baseball
Page 31
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 / SHAWWAL 10, 1439 AH
Pompeo warns Iran on nuclear arms
Opinion
Palestinian leaders source of affliction; they lost the land ... sold their people
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah
Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
WHEN failures engulf the most
rightful case in the world, it is
a no brainer for them to end in
failure. This applies to the Pal-
estinian case in which the elites
have been the source of the af-
fliction of their people through-
out the past century, starting with
how they dealt with the Balfour
Declaration through the Arab de-
nial mentality and then aligning
themselves with the losing side
— the Ottoman Empire.
At the time, the Palestinian
leaders opted to move against
the major power and drag the
British colonialist into the battle-
field by attacking its soldiers and
boycotting its administration, in
addition to accusing anyone who
talked to Britain of being a mer-
cenary or traitor.
Throughout the 37 decisive
years between Balfour Decla-
ration and the United Nations
Partition Plan for Palestine, the
Palestinian leaders dealt with the
mentality of the Arabic rhetoric,
songs, chants and slogans as they
refused to communicate with in-
ternational decision-makers to
transform the course of events.
This started with the military
operations carried out by groups
led by Hajj Al-Amin Al-Hussei-
ni against the British, instead of
confronting the new settlers and
preventing Arabs from selling
their lands to the Jews.
Several uprisings which oc-
curred between 1929 and 1936
gave the World War I victors
— the British — all the justifi-
cations to intensify their support
for the Jews. These altercations
resulted in the issuance of an ex-
ecution order against Al-Hussein
who fled to the Kingdom of Iraq
where he interfered in the latter’s
affairs by inciting the uprising
led by Rashid Ali al-Gaylani.
Throughout that time, the
Palestinian elites did nothing
to counter the Zionist scheme.
Instead, they preoccupied them-
selves with confronting the
British with the participation of
Abdul-Qader Al-Husseini and
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam under the
leadership of Jihadist groups
against the colonialists.
They left the Jews to build
their strength and infrastructure.
In fact, there were businessmen
and wealthy Palestinians who
were in charge of implementing
the Jewish settlement schemes.
In the Second World War, the
Palestinians chose the losing side
again; as if they were reliving
their recent past. Al-Amin Al-
Husseini allied with Hitler. Dur-
ing his visit to Berlin in 1941, he
made the Nazi salute in a clear
provocation of the Allied Forces.
He remained in Germany until
the end of the war. This is where
he used to conduct his political
and military operations.
After the war, the failure
lawyers joined the Palestinian
leaders club, especially with the
Continued on Page 8
Email: ahmed@aljarallah.com
Follow me on:
ahmedaljarallah@gmail.com
Newswatch
QARDIAH, Iraq: Hundreds of Iraqi
Kurds marched Friday to protest
Turkish strikes against the Kurdistan
Workers’ Party (PKK) after Tur-
key’s President Recep Tayyip Er-
dogan said Ankara would press an
operation against its bases.
Erdogan said earlier this month
that Turkish jets had “destroyed 14
important targets” in the Sinjar and
Qandil regions of northern Iraq,
pledging that the attacks “will con-
tinue”.
There have also been repeated
ground incursions by the Turk-
ish military into the region, with
the PKK claiming Ankara’s troops
pushed 30 kms (19 miles) into Iraqi
Kurdistan. (AFP)
❑ ❑ ❑
RIYADH: Women will hit the roads
in Saudi Arabia on Sunday with
the lifting of the world’s last ban on
female drivers, long seen as an em-
blem of women’s repression in the
conservative kingdom.
Continued on Page 8
THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT
Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com
Top: An artist’s sketch of the National Desert Storm War Memorial to be built by 2021 on the National
Mall in Washington, DC. Above: The exact location where the memorial will be built at 23rd St, NW and
Constitution Ave, NW Washington, DC, 20037.
Memorial set for completion in 2021
Storm finds home on Mall
Senior Iran officer killed
TEHRAN, June 23, (Agencies):
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said
Saturday that one of its senior
officers had been killed in Syria
while advising pro-government
forces in an eastern town near the
Iraqi border.
“Brigadier General Shahrokh
Daipour ... was martyred in the
town of Albu Kamal in Syria
during a mission to advise Syrian
pro-government forces,” accord-
ing to the Guards’ Sepah News.
The brief report did not give
the circumstances of the officer’s
death.
He was described as a for-
mer unit commander who was
wounded during the 1980-1988
Iran-Iraq war before holding
various positions involved with
artillery.
Iran, along with Russia, is a
key supporter of Syrian President
Bashar al-Assad.
Tehran denies sending profes-
sional troops to fight in Iraq and
Syria, saying it has only provided
military advisors and organised
brigades made up of volunteers
from Iran, Afghanistan and Paki-
stan.
Albu Kamal, in Deir Ezzor
province, was the last major town
in Syria held by the Islamic State
group until its fall in November.
Its recapture by pro-govern-
ment forces was the final nail in
the coffin of the jihadists’ self-
styled “caliphate” declared across
swathes of Syria and Iraq in 2014.
But a major assault by IS on
Albu Kamal earlier this month
that left dozens of pro-regime
fighters dead underscored the
continued threat posed by the ji-
hadists.
Iraq said Saturday it had killed
45 jihadists from the Islamic
State group, including senior
members, in an air strike in east-
ern Syria, the second such opera-
tion in less than a month.
Iraqi F-16 fighter jets carried
out a “successful strike targeting
a meeting of DAESH (IS) lead-
ers” on Friday in the Hajin re-
gion, in the eastern Syrian prov-
ince of Deir Ezzor, a military
statement said.
Among those killed, it said,
were a senior member of the ji-
hadists’ “ministry of war”, his
deputy, a local commander and a
media official. There was no in-
dependent confirmation.
Continued on Page 7
emergency number 112
Photos courtesy of The National Desert Storm War Memorial (NDSWM)
UAE to back
rebel pullout
ABU DHABI, June 23, (AFP):
The United Arab Emirates, whose
troops have played a major role in
a Yemeni government offensive
against the port city of Hodeida,
said Saturday that it was ready to
support diplomatic efforts to secure
a rebel withdrawal.
But it said the pullout must be
unconditional and from the whole
city not just its vital docks, the en-
try point for three-quarters of Yem-
en’s imports.
“The coalition will achieve its
goal, which is to free the city, in-
cluding the port,” UAE minister
of state for foreign affairs, Anwar
Gargash, tweeted, referring to a
Saudi-led coalition which inter-
vened in support of the Yemeni
government in 2015.
“In the meantime, it will support
all efforts to secure a peaceful and
unconditional withdrawal by the re-
bels,” he added.
UAE-backed government
forces launched their offensive
against Hodeida on June 13 and on
Wednesday overran its disused air-
port after deadly fighting with the
rebel garrison.
Continued on Page 7
Belgium’s forward Eden Hazard
vies with Tunisia’s defender Dylan
Bronn (left), during the Russia 2018
World Cup Group G football match
between Belgium and Tunisia at
the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on
June 23. Belgium topped Tunisia
5-2. (AFP) — See Page 34-36.
KUWAIT CITY, June 23,
(Agencies): The US Commis-
sion on Fine Arts has approved
a space in the National Mall for
the construction of the National
Desert Storm and Desert Shield
War Memorial.
The Starts and Stripes pub-
lished a report on Friday, stat-
ing that the approval came after
months-long debate on the selec-
tion of an area along the Potomac
River for the memorial.
According to the report, those
who advocated for allotting a
spot in the National Mall for the
memorial expressed happiness
over the decision; especially
since the site selection process
went on for three years.
The report revealed that Rep-
resentative Phil Roe (R-Ten-
nessee), Senator Joe Donnelly
(D-Indiana), and Spokesman for
the Veterans of Foreign Wars
Joe Davis appealed to members
of the commission to select the
National Mall site.
During the meeting, four
members of the commission vot-
ed in favor of the site, one voted
against and one abstained. This is
different from the decision taken
in March, when the commission
chose Belvedere — part of the
land along Potomac River — as
location of the memorial.
It has been reported that the
commission had no option but to
rethink its previous decision be-
cause the National Capital Plan-
ning Commission, which is also
in charge of choosing the memo-
rial location, has opted for the
23rd and Constitution site. The
report then pointed out that the
federal statute obligates the two
commissions and National Park
Service to agree on a location.
It can be recalled that US
President Donald Trump signed
a resolution in March on the es-
tablishment of the memorial in
Washington.
The National Desert Storm
War Memorial Association,
which is in charge of the plan-
ning and construction of the me-
morial, voiced objection to the
Belvedere site; arguing that it is
difficult to access from other war
memorials.
The association is led by a
Honorary Board Chairman,
Former president George H.W.
Bush, and a Board of Directors
comprised of Desert Storm Vet-
erans from most branches of the
military.
The association handles all
aspects of the memorial, such as
Continued on Page 8
NO. 16806 36 PAGES 150 FILS
Case to UN
WASHINGTON, June
23, (Agencies): US Sec-
retary of State Mike
Pompeo on Saturday
Indian engineers fear warned Iran not to
pursue nuclear weap-
loss of jobs in Kuwait ons, saying it would
face the “wrath of the
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The decision issued by Pub- entire world” if it did
lic Authority for Manpower (PAM) earlier in March, so, but added that he
instructing labor departments to discontinue issuing
work permits to expatriate engineers who do not have hoped it would never
a no-objection certificate from Kuwait Engineers So- be necessary for the
ciety, may affect thousands of Indian engineers work- United States to take
ing in Kuwait including those in senior positions.
According to a report published in sify.com, Ku- military action against
wait Engineers Society will issue a no-objection certif- the country.
icate only if the institutions from where the engineer- In an interview with po-
ing degrees were awarded are recognized by India’s litical columnist Hugh Hewitt
National Board of Accreditation (NBA). NBA was an
conducted on Friday and
independent body established in 2010 but it became
the national body for accrediting colleges that offer broadcast the following day
engineering programs. On the other hand, the National on MSNBC, Pompeo said
Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) is re- that whatever the fate of the
sponsible for the accreditation of universities and gen- international nuclear deal
eral colleges. with Iran, it would not be in
Reportedly, there are nearly 10,000 engineers of Tehran’s interest to seek nu-
Indian nationality working in Kuwait. Many among clear arms.
them, especially those who worked for decades in Ku-
“I hope they understand that
wait, are worried that the new ruling may lead to the if they begin to ramp up their
loss of their jobs. They include engineers who gradu-
nuclear program, the wrath of the
ated from prestigious institutions such as Indian Insti- entire world will fall upon them,”
tute of Technology (IIT), IISc Bengaluru, BITS Pilani, he said.
Jadavpur University and Calcutta University, which “Wholly separate from if they
have been offering three year BTech degree courses spin a couple of extra centri-
for BSc graduates. fuges, if they began to move to
a weapons program, this is some-
Continued on Page 8
thing the entire world would find
unacceptable and we’d end up
down a path that I don’t think
MP voices doubt on is in the best interests of Iran,”
Pompeo said.
He said, however, he was not
rejection of oil jobs talking about a US military re-
sponse.
“When I say wrath, don’t con-
By Mohamed Wangengi fuse that with military action.
Arab Times Staff When I say wrath, I mean the
moral opprobrium and economic
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The government’s decision power that fell upon them. That’s
to require students applying for State scholarship to
what I’m speaking to. I’m not
pass the International English Language Testing Sys- talking to military action here. I
tem (IELTS) has been dominating discussions at the truly hope that that’s never the
National Assembly. case. It’s not in anyone’s best in-
Chairperson of the parliamentary Educational Af- terests for that.”
fairs Committee MP Dr Awda Al-Ruweie has af- Pressed on whether the United
firmed that his committee supports decisions aimed States would do whatever it had
at improving the quality of education in the country. to do to prevent Iran from acquir-
He asserted the committee has always been keen on ing nuclear weapons, Pompeo
bridging differences of opinion on issues in order to
come up with a unified opinion which serves the inter-
est of the country and its people.
In a related development, a parliamentary source,
said: “President Trump has been
unambiguous in his statements
that say Iran will not be able to
obtain a nuclear weapon.”
who preferred not to be named, revealed that the com- Meanwhile, the UN’s top
mittee will seek audience this week with Minister of court will in October hear a com-
Education and Higher Education Dr Hamid Al-Azmi
and other ministry officials to discuss the latest devel-
opments concerning the IELTS decision which has
plex case brought by Iran against
the United States seeking to re-
cover billons in frozen assets,
divided the House. which US courts say should go
In an effort to discredit the government’s IELTS de-
cision, MP Riyadh Al-Adasani prepared a brief study
on the IELTS which focused on procedural and finan-
to American victims of terror at-
tacks.
The International Court of Jus-
cial aspects, and its effect on the national budget.
The study concluded that the level of English edu-
cation in the country is ‘low’ as per the IELTS grade.
tice (ICJ) said in a statement Fri-
day it will “hold public hearings
in the case concerning Certain
This is after the study showed the financial and ad- Iranian Assets (Islamic Republic
ministration data related to the cost shouldered by the of Iran vs United States of Amer-
State, number of internal and foreign scholarship stu- ica), from Oct 8-12, 2018” at its
dents, and statistics and official dossier in this regard. seat in The Hague.
Al-Adasani pointed out the best investment is in The hearings “will be devoted
human development, arguing that plans should not be to preliminary objections raised
on reducing expenditure. Instead, the ministry should by the United States,” the state-
have plans and strategies for improvement of academ- ment added, after which judges
ic performance and better English education in public will decide whether or not they
schools, he stressed. can rule in the dispute.
Continued on Page 8 Continued on Page 7

LOCAL
Kuwait seeking UNESCO’s world
heritage recognition for its sites
Officials working very hard to forward nominations
The first modules arrive for KIPIC Al-Zour project.
New complex expected to be one of the largest refineries
1st modules arrive for KIPIC Al-Zour project
IRVING/TEXAS/KUWAIT CITY,
June 23: Fluor Corporation (NYSE:
FLR) announced today that the first
modules for the Kuwait Integrated
Petroleum Industries Company
(KIPIC) Al-Zour project have arrived
in Kuwait. Fluor is working with its
joint venture partners to deliver two
engineering, procurement, fabrication
and construction packages for key pro-
cess support units, utilities and infra-
structure for the Al-Zour refinery proj-
ect. Upon completion, the new com-
plex is expected to be one of the largest
refineries in the world and produce
615,000 barrels per day.
Modules are being constructed at
the COOEC-Fluor Heavy Industries
Co, Ltd (COOEC-Fluor) fabrication
yard in Zhuhai, China. The first 14 of
the 188 modules were loaded onto a
shipping barge and sailed away in
May to Kuwait.
The sailaway of the modules was
Logo
marked by a ceremony officiated by modules for the project.”
Hatem Al-Awadhi, KIPIC’s deputy The Fluor-led joint venture, known
chief executive officer and Jim as FDH JV, includes Daewoo
Brittain, group president of Fluor’s Engineering and Construction and
Energy & Chemicals business, and Hyundai Heavy Industries.
was attended by executive members “Fluor and our joint venture part-
of the project team. ners are working closely with KIPIC
“Fluor is proud to be part of to implement Fluor’s integrated engi-
KIPIC’s prestigious and strategically neering, procurement, fabrication and
important Al-Zour project,” said construction solutions across every
Brittain. “This milestone was phase of the project to enable the safe
achieved through the collaboration and efficient construction, commis-
and commitment of our craft profes- sioning and start-up of this new refin-
sionals at the newly expanded Zhuhai ery,” said Al Collins, president of
fabrication yard where more than Fluor’s Energy & Chemicals busi-
6,500 craft workers are safely fabri- ness in Europe, Africa and Middle
cating steel and pipe and assembling East.
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
2
By Shahad Kamal
KUWAIT CITY, June
23, (KUNA): The
National Council for
Culture, Arts, and
Letters (NCCAL) is KUNA photo
Head of selection program and Kuwait’s representative at UNESCO Jaber
working rigorously to Al-Qallaf.
enroll several Kuwaiti
locations in the United
Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural
Organization’s
(UNESCO) World and
Modern Heritage sites.
Several sites — includ-
ing Failaka and
Boubyan islands,
Kuwait Towers, archae-
ological sites in Subbiya,
the water and petroleum
management systems in
the country — are
amongst the list of pro-
posed locations.
Head of the selection pro-
gram and Kuwaiti representa-
tive at UNESCO Jaber
Al-Qallaf told KUNA that he
alongside his partner Zahra
Alibaba were working very
hard to forward the nomina-
tions to the international
organization. At first, the
focus was on a number of
archaeological sites in the
island of Failaka; however,
UNESCO experts saw that
the island, as a whole, was
worthy, said Al-Qallaf.
The Kuwaiti official affirmed
that such consideration from one
of the highest authorities on world
heritage and culture required from
local authorities to work on plans
to develop the island’s infrastruc-
ture in a way to preserve its his-
torical treasures and integrity.
Protecting cultural treasures is
complimentary to the agenda of Top and above: Some photos from the loan agreement signing ceremony.
the UN Sustainable Goals 2030,
said Al-Qallaf who indicated that
preserving heritage sites could Construction of 4 Interchanges Project
contribute to the overall econom-
ic development of the world and
achieve global prosperity.
He added that the 1979-inaugu-
rated Kuwait Towers as well as the
KFAED inks KD 8m loan
1980s-built water management
systems and towers in the areas of
Bayan, Al-Saddiq, Al-Adailiya,
Sabhan, and Al-Ahmadi were also
‘agreement’ with Guinea
deemed eligible for nomination as KUWAIT CITY, June 23: A loan agree- Conakry connecting the center of the
modern heritage sites. The history ment between Kuwait Fund for Arab capital with its urban areas in view of the
of the petroleum industry and oil Economic Development and the Republic severe traffic congestion on “Le Prince”
installations throughout the coun- of Guinea has been signed in Conakry, road in peak hours that cause the increase
try may also be included in the whereby Kuwait fund extends a loan in of travel time and fuel consumption, in
Kuwaiti nomination file, he said. an amount of KD 8 million equivalent to addition to traffic and pedestrian acci-
Al-Qallaf said that it was impor- about $27 million to participate in the dents and cars pollution.
tant to take quick steps to ensure financing of the construction of Four The project consists of the construction
that all significant sites in Kuwait Interchanges Project in Conakry. It is of (4) flyovers and roundabouts at the
were ready for nomination, indi- worth mentioning that in extending its intersections of Hamadallaye, Bambeto,
cating that NCCAL was eager to loans and providing other kinds of devel- Cosa and Enco districts, located along
contribute to the preservation and opment assistance, Kuwait fund depends “Le Prince”, in addition to the construc-
development of the locations for entirely on its own resources. tion of (4) tunnels at the intersections’
the sake of future generations and The loan was made in pursuance of an sites connecting to service roads. The
their welfare. initiative by His Highness Sheikh Sabah project also includes the rehabilitation of
The 42nd Session of the World Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir (4) transversal roads which intersects
Heritage Committee will con- of the State of Kuwait announced at the with “Le Prince” road and connecting the
vene tomorrow in Bahrain until 3rd Africa-Arab Summit held in Kuwait said intersections with the North Corniche
July fourth. The committee, during the period Nov 19-20, 2013 to Highway and South Corniche Highway.
founded in the early 1970s, is grant concessionary loans to African The project comprises, also, the institu-
responsible for selecting location countries to the tune of one (1) billion US tional support, Project Audit, the consul-
and including them in the World dollars spread over the succeeding five tancy services for the supervision of the
Heritage sites. years for financing development projects construction of works.
in the African countries. The signing of this loan brings to 14
The loan agreement was signed on the number of loans accorded by Kuwait
Wrestler in row behalf of the Republic of Guinea by His
Excellency Momadi Camara, Minister of
Fund to the Republic of Guinea , where
the fund previously provided 13 loans
Economy and Finance of the Republic of totaling about 56.578 million Kuwaiti
with Kuwait TV Guinea, and on behalf of Kuwait Fund for dinars, to participate in the financing in
Arab Economic Development by Ghanem projects in various sectors. Furthermore,
presenter ‘dies’ Sulaiman Al-Ghenaiman, Deputy
Director-General of the fund, in atten-
the fund has extended technical assis-
tances with a total amount of KD 667,000,
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: WWE dance of Thamer Al-Failakawi, Regional in addition to the grant allocated from the
and WCE wrestler Leon White Manager, West African Countries at the resources of Kuwait Goodwill Fund for
“Vader Time” died Monday Fund. promotion of food security in Islamic
night after suffering from heart The project aims to facilitate the traffic countries with an amount of about $1.165
diseases for a long time, reports movement of passengers in the capital million.
Al-Nahar daily.
He was also known as Big
Van Vader and was popular in
the 1990s. He emerged in the
WWE arena for the first time in
News in Brief
1996 wearing a red mask and
attracting fans with his distin-
guished style. After joining Handing out e-passports: (Capital), Mubarak Al-Abdullah
WCW and winning World Ministry of Interior has announced (West Mishref – Hawally), Saad
Heavyweight Championship, he that the centers affiliated to General Al-Abdullah (Jahra), Fahad
achieved great success in the Department of Citizenship and Travel Al-Ahmad (Ahmadi), Adan (Mubarak
USA. Documents for issuance of electronic Al-Kabeer) and Ishbiliya
In Kuwait, Vader Time is passports will start receiving citizens (Farwaniya).
known for the wrong reasons – in the third shift from 8 pm to 11 pm, ❑ ❑ ❑
for attacking Kuwaiti presenter Sunday to Thursday solely to hand
Bassam Al-Othman during an out the new electronic passports, ‘Rents’ 100% increased: CBRE,
interview in the show titled reports Al Shahed daily. a global real estate consultancy firm,
“Sabah Al-Khair ya Kuwait” In a press statement, the has stated in its report that the rents
General Department for Public of deluxe commercial real estate in
(Good Morning Kuwait).
Relations and Security Media at Kuwait City have returned to the lev-
Reportedly, Vader Time became els witnessed in 2008, which were the
infuriated when Al-Othman Ministry of Interior explained that
the decision was in accordance highest so far, reports Al-Qabas daily.
asked him if WWE was real or According to the report, the month-
fake. He broke the table that was with the instructions of Deputy
Premier and Minister of Interior ly rent during the first quarter of 2018
in front of him and attacked reached KD 14 per square meter in
Al-Othman. Sheikh Khalid Al-Jarrah based on
his keenness to facilitate and the distinctive buildings in the city,
expedite the completion of the which is a 100 percent increase com-
transactions of citizens. pared to the 2012 figures.
This will be followed up by The occupancy rates of commer-
Acting Undersecretary of Interior cial office spaces of Class A cate-
Lieutenant General Essam gory have reached a record high of
Al-Neham and supervised by 95 percent compared to 60 percent
Assistant Undersecretary for in 2011. There is an increase in
Citizenship and Passport Affairs demand for quality office space in
Major General Mazen Al-Jarrah. the capital.
The third shift will commence There is approximately 250,000
from Sunday, June 24. The handing square meters of premium office
out of the e-passports will be carried space of Class A category currently
out during the declared period at the available for rent within the central
following centers — Shamiya business district of Kuwait City.
Vader Time
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

LOCAL 3

MoI implements recommendations of panel formed tied to detained expats

‘Deport Syrians, Yemenis only after situation there stabilizes’

KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Ministry of Public Prosecutor General
Interior has started implementing the Mohammad Rashed Al-Duaij, recom-
recommendations of a committee that mended that Syrians and Yemenis,
was formed to carry out a comprehen- who are in deportation centers, should
sive study on the conditions of expa- be deported only after the situation in
triates who have been detained for their countries stabilizes.
deportation and are on the waiting It is worth mentioning that some of
list, reports Al-Rai daily. the detained expatriates of Syrian and
The committee, which is headed by Yemeni nationalities were exempted
from immediate deportation due to
the circumstances in their countries.
According to a reliable source, there
are 85 Syrian expatriates who have
been detained for deportation and will
benefit from these recommendations.
Some of them will obtain an oppor-
tunity to remain in the country for one
month and be released under sponsor-
ship of Kuwaiti citizens. During that
month, the expatriate should amend
his status by either getting a new
sponsor or transferring his residency;
otherwise, he will be deported by the
end of the month.
As per the decision issued by
Ministry of Interior in November
2017, all Syrian violators of law were
released from Talha Prison even
though decisions were issued for
deporting a large number of them.
They were released after Kuwaiti
sponsors had assured to rectify the sta-
tus of the detainees within one month.
However, only ten of these Syrians had
rectified their status while the rest of
them vanished and did not fulfill their
commitments. As a result, the Kuwaiti
sponsors were punished by suspending
the residencies of their employees for a
period of one year.
Arrest warrants have been issued
against 40 Syrian violators who did
not fulfill their commitments, and
they will be deported as soon as they
are arrested.

AKO OFW, POEA launch

‘Bantay OFW’ mobile app
Application to help search, rescue distressed OFWs
By Michelle Fe Santiago
Arab Times Staff
KUWAIT CITY, June 23:
The Advocates and
Keepers Organization of
OFWs Inc (AKO OFW
Inc), a global non-govern-
mental organization
founded in Kuwait in
November 2015 with a
sterling and vast track
record of helping search
and rescue distressed
overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs), joined hands
with Philippine Overseas
Employment Agency
(POEA) in the launch of
the “Bantay OFW” Top Philippine government officials with AKO OFW officers during the Bantay OFW mobile app launch.
Mobile Application for
distressed OFWs.
How ‘Bantay OFW’ mobile app works. The “Bantay OFW Mobile
App” as conceptualized by AKO
OFW Inc founder and incumbent
Kuwait Today chairman Celerino “Dok Chie” L.
Umandap, Vice-Chairman law-
Sea Island Buoy - - - - -
yer Marlon P. Valderama and
Prayer Timings Salmiyah 38 32 - 6ft SE President Marcia Vicenta Paz
Fajr ............................................................... 03:14 “Mars Gonz” Gonzales-Sadicon
Sunrise .......................................................... 04:50 4 days forecast - Marine shall serve as avenue for conve-
Zohr ............................................................... 11:50 Sunday, June 24
Asr .................................................................. 15:24 Expected weather..... Hot with a chance for carried nient communications relative to
Maghrib ........................................................ 18:51 dust over open areas the living and working conditions
Isha ............................................................... 20:23 Sea state ...................................Slight to moderate
Wave height ................................................... 2-5 ft
and or significant occurrences
Weather Max Temp ........................................................44C affecting OFWs.
Expected weather for the next 24 hours: Min Temp .........................................................32C It shall aid the government in mon-
By Night: Relatively hot with light to moderate Wind Direction .................................................. NW
freshening at times north westerly wind, with Wind Speed .......................................... 15-40 km/h
itoring the status and plight of OFWs
speed of 15-45 km/h causing rising dust. Monday, June 25 and the consequential actions under-
By Day: Hot with light to moderate freshening at Expected weather..............................................Hot taken by the concerned Philippine
times north westerly wind, with speed of 15-40 Sea state ..................................Slight to moderate
km/h with a chance for carried dust over some Recruitment Agency (PRA), Foreign
Wave height ................................................... 2-4 ft
areas. Max Temp ........................................................45C Recruitment Agency (FRA) and
Station Max Min Min Temp .........................................................34C employer. It also shall underscore
Exp Rec Wind Direction .................................................. NW civil, friendly and receptive respons-
Kuwait City 41 31 Wind Speed .......................................... 12-35 km/h
Kuwait Airport 41 32 Tuesday, June 26
es to all and users will at the same
Abdaly 42 30 Expected weather..Very hot with a chance for car- time maintaining privacy of commu-
Bubyan -- -- ried dust over some areas nication; It shall as well maintain a
Jahra 42 31
Failaka Island 41 30
Sea state ...................................Slight to moderate status of utmost impartiality and shall
Wave height ................................................... 2-4 ft
Salmiyah 38 32 Max Temp ........................................................47C
interact only on what has been factu-
Ahmadi 40 33 Min Temp .........................................................35C ally received and gathered; It shall at Right to left: POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia, Secretary Jesus Dureza, Undersecretary Astra Naic &
Nuwaisib 41 31 Wind Direction .................................................. NW all times adhere to its role as con-
Wafra 42 30 AKO OFW Pres Mars Sadicon during the MOU signing.
Wind Speed .......................................... 15-35 km/h veyor of the status and conditions of
Salmy 40 39 Wednesday, June 27
Expected weather..................... Very hot and dusty OFWs as uploaded, received and
4 days forecast - Weather
Sunday, June 24
Sea state ...................................Moderate to rough
Wave height ................................................... 3-7 ft
gathered for concomitant actions of
recipients; and it cannot be used as
Several firms present bids to renovate Souq Safafeer
Expected weather..... Hot with a chance for carried Max Temp ........................................................49C
dust over open areas Min Temp .........................................................36C
basis for administrative sanction
Max Temp ........................................................44C
Min Temp .........................................................32C
Wind Direction .................................................. NW
Wind Direction .................................................. NW
Wind Speed .......................................... 25-60 km/h
against concerned OFWs, PRAs,
FRAs and employers since it would
otherwise discourage their open par-
Authorities take necessary steps to make
Wind Speed .......................................... 15-40 km/h
Tide times at Shuwaikh Port
Monday, June 25
Expected weather..............................................Hot
Max Temp ........................................................45C
1st high tide ................................................... 20:45
2nd high tide .................................................. 09:03
ticipation to this system.
Course
use of large oil reservoirs in natural reserve
Min Temp .........................................................34C 1st low tide .................................................... 02:35
Wind Direction .................................................. NW 2nd low tide ................................................... 15:52 “The mobile app is free and can be KUWAIT CITY, June 23:
Wind Speed .......................................... 12-35 km/h Sunrise .......................................................... 04:50 easily downloaded from the Google
Tuesday, June 26 Sunset ........................................................... 18:51 Play Store for android phone user Relevant bodies have started Recent agreement boosts ties
Expected weather..Very hot with a chance for car-
and App Store for Iphone users. It is taking necessary steps to make
ried dust over some areas Recorded yesterday at Kuwait use of the large oil reservoirs
very easy to use. All they need to do
Labor attaché affirms strong
Max Temp ........................................................47C
Min Temp .........................................................35C Airport is download the mobile app and sign located in Sheikh Sabah
Wind Direction .................................................. NW Max temp..........................................................44C up. With the digital age, this is the
Wind Speed .......................................... 15-35 km/h Min temp...........................................................32C Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve,
easiest way to monitor OFWs and get
Wednesday, June 27
Expected weather..................... Very hot and dusty
Max Temp ........................................................49C
Max Rh ............................................................ 27%
Min Rh ............................................................. 07%
Max Wind ................................................N 60km/h
help across the fastest way in coordi-
nation of course with Kuwaiti author-
reports Al-Rai daily.
In the coming week, an Kuwait, Philippines’ relations
Min Temp .........................................................36C Total Rainfall in 24 hrs .................................. 0 mm agreement will be signed
Wind Direction .................................................. NW ities. This mobile app is not only for KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Labor According to Kuwaiti govern-
Wind Speed .......................................... 25-60 km/h Recorded yesterday at South OFWs in Kuwait but all over the between the Volunteering Attaché at the Embassy of ment’s statistics, the population
world,” explained Umandap to the Work Center and Kuwait Oil Philippines in Kuwait Rustico of Filipino workers in Kuwait is
Marine Forecast Dolphin Arab Times.
Station Max Min Sea Today’s
Min/Max/ Air Temp ......................................31/38C
Company Dela Fuente reaffirmed the strong around 160,000 and receiving the
Exp Rec Surf Waves AKO OFW led by Gonzales-
Ht Direction Min/Max Rel Hum ....................................... 23/47%
Sadicon and POEA Administrator (KOC) in bilateral relations between minimum monthly salary of $400
Wind Direction/Wind Speed ...................N/51 km/h Kuwait and the Philippines, equivalent to KD120, the source
South Dolphin 38 30 - 6ft SE
Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht .......................... N/-ft Bernardo P. Olalia have signed a this regard in
Umm Mudayrah - - - 6ft SE reports Al-Jarida daily. noted.
Beacon M28 - - - 6ft SE Min/Max Sea Surface Temp............................ -/- C memorandum of understanding Bait Othman
Beacon N6 39 29 - 6ft SE Sea Current ............................................Downdraft (MOU) that coincided with the cul- Museum. He stressed the step taken by He pointed out that Kuwaiti
Qaruh Island 36 32 - 6ft SE — Directorate General of Civil Aviation, mination of the week-long celebra- the Kuwaiti side to provide nec- families are generous to the point
Umm Al-Maradem 36 33 - 6ft SE Meteorological Dept. According
tion of this year’s 23rd annual obser-
to a member essary protection to Filipino that some of them may decide to
vance of “Filipino Migrants’ Day” workers in the country subse- increase the salaries of their
deaths also known as “Araw ng o f quent to the recent agreement has workers in appreciation for satis-
Pasasalamat.” Volunteering boosted ties between the two factory services rendered.
Hasan Jumma Mubarak, 56 years old, buried on Saturday. Condolences: (Men)
Mubarak Al Kabeer, Block 7, Street 3, House 6, Tel: 66760341. (Women) Sideek,
“This is to provide a convenient, Work Center countries. As regards the fate of the five
Block 6, Street 611, House A, Tel: 94971375; Yaqoub Hasan Mohammad Abdullah
affordable, accessible and swift A n w a r He said his country has request- diplomats held in Kuwait over the
means to monitor, check and safe- Al-Rifai
Al Kandari, 71 years old, buried on Saturday. Condolences: (Men) Ardiya, Block 9,
guard Filipino workers right at the
Muhammad ed Kuwait’s assurance on allow- accusation of assisting maids to
Street 7, House 52, Tel: 98885632. (Women) Doah, Block 1, Street 5, House 59, Tel: Al-Rifai, the ing Filipino workers to spend a flee the homes of sponsors, he
99604855; Roqaya Marof Abdul Qader Al Sarhan, widow of Hasan Mohammad Al jobsite abroad especially the gender-
Mulla, 94 years old, buried on Saturday. Condolences: (Men) Rawda, Block 3, Street sensitive and most vulnerable sector, center intends to sign the holiday on weekends and to per- said the issue is over and the con-
32, House 6, Tel: 99409502. (Women) Sabah Al Salem, Street 1, Avenue 10 House the Household Service Workers agreement because it super- form social and recreational cerned diplomats are now in
12, Tel: 25512186; Haya Saad Mohammad Al Khamis, 65 years old, buried on (HSW) without cost to the Philippine vises and directs the Sabah activities as witnessed in neigh- Manila.
Saturday. Condolences: (Men) Rabiya, Block 3, Street 27, House 18, Tel: 66572765. government,” outlined Umandap as Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve. boring states. He stated the agree- He hopes the two countries will
(Women) Ardiya, Block 8, Street 5, Avenue 2, House 15; Eqbal Yousef Abdul Razak he thanked the POEA and other gov- ment produced positive results resume diplomatic representation
Al Sajari, wife of Abdul Latif Mohammad Al Dehaishi, 58 years old, buried on ernment agencies for supporting the Sheikha Amthal Al-Ahmed based on mutual cooperation. soon.
Saturday. Condolences: (Men) Adailiya, Block 3, Isa Al Asousi Street House 6, Tel: mobile app launch and the AKO will represent the center and
99166069. (Women) Yarmouk, Block 2, Street 1, Avenue 2, House 2, Tel: 99667783; OFW cause of helping OFWs world- sign the agreement on
Fadna Mitlaq Sayer Al Remaithi Al Azemi, Wife of Rashed Hamoud Fehaid Al wide. the reserve. the capital as an investment for
Telaiha, 65 years old, buried on Saturday. Condolences: (Men) Rumaithiya, Diswan Wednesday.
Mijbel Bin Sayer, Block 3, Ahmad Bin Hanal Street, Tel: 99532255/66500313.
The launch in Manila was attended The agreement will include It is worth mentioning that 10 years before handing it over
by top government officials led by the estimated production from to the Public Authority for
(Women) Rumaithiya, Block 3, Street 37, House 6, Tel: 50282878/99732255; Fahad
Presidential Adviser for the Peace cooperation between the two
Riyad Abdullah Mulla Mohammad, 18 years old, buried on Saturday. Condolences:
Process Secretary Jesus G. Dureza parties for the protection of the a single oilfield is 100,000 Industry (PAI).
(Men) Shamiya, Block 8, Street 89. House 14, Tel: 99771233/99859838. (Women) barrels per day. About 100 oil It said several firms are bid-
Qurain, Block 3, Street 10, House 15, Tel: 97100041; Badriya Abdul Rahman Saud and Undersecretary Astravel wildlife in the reserve espe-
Al Majed, wife of Rashed Abdullah Al Rabah, 72 years old, to be buried on Sunday Pimentel Naic of the Commission on cially after the start of drilling wells are expected to be drilled ding for the project following
after Asr prayers.Condolences, (Men) Shaab, Block 1, Street 17, Diwan Al Majed, Tel: Filipinos Overseas. oil wells. gradually. a decision to demolish the
97969707/99055820. (Women) Rumaiathiya, Block 4, Street 43, House 23, Tel: AKO OFW, one of the active Al-Rifai stressed the impor- Meanwhile, several local market, which was built in
25650140/25610049; Sabeecha Abdullah Ahmad Al Sewailem, widow of Baraak OFW advocacy groups in Kuwait has
Abdul Muhsen Jasem Al Shayji, 99 years, old, to be buried on Sunday at 9.00 am. now 35,000 card bearing members tance of the reserve, indicating companies have presented bids 1958 as one of the country’s
Condolences: (Men) Qortuba, Block 4, Street 1, Avenue 10, House 10, Tel: 99017821. with over 250,000 followers on that its size is more than half to renovate Souq Safafeer on a popular metalwork and handi-
(Women) Andalous, Block 12, Street 6, House 30, Tel: 99011715. (Women) Shamiya, Facebook and established chapters in of Bahrain. build-operate-transfer (BOT) craft hubs. The project
Block 8, Street 82, House 19; Abdul Samad Faraj Awad Behbehani, 82 years old, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab
buried on Saturday. Condolences: (Men) Sharq, Al Huseiniya Al Jadeeda, beside He said the reserve will wit- basis, reports Al-Seyassah involves rebuilding and reno-
Main office of Kuwait National Bank, Tel: 99432420. (Women) Qadisiya, Block 2,
Emirates, Bahrain, Singapore, Hong ness the launch of a number of daily. vation of the traditional market
Abdul Aziz Al Duaij Street, House 1. Kong and the Philippines in Davao
City, Cebu City, Iloilo City, General varied projects including a The daily noted Kuwaiti to include new shops, restau-
June 23, 2018 Santos City, South Cotabato and wildlife museum that will be contractors have offered to rants and other facilities, said
Metro Manila. constructed at the entrance of rebuild the old metal souq in the paper.

LOCAL
Kuwait’s Information Minister Mohammad Al-Jabri during the meeting of information ministers representing nations
in the Arab Coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen.
Kuwait urges media role
to liberate Hodeidah City
Millions in outstanding bills
JEDDAH, June 23,
(KUNA): There needs to
be a proper media strategy
in place to explain the vari-
ous dimensions of the op-
eration to liberate Yemen’s
main port city of Hodeidah,
Kuwait’s information min-
ister said on Saturday.
Liberating Hodeidah would be
a turning point in the war in Ye-
men, Mohammad Al-Jabri, who
also serves as Kuwait’s minister
of state for youth affairs, told a
meeting of information ministers
representing nations in the Arab
Coalition to support legitimacy in
Yemen.
He went on to underline how a well
thought-out media plan would be instru-
mental in exposing how much effort has
been made to restore stability to a nation
torn apart by war.
“We need to lay out a clear and con-
crete plan on the media front that sup-
ports the Arab Coalition’s comprehen-
sive operations in Yemen,” the Kuwaiti
minister, who is leading his country’s
delegation to the talks, emphasized.
Famous singer detained
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The
Public Prosecutor’s Office has de-
tained for interrogation the well-
known singer Abdullah Al-Jasser,
also known as ‘Aboudka’ for one
day. He is accused of insulting Ku-
waitis and misusing his cellphone,
reports Al-Rai daily.
This came after the General
Al-Jabri spoke of the immense scope
of humanitarian aid that Yemen needs,
pointing out that the aforementioned
operation is merely the periphery of the
daunting task to bring stability and peace
back to the war-ravaged nation.
The Kuwaiti information minister also
deplored a spate of recent missile attacks
launched by Houthi militias against Sau-
di Arabia, assuring the Kingdom of Ku-
wait’s unbridled support of all measures
it takes to keep its security intact.
❑ ❑ ❑
Kuwait’s Health Office in London
needs KD 35 million to settle outstand-
ing bills in hospitals, while its counter-
KUNA photo
Directorate of Criminal Investiga-
tion (E-Crimes Department), of the
Ministry of Interior, filed a com-
plaint with the Public Prosecution
accusing Aboudka of publishing a
video clip in which he is seen in-
sulting the Kuwaitis following the
death of his pet dog in a swimming
pool.
part in Frankfurt, Germany needs KD
15 million for last year’s financial calls,
reports Annahar daily quoting sources
from the health sector.
Sources said the Financial Affairs De-
partment in the Ministry of Health, in co-
operation with the Overseas Treatment
Department and health offices abroad,
conducted a study on the allocation of
KD188 million to cover the expenses of
patients eligible for overseas treatment.
Sources added the study revealed that
the ministry is working towards reduc-
ing the number of patients sent to other
countries for treatment, in collaboration
with the assistant undersecretaries and
specialized medical committees.
DIWANIYA
A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION
Back to prehistoric era?
‘Moral values face setback’
“IN A historic step, the United States has withdrawn
from the Human Rights Council, an intergovernmen-
tal body within the United Nations system, responsible
for the promotion, boosting and protection of all human
rights throughout the world, addressing cases of viola-
tions against human rights in the world and making rec-
ommendations thereon,” columnist and former direc-
tor of Culture Department at the National Council for
Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Waleed Al-Rujaib
wrote for Al-Rai daily.
“America has withdrawn from the council because
of what it called chronic prejudice against Israel and
the absence of reform. The council has been described
as hypocritical and selfish, while the United States is
fiercely criticized for holding children separated from
their immigrant relatives at the US-Mexican border.
“The European Union considers that the US decision
undermines the role of the United States as a defender
of democracy in the world. The Council of Europe also
stressed that this American withdrawal means that Don-
ald Trump ‘is no longer the moral leader of the free
world’.
“According to some observers, the American deci-
sion gives the excuse for dictatorships in the world to
accuse the United Nations of interfering in its internal
affairs with respect to human rights violations and con-
sidering its decisions as non-binding.
“The Palestinian side believes that Washington, by
its bias towards Israel, cannot be a neutral mediator in
the Middle East peace process.
“The withdrawal of the United States from joint in-
ternational activities, which deal with the destiny of hu-
manity, such as the Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris
Climate Change Convention and the agreement with
major powers on Iran’s nuclear program, has become
something known in the world.
“Likewise, the US president,
making trade decisions with Eu-
rope, Canada and China, could
lead to a global trade war that
could shake the world’s economy
and stability amid the structural
capitalist crisis that has been go-
ing on since 2008.
“This blatant bias towards the
Israeli entity, which practices
State terrorism and racist liquida-
tion against the Palestinian people,
is accompanied by destructive ac- Al-Rujaib
tions against the Arab countries
by provoking and adopting sectarian and tribal conflicts,
which threatens civil wars and total destruction, as it hap-
pened in Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen.
“But what draws the attention of the citizens of the
Gulf is that they are beginning to see some aspects of
the American conspiracy through some of the racial and
sectarian trends between us, to achieve the so-called
new Middle East project.
“The United States and its agent in the Middle East,
Israel, are the worst in human history, because they are
destroying all human accomplishments and universal
consensus, leading humanity back to prehistoric pe-
riod.”
Also:
“America’s current policy of exploiting conflicts is a
proof of America’s inability to implement its strategic
plan to dominate the Middle East by building military
bases in every part of the world,” columnist Mustafa
Al-Sarraf wrote for Al-Qabas daily.
“Therefore, before its withdrawal from the region,
Britain had withdrawn its policy only for America to
adopt this method because the military presence with a
few hundred soldiers with their equipment will achieve
a military hegemony over a country unless the political
system in which they exist is pro-American and eco-
nomically linked.
“But in case if the interests of any regime that Amer-
ica is at odds with are at stake, these rules will become
a burden on America, which will be more hostile to its
policies by these regimes and their peoples.
“Therefore, America is working today to provoke
conflicts and is involved in crisis management in the re-
gion as a tactical act through which America will make
gains by sending weapons to the concerned parties to
curb development of the peoples of the region.
“In this context, we see how America had trans-
formed the Islamic State or the so-called DAESH as a
vehicle to devastate the infrastructure of Iraq and Syria,
and it is America that is currently obstructing any peace
initiative, whether in Syria or Yemen or Libya or in the
Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
“In other words, when the fire of crises reached the
dead end, it is America which rekindles the flames and
place obstacles for the sake of averting any prospective
reconciliation between the relevant parties and this was
evident through its negative intervention in the meet-
ings of the Syrian opposition parties in Geneva.
“Not just that, it is America, which has made its step-
daughter Israel the source of these problems, and its re-
peated attacks on Syria, in coordination with America,
are only a picture of these dirty acts, as in the case of
its attacks against the Palestinians in the occupied ter-
ritories with the blessing of America.”
❑ ❑ ❑
“A writer of the American newspaper “Atlantic” de-
scribed the American President Donald Trump’s policy
against illegal immigrants and their separation from
their families and children as Frankenstein-like, refer-
ring to Frankenstein’s barbaric and terrorizing nature,”
Hassan Al-Essa wrote for Aljarida daily.
“The scene of separating family members at the
American borders is not at all accepted in consideration
of the principles of human rights. The scene evoked the
anger of the American press.
“Wife of former president George W. Bush as well
as the wife of President Trump attacked such actions.
However, President Trump’s wife continued to hold the
stick in the middle, placing the responsibility on both
the Democratic Party and the Republican Party because
they did not succeed in agreeing on the situation of il-
legal residents.
“Enforcement of the deportation processes (which,
according to them but definitely not according to us,
are barbaric) is part of the “zero tolerance” policy when
applying the laws in America. This policy dismisses
any humane or social considerations when enforcing
the laws.
“Despite the powerful media campaign and the wide
opposition by human rights organizations, the deporta-
tions cannot be suspended or stopped without interven-
tion of the judiciary authority, which could bring things
back to their normal path. However, this will take long
time to be achieved.
“In the USA, the judiciary authority is 100-percent
independent in accordance with the Constitution. It
does not submit to supervision of any other authorities
such as the executive authority. It is not controlled by
directives issued by the President as is the case in most
Arab countries.
“When will the zero-tolerance policy against illegal
immigrants come to end? Nobody knows exactly. The
question is - why isn’t Trump inspired by the Arab solu-
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
4
tions in terms of disposing illegal residents and even the
undesired citizens?
“In our countries, a citizen is classified as patriot as
long as he is loyal to the ruling regime and not neces-
sarily to the nation. We do not have a clear-cut measure
for distinguishing a nation from a regime such as demo-
cratic institutions, laws, and civil society organizations.
“We still remember the decisions of Saddam Hussain
to dispose off the Kurds and the Shiites. Even though
Kuwait is considered more advanced in the field of hu-
man rights compared to other Arab countries, there are
some processes such as revoking citizenships and ar-
resting some intellectuals that need to be reviewed.
“Trump should have borrowed the experience of the
Central System for Remedying Status of Illegal Resi-
dents. He can grant colorful ID cards to illegal Latino
immigrants which will identify their status, deprive
them from receiving basic rights including the right to
education, and turn their lives into a living hell.
“Zero tolerance is a common factor between us and
the strategy of President Trump. The difference is that
he enforced it only on the illegal immigrants but we
consider it as a lifestyle. We use it against anyone who
does not resemble us in terms of any of the factors such
as sect, religion, nation and politics. Bravo Zero Toler-
ance.”
❑ ❑ ❑
“Generosity is a common characteristic of Gulf na-
ture and tradition. They are hospitable and familiar with
giving a hand to the needy,” Dr Nayef Al-Adwani wrote
for Al-Shahed daily.
“This is the true application of the Islamic rules and
the attitude of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He had
said, “I have been sent to present the best of morals.
They include supporting those who suffer from trou-
bles.” This is what the Gulf countries have done; one
example of which is the generous initiative of Saudi
Arabian ruler King Salman bin Abdulaziz to provide
economic support to Jordan which recently has been
suffering from a lot of economic problems due to dif-
ferent reasons including political reasons such as its
stance on the Palestinian issue, and economic reasons
such as the difficult conditions set by the World Bank
and Paris Club. These conditions include the enforcing
tax, minimizing subsidies and fighting corruption be-
fore obtaining loans. All these will cause the situation
to fall on a dangerous track, such as public demonstra-
tions on the streets of Jordan by a number of unions
and blocs. When the issue had reached the climax, the
solution came from the Gulf side in offering economic
aid such as loans without interest, increased invest-
ments with the cooperation of the private sector, and
enhanced commercial exchange between Jordan and
the GCC countries.
“Gulf support came on time to rescue the government
and people of Jordan from falling into a bottomless
hole. When offering the aid, Gulf countries did not con-
sider the previous stances of Jordan such as supporting
Sadaam Hussein.
“In such hard times, there is no place for recalling
previous disputes. Hard times require proceeding to
help the injured and doing everything to save them.
This, in brief, is the stance of Gulf countries towards
Jordan.”
❑ ❑ ❑
“If I were not a Kuwaiti, I would have wanted to be a
Kuwaiti. Kuwait is a small State with a large geographi-
cal area, leaders and men. It has proven through events,
circumstances and hard times that it is the size of the
Arab and Islamic nation with fixed Arab and Islamic
positions,” columnist Dr Mohammad Al-Duwaihis
wrote for Al-Shahed daily.
“From Kuwait, the Palestinian Fatah Organization
was established in 1695. Kuwait provided financial and
in kind assistance, as well as political support for the
Palestinian cause in international forums and organiza-
tions.
“Brave Kuwaiti soldiers were among the fallen mar-
tyrs in the Oct 6 War in defense of the land of Arabism
and Islam.
“Kuwait is an Arab country, more than those who
claim Arabism. It is an Islamic country that defends Is-
lam and Muslims throughout the world.
“Kuwait is a State of humanity that provides assis-
tance to all the needy around the world regardless of
their religion, color, sect, race or gender.”
❑ ❑ ❑
“We are in Kuwait. If we do not find a crisis or prob-
lem, we contribute to the creation of a crisis and prob-
lem for ourselves, and then we take time to search for a
solution or we exchange accusations. The most promi-
nent artificial crisis is the ‘electronic passport’,” colum-
nist Abdulrahman Al-Awwad wrote for Al-Sabah daily.
“In fact, we do not know why the Ministry of Interior
is in a hurry to stop usage of the old passport and adopt
the new electronic one for traveling although a large
number of citizens have yet to replace their old pass-
ports not because they delayed applying for the new
passport but due to the ministry’s decision to replace
such a huge number of passports.
“All institutions that decided to replace their docu-
ments or papers gave enough time for the replacement.
We have the best example in the Central Bank of Ku-
wait when it decided to replace the currency notes as
it carried out a comprehensive public awareness cam-
paign and allotted enough time for the replacement of
old currency notes. Therefore, the entire process was
smooth and achieved great success.
“The issue is not a miracle in itself, but the problem
is how to do it and arrange it. If the ministry, which
is responsible for issuing passports and travel docu-
ments, had only prepared well for this, we would not
have witnessed confusion in the delivery of electronic
passports.”
❑ ❑ ❑
“Whenever an Arab team plays in a World Cup
match, we all support that team from our hearts. We
favor it and we all pray for its victory. Despite the re-
sults, even if it is a defeat or if the team was very harsh,
it does not matter to us as we all wish for Arab teams to
reach the finals,” Talal Al-Saeed wrote for Al-Seyassah
daily.
“Getting to the World Cup itself is an honor for
each and every team that gets there, even if they do not
qualify. This also applies to the World Cup matches.
There are players who attract attention and become in-
ternational stars that are bought by huge international
clubs. This is a gain for the club, for the player and for
his country.
“Therefore, we are not in support of harsh criticism
that frustrates and degrades the morale of players, de-
spite the dispute between us. Those who reach the level
of World Cup represent all of us. It is our duty to stand
with them irrespective of whether they win or lose.
There are many big teams that were favorites for win-
ning the World Cup but were knocked out early.
“The criticism directed at Arab teams especially Sau-
di Arabia is beyond reasonable limits. Did all who are
criticizing Saudi Arabia expect Saudi Arabia to bring
the World Cup?”
— Compiled by Zaki Taleb

