test series victory against Zimbabwe in January under Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to World Cup victory in 1996. Bangladesh will visit England in May, playing two Tests and taking part in a triangular one-day series also involving world champions Australia. Bangladesh have played 36 Tests since 2000, winning one, drawing four and losing 31 matches. In one-dayers, they have managed nine wins in 106 matches, including a victory over Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup. Bangladesh also beat India for the first time last November in Chitt 0
109963 0 1546 SPOR SPORT 50 in fray for showjumping challenge MORE than 50 riders will vie for the crown in the End of Season Showjumping Championship, commencing today at 3.15pm at the Mounted Police Centre premises in Budaiya. The two-day event, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), will consist of six classes, with three on each day. Today's programme will start with the junior one competition during which 15 riders are in the fray and will be competing with obstacles of over 70cm height. A total of 19 riders are taking part in the junior two class which starts with obstacles of over 80cm. Seven riders have confirmation their participation for the third junior class which is over 90cm. Three more classes are scheduled for tomorrow, starting with the adult four class at 3.15pm. That will be followed by the adult five and six classes and the presentation ceremony. The event is being held under the patronage of Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Breef sec 0
109964 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Chelsea all-clear for Mutu compensation LONDON: Italian giants Juventus could face having to pay English Premiership leaders Chelsea hefty compensation over disgraced striker Adrian Mutu after the club was given permission by the Premiership appeals committee to seek damages. Chelsea are bidding to recuperate 8 million of the 16m they paid Italian side Parma for the Romanian, who was sacked last October after testing positive for cocaine. Chelsea say the 26-year-old striker, who has since undergone rehabilitation treatment, broke his contract by persistent misconduct. Mutu, who was signed when Italian Claudio Ranieri was in charge, is serving a worldwide ban which expires in May. Although Mutu is Chelsea's opponent in the case, if any damages were awarded, they would be payable by Juventus. The case could now be referred to football's world governing body, Fifa, and it is possible Chelsea could even take the matter to a civil court. A statement from the Premiership reads: "The appeals committe 0
109965 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Imola race key to Schumacher title hopes LONDON: Michael Schumacher and mis-firing Ferrari need to win Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix. Last year the German arrived at Imola, Ferrari's home circuit, heading for his seventh Formula One championship after three wins in a row. He was dominant then but there is no triumphalism now. Schumacher is 24 points behind Renault's Spaniard Fernando Alonso and reeling from his worst start to a season in 14 years of grand prix racing. Ferrari, winners of 15 of last year's 18 races, have a four-race losing streak to end and are sixth in the championship. Even if Schumacher says he can afford to take risks in Sunday's grand prix because he has nothing to lose, he knows that Imola is a key race and a real measure of Ferrari's title aspirations. Nobody has a better record there than Schumacher, winner five times in the last six years. Last year the German won from pole and also set the fastest race lap. "Imola is important in many ways this year," said Schum 0
109966 0 1546 SPOR SPORT Cavaliers and Nets take playoff battle to the wire TORONTO: LeBron James had 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists as he powered the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 100-86 win over the Boston Celtics yesterday, keeping their post-season hopes alive. The Cavaliers' dreams of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1998 will now hinge on the final games of the season today where they must beat the Toronto Raptors and have the New Jersey Nets fall to the Celtics. The Cavaliers and Nets are tied for the eighth and final Eastern Conference playoff berth but New Jersey advance on the tiebreak. In their final home appearance of the regular season, the Cavaliers played with a sense of purpose lacking down the stretch, Robert Traylor coming off the bench to score a career-high 22 points and Eric Snow adding six points and a season-high 13 assists. Having already secured their playoff spot, the Celtics rested many of their top players, Antoine Walker scoring 22 for Boston but did not see the floor in the final quarter. 0
109967 0 1546 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Tribute to Malayalee music legends Bhavageethangal, Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, Manama, 8pm. Entrance free. Contact K Janardhanan on 39895431. Royal Society of St George's St George's Day Banquet and Ball, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Grand Ambassador Suite, 7.30pm. Tickets BD22 members and BD24 guests. Contact Sorrell Marlow-Eastwood on 39622638. Quiz Night, British Club, Belgrave Arms, 8pm. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or require special arrangements. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama. For more information call 17230123. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministr 0
109968 1 1546 WORL WORLD Allawi escapes car bomb attack BAGHDAD: Iraq's caretaker Prime Minister Iyad Allawi last night escaped an assassination attempt when a car bomb exploded near his convoy in Baghdad, killing at least two policemen. Two other bomb explosions also rocked Baghdad's high security Green Zone. The attack also capped a day of carnage which left more than 80 people dead. "He had attended an important meeting to discuss the formation of the government and was on his way back home when a car bomber blew himself up near the convoy as it approached the checkpoint," said a spokesman. Allawi's guards opened fire at the attacker as he drove towards the convoy coming around the Faris Al Arabi roundabout near Zawra Park on the city's westside. "He did not stop and blew himself up almost near the middle of the convoy," he said. More than 60 bodies were fished out of the Tigris river, south of Baghdad, yesterday as 19 Iraqi army soldiers were executed in a football stadium. 0
109969 2 1546 WORL WORLD Blast horror BAGHDAD: Iraq's caretaker prime minister Iyad Allawi last night escaped an assassination attempt when a suicide bomber in a car attacked his convoy near his home. The attack killed two policeman and wounded four, a government spokesman said. Allawi was in a meeting on forming government and then headed to his house near his party headquarters when the suicide bomber struck, said the spokesman Thaier al-Naqib. Allawi was unhurt. The attempt on his life came hours after Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said a new government was likely to be announced today, more than 11 weeks after the country's historic elections. The US-backed Allawi, a former Baathist who escaped assassination by Saddam Hussein's agents when he lived in exile in London, was seen as a tough prime minister, imposing emergency laws in a bid to crush Iraq's insurgency. Two other explosions also rocked the Iraqi capital last night, authorities said. One of the other blast sent white smoke rising from t 0
109970 3 1546 WORL WORLD Pope vows inter-faith dialogue VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI yesterday pledged to work towards Christian unity and dialogue with other religions, seeking to allay widespread fears that his papacy would be one of unflinching conservatism. During his first mass as pontiff, Benedict said he would "work unceasingly for the reconstruction of the full and visible unity of all Christians". He called on his cardinals, the men who will help to stamp his papacy on the worldwide Church, to "support me with prayer and with constant, active and knowledgeable co-operation". Delivering his first homily in Latin, as tradition dictates, in the same Sistine Chapel where his 114 cardinal colleagues had elected him supreme leader of the Catholic Church less than a day earlier, he said he too wanted an "open and sincere dialogue" with followers of other faiths. "A demonstration of good intentions is not enough," he said. "We need concrete gestures that enter the soul ... calling each one to that interior conversion that is the b 0
109971 0 1546 WORL WORLD Bahrain sends congratulations cables MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad sent a cable of good wishes to Pope Benedict XVI, on his election as the new Pope. He wished him every success in continuing a dialogue among religions and cultures to enhance the values of peace, justice and tolerance worldwide. Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa sent similar cables. 0
109972 0 1546 WORL WORLD Brother worried about 'risk to Benedict's health' BERLIN: The elder brother of Germany's Joseph Ratzinger said yesterday he was "shocked" to hear the ageing cardinal had been elected Pope Benedict XVI, fearing the gruelling schedule would be too much for his frail health. "I am very concerned. I would have thought his advanced age and his health, which is not very stable, would have been reason enough for the cardinals to pick someone else," said Georg Ratzinger, 81, in an interview on German public television on the choice of his 78-year-old brother. "But the cardinals made their decision and that is the will of God," said Georg, himself a prelate. Georg, who said earlier this month that he did not believe Joseph had a chance at being elected Pope because of his age and his German nationality, said he was "shocked" by the election. "I got used to the idea during the night but it is still overwhelming," he added. Although the white-haired cardinal was considered a frontrunner from the start to succeed John Paul II, Josep 0
109973 0 1546 WORL WORLD Stunning show by Indian designers NEW DELHI: Indian designers began ready-to-wear week yesterday by unveiling their collections for autumn-winter 2005 with trademark exuberance and a stunning riot of colour. The high priestess of Indian fashion, 56-year-old Ritu Kumar sent out an autumn-winter 2005 ready-to-wear collection fit for Kashmiri village belles and Rajasthani gypsies, but carefully rejigged for the modern city woman. Kumar indulged her passion for brilliant technicolour with an electric blue and red Kashmiri-style "ambi" (long coat) and short layered chiffon skirts for jet-set parties. For daytime, colourful peasant tops and jacquard ponchos over skinny jeans did the trick. "My eyes are still swimming with colour and Indian prints," Georgina Dougnac, Paris-based Le Bon Marche's women's wear buying manager said after the shows. "I particularly like the bright shades found in Indian designs. In Europe designers are more conservative, they do not use colour with such verve. I think Indian creations 0
109974 0 1546 WORL WORLD A gentler 'Panzer Cardinal' VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI, in his first speech on the aims of his papacy, seemed to be trying to show the kinder, gentler side that aides say he has always had. German Joseph Ratzinger, 78, who for nearly a quarter-century was portrayed as the "Panzer Cardinal" has taken off his armour. The man who was often called the modern-day Inquisitor has hung up his screws. "In a sense he has been liberated," said Father Joseph Augustine Di Noia, now the second-ranking official in the department that the new Pope headed until Tuesday. Yesterday, the Pope spoke of "a sense of inadequacy and human turmoil at the responsibility entrusted to me". He said he did not expect to be elected. As Cardinal Ratzinger, he headed the Vatican's doctrinal department and made dissident theologians quake in their cassocks. Now he was calling for theological dialogue. An intellectual who never wavered in condemning critics of teachings against contraception, women priests, divorc 0
109975 0 1546 WORL WORLD Middle East seeks continuity CAIRO: Christians and political leaders in the Middle East yesterday looked to new Pope Benedict XVI to press on with his much-admired predecessor's policy of promoting peace and dialogue between faiths. The late pope John Paul II, the first pontiff in history to enter a mosque and a synagogue, won respect throughout the region for his efforts to bring the world's great monotheistic faiths together. The conservative outlook of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger that has caused controversy in the Western world appeared not to overly concern religious leaders in the Middle East, who looked for continuity. Egyptian Coptic Catholic Bishop Yohanna Qulta, whose community numbers more than 200,000 faithful and sees the Pope as its spiritual leader, was among the first to offer the new Pope his congratulations. Syrian President Bashar Al Assad said he looked forward to working with the new pontiff. King Abdullah of Jordan expressed his trust in the Pope's "wisdom and courage to g 0
109976 0 1546 WORL WORLD Traditionalists hail 'ray of hope' GENEVA: Swiss-based traditionalist Catholics who were excommunicated by Pope John Paul II yesterday welcomed the choice of German cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to succeed him as a "ray of hope". Bernard Fellay, the head of the Priestly Society of Saint Pius X, which is based in Econe, Switzerland, said his prayers were with Pope Benedict XVI as he seeks to "restore all the things in the Christ". The late leader of the Swiss-based traditionalists, French archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was excommunicated in 1988 after defying the Vatican by consecrating four traditionalist bishops. Traditionalists regard Latin as the only language that can be used during mass, in keeping with traditions that were followed by the Roman Catholic Church until the Vatican reforms during the 1960s. The Vatican sought in 2000 to restore official dialogue with the community in Econe to try to end the first schism in the church since 1870. John Paul II also met Fellay briefly in Rome. Role in Hit 0
109977 0 1546 WORL WORLD Russia main US ally in terror war MOSCOW: US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, balancing her harsh criticisms of Russia's democratic record, yesterday called Moscow a "strategic partner" and urged boosted co-operation on several fronts during talks with President Vladimir Putin. "Russia is not a strategic enemy. We are not against Russia," Rice told Moscow Echo radio before leaving for delicate talks with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and later Putin in the Kremlin. "We see Russia as a strategic partner in the war on terror. We see Russia as a strategic partner in stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction. We see Russia as a strategic partner in solving regional issues like the Balkans and the Middle East," she said. Rice also used the live talk show to reassure Russians that they have nothing to fear from US support for democratic movements in former Soviet republics, saying the liberalisation would benefit Russia as well as those countries. "It is not a zero sum game," she said. The 0
109978 0 1546 WORL WORLD Army begins evacuation JERUSALEM: The Israeli army began removing equipment from bases in Gaza yesterday in preparation for the pullout from the territory as Prime Minister Ariel Sharon warned of Palestinian looting in the wake of the withdrawal. An army spokesman said "non-essential" equipment was being transferred outside the territory in order to ensure that the evacuation of troops and over 8,000 settlers, due to start in late July, would be as fast as possible. "In order to complete disengagement as quickly as possible, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) has begun removing logistical equipment and infrastructure from bases in the Gaza Strip," he said, adding that 30 containers were to be removed from southern Gaza yesterday. The equipment being moved included items such as computers, clothing and furniture, but nothing connected to "security or defence infrastructure", he said. The spectre of impending chaos was given further substance when Sharon warned the Palestinians were likely to engage 0
109979 0 1546 WORL WORLD Electoral law snubs Abbas RAMALLAH: The Palestinian parliament passed a law yesterday aimed at ensuring victory for the ruling Fatah party in elections set for July, snubbing the Palestinian president who wants a more inclusive poll. The move, launched by MPs from within Fatah, is a major challenge to President Mahmoud Abbas who had sought reforms to draw Islamic militants into national elections as a way of coaxing them into mainstream politics. Abbas must still ratify the law, which regulates how MPs are chosen in polls which are seen as a test of strength between Fatah and Hamas. Reformists said Abbas was unlikely to approve it without changes. The law's passage showed fresh conflict within the Fatah movement, plagued by public perceptions of corruption that have created a rift between veteran members loyal to the late Yasser Arafat and younger reformers. 0
109980 0 1546 WORL WORLD 'I'll complete third term' LONDON: Tony Blair last night vowed that he would serve a third full term as British prime minister if his Labour Party was re-elected in the May 5 general elections. Blair told BBC Newsnight presenter Jeremy Paxman that he intended to "serve a full term". Asked by Paxman whether he had told Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown when he would stand down, Blair replied: "No, I've said to Gordon the same as I've said to everyone. If you elect the Prime Minister, you serve the term." Asked if he had done a 'deal' with Brown, he said: 'You don't do deals about jobs like this. Gordon and I have been working extremely closely together. It has been a great partnership. I hope it has also been a good partnership for the country. "There's masses for me to do and that's what gets me up in the morning. I've set a limit for my time ... and then it's for somebody else to take on the baton and run with it." But the consensus in the British media is that Blair will turn over 0
109981 0 1546 WORL WORLD Blaine plans high-wire act in US NEW YORK: For his next stunt, American magician David Blaine says he'll perform an "easy and fun" high-wire act in Manhattan on Halloween. "Basically, it's something that's been done in the circuses, based on the old high-wire acts," Blaine said. "It's like family entertainment, this one." For his last stunt, in the fall of 2003, Blaine dangled in a plastic cubicle near the River Thames in London for 44 days with only small amounts of water for nourishment. He emerged 23kg lighter. Blaine, 32, said he recently reached a deal with ABC for four more shows, beginning with the Halloween stunt. His three previous ABC specials will air on TLC beginning on Sunday. 0
109982 0 1546 WORL WORLD Actor Caan to divorce LOS ANGELES: US movie star James Caan has filed for divorce from his wife of nine-and-a-half years. The 65-year-old star of movies including The Godfather cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, according to documents filed on Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Caan is seeking joint custody of the couple's two boys, aged six and nine and that he not be ordered to pay spousan support to Linda Stokes CAAN. 0
109983 0 1546 WORL WORLD Mother stole rape payoff from woman LONDON: Samantha Lang-land had hoped to use 15,000 (BD10,200) compensation she received after being raped by her father to rebuild her life. Instead her mother, who was entrusted with the money, spent it on jewellery and compact discs for herself and Langland's stepfather. Officials said yesterday - after Langland waived her anonymity - that her mother, Pauline, 42, had pleaded guilty to the theft and was jailed for nine months by Minshull Street Crown Court in Manchester, northwest England. Langland's stepfather, Alan, 50, was sentenced during a separate hearing to serve 15 months for helping his wife steal the money. The case was held behind doors because it was a family matter, and would not have been reported if Langland had not agreed to reveal her identity, British court officials said. Langland, 24, was granted the compensation in 1996 after her father, Barry Cunningham, was convicted of raping her when she was 14, the court said. Cunningham was se 0
109984 0 1546 WORL WORLD Boy, 4, unhurt in car crash drama A Mad, Mad World ... A FOUR-YEAR-OLD Florida boy was hurled off the couch and into the kitchen when an 11-year-old neighbour crashed a sport-utility vehicle into the living room of his home, in the US. Joseph Gillett was watching television at the time, said reports. The living room of the Poinciana, Florida home was littered with car parts, broken glass and other debris, but Joseph emerged unscathed. "Yes, I'm OK," he said as he played in the front yard. "I hear, like, a big bang," said Gina Gillett, 26, the boy's mother, who was in the kitchen at the time. "I'm like, 'Oh my goodness.' I thought, 'Is the world exploding?' Police say an 11-year-old girl who lives next door had started the vehicle, crashed through a closed garage door and backed into the living room. She said it was her two-year-old brother who turned the ignition and put the vehicle into gear. Comedian admits drink-driving BRITISH comedian Vic Reeves will appear before a court for sentencing today after pleading guilty to a drink-dr 0
109985 0 1546 WORL WORLD Millions transferred to Arafat's widow WASHINGTON: French investigators are tracking $7 million (BD2.6m) transferred by PLO treasurer Nizar Abu Ghazaleh to the Paris bank account of ex-Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's widow. Palestinian officials said the Palestine Liberation Organisation controlled a bank account in Tunisia from which millions of dollars in unexplained payments were made to Suha - payments they suspect were connected to contracts issued by the Palestinian Authority (PA) under Yasser Arafat before he died last year, The Wall Street Journal said yesterday. 0
109986 0 1546 WORL WORLD India slams HIV infection claim NEW DELHI: India yesterday strongly disputed claims by an international anti-Aids group that India has outstripped South Africa as the country with the highest tally of people living with HIV-Aids. "Factually, we have not overtaken. South Africa has 5.3 million infected people and India has 5.1m. These are the actual figures," S Y Quraishi, director general of the National Aids Control Organisation, said. The executive director of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Richard Feachem, said in Paris the pevious day that India had overtaken South Africa as the country with the highest number of HIV-Aids patients. "The official statistics show India in second place and South Africa in first place," Feachem said. But, he added, "The official statistics are wrong. India is in first place... The epidemic (in India) is growing very rapidly. It is out of control. There is nothing happening in India today that is big or serious enough to prevent it." Quraishi sa 0
109987 0 1546 WORL WORLD Nepal urged to restore democracy GENEVA: The UN's top human rights body yesterday called on the Nepalese government to restore multi-party democracy and to cease all arrests under the state of emergency declared by King Gyanendra. The UN Human Rights Commission also strongly condemned repeated killings, rape, forced displacements, and mass abductions by Maoist rebels, warning in a resolution that they "may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity". The motion on Nepal put forward by Switzerland and other European countries was approved without a vote, indicating consent from the 53 countries in the forum. It replaced a planned tougher resolution which was dropped when the Nepalese government earlier this week agreed to allow UN monitors into the country to help prevent human rights abuses in the kingdom, where security forces are battling Maoist rebels. Meanwhile, three policemen and a civilian were killed in Nepal in a bomb blast blamed on Maoist guerillas, police said, while another 19 were in 0
109988 0 1546 WORL WORLD Iran optimistic over nuclear deal TEHRAN: Iran said yesterday that ongoing nuclear talks with Europeans in Geneva were making progress but warned that it would walk out if it seemed there was procrastination from the other side. "We should be optimistic that we will reach results in the near future and (if so) we will continue talks," top nuclear negotiator Hasan Rowhani said. "We have not received any signal that would indicate the negotiations are not succeeding. On the contrary, we hope the ground would be paved for future talks," state-run radio quoted Rowhani as saying. He said Iran would end the negotiations if it felt the Europeans were wasting time and negotiations were not making progress. "Anytime we see Europe pursuing a policy of time-wasting and feel that negotiations are not rational and honest, we will end them," Rowhani said. France, Britain and Germany have been negotiating with Iran, seeking guarantees it won't use its nuclear programme to make weapons, as Washington suspects. 0
109989 2 1547 BNEW LOCAL Labour reforms data analysed A STUDY to generate market feedback on the proposed labour reforms has been initiated by the Economic Development Board (EDB).As part of the initiative, EDB held a market intelligence workshop at its premises in Seef. It was attended by representatives of the public sector and aimed to streamline and develop the data-gathering processes and financial aspects related to the reform project. However, the primary goal was to discuss the first draft of the labour market intelligence report, said EDB deputy chief executive officer Dr Zakariya Hijris. "The standards for gathering, evaluating and categorising the report gathered from both existing government data sources and periodic market surveys were discussed," he told the GDN. "The workshop also focused on the evaluation of the data's sources." The labour market intelligence report will be used as a tool for decision-makers involved in the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to study and analyse the jobs market, sai 0
109990 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Muggers snatch man's gold chain A GANG of Indians attacked a Sri Lankan man and stole his gold chain while he was on his way home from work. The 35-year-old says he was walking behind the Dasman Centre, in Gudaibiya, at around midnight when he was assaulted. He says two of his attackers held him while the others landed punches and kicks on him. "It was very dark in the area so I couldn't see their faces clearly," said the victim, who asked to remain anonymous. "I don't have a clue who they are - I don't have any enemies." The Sri Lankan said he was badly beaten and had to visit the hospital for treatment. "My eyes were very badly swollen and I couldn't see clearly for three days after the incident," he told the GDN. "They also ripped off the gold chain I was wearing, which cost BD400." Police showed the man several albums containing hundreds of pictures of known criminals. "I couldn't see their pictures. Maybe they have never been convicted," he said. "But 0
109991 1 1547 BNEW LOCAL A LIFELINE FOR YOUNG MANAMA MANAMA: An ambitious five-year project to help Bahraini youngsters adapt to 21st Century challenges is being unveiled on Wednesday. The National Youth Strategy will focus on ways to improve the quality of education and training of young people, considering that 30 per cent of Bahrainis are aged between 15 and 30. It will ensure that the unemployment rate in Bahrain goes down and that their lives are improved significantly. Around 100,000 new job-seekers are expected to flood the Bahrain market over the next 10 years. The strategy also focuses on culture, healthy life habits, globalisation, information technology and telecommunications, patriotism, civil and human rights, sports and leisure and the environment. "Everything has been taken into consideration, ensuring a comprehensive strategy useful for the next five years," said strategy director Amal Al Dossary. The plan will be handed over to General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Moha 0
109992 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Knife gang attacks attendant AN Indian man was beaten and threatened with a knife by three Bahraini men as he walked home from a night out with friends near the Middle East Hotel in Manama. Vishal Sharma, aged 25, an attendant at the Moon Plaza Hotel, was on his way home after enjoying his night off, at around 3.30am. One of the three men approached him, took out a knife and demanded he hand over his money. "Everything happened so fast," said Mr Sharma, who suffered bruises to his face after one of the men punched him. "I was walking alone when these three men, who looked like they were around my age - between 20 and 25, came up to me and told me to give them everything I had on me. "One man had a knife and the other took my wallet, which contained BD130. "The other man punched me and pushed me." Mr Sharma said he wasn't able to recognise anyone of the men. "How can I find them now? So I decided to just let it go," he said. "I'm just not going to go out on my ow 0
109993 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL 'Artwalk' bazaar is a big draw Hundreds of people yesterday attended Artwalk 2005, a fund-raiser organised by Vision Foundation. Nooruddin Garden in Janabiya was transformed into a bazaar, which was divided into three sections. There were Thai and Japanese sections run by each country's embassy. The ambassadors' wives headed each section, offering a taste of their respective country's culture. There were traditional Thai massage, food and handicrafts as well as a Japanese tea ceremony, photographs, calligraphy and cultural display. There was an Indian section set up by foundation members, featuring clothes, furniture and accessories. Paintings donated by Bahraini artist Abbas Al Mousawi were auctioned off. Proceeds will go towards Al Wafa Centre in Isa Town, which assists children with learning disabilities and autism. 0
109994 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Drunk punches hotel manager A NIGHTCLUB manager ended up with a black eye after he asked a drunken man to stop harassing other customers. Customers at the Delmon International Hotel's Arabic nightspot complained that a Saudi man was bothering them. Egyptian manager Ehab Mohammed Hilmi approached him and asked him to behave, but the man punched him in the eye and fled. Hotel security chased the man into the street and caught him near Aradous Hotel, near Bab Al Bahrain in Manama. A passing police patrol stopped to investigate what was going on and arrested the Saudi. Mr Hilmi said he needed treatment at Salmaniya Medical Complex for a swollen eye, but it was getting better. 0
109995 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Sex romp with maid is denied by driver A BANGLADESHI bus driver has denied entering the house of a Bahraini family to sleep with their 30-year-old Indonesian maid. However, she claims the couple had sex three times a week and admitted that two Bahraini men also visited her in the house, in Mina Salman. The two are now facing criminal charges in the Lower Criminal Court. She has pleaded guilty to helping him enter the house of her Bahraini employer without his permission for an "illegitimate purpose". "This driver comes to our house to pick up my sponsor's young daughter to take her to kindergarten," said the maid in her statement to police. "After dropping the girl he used to return to our house at different times of the morning when everyone was out. "My sponsor did not know that I was having an affair with the driver and was taking him inside my bedroom for sex." But the 39-year-old bus driver, who works for a kindergarten, has denied illegally entering the house without the owner's pe 0
109996 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Car racing fans challenged at mall CAR racing fans got in the driver's seat yesterday to compete in a driving simulation challenge, which could land them a spot at an international contest in France this summer. Gaming and racing enthusiasts gathered at Seef Mall for the first day of the PlayStation 2 Gran Turismo (GT) 4 Challenge. It is the first event of its kind in the country and continues this evening at the same venue from 3pm to 11pm. Drivers are given three laps each on the game's Suzuka East Circuit using the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo Limited Edition - both found in the Arcade Time Trial Mode of the GT 4 game. The fastest driver will win an all-expenses paid trip to Dubai next month to take part in the Middle East GT4 Challenge Grand Final, where top drivers from all six GCC countries will race against each other for a chance to be crowned Middle East champion and win a new Nissan 350Z sports car. The winner will also get a chance to compete for the world champion title in Le Mans, France, 0
109997 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Filipinos' flat is raided by burglars BURGLARS broke into a Salmaniya flat and stole valuables and cash, but the exact amount is not known because two of the three residents are on holiday. Filipino Arthur Marsilo, aged 44, shares the flat with two other Filipinos, who are not due to return to Bahrain for another two months. He said their flat was raided between 7am and 2pm while he was at Salmaniya Medical Complex, where he works as a bio-medical technician. Thieves broke down the front door and searched the place for anything to steal, Mr Marsilo told the GDN. "They took my wristwatch and BD50 in cash," he said. "They also ransacked the two bedrooms of my flatmates who are out of Bahrain, so I do not know exactly what the burglars have taken from them. "I am hoping my flatmates took them with them to the Philippines - anything valuable in their rooms like jewellery or cash." Mr Marsilo said he had not been able to contact his flatmates, but hopes to reach them by phone soon. " 0
109998 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Pair fined for house love tryst A BAHRAINI youth and an Indonesian housemaid were both fined BD50 after her sponsor found out they had sex in his house, in Muharraq. Their fling was exposed after the 22-year-old's younger brother was caught hiding in her room. When questioned the maid, 32, claimed she did not sleep with him, but admitted having sex with his brother. She also identified the first brother as someone who she did have sex with, in a police line-up. The housemaid pleaded guilty to helping the elder brother enter her sponsor's house without permission for an "illegitimate purpose" in the Lower Criminal Court. However, her lover denied charges of entering the house without permission and claimed he had never met her. No charges were brought against the younger brother who was caught hiding in her room. The court found them both guilty, but neither showed up to hear the verdict. 0
109999 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL White House honour for craftswoman Betty BETTY Niemann's passion for her hobby has literally taken her to the top of the tree. She has twice had her decorations hung on Christmas trees in the White House, Washington, US. The latest honour brought an extra bonus - a personal meeting with First Lady Laura Bush. She is best known in Bahrain for her beautiful handcrafted items and home decorations, which she makes at home in her spare time. Her artwork have been her passion for 30 years and only go on general sale twice a year - at the American Women's Association's (AWA) spring and autumn charity craft fairs. Mrs Niemann is already working on pieces for the next fair later this year. She has been a resident of Bahrain since 1992 with her husband Jeff, who works as a senior industrial hygienist at Bapco. "I started painting and making handicrafts in 1977 purely as a hobby and it is to this day still a very strong hobby of mine, I still dabble a lot," she told the GDN. "I usually displ 0
110000 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Eight-year wait for approval! A LEADING Bahraini businesswoman says she is still waiting for a decision on whether she can build a commercial building in Riffa - eight years after she first submitted the application. Al Safaa for Traditional Clothes owner, Kubra Al Qaseer, claims she submitted the request to officials at the old Riffa Municipality, but was never given the go-ahead. She resubmitted it to the Southern Municipality, which took over responsibility for the area, and it was referred to the Southern Municipal Council two months ago. The council was supposed to reach a verdict within 10 days, but she says she still hasn't heard anything - despite attending the council meetings. However, the council says the reason for the delay is that the building would be located in a residential area. "The council hasn't taken a decision yet and we will do whatever is in the interest of people and the area," said council technical committee chairman Adel Al Moraisi. "The request has been re 0
110001 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL St George's Day success St George's Day was celebrated in style at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite last night. More than 200 people attended the St George's Day Banquet and Ball, which featured entertainment by the Bahrain Police Band, local band Neighbours and DJ Krazy Kevin. It was organised by the Royal Society of St George and featured a raffle draw with two return tickets to Hong Kong as prizes, courtesy of Cathay Pacific. St George is the patron saint of England and St George's Day is celebrated every year on April 23. The event was sponsored by BMMI. 0
110002 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Youngsters well versed in poetry at contest A SPEECH and poetry competition was organised by the Bongiyo Samaj for its members' children. It was held at the Indian Ladies Association (ILA) premises on Old Palace Road, Gudaibiya. The competition was organised to give the children an opportunity to showcase their speaking and recitation skills. Poetry recitation was done in three languages - English, Hindi and Bengali - while speeches were delivered in English only. The judges for the speech competition were Rehna Pinto, Paghna Bhatia and J Gurumurthy from the Manama Toastmasters Club. Judges for the poetry recitation competition were Shafqat Anwar, Emily Anwar and Sarwar Hassan from the Bangladesh Cultural Group. Around 30 participants of different age groups took part in Group A (for ages eight and under), Group B (nine to 11) and Group C (12 to 17). The winners of speech competition for Group A were Sanghamitra Sengupta (first), Yoshodhara Bose (first Runner-Up) and Rajorshi Roy (secon 0
110003 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Phone stolen from tourist A SAUDI reported that his mobile phone was stolen after he lent it to a stranger to make an urgent call, sources told the GDN. The 55-year-old was walking along Exhibition Avenue at 12.40am when a Bahraini approached him and begged him to use his mobile. However, when he handed over the phone the Bahraini ran away. The incident was reported to police. 0
110004 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Stress 'common cause of headache' EIGHTY per cent of any population will suffer from headache at some point of time in their lives, said a health expert. Headache affects quality of life and is the main cause of absenteeism from work, school and social events, said International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) consultant psychiatrist Dr Tareq El Maadawy, who was speaking on the topic When the Body Talks, at an open day at the IHB. "Headache is the most common complaint in psychiatry and general medicine," said Dr El Maadawy. "In most conditions when we can't express the condition verbally, the body talks instead of us. "In some cultures they can't appreciate people that say they are depressed or in agony, so people suppress what they are feeling. "Subconscious suppression will be converted into a physical symptom and the most common condition is headache. The head is the most important part of the body." He said that stress was one of the most common causes of headache, but that headaches could 0
110005 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL 29 teams take the plunge at raft race TWENTY-NINE teams are all set to take to the waters in the Bahrain Raft Race 2005 today at Al Bander Hotel and Resort, in Sitra. The major fundraising event, which aims to raise about BD30,000 for local charities, is being organised by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya in association with the resort. It promises to be a fun-filled event for the entire family, said organisers. There will be a grand raffle draw with a Jaguar X-Type, worth about BD10,000, to be given as the first prize. Only 1,000 raffle tickets are being sold this year at BD20 each. Hundreds of spectators are expected to attend the event to cheer on the teams. The teams taking part this year are as follows: Baker Wilkins and Smith (BWS), Batelco (two teams), Bapco, Yousif Bin Yousif Fakhro, The Filipino Club Tennis Group (two teams), Gulf Hotel, Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya, Bahrain Airport Services, Garmco, Hilton Rafters, Aluminium Bahrain (three teams), Zayani Computer Systems, American Mission Hospital, 0
110006 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Storesman fined over shop blaze AN INDIAN storesman has been fined BD300 for negligence, over a fire which badly damaged a supermarket. The 36-year-old denied the charge but was convicted after the Lower Criminal Court heard how he stacked boxes of tissues near fluorescent ceiling lighting. Investigations showed that heat from lights ignited the tissue paper, starting a fire which gutted the second floor storage area of Al Muntazah Supermarket, in East Riffa, in May 2003. The defendant said he put the boxes on a top shelf, but that they were still some distance from the ceiling lights. A Civil Defence and Fire Service report said that the whole of the second floor of the supermarket was burned and the ground floor was also badly damaged by smoke and water. It was believed that the fire was the result of heat absorbed from the fluorescent white lights fixed in the roof of the storeroom, said the report. Checks showed that one of the fluorescent lights got extremely heated compared to the 0
110007 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL An insight into art... DIABETIC children, aged eight to 15, from Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE participated in an art workshop at Al Areen Wildlife Park yesterday. The event, conducted by Bahraini artist Abbas Al Mousawi, was part of the Bahrain Diabetic Society's annual Sherooq Camp. A total of 36 Bahraini, five Qatari and four children from the UAE are taking part in the three-day camp, which is being held at the Bahrain Sailing Club in Zallaq. The camp, which comes to a close today at noon, featured a number of activities including health education, recreation, sports and art. 0
110008 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL IRRESISTIBLE! The magic of Hong Kong is tireless and irresistible, as ABDULRAHMAN FAKHRI discovered on a five-day trip from Bahrain. HONG Kong lives up to its reputation as a kaleidoscope of the ancient and the new. Visitors can shop until they drop, dine on cuisine from all over the world, follow in the footsteps of movie stars, or walk through time amidst museum exhibits that chart the territory's history over 400 million years. This is China, yet it is not, for it has maintained many of the traits of colonial rule and is an enchanting fusion of East and West. The ancient arts and traditions of the Orient live on amidst massive development, with a busy international airport, port, business avenues and shopping areas. The dynamic city was once a "barren rock" housing a collection of fishing villages when claimed by Britain in 1842, following the first Opium War with China, when it was ceded under the Treaty of Nanking. The Kowloon Peninsula and Stonecutters Island were hand 0
110009 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Call to protect green heritage EVERYONE from top government officials to Bahrain's farmers and the public should get involved in supporting the island's greenbelt, says an environmentalist. It is everyone's duty to support Bahrain's environmental heritage, says Environment Friends Society president Khawla Al Muhannadi, who has been campaigning for the protection of the greenbelt since 2003, "We started the campaign in Adhari Park. The area was being converted into a trade area, but we stepped in and stopped it," said Ms Al Muhannadi. "It's against the law to build on an agricultural area in the greenbelt. "For years people have been trying to manipulate the law. For example, they will stop watering the trees, or even use chemicals to kill them. "They say 'we have dead trees that attract rats and we want permission to clear the area' and then they convert it into a trade area, or construction site." Ms Al Muhannadi was speaking to Bahrain Garden Club members at a seminar held at their pre 0
110010 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Musical tribute to legends... Popular songs from Malayalam films were performed by local artists Jayakumar Varma and Dr Sharmala Vinod last night. About 1,000 people attended a concert at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam called Bhavageethangal, which was organised as a tribute to Malayalee music legends. Mr Varma is the nephew of late Indian musician L P R Varma and has performed on more than 200 stages in Bahrain and Kerala. Dr Vinod has a doctorate in Carnatic music and has performed on various stages in Kerala and abroad. Music was provided by local orchestra Symphony. 0
110011 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Batelco worker honoured BATELCO has named service manager Abbas Ahmed Al Laith as Batelco Ambassador for April 2005 for his outstanding contribution. The honour was bestowed upon him as part of Batelco's ongoing employee rewards programme designed to recognise extra efforts and boost job satisfaction. Mr Al Laith is responsible for managing planned and unplanned outage programmes for both local and global customers including the preparation of comprehensive monthly service reports for the company. These reports cover all aspects of service to a customers' account, including complaints, faults, interruptions and other problems so that Batelco can identify the cause and improve its service, with a view to minimising similar problems in the future. "It is the dedication and commitment of employees like Abbas that ensures Batelco continues to thrive in our competitive market," said Batelco customer service unit general manager Abdulwahed Zainal at the awards presentation ceremony. Two othe 0
110012 0 1547 BNEW LOCAL Athletes for Games SIXTEEN special athletes yesterday left for Qatar to represent Bahrain in the Fifth GCC Special Olympics. The athletes, aged 10 to 24 years, are accompanied by delegation head Wafyqa Khalil Jamal, technical coach Sudaif Juma and coaches Nasser Mohammed, Fawzia Hussain and Awatif Al Najdi. The Olympics will be opened by GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports chairman Shaikh Daij bin Khalifa Al Khalifa tomorrow. Bahrain's athletes, who all suffer from mental retardation, are set to take part in athletics, long jump, shot put and softball throwing events. The Olympics, which is held every two years, will continue until Wednesday. The delegation is scheduled to return on Thursday. 0
110013 3 1547 BNEW LOCAL 'Speed up work' call on highway PARLIAMENT is urging the Bahrain government to speed up work on the new Hamad Town Highway. MPs forwarded an official request to the Cabinet following complaints of traffic congestion in the Hamad Town area. They say there are over 65,000 people living in Hamad Town, but only three major roads leading in and out. The issue was first raised by four MPs - Ahmed Haji, Shaikh Mohammed Khalid Mohammed, Yousif Al Hermi and Yousif Zainal. Parliament called for work to be speeded up after the issue was studied by its public utilities and environment affairs committee, which had seven meetings with Works and Housing Ministry officials. "The place sees heavy congestion during the mornings when people go to work and students go to schools and university," said Mr Haji. "For example, if there is an accident or a car stops near one of the exits the place gets very chaotic - with long lines of cars and drivers honking at each other." The new highway starts from H 0
110014 1 1547 BUSI BUSINESS US economy 'is facing stagnation' WASHINGTON: Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan warned yesterday that unless legislators come to grips with spiraling US deficits, the economy was at risk of stagnation "or worse." "Under existing tax rates and reasonable assumptions about other spending ... projections make clear that the federal budget is on an unsustainable path, in which large deficits result in rising interest rates and ever-growing interest payments that augment deficits in future years," Greenspan said in testimony prepared for a Senate Budget Committee hearing. He said the danger was that deficits would keep rising as a percentage of total national output. "Unless that trend is reversed, at some point these deficits would cause the economy to stagnate or worse." Much of Greenspan's testimony echoed prior cautions he has made to Capitol Hill lawmakers and he stressed that steps to fix the problem were essential. "As the latest projections from the (Bush) administration and the Congression 0
110015 2 1547 BUSI BUSINESS BNI insures CAA assets for BD100 million MANAMA: Bahrain National Insurance (BNI) and Arthur J Gallagher Middle East won the contract to insure the assets of Bahrain's Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA). The tender, which commences this month, insures CAA assets worth over BD100 million. BNI has arranged the insurance programme on assets and properties of the CAA, while Arthur J Gallagher Middle East was appointed as the insurance broker and arranged the aviation liability insurance - described as key insurance coverage in every international airport. BNI also issued the aviation liability policy. The insurance contract was signed between BNI and Arthur J Gallagher Middle East BNI's offices, in Seef. The signing ceremony was attended by Bahrain National Holding chief executive officer Mahmoud Al Soufi, Arthur J Gallagher Middle East marketing executive director Isa Mohana Al Rashid and BNI general insurance assistant general manager Essam Al Ansari. "BNI has developed close co-operation with the best international 0
110016 3 1547 BUSI BUSINESS $698m LNG plant set up in India NEW DELHI: Anglo-Dutch oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell and French energy group Total launched a liquefied natural gas terminal yesterday as part of India's efforts to shift factories and consumers away from high-priced oil. India's oil minister Mani Shankar Aiyar welcomed the opening of the $698 million plant as part of the country's goal to meet 20 per cent of its energy needs with gas by 2025, compared to 8pc now. India imports 70pc of its fuel with demand, for oil in particular, expected to rise sharply in the coming decade to drive a booming economy. "This is one of the biggest foreign direct investments that we have received and represents a closer partnership between India's energy sector and global energy firms," Aiyar said. The terminal located in the western Gujarat state port city of Hazira will feed liquefied natural gas imported by ship from the Middle East into India's natural gas pipeline network for use by power plants and vehicles. "Our investment in Hazira ma 0
110017 0 1547 BUSI BUSINESS Filipino senators divided over VAT MANILA: Philippine legislators said yesterday they were making progress on the final version of a bill to boost government revenues by broadening a sales tax, but they remained divided about whether to raise the rate. The government, battling rampant corruption and evasion as it tries to narrow chronic budget deficits, is counting on extra revenues of at least 60 billion pesos ($1.1bn) yearly from an expanded value-added tax (VAT). The amount is based on the VAT rate being raised to 12 per cent from 10pc - a step supported by economists and the lower house of Congress but rejected by the Senate. A joint congressional panel now merging the differing versions of the VAT bill had agreed on the need for a single rate, rather than a multi-tiered rate for sectors previously exempt from the tax, said Senator Ralph Recto. "There are two important things here: a single rate, lift all exemptions," Recto, an administration senator who would prefer the rate to stay at 10pc, said. 0
110018 0 1547 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi 'supplying enough crude to its customers' PARIS: Saudi Arabia is supplying customers with all the oil they want, Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Al Nuaimi said yesterday. He was responding to comments by US President George W Bush on Tuesday urging Saudi Arabia to take account of high oil prices on the world economy. Questioned during the sixth international oil summit, the minister said: "I will repeat. Saudi Arabia is not responsible for the price of oil in the market." He added: "We try to respond to our customers, we have not turned down a customer who says 'I want additional oil'." The Saudi minister said: "You can find customers for us, send them over and we'll be happy to satisfy their requirements." On Tuesday, Bush had said he would raise the question of high oil prices with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Abdullah when he visits Bush's Texas ranch on April 25. "I will be talking to our friends to make sure if they pinch the economy too much, it will affect their ability to sell crude oil in 0
110019 0 1547 BUSI BUSINESS EU ministers to probe common wage package BRUSSELS: European Union ministers will make a fresh bid next week to reform the salaries of members of the European Parliament after legislators rejected efforts to clean up their "gravy train" reputation last week. An EU diplomat said an informal meeting of the 25-nation bloc's Europe ministers would discuss the outlines of a common salary package at a meeting next Tuesday in Luxembourg. "Now it's time to get this everlasting story to an end," the diplomat said, adding that the presidency has been pursuing "quiet diplomacy" on the issue for months. The Luxembourg presidency has proposed a salary of $9,107 per month for all members of the EU assembly in return for reforming the system of generous allowances, the diplomat said. Salaries are now based on what national legislators in their home countries earn. New India flights BOMBAY: British Midland International Airlines said yesterday it will start four weekly flights between London and Bombay from next month in a bid to tap the g 0
110020 0 1547 BUSI BUSINESS Hu vows to back Asian economies JAKARTA: China's president yesterday vowed to use his country's thundering economy to help less dynamic markets in Asia and Africa close the gap on the developing world. In a keynote address at a summit of business leaders from both continents in Jakarta, Hu Jintao said the two regions needed to close ranks to face the challenges of economic globalisation and an increasingly tough world market. "Economic globalisation has sharpened worldwide economic and technological competition," Hu said. "New trade barriers, recurring economic and financial crises and a widening north-south gap have placed some Asian and African countries in difficult straits of being marginalised. "Faced with both opportunities and challenges, we Asian and African countries must seize opportunities, strengthen co-operation to cope with challenges and seek common development." As Asia's second-largest economy, China is already the second-biggest user of oil after the United States, importing 122 millio 0
110021 0 1547 BUSI BUSINESS $15bn push to help bank SHANGHAI: China will inject $15 billion of capital drawn from foreign exchange reserves into Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The widely expected recapitalisation follows $45bn worth of cash injections split between two other top banks, Bank of China and China Construction Bank, in late 2003. The banking industry's mountain of non-performing loans - amounting to hundreds of billions of dollars within the "Big Four" state lenders - is deemed a threat to the economy and to the banking industry's growth prospects as it opens to foreign competition. "An injection of $15bn from foreign exchange reserves will raise the capital adequacy ratio to six per cent." 0
110022 0 1547 COMM COMMENTThe end of the beginning... How do we judge what is now going on in Iraq? I ask that question because the fog of war has in this case been more like an old peasouper. Precarious security has meant few journalists have been able to report thoroughly across much of the country. Given their track record, predictions that we have "turned the corner" from American military officials need to be taken with some no-rub saline solution. Anti-war crusaders have taken shards of bad news and inflated them into a picture of complete failure; some Pollyannas on the right have done the opposite. Nevertheless, fog dissipates eventually. And if the debate in Washington signifies anything, it appears that the Iraq adventure should be understood at this juncture neither as a phenomenal success nor as a failure of any profound kind. In the words of Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, it's still a long hard slog. But the slog now has a clearer direction - and it's not that far from what the dreaded neoconservatives once hoped for.</ 0
110023 0 1547 COMM COMMENTFight against drugs should begin in the classroom... The idea of training young people to campaign against drugs is probably the strongest element about the new national campaign being launched next Tuesday. That many of those will be teenagers is vitally important, for it is in the school lavatories and at the gates that many young people get their first introduction to drugs. Just some casual inquiries on my part revealed a surprising number of young people who got their first taste of drugs at school right here in Bahrain. The idea of the latest campaign is to train groups of young people to train others in how to campaign against drug abuse amongst their peers. Peer pressure is one of the biggest influences in spreading drug abuse, for most teenagers try it because they think they will appear 'cool' in the eyes of their friends. That first taste of so-called soft drugs like cannabis may seem harmless and many yougsters go no further than a brief experiment. But for others it is the first step on a downwar 0
110026 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Random tree chopping 'official vandalism!' APROPOS the response (GDN, March 18) of the Middle Area technical services spokesman stating that the trees on the A'ali roundabout were already dead before they were chopped off, I beg to differ with this contention since I am a regular traveller on that highway and am a very keen naturalist. Those trees were certainly alive and majestic in their demeanour. If what the authorities say is true then let them print a photograph of the dead trees before they chopped them down. My thoughts go to the landscaping contractors/beneficiaries, who will stand to benefit from the relandscaping of this roundabout. And these are not the only trees that are being chopped down in Bahrain (is Bahrain covered by a forest of trees, by the way?). Only a week ago some workers were busy systematically chopping down all those desert trees that were planted in the so-called canal, on the right hand side off the Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway in the direction of the Seef area! Which bri 0
110027 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Why workers stare IN response to MJ's letter "Why do workers stare" (GDN, April 18), I feel there may be a couple of reasons: 1. He is actually trying to identify the person/s who has brought him here on Contract A, while paying salary and benefits as per the Contract B. He is lost for a moment while wondering what could be the reason he has to sit in a large truck with no AC while you are sitting in an air-conditioned car. Once he is sure that the person he is looking for is not the one in the car, he nods to his colleague and says "Can you try and identify yours..." 2. He is trying to see if he can see any of his neighbours/relatives who may have not fallen in the same trap as him and may be driving an air-conditioned car. And by the way, how do you know that the workers stare at you even without blinking their eyes... D A 0
110028 0 1547 LETT LETTERS All talk and no action WHILE unpacking some items long consigned to my storeroom, I came across an old GDN from 1981! Intrigued to see what was happening in the country at that time I turned the pages and an interesting article about Nabih Saleh island caught my attention. The headline announced, "Tourist retreat plan for backwater island," with the text beginning, "The backwater island of Nabih Saleh is due for a facelift under a scheme to turn part of Bahrain's north-west coast into a tourist and city dwellers' retreat where no cars are allowed". Planners promised that the island would lose none of its authenticity, the story continued to say. There was talk of beaches and chalets, a marina for small boats and water skiing, an aquarium and a marine museum among other exciting proposals. In 1981, I frequently visited the island as it was filled with trees and irrigation streams, teaming with birds and frogs. It was a delightful place for an afternoon stroll, very picturesque and tranquil. 0
110029 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Great juxtaposition! I LOVED Monday's GDN headline "Work Hard Call!" and on the same page the next holiday dates published!! How convenient that each time we have a holiday the dates seem to coincide with government working hours? Again Bahrain will shut down from all government sections, no mail, no banks, no customs, no nothing. How can the economy sustain these repeated long holidays? Yesterday's holiday is a one day affair but now it's stretched to three and, of course, the day after, everyone will be tired from all the holiday and will be sleepy, so you can guarantee it's a week's shutdown, we've only just reopened since the Formula One time off. There's no time to 'Work Hard' sadly, everyone's on holiday. Exasperated 0
110030 0 1547 LETT LETTERS When will abuse of workers stop? WHEN will Bahrain take a stand and stop the abuse of Filipino workers and all other nationalities for that matter. When applying for positions from their home country they are told that they will receive a salary, food, accommodation and bonusItipsIcommission included only to find out that when they get here they are on a three-month visit visa (which is illegal for a start, you are not allowed to work on such a visa) and then told that their salary will be BD80 or less not including food (minimum must be $300 according to the contract that must be signed from the Philippines Embassy) and sometimes having to contribute to their accommodation. No sign of tipsIcommission or bonus! And they cannot have a day off for three months! These poor souls come into Bahrain alone most of the time and are forced to work because they don't know what to do or where to go until they find some way to escape their minder and make their way to the embassy begging for help, all too often leaving every 0
110031 0 1547 LETT LETTERS School e-mail? KINDLY provide me the email address of the Philippine school in Bahrain. Eloy A PHILIPPINE School spokesman said: "Our email address is: paaralam@ batelco.com.bh " 0
110032 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Indians educated WITH regards to the column, 'Spoken English' (GDN, April 10), I would like to inform B V M that there are many educated Indians who conduct effective spoken English classes at cheaper rates but high standard. Sorry to say some people in Bahrain misunderstand that the English language, taught by only those who are educated in the UK, USA, or Canadian universities, is effective. Taking advantage of this feeling, it comes to high prices but lower standards. For further details you can contact mobile number 39807551 Well-wishing reader 0
110033 0 1547 LETT LETTERS It's who you know... WITH reference to the letter 'Qualified but jobless' (GDN, April 20), I know that the concept of who you know is quite true here in Bahrain. But at the same time it is not true with all companies (to be fair). I had lots of interviews; especially in the information technology field which is too demanding here even when my grade is on average. Most of interviewees didn't ask me about my grades, they asked and tested my knowledge which is the right thing to do. I think your son should ask or read about CV or resume writing, you can find them on the Internet or you can ask any career counsellor. It is very important to make the first impression for an employer by a good looking CV. Another thing is six months of unemployment is something normal, so do not let him be depressed. I think he should send his resume to recruitment companies who are going to search for a suitable job for him; there are lots of them now, and I don't want to advertise for them but you can find then in 0
110034 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Wedding dilemma I WOULD like to enquire about the following through your respected paper. I'm a Bahraini who plans to wed an Indian Muslim in India this July. My objective is to bring her along with me to Bahrain after a duration of five weeks from marriage after doing all the necessary paper work here in advance. Below are my queries: a) What are the pre-requisites required for me to apply for a family visa and how long does it take to be issued? Is my personal presence mandatory at the Immigration Directorate for visa application or can I get it done through a friend or an agency with my signatures provided in all application forms and other documents in advance? Is my passport copy fine? Is her passport copy required? b) What are the minimum requirements for the marriage certificate to be accepted for family visa application and to be valid and legal? Is attestation on the certificate from state government (home department of secretariat) acceptable rather than from central government (New Del 0
110035 0 1547 LETT LETTERS School bus A/Cs plea WE, as parents, have been continually requesting the Sacred Heart School to provide air-conditioned buses for our children. It is a pity to see their plight when they come all the way from Isa Town to Manama in these ordinary buses where the extreme heat of Bahrain is shown so clearly on their faces as they get off the buses around 1.45pm, sweaty and red like tomatoes. Moreover some of the buses that come to pick them up are so dusty and dirty that our efforts of sending our children in clean uniforms are useless when they reach school in such dirty uniforms. I have even written a letter personally on behalf of all parents to the school authorities regarding AC buses and the state of buses but have received no answer till date or even the courtesy of a reply!! My motive of publishing this request in the newspaper has been just another choice to hear our plea. Provided with the fact that even bus fees have increased, can Sacred Heart School please be kind enough to 0
110036 0 1547 LETT LETTERS So complicated... I AM working in a retail company and have been granted family status by the employer. I would like to bring my parents to Bahrain on a visit visa to spend some time with me. But they also want to perform the Haj pilgrimage together when they visit Bahrain. As they will not have Bahrain residence permits on their passports, will there be a problem in obtaining a Haj permit and visa. Also, I would like to know if they will have any Bahrain and Saudi immigration problems leaving for Saudi Arabia through the King Fahad Causeway. Do I apply for a second visit visa to Bahrain after performing the Haj or can I arrange an onward air ticket from Jeddah to my home country. Please clarify how it would be possible for them to perform Haj after their Bahrain visit? Peer Mohammed A GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence spokesman said: "If the reader's parents are issued with a visit visa to Bahrain, they will be able to leave Bahrain through the Cau 0
110037 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Traffic control ridiculous THE morning traffic (7.30 to 8.30am) at the Regency Intercontinental traffic light is ridiculous and reaches all the way to the new Pearl roundabout flyover. This segment usually takes at least 20 minutes to get through and causes people to drive like maniacs to get to work on time. That traffic light does not give enough time for a reasonable amount of cars to cross towards the Diplomatic Area. Already no cars are allowed to turn into the Bab Al Bahrain area from the sea side of the highway. So why doesn't the directorate consider closing that same road in the opposite direction as well (in the mornings only)? Cars wishing to leave that area can do so through the Pearl roundabout. Can you please find out from the traffic directorate why they haven't had anyone present at the Regency traffic lights junction for a couple of months now controlling the morning rush hour. That is the least they should be doing. Frustrated with the lack of common sense</ 0
110038 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Work permit applications delayed AS a public relations officer I have for a number of years been dealing with the Ministry of Labour, arranging the correct documentation and permits for the private company for which I work. In recent weeks there has been a marked delay on work permit renewal applications, and while some are fairly speedily handled, others, including those for sales positions, are delayed for very long periods. While I fully understand that perhaps select positions are increasingly being Bahrainised, and while I also support in general this policy, I do not feel that the ministry counter officials are acting professionally when they fail to give any reasons for long delays in renewal of applications for work permits, and additionally totally fail to provide accurate (or perhaps truthful) updates on the progress, or delays. Some years ago when similar delays were faced a senior ministry official advised that if after three days there are delays with work permit renewals, then it was best to approac 0
110039 0 1547 LETT LETTERS Positive signs of Iraq's democracy IN reply to Sean Craig's commentary "Iraq at the crossroads" (GDN, April 14). I totally agree that there are positive signs that Iraq is moving towards a democracy. This spells trouble to some Middle East countries that are not interested in seeing a democratic and prosperous Iraq.... because then they would have to explain to their own people why they are denying them democracy. As an Iraqi I disagree with your comment that the Americans have "not won the gratitude of the Iraqis"... based on what? Are you basing it on a demonstration last week by less than a quarter of one per cent of Iraqis and all are Moaqtada Al Sadr's followers? What about the remaining 24 million Iraqis? If there was such a pervasive anti-US feeling in Iraq then why is this demonstration only done by members of a radical, militant group representing one faction of one sect? But the media (including people like you) play it out to be the voice of all of Iraq! This demonstration was organised and paid for outside Iraq 0
110040 0 1547 SPOR SPORT SCB too hot for Al Wasmiya CC STANDARD Chartered Bank (SCB) defeated Al Wasmiya CC by five wickets in the Island Cricket League's Standard Chartered Bank Cup Knockout tournament. Batting first, Al Wasmiya CC lost both openers early on and only a defiant Asad (39) helped them to put up a reasonable score as they were dismissed for 114 in the 16th over. Standard Chartered replied in style scoring 43 runs in the first five overs before they lost opener Zeeshan (22). Despite the loss, Fuwaid (55 not out from 30 deliveries) guided the bankmen to 115 for five to clinch victory in the 17th over. Jinnah CC edged out Bukannan CC by two wickets after the latter posted a challenging 175 for six with Shahzad (43) and Faisal (40) being the main scorers. Jinnah CC lost a couple of early wickets. However, Shahid (35) and Adil (26) steadied the innings and with 51 required in five overs, Rashid (28) and Amin (28 not out) guided the team to 176 for eight with three deliveries to spare. Young Star made 0
110041 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Katy bags double in showjumping KATY Lyons won the second and third junior classes for a fine double in the End of Season Showjumping Championship which got underway yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre in Budaiya. Katy steered DHL Prince and Kola, respectively to take the first two positions in junior two class in which 27 riders battled it out over obstacles of 80cm height. In third place was Fahad Taqi on Classic Task, while Emily Atkinson came fourth on Tobi, Jordan Gillespie was fifth on Cayenne and Natasha Owen sixth on Duell Time. Katy maintained her outstanding form to claim first and third spots in the junior three class on DHL Prince and Kola respectively. Second was Jordan Gillespie on Cayenne, Natasha Owen fourth on Duell Time and Abdulaziz Khalifa fifth on Mighty Blue. In the junior one class, Ali Mirza clinched first place on Swito. Second was Emily Hamelton on Simon, Natasha Campbell third on Starley, Emily Atkinson fourth on Tobi, Abdulaziz Khalifa fifth on Troy and Blandine sixth on 0
110042 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Schumacher in contract extension talks IMOLA, Italy: Formula One champion Michael Schumacher is talking to Ferrari about staying on after 2006. Asked whether team boss Jean Todt had talked to him about eventual replacements, the 36-year-old German told the Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper yesterday that the main discussion had been about his own future. "To tell you the truth, Jean at the moment is talking with me about extending my contract," he said. "Sometimes we talk about drivers, but in very general terms." His spokeswoman confirmed that was the case. Schumacher, the most successful driver in the history of the sport, said however that Spaniard Fernando Alonso, Renault's championship leader, would be a good choice as eventual replacement. "I consider him, (McLaren's Kimi) Raikkonen, (Sauber's Felipe) Massa and (Williams' Mark) Webber to be very good drivers," he said. Of the four named, Todt has hinted at a preference for Raikkonen although Brazilian Massa is a former Ferrari test driver ma 0
110043 0 1547 SPOR SPORT St Peters win first match by two runs ST PETERS beat ST Thomas Youth Movement by two runs in the second YMCA Cricket Challenge 2005 which got underway yesterday at the New Indian School premises. The event was inaugurated by the New Indian School principal V Gopalan. The main sponsors of the event are Batelco, ICICI Bank and Gulf Air while the co-sponsors are Sunshine Tours, Atlas Jewellery, Bahrain Danish Dairy, Royal Sun Alliance, GPZ, KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre, BIRD, Aref Sadeq Design and Consultants, Nader Gas and Asgharali & Sons. Brief scores: St Peters 94/2 bt St Thomas Youth Movement 92 all out, SYMC 83 all out bt YMCA 54 all out, Sacred Heart 114/2 bt Bahrain Malayalee CSI 'B' (Lawrence Pinto of Sacred Heart 54), St Peters 'C' 89/5 bt Bahrain Malayalee CSI 'A' 73 all out, CCSA 11/3 beat NEC ELC 11 all out, IPC 70/5 bt St Peters 'B' 48 all out, St Peters 'A' 55/1 bt Bahrain Malayalee CSI 'B' 54/5, YMCA 54/2 bt Bahrain Malayalee CSI 'A' 48/5, Sacred Heart 19/8 bt St Thomas Youth Movement 19 all out, Syro Malabar 37/ 0
110044 1 1547 SPOR SPORT LARA SAVES WEST INDIES BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Monde Zondeki collected the crucial wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul to leave West Indies 167 for four in their first innings at tea on the opening day of the third cricket Test against South Africa last night. At the break, Brian Lara was not out on 87, eyeing his second hundred of the series, and fellow left-hander Ryan Hinds was not out on nine, after West Indies elected to bat on a hard, true Kensington Oval pitch under sunny skies. In the first over of a second spell, Zondeki made the breakthrough after Lara and Chanderpaul added 138 for the fourth wicket to continue the West Indies' recovery after they had reached 60 for three at lunch. Flashing at a short delivery outside the off-stump, Chanderpaul gave a catch to the wicketkeeper. The West Indies captain hit half-dozen fours in 53 from 138 balls in just over three hours. South Africa could have strengthened their grip had Jacques Kallis been a little more alert at slip, when Hinds, on zero, edged a s 0
110045 2 1547 SPOR SPORT Carter hero as Nets bag last playoff berth TORONTO: Vince Carter scored 37 points to help the New Jersey Nets clinch the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with a 102-93 road win over the Boston Celtics on the last day of the regular season yesterday.Even with the Cleveland Cavaliers (42-40) winning in Toronto, the Nets (42-40) claimed the eighth playoff spot in the East with a come-from-behind win that capped a strong second half of the season with a postseason berth. Carter helped the Nets overcome a 19-point second quarter deficit, giving New Jersey the last remaining playoff spot by virtue of a better head-to-head record against Cleveland over the season. The Nets open the playoffs against the Heat on Sunday in Miami. Boston, who had already clinched the East's third seed, plays at home in the first round against the Indiana Pacers. New Jersey out-scored Boston 32-8 in the third quarter to take the lead for good as the Celtics rested starters Antoine Walker and Paul Pierce in the fourth quarter. Jaso 0
110046 3 1547 SPOR SPORT Freeman masters a battling Janahi ASHLEY Freeman outplayed Fide Master Zeyad Janahi to become one of four players to share the lead with maximum points after three rounds of the Bahrain Mind Sports Association President's Open Chess Championship being played in Muharraq. In an artistic game played on board two, Freeman was in full control of the centre and advanced the pawns to great effect forcing Janahi on the defensive before the latter lost the match under strong pressure. International Master Moroccan Mohammed Tiseer, on board one, defeated Abdullah Bukhammas, while veteran Ali Al Ghasra got the better of Sher Mohammed and Mohammed Fath Al Bab defeated Mohammed Abdullah to join Tiseer, Ghasra and Freeman at the top of the standings. More than 50 players are in the fray for this nine-round Swiss sytem internationally accredited championship which concludes on April 30. Other results: Khalaf Bukhalaf drew with Waheed Abdullah; Jaimi Tabuzo drew with Froilan Magpantai; Abu Hanif bt Labriaga R; Mohammed Jawad 0
110047 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Bahrain to clash with Iraqi club in opener BAHRAIN national team will play Iraq's Al Karkh Club in the opening match of the Four-Nation Invitational Basketball Tournament on Thursday starting at 5.30pm at the Juffair Youth Centre. Al Karkh who arrive on Wednesday are using this event to prepare for the Arab Clubs Championship to be held in Dubai from May 12 to 26. In the other match at 7.30pm the US (ASU) team will take on the Philippine All-Star select composed of PBA veterans and rookies. There will be exciting side events with lots of prizes for the audience. The Bahrain Basketball Association in co-operation with Guirgisco Group of Companies are organising the event. The Philippine team are expected in the Kingdom on Tuesday and supporters will have a chance to meet them, take photos and get autographs at the McDonalds Exhibition Road branch at 4pm. Tickets priced BD1.5 are available at many of the sponsoring companies on a first come first serve basis. The major sponsors are LG, Power 0
110048 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Omani team get set for contest OMAN's national athletics team underwent their first training session yesterday at the National Stadium as part of their preparations for the GCC Athletics Championship starting on Wednesday at the National Stadium in Riffa. The Omani delegation is the first of five teams to arrive in the Kingdom for this prestigious three-day event being held once every two years and consists of senior and junior divisions. The delegations from the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait will arrive on Monday. The organising committee approved 21 contests for the seniors and 19 for juniors. The 40-member Omani team is headed by Oman Athletics Association president Shaikh Saud bin Hamad Al Rawahi and is being represented by 28 athletes, including 14 seniors and 14 juniors. Omani team administrator Abdulla Al Jabry said most of the team's seniors athletes arrived from Saudi Arabia after taking part in the first Islamic Solidarity Games in which Oman took the 4x100m relay silver medal. 0
110049 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Lee sets up Ebdon repeat at the Crucible SHEFFIELD, England: Stephen Lee will face Peter Ebdon in a repeat of one of the World Snooker Championships' most infamous contests following his 10-5 first round win over Malta's Tony Drago at the Crucible Theatre here yesterday. Back in 2001 Lee lost to fellow Englishman Ebdon in a tense match that went all the way to the final frame. But the result of the match was completely overshadowed by Ebdon's extraordinary display in shouting and punching the air in celebration after he sunk the decisive pot. While Ebdon's display on that occasion would have been considered unexceptional in many sports, in the gentlemanly world of snooker it was deemed to be a gross misconduct and Lee for one was unamused. Last December Lee beat Ebdon, the 2002 world champion, 9-8 at the UK Championship but this will be their first Crucible encounter since that meeting four years ago. "I'm looking forward to it. I don't think Peter has beaten me since," said the 30-year-old Lee, who scor 0