LOCAL
The Indian Embassy in Kuwait celebrated the International Day of Yoga on Friday, June 22 evening 6:30 pm onwards at the Embassy auditorium. Various yoga-based events were held at embassy auditorium to mark the event with
participation of several organizations and yoga enthusiasts presenting various yoga postures. India celebrates the International Yoga Day on a grand scale after 177 nations, including the State of Kuwait and 47 nations belonging to
the Organization of Islamic Conference co-sponsored the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal to observe June 21 as the International Yoga Day during the UN General Assembly in September, 2014.
Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation along with Kuwaiti Ambassador to
France Sami Al-Sulaiman at the French senate.
‘Every 24 hrs 33 marriages, 22 end in divorce’
Hajj committee meeting to resolve
issue related to Bedoun pilgrimage
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The head
of the Union of Hajj Caravans Ahmad
Al-Duweihi disclosed the Higher
Committee for Hajj will meet next
Sunday under the chairmanship of
the Undersecretary of the Ministry of
Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Eng Farid
Amadi to resolve all issues related to
the Bedoun pilgrimage this year, re-
ports Al-Anba daily.
This year permission has been
granted by the Custodian of the Two
Holy Mosques for 1,000 Bedoun to
perform the pilgrimage.
Al-Duweihi told the daily the Hajj
Department at the Ministry of Awqaf
has developed a plan for the distri-
bution of Bedoun pilgrims into five
groups according to a tender with
sealed envelopes.
He pointed out the prices of
Bedoun pilgrimage will be in ac-
cordance with category ‘C’, accord-
ing to a decision that has been issued
by the Higher Committee for Hajj,
which will be a maximum of 1,300
dinars.
He explained that the distribution
of pilgrims will be 180 pilgrims in
each group, while the remaining
100 will be distributed according
to the relationship with the Kuwaiti
citizens as well as the Bedoun nurses
who are not enrolled in Hajj.
News in Brief
Five graduate in 5 yrs: Min-
istry of Higher Education has
discovered that only five Kuwaitis
graduated in Physics in the last
five years, reports Al-Rai daily.
Statistics issued by the ministry
revealed a lack of Kuwaiti gradu-
ates from Kuwait University in
the fields of Physics, Chemistry,
Philosophy and Mathematics to
teach in intermediate and second-
ary stages, in the last five years
from 2013/2014 to 2017/2018.
The shocking aspect was that
only five students graduated in
Physics in the last five years.
Ironically, during not a single
student graduated the academic
year 2014/2015.
According to the statistics sent
by the ministry in response to a
question submitted by MP Khalil
Al-Saleh, the number of Kuwaiti
students who graduated in the last
KUNA photo
He pointed out that the Ministry
of Awqaf will give priority for the
elderly and families and those who
have not previously performed the
Hajj.
Meanwhile, as usual, the statistics
of divorce and marriage are not re-
assuring. The numbers are ringing
alarm bells warning of the increas-
ing disintegration of families and is-
sues of expenses and custody claims
which are being battled in family
courts, reports Al-Qabas daily.
The statistics for the first quarter
of 2018 show during every 24 hours
there are 33 marriages and 22 of
them have ended in divorce on the
same day.
The total number of marriages
concluded during the first three
months of this year was 2,995, com-
pared with 1985 divorces during the
same period.
A source familiar with the issue,
said the social networking sites was
one of the most prominent reason for
divorce in recent years.
The same source pointed out the
divorce was not in varying propor-
tions between university graduates
and holders of intermediate degrees,
since the divorce occurs in all stages
of education, which requires a study
to discuss the reasons.
five years was 66 in Chemistry,
13 in Philosophy and only 32 in
Mathematics.
❑ ❑ ❑ The group of Kuwaiti lawmakers,
Citizen arrested for insulting:
A 1999-born Kuwaiti citizen
was arrested for insulting traffic
officers while they were issuing
a citation for a traffic violation
he committed on King Fahad
Expressway near Thaher area.
Reportedly, the traffic offic-
ers were patrolling King Fahad
Expressway when they noticed a
young man committing a traffic
violation
They ordered him to pull over
and asked him for his civil ID.
However, he insulted the officers
and tried to attack them.
He was arrested and referred
to the police station of the area
where a case was registered
against him.
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
5
Photos by Mahmoud Jadeed
GCC supports ‘protection’ of
women’s rights: Al-Ghunaim
Kuwaiti MPs examine France legislative work mechanisms
GENEVA, June 23,
(KUNA): Countries in the Both sides agree to hold regular meetings
Gulf Cooperation Council
(GCC) pay much attention Kuwait calls to promote bilateral ties with Kyrgyzstan
to the protection of wom- KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Kuwait bilateral issues in order to strengthen give an impetus to the further de-
en’s right, making such en- has prepared a work plan for the and develop ties between Kyrgyzstan velopment of cooperation between
deavor a priority for their implementation of decisions of the and Kuwait through an exchange of Kyrgyzstan and Kuwait.
respective nations, said a meeting of the Kyrgyz-Kuwaiti visits at the level of ministries and Following the meeting, the sides
Kuwaiti diplomat Friday. intergovernmental commission on departments of the two countries. agreed on the need to continue
The joint GCC statement was economic and technical coopera- During the meeting, the parties fruitful cooperation, including
delivered by Kuwait’s Permanent tion, the Kuwaiti Embassy in Kyr- noted successful holding of the through the exchange of experi-
Representative to the UN head- gyzstan said, Kyrgyz media outlets first meeting of the Kyrgyz-Ku- ence between the government
quarters and international organi- reported June 22. waiti joint intergovernmental com- agencies of the two countries, and
zations in Geneva Ambassador During the meeting of Ambas- mission on economic and technical agreed to hold regular meetings to
sador of Kuwait in Kyrgyzstan Sa- cooperation held April 24-26 in the discuss the status and implementa-
Jamal Al-Ghunaim to the 38th
United Nations Human Rights margul Adamkulova with Kuwaiti city of Kuwait. tion of the protocol signed follow-
Finance Minister Nayef Al-Hajraf, Adamkulova said that the results ing the Kyrgyz-Kuwaiti intergov-
Council’s (UNHRC) session on
bolstering and protection of wom- Kuwait called for the promotion of of the commission meeting will ernmental commission.
en’s rights.
Ambassador Al-Ghunaim said that
the highest authorities in the GCC
region supported women rights, en-
couraging this vital sector of society
to contribute to their nations’ social
and economic development.
With the advent of new technolo-
gies, it is important to give to sup-
port to women to achieve their full
potential within this domain, said the
Kuwaiti diplomat. The 38th UNHRC
session began on June 18 and will
continue until July seventh.
Meanwhile, visiting Kuwaiti par-
liamentarians on Thursday were
hosted by French counterparts to
examine the French houses’ work
mechanisms.
MP Mohammad Al-Dallal, mem-
ber of the delegation representing the
National Assembly (Parliament) Leg-
islative and Legal Affairs Committee,
told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)
that he and his colleagues were in-
formed extensively about work pro-
ceedings at the Senate (Upper House
of the French Parliament) and the Na-
tional Assembly (Lower House of the
bicameral parliament).
The Kuwaiti delegation studied
bills’ endorsement mechanisms and
parliamentary commissions’ tasks,
Al-Dallal said adding that the law-
makers attended part of a Senate ses-
sion, where they were welcomed by
the French legislators.
Al-Dallal said he was impressed
with the iconic Senate headquarters
— depicting France’s long history.
visited Paris between June 19 and
22, incudes MP Khaled Al-Shatti,
along with the Legislative Affairs
Committee members; Mariam Al-
Zamami, Suleiman bin Nekhi, Omar
Al-Ajeel, Sara Shmais and Rawan
Al-Shehabi.
Kuwaiti parliamentarians often go
on missions abroad, examining other
states’ legislative experience or par-
taking in international forums.
The Kuwaiti Parliament was
among the first legislative assemblies
formed in the Arab world.
It was established as a constituent
assembly in 1962 during rule of the
late Amir Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem
Al-Sabah, nearly a year after Kuwait
gained its independence — thus con-
solidating the State of Kuwait demo-
cratic approach.

LOCAL
Deserted roads in hot and dusty weather.
Dusty weather returns
Unstable weather continues as
Kuwait witnessed countrywide dust
with temperature hovering in the high
forties. Most roads wore a deserted
look as people preferred to remain
indoors until really necessary. The
dust particulates caused uneasiness
Crime Briefs
MP loses cash, jewelry
Hunt launched for thieves
By Mishal Al-Sanousi
Al-Seyassah Staff
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Criminal
detectives continue to follow leads
toward the arrest of unidentified
burglar(s) who stole pieces of jew-
elry and money from the house of MP
Saadoun Al-Hammadi.
According to the police report, the
MP and his family returned home one
day only to find out that someone has
broken in and entered his bedroom, cart-
ing away several pieces of jewelry and
money valued at KD 80,000.
Upon receiving information about
the burglary, the Operations Unit in the
Interior Ministry dispatched a team of
criminal detectives and regular police
who searched the house and lifted finger-
prints as initial measures to apprehend
the culprit(s).
The detectives also summoned every-
one working in the MP’s house for ques-
tioning.
❑ ❑ ❑ campaign.
2 held with drugs: Patrol officers from
Sulaibiya Security Command arrested
two youths for the possession of an un-
disclosed quantity of crystal meth (sha-
bu) and drug consumption tools.
According to the police report, the
officers suspected the two youths who
were in an open yard.
When the officers approached them,
the youths appeared to be tensed,
prompting the officers to question them
about their motives in staying in the
area.
This led to the discovery of the above-
mentioned items, so the suspects were
referred to the Drug Control General
Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab
for people suffering from asthma and
other ailments of the upper respira-
tory tract.
Doctors asked such people to
remain at home and take necessary
precautions against the harmful
weather conditions.
Food seized
Hawkers held
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Ahmadi se-
curitymen, in coordination with Ku-
wait Municipality, arrested a number
of hawkers and violators of law, and
confiscated large quantities of spoiled
commodities during a security cam-
paign launched to arrest violators of
labor and residency laws, reports Al-
Anba daily.
Ministry of Interior had launched
the campaign after complaints were
received about the spread of hawkers
in Mahboula area.
Securitymen rushed to the location
and arrested a number of hawkers
of different nationalities who were
selling commodities in open yards in
violation of the municipality law. In
addition, a number of unemployed
expatriates were arrested during the
Department.
❑ ❑ ❑ In case the violation affects profes-
Asian duo arrested: Personnel from
the Farwaniya Security Department have
arrested two Asians — an Indian and a
Bangladeshi — for violating the resi-
dence and labor laws, reports Al-Anba
daily.
According to security the Indian was
also wanted by law, while the Bangla-
deshi was caught for working for another
sponsor.
Both men were caught by police pa-
trols in Farwaniya.
EPA issues rules to settle
violations by public, firms
KUWAIT CITY, June 23:
The Environment Public
Authority (EPA) has is-
sued a regulation to settle
environmental violations
committed by individuals
and corporate institutions
through compensation
if the two sides agree on
a settlement, reports Al-
Shahed daily.
The regulation specifies the con-
dition for settlement in line with
certain procedures, indicating the
violator is supposed to solicit rec-
onciliation in advance—whereas
the affected party has right to ac-
cept or reject a settlement.
It states the request for settlement
will be rejected in case the violation
registered was not cancelled, indicat-
ing violations should be mended and
the document for settlement must
include a pledge stating it’ll not be
repeated.
The maximum fine to be paid by
individuals for dumping environmen-
tal waste is KD250, while corporate
institutions will pay sums ranging
from KD1,250 to KD5,000 for the
same offense.
sional or business surroundings, an
individual will pay KD500 and es-
tablishments KD1,250 to KD10,000,
while individuals involved in chemi-
cal waste violations are liable to pay
KD500 and establishments will en-
dure fines ranging from KD2,500 to
KD10,000.
Also, the fine for dumping hazard-
ous, medical, sludge and solid wastes
starts from KD50 to KD5,000 for in-
dividuals, while establishments could
pay a minimum of KD50 and maxi-
Six fire teams tackle landfill fire
Kuwait National Assembly building — KUNA photo
mum of KD20,000.
❑ ❑ ❑ fighting teams to control a fire that
Waste dumper caught: A citizen
called the Operations Unit in the In-
terior Ministry, complaining about an
Egyptian truck driver who allegedly
dumped liquid waste materials in the
drainage network flowing into Shu-
waikh Sea, reports Al-Rai daily.
A team of environment police
officers rushed to the location and
caught the suspect red-handed.
A case was registered and the sus-
pect was referred to the concerned
authorities for legal action.
❑ ❑ ❑
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
6
Six fire teams ...: It took six fire- ant Colonel Muath Al-Hamadi were
dispatched to the location as the fire
had spread rapidly throughout the
broke out in a landfill in West Mina
Abdullah area along Wafra Road area due to the strong winds.
Despite the severe winds and the
2 Kilo-mark, reports Al-Seyassah
daily. accompanying dust, the teams man-
The General Department for Pub- aged to control the fire with the help
lic Relations and Security Media ex- of graders from Kuwait Municipality
plained that the Control Room of Ku- which is responsible for the landfill.
wait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) Director General of KFSD Lieu-
received information about the fire in tenant General Khalid Al-Mekrad
the landfill. Immediately, firefighting and Deputy Director General for
teams from Mina Abdullah and Umm Firefighting Sector Major General Ja-
Al-Haiman fire stations, with the sup- mal Al-Belheis were present during
port of Sabhan, Ardiya, Capital and the operation along other top KFSD
Ahmadi fire stations led by Lieuten- officials.
News in Brief
Elderly man killed in accident: The remains of an
unidentified 80-year-old Kuwaiti who died on a road
in Salmi have been referred to Forensics, reports Al-
Rai daily.
The daily added, the man died after his vehicle
overturned.
Acting on information paramedics, firemen and po-
lice rushed to the spot but could do little to save the
man. The cause of the accident is not known.
❑ ❑ ❑
Wanted Kuwaiti nabbed: Officers from the Crimi-
nal Investigation Department in the Ministry of Inte-
rior arrested a Kuwaiti wanted by law for evading a
four-year jail term for consuming drugs, reports Al-
Rai daily.
The officers rushed to the location after receiving
information that the citizen was at Kuwait Interna-
tional Airport. The suspect tried to escape but the
officers chased him and then referred him to the con-
cerned security department to pave way for his refer-
ral to the Central Prison.
❑ ❑ ❑
Lankan robbed by fake cop: The Ahmadi police
are looking for an unidentified police for stealing KD
160 from a Sri Lankan, reports Al-Anba daily. The
daily added, the victim has filed a complaint with the
Sabahiya Police Station.
In his complaint the man claimed the suspect im-
personating police asked him for his ID and when he
pulled out the wallet, he was hit on the head and the
man escaped with the money. The incident happened
when he was on his way home.
❑ ❑ ❑
Traffic officer insulted: A highway patrolman has
filed a complaint with the Al-Dhaher Police Station
accusing a Kuwaiti of insulting him while on duty,
reports Al-Anba daily.
The complainant said this happened when he asked
the Kuwaiti to pull over for violating a traffic law and
asked him for his driver’s licence.
Meanwhile, acting on information firemen rushed
to a chalet in Abdali farm and put out fire, reports Al-
Rai daily. The daily added, no casualties have been
reported. The cause of the fire is not known.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

LOCAL 7

Kuwait-UK group to look into

Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a visit to Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sa-
bah School in Ras Beirut neighborhood.
Students presented with German nat’l team’s jersey
Merkel visits Sheikh Jaber
Al-Ahmad School in Beirut
BEIRUT, June 23, (KUNA): Germany’s
Chancellor Angela Merkel paid a visit to
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah School
in Ras Beirut neighborhood on Saturday and
observed Syrian refugee students’ involve-
ment in classrooms and sport activities.
During her visit, Merkel toured the school
facilities, viewed the education methods ap-
plied in some grade levels such as kinder-
garten and the fifth grade, spoke with stu-
dents, in English, about their situations and
needs, and took part in lecturing physics
class students, Lebanese Education Minister
Marwan Hamadeh, who accompanied Mer-
kel on her visit to the school, told KUNA.
The German Chancellor also visited the
school’s sports arena, where she joined Leb-
anese and Syrian refugee students in some
exercises and trainings, Hamadeh added,
noting she presented them with a number of
officially certified soccer balls and German
national team’s jerseys.
She also gathered with some local and
refugee families, on one side of the school’s
soccer field, and spoke with them about their
issues, he said, adding Merkel stressed the
importance of maintaining a good relation-
ship between citizens and refugees.
Merkel expressed her admiration for the
school’s administration, education staff,
students, and learning process, the Lebanese
minister said, adding she also lauded the
close cooperation between students, teach-
ers, and administrators.
Furthermore, Hamadeh told Merkel about
the ministry’s plan to observe the educa-
tion of Lebanese and refugee students via
(RACE) project, to be launched in coop-
eration with UN international agencies and
bodies, particularly UNICEF, and with the
financial backup of Germany and the in-
KUNA photo
ternational group. He also handed the Ger-
man Chancellor a detailed report on the
accommodation capacity in Lebanese state
schools, which highlighted the govern-
ment’s need of financial support to accom-
modate more refugee students.
Moreover, Hamadeh explained to Merkel
his ministry’s plan to employ new refugee
teachers in the country’s schools, reiterating
the ministry’s need for financial aid to en-
able it to bear the burden of educating chil-
dren and minors without any discrimination.
“Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah School
is considered as the ‘pearl’ of Lebanon’s edu-
cation,” he said, expressing his appreciation
to Kuwait’s contribution to boosting educa-
tion his country. “The school is also a source
of pride for the Lebanese people; therefore,
we strive to hoist Kuwait’s name higher
through providing the best educational meth-
ods and applications for students,” affirmed
the Lebanese senior official.
For her part, Ghadah Azar, Director of
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah School,
told KUNA the school has been at the fore-
front of Lebanese state schools, and became
a hot spot for officials and visitors.
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah School
has working hours in the morning, during
which it receives 250 refugee students, and in
the evening, receiving 625 refugee students,
noted Azar. In the last few years, the Leba-
nese education ministry has named several
schools in Beirut after Kuwait, His High-
ness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-
Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the Crown
Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.
It has also named some schools after late
Amirs Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah,
Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and
Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah.
Kuwaiti patients’ conditions
Delegation led by Dy FM will fly to Britain today
KUWAIT CITY, June
23, (KUNA): The joint
UK-Kuwaiti Steering
Group is set to look
into the conditions of
Kuwaiti patients in the
UK, and bilateral coop-
eration to share exper-
tise and doctors’ mu-
tual visits, a Kuwaiti
diplomat said Satur-
day.
A Kuwaiti delegation, led
by Deputy Foreign Minister
Khaled Al-Jarallah, will fly
to the UK on Sunday to dis-
cuss more facilities to Ku-
waiti citizens visiting Britain,
including online visa system,
Assistant Foreign Minister
for Europe Affairs Ambassa-
dor Walid Al-Khubaizi said
to KUNA.
The group will also address is-
sues pertinent to the promotion of
bilateral cooperation in the areas of
security, air transport and cyberse-
curity, he pointed out.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign
Affairs organized recent prepara-
tory meetings on the agenda of the
group’s meeting, which is mainly
meant to bolster Kuwaiti-UK coop-
eration, he said.
Other issues related to Kuwaiti
students in the UK, together with
closer cooperation in the domains
of scientific and environment re-
search, cultural and knowledge
exchange and academic quality cri-
teria, he added.
Also to be considered during the
event are ways and means of push-
Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Affairs Ambassador Walid Al-
Khubaizi.
ing forward strategic cooperation
between both sides to address com-
mon challenges and cement bilat-
eral training and military coopera-
tion, he noted.
Economically, he said both sides
will seek to increase trade ex-
change and joint investments, add-
ing that agreements and memos of
understanding would be hammered
out in this regard.
The Kuwaiti diplomat com-
mended the distinguished level of
Kuwaiti-UK relations, mainly the
increasing number of high-level
visits from both sides, mentioning
in particular a planned visit by Ku-
waiti Deputy Prime Minister and
Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah
Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to
London in July.
It will be a good opportunity for
both sides to exchange views on
the latest regional and internal de-
KUNA photo
velopments, along with a number
of Arab and Islamic issues, he said.
The joint UK-Kuwaiti Steering
Group’s 12th meeting will be held
between June 26-27.
Meanwhile, Minister of Health
Sheikh Dr Bassel Al-Sabah has is-
sued a circular to all hospitals affili-
ated to the ministry, instructing to
provide medicines to expatriate pa-
tients for two months instead of one
month for the same charge of KD 10
per visit, reports Al-Anba daily.
Pleased
Expatriate patients were pleased
with the decision due to two rea-
sons. The first reason is that issu-
ing medicines for each month had
resulted in heavy congestion in the
pharmacies and frustration among
the patients especially the elderly.
The second reason is that the
cost remains unchanged, which
means a patient will receive medi-
cines he needs for two months for
the amount he used to pay for the
medicines he need for one month.
In other words, the cost of medi-
cines for expatriate patients has
dropped by 50 percent.
The circular included instruc-
tions to the doctors to prescribe
medicines required for a period of
two months to the patients during
each visit by the latter.
According to informed sources,
the patients who had received pre-
scriptions for monthly medicines
six months before the issuance of
the circular will need to bring with
them prescriptions for two months
during their visit to the hospital.
They will then get medicines for
two months during a single visit
instead of two visits to the hospital.
Furthermore, Kuwait’s health min-
istry said on Saturday that its polio
laboratory has been approved by the
World Health Organization (WHO)
as the Middle East’s main center for
the testing of the viral disease.
The acknowledgment comes
shortly after WHO’s Polio Eradica-
tion Program’s regional coordina-
tor Dr Humayun Asghar’s visit to
the lab, Dr Majda Al-Qattan, the
ministry’s assistant undersecretary
of public health services, said in a
statement.
“Our facility has been approved
by WHO as the regional labora-
tory for polio testing in the Middle
East,” she said, citing that Asghar
was impressed by the progress and
development of the lab.
She pointed out that the lab had
also garnered accreditations by
the College of American Patholo-
gists (CAP) and the International
Organization for Standardization
(ISO) as well, which ensures the
ministry’s commitment to provide
quality healthcare.

Last month the Britain-based Syrian Ob-

Pompeo warns
Continued from Page 1
The case was lodged by Tehran in June
2016 accusing the US of breaking a decades-
old bilateral treaty, dating from the time of
the Shah, by seizing Iranian financial assets
and those of Iranian companies.
US courts have “awarded total damages
of over $56 billion ... against Iran in respect
of its alleged involvement in various terror-
ist acts mainly outside the US,” Iran said.
The case was filed just weeks after the
US Supreme Court ruled in April 2016 that
$2 billion in frozen Iranian assets should be
paid to about 1,000 survivors and relatives
of those killed in attacks blamed on the Is-
lamic republic.
These included the 1983 bombing of a
US Marine barracks in Beirut and the 1996
Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.
But Tehran reacted angrily to the ruling
which came almost a year after the land-
mark nuclear deal with world powers which
led to the unblocking of other frozen funds.
To the dismay of the other world pow-
ers, US President Donald Trump has since
walked away from the nuclear deal, and the
United States in 2017 raised objections to
the court’s hearing of the case.
The four days of public audiences are ex-
pected to focus on whether the ICJ judges
can take up the case under the strict rules
governing their procedures.
Set up in 1946, the ICJ rules in disputes
between states on the basis of existing trea-
ties and international law.
Iran argues that the US is breaking the
terms of the 1955 Treaty of Amity signed
with the then regime of the Shah long before
he was ousted in the 1979 Islamic Revolu-
tion. The treaty governs economic ties and
consular rights.
But the US severed bilateral diplomatic
ties with Iran in 1979 after 52 Americans
were taken hostage in the US embassy in
Tehran. They have not yet been fully re-
stored.
Iran meanwhile is also demanding that
the United States “make full reparations
to Iran for the violation of its international
legal obligations in an amount to be deter-
mined by the court at a subsequent stage of
the proceedings.”
Senior Iran
Continued from Page 1
Three houses linked by an underground
tunnel were also destroyed, it said, adding
that the air strike was carried out based on
“intelligence” and at the request of Prime
Minister Haider al-Abadi.
Hajin, about 50 kilometres (30 miles)
from Iraq’s border, is the largest populated
hub still under IS control in Syria.
servatory for Human Rights that monitors
the Syrian war said that at least 65 senior IS
members live in Hajin.
The town has been surrounded since the
end of last year by the Syrian Democratic
Forces, a US-backed alliance of Kurdish and
Arab fighters, the monitor says.
Iraq’s air force has carried out several
strikes on IS-held territory in Syria since April,
including one targeting “the headquarters of IS
terrorist gang leaders” in Hajin on May 24.
The following day Iraq released a video
showing a strike on a huge building sur-
rounded by palm trees and a wall which then
collapsed.
Syrian regime forces on Saturday made
their first gains on the ground against rebel
fighters in the southern province of Daraa
after several days of intensified bombard-
ment, a monitor said.
Since Tuesday, regime troops have been
ramping up shelling on opposition-held ar-
eas in Daraa’s eastern countryside ahead of
an apparent military offensive against rebels
there.
“Regime troops made their first advance
in the area since the military escalation on
Tuesday, seizing the villages of Al-Bustan
and Al-Shumariya in the eastern part of
Daraa province,” said the Syrian Observa-
tory for Human Rights.
UAE to
Continued from Page 1
On Saturday, the airport continued to
come under mortar fire from adjacent rebel-
held neighbourhoods in the south of the city.
Government forces responded against the
source of the fire.
UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who held
abortive talks in the rebel-held capital Sanaa
last weekend, was continuing “consultations
with all sides to avoid a military confron-
tation in Hodeida and return rapidly to the
negotiating table,” his office said.
The rebels have said they are willing to
share control of Hodeida’s port with the
United Nations but have vowed that their
forces will remain in the docks and in the
rest of the Red Sea city.
The coalition alleges that the port has
been used by the rebels as an entry point for
weapons smuggled from its arch-foe Iran.
Clashes between Yemeni government forc-
es and Houthi rebels around the Red Sea port
city of Hodeida eased Friday as more civilians
fled the combat zones for fear of a fierce show-
down, a UN humanitarian agency said.
“More people are fleeing areas of con-
flict and seeking shelter in safer locations,
including in the capital Sanaa,” 150 kms
(95 miles) to the northeast and also under
rebel control, the Office for the Coordina-
tion of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said
in a statement.

LOCAL
PAM forms specialist team to
deal with cases of domestics
‘Employers can apply for permits via website’
KUWAIT CITY, June 23:
Director of Public Relations
Department in the Public Au-
thority for Manpower (PAM)
Aseel Al-Mazeed said the au-
thority has formed a special
team consisting of represent-
atives from the Legal Affairs
and Labor Relations depart-
ments to deal with cases of
domestic workers, reports Al-
Anba daily.
In her statement to the daily, Al-
Mazeed disclosed the team will
coordinate with the Ministry of In-
terior and it will be stationed at the
Department of Domestic Workers
in Dhajeej.
She explained the team will be in
charge of receiving complaints, renew-
ing licenses of domestic labor recruit-
ment offices, and carrying out field
inspections in these offices.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Ku-
wait Union of Domestic Labor Offices
(KUDLO) Khaled Al-Dakhnan lauded
the decision of the Cabinet to transfer
domestic workers affairs to PAM.
In a press statement, Al-Dakhnan
affirmed the union is in full support of
measures to overcome challenges that
the domestic labor market is facing
and to improve the image of Kuwait in
the global arena.
Al-Dakhnan explained the transfer
of authority over domestic workers af-
fairs from the Interior Ministry to PAM
is a step in the right direction since the
latter is, by default, in charge of organ-
izing the labor market, handling labor
issues, and directly involved in signing
memorandums of understanding re-
lated to global labor affairs.
He added this move has eliminated
fear among those aggrieved in the do-
mestic labor sector in terms of deal-
ing with police, let alone allowing the
labor agencies to execute its mandate
Palestinian leaders
Continued from Page 1
increasing appetite for coup against
legal Arab regimes; raising the slogan
of Liberation of Palestine which has
been used as a bloody shirt (Othman’s
cloth).
In Egypt, Jamal Abdulnasser allied
with the Muslim Brotherhood to take
advantage of the Palestinian exodus
in 1948 (Nakba) in order to kick off a
Kuwait City in 360 degree panorama. (Musaed Alghuraibah – KUNA)
directly in cooperation with other rel-
evant agencies.
Meanwhile, the decision governing
issuance of work permits by the Pub-
lic Authority for Manpower stipulates
that employers can apply for permits
via the authority’s website or relevant
labor departments depending on the
categories specified under the admin-
istrative Decision No. 525, reports Al-
Anba daily.
The daily quoting a source noted
the decision allows laboratories, medi-
cal pharmacies, home medical care
services, medical glasses sales points
(optics), nurseries, engineering con-
sultancy offices, legal firms, account
firms, commercial aviation training
and bungee jumping training to hire
campaign accusing the king and gov-
ernment of betrayal and corruption. He
prepared a suitable environment for his
coup.
At that moment, a new Palestin-
ian leadership headed by Ahmed
Al-Shuqairi, who belonged to Arab
Nationalist Movement of Marxist
tendencies, seized the opportunity to
raise the slogan, “Throwing the Jews
into the sea,” that was later adopted by
Abdulnasser who called for military
struggle as the only option to liberate
only specialized professionals from
abroad.
Concerning private schools and pri-
vate training institutes, they will be al-
lowed to hire teaching staff only from
abroad, as specified in the amended ad-
ministrative Decision No. 525 based on
the approval of segment classifications.
The first category consists of 21 ac-
tivities that were allowed to be hired
from abroad depending on the rate of
needs, while the remaining 18 activi-
ties allowed to be hired from abroad
in the second category are pegged at
25 percent. However, employers not
included in the first and second cat-
egories are not allowed to hire beyond
25 percent, indicating they should not
exceed 4 work permits.
Palestine.
None of them paid attention to the
United Nations resolution on dividing
Palestine. The resolution served as the
base for establishing a real Palestin-
ian State and changing the course of
events.
In the late 1950s, Fatah Movement
emerged, followed by the Palestinian
Liberation Organization (PLO) which
was founded by Al-Shukairi. The PLO
later became the most preferred tool in
the Arab market of settlements, espe-
cially for the so-called revolutionary
regimes.
The strategy of Al-Shukairi was
just a ‘copy-paste’ of his ancestor Al-
Husaini. Since then the issue has been
managed according to the mentality
of adopting slogans, instead of declar-
ing the Palestinian State on both West
Bank and Gaza. It would have been a
real State, not like the unviable State
of today.
The lust for power and mobilizing
it under the headline of ‘liberation’
prompted a number of leaders to form
militant movements. Yasser Arafat
was among these leaders. He carried
out a coup against Al-Shukairi, kicking
off an era that was worse than the pre-
vious one. It reached the climax after
the defeat in 1967, which resulted in
Israel’s occupation of the rest of Pales-
tine, Sinai and Golan Heights.
At the time, military groups started
to extend their domination over Jordan
instead of devoting themselves to ac-
complish the liberation. They looked
at Jordan as an alternative homeland.
Movements like Fatah and Popular
Front, in addition to other movements
founded from 1958 to 1968 worked
hard in order to expand their control
over Jordan.
The issue developed until the con-
frontation between military groups and
Jordanians, especially after the hijack-
ing of five planes and setting fire to
these planes in the desert of Jordan.
The war in Jordan ended in sending
the organizations to Lebanon where
they converted the new terrain into a
place for commandos’ activities, while
one of the areas in the far South is pop-
ularly known as ‘Fatah Land’ where
the factions set up their bases.
The refugee camps were also con-
verted into a military center. Series
of confrontations with the Lebanese
Army took place between 1969 and
1973, while the ‘Palestine Liberation
Organization’ realized its dream to
control power when the Lebanese war
broke out in 1975.
Throughout those years, Palestine
was not in the agenda of the factions.
Yasser Arafat, George Habsh, Nayef
Hawatemah and other leaders rather
considered gun-running as a lucrative
business. They blackmailed Arab na-
tions either by capitalizing on emo-
tions like what happened in Kuwait
when Kuwaitis empathized with Pal-
estinians whom they saw as refugees
whose land had been occupied. Kuwait
supported them with money and the
media until the time Iraq invaded Ku-
wait as the organization’s leadership
unmasked their real faces by standing
with Saddam Hussein and supporting
him in committing the unforgivable
heinous crime.
In the new vision of blood invest-
ment, he initiated the blood tourism
globally. He perpetrated killings in
Munich during the Olympic Games,
held OPEC ministers hostage in
Austria, carried out assassinations
in France and Britain, in addition to
bombings and assassinations in Ku-
wait.
Despite the dark history, Arab na-
tions strived to search for a way out of
the disastrous injustice against Pales-
tinians. They strongly supported secret
talks between Arafat and the Israelis in
Norway with the hope of ending the
plight of displaced and scattered Pales-
tinians after the possible establishment
of a State within the territory.
Unfortunately, the Oslo Treaty that
was the real opportunity, like similar
other peace moves, met strong oppo-
sition. This time, it was supported by
Iran such that the Hamas Movement
and Islamic Jihad Movement were the
arrowheads of the war to frustrate the
agreement in favor of Iranian inter-
ests. They initiated series of military
onslaughts, which made Israel and its
backer — the United States — stand
firm on their positions.
Today, the world is working to-
wards final reconciliation in the Mid-
dle East. It is rather unfortunate that
Palestine will not have any representa-
tion there. They may not even attend
the negotiation table, because they are
historically the worst lawyers in their
genuine case and they are always the
ones causing losses.
MP voices
Continued from Page 1
He described the government’s de-
cision as impractical at the moment
and untimely because the executive
authority did not give the concerned
students enough time to develop their
English language skills.
He disclosed the government set the
condition for those who wish to apply
for State scholarship to pass the IELTS
with an overall grade of not less than
five points in all sections.
Meanwhile, MP Safaa Al-Hashim
tackled the unemployment issue. She
said she does not trust the information
provided by an official in the Civil Ser-
vice Commission (CSC) to the parlia-
mentary Employment and Kuwaitiza-
tion Committee about graduates of the
College of Petroleum Engineering at
Kuwait University turning down jobs
offered by the oil sector.
Al-Hashim described the official’s
claim that graduates from the college
in question do not desire to work in the
oil sector due to the nature of work and
the working hours as “untrue”.
She asked representatives of the
commission to verify the claim and
present evidence in writing. She
warned that in case there is no proof
and no one is held accountable for such
claims, she will not hesitate in using
the constitutional tools at her disposal.
On the other hand, MP Muhammad
Al-Otaibi has unveiled his plan to submit
a proposal on deductions in the housing
loan installment plan in cases where in-
frastructure and services have not been
completed in new housing cities.
The MP cited the case of a citizen who
received his dream house only to find out
that the infrastructure and services in his
new residential town are incomplete; yet
he was forced to start paying installment
to Kuwait Credit Bank.
Al-Otaibi explained such delays are
caused by the concerned agencies and
contractors that failed to accomplish
their tasks on time. He pointed out this
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
causes inconvenience to citizens who
are then forced to use infrastructure
and acquire necessary services in the
closest residential town.
The MP said the installment plan
should be activated only when all in-
frastructure and services are in place
and fully functional. The most impor-
tant of which is an operational police
station, medical center, school for all
academic levels, and a cooperative so-
ciety or its branch.
He also suggested formation of a
ministerial committee to supervise and
ensure that the infrastructure in new
residential areas is in place and ser-
vices are functional.
This is in addition to announcements
in local newspapers stating that all the
service projects have been handed
over. The installment payment plan is
activated the day after publication of
the announcement in accordance with
the mechanism set by Kuwait Credit
Bank or the State Ministry for Hous-
ing Affairs.
Talking about the oil sector, Chair-
man of the Budgets and Final Ac-
counts Committee Adnan Sayyed
Abdul-Samad revealed the committee
discussed the proposed budget of Ku-
wait Gulf Oil Company (KGOC) for
fiscal 2018/2019.
The meeting also looked into the
comments of the State Audit Bureau in
its annual report on the audit result for
2017/2018 fiscal year, indicating that
lack of conformity with partners in
Saudi Arabia impeded the process of
remedying observations recorded by
the bureau on the oil company.
The meeting found out that majority
of the comments in question focused
on the contracts and 0.58 percent vari-
ation in orders.
The committee explained that sus-
pending oil production in Khafji oil
fields in 2014 and in Wafra oil fields
in 2015 led to loss of $10.2 billion in
March 2017, let alone the loss which
is technically known as oil migration
(hydrocarbon migration).
Despite complete production shut-
down for several years in Wafra and
Khafji, (KGOC) insisted on produc-
tion increase from 133,000 to 220,000
barrels daily without any justification.
The committee underscored the
need for restructuring the oil sector,
taking into consideration the rising op-
erational expenditures of KGOC and
unsubstantiated budget estimate for
fiscal 2018 which increased by nine
percent of the actual data for 2016 with
production suspension in place.
In addition, the committee indicated
that the budget for half of the current
fiscal year has been depleted. There-
fore, the budget estimate seems to be
illogically based on something which
entails curbing such estimates.
Furthermore, the number of jobs in
the company reduced by 329 positions,
but the salary and allowance estimates
dropped by four percent only and it
does not correspond with the drop of
employment positions.
It is worth mentioning that the opera-
tional expenditure of KGOC was taken
from the State budget through direct de-
duction from the oil revenue; hence, the
need to curb it since the State has been
suffering from budget deficits for years.
Indian engineers
Continued from Page 1
They urged India’s Minister of
External Affairs Sushma Swaraj and
Minister of Human Resources Devel-
opment Prakash Javdekar to intervene
in the matter.
However, Secretary for Higher
Education R. Subramanyam affirmed
that NBA cannot offer retrospective
accreditation for universities and edu-
cational institutions. This could cause
challenges to emerge in the near future.
According to some media reports,
the Indian government claimed that
institutions such as IITs and IISc
Bangalore are recognized globally due
to which there was no reason for an
accreditation. Besides the IIT institu-
tions, Kuwait’s decision is likely to
impact various colleges that offer en-
gineering courses all across India.
A forum called “Progressive Profes-
sional Forum” discussed this matter
with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and requested his intervention.
Reportedly, discussions regarding
this issue were also held with the of-
ficials of the labor department in Ku-
wait. The Indian government has been
asking the officials in Kuwait to with-
draw the new condition. A Kuwaiti
trade representation is planning to visit
India to come up with a solution.
Storm finds
Continued from Page 1
fundraising, design and construction at
an estimated total cost of $25 million
and the target completion is in 2021.
In a related development, the as-
sociation announced on its website
— www.ndswm.org — the approved
location of the memorial as 23rd Street
NW and Constitution Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20037 USA.
The association considers this the
most appropriate location for the me-
morial to achieve its objectives — to
commemorate those who served, honor
those who made the ultimate sacrifice,
and educate current and future global
citizens about the importance of Opera-
tions Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
The association has also started call-
ing for donations, pointing out that “al-
though the land is provided by the gov-
ernment, no tax dollars or government
money will be used for construction.
So, all money must be raised through
private donations from citizens, com-
panies and others.”
The association explained on its
website that the memorial aims to cre-
ate an educational, meaningful and
deeply moving sequential experience
for visitors that:
1. Educates them about the histori-
cal events of the Desert Storm War
2. Identifies each of the coalition
countries and illustrates the historical
significance of the 34-nation coalition
that united to liberate Kuwait
3. Memorializes all the names of
8
Americans who sacrificed their lives
in the war
4. Reflects the unique environmen-
tal and battle conditions experienced
by servicemen and women in this war
5. Leaves visitors with an enduring
memory of the historical significance
and accomplishments of the Desert
Storm War
The association disclosed the de-
sign of the memorial “is the result of a
20-month collaborative effort between
the National Desert Storm War Memo-
rial Board of Directors, numerous vet-
erans of the war, CSO Architects, Inc.,
Context Landscape Architecture, and
other citizen contributors who were af-
fected by the war.”
The association went on to say,
“The memorial has been designed as
an elegantly curved, massive, Kuwaiti
limestone wall, which both encloses
and envelopes a sacred, somber, inner
memorial space.”
It then enumerated the functional and
symbolic purposes of the curved wall
as follows: shields visitors and the ‘me-
morial experience’ both visually and
acoustically from the noisy, urban sur-
roundings of downtown Washington,
DC; the massive earth-toned limestone
wall and floor of the memorial recall
in form and color the sands of the Ku-
waiti desert; and the curved wall, which
sweeps an arc in the north and east
directions, recalls the ‘left hook’ ma-
neuver that helped to bring the war to a
timely conclusion and to minimize the
loss of life in Coalition Forces.
Once inside the memorial, visitors
will follow a 150-foot continuous bas-
relief, which is carved into the interior
surface of the wall. It displays the flags
and the fallen from each of the 34 na-
tions in the coalition, the Desert Storm
Campaign Ribbons, and the continu-
ous historical chronology of the war’s
events. The carving describes in picto-
graphic, sculptural form all of the main
historical events leading up to and in-
cluding the war, as well as the lasting
after-effects of the war on veterans, the
association revealed.
Moreover, the names of the 383
US servicemen and women, who sac-
rificed their lives in the conflict, will
be engraved in one part of the Memo-
rial wall under the heading, ‘Here We
Mark the Price of Freedom.’ This is in
addition to the bronze statues of five
US servicemen and women wearing
gas masks and chemical warfare pro-
tective gear, the association added.
Newswatch
Continued from Page 1
The move, ordered last Septem-
ber by King Salman, is part of
sweeping reforms pushed by his
powerful young son Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman, who
aims to transform the economy of
the world’s top oil exporter and
open up its cloistered society.
“We are ready, and it will totally
change our life,” said Samira al-
Ghamdi, a 47-year-old psycholo-
gist from Jeddah, one of the first
Saudi women to be issued with a
driving license. (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
ZAATARI REFUGEE CAMP,
Jordan: British opposition leader
Jeremy Corbyn said Friday that
a government under his leadership
would recognize a Palestinian state
“very early on” and push hard for a
political solution to the Syrian civil
war.
Corbyn spoke during his first
international trip outside Europe
since he was elected Labour Party
leader in 2015. (AP)
❑ ❑ ❑
PARIS: France sought to assuage
Bahrain on Friday after rare criti-
cism by its ambassador to the king-
dom over human rights and an
honorary citizenship by Paris of a
rights campaigner sparked anger in
Manama, three sources said.
France, one of the five veto-
wielding members of the UN Secu-
rity Council, has close ties with Gulf
Arab states, in particular Saudi Ara-
bia and the United Arab Emirates,
and rarely publicly criticises internal
political issues. (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
DUBAI: Iran has charged promi-
nent human rights lawyer Nasrin
Sotoudeh with security offences
after re-arresting her earlier this
month, her husband was quoted as
saying on Saturday.
“My wife has been detained on
charges of collusion, (illegal) as-
sembly and propaganda against the
system,” Sotoudeh’s husband Reza
Khandan said, according to Iran’s
semi-official news agency ISNA.
(RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
GAZA CITY: Gaza’s Health Min-
istry says 20 Palestinians have been
wounded by Israeli fire along the
border fence.
A few thousand Palestinians at-
tended Friday’s rally near the bor-
der with a few dozen venturing to-
ward the fence.
Some launched flaming kites at
Israel. The devices have destroyed
forests and crops and killed animals
in recent weeks in Israel. (AP)
❑ ❑ ❑
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo had a work-
ing lunch with King Abdullah of
Jordan Friday, during which they
discussed a wide range of shared
interests, including regional sta-
bility and US-Jordan economic
and commercial partnership, State
Department announced. They dis-
cussed “their commitment to defeat
ISIS, support for lasting and com-
prehensive peace between Israel
and the Palestinians, and ongoing
efforts to further strengthen bilat-
eral ties,” the announcement said.
Pompeo “underscored US support
for Jordan as the King implements
critical reforms to promote Jordan’s
prosperity and self-reliance,” the
statement said, and the two “reaf-
firmed their mutual commitment to
a strong and long-standing partner-
ship.” (KUNA)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Immigration
Drop bill till poll: Trump
‘Split’ families in limbo
amid immigration chaos
EL PASO, United States, June 23, (Agencies): The
fate of 2,300 children wrested from their parents at the
US border with Mexico remained unclear Friday two
days after Donald Trump ordered an end to migrant
family separations, as the president accused Democrats
of spinning “phony” tales of suffering for electoral
gain.
While the US leader bowed to global outrage over
the splitting of families, conflicting messages were
contributing to a sense of chaos in the handling of the
crisis.
Government agencies were
unable to say what would hap-
pen to the children already sent
to tent camps and other facili-
ties spread across the country
while their parents were
charged with immigration
offenses.
Having been forced into a
climbdown on the hot-button
issue of immigration, Trump
swung back into fighting mode
Trump — insisting he remained com-
mitted to the “zero tolerance”
policy that aims to deter the flow of migrants from
Central America.
“We must maintain a Strong Southern Border. We
cannot allow our Country to be overrun by illegal
immigrants as the Democrats tell their phony stories
of sadness and grief, hoping it will help them in the
elections,” he tweeted.
Support
In a possible indication of the scope of the crack-
down the Trump administration envisions, Time mag-
azine reported that the US Navy is preparing plans to
build detention centers for tens of thousands of immi-
grants on remote bases in support of the “zero toler-
ance” policy.
Trump also met at the White House with parents of
victims killed by undocumented immigrants.
The parents standing with Trump have been “per-
manently separated from their loved ones,” the presi-
dent said, “because they were killed by criminal ille-
gal aliens.”
Trump continued to make political hay out of the
crisis, accusing Democrats of “playing games” and
not supporting tougher border policies. To fellow
Republicans, his message was to “stop wasting their
time on Immigration” until after the November mid-
term congressional elections.
On Thursday, divided congressional Republicans
failed to pass one immigration reform bill, and a sec-
ond proposal that includes language ending family
separations was put off until next week.
While Melania Trump sought to demonstrate con-
cern with a surprise visit to migrant children at the
border on Thursday, the administration remained
under siege amid continued accounts of parents
unable to find their children and no system in place
for reuniting them.
Lawyers working to reunite families said they were
struggling to navigate a labyrinthine process.
“It’s very difficult to reunite children with their par-
ents because these government agencies were not pre-
pared, and they’re not designed, for family separation,”
said Efren Olivares, a lawyer with the Texas Civil Rights
Project that represents 381 migrant parents.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump urged
Republican lawmakers on Friday to drop their efforts
to pass comprehensive immigration legislation until
after the November elections, sending mixed signals
to his party amid an ongoing crisis over his border
policies.
Trump, faced with a public outcry over his policy
that separated children from their migrant parents at
the U.S. border with Mexico, has gone back and forth
on ways to solve the country’s immigration problems,
which he blames on Democrats.
By seeking to keep that blame on the opposition
party, he is hoping to galvanize support from his base
for midterm elections that could swing the balance of
power on Capitol Hill.
“Elect more Republicans in November and we will
pass the finest, fairest and most comprehensive
Immigration Bills anywhere in the world,” Trump
said on Twitter.
Decades
“Republicans should stop wasting their time on
Immigration until after we elect more Senators and
Congressmen/women in November. Dems are just
playing games, have no intention of doing anything to
solves this decades old problem. We can pass great
legislation after the Red Wave!” he said.
All 435 House seats and a third of the 100-member
Senate will be up for grabs in November. Democrats
are hoping discontent with Trump’s policies, includ-
ing on immigration, will help them pick up the 23
seats needed to recapture a majority in the House.
Their task is more daunting in the Senate, where they
need to pick up only two seats for a majority but are
defending 26 seats to just nine held by Republicans.
In related news, the Trump administration is calling
for the expanded use of family detention for immi-
grant parents and children who are stopped along the
U.S.-Mexico border, a move decried by advocates as
a cruel and ineffective attempt to deter families from
coming to the United States.
Immigration authorities on Friday issued a notice
that they may seek up to 15,000 beds to detain fami-
lies. The Justice Department has also asked a federal
court in California to allow children to be detained
longer and in facilities that don’t require state licens-
ing while they await immigration court proceedings.
“The current situation is untenable,” August Flentje,
special counsel to the assistant attorney general, wrote
in court filings seeking to change a longstanding court
settlement that governs the detention of immigrant
children. The more constrained the Homeland Security
Department is in detaining families together during
immigration proceedings, “the more likely it is that
families will attempt illegal border crossing.”
The proposed expansion comes days after a public
outcry moved the administration to cease the practice
of separating children from their migrant parents on
the border. More than 2,300 children have been taken
from their parents since Homeland Security announced
a plan in April to prosecute all immigrants caught on
the border.
In all, about 9,000 immigrants traveling in family
groups have been caught on the border in each of the
last three months, according to federal authorities.
Immigrant advocates contend detention is no place
for children and insist there are other alternatives to
ensure they and their parents attend immigration court
hearings, such as ankle bracelets or community-based
programs.
Children wrap themselves up with Mylar blankets to ‘symbolically represent the thousands of children separated from families on the border, sleeping on floors and
held in cages’, during a protest at the rotunda of Russell Senate Office Building June 21, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Activists staged a demonstration to
protest the Trump Administration’s policy to separate migrant families at the southern border. (AFP)
Tia Taylor (left), is comforted by her
friend Jameira Mosely during a pro-
test of the shooting death of Antwon
Rose Jr in Market Square on June 22,
in Pittsburgh. Both attended school
with Rose. Protesters demonstrated
Friday for a third day over the fatal
police shooting in Pennsylvania of the
unarmed black teen fleeing a traffic
stop as they sought to get the atten-
tion of a nation engrossed by the
immigration debate, and to pressure
officials to charge the officer. (AP)
Heller Tester
America
Trump to campaign for Heller:
President Donald Trump is headed to
Nevada to help Sen Dean Heller raise
money.
Heller is the only Republican senator
seeking re-election in a state that Democrat
Hillary Clinton won in 2016.
Trump is going to Las Vegas on
Saturday to headline a fundraiser for
Heller. He’s also delivering the keynote
address at the Nevada GOP convention and
holding a separate event to promote tax
cuts he signed into law six months ago.
Heller’s race is one of the most conse-
quential Senate races of the year as
Republicans seek to expand their slim
51-49 majority in November’s elections.
Trump recently has picked up the pace
of his political travel. He campaigned in
Minnesota earlier this week, and he plans
stops next week in South Carolina and
North Dakota. (AP)
❑ ❑ ❑ In urging the passage of the bill, many
Trump Jr rallies Montana GOP:
Donald Trump Jr urged Montana
Republicans to rally against US Sen Jon
Tester in the fall election and said Friday
that the two-term Democrat had fallen out
of step with the state’s voters on issues
ranging from immigration to gun control.
Tester came into the crosshairs of
President Donald Trump after releasing
allegations in the spring that derailed the
White House’s Veterans Affairs nominee,
Ronny Jackson.
Speaking at the Montana Republican
Party’s annual convention in Billings, the
president’s son warned that Democrats are
highly motivated heading into the
November election — but suggested Tester
remains vulnerable.
Trump Jr alleged that Tester was “all for
illegal immigration, all for sanctuary cit-
ies” and was “writing and proposing legis-
lation against the second amendment.”
“I’m the son of a billionaire from New
York City and I have much more of a
Montana platform than the senator, the
senior senator from this state. That doesn’t
make much sense,” Trump Jr told the
crowd of several hundred Republicans.
(AP)
❑ ❑ ❑ Weslaco, Donna, Elsa, Mercedes,
Opioid abuse treatment expanded:
The House has overwhelmingly approved
legislation designed to give health care
providers more tools to stem an opioid cri-
sis that is killing more than 115 people in
Privacy
Major victory for digital privacy advocates
Police restricted on ‘phone’ location data
WASHINGTON, June 23, (RTRS):
The US Supreme Court on Friday
imposed limits on the ability of police
to obtain cellphone data pinpointing
the past location of criminal suspects
in a major victory for digital privacy
advocates and a setback for law
enforcement authorities.
In the 5-4 ruling, the court said
police generally need a court-approved
warrant to get the data, setting a higher
legal hurdle than previously existed
under federal law. The court said
obtaining such data without a warrant
from wireless carriers, as police rou-
tinely do, amounted to an unreason-
able search and seizure under the US
Constitution’s Fourth Amendment.
In the ruling written by conservative
Chief Justice John Roberts, the court
decided in favor of Timothy Carpenter,
who was convicted in several armed
robberies at Radio Shack and T-Mobile
stores in Ohio and Michigan with the
help of past cellphone location data
that linked him to the crime scenes.
Roberts stressed that the ruling did
not resolve other hot-button digital pri-
vacy fights, including whether police
need warrants to access real-time cell-
phone location information to track
criminal suspects. The ruling has no
bearing on “traditional surveillance
techniques” such as security cameras
or on data collection for national secu-
rity purposes, he added.
Roberts was joined by the court’s
four liberal justices in the majority.
The court’s other four conservatives
dissented.
Although the ruling explicitly con-
cerned only historical cellphone data,
digital privacy advocates are hopeful it
will set the tone for future cases on
other emerging legal issues prompted
by new technology.
“Today’s decision rightly recognizes
the need to protect the highly sensitive
location data from our cellphones, but it
the United States daily.
The legislation passed Friday by a vote
of 396-14. It incorporates dozens of opi-
oid-related bills that lawmakers have made
a campaign-season priority.
lawmakers told personal stories about how
opioid abuse has affected constituents,
family and friends. Majority Leader Kevin
McCarthy, R-Calif, told the story of his
press secretary, Erin Perrine, whose broth-
er, Eamon, died of a drug overdose in
2016. McCarthy said she learned of his
People look up at sequoia trees at the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias on
June 21, in Yosemite National Park, California which recently reopened after a
three-year renovation project to better protect the trees that can live more than
3,000 years. (AFP)
also provides a path forward for safe-
guarding other sensitive digital informa-
tion in future cases - from our emails,
smart home appliances and technology
that is yet to be invented,” said American
Civil Liberties Union lawyer Nate
Wessler, who represents Carpenter.
“We decline to grant the state unre-
stricted access to a wireless carrier’s
database of physical location informa-
tion,” Roberts said.
Roberts said the ruling still allows
police to avoid obtaining warrants for
other types of business records. Police
could also avoid obtaining warrants in
emergency situations, Roberts added.
The high court endorsed the argu-
ments made by Carpenter’s lawyers,
who said that police needed “probable
cause,” and therefore a warrant, to
avoid a Fourth Amendment violation.
Tracks
Police helped establish that
Carpenter was near the scene of the
robberies by securing from his cell-
phone carrier his past “cell site loca-
tion information” that tracks which
cellphone towers relay calls. His bid to
suppress the evidence failed and he
was convicted of six robbery counts.
The big four wireless carriers —
Verizon Communications Inc, AT&T
Inc, T-Mobile US Inc and Sprint Corp
— receive tens of thousands of such
requests annually from law enforcement.
Carpenter’s case will now return to
lower courts. His conviction may not
be overturned because other evidence
also linked him to the crimes.
The case underscored the rising
concerns among privacy advocates
about the government’s ability to
obtain an ever-growing amount of per-
sonal data. During arguments in the
case in December, liberal Justice Sonia
Sotomayor, who joined Roberts in the
ruling, alluded to fears of “Big
Brother,” the all-seeing leader in
death just weeks before her wedding.
“Let that be a lesson to us all: There is
no event so joyful, no place so safe, that it
is untouched by the drug crisis,” McCarthy
said.
The bill passed Friday encourages states
to increase coverage of treatment for sub-
stance abuse disorders through Medicaid.
Foster youth and former prisoners are
among the populations targeted for
enhanced coverage of their treatment.
The legislation also seeks to expand the
use of medications to treat opioid abuse. It
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
9
George Orwell’s dystopian novel
“1984.”
Conservative Justice Samuel Alito,
a former prosecutor, said in a dissent-
ing opinion that the ruling could do
“far more harm than good.”
The decision “guarantees a blizzard
of litigation while threatening many
legitimate and valuable investigative
practices upon which law enforcement
has rightfully come to rely,” Alito
added. Alito also said the ruling does
not address “some of the greatest
threats to individual privacy” that may
come from data collection by private
companies.
It was the third ruling in recent
years in which the court has resolved
major cases on how criminal law
applies to new technology, each time
ruling against law enforcement. In
2014, it required police in most
instances to obtain a warrant to search
a cellphone’s contents when its user is
arrested. In 2012, it decided a warrant
is needed to place a GPS tracking
device on a vehicle.
The US Justice Department argued
that probable cause should not be
required to obtain customer records
under a 1986 federal law. Instead, it
argued for a lower standard: that pros-
ecutors show only that “reasonable
grounds” exist for the records and they
are “relevant and material” to an
investigation.
Roberts said the government’s argu-
ment “fails to contend with the seismic
shifts in digital technology that made
possible the tracking of not only
Carpenter’s location but also everyone
else’s.”
A Justice Department spokeswoman
declined to comment.
There has been rising concern over
the surveillance practices of law enforce-
ment and intelligence agencies, and
whether companies like wireless carriers
care about customer privacy rights.
would allow more health care providers to
treat patients with a drug that reduces risks
of overdoses. It adds methadone clinics to
the Medicare program. The bill also adds
incentive for doctors to use post-surgical
injections as a pain-treatment alternative to
opioids. (AP)
❑ ❑ ❑
Officials survey flood damage:
Authorities in far South Texas on Friday
were surveying the damage to homes, busi-
nesses and roads from flooding this week,
while some areas are still bracing as runoff
causes flooding.
“Our biggest issue is about to start,” said
Willacy County Emergency Management
Coordinator Frank Torres. He added,
“We’re starting to see water overflowing
the levees on a bunch of the drainage
canals.”
Torres told The Associated Press that
his county is downstream from areas that
got much more extensive flooding this
week. “We expect an overflow throughout
the entire drainage system,” said Torres,
adding that more than 100 homes could be
in danger of flooding as the canals over-
flow in over the next 48 hours or so.
Flooding this week resulted in the res-
cue of hundreds of people by boat, vehicle
and helicopter. The agencies helping with
the rescues included the US Border Patrol.
Hidalgo County spokeswoman Julia
Sullivan says more than 850 people were
rescued in their county in the cities of
McAllen, Mission and Alton because of
flooding.
Officials were still working to assess the
damage caused by the rains that brought
more than 15 inches (38 centimeters) of
rain this week to some areas. (AP)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Migrants
‘Lifeline’ in limbo
Italy defiant as migrant ship
‘stranded’ in Mediterranean
ROME, June 23, (Agencies): Italy de-
fiantly declared Saturday that its ports
were closed to foreign-flagged rescue
ships as German charity vessel Life-
line lay off the coast of Malta in limbo
with more than 230 migrants aboard.
Malta — of next week, were thrown into chaos
which is also
refusing to
take in the
boat in a new
diplomatic
standoff with
Italy — nev-
ertheless said
it had sent in
humanitarian
supplies.
“The Life- Salvini
line, an illegal ship with 239 immi-
grants on board is in Maltese waters,”
Italy’s far-right Interior Minister
Matteo Salvini wrote on Facebook.
“These boats can forget about
reaching Italy, I want to stop the busi-
ness of trafficking and mafia.”
Salvini’s tough talk came on the
eve of a emergency mini-summit in
Brussels to address the divisive issue
of how the EU can tackle the renewed
influx of migrants and refugees seek-
ing a new life in Europe.
Just three weeks in office, Italy’s
new populist government is digging
its heels in on campaign promises to
stop the influx of migrants, threaten-
ing to seize rescue ships or barring
them from its ports.
The crisis has also caused ructions
in Germany, with Chancellor Angela
Merkel facing a rebellion from her
coalition allies over her policies.
Meanwhile, more than 400 mi-
grants were rescued in three opera-
tions off the coast of Spain on Satur-
day, just days after Madrid took in the
more than 600 rejected by Italy and
Malta.
And the Libyan navy said five peo-
ple died and nearly 200 were rescued
off its coast while trying to cross the
Mediterranean.
Mission
The Italian government has said
both the Lifeline, run by German
NGO Mission Lifeline, and another
ship Seefuchs, run by another German
charity Sea-Eye, — would be seized
and directed to Italian ports for inves-
tigation “into their legal status”.
Rome accuses the Lifeline of hav-
ing acted in contravention of inter-
national law by taking on board mi-
grants while the Libyan coastguard
was intervening.
Earlier this month Salvini triggered
an EU-wide row when he barred the
French charity-run Aquarius rescue
ship, carrying 630 migrants, from
docking in Italy.
Malta also refused to take it in and
the ship was later welcomed by Spain.
Salvini said Friday that Malta
should open its ports to the Lifeline,
adding: “Clearly, the boat should im-
mediately be impounded and its crew
arrested.”
But Maltese Prime Minister Joseph
Muscat said the Lifeline “broke rules”
by ignoring Italy’s directions and
should move towards its original des-
tination “to prevent escalation”.
“Despite having no responsibility
#Malta just provided humanitarian
supplies” while its armed forces car-
ried out the medical evacuation of one
passenger, he said.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor
Angela Merkel played down expec-
tations of any major breakthrough at
hastily-arranged talks among Euro-
pean Union leaders on Sunday on the
migration dispute dividing Europe
and threatening her own government.
Plans for the emergency meeting,
before a full EU summit at the end
on Thursday when Italy’s new prime
minister declared that a draft accord
on migration had been withdrawn be-
cause of a clash with Merkel.
She is under pressure to get EU
leaders at the main June 28-29 sum-
mit to agree to share out migrants
more evenly to placate her conserva-
tive allies, Bavaria’s Christian Social
Union (CSU). But Italy and others are
very reluctant.
The CSU will assess at a meeting
on July 1 whether any deal Merkel
reaches in Brussels is acceptable,
party sources said on Friday.
Deal
If a “satisfactory” deal is not
achieved at next week’s summit, Ger-
man Interior Minister and CSU chief
Horst Seehofer has threatened to defy
Merkel and turn away at the German
border people who have applied for
asylum in other EU states.
National border controls would
undermine the EU’s system of free
travel and could cause a German gov-
ernment crisis.
Initially expected to involve eight
EU leaders, the Sunday talks will now
bring together at least 17, according
to the latest count by officials in Brus-
sels.
Austrian Vice-Chancellor Heinz-
Christian Strache said on Saturday
he expects a chain reaction across the
European Union if Germany closes its
borders to refugees.
“That’s the logical consequence,
and we are prepared for it and will
similarly protect our borders,” Stra-
che told Austrian broadcaster Oe1’s
Mittagsjournal programme, adding
that Italy was taking similar measures.
EU nations have been at logger-
heads over migration since a spike in
arrivals from the Middle East in 2015,
when more than a million migrants
reached its shores across the Mediter-
ranean.
“It can’t come to a renewed (migra-
tion) wave like the one seen in 2015
again,” Strache said.
EU leaders will hold an emergency
meeting on Sunday to discuss the dis-
pute, with German Chancellor Angela
Merkel under pressure to reach a swift
deal.
However, several countries have
said they will boycott the meeting in
Brussels, and a clash between Rome
and Berlin has made a breakthrough
unlikely.
Austria’s Strache said the bloc
must focus on controlling its external
borders efficiently in order to bring il-
legal immigration to an end.
In related news, the world’s lead-
ing container shipping company Dan-
ish Maersk Line on Saturday said one
of its vessels rescued 113 migrants off
the coast of southern Italy.
The container ship called Alexan-
der Maersk changed its course after
picking up a distress signal early Fri-
day, Mikkel Elbek Linnet, spokesman
at Maersk Line, told AFP.
He did not specify where exactly
the migrants were rescued.
The vessel is currently situated off
the coast of the Sicilian town of Poz-
zallo and awaiting instructions from
the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordi-
nation Centre (MRCC Rome).
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
10
Britain’s Prince Charles ‘high-fives’ a well-wisher during a visit to Salisbury, southwest England on June 22. (AP)
Brexit
Brexit creates ‘leavers and remainers’
UK split two years after vote
LONDON, June 23, (AP): It’s been two years the Brexit divide — Tahmid Chowdhury also many Britons would have defined themselves
since the shoppers and traders of London’s worries about the way things are going. as right-wing or left-wing, Conservative or
Romford market voted by a wide margin for The law graduate was surprised and dis- Labour.
their country to leave the European Union. appointed when Britain voted by a margin Brexit has created two new and mutually
Enthusiasm for Brexit in this working- of 52 to 48 percent to leave the EU on June uncomprehending camps in Britain: leavers
class district on the British capital’s eastern 23, 2016. It was unwelcome evidence that the and remainers.
edge hasn’t dimmed. But with Britain still not pro-European views of his London friends Leavers — concentrated in small towns
out the EU exit door and negotiations slowed and acquaintances were not universally and post-industrial cities across England —
to a crawl, impatience is growing. shared. “The problem with the referendum is are eager to cut Brussels red tape, reassert
“I think most people are just fed up,” said it divided people — divided families, divided British sovereignty and take control of im-
fishmonger Dave Crosbie. “It seems that you communities — just because of the hostile migration. Remainers, who most often live in
take two steps forward and all of a sudden nature of how the arguments were made,” he big cities and university towns, would rather
you’ve got to take a step back.” said. stay in an alliance that has eased the flow of
A mere 20 miles (32 kms) away in the The divisions opened up by the referen- goods, services and people across 28 nations
center of London — yet on the other side of dum have not healed but hardened. Once, with half a billion inhabitants.
Europe
‘Not understanding’: One
of France’s richest men Fran-
cois Pinault faced a backlash
on Saturday for accusing
President Emmanuel Macron
of “not understanding little
people”.
“I am afraid that he is lead-
ing France towards a system
that forgets the most modest,”
the French billionaire and
luxury goods mogul told M du
Monde magazine on Friday.
Macron, who has been
dubbed a “president of the
rich” by his detractors, was
criticised this week for unveil-
ing plans for a swimming
pool at his private presidential
retreat. (AFP)
❑ ❑ ❑
Secessionists cut ties:
Catalonia’s pro-independence
political leaders are snubbing
the Spanish king in their latest
public challenge to rule from
Madrid.
Catalan President Quim
Torra says his regional govern-
ment won’t invite the monar-
chy to any official event, nor
will it send representatives to
any royal event, because King
Felipe VI refuses to discuss
the possibility of the wealthy
northeastern region seceding
from Spain. (AP)
❑ ❑ ❑
‘Withdraw troops’: The
UN General Assembly on
Friday backed a call from
Britain, Canada, Poland and
eight other countries for
Russia to withdraw its troops
from a breakaway region of
Moldova.
The non-binding resolution
— the first to demand a Rus-
sian withdrawal from Moldova
— was adopted by a vote of 64
to 15 with 83 abstentions at the
193-nation assembly.
Russian Deputy Ambas-
sador Dmitry Polyanskiy ar-
gued that the vote at the United
Nations assembly undermined
efforts by the Organization for
Security and Cooperation in
Europe (OSCE) to settle the
conflict in Moldova.
The measure was also
backed by Moldova, Ukraine,
Georgia, the three Baltic coun-
tries, Romania and the Czech
Republic.
The resolution placed
demands
for Rus-
sian troop
withdraw-
al from
Moldova
on the
agenda of
the assem-
bly, which
will hold a
debate on
the situ- Polyanski
ation in the coming months.
(AFP)
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

INTERNATIONAL 11

Obituary

Spy agency founder

Ex-SKorean premier
Jong-pil ‘dies’ at 92
SEOUL, South Korea, June 23, (Agencies):
Kim Jong-pil, the founder of South Korea’s spy
agency whose political skills helped him also
serve twice as prime minister, first under his
dictator boss and later under a man his agency
kidnapped, has died. He was 92.
Kim was declared dead on arrival at Seoul’s
Soonchunhyang University Hospital from his
home on Saturday, said hospital official Lee
Mi-jong. He described the cause of death as age-
related complications.
South Korea’s presidential office released a
statement saying Kim’s “fingerprints and foot-
prints that marked South Korea’s modern politi-
cal history will not be easily
erased.”
A retired lieutenant colo-
nel, Kim was a key mem-
ber of a 1961 coup that
put army Maj. Gen. Park Relatives of war victims pray at the Itoman Peace Memorial park in Itoman city, Okinawa prefecture on June 23. Okinawa marks the 73rd anniversary of the end of
Chung-hee in power un- the Battle of Okinawa in World War II on June 23. (AFP)
til his 1979 assassination.
Park was the father of Park
Geun-hye, South Korea’s
first female president, who
North Korea
Jong-pil was ousted from office last
year over an explosive cor-
ruption scandal and is now serving a 24-year US moves 100 coffins to border for war remains
prison term.
After the senior Park seized power, Kim cre-
ated and headed the Korean Central Intelligence
Agency, a predecessor of the current National
Intelligence Service, before serving as his prime
N. Korea still nuclear threat: Trump
Russian President Vladimir Putin WASHINGTON, June 23, (Agencies): Pyongyang that stopped short of long- ing of the remains of American sol-
minister, the country’s No. 2 post, from 1971 to (right), and South Korean President
1975. US President Donald Trump cited “an standing US demands for North Korea diers who have been missing since the
Moon Jae-in shake hands during a
unusual and extraordinary threat” from to give up its atomic arsenal in a “veri- 1950-53 Korean War.
Park Chung-hee used the spy agency as a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow,
North Korea’s nuclear arsenal to ex- fiable” and “irreversible” way. US Forces Korea spokesman Col
tool to suppress his political rivals at home, in- Russia, on June 22. South Korean
President is in Moscow on a state visit tend sanctions on Kim Jong Un’s re- Critics have pointed to the vague Chad Carroll also said 158 metal
cluding then-opposition leader Kim Dae-jung, intended to boost bilateral economic gime, despite touting the success of a wording of the non-binding summit transfer cases were sent to a US air
who became South Korea’s president in the late ties. (AP) historic summit earlier this month. document and raised fears that the base near Seoul, South Korea’s capital,
1990s. After flying back to Washington summit could weaken the international and would be used to send the remains
last week, boasting of success, the US coalition against the North’s nuclear home.
Fact-finding leader tweeted: “There is no longer a program. North Korea agreed to return US
A government fact-finding panel said in 2007 Nuclear Threat from North Korea.” Also, the US and South Korea war remains during the June 12 sum-
that KCIA agents kidnapped Kim Dae-jung from Asia “Sleep well tonight!” he added on agreed to indefinitely suspend two ex- mit between North Korean leader
a Tokyo hotel in 1973, days before he was to June 13, a day after the Singapore change program training exercises, to Kim Jong Un and President Donald
start a coalition of Japan-based South Korean meeting. support diplomatic negotiations with Trump.
‘Report suspicious transfers’: Japan’s But a presidential declaration sent to North Korea, the Pentagon said. While the US military preparations
organizations to work for their country’s democ- financial regulator has told the country’s Congress on Friday struck a different The move came after the two coun- suggest that the repatriation of war re-
ratization. It was the first official confirmation of banks to report any suspicious money
note as it explained why the admin- tries had previously announced the
transfers involving 10 Japan-North Korea mains could be imminent, it remains
one of the most notorious KCIA operations to istration would keep in place tough shelving of the large-scale Ulchi Free- unclear when and how it would occur.
stifle dissent. joint ventures, two people with direct
knowledge of the matter said on Friday. economic restrictions first imposed by dom Guardian exercises slated for ❑ ❑ ❑
Kim Jong-pil didn’t direct the agency at the A government official and a manager at former president George W. Bush. August, making good on a pledge by
time of the 1973 kidnapping, and 25 years later a major Japanese bank said the Financial “The existence and risk of prolifera- Trump during his summit. Russian President Vladimir Putin
he joined forces with Kim Dae-jung and helped Services Agency (FSA) on Monday told tion of weapons-usable fissile material The decision followed a meeting and South Korean President Moon
him win the 1997 presidential election. He Japanese banks and credit associations to on the Korean Peninsula and the ac- between Defense Secretary Jim Mat- Jae-in agreed to support “efforts to
served as Kim Dae-jung’s prime minister from report such transfers by the joint ventures. tions and policies of the Government tis, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, establish complete denuclearisation on
Reuters was unable to identify the firms of North Korea continue to pose an Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff the Korean peninsula” following the
1998 to 2000 under a power-sharing plan. suspected of making such transactions. The US-North Korea summit last week.
The 2007 panel report did not draw a clear unusual and extraordinary threat to the Joe Dunford, and National Security
Mainichi newspaper said they included a national security, foreign policy, and Advisor John Bolton. A joint statement signed by the two
conclusion on whether the kidnapping was ulti- manufacturer of pianos and acoustic de- economy of the United States,” it said. “To support implementing the out- leaders during a state visit by Moon
mately aimed at killing Kim Dae-jung, who said vices as well as a food sales company. “I am continuing for one year the comes of the Singapore Summit, and to Russia was released by South Ko-
his abductors nearly dumped him from a ship at The FSA declined to comment immedi- national emergency with respect to in coordination with our Republic of rea’s presidential Blue House. Moon
sea before they stopped when a US military heli- ately. The United Nations Security Council North Korea,” added the statement. Korea ally, Secretary Mattis has in- arrived in Russia on Thursday, the first
copter made a low pass over the vessel. last year passed a resolution banning new Though the notice is considered pro definitely suspended select exercises,” official visit by a South Korean presi-
joint ventures involving individuals or forma, the disparity in tone reflects the dent since 1999.
Related to Park by marriage, Kim Jong-pil was groups from North Korea, as well as invest- Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White
his No. 2 man for much of his rule. But after Park ments in existing enterprises. (RTRS) work that US officials concede remains said in a statement. The Russian and South Korean
was gunned down by his intelligence chief dur- to be done as negotiators thrash out the leaders agreed that last week’s his-
❑ ❑ ❑ details of Pyongyang’s disarmament. Also: toric summit in Singapore between US
ing a late-night drinking party in October 1979 Pot found growing at MPs’ building:
and a new military junta led by Maj Gen Chun At their summit, Kim and Trump SEOUL, South Korea: The US mili- President Donald Trump and North
Marijuana plants have been found growing signed a pledge “to work towards com- tary said it moved 100 wooden coffins Korean leader Kim Jong Un would
Doo-hwan seized power through a coup, Kim at an office building used by lawmakers in plete denuclearization of the Korean to the inter-Korean border on Saturday contribute to denuclearisation of the
was accused of corruption and surrendered prop- Japan, which has some of the strictest drug Peninsula,” a stock phrase favored by to prepare for North Korea’s return- Korean peninsula.
erty worth millions of dollars before moving to laws in the developed world, an official
the United States. said Friday.
Kim returned to South Korea after Chun, bow- The budding crop of four plants was two months old,” he added. “The officials ex- man attacked and wounded eight people police, the People’s Daily reported on its
found by a visitor on Thursday growing
ing to weeks of massive public protests, allowed on the premises of an office building for plained that marijuana seeds can be carried by Friday in a frenzied knife attack that began Twitter account, posting video of a man be-
a free, direct presidential election in 1987, which members of the upper house, an official in wind and bird excrement, and they said they on a public bus in northern China, state ing restrained by officers as a siren wailed
marked South Korea’s transition toward a genu- charge of maintenance there told AFP. will visit us again to ensure” the plants were media said. in the background.
ine democracy. “After we reported it to the Tokyo Met- unrooted completely and hadn’t spread. (AFP) The assault occurred in Xi’an, the former “Suspect that slashed and injured
ropolitan Government, two Tokyo officials imperial city where tourists flock to see multiple people on and off the bus has been
Kim founded his own conservative party and ❑ ❑ ❑
visited” and removed the plants, he said. China’s famed Teracotta Army. arrested by local police,” the paper wrote.
ran for the hotly contested 1987 election to com- “They said the plants looked to be about Chinese man with knife hurts 8: A The suspected attacker was arrested by (AFP)
pete with Chun’s army buddy and government
candidate Roh Tae-woo, Kim Dae-jung and an-
other opposition leader, Kim Young-sam.
Thanks
Roh won the election largely thanks to a split
in opposition votes, while Kim Jong-pil placed
fourth. The three opposition candidates came to
dominate South Korean politics in the so-called
“era of the three Kims.”
Kim Jong-pil had enjoyed strong support from
his home turf in central Chungcheong province
and people who valued the rapid economic de-
velopment during Park’s rule. But he never
reached a level of support to seriously contend
for the presidency and instead became a king-
maker by exercising his political leverage in
presidential races.
In 1990, he and Kim Young-sam merged
their parties with Roh’s ruling party in a land-
mark three-way alliance, which eventually
helped Kim Young-sam win the 1992 presiden-
tial election.
The merger of pro-democracy fighters and
former coup members invited long-running criti-
cism that it dampened democracy.
After supporting Kim Dae-jung’s success-
ful 1997 presidential bid, Kim Jong-pil and his
conservative party members were given several
Cabinet posts in the new government. But their
coalition fell apart in 2001 because of a dispute
over Kim Dae-jung’s famous “sunshine policy”
of engaging North Korea with aid and exchange
programs. Kim Dae-jung won the 2000 No-
bel Peace Prize for his efforts to reconcile with
North Korea and promote democracy in South
Korea.
Dubbed as “perennial No. 2 man,” Kim Jong-
pil served as a member of the National Assem-
bly nine times. He quit politics in 2004 after
his now-defunct United Liberal Democrats
suffered crushing defeats in parliamentary elec-
tions.
“I’ve been completely burned to ashes,” he
said at a retirement news conference.
Kim is to be buried at a family cemetery in
central South Korea after five days of mourning,
according to South Korean media.

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
Asia
Mahathir turns up pain
Cambodia finds 33
surrogate mothers
PHNOM PENH, June 23, (Agencies): A raid by Cam-
bodian authorities on an illegal surrogacy business in
Phnom Penh uncovered 33 women paid to deliver ba-
bies for Chinese couples, police said Saturday.
Five people, including a Chinese national, were ar-
rested during the operation in the capital late Friday,
Keo Thea, head of the Phnom Penh Anti-Trafficking
unit, told AFP.
“We found 33 surrogate mothers, some have already
given birth, some are still pregnant,” he said, adding that
the women had been offered up to $10,000 to give birth
for Chinese clients.
China’s easing of its one-
child policy two years ago has
produced booming demand for
fertility clinics, with figures es-
timating that 90 million wom-
en became eligible for another
child after the rule was phased
out.
But surrogacy is illegal in
China, forcing those who can
afford it to look for potential
options abroad.
Thea
Southeast Asia was long a
popular international surrogacy destination, with cheap
medical costs, a large pool of poor young women and no
laws excluding gay couples or single parents.
But in recent years countries in the region have
cracked down on the trade, following a series of scandals
and criticism that the business exploited poor women.
Cambodian authorities banned the practice in 2016
after prospective parents turned to the impoverished
country in the wake of a ban in neighbouring Thailand
the previous year.
An Australian nurse jailed for 18 months for run-
ning a surrogacy clinic in Cambodia had her sentence
upheld in January in a prominent case highlighting the
country’s role in the trade.
❑ ❑ ❑
Vietnam arrests 4 more oil execs: Vietnamese
police have arrested four more former senior oil ex-
ecutives for allegedly abusing their power to appropri-
ate property as the communist authorities step up their
toughest crackdown on corruption in years.
The four arrested Thursday were former general
directors or chief accountants of three subsidiaries of
giant state energy firm PetroVietnam, the Ministry of
Public Security said in a statement. It also said police
were seeking to retrieve property to the state.
The investigation involves Ocean joint stock com-
mercial bank, which was taken over by State Bank in
2015 at no cost after reporting losses of $445 million.
PetroVietnam had owned 20 percent of the bank and
lost all its investment after the takeover.
The bank gave $69 million in interest exceeding
the rate set by the central bank to individuals and 400
companies and institutions, including three subsidiar-
ies of PetroVietnam.
❑ ❑ ❑
Vietnam busts online betting ring: Vietnamese
police broke up an online football gambling ring
worth around $26 million, arresting four people as au-
thorities look to stop black market betting that surges
during sporting events like the ongoing World Cup.
Gambling is illegal in Vietnam apart from the state-
run lottery and a few casinos which are only open to
foreigners.
But the law is widely flouted, especially during top-
tier sports competitions when many punters head on-
line or to illegal gambling dens to try their luck.
The four people were arrested in Ho Chi Minh City
on Friday, according to a report published the same day
in the police’s official Cong An Nhan Dan newspaper.
Several others were also summoned for questioning.
The suspects allegedly admitted to operating trans-
actions through a website hosted in the Philippines.
“Since early 2017, the total transactions of the gam-
bling ring have been worth more than 600 billion dong
($26 million)”, state-run Vietnam Television reported,
adding that thousands of people across Vietnam had
used its services.
❑ ❑ ❑
Anxious wait for relatives: Among the grief-strick-
en Indonesians keeping a daily vigil at the shore of a
volcanic lake which swallowed a ferry packed with
people, some fear they have lost more than a dozen
relatives, including children, in the disaster.
Jadianto Nainggolan has barely touched food or got
a decent night’s sleep since he got word that the ferry
was carrying 12 relatives — including a nephew who
was just three years old — headed home after a party
on Monday.
“As soon as I heard I was in shock — I couldn’t eat,
I couldn’t sleep,” he told AFP.
The overloaded boat capsized on Sumatra’s Lake
Toba in what could be one of the country’s deadliest
maritime disasters.
Days later, Nainggolan, a power plant worker, cannot
believe that four of his siblings and their children could
be at the bottom of one of the world’s deepest lakes.
The 40-year-old Nainggolan made an arduous 24-
hour journey from his home in Jambi province to the
picturesque tourist destination after he got a panicked
call from his sister.
❑ ❑ ❑
Mahathir turns up the pain: The police kept watch
close to a holiday villa where Najib Razak this week
gave his first sit-down interview since his shock elec-
tion defeat last month, a reminder for the former Ma-
laysian prime minister that he may not have much
more time to relax.
He is under investigation for corruption, has been
labelled a crook by his successor, is banned from
travelling overseas, and has watched while his fam-
ily’s homes have been raided and luxury goods hauled
away by officers.
Only hours before — also in an interview with Reu-
ters — his mentor-turned-tormentor, the new Prime
Minister Mahathir Mohamad, reeled off the charges
he is looking to bring against Najib for his alleged role
in a scandal that saw billions of dollars go missing
from state fund 1MDB. They included embezzlement,
bribery, losing government money.
“People would expect a former prime minister to be
treated with decorum. Instead, I’ve been subjected to
raids and all the other things,” said Najib.
Plain clothes officers from the police’s special
branch intelligence arm were an obvious presence in
and around the five-star hotel where he and his family
were staying.
No criminal charges have been brought against
Najib, and he said he did not know if hundreds of mil-
lions of dollars that moved through his personal ac-
count was from 1MDB.
Family members gather as they wait for rescue teams searching for missing passengers at the Lake Toba ferry port in the
province of North Sumatra on June 22, after a boat capsized on June 18. (AFP)
Rawang tribe members, one of the ethnic groups from
Kachin State wear traditional costume during the sec-
ond nationwide congress of the National League for De-
mocracy (NLD) in Yangon attended by hundreds of party
members on June 23. Since its founding in 1988 during
Seychelles President Danny Faure
holds the autobiography of Indian in-
dependence icon Mahatma Gandhi
at the Gandhi Ashram, where Gandhi
once lived, in Ahmedabad on June
23. Faure is touring India from June
22 until June 27. (AFP)
Asia
6.1 quake strikes Vanuatu: A
powerful 6.1-magnitude earthquake hit
Vanuatu Friday, US seismologists said,
but there were no immediate reports of
damage and no tsunami warning issued.
The quake struck at a depth of 21
kms (13 miles) some 30 kms west of the
Pacific nation’s capital Port Vila, the US
Geological Survey said.
USGS said there was low likelihood of
casualties and damage although it added that
recent earthquakes in the area had caused
secondary hazards such as landslides.
“Definitely shaking would have been
felt in the area, but we have received
no reports yet of any damage,” Geosci-
ence Australia duty seismologist Hugh
Glanville told AFP.
“Earthquakes are quite common in the
area although being so close to Port Vila
is more unusual. There will be a few af-
tershocks in the days and weeks ahead.”
People in the region live in structures
that are highly vulnerable to earthquake
shaking, USGS said, although some
resistant buildings exist.
Vanuatu, with a population of about
280,000 spread over 65 inhabited
islands, is regarded as one of the world’s
most disaster-prone countries.
It sits on the so-called “Pacific Rim
of Fire,” making it vulnerable to strong
earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,
while powerful cyclones also regularly
lash the islands. (AFP)
❑ ❑ ❑ New Zealand’s acting prime minister.
NZ leader still in hospital: New Zea-
land’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
planned to spend a third night in a
hospital before returning home with her
newborn daughter.
Ardern’s office said Saturday she
plans to make her first public appearance
since the birth when she leaves Auckland
City Hospital on Sunday morning.
Myanmar’s era of pro-democracy movement, NLD became
the first popularly elected government in decades during
the historic 2015 elections following half a centry of brutal
military rule with Aun San Suu Kyi maintaining hold of its
leadership. (AFP)
Extremism
43 Afghans kidnapped
Taleban kill 16 soldiers
KABUL, June 23, (Agencies): Tale-
ban militants killed at least 16 Af-
ghan police and two civilians in
western Badghis province after their
three-day ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitr
holiday ended at the weekend, offi-
cials said on Friday.
The Taleban, fighting to reimpose
strict Islamic law after their 2001
ouster, resumed their campaign on
Thursday after rejecting President
Ashraf Ghani’s request to extend
their ceasefire beyond Sunday.
On Wednesday, they killed at least
30 soldiers and captured a military
base in Badghis.
A senior security official in Kabul
said the Taleban were fighting to cap-
ture eight checkpoints in Badghis. On
Thursday, they gained control over
two checkpoints and ambushed arriv-
ing reinforcements.
Haji Saleh Bek, governor of the
Abkamari district, said 16 police
were killed.
Another government official, Mo-
hammad Naser Nazari, said the Tale-
ban had planted a bomb on the body
of a soldier that exploded when peo-
ple attempted to retrieve the bodies.
Two civilians were killed.
No one immediately claimed re-
sponsibility for the most recent at-
tack, but the Taleban are active in
Badghis and have repeatedly claimed
attacks against Afghan security forc-
es there.
Ghani extended by 10 days his
unilateral ceasefire, initially due to
end on Wednesday. The Taleban
observed a ceasefire over the three-
day holiday but rejected the govern-
ment’s request to extend it.
Some critics have said Ghani’s
ceasefire allowed the Taleban to free-
ly enter government-held areas and
On Thursday, Ardern became just the
second elected world leader to give birth
while holding office. Many hope the
37-year-old will become a role model for
Glanville Ardern
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
plan attacks.
Taleban fighters kidnapped 43
people from a road construction
camp during a raid in southern Af-
ghanistan that also killed four secu-
rity forces, an official said Friday, in
the latest fighting since the group’s
ceasefire ended.
Militants attacked the camp in Spin
Boldak district in Kandahar province
overnight, provincial governor spokes-
man Dawood Ahmadi told AFP.
Among the 43 kidnapped were
technical workers, cooks and drivers.
Four police were killed and another
wounded after security forces sent to
rescue the workers exchanged gunfire
with the Taleban, Ahmadi added.
An employee of the Afghan road
construction company also confirmed
that 43 people had been kidnapped.
The Taleban claimed responsibil-
ity for the attack, but told AFP that
the original target had been a police
checkpoint.
Police fled the checkpoint and went
to the camp where the construction
workers were sleeping. The Taleban
pursued the police but, unable to iden-
tify who was who, decided to kidnap
“many” people, the group said.
Also:
MIRANSHAH, Pakistan: Six mil-
itants and two soldiers were killed on
Saturday during a fierce gunfight in a
northwestern Pakistani tribal district
bordering Afghanistan, military and
local security officials said.
The clash took place in South
Waziristan’s Spina Mela village
after security forces were tipped off
about the presence of militants who
had entered the area pretending to be
returning displaced locals, a military
statement said.
combining motherhood with political
leadership.
She plans to take six weeks’ leave
before returning to work, when partner
Clarke Gayford will become the child’s
primary caregiver. Deputy Prime Minis-
ter Winston Peters has taken the reins as
Ardern has yet to announce a name
for her daughter, after earlier saying the
couple was having difficulty deciding.
The baby was due to take her first bath
on Saturday afternoon.
The last leader to give birth while
holding office was late Pakistani prime
minister Benazir Bhutto. She gave birth
to Bakhtawar in 1990. (AP)
12
Extremism
Rebuilding Marawi
Indonesian cleric
sentenced to die
JAKARTA, June 23, (Agencies):
A radical Indonesian cleric was
sentenced to death Friday for mas-
terminding a 2016 Islamic State ter-
ror attack that saw a suicide bomber
blow himself up at a Starbucks cafe.
Aman Abdurrahman was found
guilty of ordering the attack that
killed four in Jakarta, as heavily
armed police guarded his sentencing
at court in the capital.
It was the first attack claimed by
the internation-
al terror net-
work in South-
east Asia.
“(The de-
fendant) has
been proven to
have committed
a criminal act of
terrorism,” said
judge Akhmad
Jaini, who also
cited Abdurrah- Abdurrahman
man’s involve-
ment in other deadly plots.
“He will be sentenced to death.”
Abdurrahman — who was already
in jail on a separate terror conviction
— gestured to his legal team and
briefly kissed the floor, as machine
gun-toting guards stood nearby.
His lawyer, Asludin Hatjani, said
the ruling was “unfair”, citing a lack
of evidence connecting Abdurrah-
man to the attack, which he was
accused of organising from inside
prison.
Executions are carried out by fir-
ing squad in the world’s biggest
Muslim-majority country, which has
long struggled with Islamist mili-
tancy.
In 2002, bombings at the resort is-
land of Bali killed over 200 — most-
ly foreign tourists — in Indonesia’s
worst-ever terror attack.
Three militants involved in the Bali
bombing have since been executed.
Battle
The assault in the capital two
years ago saw security forces battle
radicals near the cafe where a suicide
bomber detonated his explosives.
Considered the de facto head of IS
supporters in Indonesia, Abdurrah-
man, 46, is also the spiritual leader
of local extremist network Jamaah
Ansharut Daulah (JAD).
JAD was involved in the 2016
Jakarta attack and a wave of suicide
bombings last month in Indonesia’s
second-biggest city Surabaya, ac-
cording to authorities.
Two families — including girls
aged nine and 12 — blew them-
selves up at churches and a police
station, killing 13.
Abdurrahman has not been
charged in the Surabaya attacks.
His death sentence will be wel-
comed by some JAD members, ana-
lysts said.
❑ ❑ ❑
Community takes lead: When
Tong Pacasum was allowed back
into the area where his family home
once stood in Marawi on the Phil-
ippine island of Mindanao, there
was nothing left for him to salvage
months after a bloody siege that lev-
elled much of the city.
But Pacasum considers himself
lucky: his family is safe, and they
have a title to their property, which
will be key as residents and authori-
ties begin rebuilding after the coun-
try’s biggest and fiercest urban battle
in years.
Others among the 200,000 Ma-
ranaos — as residents of Marawi are
known — are not as fortunate.
When pro-Islamic State rebels
laid siege to the city in May 2017,
everyone fled. Residents including
Pacasum were allowed to inspect
their homes and retrieve their be-
longings only recently.
Groundbreaking — when demoli-
tions of all affected structures will
begin — is scheduled for July, after
a private developer is selected.
The process will take several
months, after which construction of
roads and other public facilities will
begin.
The government will then give
funds to residents will then be given
funds to construct their homes. Re-
building Marawi could cost more
than $1 billion and will be complete
by the end of 2021, officials esti-
mate.
But the process could be delayed
by questions on land ownership, said
Pacasum, who helped evacuate peo-
ple during the siege, and now liaises
with the provincial government on
rehabilitation.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge,
as a lot of residents don’t have titles
to their properties, even though they
have been living there for genera-
tions,” he said.
“If we don’t do it right, it will
cause more pain and suffering, and
we have already suffered so much,”
said Pacasum, who has participated
in consultations with other residents
and officials on the plans for rebuild-
ing.
Muslims as well as indigenous
people have been caught in the mid-
dle of a five-decade old insurgency
in Mindanao, exacerbated by log-
gers and mining companies eager to
tap its rich resources including gold,
copper and nickel, experts say.