110050 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Gaudio stays on course for title BARCELONA: Roland Garros champion Gaston Gaudio emerged a 6-3, 6-4 winner from a combatative third-round tie against Spain's David Ferrer yesterday to maintain his title hopes in the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open. While the second seed was advancing, number three Carlos Moya let an early break evaporate and could never close the gap on big-hitting Max Mirnyi. Moya's mistakes cost him a 6-4, 6-4 defeat. The 28-year-old Moya, who earned the title at the Real Club de Tenis two years ago, couldn't keep up his winning pace as he played the event for the 10th consecutive year. "I'm not that disappointed with my game, despite the loss," said the 1998 French Open champion. "Mirnyi doesn't give you any rhythm, he's always coming to the net. "Even if my game was working well, he would have been hard to stop today." Moya surged to a promising 3-1 lead but quickly found himself playing catch-up on the clay as Mirnyi began to dominate. The Spaniard saved four match points before fallin 0
110051 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Roddick tames gritty Ginepri RALEIGH, North Carolina: Top seed Andy Roddick overcame a determined challenge from fellow American Robby Ginepri to record a 7-6 (8-6), 6-4 victory in the second round of the US Men's Clay Court Championships at Houston yesterday. Both players held serve throughout the opening set before Roddick edged the tiebreaker by an 8-6 margin. In the second set, Roddick broke twice to race into a 4-1 lead and despite losing his own serve, the world number four held firm to advance to a third round contest against Peru's Luis Horna. "He keeps coming up with new ways to try to beat me, and I keep trying to figure out ways to hold him off," Roddick said. "I got by tonight with a couple of points. I'm scratching and clawing and trying to keep it that way." Ginepri, on the other hand, said: "It's his serve, he seems to find a way to win. The last few times we've played, he wins the tiebreakers. It seems to take the momentum away from me. "You've got to keep fighting. One of th 0
110052 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Muharraq outplay Manama MUHARRAQ defeated Manama 3-1 in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League last night at the Isa Town Stadium. Two goals from Mohammed Jaffer and one from Badran Al Shagran (47th) sealed a spot for Muharraq among the top four teams for the Crown Prince Cup scheduled after the league and will be held on knock-out basis. Muharraq are in second place with 30 points, seven points behind champions Riffa with two matches remaining. Jaffer put Muharraq ahead in the 30th minute and two minutes after the break added his second goal. Two minutes later, Jaffer's fellow Jordanian striker Al Shagran secured the points for Muharraq with a superb effort. Manama, whose only goal was scored by Hani Al Badrani in the 90th minute, are still in the relegation zone with 12 points, seven ahead of bottom team Al Hala. In the second match, Al Najma outplayed Busaiteen 3-1- to stay joint fourth with Al Shabab with 25 points each and stay on course for a place in the Cro 0
110053 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Bangladesh leave out Mahmud for England tour CHITTAGONG: Bangladesh yesterday omitted seasoned all-rounder Khaled Mahmud from a 16-man squad for their first ever Test tour of England starting next month. Mahmud, who turns 34 in July, is a former captain who played the last of his 12 Tests at home against England in 2004. But the right-arm seamer and lower order batsman has been a regular member of the one-day team. Bangladesh will play two Tests at Lord's (May 26 to 30) and Durham (June 3 to 7) before taking part in a one-day tri-series also featuring Australia from June 16 to July 2. Chief selector Faruk Ahmad said he was confident the team, led by batsman Habibul Bashar, will do well on the pathbreaking tour. "We have picked the best possible team and kept in mind the playing conditions and weather in England," said Ahmad. Coach Dav Whatmore, who on Wednesday renewed a two-year contract with Bangladesh, said he was looking forward to his team's first Test series in England. "This is a good chance f 0
110054 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Revised 'B' engine to boost Fisichella IMOLA: Formula One championship leaders Renault have boosted Italian Giancarlo Fisichella's hopes of success in Sunday's San Marino Grand Prix. A Renault spokesman said yesterday that the team had decided to give the Roman driver their revised 'B' specification engine a race ahead of schedule after analysing test data. Fisichella is entitled to a new engine without penalty after retiring from the last Bahrain Grand Prix but Renault had not intended to race the upgraded version until the Spanish Grand Prix on May 8. Spaniard Fernando Alonso, Fisichella's team mate and championship frontrunner after winning the last two races, will have to use the same engine that he used in Bahrain. New rules introduced this season stipulate that engines must last for two successive races. Fisichella said he had high hopes for Sunday's race, at a circuit where he scored his first Formula One points with Jordan in 1997, and felt that local fans were increasingly supporting Italian d 0
110055 0 1547 SPOR SPORT World's oldest Olympian dies at 100 KARACHI, Pakistan: The world's oldest Olympic gold medallist Feroze Khan has died seven months after celebrating his 100th birthday. Khan, who died on Wednesday, played in the hockey team for the then British colony of India at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. "It is a sad loss for Pakistani hockey," former Olympian and former Pakistan hockey Federation secretary M H Atif said yesterday. "While he might have only played for India, after partition he played an instrumental role as selector for the Pakistan team which won the 1960 Olympic hockey gold for the first time in Rome." Pakistan became an independent country in 1947 after end of British rule and the partition of India. Khan became the oldest Olympian after James Rockefeller of the United States, who won a gold medal in rowing in the 1924 Games in Paris, died last year at the age of 102. Born in the village of Basti Danishmandan, near the northwest Indian city of Jalandhar in 1904, Khan was a contemporar 0
110056 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Chelsea spending power gives rivals excuses LONDON: A healthy diet has become the norm for the modern professional footballer but every Premiership manager must live in fear of his best players dining out in a "top London restaurant". For as sure as coffee follows creme brulee, a link with Chelsea, usually in the form of ever-hungry chief executive Peter Kenyon, will emerge in the next day's tabloids. The bottomless pockets of billionaire owner Roman Abramovich have transformed Chelsea into a soccer black hole, capable of sucking in everything that comes within orbit. Just about every player at every club in the world, and certainly in England, is aware that, whatever astronomical wage they already earn, Chelsea are easily able to double it. So when Rio Ferdinand pops out for a meal with his agent and "coincidentally" bumps into Kenyon just a few miles from Stamford Bridge, Manchester United are right to have cause for concern. When that chance encounter turns out to be two separate meetings spread over thr 0
110057 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Uefa adopts new 'home-grown' plan TALLINN: Clubs taking part in European club competitions must include eight home-grown players in their 25-man squads by the start of the 2008-09 season following a landmark decision taken at Uefa's annual congress yesterday. The new rule will come into force at the start of the 2006-07 season with four home-grown players in the squads for Champions League and Uefa Cup matches, rising to six in 2007-08 and eight the season after. The ruling does not apply to domestic competitions, although Uefa is encouraging its members to adopt the rule in their own competitions too. The home-grown rule was the major decision approved by Uefa's 52 member nations, although the congress also agreed to defer the election for the next president of Uefa and other executive committee elections until 2007 to bring Uefa into line with Fifa and most of the other confederations. Meanwhile, both Uefa president Lennart Johansson and his Fifa counterpart Sepp Blatter, who addressed the congress, con 0
110058 0 1547 SPOR SPORT Essa excels in charity bowling ESSA Abduljabbar became the first player to play a series of more than 700 when he rolled the highest lane and series total of 717 so far on the seventh day of the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Charity Championship being held at the Bapco Club in Awali. The youth national bowler Essa (average 224) almost made good a promise that he would take over the championship lead from his elder brother Ahmed (226) but was just 17 pins short. In the women's category the position remained the same with Yasmine Akeel (210) leading ahead of Alma Sulaiman (196) in second. The number of trials reached 413 and the number of participants totalled 79. Standings: Men: 1 Ahmed Abduljabbar (avge 226); 2 Essa Abduljabbar (224); 3 Nabeel Khalifa (221); 4 Mahdi Assad (215); 5 Adel Rasti (212); 6 Abdulla Raees (212); 7 Ahmed Fareed (211); 8 Abbas Haji (209); 9 Mohammed Sultan (208); 10 Masoud Saberi (208); 11 Mohammed Jahromi (207); 12 Ahmed Al Noami (207). Women: 1 Yasmine Akee 0
110059 0 1547 WORL WORLD 17 killed in India as trains collide AHMEDABAD: At least 17 people were killed and 150 injured when an express train rammed into a freight train in western India yesterday, sparking a mob attack on the country's rail minister at the collision site, officials said. The angry crowd threw water bottles and stones at Railways Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav and tried to torch his car when he arrived at the site of the crash, 380km north of Bombay, police said. Police launched a baton charge to restore order, witnesses said, as rescuers brought in cranes to remove the train's debris from the track. "A total of 17 bodies have been recovered. We went through the mangled wreckages and all seems to be in order," Bhagesh Jha, district administrator of Baroda in Gujarat state, told television networks. The Sabarmati Express crashed at around 3am local time, Western Railways spokesman Shailendra Kumar said, adding that the train had rammed into the stationary freighter near Baroda's Samaliya village. Passenger Pre 0
110060 0 1547 WORL WORLD Bus passengers cross Kashmir divide again SRINAGAR: Bus passengers from the Indian and Pakistani-zones of Kashmir yesterday defied Islamic militant threats and crossed the heavily-militarised ceasefire line for the second time in almost 60 years. The first batch of passengers crossed on April 7 after India and Pakistan agreed to resume the bus service between the two divided zones. Eleven Pakistanis and 14 returning residents of Indian Kashmir, who came to Muzaffarabad on the first bus two weeks ago, were the first to walk across the 67-metre bridge which straddles the Line of Control , the de facto border splitting the Himalayan region, police and witnesses said yesterday. The green gate on the Pakistani side was flung open as the bus stopped at the bridge, amid the raising of white flags by Indian and Pakistani soldiers. After customs clearance, they boarded two buses for their onward journey to Srinagar, Indian Kashmir's summer capital. Three hours later, about 30 passengers from the Indian side cross 0
110061 0 1547 WORL WORLD Benedict retains key Vatican officials VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI retained the Vatican's top officials in their posts yesterday, seeking to assure continuity with the past in one of his first key decisions as pontiff. As he prepared for an inauguration mass on Sunday likely to draw up to half a million people and a clutch of world leaders, the Vatican said he had confirmed Angelo Sodano as his secretary of state, the Holy See's number two position. Among other key re-appointments were Leonardo Sandri as Sodano's deputy and Giovanni Lajolo as the Vatican's foreign minister. It means the new pontiff is beginning his papacy with the administration he inherited from John Paul II, with one notable exception - his former post as head of the Vatican's top doctrinal authority is still vacant. Meanwhile, Rome mayor Walter Veltroni said he expected up to 500,000 people to watch Sunday's inauguration mass at 10am. Around a million people thronged St Peter's Square and the surrounding streets for John Paul's April 8 0
110062 0 1547 WORL WORLD Four killed in Mecca checkpoint shootout MECCA: Islamic militants clashed with Saudi security forces early this morning in Mecca in a gunbattle that killed two militants and two policemen. The fight started when four militants in a taxi - a driver and three others disguised in abayas - tried to cross through a checkpoint into Mecca, said Brigadier General Mansour Al Turki, an Interior Ministry spokesman. When the group was stopped, they tried to flee, and police captured the driver but the other three fled, with police in pursuit. Security officials in Mecca said the three fled into the neighbourhood of Umm Al Joud - which like much of Mecca is built on hills - and took shelter in houses. After hours of fighting, two of the militants were killed and the third wounded and captured. Al Ekhbariya, the state-run television station, showed footage of police with automatic rifles keeping back civilians in what appeared to be a residential neighbourhood. Two policemen were killed in the battle and a number of others wo 0
110063 0 1547 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain SINHALESE New Year celebration, Sri Lanka Club cricket ground, West Riffa, 8.30am. All Sri Lankans welcome. Absolut Sundowner party, Fou Restaurant, Adliya, 6pm onwards. Entrance free. 13th Heritage Festival, Old Weaponry and Falcony Arts; Heritage Village, Bahrain National Museum, Manama, 5pm-9pm. Entrance free. Labour Ministry's labour inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's people trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Areen Wildlife Park, 8am-4pm. Tour fees BD1 adults, 500 fils children. Contact 17836116. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Good Shepherd Foursquare Church worship service, 7pm, Alun Morris Hall, St Christopher's Cathedral, Manama. Contact 17242488 or 39650720. 0
110064 1 1547 WORL WORLD helicopter shot down BAGHDAD: A commercial helicopter contracted by the US government was shot down by a missile north of the Iraqi capital yesterday, killing 11 people, including six American contractors. The rest include three Bulgarian crew and two bodyguards. The six Americans worked for security contractor Blackwater USA. The North Carolina-based contracting firm provides security for State Department officials. It was unclear whether the America-ns were under contract to the Pentagon or the State Department. The Mi-8 helicopter was owned by Bulgaria-based Heli Air and chartered by Toronto-based SkyLink Aviation Inc. 0
110065 0 1547 WORL WORLD Israeli pullback may be delayed JERUSALEM: Defence Minister Shaul Mofaz yesterday recommended briefly delaying Israel's planned withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the strongest indication yet that the summer pullout will be pushed back as Israeli hastily tries to prepare for the operation. The recommendation, which is expected to win government approval, came as Israel and the Palestinians held their first talks on co-ordinating the pullout. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon insisted that despite the short delay and strident settler opposition, the evacuation would be carried out. Mofaz met with top Israeli security officials, including army and police commanders, to discuss a proposal to delay the pullout by three weeks, until August 15. The Defence Ministry said Mofaz agreed to the delay, sending the matter to a ministerial committee headed by Sharon. The issue is ostensibly religious. The original starting date of the forcible evacuation of settlers who refuse to leave voluntarily on July 25, falls during a three-wee 0
110066 0 1547 WORL WORLD Mother jailed for toddler's murder BERLIN: A German court convicted a young mother and her boyfriend yesterday of fatally abusing her three-year-old daughter, and sentenced them to prison terms. Zaneta Copik and Mehmet Akul had been charged with murder after the death of the child, Karolina, who was found badly beaten and abandoned on January 5, 2004, in the women's toilet at a clinic in Weissenhorn, southern Germany. Copik and Akul were convicted of committing bodily harm resulting in death and abuse of a person in their charge. Akul was sentenced to 10 years and three months in prison and required to seek psychiatric treatment. He admitted during the trial to abusing the girl, but denied causing her death. Copik, whose lawyers sought her acquittal, was sentenced to five and half years in prison. After persuading him to let her dump the girl, barely alive, in the hospital toilet, Copik fled with Akul to Italy. Four days later, Italian police arrested them in Brindisi and handed them over to German authorities. LONDON: The parents of a critically-ill, 18-month-old girl yesterday lost their latest battle in an English court to require her doctors to keep her alive at all costs. High Court Justice Sir Mark Hedley ruled that if Charlotte Wyatt stopped breathing, as she has done several times in the past, doctors could try to revive her but without inserting tubes in her throat or using a respirator. The child's parents Darren and Debbie Wyatt said through their lawyer outside the London courthouse that they welcomed an opportunity to appeal the decision, which upholds one that Hedley handed down last October. The case has stirred passionate debate in Britain over who should make medical decisions that determine the fate of critically-ill children. The baby's condition has improved slightly since October, surprising those who thought she might not survive the winter. But she remains in a quasi-vegetative state in the hospital in the southern city of Portsmouth where she was born in 0
110068 0 1547 WORL WORLD Far right party gets BBC slot LONDON: The BBC said yesterday it had approved the far right British National Party (BNP) election television broadcast for airing last evening. Civil rights groups had called for the film to be censored after the party, whose leader Nick Griffin is on trial for inciting race hate, put forward enough candidates for the May 5 election to qualify for the right to airtime. "The TV broadcast will go ahead at 5.55pm (1655 GMT) on BBC2 and 6.55pm (1755 GMT) on BBC1," a BBC spokeswoman said. Broadcasters are legally obliged to show party election broadcasts provided they satisfy technical and other requirements, such as libel and race hate laws. The party said the film, which they say contrasts the plight of homeless former soldiers with the treatment of asylum-seekers by both Conservative and Labour governments, had to be adjusted to address sound quality issues. "The BBC have been very professional in their approach to the BNP team over the past 48 hours," the party sa 0
110069 0 1547 WORL WORLD Muslims deserting Labour LONDON: Muslim security guard Mohammed Miah helped put Tony Blair in power at the last election. Now he's seething - and wants him out. "That man killed so many innocent lives in Iraq he should be behind bars," said Miah, 21, at a teeming market in an area of London's East End dominated by Muslims of Bangladeshi origin. Instead of backing Blair's Labour party candidate at the May 5 vote, he plans to vote for George Galloway, a radical expelled from Labour for lambasting the UK and US leaders as "wolves" for their invasion of Iraq. Miah's desertion of Labour is typical of many of Britain's 1.6 million Muslims. They voted for the centre-left Blair en masse in 2001 but are now bitter, both over Iraq and a perceived stigmatisation of them since the September 11 2001 attacks. "Muslims here feel like an outcast community," said Inayat Bunglawala of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). Galloway, with his new anti-war party Respect, is hoping to cash in, t 0
110070 0 1547 WORL WORLD War veterans die in crash HANOI: Thirty Vietnamese war veterans and a driver were killed in a bus crash yesterday while en route to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, police said. The crash occurred at about 7.30am on the old Ho Chi Minh trail - which has been converted into a highway - in Kon Tum province about 150km south of Danang when the bus rounded a curve and plummeted about 70 meters off a mountain into a valley, said A Tri, district police chief. Only two of the 33 people aboard survived and all of the bodies have been recovered, he said. The veterans, including 14 women, were aged 60 to 70 and had fought for Vietnam's independence against the French and the Americans, he said. They were all from one neighbourhood in Hanoi. 'Murder' verdict date ABORWA, South Africa: A South African judge said yesterday that he will deliver a verdict on April 28 in the shocking trail of two men accused of feeding a farm worker to the lions. Mark Scott-Crossley, 47, and co-accused Simon 0
110071 0 1547 WORL WORLD Saudi men vote in landmark poll JEDDAH: Saudi men went to the polls yesterday in the final round of landmark municipal elections, with some pressing for wider public freedoms and others zealously defending the kingdom's Islamic identity against US pressure for reform. Dozens of men, some of whom came before polls opened at 8am, cast their ballots. Women, who have been barred from the vote, were nowhere to be seen. "All's going well," said Musaed Al Shareef, one of 700 local observers deployed in polling stations across the regions covered by the third and final round of the local elections. Around 83,000 men were registered to cast their ballots in the Jeddah region, including between 55,000 and 57,000 in the city itself, making up around 20 per cent of eligible voters, according to official estimates. A total of 244 seats are up for grabs in the third round, which will complete the election of half the members of 178 municipal councils across Saudi Arabia. The remaining seats will be filled by 0
110072 0 1547 WORL WORLD Peres-Qurie discuss withdrawal JERUSALEM: Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shimon Peres met Palestinian premier Ahmed Qurei yesterday for Jerusalem talks focused on the forthcoming Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. At the meeting, the two men discussed the pullout as well as economic issues linked to Gaza's future after the withdrawal, a member of the Palestinian delegation said. Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat and civil affairs minister Mohammed Dahlan also attended the two-hour meeting, which took place in a west Jerusalem hotel. "They also worked out a timetable for future meetings," he said, describing the talks as "positive". They discussed the possibility of a new meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas, after a peace summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh in early February at which they declared an end to more than four years of hostilities. 0
110073 0 1547 WORL WORLD Iraq cabinet postponed ANKARA: The announcement of the new Iraqi government, expected yesterday, has been further delayed, Iraqi President Jalal Talabani said. He said negotiations on the make-up of the government were continuing, stressing the need for a consensus on the right of all communities in Iraq to be represented in the administration. "We want to see the Sunni Arabs in the cabinet... We want to see a national unity government." On Wednesday, Talabani had said Wednesday that Prime minister-designate Ibrahim Al Jaafari would finally unveil the cabinet line-up yesterday, more than 11 weeks after general elections in January. Meanwhile, a roadside bomb exploded in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, wounding one soldier in a US convoy. When another US soldier fired his machine-gun at a suspected Iraqi ambush sight, a female Iraqi civilian was wounded, then died in a hospital, US officials said. Hours later, gunfire erupted downtown, and an eyewitness saw a young boy lying dead in a street n 0
110074 0 1547 WORL WORLD Accuser's mother 'lived like Liz Taylor' SANTA MARIA, California: The mother of Michael Jackson's teen accuser lived in quarters fit for Elizabeth Taylor during her alleged captivity at Neverland Ranch, a defence lawyer said yesterday. The superstar's child sex trial also heard testimony suggesting that records from the period of the alleged abuse of a then 13-year-old boy and the alleged imprisonment of him and his family may have been altered. The accuser's mother, who claimed she was held prisoner at the fantasy-style estate by Jackson and his alleged henchmen for three weeks in 2003, was supposedly housed in the same guest house where movie legend Taylor had stayed. Jackson faces 10 charges, including molesting the teen cancer patient, plying him with alcohol to seduce him and holding him and his family prisoner at Neverland and a California hotel in early 2003. l A potential defence witness in the trial was accused of having sex with an underage girl after telling her he had seen the pop star seduce a girl. 0
110075 0 1547 WORL WORLD Expats slain on highway BAGHDAD: Three foreign security contractors have been killed by insurgent gunfire in Iraq, their employer confirmed yesterday. The three - an American, a Canadian and an Australian - were shot on the highway leading to Baghdad's airport on Wednesday, Edinburgh Risk Inc said in a statement. 0
110076 2 1547 WORL WORLD UK postal ballot challenge fails LONDON: A candidate standing in Britain's general election lost his legal bid yesterday to challenge the postal ballot system, which has been attacked in the run-up to the May 5 vote as wide open to fraud. The High Court in London declined to hear a request by John Hemming, a Liberal Democrat city councillor in England's second city Birmingham, for a review of safeguards for mail-in ballots, which were introduced ahead of the 2001 general election and will be widely used next month. Meanwhile, police chiefs and senior civil servants were meeting yesterday to discuss ways to stave off ballot-rigging and calm public fears about the scope of postal fraud. Two major cases of fraud - in Hemming's city of Birmingham and in Blackburn, near Manchester - were exposed this month. Demand to participate in the mail-in system has skyrocketed, with up to 15 per cent of Britain's 44 million eligible voters likely to do so. Hemming had sought a judicial hearing on the grounds that the po 0
110077 0 1547 WORL WORLD A master with words... It began with "a", ended with "zootomy" and revolutionised the way English-speakers think about their language. Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language, published 250 years ago this month, was not the first English dictionary. But it was the first to mix workable, if sometimes idiosyncratic, definitions with illustrative quotations - more than 100,000 of them - showing the words in use. "It was the first good dictionary of the English language," said Henry Hitchings, author of Dr Johnson's Dictionary, The Extraordinary Story of the Book that Defined the World. A group of publishers enlisted 36-year-old Johnson, a poet, essayist and wit renowned for his "massive intellect and prodigious memory," according to Natasha McEnroe, curator of Dr Johnson's House museum in London. It took him almost a decade, years spent working with pen and paper in the attic of his brick house on London's Gough Square, sinking into debt as the money given by the publishers ran out. The dicti 0
110078 0 1547 WORL WORLD Search launched for 1,000-year-old relic British antiquarians are launching an Internet hunt to find a 1,000-year-old relic last seen in 1868 and believed to be the most remarkable piece of pre-Norman Conquest plate ever found in England. Archaeologists discovered the 8th century silver Witham Bowl in a river in northern England in 1816 but it disappeared almost 140 years ago. Britain's Society of Antiquaries, whose website www.sal.org.uk will feature a drawing of the bowl from today, hope it is gathering dust in a cupboard - or even that someone might be using it as an ashtray. The Anglo-Saxon bowl is ornamented with carvings of wild animals and has a "mysterious creature" at its centre, the society said. The image will appear on the site along with four thousand others, as the organisation works to improve public access to its archives. Love parade clamp BERLIN's giant Love Parade techno music dance party has been called off for the second year running, but organisers said yesterday they were hoping to revive it in ti 0
110079 0 1547 WORL WORLD How Pope swept to victory VATICAN CITY: Details emerged yesterday of how Pope Benedictswept to an overwhelming victory in a secret conclave. Benedict - a close doctrinal ally of John Paul II - made clear on the third day of his papacy that he would stick to his predecessor's conservative policies when he confirmed top posts at the head of the Vatican government. The cardinals' vote for German Joseph Ratzinger showed they wanted continuity and rejected a reformist change. Interviews and leaks from conclave cardinals made clear that he had built up strong momentum even before the election began, outmanoeuvring moderate opposition. Ratzinger went into the conclave on Monday as favourite but many Vatican experts felt he was too divisive and too old, at 78, to win. Instead he decisively consolidated his position in the first three voting sessions before winning in the fourth on Tuesday. Italian newspapers agreed that Ratzinger garnered well over the two thirds, or 77, votes he needed from the 1 0
110080 0 1547 WORL WORLD World leaders to attend ceremony PARIS: World leaders will return to Rome about two weeks after attending the funeral of the late John Paul II to witness the inauguration mass on Sunday of his successor. German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and his wife along with the country's president Horst Koehler and his spouse will be present to honour the new Pope Benedict. French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin accompanied by Foreign Minister Michel Barnier will attend the mass with other European leaders such as Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates. Belgium's heir to the throne, Prince Philippe, and his wife, Princess Mathilde, Spain's King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia will attend the mass. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe also plans to attend the inauguration New e-mail address for pontiff VATICAN CITY: Got a prayer or a peeve for the new pope? No problem - now you can e-mail him. Showing that the new Pope intends to follow in the footsteps of John Paul II's multimedia ministry, the Vatican yester 0
110081 0 1547 WORL WORLD Queen, 79, marks low-key birthday LONDON: Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 79th birthday day without most of her children and hidden from the public during an engagement-free day at Windsor Castle, her weekend residence west of London. The monarch, who acceded to the throne in 1952, was enjoying a "private day", with no special celebrations aside from a traditional 41-gun salute fired in her honour, a Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said. Most of her immediate family were absent, with two of her children on visits abroad and her son and heir, Prince Charles, still on honeymoon with his bride Camilla in Scotland. Princess Anne, 54, is visiting Germany while Prince Andrew, 45, the third son of the queen and Prince Philip, is on an official visit to Japan. Charles and Camilla, known since their marriage on April 9 as the Duchess of Cornwall, are staying at their lodge Birkhall on the queen's Balmoral royal estate in the Scottish Highlands. The queen's birthday is also known as Flag Day, when Britain's 0
110082 3 1547 WORL WORLD Russia-US row over Belarus VILNIUS: Russia and the United States clashed over Belarus yesterday as Moscow's foreign minister rebuffed a call by the US Secretary of State for change in what she branded central Europe's "last true dictatorship." "I think the democratic process and the process of reform cannot be imposed from outside," Sergei Lavrov said of Belarus at a news conference in the Lithuanian capital during a meeting between Nato and Russia. "We would not of course advocate what some people call "regime change" anywhere," he said, reacting to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice's remark the previous day that Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko ran "the last true dictatorship in the centre of Europe," and that it was time for change. But Rice insisted the US had a role to play in bringing democracy to former Soviet Belarus, and urged the world to monitor closely presidential elections there in 2006. "The 2006 elections really do present an excellent opportunity for the international communi 0
110083 1 1548 BUSI BUSINESS China textile export probe to be sought BRUSSELS: EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson will call on the European Union's executive commission next week to launch investigations into some Chinese textile imports, the first step to slapping limits on them, his spokeswoman said yesterday. "After having a detailed look at the statistics available to us on imports from China, imports of textiles and clothing that is, Peter Mandelson decided that at the beginning of next week he will be advising the commission to open investigations and also, of course, to consult informally with the Chinese authorities," spokeswoman Claude Veron-Reville said. The move will mark the start of a path that could lead to limits on Chinese textile imports, which have surged since the end of a global quota system at the beginning of the year. Beijing has warned that its relations with the Europeans could suffer if Brussels goes ahead with limits, while the EU's textile trade, backed by producer countries such as France and Italy, has been lobbying hard f 0
110084 2 1548 BUSI BUSINESS Free trade deal between Oman and US 'soon' WASHINGTON: Oman's trade minister said yesterday that talks with the Bush administration over a free trade agreement between the US and Oman had gone so well this week that the deal should be wrapped up next month. Oman's Trade and Industry Minister Maqbool bin Ali said the discussions with a US team led by Assistant US Trade Representative Catherine Novelli had gone so well that the two sides were not currently planning to have another full round of talks. He said they hoped to resolve the remaining issues through telephone calls. "Within the month of May we will finalise the agreement," Bin Ali said in. The Bush administration is seeking to reach free trade agreements with a number of countries in the Middle East in hopes that opening up the world's largest economy to unrestricted trade with countries in the region will provide economic support for a movement toward greater democracy. In the region, the US already has free trade agreements in effect with the A 0
110085 3 1548 BUSI BUSINESS Reuters agrees to sell Instinet to Nasdaq for $1.88bn NEW YORK: The Nasdaq Stock Market announced plans yesterday to buy the Instinet electronic platform from the British news and financial information group Reuters for about $1.88 billion. The British-based information group Reuters, which owns 62 per cent of Instinet, agreed to the transaction, according to a joint statement from the companies involved. The Nasdaq is the second-biggest stock market in the US after the New York Stock Exchange. The deal calls for Nasdaq to sell Instinet's institutional broker division to the investment firm Silver Lake Partners. Instinet's Lynch, Jones and Ryan subsidiary would go to Bank of New York under a separate arrangement. The combination of Nasdaq and rival Instinet "will provide all investors with a technologically superior trading platform that is positioned to compete effectively" in the new regulatory environment, the statement said. "This transaction will allow Nasdaq to compete more effectively with other US and 0
110086 0 1548 BUSI BUSINESS UK growth slows LONDON: British economic expansion slowed marginally in the first quarter of 2005, as growth in business and financial services were held back by slower industrial production activity. Preliminary figures released by the Office for National Statistics yesterday showed that gross domestic product, or GDP, rose by 0.6 per cent in the first three months of year, compared with a 0.7 increase in the previous quarter. The British government, which is in the middle of a general election campaign based largely on the strength of the economy, is targeting economic growth of 3pc to 3.5pc over the full year. The general election is May 5. Investec economist Philip Shaw said growth of 2.7pc was a more likely outcome. The statistics office said an increase of 0.1pc in first-quarter manufacturing output was wiped out by a 0.1pc drop in industrial production - the third quarter in a row production has dropped. Electricity, gas and water supply were hit by unseasonably warm weather at 0
110087 0 1548 BUSI BUSINESS Arroyo warns over oil prices JAKARTA: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo yesterday warned a summit of Asian and African leaders that unless high oil prices were cut, they could trigger a global economic recession and create a window for terrorists. Arroyo told the meeting in Jakarta, featuring some of the world's leading oil consumers, that unsustainable prices were driving many countries to the brink of financial instability. "There's no question that the rising price of oil has the potential to put the brakes on economic expansion," Arroyo said, urging delegates to work together to "prevent such a crisis". The rising trend of oil prices could worsen to levels that could halt economic growth or even prompt global economic recession, Arroyo said. "It is stripping oil-importing Asia and Africa of our ability to manage for global competitiveness. It is preventing us from pursuing our economic development programmes with vigor. It is requiring us to face the spectre of economic decline," she said. 0
110088 0 1548 BUSI BUSINESS China plans to invest $10bn in Indonesia JAKARTA: China has agreed to invest $10 billion in Indonesia as part of a new strategic agreement between the two countries, officials said yesterday. Economy Minister Aburizal Bakrie said the deal, a major boost to Southeast Asia's largest economy as it struggles to throw off the effects of the Asian financial crisis, would be comprised of agriculture and infrastructure projects. "The investment will be made by the private sector and we hope it will be carried out this year," the minister was reported by the state Antara newspaper as saying. Asian and African leaders gathered yesterday in Jakarta for a landmark summit aimed at reviving bonds between the world's poorest nations and thrusting their causes back into the global spotlight. Almost 50 heads of state from the two continents attended the summit, marking the golden jubilee of a 1955 conference in Indonesia that gave birth to the Non-Aligned Movement, but failed to deliver similar goals. Chinese President H 0
110089 0 1548 BUSI BUSINESS Beijing is champion of the developing world says Hu JAKARTA: Economic powerhouse China reached out to its Asian and African brethren on Friday, pledging to stand shoulder to shoulder with them and never abandon its self-proclaimed role as a champion of the Third World. Addressing an Asian-African summit in Jakarta, Chinese President Hu Jintao stressed that the world's most populous nation would be a political, economic and security partner of developing countries, apparently seeking to counter the superpower diplomacy employed by the US. More than two decades of reform and opening up have transformed China's economy from a centrally planned backwater to an economic giant, with the economy growing an average of 9.4 per cent annually and trade soaring 16.7pc annually. But "China will always be a member of the developing world", Hu told leaders and observers from 100 countries. "Strengthening solidarity and co-operation with other developing countries is the cornerstone of China's diplomacy." President Hu pledged 0
110090 0 1548 BUSI BUSINESS Wipro rally cheers markets BOMBAY: Bombay shares rallied nearly a per cent, notching a third straight day of gains yesterday as traders cheered strong earnings from leading technology companies, including Wipro. Wipro's shares closed 6.33pc higher at 644.45 rupees, making it the biggest gainer among components of the benchmark 30-share Bombay index. Apart from 38pc year-on-year profit growth for the January-March quarter, Wipro gave an upbeat forecast as its clients ramp up technology outsourcing. It also surprised the market with a one-for-one bonus share issue. The Bombay index, lifted mainly by technology shares, closed 0.75pc higher at 6,346.57pc, taking its gains over the past three sessions to 3.5pc from Tuesday's near-three-month low. It also recorded its first weekly gain in three weeks, of 1.57pc. The broader National index was up 0.96pc at 1,967.35pc. The Bombay index's market capitalisation rose 0.9pc yesterday and by 3.5pc over the past three days to $163 billion. 0
110091 0 1548 COMM COMMENTTime to count blessings rather than the years... Hollywood icon Michael Douglas and I have more things in common than may be immediately apparent. True, he is talented, rich and famous, while I am neither of these, but there are some significant similarities. Douglas has been in the papers lately after reportedly going under the cosmetic surgeon's knife to try to slice away some of his 60 years. I share his aversion to the effects of advancing years and, with my 50th birthday just a few weeks away, my looks could definitely do with some work. We each have beautiful, significantly younger wives and I can understand that Douglas wants to look his best for the love of his life. But all the plastic sur-gery in the world cannot really turn back the clock and I doubt it can ever be worth the risks and discomfort that come with it. Douglas has reportedly had the bags removed from under his eyes, something I can empathise with, since you could get a week's shopping in mine. Those in the know say he has also had 0
110092 0 1548 COMM COMMENTHow schoolbooks define policy As the spring sun backed the last of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo last week, you could walk off the streets into a scene straight out of a Second World War film: hundreds of super-patriots bowing to a rising-sun flag and pledging their lives to defend Japan from her "enemies". "Japan faces its worst crisis for 60 years," said Kihachiro Minamioka, a speaker at a national ultra-rightist conference in Kudan Hall. "We are beset by foes in Asia who want to take our land. And look at our forces in Iraq" an army that cannot defend itself from an enemy attack. This is a shameful country." Japan's ultra-rightists are despised by most ordinary people and rarely covered by the media, but there are striking similarities between their arguments and those of the academics and politicians behind the history textbooks that have caused so much anger across Asia. Both groups say Japan was not the aggressor in the Second World War but the liberator, fighting to free Asia from the yoke of white colo 0
110095 0 1548 LETT LETTERS Noisy workmen giving us sleepless nights Makeshift rooftop carpentry and marble cutting workshops are causing a headache and sleepless nights. Recently, the rooftop of a building where restaurant Hot shot (near Bahrain Plaza Hotel) Shaikh Isa Avenue, in Gudaibiya has been transformed into one of these. The workers start at 8pm and continue till 11pm to 11.30pm, sometimes up to 1am causing immense amount of noise and disturbance to the people in the residential buildings as they use electric saws, and drilling machines at such late hours in the night. Our children have their exams going on and I guess we also deserve a noiseless comfortable sleep after a hard day at work. I see cheap expat labour is being forced to work at such late hours. Human rights groups could also look into the matter. I wish the authorities can take urgent steps to stop this menace. Abdul Samad 0
110096 0 1548 LETT LETTERS Timing not subtle SO Tony Blair, popularly known in the UK as 'Bliar', now releases the news that he will pull out UK forces from Iraq. His timing is not very subtle with elections just around the corner or has he arranged postal votes for the guys fighting for the UK in Iraq? Does he forget he duped the public not so long ago in funding a chase after WMDs and frightening everyone with something which is being proved was a total fabrication for his own popularity. How that has turned on him! Tony must be very worried about the votes that he is going to lose, the Muslims are angry, schools have lost their Christian teaching as part of their curriculum, the medical service is going downhill fast, the transport infrastructure is outdated, expensive and losing money hand over fist and Camilla is staking her claim on the possible vacancy of Bucking Palace which Tony had eyes on. Never mind all that conjecture. He can count on the immigration and asylum vote, they love him. Watch this spac 0
110097 0 1548 LETT LETTERS Devil's advocate? ALAS Mr Henderson (GDN April 15) you have gone where even angels fear to tread. For starters your rendition of the late Holy Father's so called omissions during his mourning period had only very sour notes. My dilemma was if you really deserved a reply, for John Paul II does not need to be defended. And since I didn't know if you were playing the devil's advocate, I can clearly tell you that the condom is a tool to licentious behaviour, a synthetic, odorous and an unreliable cover used by a man's one eyed ego alter ego for emerging in public unseen - another of man's temporary solutions very much like women's hoods. Either to practice birth control or to prevent diseases you do not need it. A combination of abstention, loyalty to your partners, the use of nature's cycle, a little self control and good fate will do. Considering that his position of immense power was used to bind humanity it would be wise Mr Henderson if you do not try and fathom the intellectual or the mo 0
110098 0 1548 LETT LETTERS Red letter day THE lady who wrote (GDN April 12) advising all mail users to go to Hidd Post Office was correct. I sent three letters to Europe and all arrived within three days - excellent service. I, like your previous writer, had been using Adliya Post Office and the airmail was taking three to four weeks to get to Europe. The answer as your writer said is to change post offices. Dr Tendai Mugabe 0
110099 0 1548 LETT LETTERS A wonderful service OUT of necessity I happened upon a wonderful service that may prove useful to other readers of the GDN. I received an urgent message from my daughter, currently back packing in the Cairns area of Australia, to say that she had lost her ATM card, her main source of cash on the road, and HELP mum what will I do? OK no problem I thought, I will transfer money to one of her travel mate's bank accounts. However, that 'efficient' service takes about three days! A fellow customer at the bank suggested a service called Western Union, which he claimed could transfer funds immediately. Not quite believing anything could be that seamless, I ventured to the nearest Western Union office and discovered that yes I could forward cash 'person to person' to pretty much anywhere. Two helpful staff members busied themselves finding a list of Western Union agents in the Cairns area of Australia. The list included post offices, newsagents, travel agents and money exchange houses. With a sec 0
110100 0 1548 LETT LETTERS Throwaway thought HOW come every time we design, develop and produce a new commodity we create a problem - that of disposal. Does any reader know of a constructive means of disposing of compact discs? Waste disaster 0
110101 0 1548 LETT LETTERS Twisted legal logic! WITH reference to your letter headlined 'Judges Must Explain Sentence Reasoning' (GDN April 17) I wish to salute Mr B Mabi for airing his concerns over the qualifications of judges. In connection with the question posed by the reader, permit me to share the following episode which might help fill the gap. I filed a case against a private educational and training establishment and to this end I approached a lawyer. To my surprise and disbelief, on the subject of leaving indemnity, the lawyer had the following to say "Only Bahrainis can claim leaving indemnity and you are not Bahraini". I challenged the lawyer for his misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the Bahrain Labour Laws for the private sector and the lawyer retaliated by saying "I am the lawyer not You". Contemplate a scenario where such lawyers become judges. I am not surprised by the readers quest. Jacob Samuel 0
110102 1 1548 BNEW LOCAL SPEEDY TRIALS MANAMA MANAMA: Bahrain has unveiled an ambitious plan to completely overhaul its judicial system, including new courts to ensure speedy trials. "The plan is to rebuild the system to be more in line with sweeping local and international developments," Justice Minister Dr Mohammed Al Sitri said. "The entire legal framework is being reviewed, particularly judicial and prosecution procedures," he said. A comprehensive report on suggested legal amendments will then be submitted to the Cabinet, to be later forwarded to Parliament. Subpoena procedures and enforcement of court verdicts were also being reviewed, with plans to take tough measures in co-ordination with the Interior Ministry. "We are keen to expedite the settlement of trade disputes to create an investment friendly environment and preserve individual rights," he said in response to a question submitted by Shura Council member Abdulhussain Bu Hussain on the ministry's development schemes. Dr Al Sitri also revealed th 0
110103 2 1548 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain praises US push for FTA MANAMA WASHINGTON: Bahrain yesterday praised the US for its continuous efforts to further bolster trade links between the two countries. Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in a meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney at the White House last night, praised President George W Bush's strong support for the Bahrain-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA reflected the keenness of both countries to enhance economic, trade and investment co-operation, he said. They also reviewed current developments and the Crown Prince commended the key US role in activating the Mideast peace process, notably in asking Israel to stop building more settlements in the occupied lands. They also discussed stability in the Gulf and the ongoing war on terror. 0
110104 3 1548 BNEW LOCAL Rafters make a huge splash... MANAMA BATELCO and Awali Church emerged champions yesterday at the Bahrain Raft Race 2005, held at the Al Bander Hotel and Resort in Sitra, as hundreds of supporters cheered the teams. Around BD27,000 was estimated to have been raised that was just BD3,000 shy of the BD30,000 target set by the Rotary Club of Salmaniya, which organised the annual charity event in association with Al Bander. But organising committee chairman Jano Mouawad said that this year's event was still one of the most successful in recent years with 28 registered teams. Batelco won the men's championship race and received a second award for best timing during the heats for men's teams with 4 minutes, 10 seconds and 20 milliseconds. Awali Church won both the mixed championship and best timing for a mixed team with a time of three minutes and 12 milliseconds. Awards were also presented to the British Club, Alba 2 and Alba 1, who were men's championship first, second and third runners-up respectively. 0
110105 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Top students to visit UN office MANAMA THREE outstanding students who took part in the Bahrain Model United Nations (Bahmun) have been chosen to spend one week at the United Nations (UN) headquarters, in New York, later this year. They will submit resolutions that were passed during the two-day event, which took place last month. Shugal Arafeen, from St Christopher's School, Sarah Yousif, from Hamad Town Girls Secondary School, and William Marczak, from Bahrain School, were selected by the Rotary Club of Adliya from a shortlist of 15 students. The selection was based on students' performance at the Rotary Club of Adliya's 11th BAHMUN, which was held at the Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School, Salmabad. Their punctuality, level of research on issues related to the countries they represented, active involvement and presentation and participation skills were all factors in their selection. The students' writing, public-speaking skills and critical and analytical thinking abilities were also assessed, as well 0
110106 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Students to discuss key issues with officials STUDENTS are to meet with government officials and business leaders to discuss various community issues. Twenty Bahrain University students will be chosen for a delegation to liaise with the government and private sector. The delegation will visit ministry officials and company representatives to discuss employment, training and development. It may also take part in international conferences, under a scheme to give students a chance to play a more active role in the community. The delegation's programme is under the theme Know Your Country. "The students will meet with the concerned officials to discuss issues related to employment, training, youth facilities and future developmental projects," said university student affairs dean Dr Huda Al Khaja. "We are also planning to send the students for youth conferences and meetings abroad." Students applying for the delegation should be studying at morning classes and have already completed 30 credit hours. 0
110107 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Manager dies of heart attack MANAMA BAHRAIN resident Govindan Jayakumar died of a heart attack at 9.30am yesterday at his home in Budaiya. The 45-year-old was working as a purchase and project development manager at Al Manaratain Concrete and Block Factory in Khamis, Sitra and Askar for the past 15 years. He leaves his wife Leelamony, 43, son Kamal, six, who is a student at The Asian School, and four-year-old daughter Kavya. Mr Jayakumar had called his colleague Reji Varghese, who was in church at around 9am, yesterday to say that he was suffering from chest pains and needed to be taken to hospital. "I rushed to his flat and when I reached there he said he was fine and there was no need to go to hospital, but said he would go later and asked me to leave," said Mr Varghese, an information technology manager at Al Manaratain Concrete and Block Factory. "When I returned back to church, I was told he had collapsed on the bed. Someone near the flat called an ambulance, they came but it was too late. "It' 0
110108 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Property boom hurting expats MANAMA We all need a roof over our head and the pages of the GDN's classified section are always bulging with possibilities. However, close observers will have noticed that advertised prices are heading upwards steeply and good properties at reasonable rents are becoming scarce commodities. Landlords are making the most of soaring demand from those who work in Saudi Arabia, but want to live here with their families and commute, particularly after a spate of terrorist attacks last year.. These newcomers have huge allowances in comparison to the average Bahrain expatriate and are happy to spend them in return for some luxury. Investors are reluctant to build mid-priced compounds, recognising the higher returns they can get from homes which bring in between BD1,000 and BD2,000 a month. They are also being hit by increased land prices and construction costs. Meanwhile, many of Bahrain's older compounds, which previously offered a good standard of accommodation at an afforda 0
110109 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL 15 Bahrainis tie the knot Fifteen Bahrainis tied the knot in a ceremony organised by Al Wasset Consultants for Matrimonial Relations last Thursday. The event, patronised by Kuwaiti businessman Ali Yusif Al Matrook at Gulf Air Club hall, was also attended by Parliament Chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi, Northern Governor Ahmed bin Salloom. Another batch of 24 Bahrainis will also get married soon in a ceremony to be patronised by UAE businessman Mirza Al Fardan. 0
110110 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Diabetes camp draws to a close MANAMA THE Bahrain Diabetic Society's (BDS) annual Sherooq Camp came to a close yesterday with an honouring ceremony held at the Bahrain Sailing Club, in Zallaq. Thirty-six Bahraini children, aged six to 15, joined by five from Qatar and four from the UAE participated in the three-day camp, which featured various activities covering health, education, sport and art. The aim of the camp was to teach diabetic children how to take care of themselves, as well as giving them the opportunity to make new friends. The camp was held under the patronage of Southern Governor Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. At the closing ceremony BDS president Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa presented the children with certificates and gifts. Sherooq Camp Committee chairwoman Dr Mariam Al Mulla also attended the event. 0
110111 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL BD23,000 to fund mass weddings A BAHRAIN organisation has raised more than BD20,000 to pay for a mass wedding in India. It will give around 70 poor women a chance at married life that they may never otherwise have had. The wedding will take place in Kerala next month thanks to the Bahrain wing of Kerala-based Muslim group Wayanad Mutil Orphanage. About 25 lakh Indian rupees (BD23,000) was raised by its Bahrain-based welfare committee. The money was raised in just two months, according to committee chairman M P Abdulrahman Haji. He said the brides are either orphans or very poor women whose families could not afford to pay a dowry. "We received around 200 applications from poor people after we advertised in the Kerala newspapers earlier this year," he told the GDN. "Out of those we selected 70 deserving cases through a detailed study. "Members of our group took part in the campaign and found sponsors to go ahead with the project. "We received an overwhelming response." BAHRAINI Sayed Jaffar Hussain Abdulla Hussain's dreams are coming true, thanks to a windfall of $100,000 (BD37,800). Mr Hussain was the first winner of the newly-increased $100,000 (BD37,800) quarterly Alwatani Savings draw at the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB). The 25-year-old from Abu Saiba village, off Budaiya Road, plans to use the money to buy a plot of land, to build a house. Mr Hussain, a physical education teacher at Shaikh Abdulla Technical Secondary School for Boys, Isa Town, plans to marry fiance Iennam Abdulla Isa in six or seven months, so the money will give them a start. "I think there are so many things you can do with $100,000, but the main thing is to buy some land, if you buy land you are investing in the future," he said. "Everyone says 'mabrook' and my parents think it is something unbelievable. "This is the first thing I have won in my life. It's a nice feeling. I'm a lucky man." Mr Hussain received his prize along with five weekly winners 0
110113 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Filipinas 'forced into prostitution' TWO Filipinas brought to Bahrain ostensibly to work in a coffee shop were forced into prostitution by their Bahraini sponsor, a court heard. The 38-year-old Bahraini and his Russian girlfriend kept the girls, aged 20 and 23, in a service apartment for several months. They forced them to have sex with clients in the apartment and elsewhere, it is alleged at the Lower Criminal Court. The younger woman told police the defendant beat her up and threw her against a wall when she said she wanted to go home. The women told police they were threatened and gave in because they had travelled here on forged passports and knew they would be in trouble. They escaped from the service apartments in March last year, when a Saudi client took pity on them and drove them to the Philippines Embassy, the court heard. The defendant denies forcing the women into prostitution and living on part of their earnings, in 2003 and last year. He told police that he brought the women fro 0
110114 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL University gearing up for major arts festival MANAMA PREPARATIONS are well underway for Bahrain University's First Informa-tion, Tourism and Arts Festival, which will be held this week at Sakhir. The three-day event, from Monday to Wednesday, is organised by the university's College of Arts in co-ordination with the Info-rmation Ministry under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. The event, under the theme Towards Better Student Production, will include various exhibitions, workshops, plays and seminars on information, tourism and arts. College dean Dr Ibrahim Ghuloom said that exhibits would be the work of students. "The exhibits include journalistic, public relations, television and radio, tourist and multimedia works," he said. "The festival also includes workshops on advertisements, television debate skills, designing electronic newspapers, public relations - past and present, hospitality and women's role in public life." Three seminars will take place over the three da 0
110115 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Beach picnic fun for young MANAMA AROUND 100 Friendship Society for the Blind students, attendants and guests enjoyed a picnic held at the Bapco Beach Club in Zallaq yesterday. The picnic was organised by the Lions Club of Riffa as part of its community service and human welfare programme. "In addition to giving them some gifts, we felt that they would also appreciate our Lions spending time to take them out," said club president Shaukat Lokhandwala. "It really makes us feel happy to see these children enjoying themselves at the beach." Event chairman Lion Moin Qureishi thanked Bapco beach authorities for the use of the facilities and the Friendship Society for the opportunity to serve the society. The water and soft drinks were sponsored by Coca-Cola. The Lions Club of Riffa is a voluntary non-political service organisation, which serves the community through its various projects. It is a part of the Lions Clubs International, which was founded in 1917 and has since grown to be the wo 0
110116 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Book for All to open new page in reading MORE than 30,000 books will be distributed today to children of all ages in celebration of Book for All. The giveaway is part of the Children's Arts and Literature Festival 2005, which is being held under the patronage of Shaikha Hala bint Daij Al Khalifa. Book for All was launched last year as an annual event to provide all children in Bahrain with the opportunity to visit their local library and choose a book. Toddlers to teenagers, aged up to 18, are encouraged to go along and choose a book between 9am and 5pm today. They can be picked up at the following locations: Diraz Primary Girls School, Yethrib Girls Secondary School, Umm Al Hassam Boys Primary School - Library, East Riffa Primary Girls School, National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) Library, Busaiteen and Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Boys School, in Isa Town. The books will be distributed according to age group and language, with the aim of encouraging children to read more and develop an interest in visiting libraries. < 0
110117 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL New refill service for SimSim customers BATELCO and Ahli United Bank Bahrain (AUBB) yesterday announced a new electronic refill service for the bank's SimSim mobile pre-paid customers. Starting this week, AUBB customers will be able to refill their SimSim accounts via the bank's customer service channels, starting with the bank's contact centre and followed by the bank's e-banking channels. In addition, customers can refill SimSim accounts from outside of Bahrain, which means one less thing to worry about while travelling abroad. "This service is designed to make life easier for a big group of our customers," said Batelco mobile services senior manager Hamza Ali. "We are providing a flexible and simple method of refilling SimSim mobile pre-paid accounts which means that customers can refill SimSim accounts simply by making a phone call from home, office or via mobile phone while on the go." Commenting on the new service AUBB deputy chief executive officer Abdulla Al Raeesi said that he was delighted that cu 0
110118 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Hot tea poured on wife's face A BAHRAINI man who poured scalding tea over his wife's face has been sentenced to six months in jail, or a BD600 fine. The 48-year-old Customs worker also punched her in the face and stomach, the Lower Criminal Court heard. He later allegedly threatened to kill her unless she dropped the case after reporting him to police. The 45-year-old Bahraini woman appeared in court and told the judge she wanted to drop the prosecution, but only because her ex-husband had threatened to kill her if she did not. Her former husband denied attacking her in her own home, but was convicted. He claimed that she attacked him and that he was defending himself. The defendant also denied threatening to kill her unless she dropped the case. "That is not true, because I agreed with her to drop my case against her and in exchange she will drop her charges against me," he told the judge. A medical examination on December 11 last year showed that the woman had tea poured over 0
110119 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Jeweller is convicted of gold theft AN Indian jeweller was jailed for three months after "losing" gold worth BD550, which he was supposed to turn into a necklace. The 40-year-old goldsmith, who was convicted on charges of fraud and breach of trust by the Lower Criminal Court, will be deported upon completion of his sentence. He was arrested in March and claimed he lost the gold, which weighed 65 grams, but didn't know where it could be. "I received the gold from my Bahraini sponsor to make a chain for him, but I don't know where the gold has gone," said the goldsmith in his statement to police. "It is possible that I dropped this gold somewhere and lost it, but I don't remember exactly where. "I received it in the gold workshop in Manama that belongs to my sponsor." The goldsmith had offered to work off his debt, but his 47-year-old Bahraini sponsor claimed he was embezzling gold from his workshop. This was backed up by his 43-year-old Indian colleague, who told police he was taking 0
110120 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Hunt for English film cast begins MANAMA CASTING has started for an English-language film being shot this August in Bahrain. The romantic comedy, called Penguin in the Desert, is being shot by Bahrain-based media production house Al Wa'ad for Media Production and Distribution, in association with American-based film company Cotton Candy Productions. Al Wa'ad chief executive officer and film director, Dr Willa Dawn Cotton, said the film would be an official submission at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. "The story of the film revolves around the adventures of a group of high school teens enjoying the pampered lifestyle of expatriates living abroad," she told the GDN. "We've selected all the main characters for the movie and are now casting secondary roles. "We need actors and extras of all ages." Dr Cotton said there are a large number of roles to be played and anyone interested in taking part should audition. "We are inviting all of Bahrain's locals and expatriates to take part in this rare event," 0
110121 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Thieves rip stereo from parked car THIEVES ripped the BD200 sound system out of a 1981 Toyota Corolla while the owner was at work, sources told the GDN. They stripped out the stereo, speakers, bass amplifier and some tapes from the car, which was parked near the main bus station, in Manama. Bahraini owner Hassan Abbas, aged 22, says the culprits got into the car by prising open the door. "I parked near the bus station next to Bahrain Credit, in Manama, at around 7.45am and headed to the Sunshine Tours office near Bab Al Bahrain where I work," said Mr Abbas. "I returned to my car during my lunch break at around 1pm and found the passenger door busted and the sound system missing. "The upper side of the door was bent, so I guess they used something to crank it open and gained access to the car through the gap. "I immediately called the police, who sent some officers to investigate and then had me take the car to Naim Police Station for fingerprints. "I banged the door back into shape, 0
110122 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Ex- Akhbar editor mourned MANAMA: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday sent a cable of condolences to Akhbar Al Khaleej editor-in-chief Anwar Abdulrahman following the death of former editor-in-chief Ahmed Abdulghani. Schools licence plan MANAMA: The Education Ministry has so far licensed 14 private schools. Of these, only seven have opened effectively, said Cultural Affairs and Scholarships Directorate Director Rashid Darraj. New applications for higher education colleges have also been submitted. Student ratio hailed MANAMA: Bahrain has the lowest classroom density in the GCC. A study, sponsored by the Education Ministry, has revealed that average students per class in government schools was below 28 and that girls slightly outnumbered boys at 62,185, compared with 61,052. 0
110123 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Empowering women... A national conference will be held on Monday marking the launch of Bahrain Women Empowerment Strategy. The event, under the theme "Woman, a True Partner in Nation-building and Development" will be patronised by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairperson of Supreme Council for Women, council secretary general Lulwa Al Awadhi said. More than 150 experts from governments and non-governmental organisations will help develop a plan to give more power to women. A series of round table conferences and workshops are also planned. 0
110124 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Alba probe vow MANAMA: The Al Menbar parliamentary bloc yesterday reiterated its plans to continue investigating the Alba case. "The legislative and legal committee has yet to determine the legal responsibility of Oil Minister Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, who is also Alba chairman, said bloc MP Dr Mohammed Al Saadi. Leave cash plan MANAMA: Retired Alba employees are to be paid cash compensation for their unused sick leave. The compensation would amount to 50 per cent or a maximum of 189 days, of their accumulated leave, said Alba labour relations chief Ali Kadhim Jawad. 0
110125 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Club officials installed MANAMA HUNDREDS of people attended the induction ceremony of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam Ladies Wing and Children's Club, held yesterday at the club's auditorium in Manama. The ceremony began with the lighting of the traditional lamp by chief guest and Shura Council member Alice Samaan. The event also featured various cultural events including traditional dances and songs. Indian School vice-principal Srivalsan Murugan was guest of honour at the function. 0
110126 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Virtual racers take up GT4 challenge MANAMA SCORES of racing car enthusiasts battled it out in a driving simulation challenge for a chance to represent Bahrain in a Middle East championship to be held in Dubai next month. Participants competed against each other in the PlayStation 2 Gran Turismo (GT) 4 Challenge, which was held at Seef Mall yesterday and on Thursday. Drivers were given three laps each on the game's Suzuka East Circuit using the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo Limited Edition - both found in the Arcade Time Trial Mode of the GT 4 game. The fastest driver will win an all expenses paid trip to Dubai next month to take part in the Middle East GT4 Challenge Grand Final, where top drivers from GCC countries will race against each other for a chance to be crowned Middle East champion and win a new Nissan 350Z sports car. The winner will also get a chance to compete for the world champion title in Le Mans, France, in June. Winners of the Bahrain challenge will be announced in tomorrow's GDN. 0
110127 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Family fun marks Lankan New Year MORE than 1,000 people attended a celebration yesterday to mark the Sri Lankan New Year, at the Sri Lankan Club cricket ground in West Riffa. Celebrations kicked off with the hoisting of the Sri Lankan flag conducted by club president Ahmed Rizvi and the Bahrain flag by club past president Gamini Alvitigala. Then the club executive committee lit the traditional oil lamp. The event also featured various cultural activities including traditional games, music and dance. Children also took part in a variety of fun events including a bicycle race, running race, sack race, a fancy dress competition and a New Year queen contest. 0
110128 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Laptop thief is arrested A PAKISTANI watchman was stopped from boarding his flight back home at the Bahrain International Airport when police recovered a stolen laptop in his luggage. The 22-year-old was arrested at the airport and the laptop returned to its owner, a Greek man. The victim had reported his laptop missing from his flat to his Bahraini landlord. The landlord suspected the building watchman, who was scheduled to go back to Pakistan the same day the laptop was stolen - and alerted police. 0
110129 0 1548 BNEW LOCAL Mobiles stolen THREE Pakistanis were robbed while they were sleeping in their single-bedroom flat, sources told the GDN. Burglars are said to have entered their apartment at around 5am and stole their three mobile phones and BD45 in cash. The matter was reported to police. 0
110130 1 1548 SPOR SPORT SOUTH AFRICA IN GOOD START BRIDGETOWN: South Africa cemented their position in the third cricket Test against West Indies, when they reached 136 without loss at tea on the second day here yesterday. At the break, South Africa captain Graeme Smith was unbeaten on 69 and Abraham de Villiers was not out on 65, after West Indies were dismissed for 296 in their first innings. The two South African opening batsmen consolidated their side's position with resolute batting. Hardly a ball beat their bats and they defied everything the West Indies threw at them, including some hostile deliveries from fast bowler Fidel Edwards. Smith was fortunate however. On 25, he square drove low to cover-point, but Dwayne Bravo could not hold onto the catch. Before lunch, both had some close calls. Twice Smith left alone deliveries that swung back dangerously close to his off-stump, and De Villiers mistimed a hook at a short ball from Fidel Edwards that fell just short of the mid-on fielder. Earlier, the South Africans nee 0
110131 2 1548 SPOR SPORT Mansour claims Grand Prix title AHMED Mansour raced to victory in the Grand Prix class of the End of Season Showjumping Championship which concluded yesterday at the Mounted Police Centre premises in Budaiya. Riding Shama, Mansour proved too good to claim the major competition of this two-day event organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef). Veteran rider Sami Ghazwan on Raheeb was second and Khalid Hilal third on Dong Hoy. Competition in two more classes were held earlier yesterday. In the Intermediate class, Muslim Ali steered DHL Golden Girl and Senior to first and fifth places respectively in this event after a tough competition with Ali Essa who was second on DHL Dolby. Yahya Ahmed rode Zahi to third place, Adnan Al Alawi was fourth on Muhajer while veteran rider Hussain Al Daylami could only manage sixth spot on Femaghi. Abbas Essa was the winner in the Open class in which more than 20 riders participated. Essa, who rode Tawi, was followed by Ghazwan on Amira in and Hilal 0
110132 3 1548 SPOR SPORT Olympic star Holmes decides to quit athletics LONDON: Double Olympic champion Kelly Holmes, whose career was an ultimate triumph of perseverance over adversity, has decided to conclude her international career at the age of 35. Admitting to a lack of motivation after winning the 800-1,500 double at last August's Athens Olympics, Holmes will make her British farewell at the Sheffield Grand Prix on August 21. She hopes to compete at the Helsinki world championships earlier in the same month and may run at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next February. "If you look at my career, I've won 13 medals from Commonwealth Games, world championships, Europeans and Olympic Games so I've got nothing to prove to myself or anybody else," Holmes told the BBC. "I've achieved my dreams so now I'm in a position to say, 'well I can do what I want'." Helsinki, which staged the first world championships in 1983, would provide an ideal stage for Holmes to finish in style. She won a silver medal in the Finnish capital at th 0
110133 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Lodge Keeper bags feature event with a 5-length win LODGE Keeper raced to a comfortable five-length victory to claim the Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, one of the two cup events at Sakhir yesterday. Lodge Keeper, owned by Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by Nicolas De Croutte and ridden by Gerald Avranche, beat Anshaam in this BD2,000 race while Robinia Parkes was third and True Courage fourth. Afeef also lived up to expectations winning the Amouage Islands Cup which carried a cash prize of BD1,000. Afeef, owned by Shaikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, trained by De Croutte and ridden by Avranche, beat Ghayth by three-and-half-length while Jamr Al Oyoon was third and Al Jumooh fourth. In the supporting races, Al Jellaby 1164, owned by Al Jasrah, trained by A Redha Abbas and ridden by Avranche, won the event for Arabian horses while Khat Al Nar, owned by S Haitham S Adnan, trained by Yousif Sarhan and ridden by Avranche won the race for locally bred horses. Ogilvy, owned by Fawzi Abdulla Nass, trained by 0
110134 0 1548 SPOR SPORT De la Rosa sets pace in practice IMOLA, Italy: Pedro de la Rosa gave his McLaren team a boost ahead of tomorrow's San Marino Grand Prix when he finished comfortably ahead of his rivals in practice here yesterday. De la Rosa, who raced for the team in Bahrain but returned to his usual third driver role this weekend, beat his session-leading lap in the first session with a time of 1:20.484 in the second to end the day on top of the pile. "So far it has worked quite well," said de la Rosa. "I think there are still a few tenths in the car, we have to work a little bit on the suspension especially over the kerbs but so far it is quite good. "We are looking for a podium finish here, I am not sure about winning. I think qualifying will be 70 percent of the outcome of the race because it is difficult to overtake here and we have to work on improving our qualifying performance." But Jenson Button signalled his and BAR-Honda's intent to return to the sharp end of Formula One this weekend when he finished second f 0
110135 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Three qualify for BMW golf finals STACY Barlow, Brian Gray and Olive Wagstaff qualified for the BMW World Cup finals to be held in November at the Blue Canyon Country Club in Phuket, Thailand. The three topped their respective handicap categories during a qualifying round at the Riffa Golf Club yesterday. Barlow finished first in the scratch-12 category with 80 points Brian Gray with 79 points clinched the 13-28 category and Olive Wagstaff stormed to victory with 74 points in the ladies section. The event was played in the individual stableford format with the highest total individual accumulated points over two rounds in each of the three categories determining the three golfers to represent Bahrain in the finals. The event, open to Riffa Golf Club members and invited guests of Euro Motors, the Bahrain dealers for BMW, attracted 86 golfers and 33 points was the cut off mark. In first round action of the scratch-12 category, 15 golfers qualified with Abdulla Al Hajeri (43) setting the pace. He was follo 0
110136 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Al Hamadi races to victory in 10-km event AHMED Al Hamadi ran a fine race to win the 10-km event organised by the Bahrain Road Runners (BRR) under the umbrella of the BAA at Awali. The race attracted 43 runners but hot conditions ensured slower times for most of them. Al Hamadi cruised to an easy victory in 34 minutes and five seconds with well over three minutes to spare. Behind him Redha Hussain (37.52) and Alaa Al Deen (37.44) battled for second place before the latter sprinted to finish just eight seconds . Ali Anbar (39.41) was the first veteran to finish in the M45 category. He was also fifth overall. Barry Shackleton (39.51) finished in second position. He was spurred on by a younger Jaffer Manzi (39.49). Mohammed Javid (44.45) was third in the M45 category. In the M55 section, Tim Boswell (40.20) also returned in style finishing eighth overall and first in his category. He was followed by Michael McElhinney (50.21) and Fouad Saliba (1:00.07) in second and third places respectively. < 0
110137 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Red Bull keen to keep Coulthard IMOLA, Italy: The Red Bull Formula One team have reassured Briton David Coulthard that he can still hope to race for them next season. Team boss Christian Horner dismissed as 'totally inaccurate' media reports suggesting that owner Dietrich Mateschitz had decided already on Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi and Austrian Christian Klien for 2006. "David's doing a great job for the team, it's far too early to even contemplate next year and we won't until the latter part of the summer but the team's very happy with David," he said at the San Marino Grand Prix. "He's an integral part of the team...and he's part of the success that we've had so far." Coulthard, with Renault's Spanish championship leader Fernando Alonso, has scored points in all three races this season. There are 15 left after tomorrow's Grand Prix at Imola. The 34-year-old Scot has 13 wins and more points than any other British driver. 0
110138 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Falah claims $50 daily prize VETERAN bowler Mohammed Falah clinched the daily prizemoney of $50 in the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Charity Championship being held at the Awali Bowling Club premises. Falah scored the highest series of 691 which gave him fourth position with an average of 218. Hussain Ghuloom took the high game by shooting 258 which gave him 17th position overall with an average of 204. Ahmed Abduljabbar is still holding pole position with an average of 226. Second place is taken by Essa Abduljabbar (223 pins) while Nabeel Khalifa (221) is in third spot. There was no change in the women's category as Yasmine leads the way with an average of 200. Yasmine is followed by Alma Sulaiman (196) in second place and Marcel Sultan (179) third. The number of trials recorded yesterday reached 99, the highest ever documented in one day. The overall trials and participants are 512 and 86 respectively. Meanwhile, the Awali Bowling Club welcomed the Bahrain Bowling Association vice-p 0
110139 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Ferrero and Nadal storm into semis BARCELONA: Spanish standouts Juan Carlos Ferrero and young gun Rafael Nadal took vastly contrasting paths into the semi-finals of the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open here yesterday. The revitalised Ferrero's 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 win over reigning Roland Garros holder Gaston Gaudio stretched for nearly three hours. That marathon effort was counter-balanced by a quick-fire 6-2, 3-0 win from 18-year-old Monte Carlo champion Nadal as Argentine Agustin Calleri quit with back troubles after 53 minutes. The burly South American paid the price for a hard week on the clay of the real Club de Tenis, winning his previous three matches with difficulty, playing a total of six draining tiebreakers. Coming into the quarter-final mis-match, Calleri had spent around seven hours on court. Eighth seed Nadal, by contrast, was feeling fresh and eager five days after becoming the youngest man in 15 years to win a Masters Series title through his Monte Carlo triumph over Guillermo Coria. "From the 0
110140 0 1548 SPOR SPORT 'Sachin will never be the same again' NEW DELHI: Sachin Tendulkar will never be the flamboyant batsman he was, but he remains vital to India's cricketing ambitions, West Indian great Vivian Richards said yesterday. Tendulkar, who turns 32 on Sunday, has been criticised by an unforgiving media and fans alike for not batting in the aggressive manner he did at the start of his career 16 years ago. But Richards, arguably the most destructive batsman in history, defended Tendulkar's changed approach. "When you are 21, you are the best, with a perfect sight and good hand-eye co-ordination," the former West Indian captain told reporters here. "At 26, you get a lot wiser. Tendulkar is now a very mature player. "He is now more into a fortifying role and not flamboyant. But you must respect that he has grown older. "He cannot always fulfil the things that are expected of him. "He may be looking to play the way he started his career, but that is not always possible." Tendulkar, one of mo 0
110141 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Barthez banned for three months PARIS: France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez was given a three-month ban yesterday for spitting on a Moroccan referee when Olympique Marseille played a friendly match in Casablanca in February. "He didn't spit in his face but he certainly did spit at the official," said French federation disciplinary committee chairman Jean Mazzella. Barthez, 33, faces an additional three-month ban for any further offences. Mazzella said he could have been punished with a six-month ban. That would have prevented him from starting the 2005-2006 season with Marseille in August and could have led to Barthez bringing forward his retrirement date. A three-month ban deprives Marseille of their goalkeeper as they try to pull out of a slump and hang onto the third qualifying spot in the French league for next season's Champions League. But it does not deprive France of their first-choice goalkeeper when the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in September with key away matches in Irelan 0
110142 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Heat pin hopes on O'Neal in playoffs TORONTO: When Shaquille O'Neal switched coasts and teams in the close season, moving from the Los Angeles Lakers to Miami in a blockbuster deal, the Heat were immediately labelled championship contenders. With the NBA playoffs set to tipoff today, expectations are running high in Miami but such burdens have always rested easily on the O'Neal's massive tattooed shoulders. Behind the efforts of seven-foot one-inch, 300-pound centre and the supremely talented Dwyane Wade, the Heat rumbled to the best record in the Eastern conference (59-23), including a 3-0 series sweep of their first round opponents the New Jersey Nets. The Nets, led by their brilliant backcourt duo of Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, waited until the last game of the regular season to clinch their postseason spot and have posed few problems for the Heat this term. But with O'Neal suffering with a bruised right thigh that kept him on the bench for the final two games the Nets could provide an unexpected test fo 0
110143 0 1548 SPOR SPORT Scott ahead with a course-record BEIJING: Australia's Adam Scott fired a course-record 63 to set the pace at the wind-disrupted Johnnie Walker Classic yesterday but he faced a late challenge from world number five Retief Goosen. Scott, leading at three under par when heavy gusts forced play to be suspended on Thursday, rose before dawn to complete an eye-opening first round with four more birdies and an eagle. US Open champion Goosen, New Zealander Michael Campbell and Sweden's Peter Hanson matched his nine-under-par round for a share of the lead - but only after playing 36 holes to make up for lost time. Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol was a shot further back on eight under when fading light ended his second round after 17 holes. Campbell, who shot a seven-under-par second round, said Scott was still the man to beat. "If he doesn't go crazy we've got a chance," said Campbell. "That's a great score he shot today and yesterday. "It was a freak round. I think nine-under in these conditi 0
110144 0 1548 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or special arrangements required. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Registration open for Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, to join the search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain, Filipino Club, Zinj. Contact 39529188, 39041289, 39276828, 39854652 or 17262143. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's Trafficking people hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance classes, Bahrain Ballet Centre, Budaiya, 7.30pm. Lesson 0
110145 1 1548 WORL WORLD 12 killed as Iraq mosque bombed BAGHDAD: A car bomb blast ripped through a Shi'ite mosque in eastern Baghdad yesterday, killing 12 people in the latest attack amid tensions between Iraq's Sunnis and majority Shi'ites. The blast, which occurred as prayers were ending at Al Subeih mosque, destroyed part of the building and burst a water tank. Television pictures showed large pools of blood mixed with water. A bus parked nearby was destroyed, although no one was in it when the bomb exploded. A hospital official put the death toll at 11 and said 17 other people were wounded. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. 0
110146 2 1548 WORL WORLD Rebels threaten to kill hostages BAGHDAD: An Iraqi militant group threatened to kill three kidnapped Romanian journalists and their Iraq-American translator unless Romanian troops leave Iraq within four days, Al Jazeera reported, airing a video showing the four captives, held since last month. The video showed the three Romanians - two men and a woman - sitting cross-legged against a black background with their hands chained. Reporter Marie Jeanne Ion, sitting between her two colleagues, is seen talking and gesturing with her hands to the camera but Al Jazeera did not air the audio. The footage then shows a man who appears to be Iraqi-American Mohammed Monaf, sitting alone with his hands also bound. Gunmen stand on either side of him. There was no independent confirmation of the tape's authenticity, but relatives and colleagues of Ion and Romania Libera newspaper reporter Ovidiu Ohanesian identified them from the footage. Ion, Ohanesian and Monaf, along with Prima TV cameraman Sorin Misc 0
110147 3 1548 WORL WORLD Moussaoui in guilty plea WASHINGTON: Zacarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in the US in connection with the September 11 attacks, pleaded guilty last night to conspiring with Al Qaeda members and could get the death penalty. Moussaoui, a French citizen of Moroccan descent, pleaded guilty to all six counts charging him with conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, commit aircraft piracy, destroy aircraft, use weapons of mass destruction, murder US employees and destroy property. The first four counts carry the death penalty as possible punishment for the 36-year-old Moussaoui, who stood in the courtroom wearing a green prison jumpsuit, bearded and balding. After a detailed explanation of the indictment, his rights and that he faced a maximum penalty of death, US District Judge Leonie Brink-ema went through each of the six counts and asked him how he pleaded. Moussaoui calmly and clearly responded "Guilty" every time. The plea took place the same day that the suspected leader of Al Qaeda in Sp 0
110148 0 1548 WORL WORLD Shoebomber's partner jailed LONDON: A British man who admitted to conspiring with "shoebomber" Richard Reid to blow up airliners over the Atlantic - but had a change of heart before boarding his flight - was jailed for 13 years yesterday. Saajid Badat, 25, entered a surprise guilty plea in February, admitting he had conspired with Reid to blow up planes in simultaneous attacks. Reid failed in his bid to blow up an American Airlines plane flying from Paris to Miami on December 22, 2001 after passengers and crew overpowered him as he tried to ignite explosives in his shoe. Badat confessed to an identical plan. He bought a ticket to fly from Manchester, in northern England, to Amsterdam on December 17, 2001. 0
110149 0 1548 WORL WORLD Madrid tries 24 Qaeda suspects MADRID: Twenty-four Al Qaeda suspects went on trial behind an extraordinary security shield in Spain yesterday, three of them facing sentences of more than 60,000 years for allegedly helping to plot the September 11, 2001 terror strikes on the United States. More than 100 armed police with dogs were deployed at the specially-built courtroom in a park on the outskirts of Madrid, where the defendants appeared inside a bulletproof glass cubicle, as a helicopter circled overhead. Europe's largest ever trial of suspected Al Qaeda members opened under the protection of a jamming system to prevent the use of a remote-controlled bomb. Judge Angela Murillo Bordallo read out the charges to the defendants, who include the suspected leader of the Al Qaeda network in Spain, Syrian Imad Eddin Barakat Yarkas, known as "Abu Dahdah". Prosecutors plan to demand that Yarkas and two others suspected of links to the September 11 attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people, each be sentenced to 0
110150 0 1548 WORL WORLD Couple arrested over stabbing of British mother LONDON: Police arrested a man and woman last night over the stabbing of a young mother as she walked her toddler son in one of Britain's safest villages, in a case that has put crime on the May 5 election agenda. The 28-year-old man and 29-year-old woman turned themselves in voluntarily at Leatherhead police station in Surrey, southeast England. Police had launched a massive investigation after Abigail Witchalls was stabbed in the neck on Wednesday as she pushed her son Joseph, just under two years old, in a baby buggy in the affluent village of Little Bookham, Surrey. The 26-year-old is listed as critical in hospital, though her condition is improving, police said. Her family are staging a round-the-clock vigil by her bedside, while other relatives look after Joseph who was unharmed in the attack. The stabbing, which took place on a private lane not far from Witchalls' family home, sent shock waves around the country. It emerged at the same time as offici 0
110151 0 1548 WORL WORLD Howard blasted on immigration LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday accused his main political rivals of exploiting public fear of immigration to score points in the national election campaign and said that values of tolerance and decency should not be undermined. Blair's Labour Party is on course for victory in the May 5 poll, but immigration and asylum remain its weakest flank. The main opposition Conservative Party is promising to cap the number of immigrants entering Britain and says the current system is a shambles. Opinion polls show the Conservatives are more trusted than Labour on immigration, and Blair's speech was a clear attempt to take control of the topic. "Our diversity is a source of strength, not weakness, a reflection of a modern country striving to be at ease with the modern world," Blair told an audience of Labour Party faithful in Dover, a port town on England's southern coast. "We are a tolerant, decent nation. That tolerance should not be abused, but neither 0
110152 0 1548 WORL WORLD My mission is to serve says Pope VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI asked cardinals for their support for a reign he placed under a sign of humility yesterday, as he faced his first test as head of the Roman Catholic Church over a controversial Spanish vote on gay marriage. Thanking cardinals as he looked forward to his inauguration mass tomorrow, he said he was only too aware of the intense burden thrust upon him as spiritual leader of the world's 1.1 billion Roman Catholics. "I know well the nature of this mission that I was assigned," he said. "It is not about honours, but about service." The 78-year-old Pope, who was applauded when he entered the Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace, asked the prelates for their continuing support. "Please never let me be deprived of your support," he urged. Each cardinal then went up to the Pope in turn, knelt, and kissed his hand before exchanging a few words, in images carried by Vatican television. Earlier, denouncing a draft law by Spain's lower 0
110153 0 1548 WORL WORLD Heiress Hilton in talent deal LOS ANGELES: Just when it seemed that PARIS HILTON's profile in the pop culture firmament couldn't get much higher, she has signed with a major Hollywood talent agency to further her ambitions in showbiz. The 24-year-old heiress to the Hilton Hotels fortune and ubiquitous star of Fox's The Simple Life reality franchise, has signed with Endeavour for representation in all areas. The agency's top brass will work closely with Hilton and her father, RICK, on managing her career. Hilton has become a tabloid darling thanks to her jet-set, party-loving lifestyle and an infamous sex videotape that made its way onto the Internet two years ago just as she made her TV debut in The Simple Life. Hilton will be seen on the big screen next month in Warner Bros' remake of the horror romp House of Wax, and she has two other features set to be released this year: comedies Pledge This! and Bottom's Up. She also is set for a fourth edition of The Simple Life, though Hilton and co-s 0
110154 0 1548 WORL WORLD Soldier loses nose in row A PARATROOPER in India bit off part of a colleague's nose after an argument over switching off the light. The two soldiers from India's Eastern Frontier Rifles were alone in their barracks when Lance Corporal Bhupesh Rava lost his cool because his room-mate wanted the lights on for a little while longer. An enraged Rava, who had returned from daytime duty, attacked Sepoy Durga Lama, pinned him down and gnawed off his nose. Lama, bleeding profusely, was taken to hospital while his attacker stood in a corner with bloody lips, he said. Lama told the police that he had asked Rava to "wait for five minutes" before turning the light out while he got dressed to go for his night duty. Doctors operated on Lama to fix the bitten chunk of flesh back on his nose. Rava was arrested. 'Chilli finger' case woman held A WOMAN who said she found part of a finger in a bowl of Wendy's chili in California last month has been arrested and charged with larceny, US authorities said yesterday.</ 0
110155 0 1548 WORL WORLD French 'no' on EU constitution an even bet LONDON: A French rejection of the proposed European Union constitution, which would probably force the bloc to abandon the treaty, is an even bet, according to a Reuters poll of political analysts. Forecasts for the likelihood of a "No" vote in the May 29 referendum ranged from 20 to 80 per cent, with a median of 50pc. The constitution, aimed at streamlining the EU's decision-making process after the club admitted 10 new countries last year, needs to be ratified by all 25 members to become law. Public opinion polls suggest France could become the first country to reject the treaty, with voters using the referendum to protest against an unpopular government and voice discontent at further EU enlargement and high unemployment. But the analysts, polled between April 18 and 21, said a "no" vote is by no means a certainty. "It's still too close to call," said Bruno Jeanbart at the CSA polling institute in Paris. "A third of the voters are undecided on which answer the 0
110156 0 1548 WORL WORLD Lebanon premier vows May poll BEIRUT: Prime Minister Najib Mikati promised parliamentary elections will be held by May 29, two days ahead of a deadline, and two top pro-Syrian security chiefs stepped aside yesterday as Lebanon's new government tried to meet opposition and UN demands. The move by Maj Gen Jamil Sayyed, considered the most powerful security chief in Lebanon, and the country's top police commander comes before a UN team investigating the February 14 assassination of former prime minister Rafiq Hariri was expected to travel to Lebanon. The anti-Syrian opposition has been demanding the removal of the two men, along with four other security commanders - all close Syrian allies. The UN has backed the demand, without specifying who must go, saying a proper probe can't be carried out while the commanders hold their posts. The opposition also wants the top prosecutor out. Thousands of Beirutis bid farewell yesterday to Bassel Fleihan, a former economy minister who died on Monday of wounds suffered in th 0
110157 0 1548 WORL WORLD Koizumi 'sorry' for wartime aggression JAKARTA: Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi yesterday issued Japan's most public apology in a decade for its wartime aggression and confirmed a meeting this weekend with Chinese president to defuse tensions between the two Asian powers. "In the past, Japan, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations," Koizumi told the Asia-Africa summit with Chinese President Hu Jintao looking on. "Japan squarely faces these facts of history in a spirit of humility. And with feelings of deep remorse and heartfelt apology always engraved in mind, Japan has resolutely maintained, consistently since the end of World War II, never turning into a military power, but an economic power," he said. Japan has apologised numerous times for its conduct during the Second World War, but yesterday's remarks carry added importance with Tokyo seeking to resolve a spat with Beijing sparked by its approval 0
110158 0 1548 WORL WORLD Major to be knighted LONDON: Former British Conservative prime minister John Major is to be made a knight in the Order of the Garter, Britain's highest honour, Buckingham Palace said yesterday. The award, which allows Major, 62, to call himself Sir, is given at the discretion of Queen Elizabeth without the advice of government ministers. Former prime ministers are routinely appointed to the order. The palace said the Queen has also appointed Lady Soames, 82, daughter of Sir Winston Churchill, as a Lady of the Garter, making Soames and Churchill the first non-royal father and daughter to receive this honour in the 650-year history of the order. Former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Bingham of Cornhill, 71, is also to be awarded a knighthood in the Order of the Garter, which was established by King Edward III in 1348. Order of the Garter awards are traditionally announced on St George's Day, which commemorates the patron saint of England. Major became prime minister after 0
110159 0 1549 BUSI BUSINESS Japan envoy visits Asry MANAMA: Japanese Ambassador Takao Natsume visited Asry in Hidd. Mr Natsume, accompanied by economic and commercial affairs first secretary Hiroyuki Wada and counsellor Kiyoshi Asako, were welcomed by Asry chief executive Mohammed Alkhateeb who took them on a tour of the drydock, floating docks and workshops. 0
110160 0 1549 BUSI BUSINESS New manager named DUBAI: British American Tobacco GCC, based in Dubai, appointed Alejandro Paschalides as the new general manager. Mr Paschalides, 45, holds a degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina, US. He has been with the company for over six years and was the London-based international headquarters international brand group Kent head. Mr Paschalides said the Middle East is a key growth area for British American Tobacco. "The GCC in particular holds many opportunities to organically increase our share of volume and value in the market," he explained. "I look forward to taking the business to the next level on our journey to market leadership in the GCC." 0
110161 0 1549 BUSI BUSINESS Wall Street waits for more corporate data NEW YORK: After a rollercoaster ride through the past week, investors will have to navigate a torrent of company results and economic indicators next week for any signs of a clear direction for US stocks. Major companies reporting next week include Kimberly-Clark tomorrow, American Express and Lockheed Martin on Tuesday, Boeing and Colgate-Palmolive on Wednesday, and Microsoft and Exxon Mobil on Thursday. Next week's economic data includes the advanced reading of first-quarter US gross domestic product on Thursday. Investors will scrutinise the GDP data to get a sense of whether more aggressive rate increases may be in the offing next month or later this year. The Federal Open Market Committee, the Federal Reserve's policy-making panel, meets on May 3. Just as stronger company earnings news and positive economic data pulled the stock market back from the brink on Thursday - only to fall again on Friday - any negative news in next week's corporate results and economic ind 0
110162 0 1549 BUSI BUSINESS Major forex reform vow by Beijing BOAO, China: China's central bank governor said yesterday there were no serious political or technical obstacles to reform of the tightly held yuan currency but the sequencing of any change was still under review. Zhou Xiaochuan declined to comment on the timing of any move on the yuan, also called the renminbi, but said expectations were "too high" that a change in the tightly held forex regime could resolve problems like trade frictions with the US. Work had to be done to strengthen the big commercial banks, to develop China's foreign exchange market and to reduce some "over-control in the foreign exchange side", Zhou said in an interview on the sidelines of the annual Boao economic conference on the tropical Chinese island of Hainan. Asked what political obstacles remained before a move on the yuan, Zhou said: "There are, I think, no serious political obstacles. "We say that for the exchange rate regime, technically we are ready. But for the reform sequencing, we have 0
110163 0 1549 BUSI BUSINESS Iran companies plan Rover deals TEHRAN: Iran is looking to strip assets from Britain's collapsed automaker MG Rover rather than buying it, two Iranian state-owned carmakers said yesterday. The 100-year-old carmaker, which once made the iconic Mini and the Land Rover, stopped production after failing to secure a rescue deal with China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. "Saipa is not negotiating to buy Rover," said Alireza Nabaee, a spokesman for Iran's second largest carmaker. "The ministry of industries and mines may be talking to purchase parts of that company's production line and know-how," he added. Iran's ministry of industry and mines officials were not immediately available for comment. Iranian local news agencies on Friday quoted a ministry official as saying Saipa and Iran Khodro, the Middle East's biggest car maker, were considering taking MG Rover over. Saipa Group, which employs 23,000 people, manufactured 340,000 vehicles in the year to March 2005. It is 40 per cent owned 0
110164 1 1549 BUSI BUSINESS IT solutions go on show MANAMA: Solution Roadshow Series (SRS) 2005 was yesterday launched by Zayani Computer Systems in partnership with ProSoft Consultants at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. A series of events will be conducted throughout the year, with each event focusing on a specific solution. Zayani Computer Systems and ProSoft general manager Vivek Jaitpal said these highly focused series of events intend to bring together every aspect of the proposed solution under one roof. The first event entitled Document, Imaging and Workflow Solution, jointly organised with HP and Newgen, will be held tomorrow at the hotel from 8.30am. The interactive forum will discuss all avenues that go into implementing Document and Workflow Management Solutions (DMS) like the best practices followed, back-up and storage strategies, server infrastructure and scanning options. "It's truly a proof of concept event where live solution demonstrations are carried out in kiosks focusing on real issues rather 0
110165 2 1549 BUSI BUSINESS ICICI makes a mark as assets surge to $800m MANAMA: The assets of ICICI Bank, India's second largest bank, have reached $800 million during its five-and-a-half months of operation in Bahrain, it was revealed yesterday. These include the bank's regional lending and investments and money given to other banks, said general manager-Bahrain Ajay Sharma. "This is a very substantial amount for a bank by any standards, as we started our offshore banking operations in Bahrain only in October last year," he told the GDN. "During such a short period, the market share of our remittances has reached 10 to 12 per cent." ICICI, said Mr Sharma, had launched in Bahrain 'Online International Remittances', an instant money transfer facility, as a part of its Internet banking services. "This is a first time offer by any bank in the region and would be a boon to members of the Indian community, who at times have to wait in long queues for simple money transfers to their home country," he noted. The facility will be ava 0
110166 3 1549 BUSI BUSINESS Bush to push for lower oil prices WASHINGTON: Running for president five years ago, George W Bush pledged to pressure energy-exporting nations to keep oil prices low and to win passage of legislation to spur more domestic energy production, but delivering on either count has proved difficult for the Texas oilman. At a meeting tomorrow at his Texas ranch, Bush is promising to press Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Abdullah, to do more to help ease global oil prices. In a CNBC interview, Bush said he would press the Saudi crown prince to boost production. "I'll be talking to our friends about making sure they understand that if they pinch the world economy too much, it'll affect their ability to sell crude oil in the long run," Bush said. Still, he said, there was a chance the Saudis already were pumping crude at "near capacity" levels. Ahead of the crown prince's visit, Saudi Arabia said it would do what it could to step up oil production. Saudi oil minister Ali Al Nuaimi said the kingdom is now pumping about 0
110167 0 1549 COMM COMMENTPoll hope for unity Despite deep differences, which continue to divide the so-called "opposition" and "loyalist" movements in Lebanon, there are some important areas of agreement that could form the basis for national unity and democratic reform in that country. This is one of the initial findings of a new Zogby International/Information International poll taken in Lebanon during the second week of April 2005. The strongest points of consensus are on three issues that are currently at the top of Lebanon's political agenda. Overwhelming majorities of all Lebanese want: a national dialogue of all Lebanese parties to implement the Taef Accord; the "opposition" and "loyalists" to join in the formation of a national unity government; and national parliamentary elections to be held on time. While there is not so clear a consensus on changing the 60-year-old National Pact (that provides for Maronite and Sunni hegemony over the major posts of government), there is significant support among all sects for the 0
110168 0 1549 COMM COMMENTRediscovering our rich past, but alongside modern-day litter Bahrain's rich traditions were splendidly showcased in the annual heritage festival, which celebrated old weaponry and falconry this year. The festival, which attracts thousands of visitors from Bahrain and abroad each year, is always a great opportunity for the young and old to rediscover the country's vibrant past. It is hosted in a mock village, especially designed to take visitors to the old alleyways, homes, mosques and courtyards which made up Bahrain's neighbourhoods before the discovery of oil and the development it has brought with it. As we toured it, the smell of kebab and khanfaroosh led visitors to a line of women preparing the delicacies in a corner in the village. Traditional craftsmen could be seen going about their business, preparing everyday items the way they have been made for hundreds of years, with the skills passed down from one generation to another. It was with this nostalgia for the simple days of Bahrain of the by-gone era that I t 0
110169 0 1549 COMM COMMENTA criminal's rights can outweigh victim's One thrust of a knife and a young woman lies paralysed from the neck down, her spinal chord severed by the blade. This is just the latest act of senseless violence on Britain's streets, carried out against 26-year-old mother Abigail Witchalls as she pushed her son Joseph in his baby buggy. Even if Abigail lives, her life is ruined and she will almost certainly never hold her son again, never run with him in the park or cuddle him in front of the TV. I have long stood against the death penalty, but I have to admit that I sometimes question my own beliefs when I see how inadequately Britain's justice system deals with such appalling crimes. If and when they catch the person responsible - two people are under arrest as I write this, after coming forward after their car was seen in the area, but may not be involved at all - the emphasis will shift from the victim to the perpetrator. All the rights will be his as the law, rightly enough, swing into action to pr 0
110172 0 1549 LETT LETTERS Crazy drivers are a threat to us all THIS is a response to the author of the letter regarding frustrated drivers (GDN, April 11). First off, if the speed limit says 60kph then do 60kph. I find it appalling that with a country this size which is about the size of my city within my province within the country I am from, that drivers feel the need to exceed the speed limit to get somewhere. How big do you think this country is. This isn't the moon, it's a small island, so maybe if you left earlier then you would arrive at your destination on time. I fear the coming days because my child will be born in just a few days, and I know when I'm brining him back from the hospital there is a major fear that some driver trying to "overtake" me as the previous author put it may slam right into my car or drive me off the road with my new baby onboard. I send this message to you that wants to drive 100kph in a 60 zone, if you had brains you'd be dangerous. And to the author of the letter I am responding to, someday somewhe 0
110173 0 1549 LETT LETTERS Airline nightmare! HOW long should a client wait for an airline to come right with a problem? Last October I bought a round-trip American Airlines (AA) ticket for the United States. From the word go there appeared to be problems. The airline changed its schedule and struck off connections which they had given me. On the prior date of departure I contacted them in New York and obtained a new printout of my itinerary. It looked okay. Next day at check-in at JFK Airport I was told the flight was off, please go to La Guardia Airport for another routing. That was another $60 (BD23) taxi ride. All went well for a couple of legs, then out of Cayman Islands on an AA 'ticket' the shared route airline Caymans Airways refused AA ticket even though AA had issued the E ticket. In order to catch the connections I was forced to buy a new single one-way ticket for $540 (BD204) for a 40-minute journey. Once in Miami I tackled the AA representative who was very understanding and helpful. 0
110174 0 1549 LETT LETTERS Stares explained WITH reference to the letter 'Why do workers stare' (GDN, April 18) I had always assumed that as I am also a blonde, sport a similar hairstyle and am only marginally younger than the new Duchess of Cornwall then these poor workers must be staring in surprise wondering what Camilla Parker-Bowles was doing here in Bahrain driving a Nissan Sunny! Dora Matt 0
110175 0 1549 LETT LETTERS Rents up 100pc! DOES anyone have any check control over building owners who have increased the flats and house rents from 50 per cent to 100pc recently and this practice continues every month? It's okay and a good excuse that the price of building materials has gone up but this is not true comparing with rent cost increases!! Moh'd A Rehman Kutty 0
110176 0 1549 LETT LETTERS A bridge too far... COULD an official come and have a drive along the new road from the Hidd area that crosses the new bridge and by-passes Juffair. Could he bring sense to the approval of a slip road off the main highway that would allow Juffair to gain a little badly-needed support for business and indeed the private sector. Juffair was forgotten when they built the new road and bridge. The highway completely by-passes Juffair yet it would have been no more then 500 metres of additional road cost to bring traffic off the new road onto a slip road leading into Juffair. Just now every one comes past Juffair and heads down to the old port area. Secondly the build-up of traffic clogs up the old port gate area to Mina Salman. So the new road has done nothing really but increase the traffic flow into the same bottle neck that it was meant to relieve. It is also very bad for the hotels and new buildings in Juffair. It's quite silly to send everyone in a full circle just to bring a person 0
110177 0 1549 LETT LETTERS Frustrated by Yahoo IS it just me or is there anyone else out there having trouble getting into the Yahoo movies section? I've been trying for almost three months now in different locations/computers - without any luck. Any advice? Irritated with Yahoo 0
110178 0 1549 LETT LETTERS Holiday horrors IF an employee goes on his annual leave from November 16, 2004 to December 15, 2004, he lands in Bahrain on December 16, 2004. December 16, 17 and 18 were declared as holidays. In such a situation is he entitled for payment on the 17th and 18th? Name and address supplied EDITOR'S note: The Labour Ministry did not respond to this letter. 0
110179 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Royal welcome MANAMA: President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal will visit Bahrain today to hold talks with His Majesty King Hamad and other officials on ways of bolstering bilateral co-operation. He will be welcomed on arrival by His Majesty, the Royal Court said. 0
110180 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Reform fees vow MANAMA: Monthly fees on expatriate workers, proposed as part of Bahrain's sweeping labour reforms, won't be increased until studies prove that it won't harm the economy, according to Labour Ministry employment director Osama Al Absi. The reforms will be discussed by parliament soon, added Mr Al Absi, who is also labour market reform project follow-up committee member. Under the proposal, employers would pay monthly fees per expatriate worker beginning at BD10 next year and increasing to BD75 by 2009. Mr Al Absi said Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry will have three members on a proposed Labour Market Regulatory Authority and Labour Fund. The government and the Bahrain General Workers' Union will each have two members while Bahrain Bankers Society and Economic Development Board one each. 0
110181 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Highway expansion MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad has ordered work to begin on the next phase of the three-lane Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Highway, a planned link between the Seef District and Zallaq. The new phase will link the 14th and 6th roundabouts in Hamad Town and extend to the causeway on Crown Prince Highway. The highway will serve all Hamad Town districts, Bahrain University and the southern region - including the tourism projects, the western region villages and the Zallaq village, said Workers and Housing Minister Fahmi Al Jowder. 0
110182 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Boost for BSPCA THREE St Christopher's School students have raised more than BD120 for the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). Students Khris May Dinglasan, Kim Bradley, Tasmin Ashworth raised just over BD122 by conducting a sponsored walk around the school grounds in Isa Town. The money will go towards the new BSPCA sanctuary, which is to be built in Askar later this year. Plans for the new sanctuary are currently being drawn up and construction is expected to begin in September. Details will be announced in the next few weeks. 0
110183 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Central market revamp is planned A German company is bidding to revamp the Central Market in a joint investment venture worth $120 million (BD45.3m). Capital Municipal Council chairman Mortadha Badr said he would meet the company representatives and discuss details. The market would be razed and rebuilt on Eastern architectural designs. The new multi-storey landmark would feature spacious car parks, central airconditioning, in addition to other investment offices. 0
110184 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Festival set for launch BAHRAIN University's first information, tourism and arts department festival will be launched at 9am tomorrow. The three-day festival, at the university's Sakhir campus, is being organised by the College of Arts, under the patronage of university president Dr Shaikha Mariam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. The festival will include a number of plays, seminars and workshops on various topics. 0
110185 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Seminar is postponed A SEMINAR on marine resources in Bahrain, scheduled to be held at the Crowne Plaza today has been postponed. The seminar, organised by the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife, will be held at a later date to be announced soon. 0
110186 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Greater role for women in Bahrain MORE than 150 representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organisations, private sector and international organisations will be drawing up a national strategy for developing the role of Bahraini women, it was revealed yesterday. The participants will be discussing the strategy in a conference tomorrow under the theme Women are Worthy Partners in the Country's Development and Growth. The event will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The strategy, drawn up by the council and launched early last month, aims to promote women to decision-making positions. Organising committee head Najwa Abdulrahim said the participants were chosen based on their field of expertise in developmental work. "They will be divided into work teams based on their specialisation to discuss the relevant asp 0
110187 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Truck driver injured AN Indian driver was reportedly pinned under his truck as it rolled over yesterday morning. Kunni Mohammed was taken to the Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) with serious injuries after the accident, on the Budaiya Road. Mr Mohammed, in his 40s, apparently lost control of his truck, which hit the central reservation. He was thrown out of the cab and pinned underneath as it rolled over, spilling its contents of soft drinks, said sources. Mr Mohammed, who works as a driver for the Canada Dry factory, was due to undergo surgery at the SMC last night. His passenger, also an Indian, was not injured but was taken to hospital for observation. 0
110188 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Wallet stolen AN Indian man's mobile phone and his wallet, containing BD14, his CPR card and Visa card, were stolen from his bedside as he slept in his flat. The man reported to the police that he woke up late in the night and discovered his wallet and mobile missing. 0
110189 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Apartment burglars take cash THIEVES broke into a Filipina's one-bedroom rooftop flat in Hoora and stole cash and jewellery worth BD700. The 42-year-old victim, who works as a cashier, discovered the break-in when she returned home from work at 4pm. She said that her front door lock and some furniture was broken, her clothes scattered all over the floor and her mattress turned upside down. "They even drank all the juice in my refrigerator and took my mobile phone charger," she added. "I am scared they're going to come back for my television and satellite receiver dish." The victim, who has lived in Bahrain for 12 years, said that this was the first time that her home had been burgled. "I told the police that I wasn't worried about my things, but I do worry about my safety now," she said. 0
110190 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Sneaky thief steals coins from bakery A THIEF stole around BD20 in coins from a traditional bakery (khabaz) in Manama. The bakery's five employees, two Indian and three Pakistani, were all too busy to notice the thief sneak into the shop, take all the change from the cash drawer and leave. "None of the staff noticed the thief walk into the bakery," said 40-year-old Pakistani baker Jameel Shakeel. "It was around 10am when we discovered the money missing. "Apparently, the thief just walked through the door when the employees weren't looking, opened the cash drawer, took all the change and walked out. "He also took the keys for the drawer. "He had enough time to clean out all the change, five, 10 and 25 fils coins. "We also had some Saudi, Qatari and UAE currencies. "In total, he gathered around BD20 in coins. Mr Shakeel said they had not reported the theft to police, because no one saw anything. 0
110191 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Adopted desert dog adjusting well in UK DESERT dog Alex, who was adopted a few months ago from the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), is settling in well with his new family in Surrey, UK, says a BSPCA spokeswoman. Three-year-old Alex was brought to the BSPCA in July 2003 and being a friendly, 'people's' dog, had always attracted lots of attention from visitors. Bahrain and UK resident Conrad Eilts heard that Alex needed a home and placed an advertisement about him in his local Surrey newspaper last summer. Mr Eilts received several enquiries from local residents and Alex was eventually adopted by Nick Channing and his wife. Mr and Mrs Channing had taken part in several vintage car rallies on desert roads in the Middle East and were therefore familiar with this part of the world. Their retriever, whom they had re-homed from the South of France, had recently died and they were looking for a companion for their young Leonberger. "They lost their dog very suddenly and 0
110192 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Hotel staff treated to summer nights party MORE than 500 employees attended the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa annual staff party held at the hotel's Al Ghazal Ballroom. The event, held under the theme summer nights, featured a variety of activities, including a draw giving away more than 400 prizes, a Weakest Link game show contest and a sit-down dinner. The Weakest Link was conducted by the guidance team, who were all in fancy dress. The guidance team included general manager Pascal Duchauffour, who was dressed as Michael Jackson, and sales and marketing director Ken Hill, dressed as a sumo wrestler. The event was organised by the mystic team, who gave a warm welcome to all of the staff in their respective languages. More than 40 countries were represented at the event. 0
110193 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Eye checks for 16,000 students ABOUT 16,000 primary school students will have their eyes checked as part of a new campaign being spearheaded by the Education and Health ministries. Education Ministry Student Activities and Service acting director Wedad Al Mousawi said the programme aimed at limiting the spread of eye-related diseases and upgrading awareness among students. She said another goal was to provide needy students with glasses and follow up on their conditions. "A team of 127 specialists is being mobilised for the programme in co-operation with the Health Ministry and the College of Health Sciences." Ms Al Mousawi said the programme is part of a series of health and awareness schemes implemented by the directorate, aimed at safeguarding the health of students. They include programmes in first aid, dental hygiene, vaccination and the early detection of hereditary blood diseases. 0
110194 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL AMH-Al Raja School back disabled children AMERICAN Mission Hospital (AMH) and Al Raja School presented play area equipment to the Bahrain Society for Children with Behavioural and Communication Difficulties. The BD1,600 amount used to construct the playground was raised at a joint charity bazaar held at Al Raja School in Manama last December. AMH chief executive officer Dr Paul Armerding and school principal Peter Kapenga presented the equipment to society vice-president Sumaya Hussain. Toys R Us, a supporter of the charity bazaar, distributed gifts to all the children at the presentation. 0
110195 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Stage set for Kempinski road show A KEMPINSKI road show is being held at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa on Tuesday, starting at 8pm. The event, also being held in Kuwait, Doha, Jeddah and Riyadh, will be attended by travel trade and corporate invitees from various organisations in Bahrain. Properties taking part in the roadshow include Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Ajman Kempinski Hotel and Resort, Ajman, Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Kempinski Resort Hotel, Estepona, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, Kempinski Julia Hotel and Resort, Kuwait, Le Mirador Kempinski, Lake Geneva, The Bentley Hotel and The Courthouse Hotel, London, Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow, and Kempinski Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, Munich. Kempinski Hoteliers was founded in Germany in 1897. 0
110196 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Sheraton names new pastry chef SHERATON Bahrain Hotel and Towers announced the appointment of Ronald Briffa as its new pastry chef. Chef Briffa, 44, has run the pastry kitchens of some of the finest hotels and pastry shops in Malta and UK and has three fine arts diplomas from Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (Mcast) in Malta, Econre in Paris and the University of Oxford in England. He has worked in many hotels throughout his 25 year career. 0
110197 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Jobless panel to hold rally THE Unemployment Commit-tee will hold a rally in Manama from the Ras Ruman Mosque to the Bahraini Financial Harbour, on Saturday. The rally, which starts at 7.30pm on the eve of the International Labour Day, is the third in a series of demonstrations organised by the committee in two months. The committee is calling for the employment of job-seekers, social insurance for those on waiting lists at the Labour Ministry and an increase in minimum wages, it said in a statement. 0
110198 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Two jailed for selling alcohol An Indian man was yesterday sentenced to a month in jail for illegally selling alcohol in his laundry shop. Ten blue barrels filled with alcohol were confiscated from the shop along with another large quantity stocked in a hide-out, the Lower Criminal Court heard. His accomplice, also an Indian, was handed a 15-day jail term for marketing the home-distilled liquor priced at 500 fils for small plastic cans and BD1 for bigger cans. Both men will be deported on serving their prison sentence. 0
110199 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Old buildings to be razed Twenty-six dilapidated buildings near Bahrain Fort may be knocked down, said Nothern Municipal Council chairman Sayyid Majeed Al Sayyid Ali. The move would pave the way to develop Bahrain Fort and transform it into a national heritage landmark village. Final approval has yet to be given. 0
110200 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Fund-raiser planned to help abused expatriates A FUNDRAISING programme is being held in June to enable the newly-registered Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) to continue to provide refuge to abused expatriates. The ultimate objective is to establish a permanent shelter from the proceeds of a Gala Charity Dinner Dance on June 9 at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Grand Ambassador Suite, from 7.30pm onwards. The society, previously functioning as the Migrant Workers Group, said event chief guest will be Foreign Affairs Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Co-ordination and Follow-up and Inter-Ministerial Task Force head Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa while the guest of honour will be United Nations Development Programme resident representative Dr Khalid Alloush. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by local band Sheer Magic, Music and Lights disc jockeys and an Al Fanar artiste. "MWPS volunteers have kept the commitment they made last year and have already established a temporary shelter 0
110201 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain to share the experience of reform A SEVEN-MEMBER delegation from the Qatar Central Municipal Council arrived in Bahrain yesterday to learn more about Bahrain's experience in democratising its municipal system. The delegation is here until Wednesday at the invitation of the Muharraq Municipal Council, which held a dinner reception in their honour at Novotel Al Dana Resort last night. The Muharraq council has a full schedule lined up for the visitors, beginning with their first meeting to be held today at Municipalities and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh's office at the Manama Municipality. This meeting will also be attended by councillors and officials from other municipal councils. "The programme maybe shortened if we run out of time but the schedule so far includes visits to historical sites such as the Arad Fort and traditional Muharraq houses, which are over 100 years old," said council member and public relations head Salah Al Jowder. "We will take them to see the developments on Amw 0
110202 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Bid to ban 'offensive' billboards hits snag COUNCILLORS are still discussing a proposal to ban provocative billboards in parts of Bahrain - four months after they approved it. The ban on street advertising featuring scantily-clad women was approved by the Southern Municipal Council and submitted to the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry last December. But councillor Adel Al Moraisi, who first suggested the ban, says it has now gone back to the council for further review. He says there may be some amendments to the proposal before it is sent back to the ministry to be implemented. "I don't know what's happening - councillors are not giving any explanation," Mr Al Moraisi told the GDN. "But I am confident that it will be agreed on again. "Maybe other councillors want to make some minor changes to it." Under the current proposal a specialist company would be contracted to oversee billboards and other forms of street advertising in the area. It would have power to tear down existin 0
110203 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Gift of reading for the young THOUSANDS of children of all nationalities and ages yesterday flocked to various locations across Bahrain to collect free books. The books were a gift from Book for All, one of the activities of the Children's Arts and Literature Festival 2005, which is being held under the patronage of Shaikha Hala bint Daij Al Khalifa. The give-away was made possible by donations of more than 30,000 books from members of the public, as well as festival sponsors. Book for All was launched last year as an annual event to provide all children, from toddlers to teenagers, aged up to 18, the opportunity to visit their local library and choose a book. Book for All was inspired by World Book Day, which falls annually on April 23. The day was chosen by Unesco as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. To enable children across the country to receive their free book, collection points were located in all governorates. "It's been going very well. The children are all 0
110204 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Honeymoon's over as voters call on MPs 'get serious' WHEN Bahrain's voters went to the polls three years ago, they expected their future MPs to voice their concerns at the highest level. But some Bahrainis feel that their elected representatives have let them down and hope that next year's polls will bring major changes. Jawad Business Group chairman Faisal Jawad feels that the fledgling democracy has a long way to go before it meets the standard set by Lebanon. Inexperience and inappropriate priorities are distracting parliamentarians from the key issues facing Bahrain, he remarked. A key problem is that MPs here and in other GCC states don't really understand their roles, says Mr Jawad. "I believe that the idea never sank in the heads of many MPs, be they in Bahrain, the GCC or even Egypt," he said. "Proper education is a very important element. "This is why we see our MPs in disarray over little things and unable to control themselves when it comes to listening to each other. "Education 0
110205 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL School needs funds AN appeal has gone out to help the Indian School raise BD50,000 to support needy students. The school is urging businesses and other donors to support the fair, which will also raise cash for new buildings and other improvements at the school. Around 500 students are expected to benefit from the Indian School's fourth fund-raising fair, being held on June 2 and 3, at the school premises in Isa Town. The cash will help students from economically strained backgrounds or who have achieved high academic results and are getting partial or complete fee concessions. Part of the proceeds will also go towards buying new furniture and laboratory equipment, construct new buildings and perform maintenance and refurbishment work at the school. Co-ordinators for this year's fund-raiser are aiming to raise BD50,000, BD17,000 more than at the school's last fund-raiser, in 2000. They are however appealing to businesses, sponsors and donors to provide financial support. 0
110206 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Societies planning campaign for change FOUR political societies, which boycotted the parliamentary elections, will hold a rally on May 6, to call for constitutional amendments. It follows a similar rally held by the societies, spearheaded by Al Wefaq Islamic Society, in Sitra late last month, despite a ban by the Interior Ministry. The ministry said a request by the society to hold last month's rally was turned down based on the current regional security situation and to protect citizens' safety. Al Wefaq went ahead anyway and initially faced prosecution, but was later told by the Social Affairs Ministry that no legal action would be taken, to launch a new chapter of open dialogue. However, the societies have announced that they will hold their second rally in the area next to Al Dana Mall, between the Manama Central Market and Sanabis, at 4pm, on May 6. The rally, to be held under the theme Constitutional Reforms First, is part of a campaign being spearheaded by Al Wefaq, National Democratic Action S 0
110207 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Iraqi patients to get cancer care TEN Iraqi cancer patients were flown from Baghdad to Bahrain yesterday to receive urgent medical treatment. They were each accompanied by a companion, as well as Baghdad Hospital haematology consultant Dr Waseem Al Temimi. The patients, aged from seven to 30 years, have been brought to Bahrain as they are unable to receive the specialised treatment they need in their own country. The group arrived at the Bahrain International Airport aboard a DHL flight at 11.30am yesterday and were greeted by fund-raisers from Al Riwaq Art Gallery and Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS). The two organisations have been helping to raise money for the patients' treatment for the last 10 months under the campaign, dubbed Hope and Support Fund for Iraqi Cancer Patients. Organisers thanked Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, who is the honorary chairwoman of the BCS, Shaikha Hala bint Daij 0
110208 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL E-visa service to be expanded BAHRAIN'S immigration authorities are further developing the e-visa system to encourage more people to apply via the Internet. It is being pioneered for visitors and residents renewing visas by the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR). The challenge is to handle the growing number of tourists, visitors and business travellers to Bahrain, said Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Under-Secretary Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. "Handling the increasing number of visa transactions without compromising customer service or security is also a major challenge," he told the GDN. "GDNPR, therefore, has made a strategic decision to develop an eBorders solution, which would meet its border control requirements." The eBorders solution consists mainly of: * an eVisa system that enables travellers to electronically apply for visas and extensions. * a Pre-Travel Screening (PTS) system that enables airlines to submit 0
110209 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Heritage festival a huge success THIS year's Heritage Festival proved such a big hit it is planned to turn it into a regional event, with other countries taking part. It drew 185,000 visitors, over the 10 days, Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood announced yesterday. The festival, under the theme Bahrain's Old Weaponry and Falconry Arts ended on Friday at the Bahrain National Museum's Heritage Village. The annual event, organised by the Information Ministry's culture and national heritage directorate, was held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. "The great number of local, expatriate, GCC and foreign visitors we receive in such events gives us an incentive on continuing it," said Mr Al Mahmood. "The Heritage Village has become one of Bahrain's well-visited tourist attractions, giving visitors a peek into the social environment and lifestyle of our ancestors." Mr Al Mahmood said plans were under study to expand next year's heritage festival by making it a r 0
110210 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain flag flies high at 'Games' SIXTEEN disabled Bahraini athletes waved their country's flag at the opening ceremony of the Fifth GCC Special Olympics, at Al Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar, yesterday. More than 50 special athletes from Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait, are taking part in the five-day sporting event. Saudi Arabia and Oman have not sent representatives to this year's games. The GCC Special Olympics is organised every two years by the GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports, which is headquartered in Bahrain. Bahrain's athletes, who all suffer from mental retardation, are aged from 10 to 24 and they will take part in the following categories: 100-metre, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1,500m races, the 4x100m relay race, long jump, soft ball throw and shot put events. The athletes are Jawaher Ibrahim, Fatima Darwish, Amira Khalil, Zainab Abdul Nabi, Sarah Hussain, Zainab Abbas, Natasha Ameen and Fatma Shamlool; male athletes Qassim Buhassan, Khalifa Al Zayani, Hassan Al Zaina 0
110211 0 1549 BNEW LOCAL Ray of hope for mother FILIPINA Lecita Flores' fight in Bahrain for custody of her daughter Sarah is expected to be backed by the Human Rights Defence Committee at the Kuwaiti Parliament. A letter was sent on Friday to committee chairman Dr Waleed Al Tibtibani, by the Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS), with the aim of further strengthening Ms Flores' already year-old court battle in Bahrain. To spread awareness on the case, the society is to launch the Sarah Campaign tomorrow with hundreds of posters, flyers and balloons to be distributed around the country in the weeks to come. BHRWS founding members Faisal Fulad and Ahdeya Ahmed were yesterday interviewed by Philippines broadcasting giant ABS-CBN for its Middle East News section, at the Philippine Embassy, Zinj. Mr Fulad is also expected to meet Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa today to seek his assistance to extend Ms Flores' stay in the kingdom 0
110212 1 1549 BNEW LOCAL SUMMIT APPEAL JAKARTA: Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa spoke out strongly yesterday for greater efforts by Asian and African countries to face economic and social challenges. The Minister joined leaders of three-quarters of the world's people in Indonesia's capital for the summit which is searching for common ground between Africa and Asia on issues ranging from poverty to terrorism. The Bandung Summit is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Shaikh Ali, delivering Bahrain's keynote speech, spoke about several issues, but especially the Palestinian cause and Iraq. "At this important stage of international relations, we need further effort from both the Asian and African continents to face economic and social challenges," he said. Shaikh Ali also conveyed the good wishes of His Majesty King Hamad to the summit, wishing the event every success. He also conveyed the kingdom's condolences to the government of Indonesia and other governments and to fami 0
110213 2 1549 BNEW LOCAL Ninth-floor drama as two saved MANAMA: Firemen rescued two window cleaners dangling nine floors up the side of a Bahrain tower block yesterday. The Bangladeshis were trapped when their cradle broke down as they worked on the Pension Fund Commission building, in the Diplomatic Area. Mohammed Ajumuddin and Mohammed Jahangir were trapped when the cradle's power supply tripped, said Manama Cleaning and Contracting Company general supervisor P Madhu. Bangladeshi colleague Shah Alam, who was on the roof, raised the alarm. "Firemen cordoned off the area and rescue operations were mounted using a special crane," said Mr Madhu. "They brought our workers down within half an hour. We are grateful to them for their commendable work." Mr Madhu said the workers were not scared as they were used to heights. "This is the second incident in the history of our company when our workers were trapped in a window cleaning cradle," he added. "Two of our workers were stuck like this while invol 0
110214 3 1549 BNEW LOCAL Bay detainees may be moved SIX Bahrainis held in Guantanamo Bay could be moved without notice to prisons in Yemen, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia or Egypt, say their lawyers. They could be moved without their lawyers or families being told, following a court ruling in Washington. Lawyers defending the six asked to court to order the US government to give them advance notice of any transfer of their clients from the US camp in Guantanamo, Cuba. They made the request last month when the Pentagon announced that it was transferring many of the detainees to prisons in other countries, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The move aims to cut by half the numbers held at the base in Cuba. US Lawyer Joshua Colangelo-Bryan told the GDN that in view of the court order, he had no way of confirming the whereabouts of his clients. "If the government were to decide to transfer the Bahraini detainees to any country in the world, including countries that the US State Department has sai 0
110215 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Scott stretches lead BEIJING: Australia's Adam Scott took a stranglehold on the Johnnie Walker Classic yesterday as he stretched his lead to six strokes in the unfinished third round. Scott, who fired a course record 63 and a six under par in his first two rounds, hit five birdies against one bogey to lead Sweden's Henrik Stenson and America's Gary Rusnak as play ended for the day. The world number 10, aged only 24, remained in devastating form despite playing 29 holes yesterday to make up for Thursday's suspension due to high winds at the Pine Valley course. Just 28 players completed the third round which resumes early today before the high-profile field, including four of the world's top 10, heads into the fourth. US Open champion Retief Goosen started strongly but then made a bogey in failing light. The world number five was seven strokes off the pace along with fellow South African Richard Sterne and Scotland's Steven O'Hara. Rising English star Luke Donald, who placed third at th 0
110216 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Aberdeen eye Uefa Cup spot with win over Motherwell GLASGOW, Scotland: Aberdeen moved closer to third place in the Scottish Premier League yesterday with a 1-0 win over Motherwell. Darren Mackie's 34th-minute goal gives Aberdeen 55 points - two behind third-place Hibernian which drew 2-2 with Hearts. Third place ensures Uefa Cup soccer next season. "Don't get me wrong, we would rather be in Hibs' position but this result keeps us ticking over and at least this game is out of the way," Aberdeen manager Jimmy Calderwood said. "We will finish at least fifth this season which is a big improvement on last year but we are still hoping for a wee bit higher." Aberdeen plays at Hibernian on May 14. Yesterday's matches were the first since the league split. For the final five games of the season, the top six clubs play each other once, as do the bottom six. Rangers and Celtic play today. Dundee United drew 1-1 with Livingston. Stevie Crawford scored for Dundee United and Eric Deloumeaux levelled for Livingst 0
110217 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Muharraq stay ahead MUHARRAQ extended their lead in the Batelco-sponsored Bahrain Basketball League defeating Sitra 85-81 last night at the Juffair Youth Centre. Muharraq stayed on top with 31 points, one point ahead of second placed defending champions Manama who eased past Nuwaidrat 102-54. Both Muharraq and Manama have already secured berths in the Golden Square play-offs. Today's fixtures: 5.30pm - Al Ittihad vs Isa Town, 7.30pm: Al Najma vs Bahrain Club (both at the Juffair Youth Centre). 0
110218 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Mansoor lifts cycling title MANSOOR Mohammed of Bani Jamra Youth Centre was a deserving victor in the Bahrain Cycling Association's (BCA) 30-km individual race in Sakhir. Mansoor clocked 45 minutes and 22.41 seconds to finish first in this race which was a warm up event for the President of Goys Cycling Cup scheduled for Thursday. This event will be held under the patronage of Goys president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and is sponsored by Batelco. Ali Hassan, also of Bani Jamra Youth Centre, was second in one hour, two minutes and 14.49 seconds while Abdulaziz Dhiab of Riffa (1:02.15) finished third. BCA president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad bin Ahmed Al Khalifa honoured the winners at a prize-giving ceremony. Shaikh Khalid thanked Batelco for their sponsorship and Goys for their support. Shaikh Khalid also thanked the health ministry and the traffic directorate for their support to the association in providing safety and security during the races. Results: 1 Mansoor Mohammed (Bani J 0
110219 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Gulf Marketing win GULF Marketing International scored an impressive three wickets victory over Super Express while KCA Ahmed Abdulla Electricals beat Peters Church by 37 runs in the KCA-Malayalam News Six-A-Side Softball Cricket Tournament being held at the Kerala Catholic Association premises. Other results: Salmaniya CC bt KCA 'B' by 54 runs, ASU bt Brothers Casargode by one wicket, AMA Fishing Harbour bt KCA 'B' by 47 runs, Summer Kant Restaurant bt Latif Aujan by 28 runs, KCA Ahmed Abdulla Electricals bt Parts Land by 5 wickets. 0
110220 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Sunderland win berth in Premiership LONDON: Sunderland won promotion back to the Premiership after they beat Leicester City 2-1 and promotion rivals Ipswich Town were held to a 1-1 draw at Leeds United yesterday. Sunderland's victory gave them 88 points with two games to go, five ahead of second-placed Wigan, and meant they cannot now be caught by third-placed Ipswich, who have 81. Sunderland, relegated from the top flight in 2003, had an early scare yesterday when Alan Maybury put Leicester ahead after five minutes. They drew level with a low shot by Marcus Stewart after 23 minutes and went ahead when Steven Caldwell headed in from a corner on the hour. The fans in the Stadium of Light then had a nervous wait to hear the result from Leeds, where news of their draw with Ipswich confirmed Sunderland's promotion. 0
110221 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Singh trails by a shot TORONTO: Australia's Gavin Coles and American Brett Quigley moved into a share of the lead at the Houston Open yesterday, with defending champion Vijay Singh and John Daly lurking one stroke back after the second round. Despite being one of the smallest players on the PGA Tour, Coles turned in a big effort at the Redstone Golf Club to card a three-under 69 and climb to the top of the leaderboard on 10-under-par 134 alongside Quigley, who recorded a second straight 67. The 7,508-yard Redstone layout and its wide open fairways hold mouth-watering appeal for the tour's heavy hitters and Daly took full advantage, mixing seven birdies with a pair of bogeys to reach nine-under 135 through 36 holes. Singh, who had held the overnight lead after equalling the course record with an opening round eight-under 64, was unable to build on his momentum. He had to settle for a one-under 71 that included nine consecutive pars to finish the round. Joining Singh and Daly at nine-unde 0
110222 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Agassi goes down battling to Grosjean HOUSTON, Texas: Second seed Andre Agassi and defending champion Tommy Haas were upset in the quarter-finals of the $380,000 ATP US Clay Court Championships here yesterday while top seed Andy Roddick advanced. French sixth seed Sebastien Grosjean advanced by ousting American star Agassi 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 while seventh seed Jurgen Melzer of Austria dethroned Germany's Haas 2-6, 6-2, 6-4. Roddick, who won here in 2001 and 2002, advanced to a semi-final matchup with Melzer by beating Peruvian eighth seed Luis Horna 6-4, 6-1. Grosjean booked a semi-final date with Ecuadoran qualifier Nicolas Lapentti, who outlasted American wild card James Blake 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/3) in a night quarter-final. Roddick, who has not lost a set this week, has won 21 of his first 25 ATP matches this season. He seeks his second title of the yera after winning in February at San Jose. 0
110223 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Armstrong trails TORONTO: Lance Armstrong's problems followed him into the mountains at the Tour de Georgia yesterday, as the defending champion laboured to a seventh-place finish in the fourth stage won by Dane Brian Vandborg. After a disappointing time-trial on Thursday, Armstrong was expected to fare better on the hilly 214-km-stage from Dalton to Dahlonega that included five rated climbs. Battling stomach cramps and driving thunderstorms, the Texan never looked like winning and eventually crossed the line in a small group, eight seconds behind the winner. 0
110224 0 1549 SPOR SPORT UK withdraw 'inducements' LONDON: London's bid team for the 2012 Olympics has withdrawn the offer of inducements for sporting bodies announced in Berlin last week. The International Olympic Committee Ethics Commission had been asked to examine the financial incentives offered by London and New York and IOC president Jacques Rogge said he feared the inducements could lead to a bidding war. "In light of president Rogge's remarks and the importance of London 2012's commitment to working in close co-operation with the IOC, we feel it is in the best interests of the Olympic movement to withdraw the charters at this stage," a London statement said yesterday. New York's bid team was cleared on Friday of any wrongdoing by the IOC over their offer of inducements. 0
110225 0 1549 SPOR SPORT O'Sullivan and Davis book last eight spots SHEFFIELD, England: Defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and veteran Steve Davis booked their places in the quarter-finals of the World Snooker Championship last night at the Crucible. O'Sullivan eased into the last eight with a comfortable 13-7 win over Allister Carter and then cast doubt over his future in the game once again. "I've not enjoyed the way I've played this year and I won't be able to take too much of that - it's physically impossible," said the mercurial O'Sullivan. "I'd like to be coming here for many more years, but I'll give it a couple of years to see how I go. Life is too short and I've got a lot of things to look forward to. I want to enjoy my life." Six-times world champion Davis, at 46 the oldest player in the tournament, appeared to be on his way out when he was 8-2 down against Michael Holt. But he ended the second session 9-7 behind and completed an impressive comeback with a 13-10 win. "I needed to win to keep my top 16 plac 0
110226 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Taqi wins daily prize HAMEED Taqi got off to an impressive start on the ninth day in the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Charity Championship being held at the club premises. In his first appearance in the tournament, Manama and national team bowler Taqi sent out a warning signal to fellow bowlers scoring the highest series of 704 in his first trial to win the daily $50 prize. The high lane prize was claimed by Hameed's nephew Mahdi Assad, another Manama and national team bowler, who managed a 270 game. High qualifier (men): Ahmed Abduljabbar (226). High lane (men): Essa Abduljabbar (279). High qualifier (women): Yasmine Akeel (200). High lane (women): Alma Sulaiman (246). Standing Men: 1 Ahmed Abduljabbar (226), 2 Essa Abduljabbar (224), 3 Nabeel Khalifa (221), 4 Mahdi Assad (220), 5 Mohammed Falah (218), 6 Abdulla Raees (216), 7 Adel Rasti (212), 8 Hussain Ghuloom (211), 9 Ahmed Fareed (211), 10 Abbas Haji (209), 11 Ahmed Al Naomi (209), 12 Aziz Jaffar (209). Women: 0
110227 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Ferrero takes on Nadal BARCELONA: Juan Carlos Ferrero and Rafael Nadal set up a perfectly scripted Spanish dream final at the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open yesterday as both blasted past semi-final opponents. The unseeded Ferrero, who has been repairing a game gone stale due to illness and injury during 2004, played a match of two halves to oust seventh seed Nikolay Davydenko 7-6 (7/1), 6-1. Former world number one Ferrero laboured for 68 minutes to win the opening set, then brought the victory home through a second set done and dusted in less than half an hour. Marauding teenager Nadal, who has pulled himself into the ranks of heavy favourites for Roland Garros starting in a month, was merciless in his defeat of Czech journeyman Radek Stepanek, administering a 7-5, 6-2 lesson in one hour, 19 minutes. The victory - two breaks in the second set ended any lingering resistance - gave last week's 18-year-old Monte Carlo champion a 2-0 mark against Stepanek after beating him in Davis Cup in 2004. "I 0
110228 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Raikkonen grabs provisional pole IMOLA, Italy: Kimi Raikkonen beat Renault's Formula One leader Fernando Alonso by the blink of an eye to put McLaren on provisional pole position for today's San Marino Grand Prix. The Finnish 'Iceman' lapped Imola's Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in one minute 19.886 seconds, just three thousandths quicker than the Spaniard who is chasing his third pole and victory in a row. Ferrari's seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher, with just two points from three races won by Renault, was third quickest in 1:20.260 with Australian Mark Webber fourth for Williams. "It would have been good to have a little gap between him and me for tomorrow but we'll see what we can do," said Raikkonen. The starting grid will be decided on aggregate times after today's final qualifying. "The car overall is much better than it was in Bahrain," added Raikkonen, who finished third in that last race three weeks ago. "The conditions seem to suit the car much better than the prev 0
110229 0 1549 SPOR SPORT Al Ghasra and Tiseer in lead BAHRAINI veteran Ali Al Ghasra and Moroccan International Master Mohammed Tiseer share the lead in the Bahrain Mind Sports Association (BMSA) President's Open Chess Tournament being held at the association premises in Muharraq. Al Ghasra defeated Mohammed Fath Al Bab while Tiseer beat Ashley Freeman in the fourth round to extend their unbeaten run in the tournament which was inaugurated on April 16 by BMSA president Adel Al Assomi. Al Ghasra and Tiseer are on four points each. The two will meet in a crucial clash in the fifth round which my well decide the title. In other top round four games, Zeyad Janahi outplayed Khalil Bukhalaf, Abu Hanif defeated Waheed Abdulla, Khalaf Bukhalaf drew with Froilan Magpantai and Mohammed Abdullah drew with Ali Al Jaber. The tournament is being held in the nine-round Swiss system with more than 30 players in the fray. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 finishers and the best of the juniors. Round five top board fixtures: T 0
110230 1 1549 SPOR SPORT SOUTH AFRICA PILE ON RUNS BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: Two wickets in the half-hour prior to tea left South Africa on 417 for four on the third day of the third Test against West Indies yesterday. At the break, Jacques Kallis was not out on 44 and left-hander Ashwell Prince was not out on four, as the visitors continued their reply to the West Indies' first innings total of 296. West Indies got themselves back into the match with the wickets of Abraham de Villiers and Herschelle Gibbs just before the break. De Villiers was caught behind off Reon King for 178, when he under-edged a cut low to wicketkeeper Courtney Browne. The South African opening batsman hit 15 fours and one six from 352 balls in almost nine-and-a-quarter hours of batting. De Villiers and Jacques Kallis added 58 for the third wicket, as the visitors continued to pile on the pressure with resolute batting. South Africa however, suffered another setback when Herschelle Gibbs was caught at slip for eight off Chris Gayle. The 0
110231 2 1549 SPOR SPORT Chelsea march on with a fine victory LONDON: Sheer character and the return of winger Arjen Robben earned Chelsea's 3-1 win over Fulham yesterday which took them to the brink of the title, according to their manager Jose Mourinho. In other action, Everton edged closer to a place in Europe's elite club competition for the first time in 34 years with a battling 1-1 draw at home to Birmingham City. After trailing to a fifth-minute Emile Heskey goal, Duncan Ferguson came off the bench for the second-half and struck the equaliser six minutes from time. The result from the early kickoff was made to look much better for Everton when Liverpool, their nearest rivals for the all-important fourth place, lost 1-0 at Crystal Palace. With Bolton Wanderers also drawing 1-1 at Aston Villa, Everton remain on course to claim a place in the qualifying round of the Champions League. They have 58 points from 34 games, four points clear of Liverpool and Bolton, who have both played a game more. It represents a rem 0
110232 3 1549 SPOR SPORT Karimi roars to victory MTC-Unstoppabulls racer Yousif Karimi roared to victory in the final off-road motorbike race of the season, organised by the Bahrain Motorcycle Club (BMC) off Shaikh Isa Highway. Nine riders in two categories thrilled over 1,000 enthusiastic motorcycle fans. Karimi topped in the pro-category while Mohammed Al Khunaizi was second and Abdulnasser Al Sadah third. Yousif Juma and Tariq Hassan finished fourth and fifth respectively. In the novice group, Ali Al Khunaizi finished first while Hassan Ali, Adel Al Khunaizi and Ali Al Fahad claimed the next three positions respectively. Karimi rode to victory in all three races in the pro-category. Cash prizes, trophies and medallions were distributed by race director Samer Al Arayyed at an awarding ceremony after the event. "Yousif Karimi is the latest member of the MTC-Unstoppabulls Racing team and he has done exceptionally well in his first race," said MTC-Bulls owner Shaikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 0