INTERNATIONAL
Africa
Kiir rejects Machar
1 dead after attack at huge
rally for Ethiopia’s new PM
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 23,
(Agencies): An explosion struck a huge
rally for Ethiopia’s reformist new prime
minister on Saturday shortly after he
spoke and was waving to the cheering
crowd that turned out to support sweep-
ing changes in Africa’s second most pop-
ulous nation.
Addressing the country minutes after
he was rushed to safety, Prime Minis-
ter Abiy Ahmed
called the blast a
“well-orchestrated
attack” but one
that failed. He did
not lay blame but
said police were
investigating.
Health Minister
Amir Aman con-
firmed one death
while Abiy’s chief
Ahmed
of staff said 83
people were hurt, six critically.
“The prime minster was the target,” a
rally organizer, Seyoum Teshome, told
The Associated Press. “An individual
tried to hurl the grenade toward a stage
where the prime minister was sitting but
was held back by the crowd.”
The man with the grenade was wearing
a police uniform, witness Abraham Tila-
hun told the AP. Police officers nearby
quickly restrained him, he said. “Then we
heard the explosion.”
AP video from the scene showed
bloodstained ground and abandoned
shoes while people chanting the prime
minister’s name fled, some clutching
their heads in shock and despair.
The attack was “cheap and unaccepta-
ble,” Ethiopia’s prime minister said, and
added: “Love always wins. Killing others
is a defeat. To those who tried to divide
us, I want to tell you that you have not
succeeded.”
The explosion in packed Meskel
Square in the capital, Addis Ababa, came
after weeks of reforms that had shocked
many in the East African nation after
years of anti-government tensions, states
of emergency, thousands of arrests and
long internet shutdowns.
❑ ❑ ❑
Nigeria arrests 2 IS commanders: Ni-
geria’s secret police says it has arrested
two suspected commanders of a Boko
Haram splinter group for allegedly plot-
ting to carry out violent attacks in the
country.
The Department of State Services
(DSS) said in a statement on Thursday
that two “commanders” of the Islamic
State in West Africa (ISWA) were arrest-
ed outside the capital Abuja on May 5.
A third suspect was detained in the
northeastern state of Bauchi on April 28.
“The suspects were discovered to have
concluded plans to not only perpetuate
the ideals of the movement in the area,
but to, in collaboration with Boko Haram,
carry out heinous violent attacks on inno-
cent persons,” the statement read,
❑ ❑ ❑
Boko Haram raid kills 5: At least five
people were killed and six others injured
in a nighttime Boko Haram raid and sui-
cide attack on a village in northeastern
Nigeria, residents told AFP on Saturday
A male suicide bomber detonated his
explosives among a group of residents
sleeping in the open in Tungushe village
in Borno state at about 12:15 am (2315
GMT Friday).
The blast was followed by indiscriminate
gunfire from Boko Haram jihadists lurking
in the dark, said Mustapha Muhammad, a
civilian militia leader in the area.
❑ ❑ ❑
S. Sudan peace deal attempt fails:
The latest attempt at ending South Su-
dan’s five-year civil war failed Friday
as President Salva Kiir rejected working
again with rival Riek Machar after their
first face-to-face meeting in almost two
years.
“This is simply because we have had
enough of him,” government spokesman
Michael Makuei said.
The rivals met this week in neighbor-
ing Ethiopia on its prime minister’s invi-
tation, shaking hands and being coaxed
into an awkward embrace as they held
direct talks. They shook hands again as
regional heads of state and government
met to discuss the civil war in the world’s
youngest nation.
Ethiopians rally in solidarity with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in Meskel Square in the capital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 23. (AP)
Lat/Am
Women demand legal abortion: Hundreds
of women marched in Rio de Janeiro on Friday to
demand the legalization of abortion in Brazil.
The march followed a breakthrough for abor-
tion supporters in neighboring Argentina, where
the lower house of congress approved a bill this
month that would legalize elective abortion in the
first 14 weeks of pregnancy.
Carrying banners reading “rich (women)
abort but the poor die” and chanting slogans in
support of abortion legalization, the protesters in
Rio marched from the state assembly to the city
council late Friday.
“A woman should not be forced to be a
mother” said Tina Tigri, a producer of cultural
events who has two children and participated in
the protest. “We just want it (abortion) to be legal,
safe, in a hospital”
In August, Brazil’s lower house will debate
abortion in a public audience. Congress’ decision
will help the Supreme Court decide on a case pre-
sented last year, when a woman filed a petition to
abort because a new child would emotionally and
financially affect her family. It is unclear when the
Supreme Court will debate the case. (AP)
❑ ❑ ❑
Killings by security forces rife: Venezuelan
security forces suspected of killing hundreds of
demonstrators and alleged criminals enjoy immu-
nity from prosecution, indicating that the rule of
law is “virtually absent” in the country, the United
Nations said on Friday.
The UN human rights office called on the
government to bring perpetrators to justice and
said it was sending its report to the International
Criminal Court (ICC), whose prosecutor opened a
preliminary investigation in February.
The UN report cited “credible, shocking” ac-
counts of extrajudicial killings of young men dur-
ing crime-fighting operations in poor neighbour-
hoods conducted without arrest warrants. Security
forces would tamper with the scene so that there
appeared to have been an exchange of fire, it said.
There was no immediate response from the
government of President Nicolas Maduro to the
report.
Critics say Maduro has used increasingly au-
thoritarian tactics as the OPEC nation’s economy
has spiralled deeper into recession and hyperinfla-
tion, fuelling discontent and prompting hundreds
of thousands to emigrate in the past year.
About 125 people died in anti-government
protests last year.
Security forces were allegedly responsible for
killing at least 46 of them, UN rights spokes-
woman Ravina Shamdasani told a news briefing,
adding: “Evidence has reportedly disappeared
from case files.” (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
Nicaragua protesters suffer beatings:
Jailed Nicaraguan protesters said they had suf-
fered beatings and mistreatment in detention
following their release Friday after a plea by
Catholic bishops, as the death toll in two months
of anti-government protests rose to 212.
Twenty-six young protesters were freed from
Maduro Ortega
ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
13
jails in Managua and the flashpoint opposition
bastion of Masaya in the first release of prisoners
since the intervention of the bishops.
The clergy were tasked last month with mediat-
ing an increasingly bloody confrontation between
the opposition and government.
The bishops traveled to the besieged opposition
city of Masaya on Thursday “to avoid another
massacre” as police and paramilitaries loyal to
President Daniel Ortega prepared an assault on
opposition-held neighborhoods of the city. (AFP)
❑ ❑ ❑
Colombia recovers bodies: Colombian
authorities have recovered what they believe to be
the bodies of a three-man Ecuadoran press team
kidnapped and killed on the two countries’ border.
President Juan Manuel Santos said the bodies
located by police in the country’s south could be
those of journalist Javier Ortega, 32, photographer
Paul Rivas, 45, and their 60-year-old driver Efrain
Segarra. “I reiterate my condolences to the fami-
lies and my repudiation of this heinous crime,”
said Santos.
Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas said
Thursday that four bodies had been recovered,
and that forensic police in Cali were expected to
identify them Friday.
The three men, who worked for Ecuador’s in-
fluential El Comercio newspaper, were kidnapped
while covering a story on violence along the
border, prompting both countries to send troops to
hunt down the perpetrators.
Walter Patricio Artizala, better known as
“Guacho,” served as a rebel for 15 years in the
now-defunct FARC movement and heads the
Oliver Sinisterra Front, a group that kidnapped the
men on March 26 in the Mataje area.
Experts say the northwestern border zone,
which is covered with dense jungle and criss-
crossed by rivers leading into the Pacific, has
become a paradise for drug traffickers. (AFP)

INTERNATIONAL
World News Roundup
In this Sept 20, 2017 file photo, a catfish appears on the shoreline in the algae-filled water of North Toledo, Ohio. (Inset): In this Aug 3, 2014 file photo, a sample glass of Lake Erie water is photographed near the City of Toledo water
Agriculture
Relationship of trust
Consumers pay Brazil
farmers to go organic
PLANALTINA, Brazil, June 23, (RTRS): Every
week, farmer Thiago Kaiser fills his truck with dozens
of boxes of organic food to be delivered directly to
those who will eat it in Brasilia, Brazil’s capital city.
Kaiser is one of a growing number of Brazilian
farmers paid by customers to grow organic fruit and
vegetables through a shared-production system.
His farm does not sell any of its produce on the
open market, including restaurants and supermarkets.
“We have our co-farmers, who are the people who
finance our planting. It is a relationship of trust,”
Kaiser told the Thomson Reuters Foundation beside
a vegetable garden on his family farm in Planaltina,
some 34 miles (55 km) from Brasilia.
“When you go to the supermarket, you choose what
you are going to eat ... Our co-farmers don’t know
what we’ll deliver to them,” he added.
Organic agriculture has grown in popularity
around the world in recent years, amid rising health
and environmental concerns over industrial farm-
ing, and pressure for more sustainable use of soil,
water and other natural resources, according to
a 2017 report published by Codeplan, a state-run
company that carries out development work in Bra-
zil’s Federal District.
Growing demand for food low in fat and sugar
makes fruit and vegetables key weapons in the battle
against obesity and malnutrition, giving an extra boost
to the organic market.
The model adopted by Kaiser, known as “Com-
munity Supported Agriculture” (CSA), is a system in
which local residents finance and participate in food
production.
Calculate
The farmer calculates the cost of producing food for
a group of people, who pay a monthly fee. They agree
to buy seasonal vegetables and fruits, and to split the
costs of crop failure.
“If we can produce a good
harvest of lettuce, they will
receive two, three or four let-
tuces — but if I have a problem
with rain and cannot produce
lettuce, they will also under-
stand,” Kaiser said.
Organic fruit and vegetables
are delivered to collection points
on a weekly basis, but customers
can also visit the farm, take part
Junqueira in decisions about what to plant,
suggest new crops and help with
the harvest themselves. “For people with children, we
say it’s priceless,” said agronomist Abilio Vinicius Bar-
bosa Pereira.
“Children grow up knowing the name of the food
and placing value on food, on land and on the environ-
ment in practice.”
Pereira joined a CSA group in his Brasilia neigh-
bourhood in November, and pays about $80 per
month. Since then, his children are eating far more
fruit and vegetables.
“We visit farms, and my children recognise the
name of the plants, and are encouraged to eat vegeta-
bles children usually don’t want to eat,” Pereira said.
Brazil’s organic food sales reached some 2.5 bil-
lion reais in 2016 ($663 million), with annual growth
of 20-30 percent, according to the Codeplan report.
About 70 percent of organic production is exported
to Europe.
Organic production represents the fifth largest sup-
ply chain in the Federal District, where Brasilia is lo-
cated, making about 30 million reais per year, accord-
ing to Codeplan.
“There is rising consumer awareness about the
importance of eating healthily,” said Ana Maria Re-
sende Junqueira, agronomy professor at the Univer-
sity of Brasilia (UnB).
intake crib in Lake Erie, off the shore of Curtice, Ohio. (AP)
This handout photo taken on June 19,
and released by the Australian Antarctic
Division (AAD) on June 21 shows Barry
Balkin taking a dip in a swimming hole
prepared at the Casey research station
as Antarctic researchers welcome the
winter solstice by plunging into icy waters
as part of a “mad tradition” as they look
forward to brighter days after weeks of
darkness. In temperatures of -22 degrees
Celsius (-7.6 degrees Fahrenheit), re-
searchers stationed at Australia’s Casey
base marked midwinter’s day by cutting a
small pool in the thick ice before stripping
off and jumping in. (AFP)
Ly Agarwal
Discovery
Orangutans dance, kickbox: Cam-
bodia’s strongman leader Hun Sen took
a brief break from electioneering on Sat-
urday to watch orangutans roller skate,
kickbox and dance provocatively as he
opened the first major zoo in the capital.
The premier — one of the world’s
longest serving leaders — is seeking to
prolong his 33-year grip on power in the
national vote set for July 29 and has used
the courts to cripple his opponents.
But he has also tried to cultivate a
lighter side.
“Today we are all happy to inaugurate
the animal zoo, the Phnom Penh Safari,”
Hun Sen said in a speech to thousands
at the park before a ribbon-cutting cer-
emony, adding that the site of the sprawl-
ing complex was a former ammunition
depot for remnants of the brutal Khmer
Rouge regime.
The $9 million safari will house
89 types of animals, including bears,
ostriches, kangaroos, giraffes, tigers and
deer.
The zoo is run by a company owned
by tycoon Ly Yong Phat, a senator
from the ruling Cambodian People’s
Party.
After the official unveiling Hun Sen
took a tour of the grounds and sat down
to watch the orangutan show, a common
form of entertainment at Southeast Asian
zoos that animal rights activists have
long been critical of. (AFP)
❑ ❑ ❑
‘Plink’ of dripping H20 decoded:
In the middle of the night it becomes a
form of psychological torture, the insidi-
ous “plink ...” (wait-for-it) “plink ...”
(wait-for-it) “plink ...” of drops falling,
one-by-one, into water.
Scientists said Friday that they had
finally cracked the “dripping tap” enigma
and know exactly how the sound is
generated.
In 1908, Arthur Mason Worthington
published a treatise, “A Study of Splash-
es,” featuring the first known photograph
in a scientific journal of a drop as it punc-
Environment
Blooms bi-product of global warming
Warming drives US toxic algae spread
SALEM, Oregon, June 23, (AP): The
words blasted to cellphones around
Oregon’s capital city were ominous:
“Civil emergency . prepare for action.”
Within half an hour, a second of-
ficial alert clarified the subject wasn’t
impending violence but toxins from an
algae bloom, detected in Salem’s water
supply.
Across the US, reservoirs that sup-
ply drinking water and lakes used for
recreation are experiencing similar
events with growing frequency. The
trend represents another impact of
global warming and raises looming
questions about the effects on human
health, researchers say.
“When water bodies warm up ear-
lier and stay warmer longer ... you in-
crease the number of incidents,” said
Wayne Carmichael, a retired Wright
State University professor specializing
in the organisms. “That’s just logical,
and it’s being borne out.”
Technically called cyanobacteria,
the ancient class of organisms that
create the blooms are present nearly
everywhere water is found but thrive
in warm, still bodies like lakes and
ponds. They also create a unique class
of toxins, the impact of which on hu-
mans is only partly understood.
Long linked to animal deaths, high
doses of the toxins in humans can
cause liver damage and attack the
nervous system. In the largest out-
breaks, hundreds have been sickened
by blooms in reservoirs and lakes, and
officials in some areas now routinely
close water bodies used for recreation
and post warnings when blooms occur.
But less is known about exposure at
lower doses, especially over the long
term.
Small studies have linked exposure
to liver cancer — one toxin is classi-
fied as a carcinogen, and others have
pointed to potential links to neurode-
generative disease. But definitively
tures a body of water’s still surface.
The image clearly shows the formation
of a cavity — like a thimble turned up-
side down — on the water’s surface upon
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen holds an orangutan after a kickboxing perfor-
mance during the inauguration of Phnom Penh Safari on June 23. (AFP)
Dead plankton, stunned fish: the
harms of man-made ocean noise
WASHINGTON, June 23, (AFP):
Human-caused ocean noise and its
dangers to marine life are the focus
of meetings at the United Nations this
week, a victory for advocacy groups
that have long warned of this prob-
lem.
What are the causes of ocean
noise?
The main human activity that
causes noise is maritime shipping.
Among the loudest sounds are
explosions aimed at demolishing
offshore oil platforms, though these
events are rare.
Advocacy groups focus on seismic
airguns, which are used by oil and
gas interests to find reserves on the
ocean floor.
A boat tows 12-48 airguns at a
time, each of which shoot loud blasts
of compressed air. These sound
waves pass through the water and hit
the seabed, reflecting back informa-
tion about buried oil and gas deposits
that can be used to create three-di-
mensional maps.
The blasts are repeated every
15 seconds, over vast areas of the
ocean at high volume, sometimes for
weeks on end.
OceanCare, a non-governmental
organization based in Bern, Switzer-
proving those links would require
larger studies, said Carmichael, who
helped the World Health Organization
set the first safe exposure standards for
the toxins.
“It’s absolutely certain in my mind
that warming temperatures are going
to end up causing more of these algal
blooms,” said Steven Chapra, an en-
impact, followed by a narrow column of
water rising as the cavity recoils.
But if the fluid mechanics of drops-
in-liquid have been understood for a
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
14
land, released in May a review of 115
studies done mainly in the 1990s and
2000s, showing the effects of ocean
noise on 66 species of fish and 36
kinds of invertebrates, or animals
without a backbone.
Zooplankton were found to be
highly vulnerable to seismic blasts.
A 2007 study showed that one blast,
even at a lower level than those typi-
cally used in oil and gas prospecting
operations, could decimate half the
zooplankton in the area.
Up to 95 percent of certain species
died.
Zooplankton form the base of the
foodchain, and are vital nutrition for
whales and numerous invertebrates
like oysters and shrimp.
Fish can suffer internal injuries and
change their behavior. Becoming dis-
oriented by the noise, they may swim
away or freeze in place.
According to studies in 1996 and
2012, seismic airgun blasts caused
haddock and cod to flee, reducing
the catch rate by 20 to 70 percent in
some areas.
Some fish swam deeper, where
they could be more vulnerable,
while others were caught with
empty stomachs, a sign they had
stopped eating.
vironmental engineering professor at
Tufts University.
Chapra led a team including scien-
tists from the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology and the US Environ-
mental Protection Agency in one of
the most comprehensive studies of the
interplay between global warming and
the blooms, published in 2017.
century, the signature noise they make
remained harder to grasp.
Around 1920, a team of research-
ers in England decided that resonance
inside the tiny water cavity was the likely
mechanism behind the sound.
A decade later, another group discov-
ered that a minimum height was required
to generate a “plink.”
Finally, in 1955, scientists noticed the
formation of a tiny bubble of air briefly
trapped beneath the cavity as it took
shape, speculating that when it burst
sound waves rose to the surface and
escaped into the air.
Over the following decades, dozens
of published experiments with increas-
ingly precise instruments backed up
this idea.
“Until now, everyone thought these
sound waves just passed through the wa-
ter surface and that’s how we heard the
sound, much like if you hear someone
speaking through a wall,” said Samuel
Phillips, an undergraduate student at the
University of Cambridge and lead author
of a study in Scientific Reports.
The idea to probe further came to Phil-
lips’ professor, Anurag Agarwal, while
he was visiting a friend who had a small
leak in the roof of his house. (AFP)
 ‘Telling character-driven, human stories critically important’

Filmmakers putting a human face on US migrant crisis

LOS ANGELES, June 23, (AFP): Salvadoran medical volunteer Erick
Beltran was on duty two years ago when gang members stormed his
rescue corps base and riddled him with bullets. He hadn’t yet turned 15.
The youngster was the first casualty from his unit but one of 540
Salvadoran children murdered in 2016 during gang wars, which have
exacerbated the homicide rate across Central America and sparked a
migration crisis at the US border.
With the eyes of the world on President Donald Trump’s “zero-toler-
ance” push against illegal entries, Erick’s story is among a spate of up-
coming documentaries on the human beings behind the grim headlines
about human trafficking, child prisons and organized crime.
“Telling character-driven, human stories is critically important
Film
barely over six million.
Highest
In 2015, the country recorded 6,656 homicides. The murder rate of
108 per 100,000 people was the highest in the world.
Founded over 50 years ago as a humanitarian rescue service re-
sponding to natural disasters, the “Comandos” volunteer ambulance
corps has 32 bases around El Salvador.
“Los Comandos” tells the story of the unit’s stand against a reign
of terror inflicted on ordinary Salvadorans by rival gangs MS13 and
Barrio 18.
Erick’s colleague Mimi wrestles with whether to flee the country — a
North,” another documentary about migration from Central America
to the United States.
Bennett and co-director Juliana Schatz-Preston introduce a tiny refu-
gee shelter in Tapachula, Mexico, where we meet Nelly and her daugh-
ter Joseline, who are fleeing extreme gang violence in El Salvador’s
neighbor, Honduras.
With their sights set on the US, they cover the length of Mexico,
facing immigration officials and taking selfies along the way, only to
arrive in Tijuana where the border suddenly becomes a dark reality.
“The gangs are governing Honduras. If a gang threatens you, you
can’t hide anywhere. I will never go back,” says Nelly.
“I will never feel at home in any other country. But we will have to

in this moment,” said Joshua Bennett, of New York studio Show of
Force, which is telling Erick’s story in the documentary short “Los
Comandos.”
“They put a human face on these major issues, and provide a context
that is essential to making sound, humane decisions on migration and
refugees.”
Bennett believes this humanity is lacking in a Trump administration
walking back the US commitment to internationally held standards of
asylum and protection of vulnerable migrants.
An estimated 500,000 Salvadorans — many as young as 12 — are
gang members or have connections to organized crime, in a population
tropical, mountainous stretch of land about the size of Massachusetts —
after his death or stay and work amid threats to her friends and family.
“They tell me, ‘Look, if you have the chance to migrate, go. But I tell
them I’m afraid to leave,” the 16-year-old tells the filmmakers.
The documentary is part of Show of Force’s “Humanity on the Move”
series, which is coming to TV just as recordings of wailing children jailed
in cage-like enclosures near the US-Mexico border ignite global outrage.
Despite Trump’s executive order ending family separations this
week, there is no immediate plan in place to reunite the more than
2,300 children already taken from their families.
“Humanity on the Move” also features Bennett’s “Towards the
try to overcome, try to survive.”
Both documentaries are due to air on PBS in the fall along with “Sky
and Ground,” which follows a family on foot from devastated Aleppo
in Syria to the German capital, Berlin.
Closer to home, “The Unafraid,” which closed New York’s Human
Rights Watch Film Festival on Thursday, follows the personal lives of
three recipients of the Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program
in Georgia.
The state has banned them from attending its top universities and
disqualifies them from receiving in-state tuition at any other public col-
lege.

Variety
Features

Singer of British band The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger performs with the band during a concert at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium on June 22. (AFP)

Film

LOS ANGELES: “Jurassic World:

Heavy-hitters coming up
Fallen Kingdom” continued the
dinosaurs’ reign at the top of the
Chinese box office on Friday.
“Incredibles 2” opened in second
place.
‘Panther’ leads pack at Oscars race
Holdover, “Jurassic World” bit By Tim Gray a Slave” and “Moonlight,” these are films to keep an 2” (WB), Toni Collette in “Hereditary” (A24), and Fox
out $8.31 million on Friday. That eye on. Searchlight’s Wes Anderson film “Isle of Dogs,” to
represented a 73% drop compared
with its $31 million opening day,
on Friday last week, which put
A s the 2018 awards race hits the halfway mark, there
is one solid best-picture bet so far: “Black Pan-
ther.” As usual, the year is bottom-heavy and impartial
This could also be the year that Hollywood finally
embraces Netflix. The industry is always wary of in-
name a few. For more notable work during the first six
months, see the accompanying story by Jenelle Riley
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

it on course for the fourth best
opening weekend by a Hollywood
movie in China. But after eight
days on release, the film has a
mighty cumulative score of $178
million, according to Chinese data
service Ent Group.
“Incredibles 2,” managed a
more timid $4.65 million, and will
not challenge “Coco” for Pixar’s
record in the Middle Kingdom.
“Incredibles 2” played some
75,000 screenings on Friday, com-
pared with the 99,000 sessions for
“Jurassic World.” (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
LOS ANGELES: The Producers
Guild of America has set Jan 19,
2019, as the date for its 30th an-
nual awards show at the Beverly
Hilton Hotel.
The PGA made the announce-
ment Thursday. Donald De Line
and Amy Pascal are returning as
awards chairs for the third con-
secutive year.
“The PGA is honored to
celebrate excellence in motion
picture, television and new media
productions, along with some of
the living legends who shape our
profession, at the 2019 Producers
Guild Awards,” said Gail Berman
and Lucy Fisher, presidents of
the PGA. “And we are grateful to
Donald and Amy for once again
lending their talents as producers
of the awards.” (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
LOS ANGELES: Fox has dated its
untitled Ford vs. Ferrari movie,
starring Matt Damon and Chris-
tian Bale, for June 28, 2019.
“Logan” director James
Mangold is helming from a script
by screenwriters Jez and John-
Henry Butterworth (“Edge of
Tomorrow”).
The film follows an eccentric,
determined team of American
engineers and designers, led by
automotive visionary Carroll
Shelby (Damon) and his British
driver, Ken Miles (Bale), who are
execs who have seen the upcoming films say it could be
one of the most fun awards years in memory.
Disney-Marvel’s “Black Panther,” directed by Ryan
Coogler, has enough originality and goodwill to over-
come any “superhero” resistance from Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voters. The film’s
artists (above and below the line) deserve Oscar atten-
tion — and TV viewers would love the adrenaline jolt
to the Oscarcast.
The July-December period offers an adventurous
lineup. That includes new works from recent Oscar
winners: the Damien Chazelle-directed “First Man”
about Neil Armstrong (Universal), Alfonso Cuaron’s
1970s-set “Roma” (Netflix), Barry Jenkins’ “If Beale
Street Could Talk” (from James Baldwin’s book, via
Annapurna), “Backseat” (Adam McKay’s Dick Cheney
movie with Christian Bale, also Annapurna); and Steve
McQueen’s “Widows” starring Viola Davis (Fox).
Also getting enthusiasm are Paul Greengrass’ look
at modern terrorism in “Norway” (Netflix) and Warner
Bros.’ “A Star Is Born” (starring Bradley Cooper and
Lady Gaga, in case you hadn’t heard).
Hollywood is challenging the traditional notion of
“Oscar bait,” taking more chances. Witness the eclectic
range in bios, including films about Scotland’s Robert
the Bruce, Sen. Gary Hart, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Oscar
Wilde, and Queen Anne.
The year is also “Boy” crazy, with Amazon’s “Beau-
tiful Boy” (director Felix Van Groeningen; Timothee
Chalamet, Steve Carell); “Boy Erased” (Joel Edgerton;
with Russell Crowe, Lucas Hedges, Focus Features); and
“White Boy Rick” (Yann Demange; Matthew McCo-
naughey, Bruce Dern; Sony TriStar). That’s OK. Audi-
ences last year had “Wonder,” “Wonder Woman,” “Won-
derstruck,” and “Wonder Wheel,” but everyone survived.
Plan B (Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and Brad
Pitt) has three year-end films (“Backseat,” “Beale
Street,” and “Beautiful Boy”) and a possible fourth
(“Ad Astra”). Given their track record with “12 Years
dispatched by Henry Ford II and
Lee Iacocca with the mission of
building from scratch an entirely
new automobile with the potential
to finally defeat the perennially
dominant Ferrari at the 1966 Le
Mans World Championship in
France.
Caitriona Balfe will portray
Miles’ wife and Noah Jupe will
play their son. Jon Bernthal has Damon
novations (talkies, TV, videocassettes, et al.) so Netf- and Kris Tapley.
lix’s business plan seemed unsettling. But the lineup is As usual, the season moves into high gear with the
especially strong. fall film fests (Venice-Telluride-Toronto). First dis-
Industry conversations about diversity/inclusion may claimer: When names are mentioned here, it’s to jog
finally be paying off. Aside from a formidable group of readers’ memory, not as a prediction of who has the
black directors (Coogler, Jenkins, McQueen, and Spike best Oscar chances. Second disclaimer: This is an over-
Lee, with “BlacKkKlansman”), there is Cuaron repre- view of what’s out there. Every year, the majority of
these films don’t cut it Oscar-wise, for whatever reason.
senting Latino-Hispanics; it’s a step forward.
But if even a fraction of films pay off, it looks like a
It could be a good year for women. Aviron Pictures
(from execs David Dinerstein, William Sadleir, et al.) good year.
has “A Private War,” with Rosamund Pike as war cor- Other upcoming films:
respondent Marie Colvin, directed by Matthew Heine- July: “Sorry to Bother You” (director, Boots Riley;
man. Sony Pictures Classics has “Capernaum,” Jury Annapurna)
Prize winner at Cannes directed and co-written by August: Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” (Focus); “The
Nadine Labaki. In addition, Bleecker Street has two Little Stranger” (director Lenny Abrahamson, written
female-directed movies — Debra Granik’s “Leave No by Lucinda Coxon, with Domhnall Gleeson; Focus);
Trace” and Elizabeth Chomko’s “What They Had” — “The Wife” (Bjorn Runge; stars Glenn Close, Jonathan
plus female-centric movies like “Collette,” with Keira Pryce; Sony Classics)
Knightley and director Wash Westmoreland, and recent September: “The Old Man and the Gun” (David
opener “Disobedience” starring the two Rachels, Weisz Lowery; Robert Redford, Sissy Spacek; Searchlight);
and McAdams. Also directed by women: Josie Ro- “The Sisters Brothers” (d. Jacques Audiard; Jake Gyl-
urke’s “Mary Queen of Scots” (Margot Robbie, Saoirse lenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix; Annapurna); “Life Itself”
(Dan Fogelman; Olivia Cooke; Amazon).
Ronan, Focus); and Mimi Leder’s “On the Basis of …”
(Ginsburg bio starring Felicity Jones and Armie Ham- October: “Can You Ever Forgive Me” (Marielle
mer, also Focus). Heller; Melissa McCarthy; Searchlight); “The Happy
Still under-represented are Asian-Americans, Mus- Prince” (written-directed by Rupert Everett, who stars
lims, disabled people, plus many others. But one lives as Oscar Wilde; Sony Pictures Classics); “The Hate
in hope. You Give” (George Tillman Jr.; Amandla Stenberg;
Two very different period pieces offer timely tales, Fox)
with “Outlaw King,” Netflix’s story of 14th century November: “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Bryan Singer;
Scotland from David Mackenzie (“Hell or High Wa- Rami Malek; Fox); “The Favourite” (Yorgos Lan-
ter”); and Sony TriStar’s “The Front Runner” from Ja- thimos; Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman;
son Reitman starring Hugh Jackman as Gary Hart. Searchlight); “Peterloo” (Mike Leigh; Rory Kinnear;
Amazon); “Suspiria” (Luca Guadagnino; Dakota John-
Terrific son; Amazon); “The Women of Marwen” (Robert Ze-
Aside from “Panther,” the January-June commercial meckis; Steve Carell; Universal).
launches offered some terrific work worth considering December: “Cold War” (Joanna Kulig; Pawel Paw-
in various Oscar categories, such as Paul Schrader’s likowski; Amazon); “Mary Poppins Returns” (Rob
“First Reformed” (A24), Hugh Grant in “Paddington Marshall; Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep; Disney). (RTRS)
been in talks to portray Iacocca. financing “Tax Collector,” a co- Ayer in the World War II action-
Chernin Entertainment is produc- production between Cross Creek drama “Fury.” LaBeouf’s show
ing. (RTRS) and Cedar Park Entertainment, business drama “Honey Boy” is in
❑ ❑ ❑ Ayer’s production company. Ayer post-production.
and Chris Long of Cedar Park are Cross Creek is repped by CAA
LOS ANGELES: Shia LaBeouf the producers. The filmmakers are Media Finance and Schuyler
and Bobby Soto are starring in keeping the logline under wraps. Moore of Greenberg Glusker
David Ayer’s crime thriller “Tax Ayer’s directing credits include Fields. Cedar Park, Ayer, and
Collector,” which will be shot in “End of Watch,” “Sabotage,” Long are repped by CAA. The
Los Angeles this summer. “Fury,” “Suicide Squad,” and news was first reported by Dead-
Bale Cross Creek Pictures is “Bright.” LaBeouf worked with line. (RTRS)

NEWS/FEATURES
People & Places
People
‘It’s about comfort’
Amy Schumer gets
into podcast game
NEW YORK, June 23, (Agencies): Amy Schum-
er is used to getting glammed up for red carpets,
TV shows and movies, but for her new podcast, it
was all about comfort.
“Never will a … be worn,” the Emmy-winning
comedian, actress and author said in an interview
with The Associated Press.
“Amy Schumer Presents: 3 Girls, 1 Keith”
launches recently and was recorded in her apart-
ment with her comedian-best friends Rachel
Feinstein, Bridget Everett and Keith Robinson.
The original Spotify podcast will be widely avail-
able, and Spotify will have additional exclusive
content.
“I mean, that was part of
the draw,” Schumer said
of taping at home without
cameras filming. “There’s
just such a feeling of us
hanging out like we would
anyway.”
The casual environment
helped set the tone for the
weekly podcast, which
features Schumer and
friends discussing love,
Schumer relationships, comedy,
politics and more. Guests will appear each week;
comedian Murray Hill and “Crazy-Ex Girlfriend”
actress Rachel Bloom are featured on episode one
and two.
Schumer said some of the podcasts she listens
to includes “This American Life,” “S-Town,”
Esther Perel’s “Where Should We Begin” and
“Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations.” But part of
the appeal of doing her own was because she’s
hadn’t heard any podcast like the one she wanted
to produce.
The idea of doing a podcast started as a joke,
Schumer said, and she had been thinking about
doing it for a year.
“The goals were to make us all some money
and just to hang out, honestly,” she said, adding
that the podcast will let listeners “be a fly on the
wall, just hearing casual conversation with friends
and then also sometimes, maybe learn something
or hear a perspective they didn’t have before.”
Discuss
Schumer and friends also discuss their personal
lives on “3 Girls, 1 Keith.” She tied the knot in
February and said she’s enjoying married life.
“It’s funny, before you’re married, people don’t
really tell you, but then once you get married, you
talk to other married couples and they’re like,
‘Marriage is awesome!’ And you’re like, ‘Yes, it
is,’” she said.
“It was like a secret, because they don’t want to
tell you because they don’t want you to be jealous
or something. But it’s nice. I don’t think it’s total-
ly necessary, but if you’re into it, it’s pretty dope.”
Schumer has had major success on TV, in mov-
ies, on comedy tours in arenas where pop stars per-
form, and even Broadway, earning herself a Tony
nomination this year. When asked what advice she
has for young female comedians, she said: “I would
actually not give any different advice to a female
comic then I would to a male comic.”
“Not for any reason other than the advice is re-
ally the same. It’s because it’s not harder for fe-
male comics, it’s just harder for females ... (it’s)
even harder than that for people of color in terms
of equality and just like stuff that they’re going to
encounter,” she added.
“But for comedy, I would always just say to any
performer, ‘There’s nothing like just doing it.’ As
much stage time as possible. I wish there’s some
other thing, but that’s really the truth — you just
have to do it. You have to do it and do it so much
that it has to be all that you care about until you
don’t care anymore.”
❑ ❑ ❑
A judge cleared the way Friday for Kanye
West to face trial for allegedly duping fans into
subscribing to the Tidal streaming service to hear
the rap superstar’s album “The Life of Pablo.”
A fan is seeking a class-action case — in which
other disgruntled fans could join and win damages
— after West tweeted that the 2016 album would
only be available on Tidal, the platform spear-
headed by fellow rapper Jay-Z.
West tweeted that his album “will never never
never be on Apple” — but, with Tidal trailing
in subscriber numbers, his album became avail-
able six weeks later on the tech giant’s streaming
service Apple Music as well as largest streaming
platform Spotify.
Argued
The rapper’s lawyers argued that his statement
was true when made and that, as he was repeat-
edly fine-tuning “The Life of Pablo” on Tidal, the
album was effectively a new, remastered version
when it went live on other platforms.
Gregory Woods, a federal judge in New York,
called West’s argument “tenuous.”
“Regardless of whether or not Mr. West’s argu-
ment will persuade a jury at a later stage in the case,
the court has little difficulty concluding that the
(plaintiff) plausibly pleads that Mr West’s statement
that his album would never never never be on Apple
Music or for sale was false,” Woods wrote.
He largely cleared Tidal’s parent company
Aspiro, saying that its tweet about “The Life of
Pablo” — saying “it’s streaming exclusively on
Tidal.com” — was indeed correct at the time.
But complicating the case, the judge said there
was no reason for it to move forward in New
York as both the plaintiff, Justin Baker-Rhett,
and West live in California. Aspiro had requested
moving the trial from California to New York.
Baker-Rhett enjoyed a one-month free sub-
scription to Tidal and then paid $9.99 for a second
month before he canceled. A self-described fan of
West, he said he would never have signed up had
he known it would be available elsewhere.
The chaos over “The Life of Pablo” has led to a
feud, fought through song lyrics, between onetime
collaborators West and Jay-Z.
Despite the star power behind it, Tidal has
struggled to catch up with Spotify and Apple
Music. Tidal saw a burst of new app downloads
last weekend when Jay-Z and his wife Beyonce
released a surprise joint album, “Everything is
Love,” exclusively on the platform.
But in a telling sign, the couple kept it as a Tidal
exclusive for barely a day before distributing it
widely.
Singer Taylor Swift (top), performs on stage in concert at Wembley Stadium in London on June 22. (AP)
Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor
arrives for the IIFA Rocks of
the 19th International Indian
Film Academy (IIFA) festival
at the Siam Niramit Theatre in
Bangkok on June 22. (AFP)
Bourdain Clooney
Variety
MOSCOW: A lawyer for a
Ukrainian filmmaker who has been
on hunger strike for more than a
month in a Russian prison says his
client has lost about 20 kilograms
(44 pounds) and is severely weak.
Oleg Sentsov, a vehement op-
ponent of Russia’s 2014 annexa-
tion of Crimea from Ukraine, is
serving a 20-year sentence on a
conviction for planning terrorist
acts. He denies the charges. Friday
marked the 40th day of his hunger
strike.
Lawyer Dmitry Dinze visited
Sentsov on Friday and found him
“very weak, very pale.” He told
The Associated Press that Sentsov
is receiving vitamins and nutrients
intravenously but has dropped
from 97 kilograms (214 pounds) to
about 77 kilograms (170 pounds).
(AP)
❑ ❑ ❑
PARIS: US celebrity chef Antho-
ny Bourdain, who killed himself
in a French hotel room earlier this
month, had no narcotics or alcohol
in his body when he died, a local
prosecutor said on Friday.
Bourdain, host of CNN’s
food-and-travel-focused “Parts
Unknown” television series, was
61. Brash and opinionated, he
had spoken openly about his use
of drugs and addiction to heroin
earlier in his life.
“No trace of narcotics, no trace
of any toxic products, no trace of
medicines, no trace of alcohol,”
prosecutor Christian de Roc-
quigny told Reuters. (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
LOS ANGELES: George Clooney,
this is your life.
The American Film Institute
hosted a star-studded gala earlier
this month to honor the Oscar-
winner’s achievements as an actor,
director and activist. The evening
kicked off with a video message
from former president Barack
Obama, and featured speeches
from Julianna Margulies reflect-
ing on their days together on
“ER,” Bill Murray recounting
pranks on the set of “Monuments
Men” and Miley Cyrus perform-
ing a song from “O Brother,
Where Art Thou?”
At the heart of the evening was
family, with Clooney’s father
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
16
Film
Munich fest keeps its finger on pulse of zeitgeist
‘Capernaum’ to open new Arab fest
LOS ANGELES, June 23, (RTRS): Lebanese director-actor Na- “Just like the famous first words of ‘Mack the Knife’ — ‘And the
dine Labaki and her drama “Capernaum,” an award winner at shark, he has teeth’ — one might say: This film, it has teeth. At a
Cannes, are set to kick off the first edition of the Festival Des Cin- pivotal moment in recent history, with populism on the rise and
emas Arabes, an ambitious new event in Paris dedicated to Arab democracy endangered, we have to look back to the great thinkers
films. who fought for an open-minded society with their art.”
“Capernaum,” about a 12-year-old boy who takes his parents to While Munich no longer has a section devoted to US indies,
court “for giving me life” in the painful world of Beirut’s slums, focusing instead on what Iljine says are “the most compelling and
won the Cannes Jury Prize last month. Labaki and her film, which important international independent productions of each season,”
will play out of competition, will inaugurate the 11-day Arab film American cinema still plays a significant role.
festival June 28 in Paris’ Institute du Monde Arab (Institute of the
“Looking at the US, this means that we — of course — reflect
Arab World). on political issues and Trump’s era. The growing gap between the
The event will mark Labaki’s return to the Paris institute where rich and poor as well as everyday racism are a main topic of vari-
in 1997 she won the best short prize, awarded by the institute’s ous documentaries and feature films,” Iljine says.
Biennale of Arab Cinema, for her student movie “11 Rue Pasteur.” Among this year’s crop of US works is Jennifer Fox’s “The
The biennale was scrapped in 2006. Tale,” which Iljine describes as “the most substantial contribu-
Twelve years later, the Parisian cultural organization is putting tion to the #MeToo debate.” The pic unspools in the CineMasters
Arab cinema back on display with the new film festival, which competition sidebar for major works by well-known international
“opens a new cycle, full of promise,” former French culture min- directors. Also competing in CineMasters is Jim Cummings’ criti-
ister Jack Lang said in a statement. More than 80 titles, including cally acclaimed comedy-drama “Thunder Road.”
features, documentaries and shorts — all recent Arab productions, While a number of US titles, such as Debra Granik’s “Leave
some of them international premieres — will unspool for Paris No Trace,” a social drama about a war veteran, are screening in
audiences. About 100 guests, comprising talents, producers, sales the Spotlight section, most unspool in International Independents,
agents and journalists from the Arab world and Europe, have been including “American Animals,” a US crime drama directed by
invited. There will be industry panels and creative programs such British helmer Bart Layton that Iljine calls “one of the best films
as the New York-based Cinephilia Screenwriting Shorts Lab. of the rapidly emerging hybrid of documentary and fictional sto-
A special section of the fest will focus on shorts from Saudi rytelling.”
Arabia, which recently lifted its religion-related ban on cinemas
Iljine adds: “Besides these big indie films we want to offer very
after 35 years. precious discoveries like ‘My Name Is Myeisha,’ directed by Gus
A panel organized in collaboration with the Haifa Independent Krieger, which is one of the most striking films on everyday rac-
Film Festival will thrash out some of the difficulties Palestinian ism, and the lovely documentary ‘Black Wave,’ directed by Peter
filmmakers and producers are forced to contend with and provide Azen, which is a portrait of the punk scene in Munich.”
an overview of Palestinian cinema since 1948. Other International Independents titles include Desiree
Akhavan’s “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” based on Emi-
Narrative
ly M. Danforth’s novel about a young teen sent to a conversion
European premieres in the fest’s narrative competition include camp, and “The Rape of Recy Taylor,” Nancy Buirski’s doc about
Moroccan director Mohammed Achaour’s comedy “Lhajjates,”
a black woman who was sexually assaulted in 1944 Alabama, and
about four elderly Moroccan women who join forces to rebel her refusal to remain silent about the crime.
against the suffering and injustice they are subjected to, and Emi-
The success and struggles of renowned performers are examined
rati director Amer Salmeen Al Murry’s soccer comedy “Fan de in documentary works screening in various sections, including
Amoory.”
“Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind,” by Marina Zenovich;
The new Arab cinema event in Paris, the city where Arab di- “Jane Fonda in Five Acts,” by Susan Lacy; Kevin Macdonald’s
rectors have historically found a crucial piece of their financing,
“Whitney”; and “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda,” by Stephen Nomura
follows the sudden cancellation earlier this year of the Dubai Film
Festival, which had been the Arab film industry’s main market. Schible.
The fest is also continuing its push to attract younger cinema-
❑ ❑ ❑
goers. “What we understand as a part of our mission is to educate,
inspire and attract audiences for the cinema of the future — and
As part of its celebration of the best of independent moviemak-
ing from around the world, including from the US, this year’s we are constantly building up experience in the field,” Ijine says.
Munich Film Festival will include works highlighting some of to- As part of a high-profile youth event, the festival is hosting the
day’s defining issues: the MeToo debate, racism, the increasingly world premiere of Aron Lehmann’s romantic comedy “The Most
troubling nature of social media and the impact of ever-growing Beautiful Girl in the World,” which was inspired by “Cyrano de
surveillance. Bergerac.” The fest has also established Film Nights Out, “an ex-
The festival, which runs June 28 to July 7, opens with Joachim citing party series for young people to get in touch with — and to
A. Lang’s “Mackie Messer — Brechts Dreigroschenfilm,” a fic- see that can be much more than watching amazing films.”
tional tale inspired by Bertolt Brecht’s 1928 play “The Threepenny On the industry side, Munich offers a variety of panel discus-
Opera,” and Kurt Weill’s song “The Ballad of Mack the Knife,” in sions, including the Filmmaker Live talks, which bring together
which the famed playwright seeks to adapt his work to film without industry reps, filmmakers and journalists to discuss wide-ranging
blunting its political edge. topics. Also present will be leading companies, among them ARRI,
For festival director Diana Iljine, the film is particularly timely: Bavaria Film and Constantin Film.
introducing the actor and offering MADRID: Nobel laureate Mario Ruber Juan Bravo says it admit- that Vargas Llosa was in severe
pain from his bruised buttock,
him a toast. Clooney shared some Vargas Llosa is under observa- ted the 82-year-old Peruvian
tender moments with his wife, tion at a Madrid hospital after writer early Thursday with a and doctors recommended that
Amal, who spoke about Clooney’s bruised left buttock and a slight he remain in hospital for the time
sustaining light injuries in a fall
passion to help others. (AP) being.
at home. head injury. It says the novelist underwent
❑ ❑ ❑ The Spanish capital’s Hospital The hospital says in a statement a series of tests. The statement
provides no further details about
his health. (AP)
Joe Jackson ❑ ❑ ❑
LOS ANGELES: Kino Lorber has
‘gravely sick’ acquired all US rights to Cameron
Yates’ documentary feature,
LOS ANGELES, June 23, “Chef Flynn,” for theatrical
(RTRS): Joe Jackson, patriarch
release in November followed by
of the singing Jackson fam- VOD and home video release late
ily, was reported on Friday to next winter.
be hospitalized with a serious, “Chef Flynn” had its world
possibly terminal illness. premiere at 2018 Sundance Film
Celebrity website TMZ. Festival and its international
com, citing family sources, premiere at the 68th Berlin Inter-
reported that Jackson, 89, has national Film Festival in February.
terminal cancer and was in It was also an official selection at
the end stages of life. Holly- SXSW this year.
wood publication Variety said The movie is directed by Cam-
eron Yates, produced by Laura
a source close to the situation
had confirmed the report, while Coxson, executive produced by
Philipp Engelhorn, and edited
DailyMail.com, citing family
British conductor Sir Rimon Rattle is applauded by members of members and other unspecified by Hannah Buck, with original
the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Berlin Philharmoniker) after sources, said Jackson had stage music from Brooklyn-based
conducting his last symphony concert as the orchestra’s chief four pancreatic cancer. electro-pop band Holy Ghost!
conductor in Berlin. (AFP) (RTRS)
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

NEWS/FEATURES 17

PARIS a guy thing

Mihara
Yasuhiro Mihara
Yasuhiro
Alexandre Mattiussi

Alexander McQueen

Galliano liberates men

Classy, comfy style

PARIS, June 23, (AFP): John Galliano set out Friday to
redefine 21st-century masculinity with corsets, sensual sat-
ins and vinyl trousers to “liberate” men from their sartorial
shackles.
The British designer’s new collection for Maison Mar- Cerruti 1881
giela at Paris men’s fashion week not only blurred the lines
between genders, but blew them away with shiny pink rib- Above and below: Models display
bon belts and a haute couture decadence that rarely treads creations by Mihara Yasuhiro, Cerruti
the male catwalk. 1881, Alexander McQueen, Alexan-
Inspired by genderless fashion boutiques now springing dre Mattiussi, Louis Vuitton and Issey
up in London and elsewhere, Galliano put out a podcast to Miyake during the Men’s Spring/Sum-
explain how he is plotting to release men from the straitjack- mer 2019 Collection Fashion Show on
ets of suits and streetwear. June 21, in Paris. (AFP)
“I have been questioning myself, and I’ve been trying to
redefine what it means to be masculine today,” he said.
The designer urged men to learn from women how to feel
both classy and comfortable. their late-night antics at other times of
The creator, who revolutionised Dior and Givenchy be- the day, thanks to the availability of
fore his fall from grace after a drunken anti-Semitic outburst passed-along clips in places like Twit-
in 2011, said fine tailoring cut on the bias could be the key ter and YouTube. (RTRS)
to revolutionising men’s wardrobes with a new sexier, freer ❑ ❑ ❑
feel. LOS ANGELES: A movie is in the
“It’s mercurial, like liquid to wear,” Galliano said. “It’s as works based on the Marvel comic
easy as wearing no clothes. It’s that liberating.” “Silk,” which centers on Korean-
American superheroine Cindy Moon.
Fitting Sony Pictures and producer Amy
He said he was struck by its effect when he was doing the Pascal are developing the film based
fitting with his models. Alexander McQueen on a character that first appeared in
“All my girlfriends have experienced it, but “The Amazing Spider-Man #1” in
to the young dudes I’m doing the fittings on it’s 2014 — created by writer Dan Slott
a revelation. It’s just so light. The feeling of a and artist Humberto Ramos. She’s
waistband or tailoring cutting into you is gone.” part of the basic Peter Parker storyline
about a demonstration on the use of
Galliano, 57, who has been at the head of the radioactive rays at a science exhibit
label created by the highly influential Belgian gone wrong. A spider is exposed to
maverick Martin Margiela since 2014, said sar- large amounts of radiation and bites
torial rules may be about to be overturned like Parker — giving him the power to
social taboos. become Spider-Man.
He said he is surrounded by young people in Moon, a student in Parker’s class,
his studio and “for them gay marriage is a historical event, is also bitten by the radioactive spider
the abolition of the ban on abortion in Ireland is history. around the same time and gains the
Fashion

It’s a completely different mindset,” he told the podcast, ability to move at incredible speed,
“The Memory of... With John Galliano”. shoot webs out of her fingertips, and
With languid satin suits cut loose and worn with noth- possess an advanced Spider-Sense
ing underneath, tweed Saville Row style suits of Eng- (known as Silk Sense). Tiffany
lish tweed and embroidered kimono jumpsuits, Galliano Espensen played the character in last
mixed gender-bending David Bowie looks from the 1970s year’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,”
with a more futuristic Japanese vibe. which Pascal produced with Marvel
topper Kevin Feige.
The designer said people’s body language changes with Sony had no comment about the
clothes cut on the bias. “You feel really relaxed in it... people in Ohio, Noah says, and his en- project, which is in the early stages
it’s very fluid but still smart. Still chic. You don’t feel counters there might prompt something of development. The logline is under
waistbands and you don’t feel canvas or a stiffness. It’s just Louis more nuanced. “Hold on, I’ve been to wraps. No director, writer or actors are
like wearing a T-shirt. That’s the feeling,” he earlier told Vuitton Ohio. I know people in Ohio. I don’t attached. (RTRS)
Women’s Wear Daily. have a homogenized view of Texas, “he ❑ ❑ ❑
Galliano often cut on the bias at Dior and Givenchy but Cerruti 1881 says. “You start to see people as more
the technique has rarely been used in menswear. than just a monolithic being.” LOS ANGELES: Netflix sacked its
Fellow British designer Sarah Burton took inspiration Noah’s work on behalf of the pro- chief spokesman Jonathan Friedland,
from the Anglo-Irish artist Francis Bacon — no mean dress- gram spotlights the growing challenge he revealed on Friday, after he used
Issey Miyake the N-word twice in the space of a few
er in his day — for her Alexander McQueen show, with a faced by any of TV’s growing number
of comedy hosts. Johnny Carson days during meetings with staff.
few striking takes on his famous black leather coat. The head of communications
Burton had a lot of fun with the raincoat and pin-striped never had to work so hard to promote
NBC’s “Tonight” when he hosted it announced his departure after being
suit, those traditional staples of the British gentleman’s and because he faced so little competition upbraided for a second time for using
Bacon’s own rakish wardrobe, experimenting with gar- (until Arsenio Hall came around). the racial slur, which is controversial
ments that were half raincoat and half suit and vice versa. In 2018, however, Comedy Central’s for its ubiquity in hip-hop culture and
The artist’s palette of searing reds, blacks and blues were landmark “Daily Show” must vie for completely taboo in almost every other
painted across coats and biker jackets, while his spidery mo- fans with the typical broadcast rivals as context.
tifs were echoed in chalk and charcoal effect motifs and in well as a growing number of comedy “I’m leaving Netflix after seven
some spectacular silver embroidery. options on Netflix and Hulu. What’s years. Leaders have to be beyond
Alexandre Mattiussi more, today’s fans may watch all of reproach in the example we set and un-
fortunately I fell short of that standard
when I was insensitive in speaking to
that the rapper will perform at the DJ Khaled. (AP) before him, Noah uses his off time to my team about words that offend in
show. ❑ ❑ ❑ deliver stand-up to different audiences
Variety Nicki Minaj, DJ Khaled, Migos, around the United States — and be-
comedy,” he tweeted.
“I feel awful about the distress this
Snoop Dogg, Janelle Monae, Miguel, LOS ANGELES: When Trevor Noah lieves the effort helps build an audience lapse caused to people at a company I
2 Chainz and H.E.R. are also perform- isn’t hosting Comedy Central’s “The of viewers for “Daily” who might not love and where I want everyone to feel
NEW YORK: J. Cole is set to perform ing. Oscar winner Jamie Foxx is set Daily Show,” he often travels to parts otherwise think to watch it. “I’m getting included and appreciated.”
at Sunday’s BET Awards. to host. of the country less associated with the into people’s lives so they can come in Former journalist Friedland — not
A person familiar with the awards J. Cole, who released his fifth production of a late-night television to ‘The Daily Show’ fold. I just go out to be confused with Jonathan Freed-
show, who spoke on the condition of album, “KOD,” to critical acclaim in program. Those journeys, he says, of- to places,” he says in a recent interview. land, a prominent columnist at the
anonymity because the person was not April, is nominated for best male hip ten have a big effect on the production The trips can shape the behind-the- London-based Guardian newspaper —
allowed to discuss the plans publicly, hop artist, where he will compete with of his show. scenes conversations at “Daily.” Staff- had served in communications roles for
tells The Associated Press on Friday Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Drake and Like Bill Maher and Jay Leno ers might want to make a joke about Cole Noah Disney. (AFP)
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

18

h o
By Jacqueline Bigar
Happy birthday for Sunday, June 24, 2018:
This year you open up to new ideas and more
brainstorming sessions. You might feel the
need to spend more time with a loved one.
Be willing to express your ideas more often.
If you are single, romance will appear more
regularly. Someone you meet in the next few
months could be more significant than you
realize. If you are attached, the two of you
seem to be in tune with each other. Your bond
strengthens because you understand each oth-
er well. SCORPIO makes it clear that he or
she adores your energy.
The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll
Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average;
2-So-so; 1-Difficult.
Capricorn - (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
**** You see what is happening with a
friend. You have so much going on that it
could be difficult to complete everything you
want. Given some space, you are able to be-
come more mellow and powerful. Make time
to get together with a loved one. Tonight:
r o
Emphasize priorities.
This Week: Once you get going, it could
be nearly impossible to stop you.
Aquarius - (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
**** Take charge, and refuse to get cor-
nered into a situation that you would prefer
not to be in. Your instincts lead you down a
new path. You are likely to hear others’ view-
points. You might cut off this conversation
before it gets any more serious. Tonight: A
must appearance.
This Week: A friend comes through for
you one more time.
Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
**** Reach out to someone at a distance.
You laugh and hear news that encourages
you to take off and head down another path.
A friendship could be building in the public
realm. Your words make a big difference to
a loved one at a distance. Tonight: Remain
confident.
This Week: Count on taking a good part
of the week off.
s c
Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19)
**** Exciting news encourages you to
change your plans. You might find that you
enjoy yourself more if you remain spontane-
ous. You could find a conversation as impor-
tant as or more important than you originally
had thought. Tonight: Cozy up at home with
a good book.
This Week: Be open to being an armchair
traveler.
Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20)
***** You could be in a situation where
you function like an echo chamber and re-
flect back what you hear. A change is likely,
no matter what you are doing. Be willing to
shake up the status quo and enjoy a change
of routine. Communication remains active.
Tonight: Be near good music.
This Week: One-on-one relating takes you
down a new path.
Gemini - (May 21 - June 20)
**** You might want to slow down and
relax, but those around you want to partake in
some fun and lightness. You might feel as if
someone does not understand where you are
coming from. Feel free to toss yourself into a
fun project or an activity you relish. Tonight:
Pace yourself.
This Week: Let others take the lead.
Cancer - (June 21 - July 22)
***** You might want to understand more
of what is going on. Tap into your creativity
before asking a question. How you see a per-
sonal issue could change dramatically, espe-
cially as you think through a personal matter.
Remain open during a discussion. Tonight:
Be your frisky self.
This Week: Push hard through Tuesday.
Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22)
**** You might want to come to terms
with a change that seems inevitable. Lose
some of your rigidity. You could be over-
whelmed by what is going on around you.
Try not to push someone so hard. Do what-
ever is necessary to calm down a difficult
o p
situation. Tonight: Happiest at home.
This Week: Your playfulness affects oth-
ers and their days.
Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
**** Consider approaching a situation dif-
ferently from how you have in the recent past.
Recognize what needs to happen in order to
keep the peace. State your case clearly, and
explain why you are choosing the present
course. Tonight: Catch up on someone else’s
news.
This Week: Help others understand where
you are coming from.
Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22)
**** Be more direct with a loved one
whom you find financially demanding. You
know how to say “no,” and you probably
should more often. You might want to revi-
talize your bond, with less emphasis on funds
and more on feelings. Tonight: At a favorite
place with favorite people.
This Week: Speak your mind, and others
will listen.
e
Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21)
***** You could be out of sorts. Perhaps
you can’t get a personal matter under control.
You have a lot to say. Maintain a sense of
humor, and be willing to make a difference
where it counts. You could reverse your
stance on an important matter. Tonight: Do
whatever pleases you.
This Week: Someone who has his or her
own ideas wants to call the shots.
Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
**** You make a very different impres-
sion on others than you might realize. Many
people might have difficulty understanding
your priorities because of how easily you
seem to make adjustments. A partner or loved
one seeks some alone time with you. Tonight:
Make it your treat.
This Week: You hit your power days as
the week begins.
❑ ❑ ❑
Born today: Author Ambrose Bierce
(1842), musician Mick Fleetwood (1947),
actress Nancy Allen (1950)

home decor indoor gardening beauty tips taste buds

bird house décor
If you are a greenery lover then, adding beauty to
your living space. Any blank surface becomes an
enchanted forest with this patterned mural made
from wallpaper scraps.
Instructions: Using this photo for reference,
sketch a basic tree trunk on the back side of a
sheet of wallpaper. Once you have your desired
shape and height, cut out. On the back of another
piece of the same wallpaper, again using this
photo as a guide, draw branches of various sizes
and shapes — including a group of three attached
limbs for the treetop. Cut out the branches. Apply
the paper trunk, then the branches, to your wall
with ready-made paste.
dendrobium secundum
This plant is commonly known as toothbrush or-
chid because its flowers are arranged in a bot-
tle brush structure. Sepals and petals are pink
with orange lip. Plants bloom in the late spring to
summer with up to seventy 1.25 cm wide fragrant
flowers.
Site: Plenty of sunshine and air during the
growth period, only a slight reduction of tempera-
ture in winter.
Temperature: Plant grows in cool to warm
temperatures
Water: Keep plant moist and fertilize during
growth season. During winter withhold watering
until new shoots appear
stop frizzy hair
The amount of water in the air affects the hair
bonds. When your hair dries, these hydrogen
bonds get set up. If the air is dry, your hair will
have a certain amount of curliness to it. If the hu-
midity goes higher, your hair is absorbing a small
amount of water, even though it doesn’t feel wet.
To stop your hair from curling – separate your
hair into 3 sections and apply a generous amount
of texturizing mousse or a maximum hold hair
product of your liking. Finish each section with a
generous amount of hairspray and blow dry again
using heat (blow downwards always), spray
again finishing on cool setting to set hair. Smooth
out with your hands.
tom kha kai
Ingredients: 2 cup coconut milk; 6 thin slices
young galangal; 2 stalks lemon grass, crushed;
5 leaves fresh kaffir lime leaves, torn in half; 8
oz.(250 g) boned chicken breast, sliced; 5 tbsp fish
sauce; 2 tbsp sugar; 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/125 ml) lime
juice; 1 tsp black chilli paste; 1/4 cup cilantro / co-
riander leaves; 5 green thai chilli peppers, crushed
Method: Combine half the coconut milk with the
galangal, lemon grass, and lime leaves in a large
saucepan and heat till boiled. Add the chicken, fish
sauce, and sugar. Simmer for about 4 minutes, or
until the chicken is cooked, and then add the re-
maining coconut milk. Heat just to boiling. Place
the lime juice and chilli paste in a serving bowl and
pour the soup over them.