110233 0 1549 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain PERFORMANCE by British musician Stefan Malinowski, Upstairs Downstairs Restaurant, Adliya, 8pm. Contact 17713093. Perth, capital city of West Australia, and other destination Down Under are to be promoted in Tourism Australia's An Evening to Remember for travel agents and tour operators, Gulf Hotel, 7.30pm. Seminar for human resources and training managers of the hospitality industry, Tackling Turnover, Baisan Institute of Hospitality Management, 10am-1pm; Shanghai Noon event for pupils (highlighting planning, organising and coordinating skills and teamwork), 1pm-3pm. Beit Shaikh Isa (Shaikh Isa House), Muharraq, 8am-2pm. Entrance 200 fils. Contact 17334945. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or special arrangements required. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Art 0
110234 0 1549 WORL WORLD Koreans hold nuclear talks JAKARTA: North and South Korean leaders yesterday continued their highest-level talks for five years, but made little progress in exploring ways to revive a stalled six-party dialogue on Pyongyang's nuclear crisis. In a second day of discussions South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan tried to persuade Kim Yong-nam, North Korea's number two leader, that his country should reopen six-nation dialogue over its atomic ambitions. Although they bore little fruit, the talks on the margins of a summit in Jakarta were the most senior exchanges between the two countries since 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung visited the North's leader Kim Jong-Il. "We are trying to persuade North Korea to come back to the six-party talks, that's what we are doing at the moment," South Korea's deputy foreign minister, Lee Tae-Shik, said after the 40-minute discussion. Talks between Pyongyang and the US, South Korea, China, Russia, and Japan aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear ar 0
110235 0 1549 WORL WORLD Oscar-winning actor Mills dies LONDON: Actor Sir John Mills, one of Britain's most beloved and best-known screen stars, died yesterday after an Oscar-winning career spanning more than 50 years. He was 97. Mills died at his home in Denham, west of London, after a short illness, a statement from his trustees said. Details of the illness were not given. Mills' roles ranged from Pip in David Lean's Great Expectations to the village idiot in Lean's Ryan's Daughter, for which Mills won an Academy Award for best supporting actor in 1971. His place in film history, however, is marked mostly by his war-movie roles as a soldier, sailor, airman or commanding officer, in which he embodied the decency, humility and coolness under pressure so cherished in the British hero. On Mills' 80th birthday in 1988, historian Jeffrey Richards called him "truly an English Everyman. His heroes have been on the whole not extraordinary men, but ordinary men whose heroism derives from their levelheadedness, generosity of spirit and innate 0
110236 0 1549 WORL WORLD Syria pullout ends today BEIRUT: The withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon following a 29-year military presence will be completed today, a senior military officer said yesterday. The source said Rustum Ghazaleh, the Syrian intelligence chief in Lebanon, would be the last to leave after a farewell ceremony in the Bekaa Valley on Tuesday. The special military road that links the two countries will be closed behind him and the Lebanese Army will take over the Syrian intelligence headquarters in the town of Anjar. Syria is racing to end its 29-year military and intelligence presence in Lebanon in line with a United Nations Security Council resolution passed in September. It has promised to be out by April 30 but is set to beat its deadline by four days. Yesterday, Syrian troops left three positions in the Bekaa Valley, witnesses said. They said at least 35 military vehicles crossed the border out of Lebanon, showered with flowers and rice by Lebanese bidding them farewell. Syria, whose forces e 0
110237 0 1549 WORL WORLD Take a stand voters urged LONDON: The British public yesterday was urged to turn out and vote on May 5, with Prime Minister Tony Blair championing the value of his Labour Party and the rival Conservatives rallying people to "take a stand". Politicians are worried about voter apathy in the run-up to the general election following a record low turnout at the last poll in 2001. "Over these coming days people have got to make up their minds as to which government to elect for our country," Blair told reporters at the launch in London of a new campaign slogan for Labour, 'If you value it, vote for it.' "There will either be a Conservative government or a Labour government people wake up to on May 6, so that choice has now got to be made," he said, noting that the main battle would be fought at a local level in key marginal seats where "a few hundred votes either way" could swing the result. If people valued a strong economy, low interest rates and record jobs they should support Labour, the prime minister said 0
110238 0 1549 WORL WORLD Missile sale accused 'is a clown' NEWARK, New Jersey: A Briton charged with selling a shoulder-launched missile to terrorists for use in the United States, was described by his lawyer yesterday as "a joke, a clown" who was strung along by undercover agents in a case of entrapment. Defence lawyer Henry Klingeman portrayed Hemant Lakhani, 69, a British citizen born in India, as a failed businessman who "couldn't finish a deal if his life depended on it." Lakhani, arrested in August 2003 after a two-year international sting operation, was charged with trying to provide material support to terrorists, unlawful arms sales, smuggling and money laundering. He could face 25 years in prison. US District Judge Katharine Hayden scheduled the jury to begin deliberations on Tuesday. The trial, which began in the first week of January, was held up for over a month because of Lakhani's health problems, including heart surgery. While the prosecution depicted Lakhani as an enthusiastic broker eager to supply 0
110239 0 1549 WORL WORLD Key Taliban activist surrenders KHOST, Afghanistan: A senior member of the ousted Taliban movement surrendered yesterday, the latest in a series of defections to Afghan President Hamid Karzai's government by Taliban commanders. Mofti Habibur Rahman, chief of the criminal department at Taliban's interior ministry, also said other high-level and low-ranking Taliban officials inside and outside Afghanistan would take advantage of a government amnesty offer. "The reason is that we now have an elected and legitimate government," Rahman said after surrendering to local authorities in Khost, the southeastern province near the border with Pakistan which is a hotbed of Taliban activity. When asked if Jalaluddin Haqani, the top Taliban commander for the southeastern region would also give himself up, Rahman said: "I cannot say this because of security reasons." He said other Taliban officials who were prepared to join the government were living in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the UAE. His defection comes days after 0
110240 0 1549 WORL WORLD Top US officers cleared in Abu Ghraib scandal WASHINGTON: Lt Gen Ricardo Sanchez, faulted by some for leadership failures in the Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse scandal, has been cleared by the Army of all allegations of wrongdoing and will not be punished, officials said. Three officers who were among Sanchez's top deputies during the period of the abuse in the fall of 2003 also have been cleared. An Army Reserve one-star general has been reprimanded, and the outcome of seven other senior army officer cases could not be learned. Sanchez, who became the senior US commander in Iraq in June 2003, two months after the fall of Baghdad, has not been accused of criminal violations. He is nearing the end of his tenure as commander of the Army's 5th Corps in Germany. After assessing the allegations against Sanchez and taking sworn statements from 37 people, the army's inspector general, Lt Gen Stanley Green, concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated, according to officials familiar with Green's probe. Green reached the s 0
110241 0 1549 WORL WORLD Pope tells media to respect ethics VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict yesterday reminded journalists in four languages of their responsibility to seek the truth and defend human dignity and pledged to have a papacy as open to the media as his predecessor. In a sign of how important communication will be to him as Pope, Benedict called the media that have converged in Rome from around the world to be the guests of his first audience for non-clergy since his election on Tuesday. Benedict said he wanted to "continue the fruitful dialogue" with the media begun by John Paul, who went down in history as a great communicator. Benedict's message to the media was courteous but clear. He stressed the "ethical responsibility of those who work in the media, especially regarding the sincere search for truth and the defence of the centrality and dignity of the human person". 0
110242 0 1549 WORL WORLD UK academics boycott two Israel universities LONDON: Britain's main university teachers union has voted to boycott two Israeli universities for allegedly restricting academic freedom and teaching in illegal settlements, drawing anger from Jewish students. The Association of University Teachers (AUT) took the decision to blacklist Haifa University and Bar Ilan University at an annual conference on Friday. "AUT Council has decided to boycott Haifa University and the Bar Ilan University," the union's general secretary Sally Hunt said in a statement. As a result, no member of the 40,000-strong union will be allowed to visit the Israeli institutions. The boycott will remain in force until Haifa "commits itself to academic freedom" and until Bar Ilan severs links with the College of Judea and Samaria, established at the illegal Ariel settlement in the occupied West Bank. At the heated conference in Eastbourne, southern England, AUT members claimed that a senior lecturer at Haifa faced the sack and possible trial f 0
110243 0 1549 WORL WORLD Annan presses Burma leader on democracy JAKARTA: UN Secretary General Kofi Annan yesterday urged the leader of Burma's military government to allow detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her political party to take part in formulating a new constitution for the Southeast Asian nation. Annan said he met Burma's General Than Shwe on the sidelines of the summit of leaders of Asian and African leaders in Jakarta and that he urged him to speed up the democratisation process. "He briefed me extensively as to how he sees this and how things were going on," Annan said. The junta, which seized power in 1988, has shown no sign of releasing Suu Kyi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Approaching her 60th birthday, Suu Kyi has been under house arrest for a year and barred from contact with independent observers. Her National League for Democracy party has refused to participate in discussions about a new constitution until she is released - a demand ignored by the ruling junta. 0
110244 0 1549 WORL WORLD 'Lennon' portrait of complex man SAN FRANCISCO: Beatle John Lennon would have enjoyed the musical stage production based on his life and songs because of its complexity, especially the use of nine actors to play him, according to his wife Yoko Ono. Ono said her late husband would have admired how his multifaceted persona is brought to life by the cast of Lennon, which premiered this week at San Francisco's Orpheum Theatre. "That's very John. He did not want to limit himself to one exclusive group of people. He felt the whole world was his friend and his family," Ono told Reuters Television in a recent interview. Director Don Scardino said the musical was a labour of love - and a massive responsibility because of the legacy of Lennon, who was shot to death outside his Manhattan apartment by a deranged fan in December 1980 just as he was making a musical comeback. 0
110245 0 1549 WORL WORLD Woman steers packed bus to safety after driver passes out A woman grabbed the steering wheel of a bus after its driver passed out on a packed motorway, in a sort of real-life Speed - the movie starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. The woman was travelling on a double decker bus from Manchester to Colne in Lancashire, northern England, on Friday when she saw the driver collapse as he drove along the M60. She grabbed the wheel and managed to steer the bus safely into the nearside barrier, where it came to a stop. No-one was injured and the 61-year-old driver, who works for the bus company Burnley and Pendle Travel, was taken to hospital with a suspected viral infection, police said. In the 1994 Holywood blockbuster Speed, Bullock has to take control of a bus which is rigged with a bomb that will explode if the vehicle's speed falls below 80kmph. 0
110246 0 1549 WORL WORLD E-mail blunder proves costly Even for his fellow lawyers, a Dutch law school graduate may have a gone a bit too far in expressing a desire to strike it rich. Reinder Eekhof, a freshly minted lawyer, recently wrote in an e-mail that he had "finally finished this stupid education," and was "now looking for someone crazy enough to dump a suitcase full of money in my lap every month." The e-mail was meant for a friend at the Houthoff Buruma law firm. But Eekhof mistyped the address and his missive landed in the inbox of someone in the communications department instead. That person forwarded it, and soon the e-mail was being read at law firms across the Netherlands. "Good luck with your career," wrote one lawyer who saw the e-mail. Another noted that "the advantage is that now everyone in the legal profession in Holland knows your name." 0
110247 0 1549 WORL WORLD Versace fought off drugs NEW YORK: Donatella Versace has designs on staying sober after a trip to rehab last year. The fashion guru tells the May issue of Vogue that her 18-year addiction to cocaine began at 32, when she mostly used the drug at parties in New York and Los Angeles. "I had so much fun," Versace, now 50, told the magazine. "I had the best time of my life." The murder of her brother Gianni Versace in 1997 prompted Donatella to abandon cocaine, but the sobriety didn't last. When she began again, she mixed cocaine with sedatives and fought chronic headaches with "lots of Excedrin," Versace said. She hit bottom after her women's show in March 2004. 0
110248 0 1549 WORL WORLD Koizumi pledge over Aceh aid BANDA ACEH: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi toured tsunami-devastated Aceh province yesterday, pledging Tokyo would continue to provide funds and other relief assistance to Indonesia. Taking a short break from a summit of African and Asian leaders in Jakarta, Koizumi said he was shocked by the destruction wrought by the December 26 quake-triggered waves that left more than 160,000 Acehnese killed or missing and half a million homeless. "It's been four months, and still this damage is like the place has been fire-bombed," he said. 0
110249 0 1549 WORL WORLD 17 UK schoolgirls hurt in crash BRUSSELS: Seventeen British schoolgirls were injured yesterday when a coach crashed into a house in Belgium after the handbrake became disengaged while the driver was not at the wheel. Nobody was seriously hurt in the incident in the southern town of Mons, where a group of 23 girls was being driven by coach to play a rugby match, an emergency services official said. The crash occurred after the driver got off the bus to close the door of one of the baggage compartments, which was preventing him from disengaging the handbrake, he said, confirming details reported by the Belga news agency. When he managed to close the door, the handbrake came off and the coach began moving downhill, crashing into the front of a house near a local monument, said the official, who declined to be named. Further details about the girls, who were from the southern county of Surrey and were staying at a youth hostel in the town, were not immediately available. 0
110250 0 1549 WORL WORLD Soldier injured in knife attack JENIN: An Israeli soldier was stabbed by a lone attacker near the West Bank settlement of Ganim close to the city of Jenin yesterday, Israeli medics said. The soldier, who was stabbed in the head and neck, was taken to hospital with moderate wounds and his condition was not thought to be life-threatening, a spokesman for Israel's MDA ambulance service said. There was no immediate word on the identity of the assailant, who Israel Radio said ran off with the soldier's weapon. Security forces searched the area and residents of settlements in the northern West Bank were told to stay indoors. Spokesmen for the Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigades said they were not involved in the stabbing. Major Palestinian militant factions have been observing a truce since shortly after Mahmoud Abbas replaced the late Yasser Arafat as Palestinian president in January. 0
110251 0 1549 WORL WORLD Abbas and Sharon to hold talks JERUSALEM: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon plan to meet next month in what would be their first encounter in almost three months. The meeting, likely to be in early May, is set to focus on planning Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Gaza Strip later this year, sources on both sides said yesterday. The prospect of settler resistance, the possible use of force by Israeli security forces and the likelihood of militant groups wanting to portray the withdrawal as a retreat under fire have created a delicate situation for Israelis and Palestinians. Around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners at Megiddo prison in northern Israel launched a hunger strike over a suspension of family visiting rights, the Prisoners Club said. l Abbas last night appointed three new security chiefs, consolidating his security apparatus and completing a key element of internal reform. They are: Brig Gen Suleiman Heles, as head of the National Security; Brig Gen Alaa H 0
110252 0 1549 WORL WORLD Bomb material stolen in France MADRID: Six armed and hooded robbers stole four tonnes of sodium chlorate, which can be used to make explosives, from a chemical firm's warehouse in western-central France, Spanish media reported yesterday. French police could not immediately be reached for comment on the reports. Spanish state radio, quoting police sources, said investigators suspected the robbery could be the work of armed Basque separatist guerillas ETA, who are active in both Spain and France. The robbery took place on Friday in Saint Benoit in the Poitiers region. State radio said the robbers tied up a security guard at the warehouse. They communicated using signs during the robbery but one of them spoke in French with a Spanish accent, reinforcing suspicions of ETA involvement, state radio reported. It added no arrests had been made in the case. ETA, classed a terrorist organisation by the EU and US, has killed more than 800 people since 1968. 0
110253 0 1549 WORL WORLD Right-wing activist held MADRID: Spanish police arrested a suspected British right-wing activist who had jumped bail and travelled to the Mediterranean resort of Benalmadena. An international arrest warrant had been issued against Mark Atkinson, 38, from Egham, Surrey, in England for "publishing or distributing written material intended or likely to stir up racial hatred," the Interior Ministry said in a statement yesterday. Atkinson, founder of the Racial Volunteer Force group, had been released from custody on bail and was due to appear in court in January 2004, but failed to show up. 0
110254 0 1549 WORL WORLD Berlusconi in bid to please allies ROME: Finding a delicate compromise to please his fractious allies, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced his new government yesterday, keeping key ministers in place while bringing back his longtime ally Giulio Tremonti as deputy premier. He named the team of ministers after he was sworn in as premier of the nation's 60th government in as many years. In a bid to end Italy's worst political crisis in four years, Berlusconi confirmed his other deputy and foreign minister, Gianfranco Fini, in the cabinet dubbed "Berlusconi II". His choices must now be confirmed in both houses of parliament, where he will face a confirmation vote next week. Berlusconi struggled to convince his key centre-right coalition allies - Fini's National Alliance (AN), the Northern League, and the Christian Democrat UDC party - to patch up their multiple differences to avoid snap elections, which polls say he would lose. The nomination of Tremonti appeared to be one such fine compromise. 0
110255 0 1549 WORL WORLD Jet-ski drug runners arrested LILLE, France: Three Britons face charges of drug trafficking after preparing to cross the English Channel on a jet-ski with 46kg of cannabis. Three men, aged from 30 to 47, were arrested last Sunday at a camping ground near Sangatte on France's north coast where they were waiting for good weather before attempting the crossing on a "high powered" jet-ski, police said. The men were allegedly carrying three large sacks of cannabis. Two other men, suspected of waiting to pick up the drugs, were arrested by police at Dover in Britain. 0
110256 0 1549 WORL WORLD Art trafficking ring busted MADRID: Spanish police arrested 16 art forgers and sellers of false or stolen artworks and seized more than 10,000 artefacts in raids across the country. The artefacts included archaeological treasures such as coins and figurines from several ancient cultures, forged paintings of famous Spanish artists and equipment to make fake and aged coins. Police said in a statement that while thefts of artworks from Spanish museums and galleries had decreased in recent years, thefts from archaeological sites and trafficking in forged artworks were on the rise. The arrested traffickers used a wide variety of methods to sell artefacts, from online auctions to old-style stands at flea markets, police said. 0
110257 1 1549 WORL WORLD 15 killed as Iraq violence escalates BAGHDAD: Thirteen Iraqis and a US soldier were killed in a day of bloody attacks across the country yesterday. An Associated Press Television News cameraman was killed when gunfire broke out in Mosul. US forces captured six men yesterday suspected of shooting down a civilian helicopter carrying 11 people. Insurgents gunned down the lone survivor. A series of explosions shook the Iraqi capital yesterday. The most deadly was a roadside bomb that exploded near an Iraqi army convoy on the outskirts of Baghdad, killing nine soldiers and wounding 20, police said. The attack occurred near the notorious Abu Ghraib prison. Elsewhere in Baghdad, a car bomb targetting a US patrol detonated on a road that links with the perilous highway leading to the airport. One Iraqi was killed and seven wounded. Three US soldiers were also injured in the blast. In Al Haswah, west of Baghdad, a US soldier was killed when a roadside bomb exploded near his convoy. An Iraqi c 0
110258 2 1549 WORL WORLD Gaza pullout 'paralysing' JAKARTA: Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's withdrawal of Jewish settlers from the Gaza strip has "paralysed" the international community, Palestinian deputy prime minister Nabil Shaath said yesterday. "The Israeli government's withdrawal from Gaza has really paralysed international opinion about Israel's expected attempt at building walls of separation and isolation of Jerusalem," Shaath said in Jakarta. "Israel is claiming that it needs international acquiescence in order to overcome the opposition of the extreme right-wing that is opposed to withdrawal from Gaza, but Israel has been delaying its withdrawal from Gaza to give itself more time to start settlements in the West Bank," he told journalists at the Asia-Africa Summit. Sharon is committed to the evacuation, which will see the removal of all troops and more than 8,000 Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip along with several hundred from the northern West Bank later this year. Shaath said that he had expressed "e 0
110259 3 1549 WORL WORLD China-Japan bid to ease tension JAKARTA: Chinese President Hu Jintao said yesterday that Tokyo needed to "seriously reflect" following massive protests in China over Japan's handling of its wartime atrocities and urged Japan to back up its apologies with action. Hu's comments came in a rare public statement after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on the sidelines of the Asian-African summit in Jakarta in a bid to ease the worst dispute in decades between the two Asian powers. It was the first top-level discussion since huge anti-Japanese protests erupted earlier this month in major Chinese cities over Tokyo's approval of school textbooks that China claims play down wartime atrocities. "The strong reaction of the Chinese people and the concerns of people from other Asian countries are something that the Japanese side should seriously reflect on," Hu said after the meeting. The two leaders met at a hotel in the centre of the Indonesian capital after an Asia-Africa summit and shook han 0
110260 0 1549 WORL WORLD Unruly girl, 5, handcuffed MIAMI: A five-year-old Florida girl was handcuffed after becoming violent at her school, local media reported. Officials at Fairmount Park Elementary in St Petersburg, Florida, said the girl was "disruptive and violent" on March 14, "striking and kicking several teachers and administrators. The girl's mother couldn't come to the school right away, so St Petersburg police were called," Bay9 television reported. A video camera, which was rolling as part of a classroom self-improvement exercise, showed the girl making a mess in the assistant principal's office at the school and disobeying requests to behave. She also climbed on a table, the television station reported. John Trevena, a lawyer for the girl's mother, said he plans legal action against police officers who handcuffed the five-year-old. 0
110261 0 1549 WORL WORLD Father of stabbed UK mother reveals agony LONDON: The father of a young mother left paralysed after being stabbed in front of her toddler son in a quiet rural English village spoke yesterday of his daughter's strength of spirit. Abigail Witchalls, 26, was attacked while out pushing her two-year-old son Joseph in a buggy along a quiet lane in Little Bookham, Surrey. She suffered a three inch stab wound to the back of her neck and is stable but critically ill in a south London hospital. Her father Martin Hollins said the attack had been tremendous shock but Witchalls was now communicating with her family using facial expressions. "She is very seriously paralysed at the moment. But she's communicated to us somehow she has the strength of spirit to cope with that." 0
110262 0 1549 WORL WORLD Islamists win Saudi elections RIYADH: Islamist-backed candidates triumphed in the final round of Saudi Arabia's first nationwide elections, results showed yesterday, stamping the authority of religious scholars on the kingdom's fledgling reforms. From the commercial capital Jeddah to Islam's second holiest city of Medina, official figures showed a sweeping victory for candidates endorsed by conservative Muslim scholars, including government critics. Thursday's elections marked the third and final round of voting for municipal councils in the absolute monarchy. In the Red Sea port of Jeddah the seven candidates on a "golden list" endorsed by Muslim scholars won all seven seats, defeating 500 rivals in a show of religious influence which defied the city's relatively liberal tradition. The holy city of Medina returned six out of seven candidates supported by religious figures. Winners in the town of Buraida, heartland of Saudi Arabia's austere Wahhabi school of Islam, also appeared to have religious back 0
110263 0 1549 WORL WORLD Death for cleric is upheld SANAA: A Yemeni appeals court yesterday upheld a death sentence against an Islamist imam who murdered a senior opposition leader three years ago and of co-ordinating the plot that killed three American missionaries in a southern hospital days later. Ali Ahmed Jarallah confessed in July 2003 that he had acted alone in shooting dead Jarallah Omar, deputy leader of the opposition Yemeni Socialist Party, at a party conference in Sanaa the previous year. Jarallah immediately blasted the verdict as unfair, saying the killing was part of a jihad or holy war against converts to Christianity and infidels. The appeals court aquitted 10 others who had previously been sentenced to prison terms of three to 10 years for belonging to a gang that the cleric allegedly created to murder socialists, Arab nationalists and converts to Christianity. Jarallah is a former member of Yemen's Islamist Al Islah Party who quit the party shortly before the killing, complaining it had gone soft on West 0
110264 1 1550 BUSI BUSINESS GCC and China aim to seal free trade deal soon RIYADH: Officials from China and Gulf Arab states said yesterday they made progress in a first round of free trade negotiations and hope to reach a deal next year. Speaking after two days of talks in Saudi Arabia, officials said an accord would boost trade and investment between energy-hungry China and the Gulf states. "We have made a good start and we hope to finish by the end of next year," said Abdulmalik Al Hinai, undersecretary at Oman's Economy Ministry who represented the six Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. Hinai and China's assistant commerce minister Yi Xiaozhun said business was already growing fast between the Asian manufacturing giant and the GCC states. The value of trade between China and the GCC rose 46 per cent last year to $24 billion. GCC investment in China stands at around $700m and China has invested $250m in Gulf Arab states, Yi said. China, the world's second largest consumer of crude after the US, is seeking closer ties with the GCC countries.</ 0
110265 2 1550 BUSI BUSINESS UGB profits rise by 43pc MANAMA: United Gulf Bank (UGB), the investment-banking subsidiary of Kuwait Projects Company Holding (KIPCO), announced a profit of $16.3 million for the first quarter of the year - or 2.13 cents per share. This represents a 43 per cent increase over the $11.4m net profit earned during the same period last year and follows UGB's best-ever full year net profit of $43.3m in 2004. UGB chief executive officer William Khouri said the first quarter performance was at historic levels - supported by strong trading gains and disposals, as well as continued growth in core business and in particular the wealth management services provided by KAMCO. "This is an excellent start to a year which promises to continue the momentum of the past two record earning years and deliver yet a third year in a row of historic net income," he said. UGB's total consolidated revenue of $42.5m in the first three months of this year increased by 86pc over $22.9m recorded in the same period last year. 0
110266 3 1550 BUSI BUSINESS GIB foreign currency rating upgraded by Standard and Poor's MANAMA: International credit rating agency Standard and Poor's has upgraded Gulf International Bank's (GIB) long-term foreign currency rating to A- from BBB+. At the same time, it has reaffirmed GIB's short-term foreign currency rating at A2 and described the outlook as stable. A statement issued by the agency explained that the upgrade reflects GIB's enhanced merchant banking franchise in the Gulf, improving profitability, streamlined strategy and improving asset quality. "We expect GIB to continue to benefit from the commitment of its shareholders and a strong commercial position in the regional banking market," it added. Bank chief executive officer Dr Khaled Al Fayez said he was delighted with the upgrading of the bank's rating. "GIB was among the first Gulf banks to be assigned investment grade credit ratings by all of the major international credit rating agencies and is one of the highest rated financial institutions in the Middle East," he said. "Du 0
110267 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS Turkey's Iran plan hits snag TEHRAN: A hardline political watchdog has ordered that a contract with Turkish telecoms company Turkcell for Iran's second mobile telephone network must undergo more changes, a report said yesterday. According to the student news agency Isna, the Guardians Council is not convinced that new security provisions in the contract decided on by the parliament did not go far enough in protecting Iranian interests. The decision was made while the council - which screens all laws - examined legislation that reduced Turkcell's stake in the operation from 70 per cent to a minority 49pc. "We need to make some corrections in the presence of a Guardians Council representative," Ramezanali Sadeghzadeh, an MP who heads the parliament's telecommunications commission, told Isna. Turkcell was awarded the contract in February 2004 subject to the payment of a 300-million-euro ($366m) licence fee, but parliament then moved to revise the deal. Deputies argued that having telecommunicati 0
110268 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS Kuwait to build new refinery KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait has decided to build a new 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery to boost capacity to about 1.5 million bpd, an oil executive said yesterday. Work on the new refinery, the fourth in the emirate, is scheduled to start in 2007 and production will begin in early 2010, project manager Ahmad Al Jeemaz said. State-run Kuwait National Petroleum Co (KNPC), which owns all refineries, initially planned to establish the new refinery at a production capacity of 450,000 bpd at a cost of between $3 to $4 billion. The refinery will produce 225,000 bpd of fuel oil needed for domestic consumption to operate power plants, and 375,000 bpd of oil products intended for export, Jeemaz said. It will however produce only oil products after Kuwait starts importing natural gas from neighbouring countries to operate its power plants, he said. Kuwait has three refineries at Al Ahmadi, Shuaiba and Mina Abdullah, all in the southern region, which have a combined refining 0
110269 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS BankMuscat income rises MANAMA: Oman-based BankMuscat yesterday reported a net income of 7.9 million Omani Riyals ($26.7 million) in the first quarter of this year, up 13 per cent on the same period last year. The bank also gained OR2.8 million on the disposal of its branch in Bahrain and the incorporation of Bank Muscat International (BMI), Bahrain. Net interest income at OR17.4m was 7pc less than the same period last year. Other income at OR5.2m was up by OR0.7m, or 15pc. Net income is reported after a OR4.9m net writeback of provisions for credit losses (2004: OR5.3m charge). The bank has been able to effect recoveries of OR0.9m during the first quarter of this year as compared to OR0.4m during the first quarter of last year. Saving deposits grew OR39m, 16pc, from OR247m to OR286m while customer deposits grew OR176m, 15pc, from OR1,171m to OR1,347m. Asry prospects 'healthy' MANAMA: Over 2.26 million dead weight tonnes (dwt) of vessels were repaired by the Ara 0
110270 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS Technology forum opens in Dubai DUBAI: The second Microsoft Government Leaders Forum (GLF) Arabia opened yesterday in Dubai under the patronage of Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Defence Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The two-day event brings together more than 120 high-level government officials and business leaders from across the Middle East. The goal of the forum is to drive discussions around how the private sector can work in co-operation with local, regional and central governments to explore the partnerships necessary for growth through technology. It will focus on four main themes: growth and economic development, governance and modernisation, social development and education and public and private partnerships. 0
110271 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS Shares rally past 8,500-mark KUWAIT CITY: Kuwaiti shares surged above 8,500 points yesterday setting an all-time high amid active trading on the back of a positive situation on the financial, political and security fronts, analysts said. Strong oil prices and high production by the Opec member combined to generate a record income of about $30 billion last fiscal year which boosted investor confidence in the market. But leading Kuwaiti economist Jassem Al Saadun warned that the risk factor in the stock market has reached a dangerous level with rampant speculative trading and highly inflated stock prices. The Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) index closed the day on 8,568.40 points, a new all-time high, up 1.3pc on last week's finish of 8,463.10 points. Economists have attributed the current upward trend of the Kuwaiti bourse to strong first-quarter financial results of listed firms and multi-billion-dollar contracts signed by leading companies in the past two months. 0
110272 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS EC urged to curb textile imports LUXEMBOURG: A dozen textile-producing EU member states yesterday said the European Commission should quickly adopt countermeasures to rein in a rise in textile imports from China, government officials said. The demand was made by Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain before an informal dinner here of foreign trade ministers. Slovakia is also thought to back a tough line, diplomats said. French Foreign Trade Minister Francois Loos said EU trade chief Peter Mandelson's decision to launch an investigation into nine categories of Chinese textile or clothing products was going "in the right direction". But he added that ministers would "ask (Mandelson) to go faster". "There are two procedures, a rapid one and a slow one. We're asking for a rapid procedure. All textile producers agree," he said. 0
110273 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS Iran opens up markets NULL 1
110274 0 1550 BUSI BUSINESS Revenue row to be settled MANAMA: Disagreements over Bapco revenues may be settled today when Parliament's finance and economy committee meets Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. A similar meeting will be held tomorrow with representivates of the Transportation Ministry and Premier's Court to discuss the issue of expenditure, said committee chairman Jehad Boukamal. He also warned several ministries and government departments which, he said had "failed to respond to the committee's vision and economic requirements" 0
110275 0 1550 COMM COMMENTThe pursuit of knowledge He who lends a book is an idiot. He who returns the book is more of an idiot," an old Arab proverb, succinctly sums up the essence of the World Book and Copyright Day: Publish more, buy more books and spread the habit of reading. That ought to be easy for Arabs because the post-jahaliya (darkness) period is pivoted on Al Qur'an, meaning read or recite. The very first word to reach Prophet Mohammed through Gabriel was: Iqra! (Read). "I'm not a reader," was his response. He was an illiterate and had once even offered to be a slave to anyone who would teach him just one alphabet. That spirit of learning had spread far and wide among the Arabs. Their pursuit of knowledge was instrumental in our learning the discourses of Greek luminaries. Arabic translation of old writings eventually turned out to be the locomotive of the European renaissance, which changed the course of world history. One such seat of learning was Cordoba in Spain. The Unesco backed World Book Day gets it 0
110276 0 1550 COMM COMMENTSnackaholics denied even a crumb of hope Snacking was never my thing. I could go a whole day on nothing but coffee and never feel a pang of hunger. Take away the caffeine and I would have had a nervous breakdown in half an hour, but food I could do without, free of any apparent side effects. This, I suspect, came from leaving home as a teenager and living in a damp and dingy flat with very little money and absolutely no idea at all how to cook. So it was a diet of sandwiches at work, beer down the pub (full of the goodness of malt and hops, by the way) and the occasional stew made by my flatmate 'Mop' Stokes from a large tin of mixed vegetables, spiced up with liberal dollops of Bovril. This lax lifestyle stayed with me throughout the bulk of my bachelor life and, as I result, I was free of middle age spread right into my early 40s. Then along came love and marriage and suddenly its three square meals a day and cupboards full of biscuits, sweets, chocolates and all sorts of other temptations. 0
110277 0 1550 COMM COMMENTWhy choosing life partner is only skin deep A recent lifestyle poll, conducted among 300 unmarried Bahrainis, was one of the funniest things I've read in a long time! The results of the Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research survey, published in the GDN, showed that looks come first for 70 per cent of Bahraini men, while only 28pc of women want a handsome husband. Suddenly I'm having visions of gorgeously stunning supermodels in the arms of short, fat, hairy gorillas. Uh...you never see that in Bahrain... right? The survey also showed that 61pc of Bahraini men would never marry a girl who had had a previous relationship. I wonder how many of the men are responsible for these 'previous relationships' which render women so untouchable to them when it comes to marriage. Come on, guys! You're choosing a mate here, not a second-hand car! There is much more to it than 'new' and 'used' ! Still, I would have expected the figure to be closer to 90pc, so maybe there is hope after all... Incredibly, a whoppi 0
110280 0 1550 LETT LETTERS Our foreign drivers need educating... YOUR article 'Traffic clamp helps cut road deaths' (GDN, April 9) got me thinking about how much effort is actually being put into educating foreign drivers regarding our local traffic laws (emphasis on local and laws). Recent trends by these drivers have gained noticeable support within the past few months. The double left-turn, skip-the-queue, and my favourite: the roundabout rumble; where against all odds the driver tries to swing from one extreme lane to the other (left going straight/ right turning left) instead of getting into the proper lane. They might be poorly named, but I'd rather call them that than having to explain their details every single time I recall a close encounter at the Lulu roundabout. Though I have not yet been in an accident (thankfully), I am wondering what the Interior Ministry plans on doing regarding educating such drivers at Bahrain's ports of entry? Name and address supplied 0
110281 0 1550 LETT LETTERS Stares irritating IN response to MJ's letter 'Why do workers stare' (GDN, April 18), actually it's not just from the back of the truck that they are enjoying staring at us but even when you try to pass by along the road wherein these Asian people are waiting in Bab Al Bahrain in Manama especially during Friday, feast day for them. Everywhere in Manama where there are large groups of men it is better not to pass there, or one thing you can do pretend or not even glance at them or they will make your day quite irritating. Or else I guess you will be in trouble as they are like a vampire sucking your blood by means of imaginary attempt. Here are the remedies I could suggest as per my experience: * Never look at them. * Wear your protection gear (black shade). * Pretend yourself you are not seeing those nasty eyes of theirs. BEWARE! Bloody, Ex-Vampire, Wandering Around, Ruin Your Day, Extra Care. F V 0
110282 0 1550 LETT LETTERS Guilty conscience I REFER to a very derogatory letter (GDN, April 18) by a Mr MJ (who suffers from a guilty conscience to reveal his true identity) regarding migrant workers in the back of trucks staring at him and his wife seated in their car behind the trucks. Firstly, the writer is clueless. The workers he refers to can neither afford nor read the GDN to take cognisance of his views. Secondly, he does not realise the plight of these workers - the inconsideration of employers who cram them in a truck instead of providing decent transport by bus. I am pretty sure that Mr MJ's wife was not decked up (like a mannequin in a negligee) to enable him to come to the conclusion that these poor workers were ogling her. These poor workers have nowhere to look except at the open space and the cars which happen to stop behind their truck. Most are probably day-dreaming about their families back home. As for his desire to reciprocate by looking into the windows of these migrant workers homes, I would 0
110283 0 1550 LETT LETTERS Congratulations! WITH deep joy I offer Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, my warm congratulations and most fervent good wishes on the happy event of his election to the papacy. Joseph Ratzinger, is a man rich in spiritual passion, humility, self-denial and love for the cause of God and of man. As Pope Benedict XVI, he brings to the papacy a brilliant philosophical and, in particular, theological mind that has endearingly embraced a vision of broad spiritual and ecclesial horizons: personal holiness extended to the supreme sacrifice, missionary outreach combined with constant concern for unity, the necessary integration of spiritual charism and institutional ministry. His Episcopal motto, "Co-worker of the Truth", has guided him in his tireless and uncompromising efforts aimed at defending and promoting the Catholic faith and its morals against modern errors in an age in which the Catholic Church has suffered unprecedented persecutions and martyrdom. The new Pope has also worked to encourage s 0
110284 0 1550 LETT LETTERS Wrong flight? I WAS intrigued to read (GDN, April 19) about the Gulf Air aircraft coming out of Bangkok on April 5. I think there might be a slight error there as my reading on the Internet says GF151, so I think the person who is "concerned" might be able to get an answer if the right flight number is put forward. Sherlock Holmes *A Gulf Air spokesman said: "Unfortunately, the original letter published in the GDN on April 19 had a different flight date and gave the wrong flight number, hence the miscommunication between the media representative and the Gulf Air spokesman. "Gulf Air flight 151 arriving from Bangkok went for a precautionary inspection upon its arrival in Bahrain at the request of its captain. "Some cabin crew members heard an 'unusual' noise at take off, but after confirming with Bangkok Airport that there were no signs of damage on the runway, the captain continued the flight on to Bahrain. "As a precautionary measure, however, he requested a ground inspectio 0
110285 0 1550 LETT LETTERS Honesty admirable THIS in reference to sister Yasmin's opinion (GDN, April 20). One word for all that you said sister, Sharia, our Allah's Sharia. When human instinct compels you to respond in the way you did for a person you didn't know just imagine the pain emanating from her mother's heart, her friends and loved one's heart. And they dare to call Islam a barbaric religion? Sister, I would like to say that you are good human, you were honest and wrote to the GDN your exact feelings. Thank you. Some people, just to show Islam in a poor light, do not even want to admit something like that even if I put them in a hypothetical situation wherein this would happen to their own children. Islam was and never would be barbaric, just practical. Muslim and proud to be one 0
110286 1 1550 BNEW LOCAL OLD IS MAKING WAY FOR NEW MANAMA MANAMA: Some of Bahrain's archaeological sites are to be dug up by the Works and Housing Ministry. This follows a green light yesterday from Bahrain's Cabinet, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. New draft laws on real estate expansion in the kingdom were then studied and referred to the legal affairs ministerial committee. In another key Cabinet development, ministers have acted on demands to give Bahrainis priority for BDF, National Guard and National Security jobs. The Cabinet asked the ministries of defence and interior to present their observations at the next meeting. It also reviewed a draft law on the possibility of Bahrain joining the new international convention for peoples' political and civic rights and referred this to the legal committee, taking into consideration Bahrain's regulations and provisions. 0
110287 2 1550 BNEW LOCAL Webmasters must register or face legal action MANAMA MANAMA: Webmasters face prosecution if they defy new rules announced by Bahraini authorities. All Bahraini websites set up here or abroad must register with the Information Ministry or face legal action, it was declared yesterday. A six-month campaign is being launched next Monday to register all Bahraini websites, under orders from Information Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar. "The ministry will announce soon the details of how each website owner or supervisor can register," Information Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood told the GDN. "If they fail to register then legal action will be taken against them based on the country's printing and publishing laws." He said websites would face similar laws to newspapers, related to libel, public decency and ethics. Just as a newspaper editor-in-chief is held responsible for what he publishes, so will the webmasters be, he said. Ministry printing and publishing director J 0
110288 3 1550 BNEW LOCAL 'Get out' deadline for F1 visa cheats MANAMA HUNDREDS of people staying in Bahrain illegally after arriving on Formula One visas have until today to leave - or face prosecution. Hoteliers, furnished apartment landlords or anyone else who has helped them overstay their visas will also be prosecuted, said the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR). Foreigners who arrived for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this month were granted two-week visit visas but hundreds, mainly women, are believed to have stayed on. The validity of F1 visas expired on April 15, said GDNPR Director General Brigadier Abdul Ghaffar bin Abdul Aziz bin Mohammed. "Therefore any person holding this type of visa who is still in Bahrain is now staying in the country illegally," he told the GDN. "The GDNPR will now take legal action against all such people, whether they are part of a group or individual visitors. "A 10-day grace period has been given to such people, and the legal action will take effect 0
110289 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain home repairs vow MANAMA: Work is well underway on a nationwide plan to renovate or rebuild 500 dilapidated Bahraini homes a year, says an official. The country's five municipal councils have so far submitted 220 applications for this year, said Works and Housing Ministry assistant under-secretary for technical affairs Nabeel Abu Al Fath. "Work on the programme is continuing as planned, with the objective of renovating and rebuilding annually 500 homes which are about to collapse," said Mr Abu Al Fath, who is head of the committee in charge of implementing the scheme. He said that the ministry was committed to carrying out the programme, initiated by His Majesty King Hamad last year, to help Bahraini families with limited incomes living in old and dilapidated homes. 0
110290 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Another holiday MANAMA: Sunday has been declared a government holiday to mark International Labour Day. All government offices and establishments will be closed, said a circular issued by Deputy Premier and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa. Market tenders MANAMA: Tenders will be invited within three months for a $120 million (BD45m) revamp of the Central Market following an agreement with a German company. The Capital Municipal Council plans to request the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry to speed up the process, said its chairman Mortadha Badr yesterday. Top expos on the way MANAMA: Bahrain has lined up 31 prestigious trade and technology exhibitions for this year, it was revealed yesterday. Commerce and Industry Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for External Commerce Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa said negotiations are underway to host many more exhibitions. He said total occupancy at the Bahrain International Exhibitio 0
110291 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL New for babies... MANAMA: Newborn babies in Bahrain will be issued new-look birth certificates, the first of their kind in the Arab region, announced the Health Ministry yesterday. The new typed certificates provide information in both English and Arabic - unlike other countries in the region which issue them in Arabic only, said head of birth and death registration department Khadeeja Abdula'al. "The certificate will be issued to every baby born in Bahrain and those born abroad to Bahraini fathers." 0
110292 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Rally planned by societies illegal MANAMA A PLANNED rally to call for constitutional changes would be an illegal act orchestrated by an illegal organisation, authorities said yesterday. The government does not recognise the group organising the rally, which is backed by four political societies that boycotted the parliamentary elections, said a senior Social Affairs Ministry official. The rally, scheduled to be held on May 6 in the area next to Dana Mall, is being organised by the general-secretariat of the second constitution conference, held on February 10. The general-secretariat was set up based on the conference's recommendations, granting it the duty of spearheading a campaign to draw attention on issues related to constitutional reforms. The conference was backed by Al Wefaq Islamic Society, National Democratic Action Society, Islamic Action Society and National Democratic Society. The rally, to be held under the theme Constitutional Reforms First, follows a similar one attended by the four societies in Si 0
110293 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL First e-auction room launched MANAMA FOUR pioneering young Bahrainis have set up the country's first online auction room, selling anything from tower blocks to parrots. If it's legal, then you can put it under the virtual hammer or bid for it on www.soogon.com The electronic auction is the brainchild of Sager Al Khalifa, aged 25, Tariq Al Gosaibi, Fahad Sarwani and Ehsan Al Kooheji, all aged 24. They are childhood friends who saw windows of opportunity in Bahrain's growing business market. "We have all been close friends since childhood, but took different paths after graduating from high school, to join universities in Bahrain, US, Saudi Arabia and UAE," said Mr Al Khalifa. Each of the website partners studied different fields, but their paths crossed again after graduating from university. "Every one of us saw a possibility in creating a business together, each contributing through their field of study - Tariq in finance, Fahad in accounting, Ehsan in computers and me in political science," said 0
110294 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini tourists to get special medical care TOURISTS from Bahrain who visit Kerala, in India, will now qualify for special treatment at a speciality medical centre. It follows an agreement reached between the Bahrain Health Ministry and the Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS). The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Trivandrum by Health Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Aziz Hamza and KIMS chairman Dr M I Sahadulla. "Under the MoU, KIMS will offer a special package for Bahraini tourists visiting Kerala and take care of their health needs," Dr Hamza told newsmen at a Press conference in Trivandrum. "Bahraini students who pursue paramedical courses in Bahrain will also be offered higher training facilities in Kerala by KIMS. " Dr Sahadulla said KIMS, which is managing a medical centre in Umm Al Hassam, would support the Bahrain government's drive to promote health tourism. "We shall offer all medical expertise to Bahrain, which is already renowned for its high standard of medical services," h 0
110295 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL 185m Arabs use drugs says UN MANAMA MORE than 185 million people use illegal drugs in the Arab world, says a United Nations expert. They include 400,000 who inject themselves with drugs, said United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) regional representative Mohammed Abdulaziz. According to the latest statistics, the number of young people who use drugs has been increasing globally in an unprecedented manner. "The minimum age of those trying drugs for the first time is down to 13 to 16 years," said Mr Abdulaziz in a statement to mark the launch of Bahrain's anti-drugs national campaign, which begins tomorrow. The BD4,000, 10-day campaign, launched by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys), features seminars, exhibitions, surveys, sports tournaments and other activities. It will also feature a training programme which will in turn continue to involve more young Bahrainis to reach out to nearly 90 per cent of Bahrain's youth in five years. Mr Abdulaziz, a Libyan who works in the 0
110296 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL School exams date announced AROUND 31,000 secondary school students will sit for their second term final exams from May 18, announced the Education Ministry. Among them are 17,354 final year secondary school students from the general, arts and commerce streams. In addition, another 10,365 final year intermediate school students will sit their exams from May 21 and 27,716 primary school students will sit their exams from May 28. Exams for all levels will end on June 4. The exam schedule is yet to be set and distributed to the students, said the ministry. However, 11 centres have been designated to mark exam papers. Health seminar set A SEMINAR on health and safety in the industrial sector is being held on Wednesday at the Crowne Plaza, starting at 9am. The event is being organised by the Specific Council for Vocational Training in Industry and will be conducted by key health and safety officials from different ministries and companies in Bahrain. It will continue until noon. 0
110297 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Taste of India... A MOUTH-watering array of home cooked delicacies from across India will feature at a food festival organised by the Indian Ladies Association. The event, called Beyond Taste-Ghar Ka Gourmet, will get underway at the Karnataka Social Club, in Manama, on Friday from 5pm. It is being billed as a fun-filled evening with games and variety cultural entertainment. Both members and non-members are taking part and table spaces have already been registered under the state banners of Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Assam. Those interested in booking space should contact Nividitta on 39850372 or Supriya on 36489100. The event is open to the public and all are welcome. 0
110298 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Visa reprieve for custody row mum A FILIPINA, embroiled in a custody battle over her two-year-old daughter, was yesterday granted another three months in Bahrain. The reprieve for Lecita Flores is thanks to personal intervention by Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Her passport was stamped with a one-month visa yesterday, with the assurance that she could further renew her visa every month for the next three months. "This ensures that she will be here to continue fighting for custody of her daughter Sarah in Bahrain's courts," said Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) founding member Faisal Fulad. Mr Fulad accompanied Ms Flores to the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence to appeal for more time, after she was told last week that she must leave in two weeks. He added that the society was now responsible for Ms Flores during her stay in Bahrain and throughout her court battle with her Bahrain 0
110299 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Rashaad crowned champion MANAMA ST Christopher's Secondary School student Indian Rashaad Kazi was crowned the champion of the Sony PlayStation 2 Gran Turismo 4 Challenge, held at Seef Mall. More than 920 people, some as young as seven, took part. They had to complete three laps each on the game's Suzuka East Circuit using the Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo Limited Edition. Rashaad's was the fastest driver during the challenge and showed this by completing a lap in just 0.'54.103 seconds. The 15-year-old champion won an all expenses paid trip to Dubai, where he will represent Bahrain in the Middle East Championship to be held on May 19 and 20. He will be one of 12 participants from the GCC taking part in next month's championship. The winner of the Middle East Championship will get a new Nissan 350Z sports car and chance to compete for the world champion title in the Le Mans, France, in June 2005. 0
110300 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Pupils make history! MANAMA FOUR British School Year 12 pupils have made history with near perfect results in the school's first Advanced Level examinations. This is the first time that the school has entered its pupils for the examinations, held in January. School principal Bill Frost said four pupils entered the examinations, which were a significant milestone in the school's history. "The results were very encouraging indeed," he said. "Students entered for modules in mathematics and French and all gained 'A' grades. "With one exception, all students gained 100 per cent of all marks available in their examinations." Mona Ishaq achieved 99 per cent on one of her French modules. Pooja Banthiya, Alia Yousif and Edouard Trudeau each attained 100pc in all the exams. Twenty Sixth Form students, aged 17 and 18 years, will take A-Level modules in June, including the above four, who will take further subjects. 0
110301 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Red tape hitting Mideast businesses says poll RED tape is the biggest headache for companies based in or working within the Middle East, according to business leaders. A major shortage of qualified staff is also hampering businesses throughout the region, according to a survey. Democracy and empowerment of women are of little importance for businesses, says the Sage Arabian Pulse business survey. The global software giant hired YouGov, one of the UK's leading opinion poll researchers, to carry out the survey. It polled 238 senior business professionals in the Middle East and found that the two top priorities are cuts in red tape and finding more qualified staff. Overall, the survey reflects the optimistic mood with salaries going up, over and above inflation. However, it also indicates a sense of frustration that more could be done to improve growth and productivity in the work place. Forty per cent of all respondents said less regulation and red tape would help their company grow most in the long-te 0
110302 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL King's speech praised by Cabinet The Cabinet yesterday praised His Majesty King Hamad's address to the inaugural ceremony of Bahrain's Constitutional Court. Its opening has reinforced the supremacy of law and independence of the three authorities as well as strengthened mechanisms of the judicial authority, ministers agreed. The Cabinet also welcomed the visit by Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade to hold talks with the King on prospects of enhancing bilateral ties in all fields, wishing him a pleasant stay in Bahrain. The Cabinet was later briefed by the Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi on the number of labour unions, affiliated workers, their percentage of workers and the number of represented companies in Bahrain. The Cabinet also listened to a report by Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa on Bahrain's participation at annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank and talks held on the side lines. A number of resolutions were taken regarding issues list 0
110303 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Health theme of speech contest FIFTEEN of Bahrain's private schools will this week participate in a health speech contest, the first-of-its-kind in the country. The contest is being organised by the Bahrain Toastmasters (BTM) and the American Mission Hospital (AMH) to help develop students' communication skills, as well as raise awareness about health issues. Each school will be represented by one student, aged from 14 to 18, who will be required to speak on a health-related topic of their choice. "There are two streams of judging that will take place. The Bahrain Toastmasters will be judging standards as per our communication guidelines (Toastmasters International judging criteria) and the AMH will judge the medical content," said BTM education vice-president Krishnan Ramachandran. "The AMH will look at the relevance of the speech, the detail and research that has gone into it and if has been done in a simple, comprehensible manner." The event will take place from 7pm to 9pm on Thursday at the Hilto 0
110304 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Contestants urged to join pageant MORE contestants are being invited to join the Filipino Club's search for the Miss Philippines-Bahrain. Organisers to date have only eight contestants for the pageant, which is slated to be held in June as part of the club's Philippine Independence Day celebrations. The last Miss Philippines-Bahrain pageant was held in 2002. Filipinas, aged 18 to 30, are welcome to register at the club in Zinj on Wednesday and next Sunday from 9pm. Filipino hairdresser and show organiser Albert Gayo is directing and choreographing this year's pageant. For more information, contact Louie Capistrano 39529188, Pailing Carmona on 39041289, Lito Culaban on 39276828, Fatima Hammad on 39854652 or the club on 17262143. 0
110305 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Arab Cable Conference attracts 100 delegates MANAMA OVER 100 delegates from the Middle East and North Africa will take part in the first Arab Cable Conference, which will be launched with a dinner reception tonight . The conference, hosted by local company Midal Cables, is being held under the patronage of Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa. The reception will be held at the Riffa home of Arab Cable Manufacturers Association executive committee secretary general Hamid Rashid Al Zayani, who is also Midal Cables managing director. The official opening of the two-day conference will be held tomorrow) at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel. Keynote speaker will be Arab Investors Union secretary general Dr Mohamed Gamaluddin Bayoumi. Mr Al Zayani said the participants would also include representatives of shipping and transport companies. "One of the biggest problems facing the Arab cable industry is sea and land transportation," he said. "There just aren't enough routes between Ara 0
110306 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Kerala minister will open camp KERALA'S food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Adoor Prakash will arrive in Bahrain on Wednesday, on a three-day visit. He will attend a variety of programmes being organised by the Indian Overseas Cultural Congress (IOCC) committee. The minister will open a special meeting, being organised by IOCC, at the Pakistan Club auditorium at 8pm on Wednesday. He will also open a free medical camp being arranged by IOCC in co-ordination with the Shifa Al Jazira Medical Centre at the Kerala Catholic Association premises in Segaiya on Friday morning. "More than 500 workers belonging to the low income group will attend the camp. The workers will also be given medicine free of charge at the camp," said IOCC president Samuel Kizhakkupuram. "The minister will visit various labour camps and hold talks with Indian Embassy officials and representatives of various expatriate organisations." An IOCC meeting finalised preparations for the minister's visit. Yemen President Ali Abdullah Saleh yesterday received Parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani who conveyed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Bahrain's democratic reform led by His Majesty was also lauded. Mr Dhahrani visiting at the invitation of his counterpart Shaikh Abdulla bin Hussain Al Ahmar, also met Prime Minister Abdulqadir Bajammal. He also held official talks with Shaikh Abdulla and urged a joint parliamentary friendship committee to be set up to further anchor bilateral co-operation. 0
110308 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Raffle incentive for Fakhro salesmen SIX Sony Ericsson salesmen from different companies in Bahrain received prizes yesterday from Fakhro Electronics at their showroom on the Exhibition Road. They were presented with Sony Ericsson mobiles after winning first and second place in this month's draws for the Sony Ericsson Dealer Salesman Raffle Incentive Programme, launched by Fakhro Electronics. For every Sony Ericsson mobile sold, salesmen receive a raffle ticket in which two winners are selected each week until the end of December. The draw for the last week of this month was also held at the event, which was attended by Bahrain Convention and Exhibition Bureau licensing officer Ammar Al Muqahwi. 0
110309 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Adding drama to reading MORE than 70 Abdulrah-man Kanoo International School pupils, aged 12 and 13, are taking part in reading activities this month. A selection of grade seven students, supervised by English teacher Pierce Wise, gave oral presentations on books to an audience of Middle School students and staff. As well as encouraging more students to read, the scheme aims to develop their presentation skills and produce some creative responses to a wide range of texts - including The Twits by Ronald Dahl, the Harry Potter series by J K Rowling and the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey. "Powerpoint, drama, song and dance were all utilised and the results were incredible," said Mr Wise. 0
110310 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Bus row driver admits mistake A SCHOOL bus driver accused of attacking a group of pupils has admitted doing wrong, a police chief said yesterday. Now parents, the driver and police are to meet today, to see if the issue can be resolved amicably. The Bahraini driver, employed by Capital Transport, was questioned by police last Tuesday. He was accused of hitting five Bahraini pupils, four girls and a boy, one aged nine and four aged 11, from the Abdulrahman Kanoo International School, Salmabad, leaving one needing hospital treatment. Police also held a meeting between the parents and the driver last Wednesday in order to get the case resolved peacefully. However, the parents have yet to decide whether to withdraw their complaint case or not. "The driver admitted he was wrong, however the case against him was not withdrawn," Central security director Brigadier Isa Fulaifil said yesterday. The driver is accused of hitting a female pupil on the thigh, twisting the wrist of another and slapp 0
110311 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Man dies in truck accident MANAMA A 46-year-old Indian driver has died after being pinned under his truck when it rolled over. Pokkattu Kunhi Mohammed, a sales driver with Canada Dry, died hours after the accident, which happened on the Budaiya Road. The father-of-four spoke to his family in Kerala just an hour before the accident, said company sales manager Muralidhra Kamath, who was with him at the time of the accident. He apparently lost control of his truck, which hit the central reservation, on Saturday morning. Mr Mohammed was thrown out of the cab and pinned underneath as it rolled over, spilling its contents of soft drinks. Mr Kamath and helper P P Kunhimoidu escaped unhurt. Mr Mohammed died at Salmaniya Medical Complex on Saturday even-ing. He had been working with Can-ada Dry for 21 years and was due to go home to visit his wife and children in about two months, for the first time in two years. "Before starting the sales round on Saturday morning, Mr Mohammed said he wan 0
110312 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Paintings presented MANAMA BAHRAINI artist Mahmood Ghareeb has presented Batelco with two oil paintings, in recognition of the company's support for an exhibition held to mark the first Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Mr Ghareeb presented the company with two of his paintings depicting the 2004 race. The artist has won numerous awards for his work and has been commissioned to design stamps and memorial medals for high profile occasions. "Batelco deserves great praise for its support of art and culture in the kingdom," said Mr Ghareeb. Batelco corporate affairs head Ahmed Al Janahi said the company was honoured and delighted to receive the works of art. "The paintings are poignant reminders of last year's event and will hang in pride of place so that employees, customers and guests can enjoy them," he said. 0
110313 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Athletes make Bahrain proud... THIRTEEN medals, including four gold, were won by Bahrain's disabled athletes on the first day of the Fifth GCC Special Olympics in Doha, Qatar. Qassim Buhassan, Amira Khalil and Fatima Darwish each won a gold medal in their respective categories in the standing long jump, while Issa Salman Jumaa clinched the gold in the 100m race. Silver medals were won by Zainab Abbas in the standing long jump, Mohammed Abdul Rahman Farhan in the 400m race, Natasha Ameen and Fatima Shamlool in their respective 100m races. Bronze medallists were Mansour Abdulla and Khalifa Bu Ashwan in their respective 100m races, Hassan Al Zainal in the 400m race, Sarah Hussain in the 400m race and Natasha in the 100m race. The sporting event, organised by the GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports, is being held at Al Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium and continues until Wednesday. More than 50 special athletes from all over the region are taking part. Bahrain's 16 athletes, who all suffer from me 0
110314 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Women's role to be reviewed A NATIONAL strategy aimed at developing the role of Bahraini women will be discussed today in a conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The event will be held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women. Around 150 representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organisations, private sector and international organisations will be discussing the strategy drawn up by the council and launched early last month. The conference, being held under the theme Women are Worthy Partners in the Country's Development and Growth, is expected to result in a comprehensive plan which will be the foundation of the council's future work. 0
110315 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL Managers learn to tackle employee turnover TRAINING and human resources managers from the service industry attended a seminar on Tackling Turnover at the Baisan Institute of Hospitality Management yesterday. The institute hosted the forum to brainstorm ways of tackling employee turnover. The keynote speaker was Regency InterContinental Hotel human resources director Abbas Faraj. Participants included training and human resources managers from the Jawad Business Group, Mothercare Group, Crowne Plaza, Al Bander Hotel and Resort, Mvenpick Hotel, Fuddruckers, Ramada Hotel, Bahrain and Kuwait Restaurants, Al Safir Hotel, Gulf Hotel and Elite Residences. The seminar coincided with Shanghai Noon, a Chinese theme lunch hosted by students of the institute. Students pursuing a two-year American Hotels and Lodging Association Diploma in Hospitality Management are required to host two events as part of the curriculum. Over the past six weeks students planned the event and created a Chinese ambience using posters, art, disp 0
110316 0 1550 BNEW LOCAL BTI plans hi-tech car workshop for students MANAMA BAHRAIN Training Institute (BTI) students are getting a bigger and better car workshop, it was announced yesterday. The new workshop will be almost twice the size of the previous one and is going to use the latest equipment in the automobile industry. Once the project is completed, the workshop will become one of the BTI's biggest departments, said BTI director Mohammed Hussain Derbas. "We expanded the workshop area to 45 metres x 20 metres, which is almost twice the size it used to be," said Mr Derbas. "We can't say how many additional students the institute will be able to take in as a result of this expansion. "We are still at the designing stages - the exact capacity and cost of the project are yet to be specified." Mr Derbas met with managers from some of Bahrain's leading car dealerships for their inputs. He was also lobbying for financial support to buy the necessary equipment. "All the students that graduated from our automotive department 0
110317 1 1550 SPOR SPORT Alonso holds off Schumacher to win thriller IMOLA, Italy: Fernando Alonso resisted huge pressure from rampant defending world drivers' champion Michael Schumacher to seize a thrilling victory and complete a Formula One hat-trick in yesterday's San Marino Grand Prix. The young Spaniard, showing the verve and calm temperament of a future champion himself, steered his Renault to a third straight win to confirm his early-season leadership of this year's title race on Ferrari's home soil. Despite raucous and emotional support for their beloved scarlet scuderia, the Imola tifosi were unable to help seven-time champion Schumacher seize victory after a disappointing start to the season and he had to be content with roaring home second just a split second behind Alonso. It was a thrilling and close finish and demonstrated that this year's battle for global supremacy is likely to see a fabulous battle between the wounded German world champion and the raging young pretender. "That was one of the best, if not the best, fighting finish 0
110318 2 1550 SPOR SPORT Rooney sparks United fightback MANCHESTER: Wayne Rooney scored a second-half wonder goal to spark a Manchester United fightback as Sir Alex Ferguson's team overturned Darren Ambrose's first-half opener to seal a 2-1 victory against Newcastle at Old Trafford yesterday. Rooney's equaliser, a dipping volley from 25 yards, followed by Wes Brown's first-ever Premiership goal moved United to within one point of second-placed Arsenal. However, United's victory was marred by a potentially serious ankle injury sustained by Argentinian full-back Gabriel Heinze, who was sent for x-rays after landing badly on his right ankle following an aerial challenge with Shola Ameobi. In yesterday's other match, Lomano LuaLua scored twice in five minutes as Portsmouth beat Southampton 4-1 to keep their local rivals bottom of the standings. Despite booking their place in the FA Cup final with a comprehensive 4-1 semi-final victory over Newcastle last week, United's Premiership campaign suffered another setback with the 1-0 defeat at E 0
110319 3 1550 SPOR SPORT Nadal battles to claim fourth title BARCELONA: Rafael Nadal triumphed in a three-hour struggle to win the 850,000-euro Barcelona Open yesterday, defeating Spanish compatriot Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-1, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 to assume the favourite's role at the French Open. With a month left before the May 23 start in Paris, the 18-year-old Raging Bull from Mallorca has now joined Roger Federer with the most wins this season on the ATP with 35. His record on clay is the best in the game - 25-2. Victory in two hours, 56 minutes over former world number one Ferrero marks Nadal's fourth title on clay since February. Between last weekend's trophy in Monte Carlo and his coveted Spanish home success, he has burst into prominence as the newest king of the clay. Nadal, ranked 11th, is due for a rise as he takes next week to rest after winning his last two and stretching Federer to the five-set distance in the Miami final to start the month. Ferrero, who two months ago stood 98th, can also take pride, despite his inability to 0
110320 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Messina stun Inter as Sampdoria beat Roma ROME: Brazilian substitute defender Rafael scored an injury time goal as lowly Messina stunned Inter Milan 2-1 yesterday to end a four-match winning streak for the Milan side in the Serie A. In another key match of the 33rd round, Sampdoria downed AS Roma 2-1 to regain fourth place in the standings and a potential Champions League spot, four points behind Inter and two ahead of Udinese. At Messina, Julio Ricardo Cruz put Inter in front in the 46th minute. Arturo Di Napoli evened the score in the 59th with a powerful header. Rafael kicked in the winner in the 93rd on a quick counterattack for his first Serie A goal in his rookie year in Italy. It was just the second loss of the season for Inter, who were coming off a prestigious 1-0 win over Juventus. The Milan team struck the post with a powerful drive from Juan Sebastian Veron and squandered scoring chances before surrendering to the Sicilian team, which badly needed points to reach a safe mid-table spot. Inter w 0
110321 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Barcelona too good for Malaga MADRID: League leaders Barcelona gave their emphatic response to the pressure put upon them by second-place Real Madrid with a 4-0 rout at Malaga yesterday. The victory maintains Barca's six point advantage at the top of the Spanish first division, with five games to go, after Real ensured that their eternal rivals didn't sleep easily by beating Villarreal 2-1 24 hours earlier. Barca opened the scoring with their first serious attack on 21 minutes. Malaga's defence was caught on the hop with a quick counter-attack and central defender Oleguer Presas was in the unusual position of being in the front line rather than at the back. Oleguer took his rare chance in an opponent's penalty area and sent a rasping shot past Malaga goalkeeper Francesc Arnau, a fellow product of the Barcelona youth system, to get his first goal on Barca senior duty. It took Barca just another 12 minutes before French winger Ludovic Giuly helped fulfil the pundit's prophesy, heading home a cen 0
110322 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Celtic tame Rangers to move clear GLASGOW: Celtic took a huge step towards the Scottish Premier League title with a 2-1 away win over Rangers to move five points clear here yesterday. Goals by Bulgarian captain Stilian Petrov and Welsh international Craig Bellamy gave Martin O'Neill's side the crucial victory, with only four league games to play. Rangers substitute Steven Thompson scored a late goal to set-up a nervy few minutes in front of a 49,593 crowd at Ibrox, but the Parkhead side hung on for a deserved win. As expected the game had started at a frantic pace with Celtic enjoying the majority of possession in the early stages. And in the 21st minute they took a deserved lead when Petrov met French wing-back Didier Agathe's cross from the left to send a terrific looping header from 10-yards into the right-hand corner of the net. Greek international defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos should have levelled in the 33rd minute when he got on the end of Dutchman Fernando Ricksen's free-kick but his header, 0
110323 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Cricketers caught up in Lankan row COLOMBO: Sri Lankan cricketers were caught up in a row over the administration of the game and the future of their contracts was in doubt, a Press report said here yesterday. The administration plunged into crisis last month after sports minister Jeevan Kumaratunga suspended the official recognition of Sri Lanka Cricket and named an interim committee to govern the game. However, Sri Lanka's Court of Appeal two weeks ago prevented the minister from dismissing office bearers of the island's richest sports governing body. "The foremost issue concerning the players is their individual contracts," the Sunday Times newspaper said. "However, the players are worried about the validity of contracts with the interim committee." Players were not immediately available for comment. However, sources said they were expected to discuss the matter with elected office bearers of the cricket board before a final decision on new contracts is taken next week. Sri Lanka Cricket presid 0
110324 0 1550 SPOR SPORT South Africa clinch series BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: South Africa completed an innings and 86-run win about 50 minutes after tea on the fourth day of the third Test against West Indies last night. South Africa take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-Test series and have regained the Sir Vivian Richards Trophy. The first Test at Georgetown ended in a draw and South Africa won the second Test by eight wickets. The fourth and final Test at St John's, begins on Friday. At the tea break, West Indies were struggling on 119 for 7 with Courtney Browne not out on 28 and Darren Powell not out on five, after South Africa declared their first innings at 548 for nine, with a lead of 252. Four wickets, two to Andre Nel, saw West Indies continue to lose their way after they had reached 36 for three at lunch. After the interval, Nel snared the 'two big fish' of Brian Lara and West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the home team's two most experienced batsmen, in an inspired spell of bowling. Nel 0
110325 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Tiseer takes lead with win over Al Ghasra MOROCCAN International Master Tiseer Mohammed outplayed Ali Al Ghasra in round five to top the standings with five points in the Bahrain Mind Sports Association President's Open Chess Tournament being held at the association premises in Muharraq. With his Spanish opening, Tiseer won a pawn and subsequently the match. The tournament has attracted more than 50 players of different nationalities and is being played under the nine-round Swiss system. Results (5th round): Abu Hanif bt Jaimi Tabuzo, Ashley Freeman bt Majid Al Attar, Froilan Magpantai bt Sher Mohammed, Zeyad Janahi bt Jose Ramel, Vinod CP. bt Khalaf Bukhalaf, Lou Filisalda bt Abdulla Bukhammas; Mohammed Abdulla drew with Waheed Abdulla. Standings: Tiseer Mohammed (5 points), Abu Hanif (4.5); Ali AlGhasra, Ashley Freeman, Vinod CP, Zeyad Janahi, Froilan Magpantai, Lou Filisalda. Mohammed Fath Al Bab (4 each). Round six top board fixtures: Tiseer Mohammed vs Abu Hanif; Ali Al Ghasra vs Ashley Freeman, 0
110326 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Goys seek boost in budget The General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) has submitted a proposal to the Finance Ministry for an increase in the 2005-06 budget from BD14.410 million to BD 14.660 million for the coming year. This was revealed by head of financial and human resources directorate at Goys Jihad Hassan Qamber, yesterday. The estimated BD250,000 increase in the budget is to meet the creation of a new directorate to further promote youth and sports activities, expenses of participation in overseas contests by national teams and to raise annual budgets of national clubs. 0
110327 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Rockets and Pistons off to good start TORONTO: Rasheed Wallace had 29 points and Tayshaun Prince added 23 as the defending NBA champion Detroit Piston eased to a 106-85 home win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game One of the Eastern Conference playoffs yesterday. Detroit got off to a sluggish start in the first game of the best-of-seven series and trailed by 16 points early in the opening quarter, but by the half, the Pistons had a 48-46 lead and assumed control after the intermission. "They got off to a great start and had some flow," Prince said. "But once we got some patience and set our defence things started to go our way. "They're the type of team where they're never out of it. They're going to make some adjustments for Game Two and we are too. "It's difficult to repeat. It's always tough and this is going to be a long series." Allen Iverson, winner of the NBA scoring title for a fourth time, turned in another tireless effort for the 76ers, scoring a game-high 30 points and dishing out 10 assist 0
110328 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Scott holds off Goosen for title BEIJING: Australia's Adam Scott completed a wire-to-wire victory in the Johnnie Walker Classic golf tournament yesterday, holding off Retief Goosen to win by three shots. The world number 10, aged just 24, responded to a mid-round wobble with a pair of birdies to claim his fifth European Tour victory and the $400,000 first prize. Scott, who dominated the $2.3 million event since blazing a Pine Valley course record 63 in the first round, saw his five-shot lead cut to just one when he let slip bogeys on the seventh, ninth and 10th holes. But he coolly knocked in birdies on the 12th and 13th to finish 18 under for the tournament. US Open champion Goosen was left to reflect on a string of missed chances to catch Scott, who has been tipped for greatness by Australian legend Greg Norman. New Zealand's Michael Campbell, Richard Sterne of South Africa and Sweden's Henrik Stenson finished two strokes back from Goosen for a share of third. "I'm back to where I shoul 0
110329 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Williams takes lead over McCulloch SHEFFIELD, England: Two-times champion Mark Williams posted a 5-3 lead over Ian McCulloch at the end of the opening session in their second round match at the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre. Williams, who won the tournament in 2000 and 2003, followed his maximum 147 break in the first round with two century breaks yesterday. McCulloch had a good chance to level at 4-4 but his positioning on the black let him down and Williams potted it to end the session with a two-frame lead. In the other match played in the afternoon, Stephen Lee established a 6-2 lead over another former winner, Peter Ebdon, in a low scoring affair lasting nearly four hours. The best-of-25-frames matches play to a finish today. Alan McManus booked his place in the quarter-finals early yesterday. McManus secured his place in the last eight with a hard fought 13-11 win over Ireland's former world champion Ken Doherty. Doherty missed a simple black to allow the 0
110330 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Singh shares the lead with Coles TORONTO: Vijay Singh carded a two-under 70 to grab a share of the third-round lead with Australia's Gavin Coles at the Houston Open yesterday, putting the Fijian in position to become the first repeat winner of the $5 million event. Champion Singh, who held the first-round lead after a course record-tying 64, made a ragged start with bogeys on four and six, but the world number two recovered with a birdie on eight and three more on the back nine to finish on 11-under 205. "I just told myself to keep going, there are still a lot of holes to play," Singh said of his poor start. "I was playing well, I just had to be patient and play my shots when they came along. The birdie on eight really helped settle things down." Despite knowing little of his final round playing partner, Singh was full of praise for Coles. "I've never played with Gavin Coles. "I've seen him walk by me. He's definitely playing good golf, especially today, the way he's hanging in there." MANAMA Club and national team bowler Aziz Jaffar yesterday shot a high series of 661, banking him $50 and lifting his average to 209 in the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Championship being played at the Bapco Club. Mohammed Sultan was the the high game top scorer on the 10th day rolling 257 while Ahmed Abduljabbar still holds pole position with an average of 226. Yasmine Akeel leads the women's standings with an average of 206. Yasmine's younger sister, Eman and her mother Linda joined the tournament playing their first trials in this charity event. There are only three days left for qualification with the quarter-finals starting on Wednesday. The total trials played so far is 670 by the 98 participants. Standings (average): 1 Ahmed A Jabbar (226); 2 Essa A Jabbar (224); 3 Nabeel Khalifa (221); 4 Mahdi Assad (220); 5 Mohammed Falah (218); 6 Abdulla Raees (216); 7 Adel Rasti (212); 8 Hussain Ghuloom (211); 9 Ahmed Fareed (211); 10 Abbas Haji (209); 11 Ah 0
110332 0 1550 SPOR SPORT Hidd Hackers stay ahead HIDD Hackers (24 points) lead First Motors Hyundai by a point in the Tuesday league of the First Motors Hyundai Corporate Night Golf League with just two more matches left in the series. In the Wednesday league the Red Devils have increased their lead to five points over the Still Norfolk n Goode team who are in second place. The play-offs for the league are to be held at Riffa Golf Club on May 10 and the finals on the following day. Standings Tuesday League (points): 1 Hidd Hackers (24); 2 First Motors Hyundai (23); 3 Fore Golf (19); 4 Tylos 05 (16); 5 Team Club Car (13); 6 Golfie Chicks (12); 7 Looney Tunes (11); 8 Aome GS (9); 9 Desert Rateesses (7); 10 Northern European Barbarians (6). Wednesday League: 1 Red Devils (24); 2 Still Norfolk n Goode (19); 3 Internationals (18); 4 Krazy Gang (15); 5 Baker Boys (13); 6 Alba (12); 7 Bahrain Duty Free Par Busters (11); 8 Riffa Golf Club (10); 9 St Christopher's School (8); 10 Gulf Air (3). 0
110333 0 1550 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Lecture on nutrition by Dr Abdulrahman Almusaiger, International Ladies Group, Juffair, 10am. Pakistan Club Toastmasters (Pact) meeting, Pakistan Club auditorium, Manama, held every first and third Monday of every month, 7.30pm-9.30pm. Contact Farkhanda Sayed Bukhari on 39892138. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Ahmad Al Fateh Mosque (Grand Mosque) visitation programme, 9am-5pm. Visits are closed during prayer times. No prior appointments required unless big groups or special arrangements are needed. Contact Farahat Al Kindy on 17727773, 39474091 or fax 17729695. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's People Trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs, 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Salsa Dance Classe 0
110334 1 1550 WORL WORLD 25 killed in Iraq bombings BAGHDAD: At least 25 people died and another 100 injured in a spate of car bombings across Iraq yesterday. At least 18 people were killed and 57 wounded in two bomb blasts last night in the northern Baghdad district of Shula. The explosions, in a mixed Shi'ite-Sunni district of the Iraqi capital, apparently targeted an area close to the Shi'ite Hussayniah Al Beit mosque. Shula district has seen mounting sectarian tensions in recent weeks, with Shi'ite leaders charging that Sunnis are bent on forcing them out of the area. A local Sunni prayer leader said that 46 members of his community had been killed over the past few months, including one on Thursday. A car bomb earlier exploded outside a police academy in Saddam Hussein's hometown, and another one went off moments later as authorities rushed to the scene, killing at least seven Iraqis and wounding 33, officials said. The carefully co-ordinated attack by insurgents in Tikrit occurred as academy recruits were abo 0
110335 2 1550 WORL WORLD Christian unity call by Pope VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI issued a rallying call for Christian unity yesterday as he took on the mantle of supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church in a joyous ceremony of pageantry and prayer. In front of representatives of more than half the world's nations and some 350,000 pilgrims, he was solemnly bestowed the insignia of high office during an inauguration mass steeped in the traditions of the 2,000-year-old Church. The German-born pontiff, 78, seized the moment, calling on the faithful to "do all we can to pursue the path toward the unity you have promised". "Grant that we may be one flock and one shepherd," he urged, declaring to a great welling of applause that the Church, which has over a billion followers, held within itself "the future of the world". At the solemn high point of the mass, the pallium - an elegant, stole-like woollen fabric - was draped around his shoulders and the Fisherman's Ring bearing the image of Saint Peter placed on the ring finger of h 0
110336 3 1550 WORL WORLD Blair under fire over Iraq war LONDON: Tony Blair's main rival accused him of lying over the Iraq war, seeking to damage the prime minister over an issue that could prove the weakest link in his campaign for re-election on May 5. Polls put the centre-left Labour party on course for an unprecedented third term but point to the first real electoral contest since 1992. The impact of Iraq remains a big unknown. Conservative leader Michael Howard, who backed the conflict, urged voters to pass judgement on Blair's integrity while the third-placed Liberal Democrats prepared to put Iraq at the heart of their campaign to capitalise on their opposition to the war. "He has told lies to win elections. On the one thing on which he has taken a stand in the eight years he has been prime minister, which is taking us to war, he didn't even tell the truth on that," Howard said. The charge - Howard's most vicious attack yet on Blair's honesty - overshadowed the prime minister's efforts to flag up his commitment to international 0
110337 0 1550 WORL WORLD Embassy ransacked by 800 labourers KUWAIT CITY: Hundreds of Bangladeshi workers ransacked their embassy in Kuwait yesterday to protest against non-payment of salaries. They broke windows of the building and of embassy cars and damaged furniture and office equipment before police arrested up to 150 to restore order while other Bangladeshis fled, police said. Ambassador Nazrul Islam Khan said none of the embassy staff had been hurt but two Bangladeshi civilians visiting the mission were injured. He said up to 800 workers had gathered inside or near the mission in the suburb of Surra, but that only about 100 had started the commotion. The workers were demanding the embassy intervene to ensure they receive up to six months in unpaid salaries, police sources said. The employer is a cleaning firm, which the ambassador said had a workforce of up to 5,000 Bangladeshis. Khan said police were questioning a number of those involved in the incident but had released most of the others. 0
110338 0 1550 WORL WORLD No title specified CRAWFORD, Texas: US worries about surging oil prices will be high on the agenda when US President George W Bush plays host today to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah, but there may be little the prince can offer besides a sympathetic ear. For the second time in his presidency, Bush will welcome Prince Abdullah to his Prairie Chapel ranch in Crawford, Texas. The invitation underscores the importance he places on the alliance with the the world's top oil exporter and leading Opec member. Abdullah also last night met in Dallas Vice President Dick Cheney, a driving force behind the Bush administration's energy policy. Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al Nuaimi was in Dallas with Prince Abdullah. Bush and Prince Abdullah were also to exchange views on the effort to crack down on Al Qaeda militants, the push for Middle East peace and Saudi bid to join the World Trade Organisation. The meeting is an opportunity for Bush to show Americans he is addressing concerns about US oil prices, 0
110339 0 1550 WORL WORLD Benedict 'forgetful' BERLIN: Feeling frustrated because you can't remember where you left something? Don't worry: even the Pope loses things sometimes. The new Pope Benedict's elder brother, Georg Ratzinger, 81, told Germany's Bild am Sonntag newspaper yesterday that the pontiff's main weakness was his forgetfulness. "He sometimes misplaces things, and all of a sudden doesn't know where his watch, his keys or a specific paper are anymore," the paper quoted Ratzinger as saying. What does Georg value most in his sibling, who is 78? "His clarity of thought", his patience and "that we help each other out", Bild am Sonntag quoted him as saying. 0
110340 0 1550 WORL WORLD I was tortured says Bay detainee LONDON: A British resident held at Guantanamo Bay says he has been violently assaulted and mistreated while in US custody there and in Afghanistan. Omar Deghayes, 35, also alleged Pakistani interrogators holding him on behalf of the US authorities beat and terrorised him, The Independent on Sunday reported yesterday. Deghayes held refugee status in Britain, where his family fled from Libya in the 1980s. The British government says it has no consular responsibility for him because he is a Libyan citizen. However, a Foreign Office spokesman said Britain was making representations to the US on behalf of the families of five British residents being held at Guantanamo Bay. The spokesman also said Britain was considering submitting an "amicus curiae" brief to the US judicial authorities - a Latin legal term for "friend of the court". Such a brief would allow British officials to present their views in court during a hearing. Deghayes' allegations featured in a 1 0
110341 0 1550 WORL WORLD Syria nears total troop withdrawal BEIRUT: Syria neared the completion of its troop pullout from Lebanon yesterday after three decades of political and military domination, while the Beirut regime's once powerful and highly secretive security apparatus appeared to be crumbling. Lebanon's official ANI news agency said that all Syrian troops bar a token force scheduled to take the salute at a farewell ceremony tomorrow had now crossed the border. UN teams are due in Lebanon today to verify the Syrian withdrawal, required by a Security Council resolution passed last September demanding the departure of all foreign troops. UN chief Kofi Annan is scheduled to give a compliance report tomorrow. Syria's decision to withdraw was made under intense international pressure following the February 14 bomb blast that killed five-times prime minister Rafiq Hariri. Emboldened by the international pressure on Syria, the opposition has secured an agreement from the new Prime Minister Nagib Miqati for the departure of top se 0
110342 0 1550 WORL WORLD Jaafari to present ministers' list BAGHDAD: Prime minister-designate Ibrahim Jaafari will present a list of ministers to parliament today, taking Iraq a step closer to a government three months after elections. The list will not include anyone from caretaker prime minister Iyad Allawi's party after the Shi'ite alliance that won the January election rejected his demands for at least four ministries in the new government. "It is more than 75 per cent likely that a list of cabinet names will be presented to the National Assembly today," Hussain Al Shahristani, a senior member of the Shi'ite alliance, said. Under Iraq's interim constitution, the 275-seat assembly must approve the prime minister and his cabinet by a simple majority. Judging by the recent performance of the parliament, that could take some time. Members of Allawi's party had been expected to take as many as four ministries up until late on Saturday, when the Shi'ite alliance decided it could not accommodate his demands and moved to form a gover 0
110343 0 1550 WORL WORLD 'Open Gaza crossing' call GAZA CITY: Palestinian negotiators said they want Israel to throw open the gates to the Gaza Strip after its planned withdrawal from the fenced-in territory this summer, and suggested international monitors could control borders to allay Israel's security concerns. Palestinian negotiators said that Israel must allow free movement in and out of Gaza, relinquish control of the Rafah crossing and establish a "safe passage" between Gaza and the West Bank. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, meanwhile, said that ahead of his planned trip to the United States in May, he might meet Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Abbas travelled from the West Bank to Gaza, a day after appointing three new security chiefs, another step in his internal reform programme. The new chiefs are veterans, but with the appointments, Abbas has streamlined the unwieldy security apparatus, cutting down the number of branches to three. Palestinian security forces destroyed a tunnel in the southern Gaza Str 0
110344 0 1550 WORL WORLD Beckhams' 'marriage on rocks' LONDON: Lawyers for England captain and Real Madrid star David Beckham said they are considering legal action after a Sunday tabloid newspaper alleged that his marriage to pop star Victoria is on the rocks. The News of the World based its report on interviews with Abbie Gibson, who was nanny to the celebrity couple's children for two years. "We are consulting our lawyers with a view to taking legal action," a spokesman for the Beckhams said yesterday. Gibson, who quit her nanny job three weeks ago, was quoted as saying that she had seen Beckham screaming and swearing at Victoria last December. Lawyers for the Beckhams tried but failed on Saturday to get a judge in London to block publication of the revelations, spread across seven pages of the tabloid newspaper. 0
110345 0 1550 WORL WORLD Martial artist and actress wed on disputed isle TOKTO, South Korea: When a sword-wielding South Korean martial artist and a petite stage actress decided to tie the knot on a disputed heap of rocks in the sea between Japan and Korea, they did not have a wedding date or a guest list. Kim Jong-bok and his bride Song Hee-jung did not have a honeymoon planned either. But yesterday they were back on the mainland, driving along the east coast of South Korea, again unscripted, with a group of tourists they met on one of the three stomach-churning ferry rides they took to get to their wedding. When the couple first reached South Korea's east coast on Thursday, they were up against a seven-in-eight chance that after a three-hour ferry ride about 230km into the ocean, they would not be able to land on the tiny islands, which are called Tokto in Korean and Takeshima in Japan. Ordinary South Koreans have been allowed to visit the islands only since the beginning of March, when Seoul lifted heavy restrictions prompted by Japanese comments r 0
110346 0 1550 WORL WORLD Prosecutors to rest case SANTA MARIA, California: Prosecutors are preparing to wrap up their two-month child sex abuse case against pop icon Michael Jackson after extraordinary make-or-break testimony by the mother of his teenage sex accuser. Prosecutors say they are likely to finish presenting evidence by the end of April, clearing the way for the defence to begin working through its witness list, which features a constellation of Hollywood stars. The defence could bring a clutch of celebrities to the sleepy California town of Santa Maria, including superstar actress and Jackson friend Elizabeth Taylor. 0
110347 0 1550 WORL WORLD Fraudster 'sells' India premier's house A Mad, Mad World... India's intelligence department is investigating reports that a fraudster sold an American businessman the prime minister's residence in the heart of New Delhi recently, a leading daily reported yesterday. The businessman forked out 35 million rupees (BD302,580) for the house that was up for sale on a website as a "huge sprawling mansion in the heart of Lutyen's Delhi with 24x7 running water and electricity", the Hindustan Times said. He soon received the title deed for the house and arrived in the Indian capital late in March to take possession of the house for an office he planned to set up only to discover he had been cheated. Mad about Don Quixote Hundreds of Spaniards declared their love for "Don Quixote" on the 400th anniversary of Miguel de Cervantes' masterpiece with a non-stop relay reading of the book that ended yesterday. Readers of all ages took over 48 hours to work their way through more than 1,000 pages of Cervantes' action-packed novel, which made 0
110348 0 1550 WORL WORLD Bono raps Martin OTTAWA: Irish rock star Bono has criticised embattled Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin for failing to honour a pledge on boosting aid to developing countries. Bono said he was "disappointed" by the Canadian government's lack of action on development aid - an issue on which is an outspoken lobbyist. "I'm annoyed," Bono told CBC Radio in an interview. "I'm bewildered, really. I'm disappointed," he said. 0
110349 0 1550 WORL WORLD Korea vows to boost nuclear deterrent SEOUL: North Korea's military chief vowed to "steadily bolster" the Stalinist nation's nuclear deterrent as a result of hostile moves by the United States. In a deepening nuclear crisis, Kim Yong-Chun, chief of the general staff of the North Korean People's Army, warned the US that it would face any aggression head on. His comments, as a top US official visited South Korea in an effort to revive regional talks on the nuclear issue, followed a US newspaper report that Pyongyang may be planning a nuclear test. "The army and the people of the DPRK (North Korea) will never remain a passive onlooker to the US moves to isolate and stifle the DPRK, but steadily bolster its nuclear deterrent for self-defence to cope with the enemies' reckless moves for military aggression," Kim Yong-Chun said. "Should the US start a war..., the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK will mobilise the military deterrent force built up for years and... win a final victory in the stand-off with the 0
110350 1 1551 BUSI BUSINESS UAE to boost output TOKYO: Abu Dhabi, the main oil producer in Opec-member the United Arab Emirates, will boost crude supplies by over 60,000 barrels per day in June as its biggest oilfield emerges from maintenance, traders said yesterday. State Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) will supply full contracted volumes of its Murban crude oil for June loading to Asia, compared with a five per cent cut in May, traders said. That translates to an estimated 60,000 bpd more crude. Adnoc will also supply its Lower Zakum and Umm Shaif grades for June loading to Asia at 4pc below contracted volumes, an increase of one percentage point from May, they added. The rising production accompanies an increase from Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest exporter, which told Asian refiners and oil majors they would receive as much as 500,000 bpd more crude in May than the month before. Middle East Gulf producers are eager to boost consumer nations' oil inventories during the seasonally weak second quarter to 0
110351 2 1551 BUSI BUSINESS Shamil Bank opens new branch MANAMA: Shamil Bank opened its seventh branch in Isa Town yesterday as part of its long-term expansion plan. Bank chief executive Mohamed Hussain opened the new branch, which is situated in the Isa Town Showroom Building next to the Electricity and Water Ministry office. The new branch will offer a full range of products and services including an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) accessible 24 hours a day. "We will continue to expand and improve on our products and services to ensure customer satisfaction," said Mr Hussain. The former Shamil Bank branch manager in Muharraq, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, has been appointed as manager at the new branch. BD10m issue success MANAMA: The Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA) announced the BD10 million weekly issue of Government Treasury Bills has been oversubscribed by 100 per cent. The bills, carrying a maturity of 91 days, are issued by the agency on behalf of Bahrain. The issue date of the bills is tomorrow and the maturity date is July 27. 0
110352 3 1551 BUSI BUSINESS Petrofac to upgrade Kuwait Oil Company KUWAIT CITY: State-owned Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) yesterday signed a 680-million-dollar contract with British-based international oil services firm Petrofac for modernising several oil facilities. The 25-month contract provides for the replacement above ground of hundreds of kilometres of underground pipelines, and the installation of modern equipment for separating water, condensates and other impurities from the crude, KOC spokesman Ali Al Shimmari said. The deal is part of a major push by Kuwait to upgrade its oil production and export facilities as it seeks to raise its output capacity from 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) to 4m bpd by 2020. It also includes modernising seven oil gathering centres and two gas booster stations. Last month, Petrofac signed a $125m contract with KOC for full maintenance services for oil production facilities in the north and west of Kuwait. The five-year contract covers maintenance of 16 facilities which include gathering centr 0
110353 0 1551 BUSI BUSINESS Iran car firm in China deal TEHRAN: Iran's state-controlled auto giant Iran Khodro has signed a joint investment agreement with a Chinese car maker to build an Iranian-designed car in China, the company said yesterday. Iran Khodro, also the Middle East's largest car maker, said would have a 30 per cent stake in the $60 million joint venture with Youngman Automobile Group to build the Samand saloon in Jinhua, Zhejiang province. Production is due to start in 2007 with an initial annual production of 20,000 units, the company said. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the 11th International Auto Show in Shanghai. 0
110354 0 1551 BUSI BUSINESS Saudi airline to buy 15 new aircraft RIYADH: Saudi Arabian Airlines will buy 15 new aircraft from Brazil's Embraer in a deal worth $400 million, officials said. The world's fourth-largest commercial aircraft maker said the first of its 66-seat Embraer 170 aircraft is scheduled for delivery in December. "Embraer's new jet will provide Saudi Arabian Airlines with the possibility to expand our domestic and regional aviation activity," Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines Khaled Ben-Bakr said. The airline, which is slated for privatisation and may lose its monopoly on domestic flights this year, has a fleet of 139 planes. Embraer said the deal has a total value of around $400 million at list price. Saudi Arabian Airlines said the contract included setting up a maintenance centre and the Brazilian aircraft maker will also provide a flight simulator and support equipment for training and maintenance of the new aircraft. 0
110355 0 1551 BUSI BUSINESS Indian shares gain strength BOMBAY: Shares on the key Bombay index ended higher for the fourth straight session yesterday on earnings hopes and slightly firmer regional indices. But the gains appeared vulnerable as investors await quarterly earnings and guidance from key companies such as Reliance Industries and consumer goods giant Hindustan Lever later in the week. The 30-share Bombay Stock Exchange index ended 0.49 per cent higher at 6,377.85 points. Gainers beat losers 1,196 to 886 in modest trade of 146 million shares. The index gained 1.57pc last week, its first weekly gain in three weeks. The 50-issue National Stock Exchange index ended 0.18pc higher at 1,970.95 points. India's oil minister met with the finance minister to discuss raising petrol and diesel prices, but the meeting was inconclusive, TV news channels reported. Retail prices have not been raised since November. Hopes of higher prices boosted state-run Indian Oil, the biggest refiner, by 1.9pc to 450.75 rupee 0
110356 0 1551 COMM COMMENTGuilty about our identity? St George's Day was happily marked in Bahrain last week. But in England itself celebrations didn't go so smoothly. In fact, over the past decade or so there has been a stark change in the way the majority of people in Britain see themselves. Whereas most living south of Hadrian's Wall and east of Offa's Dyke used to consider themselves 'British', they now consider themselves, instead, 'English'. After all, thanks to the cynical devolution policies of a Scottish-dominated government, the Kingdom is no longer United. 'Great Britain' is a geographical term rather than a political fact. And the English, more than five-sixths of the British people, have been bombarded with ostentatious displays of Scots nationalism and Welsh separatism - both phenomena for which the English taxpayer is still having to shell out. Little wonder, with the Celtic fringe making it clear to the English that they would rather not be associated with them except financially, that they have reassessed our own id 0
110357 0 1551 COMM COMMENTDevelopment should not bury treasures of the past... Tucked away next to Boots in the main street of my home town of Stafford, England, is a building called the Ancient High House. It escapes many people's notice because the ground floor looks like any other shop, with its modern glass frontage, counters and strip lighting. But it is actually a Tudor building and the upper floors are preserved in their original form, with the old timber beams and overhanging windows, out of which rubbish would once have been thrown into the street below. Several of these historic buildings survived into my childhood and I can remember how magical the main street was, lined by shops that looked like something off a Christmas card, particularly in the snow of winter. It was a beautiful High Street with shops of all kinds and people would come from all over the county and elsewhere just to see and enjoy it. Then along came a borough council (similar to the municipal councils of Bahrain) which decided the town needed modernising. < 0
110358 0 1551 COMM COMMENTWebsite clamp a step backwards It is disturbing news that Bahrain has decided to clamp down on websites, just as the country celebrates World Book Day. Yesterday's stern warning to all webmasters to either register their sites or face legal action, has sent shockwaves down my spine. To camouflage a law bent on infringing on the rights of people to express their opinion with clichs like protecting public freedom and safeguarding the rights stipulated in the 2002 reforms initiated by His Majesty King Hamad, is worrying. It makes me and many others wonder what type of democracy we want to tell the rest of the civili-sed world we have. Do we have a real democracy, or a tailor-made one under which people can do, say or think anything they want, as long as it falls in with the official line? Instead of taking the opportunity of World Book Day to encourage people to read and write, express themselves and expand their horizons, the Information Ministry has now appointed itself as custodian of the 0
110361 0 1551 LETT LETTERS School bus ACs must be made mandatory AS an ex-pupil, I was dismayed to read the letter in Friday's paper entitled 'School bus ACs plea'. Speaking from first-hand experience, I completely empathise with the writer. The daily journey to school usually takes about 40 minutes and without any air-conditioning, I can safely say that during the spring/summer term me and my fellow school mates suffered from symptoms akin to heat exhaustion. I'm not a doctor, but I'm sure that this in no way contributes to a student's ability to concentrate on their studies. I understand the parents' concern and would urge the school to make ACs on the buses mandatory, and if an AC on a bus is "broken" a replacement must be sought. With regards to the school's response, the parents have obviously expressed written concern and no action was taken therefore I feel that an open letter was completely justified unlike your shotty response which was not! Please, for the sake of the pupils' grades and their health, get ai 0
110362 0 1551 LETT LETTERS What about mall starers? WITH reference to the debate on 'Why do workers stare?' (GDN, April 18), don't the people stare in the malls and definitely they are not "workers". I have also come across a "worker" who, upon seeing my four-year-old son could not help remembering his own son back home and tears rolled down his cheeks. As far as workers behind the truck, where else would they look if not at the open space at the back, where incidentally you were? M R 0
110363 0 1551 LETT LETTERS A kindly view... I HAD this short talk with my mother this morning regarding how she values "small people" in a big organisation, including labourers sitting at the back of a truck. Their only "allowable" view might be the one facing the next vehicle, in Mr MJ's case (GDN, April 18), his vehicle and his wife. Probably, they don't mean to stare, their eyes just happen to be in your line of sight taking a break with their eyes open. Why don't you crack up a smile. Everybody needs a smile once in a while. Emilem 0
110364 0 1551 LETT LETTERS Asylum for Jacko? IN response to the ongoing court problems Michael Jackson is having in the US, I think Bahrain should grant him asylum and offer permanent citizenship. It would be nice to have one of the most famous pop singers in the world right here in Bahrain. I am sure some deal could be made where he would be provided with his own land and palace, but be required to perform in concert here once a month. I think it would boost tourism. Jackson wouldn't have to deal with all the legal problems he is having right now, and could easily pay the BD100 fines once in a while for his sexual deviance problems with children. I am sure he still has money. If not he could make lots of money here in the Middle East. We could give Dubai some competition. Possibly build the Neverland Ranch of Bahrain! J 0
110365 0 1551 LETT LETTERS A superb gesture THIS year it was a surprise to know that a group called the 'Charity and Assistance Association of Parents' has come forward to distribute textbooks to children of poor and needy families from different schools. The work which was carried out by Mr Moni and his team and others whom I don't know personally is admirable. May God bless all of them and give them enough courage to carry on their good deeds in the near future. (Most families got relief this year). H U Khan 0
110366 0 1551 LETT LETTERS An honest man... AS usual, me and my family went shopping to Last Chance in Manama. Next morning, to my surprise, my credit card was missing from the wallet. I immediately rushed to Last Chance and checked with the manager, Mr Tajuddin, who directed me to security. Hayat Al Banna, who works at the cash counter, had given my card to the security. I was extremely relieved and overjoyed to get it back. Thanks a ton, Ms Hayat, for the honesty and integrity you have shown at work. It shall not go unrewarded. K S 0
110367 0 1551 LETT LETTERS Any summer jobs? HI, I am a 16-year-old expatriate living in Bahrain, and I was wondering if it was possible for me to get a summer job? If anyone out there has any idea if it is possible even though I am not Bahraini, and I am only 16 then please reply. I do not want an extremely intense job but I would like to work at a restaurant or shop etc. Natalia Simmons 0
110368 0 1551 LETT LETTERS Dreaming of a bonus BONUS. A word that brings joy to many hearts and minds. Is it just a dark happiness which is hard to accomplish? Most people shed tears when they read the word bonus in the papers, because with it they can repay their debts. What in the name of God is happening? Why are normal people shown so many dreams? A bonus was promised at the end of 2004. Wake up people now we are in April 2005. A BD200 bonus pledge had rebuilt our hopes or was it just another joke for people to laugh at in coffee shops across Bahrain? F G T 0
110369 0 1551 LETT LETTERS Unnecessary legislation? WHEN it comes to the threat from terrorism, no country can afford to take risks, but does Bahrain really need the proposed new anti-terrorism legislation? The threat to Bahrain's peace and security so far has not been from Al Qaeda, but from gangs of thugs used by extremist groups to enforce their agenda against those they consider their 'own' people. For instance, the threats and intimidation against those who would not sign various petitions when expected or against others who don't share their extremism: examples include the attack on the Nancy Ajram concert, the race riots against Asians in March 2004, the Big Brother death threats and the fire-bombing of Le Terrasse restaurant. The last incident was attended by Shaikh Ali Salman who is now frantically trying to rebrand himself as a 'democrat'. All of the above incidents have one thing in common - the failure of the judiciary to bring to justice the perpetrators and the recent let off for the thugs involved in the Aj 0
110370 1 1551 BNEW LOCAL WE DID IT! Gulf Air back in profit MANAMA: Gulf Air has soared back into profit - a year ahead of schedule under its three-year recovery plan. Possible privatisation of the airline is also to be discussed by the board, next week. The airline made a net profit of BD1.5 million ($4m) last year, compared to a loss of BD19.9m ($52.8m) in 2003. Gulf Air's best financial results in eight years were released by president and chief executive James Hogan at a Press conference at the airline's Muharraq headquarters yesterday. It was also broadcast live via webcast to media gatherings across Europe, the Gulf, India, other parts of Asia, the Far East and Australia. "Despite an exceptionally difficult operating environment, in which fuel prices meant a BD30m ($80m) over-budget cost to the business, we are proud to report the best financial results at Gulf Air since 1997," said Mr Hogan. "Revenue passenger numbers rose by 23.8 per cent to a record 7.48m last year. "The airline also made history by halvin 0
110371 2 1551 BNEW LOCAL Senegal's role in spreading Islam hailed MANAMA His Majesty King Hamad held talks yesterday with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade. He praised the historic role played by his friendly people in spreading Arab and Islamic culture and the great contribution to strengthening co-operation and unity among world nations in general and African nations in particular. His Majesty also highlighted the world's appreciation of Senegal's economic reform programmes, its political experience and openness and the important role of the Senegalese president in his country's reform movement. The King also affirmed the importance of exchanging expertise between friendly countries, aimed at activating regional co-operation and maintaining security and stability and called for further political, economic and cultural co-operation between the two countries in light of the close cultural and Islamic ties between them. The President expressed his thanks and appreciation for His Majesty's warm hospitality and sincere sentiments, which reflected His 0
110372 3 1551 BNEW LOCAL Pottery shop blaze despair for Hussein MANAMA BAHRAINI Abbas Akbar Hussein's livelihood was destroyed when a blaze wrecked his roadside pottery stall yesterday. He went to open up work as usual at 7am, only to discover that his stall on Wali Al Ahd Highway, in Hamad Town, had burnt down. Now he now does not know how to support his wife, mother and five sisters, with his meagre BD200 a month income gone. Mr Hussein, who has had the stall for 12 years, said he lost goods worth thousands of dinars in the fire - and he was not insured. An official from the Public Security's Forensic Science Laboratory visited the site yesterday to determine the cause of the fire. "I do not know how the fire started, it is puzzling me," Mr Hussein told the GDN. "The small stall had no source of electricity, there was nothing in there that could start a fire, which leads me to think that somebody must have come early in the morning and burnt my shop down." Firemen said passers-by reported the fire at 3am yesterday. 0
110373 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Gulf Air has soared back into the black... MANAMA SOARING passenger figures have helped push Gulf Air back into the black, president and chief executive James Hogan revealed yesterday. Passenger numbers were up by 23.8 per cent to a record 7.48 million last year, he told a first Press conference at the airline's Muharraq headquarters yesterday. It was broadcast live via web cast to media gatherings across Europe, the Gulf, India, other parts of Asia, the Far East and Australia. Seat factor was up from 68.1pc to 71.4pc, Mr Hogan revealed, while announcing the 2004 financial results. "Our strategy of increasing passenger numbers and revenues through world-class product and service delivery, coupled with tight cost control management, has changed the Gulf Air business beyond all recognition," said Mr Hogan. "We now have a business built on sustainable foundations which can compete with - and win against - the very best in the world." Last year, revenue passenger numbers rose by 23.8pc from 6,046,468 in 2003 to pea 0
110374 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL The year that was Financial highlights * Net profit of BD1.5 million ($4 million) compared to a loss of BD19.9m ($52.8m) in 2003; * Turnover up 23.8pc to BD476.3m ($1.26bn), compared to BD384.6m / $1,020.2m) in 2003; * Debt reduced by 7.8pc or BD41.7m ($110.6m), the debt:equity ratio is thus 2.4; * Profits achieved despite fuel prices being BD30m ($80m) over budget. Operational highlights * Passenger numbers up 23.8pc to 7.48m; * Seat factor up from 68.1pc to 71.4pc; * Passenger revenues up 28.2pc to BD405.3m ($1.075bn), compared to BD316.2m ($839m) in 2003; * Cargo revenues up 20.4pc to BD53.3m ($141.4m), compared to BD44.3m ($117.5m) in 2003; * RPKs up 32.5pc to 17,863.3, compared to 13,481.6 in 2003. Key business initiatives * $10m in skybeds begins roll-out; * Better for Business campaign targets increased premium traffic; * Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies retain world-leading position; * New award-winnin 0
110375 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Strong results 'far exceeded targets set in recovery plan' GULF AIR has out-performed the targets set under its three-year recovery plan Project Falcon, approved by the board in December 2002. "The measure of our success lies not only in the numbers, but is evident in the renewed confidence in Gulf Air within the financial markets and among our industry partners," said Mr Hogan. "We have been active in the global business arena, successfully negotiating a $65m credit facility from a seven-bank syndicate led by Standard Chartered Bank, signed a new joint venture agreement with world-leader, Sabre, and another equally important $138m agreement with Lufthansa Technik, for the provision of component maintenance services. "Ultimately, the airline business is about the customer. "We have invested in and delivered world-class products and world-first initiatives directly aimed at serving or customers better and putting Gulf Air in a tiny group of airlines that lead, not follow, in developing their products." The investment is al 0
110376 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Privatisation 'could boost profitability' MANAMA TODAY'S profit announcement puts Gulf Air at a dramatic crossroads in its development. Speculation is rife that it will seek to privatise - taking advantage of a "window of opportunity". Having proved its viability and huge business potential, privatisation seems a sensible option. This was strongly hinted at yesterday by president and chief executive James Hogan, who confirmed that privatisation proposals had already been presented to Gulf Air's board. It has agreed in principle that such a course of action should be seriously considered at its next meeting, on May 4, in Abu Dhabi. The implications and possibilities are being studied and discussions held with potential business partners and consultants. It is generally believed that such a move could raise as much as $1 billion (BD378m) in capital to re-equip Gulf Air's fleet and totally revamp its operations. Mr Hogan stressed that privatisation does not mean that any or all of these owner states has los 0
110377 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Debts slashed thanks to sound revamp strategy MANAMA GULF Air has halved its debts in two years. It was $1 billion (BD378 million) in debt when the Project Falcon recovery strategy was launched in December 2002. This was slashed to $500m by the end of last year, vice-president-finance Ahmed Al Hammadi declared at the Press conference yesterday. Gulf Air's improved financial health is now evident in its reduced debt burden," he said. "In 2004, the airline paid BD41.7m ($110.6m) to financial institutions," he revealed. "This represents a decrease of 7.8 per cent, and means that at 2.4, the airline's debt to equity ratio is now below the limit of 3.0 that was set under Project Falcon. President and chief executive James Hogan dismissed suggestions that the airline sold off assets and outsourced simply to "make the numbers" last year. "If you look at the sales we concluded in 2004, for example the sale of most of our rotable components (stocks of moving engine parts), there is sound business thinking as its basi 0
110378 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Power cut in Umm Al Hassam MANAMA: Residents of Umm Al Hassam were without power for an hour and a half late last night following a fault in the circuit-breaker at the substation. The power cut occurred at 10.15pm but was restored to the entire neighbourhood before midnight, reports Abdulrahman Fakhri. 0
110379 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Athletes leap to Qatar Games glory MANAMA BAHRAINI disabled athletes won five more medals, two gold and three silver, all in the long jump category, in the Fifth GCC Special Olympics in Doha, Qatar. The gold medals were won by female athletes Moza Al Saad and the Bahrain delegation's "baby" Jawaher Ibrahim, who at 10 is one of the youngest competitors in the games. Silver medals were won by Hassan Abdul Jalil, Mohammed Abdul Rahman and Sarah Khalifa, in their respective long jump categories, on the second day of the event. On the first day of the games, Bahrain's athletes won 13 medals, making a total of 18 to day, including six gold. The games, organised by the GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports, continue until tomorrow at Doha's Al Suhaim bin Hamad Stadium. More than 50 special athletes from Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait are taking part in the five-day event, held every two years. Saudi Arabia and Oman have not sent representatives to this year's games. Bahrain's 16 athletes (eig 0
110380 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Woman's screams ignored A FILIPINA was sexually assaulted by two Arab men in front of heavy traffic on Exhibition Avenue, in Hoora. The 25-year-old restaurant attendant was on her way to work at 8.45pm when the two men, wearing thobes, grabbed her and pushed her against a wall near the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK). They started groping her chest, but when she tried to escape one of the men grabbed her uniform and tore off part of her blouse. "It happened right in front of the busy road and there were passers-by," said the victim, who asked to remain anonymous. "I kept screaming and screaming but nobody came to help me. "The two men, who must be in their 40s, were tall and fat. "I'm short so maybe people didn't see me, but I kept yelling and trying to run away when they tore off part of my blouse." The woman, who was about to start a nightshift, was crying as she spoke to the GDN yesterday. "They kept pinning me to the wall and touching me," she said. "I told 0
110381 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Missing Filipina is presumed dead MISSING Filipina Gracie Montibon's daughter has given her up for dead and is getting ready to leave Bahrain. Maria Grace Montibon Reyes arrived from the Philippines on March 11 to try to speed up the search for her mother, who was reported missing by her Bahraini sponsor Ali Al Oraibi in November last year. Mrs Reyes, 24, the eldest of Mrs Montibon's two daughters, is expected to meet with Philippine Embassy officials soon to sign necessary documents giving Filipino Ambassador Eduardo Maglaya and his staff authorisation to follow up the case on her behalf. "I just feel that even though I am here in Bahrain nothing is being done about my mother's case. There aren't any leads and we still don't know what happened to her," Mrs Reyes told the GDN yesterday. Mrs Montibon was last seen by friends on November 4. Immigration records in Bahrain show that Mrs Montibon, a 42-year-old debt collector, has not left the kingdom. Embassy officials are checking regularly with auth 0
110382 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL 'Gems' for a brighter future A NEW educational programme is being introduced to pupils at the AMA School of Basic Education for the academic year 2005-2006. Great Explorations in Mathematics and Science (Gems) aims to prepare youngsters for workplaces of the future by encouraging them to team up and come up with new ideas, explore problems and solve mysteries. The programme was developed at the University of California, Berkeley, and is already used in thousands of classrooms across the US. A workshop on Gems was held at the school in Budaiya yesterday for over 50 students' parents. Teachers and staff of the school are to start attending the four-day Gems workshop, starting today from 8am to 2pm. 0
110383 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Webmasters clamp 'can prevent libel' MANAMA NEW rules asking webmasters to register their sites with the Information Ministry should not be used to stifle freedom of expression, political activists said yesterday. Some were totally opposed to any registration, saying it could be the beginning of a slippery slope which could lead to further restrictions and unfair legal action to be taken against webmasters. Others said the registration rule should only be used to prosecute people for libel and similar crimes and that there should not be an attempt by government officials to control the content of websites. National Democratic Action Society board member Ebrahim Alsayed said this development is the latest in a series of moves designed to stifle the population. "It follows recent proposed anti-terror, gatherings and political societies laws, which are examples of backward steps being taken following Bahrain's previous democratic reforms," he said. "It fits into a bigger scenario of the government controlling society 0
110384 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL BBK makes big cash donations MANAMA MORE than BD155,700 was donated to social service organisations and humanitarian societies by the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) in line with its community service programme. BBK chief executive officer and general manager, Dr Farid Al Mulla, presented a cheque for BD55,000 to Bahrain University president Shaikha Maryam bint Hassan Al Khalifa. The money will be used to support the university's development and expansion projects. He also presented a cheque for BD42,000 to Children and Mothers Welfare Society director Shaikha Lulwa bint Mohammed Al Khalifa to support its MicroStart Loans Project. MicroStart is designed to help improve the access of working poor people to financial services offered by local organisations - enhancing their economic activities, increasing their revenues and creating employment. BD25,000 was also donated by the BBK to the Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cardiac Centre at the BDF Hospital. Dr Al Mulla presente 0
110385 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Youngsters target of drugs fight A NATIONWIDE anti-drugs campaign will be launched tonight at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The BD40,000, 10-day campaign is spearheaded by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports and features seminars, exhibitions and sports tournaments to be held at various venues. The opening ceremony, at 8.30pm, will mark the launch of a survey, which organisers say will reveal shocking results. The survey, supervised by organising committee member Dana Al Zayani, contains responses on various drug-related questions by 500 Bahrainis, aged 15 to 30. Ms Al Zayani said that some of the questions include young Bahrainis' knowledge of various drugs, whether they were users or had friends who were addicted. A song written specially for the campaign will be performed at the opening ceremony by Bahraini artists Adel Mahmood and Hamad Al Jabri. The song, entitled My Life is Lost, is by lyricist Isa Suroor and composed by Salman Ali. 0
110386 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Symposium to focus on IVF and genetics LATEST developments in genetics and infertility treatments will be discussed at a one-day symposium in Bahrain next month. International experts in assisted reproduction will give updates on IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) and genetics at the Crowne Plaza on May 5. The symposium, under the patronage of Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh, follows an event in March at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. It is being organised by the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) and the Universite de Paris XI. "In part one, we spoke generally about genetics and the effect of chromosomes and genes on the outcome of IVF," said IHB Centre of Reproductive Medicine scientific director and symposium chairman Dr Shafik Saleh. "In part two, we will discuss specific cases in depth. In IVF, we have the problem of 'bad responders', which concerns the female response to treatment - for example if they didn't produce enough eggs for treatment. "Some of them are young and the cause is usually 0
110387 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL An artful way to teach children ART classes for children aged three to 15 will be held next month at the Al Riwaq Gallery, in Adliya. The courses will begin in the first week of May and run for four weeks. They will be conducted by Maria Pastoree, a Swiss national living and working in Cairo. She will be taking time out from her children's art school in Cairo, which she has been running for several years, to teach in Bahrain. This will be the third time Ms Pastoree has taught here - she previously led art courses and specialised art workshops in connection with the Children's Art and Literature Festival activities of 2003 and last year. Classes at the gallery will run twice weekly for different age groups throughout May. Children aged three to six will receive a total of 12 hours of teaching, while those aged seven to 15 will receive 16 hours. Maria Pastoree will also be available for schools wishing to have private, tailor-made classes. Her courses cover a variet 0
110388 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Training for 600 Bahrainis A TOTAL of 600 Bahrainis will be trained in various jobs as part of the construction of Bapco's Low Sulphur Diesel Production (LSDP) project. Work will be carried out by Consolidated Contractors (Bahrain) Company (CCC), which signed a $89.8 million (BD33.944m) contract with Bapco last month. Company board directors, along with Bapco chairman Dr Mustafa Al Sayed, met Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi yesterday to discuss the training programme. The minister described the project as an opportunity to train and employ Bahraini jobseekers based on its requirements. Those at the meeting agreed to set up a joint team, comprising representatives from the ministry, Bapco, CCC and the Contracting Sector Specific Council, to establish the ideal training and employment programme for 600 Bahrainis. 0
110389 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Festival to revive Delmon heritage MANAMA BAHRAIN celebrates the rediscovery of an ancient civilisation with a three-day festival being opened by His Majesty King Hamad tomorrow. The festival marks 50 years since a Danish expedition first unearthed evidence in Bahrain of the ancient Delmon civilisation. An opening ceremony will be held at the Bahrain Fort site in Karbabad. It will also mark the official re-opening of the 4,000-year-old fort, after years of restoration work. More than 100 international personalities, including archaeologists, excavators and historians have been invited by the organising committee, said an Information Ministry spokesman. They include Danish, French and British excavators who have carried out various expeditions in Bahrain, headed by Dr Flemming Hajlund, Dr Pierre Lombard and Dr Robert Killick respectively. Surrounding boundary walls at the fort have been decorated with murals highlighting the site's history. "It is hoped that the fort will be registered 0
110390 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini writers to be honoured THREE Bahraini authors, who published books last year, will be honoured next month. Authors Rashid Al Zayani, Kamil Al Hashimi and public libraries director Dr Mansoor Sarhan were chosen by the World Book Day committee after studying 110 books written by Bahraini authors last year. The World Book Day committee represents the Education Ministry, Bahrain University and Public Libraries Directorate. The winning books and their authors are Bahrain by Mr Al Zayani, Information Vision by Mr Al Hashimi and Journals in Bahrain from 1939 to 2003 by Dr Sarhan. "My book discusses all the papers issued in Bahrain during the last 64 years," said Dr Mansoor Sarhan. "It looks at 109 newspapers and periodicals, among them 19 newspapers and 16 periodicals which have stopped. This leaves 74 of which eight newspapers and 66 periodicals are still going." The Bahraini authors' competition was held as one of the activities organised by the Education Ministry and Public Libraries Direc 0
110391 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Key role of authors is highlighted THE role of Bahraini authors in protecting the environment came under the spotlight in a seminar yesterday at the National Bank of Bahrain's (NBB) library, in Muharraq. More than 40 people attended the seminar, which was presented by public libraries director Dr Mansoor Sarhan and Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife public relations and environment media head Zakariya Khonji. Dr Sarhan discussed his new book Journals in Bahrain from 1939 to 2003, which reviews the history of the country's newspapers and journals during the 64-year period. Dr Khonji spoke about his experience as an environmental writer for Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper. He has been writing a weekly feature for the newspaper since 1990. The seminar was followed by the opening of a small environmental book exhibition. The event was held in recognition of Regional Environment Day, which was held on Sunday, and World Book Day, which fell on Saturday. < 0
110392 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL International travel expo a sellout A WORLD-CLASS travel expo taking place in Bahrain next month is already a total sell-out, it was revealed yesterday. The Bahrain International Travel Expo (BITE-2005) will take place from May 9 to 11 at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel, under the patronage of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. All the stalls have now been booked by national, regional and international travel companies, according to organiser Sunshine Tours. About 40 exhibitors from 15 countries, including seven travel companies from Bahrain, have registered, general manager Abraham John told the GDN. He said BITE-2005 promises to be an ideal forum for Bahrainis and other residents in the region who are planning holidays. "The customer can simultaneously check out and evaluate various holiday options and packages," he added. "At this expo the customer gets a unique opportunity to meet several tour operators, tourism boa 0
110393 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL True taste of India... A FOOD festival, entitled Beyond Taste - Ghar Ka Gourmet, is being staged by the Indian Ladies Association on Friday, at the Karnataka Social Club, Manama. The event, starting at 5pm, promises to be a colourful evening, featuring an array of food stalls offering home cooked delicacies from various states of India. Entrance is 500 fils per family, which includes a raffle ticket for the prize draw. All are welcome. 0
110394 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL 75 dumpers are caught EXTRA patrols in the Central Governorate over the past three weeks have caught 75 illegal dumpers, it was revealed yesterday. Four inspectors were handed the task of patrolling open land in Buhair, Ma'ameer, Tubli Bay, Salmabad and Sitra after government working hours. It is part of a clampdown ordered by Municipality and Agriculture Minister Ali Saleh Al Saleh following a visit to Nuwaidrat last month. Inspections may now be stepped up following their initial success, according to Central Municipality director general Yousif Ibrahim Al Ghattam. "We feel that violators are already avoiding these areas only three weeks into the campaign," said Mr Al Ghattam, who was speaking at the Central Municipal Council meeting yesterday. "We have caught 75 violators so far - 70 per cent of whom have already been made to pay a fine and clean the mess they made. "The rest are those who were able to run away. However, their vehicle registration numbers have been taken and their c 0
110395 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Greater role for women backed MANAMA MORE than 100 people gathered yesterday to map out how to put into action a national strategy for women's development. The meeting, under the theme Women are Worthy Partners in the Country's Development and Growth, was held under the patronage of Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for women. Representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations, private sector and international organisations discussed the strategy at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa. The strategy was drawn up by the council and launched early last month. Council secretary-general Lulwa Al Awa-dhi stressed the importance of the national conference, which she said completed what they started with the official announcement of the strategy on March 8. "The aim is to lay out the foundation stones for the execution of the strategy through the exchange of ideas between the participants," she said. AN Education Ministry investigator yesterday met parents of two children, who were allegedly attacked by a school bus driver earlier this month. They were also due to appear at the police station yesterday to say whether or not they were pressing charges, but had to postpone that meeting due to their appearance at the ministry. A Bahraini bus driver, who works for Capital Transport, was accused of hitting a female pupil on the thigh, twisting the wrist of another and slapping a nine-year-old girl in the face while he was driving them home from Abdulrahman Kanoo Inter-national School, Salmabad, on April 9. However, parents say three of the five pupils involved have since been suspended on the grounds that they provoked him. Yesterday's meeting at the ministry was attended by parents of two children who filed a complaint with police. The investigator first interviewed the parents separately before meeting their children alone. The parents were also supposed 0
110397 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Lebanese author to sign books LEBANESE journalist and photographer Zaven Kouy-oumdjian will be signing his latest book Lebanon Shot Twice at the Al Riwaq, Adliya, on Thursday. The author will be available for book signings at the gallery from 10am to noon on Thursday. At 6pm he will give a slide presentation of his photographs, as well as a short talk about his experiences. Lebanon Shot Twice is available at the Al Riwaq Gallery bookshop from Thursday. The book revisits famous images from the Lebanese Civil War and documents the country after war. A percentage of the book's profits will go to the Bahrain Cancer Society, which along with the gallery is raising money for the treatment of Iraqi cancer patients. Ten Iraqi cancer patients and their companions arrived in Bahrain on Saturday thanks to money raised by the two organisations. 0
110398 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Shura green light for change in law WITNESS reports will be allowed as evidence in commercial disputes involving couples, the Shura Council heard yesterday. Because of the nature of marriages, it is not always possible to claim ownership or financial dues through official documents during a disagreement, said members. The 40-member council yesterday agreed on amendments to Article 64 of the civic and commercial disputes law to help solve financial disputes between couples. The changes, which were also approved by parliament, allow couples to include witness reports as evidence in commercial disputes between them. In its report, the legal affairs committee said there were cases where it was impossible to prove rights and debts through official documents. "Such cases are related to family relations, particularly spousal relations," explained the committee. "The amended article will further protect the rights of married couples in financial transactions which normally lack written official documents."< 0
110399 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Students to score at musical recital MUSICAL recitals by pupils of the Bahrain Music Institute will be held tomorrow and on Thursday at the institute premises in Mahooz. The concerts, starting at 7.30pm on both nights, are open to the public free of charge. Aces join contest THREE of the region's best Scrabble players have registered from Oman for the 15th Gulf Scrabble Tournament (GST), which is being lined up at the Hilton from June 1 to 3. They are Sanath Hemachandra (ranked second), Ralph Lobo (seventh) and Wimal Fernando (10th). Nine players from Oman are the first of 40 competitors to enrol. Last year, the Oman contingent was rated the best team in the Gulf, according to a post-GST performance analysis. Newcomers to the GST are 14-year-old Nilusha Hemachandra and architect and urban designer Usha Menon. Other entrants are K V Chidambaram, a former member of the Bahrain Scrabble League, 2001 Gulf Champion Cecil Fernandes, businessman Harshad Shah and office administrator Sonny Hemachandra, whose daughter is Ni 0
110400 0 1551 BNEW LOCAL Festival to showcase art skills MANAMA HUNDREDS of youngsters are gearing up for the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam's annual children's youth festival. Balakalotsavam 2005, which begins tomorrow and continues until June 9 at the club premises in Manama, showcases the cultural and artistic skills of youngsters, said organisers. The event, which begins at 7.30pm, will be opened by chief guest Prakash Deviji, managing director of Deviji and Company, who are the festival's main sponsors. The guest of honour is Indian Airlines country manager V Dinakaran and the co-sponsor is Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) International. The festival will feature 40 events, which will focus on culture and literary arts. Performances, which should last from five to 12 minutes each, will include traditional and folk dances, speech and poetry recitation, story-telling, story-writing, fancy dress competition and mono acting, to name a few. So far, a total of 1,250 entries have been submitted by 305 participants for the event. < 0
110401 1 1551 SPOR SPORT REYES STRIKE SINKS SPURS LONDON: Chelsea will have to wait at least till Saturday's match with Bolton to claim their first title in 50 years after a Jose-Antonio Reyes goal gave Arsenal a 1-0 victory over North London rivals Spurs. It leaves last year's title winners still with a mathematical chance of overhauling Chelsea - they are 11 points adrift with four matches remaining - but they have to win their last four matches and hope Chelsea lose all theirs. Reyes missed an open goal in the first minute after being beautifully released by Robin van Persie but he shot woefully into the sidenetting. Spurs too went close in the 14th minute as their leading scorer Jermain Defoe turned Kolo Toure and put an audacious chip which beat Jens Lehmann but went over the bar. Defoe should have opened the scoring three minutes later as he was slipped free by Fredi Kanoute after Arsenal needlessly gave away the ball. However, having wriggled through the defence his shot was parried by Lehmann and then boo 0
110402 2 1551 SPOR SPORT Teams arrive for GCC athletics FOUR GCC teams arrived in Bahrain yesterday for the GCC Athletics Championships starting tomorrow at 5pm at the National Stadium. The delegations of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE reached Bahrain and will vie for top awards in this three-day event which consists of 21 contests in the seniors division and 19 in the juniors. Oman, who arrived last week, and hosts Bahrain are also in the fray. The seniors championship is being organised for the 11th time while the juniors section will be held for the fourth time. The last event was held in Saudi Arabia in 2003. GCC organising committee chairman and head of the Kuwaiti delegation Shaikh Hamad Al Nasser Al Sabah also arrived yesterday and was welcomed on arrival by Bahrain Athletics Association's (BBA) honorary president Shaikh Ebrahim bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. Shaikh Sabah said he is delighted to be in Bahrain for one of the major athletics championships in the region being held every two years. "Saudi Arabia 0
110403 3 1551 SPOR SPORT Singh pips Daly for Houston title TORONTO: Defending champion Vijay Singh won a playoff against John Daly to become the first back-to-back winner of the $5-million Houston Open yesterday. Named to the World Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday, Singh capped off a great week by tapping in an 18-inch putt on the first playoff hole to claim his second title of the season and 26th of his career. The victory was not enough to allow the Fijian to reclaim the world number one spot from Tiger Woods but will leave only fractions separating the rivals in this week's rankings list. Singh began the day tied for the lead with Australia's Gavin Coles but was slow to make a move as he stalled on 11-under with pars on his first 13 holes. Back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15 vaulted Singh back into the chase and left him with a chance to clinch the title with a six-foot birdie putt on 18. But Singh's shot drifted just wide of the cup and he headed back to the 18th tee for a playoff. The lapse was similar to other uncharact 0
110404 0 1551 SPOR SPORT Schumacher steers back to form ... The San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday was a thriller, the best Formula One race we have seen in a long, long time. But I think it is only a precursor to more exciting battles to follow. Just like the Augusta Masters a fortnight ago which marked the return of Tiger Woods into the major golf winner's circle and set the bench mark for the rest of the year. The similarities in action and excitement, if not the end result, in both events were apparent; the last 12 laps at Imola which saw Michael Schumacher nibbling away at Fernando's Alonso's wafer-thin lead before settling for second place was as breathtaking as the playoff action at Augusta involving Woods and Chris Di Marco. If the return of Woods has rejuvenated world golf and raised the ante, Schumacher's electrifying performance in the second half of the race on Sunday has whetted our appetites and left us craving for more in the remaining 15 Grands Prix of 2005. Schum-acher and Woods are undisputed world champions 0
110405 0 1551 SPOR SPORT Soccer team begins Cup preparations TWENTY three players have been recalled for Bahrain's two crucial matches against Japan and Iran in the 2006 World Cup Qualifying Tournament scheduled for June 3 and 8 respectively. Bahrain started preparations, with players based in Bahrain, on Saturday at the Bahrain Football Association grounds in Riffa under assistant coaches Jassim Mohammed and Marjan Eid. The second phase of preparations start on May 16 with all the overseas players joining the team. Bahrain will also play a friendly match against the Saudi Arabian national team in Riyadh on May 27. Bahrain are presently third in this four-team group with four points, behind leaders Iran (7 points) and Japan (6). Meanwhile, representatives from the BFA and the Asian Football Confederation's marketing company held a co-ordination committee meeting at the BFA as part of Bahrain's preparations to host their match against Japan. BFA's public relations head Ebrahim Al Shakhoori said officials discussed m 0
110406 0 1551 SPOR SPORT Inzamam's captaincy extended for a year ISLAMABAD: Pakistan yesterday rewarded Inzamam-ul Haq for leading the national cricket team to a Test series draw and one-day series win in India by extending his captaincy until April next year. Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Salim Altaf said it had "decided to give Inzamam an extension as captain until the Asia Cup in Pakistan in April next year." Inzamam, 35, showed great signs of maturity as captain on the tour of India where Pakistan drew a three-match Test series 1-1 and won the six-match one-day series 4-2 after losing the first two matches, the former fast bowler added. "It's more of a continuation than a reward," said Altaf. Inzamam was appointed Pakistani captain following Rashid Latif's resignation in October 2003 and his tenure was due to last until Pakistan's tour to the West Indies in May-June this year. The extension means Inzamam will also lead Pakistan in the two home series against England in October-December this year and against India early ne 0
110407 0 1551 SPOR SPORT 75 drivers to 'test and tune' AROUND 75 drivers are expected to 'test and tune' their engines at the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday in preparation for the third leg of the National Drag Racing Championship to be held on May 19. The five-round championship organised by the Bahrain Drag Racing Club has a car line-up which includes Chevrolet Camaros and Ford Mustangs. Participants from all over the Gulf region are expected to try out their cars prior to the third leg of the championship. The test and tune acts as a pre-qualification and allows the driver to get the 'green signal' to take part in the qualifying round to be held on May 18. The championship comprises four categories of car - Street, Super Street, Pro Street and Pro in eight groups. Testing and tuning will be held from 7pm to 11pm and entrance tickets for the event are priced at BD2 and available at the sales booth of the BIC entrance with gates opening at 6pm. In the first two legs held in February and March four 0
110408 0 1551 SPOR SPORT Murphy stuns Higgins as Stevens wins SHEFFIELD, England: Matthew Stevens of Wales knocked Jimmy White out of the World Snooker Championships here yesterday with 'the Whirlwind' blaming his atrocious play on the 13-5 second round defeat. In another match, qualifier Shaun Murphy shocked 1998 champion John Higgins 13-8. Murphy, leading 9-7 overnight, won four out of the next five frames to book a last eight encounter with Steve Davis. Stevens, the number six seed, went into yesterday's session with a yawning 12-4 lead but White, six times a runner-up here, gave his fans hope when knocking in a frame-winning break of 68. But a missed long green early in frame 18 proved to be White's final shot of the tournament, Stevens compiling a 69 to book his ticket into the quarter-finals. "In a way there was quite a bit of pressure on me today because I wanted to get it over with as quickly as possible," said Stevens, who was beaten in the final by compatriot Mark Williams five years ago. "Jimmy had beaten 0
110409 0 1551 SPOR SPORT Spain hail Alonso victory MADRID: Spain's Fernando Alonso has warned his compatriots not to get too carried away about his chances of winning his home Grand Prix next month despite his third successive Formula One victory at the weekend. The 23-year-old championship leader's hat-trick of wins knocked soccer off the front pages in Spain yesterday, with sports daily Marca dedicating its first 13 pages to his San Marino Grand Prix triumph. "After three victories I am now feeling very strong in the championship but these victories are also going to generate an excess of euphoria so we have to be cautious," said Alonso, looking forward to the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona on May 8. "It is going to get harder to win from now on as Ferrari is becoming more competitive and (Kimi) Raikkonen was pushing on dangerously today in the McLaren before he had to retire. "The truth is that day-by-day my chances of winning the next race in Barcelona are getting less and less." The Renault driver star 0
110410 0 1551 SPOR SPORT Bahrain go down to Nepal BAHRAIN lost to Nepal by 10 wickets in the Asian Cricket Council's Under-15 Asia Cup. Nepal won the toss and put Bahrain in to bat. Bahrain lost early wickets and were 15 for 3 at one stage before recovering to 103 all out in 39.5 overs. The target of 104 did not pose any problems for the Nepal openers as they achieved it in just 13.4 overs without losing a single wicket. Nepal went on to win the final beating Afghanistan by six wickets. Brief scores: Bahrain 103 all out in 39.5 overs (David Mathias 31, Lalit Suresh 19, Chandra S 2 for 16, Shashi K 2 for 9, Malla G 2 for 10) lost to Nepal 104 for no loss in 13.4 overs (Dipen S 33, Anil M 53) by 10 wkts. Man of the Match: Dipen Shreshtha of Nepal. Final: Afghanistan 147 all out in 37.3 overs (Javid Ahmadi 58, Sajid Khan 24, Hasmatullah 27, Antim Thapa 4 for 19, Shashi Kesari 3 for 29, Angel Acharya 2 for 17) lost to Nepal 148 for 4 in 35 overs (Anil K Mandal 79, Antim Thapa 37, Sanaullah 2 for 25) by 6 w 0