Dear Abby what’s on today

Woman ‘put’ in middle
of affair among friends
By Abigail Van Buren
Dear Abby: I have two friends I am equally close
to, “Jane” and “Mary.” We live in the same neigh-
borhood. They are both married, live across the street
from each other and spend time together almost every
day. Their children play together. I spend a lot of time
with both families, and my children play with theirs.
Jane is having an affair with Mary’s husband and
has confided in me about every detail. She keeps tell-
ing me it’s over, and then I find out it isn’t. I spoke to
Mary’s husband and told him if it doesn’t stop, I’ll tell
Mary. (Jane doesn’t know I talked
to him.)
They recently had another
“weak moment.” Should I tell Mary
what’s going on? Her husband has
cheated in the past, and she chose
to stay with him. I’m afraid the fall-
out from her finding out will be two
broken marriages and several bro-
ken friendships. It’s very difficult
to spend time with any/all of them
Abigail knowing what I know. I feel like
my silence is betraying Mary. Help!
— Wish i didn’t know
Dear wish: You are already more involved
in this than you should be, and Jane should not
have placed you in that position. Mary knows
she has a philandering husband but chose to re-
main with him. I vote for keeping your lip zipped
and trying to stay out of the line of fire.
❑ ❑ ❑ 5:30-7:00 pm; 4. Jesus in Surah Mariam
Dear Abby: My husband and I have been married
for 38 years. We divorced once, but remarried. We
have four grown sons and six grandchildren.
He retired a year and a half ago, and I went through
menopause. There has been constant contention since.
He wants to fight over everything and won’t speak to
me for days, sometimes weeks, at a time. I feel I am
being emotionally abused. When I asked him for an-
other divorce, he told me not to be ridiculous.
Four months ago, I moved out and moved in with
my dad to be his caretaker. Dad is 95 and on home
hospice.
I am so much happier not living with my husband.
When my father passes away, I dread having to move
back with my husband. I know we probably need
counseling, but he doesn’t agree.
I want to live a happy, peaceful life. My husband
seems to enjoy the constant fighting. Should I get my
own place and live apart from my husband when my
dad passes?
— Unhappily married in Utah
Dear unhappily married: Your husband’s
silent treatment qualifies as emotional abuse.
You do not have to tolerate it. Before making
plans about where you will live after your fa-
ther’s passing, discuss this with a lawyer. Mar-
riage isn’t slavery, and you do not need your
abuser’s “permission” to divorce him (again).
❑ ❑ ❑ this deadly disease, come join our online support
Dear Abby: I am suddenly encountering work-
place hostility from someone I thought was my friend.
I’m not sure if I did something to offend this person
or if there is some other reason. What can I do to get
to the bottom of this?
— Uncomfortable in Texas
Dear uncomfortable: It says in the Bible,
“Seek and you shall find.” In your case, it
means ASK the person what’s going on and
why there has been a change in attitude.
That’s the quickest way to learn the reason.
❑ ❑ ❑ a) fill the form on the website of the Superior
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Bu-
ren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was
founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Con-
tact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.
Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
(Source: Universal Uclick)
Site for checking travel ban www.kuwaitcourts.gov.kw/mojweb/NGeneral/Main.jsp
■ TIES Center events: TIES Center
announces following events – Tajweed
and Recitation: Learn and practice the
art of reciting the Holy Quran (tajweed).
The instructor will also answer questions
related to the meaning of the Arabic
words and verses.
Every Sunday & Tuesday @ 10 –
11:30am; every Monday @ 5-6:30pm.
The TIES Center is the social and edu-
cational hub for English Speaking expats
in Kuwait. For more information, please
call 25231015 or e-mail info@tiescenter.
net or visit www.tiescenter.net.
❑ ❑ ❑ Photographs of all events are wel-
■ Bridge game: Bridge tournament is
being held every Sunday and Wednesday
at 20:00 hours, played at the Graduates
Club, next to Kuwait Engineering Society.
Interested Bridge pairs or individual play-
ers please contact Mohammed Merchant,
Tel: 24815622, 24841158, 99612287.
❑ ❑ ❑ mrmbona@gmail.com For Mandarin
■ IPC Islamic Courses: ‘Say: O my Lord,
let me grow in knowledge’. IPC is offering
Islamic courses in English (for ladies only).
Muslims and non-Muslims are welcome.
1. Tilawa Surah Ar-Rad and Surah
Ibrahim — Sundays at 5:30-7:00 pm; 2.
Principles of Tafsir (part 2) - Sundays at
7:00-8:30 pm; 3. Tajweed 3 - Tuesday, at
(part 2) - Tuesdays at 7:00-8:30 pm.
Instructor: Sr Zeinab Hassan Ashry
Place: IPC - Women Section Al-Raw-
dah, Area 3, Street 30, House 12, opp
4th Ring Road.
Email: ipc_sch@yahoo.com, Tele-
phone: 22512257.
❑ ❑ ❑ Paul’s. A combined service with the
■ St Paul’s Church weekly activities:
click
Drinking problem?: Friends of Bill W. are
available to help. Totally confidential. Email:
rohsecretary@gmail.com
❑ ❑ ❑ to complete the information;
Narcotics Anonymous: NA can help with
addiction problems. Totally confidential:
94087800 English/Arabic.
❑ ❑ ❑ July 4 to Aug 25, 2018. The Embassy address
Cancer online support group: If you are
Cancer patient or family member fighting with
group. Best way of dealing with this disease is
providing support and share our experience with
each other. There are lot of things which even
doctors can’t tell so be member of this website
and start sharing your experiences which may
help others. October is recognized as National
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM).
The primary purpose is to promote self examina-
tion and screening mammography as the most
effective way to save lives by detecting breast
cancer at early stage. For more information visit:
http://fightingwithcancer.webs.com/
Latest
Advisory for OCI card holders: All those
having OCI Cards are required to carry both
their OCI Card and passport to travel to India
so that they do not face any difficulty in im-
migration clearance.
A flyer of the event
English worship services on Fridays at
10.30 am and on Sundays at 6.30 pm.
The Friday English service has separate
sessions for children and youth. A
Mandarin language speaking congrega-
tions meets separately on Fridays at
10.30 am in the Youth Centre at St
English and Mandarin language congre-
From October 2018, ICAO will accept only
machine readable travel documents, hence,
existing PIO Cards, which are handwritten
will therefore, become invalid. Thus it will
be necessary upon PIO Cardholders to obtain
machine readable OCI Cards in lieu of existing
hand written PIO Cards before October 2018
to avoid any inconvenience.
July 4
Cuba Embassy notice: The Embassy of
the Republic of Cuba in Kuwait informs that
on occasion of the summer vacation period
the Embassy will be temporarily closed from
is Al-Rawda, Block 3, Shehab Ahmad Al-Bhr
Street, Villa No. 7.
Oct 7
Brazilian Elections 2018: In view of the
presidential elections on 7th of October 2018
(first round), Brazilian voters in Kuwait are
informed of the obligation to re-register at the
consular section of the Brazilian Embassy in
Kuwait.
In the process of re-registration, the voter
must complete the following steps (please pay
attention to the deadline of each step):
Step 1 (to be fulfilled until 09/05/2018):
Electoral Court (http://www.tse.jus.br/eleitor-e-
eleicoes/servicos/eleitor-no-exterior/pre-atendi-
mento-eleitoral-no-exterior-titulo-net);
b) print and sign the form.
Step 2 (to be completed by 16/05/2018):
c) attend the consular section of the Em-
bassy of Brazil in Kuwait, which runs from
Sunday to Thursday, from 08 am to 12 noon,
emergency number 112
gations is held on the first Friday of every
month. A family service is held on the
second Friday of every month with pre-
sentations from different organs of the
church. The Church of Pakistan has
services in English every Thursday at St
Paul’s at 5.35 pm and for Urdu language
speaking members every Friday at
Diwaniya of the NECK Centre, Kuwait
to present the following documents:
■ Brazilian official document of identifica-
tion (identity card, professional card issued
by a federal organization, birth or marriage
certificate, passport, Brazilian labor ID). Docu-
ments must have the following data to confirm
one’s identity: name of the father, name of
the mother, date and place of birth. In the case
the document does not provide the mentioned
data, the voter must present another document
■ Proof or statement that certifies your resi-
dence in Kuwait;
Personal attendance is mandatory for final-
izing the application.
The address of the Brazilian Embassy in
Kuwait is Mubarak Al Abdullah Area, Block
1, Street 116, Villa 47 — phone 2537-8561/2.
General
Q8BBall Season 13: Q8BBall is beginning
our 13th season with Boys U13 (ages 10-13)
and U17 (ages 14-17). We train three times a
week and play regular games throughout the year
with schools and clubs. In June 2018, we plan
to travel for camp and tournaments in the US.
Contact Coach T 97128884 for information.
❑ ❑ ❑ for their students and are required to cooperate
Invitation to Grand Mosque: The Visits
Department is pleased to invite you to visit the
Grand Mosque, which is one of Kuwait’s most
treasured religious and cultural landmarks
to discover the beauty of Islamic arts and
architecture. Free guided tours are available all
year round on official working days between
(9-11 am) and (5-7 pm), within a special tour
program designed to cater to the needs of dif-
ferent age groups. The program is as follows:
Civil ID info: 1889988
Items for the What’s On page can be
sent directly to the Arab Times, P.O.
Box 2270, 13023, Safat or faxed to
24818267 or e-mail to arabtimes@
arabtimesonline.com.
All items on this page are published
as a courtesy to the public. These
announcements can include birthday
greetings, weddings, social functions
or any other non-commercial events.
come.
City at 5.45 pm. Please contact Fr
Michael Mbona on mobile 65960781 or
call at Church house on 23985929 or
email to chaplain@stpaulskuwait.com or
speaking congregation contact Revd
Zhu Peijin on 99551783 and her email
address is greenolivettc@hotmail.com
Contact person: Fr Michael Mbona
Mobile: 65960781 Email: mrmbona@
gmail.com
❑ ❑ ❑
■ Redeemed Christian Church: The
Redeemed Christian Church of God
(HOD Parish) worship in English.
Celebration Service: Friday 9 am – 11
am; Divine encounter: Sunday, 6:30 pm –
8:30 pm; Digging Deep (Bible studies):
Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm; Night vigil
every last Friday of the month from 10 pm.
Venue: New Mishref. For more infor-
mation and direction please call 9927-
6603, 6557-7482. Email: rccghouseof-
davidq8@gmail.com
Reception; Auditorium show; (according to
age group); Touring the Mosque; Q & A; Art
workshops; (according to age group – between
5 and 18 years old); Snack break; Distribution
of the Grand Mosque publications and souve-
nirs; End of tour.
According to these age groups:
Age group: 5 to 9 years old: Morning: 60
visitors max; Evening: 20; 10 to 15 years:
Morning: 100 visitors max; Evening: 45; 16
and above: Morning: 140 visitors max, Even-
ing: 105:
Tour language: Arabic- English- French;
Arabic (English upon prior request); Arabic-
English- French; Arabic (English upon prior
request); Arabic- English- French: Arabic
(English upon prior request)
Rules and Regulations:
■ Please arrive in time for your visit.
■ All visitors are kindly required to abide by
the mosque’s dress code. Male visitors should
wear long pants. Shorts and sleeveless shirts
are not allowed. Female visitors: should wear
head cover and long loose clothing (available
at the mosque).
■ Foods and drinks are not allowed inside the
prayer halls.
■ For school visits, teachers are responsible
with the staff members of the Grand Mosque.
■ Photography is allowed inside the Grand
Mosque (please note that disrespectful poses
are strictly prohibited).
If you would like to book a tour, please
contact us:
Tel: 22980813/ 22980815/ 22980812
Email: gmvisits@gmail.com
Fax: 22473708
Continued on Page 19

Lagos street kids dance their way to fame with viral hit
LAGOS, June 23, (AFP): A group
of Nigerian street children have been
transformed into celebrities thanks
to a viral dance video that attracted
the attention of singer Rihanna and
supermodel Naomi Campbell.
The “Dream Catchers” were seen in
a video earlier this year dancing like
double-jointed puppets in front of a
battered red bus on wasteground.
Not long ago, the six boys and six
girls aged six to 16 had no idea about
choreography.
Now they’re dancing in the video
of Nigerian singer Amada’s homage
to the country’s Super Eagles, who
are playing in the World Cup football
finals in Russia.
“What we’ve done this year is huge.
We have gone very, very far,” said
Seyi Oluyole, 26, the group’s dance
teacher and tutor.
In early March, she posted the latest
video of her smiling prodigies on the
Dream Catchers’ Instagram page,
wiggling along to an Afrobeat tune
from popstar Wizkid.
The internet lit up when Rihanna,
then US producer P. Diddy, shared the
IT
‘Fighting misinfo’
FB to fact-check
photos & videos
SAN FRANCISCO, June 23,
(AFP): Facebook said Thursday
it would launch fact-checking of
photos and videos as it expands
the effort to curb misinformation
to more countries.
The huge social network,
which has been a frequent target
for failing to stop the spread of
false news, said it will use ma-
chine learning and other technical
tools for its effort to clamp down
on manipulated images and vid-
eos.
“One challenge in fighting mis-
information is that it manifests
itself differently across content
types and countries,” said a blog
post from Facebook product man-
ager Tessa Lyons.
“To address this, we expanded
our test to fact-check photos and
videos to four countries. This in-
cludes those that are manipulated
(e.g. a video that is edited to show
something that did not really hap-
pen) or taken out of context (eg a
photo from a previous tragedy as-
sociated with a different, present
day conflict).”
After being blamed for allow-
ing misinformation and manipula-
tion during the 2016 US election,
Facebook has stepped up efforts
to clamp down on fake accounts
and the spread of hoaxes, rumors
and other false information.
Lyons said Facebook’s fact-
checking efforts is now in place
in 14 countries, with more to be
added this year, using independ-
ent partners to verify information.
“These certified, independent
fact-checkers rate the accuracy of
stories on Facebook, helping us
reduce the distribution of stories
rated as false by an average of 80
percent,” she said.
She added that Facebook was
working to identify “repeat of-
fenders” as part of the fact-check
effort.
“Historically, we have used
ratings from fact-checkers to
identify pages and domains that
repeatedly share false news,”
she said.
click
Latest
Continued from Page 18
Share your story with Amricani:
Do you or any of your family members,
acquaintances or friends happen to have
a story with the American Missionary
hospital in Kuwait (Mustashfa Lemrai-
cani) during the years from 1914-1967,
the official period of offering medical
services in Kuwait?
Please share with us your story or
your memory during those old days by
writing the event and sending it to the
following email address: Mystory@
darmuseum.org.kw
Notes: 1. Please send your story only
to the above mentioned email. Story
shared in Instagram, Facebook or Twit-
ter will not be considered.
2. Please write your story or memory
and sign it with your full name, and your
contact number.
3. It will be great if you send us your
personal photos or those of the place
related to the story (optional).
Your story will be part of a new book
to be published by DAI.
I am confident that your contributions
will be an essential part of the history of
Amricani. Share with us!
❑ ❑ ❑ yourselves from an incoming swarm.
KIFF anti-drugs campaign: As
part of the Fraternity fest, Kuwait India
Fraternity Forum (KIFF) is conducting
Anti-Drugs Campaign among Indians
living in Kuwait. According to the
available statistics of Indian Embassy,
Continued on Page 20
Dance helps keep their mind off hunger, boredom
clip on their own accounts and it was
seen more than 2.8 million times.
Several weeks later, Naomi Camp-
bell, in Lagos for the annual fashion
week in April, visited the young danc-
ers in Ikorodu, a poor suburb on the
outskirts of the megacity.
In a public relations triumph, the
children jumped into her arms before
a horde of cameras.
The Dream Catchers have been hot
property ever since, whether it’s to
collaborate with other performers or to
receive prizes.
Future
The governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi
Ambode, invited some of them on
stage for world children’s day on May
27.
Oluyole founded the dance troupe
four years ago to help street children
in Lagos dream of a better future and
to find their way back into school.
At the time, she was leading a
group of dancers from her church and
every Sunday noticed there were large
numbers of poor kids from the area
keen to take their mind off hunger and
Digital Art
Visitors experience a digital installation that features projection of waterfall and flowers at the Mori Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo, on June 21. Mori Building, a Japanese real estate
company and teamLab, digital art collective company, have joined together to create the digital art museum in Tokyo. ‘MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless’exhibition
displayed 50 interactive artworks in a 10,000 square-meter space. They have officially opened doors to customers on Thursday. (AP)
Gaming
‘World War Z’ tells new stories within its universe
By Giancarlo Valdes
V ideo game movie adaptations
have a terrible lineage of rushed
products that were either boring or just
broken. That’s what makes “World
War Z” so unusual: It’s coming out
nearly six years after the film.
Released in 2013 with Brad Pitt in
the lead role, the movie “World War Z”
was a financial success, grossing over
$540 million worldwide. But it had
little to do with the best-selling book
it’s based on, and a sequel is nowhere
near complete. As far as the pop culture
zeitgeist is concerned, the “World War
Z” brand is just as cold as the undead
themselves. However, that didn’t stop
developer Saber Interactive from part-
nering with Paramount Pictures for its
zombie shooter.
Coming to PC, PlayStation 4, and
Xbox One in 2019, “World War Z” is
a cooperative multiplayer game where
you and up to three of your friends can
take on the zombie horde. It’ll inevita-
bly draw comparisons to “Left 4 Dead,”
and after playing through a demo at
E3 2018, it does feel similar to Valve’s
game. But a few features stand out.
Like in the movie, the stampeding zom-
bies run super fast and can climb on
top of each other to reach high places.
And in some scenarios, your team has
to set up traps at choke points to defend
Saber Interactive is also trying to
differentiate “World War Z” by relying
on its storytelling chops. The game in-
troduces a new cast of survivors, people
who didn’t appear in the book or the
film. For writers Oliver Hollis-Leick
and Craig Sherman, the license allows
them to craft their own set of stories
boredom.
“They used to come to church in
numbers, they always wanted to come
and dance,” she said.
“After a while, I realised that most
of them were not in school. They
didn’t even speak good English.”
According to the UN children’s
agency UNICEF, Nigeria has 10.5
million out-of-school children — the
highest in the world.
Oluyole herself was 12 when her
father lost his job at a bank and the
entire family found itself living on the
street for two years.
“At least I was lucky enough to
keep going in school because it was
something important for my parents.
But I’ve seen the devastating effect of
poverty,” she added.
She now houses a dozen children in
happy chaos in her three-room flat.
On the walls are pictures of icons
who came from modest backgrounds
such as Nelson Mandela, Oprah Win-
frey or Serena Williams.
A motto in capital letters reads:
“Every day is a second chance.”
2K looks to double gaming portfolio
within the “World War Z” universe.
They don’t have to stick to Pitt’s Gerry
Lane or any other predefined charac-
ters.
“Storytelling is really important to
us. Craig and I spent a lot of time look-
ing into what kind of people might’ve
survived, what kind of skills they
might’ve had that helped them survive
when other people didn’t,” Hollis-
Leick told Variety. “Not just physical
skills, but also, did they have the mind
to see this amount of horror and still
keep their marbles? So it was always
very important to us that story played a
big part of it, even though it’s a co-op
multiplayer game.”
Characters
“World War Z” has 12 playable
characters evenly spread across three
episodes, with each episode consist-
ing of three chapters or levels. While
you won’t see their backstories in long
cutscenes, you will get a sense of who
they are while playing. Most of this
will come in the form of — in another
nod to “Left 4 Dead” — their dialogue,
whether they’re talking to each other
or just reacting to what’s happening
around them. You won’t hear every-
thing they have to say the first time
around, so repeated playthroughs will
offer more clues to their past.
The team is also planning on making
audio journals and notebook entries
that flesh out the characters’ lives. And
despite not having the rights to the
book, “World War Z” has something
that longtime fans might appreciate:
In the loading screens before each
episode, characters will talk about what
happened to them that day, as if they
were recounting those stories for an
Seyi Oluyole and the Dream Catchers dance group perform at an event on
June 1, in Lagos. (AFP)
Sponsors
Oluyole persuaded parents to let
them take charge of their children.
She pays their school fees — about
100,000 naira ($280, 240) — with
what she earns writing television
interview.
“We want you to feel like these are
real people that you can care about. Al-
though the campaign is definitely based
around multiplayer, immersion plays
such a big part in how attached you get
to it. If they were just random charac-
ters or random soldiers, you wouldn’t
care. By making them real people, you
get attached to them, you want them to
succeed,” said Hollis-Leick.
While the writers hope that these
stories will be memorable for players,
they also know that, at the end of the
day, “World War Z” is about having a
fun arcade experience online, whether
you’re matchmaking or playing alone
with bots. The game will also have a
competitive mode, where two teams
of survivors have to work together to
fight the zombies. But the twist is that
at any time, you can betray the other
side by sending the horde their way,
leaving your group free to complete the
objectives.
Without the pressure of synchroniz-
ing “World War Z’s” release with an
upcoming movie, Saber Interactive has
the freedom to make the kind of game
they want to make.
“It’s not about grinding away to find
three cartridges for a revolver and strap-
ping a knife to a broom pole. It’s about
— you’ve got 20 minutes, and you just
want to get your frustration out, get on
a game, plow through zombies, feel the
thrill of it, and then move on. I think
this game really services that,” said
Hollis-Leick.
Also:
LOS ANGELES: Made up of a half-
dozen studios responsible for games
like “BioShock 2,” “Civilization,” and
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
screenplays, supplemented by help
from sponsors.
The dance troupe practises in the
evening but if they don’t do well at
school the children are not allowed to
dance for a few days, which they say
“Mafia III,” 2K Games is looking to
grow significantly by 2023, 2K presi-
dent David Ismailer told Variety.
“Our aspiration is to double our size
in five years,” he said. And they seem
to be in a position to do that.
Parent company Take-Two Interac-
tive is the publisher behind “Grand
Theft Auto V,” which sold more than
85 million copies and continues to
bring in a steady stream of cash four
years after its release. Take-Two has
been slowly investing some of that cash
in acquisitions. Last year, they com-
pany snagged “Kerbal Space Program,”
and then launched a new publishing
label, Private Division. The company
also founded Ghost Story Games last
year.
Ismailer said Take-Two has put a lot
of trust in 2K to grow and expand its
portfolio and that the company is look-
ing to 2K to essentially, wisely invest
some of its profits. With that in mind,
Ismailer said 2K has three priorities
right now: grow its portfolio, create
more content, and find a way to keep
the gamers the company attracts inside
its games.
“I think of games as an amusement
park,” Ismailer said. “The more rides
there are, the more people come and the
longer they stay.”
He added that when he took over
leadership of 2K last year, his focus
became to empower studios through
more resources, a better infrastruc-
ture, and creative freedom to publish
their games. More games could mean
tapping into the company’s many
untouched IP, creating entirely new
games, or expanding on games that
have already seen some success.
“We have our eyes on a lot of
19
is “the worst punishment”.
Busola, 13, has large almond-
shaped eyes and a tomboy’s haircut.
Nicknamed “T-boy”, she has spent
most of her life begging for “money
and food” in Lagos traffic jams with
her little brother.
Now she says she wants to be a
“dancer, actress or hairdresser”.
“I used to speak only Yoruba.
Other children were laughing at me,”
added Dami, 10, who squatted with
his mother in an abandoned house for
several years.
“Now I go to school, I can read and
write. My entire life has changed.”
Oluyole said the troupe has not
made any real money despite their
new-found fame, other than donations
of food or clothing.
“Everyone invites us to perform but
most people just want to exploit the
kids for their product, to get famous ...
they don’t pay us any money, or very
little,” she said.
Oluyole wants to catch her own
dream: To open a “real” dance school
in Lagos.
things,” he said.
Take-Two’s appearance on the E3
showfloor this year is an accidental
metaphor for the current state of the
company. The booth was massive,
decked out to look like a standing,
luxurious office with a glassed in
waiting room, massive video screens
to recreate a view of the beach through
faux windows and the sky, complete
with a sunset and the occasional birds.
But the company had no games to show
at E3, at least not in its elaborate booth.
It was an infrastructure in need of more
content.
The booth did have another, more
sensible purpose though: as a place to
host meetings with potential develop-
ers, partners, perhaps even acquisition
targets. While 2K is absolutely in need
of more games to put under develop-
ment, Ismailer said they don’t want to
force any of their existing studios, like
“Civilization” and “XCOM” creator
Firaxis, to do something they’re not
interested in.
“Whatever they are passionate about
doing” is what Firaxis will work on
next, he said. “We can’t guide the
creatives to do something. It’s really
difficult to manage very large teams.
It’s even more difficult if they’re not
passionate about the project they are
working on.”
Ismailer also declined to say what
Hangar 13, the relatively new studio
that developed “Mafia III” in 2016, is
working on other than to say that it’s
something “incredibly exciting” and
that it is an entirely new IP.
“They did ‘Mafia III’ and we were
very happy with the results and then
they moved on to some other project,”
he said. (RTRS)

Porsche Design Huawei Mate RS leader by luxury smartphones
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: A sophis-
ticated and exclusive smartphone
is the most covetable accessory for
your hand today. It is where fashion,
innovative technology and best-in-
class design converge, to give you
the ultimate accessory – the luxury
smartphone.
Your quest for a breath-taking
luxury smartphone that comple-
ments your style, personality and
prestige ends here! Huawei with its
new PORSCHE DESIGN HUA-
WEI Mate Race Sport (RS) has
gone above and beyond to create a
product that expresses a new way of
living a luxury lifestyle.
High quality and exceptionally
crafted, coming from one of the
world’s largest smartphone brands,
the PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI
Mate RS defines a new standard
of luxury with its 40 MP Leica
triple camera with Master Artificial
‘The future of fun’ is finally here
TEKZONE opens at the Avenues, Phase IV
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Imagine
being transported to the future over
flying cars, walking through a bushy
jungle amongst wild creatures, or ex-
ploring the underwater world whilst
being immersed in the ultimate enter-
tainment experience! Families in Ku-
wait can now step into the future of fun
as TEKZONE officially opened at the
Avenues’ new Phase IV extension at
the Forum Area.
TEKZONE gives families and
friends a futuristic and fun entertain-
ment experience with over 100 attrac-
tions and rides to select from, includ-
ing those based on the Virtual Reality
(VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
experiences.
The newly debuted attraction
brings in several exclusive concepts
that are seen for the very first time
in the world, the Middle East and
in Kuwait. Covering a total area of
4,250 square meter, TEKZONE fea-
tures the first in the world VR Bumper
Cars that take riders into a fascinat-
ing outer space experience, the first
in the Middle East finger coaster with
the option to design one’s own track
and enjoy riding in a VR simulator
roller coaster, the first in the Middle
East interactive 360 rotating room
with a range of dynamic 3D games,
and Kuwait’s first augmented reality
wall, combining motion tracking and
projected graphics to create fun and
interactive challenges.
In addition to a wide range of VR
and AR experiences, TEKZONE also
offers an interactive, safe Toddler’s
Play Area, a huge Soft Play Area for
younger kids, digitally-enhanced es-
cape rooms with three exciting themes,
adrenaline-packed physical and skills
games, and an arcade and redemption
area with many popular games.
Fernando Medroa, Vice President of
Leisure and Entertainment Division at
M.H. Alshaya Co. said: “The introduc-
tion of TEKZONE as the latest concept
within the Leisure and Entertainment
Division unveils a new dimension in
the future of fun in Kuwait. By in-
troducing technologically advanced
concepts like virtual and augmented
reality, TEKZONE is guaranteed to
offer an unforgettable, game-changing
entertainment experience to the whole
family, whilst immersing them in a
futuristic, state-of-the-art attractions.”
With over 85 video projections
across the floor along with over 70
screens and LED screens, visitors will
be transported into another dimension
that alternates between three themes:
ocean, jungle and future city.
Visitors of TEKZONE are encour-
aged to purchase and scan their unique
‘Time Mission’ Bracelet in front of
every attraction to collect points knows
Power and beauty unite in exclusive smartphone
Porsche design Huawei Mate RS
Intelligence (AI), a new innovative
in-screen and a rear fingerprint sen-
sor, quick wireless charging, a sym-
metrical 3D curved glass body and
super-sized storage of the future.
Equipped with Leica triple camera
A photo from the event
Call National Bank of Kuwait
while traveling abroad for free
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Traveling
abroad for the summer break? Don’t
forget to call National Bank of Kuwait
toll free from your destination anytime
you need help with banking queries.
NBK now offers toll free numbers,
available 24 hours, seven days a week,
in eight of the globe’s most popular
destinations.
NBK customers can call 24 hours,
seven days a week for free when vis-
iting the following countries: United
States, United Kingdom, Canada,
France, Germany, Turkey, Italy and
Spain by using a local number for each
of the above listed countries. Call the
toll free number when you need to
speak directly with an NBK call ser-
vice agent. You can also call from any
country abroad by dialing, +965 2224-
8361 or even send a message by What-
sApp anytime, 24 hours, seven days
a week to +965 5222-1333. You can
also complete a variety of transactions
via NBK Online and Mobile Banking
services.
“NBK wants its customers to be able
to reach them easily no matter where
they travel in the world and that’s why
they set up the toll-free calling,” said
Tamer Allam, Head of Contact Cent-
er, National Bank of Kuwait.” People
in Kuwait travel frequently, especially
to the eight countries the bank includ-
ed and this way they can speak with
an NBK representative 24 hours, seven
days a week no matter where they are.”
as ‘Crystals’ as they play, redeemable
against giveaways or free rides. Visi-
tors looking for a break from all the
fun can grab a quick bite at any of
TEKZONE’s food outlets: Starbucks,
Raising Cane’s and the snack stand.
Whilst in TEKZONE, look for Zo
who comes from the distant planet
Zeta, light years ahead of Earth in
technology. Zo is on a mission to
with 40MP image capture and 5x
hybrid zoom, the PORSCHE DE-
SIGN HUAWEI Mate RS delivers
unparalleled sharpness, colour ac-
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single shot. The revolutionary Master
Zain volunteers at Social Care centers
Allam continued: ”NBK call service
agents can help with a range of bank-
ing questions and queries including
freezing stolen or lost credit or bank-
ing cards, transferring funds between
accounts, balance inquiry and issuing
new cards. Customers can also ask
about opening new
accounts, learn
about and apply
for different credit
cards, packages
and loans”.
Toll-free num-
bers abroad:
United States —
1-855-577-7625;
United Kingdom
— 08000988456;
Allam Canada —
1-855-577-
7625; France — 0805080765;
Germany — 08001811475; Turkey —
008001139247; Italy — 800792255;
Spain — 900839159.
National Bank of Kuwait provides
banking services to its customers
across the globe. NBK has the wid-
est banking presence, available across
four continents. NBK’s international
presence includes many of the world’s
leading financial centers: Geneva,
London, New York, Paris, Shanghai
and Singapore. Meanwhile, regional
coverage extends to Bahrain, Egypt,
Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia,
Turkey and the UAE.
spread fun across the universe. So, he
travelled back in time and space, to
reach his first destination — Earth, and
take the children of Kuwait on the next
ride to the future of fun!
TEKZONE is situated at The Forum
Basement, Phase IV — The Avenues.
To discover more about TEKZONE,
follow them on Facebook or Instagram
on @TEKZONEME.
AI makes taking pictures effortless
as the smartphone camera does the
thinking for you, and automatically
adjusts camera settings to deliver
incredible, professional-looking im-
ages in every environment, be it blue
sky, people or a dog. Meanwhile,
the 5x Hybrid Zoom captures every
single detail as if you’re standing
right in front of the object and with
the long-range photography of up to
5x, you can always capture the vivid
colors and intricate details.
The high-end flagship smartphone
unleashes a revolution in unlock-
ing. The dual fingerprint scanner for
enhanced convenience allows users
to awake and unlock the device sim-
ply, thanks to a rear and new inno-
vative in-screen fingerprint sensor.
Floating your finger wakes up the
device and touching to unlock the
smartphone is as fast as lightning.
The pioneering in-screen fingerprint
Firm holds various social contributions throughout the holy month
Zain ends Ramadan campaign
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Zain, the
leading telecommunications company
in Kuwait, successfully concluded its
annual campaign for the Holy Month
of Ramadan with a great number of
humanitarian, social, religious, sports,
and recreational contributions.
Zain’s extensive program of various
social, charitable, and humanitarian
initiatives planned for the Holy Month
came in line with the company’s Corpo-
rate Sustainability and Social Respon-
sibility strategy that closely focused
on giving back to the community. The
company carefully selected the activi-
ties and programs that most presented
an added value to all segments of the so-
ciety. In this report, Zain showcases the
initiatives and programs it held during
Ramadan of 2018:
Ramadan Machla
Zain kicked-off its Ramadan campaign
before the beginning of the Holy Month,
where the company’s own team of vol-
unteers packed Ramadan Machla boxes
— containing essential food supplies — at
the company’s main headquarters and
delivered them to underprivileged families
who were in need of support during the
month of fasting. The distribution covered
multiple areas of Al Jahra governorate
throughout four days.
Zain’s distribution plan assured the
delivery of essential food supplies to
those in need before the arrival of the
Holy Month in order to ensure disad-
vantaged families have enough quanti-
ties of the most basic supplies. The plan
also included delivering a large number
of boxes to Zain’s partners of non-profit
entities, including the Kuwait Red Cres-
cent Society (KRCS), the Kuwait Food
Bank, the Ministry of Social Affairs and
Labor, and Zakat House.
Iftar Halls
Every year, Zain launces the Iftar
Halls initiative, which is a main pillar
of the company’s Ramadan campaign.
Through this initiative, Zain provided
fasting individuals with daily Iftar meals
under the supervision of its volunteers
team. The banquets were spread in three
main halls in Jleeb, Khaitan, and Hawalli
as part of a strategy to cover the most
populated areas of Kuwait in order to
assure the maximum amount of individu-
als’ Iftar needs were covered. This year,
Zain offered nearly 50,000 daily Iftar
meals throughout the Holy Month.
Zain Quran App
Zain launched an all-new update
to its Quran App, which the company
gifts to its customers during Ramadan
of every year. The app offered the best
Quran reading experience on iOS and
Android smart devices with a user-
friendly interface.
The app offered many great features,
including reading all pages of the Holy
Quran, downloading and listening to
the Holy Quran in the voices of over 20
famous reciters, read Tafseer (interpre-
tations) to understand the meaning of
verses, searching the whole text of the
Holy Quran, as well as synchronizing
usage between multiple devices.
The app also included a dark mode
feature for easy reading in the dark,
prayer times and Athan notifications,
Qibla direction, and much more. Cus-
tomers can download the app for free by
searching ‘Zain Quran’ in the App Store
and Google Play Store.
Social visits
Every Ramadan, Zain is keen to
reach out to the many segments of
the community, including orphaned
children, the elderly, and people with
special needs, by visiting the Ministry of
Social Affairs and Labor’s Care Centers
to share the joyful blessings of the Holy
Month with them. Zain believes in the
importance of embracing the beautiful
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
design adds up to the already un-
precedented smartphone experience.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HUAWEI
Mate RS also features face unlock.
Inspired by the streamlined
aesthetics of Porsche super cars, the
stylish, symmetrical 8-edged 3D
curved glass draws envious stares
every time it’s placed, casually, on
the coffee table at your business
meeting. Or as you hold it up to snap
a photograph at a high-profile event.
It’s a premium look that’s in a class
of its own - but add to that beauty,
the precision and perfection, intel-
ligent functionality and distinguished
design, and you’ve got a level of so-
phistication that goes the extra mile.
The PORSCHE DESIGN HUA-
WEI Mate RS is the first Huawei
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charging, making it even easier to
keep the phone topped up and ready
to go and thanks to its long-lasting
M.P. Ahammed, Chairman — Malabar Group inaugurates showroom at
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE on June 21, in the pres-
ence of Shamlal Ahamed Managing Director — International Operations,
Abdul Salam K.P. Group Executive Director, Malabar Group, other man-
agement team members of Malabar Gold & Diamonds.
Malabar Gold opens renovated &
expanded showroom in Abu Dhabi
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Malabar
Gold & Diamonds, one of the largest
jewellery retailers globally with over
215 retail outlets has now restyled and
expanded its showroom at Madinat
Zayed Shopping Centre, Abu Dhabi to
accommodate the growing customer
footfall. The renovated & expanded
showroom at Madinat Zayed Shopping
Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE was inaugu-
rated on 21st June by MP Ahammed,
Chairman — Malabar Group in the
presence of Shamlal Ahamed, Manag-
ing Director — International Operations,
Abdul Salam K.P., Group Executive
Director, Malabar Group, management
team members of Malabar Gold & Dia-
monds, media & well-wishers. Malabar
Gold & Diamonds showroom, lying in
one of the busiest shopping destinations
of Abu- Dhabi has renovated the show-
room to cater to the growing customer
values of the Islamic religion as well
as the noble traditions of the Kuwaiti
heritage all year round and especially
in the Holy Month of Ramadan. Zain
also shared the joys of the Holy Month
with children and patients in a number
of the biggest hospitals in Kuwait.
The company’s team always visits the
hospitals during this blessed time of
year to distribute gifts and Girgeaan to
children and their families and celebrate
the occasion in a family atmosphere full
of joy and happiness.
Zain also shared the joys of Gergiaan
with special needs children in collabora-
tion with Al Kharafi Activity Kids
Center, where the company’s volunteers
visited the children and their families to
distribute Girgeaan and gifts while also
organizing many other fun activities.
Humanitarian campaigns
Zain has a long list of programs and
contributions that serve noble causes
through strategically partnering with
entities that adopt humanitarian work,
including non-profit organizations, gov-
ernmental institutions, and global entities.
This year, Zain was the Platinum Partner
of Nurture and Educate Students Today
(NEST)’s educational campaign, entitled
#Rock_Paper_Pen, which mainly aimed
at raising donations for the benefit of
building three new schools set to serve
820 students in the Republic of Chad.
The campaign’s idea centered around
using advanced technology solutions
to attract and aware potential donors in
the campaign’s booth at the Avenues
mall. The booth was designed to mimic
the harsh living environment that faces
Chad’s children, where potential donors
20
battery, the smartphone stays pow-
ered up and at your service through
the busiest of days. It’s up to
512GB of high-speed internal stor-
age delivers a storage performance
and capacity comparable to a laptop
computer, with enough space to eas-
ily store videos, pictures and media
content, resulting in convenience
like never before.
Designed for the discerning
customer, PORSCHE DESIGN
HUAWEI Mate RS has tailored
accessories inspired by PORSCHE
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rial.
The Porsche Design Huawei Mate
RS is now available to purchase
from X-cite Electronics & Best Al
Yousifi Electonics at a price of KD
500.
For more information, please
visit: http://consumer.huawei.com/
us/
footfall and to accommodate a larger
collection of the one-stop fashion gold,
diamonds and precious gem jewellery.
The new showroom is aiming to offer
the customers with an exceptional shop-
ping experience in terms of the avail-
ability of the latest and most fashionable
jewellery, outstanding customer service
as well as an excellent shopping ambi-
ence. Suggestions and requests from
the customers have been taken into ac-
count to bring a fresh look and feel to the
showroom thus giving the customers a
customer-friendly shopping experience
to look forward to.
In connection with the Summer cel-
ebrations, Malabar Gold &Diamonds
is giving free one gram gold coin for
every diamond purchase of worth
AED 3000. Customers have the chanc-
es of getting up to 10,000 free gold
coins through this offer.
were able to wear Virtual Reality (VR)
headsets and see up-close the hardships
children face to get education, which
added a human value and encouraged
visitors to donate and contribute to
building a better future for those who
are in need of help. During the Holy
Month of Ramadan, Zain launched a
new charity campaign in collaboration
with YouTube star Omar Farouq and
Direct Aid to collect donations for “Al
Noor Camp” to treat eye diseases in
Africa. The campaign kicked-off with
an initiative called “Do You Have 100
Fils?”, where Omar Farouq visited
public places and asked pedestrians for
100 fils, which he gathered to collect the
cost of one eye surgery (KD 40).
The initiative centered around the
idea that helping people can start at any
amount no matter how small. An offi-
cial donation channel was then launched
in partnership with Direct Aid, where
two eye camps were built, benefiting
hundreds of underprivileged people in
Africa.
This Ramadan, Zain was also be
the Humanitarian Partner to a new
campaign launched by the Kuwait
Red Crescent Society (KRCS) to offer
essential food supplies and medical
aid to underprivileged families inside
Kuwait. Zain donated the full amount of
donations it collected from its charitable
initiative “Ya Baghi Al Khair Aqbel”
last year to support this initiative. Zain
also sent awareness messages through
SMS and social media to raise aware-
ness about this campaign and encour-
age the public to donate via the official
channels.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

21

Philippine Charge d’ Affaires Noordin Pendosina Lomondot reads the message of Pres Flag raising ceremony.
Duterte.

POLO team renders a song. Sol Al Failakawi and Vice Consul Charleson Hermosura sing duet.

Filipinos urged to unite, safeguard rights and welfare of OFWs

Embassy, FilCom mark 120th Philippine Independence Day

By Michelle Fe Santiago
Arab Times Staff
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: The
Philippine Embassy and the
Philippine Overseas Labour Office
(POLO) together with the Filipino
community in Kuwait commemorated
on Friday the 120th anniversary of the
Philippine Independence. The event
kicked off with the flag raising cere-
mony and the singing of the
Philippine National anthem followed
by the invocation led by Social
Welfare Attache Nilda Oliva for the
Christian prayer and Salah for the
Muslim prayer.
Congratulatory and inspirational
messages of Philippine government
officials were read out by the embas-
sy officials. Charge d’ Affaires Mohd
Noordin Pendosina Lomondot deliv-
ered the message of Philippine
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte; Labor
Attache Rustico Dela Fuente read out
the message of Labor Secretary
Silvestre Bello III; Consul Jabbar
Adiong delivered the speech of
Foreign Secretary Alan Peter
Cayetano and Oliva read out the mes-
sage of the DSWD Chief Virginia
Nazarrea Orogo.
On the same occasion, Lomondot
called on all Filipinos to unite and
safeguard the rights and welfare of
OFWs.
The POLO team presented two
heartwarming Filipino nationalistic
songs to the delight of the audience
as some of them sang with the
group. Showcasing their singing
prowess, Sol Al Failakawi of POLO
and Vice Consul Charleson
Hermosura serenaded the crowd
with their duet.
One the highlights of the program
was the mini fashion show that pre-
sented the exquisite Muslim costumes
as well as the dazzling Filipiniana
gowns.
The celebration was capped by a
sumptuous breakfast “Almusal ng
Bayan” with a wide array of delecta-
ble Filipino cuisine.

IACC

Photos from the event

Indo-Arab Confederation Council Kuwait chapter holds official inauguration studies.

click
General
Continued from Page 19
60% of the convicted Indians in Kuwaiti
Jails are arrested on drug-related cases.
The recent cases of death and captives
of Indian drug abusers is a threaten-
ing news. To defend and to campaign
against such social crisis by protecting
individuals as well as the society has
become obligatory. In this current situ-
ation, Kuwait India Fraternity Forum
is conducting campaign by distributing
handouts, conducting counseling, semi-
nars etc. to educate the Indians living in
Kuwait informed President Saifudheen
Nalakath in a press release. For more
details contact: 55062071 or email at
kiffkuwait@gmail.com.
❑ ❑ ❑ this world and the next.
NYF offers free yoga classes:
NYF Kuwait offers free yoga, breath-
ing, meditation and reiki classes by a
well-experienced female yoga teacher
for all age groups. Classes are given on
the basis of different health problems,
stress and other problems by different
techniques. Contact: 99315825.
Under the scheme, 100 PIO/NRI
students were awarded scholarship
The Indo-Arab Confederation Council (IACC) is
a socio-cultural organization which has been
inauguration was done by P.P. Narayan, First
Secretary, Indian Embassy-Communities
Olympian and Chairman of Sulaibikat Sports
Club, Mubarak Al Rashed Al Azmi, Kuwaiti
of up to US$ 4,000 per annum for
working during the last 25 years towards Welfare. Babu Francis, IACC’s President and undergraduate courses in Engineering,
singer, Eng Abdulhakim Almuaili, CEO, Estidama Technology, Humanities, Liberal Arts,
strengthening the Indo-Arab relationship and Member Loka Kerala Sabha-Govt of Kerala STCH-EPC, Shamsu Thamarakulam, Organizing Commerce, Management, Journalism,
also for the all around benefits of overseas delivered the Presidential address. Secretary, Advisory members Jacob
Indians. IACC’s headquarters located in Mumbai Followed by an awesome felicitation by Mrs Hotel Management, Agriculture, Animal
and its Kuwait chapter’s official inauguration was Rehab M Boresli, Chairperson, The Society for Channampetta, Ayub Kacheri, Varghese Paul. Husbandry and some other courses.
Event was concluded with vote of thanks by The scheme is open to NRIs/PIOs
held on June 20, 2018 at Moven Pick Hotel, Free Guardians of the Disabled, Khaled Al Ajmi,
Trade Zone. Chairman, Board of Directors of the Kuwait General Secretary, Jeeves Erinjeri to the digni- from over 40 countries (including Ku-
taries, sponsors, media personnel from Arabic, wait) having substantial Indian Diaspora
The event was started with a warm welcome Society for Human Rights, Ahmad Jaffar,
by the Program Convenor, Mrs Shiny Frank. The Director KTV 2, Dr Musaed Saoud Al-Kraibani, English and regional language. population.
The Scheme was revamped and
launched in July 2016. Under the re-
❑ ❑ ❑ overcome weaknesses 5. Understand get in touch with us. We would like to hope to hear from you soon. vamped Scheme, number of scholarships
Leadership Excellence Course:
how to articulate your life goal and cre- invite you to register with the Ugandans ❑ ❑ ❑ has been enhanced from 100 to 150
ate a road map to achieve it. in Kuwait (UIK) association, an infor- with introduction of 50 scholarships for
The Leadership Excellence Course For more information please visit mal organization of Ugandans living and Free drum music classes: Free children of Indian workers employed in
(LEC) is a course modeled on the www.leckuwait.com or call 99514995 / working in Kuwait. The purpose of this professional drum music classes are the Emigration Check Required (ECR)
Seerah of Rasoolullah who is the best 66363310. exercise is to get together as Ugandans available at Salmiya for all age groups countries. The Scheme is now applicable
model of leadership for all mankind. from beginners to advanced by a well
The LEC focuses on the lessons that we ❑ ❑ ❑ and to consider taking the first steps to to four categories of applicants:
establishing a more formal organisation. experienced drum teacher. For more (i) Persons of Indian Origin
can learn from the Seerah of AWL registration: If you would details: 94974295.
Rasoolullah and see how we can apply This association is voluntary. It is de- (ii) Non-Resident Indians
like to join the American Women’s
signed to create a forum for Ugandans in ❑ ❑ ❑ (iii) Children of Indian workers
them in our lives to become winners in League (AWL), please call 99039723 or
Kuwait to foster a sense of community, Indian Embassy SPDC notice: At- working in ECR countries (including
94067999 or email: kuwaitawl@yahoo. Kuwait).
The objectives of the course are 1. com. All American women and wives of to communicate more effectively with tention of all Indian associations/Indian
Understand what leadership is from the Americans are welcomed. each other and to encourage Ugandans schools in Kuwait is once again drawn (iv) Children of Indian workers in
Seerah of Rasoolullah and how to apply out here to work together. We are also to Scholarship Programme for Diaspora ECR countries - studying in India
❑ ❑ ❑ planning a celebration to mark 50 years The institutions that are covered
it in our lives today 2. Understand the Children (SPDC) which was introduced
purpose of our lives and learn to live Ugandans register with UIK: Are of Ugandan’s Independence this year. If by Government of India in the academic under this Scheme are:
that purpose with confidence 3. Under- you a Ugandan living and working in you have any questions regarding this year 2006-2007 with the objective to (i) NITs, IIITs, Schools of Planning
stand the importance of connecting to Kuwait? Would you like to get in touch association or if you are interested in make higher education in India acces- and Architecture
Allah and learn how to do it 4. Under- with other Ugandans in Kuwait both registering, then please send us an email sible to the children of overseas Indians (ii) “A” Grade institutions accredited
stand how to leverage your strengths and socially and professionally? Then please at ugandansinkuwait@gmail.com. We and promote India as a centre for higher Continued on Page 22
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

22

Couch slouch
email:education@darmuseum.org.kw
❑ ❑ ❑
What’s next for Roseanne’s spinoff IMA-Summer Islamic classes: Indian
Muslim Association (IMA) opens the doors of
its well-known 2-month long, ‘Summer Islam-

Colter brings the pain as ic Classes’ program to students in Kuwait from

LKG up to 12th Standard. Offering a syllabus
with a wide range of Islamic subjects such as
Quran reading/understanding/memorization,

indestructible Luke Cage Prophet’s Life and day to day Jurisprudence.