110411 0 1551 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's on in Bahrain Bahrain British Business Forum luncheon, guest speaker is Bahrain American Chamber of Commerce president Samir Benmakhlouf, Hilton, Gilgamesh Ballroom, noon. Lunch is BD7 for members and BD8 for guests. Royal Thai Food Festival, featuring performances by traditional Thai dancers, Gulf Hotel, Royal Thai Restaurant, 7pm-11pm. Contact 17713000. Baby massage workshop, World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya, 5pm-6.30pm. Contact 17612576. Gulf Night Out, Gulf Hotel, poolside, 8pm. Tickets BD11++ per person and BD9++ for Prestige Club members. Contact 17713000. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's People Trafficking hotline: 17870196. Circuit, British Club, 9am-10am; Tots and Toddlers, 10am-noon; library, 4pm-7pm; power yoga, 6pm-7pm; ballroom dancing, 6pm-7pm. Contact 17728745. Latin and b 0
110412 1 1551 WORL WORLD 59 killed and 400 hurt in train crash TOKYO: At least 59 people were killed and more than 400 injured yesterday when a commuter train derailed, sending a carriage hurtling into an apartment block in Japan's deadliest rail accident in four decades. Authorities suspected that the train's 23-year-old driver was speeding and failed to negotiate a corner, throwing four of the train's seven carriages from the tracks in Amagasaki, 400km west of Tokyo. The train, which was carrying more than 580 passengers in the morning rush hour, appeared to be speeding as the driver was running late after he missed a station and had to back up to let off passengers. The remains of one carriage were strewn across the apartment building up to the third floor, with rescue crews racing to tear through the metal to find any survivors. Another carriage lay tilted on the ground beside it. At least four people were still alive inside the rubble with three of them conscious and drinking bottled water, said police, who put the injury toll at 417.</ 0
110413 2 1551 WORL WORLD New Iraq cabinet plan put on hold BAGHDAD: The formation of a new Iraqi government was on hold yesterday, 12 weeks after landmark polls, despite fears that with violence and sectarian tension on the rise the delay could play into insurgents' hands. US and European leaders urged the authorities in Baghdad to speed up the process of forming a government, whose list must be approved by parliament. In the latest violence, rebels struck at the vital oil industry, setting fire to pipelines in northern Iraq, and the US military said one its soldiers had died in a roadside explosion northwest of Baghdad. The Iraqi government, in the wake of a double car bombing on Sunday in Baghdad targeting the Shi'ites, warned in a statement that such attacks aimed "to fan sectarian hatred". Signalling trouble in their own ranks, Iraqi leaders acknowledged they had failed yet again to agree on a coalition government. "In principle we were to have announced the new government today, but last-minute details are preventing this," 0
110414 3 1551 WORL WORLD Benedict reaches out to Muslims VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI met leaders of the Muslim community yesterday, welcoming progress in Christian-Muslim dialogue and saying the Catholic Church wanted to continue "building bridges of friendship" with all other religions. The new leader of the Roman Catholic Church was speaking after he received leaders of other faiths and Christian Churches in the first private audience of his pontificate. He said he particularly wanted to recognise the presence of the Muslim community at his inaugural mass. "I am particularly grateful for the presence in our midst of members of the Muslim community, and I express my appreciation for the growth of dialogue between Muslims and Christians, both at the local and international level," he said. It was Benedict XVI's first specific public reference to Muslims since becoming Pope. He revealed that he had prayed that God would spare him the "destiny" of becoming Pope, but said that even though he believed his life's work was finish 0
110415 0 1551 WORL WORLD Minister charged in scandal NEW DELHI: A special court yesterday charged Indian railways minister Laloo Prasad Yadav in a corruption case. Yadav attended the hearing in Ranchi, capital of the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand, where the charges were read out to him and 69 others. The United News of India said Yadav told the court the charges were "false". Yadav was chief minister of impoverished Bihar state when 370 million rupees (BD3m) was withdrawn from Chaibasa district, allegedly to buy cattle fodder for distribution among the poor. A total of $220m (BD83.16m) was allegedly withdrawn with Yadav's tacit approval from animal husbandry departments in different parts of the state, formally part of Bihar. The reading of the charges in the special court of India's top investigation agency, the Central Bureau of Investigation, opens the way for the full trial of the scam which came to light in 1996. Another former Bihar chief minister, Jaganath Mishra, was also charged, along with senior civil 0
110416 0 1551 WORL WORLD Rafsanjani to run for president TEHRAN: Powerful Iranian cleric Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani declared yesterday he was set to stand again for president in the June 17 election and challenge a field of candidates so far dominated by hardliners. "The issue of the presidency is my current preoccupation and although I would like somebody else to take this responsibility, I think I must take this bitter medicine," the charismatic cleric was quoted as saying by the official Irna news agency. Rafsanjani has been seen as the leading contender in the race to replace incumbent reformist Mohammad Khatami, who is nearing the end of his second consecutive term in office, and a string of recent informal opinion polls have put him ahead of his potential rivals by a wide margin. His comments, reportedly made to agricultural workers, were the clearest confirmation yet that he will stand. Rafsanjani served as president from 1989 to 1997, and the Iranian constitution stipulates only that presidents cannot serve more than two 0
110417 0 1551 WORL WORLD One American in 138 behind bars A Mad, Mad World THE US prison population, already the largest in the world, reached a new high of more than 2.1 million last year, with one in every 138 residents of the country now behind bars. New government statistics, made public by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, put the US far ahead of countries like China and Russia, whose combined population is about five times that of America. "The numbers are pretty consistent with what they have been in the last few years," Justice Department statistician Paige Harrison, a co-author of the report, said. The study shows the number of inmates across the country rose an estimated 48,452 people, or 2.3 per cent, in the 12-month period ending on June 30, 2004. In other words, the system was adding to its ranks on average 932 individuals every week. BBC's 'guide' to life AS A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy nears its cinematic release, the BBC has launched a new service based on the novel's central concept: a mobile 0
110418 0 1551 WORL WORLD Paparazzi 'put Harry at risk' during safari LONDON: Britain's Prince HARRY was put "at risk" by photographers who pursued him and a girlfriend as they travelled in a Jeep while on safari in Botswana, royal officials said yesterday. Aides to the 20-year-old prince - whose mother, Princess Diana, died in 1997 when her speeding car crashed in Paris as it was followed by photographers - have raised the issue with Britain's Press Complaints Commission (PCC). Paddy Harverson, the Press secretary for Harry's father, Prince Charles, said the young prince was travelling in a Jeep along a bumpy dirt track when a vehicle carrying the photographers followed alongside it before pulling out in front. "We're very concerned about the circumstances in which these photographs were taken," Harverson said. "There was a pursuit of Prince Harry's Jeep along a rutted dirt track that involved dangerous driving putting the occupants of both Prince Harry's vehicle and the photographers at risk of an accident." The photographers were seeking 0
110419 0 1551 WORL WORLD Elton John to marry partner LONDON: British pop star Elton John, 58, intends to marry his long term partner David Furnish, 42, some time this year or in 2006, his publicist said yesterday. The singer told the Mirror tabloid that he and Furnish wanted to hold a civil partnership ceremony in Windsor, near London, in mid-December, although publicist Gary Farrow said John had added it could take place some time next year. Farrow said that one of John's main motivations for going ahead with the ceremony was financial. Civil partnerships between gay couples will be allowed in Britain from December 5 and give partners tax breaks available to married couples. 0
110420 0 1551 WORL WORLD Blair faces heat on Iraq conflict LONDON: The tangled issue of Iraq returned to haunt Prime Minister Tony Blair yesterday, just 10 days before Britain's general election, as he was forced to defend himself against new accusations that he misled the nation in the run-up to the conflict. Blair faced a tough grilling from reporters following a weekend newspaper report that the government's chief legal officer had raised a series of worries about the war's legality just before it started in March 2003. Adding to the pressure, the leader of the Conservative Party openly accused Blair of lying about his reasons for supporting the US-led military campaign, while the smaller Liberal Democrats demanded a public inquiry into the war. Blair had hoped to use a Press conference to talk up his government's handling of the economy, but instead fielded a series of questions on Iraq, the issue which has dogged him for the past two years. On Sunday, a newspaper published what it said were extracts from pre-war legal advice 0
110421 0 1551 WORL WORLD Finnish man 'abused 445 Thai boys' HELSINKI: A 43-year-old Finnish man is suspected of having had sexual relations with 445 Thai boys since 1989 in what is being regarded as one of the biggest crimes of its kind, police officials said yesterday. "The man was arrested on January 6 at the Helsinki airport as he was returning from Thailand. His name turned up in an investigation into a paedophilia ring in Belgium," police commissioner Lars Henriksson said. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, kept a diary listing each of his sexual partners, who were all young male prostitutes aged 10 to 13, Henriksson said. The man made a total of 26 trips to Thailand over 15 years. The suspect was not part of a larger network, Henriksson said. Under Finnish law, Finns can be tried for crimes committed abroad. The man faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse. 0
110422 0 1551 WORL WORLD Sister shot dead AMMAN: A Jordanian man shot dead his divorced sister after seeing her photo on his friend's camera-equipped mobile phone in the latest "honour" killing in the kingdom. The man shot the 31-year-old mother twice in the head and then turned himself in to police saying he committed the murder to "cleanse his family's honour". Oman verdict date set MUSCAT: Oman's State Security court yesterday said it will deliver its verdict next Monday in the case of 31 Islamists accused of membership of a banned organisation and plotting to overthrow the government. Saudi guard arrested RIYADH: Intelligence officials arrested a member of the royal guard in Riyadh yesterday after he criticised the government in a phone call to an Arab satellite television channel. Khalid Sulaiman Al Omairi was arrested at work, taken to his home which was searched and his computer, some compact disc and books were confiscated, Human Rights First Saudi Arabia said. < 0
110423 0 1551 WORL WORLD Jackson's ex-wife 'to testify' SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe will be allowed to deliver potentially explosive testimony against the star at his child sex trial, the judge ruled last night. The key ruling came as prosecutors prepared wrapping up their nine-week case against the "King of Pop" by the end of the week, opening the way for the defence to hit back at the charges against him. Prosecutor Ron Zonen said Rowe would tell jurors that Jackson asked her to make a video in 2003 praising him and told her she would be allowed to visit her children if she would make the film. Rowe is locked in a custody battle with Jackson over their children, Prince Michael and Paris. Syria completes Lebanon pullout BEIRUT: Syrian forces, led by intelligence chief General Rustom Ghazaleh, headed out of Lebanon yesterday, ushering in a new era for a country which has been in the military and political grip of Damascus for 29 years. As overjoyed residents threw flowers aft 0
110424 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Forum probes chances for joint investments MANAMA: Around 70 Bahrain British Business Forum (BBBF) members found out more about the Bahrain American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) at a lunch held yesterday in the Hilton's Gilgamesh Ballroom. The group was addressed by Bahrain AmCham president Samir Benmakhlouf, who outlined its role, objectives and potential opportunities for the BBBF and AmCham to work together. The vision of AmCham is to become a leading player in the policy-making of both the US and Bahrain governments. British Ambassador Robin Lamb also attended the event. 0
110425 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS American Express gains rise by 19pc NEW YORK: American Express, the consumer finance and travel company, reported a 19 per cent increase in earnings for the first quarter, driven by strong growth in its card business. The New-York based company said yesterday that profits totalled a record $946 million, or 75 cents a share, in the January-March period, up from $794m, or 61 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue rose 10pc to $7.57 billion from $6.91bn a year earlier. 0
110426 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Future of IP telephony is explored MANAMA: Communications networks and services provider Avaya hosted the Communications at the Heart of Business Forum at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday. It highlighted Avaya's best practices for migrating to IP telephony and explored the future of contact centres to help businesses use communications to their advantage. Over 100 participants attended the event and learnt about the latest advances in IP telephony and contact centre applications. Industry analyst Silvio Navarro shared his knowledge on how businesses can improve their customer satisfaction with IP solutions. Avaya executives also held one-on-one meetings to discuss specific requirements of participants. 0
110427 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Egypt stocks surge on OT deal CAIRO: Egyptian stocks surged yesterday in response to news that Orascom Telecom had resolved its dispute with the Palestine Investment Fund and expanded its stake in its Algerian and Tunisian mobile phone units. Orascom Telecom (OT) shares last traded 11.4 per cent higher at 478.99 pounds ($82.70), pulling up shares in other telecom companies and sister companies in the Orascom group. The benchmark Hermes index, where OT is heavily weighted, rose 5.83pc to 36,150.63. The broader CIBC index ended 1.8pc higher at 138.33 points. 0
110428 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Oil prices slip on Saudi comments LONDON: World oil prices dropped almost a dollar yesterday on reassuring comments from Saudi Arabia that it might increase output should demand rise further, following high-level talks over the soaring cost of oil. New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in June, dropped 89 cents to $53.68 per barrel in electronic deals. In London, the price of Brent North Sea crude oil for delivery in June shed 90 cents, also to $53.50 per barrel. US President George W Bush held talks on Monday with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud at his Crawford ranch in Texas, focusing on surging oil prices. After the meeting the prince indicated that his kingdom could boost output further if needed. "Saudi Arabia has some spare capacity that it can produce, should we be asked to produce that spare capacity by our customers," said Adel Al Jubeir, a senior foreign policy adviser to the prince. People are speculating that Bush has asked Prince 0
110429 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Air India to buy Boeing jets BOMBAY: The board of state-run Air India said yesterday it approved the purchase of 50 long-range Boeing aircraft after intense lobbying by the US aviation giant and Europe's Airbus for the multi-billion dollar deal. The contract worth 300 billion rupees ($7bn) is subject to federal government approval, Air India said in a statement after a board meeting in India's financial capital. "Air India has made the right decision as all our aircraft are fuel-efficient and incur low maintenance costs," said Boeing India president Dinesh Keskar. "It will save Air India around $300 million every year in fuel costs and this is why Air India chose us as a partner in its future growth," he said. US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta visited New Delhi this month to lobby for Boeing aircraft and French Transport Minister Gilles de Rubien, who was in New Delhi on Monday, pushed Airbus' case. The airline will buy eight B777-200 LR, 15 B777-300 ER and 27 B787 Dreamliner medium 0
110430 0 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Albaraka Banking Group announces $4.2bn assets MANAMA: Bahrain-based Albaraka Banking Group (ABG) has announced total assets of $4.2 billion and a net income of $27.3 million since its incorporation in July 2002 until the end of last year. The results were announced in the group's Ordinary General Assembly and Extraordinary General Assembly, which took place at its headquarters in the Diplomatic Area. ABG was officially launched at the meetings, which approved an increase of $305m in its paid-up capital - representing the in-kind share of the Albaraka Group in nine ABG subsidiaries. ABG board member and chief executive officer, Adnan Yousif, chaired the meetings and said the agenda of the Annual General Meeting included the directors', Sharia Supervisory Board's and auditors' reports; consolidated financial statements; and the profit and loss account from July 2002 to December 31 last year. The assembly adopted the directors and Sharia Supervisory Board reports and approved the financial statements. The nine 0
110431 1 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Islamic financing first for bank in shipping sector MANAMA: ABC International Bank (ABCIB) in London, the international division of the Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation (ABC), has concluded the financing of a 2000-built crude oil carrier. It is the first transaction in the shipping sector to use an Islamic bond issue, according to Norton Rose, London, who acted for Islamic investors. MT Venus Glory is a Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) owned by the Pacific Star Group of Companies, a group controlled by Saudi Arabian interests. ABCIB's shipping team advised that the transaction involved the provision of conventional bank finance and an Islamic-compliant mezzanine component, according to a statement issued yesterday. The senior debt was underwritten by ABCIB and Credit Suisse and advised by Watson, Farley and Williams, London. The Islamic component was co-underwritten by ABCIB's Islamic subsidiary, ABCIB Islamic Asset Management Limited, London, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi. The unquoted pr 0
110432 2 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Internet growth in Arab world will slash service costs AMMAN: Massive cuts in Internet charges are on the way as better services create greater demand throughout the Arab world, say experts. Arab countries are rapidly increasing their connectivity to global telecommunications services, says the Jordan-based Arab Advisers Group. Its latest report, entitled International Connectivity in the Arab World, rates the UAE as the Arab world leader in international connectivity measures. The UAE's communications provider, Etisalat, is ahead of all Arab operators in terms of both international voice circuit capacity and Internet bandwidth capacity, says the report. Saudi Arabia and Egypt, major regional Internet markets, follow closely, with each country having 16 per cent of the total Internet capacity in the analysed countries. Other countries analysed in the report were Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Sudan, Syria, Qatar and Tunisia. Group founder and president Jawad Abbass said the liberalisation of th 0
110433 3 1552 BUSI BUSINESS Investcorp launches new fund MANAMA: Bahrain-based global investment group Investcorp has put $200 million of its own money into its latest hedge fund product. The Investcorp Balanced Fund (IBF) is designed to meet client demand for a core exposure to hedge funds that can provide a balanced portfolio by diversifying their holdings of bonds and equities, says the company. During the launch period the group is offering a zero cost principal protection to new investors to demonstrate its confidence in the fund. This is only available to investors who commit between now and June 30. Investcorp has seeded the IBF with $200m of its own capital. IBF is a fund of hedge funds holding a portfolio of different individual hedge funds as its underlying investment. It has the advantage of diversifying risk by blending the risk characteristics and investment strategies of many different hedge funds, which are selected, and then monitored, by a specialist overall manager, says the company. 0
110434 0 1552 COMM COMMENTWindow of opportunity Yesterday's local newspapers published highly positive reports about the success of Gulf Air's 'Project Falcon'. Yet it is a fact that no regional airline has had to shoulder such enormous hardships during the last three years in order to re-organise itself as a fully independent, non-subsidised carrier. All this at a time when every odd was stacked against it - from the astronomical price of oil, an open skies policy and unfair competition from regional airlines fully supported financially by their own states. Yet despite every setback, which incidentally also included the Sars epidemic, tsunami disaster and cut-price competition, our national airline not only survived, but achieved healthy results. Gulf Air has now reached a vital and decisive crossroads. Without taking dramatic, far-reaching decisions the future is not paved with roses or totally assured. Certain facts weigh heavily in its favour, however, and they include : *Net profit of BD1.5 million ($4 million) c 0
110435 0 1552 COMM COMMENTIgnoring a woman's cry for help is unforgivable Shame on all those who ignored a young Filipina's screams for help as she was assaulted by two drunken Arab men in Exhibition Road. This is a busy area and I find it very hard to believe that no-one saw or heard the commotion as two burly men in thobes pinned the woman against a wall and tore her clothing as she eventually wrestled free. If there is any single road in Bahrain which demands police on foot patrol, it is this one, for kerb-crawlers and other pests have made it a misery for decent women, particularly after dark. This poor young woman was making her way to work in a restaurant and was so distressed after the attack that she had to be taken home. That her employer has transferred her to another branch so that she does not have to walk in the area serves to emphasise the need for a stronger police presence. The fact that no-one went to her aid is appalling and seems out of character for this country, where Bahrainis in particular have always proved so re 0
110438 0 1552 LETT LETTERS Why can't we have an ambulance network? ALI Kazerooni (GDN April 14) has questioned why the ambulance staff does not have a patient's basic information before reaching the patient as much time is wasted on their questioning if the patient is diabetic, if it happened for the first time etc. Bahrain Ambulance Service I think is providing good service though there is always room for improvement. The idea of Mr Kazerooni is quite valuable and at the same time the reply from the Health Ministry is also very rational and reasonable. However, in my personal view a Smart Card will solve this problem nevertheless there is another angle which needs serious consideration. At present on call ambulances centred at Salmaniya had to rush towards Muharraq, Budaiya, Isa Town etc which takes much time during peak hours. Then they bring the patient back. Why not have one or two ambulances stationed at Muharraq, Isa Town and Juffair to save precious time. Anum 0
110439 0 1552 LETT LETTERS A very special Dad... WE would like to thank everyone for the letters, phone calls and floral tributes on the passing away of a very special dad, also a loving and wonderful husband William Griffith. Bill is missed so much every day. We have great comfort in looking out onto his garden here at his home in Worsley where Bill spent his time tending his lawns and flowers when he was home on holiday, he was at his happiest doing that. We would specially like to thank Garmco for the support and care they have shown to us which was overwhelming, also David Gray, Bill's friend for his kind words at the memorial service in St Christopher's Cathedral and the Reverend Alan Heyday for his words of comfort. We, as a family, have been so very touched by Bill's work colleagues, and so many friends in Bahrain. God bless you all and Bahrain. Shukran. Mary and Craig Griffith and Heather Pasero 0
110440 0 1552 LETT LETTERS Amusing job description I WAS highly amused to read one of your classified advertisements (GDN April 21) announcing a vacancy for a part time housemaid who needs to work eight hours a day for seven days without any rest day. She will have to work for BD 120 per month. I wonder what qualifications are needed (maybe a BSc or BA degree in house keeping or BCom?). And if it is full time how many hours per day and how many days per week (maybe 16 hours a day for 14 days a week! ). Why not give preference to Bahraini nationals to help the Bahrainisation drive? Most probably they may be looking for a runaway expatriate or a person staying in the country illegally. I would think that the immigration authorities should follow up this case and find out who applies for this job. Also, could somebody explain what legal rights a part time housemaid has if she is harassed, a situation where even a full-time housemaid has no say according to the laws of this so-called beautiful country. Full timer 0
110441 0 1552 LETT LETTERS Prayers dilemma I WANT to draw the attention of Sunni Awqaf to a matter concerning the Al Mehza Juma mosque (late Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa mosque) situated in the middle of Manama. For Friday prayer about 2,000 or more worshippers come to this mosque. On Friday March 18 the worshippers waited for the Imam until 12 noon, but he didn't appear and at last an Indian stood and gave only one sermon and then led the prayer but he recited the same surah in both the Rakath. It is really a joke and tragedy to not have an Imam to perform Friday prayers especially when there is about 2,000 worshippers in such a big Juma mosque. It is not the first time, it had happened previously also, and as the Imam had not come, worshippers were compelled to perform Zuhr prayer. This has happened two or three times. Therefore, I request the concerned authority to look into the matter seriously and do the needful so that such things should not be repeated in future. Abu Faras< 0
110442 0 1552 LETT LETTERS Think of the children! THIS is in answer to the Sacred Heart School spokesman's response (GDN April 22). Maybe your job is not to entertain anonymous callers and letters published in the GDN, because it might be hurting you in the wrong place. But, I can tell you, what your job should be after hearing those pleas about your transportation. It's to get on your heavy feet and do something about it for the children, the children on behalf of whom you people make money. And before you even try to be rude next time, just be ready to have it shot right back at you. Z S K 0
110443 0 1552 LETT LETTERS Can BIC justify sellout claim? ON April 9, the GDN reported that a sell-out crowd packed the BIC for the F1 race. I would like BIC to justify this as I was in the Oasis Stand and it was clear that at least 20 per cent of the seats were empty! Some of my friends tried to book tickets for this stand to be told it was sold out. Are there that many people in Bahrain that can afford tickets in the region of BD136 and not bother to turn up? If so, I must be in the wrong job! On a more positive note, it was a great day out with a superb programme of events to keep the capacity crowd occupied. Mr L R Fin-Boy lA BIC spokesman said : "Almost 50 per cent of Oasis Stand tickets are reserved for Paddock Club members many of whom do not necessarily use their seats preferring to be indoors and watching the race on the big screen. This does not happen solely in Bahrain but at all the F1 venues." 0
110444 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Mideast debut for musician TOP Irish performer Tim Ambler, who is presenting two shows in town this weekend, hopes to meet Bahraini musicians and learn more about Arabic music. The lawyer turned musician, recording artist and songwriter is performing at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel's Fiddlers Green at 9pm tomorrow and at the British Club at 5pm, on Friday. He arrives in Bahrain today. "The Middle East is one of the few corners of the world I have never performed in and I am very excited to come over," said Tim, as he took some time off in London, UK, to speak with the GDN. "I have been to Dubai on holiday but never been to Bahrain, although I have heard so much about the country because an uncle of mine used to work in Saudi Arabia and he used to visit Bahrain to play tennis and take a break. "He loved Bahrain. In fact he has emailed some of his colleagues to come down this weekend to see me play." For as long as Tim could remember, he has had this great passion for music. 0
110445 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Pageant goes international THE Indian Club is all set for its annual May Queen contest - but with a difference. Women of all nationalities, living in all six GCC countries, are being invited to enter the beauty contest. It is organised every year in Bahrain by the Indian Club, but this is the first time it will be an international event. "Over the years, women aged 15 to 30, of various nationalities in Bahrain, have competed for the coveted crown of May Queen," said general secretary Ulhas Karnavar. "But due to the tremendous attention this event has gained, we decided to open it to ladies of all nationalities throughout the GCC for the first time." Mr Karnavar urged all women to participate in the event and vie for the title. He also urged more sponsors to come forward and support the event. "It is the support from the sponsors that make an event colourful," said Mr Karnavar. "Every year we have received tremendous support and this year, being our committee's maiden 0
110446 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Sail ahoy! Regatta on horizon again... FAMILIES are being promised two days of entertainment at the Bahrain Yacht Club (BYC), Sitra, during its annual Open Regatta next month. The BYC Open Regatta 2005 is set to be held on May 12 and 13. "There is nowhere better to be in Bahrain on Friday the 13th than the club," said organisers. May 13 is also a BYC Open Day with free entrance for all. All those attending the regatta can win prizes. Those not competing have a chance to unwind and enjoy a relaxing weekend on the beach, in the pool or swimming in the bay. "Tri Dives" will take place in the swimming pool. This is an opportunity for those interested in learning to scuba dive to try the experience. For children, there will be face painting, candyfloss, popcorn, a bouncy castle and a magic show during the afternoon. Everyone is welcome to use the club's facilities and the coffee shop is open all day serving food and drinks. There will also be a beach BBQ lunch, keb 0
110447 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Dance to Latin beat at Moon Plaza show A TWO-DAY dance show, entitled Seriously Latin, is being held at the Moon Plaza Hotel's Sampaguita Club, Umm Al Hassam, this weekend. The club's new resident entertainers, The Glips Band and Le Baile Dancers, are to entertain guests with popular Latin dance tunes tomorrow. The Glips members are Gill, Lucy, Jet, Lance, Patrick, Sherwin and Adam from the Philippines. Le Baile Dancers are a pair of professional ballroom dance instructors. They are Roland 'Jappy' Fernandez and Marjorie 'Joy' Lumagbas. Both dancers are members of the Dance Sport Council of the Philippines and have been performing in Bahrain for a number of years. The party continues on Friday with special guests from the Philippines. Visiting Filipino basketball stars from the Philippine Basketball Association will be attending the show. Doors open at 7pm and tickets are BD3 per person on both nights. Meanwhile, nightly ballroom dance instruction is being held at the clu 0
110448 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Teacher accused of beating student MANAMA: A teacher allegedly beat one of her students at a private school so badly that it left him with a "red swollen left arm". Four-year-old Houssam Jassim was reportedly in tears as the teacher tried to force him to write down a lesson. In their complaint to the Education Ministry, his parents claimed that he was now scared of going to school, even asking his mother to get rid of his schoolbag. The family has refused the school principal's conciliatory offer to move him to another class. 0
110449 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL EK Kanoo team visits school A visit was made to the Jidhafs Technical Secondary School by management of the EK Kanoo Group. The aim was to develop working relationships between the two organisations by sharing knowledge with teachers and students on latest trends in automobile technology. The team was led by senior service manager George Koshy, training manager Haroon Coovadia and human resources department assistant manager Mohammed Al Nasser. 0
110450 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain's students have the last word THIRTY-SIX students from seven of Bahrain's private schools took part in a public speaking competition last night at St Christopher's School, Isa Town. The students, aged 11 to 18, spoke on issues such as human cloning, genetically modified food, euthanasia and teenagers' freedom in Bahrain. They were from the St Christopher's School, Indian School, New Modern Knowledge School, Sacred Heart School, Bahrain Bayan School, British School and Al Mahd Day Boarding School. The students were judged on research, clarity of speech, teamwork skills and the ability to answer questions from the audience Competition winners are: Junior winning team: Sacred Heart School; senior winning team: Indian School; best junior speaker: Rhea Vaz and best senior speaker Chanakya Gupta. 0
110451 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Hospital to honour 21 students TWENTY-ONE government school pupils are being honoured today for highlighting health issues through an art and writing competition. The primary, intermediate, secondary and handicapped school students will receive certificates, plaques and trophies at a ceremony being held at 9am at the Education Ministry's main hall in Isa Town. Teachers and supervisors of the winning students will also receive awards at the function. The competition and ceremony have been organised by the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) in co-operation with the Education Ministry. For the competition participants were required to enter a piece of work (either art, short story, or poetry, depending on the school category), based on last year's World Health Day theme: Road Safety. Primary schools entered art work, intermediate schools short stories, secondary schools poetry, and handicapped children submitted art or writing work of their choice. Around 350 students entered the compe 0
110452 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Fake herbal pill sparks warning THE Health Ministry yesterday warned people against using a fake alternative herbal aphrodisiac. US-manufactured Neophase capsules may pose a health risk as it contains dexamethasne, a steroid used in the form of pills strictly on prescription. Neophase capsules sells well at alternative medicine outlets, as it is popularly believed to be a miracle drug for sexual problems, said pharmacology and medical control director Dr Laila Abdulrahman. The banned drug also includes Sidenafil, a substance used in Viagara. The Health Ministry also warned against using Ginseng Kippi pill, a dangerous steroid thought to be widely used in bodybuilding. The drug continues to be smuggled into Baharin despite a two-year ban. 0
110453 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Productive families sell BD44,000 goods Self-reliant productive families last year sold products worth BD44,000, said Social Affairs Ministry Local Communities Development director Badriya Al Jeeb. Meanwhile, 15 families will showcase their products at Al Zakat Fund fair at Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. Ten other families will take part in a bazaar in Qatar on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. They are sponsored by GPIC. A similar number of families will also be showcasing products and popular dishes at a bazaar in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. 0
110454 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Baby massage teach-in series A SERIES of baby massage workshops are being held at the World Beat Fitness Centre, Janabiya. British expert Sally Cain is presenting the five-week course. It aims to teach parents how to massage their babies, helping them with bonding as well as possibly solving baby sleeping problems and colic. The course is open to anyone interested and is held every Tuesday from 5pm to 6.30pm. For further details, contact the centre on 17612576. 0
110455 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Women in spotlight Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women and wife of His Majesty King Hamad, yesterday received the Senegalese president's wife Vivian Wade. Shaikha Sabeeka wished that the visit fulfilled the desired goal in bolstering communication mechanisms between the two countries in the field of women's work. She also highlighted the role of Bahraini women and their contributions in the development process in the kingdom. The Sengalese president's wife expressed her appreciation and admiration at the activities and accomplishments of women in Bahrain. She also gave a briefing on the programmes and activities of the organisation she chairs, in the field of health and education. They affirmed the need for co-operation in areas related to women's affairs, by getting familiarised with the experiences of both countries, and exchanging expertise between them. 0
110456 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Ethics 'key to effective corporate governance' High ethical standards should be the key ingredient for effective corporate governance, Bahrain managers were told last night. Managers should act on a fully-informed basis, in good faith and in the interest of the company, said Saudi National Commercial Bank's Bahrain general manager Saleh Hasan Ali Hussain. He was speaking at a dinner organised by the Bahrain Management Society (BMS) at the Regency InterContinental Hotel. The topic of his presentation was: Corporate Governance: main principles. The session was chaired by BMS president Dr Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. Mr Hussain, who has 34 years' banking experience, spoke on corporate governance's main pillars, principles, relationships and other issues. Talking about the board's responsibilities and accountability, he said all shareholders should be treated fairly. "It is important to apply high level of ethical standards and exercise objective independent judgement," said Mr Hussain. 0
110457 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Residents urge Ma'ameer 'gas leak' probe AN investigation is being demanded into a possible gas leak near Ma'ameer village, Sitra. Residents of the village and neighbouring areas have been complaining for several days of skin rashes and irritations, especially after swimming in the nearby sea. They have also complained of fumes in the air and suspect it is coming from one of the nearby factories. Central Municipal Council member Abbas Mahfoud took environmental experts on a tour of the area yesterday. The delegation was made up of representatives from the council, the Health Ministry and the Public Commission for the Protection of Marine Resources, Environment and Wildlife. They met with representatives from Ma'ameer's Charity Fund and residents who reported being hit by rashes. "During the meeting with the residents, we discussed all possible sources and types of pollution that the village might be exposed to," said Mr Mahfoud. "We also agreed on the need to instal devices that can dete 0
110458 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Cheque is presented Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi yesterday received National Bank of Bahrain general manager Abdulla Hassan Al Qassim who presented her with donations worth BD40,000. The money will be evenly distributed between the NBB Elderly Home and NBB Disabled Children's Home. The home for the elderly hosts 48 old people while home for disabled children cares for up to 318 youngsters. 0
110459 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL High cost of soaring over-60s population BAHRAIN must plan now how to deal with an ageing population, says Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. Less than five per cent of today's population is aged to over 60, but this will soar to more than 25pc by 2050, she said. Dr Haffadh was speaking during a three-day workshop on ageing and promotion of health amidst older people in the Eastern Mediterranean region, which was launched at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday. The workshop aims to produce suggestions for appropriate ways to deliver health and socio-economic support to the elderly population. It has been organised by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in co-operation with the World Health Organisation. The conference is being attended by Health Ministry and WHO officials and other organisations. Dr Haffadh stressed the importance of developing a strategy to be prepared for the challenges that the growing population of elderly people might bring in the coming years. "Bahr 0
110460 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL New embassy MANAMA: Senegal will soon open an embassy in Bahrain, it was announced by President Abdoulaye Wade yesterday. He was speaking at a Press conference held at the Shaikh Hamad Palace in Gudaibiya at the end of his three-day visit to Bahrain. President Wade said that his visit resulted in the setting up of a joint commission and a finance committee to explore means of strengthening ties in various fields, particularly the economic sector. 0
110461 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL A race against time at hotel THE Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya promises a fun day at its 10th Annual Against The Clock (ATC) contest, which is being held at Al Bander Hotel and Resort, Sitra, on Friday. Organisers are hoping to raise over BD13,000 to set up a computer lab and construct a carpentry workshop for the Al Rashad Centre for Autistic Children. Thirty-two teams will be competing at the event, which is sponsored by Bahrain National Insurance (BNI) for the second time. Event chairman Ghazi Farhan said teams of seven will be taking part in a variety of games that require a range of physical, mental and co-ordination skills. "The final game will be a treasure hunt." Side attractions include a Laywa dance performance, game stalls, henna designing, face painting, food and refreshment stalls, a DJ, a magician and a jumping castle. "There will be a special show by the Italian International Circus featuring very big snakes and other attractions," added Mr Farhan. Teams ta 0
110462 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Bonus blow to civil servants THOUSANDS of civil servants will miss out on a proposed BD200 bonus this year, MPs heard yesterday. It is too late to include the bonus in this year's government budget, Deputy Prime Minister and Islamic Affairs Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa said in a letter to parliament. The letter, read out by parliament first vice-chairman Adbulhadi Marhoon, said that MPs should submit the proposal this year, so it may be approved and included in next year's budget. This sparked an outrage at yesterday's weekly parliamentary session, with MPs saying the government was belittling them. One MP said the government was quick to hand out BD1 million in a golden handshake to four departing ministers after the last Cabinet shuffle, but slow to help the people. Parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee vice- chairman Abdulla Al Dossari told fellow MPs to withdraw the proposal, which has made them subject to mockery. "People, cartoonis 0
110463 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL World-class diploma! A BAHRAIN training group is to offer higher training courses in travel and tourism, approved by the University of Cambridge. The Gulf Academy is an authorised training centre for the International Air Transport Association/ Universal Federation of Travel Agents Associations. Now it is launching of a Reciprocal Diploma Programme between IATA/UFTAA and the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). CIE is part of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), a department of the university. It provides curricula and assessments to meet the demands of employers and educators. IATA, originally founded in 1919, is the trade association of approximately 280 airlines around the world , has its headquarters in Montreal, Canada. UFTAA is the largest world body representing the travel industry. The IATA /UFTAA Diplomas are among the few renowned qualifications in the travel and tourism Industry recognised across the 0
110464 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL History in world spotlight BAHRAIN Fort could be the first of a series of historical sites in the country to be listed as being of global importance. The fort will be listed by June or July in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (Unesco) World Heritage List of outstanding cultural and natural sites. Once the fort is listed, a committee will be set up by the Information Ministry to include all other historic landmarks in a comprehensive report. "The committee, which will be under the Archaeology and Heritage Directorate, will list the other sites based on priority and global importance to be nominated to the Unesco," said fort renovation expert Salim Balhaj. He was speaking to the Press at the fort site on the sidelines of a rehearsal for a ceremony which will be opened today by His Majesty King Hamad. The ceremony will mark 50 years since the rediscovery of the Dilmun civilisation and the official re-opening of the fort, after around 20 years of restoratio 0
110465 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL More golden glory for athletes BAHRAIN'S disabled athletes have clinched 30 medals at the Fifth GCC Special Olympics in Doha, Qatar, so far. They won 12 gold medals yesterday, making the team of 16 amongst the most successful in the Games' history. "The athletes have been winning medal after medal!" said Bahrain delegation head Wafyqa Khalil Jamal from Doha yesterday. Most of the eight female and eight male athletes, aged 10 to 24 years, the kingdom has sent to the Games this year are competing internationally for the first time. The results of the third day of competitions, which fell yesterday, are as follows: In the 200-metre race, Mansour Ahmed and the delegation's 'baby' 10-year-old Jawaher Ibrahim both won gold medals; Khalifa Al Zayani and Fatima Shamlool won silver medals; and Ahmed Farsi and Moza Al Saad each won a bronze medal. In the 500m race, Zainab Hussain and Qassim Fardan won gold medals; Fatima Darwish won silver; and Amira Khalil won the bronze. Mansour won his 0
110466 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Noise 'can be a health hazard' BAHRAIN joins the world in observing International Noise Awareness Day (INAD) today. The message for the day is too much exposure to noise can be dangerous to health, according to a Bahrain-based expert. The occasion is marked globally on the fourth Wednesday of every April and the idea is to increase public awareness of the hazardous effects of noise, said American Mission Hospital (AMH) audiologist and speech pathologist, Preethi Praveen. "Every day we experience sound in our environment such as television and music systems," she said. "However, when an individual is exposed to harmful sounds - sounds that are too loud or loud sounds over a long period of time - sensitive structures of the inner ear can be damaged causing Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)". Once hearing is damaged it often cannot be restored, Ms Praveen told the GDN. "Some of the many causes of hearing damage include noise, certain chemicals and drugs, some diseases and injuries," she a 0
110467 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Drug abuse shock as campaign launched MORE THAN 26 per cent of Bahraini youngsters are taking illegal drugs, out of which 27pc are aged 15 to 18, a survey has revealed. The majority of the youngsters take hashish, making up 56.19pc of those surveyed, while 62pc admitted to taking mind-altering pills, 10.48pc to heroin and 8.57pc to cocaine. The survey was revealed at a ceremony, marking the launch of a nationwide anti-drugs campaign, held last night at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The BD40,000, 10-day campaign is spearheaded by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports and features seminars, exhibitions and sports tournaments to be held at various venues. The survey, supervised by organising committee member Dana Al Zayani, contains responses on various drug-related questions by 500 Bahrainis, aged 15 to 30. Questionnaires were distributed to universities, public and private schools and youth clubs, comprising 60pc male and 40pc female. Around 41pc 0
110468 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Daggers ban may be lifted TRAVELLERS may soon be allowed to bring souvenir daggers into Bahrain. An Interior Ministry proposal to lift the ban was backed by MPs at the weekly parliament session yesterday. The proposed change was submitted last year and parliament's foreign affairs, defence and national security committee had no objection to it. The majority of MPs voted for the change, saying that souvenir or ceremonial daggers were not as potentially dangerous as sharp kitchen knives sold in normal Bahrain stores. Many people bring home souvenir daggers from other countries, but they are confiscated as weapons at Bahrain's ports, MPs heard. Legislative and legal affairs vice-chairman Ali Al Samaheeji, who returned from an official trip with a parliamentary delegation to Yemen on Monday, said daggers were a common souvenir there. "Souvenir daggers are not sharp. Household knives are by far sharper," he said. "I believe that it is unreasonable to stop them any more, consider 0
110469 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL GCC-Arab power grid link probed COMPLETION of the GCC Power Grid could open the door to similar links to other Arab countries, said Electricity and Water Minister Shaikh Abdulla bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday. The $1.25 billion (BD472.5 million) project, which is expected to be completed in three years, will initially connect Bahrain to Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Oman and the UAE will be added later. The grid will allow each country to take electricity from its neighbours in cases of emergency. Shaikh Abdulla said that once the project is up and running, it could lead to a connection with other power grids in the Arab world. "Connections which link Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria and Morroco - as well as a link with Europe via Turkey - was completed in 2001," said Shaikh Abdulla. "The completion of the GCC Power Grid may pave the way to a link with the rest of the Arab world." He was speaking at the opening of the first Arab Cable Conference at the Diplomat Radisson S 0
110470 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Maid still waiting for justice AN Indian maid who was beaten, bitten and burnt by her female employer must wait another two months for justice. Her 42-year-old Indian employer has admitted in court attacking her in 2003. But a judge at the Lower Criminal Court further adjourned the case until June 26 yesterday, after the defendant's lawyer made a submission to the court in her defence. The complaint was first filed in October 2003, after maid Anita Verma was rescued by the then Migrant Workers Group after being alerted by neighbours. Ms Verma suffered a head injury and a medical examination revealed burns and bite marks to her body. She was not in court for yesterday's hearing. 0
110471 1 1552 BNEW LOCAL Senegal seeks stronger links BAHRAIN and Senegal have set up a joint commission to explore ways to bolster co-operation in various areas, it was announced yesterday. The commission will be responsible for drawing up agreements for the two countries in the health, education, social and cultural sectors, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade said in Bahrain yesterday. "We were also impressed with Bahrain's financial sector, which was the drive behind also setting up a joint financial committee," he told a Press conference held at the Shaikh Hamad Palace, in Gudaibiya. President Wade said that the committee would discuss means of strengthening ties between the private sectors in the two countries. "In terms of finance, everything is developed here, particularly Islamic banking, which will be an opportunity for our private sector to benefit from," he said at the end of his three-day visit. President Wade, who was invited to visit Bahrain by His Majesty the King, praised the strong relations betwee 0
110472 2 1552 BNEW LOCAL Reforms will help lift falling wages LABOUR reforms will help reverse a trend of falling wages for Bahrainis, it was declared yesterday. Bahraini salaries have been falling for 15 years and will slip further if nothing is done, said Labour Ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Training Abdulelah Al Qassimi. "The average wage for Bahrainis was BD420 in 1990, but by 2002 it had declined to only BD352," he said. "We predict that it could fall to BD315 if Bahrain does nothing." He was speaking at a meeting with Syrian Social Affairs and Labour Minister Dr Dayala Al Haj Aref at the Economic Development Board yesterday. Syrian and Bahraini labour officials compared notes about employment issues at the meeting following the signing of a co-operation agreement on Monday by Dr Aref and Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi. Mr Al Qassimi outlined for her Bahrain's labour reforms plan, which aim to make Bahraini workers more competitive against their expatriate counterparts in the labour market. The refo 0
110473 3 1552 BNEW LOCAL Internet pact signed AN agreement has been signed that opens the doors for new Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to enter the Bahrain telecom market. It is part of Batelco's obligation to provide the non-profit Bahrain Internet Exchange (BIX) with access to the web, which will then be made available to other companies. The agreement was finalised at a ceremony at the BIX offices in Almoayyed Tower, Seef District, and could signal a new era of cheaper and better Internet services. It will see Batelco provide international connectivity to BIX based upon demand estimates. Third-party ISPs can then purchase the capacity from BIX and open up for business in line with efforts to encourage open and fair competition in Bahrain's telecom market. "In signing this agreement, we are demonstrating our commitment to respond to our obligations to facilitate competition in a timely and constructive manner," said Batelco wholesale and carrier relations senior manager Hani Radhi. "We anticipa 0
110474 0 1552 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain drugs shocker! MANAMA: Drug addiction is a problem among more than a quarter of Bahraini youngsters, who need to be educated on its life-threatening effects, organisers of an anti-drugs campaign said last night. A survey, launched at a ceremony marking the beginning of the 10-day campaign targeting the youngsters, revealed that 26 per cent of Bahrainis, aged 15 to 30, use illegal drugs. Out of the total number of addicts, 27pc are aged 15 to 18, the survey revealed. The campaign is an effort to reduce the number of drug-users through a series of lectures, workshops and seminars, it was declared last night at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre. According to figures also revealed at the ceremony, the number of people who died from drug overdose rose from 34 in 2003 to 55 last year. 0
110475 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Bu Nafoor to lead Bahrain in 4-nation clash YASSER Bu Nafoor will lead a 12-man Bahrain squad in the two-day Four-Nation Invitational Basketball Tournament which gets underway tomorrow from 5.30pm at the Juffair Youth Centre. The event is being organised by the Bahrain Basketball Association in co-operation with Guirgisco Group of Companies. The Philippine All-Star team arrived last night and will be at McDonalds on Exhibition Road at 4pm today to meet fans, sign autographs and participate in a photo session. Iraqi team Al Karkh are due to arrive today and will be using this tournament to prepare for the Arab Clubs Championships to be held in Dubai from May 12 to 26. A few tickets priced at BD1.500 are still available at Kowloon, Bahay Kubo, Shaflout restaurants and Bahrain Financing Co, Adliya branch. For more information call 17714757 or 39577703. Main sponsors: LG, Power Horse, MTC-Vodafone, National Bank of Bahrain, Bahrain Financing Company, Al Mansoori Transport, Dominos Pizza and Basket Fash 0
110476 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Al Ahli win AL AHLI defeated Bahrain Club 44-28 to maintain their lead in the second-leg of the Bahrain Handball League last night at the Barbar Club gym. Al Ahli extended their unbeaten run to seven games and took their tally to 17 points while Bahrain Club suffered their fifth consecutive defeat and remain fifth on five points. In another match, defending champions Barbar suffered their second consecutive defeat losing to Al Shabab 34-33. Barbar are still in second position with 14 points from six matches. Al Shabab moved to fifth with seven points. Today's fixtures: 6pm - Al Shabab vs Al Ahli (Barbar Club), 5.30pm: Al Dair vs Bahrain Club, 7pm: Al Najma vs Barbar (Juffair Youth Centre). 0
110477 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Manama leave for GCC clash BAHRAIN basketball league champions Manama left yesterday for Jeddah to compete in the 25th GCC Clubs Championship starting tomorrow with eight teams in the fray. Manama will take on defending champions Al Rayyan of Qatar in the opening match tomorrow at 4pm. Manama won this competition twice - in 1995 and 2000 when it was held in Bahrain on both occasions. Al Sadd of Qatar, UAE's Al Sharjah, Kuwait Club of Kuwait, Oman's Nizwa and Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli and Al Ittihad are the other teams taking part in this event which concludes on May 4. Bahrain delegation: Chief - Fuad Al Abbasi. Coach: Abdulhamid Ebrahim. Assistant coaches: Ahmed Salman, Jaffer Al Rashid. Manager: Ahmed Hamza. Supervisor: Abbas Ali. Team: Nooh Najad, Mohammed Abdulrasool, Yaqoub Yousef, Mohammed Najaf, Mahmood Norooz, Hussain Qahiri, Omran Abdulreda, Ahmed Qahiri, Hani Alam, Ahmed Al Muttawa, Raymond Hugley and Faisal Najaf. 0
110478 0 1552 SPOR SPORT BKS beat Manama BAHRAIN Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) defeated Manama Packaging Industries by two wickets in the Kerala Catholic Association-Malayalam News Six-a-side Softball Cricket Tournament at the club's premises in Segaiya. Other results: CCSA bt Friends CC by four wickets; B K CC bt Tsunami CC by four wickets; B-52 bt Lathif Aujan by one wicket; Royal 9 bt Al Ezz by one wicket; Super Express bt Mothercare by 51 runs. 0
110479 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Bulls! driver for Dubai drag race THE MTC-Unstoppabulls! drag racing team left for Dubai yesterday to participate in a race scheduled for tomorrow at Um Al Quayyim in the UAE. MTC-Bulls racer Khalid Mohammed will 'test and tune' today and race tomorrow. This is the first time the MTC-Bulls! team will race at a drag event in the UAE and are looking to secure a podium position. "We are ready for the race and we hope to do well, but the competition is very tight. There are eight experienced racers in the Pro-group four from Dubai and three from Kuwait. I am the only Bahraini," said Mohammed who is the current drag race champion with the fastest time at the Bahrain International Circuit of 8.05 seconds. Over 60 cars from the Gulf region are expected to race in four categories tomorrow from 5pm to 10pm on the quarter mile drag strip in Um Al Quayyim. 0
110480 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Saar trounce Abu Saiba SAAR moved to the top of Group 'D' following a 4-0 victory over Abu Saiba in the 12th A'ali Credit Youth Soccer Championship at A'ali Club grounds. Saar's victory gave them the lead in this four-team group with 10 points while Abu Saiba slipped to second place with nine points. Ahmed Abdulla put Saar ahead in the ninth minute and Ahmed Abdulhussain doubled Saar's lead in the 26th minute before Hassan Saleh made it 3-0 three minutes later. Saar secured the points with a fourth goal three minutes before full-time from a penalty kick converted by Ali Majeed. Today's fixtures: 6.45pm - Group 'A': Barbar vs A'ali, 8.30pm - Demistan vs Sanad (A'ali grounds), 7pm - Salmabad vs Jannosan (Nuwaidrat). 0
110481 0 1552 SPOR SPORT XG Swat rally past UR DEFENDING champions XG Swat rallied from a goal down to defeat UR 2-1 in the 26th Batelco Inter-departmental Soccer Tournament Group 'A' match at the Batelco Staff Centre grounds in Al Hamala. Maytham Salem opened the scoring for UR after seven minutes but XG Swat levelled the scores through Hussain Swar in the 14th minute and three minutes later, Saeed Murtada scored the winner. In another match, BMEC trounced MG1 'A' 10-0. 0
110482 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Ahmed keeps top spot AHMED Abduljabbar, with an average of 229, stayed on top as he widened the gap between himself and his brother Essa (226) after the 13th day of the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Charity Championship at the Bapco Club. Ahmed increased his lead by 33 pins after playing a series of 684 to bank the daily $50 cash prize, while the high game went to Hussain Ghuloom rolling 278. In the ladies category, Yasmine Akeel played a 693 series to increase her average to 215 and secured the overall ladies high qualifier and the high game of 244 to claim $200. The top six ladies will play a round-robin of five games at 4:30pm today in the semi-finals to determine the top three for the final stepladder, to be played soon after. The top 24 men will be split into two groups with 13th to 24th positions in Group A playing a quarter-final of nine games from noon while Group B play at 8:30pm on the same day. The top 12 from both groups qualify for the semi-finals comprising 11 games f 0
110483 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Clijsters struggles WARSAW: Kim Clijsters looked uneasy during her first claycourt match of the season before finishing with a flourish to earn a 7-5, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1 victory over Tatiana Perebiynis in the first round of the WTA tournament in Warsaw. Compatriot Justine Henin-Hardenne, winner on the green clay in Charleston recently, was also in action yesterday, overcoming Czech qualifier Denisa Chladkova 6-2 6-2. In other matches, sixth seed Nathalie Dechy of France defeated Bulgaria's Magdalena Maleeva 6-4, 6-4 while eighth seed Italian Silvia Farina Elia of Italy overwhelmed Czech Michaela Pastikova 6-2, 6-0. Venezuela's Maria Vento-Kabchi also advanced when ninth seed Francesca Schiavone of Italy retired with a left leg injury when trailing 5-1. 0
110484 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Prize money tops 10m LONDON: Prize money at the Wimbledon tennis championships will exceed 10 million (BD7.24m) for the first time in 2005, organisers said yesterday. But women will continue to be paid less than their male counterparts at the grasscourt grand slam. Total prize money was increased by 3.9 per cent up to a pool of 10,085,510. The men's singles champion will earn 630,000 while the champion woman will get 600,000. The women are closing the gap, however. Their prize money for the singles was improved by 5.9pc while the men's singles money rose by 4.6pc. 0
110485 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Butt and Sajjad lead BCC 'A' to victory BCC 'A' defeated BCC by six wickets in the second round of the Sadeq Memorial Champions Trophy at the BCC ground. BCC opened with Asghar Bajwa (31 from 21 deliveries, including three fours) and Ashraf Mughal (49 from 35, five fours and two sixes) who put on 80 runs for the opening wicket. But BCC collapsed soon after losing three quick wickets. M Kashif (36 from 17, four fours and two sixes) batted well before becoming a run out victim following a good throw by Imran Sajjad. Kashif and M Asif (26 from 14 balls, three fours) helped push the BCC total to 192 in 25 overs. Sajjad (three for 44) and Sohail Butt (three for 23) were the pick of BCC 'A' bowlers. In reply, BCC 'A' lost Rizwan Baig in the second over, leg-before to Nadeem Mukhtar. But a 125-run partnership between Sohail Butt (51 from 35 balls, five fours and a six) and Imran Sajjad (68 from 54 balls, six fours and two sixes) put them on road to victory. Azeem ul Haq (34 not out) and Abdul S 0
110486 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Qualifier Murphy rules against veteran Davis SHEFFIELD, England: English qualifier Shaun Murphy, a 150-1 outsider at the start of the tournament, had six-time champion Steve Davis in serious trouble in their quarter-final clash at the World Snooker Championships here yesterday. Murphy, who had stunned 1998 titleholder John Higgins in the second round, raced into a 7-1 lead against 13th seed Davis who last captured snooker's ultimate prize in 1989. But the 22-year-old Rotherham-based Murphy will be aware that Davis, 47, conjured up an impressive recovery to come back from 8-2 down to beat Michael Holt in the previous round. Against Higgins, whom he beat 13-8, the most impressive aspect of Murphy's performance was his long potting and that was the case again as his opponent's renowned safety play failed to subdue him. The world number 48 knocked in breaks of 82, 72 and 58 twice. Stephen Hendry won the final two frames of the morning session to keep in touch with Matthew Stevens in their Embassy World Champions 0
110487 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Rockets shoot ahead DALLAS, Texas: Tracy McGrady drilled a 21-footer with 2.2 seconds left to lift the Houston Rockets to a 113-111 victory yesterday over Dallas and a commanding 2-0 lead in their National Basketball Association Western Conference playoff series. While the Mavericks found themselves in a deep hole in their first-round series after yesterday's action, the Indiana Pacers rallied for a victory over the Boston Celtics that knotted their Eastern Conference series at one game apiece. Houston's Yao Ming scored 33 points and McGrady added 28 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the fifth-seeded Rockets silenced the Dallas crowd for the second time in three days. McGrady scored 34 points in Houston's 98-86 victory in game one and was at it again in this one. In the first quarter, he had a thunderous driving dunk over Shawn Bradley that had his teammates howling. But McGrady's biggest basket came in the game's biggest moment. After Dallas's Dirk Nowitzki sank a jum 0
110488 0 1552 SPOR SPORT Mohammed tames Hanif in a thriller INTERNATIONAL Master Tiseer Mohammed of Morocco took a full point lead defeating closest rival Abu Hanif in a close game which ended in a forced checkmate following a series of sacrifices. It was the best game played so far in this internationally accredited chess championship for the Bahrain Mind Sports Association President's Cup. Other round six results: Tiseer Mohammed bt Abu Hanif; Ali Ghasra bt Ashley Freeman; Froilan Magapantai bt Mohammed Fath El Bab; Zeyad Janahi drew with Vinod CP; Jaimi Tabuzo bt Lou Filisalda; Khalaf Bukhalaf drew with Ameer Mohammed; Waheed Abdulla bt Abdulla Bukhammas; Sher Mohammed bt Hameed Abdulla; Jose Ramel bt Harish Shetty; Majid Al Attar bt Sameer Ahmed Hassan; Ahmed Ghasra bt Mohammed Jawad; Ali Al Jaber bt Ali Ahmed; Hussain Ayyad bt Osama Ghasra; Khalil Bukhalaf bt Manoj Kumar; Mansoor Bukhalaf bt Hussain Ali Isa; A Nasser Abdulla bt Abdulla Ahmed Abdull; Ali Abbas bt Khalid Abdulla; Hisham Ali Isa bt Prutha Dub; Labriaga R bt Mohammed 0
110489 1 1552 SPOR SPORT ADVANTAGE MILAN MILAN: AC Milan beat PSV Eindhoven 2-0 in their Champions League semi-final, first leg last night with a first half goal from Andriy Shevchenko and a last minute strike from substitute Jon Dahl Tomasson giving the Italians a great chance of a place in the final. Shevchenko gave Milan the lead after 42 minutes at the San Siro when he latched on to a through ball from Kaka and outpaced Wilfred Bouma before firing past PSV's Brazilian keeper Heurelho Gomes from 10 metres. Danish striker Tomasson wrapped up the victory in the last minute after PSV seemed to have done enough to give themselves a strong chance in next Wednesday's second leg in Eindhoven. PSV created a number of openings in their impressive performance and made it tough for Milan but Tomasson's late strike leaves Milan favourites to reach the final in Istanbul on May 25. It was Milan's seventh successive Champions League match without conceding a goal - a new record for the competition - but without the suspende 0
110490 2 1552 SPOR SPORT Liverpool aim for big victory LONDON: Rafael Benitez believes Liverpool can achieve the impossible and see off Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals despite losing to Jose Mourinho's men three times already this season. The first instalment of the all Premiership clash takes place at Stamford Bridge tonight with Benitez promising Liverpool would be at their European best rather than their domestic worst. With last weekend's dismal defeat at Crystal Palace fresh in the mind the Liverpool manager said: "After a bad result you are disappointed but now there is always a new game and a new competition and we need to have confidence in ourselves. "This is such an important game for the club, the players and the supporters. We will try to do our best for everyone's sake. "We can do the impossible, we have confidence. Chelsea are one of the best teams in the world but when you talk about just two games and a knock-out tie like this with you being able to see the final so close, anything and everything c 0
110491 3 1552 SPOR SPORT Bahrain aim for gold and glory BAHRAINI Olympians Rashid Ramzi and Yousef Kamel are set to lead the Kingdom's hunt for gold and glory when the GCC Athletics Championships kick off today at the National Stadium in Riffa. The three-day event promises to dish out an athletic treat as top stars from six GCC countries - Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman and hosts Bahrain - are set to vie for top honours. The seniors championships consists of 21 events and the juniors 19 with eight golds at stake in each section on the opening day today. Ramzi and Kamel, who ran at the Athens Olympic Games last year, start as clear favourites in the 1,500 and 800 metres respectively while Abul Yabut is tipped to win the 3,000m steeplechase. Mohammed Yousef, on the other hand, is the top Bahraini athlete in the junior section and a favourite in the triple and long jump events. The championships will be flagged off today at 5.45am with a 21-km half-marathon for the seniors while the opening ceremony is schedu 0
110492 0 1552 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Royal Thai Food Festival, featuring performances by traditional Thai dancers, Gulf Hotel, Royal Thai Restaurant, 7pm-11pm. Contact 17713000. Art exhibition by Chilean Ignacio Valdes, La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art, Manama, for more information call 17230123. Labour Ministry's Labour Inspection hotline: 17870176. Labour Ministry's People Trafficking hotline: 17870196. Sunset Cruise departs 6pm. Island trip, noon-4pm. Dolphin watching departs 10am. All cruises leave from the Marina Club in an air-conditioned boat. Contact 39461333. Al Riwaq Gallery and Bookshop, Adliya, 10am-8pm. Contact 17717441 or e-mail info@alriwaqgallery.org Yoga Classes, Bahrain Wellness Resort, Budaiya, 7pm-8.30pm. Contact 17795961 or 39803197. Italian International Circus, Al Ahli Club grounds, Zinj, 5pm-7pm. Tickets cost BD6, BD5 and BD4. Contact 17244234. Daily trips to the Haw 0
110493 0 1552 WORL WORLD Annan 'not cleared yet' UNITED NATIONS: Oil-for-food investigator Paul Volcker yesterday denied UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's claim that he had been cleared of wrongdoing by the inquiry into the scandal-ridden programme. The embattled Annan, facing calls for his resignation over a string of scandals that have badly damaged the UN's image, said last month that an interim report from Volcker's commission had "exonerated" him. "I thought we criticised him rather severely. I would not call that an exoneration," Volcker told US network Fox News in an interview. Fox also reported that Volcker, the former head of the US federal reserve banking system, said that he could ask for time to keep investigating the mounting allegations of fraud and corruption. Annan's claim to have been cleared has been part of the UN strategy to try to turn the page on the oil-for-food scandal. Revelations about wrongdoing in the $64 billion (BD24bn) programme have led to repeated calls for Annan's resignation. 0
110494 0 1552 WORL WORLD Belgian detainees charged BRUSSELS: Belgian authorities yesterday charged two Belgian citizens, who had been held at the US Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba, for criminal association. The men were questioned by a judge in Brussels and were later released, a spokeswoman for prosecutors office said. "The investigation is continuing and they will be questioned again," Pellens said, declining to give details about what the two men are accused of. Earlier the Belga news agency had reported that the two had been charged with belonging to a criminal organisation. The two men - a Belgian of Moroccan origin and another of Turkish ancestry - arrived late on Monday by Belgian military C-130 transport aircraft at the Moelsbroek airbase. One of the men, a dual Belgian-Turkish national, was arrested in Pakistan in December 2001, while the other, a Moroccan-Belgian, was captured in Afghanistan. 0
110495 0 1552 WORL WORLD Impeachment urged LONDON: Leaders of the Scottish and Welsh nationalist parties vowed yesterday to resume their bid to impeach Prime Minister Tony Blair over his "record of lies" in the run-up to war with Iraq. While the impeachment move is more symbolic than realistic, the campaign by the Scottish National Party and Plaid Cymru is likely to keep the subject of Iraq and Blair's integrity at the top of the political agenda before the May 5 election. "Taking the country to war based on a lie is one of the most serious allegations that can be made," Alex Salmond told a news conference. "It deserves a serious response." A small group of parliamentarians and celebrity campaigners launched a bid last November to impeach Blair and the two nationalist parties said their MPs elected next week would continue that process. "Our impeachment plan would ... see the Prime Minister tried by parliament for his lies and misconduct in taking us into an illegal war on George Bush's coat tails," Sa 0
110496 0 1552 WORL WORLD Travel agent testifies in star trial SANTA MARIA, California: A travel agent testifying under immunity in Michael Jackson's child molestation trial yesterday said she booked a flight to Brazil for the family of the US pop star's accuser at the request of one of the singer's business associates. Cynthia Montgomery testified that she arranged a $15,000 (BD5,670) flight to Sao Paulo at the request of Marc Schaffel, who is named by prosecutors as one of the unindicted co-conspirators in the Jackson case. Prosecutors contend Jackson's associates planned to keep the family in Brazil indefinitely in the aftermath of the February 6, 2003, airing of the TV documentary Living With Michael Jackson. Jackson appeared with his accuser in the documentary and said he allowed children to sleep in his bed, although he asserted it was non-sexual. 0
110497 0 1552 WORL WORLD Robber on killing spree BEIJING: A man in north China's Hebei province killed four people during a robbery then shot and killed his suspected accomplice before turning the gun on himself. Wang Yanjun stole 100,000 yuan ($12,000, BD4,536) from the Xiangchenggu Credit Co-operative in Qiu county on Monday, killing three people and another during his escape attempt, the Yanzhao Metropolitan Daily said. He then killed a man in the car in which they were driving in front of the Qiuxian county public security bureau where two security guards were also shot at but escaped injury, the paper said. Wang then shot himself with a semi-automatic rifle. 0
110498 0 1552 WORL WORLD Voters will back 'competent' Blair say psychologists LONDON: Tony Blair will win next week's British election, according to a group of leading psychologists, but one of them said his victory would amount to "a self-wounding to the emotional fabric of the nation". The psychologists said an election campaign in which there is little difference between the policies of the two main parties would be decided on the basis of the characters of the party leaders. And while lack of trust is a major issue for Blair, due largely to his decision to go to war in Iraq, they said voters would still opt for him over his rivals - largely because they perceive him to be competent. "If you look solely at attitudes, then clearly we can see people are upset about Iraq," said Dr Peter Bull, senior lecturer in psychology at York University. "But the election is about competence too, and from that perspective we think it may still be the case that (Blair's) Labour will get in despite the millstone of Iraq." Bull and his colleagues were addre 0
110499 0 1552 WORL WORLD Diner gets away with free lunches ... for 12 years WHO says there are no free lunches? A Roman restaurant owner called the police yesterday after a smartly dressed customer got up and calmly declared that he didn't have any money to pay the bill. Identity checks showed that 96 complaints had been filed against the man for pulling that same stunt across Italy over the past 12 years. 0
110500 0 1552 WORL WORLD Train derails in Germany MUNICH: A German regional train derailed after colliding with a road-surfacing machine in southern Germany yesterday, killing one person on board, police said. The locomotive's engineer died on site after the collision. The driver of the tar-laying machine was trying to cross the tracks when he saw the train coming but was unable to move the vehicle in time. He jumped from the cab to save his own life. A number of the 53 passengers on board, including several school children, suffered minor scrapes and bruises and were being treated for shock. The train was travelling from Ulm to Lindau on Lake Constance when it hit the tarring machine just north of Kempten at about 11am. The line was blocked for the rest of the day. 0
110501 0 1552 WORL WORLD Beckhams sue nanny LONDON: David Beckham and his wife Victoria are suing their former nanny for leaking allegations about the state of their marriage to a tabloid newspaper. In a story published in Britain's News of the World, former nanny Abbie Gibson claimed the couple's marriage was on the rocks. Spokeswoman Jo Milloy said the Beckhams were suing Gibson, who quit her job this month after working for the couple since October 2003, for breach of confidence. Milloy said the Beckhams would also launch legal action against News of the World. The celebrity couple are already suing the newspaper over the publication last year of details of an alleged affair between David Beckham and his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos. 0
110502 0 1552 WORL WORLD Seven convicted over killings CALCUTTA: An Indian court convicted seven men for killing five policemen who were guarding US government offices in the eastern city of Calcutta more than three years ago. "The seven accused were convicted on charges of waging war against the state...," Public Prosecutor Ashok Bakshi said. He said Judge Basudeb Majumder, who held court hearings inside the jail due to security concerns, would announce sentences today for the seven men. The seven men convicted yesterday face either long jail terms or the death penalty under Indian law. 0
110503 0 1552 WORL WORLD Ancient gold found Archaeologists digging in the ruins of an ancient palace in southern Iran have unearthed 3kg of 2,500-year-old gold. "We have found three folded plates of very pure gold for the first time in the area," said the head of the Iranian excavation team, Eshan Yaghmai, who has for years been digging at the Achaemenid palace of Bardak Siah in Bushehr province. "Once unfolded, there is a chance that we see inscriptions on the plates that give invaluable information about the kings who built the palace," Yaghmai said, believing the 24-carat gold could not have been used for common purposes. He said the the plates would be sent to Tehran for further examination. The Bardak Siah ruins were unearthed in 1977 in an area believed to be hiding more than 30 other ancient palaces. 0