ATLANTA, June 23, (Agencies): “Black
Panther” broke box office records, but “Luke
Cage” once crashed Netflix.
The streaming service suffered a massive
outage for more than two hours in 2016, one
day after the premiere of “Luke Cage,” a
drama-action series starring Mike Colter who
plays the show’s superhero with indestructible
and bulletproof skin.
Heading into its first season in 2016, the
show was highly anticipated as the only televi-
sion series with a black superhero as the lead
character at the time.
With season two of “Luke Cage” premiered
Friday on Netflix, Colter hopes the series can
keep the momentum going. Especially after
the success of other black-leading superhero
characters, like CW’s “Black Lightning” and
the film “Black Panther,” which had a record-
setting $192 million debut in US and Canada
theaters and nearly $700 million overall this
year.
“Luke Cage” received high marks from
most reviewers for the show’s politically and
socially conscious story angles, strong writing
and Colter’s performance. The deep-voiced
actor said society — not only in the African-
American community — was ready to see a
black superhero as a lead character.
Colter said he spoke with many people
across the world telling him they related to
Cage’s character. The original character first
appeared in comic books in 1972.
“For people of color, it inspires them to be-
lieve they can be a superhero in their own way,
too,” said the 6-foot-3 Colter, who bulked up
30 pounds for the role.
“There’s a certain portion of the popula-
tion that needs to see someone that represents
them,” he added. “Sometimes that’s not just
physically. It’s a point of view. I get a lot of
fans who are white, Asian, Brazilian. They re-
late to the character because of their approach
to the world. Ultimately, they feel like this
guy is blue collared and he is striving to do
something with his life with all his limitations
financially. He’s not feeling sorry for himself
or having a pity party. He’s just trying to keep
on, keepin’ on. That’s what people relate to.”
Cage is an ex-convict wrongly imprisoned
for a crime he didn’t commit, developing his
superpowers after a botched experimental
procedure. After clearing his name, he be-
comes a Harlem celebrity for his heroic efforts
to protect the community. The character has
appeared in other Marvel Cinematic Universe
shows, including Netflix’s “Jessica Jones” and
“The Defenders.”
In season two, Cage struggles to find a good
paying job until he decides to cash in on his
abilities as a hero-for-hire.
Colter’s fellow cast members called him a
“perfect fit” for the Cage role.
“No matter how tired Luke Cage is, he has
to protect Harlem. Mike leads our show in the
same way,” said Simone Missick, who reprises
the role of Misty Knight. “He fits the bill
physically. He approaches his character with a
vulnerability you don’t often see in characters
like that. It’s endearing to people. I think with
Mike being the leader of this new school of
superheros, he does an amazing job.”
Theo Rossi, who plays the villain Shades,
said he likens Colter’s real-life persona to
Cage. “If you’ve ever been around Mike, talk-
ed or hung out with Mike, he is Luke Cage,”
Rossi said. “I mean, he’s massive. But at the
same time, he’s got a swagger and a personal-
ity that’s so incredible. He’s so big and could
be intimidating, but he’s not because he has
this incredible presence about him.”
Not bad for Colter, who called himself a
loner in high school. During his career, he
made guest TV appearances on several shows
including “ER” and “Law & Order,” until he
got his big break to play a boxer in “Million
Dollar Baby,” which won an Oscar for best
film in 2005.
Colter’s performance in “Luke Cage” has
opened doors for other acting opportunities.
He’s expected to appear in the faith-based
drama “The Impossible” and co-star in “Skin,”
a true story about a former neo-Nazi.
With “Luke Cage,” Colter hopes his show
can continue to open doors and break down
barriers for others of color.
Also:
LOS ANGELES: With its deal Thursday for
a “Roseanne” spinoff, ABC made lemonade
from Roseanne Barr’s racist lemons. But
producers are now under pressure to restart a
show-making process that was derailed three
weeks ago. ABC announced that it plans to
premiere “The Conners” this fall — a tall
order, given that pre-production on most fall
series is already well underway, but not an
impossible one.
The same day that ABC canceled “Rose-
anne” in May following Barr’s racist tweet
about former Obama White House adviser
Valerie Jarrett, writers were scheduled to
assemble to begin work on the premiere of
the show’s new season. Sources tell Variety
that the writers’ room for “The Conners” will
be nearly identical to that assembled for what
would have been the second season of the re-
vived “Roseanne.” The biggest change will be
the departure of Wanda Sykes, who served as
a consulting producer last season and had been
scheduled to return, but publicly split from the
show within hours of Barr’s tweet.
Sykes is not on board for the spinoff. But
the writers’ room for “The Conners” is expect-
ed to finally open next week under showrunner
Bruce Helford — who, with fellow executive
producers Tom Werner and Sara Gilbert, led
discussions with ABC about a possible spi-
noff. The three met with ABC entertainment
president Channing Dungey just days after
the cancellation to pitch a spinoff that would
feature the show’s core cast sans Barr. Cre-
atively, ABC was enthusiastic about the pitch.
But the network insisted that Barr not have any
creative input in nor receive any financial gain
from the new show.
❑ ❑ ❑ the future hopes to organise social events such as
LOS ANGELES: The BBC has landed one of
the buzziest German dramas of recent times,
“54 Hours.” The limited series is based on a
1988 hostage crisis that turned into a human
tragedy and a police and media fiasco. The
show won German pubcaster ARD big ratings
and received widespread critical acclaim, but
also stoked controversy.
The Gladbeck crisis was one of the biggest
crime cases in postwar German history. The se-
ries dramatizes the events following a bank raid
gone wrong. The robbers took several hostages
and, while being pursued by police and tracked
by the media over several days, traveled across
several West German state lines. The ensuing
murder and carnage unfolded in a media circus
that saw reporters interview hostages while they
were still being held at gunpoint. The debacle
ultimately led to new rules governing media cov-
erage, and the police were accused of bungling
their handling of the case.
The ARD broadcast earlier this year was
considered controversial because of its timing,
which coincided with the release of one of the
hostage takers. The four-hour limited series
was made by Ziegler Film (“Weissensee”)
and went out on ARD earlier this year in two
installments.
Germany has recently become a drama
hot spot. Local reviews of “54 Hours” were
strong, with Der Spiegel calling it one of the
TV highlights of the year and Bild hailing it as
a “masterpiece.”
A flyer of the event.
Ladies’ Night Potluck: Bring a dish to share with friends and swap ideas for summer activi-
ties in Kuwait. The timing of dinner is perfect for those who are fasting beyond Ramadan.
Tuesday, June 26 @ 6:45pm (ladies only); Villa No 67, Street 413, Block 4, Shuhada Area,
Kuwait; Phone: +(965) 25231015; Email: info@tiescenter.net
click
General
Continued from Page 21
by National Assessment and Accreditation
Council (NAAC) and recognised by University
Grants Commission (UGC).
(iii) Other institutions covered under Direct
Admission of Students Abroad (DASA)
scheme.
Income criteria will be applicable to all four
categories. Applicants will seek scholarships
after they obtain admission in the approved list
of educational institutions.
Applications are required to be submitted
online at SPDC portal - http://spdcindia.gov.
in/login/index.php. Last date for submission
of applications was extended till Oct 14, 2016.
Nodal officer for SPDC is P. Bharadwaj, Depu-
ty Secretary (OIA-II), Ministry of External
Affairs, New Delhi, Tel: 00-91-11-24197952,
Email: dsoia2@mea.gov.in
❑ ❑ ❑ Salmiya (Don Bosco).
Experience Science for Adults: Regis-
tration is now open for Experience Science for
Adults.
Why should kids have all the fun?!
The five week programme will be held on
Saturday from 10:00 am-11:30 am at the Yar-
mouk Cultural Centre.
Registration is limited to 16. You may
register at either the Amricani Cultural Centre,
Sunday to Thursday 10:00-3:00 or the Yar-
mouk Cultural Centre, Sunday to Thursday
10:00-6:00.
For more information, please
Apart from this, teachers work on Personality
Development of the students and also engage
them in various activities including field visits.
Competitions are held on Islamic Quiz, Recita-
tion of Quran and Elocution.
The classes will continue until Aug 19, 2018
from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturday, Sunday,
Tuesday and Wednesday at Indian Commu-
nity School, Junior Branch, Salmiya, Kuwait.
Interested parents can register their kids at
IMA official website www.imakuwait.org or
can contact 99632314 for more details.
❑ ❑ ❑
TIES Center classes: TIES Center is con-
ducting a series of classes about some of the
Prophets and Messengers of God who strove
very hard to spread monotheism and teach
their respective peoples how to worship God.
Their message was not only spiritual; they also
taught people how to conduct their daily lives
and develop the living conditions on earth.
In this series, we will focus on the following
prophets: Adam, Nouh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abra-
ham), Ayoub (Job), Yousuf (Joseph), Mousa
(Moses), and Eisa (Jesus) — may peace, mercy
and blessings of Allah (to Whom all might and
majesty is ascribed) be upon them all.
We will not only focus on historical facts,
but will also deduce some important lessons
whose application in our daily interactions and
chores determine our success and salvation.
Join us every Thursday at 7 pm to learn
about the life and times of those messengers of
firm resolve.
The TIES Center is the social and educa-
tional hub for English Speaking Muslims in
Kuwait. For more information, please call
25231015 or e-mail info@tiescenter.net or visit
www.tiescenter.net.
Sports
Chess Round Robin Challenge: Regis-
trations are open for chess coaching and the
Annual Round Robin Challenger Series. Send
your name, Civil ID No., mobile number, age,
rating to saviosgomes@gmail.com with CCR
in the e-mail subject. No entry fee.
❑ ❑ ❑
Kwt-Brits football supporters: A new foot-
ball supporters website for British expats living
and working in Kuwait has been set up by an
Everton supporter, Trevor Powell. The Kuwait
Brits Football Supporters Association (KBFSA)
site aims to provide contact information for sup-
porters of each others’ whereabouts and also in
quizzes and even five-a-side matches on a home
international teams basis. We need expats to reg-
ister their support and hence we can then start to
cast around for a suitable meeting venue. The
site can be accessed at www.kbfsa.co.uk.
❑ ❑ ❑
Free fitness classes: Free fitness classes
at B.FIT studio in Salmiya! Classes include
Zumba, Masala Bhangra workout, aerobics,
toning & much more. Contact +965-65077062
for further information. Hurry and enroll
now!”
❑ ❑ ❑
Free IFRA coaching classes: Indian
Football Referees Association (IFRA) will
be starting free refresher/coaching classes for
existing referees, new recruits, those aspiring
to be referees and even those who would like
to learn about the laws of the game at IEAS –
Classes will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
every Friday.
Those interested may call 99519439 or get
in touch with any IFRA member for registra-
tion.
❑ ❑ ❑
FBC tournament: Filipino Badminton
Committee (FBC) is inviting all badminton
enthusiast in Kuwait to join their regular
badminton tournament being held every Friday
from 8 am to 7 pm at Kuwait Disabled Sports
Continued on Page 24

tv highlights
Cinema
Cinema programme from Thursday 21/6/2018 to Wednesday 27/6/2018

Adventures of Petey and Friends
360° 15:10, 16:55
Avenues 18:00
Grand Gate 6 14:00, 15:45, 17:15
Avengers: Infinity War
360° 17:00, 00:05 (Daily Exc Sat)
12:15, 17:00, 00:05 (Sat)
Deadpool 2
360° 16:50
14:05, 16:30, 19:00,
21:30, 23:55 (Thu, Fri)
11:40, 14:05, 16:30,
19:00, 21:30, 23:55 (Sat)
16:30, 19:00, 21:30,
23:55 (Sun, Tue, Wed)
19:00, 21:30, 23:55 (Mon)
Fanar 13:05, 18:35, 20:30,
00:45 (Daily Exc Fri)
18:35, 20:30, 00:45 (Fri)
Sharqia 00:45
Avenues 14:30 (Daily Exc Thu)
12:35, 15:05, 17:30,
20:00, 22:20, 00:50
(Daily Exc Fri)
19:35 (Thu)
15:05, 17:30, 20:00,
22:20, 00:50 (Fri)
Marina 13:25, 23:15
(Daily Exc Fri)
23:15 (Fri)
Grand Gate 5 14:45, 17:15, 19:45,
22:15
00:45 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Gate 6 19:00, 21:30
00:15 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 1 14:00, 16:30, 19:15,
22:00
01:00 (Thu, Fri)
Distorted
360° 11:35, 23:35 (Daily Exc Fri)
23:35 (Fri)
Avenues 19:40, 00:45
Incredibles 2
360° 13:30, 16:00, 17:40,
18:30, 21:05
11:45, 19:15 (Daily Exc Fri)
12:00, 14:30, 17:00,
19:30 (Daily Exc Fri)
14;30, 17:00, 19:30 (Fri)
19:15 (Fri)
Ajial 16:15, 18:45
Bairaq 12:00, 14:30, 17:00,
19:30 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:30, 17:00, 19:30 (Fri)
Fanar 11:30, 14:15, 16:45,
19:15, 21:45 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:15, 16:45, 19:15,
21:45 (Fri)
Sharqia 11:30, 16:05, 17:15
(Daily Exc Fri)
16:05, 17:15 (Fri)
Avenues 16:35
11:45, 13:00, 14:15,
15:30, 17:25, 19:30,
22:05 (Daily Exc Fri)
12:00, 17:00
(Daily Exc Thu, Fri)
12:00, 17:05 (Thu)
14:15, 15:30, 17:25,
19:30, 22:05 (Fri)
17:00 (Fri)
Laila 18:00
Marina 12:30, 15:00, 17:30,
20:00 (Daily Exc Fri)
15:00, 17:30, 20:00 (Fri)
Grand Gate 7 14:15, 16:45, 19:15,
21:45
Grand Al-Hamra 4 14:45, 17:30
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
360° 14:15, 21:45, 00:20
22:00, 00:40
11:50, 12:25, 13:00,
14:25, 15:05, 15:40,
18:20, 20:00, 20:20,
21:00, 22:35, 23:00,
23:40 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:25, 15:05, 15:40,
18:20, 20:00, 20:20,
21:00, 22:35, 23:00,
23:40 (Fri)
Ajial 15:55
Bairaq 12:10, 13:15, 15:45,
21:15, 23:45 (Daily Exc Fri)
15:45, 21:15, 23:45 (Fri)
Fanar 12:00, 14:30, 17:00,
19:30, 22:00, 00:30
(Daily Exc Fri)
14:30, 17:00, 19:30,
22:00, 00:30 (Fri)
Sharqia 12:15, 14:45, 19:45,
22:15 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:45, 19:45, 22:15 (Fri)
Avenues 19:30, 22:05, 00:40
(Daily Exc Thu)
11:30, 14:00, 19:10,
21:50, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri)
12:10, 14:45, 16:50,
20:00, 22:35 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:30, 22:05, 00:40 (Thu)
14:00, 19:10, 21:50,
00:30 (Fri)
14:45, 16:50, 20:00,
22:35 (Fri)
Laila 15:30
Marina 15:45, 18:15, 20:45
Grand Gate 1 14:30, 17:00, 19:30,
22:00
00:30 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Gate 3 15:15, 18:00, 20:30
23:00 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Gate GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00,
22:30
01:00 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 2 20:30
23:30 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 4 20:00, 22:30
Grand Al-Hamra 5 14:45, 17:15, 19:45,
22:15
00:45 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 6 14:30, 17:00, 19:30,
22:00
00:30 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00,
22:30
01:00 (Thu, Fri)
The Little Witch
Grand Gate 2 14:00, 16:30, 18:45,
21:00
23:15 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Gate 8 15:30, 17:45, 20:15,
22:30
Grand Al-Hamra 2 14:00, 16:00, 18:00
Ablah Tam Tam - (Arabic Film)
360° 12:05, 13:05, 14:05,
14:55, 15:05, 16:05,
17:05, 18:05, 19:05,
20:05, 21:05, 22:05,
23:05, 00:05, 00:10,
01:05 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:05, 14:55, 15:05,
16:05, 17:05, 18:05,
19:05, 20:05, 21:05,
22:05, 23:05, 00:05,
00:10, 01:05 (Fri)
Ajial 23:30 (Daily Exc Thu)
22:15, 23:30 (Thu)
Bairaq 21:00, 23:00, 00:55
Fanar 12:30, 14:30, 16:30,
18:30, 22:55, 00:15
(Daily Exc Fri)
13:30, 14:30, 16:30,
18:30, 22:55, 00:15 (Fri)
Sharqia 12:30, 14:30, 16:30,
21:30, 23:30 (Daily Exc Fri)
14:30, 16:30, 21:30,
22:30 (Fri)
Avenues 11:30, 12:40, 13:30,
14:40, 16:40, 18:40,
20:30, 20:35, 21:40,
22:30, 23:35, 00:25,
01:10 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:30, 14:40, 16:40,
18:40, 20:30, 20:35,
21:40, 22:30, 23:35,
00:25, 01:10 (Fri)
Laila 22:35
Marina 11:30, 13:40, 19:40,
22:30, 00:30 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:40, 19:40, 22:30,
00:30 (Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 3 15:00, 17:00, 19:00,
21:00
23:00 (Thu, Fri)
Leilet Hana Wa Srour - (Arabic
Film)
360° 12:15, 12:50, 13:15,
14:20, 15:20, 16:25,
17:25, 18:30, 19:30,
19:55, 20:35, 21:35,
22:05, 22:40, 23:45,
00:45, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:30, 14:20, 15:20,
16:25, 17:25, 18:30,
19:30, 19:55, 20:35,
21:35, 22:05, 22:40,
23:45, 00:45, 01:10 (Fri)
Ajial 21:25
Bairaq 14:45, 16:50, 18:55,
22:00, 00:05 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:30, 14:45, 16:50,
18:55, 22:00, 00:05 (Fri)
Fanar 11:45, 13:50, 15:55,
18:00, 20:05, 22:10,
00:25 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:50, 15:55, 18:00,
20:05, 22:10, 00:25 (Fri)
Sharqia 14:00, 18:35, 20:40,
22:45, 00:50
Avenues 11:35, 12:15, 13:40,
14:30, 15:25, 15:45,
16:45, 17:50, 18:55,
19:55, 21:00, 22:00,
22:25, 23:05, 00:05,
00:35, 01:10 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:40, 14:30, 15:25,
15:45, 16:45, 17:50,
18:55, 19:55, 21:00,
22:00, 22:25, 23:05,
00:05, 00:35, 01:10 (Fri)
Laila 20:30
Marina 11:30, 15:30, 17:35,
21:35, 23:40 (Daily Exc Fri)
13:30, 15:30, 17:35,
21:35, 22:40 (Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 8 14:15, 16:45, 19:15,
21:45
00:00 (Thu, Fri)
Race 3 - (Hindi Film)
360° 11:35, 14:35, 16:55,
17:35, 20:35, 23:35,
(Daily Exc Fri)
14:35, 16:55, 17:35,
20:35, 23:35 (Fri)
Ajial 18:25, 21:15
(Daily Exc Sun, Tue, Wed)
16:00, 18:25, 21:15
(Sun, Tue, Wed)
Bairaq 18:15
Fanar 15:35, 21:00,00:05
Sharqia 18:30
Avenues 12:15, 15:15, 17:30,
18:15, 21:15, 00:15
(Daily Exc Fri)
15:15, 17:30, 18:15,
21:15, 00:15 (Fri)
Plaza 16:00
(Daily Exc Fri, Tue, Wed)
16:00, 21:45 (Tue, Wed)
Grand Gate 4 14:15, 17:30, 20:45
00:00 (Thu, Fri)
Grand Al-Hamra 7 15:15, 18:30, 22:15
Kaala - (Tamil Film)
Ajial 16:00, 19:10 (Thu)
16:00 (Fri, Sat, Mon)
Tik Tik Tik (Tamil Film)
360° 21:25 (Daily Exc Thu)
Ajial 17:10, 21:45
(Daily Exc Thu)
Plaza 21:45 (Fri, Sat)
Abrahaminte Santhathikal (Ma-
layalam Film)
360° 18:45 (Daily Exc Thu)
18:45, 21:25 (Thu)
Ajial 15:45, 18:40, 21:30
Plaza 19:00, 21:45
(Thu, Sun, Mon)
16:00, 19:00 (Fri)
19:00 (Sat, Tue, Wed)
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

23

Health

3D revolutionary for docs

Hi-tech orthopaedic care

goes through crucial test
LOME, June 23, (Agencies): In a
consulting room in Togo’s capi-
tal, Lome, Geraldo Emmanuel —
handicapped since birth six years
ago — waits patiently on a bed
while a digital scan is taken of his
right leg.
Thanks to new 3D technology,
he may be able to walk normally
within a few months.
“The child walks on his toes
so I’m scanning his leg so we can
make him an orthotic using a 3D
printer,” said Enyonam Ekpoh,
from Togo’s national orthopaedic
device and physiotherapy centre
(CNAO).
A few hours later, Adjovi Kou-
dahe, 46, has tests to receive a 3D
brace for her right leg, which has
been paralysed since a car accident
in 2012.
“I’ve stopped doing anything
because I’m in pain. I can’t walk
properly anymore,” said the for-
mer trader, who limps heavily,
aided by a crutch.
“Despite all the treatment I’ve
had, my leg won’t respond and
drags along the ground. But with
the brace they want to make here,
I’ve got high hopes.”
Three-dimensional printing is a
fast-track way to make individual-
ly-tailored prosthetics and ortho-
paedic supports that compensate
for a lack of a limb, deformity or
700,000 euros ($816,000) of fund-
ing from the Belgian Development
Agency.
Fifty of the 100 patients will be
in Togo, where many handicaps
affecting mobility are linked to
strokes or infectious diseases such
as polio, said Impact 3D manager
Simon Miriel.
3D printing is revolutionary for
doctors working in conflict zones
or even just hard-to-reach areas:
the scanner is the size of about two
mobile phones and very easy to
transport.
One has been tested at a region-
al orthopaedic centre in Dapaong,
some 620 kilometres (390 miles)
by road north of the capital.
Normally, patients far from hos-
pitals would have had to travel to
have casts taken.
“As need be, scans can be sent
directly by telephone to the spe-
cialist in charge of making the
digital orthotic on a 3D printer.”
In all, four 3D scanners are be- Guillaume Canaud, doctor and researcher at the French National Institute day, containing a single molecule, is effective against CLOVES syndrome,
ing used in the three countries. for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), speaks during a press confer- a rare genetic disease that deforms organs and about which nothing was
ence at the Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital in Paris on June 13, 2018, known until recently, French researchers showed. CLOVES syndrome (ac-
Also: about the effect of a specific inhibitor called BYL719, a new drug to help ronym for congenital lipomatous outgrowth, vascular malformations and
LONDON: Winning athletes love patients suffering from CLOVES syndrome (CS, Congenital Lipomatous epidermal naevi) is a condition that causes uncontrolled growth of certain
to bite their medals and smile for Overgrowth, Vascular Malformation and Epidermal Naevi). One tablet a parts of the body. (AFP)
the cameras as they hold their tro-
phies aloft, but their teeth may ac-
tually be holding them back. Findings may re-ignite debate on what triggers the disease
Around half of Britain’s elite
sports men and women have den-

Viruses may play a role in Alzheimer’s

paralysis.
The technology, initiated by a
charity called Handicap Interna-
tional, allows the bespoke devices
to be produced faster and reach a
larger number of patients.
But if it is familiar to ortho-
paedic clinics in rich countries, it
has yet to be introduced to poorer
countries where needs are greater
and the social safety net much
smaller.
Only five to 15 percent of peo-
ple in low income countries who
need a prosthetic limb or ortho-
paedic brace get one, according to
the non-profit organisation based
in France.
Handicap International — re-
cently renamed Humanity & In-
clusion — is pushing ahead with
research and clinical trials to see
how the technology can be used in
poor settings.
In 2016, it carried out clinical
trials of three types of lower limb
prosthetics in Madagascar, Syria
and Togo, the results of which
were highly encouraging.
A more ambitious project called
“3D Impact” has been running in
Togo, Mali and Niger since No-
vember last year, where 100 pa-
tients are getting made-to-measure
3D devices for free.
The project is backed by
tal problems bad enough to affect
their performance, according to a
study published on Thursday.
Researchers at University Col-
lege London (UCL) found high
levels of gum disease and other
oral health problems among ath-
letes including rowers, rugby play-
ers and swimmers.
“Nutrition in sports is heav-
ily reliant on frequent carbohy-
drate intakes, which are known
to increase inflammation in the
body and gum tissues,” said Ian
Needleman, a professor at the
centre for oral health and perfor-
mance at UCL’s Eastman Dental
Institute, who co-led the study.
“In sports where there is a lot of
airflow, such as cycling and run-
ning, breathing hard can make the
mouth dry so teeth lose the protec-
tive benefits of saliva”.
He added that the stress of rac-
ing and performing was also an
important risk factor: “Some ath-
letes (report) vomiting before ev-
ery race as a result of pre competi-
tion anxiety.”
The study, the largest of its
kind, looked at more than 350
sportsmen and women from nine
GB Olympic teams, including
swimming and rowing, as well
as cycling’s Team Sky, England
Rugby and Reading soccer club.
WASHINGTON, June 23, (AP): Vi-
ruses that sneak into the brain just
might play a role in Alzheimer’s, sci-
entists have reported in a provocative
study that promises to re-ignite some
long-debated theories about what trig-
gers the mind-robbing disease.
The findings don’t prove viruses
cause Alzheimer’s, nor do they suggest
it’s contagious.
But a team led by researchers at
New York’s Mount Sinai Health Sys-
tem found that certain viruses — in-
cluding two extremely common herpes
viruses — affect the behavior of genes
involved in Alzheimer’s.
The idea that infections earlier in life
might somehow set the stage for Al-
zheimer’s decades later has simmered
at the edge of mainstream medicine
for years. It’s been overshadowed by
the prevailing theory that Alzheimer’s
stems from sticky plaques that clog the
brain.
Thursday’s study has even some
specialists who never embraced the in-
fection connection saying it’s time for
a closer look, especially as attempts
to block those so-called beta-amyloid
plaques have failed.
“With an illness this terrible, we
cannot afford to dismiss all scientific
possibilities,” said Dr John Morris,
who directs the Alzheimer’s research
center at Washington University
School of Medicine in St. Louis. He
wasn’t involved in the new research
but called it impressive.
The study also fits with mount-
ing evidence that how aggressively
the brain’s immune system defends
itself against viruses or other germs
may be riskier than an actual infec-
tion, said Alzheimer’s specialist Dr
Rudolph Tanzi of Massachusetts Gen-
eral Hospital. With Harvard colleague
Dr Robert Moir, Tanzi has performed
experiments showing that sticky beta-
amyloid captures invading germs by
engulfing them — and that’s why the
plaque starts forming in the first place.
“The question remained, OK, in the
Alzheimer brain what are the microbes
that matter, what are the microbes that
trigger the plaque?” explained Tanzi,
who also had no role in the new re-
search.
The team from Mount Sinai and
Arizona State University came up with
some viral suspects — by accident.
The study, funded by the National In-
stitutes of Health, wasn’t hunting vi-
ruses but was looking for new drug tar-
gets for Alzheimer’s. The researchers
were using complex genetic data from
hundreds of brains at several brain
banks to compare differences between
people who’d died with Alzheimer’s
and the cognitively normal.
The first clues that viruses were
around “came screaming out at us,”
said Mount Sinai geneticist Joel Dud-
ley, a senior author of the research
published Thursday in the journal
Neuron.
The team found viral genetic mate-
rial at far higher levels in Alzheimer’s-
affected brains than in normal ones.
Most abundant were two human her-
pes viruses, known as HHV6a and
HHV7, that infect most people during
childhood, often with no symptoms,
and then lie dormant in the body.
That wasn’t unusual. Since 1980,
other researchers have linked a vari-
ety of bacteria and viruses, including
another type of herpes that causes cold
sores, to an increased risk of Alzheim-
er’s. But it was never clear if germs
were merely bystanders, or actively
spurring Alzheimer’s.
The new study went farther: Re-
searchers used computer models to
check how the viral genes interacted
with human genes, proteins and amy-
loid buildup, almost like the viruses’
social media connections, Dudley ex-
plained.
“We’re able to see if viral genes are
friending some of the host genes and if
they tweet, who tweets back,” Dudley
said.
They found a lot of interactions, sug-
gesting the viruses could even switch
on and off Alzheimer’s-related genes.
To see if those interactions mattered,
the researchers bred mice lacking one
molecule that herpes seemed to de-
plete. Sure enough, the animals devel-
oped more of those amyloid plaques.
“I look at this paper and it makes me
sit up and say, ‘Wow,’” said Alzheim-
er’s Association scientific programs
director Keith Fargo.
He said the research makes a viral
connection much more plausible but
cautioned that the study won’t affect
how today’s patients are treated.
If the findings pan out, they could
change how scientists look for new
ways to treat or prevent Alzheimer’s,
said Dr Miroslaw Mackiewicz of
NIH’s National Institute on Aging. Al-
ready, NIH is funding a first-step study
to see if an antiviral drug benefits peo-
ple who have both mild Alzheimer’s
and different herpes viruses.
Just having a herpes virus “does not
mean you’re going to get Alzheim-
er’s,” Mass General’s Tanzi stressed.
It may not even have penetrated the
brain.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

24

contract bridge Eugene Sheffer Crossword

click By Steve Becker

General
Continued from Page 22
Club, Bin Khaldoun Hawalli. Over 10 badminton
courts are now available for badminton practices
and tournament and it is open for all nationali-
ties and from different badminton organizations.
Exclusive-private court are also available on per
hour rental. For more information, please contact
Dr Chie Umandap – 97197268
❑ ❑ ❑
Arnis/Eskrima training: Eskrimador-Kuwait
a member of Cacoy Doce Pares World Federa-
tion now opens a new batch of training. Learn
the Philippine national sports, which is Arnis/
Eskrima with the authentic style and techniques.
Training schedule will be every Friday from
11:00 am to 1:00 pm @ Kaifan Sports Complex-
Karate Gym. Text or call #50292148-Herms.

Courses
Islamic and Arabic courses: Islamic and
Arabic courses are being offered at the
Enlightenment into Islam Center starting from
5:00-7:00 pm.
Registrations can be done at the main office —
Women’s Committee in Qurtoba.
For more information contact: 24322684,
25362693, 97743327 and 25362681.
❑ ❑ ❑
IPC Arabic Course: IPC Rawdah Ladies
Section will commence the Arabic Conversation
Course. The students must have successfully
completed at least 3 levels of Arabic. Placement
test will be taken by those who took Arabic class
outside IPC.
Class is every Friday from 9-11 am.
IPC Rawdah-22512257
❑ ❑ ❑
Islamic classes in French: The Enlight-
enment into Islam is offering Islamic Classes
in French for ladies. Timings 4:30 to 7 pm.
Every Wednesday. Please register at the office
(Women’s Section), 2nd floor. For more informa-
tion please contact us. Telephone 25362684,
99789954, 99507076, 97743327. Fax 25342573
(attention — Enlightenment into Islam)

Embassies
Indian Embassy notice: Indian nationals
are issued Emergency Certificates (EC) to fa-
cilitate their one-way travel to India due to ur-
gency or deportation, under the circumstances
of loss of passport or non-retrieval of passport
from their sponsors in Kuwait. Since it is il-
legal to hold two travel documents in India at
the same time, the concerned passport has to
be cancelled before an Emergency Certificate
(EC) is issued to an Indian national. At times,
Indian nationals who are either detained or due
for deportation may not have their passports
with them. They apply for travel documents
(Emergency Certificate) either directly or
through Kuwait Police. In such cases, ECs are
issued to them after cancelling their passports.
However, in certain cases, they recover their
passports later and travel on those passports
which already stand cancelled in data available
with immigration authorities in India. These
passports are immediately seized by Immigra-
tion authorities in India. This results in much
harassment and inconvenience to these Indian
travelers, whose passports are seized. They are
also liable to pay penalties as per the law.
Indian Embassy advises all Indian nationals
that if an EC is issued to anyone of them, that
implies that his/her passport has been cancelled
and that he/she should travel only on the EC is-
sued to him/her.
❑ ❑ ❑
Chinese Embassy notice: Documents issued
in Kuwait and to be used in China mainland shall
first be notarized and legalised by the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in Kuwait, and then be legalised
by Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. Specific require-
ments and information for document legalisation,
please refer to the website of Chinese Embassy
in Kuwait.
For documents issued by member countries of
the Apostille Convention*, after getting Apos-
tilles from the competent authorities, they can
be used in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR of
China directly.
*Refer to the Convention of Abolishing the
Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public
Documents
❑ ❑ ❑
Chinese Embassy notice: Please be noted
that effective starting today, the photo used in a
Chinese visa application must meet the require-
ments (for details, please visit the website of
Chinese embassy http://kw.chineseembassy.org/
eng/). Application with non-compliant photos
will not be processed. Friday’s answer 6-23
Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Conceptis Sudoku Challenger

The grid must be so completed that every row, column and 3x3
box has every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive

DIRECTIONS:
Fill each square with a
number, one through nine.
Friday’s
■ Horizontal squares
should add to totals on
right.
■ Vertical squares should
add to totals on bottom.
■ Diagonal squares
through center should add
Answer to Friday’s puzzle
to total in upper and lower Word by Word
right. Friday’s solution

THERE MAY BE MORE Blind Aama

THAN ONE SOLUTION.
Love is blind.
Al houb aama.
Today’s Challenge
Time 4 Minutes
13 Seconds
Numbers
Your Working
Time __ Minutes
Seven thousand eight
__ Seconds 7895 hundred ninety five

Sabat alaf wa thaman maaha

wa khamsa wa tesown
 GM to build new SUV in Mexico
General Motors confirmed Friday
that it will produce a new sport-utility
model in Mexico, despite President
Donald Trump’s efforts to pressure
US companies to add manufactur-
ing at home. The new version of the
Chevrolet Blazer, a revival of an old
brand name, will be built in Mexico
and exported to the US, said GM
spokesman Patrick Morrissey.
Morrissey said GM makes de-
cisions on where vehicles will be
made “years in advance.” “This de-
cision was made several years ago
and was based on available ca-
pacity at the time,” Morrissey said.
“We remain committed to investing
and growing jobs in the US.”
The move comes as the US,
Canada and Mexico remain mired
in tough negotiations over a re-
write of the North American Free
Trade Agreement. Trump has an
extensive record of calling out
companies that manufacture over-
seas and export to the US. (AFP)
Automakers improve quality to record level in annual survey
A survey of new-vehicle buyers finds that
car and truck quality hit a record high this
year as automakers started to clear up bugs
with infotainment systems. The annual sur-
vey by J.D. Power finds that buyers reported
a record-low 93 problems per 100 vehicles
during the first three months of ownership,
four problems fewer than last year.
The survey also found that Korean brands
Genesis, Kia and Hyundai claimed the top
three spots for the first time in new vehicle
quality. Porsche and Ford rounded out the
top five.
J.D. Power also found that the Detroit
three improved their quality faster than the
industry as a whole. Fiat Chrysler knocked
off seven problems, while Ford and General
Motors each dropped five.
The lowest-ranking brands were Land
Rover, Jaguar and Volvo.
Touch-screen infotainment systems such
as radios, cellular phone connections and
navigation remained the category with the
highest number of problems this year, but
J.D. Power said it improved for the third
straight year. The progress was led by fewer
problems with voice recognition systems.
Dave Sargent, J.D. Power’s vice presi-
dent of global automotive, said automakers
have listened to consumers and are making
high-quality vehicles. But he cautioned that
companies must rein in rising problems with
new driver-assist systems such as collision
avoidance and lane-keeping.
“Avoiding problems with safety and driver
assistance technology is critical,” he said
in a statement. “Otherwise automakers will
not easily overcome consumer resistance to
fully automated cars.” (AP)

Market Movements 23-06-2018

Business
Change Closing pts Change Closing pts
INDIA - Sensex +257.21 35,689.60 AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries -10.80 6,322.10
S. KOREA - KRX 100 +42.94 4,888.79 JAPAN - Nikkei -176.21 22,516.83
HONG KONG - Hang Seng +42.65 29,338.70 PHILIPPINES - All Shares -22.15 4,347.06
GERMANY - DAX +67.81 12,579.72
FRANCE - CAC 40 +71.37 5,387.38
EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 +38.09 3,441.60

Rater believes bank will deliver above market growth in Kuwait over next 2 years

S&P affirms Gulf Bank’s rating at A-; outlook stable

KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Standard
and Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings

Saudi pledges ‘measurable’ oil supply has affirmed Gulf Bank’s Credit
rating at A-/A-2 long and short-
term counterparty credit ratings
with a Stable Outlook in its recent
research update issued June 21,

boost as OPEC and Russia agree deal

Iran says Kingdom cannot compensate for Venezuela output loss
VIENNA, June 23, (RTRS):
OPEC agreed with Russia
and other oil-producing
allies on Saturday to raise
output from July, with
Saudi Arabia pledging a
“measurable” supply boost
but giving no specific num-
bers.
The Organization of the Petro-
leum Exporting Countries had an-
nounced an OPEC-only production
agreement on Friday, also without
clear output targets. Benchmark
Brent oil rose by $2.5 or 3.4 per-
cent on the day to $75.55 a barrel.
On Saturday, non-OPEC oil pro-
ducers agreed to participate in the pact
but a communique issued after their
talks with the Vienna-based group
provided no concrete numbers amid
deep disagreements between OPEC
arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran.
US President Donald Trump was
among those wondering how much
more oil OPEC would deliver. “Hope
OPEC will increase output substan-
tially. Need to keep prices down!”
Trump wrote on Twitter after OPEC
announced its Friday decision.
The United States, China and In-
dia had urged oil producers to release
more supply to prevent an oil deficit
that could undermine global econom-
ic growth.
OPEC and non-OPEC said in their
statement that they would raise sup-
ply by returning to 100 percent com-
pliance with previously agreed output
cuts, after months of underproduction.
Saudi Energy Minister Khalid
al-Falih said OPEC and non-OPEC
combined would pump roughly an ex-
tra 1 million barrels per day (bpd) in
coming months, equal to 1 percent of
global supply.
Top global exporter Saudi Arabia
will increase output by hundreds of
thousands of barrels, he said, with ex-
act figures to be decided later.
“We already mobilised the Aramco
machinery, before coming to Vienna,
pre-empting this meeting,” Falih said,
referring to the Saudi state oil com-
pany.
Russian Energy Minister Alexan-
der Novak said his country would add
200,000 bpd in the second half of this
year.
Asked to what extent the decision
to increase supply had been driven by
pressure from Trump, Novak said: “It
is obvious that we are not being driv-
en by tweets but base our actions on
deep market analysis.”
Iran, OPEC’s third-largest produc-
er, had demanded OPEC reject calls
from Trump for an increase in oil sup-
ply, arguing that he had contributed
to a recent rise in prices by imposing
sanctions on Iran and fellow member
General view of a meeting of oil ministers of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, and non-OPEC members at their headquarters
Venezuela.
Trump slapped fresh sanctions on
Tehran in May and market watchers
expect Iran’s output to drop by a third
by the end of 2018. That means the
country has little to gain from a deal to
raise output, unlike Saudi Arabia.
Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh
said the real increase could amount to
as little as 500,000 bpd because Saudi
Arabia would not be allowed to pump
more on behalf of Venezuela, where
output has collapsed in recent months.
“Each country which has produced
less (than its allocation) can produce
more. Those which cannot, will not
... This means that Saudi Arabia can
increase its production by less than
100,000 bpd,” Zanganeh told Argus
Media. But Falih said pro-rata quota
reallocations did not have to be strict,
meaning Saudi wanted to fill the gaps
left by others.
“Some of the countries ... are not
going to be able to produce, so the oth-
ers will. And that implies there will be
indirectly a reallocation,” Falih said.
He also said OPEC could hold an
extraordinary meeting before its next
formal talks due on Dec 3 or adjust
deliveries in September, when its
monitoring committee meets, if global
oil supply fell further because of sanc-
in Vienna, Austria on June 23. (AP)
tions on Iran.
OPEC and its allies have since last
year been participating in a pact to cut
output by 1.8 million bpd. The mea-
sure had helped rebalance the market
in the past 18 months and lifted oil to
around $75 per barrel from as low as
$27 in 2016.
But unexpected outages in Venezu-
ela, Libya and Angola have effectively
brought supply cuts to around 2.8 mil-
lion bpd in recent months.
Falih has warned the world could
face a supply deficit of up to 1.8 mil-
lion bpd in the second half of 2018.
“Both Saudi and Iran can show that
they won,” an OPEC delegate said.
“Zanganeh can go back to his coun-
try and say ‘I won’, because we are
keeping the original agreement un-
changed. Falih can go back and say
‘we will be able to raise production to
meet market needs’.”
The United States, which rivals
Russia and Saudi Arabia for the posi-
tion of world No. 1 oil producer, is not
participating in the supply pact.
Iran said on Saturday the world will
see little extra oil reaching the market
if OPEC and its partners adhere prop-
erly to a supply pact, underlining a
disagreement with top exporter Saudi
Arabia.
OPEC and a group of non-OPEC
countries agreed on Saturday that they
would return to 100 percent compli-
ance with previously agreed oil output
cuts, after months of underproduction
by OPEC countries including Venezu-
ela and Angola.
Al-Falih said this implied an indi-
rect reallocation of extra production
from countries unable to produce
more oil to those, such as his own and
the other Gulf OPEC members, that
are able to do so.
But Iran’s OPEC governor, Hos-
sein Kazempour Ardebili, told Reuters
that no reallocation was agreed at Sat-
urday’s joint OPEC and non-OPEC
meeting or the OPEC-only talks a day
earlier.
“There is no such thing,” Kazem-
pour said. “Some people may do, but
they are in breach of the agreement.”
The comments underline that dis-
agreement between Iran and Saudi
Arabia, longtime rivals in the Orga-
nization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries, persists despite extensive
talks in Vienna this week aimed at re-
solving differences.
Venezuela has been pumping more
than 500,000 barrels per day below
its OPEC target because of natural
declines in its oil output, but in Iran’s
view other countries should not step in
to cover the shortfall.
“They cannot go and say Venezu-
ela has 500,000 bpd on the table and
there is no cat to eat this meat, I’m the
cat and I will jump on it,” Kazempour
said.
If countries stick to their alloca-
tions, output would rise by 300,000
bpd in the first three months and up
to 500,000 bpd by the end of the year,
he said - less than the 1 million bpd
mentioned by Falih and some other
ministers.
“This will come up naturally, some
is additional barrels, some is restraint
barrels, because nobody can turn up
tomorrow,” Kazempour said.
Iran had demanded OPEC re-
ject calls from US President Donald
Trump for an increase in oil supply,
arguing that he had contributed to a
recent rise in prices by imposing sanc-
tions on Iran and Venezuela.
According to Kazempour, Ven-
ezuela had said its output would par-
tially recover in the next three to four
months, another reason why other
producers should not step in to com-
pensate.
“Venezuela told us that 300,000
bpd will come back,” he said.
2018.
S&P believes that Gulf Bank will
deliver above market growth in Ku-
wait over the next two years, while
maintaining a relatively high divi-
dend payout ratio.
“Our ratings continue to reflect
Gulf Bank’s sound market position
as the fourth largest commercial
bank in Kuwait. Gulf Bank’s mar-
ket share in loans and deposits has
been improving, and we believe the
bank will continue to grow faster
than the market” said S&P in their
report. Commenting on the stable
outlook, S&P stated that: “The sta-
ble outlook on Gulf Bank reflects
our view that the bank’s business
and financial profiles will remain
resilient over the next 24 months.
This is owing to the bank’s ade-
quate capitalization and good asset
quality.”
Commenting on S&P’s credit
rating announcement, Ms Dalal
Al-Dousari, Gulf Bank’s Head of
Investor Relations said: “We are
pleased with the recently issued
credit opinion by S&P Global Rat-
ing. The Affirmation of Gulf Bank’s
long-term counterparty credit rating
at “A-” is an international acknowl-
edgement of the bank’s sustained
improvement in loan asset quality
and profitability, solid capital and
sound liquidity position.With this
recently issued credit opinion, Gulf
Bank continues to be rated “A” by
all four leading credit rating agen-
cies,” added Al-Dousari.
Gulf Bank continues to be well
recognized internationally in terms
of its credit worthiness and finan-
cial strength. In addition to S&P
Global Rating recent affirmation,
Moody’s Investor Services has re-
vised their outlook on the Bank to
“Positive” from “Stable” and af-
firmed its issuer credit rating at
“A3” in May 2018. Similarly, Fitch
Ratings has upgraded Gulf Bank’s
viability rating from “bb” to “bb+”
and affirmed the bank’s Long-Term
Issuer Default Rating at “A+” with
a “Stable” Outlook. Capital Intel-
ligence on the other hand recently
upgraded the Bank’s rating to “A-”
from “BBB+” with a “Stable” out-
look.
Dalal Al-Dousari, Gulf Bank’s Head
of Investor Relations

Cartel gaining respect and admiration, as it looks for stable oil prices
OPEC, Russia in one million barrels output agreement
By Kamel Al-Harami
Independent Oil Analyst
T he end result of last Fri-
day’s OPEC agreement,
in coordination with the big-
gest oil producer Russia, was
to increase oil production by
700,000 barrels, with Russia in-
creasing production by 300,000
barrels per day, from July 2018.
Iran had been insistent on
making no changes to the Janu-
ary 2017 agreement of reduc-
tion of 1.8 million barrels.
However, the decision taken
in the end was based on the eco-
nomic factor rather than daily
politics.
OPEC has again succeeded in
bringing oil producers together
and ensuring their main focus is
India govt looks to revive rupee
payment system for Iran imports
NEW DELHI, June 23, (RTRS): In- Some US sanctions take effect from
to satisfy the world demand for United Arab Emirates have firm level and gain profit to be dia is looking to revive a rupee trade Aug 6 while those, notably affecting
oil without causing any short- sufficient spare capacity to put deposited in their central banks. mechanism to settle part of its oil pay- the oil sector, will be effective from
ages in the long run. It has be- more barrels on the waters. Rus- The other satisfactory result ments to Iran, fearing foreign channels Nov 4.
to pay Tehran might choke under pres- Refiners in India currently use State
come common knowledge that
supply is getting tight, and oil
sia is willing and committed to
increasing production by more
of the OPEC meeting on Friday
is that the oil organization will
sure from US sanctions, two govern-
ment sources said.
Bank of India and Germany-based
Europaeisch-Iranische Handelsbank
producers like than 300,000 barrels, if there are meet again in September to re- During a previous round of sanc- AG (EIH) to buy Iranian oil in euros,
Venezuela more demands for its oil. view and observe the oil situa- tions, India devised a barter-like according to IOC and other companies.
and Libya The results are good despite tion and apply any corrections scheme acceptable to Washington to SBI, India’s top banker, has written
simply cannot the earlier refusal by Iran, Iraq if the oil markets warrant it. allow it to make some oil payments to to the Indian refiners and the govern-
Tehran in rupees through a small state ment to say it would not be able to
increase pro- and Venezuela to agree on any Certainly, OPEC is gaining bank. Iran used the funds to import handle oil payments to Iran from Nov
duction. Since such increase, particularly the respect and admiration, as it is goods from India. 4, an official at SBI said.
Iran is facing increase of 1.5 million barrels now getting closer to its global “We are looking at reviving rupee India refiners receive a 60-day credit
international initiated by Russia. However, consumers and looking for sta- mechanism ... we have to prepare period for payments to Iran, suggesting
sanction, this Saudi’s effort along with the ble oil prices, as per the original ourselves,” one of the sources told oil imports from Iran could be hit from
can affect its others managed to convince the doctrines concerning its estab- Reuters, adding that the current pay- August.
ment mechanism might not work from The Indian government has not
supply. Al-Harami rest of the OPEC members for lishment. November. asked its refiners to cut Iranian oil im-
Any in- smaller cuts while their volume In conclusion, $75 per barrel A commerce ministry official said ports, but some firms have started re-
crease in the supply should not will remain untouched. The is a good number for all for the India’s central bank had yet to decide ducing purchases from Tehran.
impact their current and future most likely outcome is that oil time being. on moving back to the rupee payment “So far we don’t know what we are
plans, as they will most likely prices will remain in the range ❑ ❑ ❑ mechanism. expected to do. We have not asked re-
not comply. On the other hand, of $70. The rest will increase In May, US President Donald finers to cut imports,” the source said,
Email: naftikuwaiti@yahoo. Trump withdrew from a 2015 nuclear adding an official meeting between
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the production benefit of such a com accord with Iran and ordered the reim- India and the United States to discuss
position of US sanctions. Iran sanctions had not yet taken place.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

BUSINESS 26

Burgan Bank announces appointment of new Chief Retail Banking Officer

Burgan Bank has appointed Naser
Mohammad Al Qaisi as Chief Retail
Banking Officer after obtaining the
Central Bank of Kuwait’s approval.
Naser Moham- Al Qaisi brings with him vast experi-
med Al Qaisi, new ence and has held various leader-
Chief Retail Bank- ship positions in the financial indus-
ing Officer try in Kuwait.
During his decade long tenure at
Burgan Bank, where he was the Head
of Retail Branches, Al Qaisi was a
forerunner in innovation and has built,
alongside his team, a solid business.
Raed AL-Haqhaq, Deputy Chief
Executive Officer-Kuwait said, “I
have the utmost confidence that the
solid strategy set under Al Qaisi’s
leadership will be mutually lucra-
tive for both the customers and
the bank as a whole. As the next
phase is considered an important
stage in the Group’s Retail bank-
ing chapter as we are focused on
competitive expansion and dynamic
digitalization of banking operations
while also continuously enhancing
our services and offerings at a time
when qualitative and quantitative
expansions are crucial for maintain-
ing optimal customer satisfaction.
On behalf of Burgan Bank, we con-
gratulate Al Qaisi on his new role
and wish him every success”.
On the occasion of his appoint-
ment, Al Qaisi said, “I am honored
to be trusted with the Retail line at
Burgan Bank. Our strategy has al-
ways been and will continue to be
geared towards bringing maximum
benefits and convenience to our
customers while maintaining the
highest standards. We will continue
to place our efforts in providing ser-
vices and products that are both in-
novative and customer-centric.”
“As most o the modern bank-
ing requirements turn digital, Retail
Banking’s focus at Burgan Bank will
be placed increasingly on meeting
and exceeding those requirements
and bringing the best of technolo-
gies to the local market.