110504 1 1552 WORL WORLD NEW ERA FOR LEBANON MASNAA, Lebanon: Lebanese danced with joy and Syrians waved national flags as the last Syrian troops crossed the border back home yesterday, ending a 29-year presence in Lebanon and ushering in a new era for its tiny neighbour. The pullout was carried out under intense international pressure following the February killing of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al Hariri that plunged the country into turmoil unseen since the 1975-1990 civil war. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he could not yet verify the withdrawal, while Israel said it hoped the operation could also signal the end to anti-Israeli Hizbollah guerillas. The US last night hailed the pullout as "historic" but voiced caution pending UN verification of the withdrawal. Arab League chief Amr Moussa also welcomed the pullout, saying it would guarantee Lebanese "independence, integrity and sovereignty". 0
110505 2 1552 WORL WORLD Jaafari finalises cabinet line-up BAGHDAD: Under US pressure to end a crippling stalemate, Iraq's prime minister-designate yesterday proposed appointing a 36-member cabinet - including three deputy premiers from the main Shi'ite, Sunni and Kurdish factions. But haggling continued over who would be appointed to some of the posts. Ibrahim Al Jaafari discussed his proposal with President Jalal Talabani, his spokesman said. Talabani's three-member presidential council must sign off on the list before it is submitted to the 275-member National Assembly for a vote. Talabani has already indicated he would not exercise his veto and MPs said a vote could take place as soon as today. However, such predictions have repeatedly proved false. Last night, Al Jaafari went back for further talks with Abdel Aziz Al Hakim, head of the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, and other members of his United Iraqi Alliance concerning the selection of Sunni candidates, MPs said. Al Jaafari - who must form a 0
110506 3 1552 WORL WORLD Crime still hot issue in UK polls LONDON: Tony Blair's pledge eight years ago "to be tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime" helped transform his Labour Party's image and catapult it to power. Less than two weeks from the national election on May 5, the issue is as hot as ever as the main political parties promise to boost police numbers and crack down on offenders. Blair's Labour government, campaigning for a third term in office, says crime overall has dropped 30 per cent since it came to power. Using a different set of figures, the opposition Conservatives say violent crime is surging. Conservative leader Michael Howard has hoped that crime would be a winning issue for his party, but polls consistently show the Tories trailing Labour. The political rhetoric in the election campaign is fiery, as both Labour and the Conservatives vie to be the natural champions of law and order. "Crime and disorder are making life a misery for millions of families across Britain," Howard said last week dur 0
110507 1 1553 BUSI BUSINESS BFH appoints agent for Asian marketing MANAMA: The $1.3 billion Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) has appointed the Singapore-based global property agents and consultants, Chesterton International, as its sales, leasing and marketing consultants for South East Asia and the Far East. In a joint Press statement issued on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Asia Roundtable, senior representatives of BFH and Chesterton International said the strategic marketing of BFH would reinforce the reputation of Bahrain as the Middle East's financial hub. Commenting on the role Chesterton will play in promoting the BFH development, BFH Holding Company chairman Esam Janahi said the project is now entering a new and crucial phase. "The BFH concept has already evoked tremendous interest among investors in Asia," he noted. "Chesterton will now offer them a firm opportunity to make a foray into the Middle East's lucrative financial markets." BFH is planned as a landmark integrated development that will b 0
110508 2 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Apicorp's $250m term loan fully underwritten MANAMA: A $250 million, five-year syndicated term loan facility for the Arab Petroleum Investments Corporation (Apicorp) was successfully closed, it was announced yesterday. The closure was announced by the mandated lead arrangers Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation (ABC), The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, BNP Paribas, Calyon, Bahrain-based Gulf International Bank (GIB), Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd, Standard Chartered Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited. The facility was fully underwritten by the mandated lead arrangers and the proceeds will be used to refinance Apicorp's $200m, five-year syndicated term loan facility signed in July 2000 and for general corporate purposes. Syndication received strong support from the banking market and, in total, the commitments amounted to $295m. As a result, Apicorp elected to increase the facility amount from the initial $200m to $250m. Syndicate banks include leading institutions from the Middle East an 0
110509 3 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Batelco recruits youngsters MANAMA: Young Bahrainis are being hired by Batelco to support its residential and mobile helpdesk team. Ten new recruits, all in their early 20s, commenced a five-week on-the-job training programme, which was organised by the company's Customer Services Unit. It focused on customer care, telephone etiquette, teamwork, professionalism in the workplace and their responsibilities. They were also given a tour of the company focusing on departments that will most affect their daily work. "This is the first training programme of its kind run by the residential and mobile services helpdesk," said Batelco customer services general manager Abdulwahed Zainal. 0
110510 0 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Economic worries drag down stock LONDON: European stock exchanges fell sharply yesterday, dragged down by fresh fears of an economic downturn in Europe and Wall Street nervousness over prospects for momentum in the US. The London FTSE-100 index dropped below 4,800 points for the first time in three months, shedding 1.16 per cent to finish at 4,789.4. In Paris the CAC 40 lost by 1.64pc to close at 3,927.68, a level it last touched in early February, while in Frankfurt the DAX slid 1.06pc to 4,189.02. The DJ Euro Stoxx 50 index of leading Euro-zone shares plunged 1.36pc to 2942.62. On the currency market the dollar staged a late-day rebound against the euro after falling sharply on reports of disappointing sales of durable goods in the US. The single European currency was at 1.2939 dollars against 1.2980 late on Tuesday in New York. "The economic situation is clearly bad and that was reflected on the (stock market) floor today," said a broker in Frankfurt yesterday. In Germany the G 0
110511 0 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Shares fall on Reliance concerns BOMBAY: Shares on the Bombay index fell for a second day yesterday, down one per cent despite stellar earnings from heavyweight Reliance Industries, as concerns about a dispute in the company's founding family flared up again. The index also felt the impact of weak Asian markets, and a firm rupee dragging down software services firms. Reliance, India's top petrochemicals maker and a leading refiner, beat expectations with a 62pc rise in quarterly net profit. But its shares fell 1.5pc to 539.10 rupees, as hopes for a resolution to the family feud faded. "Investors are nervous about when the dispute will end, and a split seems inevitable," said a trader who declined to be named. "The numbers were excellent, but the management issues are a big concern and don't look like they will go away soon." Indian Petrochemicals Corp Ltd, a Reliance group company, fell 2.9pc to 165.80 rupees, while power utility Reliance Energy fell 1.4pc to 494.40 rupees and Reliance Capit 0
110512 0 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Cruise ship of the skies TOULOUSE, France: The Airbus A380, the biggest airliner ever built, completed a momentous maiden flight yesterday, winning praise from one of the pilots as a "magnificent machine" and opening a new era in aviation history. "We had a very successful first flight and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it," said Claude Lelaie, one of the two pilots and the head of the Airbus flight division. The mammoth long-haul airliner, which can carry between 550 and 840 passengers, is due to enter commercial service in mid-2006, debuting with Singapore Airlines. Tens of thousands of spectators cheered as the A380 double-decker touched down at 2.23pm at Toulouse-Blagnac airport in southwestern France after a successful flight of three hours and 54 minutes. Toulouse is the home of Airbus Industrie. Applause rippled across Europe, as political leaders hailed the achievement as a milestone that proves the might of European unity. French President Jacques Chirac has hailed th 0
110513 0 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Brown urges European reforms LONDON: Britain will push for greater economic reform in Europe when it takes over the union's presidency later this year, British finance minister Gordon Brown said yesterday. With just a week left before the May 5 general election and on the eve of the publication of his Labour party's business manifesto, Brown promised to make the case for a better functioning, more flexible and more open single market. "In our coming presidency of the EU we will seek to bring all political parties together to work in unison for economic reform in Europe," Brown said, according to the text of his speech. "The businesses I talk to do not want to look inwards but outwards to new markets and across the country and across all political parties they want a united consensus pressing for economic reform and surely this is in the British national interest." Britain takes over the rotating presidency of the EU in the second half of the year. Brown pledged to cut down on red tape that wa 0
110514 0 1553 BUSI BUSINESS Boosting trade ties with Latin nations MANAMA: The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry will take part in a seminar on increasing trade between the Arab countries and South America. It follows an official invitation by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The seminar will be held on the sidelines of the Arab/South American Summit, which will be held in Brazilia on May 10 and 11. BCCI second deputy vice-president Dr Essam Fakhro welcomed the invitation, which was delivered by a representative of Mr da Silva. 0
110515 0 1553 COMM COMMENTFashionable madness It's happened; I've found my limit. Normally, in my flat we will gobble up any and every reality TV show in town. But - forgive me - I'm tempted to become one of those insufferable people who says, "Wait a minute. This one goes too far." A TV channel has been broadcasting a show called Make Me a Supermodel for the past fortnight. It does exactly what it says on the tin: 12 skeletons smeared with lip-gloss are competing for a modelling contract before the dead eyes of "judge" Rachel Hunter. They have to strip, pout and starve their way to the stardom - and to my astonishment, I'm not cheering them on. Let's have a look at this show's contenders. One admits she was slashing at her own flesh with razors until three weeks ago. Another brittle, bony girl bursts into tears whenever food is mentioned, and reacted to one of her friends saying that she fancied a Big Mac by descending into a stammering, weeping rage. And the response of the judges to this bevy of borderline psychiatric cases in th 0
110516 0 1553 COMM COMMENTDoes housing ban on bachelors solve the problem? I was appalled to read that councillors are looking for ways to ban bachelors from living in Isa Town, following complaints from Bahrain families that their neighbourhoods are being turned into labour camps. There is an instant answer to the problem, if Bahraini families object to Asian labourers living amongst them. Send them all home. Send back all the labourers, all the masons, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians and carpenters who build the homes we all live in. Put all the factory workers on planes back to where they came from. Send home all the shop, restaurant and hotel workers, all the road sweepers, pest exterminators, cleaners and all the other expatriates who do all those physical, dirty jobs. Send them back to their own countries and then they won't need to live several to a room, in dilapidated buildings with limited facilities and services. They won't need to gather in the street outside their dorms just to get a bit of fresh air, to socialise amongs 0
110519 0 1553 LETT LETTERS Pets 'kept in appallingly cruel shop conditions' I WROTE an article about a year and a half ago regarding a mistreated boxer dog that I rescued from a pet shop on Saar road. The letter written created quite a stir amongst animal lovers within the community, and this pet shop due to pressure from the public actually stopped bringing in dogs and cats to sell. However on my way home yesterday, I thought I would have a little inspection just to see if they were still not selling animals. To my great disappointment they had six newly born kittens on display, without their mother. I asked how much the kittens were and was told that they were BD40 each. I also inquired what their breed was (it was obvious that they where mixed). I was told they where half Persian and half stray cat. I informed the shopkeeper that they were too young to be without their mother and without their mothers' milk they would die. He told me that the mother cat was in the back room. I said that I wanted to see her. The sight that was before my ey 0
110520 0 1553 LETT LETTERS Losing its shine? I WOULD like to comment on the local radio station. Their catch phrase is, and always has been, "Radio Bahrain, the Sunshine Sound!" But lately, it sounds more to me, like a rainy day. Last Thursday evening, as I was driving around, I switched on to hear one of our favourite radio personalities and the songs that were playing sounded like something a housewife with a broken heart in the 80's would've been listening to. I'm not the type that would ask for a certain type of music to be on the radio - hey, that's why I like the radio. But I would imagine, on a Thursday evening, when everyone is getting out of work, charged for the weekend fun, sun and evenings out, there would be something a bit more suitable to the mood. Where is the sunshine in that "Sunshine Sound?" Marleane Katz 0
110521 0 1553 LETT LETTERS Spams annoying BEEP beep, or whatever tone you have for your mobile message delivery. Another unwanted sms or spam sms is what I like to call them. BSH, HEALTH WEEK, FREE CONSULTANTS BLA BLA BLA well I DONT CARE. How do they get my number? I never opened a file at these sites. Batelco, do you give our numbers to whoever wants? And those messages come in such a way with out a number and you can't send a message back asking them to remove you from the list of numbers which they have. Is there a way to stop this annoyance? And this goes out even to all the others saying, I won a HUMBER, or whatever. beep beep A BATELCO spokesman said: "We do understand the frustration of receiving unwanted SMS messages and we thank your reader for this letter. "Unfortunately, SMS marketing campaigns can be run through a number of websites that operate on the Internet and are sent at all hours of the day and night. These sites enable companies to randomly choose any name or numb 0
110522 0 1553 LETT LETTERS Summer jobs help WITH reference to the summer job hunt by a 16 year old (GDN April 26), the reader can contact Mr Abdul Kareem on 39450405. He is a helpful and wonderful person. Baldev Arora 0
110523 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL A celebration of history... MANAMA His Majesty King Hamad yesterday said Bahrain Fort is a beacon of culture and civilisation throughout the world and reflects the country's long-standing status as a trading hub. The King, in the presence of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, opened a three-day festival marking the reopening of the renovated fort and the golden jubilee celebrations of the discovery of the Dilmun civilisation in Bahrain. He hailed the country's glorious tradition of openness, co-existence and tolerance, and praised the Information Ministry for its efforts in turning the historical site into a major tourist destination. His Majesty was received by Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi and officials. Also present were Duke of York Prince Andrew, senior Ruling Family members, government officials, diplomats, archaeologists and guests. Historic fort reopened - 6-7. 0
110524 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Union to honour 213 stalwarts A TOTAL of 213 people will be honoured on Sunday at a celebration marking the International Labour Day at the Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gulf Hotel. The event is being organised by the General Federation for Bahrain Trade Unions, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi will attend the ceremony on his behalf. The honourees have been selected by their respective civil, vocational, political and social societies and associations for their contribution to the success of labour rights in the country. It will be followed by a rally, also organised by the federation from the Fish Roundabout near the Marina Club at 4pm. Participants from various societies and associations will take part in the event. Federation deputy secretary-general Sayed Salman Al Mahfoodh said the federation had many goals which it wanted to achieve this year. Mr Al Mahfoodh said the fight for better working conditions, whe 0
110525 1 1553 BNEW LOCAL 'Decent people have nothing to fear...' MANAMA Decent people have nothing to fear from Bahrain's proposed new terrorism law, says Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa. It will protect lives and the country's security without diminishing human rights, he told MPs yesterday. There would be no "administrative" arrests under the new law, he said. Any arrests would be through proper legal procedures, Shaikh Rashid said at a meeting at the National Assembly complex, Gudaibiya. "The law doesn't have any article that contradicts with the constitution, public freedom and human rights," he said. Shaikh Rashid said the proposed law had been drawn up on Bahrain's own initiative, "without any foreign intervention or anyone forcing us to have it". Present at the meeting were parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani, senior MPs and ministry officials. Parliament foreign affairs, defence and national security committee chairman Ahmed Bahzad, whose committee will study the proposed law, people 0
110526 2 1553 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain pledges safety at work MANAMA BAHRAIN is committed to creating a safe and healthy work environment in industries, Labour Minister Dr Majeed Al Alawi said yesterday. Vocational health and safety legislations were included in the first Labour Law, issued as early as 1957, he added. "Since then, 27 technical ministerial decrees were issued to guarantee a safe and healthy work environment in Bahrain's industries," he told a seminar organised by the Specific Council for Vocational Training in Industry (SCVTI). The event, held at the Bahrain Conference Centre, Crowne Plaza, was titled, Occupational health and safety in industry. SCVTI chairman Emad Almoayed chaired the meeting. The opening session was attended by Labour Under-Secretary Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, top Labour Ministry officials, chief executives of national companies and health and safety experts from various establishments. Dr Al Alawi said the industrial sector's contribution to Bahrain's GDP had reached more 0
110527 3 1553 BNEW LOCAL 'Say no to drugs' plea by ex-addict MANAMA A MOVING appeal to young people to steer clear of drugs went out yesterday from a reformed addict. It is never too late, even for those who have fallen into drug addiction, said Yousef Al Saleh. He spent 20 years in and out of jails and hospitals as an addiction to heroin ruined his life, he said in Bahrain. Differences with his parents and pressure at school drove him into the hands of pushers who led him down the path of destruction, said Mr Al Saleh. Young people, particularly adolescents, are vulnerable to peer pressure or to professional pushers, he warned. The former addict is now a motivational speaker who is campaigning against drug use in the region, particularly among young people. The Saudi is visiting Bahrain to take part in the national anti-drugs campaign, which was launched by the General Organisation for Youth and Sports on Tuesday. "It all started when I was 17 years old and I was feeling that I was neglected by my family as well as 0
110528 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Bahrain charity widens its net MANAMA A WEBSITE dedicated to a charity biking event next month was officially launched by St Christopher's Cathedral. The Internet page, which provides details of the sponsored "wheelathon" such as how to participate and sponsor the event, can be accessed by visiting www.stchcathedral.org.bh/wheels.htm. The event will be held on May 6 at the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) with the aim of raising funds for local charities that support disadvantaged children and athletes. "Every participant has to be sponsored and forms can be downloaded from this new webpage," said organisers. Participants are allowed to cycle, scooter, skateboard, rollerblade or even wheelchair around the track, as long as they are not motorised. Two courses are available: the Grand Prix, which may prove challenging due to the significant hills on the course, and the Mini, which is a shorter, flat course in the Main Grandstand area. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult 0
110529 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Youth strategy is launched... A NATIONAL Youth Strategy aimed at improving the future of Bahrain's young people was launched yesterday at the Gulf Hotel. It was launched at a ceremony held under the patronage of Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The document was officially handed over to General Organisation for Youth and Sports (Goys) president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. Present were Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh, Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi, InJaz Bahrain chief executive Shaikha Hessa bint Khalifa Al Khalifa and other invited officials. The strategy is a joint project between the government, represented by Goys and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It focuses on ways to improve the quality of education and training of young people and to combat unemployment. The strategy was drawn up by people from various youth organisations, alongside experts, who have spent a year working together on it. 0
110530 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Lifeline for Iraqi cancer patients NINE Iraqi cancer patients, who arrived in Bahrain earlier in the week to receive urgent medical treatment, were yesterday given fresh hope of recovery. The patients, aged eight to 30, were brought to Bahrain last Saturday to receive free medical treatment at the Salmaniya Medical Complex, thanks to the generosity of the Health Ministry. Investigations into each case are well underway and one patient will undergo surgery on Monday, it was announced at a Press conference held at the Al Riwaq Gallery in Adliya last night. The nine patients are Abdul Aziz Khalifa Ibrahim, Mohammed Talib Sakran, Wameedh Faris Abbass, Huda Kadhem Adnan, Riam Salim Abed, Amal Saleh Mahdi, Israa Huweidi, Anmar Sabah Al Jaboori and Mariam Mazin Mohsin Mohammed. They were flown from Baghdad to Bahrain by DHL who organised and sponsored the trip, under a campaign dubbed Hope and Support Fund for Iraqi Cancer Patients. They were each accompanied by a companion as well as Baghdad Al Nahrain 0
110531 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Male potency drug banned A MALE potency drug, which claims to be made from only natural ingredients, has been banned in Bahrain after it was discovered to contain a potentially lethal chemical also found in Viagra. The Health Ministry blocked all imports of Neophase capsules after random tests revealed them to contain the substance Sildenafil, which has been linked to heart attacks. They are produced by US pharmaceutical company Vigor Neutraceuticsal Healthcare Inc, based in California, and are marketed as a natural sex enhancer. "This drug is dangerous and is not, as mentioned on it, a natural sex enhancer," Health Ministry drug control section director Layla Abdulrahman told the GDN yesterday. "There is no mention of Sildenafil in the medicine's contents. All that is listed are natural herbs. "This is a way to deceive the ministry in order for the company to bring the drug into the country." Sildenafil increases the circulation of blood around the body and speeds up the heart r 0
110532 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Ideas 'will be implemented' INVESTMENT in Bahrain's youth is vital if the country is to move forward, said Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in a statement yesterday. He said the Bahrain leadership is keen to implement the ideas and visions outlined in the National Youth Strategy. "Bahrain's youth form a large segment of the population and are at the front line of our society's future," he said. "They will contribute in an active way in the creation of Bahrain's future and it's important to invest in them and make use of their ideas, talents and aspirations." Shaikh Salman said the strategy is a significant step in the right direction and is in line with the constitution and national charter. "We are proud of the direction Bahrain's ministries and government organisations are taking in drawing up specific strategies to work by - pursuing the principle of future planning with clear ideas and visions," said Shaikh Salman. "Their association wi 0
110533 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Students get chance to speak for a healthy cause A HEALTH speech contest involving 14 of Bahrain's private schools will be held from 7pm to 9pm tonight at the Hilton. The contest, the first of its kind in the country, is a joint collaboration between the Bahrain Toastmasters (BTM) and the American Mission Hospital. Its aim is to help develop students' communication skills, as well as raise awareness about topical health issues. Schools taking part in the contest are: Al Raja School, Al Mahd Day Boarding School, Pakistan Urdu School, Shaikha Hessa Girls' School, British School of Bahrain, Indian School, St Christopher's School, The Asian School, Ibn Al Hytham Islamic School, Sacred Heart School, Al Hekma International School, Pakistan School, Al Noor International School and New Indian School. Each school will be represented by one student, aged from 14 to 18, who will be required to speak for a minimum of three minutes and maximum five. Some of the topics to be discussed include smoking, obesity, fast food and 0
110534 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Suicide bid Thai woman recovering A THAI woman, who apparently tried to commit suicide, has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) into a regular ward, sources told the GDN. She was said to be in a stable condition yesterday. The 35-year-old was found on the ground near her three-storey apartment building, in Hoora, and was taken to hospital by ambulance. The woman, who was thought to be on drugs, was initially in a critical condition and was taken to ICU. Sources said she was later transferred to a normal ward and is being treated for broken bones. The incident occurred last Friday. 0
110535 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Helping stay in touch BATELCO has donated mobile phones and SimSim Prepaid Cards to each of the nine Iraqi cancer patients who arrived in Bahrain from Baghdad earlier this week to receive treatment at the Salmaniya Medical Complex. Batelco's donation was very well received by patients and the treatment organisers, as the telephones are vital tools to help the patients to keep in touch with their relatives back home. The patients were flown by DHL from Baghdad to Bahrain on Saturday, as a contribution to the treatment campaign organised by Al Riwaq Gallery and the Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS). On the day after the patients' arrival in Bahrain, the BCS in co-ordination with the Health Ministry scheduled medical tests and the required treatment will follow accordingly. "As Bahrain's national telecommunications company, we are proud to be among the first to help in the treatment of our Iraqi brothers - who are also the kingdom's guests," said Batelco corporate affairs head Ahmed Al Janahi. 0
110536 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Exhibition aims to raise awareness AN anti-drugs exhibition was held yesterday at Seef Mall. The show, organised by the Interior Ministry and Bahrain International Hospital, was part of a nation-wide campaign targeting young Bahrainis, which was launched on Tuesday. The exhibition comprised free medical check-ups, awareness campaign posters and photographs, screening of documentaries and explanations by police on how to combat the drugs menace. 0
110537 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL NBB helps the needy NATIONAL Bank of Bahrain (NBB) donated BD10,000 to the Muharraq Social Welfare Society. Society chairman Mohammed Abdulla Al Zamil visited the bank's head office in Manama and was welcomed by managing director and chief executive Hassan Ali Juma, who presented him with the cheque. Mr Al Zamil thanked the bank for its generous support over several years, which enables the society to undertake social welfare projects in Muharraq. Mr Juma said NBB serves the whole community and that the bank has a duty to help needy people. 0
110538 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Pool parties at Mercure Hotel REGULAR pool parties are being held at the Mercure Hotel in the Seef district. The first pool party will be held tomorrow and every Friday afterwards until May 20, from noon to 9pm. Tomorrow's party will feature music by DJ Chang from Care Records, Miami, Florida, US. Guest artist Philippe will be performing on the saxophone and didgeridoo. Tickets are BD5 per person. 0
110539 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Webmasters are free to register WEBMASTERS will not be hounded into registering their sites with the Information Ministry, authorities said yesterday. Information Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood said although the rules state that Bahrain websites must be registered with the ministry, it will not be actively pursuing them. "Our goal is to encourage people to follow the legal way and a large number of websites have already registered. But we will not be actively pursuing all websites that are not registered," he said. "It's the same as registering a car. If your car is not registered and no one hears about it, then you won't get into any trouble. But if the authorities hear about it, then you could." A six-month campaign has been launched to register all Bahraini websites. Webmasters face similar laws to newspapers related to libel, public decency and ethics. Just as a newspaper editor-in-chief is held responsible for what he publishes, so will a webmaster. Ministry printing and publish 0
110540 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Laughter Day is celebrated WORLD Laughter Day is being celebrated by the country's first and only Laughter Club at the Kerala Catholic Association (KCA). The celebration will be held on Saturday at the KCA's premises, in Segaiya, from 8pm. World Laughter Day was first observed on January 11, 1998, in Mumbai, India. The date was later changed to the first Sunday in May. The laughter movement was started in India in 1995 by Dr Madan Kataria. Other countries, such as the US, the UK, Italy, France and Germany, soon followed and leading scientists even proved that laughing does help control many illnesses such as anxiety, depression, nervous breakdowns, insomnia, peptic ulcers, allergies and even cancer. "With all the negative things are going around the world, people don't have much to laugh about, but this is where laughter clubs come in," said KCA general secretary K M Thomas. "It is also connected to world peace. Laughter club works as a stress-reliever, resulting in a health 0
110541 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Preacher to talk about family links FAMILY ties and how to strengthen them will be discussed on a monthly basis at The Father's House church, in Umm Al Hassam. The first Lively, Interactive Family Evening (LIFE) will be held tonight at 7.30pm. Indian preacher Pastor Joy M Thomas is the evening's main speaker. LIFE will be held on the last Thursday of every month. Relationships In addition to fun and games, the session will also look at fostering better relationships within families. It is open to adults and all nationalities are welcome. The Father's House is located in Umm Al Hassam, behind Copper Chimney, in Villa 474, Road 3912, Block 339. Entrance to the meeting is free. For more information, contact Pastor Koshy on 36441284 or Alexander 39045652. 0
110542 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Heroes' welcome for 16 athletes BAHRAIN'S disabled athletes were given a hero's welcome at Bahrain International Airport last night following their triumph at the Fifth GCC Special Olympics in Doha, Qatar. The 16 special athletes collectively won 36 medals, half of which are gold, in the five-day international sporting event organised by the GCC Organising Committee for Disabled Sports. The Bahraini team was among the most successful in the games' history, said Special Olympics Bahrain director Mohammed Matouq. "We are very proud of our athletes for all their hard work and for giving Bahrain an outstanding name overseas," he said. It was the first time that female athletes were given the chance to participate in the games and Bahrain's sportswomen proved that they were among the finest in the region, winning more than 20 medals. Most of the eight female and eight male athletes, aged 10 to 24, were competing on the international stage for the first time. They participated in the javelin, 0
110543 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Elderly driver hurt in crash AN elderly Bahraini driver suffered serious injuries when another vehicle crossed the central reservation and ploughed head-on into his car on the Tubli Service Road yesterday. The man, in his late 70s, was heading towards Manama, while the other vehicle, driven by a Bahraini in his late 20s, was heading towards Isa Town, according to the General Directorate of Traffic. The other driver sustained minor injuries, but both were taken to Salmaniya Medical Complex and the elderly motorist was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. The incident occurred at around 10.30am and brought traffic moving in both directions to a standstill. 0
110544 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Indian stars arrive for show POPULAR Indian actor and director Sreenivasan arrived in Bahrain yesterday along with other top artists. The 58-member troupe flew into the country from Trivandrum, Kerala. They were welcomed at Bahrain International Airport by fans and organisers of the Desert Dreams 2005 concert. The show, presented by the Konkan Singers Club in association with Mayuri Fashions, takes place tonight at the Indian School, in Isa Town, from 8pm. Stars from the Malayalam film industry will be taking part in the show, which will feature comedy, dancing and music. Other artists include Kunchacko Boban, Jayasoorya, Mukesh, Rahman, Rajesh, Nikhil, Ranjini Jose, Jagadish, Janardhanan, Aniyappan, Kavya Madhavan, Bhavana, Meenakshi, Samvrutha, Geethu Mohandas, Kalpana and Bindu Panicker. Rajeev Kumar is directing the show and the dances are choreographed by Harikumar. Tickets are priced at BD100 (admit four with special reservation), BD30 (admit four, reserved), BD10 (admit one, 0
110545 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Expat role praised in Kerala's growth CONTRIBUTIONS of expatriate Keralites to the development of their home state were praised by a visiting minister last night. Kerala's food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Adoor Prakash saluted people from the state working in the Gulf for their hard work and loyalty. "While contributing to the development of your host countries, your remittance has substantially helped improve economic conditions back home," he told a reception hosted in his honour by the Indian Overseas Cultural Congress (IOCC) committee. More than 500 people attended the meeting at the Pakistan Club auditorium. "The skills and knowledge acquired by Keralites in the Gulf have helped enhance their reputation internationally," said Mr Prakash. Skills "This continuous process of human resources development has helped us build a knowledge society." Mr Prakash said the Kerala government was aware of various problems faced by its people - especially labourers - in the Gulf 0
110546 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Top Lebanese journalist to sign books RENOWNED Lebanese journalist and photographer, Zaven Kouyoumdjian, will be signing his latest book Lebanon Shot Twice at the Al Riwaq Gallery, in Adliya, today. Everyone is welcome to attend the event, which is being held from 10am to noon. In the book, Mr Kouyoumdjian revisits famous images from the Lebanese Civil War and traces the people and places in those images to document the country after war. At 6pm he will give a slide presentation of his photographs, as well as a short talk about his experiences. Mr Kouyoumdjian, who is also a talk show host and producer, was born in Beirut in 1970. He is a communication arts graduate from the Lebanese American University and is best known for his daring and controversial topics on 5/7 (Tele Liban) and Sire Wen Fatahit (Future Television). He has received many awards including an honours certificate from the Lebanese Press Order in 1996, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) appreciation certificate i 0
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110548 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Four gang members held MANAMA: The General Prosecution remanded four men accused of committing a string of robberies in police custody for a week. Three were caught red-handed as they were pillaging a garage on Budaiya Highway, said North-Western security director Colonel Khalifa Hassan Al Khalifa. A fourth suspect who attempted to flee on seeing a police patrol, was later caught, He was parking his car on the highway while covering up for his accomplices who were plundering the garage. He turned out to be the gangleader whose modus operandi was to drive his three accomplices to the scene of the crime and then cover for them while they broke into shops and houses. The gang admitted to raiding shops and cars and hiding the stolen items at the gang leader's house. Stolen electrical appliances, carpentry equipment, cash, phone cards amd food stuff were confiscated on searching the house of one the suspects. The case is being investigated. 0
110549 0 1553 BNEW LOCAL Equipment to monitor pollution MANAMA: Five hi-tech measurement sensors worth BD750,000 may be purchased to detect and monitor pollution in Bahrain. Efforts are being made to secure the necessary budget for the equipment to be bought, said Southern Governor and President of the Public Commission for Maritime Resources, Environment and Wildlife Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 0
110550 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Clijsters too strong for Kirilenko WARSAW: Kim Clijsters extended her winning streak to 16 matches when she defeated Russia's Maria Kirilenko 6-2, 6-1 to reach the quarter-finals of the WTA tournament yesterday. The seventh-seeded Belgian looked far more comfortable than she had in her opening round struggle with her strength of shot often forcing her 18-year old opponent into errors. Kirilenko held serve just once in the first set, and even then faced a break point, and she held only once in the second as Clijsters dominated. Clijsters, playing her fourth tournament of the year after claiming victory at Indian Wells and Miami was never troubled by a promising but lightweight opponent. Eighth-seeded Italian Silvia Farina Elia also eased into the quarter-finals, losing the first game of the first set and the first two games of the second, but beating Czech qualifier Zuzana Ondraskova 6-1 6-2. 0
110551 0 1553 SPOR SPORT 'Role model' Jacobs wins praise from selectors LONDON: Wicketkeeper Ridley Jacobs has been praised as a perfect role model for West Indies' players after announcing his retirement from international cricket. West Indies convenor of selectors Joey Carew praised Jacobs' grit in a statement, adding: "I can only hope and pray that some percentage of that commitment, discipline and dedication to the game would be emulated by present and future cricketers in the region." Jacobs, 37, from the Leeward Islands, announced his retirement last week. He played the last of his 65 Tests against England at Edgbaston in July last year. He took 207 catches, made 12 stumpings and scored 2,577 runs an average of 28.31. He also played in 147 one-day internationals. "I've given enough to West Indies cricket," Jacobs told Antiguan television. "I don't think I'm motivated enough at this present time to go out there and represent West Indies any more. I guess that calls it quits." 0
110552 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Ralf demotion hearing set LONDON: Toyota's appeal against Ralf Schumacher's demotion in the San Marino Grand Prix will be heard in Paris on Tuesday, Formula One's governing body said yesterday. The German driver was stripped of his point for eighth place and relegated to 11th for a pitlane incident in Sunday's race at Imola. Compatriot Nick Heidfeld, driving for Williams, was moved up to eighth place instead. Stewards said Toyota, second behind Renault in the championship, had released Ralf from his second pitstop before it was safe to do so. 0
110553 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Minardis collide LONDON: Minardi suffered an embarrassing setback to one of their rare Formula One tests when their cars collided at Italy's Mugello circuit yesterday. "One zigged when he should have zagged," said a team spokesman. "I think (Dutch driver Christijan) Albers came up on (Israeli Chanoch) Nissany, clipped the back of his car and spun them both out." Albers, a regular racer, was in the team's new PS05 car while Nissany, a test driver who has never competed in a Grand Prix, drove the old PS04B. 0
110554 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Nico makes debut LONDON: Nico Rosberg, the son of former world champion Keke Rosberg, made his official debut as a Williams team test driver at Silverstone yesterday, 23 years after his father clinched the world title for the same team. Rosberg, 19, joined Williams race driver Mark Webber in the test with the Australian focusing on set-ups and tyre testing ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix next week in Barcelona. The teenager familiarised himself with the Williams BMW FW27 in addition to evaluating set-ups and carrying out a number of simulated pit-stops. Webber completed 101 laps, posting a best time of 1:20.121 minutes, while Rosberg completed 57 laps on his way to setting a best time of 1:21.843. 0
110555 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Price accepts US invite LONDON: Former world number one Nick Price has accepted a special exemption to compete in this year's US Open at Pinehurst, the United States Golf Association (USGA) said. Price, who has dropped out of the world's top 50 after being a regular for the last 18 years, was offered the invitation after a vote by the USGA executive committee. The 48-year-old Zimbabwean, winner of the US PGA Championship in 1992 and 1994 and the British Open in 1994, cut back on his playing schedule last year to spend more time with his family. He is now ranked 72nd in the world. 0
110556 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Jawad nets hat-trick SAYED Hassan Jawad scored a hat-trick to lead AB team to a comfortable 3-0 victory over UG in a Group 'B' match of the 26th Batelco Inter-departmental Soccer Tournament at the Batelco Staff Centre grounds in Al Hamala. Sayed Jawad was on target for AB in the ninth, 25th and 58th minutes. AB are at the top in this group with nine points from three successive wins while UG are in second position on six points. In the same group, XG Batelco-Mobile trounced XG Lpam 17-0 to stay in contention for a second round berth. Hassan Nakahdar was the hero for the winner scoring five goals and was assisted by Ishaq Mandi who got a hat-trick. 0
110557 0 1553 SPOR SPORT 50 juniors set to tee-off MORE than 50 youngsters are set to tee-off from 7.50am today in the sixth Bahrain International Airport Junior Open Golf Championships at Riffa Golf Club. Defending overall champion David Nolan, Mohammed Al Yacoob and David Peters are the first group to start in the under-18 category. Golfers in the under-18 and under-16 categories will play over 18 holes while under-14 and under-12 golfers play over nine holes and under-10 over six. Prizes will be awarded to players with the leading three gross scores in each category, as well as the best net score in each section and the overall junior champion and best Bahraini player. Competition will be in the individual medal stroke play format. The main sponsor is Bahrain International Airport while Bahrain Duty Free, Bahrain Airport Services, DHL and Gulf Air are sponsoring a prize for each age group. Thunder Arabia, the newly established motor sport and driver development company, will also sponsor an additional 0
110558 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Akeel claims title in Awali charity bowling YASMINE Akeel clinched the women's title in the eighth Awali Bowling Club Open Charity Championship beating experienced Alma Sulaiman 195-167 in the stepladder final last night at the Bapco Club. Sulaiman beat third-placed Marcel Sultan 205-146. It was an exciting final with Sulaiman and Akeel battling it out till the very end. But Akeel rolled a double to clinch the title. In the earlier match, Sulaiman advanced after Sultan made two mistakes early in the game. The top six ladies had earlier played five games in a round robin format with Akeel leading on average. Mariam Habib was fourth, Marie Fe C Bustos fifth and Marjan Habib sixth. In men's quarter-final Group A, Khalifa Khalfan led with an average of 203.00. In Group B 12 more quarter-finalsists will battle it out to determine the top 12 men for today's 11 round-robin games. The top six will qualify for the final stepladder. A presentation ceremony will be held after the final under the p 0
110559 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Karzakan beat Ma'ameer KARZAKAN recorded a crucial 3-1 victory over Al Ma'ameer to qualify for the second round of the 12th A'ali Credit Youth Soccer Championship, organised by the club and sponsored by Bahrain Credit. Karzakan opened the scoring two minutes after the break through Sadeq Jaffer. Hassan Mahdi secured the points for Karzakan scoring two consecutive goals in the 55th and 77th minute before Hassan Ali could net a consolation goal for Al Ma'ameer in injury time. Karzakan finished second with seven points and they are ahead of Abu Quwa by goal difference. Abu Quwa beat Nuwaidrat 1-0 with Mohammed Radi scoring the winning goal 10 minutes before full-time. 0
110560 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Hendry and Davis bite the dust SHEFFIELD, England: Two snooker greats ditched out of the World Snooker Championship yesterday as Matthew Stevens and rookie Shaun Murphy reached the semi-finals. Stevens became the first player through to the last four when he beat seven-times former champion Stephen Hendry 13-11. Six-times winners Steve Davis, trailing 12-4 overnight to Murphy, then lost the opening frame as he bowed out 13-4. Welshman Stevens will be appearing in his fifth semi-final in six years at The Crucible, although he has only reached the final once in 2000 when he lost to Mark Williams. He said that Hendry had not produced his best snooker. "He's the best player of all time and once he starts scoring, I don't think anyone can beat him," said Stevens. "But luckily for me, he didn't produce the snooker that's won him seven world titles. It wasn't the best match in the world, but you've got to come through games like that. I managed to dig in and got the result." Hendry said h 0
110561 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Pollock may play in final South Africa Test ANTIGUA: South Africa all-rounder Shaun Pollock could return to the side for the fourth and final Test against West Indies, which starts tomorrow. Pollock has missed South Africa's last five Tests and three one-day internationals because of chronic inflammation of his left ankle. "Even if he can give us 10 of 15 overs a day, that would be good," South Africa coach Ray Jennings told reporters yesterday. Jennings hinted there may be a ready made place for Pollock in the team. "Monde (Zondeki) has a bit of a niggle with his thigh, and 'Nella' (Andre Nel) has a sore back," he said. "I can't see more than one change in our team for the match." South Africa won the third Test in Barbados by an innings and 86 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series but Jennings said victory in the final match would set his side up nicely for the one-day internationals. 0
110562 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Detroit and Miami stretch playoff lead DETROIT, Michigan: Defending National Basketball Association champions Detroit and Eastern Conference top seeds Miami stretched their leads in the first round of the playoffs yesterday with home-court victories. Antonio McDyess had his second straight solid effort off the bench for the Pistons with 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocks as Detroit posted a 99-84 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series. In Miami, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade combined for just 31 points but former Net Alonzo Mourning came off the bench to score 21 with nine rebounds as Miami defeated New Jersey 104-87 for a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference series. McDyess, in his first season with the Pistons, has been a major factor through two games. The seven-year veteran, who adds depth to an already formidable frontcourt, made 7-of-9 shots, scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the series opener on Saturday. On Tuesday, McD 0
110563 0 1553 SPOR SPORT Leozian best bet for Amateur Race Cup THREE cup events are scheduled for tomorrow in a six-race programme at Sakhir. Leozian, owned by Hussan Ebrahim Al Afoo, trained by Bader Al Abed and to be ridden by president of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) Shaikh Nasser bin Hamed Al Khalifa, who will be making his debut as a jockey, is the favourite to win the Amateur Race Cup (sponsored by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. This race, carrying a cash prize of BD2,000, is for imported horses (bottom weight 70-kg) to be run over 1,000 metres straight starting at 5.40pm. Calling The Shots, owned by Habib Ramadhan, trained by A Redha Abbas and to be ridden by Breef vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Mostabshir, owned by Razan Mamdooh Al Haddad, trained by Hani Marzooq and to be ridden by Ahmed Ali, are the second and third favourites. There are five horses in the fray for the Caltex Cup for Group Three imported horses, which carries a cash prize of BD2,000 and to be run 0
110564 1 1553 SPOR SPORT CHELSEA HELD BY LIVERPOOL LONDON: Liverpool held hosts Chelsea to a goalless draw in the all-English Champions League semi-final first-leg at Stamford Bridge last night. The Reds will be delighted to go into the second-leg on Tuesday unscathed but Chelsea will be undaunted by the task of winning 1-0 at Anfield for a second time this season. England midfielder Frank Lampard wasted Chelsea's best chance in the 22nd minute, firing over the bar from short range with goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek motionless. Milan Baros forced a superb save out of his Czech Republic teammate Petr Cech shortly before half-time, the Blues stopper deflecting the striker's powerful header round the post to keep matters even. Chelsea, one win short of securing the Premiership title, started the clear favourites against Liverpool, who will be fortunate to finish better than their current fifth place, not high enough to secure a Champions League spot for next season. The Blues notched up two 1-0 Premiership wins over Liverp 0
110565 2 1553 SPOR SPORT Bahrain athletes in golden start BAHRAIN made a golden start on the opening day of the GCC Athletics Championship winning two gold, three silver and one bronze at the National Stadium in Riffa. Bahrain's gold medals were won by Saleh Marzooq and Mohammed Yousef in the juniors 3,000m and triple jump respectively. Competing among five athletes from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman, Marzooq proved superior clocking eight minutes 18.45 seconds. Marzooq was followed by another Bahrain Ishaq Isa (8.21:40) who took the silver. Mohammed bagged the second gold for the hosts with a new Bahraini and GCC record of 15.69 metres in the triple jump. Bahrain won two medals in the half-marathon as well with Khalid Kamal and Riyadh Al Mustafa bagging the silver and bronze behind Mubarak Hassan on Qatar. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, grabbed the day honours winning four golds in the senior category and two in the juniors. The Saudi athletes also won the glamourous 100m dash with Mohammed Ali (10.89 seconds) becoming 0
110566 3 1553 SPOR SPORT Massu goes down fighting to Costa ESTORIL, Portugal: Former French Open champion Albert Costa admitted last night that as he nears his 30th birthday, his tennis dreams do not include a re-run of his electrifying Paris title success of 2002. "To think of returning to the Top 10 is stupid for me," said the Spaniard after routing Olympic champion fifth seed Nicolas Massu 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a first round match which took two days to complete at the Estoril Open. Added the father of two, ranked 51st and struggling with a knee injury over recent months: "If I finish this season between 30 and 40, that will be a really good ranking for me. Costa trailed Chile's Massu 6-3, 2-3 on Tuesday evening when darkness feel on their unlit court at the Estadio Nacional. The overnight pause gave the clay-smart Costa time to re-think strategy overnight. Costa will today face off against Italy's 32-year-old Davide Sanguinetti, winner of only four matches this season. Meanwhile, current French Open champion 0
110567 0 1553 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain Indian Community Relief Fund's free medical camp for workers, Aquamaster Construction Company, Manama, 7pm. Contact the Indian Embassy on 17714551 or C R Nambiar on 39650858. Bahrain International Seafarers Societys charity dinner, Dilmun Club, Saar, 8pm. Tickets BD10 per person. Contact 17690926. Performance by Irish musician Tim Ambler, Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel, Fiddlers Green, 9pm. Entrance free and all are welcome. Zaven, Future TV journalist, to promote his new book Lebanon Shot Twice, Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya, 10am-noon (book signing) and 6pm-8pm (slide show of his work). Contact 17717441. Gourmet dinner, entertainment provided by Italian pianist Romina Antico, Regency InterContinental Hotel, Versailles Restaurant, 8pm. Tickets BD20 net. Seriously Latin dance show, Moon Plaza Hotel, Sampaguita Club, Umm Al Hassam, 7pm. Entrance BD3 per person. Contact 17728001 or 39106589. Performance 0
110568 0 1553 WORL WORLD India in push for UN Council seat NEW DELHI: India's foreign minister made a pitch yesterday for a coveted veto-wielding seat on the United Nations Security Council in talks with visiting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, an official said. Foreign Minister Natwar Singh put forward India's case at a meeting in New Delhi with Annan, who last month outlined ambitious proposals for overhauling the 191-member world body, including expanding the Security Council. Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Navtej Sarna told reporters the "mechanics" of UN reforms came up for "extensive discussions" in the talks and both sides agreed on the need for reforms to be achieved at a UN summit in September. Asked whether Annan backed India's bid for a Security Council seat, Sarna replied: "That part of the discussions is confidential." India says its one-billion-plus population, its role as the world's biggest democracy and surging economy entitles it to a permanent place at the Security Council table with full veto powers. 0
110569 0 1553 WORL WORLD Royal wedding magic fading LONDON: Who cares about Prince Charles' second marriage? Fewer and fewer, according to a poll published yesterday by The Times newspaper. Some 69 per cent of the respondents to a Populus poll said they neither approved nor disapproved of Charles' marriage to the former Camilla Parker Bowles. Ten per cent of men and 17pc of women disapproved, compared to 20pc of men and 27pc of women who approved. Enthusiasm for the marriage has waned since it was announced in February. At that time, The Times' poll found that 43pc of its sample approved compared with 22pc who approved. Only 30pc didn't care in February. The Times' poll also found that 39pc wanted Charles' elder son, Prince William, as the next monarch, compared to 31pc who backed Charles. That largely reflected women's hostility to Charles, with 48pc wanting William compared to 26pc for Charles. Men preferred Charles by 36pc to 30pc. Eighteen percent of the sample wanted to the monarchy abolished after Queen Elizabeth II 0
110570 0 1553 WORL WORLD Jackson likely to testify SANTA MARIA, California: Michael Jackson will likely take the witness stand at his ongoing child sex trial, a lawyer for the pop icon's parents said yesterday. Debra Opri told Fox News that Jackson's lead defence attorney, Thomas Mesereau, was known for allowing his clients to testify in their own defence. "Look for it here," Opri told the cable news network. "I really think Michael Jackson will take this opportunity, this case, this place, to rehabilitate his reputation," said Opri, who has been advising Jackson's parents, Joseph and Katherine, during their son's trial. The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case against Jackson later this week. Meanwhile, Jackson's ex-wife and the mother of his two elder children, Debbie Rowe, was expected to offer potentially explosive testimony at the trial. Rowe, who is currently involved in a bitter dispute with Jackson over child visitation rights, has until now remained tight-lipped about her three-year marriage to the pop icon which ended in 0
110571 0 1553 WORL WORLD Paralysed mum helps police LONDON: British police said yesterday they were following several leads after a young mother left paralysed from a stabbing attack helped identify her assailant by blinking during an interview at her hospital bed. Abigail Witchalls, 26, has won praise from police for her determination to help speed the capture of the man who attacked her while she was walking with her two-year-old son Joseph along a quiet lane in Little Bookham, Surrey, southern England. Pregnant with her second child, Witchalls was interviewed by police in her hospital bed for a wearying six hours and offered a detailed description of her attacker by mouthing words or blinking. Surrey police said they had received more than 200 calls from the public after they released Witchalls' description of her attacker. 0
110572 0 1553 WORL WORLD Pitt-Jolie on 'highly private' beach visit NAIROBI: Hollywood heartthrobs Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie paid a highly-private visit to an exclusive Kenyan beach resort last week amid widespread rumours that the pair are a romantic item, hotel employees said yesterday. "It would be hard to convince somebody that they were not husband and wife," said one employee at the ritzy Alfajiri Villa Luxury Resort, near Mombasa on the Indian Ocean coast, where the couple stayed with six other people. They "looked very jovial, they walked together, laughed but they really avoided the rest of the people staying in other villas," the employee said. Photographs of Pitt, Jolie and her adopted Cambodian son, Maddox, frolicking on the coast of an unidentified African nation surfaced over the weekend in a British tabloid and have now been published by a US celebrity magazine. Employees at Alfajiri said the beach in question was, in fact, Diani Beach south of Mombasa and that Pitt and Jolie, who have denied a romantic relationship, booked unde 0
110573 0 1553 WORL WORLD Miss France stripped of crown PARIS: Miss France 2004 was stripped of her title for six months yesterday for posing in revealing photos for Playboy magazine, the beauty pageant's organizer said yesterday. Laetitia Bleger, 24, was sanctioned for appearing in skimpy attire in the May issue of the magazine's French edition, said Miss France Company in a statement. She was not naked. Pageant organisers shopped short of permanently removing her title and forcing Bleger to return her prize winnings. "Laetitia Bleger infringed on the rule forbidding the national winner from making herself available for licentious shots - either partially or fully nude," the statement said. Bleger must hand over her crown and sash to Lucie Degletagen, the runner-up in the Miss France contest in December 2003, organisers said. 0
110574 0 1553 WORL WORLD Bhutto party wants polls ISLAMABAD: The husband of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan's opposition leader-in-exile, said yesterday her party was open to talks with President Pervez Musharraf's government but it wanted a general election this year. Army chief Musharraf's term runs until 2007 when the next parliamentary elections are due. "We're always ready for across-the-board dialogue but it in no way means that we want to reach the corridors of power or government through back doors," Bhutto's husband, Asif Ali Zardari said in Islamabad. Zardari said Bhutto's liberal Pakistan Peoples Party was ready to help end military rule and pave the way for "real democracy" but it wanted the parliamentary election brought forward. 0
110575 0 1553 WORL WORLD Garland's dress fetches $252,000 LONDON: The blue and white gingham dress worn by Judy Garland in The Wizard of Oz was sold for $252,000 (BD95,256) at auction yesterday. The dress, one of the most recognizable in movie history, went to a buyer bidding by phone who did not wish to be identified, said Bonhams, the auctioneer. Garland, then 17, played the character of Dorothy in the 1939 film, a tale about a young girl and her dog who are whisked from Kansas by a tornado into a magical world. "This dress represents the quintessential magic of childhood in the most beloved film of the 20th century," said Jon Baddeley, head of the Bonhams collector's department. 0
110576 0 1553 WORL WORLD India plans to hold border wargames NEW DELHI: India is mobilising 20,000 troops for May wargames on its northern borders in the largest movement of forces since 2002 when war almost broke out with Pakistan, defence sources said yesterday. The exercise would be held in the arid plains of Jallandhar in Punjab state, which borders Pakistan, defence ministry sources said. Artillery and heavy armour would also be involved in the manoeuvres to hone the battle-readiness of India's million-plus armed forces, they said. However the sources would not reveal the exact date of the wargames, although they said mobilisation has already begun. "The exercise is of division strength and may also have components from the Indian air force," a senior ministry source said, adding that advance notice had already been given to Pakistan. "It is an exercise to try out some of the new issues that have been incorporated in India's latest war doctrine," said a commander of a strike force, which is also assigned to the mock ba 0
110577 0 1553 WORL WORLD Officials warned of Van Gogh plot THE HAGUE: A new witness in the case of a Dutch filmmaker's slaying has told investigators that he warned Dutch intelligence officials in advance of a plot to kill Theo van Gogh, a prosecution spokeswoman said yesterday. The witness claims to have known the chief suspect, Mohammed Bouyeri, said Desiree Leppens of the Rotterdam prosecutor's office. The intelligence service denied reports it was tipped before Van Gogh was stabbed and shot to death on November 2. Van Gogh angered many Muslims with his film Submission, which was critical of the treatment of women in Muslim communities. 0
110578 0 1553 WORL WORLD BJP coalition begins boycott NEW DELHI: India's Hindu nationalist-led opposition began a three-day boycott of parliament yesterday to press the government to sack a key minister and ally charged with graft over a multi-million dollar fodder scam. Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav, whose Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) party is the largest in the ruling alliance after the Congress party and the Communists, was charged on Monday with corruption in the long-running fodder scandal. The party holds 24 seats in the national coalition government and any pullout could threaten its stability. Opposition parties, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party ousted in last year's national election, want Yadav to quit over the charges and over a train crash last week that killed 17 people, the latest in a series of deadly rail accidents. The opposition, which has criticised the government for having lawmakers facing serious criminal charges while including several accused in its own ranks, said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wa 0
110579 0 1553 WORL WORLD Seven to die for killing five officers CALCUTTA: A court yesterday sentenced seven people to death in the 2002 shooting outside an American cultural centre in Calcutta that killed five police officers. Calcutta Sessions Court Judge Basudev Mazumdar sentenced the seven a day after finding them guilty of murder, conspiracy and waging war against the country. Five police officers guarding the American Centre were killed when gunmen in cars and motorcycles opened fire on them on January 22, 2002. The defendants' lawyer said they would appeal the judgment. "We are not happy with the trial. We shall challenge the verdict in the High Court, and we will win," said Shahid Imam. The seven included Dubai-based crime leader Aftab Ansari, who was held guilty of masterminding the attack. The trial was held inside a high-security jail in Calcutta because the prosecution feared Ansari could try to flee during transit from the jail to the court. Indian officials said Pakistan's spy agency and Islamic mi 0
110580 0 1553 WORL WORLD Harassment charges to be probed BANGALORE: The Indian Air Force will set up a panel to investigate sexual harassment charges filed by a junior officer who became the first woman to be court-martialled in the country for insubordination, indiscipline and fraud, a spokesman said yesterday. "The inquiry will be begin in Bangalore on May 2 and it will look into the allegations made by Anjali Gupta," V M Ragunath. 0
110581 0 1553 WORL WORLD Cannes jury role for Indian actress BOMBAY: Actress Nandita Das will travel next month to France to sit on the Cannes Film Festival jury, the second Indian star to serve since former Miss World Aishwarya Rai in 2003, a family member said yesterday. Das, who is currently in New York, will be the second actress from outside France to be a jury member at Cannes this year along with Hollywood sex symbol Salma Hayek. Das has acted in two dozen Indian films, some in regional languages, and has often declined lucrative roles in candyfloss Bollywood films. Unlike Rai, who is a fully-fledged Bollywood starlet, Das has acted in socially relevant movies like Hazar Charausi Ki Maa (Mother of 1,084), 1947: Earth, Bawandar (The Sand Storm), Aks and Lal Salaam (Red Salute). 0
110582 0 1553 WORL WORLD Election dates BEIRUT: Lebanon's parliamentary elections will be held between May 29 and June 19. The announcement yesterday came a day after Syria pulled out all its troops after 29 years of military and political domination of Lebanon, paving the way for what many hope will be a new era for the country. Elections for the 128-member parliament will be held on four consecutive Sundays from May 29, according to a decree signed by Interior Minister Hassan Sabeh after the 14-member cabinet of Prime Minister Nagib Miqati easily won a confidence motion by 109 votes. 0
110583 0 1553 WORL WORLD Maggie's time 'over' LONDON: Britain may finally be getting over Margaret Thatcher, 15 years after her high-powered premiership came to a messy end. Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour Party remains ambivalent about the Conservative icon - it still invokes her image to scare supporters into turning out, but it has embraced some of her policies and sometimes argues that her Conservative Party successors are betraying her legacy. And the Tories, who've never been as strong as they were before they ousted her, look fondly back on the days when she led them to political dominance. But as she grows frail and old, and increasing numbers of voters are too young to have strong memories of her time in office, this may be the election year that Thatcher, 79, fades into the background. That would make it the first vote since the mid-1970s in which she hasn't played an important role, either as a candidate or a hot-button memory invoked by both sides. "The world has changed, life has changed," said Badis 0
110584 1 1553 WORL WORLD Insurgents gun down Iraq MP BAGHDAD: Gunmen yesterday assassinated an Iraqi woman MP in a fresh shock to politicians whose failure to form a government three months after elections has allowed violence to thrive unchecked. Lame'a Abed Khad-awi, a member of caretaker Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's political party, was shot dead outside her house in eastern Baghdad. She is believed to be the first person in the 275-seat National Assembly to be killed. Allawi himself survived an assassination attempt this month when his convoy was attacked by a car bomber. Khadawi was one of more than 90 women elected to the assembly on January 30. By law, a third of the candidates on party lists had to be women. Prime minister-designate Ibrahim Jaafari, meanwhile, said he had submitted a list of cabinet members to the presidential council, more than 12 weeks after watershed elections. The proposed cabinet "will be submitted to the presidential council, which will in turn submit it to parliament" for approval, 0
110585 2 1553 WORL WORLD Poll jitters! Blair faces close race LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair's Labour Party had a bad case of the pre-election jitters yesterday as new opinion polls showed next week's vote could be uncomfortably close, rather than the long-predicted re-election stroll. With the May 5 election just eight days away, a pair of polls - one conducted privately for Labour - appeared to indicate that the main opposition Conservative Party is rapidly eroding the government's lead. A survey conducted for the Financial Times showed that if people were simply asked which party they supported, Labour had a 10 percentage point lead on the Conservatives, enough for a massive House of Commons majority. However, when this question was addressed only to those who said they would definitely turn out and vote, the Labour lead was cut back to just 2pc, an uncomfortably small margin for Blair and his ministers. The survey threatened to "throw a wobbly into the election", said Robert Worcester, the veteran head of polling firm Mori, who has b 0
110586 3 1553 WORL WORLD 35 die in crash COLOMBO: An intercity passenger train collided with a bus that tried to dash through a railroad crossing in northwestern Sri Lanka yesterday, killing at least 35 people and injuring 60 others, police said. The passenger bus, apparently racing another bus, slipped past a barrier and tried to cross a railroad track at Polgahawela, a small suburban town surrounded by rice and coconut farming villages. The area is about 80km northeast of Colombo. The bus was reduced to a mangled heap of metal after it caught fire. There were opened suitcases with passengers' clothes strewn on the track and on the sides. The National Hospital in Colombo said nine of the wounded, including a four-year-old girl, were in critical condition. All the victims were aboard the bus, which was dragged by the train for about 100 metres after the collision. "Thirty-three people were killed on the spot," the region's police chief Asoka Ratnaweera said at the scene of the accident, while two people 0
110587 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS French order 25,000 shirts PARIS: The French state rail system SNCF said that 25,000 new shirts it was ordering for inspectors would be manufactured in China, at a time when Chinese textile imports have become a sensitive political issue. SNCF said earlier this year it was changing its logo for the first time since 1992. "We have recently ordered 25,000 chemises for the (ticket) inspectors. If we want them to display the new logo we have to change their shirts, and that will be done as the old ones get worn out," an SNCF spokesman said. The order has been placed with Oxbridge, a French supplier which used to make shirts in Morocco until transferring production to China about a year ago. 0
110588 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Global trade talks 'close to crisis' GENEVA: Faltering talks on a treaty to liberalise global commerce are close to crisis, the head of the WTO, Supachai Panitchpakdi, warned yesterday. The WTO director-general has repeatedly urged the 148-nation trade body's members to step up efforts this year to conclude the long-delayed accord by 2006. "We may be making progress but we are not in decision-making mode," Supachai told a WTO meeting, according to his spokesman Keith Rockwell. WTO members hold monthly sessions behind closed doors at the organisation's headquarters to take stock of the state of negotiations. "We are close to a crisis. We are not there yet. If we do not make substantive progress in May then we are in a real crisis," Supachai told the meeting. Member states earlier this year set themselves an intermediate negotiating target of July. By the end of that month, they aim to have an idea of the shape of the wide-ranging accord that would be put on the table at a ministerial meeting i 0
110589 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Bank posts net income of $10.3m MANAMA: Shamil Bank reported a net income of $10.3 million for the first quarter of the year, which is a 54 per cent increase on the same period last year. The financial position at the end of the period showed a growth in total assets of 3.7pc. Meanwhile, the bank reported earnings per share of $0.045 for the first three months, compared to $0.029 for the same period last year. "Listening to our customers and being aware of market requirements is clearly essential as we continue in our path of success," said Shamil Bank chief executive Mohammed Hussain. "We will remain vigilant in assessing customer needs and reacting to market forces to achieve our objectives of providing customer satisfaction, which in turn leads to improved results and increased shareholder trust." Shamil Bank has been focused on offering new Sharia-compliant banking products and services to its customers. A tactical shift has also seen the bank place more emphasis on investment 0
110590 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS UK 'unlikely to join euro soon' LONDON: British Prime Minister Tony Blair reiterated yesterday that there was little chance of Britain joining the euro any time soon and doing so would not make economic sense for now. Blair shocked many analysts when he said in a television interview that it was unlikely Britain would adopt the single currency in the near future. Asked why he made such a frank statement, he said: "I probably ... went a bit further than it was necessary to go." Launching his Labour Party's business manifesto just a week before an election, Blair said the sensible position was to leave joining the euro an option. "Politically the case for going in is strong. Economically you've got to meet the tests which are essentially to do with economic convergence otherwise you can do damage to your economy," Blair said. "It is not likely in the very near future that this is going to change dramatically," he said. Finance minister Gordon Brown's five tests measure whether there is su 0
110591 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Businessmen for Thai expo MANAMA: The Thai Embassy is planning to take a group of Bahraini businessmen from the food import and export sector to visit major exhibitions in Bangkok. The Thai Food Exhibition (Thaifex) and the Halal Food Exhibition (Halfex) are being held from May 18 and 22. The annual events are dedicated to food and beverages, catering, food technology, hospitality services, retail and franchises. It is being organised by the Thai Commerce Ministry's export promotion department and the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Members of the delegation will pay for their own airfares, accommodation and private expenditures. All other expenses will be covered by the embassy, which has co-ordinated with Thai Airways to offer a special rate. For more information call 17274142 (ext 13) or 39416959. 0
110592 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS $800 million GIB term loan facility is closed MANAMA: An $800 million, five-year syndicated term loan facility for Gulf International Bank GIB) was successfully closed and signed at the Sheraton Hotel yesterday. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Barclays Capital, BNP Paribas, Calyon, Citibank, NA London, Deutsche Bank, ING Bank, Mizuho Corporate Bank, National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited were the mandated lead arrangers. The facility was increased from its original launch amount of $750m and raised in excess of the final deposit amount in general syndication, attracting a diverse international banking group. GIB chief executive officer Dr Khaled Al Fayez said that quality of banks supporting the issue are testimony to the confidence placed by the local, regional and international financial community in the strength and capacity of GIB. Lead arrangers include BayernLB, DBS Bank, Lloyds TSB Bank, Raiffeisen Zentralbank sterreich Aktiengesellschaft, Sanpaolo IMI Bank, Ireland a 0
110593 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Oil revenue windfall fuelling corruption in Russia MOSCOW: The windfall from record-high oil prices is fuelling corruption in Russia where officials are increasingly occupied with trying to acquire control of the new wealth rather than running the country, a top economic aide to President Vladimir Putin said. "We are now seeing among part of the political elite the great dream of regulating cash flows in the hydrocarbon sector, its nationalisation, and the management of energy distribution in the country and surrounding areas," Andrei Illarionov wrote in the business daily Vedomosti. Illarionov, who once described the auction of a core production unit of the crippled Yukos oil giant as the "rip-off of the year," lamented that the huge amounts of oil revenue flowing into Russia "is leading to an increase in corruption and a fall in the level of political governance." The cash influx "is corrupting the power apparatus and creating a landlord state, a landlord society," he wrote. "An aggressive ideology of resdistribution 0
110594 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Delhi to benefit from WTO ruling BOMBAY: The World Trade Organisation's (WTO) ruling that branded the bulk of European Union sugar exports illegal, will help Indian millers export more at higher prices in the long term, industry officials said. The verdict also upheld the dispute settlement mechanism of the WTO which stood vindicated in favour of developing countries, they said. "It's a welcome sign for India as EU subsidies have to go. "In the long-run it will help the industry as we will get better prices for our exports," said Vinay Kumar, managing director of the National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories, which represents half of India's sugar millers. India, the world's largest sugar consumer, has become a net importer only over the past two years and bought about two million tonnes of raw sugar to bridge a sharp drop in output. It had exported about one million tonnes of white sugar annually in 2001 and 2002. "In the event of prices going up, India will gain as exports are 0
110595 0 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Giordano to open 22 new outlets Dubai: Giordano Middle East has crossed the 100-store milestone and is on target to open an additional 22 stores in the next two years. It is currently undergoing rapid expansion in the Middle East, focusing on the UAE and Saudi markets, with five new stores for the UAE market and nine stores in Saudi opening this year. Ishwar Chugani, executive director for Giordano's regional operations, said: "The retail sales surge has allowed us to expand the brand much further than we had earlier anticipated. The projected growth of populations in key markets, investment in tourism and the ease of trade in the region, have all combined to improve the retail industry and we are looking forward to further growth over the next five years." The brand experienced strong sales throughout 2004, with positive trends and growth already noted for the first quarter of 2005. Giordano has signed with the prestigious Emaar-developed, Dubai Mall project, taking more than 4,500 sq ft for both the Giordan 0
110596 1 1554 BUSI BUSINESS EU subsidies to sugar producers 'are illegal' GENEVA: European Union subsidies for sugar production are illegal, the World Trade Organisation (WTO) confirmed in a ruling that could affect controversial reform plans in the 25 nation bloc. The organisation's appellate body rejected an EU appeal in a dispute pitting Brussels against Australia, Brazil and Thailand. The WTO disputes settlement body (DSB) ruled last October that the EU's subsidised exports had been exceeding an agreed 1,273,000-tonne-a year limit since 1995, by almost five times. Yesterday's ruling reaffirmed that the EU was breaching accords on global commerce and should fall into line. Australia's ambassador to the WTO in Geneva, David Spencer, welcomed the decision and said it had clearly established that the EU was not complying with world trade rules. In Brussels the European Union said it regretted the ruling but pledged to respect the finding. "We will abide by our international obligations on the sugar regime and will work closely w 0
110597 2 1554 BUSI BUSINESS India's first low-cost airline spreads its wings BOMBAY: Air India Express, the country's first international budget airline, will launch its services today with an inaugural flight from southern India's Trivandrum to Abu Dhabi, an airline official said. India's flag-carrier Air India has launched the low-cost subsidiary with fares that are 20 per cent to 40pc cheaper than existing offers on other airlines. The basic fare on Air-India Express from Trivandrum to Abu Dhabi is 3,250 rupees ($74) and from Bombay to Dubai is 2,750 rupees per ticket. "Our objective is to make travel affordable and spur growth," said Air India spokesman Jeetendra Bhargava. "The earlier you buy your ticket, the cheaper the fare." The airline will operate 40 services a week from five Indian cities - Trivandrum, Cochin, Calicut, Delhi and Bombay to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in the UAE and Muscat and Salalah in Oman. Bhargava said unlike no-frills airlines abroad, Air-India Express would provide free snacks, juice and water, 0
110598 3 1554 BUSI BUSINESS Rich nations seek action to tame Chinese textiles BRUSSELS: European nations cranked up pressure yesterday for emergency action to curb a surge in imports of cheap Chinese clothing, while Washington took steps of its own that could lead to limits on shipments from China. The European Union's executive gave the go-ahead for an investigation lasting up to 60 days into the dramatic rise in imports of nine products since the end of a global quota regime for textiles and clothing trade on January 1. Imports of pullovers and men's trousers from China have leapt by over 400 per cent since the quota system was scrapped. "There have been disproportionate increases ... in the first quarter, accompanied by considerable cuts in average prices, which pose a grave threat of irreparable damage to the Spanish and European textile industries," Spanish Trade Secretary Pedro Mejia said in a letter to EU trade chief Peter Mandelson. After joining the World Trade Organisation in 2001, China agreed to let member states restrict textile import 0
110599 0 1554 COMM COMMENTWhen knowledge becomes dogma... Speaking as a teacher, it is my firm belief that where once we saw it our duty to impart as much knowledge as possible to our pupils and students, it is now our duty to impart as little knowledge as possible. That is not a new notion. For generations teachers have rebelled against the idea of pouring knowledge into the head, as the Australians say, from the jug into the mug. Long ago Plutarch reminded us that a child's mind was not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled. But the essential intellectual instruments to effect that reform simply were not there. They are now. I was educated to acquire as much knowledge as I reasonably could, principally so that I would pass my examinations. I therefore wish now to convince you that the real purpose of education is to acquire as little as possible commensurate with your being capable, intelligent and, of course, wise. The influence of the Internet is most felt by the regime of explicit knowledge, the know-what. The Internet, still in i 0
110600 0 1554 COMM COMMENTBahraini thugs represent a dangerous trend Our part-time houseboy Shukor arrived at our house on Wednesday nursing an injured back. When Sara asked him what was wrong, he said he had been attacked while cycling to our home from his. He was on the Salmaniya roundabout when some Bahrainis in a car pulled alongside and one leaned out of the window and punched him in the back. This cowardly, thuggish act could easily have resulted in tragedy had Shukor been knocked off his bike and under the wheels of a car. The traffic was heavy and as it was he must have wobbled dangerously between the vehicles, putting him at risk of death or injury. He escaped with a bruise and laughed it off, telling Sara it was just silly people being "naughty". These "naughty" thugs should spend a night or two in a cell, or better still, doing the kind of work people like Shukor have to do, to earn what little he makes to send home to his wife and two children. Perhaps they should be made to work all night, six days a w 0
110603 0 1554 LETT LETTERS What's nationality got to do with crime? WHILE reporting crimes in the GDN, the nationality of the culprit is mentioned prominently. I have tried to understand the rationale for the approach but have failed to make any headway. To me, the real value in reading the crime reports is to become aware of the occurrence and circumstances, and make a mental note of actions to be taken to avoid becoming a victim. The fact that the crime was committed by an Indian, a Pakistani, or a Briton has little value. If the GDN was the official gazette of the government of Bahrain and all crimes committed in Bahrain were reported in it, then the nationality data could be used to identify nationalities that were involved in more crimes than others, by someone who had interest in such trivia. However, as per GDN's own admission, it is not possible for the newspaper to become aware of, and report all the crimes that take place in Bahrain. As such, the tracking of crimes by nationalities should be left to the government of Bahrain, and only t 0
110604 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Why so laid back? FILIPINAS forced into prostitution (GDN, April 23). As anyone else noticed that when judicial cases are up before the beak and are reported in the news, invariably the accused 'was not in court', or "didn't turn up" for the hearing? Are accused people not issued with a 'summons' to appear? And failing to appear are they not in contempt of court and a warrant issued for their arrest? Or will a letter from mummy or daddy explaining that little Johnny was unable to attend 'cos he caught his head in the spin dryer, be sufficient excuse for the judiciary? Was it the fact m'lord, that the accused in the 'Filipinas forced into prostitution' case was too bone idle to drag himself out of bed? Or did not his Russian "girlfriend" (duh!) wake him one wonders, or perhaps again, it doesn't matter whether one turns up or not, the court doesn't seem to mind, they simply adjourn the case to a more convenient time to suit the defendant's timetable, the defendant doesn't mind, the police don't seem to mind 0
110605 0 1554 LETT LETTERS I told you so! IN response to your article 'Filipinas forced into prostitution', well there you go... exactly what I was on about in my last letter (GDN, April 23). The sad fact of the matter is that the sponsor will continue not turning up in court and it will drag on forever and a day, adjourned for another month. While the victims stay in cramped conditions at the embassy waiting to see if they are able to return home, all too many times the sponsors refuse to pay for the return ticket home for these people and then refuse to turn up in court. In my country this is called 'contempt of court' which again carries a fine! The only option for the victim is to pay for his or her own way home, otherwise they are stuck here for months on end or even years if they cannot afford the ticket. I have just paid for a plane ticket out of my own pocket for the person that I am helping as it is his only option and if my letters make any difference to change the system or can help others, to me that 0
110606 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Consumer trust lacking BAHRAIN has a small to medium size consumer market with a variety of brands and products. Most local dealers have a lack of consumer rights knowledge and hence suffer in consumer confidence and trust. Claiming warranty or after-sales-service is a headache, specially with small outlets, which are convenient for local residents. When they need service or a warranty claim, they are redirected to a service centre, i,e. first far to reach and then timing never matches with your job. Looking at more developed markets, outlets do the same job sending items themselves rather directing customers to service centres, with a choice that it may take more time. Look at the convenience. First choice to choose local outlet is justified and if they need any service, they will have peace of mind that they don't have to go and search for service centre on their own. This will also improve customer confident over brand or dealer. Is there any government body or unit where consumers can complain agai 0
110607 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Get in touch, Randle FURTHER to the letter 'When will abuse of workers stop' by Randle (GDN, April 22) his kind care and assistance are the kind we are looking for in our organisation. We would be delighted to hear from him and can be contacted by email at: mrlookerpi@hotmail.com B Loblah 0
110608 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Thoughts on shredders... WITH reference to the letter 'Throwaway thought' (GDN, April 23), please note that there are shredders which will shred disc floppies and paper of course. A J Thomas 0
110609 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Don't victimise workers IT is a pity that poor Asian labourers are being victimised and criticised in your letters columns. Is this just because they never get a chance to read and understand what accusations are made against them? Yes, labourers assemble on street corners on holidays near Bab Al Bahrain. So what? After a long tedious week, it is their only entertainment and a meeting point where they get in touch with the news about their hometown and friends. People like M J (GDN, April 18) and F V (GDN, April 18) can afford to spend their weekends in clubs and restaurants and meet their companions and associates. But these unlucky souls are not showered with such blessings. I would rather suggest such fussy and royal personalities avoid these crowded streets on Fridays and instead choose their shopping in comfortable, elite marble malls. If you watch things with your dark goggles everything will appear only dark. Why don't you people consider these poor human beings from their point o 0
110610 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Inferiority complex? I WOULD like to reply to M J's letter 'Why do workers stare' (GDN, April 18). What I would like to say to this moron is that maybe the poor workers in the back of the truck were discussing among themselves as to why the person sitting in the car behind them is always staring at US. And who gave him/her permission to stare at them without their permission, and they would like the authorities that be to tackle people sitting in air-conditioned cars that keep staring at workers in the back of trucks, as they must be staring at the workers continuously otherwise how would they know that the workers are staring at them? What a load of Sandra Bullocks this M J family must be. Also they are of English or American descendant according to M J's closing remark in their letter which is only used by these countries. Anybody who cannot stand others who stares at them must have an inferiority complex, have pimples or is plain ugly. And a tip to the workers in the back of trucks: ...th 0
110611 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Two-faced company I AM working for a private company as a salesman. It has two different policies. Company labour is paid overtime but office staff are not getting any. I always work more than eight hours every day and on Fridays. The management says that office staff does not get paid overtime. Is there a law like this at the Labour Ministry. Who can I contact? Suresh A MINISTRY of Labour spokesman said: "Readers with enquiries whether of a general or specific nature are welcome to come, during normal office hours, to this ministry's Labour Relations Directorate, telephone 17688552, where his enquiry can be dealt with directly. Complaints can be made through the Complaints Office of that Directorate, telephone 17688624". 0
110612 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Sponsors should pay TO follow up on my letter regarding the Filipino that I am helping to get back to his home country (GDN, April 22), I would be grateful if someone could enlighten me with an explanation on the following: 1. Why is it acceptable for the so-called sponsor not to be made to bear the expense for the return ticket home for the victim when the sponsor has already purchased a return ticket in the first place! 2. Why is it that although I have secured a ticket for the victim, it is the responsibility of the victim to pay the fine for over staying his visit visa due to the fact that the sponsor was the cause of this? The sponsor had been holding this man captive in an apartment and only escaped due to the fact that the guard went to the bathroom! The sponsor wanted and expected reimbursement for his expenses before he would let him out! 3. What right does the sponsor have of holding the victim's passport? 4. What makes the sponsor think that he is the one in the right over all of 0
110613 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Visa information elusive I AM considering taking a job in Bahrain, but I seek more information about the family visa. This information is very difficult to locate! How much salary must I earn to bring my family to Bahrain with me? Are there other requirements that one should know about? What is the procedure for applying for this visa? Where is this information published? Vijay A GENERAL Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs spokesman said: "Information about all the services provided by the GDNPR is given on our website www.immigration.gov bh "For the benefit of the reader we are pleased to give more detailed information about how to obtain a family visa. "Any male professional employee will be eligible to request for a family visa after he has taken up employment in Bahrain if he wishes his wife and children to join him on the island. "The application is made by the expatriate's sponsor, and the following documents are required: "All the fol 0
110614 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Stares just unnerve me M J in his letter (GDN, April 18) asked why workers stare. As a single woman I have felt their stares making me feel so awkward and uncomfortable whether I'm driving behind their truck or just walking down to the nearby supermarket. But coming from the same subcontinent they come from, all I have to say on their behalf is this: Most of the time they are not even aware of what they are doing. Ignorance comes from lack of any education, social and economical depravity and no exposure to the world outside their sordid lives. I do empathise with what you and your wife feel because not everybody gets used to the staring (I haven't in all these years), but I also see the other side and just put up with it. One of the men who does menial work at my place of work used to stare at me until I had a chat with him one day and from then on there has been nothing except a polite hello which has now turned into a friendly hello. They are so unaware. They need a little mo 0
110615 0 1554 LETT LETTERS High time to call a spade a spade THIS letter is in response to the letter 'Guilty conscience' (GDN, April 25). First off, you replied to my letter (GDN, April 18) about migrant workers staring. Here are the facts. I do agree that they live in horrible conditions, receive little pay, and are away from family for months at a time. This of course is a horrible way to live and my prayers are with them in the hope they may someday be granted the same life you and me share. However, I completely disagree with your assumption that they are merely staring into open space. Yes they do share a bed of a big truck with not a lot of places to look, but in order to stare into open space, do they not need open space? What I mean is, is the inside of my car open space?. Hmm I think not, open space is the buildings around town, the sea line, the sky, whatever, but when these people make it so obvious as to tap each other on the shoulder and point or nudge them to look into my car, I doubt very much that they are 0
110616 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Cheap labour option is killing opportunity I AM writing in response to a worried Bahraini mum's letter (GDN, April 20) about her well-qualified son and niece having to sit at home with no good job offers forthcoming. One can understand her concerns as she seems to have done all that a parent can do to ensure their offspring get a good chance at succeeding in life. It, however, does not surprise me at all that her qualified children are getting no offers of employment. Like all well-qualified and enthusiastic young adults, these two must be expecting a decent starting wage and a job that makes use of the skills they have learnt. Their only mistake is in hoping for all this in Bahrain. Why would any employer, employ these two who expect a 'decent' wage when they have access to an inexhaustible supply of cheap, qualified, labour from the Subcontinent, from the Far East and many other countries with huge populations and few opportunities. For decades Bahraini and other Gulf employers have reaped rich profits 0
110617 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Assault incredible IT was with a sense of utter disbelief that I read about the US Army lieutenant Jack Saville who ordered at gunpoint two Iraqi civilians thrown in the Tigris river in January 2004 ( freezing winter) which caused one of them to drown sentenced to only a pay cut of $2,000 (BD574) per month for 6 months! He was also convicted of lesser assault in a separate incident at Balad Iraq in December 2003. What the incident and charge of lesser assault was we are not told. It could have been of a serious nature when it has been reduced to one of lesser assault. Why is the US Army not transparent in its judicial proceedings? Can they just do murder and get away with it, all because they wear a US Army uniform? What is the Human Rights Watch doing about it. They are very loud-mouthed in criticising the Third World and other countries about justice and fair trial? How long is the world going to stand by and let this happen day after day. Is there no world forum to correct this dismal s 0
110618 0 1554 LETT LETTERS I duly repent IN reply to 'Abortion is murder' by Stacy (GDN, April 18). Having read my own letter regarding former Pope John Paul II numerous times, I cannot for the life of me see any reference to abortion. Where did this come from? I entirely agree, 100 per cent with Ms Stacy's comments on the issue of abortion. (There are some extreme exceptions of course.) And by the way, what about the issues of women priests and the paedophiles? However, I have seen the error of my ways, duly repent, and I have now adopted the same selfish, head in the sand attitude as Ms Stacy, when faced with the facts the best thing to do is just ignore them, carry on regardless and hope everything turns out all right on the night. The biology lesson is of course welcomed, and has been well noted and received. On the issue of Aids, again I entirely agree, not being a drug addict myself, a philandering 'flinger', or in receipt of a blood transfusion at the moment, my chances of getting 0
110619 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Ticket prices confusing A SPATE of comments have appeared about unjustified high airline fares to countries like India and Pakistan. Airlines give their own comments. Recently one of my friend's family performed Umra. They booked their seats from Dahran to Jeddah (or perhaps to Madina). Their son took them through by car to Dahran and returned. They had booked their seats in Manama. The return air ticket cost them BD77 per head. According to them, from Bahrain the same ticket would cost BD230 per head. They tell me most people are using this route. Earlier, a friend told me that from Dammam buses leave every hour charging BD9 only for a three day return trip for Umra. I am a common man. I do not know nor want to know what is a yield committee or what a yield has to do with fixing fare business. For me air distance both from Bahrain International Airport or Dahran International Airport to Jeddah is the same then how so much difference? Are we not losing business? Are we really seriou 0
110620 0 1554 LETT LETTERS What a nasty person! IT was impossible not to be angry when I read the letter about workers staring (GDN, April 18) by MJ. What a nasty stuck up person you are MJ to write that letter and not have the guts to sign it except with initials. At the moment we are having work done on our house, necessary renovations to the outside by some of the kind of workers you would accuse of staring. They arrive at 6am and are supposed to leave at 4pm but they rarely do. They continue until they have reached a stage in the work that is the completion of a section. That has been as late as 7pm. They step aside if I have to pass them when I cross the yard to the laundry room, virtually standing to attention when they wish me 'good morning or afternoon' happy and proud to be able to say a few words in English. In Manama, I have been virtually knocked over by, and had doors left to swing in my face by clean and tidy men who look like gentlemen. The workers fuss over my two dogs (these men are Muslim to 0
110621 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Speed does not kill but ignorance does THIS is in response to the letter "Our foreign drivers need educating" (GDN, April 25). Has this writer considered that foreigners may not be the only ones committing traffic violations? As I am making a left hand turn through a roundabout, a gentleman from an oncoming road pulls out in front of me and cuts me off. What I thought was truly surprising was when he pulled me over to say I was in HIS way. From all the manuals I've read, once you are on the roundabout, you have the right of way over people trying to enter the roundabout. His answer all the way until the police arrived for the scene he created was, "Women should not be allowed to drive." And it turns out this guy has lived in Bahrain for 22 years. Guess he out ranks me because I've only been here eight years. I must note that the police involved were very good in dealing with the situation, even though language was an obstacle. The two officers knew exactly what the conflict was and resolved it quickly 0
110622 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Spontaneous love THIS is in response to C Henderson's letter (GDN, April 15) on John Paul II. The praise and love the late Pope received from all around the world was spontaneous. Catholics cannot assist Henderson, if he or millions of the 'outstanding human beings' known to him were equally praiseworthy and the world failed to take note of it. John Paul's clear stand on morals received enthusiastic support from men/women of all religions who live for values. Good ones had some voice speaking for them strong and bold. Popes, we believe, speak for God. Hence they have to suggest the ideal way of living. They cannot compromise on morals as they speak and live for God who is perfect. We Catholics want them to continue to speak for God at least to keep our conscience active. That is why we are happy that the new Pope is also a conservative and that he was elected almost unanimously. Henderson left other points that critics added to the list of 'Catholic concerns' that the Pope had ignored 0
110623 0 1554 LETT LETTERS Drugs menace spreading among young ONE of the greatest challenges facing the entire world is drug addiction that is rapidly spreading amongst youngsters. Being unable to face the stress and strain that are posed by the challenges of modern life and bereft of love sympathy affection and understanding, the younger generation is unable to maintain their mental, physical and emotional equilibrium. In this direction the proposed campaign to fight this menace (GDN, April 21) is most welcome and a positive approach to find solution to this deadly problem facing the youth. While the parents and elders are totally tied down to the mundane mechanical life to make the ends meet to run the family on one side, the seniors of the affluent class are totally engaged in pursuits of pleasures, thus disregarding the care and attention which is needed for the proper upbringing of the children and younger people. The system of being together with relatives and friends is also getting faded with the onset of preferring nucle 0
110624 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Thieves find house keys inside shoes THIEVES stole around BD250 worth of jewellery from a family in Manama, after finding the keys to the house were left inside shoes outside. The family kept the keys in the shoes, even though shoes had been stolen from outside twice in the last two months. Pakistani Tahir Saeed Malik, 46, said his wife left the keys there for members of the family to use to enter the house. He said that it was a mistake to do so after his shoes were stolen from outside the house on two separate occasions recently. Mr Malik thinks that the thieves may have used the keys to gain access to the house. "They only stole the jewellery and nothing else. I think they were only inside for a few minutes and ran away," he said. No one was at home at the time of the incident. 0
110625 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Askar area hit by fault in power lines A FAULT with overhead electricity lines serving parts of Askar caused a power failure at some companies in the Industrial Area yesterday. Electricity and Water Ministry staff responded to the emergency as soon as it occurred at around 10.30am and restored power to around 50 per cent of the affected area within half-an-hour, said Assistant Under-Secretary for Distribution and Customer Services Adnan Fakhro. He added the rest of the area was back up within around two hours. "It wasn't a major power cut. It only affected a small part of Askar," said Mr Fakhro. 0
110626 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Models display latest collection Models displayed the latest spring and summer collections of nine international fashion brands at a fashion show in Al A'ali Shopping Complex yesterday. The morning coffee and fashion show was organised by and held at the Vogue and Genny Boutique, located on the ground floor. Seven female models displayed the latest designs of Nicole Farhi, Jorando, Pink Soda, Joseph, Paul & Joe, Patrick Gerard, Maternity Wear, Neuf Lane and 1 et 1 font 3. A percentage of the store's sales yesterday will be donated to the Al Wafa Centre, in Isa Town, which cares for autistic children. 0
110627 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Mobile is stolen from car THIEVES stole a mobile phone from a car while it was parked outside the Works and Housing Ministry in Manama. They broke into the 2004 Nissan Sunny in broad daylight by smashing the driver-side window. The 50-year-old Bahraini owner said the car was left unattended for just 15 minutes while he went inside the ministry. "The car was parked on the main road, there were people passing by it all the time," said the owner, who asked to remain anonymous. "I even asked policemen guarding a building nearby, but they did not hear or see anything. "The phone did not cost more than BD40, but I also had to instal a new window that cost about BD20." The incident, which happened at around 11.30am, was reported to police. 0
110628 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Courses on First Aid planned A SERIES of courses on First Aid conducted by qualified nurse and First Aid instructor, Pam Kamal, will start at the Dilmun Club in Saar on Sunday. The courses teach First Aid skills that can save lives and the first, which focuses on Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), will run from 9am to noon. The second course, on childcare first aid, will take place on May 7 and 8 from 8am to noon both days. A course on emergency aid for the public will be held on May 14, while another on emergency aid at work is lined up for May 15. Both take place between 8am and 4pm. Meanwhile, a four-day course on First Aid at work will be held on May 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 8am to 4pm. Ms Kamal is also running a First Aid course for youngsters, aged eight to 14 years, starting on Thursday. For further details or registration contact 17792811. 0
110629 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Free medical camp held A FREE medical camp for workers was held at the Aquamaster Construction Company, in Manama, last night. The Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) organised the event, during which senior medical consultants and paramedics examined about 150 workers. The co-sponsors of the camp were Bright Trading and Dundee Construction, which provided dinner. ICRF functions under the Indian Embassy and organises medical check-ups at labour camps around the country. The aim is to create health awareness among the workers. For more information, contact the embassy on 17714551 or ICRF general secretary C R Nambiar on 39650858. 0
110630 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL 32 teams to race against the clock... THIRTY-TWO teams are getting set to compete in the 10th annual Against The Clock (ATC) charity contest at Al Bander Hotel and Resort, Sitra today. It is being organised by the Rotaract Club of Manama-Salmaniya, which is hoping to raise more than BD13,000 to set up a computer lab and carpentry workshop for the Al Rashad Centre for Autistic Children, Isa Town. Teams of seven will take part in a variety of games - including a treasure hunt - which require a range of physical, mental and co-ordination skills. Side attractions include a Laywa dance performance, game stalls, henna designing, face-painting, food and refreshment stalls, a DJ, a magician and a bouncy castle. There will also be a special show by the Italian International Circus featuring snakes. The event is being sponsored by Bahrain National Insurance, for the second time. Teams taking part are Asry, Ahli United Bank (two teams), Jawad Habib, National Motors Company (two teams), MTC-Vodafone (two 0
110631 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Festival at club to mark Labour Day A FESTIVAL marking International Labour Day will be held at the Pakistan Club, Manama, on Sunday. Pakistani workers will attend the event, at 8pm, from all sectors of Bahrain's labour market. Labour Ministry manpower director Ahmed Al Bana is the chief guest, while Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Council member Mohammed Usman will be guest of honour. For more information contact 39439447. International Labour Day is celebrated internationally on May 1. 0
110632 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Top players in Scrabble showdown TOP Scrabble players from Saudi Arabia will go head-to-head against their Bahrain counterparts today in a four-game competition at Yateem Centre, Manama. Mohammed Amanullah Khan and Mohammed Osman Ali Khan are taking part in the contest, which is open to all players. They were both on the Saudi team at this month's Bahrain-Saudi Challenge and are due to play in the 15th Gulf Scrabble Tournament (GST) at the Hilton in June. GST co-ordinator for Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Osman Ali Khan, is formally registering eight players today in the regional championship. Today's competition at the Yateem Centre starts at 2pm. 0
110633 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Charity box stolen A THIEF snatched a charity collection box from a doctor's surgery before fleeing in a pick-up truck. The man, who is thought to be Bahraini, was seen running away by nurses at the clinic of Dr Yousif Akbar, in Manama. Assistant Yasser Mohammed Najem, from Iraq, said the collection box contained money donated for the poor. 0
110634 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Sermons schedule MOSQUES around Bahrain are offering sermons in different languages today. The following is the schedule: Urdu: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque, Al Fateh Mosque in Manama, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa Mosque in Muharraq, Abdulla bin Abbass Mosque in Isa Town, Saar Mosque in Saar, Abdulla Ahmed Nass and Al Moqira Bin Shoba Mosque in Sitra, and Yateem Mosque in Barbar. Malayalam: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque, Al Mehza'a Mosque and Al Farouk Mosque in Manama, Othman Bin Afan Mosque in Muharraq, Al Suq Mosque in East Riffa and Adliya Mosque in Adliya. Tamil: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama. Bangladeshi: Al Farouk Mosque in Manama and Saar Mosque in Saar. English: Al Farouk Mosque and Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. Sinhalese: Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Mosque in Manama. 0
110635 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL New vicar on Bahrain visit NEWLY-appointed Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Bishop Paul Hinder, is arriving in Bahrain today on an official visit. This is the bishop's first visit to the country after being appointed vicar to the region last month. He replaced Bishop Giovanni Bernardo Gremoli, who served as Vicar Apostolic of Arabia since 1975. Sacred Heart Church Parish Priest Father Thomas Quadros said Bishop Hinder will be in Bahrain until Sunday. The church is hosting a dinner in his honour tomorrow at its Bishop Trinanzi Auditorium, in Manama, from 8pm. 0
110636 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Two held for attack in hotel TWO Saudi men were arrested for allegedly beating a Saudi woman in her hotel room and trying to force her to go with them to have sex at their flat. The 25-year-old woman was staying at a hotel in Manama when the men, whom she knew, came into her room. She has since checked out of the hotel. 0
110637 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL BD14m 'needed for disabled' MANAMA: Bahrain's Committee for the Benefit of the Disabled may need an annual budget of BD14 million to cover the BD50 monthly allowance granted to each disabled person, it was revealed yesterday. Social Affairs Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi said according to a recent study there were about 24,000 disabled people in the country. Currently, the budget for the disabled is BD2,377,800 which benefits 3,963 individuals. 0
110638 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Dilmun talks A SEMINAR on the discovery of the Dilmun civilisation in Bahrain will take place today at the Bahrain Historical and Archaeological Society, in Juffair. It is being organised by the Information Ministry, in co-operation with the society. Traces of the Dilmun empire were first discovered in Bahrain in 1953 by a Danish expedition. Today's seminar will be conducted by archaeologists Dr Fleming Hojllund, from Denmark, Dr Pierre Lombard, from France, Dr Robert Killick, from the UK, and Abdulrahman Musameh from the Directorate of Museums. It starts at 8pm. 0
110639 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Bahraini, 23, hangs himself MANAMA: A 23-year-old Bahraini has committed suicide at his family home in Janabiya, police said yesterday. The youngster reportedly hanged himself with a rope. Relatives blamed the incident on family differences and other problems. 0
110640 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Premier thanked MANAMA: Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received a message of thanks from the Islamic Educational Society for sponsoring the full medical treatment of Bahraini child Bader abroad. 0
110641 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Students speak out for a healthy cause ST Christopher's School student Amritha Jacob won the first place in a health speech contest held last night at the Hilton. She received a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines return ticket to Amsterdam for her speech entitled An Unhealthy Investment. Zamira Ann Monteiro of Sacred Heart School bagged the second place and received a KLM Royal Dutch Airlines return ticket to Abu Dhabi for her speech on Food for Thought. Third place went to Al Noor International School student Noor Tourani who walked away with a consolation prize for her speech entitled Live or Perish: It's Your Choice. The winners also received a trophy and certificate each. The championship trophy went to St Christopher's School. Fourteen private schools took part in the contest, which was a jointly organised by the Bahrain Toastmasters (BTM) and the American Mission Hospital (AMH). The aim of the event was to help develop students' communication skills, as well as raise awareness about topic 0
110642 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Brothel shut down after police raid A BROTHEL that offered sex with women for as little as BD3 each was closed down after it was raided by police. The owner, a 32-year-old Indian woman, has been jailed for two years after she admitted running a prostitution business from the flat, in East Riffa. She was also fined BD300 for breaking the terms of her residency by not working for her sponsor. Two women caught working as prostitutes in the flat, a 28-year-old Bangladeshi and a 22-year-old Indian, were jailed for three months each. They were also fined BD300 for overstaying their residence permits. All three women pleaded guilty to the charges brought against them in the Lower Criminal Court. A 52-year-old Indian man, whose job was to open the door for customers, was also jailed for three months after he admitted depending on the earnings of prostitution. He told police that in exchange for welcoming clients, he was given free food, accommodation and received a salary of BD1 a day. 0
110643 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL No-frills Air India services sought OFFICIAL efforts will be made to persuade Air India to operate its low-cost carrier, Air India Express, to Bahrain, a visiting Kerala minister said yesterday. The new service, which offers tickets at a 25 per cent cheaper rate than normal flights, starts operations today to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Muscat. "The official delegation on the inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi will be headed by Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy," Kerala's food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister Adoor Prakash told a Press conference yesterday at the Taj Palace Hotel. "Expatriate Indians in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia feel that they have been neglected by Air India. "The Kerala government will, therefore, take up the matter with Indian Civil Aviation Affairs and the Air India authorities to ensure that Bahrain and other Gulf countries are also included in the second phase of Air India Express operations ." Mr Prakash is in Bahrain at the invitation of the Indian Oversea 0
110644 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Writer recalls war memories FANS met Lebanese journalist and talk show host Zaven Kouyoumdjian at the signing of his book, Lebanon Shot Twice, at Al Riwaq Gallery, Adliya yesterday. In the book, Mr Kouyoumdjian revisits famous images from the Lebanese Civil War and traces the people and places in those images to document the country after war. Mr Kouyoumdjian gave a slide presentation of the photographs in his book, as well as a short talk about his experiences at the gallery last night. The journalist, who was born in Beirut in 1970, is a communication arts graduate from the Lebanese American University. He is best known for his daring and controversial topics on 5/7 (Tele Liban) and Sire Wen Fatahit (Future Television). Sire Wen Fatahit has been rated among the top five talk shows in the Middle East for the past three years. Lebanon Shot Twice costs BD40 and is available at the Al Riwaq Gallery bookshop. A percentage of the book's profits will go to the Bahrain Cancer 0
110645 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Dilmun era comes alive on canvas AN art exhibition showcasing the works of the founder of the Dilmun school of art in Bahrain was opened yesterday at the Art Centre, next to the Bahrain National Museum. Around 50 works of art are being displayed by Bahraini artist Rashid Al Oraifi at the exhibition, which was opened by Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi. Also present were Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood and guests visiting Bahrain from the UK, France and Denmark to take part in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Dilmun civilisation by Danish arcaheologists. The exhibition will be open to the public daily from 4.30pm to 8pm until Wednesday. Mr Al Oraifi is acclaimed regionally and internationally as the creator of the Dilmun school of art, which he initiated in 1970. "The inspiration was based mainly on the Dilmun seals, carved with symbols of this ancient culture and beliefs, such as animals, trees, gods and goddesses as well as various aspect 0
110646 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL School gearing up for festival PREPARATIONS are in full swing at the Indian School, Isa Town, for the Youth Festival Rithu 2005, being held next month. Preliminary selections for the six inter-house competition are already over and more than 2,600 students are vying for the top honours. The finals will be held on May 22, 23 and 24 and the grand finale will be held towards the end of the month, at the school's Isa Town campus. The selected students will compete in individual as well as group events. School executive committee chairman P V Radhakrishna Pillai said the main aim of the competition is to bring out the hidden talents of children. "The school has always stressed on extracurricular activities and the children are very enthusiastic to take part in the various programmes," he said. In the group events, the youngsters will represent their respective houses, which are named after the planets - Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Pluto and Venus. The champion house will 0
110647 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL 'Gems' for a brighter future... TWO American educators are in Bahrain to introduce a new programme to the AMA School of Basic Education. The Great Explorations in Mathematics and Science (Gems) educational programme which aims to prepare youngsters for working life by encouraging them to team up and come up with new ideas, explore problems and solve mysteries. It is being introduced to the school's pupils in the new academic year, starting in September. Gems programme associate director Kimi Hosoume and workshop co-ordinator Laura Tucker flew in to Bahrain from the US to spearhead a parents' orientation programme and teachers' workshop at the school in Budaiya. The parents' orientation was conducted to specifically provide parents on what the programme is all about and how as parents they can benefit from it. The four-day seminar for teachers, which concludes today, aims to equip them with an innovative methodology in the teaching of science and mathematics developed by Gems, which can also be a 0
110648 0 1554 BNEW LOCAL Nations 'on the road to peace' PAKISTANIS and Indians were bowled over by the 'cricket diplomacy' which brought their respective leaders together earlier this month. President General Pervez Musharraf's visit to India for series of meetings with Indian Premier Manmohan Singh, wrapped around a one-day cricket match, created a new atmosphere of hope. But while Pakistani community leaders in Bahrain are still hailing it as a breakthrough, they say the core issue of Kashmir cannot be solved so easily. It is interesting to note that President Musharraf was born in the Indian capital New Delhi before partition, while Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was born and schooled in Jehlum, a district of Punjab, now in Pakistan. Their talks and the joint statement that followed are demonstrative of a new will to bury the hatchet, say community members. There is no quick solution, but this is a big step in the right direction, said Overseas Pakistanis Advisory Council (OPAC) member Mohammad Usman. "Th 0
110649 1 1554 BNEW LOCAL Pupils honoured for health focus MORE than 20 government and private school pupils have been presented with awards for highlighting health issues through an art and writing competition. Education Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Hussain Bader Al Sadah presented the primary, intermediate and secondary school students with certificates, plaques and trophies, at a ceremony held at the Education Ministry's main hall in Isa Town. Teachers and supervisors of the winning students also received awards at the event, which was held under the patronage of Education Minister Dr Majid Ali Al Nuami and Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh. The art and writing competition was organised by the International Hospital of Bahrain (IHB) in co-operation with the Education Ministry. For the competition, participants were required to enter a piece of work (either a drawing, handicraft, essay, short story, or poetry, depending on the school category), based on last year's World Health Day theme: Road Safety. Primary schools enter 0
110650 2 1554 BNEW LOCAL Reminders of a glorious past FIFTY years of Danish archaeological expeditions in Bahrain, unearthing priceless artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilisation, are being showcased in a new permanent exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum. The exhibition, organised in co-operation with the Moesgaard Museum in Aarhus, Denmark, opened yesterday and features various artefacts found at the Bahrain Fort, Barbar Temple and Al A'ali burial mounds. It was opened in a ceremony attended by Education Minister Dr Majid Al Nuaimi, Information Ministry Under-Secretary Mahmood Al Mahmood and visiting delegations representing Danish, French and English expeditions. The event is part of the country's celebration of the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Dilmun civilisation in Bahrain by Danish archaeologists, which was marked with the re-opening of the renovated Bahrain Fort on Wednesday. Dr Al Nuaimi said that the new exhibition was part of the country's celebration and pride in its deep-rooted civilisation. 0
110651 3 1554 BNEW LOCAL Islamic centre to be opened A NEW Islamic centre set up to promote understanding between religions is due to officially open in Barbar tomorrow night. The Islamic Awareness Centre has been established to spread awareness of Islam in various languages, as well as build bridges with other faiths and religions. It started work in February last year during Ashoora and offered lectures on Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed, in English. Following a positive response, the centre has since organised a number of religious activities and programmes. In February this year, it held lectures about Imam Hussain in both English and French. However, the head of its information committee, Mohsin Al Tajer, said it is still in its early stages. "The centre will see further developments in future thanks to interest from non-Arabic speaking Muslims and people from other religions, who are interested in our activities and programmes," he said. "It is true the centre has limited funding be 0
110652 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Ahli claim slot for Cup clash AL AHLI qualified for the Crown Prince Cup following a 1-0 win over Busaiteen in the Bahrain Premier Division Soccer League last night at the Isa Town Stadium. The victory helped Al Ahli reach 32 points which secured them a spot among the top four teams in the Crown Prince Cup knock-out tournament scheduled after the league. Busaiteen, who needed maximum points to keep their chances alive to snatch fourth place, struggled to their second consecutive defeat and stayed sixth with 23 points. Today's fixtures: 5.35pm - Muharraq vs East Riffa, 7.35pm - Al Shabab vs Bahrain Club (both at Isa Town Stadium). 0
110653 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Ponting stands by Warne in sledging row MELBOURNE: Australia captain Ricky Ponting has backed Shane Warne over a sledging furore in English county cricket. Sussex captain Chris Adams said Warne, who skippers Hampshire, humiliated English fringe batsman Matt Prior at Hove last weekend. But Test cricket's leading wicket-taker claims he had a pop at Prior because he "chested" Warne's Australian and Hampshire team-mate Simon Katich when the pair collided mid-pitch. "I wanted to try to get under Prior's skin because of the way he chested Katich on the field," Warne said. "I thought cricket was a non-contact sport. I was sticking up for my mate and letting Prior know what I thought about his behaviour. I think Adams needs to put his own house in order before he goes complaining to the newspapers." Ponting said he intended to call Warne to find out exactly what happened but pointed out that the record Test wicket-taker was subject to closer media scrutiny than other players. "Unfortunately for Shane h 0
110654 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Pakistan to leave out 2 venues for England tour KARACHI: Pakistan will avoid scheduling matches against England in Peshawar and Quetta, cities close to the Afghan border, later this year, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sources said yesterday. England are due to tour Pakistan from October 25 to play three Tests, five one-day internationals and two three-day tour games. The board has provisionally scheduled the Tests for Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad, with two one-dayers in Karachi and two in Lahore, a PCB source said. The north western city of Peshawar has not hosted visiting teams since the September 11 attacks amid security concerns. Quetta, in the south west, boasts a recently completed cricket stadium but the city has seen a surge in violence in recent months by autonomy-seeking tribal militants. PCB director of operations Saleem Altaf said: "We've sent a letter to the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) chairman David Morgan proposing tentative venues for the matches but the itinerary is yet to be finalise 0
110655 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Asia giants to clash in Abu Dhabi PAKISTAN, Sri Lanka and India Masters XIs will battle it out in the Tsunami Relief Three-team Zayed Cup Cricket Tournament to be played from May 1 to 3 in Abu Dhabi. The event coincides with the official inauguration of the Zayed Cricket Stadium in the UAE capital and dubbed as one of the best in the world. Details of the tournament were announced by the president of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Control Board (ADCCB) B R Shetty. Pakistan will be captained by Inzaman ul-Haq, Sri Lanka by Marvan Atapattu while India have yet to finalise the squad. Tickets will be sold on a daily basis or as season tickets with special corporate boxes also on offer. The stadium, situated at the edge of the capital, has a seating capacity of over 20,000 and after the tournament an academy promoting the game at grassroots level is being set up. Schedule: Sunday - Sri Lanka vs India. Monday - Pakistan vs Sri Lanka. Tuesday - India vs Pakistan. 0
110656 0 1554 SPOR SPORT A'ali enter second round A'ALI reached the second round of the 12th A'ali Club Youth Soccer Championship despite a goalless draw with Barbar in Group 'A' at the A'ali Club grounds. A'ali finished second in this group with eight points while Barbar finished third with five points. In Group 'C', Demistan defeated Sanad 1-0 to end top with 10 points. Sanad remained on three points and bowed out of the tournament. The quarter-finals will be played tomorrow when Demistan take on A'ali, followed by Al Daih match against Abu Saiba. Saar play Karzakan while Al Shakhoora will clash with Karbadad in the other matches on Sunday. 0
110657 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Paes back for Davis Cup singles JAIPUR, India: Leander Paes, India's most successful Davis Cup player, will return to singles play in the Asia-Oceania second round tie against Uzbekistan starting at the Jai Club grass courts here today. Paes, the team captain with a 72-30 win record in the tournament, had opted out of the singles in the first round tie against China in March to give youngsters Prakash Amritraj and Harsh Mankad an opportunity to gain experience. The duo won all four singles in India's 5-0 romp, but Paes decided to replace Mankad against Uzbekistan which takes the winner into the World Group play-offs in July. 0
110658 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Henin tames Kabchi WARSAW: Former world number one Justine Henin-Hardenne was tested by Venezuelan Maria Vento Kabchi before earning a 6-3, 7-5 victory and a place in the quarter-finals of the WTA claycourt tournament here yesterday. Playing in dull and uncomfortably cool conditions, the Belgian found it difficult to establish her superiority over an experienced and competent opponent, who often hit the ball deep and struck some fine cross-court angles to keep Henin-Hardenne from settling into a rhythm. Third seed Vera Zvonareva continued her recent slide when she was beaten 6-2, 6-4 by 17-year old Serb Ana Ivanovic. Although still ranked 10, the Russian has slumped against lowly ranked opposition such as Fabiola Zuluaga, Evgenia Linetskaya, Nuria Llagostera Vives and Iveta Benesova in recent weeks. Against Ivanovic the unhappy Russian made too many unforced errors against her more consistent and confident opponent. The Serb's next challenge will come from sixth seeded Nathalie Dec 0
110659 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Bitter battle pits Rogge against Olymic sports chiefs LONDON: Heads of the 28 Olympic sports federations will hold an emergency meeting before an International Olympic Committee (IOC) vote on July 8 which could result in some sports being axed from the 2012 Games. Failure to win a majority vote by IOC members in Singapore for any of the federations will result in the sport being dropped from the Olympics. The IOC will choose the 2012 hosts from a short list of Paris, London, New York, Madrid and Moscow two days earlier. An announcement by IOC president Jacques Rogge in Berlin last week that all sports must submit to the vote has prompted the summer Olympics collective body ASIOF to call for an emergency meeting in June. "There are going to be 28 separate votes, one after the other," one high-ranking official said. "Will the IOC members really be able to, or be prepared to, concentrate fully on each vote? I'm not so sure. "A lot of people are worried and concerned about this vote. I mean, for starters, all the 0
110660 0 1554 SPOR SPORT McCulloch and Ebdon grab early leads SHEFFIELD, England: Outsider Ian McCulloch grabbed a 4-0 lead over Welsh sixth seed Matthew Stevens as their World Snooker Championship semi-final got underway at the Crucible Theatre here yesterday. McCulloch, a 100-1 outsider at the start of the tournament, compiled three half-centuries and a 127 clearance to rattle the Welshman in the best-of-33-frames showdown. In the other semi-final, 2002 winner Peter Ebdon, who put out defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan in the quarter-finals, led Shaun Murphy 6-2 after their first session. McCulloch had already showed his cool approach in triumphing in last-frame deciders with 2004 runner-up Graeme Dott and two-time world champion Mark Williams earlier in the tournament. He had secured his place in snooker's elite top 16 for the first time as a result of his quarter-final success over Alan McManus. And the 33-year-old made an impressive start and capitalised after Stevens missed a yellow when playing left-handed with a de 0
110661 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Moya pips Ferrero in three-set marathon ESTORIL, Portugal: Top seed Carlos Moya outlasted Juan Carlos Ferrero 7-5, 6-7 (4-7), 6-4 in a marathon second-round match at the Estoril Open claycourt tournament yesterday. Moya will play Paul-Henri Mathieu in today's quarter-finals after the Frenchman thrashed Tomas Cakl 6-1 6-1. Also through to the quarter-finals is fourth seed Tommy Robredo who defeated countryman Santiago Ventura 7-5, 6-0. The Moya-Ferrero contest was the match everyone was looking forward to from the moment the draw was made and it lived up to its billing. Traded The two former world number ones and French Open champions traded blows and counter-punches for two hours 48 minutes. "All the matches we have played against each other have been very tough fights," said Moya who still trails Ferrero 7-4 in head-to-heads and 4-2 on clay. Moya won the first set thanks to a lucky net-cord and had three match points in the second set before Ferrero battled back to force a decider. "I k 0
110662 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Els grabs share of lead SHANGHAI: World number three Ernie Els took a seven-way share of the first round lead yesterday at the $1.5-million BMW Asian Open, defying a strong Shanghai wind to fire a sizzling five-under-par 67. The South African, who claimed back-to-back victories in Dubai and Qatar in March and tied sixth at last week's Johnnie Walker Classic in Beijing, recorded six birdies and one bogey around the challenging 7,300-yard course. The "Big Easy" was joined at the top of the leaderboard by French duo Raphael Jacquelin and Jean Van de Velde, Englishman Simon Wakefield, Ireland's Peter Lawrie, Australian Larry Austin and Eddie Lee of New Zealand. "I had quite a few more chances on the back nine but all in all I'm very happy with my first round. It puts me in a good position for the rest of the week now," said Els, a three-time major winner. The 35-year-old, who has been working with golf guru David Leadbetter on his ball position and posture in recent weeks, said that although it was 0
110663 0 1554 SPOR SPORT South Africa chase first Test hat-trick ANTIGUA: Graeme Smith's team will aim to become the first South African side to win three consecutive Tests on tour when they take on West Indies in the fourth and final match, which starts today. "The opportunity to go 3-0 up in the Test series is a big one for us," Smith said yesterday. "We are well aware that no South African side has done it away from home before." South Africa drew the first Test in Georgetown, won 1-0 by eight wickets in Port of Spain and then clinched the series with an innings and 86-run victory in Bridgetown. Smith hinted that all rounder Shaun Pollock could be included in the side after recovering from the chronic inflammation in his left ankle that has kept him on the sidelines for five Tests and three one-day internationals. "Shaun is fit, and that will be a serious consideration when we select our team," Smith said. "Monde Zondeki has a thigh strain and Andre Nel's back is sore, so he could come in for one of them." Smith 0
110664 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Adnan sets up win for Jinnah ADNAN bagged five for 33 to help Jinnah CC defeat Golden Neon CC by 55 runs in the Island Cricket League's Alpha Fire Cup tournament. Batting first, Jinnah CC lost opener Masood with the score on 23 before Shahid (42), Hafiz (26) and Arshad (28) steadied the innings as they pushed the score along to 181 all out. In reply, Golden Neon CC began well scoring 51 runs in the opening five overs but the introduction of Adnan changed the scenario and they were dismissed for 126 in the 16th over. Alpha Fire CC Qatar scored a 61-run victory over Coca Cola CC after scoring 174 for eight with Noushad (60) top scoring. Coca Cola were never in the chase as they were bundled out for a paltry 113 as Alpha Fire bowlers Rizwan (three for 20) and Adnan (two for three) did the damage. Bongio Samaj CC beat Nass Mechanical CC by 34 runs after scoring 182 for nine with Netai (64) and Amit (56) being the top scorers. In reply, Nass Mechanical CC lost wickets at regular intervals 0
110665 0 1554 SPOR SPORT Duncan stars as Spurs fight back TORONTO: Tim Duncan nailed 24 points and snared nine rebounds and Tony Parker added 19 points as the San Antonio Spurs rolled to a 104-76 win over the Denver Nuggets yesterday, levelling their Western conference quarter-finals a game each. The best-of-seven series now shifts from San Antonio to Denver for game three. With Duncan labelling game two a must win, the Spurs rebounded from their first game loss in style, making nine of their first 10 shots and leading by 31 at the half. After a sub par performance in the opener, shooting just 7-of-22, Duncan was back in his MVP form - missing just four shots from the field. "Everyone came out focused and knew the game play," said Duncan, a twice NBA MVP. "When we do that... we're tough to beat." The Nuggets lacked the energy and intensity they displayed in the opener and appeared content to return home to Denver with the split, shooting just 36 per cent from the floor. In contrast, the Spurs played with a sense 0
110666 1 1554 SPOR SPORT SPORTING IN FINE VICTORY LISBON, Portugal: Sporting Lisbon substitute Mauricio Pinilla scored 11 minutes from the end as his team rallied to beat visiting AZ Alkmaar 2-1 last night in the first-leg of a Uefa Cup semi-final. The Chilean striker struck a right-foot shot from 30 metres out, beating diving goalkeeper Henk Timmer to make his team favourite to face Parma or CSKA Moscow in the May 18 final. Understrength Parma and CSKA Moscow played to a 0-0. "It's a shame about the late goal, and too bad we let the equaliser come so quickly, otherwise it might have been different," Timmer said. Alkmaar scored with its first shot of the game, Denny Landzaat finding space at the front post after 35 minutes to fire in a Kew Jallens cross from the right flank. Sporting equalised a minute later through Roudolphe Douala. The Cameroon winger picked up a rebound inside the area and hit a low drive from the left flank. Sporting had most of the possession but found little space to make its domin 0
110667 2 1554 SPOR SPORT Tareq and Belal lift gold medals BAHRAIN continued their good showing in the GCC Athletics Championship winning two gold and three silver on the second day yesterday at the National Stadium while the Saudi Arabian athletes contiued to consolidate their position at the top of the table in both the seniors and juniors sections. Bahrain's gold medals were won by junior athletes Tareq Mubarak and Belal Mansoor in the 2,000m steeplechase and 800m respectively. Tareq clinched Bahrain's first gold medal of the day in the 2,000m steeplechase by clocking five minutes and 32.72 seconds. Tareq was followed by another Bahraini Adam Ismail (5:58.25) who finished second. Belal, meanwhile, raced to victory in the 800m in 1:48.91 seconds, ahead of a Saudi and UAE runners. In the seniors section, Bahrain took two silver through Abul Yaqut in the 3,000m steeplechase and the 4X100m relay. But Bahrain Olympian and firm favourite Yousef Kamel failed to make an impact as he was suffering from Malaria and could only fi 0
110668 3 1554 SPOR SPORT Daniel clinches junior golf title DAVID Owen won the overall championship with a gross 81 and Abdulla Jalal (76 gross) retained his title as the Best Bahraini in the sixth annual Bahrain Junior Open Golf Championship which was held yesterday at Riffa Golf Club. More than 50 young golfers - both Bahraini and expatriate - competed in the five categories over six holes for the under-10's, nine for under-12 and under-14 and 18 for under-16 and -18. In ideal conditions, many of the players produced excellent scores during the competition with some winning on countback. Last year's overall champion Daniel Nolan and winner of the under-16 category was this time pipped by David Owen by virtue of the back nine on countback in the under-18 category. The under-16 section was dominated by Bahrainis with Abdulla again enjoying double success winning the Best Bahraini award as well as the category with a gross 76 followed by Jassim Al Mardi (79) second and Ali Jassim (83) third. Suzanna Hobday claimed the un 0
110669 0 1554 WHAT WHATS ONWhat's On in Bahrain ROTARACT Club of Manama-Salmaniya's 10th Annual Against The Clock contest, Al Bander Hotel and Resort, Sitra, 9am. Entrance BD1 per person. Bahrain Fort (Qal'at Bahrain or Portuguese Fort), end of Karbabad village, visit any time. Pool party, featuring performance by DJ Chang and guest musician Philippe, Mercure Hotel, Seef district, noon-9pm. Tickets BD5 per person. Kicking Up The Eighties party, Club 1, Metropolitan Hotel, 8.30pm. Contact Richard on 39797996. Indian Ladies Association's Food Festival, Beyond Taste Ghar Ka Gourmet, Karnataka Social Club, 5pm. Entrance 500 fils per family. All welcome. Contact Suchita Mandhana on 39409795 or Jasbir Ahuja 39264183. Talk show, Message for Men, to discuss the role of men in modern families, Indian Club, 8.30pm. Entrance free. Contact 39445724. Friday Family Extravaganza, Gulf Hotel, Al Waha Caf, 12.30pm-4pm. Tickets BD12++; poolside barbecue with live coo 0
110670 0 1554 WORL WORLD Cruise is dating actress Holmes LOS ANGELES: TOM CRUISE has a new girlfriend - actress KATIE HOLMES. Cruise, 42, and Holmes, 26, have been dating a few weeks, Cruise's publicist and sister, Lee Anne DeVette, said. The romance was reported by People and US Weekly magazines after photos of the two holding hands surfaced this week. The pair were photographed together in Rome, where Cruise will today receive a lifetime achievement award at the Italian equivalent of the Academy Awards, the David di Donatello Awards. Holmes' public relations firm - Baker Winokur Ryder - confirmed the two were dating. Both actors have had high-profile relationships. Cruise's first two marriages, to actresses MIMI ROGERS and NICOLE KIDMAN, ended in divorce. He was dating actress PENELOPE CRUZ until the pair split last year. Holmes and actor CHRIS KLEIN recently called off their engagement after dating five years. Cruise in his nearly 25-year career has starred in such films as Rain Man, 0
110671 0 1554 WORL WORLD Jackson a great dad says Rowe SANTA MARIA, California: MICHAEL JACKSON's ex-wife DEBORAH ROWE testified yesterday at his child molestation trial that Jackson is a "great person and a great father" and that some of the pop star's associates are "vultures" trying to exploit him. Rowe's testimony resumed for a second day under a cloud as Judge Rodney Melville considered an unexplained defence request to strike her testimony. But after a morning of more testimony favourable to Jackson, defence attorney Thomas Mesereau Jr suddenly withdrew the request. Her testimony was sometimes teary, sometimes salty and sarcastic. At one point she said, "Damn you" to prosecutors in an apparent misunderstanding about a question. She also acknowledged she has said she believes Jackson is easily manipulated. Rowe, the mother of two of Jackson's children, seemed to lament the state of their relationship when Mesereau asked if she still considered Jackson a friend. "Yeah," she said, adding, "if he'd talk to me." She 0
110672 0 1554 WORL WORLD Fawkes plot factors 'are still at play' LONDON: The factors that drove a group of religious zealots to try blowing up the British parliament 400 years ago are as relevant today as they were then, police said yesterday. The Gunpowder Plotters, the most famous of whom was Guy Fawkes, were Catholic fanatics in an age when Catholicism was a persecuted minority faith in England. "They were a minority who felt they had no say and when that happens people feel their options are limited and some turn to violence," said police Commander Steve Allen. "There are communities today who feel the same way, and our job is to try to build an inclusive society so that minorities do feel they have a voice," he said at the opening of a special exhibition on the plot. Neither Allen nor the exhibition at London's Globe Theatre mentioned the September 11, 2001 attacks on New York and Washington - although there is a reference to England's 5/11, meaning November 5, the date in 1605 set for the detonation. "We will be bringing 0
110673 0 1554 WORL WORLD PPP activists to be freed on bail LAHORE, Pakistan: A court in eastern Pakistan yesterday ordered the release on bail of 250 opposition supporters who were arrested to prevent them from holding a welcoming rally for the husband of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a lawyer said. Bhutto's husband, Asif Ali Zardari, arrived in Lahore from the UAE on April 16. Police arrested hundreds of Zardari's supporters - Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party says thousands - to stop them from greeting him at the city's airport. Yesterday, a court ordered the release of 250 of the detainees on bail of 10,000 rupees (BD64), said Amir Hashmi, a lawyer for Bhutto's party. They will face trial on charges of violating a ban on rallies, damaging public property and disrupting public life, and face up to 10 years in jail, he said. They were expected to be released later yesterday, Hashmi said. Trial dates haven't been set. He said up to 60 other supporters of Bhutto's party were still being held at police stations in the city.< 0
110674 0 1554 WORL WORLD 19 Iraqis killed in fresh violence BAGHDAD: At least 19 Iraqis were killed in fresh violence in Iraq yesterday. A major general who worked as an intelligence adviser in the interior ministry and a senior police officer were shot dead in Baghdad. Six Iraqi soldiers and five civilians were also killed in a string of attacks in the Sunni areas north of Baghdad, including a car bomb in Saddam's home town of Tikrit that also wounded three US soldiers. Four civilians were killed and 20 others wounded in a rocket attack in the Shi'ite majority town of Musayyeb, south of Baghdad. The US military also said it shot dead two insurgents in the Sunni bastion of Fallujah, west of Baghdad. A roadside bomb exploded in eastern Baghdad last night, injuring two policemen who were on patrol in the area. At around the same time, a rocket or a mortar exploded near Baghdad's international airport west of the capital, but it caused no damage or casualties. Meanwhile, former president Saddam Hussein marked 0
110675 0 1554 WORL WORLD Two million a year 'die from work accidents' GENEVA: Work-related accidents and illness kill more than two million people a year and are rising in some developing countries including China and Brazil, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) said yesterday. Occupational illnesses - including cancers from exposure to hazardous substances and respiratory and communicable diseases - are the main danger faced in the workplace, accounting for 1.7 million deaths. Asbestosis, a slow scarring of the lungs from inhaling high concentrations of dust from asbestos used in construction and insulation, is also increasing and accounts for 100,000 occupational deaths worldwide per year. In a statement issued on World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the ILO and World Health Organisation - both UN agencies - called for better prevention measures to protect workers. While the number of workplace accidents held steady or declined in most regions, the estimated number of fatal accidents in China rose to 90,500 in 2001 from 73,500 0
110676 0 1554 WORL WORLD Philippines helicopter crash kills scientists MANILA: A military helicopter carrying government scientists and a Red Cross official crashed in a mountainous area of the northern Philippines yesterday, killing all nine people on board, officials said. The scientists were surveying a resettlement area for victims of November's deadly landslides when the Huey helicopter went down for unknown reasons on the slopes of Mount Namal near the town of Gabaldon, 100km north of here. Three rescue helicopters retrieved six bodies within hours of the crash and brought them to Manila, officials said, with the remaining bodies due to be retrieved later. Among those killed were four scientists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) as well as their former boss, Raymundo Punongbayan, the country's most famous seismologist, according to Phivolcs chief Renato Solidum. Punongbayan became a governor of the Filipino chapter of the Red Cross after retirement. President Gloria Arroyo condoled with the 0
110677 0 1554 WORL WORLD Shooting of Irish boy, 5, is probed ENNISKILLEN, Northern Ireland: Police said yesterday they were inspecting 45 rifles from local farmers in an effort to identify the person who shot a boy in a school playground in this southwest Northern Ireland town. Darragh Somers, 5, remains in critical condition on a life-support machine at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, six days after a .22-calibre bullet struck him in the back of the head. The officer leading the investigation said police and the boys' parents believe that the shooting was accidental but needed to hear an explanation from the shooter. Chief Inspector Nigel Kyle said the Somerses "want this confirmation that Darragh, or their family, were not deliberately targeted." Police said most of the 45 rifles being forensically examined were handed over voluntarily by farmers who own land near Darragh's elementary school, but at least one of the firearms is owned by a man from Fivemiletown, about 25km to the east. Nobody has been arr 0
110678 0 1554 WORL WORLD Hindu temple shops online NEW DELHI: India's temples, which feed millions of people for free every day, making them some of the world's biggest food buyers, are going online for real-time prices to beat profiteers, a newspaper reported yesterday. India's richest temple, the Hindu Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams, began checking prices at online commodities exchanges this month to beat mark-ups from traditional suppliers of up to 50 per cent, said the Economic Times. The temple in southern India spends about 3 billion rupees ($70 million) a year to provide free meals, including almost 40m laddoos - fried sweets often used for temple offerings. Sikhism's holiest site, the Golden Temple in the northern city of Amritsar, and other shrines and temples around India are likely to follow suit, said the Times. "It is for the first time in India that a temple authority has tied up with a commodity broker," it quoted Gilby Mathew, of JRG Wealth Management, as saying. 0
110679 0 1554 WORL WORLD India troops accused of 'intrusion' DHAKA: Bangladesh accused a group of Indian border guards of intruding into its territory yesterday, in an escalating row on their long and porous border. There was no immediate comment from India which earlier this month accused Dhaka of killing an Indian border commander without any provocation. A group of 20 men from India's Border Security Force crossed into Bangladesh in full battle gear at Majhipara, 500km northwest of Dhaka, an officer of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) said. The Indian troops withdrew after moving along a border road for about half an hour, the Bangladeshi officer said, adding that Dhaka had since sent more forces at the border. The two countries share a 4,000km border. On Wednesday, Indian troops shot dead a Bangladeshi as he crossed into India in Satkhira district, 360km from Dhaka, taking the number of Bangladeshis killed at the border to five in as many days, the BDR officer said. Bangladesh insists trespassers - who might have oft 0
110680 0 1554 WORL WORLD Roberts tops People list LOS ANGELES: New mom and Pretty Woman star JULIA ROBERTS has retained her status as the fairest of the fair, People magazine said yesterday. This marked the third time that the 37-year-old star has topped the magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People" list, and the ninth time that she has made the list. "Now that she has her babies, she has reached the peak of beauty. She is satisfied and content," said the actress's friend and makeup artist, Genevieve. Roberts gave birth to twins PHINNAEUS and HAZEL in November. Alongside her in the ranks of the ravishing this year are HALLE BERRY, HILARY SWANK, JENNIFER LOPEZ and JAMIE FOXX. 0
110681 0 1554 WORL WORLD High salaries the solution... KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's founding father Lee Kuan Yew, whose 25-year authoritarian rule made the city-state one of the world's least corrupt countries, said yesterday paying high salaries to government ministers and officials is the best way to keep graft at bay. Lee, speaking at an international ethics forum organised in Kuala Lumpur by a Malaysian think-tank, said Singapore has managed to fight corruption by fixing government salaries at up to 80 per cent of what is paid for equivalent posts in the private sector. "Whether it is a policeman, an immigration official, a customs official, it is dangerous to have them grossly underpaid," said Lee, 81, who is on a four-day private visit to Malaysia. "An important factor to keep corruption at bay is the salaries of ministers and government officials," Lee said. He said no political system in the world - including that of Singapore - could be free of corruption, but that the top leadership has to bear the pain of sacking clos 0
110682 0 1554 WORL WORLD Iran 'pessimistic' ahead of talks TEHRAN: A key Iranian negotiator yesterday said Tehran was "very pessimistic" on the eve of new talks on his country's controversial nuclear programme with the European Union which he said had been dragging its feet. "Up until now and from the start of the process, especially since the Paris meeting (March 23), the Europeans have not undertaken any serious step to bring it to a close," said Hossein Mussavian, spokesman for the negotiating team. 0
110683 0 1554 WORL WORLD Pictures of Pitt-Jolie 'doctored' NEW YORK: The stars are not aligned at one celebrity tabloid. To match Us Weekly's cover photos of BRAD PITT and ANGELINA JOLIE together on an African beach, Star magazine doctored two separate oceanside pictures of each actor. The issue proclaims, "Brad & Angelina: Caught Together! On Vacation." But tucked away on page 8 is a disclaimer noting the image is a "composite of two photographs." Us Weekly won a bidding war for the real photos by spending a reported $500,000 (BD189,000) for the pictures. They show Pitt, Jolie and her three-year-old son MADDOX playing together on a beach in Kenya. Pitt and Jolie aren't shown being affectionate with each other. The Us Weekly photos were bought from Big Pictures, a London-based photography agency. "We have a network of tippers," said Alan Williams, chief executive. "We got a tip that Jolie was going to a certain place (Alfajiri)." 0
110684 0 1554 WORL WORLD Ten rebels die in Nepal crackdown KATHMANDU: At least 10 Maoists were killed in security actions in different parts of Nepal over the past two days while rebels shot dead three villagers, army headquarters said yesterday. One Maoist was killed in the Dharapani area of Sindhupalchowk in the country's east, three more including platoon commander Bhimmaya Pun Magar, alias Manmaya, were killed in Rolpa in the west, a military statement said. Another two Maoists were killed in southwest Chitwan and four others were shot dead by security forces in far west Dailekh district. Elsewhere, the military said three villagers were killed and 17 others - including an 18-month-old child and a 73-year-old man - were injured when about 100 rebels attacked villages in eastern Sindhupalchowk. "The terrorists set fire to the villages after looting them." The military also claimed that rebels had abducted 35 villagers in southwest Arghakhanchi district, last week. In another development, Nepal's ousted prime minister has been 0
110685 0 1554 WORL WORLD Punters put money on Kilroy-Silk LONDON: Gamblers are betting chat-show host turned politician Robert Kilroy-Silk will cause a major upset when Britain votes next Thursday. Kilroy-Silk, who founded his own party Veritas on a tough anti-Europe, anti-immigration agenda, is standing for parliament in Erewash, central England. Bookmakers William Hill say the flamboyant ex-presenter is the heaviest backed candidate for any individual constituency after they received a string of bets including two of 1,000 each. They have slashed his odds to 7/1 to win the seat, with Labour still 4/7 favourites and the Conservatives on 13/8. "Mr Kilroy-Silk's supporters have been backing him big time and we are looking at a potential six-figure payout if he wins," said Hill's spokesman Graham Sharpe. The seat is currently held by Labour's Liz Blackman who won in 2001 with a majority of almost 7,000. "The know-alls in London keep saying I can't win, but people on the street say differently and it looks like the 0
110686 1 1554 WORL WORLD BREAKTHROUGH! BAGHDAD: Iraqi MPs yesterday approved Prime Minister Ibrahim Jaafari's cabinet, to give the country its first democratically elected government in half a century. Nineteen Iraqis were killed in fresh violence, but the new administration is hoping the political breakthrough will undermine the insurgency. Sunni Arab leaders expressed their disappointment over the partial line-up and warned a fresh political crisis loomed if the demands of the minority were not met. Several key posts, including the oil and defence portfolios, have yet to be allocated but Jaafari insisted that all major hurdles had been cleared and that a full 37-member cabinet list would be presented soon. "Today, we face the huge task of trying to reach the stage of elections," he said, referring to new legislative polls scheduled for December. But Vice-President Ghazi Al Yawar, a Sunni tribal leader, expressed frustration that some ministries were left vacant and warned that Sunni ministers could s 0
110687 2 1554 WORL WORLD Abbas vows 'iron fist' against militants JERUSALEM: Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas yesterday threatened to use force against anyone who violates a ceasefire with Israel. In a speech to Palestinian police, Abbas also pledged to ensure quiet during the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip this summer. "We have to give them a calm departure," he said. In the West Bank, meanwhile, thousands of Israelis streamed into a Jewish settlement to rally against the withdrawal plan. However, Palestinian militants fired an anti-tank missile at a settlement and attacked army posts with gunfire and a mortar shell in Gaza, causing no injuries. Meanwhile, Israeli troops clashed with hundreds of protesters in the West Bank village of Bilin, slightly wounding more than 20 people, including an Arab-Israeli lawmaker and an AP photographer. Two Palestinians and three Israeli protesters were held. Israel has recently begun construction of its West Bank separation barrier at the site. The next phase of 0

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