‘Global climate change, demographic growth will determine scope and opportunities for further actions’

Demand for water resources growing at accelerated pace: Rahmon

Following is the Speech of Presi-
dent Emomali Rahmon, the Presi-
dent of the Republic of Tajikistan at
the opening ceremony of the Inter-
national High-Level Conference on
the International Decade for Action
“Water for Sustainable Develop-
ment, 2018-2028”
❑ ❑ ❑
Distinguished Heads of state and
government,
Dear Heads and members of del-
egations,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
At the outset, I welcome all of you
in the city of Dushanbe at the Inter-
national High-Level Conference on
the International Decade for Action
“Water for Sustainable Develop-
ment, 2018-2028”.
I hope that following the results
of today’s event, held in cooperation
with the UN and other partners, ef-
fective practical steps will be devel-
oped to implement the internation-
ally agreed goals and objectives in
the field of water resources.
I am convinced that today’s con-
ference will provide an opportunity
to prepare concrete recommenda-
tions on the topic of the forthcoming
meeting of the High-Level Political
Forum on Sustainable Development,
where the SDG 6 will be discussed.
On March 22 of this year, on
World Water Day, on the initiative
of the President of the UN General
Assembly, we jointly launched the
process of implementing the new In-
ternational Decade for Water.
I would like to express my grati-
tude to the Secretary-General of the
United Nations and his team for pre-
paring and launching the Decade’s
Action Plan, which can be an impor-
tant tool in its implementation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are embarking on the promotion
of the new Decade with a very useful
experience in the implementation of
previous global water initiatives.
Over the past fifteen years in this
direction, we have increased our joint
efforts in the framework of global
initiatives such as the International
Year of Freshwater, 2003, the Inter-
national Decade for Action “Water
for Life, 2005-2015” and “Interna-
tional Year of Water Cooperation,
2013 “.
All these initiatives have made a
valuable contribution to deepening
our understanding of the irreplace-
able role of water for life on our
planet.
At the same time, they contributed
to the active involvement of all stake-
holders in water resources manage-
ment, project implementation and the
introduction of modern technologies
and innovations in this field.
I would especially like to note the
contribution of these initiatives to the
implementation of the Millennium
Development Goals.
Joint efforts in this direction have
also laid a solid foundation for the
development of a new sustainable
development agenda, in which water
resources are given a central place as
a key element of this process.
At the same time, the following
facts, which are well known to you,
indicate that mobilization of com-
mon efforts has not yet produced the
desired effect:
■ more than 800 million and 2.5
billion of the world’s population, re-
spectively, do not have access to safe
drinking water and basic services in
the field of water sanitation;
■ annually up to 300 thousand
children under the age of five die due
to lack of access to safe drinking wa-
Emomali Rahmon, President of
Tajikistan
Ambassador of Tajikistan in Kuwait
ter and sanitation;
All this indicates that we are still
considerably behind in the practical
implementation of the set goals and
objectives in the field of ensuring ac-
cess to safe drinking water and sani-
tation.
In addition, the situation in achiev-
ing sustainable water management is
complicated by the negative impact
of climate change.
It is known that global climate
change negatively affects the vol-
ume of freshwater resources and
their quality, thus exposing different
countries and regions of the world to
even greater environmental stress.
Today, more than two billion peo-
ple in the world experience water
stress.
According to experts, by 2050 this
figure can grow to five billion, i.Â.
will make up about half the world’s
population.
In this context, the trends of popula-
tion growth and the demand for water
resources pose new complex tasks.
Demand for water resources in
the world is growing at an acceler-
ated pace, which, in turn, causes
tense relations between sectors of the
economy.
Increased competition for access
to water resources in conditions of
increasing water deficit can lead to
negative consequences even within
one country.
These two factors - global climate
change and demographic growth will
determine the scope and opportuni-
ties for our further actions.
Along with these factors, there are
a number of other tasks that require
an integrated approach and active
water cooperation.
These include issues of increasing
the overall efficiency of water use,
reducing water pollution and re-use,
and developing new technologies for
obtaining fresh water on an industrial
scale.
The accumulated experience
shows that it is difficult to achieve
significant progress in the use of wa-
ter resources overnight.
Proceeding from this experience,
the beginning of the Decade, first of
all, is aimed at forming a broad and
open platform for strengthening and
expanding the regular multilateral
water dialogue with a focus on con-
crete actions.
To this end, we intend to convene
every two years International High-
Level Conference on the implemen-
tation of the goals and objectives of
the Decade.
In this direction, we will continue
our cooperation with interested coun-
tries and organizations within the
framework of the International Steer-
ing Committee.
I would like to take this opportuni-
ty to express gratitude to all members
of the current composition of the In-
ternational Steering Committee, who
have made a very useful contribution
to the preparation of today’s event.
We also intend to strengthen work
in this direction by creating an Inter-
national Center for the Implementa-
tion of the Decade in Dushanbe.
An additional platform for our
interaction will be provided by the
process of preparing and promoting
a new resolution of the UN General
Assembly on the mid-term review of
the implementation of the Decade.
We hope for the active support of
our partners in the promotion of this
resolution within the framework of
the 73rd session of the UN General
Assembly.
In our opinion, efforts to create
mechanisms to facilitate the im-
plementation of the Decade should
be strengthened with the necessary
human, financial and technical re-
sources.
In this context, I would like to
separately note the fact that the water
sector has a large financial need for
implementing the relevant projects
and programs.
According to the calculations of
the World Bank, only to achieve the
two objectives of the 6th Goal of
Sustainable Development, namely,
universal access to safe drinking wa-
ter and sanitation, will amount to 114
billion US dollars annually.
In this regard, efforts should be
focused on increasing the efficiency
of using available financial resources
and finding new sources of financing
for water-related industries.
In this respect, the expansion of
public-private partnership opens new
opportunities for attracting addition-
al investments in the water sector and
infrastructure.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Transboundary component of water
cooperation is also an important issue.
Effective, fair and mutually ben-
eficial water cooperation can become
a catalyst for the development of
countries connected by common wa-
ter basins.
The Central Asian region, which is
characterized by uneven formation of
water resources, is a clear example of
constructive water cooperation.
This situation, along with the dif-
fering needs of countries in the use
of water resources in the sectoral and
seasonal context, has recently been
assessed as a factor of potential dis-
putes and disagreements.
However, as time and practice
shows, we were able to make sig-
nificant progress in solving existing
problems.
Currently, the region has created
new opportunities and infrastructure
for effective interaction and develop-
ment of our countries.
Of course, such regional institu-
tions as the International Fund for
Saving the Aral Sea and its relevant
commissions played a significant
role in achieving such a result.
At the same time, today we are
facing new challenges and threats,
which, as never before, require the
consolidation of joint efforts and
concerted actions.
A clear example of these chal-
lenges is the dry season of the cur-
rent year.
Due to the small amount of sea-
sonal precipitation, the countries of
the region are already facing low wa-
ter levels, - the inflow of water in the
rivers is much lower than the average
annual indicators, and the forecasts
indicate the water availability of riv-
ers in the cropping season only in the
amount of 60-70 percent of the norm.
This requires proper cooperation
and close coordination of our efforts
to solve such regional problems.
It is gratifying to note that the
changes in recent years in the region
in the political, economic, social, hu-
manitarian and other spheres have
found a positive development dy-
namics.
Such a reality, of course, creates
the necessary prerequisites for fur-
ther improving interstate cooperation
and joint solution of existing regional
problems.
Dear participants,
Long-term observations indicate
an increase in the impact of climate
change on nature and the socio-
economic situation in Tajikistan and
Central Asia.
According to these observations,
over the past sixty years the average
annual air temperature in Tajikistan
has increased by one degree Celsius,
the frequency and intensity of natu-
ral hydrometeorological phenomena
have increased.
Under the influence of these factors
in Tajikistan, natural disasters in the
form of inundation, floods, mudflows,
avalanches and landslides annually
cause serious damage to the population
and economy of the country.
In addition, over the past few dec-
ades, we have lost nearly 1,000 small
and medium glaciers.
In order to monitor these processes
and take measures to adapt to climate
change factors, we have established
the Glacier Research Center at the
Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan
this year and look forward to the sup-
port of our development partners in
strengthening its capacity.
I am confident that this Center
will soon make its worthy contribu-
tion to the process of planning and
managing water resources not only at
the national, but also at the regional
level.
Today in Tajikistan, about 98 per-
cent of electricity is generated in hy-
droelectric power plants.
The government takes comprehen-
sive measures to balance the produc-
tion and consumption of energy by
modernizing existing hydroelectric
power stations, creating new power
generation facilities, and introducing
modern energy saving methods.
The reservoirs of hydroelectric fa-
cilities, in turn, contribute to ensur-
ing reliable long-term and seasonal
regulation of water flow, prevention
of inundations and floods, as well as
mitigating the effects of drought.
The use of Tajikistan’s huge hy-
dropower potential in order to pro-
vide the countries of the region with
clean energy, one of the bases for the
development of the “green econo-
my”, could seriously contribute to
reducing greenhouse gas emissions
into the atmosphere.
In this context, I would like to note
the importance of the implementation
of the CASA-1000 regional project,
as well as the resumption of the par-
allel operation of Tajikistan’s energy
system with the unified energy sys-
tem of Central Asia, which provides
an opportunity to supply our “green”
electricity to near and far neighbors
in the region.
An important priority in the coun-
try remains providing the population
with safe and quality drinking water
and sanitation.
We have already started the devel-
opment of a new program to provide
the population with clean drinking
water for the period until 2030.
This Program covers one of the
key goals of sustainable development
- universal access of the population
to safe drinking water and sanitation.
The state policy of Tajikistan in
the field of water use is simultane-
ously aimed at solving urgent social
and economic problems in the region.
In this context, we are ready to use
our vast resources of drinking water
in the common interest.
Thus, the rational use of the unique
reserves of the high-altitude Lake
Sarez only, which contains seventeen
cubic kilometers of water, enables
long-term and sustainable provision
of high-quality drinking water to the
population of our region.
Concluding my speech, I express
the hope that the participants of the
conference, using the present op-
portunity, will make their worthy
contribution to the development of
concrete practical recommendations
for the effective implementation of
the goals of the new Decade.
I wish all present here a construc-
tive and productive meeting, and to
our esteemed guests a pleasant stay
in the sunny and hospitable land of
Tajikistan.
Thank you for attention!

KFH, Visa launch KFH-Wallet, a Mobile Wallet Payment Service

KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Kuwait
Finance House (KFH), the world’s
leading Islamic financial institution,
and Visa, the world’s leader in digital
payments, have announced the launch
of KFH-Wallet, a ‘Mobile Wallet Pay-
ment Service’ for the bank’s Visa cred-
it and prepaid cardholders.
Group Chief Retail and Private
Banking Officer at KFH, Waleed
Khaled Mandani, said, “We are
pleased to announce the launch of our
mobile KFH-Wallet with Visa, our
strategic partner. This is another im-
portant milestone for KFH in our effort
to continue providing better customer
experience and more flexible payment
options for our customers when using
our cards payments solutions. Our
customers who have Visa credit and
prepaid cards can add their cards to
the KFH wallet and enjoy a faster and
secure payment option when using the
wallet for payment both locally and in-
ternationally. We will continue invest-
ing in the latest payment technologies
and innovative marketing campaigns
to achieve our goal of moving cus-
tomers from using cash to digital pay-
ments.”
Mandani’s statement was made
on the sidelines of the official launch
ceremony of KFH-Wallet on Bank’s
Visa credit and prepaid cards in the
Waleed Mandani, Fadi Chalouhi and Nimer Yasin with Visa officials
presence of KFH Group General Man-
ager Retail Banking, Fadi Chalouhi
and Group Deputy General Manager
Cards, Nimer Yasin in addition to
Visa officials at KFH Headquarters. It
is worth mentioning that KFH Wallet
is currently the only mobile payment
wallet in Kuwait with both Visa and
Mastercard products.
Mandani pointed out that the inno-
vative ‘KFH Wallet’ service is pow-
ered by Visa’s tokenization platform,
Visa Token Service, which makes
mobile and online payments more se-
cure and convenient by replacing the
consumer account information with a
digital identifier, or “token”, unique to
the mobile device. By removing sensi-
tive consumer payment account infor-
mation, cardholders can transact with
the peace of mind knowing that their
account information is protected.
He said that the new service ena-
bles KFH customers to pay for their
purchases by simply tapping their
smart phones at Point of Sale (POS)
terminals equipped with Near Field
Communication (NFC) technology.
Customers holding KFH Visa Credit
or Prepaid cards can easily add their
card details on the KFH Wallet mo-
bile application and activate their
cards through a secured authentication
process. After loading their cards on
the app, customers can safely use the
service to make payments at all NFC-
enabled POS terminals in Kuwait and
abroad.
He reiterated that KFH remains ded-
icated to utilizing technology to meet
the customers’ evolving needs, espe-
cially as they become more and more
digitally savvy. KFH will continue to
update and improve its technological
service offerings in an effort to be-
come the best and most technological-
ly-advanced bank in the region, using
the highest and most advanced tools
and developments in both banking
and innovation. The service is simi-
lar to Apple Pay and Samsung Pay and
other mobile payment services that are
currently being introduced by banks
around the globe. The transactions,
in addition to being EMV-compliant,
will have an additional layer of secu-
rity that requires users to enter a PIN
or a fingerprint ID before completing
the transaction.
Mandani boasted that the success-
ful partnership with Visa has resulted
in the launch of many campaigns,
products and services to the Bank’s
customers. KFH has launched “KFH”
Visa Signature Credit card that offers
customers a unique experience for en-
joying a world of exclusive privileges,
luxury and convenience that are care-
fully selected and tailored to suit their
lifestyle. Cardholders are eligible to
get up to 6% cashback on their month-
ly spends in addition to a plethora of
enhanced benefits.
Also, with the recent KFH and Visa
Debit card campaign, 6 KFH custom-
ers have won a unique 6-day trip to
London in a private jet for themselves
and their companions, in addition to
accommodation in a 5-star hotel pre-
mium suite, luxury car with chauffeur
service and KD 2000 cash credit to en-
joy a unique shopping experience.
KFH has recently launched Your
“KFH” card, the key to your house in
Turkey” campaign where 3 winners
will win the house of their choice in
Turkey with furniture and home appli-
ances, in addition, fly business class to
Turkey with a companion and stay in a
5 star hotel for 5 nights when using any
of “KFH” Visa cards (Debit, Credit or
Prepaid) to pay for their domestic or
international purchases.
Meanwhile, Amit Vij, Visa’s Coun-
try Manager for Kuwait, commented,
“The launch of the KFH-Wallet is the
latest development in our partnership
with KFH. Thanks to Visa’s market-
leading technology, we can ensure
that KFH customers access the lat-
est payments innovations safe in the
knowledge that every transaction is
both seamless and secure, protected
by multiple layers of security. What’s
more, by pioneering new payment
technologies such as the KFH-Wallet,
we continue to support the move to a
cashless society in Kuwait, with the
wealth of social and economic benefits
that brings.”

BUSINESS
Paris slams brakes on electric car-sharing scheme
The city of Paris is pulling the
plug on an electric car-sharing
system once hailed as the future
of urban transport, with officials
voting to cancel the contract in
the face of mounting losses.
The more than 4,000 silver
Autolib hatchbacks had be-
come a fixture on the streets of
the French capital, with docking
stations for the electric vehicles
found every few blocks.
But even after winning over
Europe slaps revenge tariffs on many US products
New trade war erupts
BRUSSELS, June 23,
(AFP): The European Un-
ion slapped revenge tariffs
on iconic US products in-
cluding bourbon, jeans and
motorcycles on Friday in
its opening salvo in a trade
war with President Donald
Trump.
Within hours, Trump responded
with a threat to impose a 20 per-
cent tariff on cars imported from
the European Union.
The EU tariffs, which took effect at
midnight (2200 GMT Thursday) ac-
cording to the EU’s official journal, will
further fuel jitters on world stock mar-
kets that are already alarmed by trade
tensions between the United States and
China.
Customs agents across Europe’s co-
lossal market of 500 million people will
now impose the duty, hiking prices on
US-made products in supermarkets and
across factory floors.
“These measures are the logical con-
sequence of the US decision,” French
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire told
AFP.
“They reflect a Europe that is resolute
and principled,” he said.
Brussels imposed the raft of duties
on US products worth 2.8 billion euros
($3.3 billion) in a tit-for-tat response to
Trump’s decision to slap stiff tariffs on
European steel and aluminium exports.
Global markets on Friday took the de-
velopment in their stride, with stocks in
Europe firm after weeks of instability on
trade worries. EU Trade Commissioner
Cecilia Malmstrom said this week that
the 28-nation bloc was “left with no
other choice” but to impose tariffs of its
Greek’s historical deal brings cheer to market US trade war inflicts pain
LONDON, June 23, (Agencies): Greek
bond yields dropped on Friday after
euro zone finance ministers agreed a
plan to ease Greece’s heavy debt burden
and allow it to stand its own feet after
it officially leaves a bailout programme
in August.
Euro zone finance ministers extended
maturities and deferred interest of a
major part of their loans to Greece and
agreed a big cash injection to ensure
Athens is able manage a debt level that
many feared was unsustainable.
“This had been anticipated but it is
a positive in terms of the debt relief to
Greece and the cash buffer that they will
be afforded, which is important because
it provides a safety net and allows them
to follow the path of Portugal post-bail-
out,” said Rabobank strategist Richard
McGuire.
Greek 10-year bond yields fell 16 bps
to 4.15 percent , its lowest level since
mid-May, while five-year bond yields
fell 19 bps to 3.29 percent.
But while the news undoubtedly bol-
stered Greek government bonds, it also
seemed to contribute to buying of other
Southern European debt, which has had
a rough ride in recent weeks on concerns
over Italian and German politics.
“It did clearly appear that Greek gov-
ernment bonds were leading the charge
today,” said Rabobank’s McGuire. “It
seems signs that EU policymakers are
willing to come together to afford debt
relief to Greece is a positive punctuation
in what has been an otherwise gloomy
period.”
Italian government bonds in particu-
lar have suffered hefty losses in recent
weeks, as an anti-establishment coali-
tion government moved into power. Just
the day before, Italian debt and the euro
sold off on the appointment of two eu-
rosceptics to head key finance commit-
tees in Italy’s parliament.
But on Friday, Italy’s 10-year bond
yield fell 5 bps to 2.69 percent -- nar-
rowing the gap over euro zone bench-
mark issuer Germany to 236 bps.
Bond yields across broader euro zone
government debt markets faced some
upward pressure from better-than-ex-
pected business activity data in the bloc.
IHS Markit’s Euro Zone Composite
Flash Purchasing Managers’ Index, seen
More ‘inclusive’ reforms could boost eurozone economy: ECB
FRANKFURT, June 23, (AFP): Euro-
zone countries could boost growth and
employment by tackling more “inclu-
sive” reforms to their economies, ac-
cording to a study published Friday by
the European Central Bank.
“Well-designed structural policies
could yield substantial benefits for
euro area citizens via a stronger and
more inclusive growth in employment
and incomes,” the authors suggested.
The working group that produced
the study was set up by the ECB’s
governing council two years ago.
Since that time, “inclusive” growth
has become a buzzword widely used
some 150,000 subscribers,
the system has failed to prove
economically viable — despite
promises by its operator, the
Bollore Group, that once fully
deployed it wouldn’t cost a cent
to the city.
Last month the conglomerate,
which used the scheme to show-
case its electric battery technol-
ogy told officials they would have
to pay 46 million euros ($54 mil-
lion) a year for the next five years
own after the “unilateral and unjustified
decision of the US.”
Together with US tariffs against
Mexico and Canada, the trade battles
have raised the spectre of a global trade
war, spooking financial markets that
fear major consequences to the global
economy.
“We have a trade war — and it’s an
escalating trade war,” SEB chief econo-
mist Robert Bergqvist told AFP in an
interview.
John Ferguson, director of global
forecasting at the Economist Intel-
ligence Unit agreed, as he sounded a
warning about the US trade disputes
rumbling on the EU and Chinese fronts.
“Mr Trump has now opened up two
fronts of this conflict and both have the
potential to escalate out of control,” Fer-
guson said.
The list of goods subject to EU du-
ties does not specifically name brands
but European Commission chief Jean-
Claude Juncker spelled out in March
that the bloc would target “Harley-Da-
vidson, bourbon and Levi’s jeans”.
Cigarettes, cranberries, cranberry
juice, orange juice, sweetcorn and pea-
nut butter are among the other products
targeted. Juncker said on Thursday that
the US decision to impose tariffs “goes
against all logic and history”.
“Our response must be clear but mea-
sured. We will do what we have to do to
rebalance and safeguard,” he said.
European consumers would be able
to find “alternatives”, European Com-
mission Vice President for trade Jyrki
Katainen said.
“If we chose products like Harley
Davidson, peanut butter and bourbon,
it’s because there are alternatives on the
market. We don’t want to do anything
that would harm consumers,” he said on
Thursday.
Tsipras hails agreement with EU ministers
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras waves as he leaves the Presidential Mansion in Athens on June 22, after a
briefing with the Greek president following a decision by Eurozone financial ministers to complete the eight-year
bailout program for Greece. Tsipras said the country was ‘turning a page’ after eurozone ministers declared its
crisis over as they granted Athens debt relief under a bailout exit strategy. (AFP)
as a good guide to economic health,
climbed in June to 54.8 from 54.1 in the
previous month.
In Italy, Claudio Borghi, the president
of the lower house budget committee,
said in a newspaper interview on Friday
that Italy’s exit from the euro would
solve many of the country’s problems,
but it is not part of the current govern-
ment’s plans.
Despite a calmer tone to markets,
analysts said traders remained sensitive
to the headlines coming from Italy - the
euro zone’s third-biggest economy.
René Albrecht, a rates strategist at
DZ Bank, warned that sentiment is still
fragile. “Although yesterday’s sell-off
was not as strong as the one in late May,
traders are very sensitive to the noise,”
he said.
The European Central Bank mean-
while said on Friday that euro zone
at international gatherings like the
G20 and by organisations such as the
OECD or the International Monetary
Fund.
Political and economic elites have
increasingly turned their attention to
inequality as they scramble to under-
stand the surge in anti-establishment
politics and seismic events like Brexit
or the election of Donald Trump.
“There is an increasing perception
that growth in the past has not been
sufficiently inclusive, and was not
always associated with rising living
standards for everyone,” ECB chief
Mario Draghi said last year.
to cover an expected deficit of
294 million euros.
Socialist Paris Mayor Anne Hi-
dalgo called the request “prepos-
terous”, and lawmakers in Paris
and the suburbs participating in
the scheme voted Thursday to
cancel the contract immediately
instead of letting it run out in
2023 as planned. Bollore, which
says it faces a 60-million-euro bill
itself, has said it will now take the
city to court. (AFP)
EU to respond to any US auto tariff move
PARIS, June 23, (RTRS): The Europe-
an Union will respond to any US move
to raise tariffs on cars made in the bloc,
a senior European Commission official
said, the latest comments in an escalat-
ing trade row.
US President Donald Trump on Fri-
day threatened to impose a 20 percent
tariff on all imports of EU-assembled
cars, a month after his administration
launched an investigation into whether
auto imports posed a national security
threat.
“If they decide to raise their import
tariffs, we’ll have no choice, again, but
to react,” EU Commission Vice Presi-
dent Jyrki Katainen told French news-
paper Le Monde.
“We don’t want to fight (over trade)
in public via Twitter. We should end
the escalation,” he said in the comments
published on Saturday.
The European Autos Stocks Index
fell on Friday after Trump’s tariff threat.
Shares US carmakers Ford Motor Co
and General Motors Co also dropped.
“If these Tariffs and Barriers are not
soon broken down and removed, we will
be placing a 20% Tariff on all of their
cars coming into the US Build them
here!” Trump tweeted.
The US Commerce Department has
a deadline of February 2019 to inves-
tigate whether imports of automobiles
and auto parts pose a risk to US national
security.
US Commerce Secretary Wilbur
Ross said on Thursday the department
aimed to wrap up the probe by late July
or August. The Commerce Department
plans to hold two days of public com-
banks will repay 11 billion euros of
ultra-cheap funding, returning only a
fraction of their borrowings two years
ahead of schedule.
Banks borrowed 399 billion euros
($465 billion) in a four-year targeted
longer-term refinancing operation
(TLTRO) in mid-2016, piling into a
facility that promised to pay them a
small amount of interest if they met
their quotas for lending to the real
economy.
Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras
on Friday hailed an agreement by Euro-
zone ministers that will put an end to the
country’s eight-year bailout program as
an “historic” step.
Eurozone states declared the severe
debt crisis that has weighed heavy on
the country since 2010 to be over, al-
lowing Athens to escape some of the
supervision of its creditors from August.
“This has fuelled the belief that
some have been ‘left behind’ by the
spread of market forces,” he added.
The report’s authors said countries
should pursue reforms that would re-
duce “rent-seeking” or economic ac-
tors taking advantage of weak compe-
tition to fleece consumers.
They also urge changes to public
institutions to squeeze out corruption
and tax avoidance.
Both moves would “not only sup-
port growth but also enhance equity,
social trust and social fairness,” the
researchers found.
While such changes might appear
Eurozone bond yields hovered
near recent lows despite a heavy
slate of bond auctions due later
on Thursday, with concerns over
a global trade conflict keeping in-
vestors interested in safe haven
assets such as government debt.
Most eurozone government
bond yields were unchanged to
slightly higher on Thursday, and
within touching distance of re-
cent two-week lows, even though
Spain and France are set to add
Trump threatened to impose 20 pct tariff
ments in July on its investigation of auto
imports.
Trump has repeatedly singled out
German auto imports to the United
States for criticism.
Trump told carmakers at a meeting in
the White House on May 11 that he was
planning to impose tariffs of 20 or 25
percent on some imported vehicles and
sharply criticized Germany’s automo-
tive trade surplus with the United States.
The United States currently imposes a
2.5 percent tariff on imported passenger
cars from the EU and a 25 percent tar-
iff on imported pickup trucks. The EU
imposes a 10 percent tariff on imported
US cars.
The tariff proposal has drawn sharp
condemnation from Republican law-
makers and business groups. A group
representing major US and foreign au-
tomakers has said it is “confident that
vehicle imports do not pose a national
security risk.”
The US Chamber of Commerce said
US auto production had doubled over
the past decade, and said tariffs “would
deal a staggering blow to the very in-
dustry it purports to protect and would
threaten to ignite a global trade war.”
German automakers Volkswagen
AG, Daimler AG and BMW AG build
vehicles at plants in the United States.
BMW is one of South Carolina’s largest
employers, with more than 9,000 work-
ers in the state.
The United States in 2017 accounted
for about 15 percent of worldwide Mer-
cedes-Benz and BMW brand sales. It
accounts for 5 percent of Volkswagen’s
VW brand sales and 12 percent of its
Wearing a tie for the first time since
becoming prime minister in 2015 --
after pledging to wear one only when
Greece’s debt was cut -- Tsipras told a
celebratory meeting of coalition law-
makers on Friday night that the country
could return to being a “social state”.
“Austerity will gradually be replaced
by social justice,” he promised.
However, removing his tie at the end
of the speech, he argued that “the Greek
people had won a battle but not the war”.
Coming nearly a decade after
Greece’s finances spun out of control,
sparking three bailouts and threaten-
ing the country’s euro membership, he
earlier declared the deal as an “historic
agreement”.
“We are turning a page,” he added,
but cautioned that the country “must not
destroy the path taken on the reforms
and on budgetery efforts.”
desirable in themselves, they are also
directly relevant to the central bank,
potentially improving the effective-
ness of its monetary policy -- the inter-
ventions in interest rates and the mon-
ey supply it uses to steer the economy.
But there is no one magic formula
that can be applied to all 19 nations in
the single currency zone, the authors
said.
“Structural changes need to be
country-specific and tailor-made to
reflect the specific national starting
conditions in terms of economic struc-
tures and institutions, as well as social
preferences,” they noted.
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
Eurozone yields hover near lows
up to 14 billion euros of new sup-
ply between them.
This is a sign that demand for
eurozone government bonds is
particularly strong at the moment,
and analysts cited the potential for
global trade wars and the poten-
tial impact on monetary policy as
the main reason.
US President Donald Trump
has threatened to slap tariffs on
China and other countries around
the world, sparking threats of re-
Audi brand sales.
On Friday, Trump threatened to im-
pose a 20 percent import tariff on all
European Union-assembled vehicles,
a move that could upend the industry’s
current business model for selling cars
in the United States.
“The tariffs, if they materialize,
would call into question the business
case for many niche models we cur-
rently sell in the United States,” a senior
executive at one carmaker told Reuters
on Friday. “Convertibles are a particular
headache. With Brexit and US tariffs,
this market could shrink further.”
The executive said convertibles may
not disappear if car makers can forge
alliances to share production costs, or
design vehicles that are less expensive
to build alongside high-volume mod-
els.
Because of high pollution and scorch-
ing sunshine, convertibles are not sell-
ing in Asia, leaving the United States,
Britain and Germany as the largest po-
tential growth markets. Potential tariffs
between the EU and Britain after Brexit
and yet more tariffs between Europe and
the United States will shrink the market
further, auto executives fear.
German automakers BMW AG,
Daimler AG and Volkswagen AG oper-
ate assembly plants in the southeastern
United States. Those plants concen-
trate on building high-volume models,
mainly SUVs and crossovers and some
sedans. But they lack the flexibility to
quickly and inexpensively shift produc-
tion from one model to another in re-
sponse to rapidly shifting tariff threats,
industry experts said.
New war with China on July 6
for boat makers, farmers
WASHINGTON, June 23, (AP): A Flor-
ida boat builder absorbs $4 million in
lost business and expects more pain. An
Ohio pork producer is losing access to a
vital export market and fears the damage
will last years. A motorcycle shop near
Cologne, Germany, wonders if it even
has a future.
A brawl that the United States pro-
voked with its closest trading partners
is starting to draw blood. On Friday, the
European Union began imposing tariffs
on $3.4 billion in American goods —
from whiskey and motorcycles to pea-
nuts and cranberries — to retaliate for
President Donald Trump’s own tariffs
on imported steel and aluminum. China,
India and Turkey had earlier begun pe-
nalizing American products in response
to the US tariffs on metals.
“We’re bleeding pretty bad right
now,” said Jim Heimerl, a pork producer
in Johnstown, Ohio.
Pork producers like Heimerl are al-
ready suffering from plunging prices and
reduced income since China’s move to
impose a 25 percent tariff on American
pork in retaliation for Trump’s tariffs on
imported steel and aluminum.
Rift
If the trade rift doesn’t worsen, the
damage to the overall economy will
likely be modest, said Mark Zandi, chief
economist at Moody’s Analytics. But no
one can say that the economic harm will
end soon.
On July 6, the United States is set to
slap tariffs on $34 billion in Chinese
goods to punish Beijing for forcing
American companies to hand over tech-
nology in exchange for access to Chi-
na’s market and other brass-knuckled
attempts to supplant US technological
dominance.
Beijing has vowed to retaliate. And
Trump has threatened to punch back
again with tariffs that could eventually
cover $450 billion in Chinese products
— representing nearly 90 percent of
all goods Beijing exports to the United
States.
Escalating tariffs would likely raise
prices for consumers, inflate costs for
companies that rely on imported parts,
rattle markets and paralyze business
investment as executives wait to see
whether the United States can reach
a truce with the trading partners it’s
fighting with. A full-fledged trade war,
economists at Bank of America Merrill
Lynch warn, risks tipping the US econo-
my into recession.
Heimerl, president of the National
Pork Producers Council, noted that
American hog farmers depend on Chi-
na’s growing market. The price of hog
futures has plunged since the tensions
with Beijing started flaring in March. On
an annual basis, it means a loss to pork
producers of $2.2 billion, according to
Iowa State University economist Der-
mot Hayes.
China is “a big player to us,” Heimerl
said. “They take a lot of products the US
doesn’t eat — hearts, lungs, intestines,
27
taliation. As a result, the yield on
Germany’s 10-year government
bond, the benchmark for the bloc,
was only marginally higher at 0.38
percent, and still not too far from
the 2-1/2 week low of 0.35 per-
cent hit on Tuesday. French and
Spanish equivalents were also
only a shade higher on the day
ahead of their respective auctions,
and still close to their lowest levels
in at least two weeks, also hit on
Tuesday. (RTRS)
“The tariff discussion highlights why
this flexibility is necessary,” said Ron
Harbour, a manufacturing consultant
with Oliver Wyman. “Those that don’t
have it will suffer.”
A tariff of up to 25 percent would
destroy the business case for foreign
carmakers to export to the United States
models such as the $88,200 Mercedes
SL roadster or Audi S5 Cabriolet - and
deliver a 4.5-billion euro ($5.24 billion)
hit for Germany’s premium manufactur-
ers, analysts at Evercore ISI said.
Convertible sales already are dwin-
dling in the United States, according
to figures compiled by LMC Automo-
tive. Sales fell from 177,000 in 2012 to
127,000 in 2017, and are expected to
drop further to 113,000 by 2019, even
without a tariff increase.
Mercedes is expected to sell about
20,000 convertibles this year in the
United States and BMW fewer than
16,000, LMC projected.
“We expect convertible sales would
be hit quite hard” by higher import tar-
iffs, said LMC Senior Vice President
Jeff Schuster.
German automakers face broader
threats from Trump’s shift away from
decades of US policy supporting open
trade. A US trade war with China could
hit exports of US-built utility vehicles
made by BMW and Mercedes, said
Kristin Dziczek, vice president at the
Center for Automotive Research.
In addition, the two German au-
tomakers must contend with proposed
tariff increases on imported parts and
steel, which could boost the cost of their
US-built vehicles.
stomachs and heads, some of the prod-
ucts we don’t eat here.”
He recalls that it took American farm-
ers years to recover after President Jim-
my Carter imposed a grain embargo on
the Soviet Union in 1980 and cut off a
crucial market. In the next round of tar-
iffs, the Chinese are preparing retaliatory
penalties on American soybeans — an
economically vital export of Midwestern
farmers, who have been a key source of
support for Trump.
The Europeans, too, targeted Ameri-
can products with political calculation
— bourbon from Kentucky, the home
state of Senate Majority Leader Mitch
McConnell, and motorcycles, which
are made in Wisconsin, represented by
House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Yet the pain of the EU’s 25 percent
motorcycle tariffs is being felt across
the Atlantic, too. Just ask Andy Mueller,
who sells Tennessee-made Boss Hoss
motorcycles in Huerth, Germany, near
Cologne.
“The tariffs affect done deals,” Muel-
ler said. “We bought a couple of mo-
torcycles recently. They were already
ordered by customers, and they’re on
their way now. Now we need to explain
that they have to pay a special price” that
includes the added cost of the tariff.
“We can sell what we have, but we
can’t order new units,” Mueller said. He
fears for the future: “Boss Hoss is done
for sure in Europe.”
Also in the EU’s crosshairs: Amer-
ica’s recreational boating industry. It
employs 650,000 people in the United
States at manufacturers, marinas and
dealers. Ninety-five percent of the boats
sold in the US are American-made. It’s
no coincidence that the EU slapped US
motorboats, sailboats and yachts with 25
percent tariffs, said Nicole Vasilaros of
the National Marine Manufacturers As-
sociations. Canada is also readying a 10
percent tariff on boats to begin July 1.
Target
The industry has “become a target for
those that are wishing to make a point
to this president,” Vasilaros said. “It’s
a real US manufacturing industry. In an
era where not a lot is still made here in
the US, boats are.”
The top boat-building states are Flor-
ida, Tennessee, North Carolina, Min-
nesota, Indiana, Arkansas and Wiscon-
sin. In Orlando, Florida, Regal Marine
Industries — which makes everything
from 19-foot motorboats to 53-foot
yachts priced above $1 million — said
it’s had $4 million worth of orders can-
celed or delayed. CEO Duane Kuck esti-
mates that the company, which employs
750 in Orlando and Valdosta, Georgia,
will lose $13 million in revenue this year
from European and Canadian tariffs.
“It’s hitting very hard and very
quick,” Kuck said. The EU and Canada
accounted for up to 20 percent of Re-
gal’s business. If the tariffs last past 60
days, Kuck estimates that his company
would have to cut about 40 jobs, either
through attrition or layoffs.

BUSINESS
The United Kingdom needs to ur-
gently clarify how trade with the
European Union will work after
Brexit, and the world’s fifth-largest
economy should remain in the cus-
toms union unless there is a proper
alternative, the boss of Siemens UK
said.
With only nine months left until
the United Kingdom is due to leave
the EU, little is yet clear about how
trade will flow as Prime Minister
Theresa May, who is grappling with
a rebellion in her party, is still trying
Kuwait bourse ends last week in red zone
B oursa Kuwait ended last week
in the red zone. The Premier
Market Index closed at 4,803.52
points, down by 0.40%, the Main
Market Index decreased by 0.42%
after closing at 4,857.19 points,
and the All-Share Index closed at
4,822.99 points down by 0.41%.
Furthermore, last week›s aver-
age daily turnover increased by
44.41%, compared to the preced-
ing week, reaching K.D 15.34
million, whereas trading volume
average was 64.07 million shares,
recording an increase of 49.92%.
The profit collection opera-
tions witnessed by the Boursa
during the last week›s sessions
were negatively reflected on
the total market capitalization,
where the market recorded a
loss of over K.D. 111 in the last
three sessions, as its market cap
reached by the end of the week
K.D. 26.57 billion against K.D.
26.68 billion in the earlier week,
down by 0.42%.
The Boursa market cap since
the application of the new market
segmentation has dropped reach-
ing K.D. 1.29 billion, down by
4.62%. (Note: The market cap for
the listed companies in the market
is calculated based on the average
weighted number of outstanding
stocks as per the latest official
available financial statements).
The Boursa ended last week›s
trading with a decline to its three
indices, as the Market was under
the influence of the profit collec-
tion operations that included a
wide range of listed stocks, espe-
cially the ones that witnessed good
increases in the previous weeks.
The Market took a downward path
during the week and its three in-
Global Economy — Soft patch, facade, or great decoupling?
LONDON, June 23, (RTRS): A rare
synchronised expansion among major
world economies that was cheered on
by markets and policymakers may be
already unravelling, with only the near-
term prospects for the United States
looking significantly better.
There is plenty of optimism around,
however, and frequent use of “soft
patch” to describe recent dull perfor-
mance - a phrase often employed by
central bankers needing to explain why
they are looking past an uncomfortable
set of data.
So while 2018 may still turn out to be
a very good year for the global econo-
my for overall growth, and certainly
for the United States, President Donald
Kuwaiti firm proud to contribute to FIFA: Al Fozan
SADITA’s Crown RUS LTD to provide WC products
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: SADITA
Holding, a Kuwaiti company an-
nounced that its subsidiary, “Crown
RUS LTD”, has been officially se-
lected as an official licensed product
provider for the FIFA World Cup 2018
tournament.
Following a competitive bid,
“Crown RUS LTD” has provided
products that range from LED Em-
blems, laptop bags and backpacks,
fan passport wallets as well as mouse
pads.
To that extent, “Crown RUS LTD”
with the support of Crown Micro
China Limited as another subsidiary
of the group, has demonstrated its ca-
pabilities and overall expertise to be-
come the right partner that helps sup-
ply FIFA’s Licenced products, which
is coherent with the approved branding
requirements.
This is in line with FIFA’s under-
lying objectives and its long term
vision, of handling and attracting
trademarks that compliment and
complete the FIFA-approved cat-
egories that are promoted and sold in
stadiums, on the Internet and in des-
ignated stores.
Saud Fozan Al Fozan, Vice Chair-
man of SADITA Holding Company
said, “As a Kuwaiti company, we are
proud to contribute and expand the
excitement of the much awaited FIFA
World Cup Tournament by delivering
branded products with the ultimate aim
of spreading the excitement all around.
This was the culmination of a strong
team collaboration, and one which
reflects the group’s solid track record
in driving business excellence across
‘how post-Brexit trade will work?’
to strike a deal with the bloc.
“My biggest worry about Brexit is
that I don’t know what we are plan-
ning for,” Juergen Maier, 54, the UK
CEO of German engineering giant
Siemens told Reuters in an inter-
view.
“We need to put something in
place quickly that works and if that
is not possible, and until that point,
then we have to just default to stay-
ing in the customs union,” Maier
said.
May has ruled out staying in the
dices recorded different losses in
light of the success of the selling
pressures and the profit collection
operations over the random pur-
chasing operations which were
present in a limited way, and came
amid a growth to the trading indi-
cators compared to the previous
week›s trading, especially the cash
liquidity that reached on the end of
week session its highest level since
the market segmentation, where
it reached K.D. 21.27 million up
by 46.57% from the previous ses-
sion. By the of the week, the av-
erage cash liquidity reached K.D.
15.34 million, up by 44.41% from
its level in the previous week, as it
reached K.D. 10.63 million, while
the average volume increased by
49.92%, reaching 64.07 million
share, compared to 42.74 million
stock in the previous week.
Moreover, last week witnessed
trading over 133 stock out of 175
listed stock in the Market, where
prices of 45 stock increased
Trump’s “America First” policies on
trade suggest trouble is ahead for every-
one else in the second half.
Euro zone growth, while decent, has
slowed remarkably, posing a challenge
to the European Central Bank’s plans to
soon stop buying bonds. Central banking
sources revealed this week to Reuters a
worry at the bank about “a facade of op-
timism in the forecasts.”
Growth in Britain, where the govern-
ment is grappling with the rather compli-
cated task of leaving its biggest trading
partner the European Union, has stalled,
forcing the Bank of England to abandon
plans to raise interest rates last month.
China, the powerhouse behind global
growth rates in recent years and now
Saud Al-Fozan
multiple regions.”
SADITA, a Holding company estab-
lished in 2006 is a diversified invest-
ment company in food and beverage
EU customs union, which clubs the
28 EU members in a duty-free area
where there is a common import
tariff for non-EU goods.
But the nature of the future trad-
ing relationship with the world’s
biggest trading bloc has split May’s
government and Conservative
Party.
Under the current timetable, both
London and Brussels are working
towards a final Brexit deal in Octo-
ber to give enough time to ratify it by
Brexit day in March 2019. (RTRS)
Boursa Kuwait weekly report
Bayan Investment Co.
against prices of 70 stock de-
creased, and prices of 60 stocks
remained at no change.
Sectors’ Indices
Seven of Boursa Kuwait’s sec-
tors ended last week in the red
zone, three recorded increases,
while the Health Care sector’s in-
dex & Technology sector’s index
with no change from the week
before. Last week’s highest loser
was the Insurance sector, as its in-
dex declined by 2.87% to end the
week’s activity at 910.54 points,
followed by the Basic Materials
sector, which index declined by
2.50%, closing at 995.69 points.
On the other hand, Last week’s
highest gainer was the Oil & Gas
sector, achieving 0.66% growth
rate as its index closed at 1,044.68
points. The Telecommunications
sector came in the second place,
as its index closed at 840.38
points recording 0.47% increase.
Sectors’ Activity
The Banks sector dominated
locked in a trade spat with the United
States, looks to be slowing, and may
even be in need of stimulus later this
year. But the global economy perform-
ing more raggedly close to half-time for
2018 should not have come as a com-
plete surprise.
Three-quarters of more than 250
economists across the globe surveyed
by Reuters in April identified a tit-for-tat
escalation of trade tensions between the
United States and China as the number
one threat to the world economy this
year. They have been consistently warn-
ing about protectionism ever since Presi-
dent Trump was sworn in to office.
Even Federal Reserve Chair Jerome
Powell this week showed concern about
Crown RUS LTD backpacks
and consumer goods, medical supplies
and equipment, kitchen equipment and
plastic and paper recycling in multiple
markets in the Middle East, Europe
WPP needs radical change to
stay ahead of the digital revolu-
tion reshaping the industry and its
clients, the man now steering the
world’s largest advertising group
said.
The once glamorous world of
Madison Avenue has been forced
to confront reality in recent years
as the rapid growth of digital plat-
forms opened the industry to new
competition at a time when clients
are questioning everything they
spend.
a total trade volume of around
64.78 million shares changing
hands during last week, represent-
ing 33.70% of the total market
trading volume. The Real Estate
sector was second in terms of trad-
ing volume as the sector’s traded
shares were 25.07% of last week’s
total trading volume, with a total
of around 48.19 million shares.
On the other hand, the Banks
sector’s stocks were the highest
traded in terms of value; with a
turnover of around K.D 24.49
million or 53.20% of last week’s
total market trading value. The
Telecommunications sector took
the second place as the sector’s
last week turnover was approx.
K.D. 7.01 million representing
15.23% of the total market trad-
ing value.
❑ ❑ ❑
For more information, please visit
our website: www.bayaninvest.
com
the shake-up in trade policy.
“For the first time we are hearing
(from business leaders) about decisions
to postpone investment, postpone hiring,
postpone making decisions,” he said.
But while the potential pitfalls have
been laid bare and the tariffs being erect-
ed now suggest those risks are uncom-
fortably close to becoming reality, most
traders in financial markets, as ever,
would prefer for the good times to keep
rolling.
“It is fair to say that global financial
markets outside of emerging market as-
sets remain complacent about the risk of
a full-blown trade war,” wrote strategists
at Societe Generale.
Indeed, emerging markets have taken
Laptop bag
and Asia. The company is also in pro-
cess of acquiring and partnering in a
number of investment and industrial
activities in the future.
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
Sorrell’s WPP needs radical change
As the biggest holding company
in the sector, WPP has been par-
ticularly hard hit, losing major con-
tracts, almost 30 percent of its mar-
ket value and in April, its founder
and chief executive Martin Sorrell
over a personal misconduct allega-
tion.
Sorrell has denied any wrongdo-
ing and the company has not di-
vulged the nature of the complaint
against him.
The softly-spoken Mark Read,
WPP’s former digital boss, has
a beating in recent weeks. Run-of-the-
mill investment strategy has scrambled
to line up behind the view that for now,
one should favour developed markets
and bid up the US dollar.
And while Wall Street has wiped
out the modest gains it made this year,
analysts note that developed markets are
surprisingly unscathed, especially given
the United States is now caught in trade
spats with natural allies like the EU and
Canada.
One thing seems clear, however. How
long a remarkably positive stretch for the
world economy will last depends much
more now on positive sentiment than it
does on stimulus, as well as on the for-
tunes of one country.
Most sensitive to trade tensions
Trade conflict with US already
sapping German economy
STUTTGART, Germany, June 23,
(AFP): An industrial powerhouse built
on massive exports and a gigantic car
industry, Germany is among the na-
tions most sensitive to mounting trade
tensions between the United States and
other major economies.
US President Donald Trump has
in recent weeks struck his first tariff
blows at the European Union and Chi-
na, who both vowed retaliation — risk-
ing a tit-for-tat trade conflict on two
fronts that could weigh on the global
economy.
“Germany’s second economic mira-
cle is over,” influential daily Die Welt
wrote this week, comparing the years of
steady growth since the financial crisis
to the post-World War II reconstruction
period.
Two respected economic think-tanks
sharply lowered their growth forecasts,
with Berlin-based DIW cutting its prog-
nosis for this year by half a percentage
point to 1.9 percent, and then again to 1.7
percent for next year.
Munich’s Ifo institute was even more
drastic, slashing its forecast to 1.8 per-
cent for 2018 from 2.6 percent previ-
ously.
At a company level, Mercedes-Benz
maker Daimler was the first among Ger-
many’s auto industry titans to lower its
profit forecasts this week, prompting
business daily Handelsblatt to declare
the “end of the party” for the sector and
its 800,000 workers.
High-end competitor BMW says it
is following the international situation
“more closely than ever”.
28
been appointed to run the com-
pany of 200,000 employees as a
joint chief operating officer in the
short term, charged with reviewing
its structure while keeping staff and
clients onside.
“In five years time the business
should look radically different but
we can evolve ourselves there,” he
told Reuters at the annual Cannes
Lions advertising festival where ad
and tech companies go to meet the
world’s biggest marketing spend-
ers. (RTRS)
Ajay Rajadhyaksha, head of macro
research at Barclays, notes that on the
whole, little has changed in their global
outlook apart from being more depend-
ent on the United States. They still fore-
cast close to 4 percent global growth this
year and next. The current US economic
expansion, already the second longest on
record, has been given extra fuel in the
form of major tax cuts, which will help
keep the chances of a major slowdown
there quite low for the rest of this year.
But the chances of a recession in the
next two years are just below one-in-
three, according to the latest Reuters
poll. And Trump’s latest tariffs, which
will act as a tax on the US economy, not
a boost, are already taking their toll.
BMW and Daimler are especially vul-
nerable, as they face both the threat of
US tariffs on their cars and parts shipped
from Europe, as well as taxes at the Chi-
nese border on the vehicles they build at
massive plants in America.
Meanwhile, Germany’s powerful
chemical industry federation said last
month it is “less optimistic” for this year
given the hardening trade rhetoric.
“Clouds are gathering over the Ger-
man economy,” whose industrial en-
gine “began sputtering at the start of the
year,” said Ifo macroeconomics chief,
Timo Wollmershaeuser.
Growth slowed to 0.3 percent be-
tween January and March, half the rate
recorded in the previous quarter.
Initially, there were suggestions that
short-term factors — such as a winter flu
outbreak, a calendar packed with public
holidays and a wave of industrial dis-
putes — might have been to blame. But
weak economic data in April put paid to
such arguments.
Both industrial production and indus-
trial orders — indicators of future eco-
nomic performance — fell, presaging
belt-tightening in the months ahead.
“American economic policy is at least
partly responsible” for the slowdown,
Wollmershaeuser said.
In purely financial terms, there is lit-
tle risk to Germany from Trump’s first
move against Europe, tariffs on steel and
aluminium imports.
The border duties are expected to
knock just 37 million euros ($43 million)
off a gross domestic product totalling 3.3
trillion euros.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
BUSINESS 29

The human backup driver in an
autonomous Uber SUV was
streaming the television show
“The Voice” on her phone and
looking downward just before
fatally striking a pedestrian in
suburban Phoenix, according
to a police report.
The 300-page report
released Thursday night by
police in Tempe revealed that
driver Rafaela Vasquez had
Uber driver in crash was distracted
been streaming the musical tal-
ent show via Hulu in the 43
minutes before the March 18
crash that killed Elaine
Herzberg as she crossed a
darkened road outside the lines
of a crosswalk.
The report said the crash,
which marks the first fatality
involving a self-driving vehicle,
wouldn’t have happened had
the driver not been distracted.
Dash camera video shows
Vasquez was looking down
near her right knee for four or
five seconds before the crash.
She looked up a half second
before striking Herzberg as the
Volvo was traveling about 44
miles per hour. Vasquez told
police Herzberg “came out of
nowhere” and that she didn’t
see her prior to the collision.
But officers calculated that
had Vasquez been paying
attention, she could have react-
ed 143 feet before impact and
brought the SUV to a stop
about 42.6 feet before hitting
Herzberg.
“This crash would not have
occurred if Vasquez would
have been monitoring the vehi-
cle and roadway conditions and
was not distracted,” the report
stated. (AP)
Canada inflation holds steady in May
Canadians paid 2.2 percent more for
goods and services in May than a
year earlier, with price hikes recorded
in all categories, government data
showed Friday.
Inflation was flat from the previous
month, but came in well below fore-
casts of 2.6 percent, firming econo-
mists’ predictions that the Bank of
Canada will hold off on its next inter-
est rake hike when it meets in July.
“Headline inflation came in miles
below expectations,” CIBC
Economics analyst Royce Mendes
said in a research note, adding that
retail sales “looked ugly.”
That weakness, he said, appeared
to be concentrated in Ontario and
Quebec provinces, where “bad
weather likely played a factor in
restraining sales.”
“Today’s bad data make it even
more difficult for the Bank of Canada
to hike rates in July. (AFP)

Smartphone maker offering 2.18 bln shares

China’s Xiaomi targets Europe as it kicks off IPO worth $6.1 bln
HONG KONG, June 23, (Agencies):
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi
will aggressively target European mar-
kets, using part of the proceeds from its
initial public offering worth $6.1 bil-
lion in Hong Kong, the company’s co-
founder said Saturday.
The company is offering 2.18 billion
shares at HK$17-HK$22 apiece
(US$2.15-2.80), in a bid to raise $6.1
billion, far less than the $10 billion
originally expected, as an escalating
trade war between China and the US
dampens investor sentiment.
But at a press conference in Hong
Kong on Saturday ahead of its expect-
ed listing on July 9, the company’s
co-founders were bullish about its
prospects, signalling plans for interna-
tional expansion in Europe and
Southeast Asia.
“Someone asked me if Xiaomi (will)
only expand in developing countries?
Last year we started to enter the
European market and we realised we
have a lot of ‘Mi fans’ in Europe,” Lei
Jun, Xiaomi’s co-founder and CEO
said.
The company will invest around
HK$8.3 billion from its IPO proceeds
towards boosting its presence in over-
seas markets including Spain, Russia
and Indonesia.
The firm, which mainly sells cheap
but high-quality smartphones in China,
has been looking to push into Europe
— recently opening its first flagship
store in Paris — as the home market
reaches saturation point.
“We are planning for the US market
and will find a proper timing to enter
it,” Wang Chuan, co-founder and
senior vice president of Xiaomi, said
on Saturday.
“Xiaomi is very optimistic about the
development of China-US trade, as
every economic entity is relying on
each other,” Wang added.
Founded in 2010 by entrepreneur
Lei, Beijing-based Xiaomi has grown
Products by Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi are displayed during a
press conference for the company’s initial public offering (IPO) in Hong
Kong on June 23. Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi kicked off its initial
public offering on June 21 but the firm is likely to pull in $6.1 billion, far less
than originally expected, with investors having mixed views about its main
business. (AFP)
from a start-up in Zhongguancun —
China’s “Silicon Valley” — to the
world’s fourth biggest smartphone
vendor at the end of last year according
to International Data Corp (IDC).
The company shipped 28 million
smartphones worldwide from January
to March, an 88-percent surge year-on-
year.
Xiaomi is now valued at about
$53.9-$69.8 billion, according to
Bloomberg which said the IPO looks
set to be the world’s biggest in two
years.
Xiaomi had hoped to be the first
company to list shares in Hong Kong at
the same time as launching new
Chinese Depository Receipts (CDRs)
in Shanghai under new rules announced
in April by mainland authorities to
open up markets in the world’s number
two economy.
But on Tuesday Xiaomi put off its
decision on listing the CDRs until it
completes its IPO, with its manage-
ment team telling reporters on Saturday
that they have no timetable on launch-
ing the CDRs.
This delay, as well as differing mar-
ket views about Xiaomi’s business
model, contributed to the lower valua-
tion.
Lei said Saturday that Xiaomi was a
“new species” of company, with a
unique “triathlon” business model
combining hardware, internet and
E-commerce services, even though 70
percent of its revenues come from sell-
ing smartphones.
According to its IPO prospectus,
Xiaomi will use another 30 percent of
the funds raised towards expanding its
home gadgets business and boosting
mobile internet services for its 190
million monthly active users.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi Corp said on
Saturday there is no time frame for a
mainland share offering, casting doubt
on Beijing’s efforts to lure foreign-
listed Chinese tech giants back home.
Japan’s inflation stagnant in May
at 0.7 pct, still way below target
BoJ shows little sign of winning long battle against deflation
Japan has battled deflation for many years and the bubble economy. But analysts said the expected
TOKYO, June 23, (Agencies): Japanese
central bank’s ultra-loose monetary policy appears to January-March weakness may be only a temporary
inflation was stagnant in May, govern- be having limited impact. The Bank of Japan has soft patch, arguing that higher prices for fresh vege-
ment data indicated Friday, and still signalled it has no plans to drop its policy, despite tables and bad winter weather likely weighed on
far below target as the Bank of Japan tightening moves in other major economies. consumer spending in the quarter.
shows little sign of winning its long The latest data comes as Japan’s economy slid into The global economy also has remained firm, sug-
reverse for the first time in two years at the beginning gesting Japan will regain traction in the second quar-
battle against deflation. of 2018, hit by sluggish consumption and a winter ter, they added. Gross domestic product (GDP) prob-
Prices in the world’s third-largest economy cold snap. ably shrank at an annualized rate of 0.2 percent in the
rose by 0.7 percent year-on-year in May, the The economy contracted by 0.2 percent quarter- first quarter after a 1.6 of expansion in the final
same level as the previous month and in line on-quarter in the January-March period, compared quarter of 2017, the poll of 18 analysts showed.
with growth of 0.1 percent at the end of 2017. That would mark the first contraction in the
with market expectations.
The country’s central bank and government had That brought to an end a series of eight consecu- world’s third-largest economy since late 2015.
set an inflation rate of 2.0 percent as the target to tive quarters of growth, a winning streak not seen The annualized contraction would translate into a
boost the economy but the Bank of Japan last month since the heady days of the “miracle” boom of the flat reading from the previous quarter.
quietly dropped the goal. 1980s when the Japanese economy ruled the world. “The economy had steadily recovered but it
With fresh food and energy stripped out, prices A negative reading, while slight, would snap appeared to have come to a temporary standstill,”
rose by even less — just 0.3 percent in May, the Japan’s longest period of economic expansion — said Yoshiki Shinke, chief economist at Dai-ichi Life
ministry said. eight straight quarters of growth — since its 1980s Research Institute.
Thoroughly fair: Turnbull
Australian Senate cuts $106 bln in tax
CANBERRA, Australia, June 23,
(AP): Australia’s prime minister
achieved an important political victory
on Thursday when the Senate passed
personal income tax cuts worth 144
billion Australian dollars ($106 bil-
lion) over a decade.
The tax cuts for most of Australia’s
workforce were a centerpiece of Prime
Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s annual
budget plans revealed in May. That
budget is expected to be the last before
Turnbull’s conservative coalition
seeks another three-year term at elec-
tions due by early next year.
Turnbull described the tax changes
as “thoroughly fair.”
“We want you to keep more of the
money you’ve earned — it’s not the
government’s, it’s yours,” Turnbull told
a nationally televised news conference.
The center-left opposition Labor
Party supported the proposed initial
tax relief for low and middle-income
earners from next month. But they
opposed a third and a final stage of the A pedestrian walks past an electronic stocks indicator showing share prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in
plan that reduces taxes of those with Tokyo on June 22. Tokyo stocks opened lower on June 22, extending losses in global markets amid escalating
incomes from AU$120,000 to trade tensions and a stronger yen against the US dollar. (AFP)
AU$200,000 from mid-2024.
Turnbull on Wednesday refused to
split the legislation so that the Senate reject the changes in their entirety. the Senate, and minor parties provided accused colleagues who supported the
could reduce taxes for those on lower The Senate on Thursday voted 37-33 the majority the legislation needed, package of voting for tax cut for them-
incomes but not for higher-income to endorse the entire package. The gov- with Labor senators voting against it. selves. A senator’s base pay is around
earners. The Senate had to pass or ernment holds only 31 of the 76 seats in Senate Labor leader Penny Wong AU$200,000.

investment funds
Funds Fund Manager Valuation
Net Asset Prev NAV Valued date
Prev NAV Dated Currency Funds Fund Manager Valuation
Net Asset Prev NAVValued date Currency
Prev NAV Dated
Value (NAV) Value (NAV)
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National Bank of Kuwait —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Money Market Funds
Watani KD Money Market Fund II NBK Capital Weekly June 12, 2018 KD 1.043 1.042 June 5, 2018 Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co.
Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 12, 2018 USD 10.352 10.349 June 5, 2018
Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc Al Rou’yah Fund KMEFIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 1.239 1.359 Nov 30, 2017
to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 12, 2018 KD 1.042 1.041 June 5, 2018 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc Global Investment House
to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly June 12, 2018 USD 10.188 10.185 June 5, 2018 Index Funds GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly June 7, 2018 KD 1.271 1.274 May 10, 2018
NBK Kuwait Equity Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly June 7, 2018 KD 0.660 0.645 May 31, 2018 Equity Funds Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly June 14, 2018 KD 0.690 0.686 June 7, 2018
Gulf Equity Investment Fund Watani Investment Co. Weekly June 7, 2018 USD 12.903 12.546 May 31, 2018 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly June 14, 2018 KD 0.690 0.686 June 7, 2018
Regional Bond and Sukuk Investment Fund NBK Capital Weekly June 7, 2018 USD 9.696 9.713 May 31, 2018 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly June 14, 2018 USD 164.626 165.207 June 12, 2018
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly June 10, 2018 SAR 260.840 264.816 June 5, 2018
Gulf Bank Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly June 14, 2018 USD 110.823 112.252 June 12, 2018
Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly June 14, 2018 USD 106.812 108.540 June 5, 2018
Al Basha’er GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly April 30, 2018 USD 7.215 7.179 March 31, 2018 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly June 14, 2018 KD 1.291 1.283 June 7, 2018
Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly Jan 31, 2018 KD 0.661 0.646 Dec 31, 2017 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Markaz Real Estate Fund Bi-annual April 30, 2018 KD 1.375 1.375 March 31, 2018
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC)
Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly June 20, 2018 KD 0.426 0.426 June 13, 2018
Al Ahli Bank Al Basha’er GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly May 31, 2018 USD 7.199 7.215 April 30, 2018
Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 1.000 0.977 April 30, 2018
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.779 0.964 March 31, 2018
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— KAMCO
KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly April 30, 2018 KD 1.144 1.143 Feb 28, 2018
Burgan Bank KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO May 31, 2018 USD 10.080 10.070 April 30, 2018
Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly April 30, 2018 KD 1.859 1.889 March 31, 2018
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Wafra International Investment Co.
Boubyan Bank Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.911 1.005 April 30, 2018
Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly April 17, 2018 KD 1.074 1.074 April 3, 2018 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 1.020 1.017 April 30, 2018
Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly June 19, 2018 KD 1.026 1.026 June 13, 2018 Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly May 31, 2018 KD 1.018 1.005 April 30, 2018
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.695 0.701 April 30, 2018
Boubyan Capital Investment Co. —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co June 19, 2018 USD 10.348 10.334 June 12, 2018 Al Aman Investment
Boubyan Multi-Asset Holding Fund Boubyan Bank Jan 30, 2018 USD 10.975 10.980 Sept 30, 2017 Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly May 31, 2018 KD 0.329 0.326 Dec 30, 2017
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Kuwait Investment Co. Tharwa Investment Co.
Local Fund Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly June 14, 2018 KD 1.010 1.007 June 7, 2018
Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 KD 1.131 1.563 Feb 1, 2018
Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 KD 0.750 0.759 April 30, 2018
Tharwa Islamic Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.656 0.635 Feb 1, 2018
Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly June 19, 2018 KD 0.728 0.728 June 11, 2018
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 KD 1.013 1.021 April 30, 2018
International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 21, 2018 USD 26.270 26.350 March 14, 2018 Bank Al-Bilad
Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 USD 20.680 20.640 May 8, 2018 Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily June 6, 2018 KD 0.430 0.431 May 20, 2018
European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly May 31, 2018 Euro 21.520 21.080 April 30, 2018 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly March 21, 2018 USD 33.440 33.210 March 14, 2018 Commercial International Bank
North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly March 29, 2018 USD 19.300 19.540 Feb 28, 2018 CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly June 21, 2018 EGP 335.330 335.060 June 19, 2018
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly June 21, 2018 EGP 220.820 219.410 June 14, 2018
National Investment Co. (NIC) CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly June 21, 2018 EGP 116.430 115.320 June 14, 2018
Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly March 31, 2018 KD 0.640 0.635 Feb 28, 2018 Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly June 3, 2018 EGP 211.260 214.970 May 2, 2018
Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.356 0.358 April 30, 2018 Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly June 21, 2018 EGP 214.590 214.400 June 19, 2018
Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.509 0.503 April 30, 2018 Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly June 21, 2018 EGP 189.900 189.800 June 19, 2018
Zajil Fund NIC Monthly May 31, 2018 KD 0.755 0.766 April 30, 2018 Misr El Mostakbel CI Asset Management Weekly June 19, 2018 EGP 27.960 27.520 June 10, 2018
Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly May 31, 2018 USD 0.827 0.832 April 30, 2018 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
KFH Capital
Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) Muthanna Islamic Index Fund (MUDX) KFH Capital Investment Co Daily April 30, 2018 KD 0.371 0.374 Feb 24, 2018
Mumtaz Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 30, 2018 KD 4.205 4.209 April 26, 2018 Muthanna GCC Islamic banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Co Daily April 30, 2018 KD 0.726 0.693 Feb 24, 2018
MIDAF Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 30, 2018 KD 3.233 3.241 April 26, 2018 Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Co Weekly June 29, 2017 KD 0.930 0.916 Feb 28, 2017
Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 30, 2018 KD 1.566 1.568 April 26, 2018 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 30, 2018 KD 1.004 0.987 Dec 31, 2017
Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 30, 2017 KD 1.374 1.375 Dec 31, 2017
Noor Financial Investment Co.
Noor Islamic Fund Noor Financial Investment Co Monthly Nov 30, 2016 KD 0.374 0.405 Sept 30, 2015
Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly April 26, 2018 USD 11.590 11.610 April 19, 2018
—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Mawazeen International Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly March 26, 2018 USD 9.050 9.140 March 19, 2017
Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly April 12, 2018 USD 11.280 11.280 March 15, 2018 CapCorp Investment Co.
CapCorp Local Fund CapCorp Investment Company Weekly Sept 28, 2017 KD 1.000 0.991 Aug 30, 2017
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

BUSINESS 30

Argentina gets first $15 bn from IMF
Argentina on Friday received $15
billion, the first tranche of a $50
billion loan from the International
Monetary Fund to help stabilize
its fragile economy, the South
American nation’s central bank
said.
Following a currency crisis
in April and May, the IMF an-
nounced the $50 billion standby
loan in early June after Latin
America’s third largest economy
sought help to bolster market
confidence.
The peso plunged to a record
low this month, and since the
start of the year the currency has
dropped more than 30 percent
against the dollar.
On Wednesday the Washing-
ton-based IMF approved the $50
billion aid package. It said the first
$15 billion will contribute to budg-
et support while the $35 billion
balance will be “precautionary.”
The fund said that its assis-
Chile wants to start taxing cos like Uber and Netflix
tance would back efforts by Bue- Chile wants to start taxing digital The idea is for these online As of now, digital platforms like
nos Aires to put public debts on a giants like Uber, Spotify and Netf- players to pay tax and VAT on Uber, Netflix and Spotify do not
sustainable path, reduce the need lix to level the playing field for their their earnings in Chile, unless pay taxes in Chile because they
for financing and tackle inflation more traditional counterparts, a their country of origin has a free have no physical presence here.
while strengthening the central minister has said. trade agreement with Santiago, Uber, technically, is not even le-
bank’s independence, while main- “It is not fair that for the same the minister said. gal. Congress is working on a law
taining social spending. service some pay taxes and oth- “We are not trying to resist mo- to regulate its operations.
Argentina has a bitter his- ers no,” Finance Minister Felipe dernity.. but we can try and en- Larrain said it was a challenge
tory with the global crisis lender, Larrain told reporters on Thurs- sure that everyone competes on to come up with a way to tax
which many Argentines view as day in an area of Santiago that is a level playing field,” Larrain said. these companies. One idea is an
having imposed tough conditions home to traditional shoe manufac- The proposal is part of a major indirect transaction tax, he said,
that worsened economic pain 17 turers who are struggling to com- tax overhaul the government is or a surtax charged to credit cards
years ago. (AFP) pete with online rivals. preparing. used for their services. (AFP)

Commodities Weekly
Surging oil prices and energy
Gold claws higher on weak dollar

Oil up over 2% as OPEC companies send stocks higher

raises output modestly
LONDON, June 23, (RTRS): Oil
prices rose sharply on Friday as
OPEC agreed a modest increase in
output to compensate for losses in
production at a time of rising global
demand.
Benchmark Brent crude jumped
$2.29 a barrel, or 3.1 percent, to a
high of $75.34 before slipping to
around $74.60 by 1345 GMT. US
light crude was $1.90 higher at
$67.44.
The Organization of the Petro-
leum Exporting Countries, meet-
ing in Vienna, agreed on Friday to
boost output from July after its de
facto leader Saudi Arabia persuaded
arch-rival Iran to cooperate in ef-
forts to reduce the crude price and
avoid a supply shortage.
The group agreed OPEC and its
allies led by Russia should increase
production by about 1 million bar-
rels per day (bpd), or 1 percent of
global supply, OPEC sources said.
The real increase will be smaller
because several countries that re-
cently underproduced oil will strug-
gle to return to full quotas, while
other producers may not be able to
fill the gap. The deal looked to be
broadly in line with expectations.
Analysts had expected OPEC to
announce a real increase in produc-
tion of 500,000 to 600,000 barrels
per day (bpd), which would help
ease tightness in the oil market
without creating a glut.
Increase
“The effective increase in output
can easily be absorbed by the mar-
ket,” Harry Tchilinguirian, head of
oil strategy at French bank BNP
Paribas, told the Reuters Global Oil
Forum.
Oil prices have been on a roller-
coaster ride over the last few years,
with the international marker,
Brent, trading above $100 a barrel
for several years until 2014, drop-
ping to almost $26 in 2016 and then
recovering to over $80 last month.
The most recent price rally fol-
lowed an OPEC decision to restrict
supply in an effort to drain global
inventories.
The group started withholding
supply in 2017 and this year, amid
strong demand, the market tight-
ened significantly, triggering calls
by consumers for higher supply.
Falling production in Venezu-
ela and Libya, as well as the risk of
lower output from Iran as a result
of US sanctions, have all increased
market worries of a supply short-
age.
Another big uncertainty for oil is
the escalating dispute between the
United States and its trading part-
ners, which could hit US crude oil
exports to China. Asian shares hit a
six-month low on Friday as tariffs
and the US-China trade battle start
taking their toll.
If a 25 percent duty on US crude
imports is implemented by Bei-
jing, American oil would become
uncompetitive in China, forcing it
to seek buyers elsewhere. Chinese
buyers are already starting to scale
back orders, with a drop in supplies
expected from September.
Gold
Gold prices edged up from six-
month lows on Friday as the dollar
slipped, but the modest nature of
the recovery suggested speculators
might still be poised to punish the
metal further.
Spot gold was up 0.2 percent at
$1,268.84 an ounce, by 1345 GMT.
In the prior session, bullion touched
$1,260.84, its lowest since Dec 19,
2017.
US gold futures for August deliv-
ery added 0.1 percent to $1,271.10
per ounce.
“If the dollar is weaker and gold
is not reacting much, that’s usually
a bad sign, that means that you’ll
probably get more downside,”
Georgette Boele, commodity strate-
gist at ABN AMRO in Amsterdam,
said. “People think that since gold
failed at the $1,300 level, they are
seeing how far they can push it
down and then move it up again. I
would say it should bottom out any-
where between $1,250 and $1,200.”
Gold tumbled last Friday after
repeatedly failing to surmount the
$1,300 level as speculators rushed
to liquidate long positions and oth-
ers put on bearish positions.
The dollar pulled back from an
11-month peak against a basket of
major currencies on Friday, as the
euro strengthened after a survey
showed Eurozone private business
growth recovered in June.
A weaker greenback makes dol-
lar-denominated gold cheaper for
holders of other currencies.
Commerzbank agreed that gold
was unlikely to recover in the near-
term even with potentially desta-
bilising events such as the Turkish
presidential election on Sunday and
a European Union summit later next
week.
“If gold is not even in demand as
a result of the escalating trade dis-
pute between the US and China, we
do not believe that the other upcom-
ing events will do much to sway the
opinion of market participants,” a
note from the German bank said.
Holdings of SPDR Gold Trust
, the world’s largest gold-backed
exchange-traded fund, dropped 0.5
percent to 824.63 tonnes on Thurs-
day.
In Asia, gold demand picked up
in most centres this week as prices
slid to a six-month low, with gold
being sold at a premium in India for
the first time in seven weeks. Many
buyers, however, were waiting for
prices to fall further.
Euro gains on growth data, dollar weakens
NEW YORK, June 23,
(Agencies): US stocks are
rising Friday to wrap up
a turbulent week as ener-
gy companies climb along
with the price of oil. Oil
producers in OPEC agreed
to produce more oil, a step
investors have expected
for the last few weeks. The
European Union is follow-
ing through on its promise
to put import taxes on $3.4
billion in US goods includ-
ing bourbon, peanut but-
ter and orange juice in re-
sponse to US tariffs on steel
and aluminum. President
Donald Trump threatened
to put a 20 percent tax on
cars imported from Eu-
rope.
The S&P 500 index added 13
points, or 0.5 percent, to 2,763 as
of 2 pm Eastern time. The Dow
Jones Industrial Average was on
track to break an eight-day losing
streak as it gained 190 points, or
0.8 percent, to 24,651. The Dow is
down 1.8 percent this week, with
Boeing off 5.3 percent and Cater-
pillar down 6.4 percent. Both com-
panies are having their worst week
since March. Makers of chemicals
and other basic materials have also
lost ground and technology com-
panies have slipped.
The Nasdaq composite rose 2 points
to 7,714. The Russell 2000 index of
smaller-company stocks gained 1 point,
or 0.1 percent, to 1,690.
Oil prices and energy companies ral-
lied as the countries of OPEC agreed to
boost production by almost 1 million
barrels per day. Increased production
means lower prices, but investors ex-
pected that outcome after several weeks
of reports that those countries would
agree to produce more oil. The move
undoes part of a cut in production that
OPEC and other producers including
Russia instituted at the beginning of
2017.
Oil prices hit a three-year high of
about $72 a barrel in May and have de-
clined since then as reports suggested
an increase in production was coming.
However it’s not clear if some members
will be able to ramp up production, and
some experts said the increase may be
smaller than advertised.
US crude climbed 4.8 percent to
$68.67 a barrel in New York. It’s on
track for its biggest one-day gain since
OPEC agreed to cut production in No-
vember 2016. Brent crude, the standard
for international oil prices, rose 2.9 per-
cent to $75.16 a barrel in London.
Wall St Week Ahead
Industry boosted by rising wave of media and television acquisitions
Telecom sector could become investor favorite
SAN FRANCISCO, June 23, (RTRS):
An overhauled telecommunications
sector featuring most of the so-called
FANG stocks could debut as Wall
Street’s hottest bet when it kicks off in
September, boosted by a rising wave of
media and television acquisitions.
Long viewed as stodgy stocks for
dividend-oriented investors, the tel-
ecom services sector will be renamed
communications services and super-
charged with the addition of Facebook,
Netflix and Google-owner Alphabet
— three of the four FANGs, along with
Amazon — as well as other companies
that have driven the stock market to re-
cord highs in recent years.
The changes are part of the largest-
ever shakeup of the stock market’s
broad business categories.
In total, 14 S&P 500 companies,
including Netflix, will shift from the
consumer discretionary sector into
communications, joining AT&T, Veri-
zon Communications and CenturyLink
in the biggest shakeup of the Global
Industry Classification Standard, or
GICS, since it was created in 1999.
Five S&P 500 companies will switch
from technology to communications.
The new sector will also include
Walt Disney, Comcast and other enter-
tainment and media companies scram-
bling to consolidate and fend off com-
petition from newcomers Netflix and
Alphabet, which produce content and
sell it directly to consumers.
The floodgates for such deals were
sprung open this month by a legal rul-
Chevron jumped 2.6 percent to
$125.80 and Exxon Mobil picked up 2.3
percent to $81.56. Marathon Oil surged
8.2 percent to $21.56.
That jolted car companies. In Ger-
many, shares of BMW lost 1.1 percent
and Daimler sank 0.3 percent. Daimler
fell more than 4 percent Thursday after
it said Chinese tariffs on US cars would
contribute to a decline in its earnings this
year. Ford and Toyota also dipped while
Peugeot and General Motors rose.
Used car dealership CarMax ad-
vanced 13.9 percent to $80.92 after its
first-quarter results surpassed analysts’
expectations.
Open source software maker Red Hat
dropped 12.4 percent to $145.12 after it
cut its sales forecasts due to the strength-
ening dollar. Other technology compa-
nies also declined. The industry has been
leading the market for more than a year,
but it makes more of its sales outside the
US than any other major S&P 500 sec-
tor. Micron Technology fell 3.7 percent
ing giving AT&T the go-ahead to buy
Time Warner for $85 billion.
“Among all of the sector groups,
this is going to be the most dynamic,”
predicted Jack Ablin, chief investment
officer at Cresset Wealth Advisors in
Chicago. “You will see a lot of deal ac-
tivity in the coming months, and it will
be an awakening for anyone who is not
on top of it.”
Amazon.com, the fourth FANG
stock, will stay in consumer discretion-
ary and represent nearly a third of that
sector.
Classifying companies within 11
major sectors and several sub-sectors,
GICS is closely followed by sector ana-
lysts and investors. Its overhaul, which
has yet to be finalized, aims to reflect
the evolution of the media, telecommu-
nications and Internet industries.
Getting a head start on the Septem-
ber revamp, State Street
Global Advisors on Tuesday
launched the Communication Services
Select Sector SPDR Fund, bench-
marked to the sector’s future configu-
ration.
Reflecting Wall Street’s willingness
to pay top dollar for companies like
Alphabet, Netflix and Activision Bliz-
zard , the newly constituted communi-
cations sector would trade at 19 times
expected earnings, nearly double the
sector’s current multiple, according to
Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Earnings of the newly constituted
communications sector are expected to
jump 23 percent in the final quarter of
to $57.23 and Nvidia lost 1.9 percent
to $252.23. European stocks all closed
solidly higher and Wall Street also had
a strong morning as markets sought to
claw back some of the week’s losses
seen on trade war fears.
Asian investors ended a tumultuous
week on a cautious note Friday as the
prospect of a debilitating global trade
war hung over regional markets.
Tokyo ended 0.8 percent lower and
Sydney lost 0.1 percent, while Singapore
and Taipei each dropped 0.4 percent.
But after fluctuating throughout the
day Hong Kong finished up 0.2 percent,
while Shanghai added 0.5 percent. Both
bore the brunt of selling pressure over
the week but indications from Chinese
authorities that they would unveil mar-
ket-supportive measures has provided
some cheer.
Among other markets Seoul rose 0.8
percent, Wellington was flat, and Manila
and Bangkok pushed higher.
In early European trade London rose
2018, compared with an estimated 12
percent increase under the sector’s cur-
rent configuration.
Over the past five years, the telecom-
munications sector has had a total re-
turn of just 16 percent, including divi-
dends.
Under its new configuration, it
would have had a total return of 110
percent and outperformed the S&P
500’s 85 percent return, according to
Credit Suisse equity strategist Patrick
Palfrey.
Media, television and wireless com-
panies, all of which will become part
of the Communications sector, see buy-
ing content producers as a way to add
revenue.
Twenty-First Century Fox has surged
20 percent since June 13, when Com-
cast offered $65 billion for its media
assets, outbidding an offer from Walt
Disney, which responded on Tuesday
by raising its bid to $71 billion.
Sprint, T-Mobile, Viacom, CBS,
Dish Network and Discovery have
risen between 6 percent and 34 percent
in June.
Even if M&A speculation subsides
before the GICS changes take effect,
the addition of most of the FANGs and
several other high-growth former tech
stocks will make the communications
sector attractive, said Michael James,
managing director of equity trading at
Wedbush Securities in Los Angeles.
“Interest in the sector and the indi-
vidual names is not going to dissipate,”
James said.
0.4 percent, Paris gained 0.3 percent and
Frankfurt was flat.
While an air of negativity stalked
trading floors, John Chong, head of the
investment-banking arm Maybank Kim
Eng, was more upbeat for the outlook.
“Asia is now better positioned to
weather the volatility,” he said at a con-
ference in London.
The euro climbed on Friday as traders
were encouraged by improved regional
economic growth data and new assur-
ances by Italian politicians that their na-
tion would not leave the single currency.
The euro registered a weekly gain
of nearly 0.5 percent against the dollar,
reversing the prior week’s 1.35 percent
drop tied to the European Central Bank’s
hint it would hold interest rates through
the summer of 2019.
The euro’s advance, together with
a rebound in commodity-linked and
emerging market currencies, pressured
the dollar which ended lower on the
week.

exchange rates – June 23

US dollar Sterling pound Euro Japanese yen Swiss franc Canadian dollar Swedish krona Saudi riyal UAE dirham Bahraini dinar Omani riyal
Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash DRAFT Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer
BEC Buy .299550 .301300 .301300 .396728 .396226 .396226 .347149 .349148 .349148 .002680 .002879 .002879 .301563 .302563 .302563 .223728 .221727 .220474 .030331 .030330 .030330 .079887 .080388 .080388 .081248 .081202 .081202 .798548 .798048 .798048 .782383 .777087 .777087
Sell .304850 .303850 .303850 .410626 .410226 .410226 .356880 .361148 .361148 .002846 .002859 .002859 .308498 .3095636 .3095636 .231474 .231727 .230474 .035133 .035330 .035330 .081187 .081026 .081026 .082948 .082698 .082698 .807048 .806548 .806548 .788063 .788087 .788087
Muzaini Sell .300700 .300700 .300700 — .426390 .426390 .349721 .371670 .371670 — .002806 .002806 — .315860 .315860 — .238080 .238080 — — — — .080240 .080240 — .081946 .081946 — .798990 .798990 — .781445 .781445
Dollarco Sell .302250 .301800 .301800 .413500 .398206 .398206 .364500 .363265 .363265 .002900 .003750 .003750 .315000 .302498 .302498 .236500 .235570 .235570 — — — .080500 .081375 .081375 .082250 .082570 .082570 .796500 .802600 .802600 — — —
Commercial Bank Buy .298000 .301500 .301500 .397000 .399804 .399804 .347000 .351609 .351609 — .002739 .002739 .302000 .304592 .304592 .225000 .226948 .226948 — .034044 .034044 .078000 .080419 .080419 .082041 .082112 .082112 .799299 .796776 .796776 .783580 .783402 .783402
Sell .305350 .305100 .305100 .406000 .404578 .404578 .357000 .355808 .355808 — .002772 .002772 .311000 .308229 .308229 .235000 .229658 .229658 — .034450 .034450 .082000 .081380 .081380 .082865 .083093 .083093 .807332 .806290 .806290 .791455 .792756 .792756
Gulf Bank Buy .302250 .302250 .302250 .39738 .397380 .397380 .348210 .348210 .348210 .002720 .002720 .002720 .301940 .301940 .301940 .225230 .225230 .225230 .033800 .033800 .033800 .080100 .080100 .080100 .082110 .082110 .082110 .792390 .792390 .792390 .780200 .780200 .780200
Sell .304350 .304350 .304350 .409520 .409520 .409520 .358830 .358830 .358830 .002800 .002800 .002800 .311120 .311120 .311120 .232070 .232070 .232070 .034830 .034830 .034830 .081760 .081760 .081760 .083110 .083110 .083110 .809920 .809920 .809920 .796480 .796480 .796480
NBK Buy .301750 .301750 .301750 .395840 .395840 .395840 .345290 .345290 .345290 .002703 .002703 .002703 .299830 .299830 .299830 .222720 .222720 .222720 .033690 .033690 .033690 .080520 .080520 .080520 .082230 .082230 .082230 .800560 .800560 .800560 .784560 .784560 .784560
Sell .304850 .304850 .304850 .406300 .406300 .406300 .355240 .355240 .355240 .002783 .002783 .002783 .309370 .309370 .309370 .230630 .230630 .230630 .034180 .034180 .034180 .081290 .081290 .081290 .083000 .083000 .083000 .808580 .808580 .808580 .791750 .791750 .791750
Burgan Bank Buy — .302250 .302250 — .396159 .396159 .034406 .034406 .034406 .002691 .002691 .002691 .298995 .298995 .298995 .223013 .223013 .223013 .033343 .033343 .033343 .079033 .079033 .079033 .080694 .080694 .080694 .774929 .774929 .774929 .761010 .761010 .761010
Sell — .304350 .304350 — .399063 .399063 .362982 .362982 .362982 .002839 .002839 .002839 .315460 .315460 .315460 .235264 .235264 .235264 .035174 .035174 .035174 .083566 .083566 .083566 .085327 .085327 .085327 .839098 .839098 .839098 .823630 .823630 .823630
ABK Buy .299750 .302250 .302250 .392760 .396300 .396300 .344950 .348070 .339418 — .002722 .002722 — .301550 — .226170 .226170 — .035687 .035687 — .079890 .079890 — .081840 .081840 — .793070 .790060 — .781390 .781390
Sell .305850 .304350 .304350 .403870 .401560 .401560 .355080 .353040 .358250 — .002758 .002758 — .301550 .306330 — .229360 .229360 — .036202 .036202 — .081410 .081410 — .083190 .083190 — .808430 .810820 — .793990 .793990
KFH Buy .300540 .301250 .301250 .380393 .385811 .385811 .334110 .339418 .339418 — .002668 .002668 — .295982 .295982 — .222670 .222670 — .033522 .033522 .080218 .080218 .080218 .081915 .081915 .081915 .796326 .796326 .796326 .782021 .782021 .782021
Sell .306070 .304350 .304350 .416592 .408164 .408164 .367927 .358250 .358250 — .002821 .002821 — .311324 .311324 — .231886 .231886 — .034186 .034186 .081262 .081262 .081262 .082963 .082963 .082963 .805692 .805692 .805692 .790848 .790848 .790848
KBE Sell — .304300 .304300 — .380900 .380900 — .332100 — — — — .311324 — — — — — — — — .082810 .082810 — .806500 .805344 — — —
Danish krone Indian rupee Pakistani rupee Sri Lanka rupee Bangladesh taka Philippine peso Australian dollar Hong Kong dollar Singapore dollar Jordanian dinar Egyptian pound
Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer
BEC Buy .043464 .043483 .043483 .003831 .004405 .004405 .001956 .002496 .002496 .001626 .001868 .001868 .003149 .003609 .003609 .005518 .005242 .005242 .218304 .216303 .216303 .036940 .036439 .036439 .218893 .219893 219893 .423977 .422500 .422500 .014338 .016287 .016287
Sell .048082 .048463 .048463 .004633 .004485 .004485 .002726 .002531 .002531 .002206 .001912 .001912 .003950 .003829 .003829 .005841 .005709 .005709 .227123 .229303 .229303 .039690 .039953 .039953 .228151 .225893 .225893 .432977 .430000 .430000 .020056 .017110 .017110
Muzaini Sell — — — .004630 .004630 — .002602 .002602 — .001933 .001933 — .003593 .003593 — .005793 .005793 — — — — .038311 .038311 — .230250 .230250 — .426910 .426910 .000000 .017039 .017039
Dollarco Sell — — — .004750 .004538 .004538 .002850 .002611 .002611 .002250 .001914 .001914 .003750 .003621 .003621 .006100 .005814 .005814 — — — — — — — — — .426000 .426950 .426950 .018500 .017111 .017111
Commercial Bank Buy — .046775 — .004000 — — — — — .002000 — — — — — .005000 — — .221000 .221994 .221994 — .038427 .038427 — .221341 .221341 .420000 — — .012000 — —
Sell — .047333 .046775 .006500 .004499 .004499 — .002518 .002518 .003500 .001916 .001916 — .003639 .003639 .007900 .005732 .005732 .233000 .224645 .224645 — .038886 .038886 — .223984 .223984 .430000 .431145 .431145 .023000 .017615 .017615
Gulf Bank Buy .046770 .046770 .047333 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — .222199 .222199 .222199 .038310 .038310 .038310 .221460 .221460 .221460 — — — — — —
Sell .047370 .047370 .046770 .004520 .004520 .004520 .002540 .002540 .002540 .001940 .001940 .001920 .003670 .003670 .003670 .005770 .005770 .005770 .224910 .224910 .224910 .039080 .039080 .039080 .223940 .223940 .223940 .432490 .432490 .432490 .017260 .017260 .017260
NBK Buy .046600 .046600 .046600 .004400 .004400 .004000 — — — .001873 .001873 .001873 — — — .005500 .005500 .005500 .219250 .219250 .219250 — — — .220140 .220140 .220140 .421440 .421440 .421440 .016290 .016290 .016290
Sell .047330 .047330 .047330 .004517 .004517 .004517 .002534 .002534 .002534 .001931 .001931 .001931 — — — .005750 .005750 .005750 .227910 .227910 .227910 — — — .225200 .225200 .225200 .434880 .434880 .434880 .017300 .017300 .017300
Burgan Bank Buy .046171 .046171 .046171 .004355 .004355 .004355 .002432 .002432 .002432 .001857 .001857 .001857 .003528 .003528 .003528 .005545 .005545 .005545 .219215 .219215 .219215 — — — .218370 .218370 .218370 .417878 .417878 .417878 .016325 .016325 .016325
Sell .048711 .048711 .048711 .004620 .004620 .004620 .002580 .002580 .002580 .001965 .001965 .001965 .003748 .003748 .003748 .005880 .005880 .005880 .231326 .231326 .231326 — — — .230414 .230414 .230414 .441911 .441911 .441911 .017803 .017803 .017803
ABK Buy — .045090 .047055 — .004353 .004353 — — — — — — — — — — — — .221630 .221630 — .038760 .038760 — .221220 — .425080 .425080 — .015990 .015990
Sell — .047290 .049568 — .004455 .004455 — .004668 .004668 — .002119 .002119 — — — — .006648 .006648 — .224980 .224980 — .039210 .039210 — .221220 .224140 — .431760 .431760 — .017390 .017390
KFH Buy — .046282 .046282 — .004374 .004374 — .002454 .002454 — .001879 .001879 — .003503 .003503 — .005555 .005555 — .215876 .215876 — — — — .219506 .219506 — .423818 .423818 — .016708 .016708
Sell — .047348 .047348 — .004518 .004518 — .002525 .002525 — .001920 .001920 — .003667 .003667 — .005774 .005774 — .230302 .230302 — — — — .225178 .225178 — .429751 .429751 — .017079 .017079
KBE Sell — — .047348 — .004694 .004694 — .004694 .004694 — .001984 .001984 .003778 .003778 — .006060 .006060 — — — — — — — .225178 — — — — — .016990 .016990
Cyprus pound Yemeni riyal Thai baht South African rand Korean won Syrian pound Iranian Riyal Lebanese pound Malaysian ringgit Indonesian rupiah New Zealand dollar
Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer Cash Draft Transfer
BEC Buy — — — .000987 .000977 .000977 .008938 .008836 .008836 — — — .000263 — — .001287 .001287 .001287 .000084 — — .000156 .000191 .000191 .072118 .070927 .070927 .000017 .000016 .000016 .204098 .202095 .202095
Sell — — — .001067 .001077 .001077 .009611 .009251 .009251 — — — .000278 — — .001507 .001507 .001507 .000085 — — .000258 .000211 .000211 .078118 .077927 .077927 .000023 .000023 .000023 .210688 .213095 .213095
Muzaini Sell — — — — .001208 .001208 — .096905 .096905 — — — — — — — — — — — — — .002002 .002002 — .076905 .076905 — — — — —
Dollarco Sell — .017962 .017962 — — — .009900 .010505 .010505 — — — — — — .000610 .001585 .001585 — — — — — — .071600 .077500 .077500 — — — — — —
Gulf Bank Buy — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — .205520 .205520 .205520
Sell — — — — — — — — — .022540 .022540 .022540 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — .000020 .000020 .000020 .209770 .209770 .209770
ABK Buy — — — — — — — – — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — .218390 .215540
Sell — — — — — — — — – — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — .222010 .218390
KFH Buy — — — — .001194 .001194 — .008995 .008995 — — — — — — — — — — — — — .000195 .000195 — .074254 .074254 — — — — — .222010
Sell — — — — .001228 .001228 — .009373 .009373 — — — — — — — — — — — — — .000206 .000206 — .076585 .076585 — — — — — —
KBE Sell — — — — .001550 .001550 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — .002395 .002395 — — —

travellers cheques US dollar Sterling Euro local gold Gold 999 kg Gold 999 10 tola Gold ounce Gold gm 22k Gold gm 21k Gold gm 18k 100 gm 999 10 gm 999
BEC .3013000 .3914700 .3451790 BEC — — — — — — — — All rates in KD per unit of
Commercial Bank .3015000 .4029610 .3477650 Muzaini Exchange 12,635.370 1,493.455 403.450 11.600 11.070 9.490 — 133.18
.3022500 .3953700 .3475200
foreign currency
Gulf Bank
Al-Ahli Bank .3022500 .3963000 .3480700
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018

SPORTS 31

Salamov stops Howard for IBF light heavyweight title

Shields wins decision over Gabriels; Hammer next

DETROIT, June 23, (AP): Claressa
Shields slugged her way through 10
spirited rounds against Hanna Gabriels
— then looked ready to fight another
opponent right afterward.
Christina Hammer — the unbeaten
German who had won the bout imme-
diately before Shields’ — made her
way into the ring after Shields beat
Gabriels in a unanimous decision. That
led to a bit of a commotion.
BOXING
Before she could focus on a possible
fight with Hammer, Shields first had
to deal with Gabriels, an experienced
fighter from Costa Rica who knocked
Shields down in the first round with
what looked like a solid right uppercut.
The two-time Olympic champion got
up off the canvas, and with a partisan
crowd at Masonic Temple cheering her
on, Shields recovered quickly and re-
mained undefeated .
Gabriels said she didn’t expect to
knock Shields down, and she felt the
fight was closer than it was scored. The
judges gave it to Shields, 97-92, 98-91
and 97-92.
Gabriels seemed pleased with the
show she and
Shields (6-0) put
on. Shields ap-
peared to have the
upper hand by the
end of the sixth
round, but the
23-year-old from
Flint had to work
hard against Ga-
briels, and there
were plenty of
Salamov wild exchanges
to keep the crowd
engaged.
Shields was already a champion
at the super middleweight level, and
Gabriels (18-2-1) is a champ at 154
pounds. They met in this bout as mid-
Magner, Ganzar win USA Cycling criterium championships
KNOXVILLE, Tenn, June 23, (AP):
Ty Magner didn’t need to go very
far to get some wisdom and encour-
agement before starting the men’s
criterium race as USA Cycling’s
national championships.
One teammate, Brad Huff, won
two years ago. Another, Eric
Young, is a former two-time champ.
So when the pace picked up in
the final laps of the 1.1-mile circuit
dleweights, and Shields took the va-
cant IBF and WBA titles with her win.
Now the talk immediately turns to
a possible fight between Shields and
Hammer, who defended her WBC and
WBO middleweight titles by outpoint-
ing Tori Nelson (17-2-3) in a 10-round
fight Friday night, right before the
Shields-Gabriels fight.
Hammer (23-0) spoke briefly to
in downtown Knoxville on Friday
night, it made sense that Magner
looked to his teammates to keep
him out of trouble.
And after navigating a sketchy
final five laps, the Rally Cycling
rider had enough to win the event
for himself.
Magner held off Young in a
sprint to the finish to make it a
1-2 finish for their team, while
reporters after her victory and before
Shields’ fight. Hammer said if she
fights Shields, she’d want it to be at a
more neutral site than Detroit. It seems
obvious to everyone how big a Ham-
mer-Shields matchup could be.
Even Gabriels seems intrigued by
the possibility. Before Hammer and
Nelson fought, Umar Salamov (21-1)
stopped Brian Howard (13-2) in the
Samuel Bassetti of Elevate-KHS
Pro Cycling finished fast to take
third.
In the women’s race, former col-
legiate runner Leigh Ann Ganzar
pulled off a massive upset when
she joined Kelly Catlin and Jennifer
Luebke in a breakaway on the pen-
ultimate lap. Ganzar then held off
Catlin in a side-by-side sprint to win
the biggest race of her young
ninth round for the IBF North Ameri-
can light heavyweight title.
Earlier on the undercard: Aslambek
Idigov (13-0) outpointed James Ballard
(10-2) in a 10-round light heavyweight
fight; Leon Lawson (7-0) outpointed
Javier Frazier (8-3-1) in a six-round
super welterweight fight; Bakhti-
yar Eyubov (14-0) stopped Nicholas
Givhan (21-2-1) in the seventh round
career.
USA Cycling decided to move
the criterium championships to the
same venue and time as time trial
and road race nationals this year,
creating a packed weekend of rac-
ing. The time trial on Thursday got
things going, and the road race
beginning and ending in downtown
Knoxville concludes the weekend
Sunday.
for the USBA Great Lakes region
welterweight championship; Ja’Rico
O’Quinn (9-0-1) stopped Yaqub Ka-
reem (14-10-1) in the fourth round of a
bantamweight fight; Joseph Bonas (4-
0) stopped Michael Klekotta (1-3) in
the first round of a welterweight fight;
and Apti Davtaev (15-0-1) stopped
Cory Phelps (16-11-1) in the second
round of a heavyweight fight.

Bellinger slams Mets, Dodgers

win 5-2 behind Wood’s pitching
Martinez HR helps Red Sox rally from 5 down, top Mariners
Christina Hammer of Germany (right), battles Tori Nelson (left), in the third NEW YORK, June 23,
round during their WBC and WBO world middleweight championship fight (AP): Cody Bellinger hit
at the Masonic Temple Theater on June 22, in Detroit, Michigan. (AFP)
a grand slam to break a
scoreless tie in the sixth
MLB Scoreboard inning and the Los Ange-
les Dodgers beat the sink-
ing New York Mets 5-2 on
WASHINGTON, June 23, (Agencies): Results Wright, B. Johnson (4), M. Barnes (7), Kelly Friday night behind Alex
and standings from the MLB games on Friday. (8), Kimbrel (9) and C. Vazquez. W-M. Barnes Wood’s effective pitching.
Oakland 11 Chic W. Sox 2 1-2. L-Nicasio 1-4. HRs-Seattle, Cruz 2 (20),
Philadelphia 12 Washington 2 Healy (14). Boston, Martinez (23). Yasiel Puig added a solo home
Arizona 2 Pittsburgh (13 Inns) 1 Oakland 100 001 020-4 8 1 run in the ninth, and the defend-
Cincinnati 6 Chicago Cubs 3 Chicago 030 002 01x-6 10 0
Cleveland 10 Detroit 0 Bassitt, Coulombe (6), Pagan (7), Petit ing NL champions won their 10th
Tampa Bay 2 NY Yankees 1 (8) and Phegley; Giolito, Fry (8), Volstad (8), straight against the Mets dating to
Boston 14 Seattle 10 Cedeno (8), Soria (9) and Narvaez. W-Giolito
LA Dodgers 5 NY Mets 2 5-7. L-Bassitt 0-3. Sv-Soria (11). HRs-Oak- May 2016. Los Angeles has out-
Baltimore 10 Atlanta (15 Inns) 7 land, Olson (16). Chicago, Anderson (12). scored New York 75-20 in those
Chic W. Sox 6 Oakland 4 Texas 000 220 004-8 11 0
Kansas City 1 Houston 0 Minnesota 000 001 000-1 3 0 games, winning each of the past
Milwaukee 2 St Louis 1 Minor, C. Martin (7), Chavez (8) and Chiri- eight by at least three runs a first
Texas 8 Minnesota 1 nos; Romero, Reed (7), Rogers (8), Belisle (9) in Dodgers history against any op-
Colorado 11 Miami 3 and B. Wilson, Garver. W-Minor 5-4. L-Rome-
LA Angels 2 Toronto 1 ro 3-3. Sv-Chavez (1). HRs-Texas, Choo (14). ponent, according to STATS.
San Diego 6 San Francisco 2 Kansas City 000 000 001-1 9 1
Houston 000 000 000-0 2 0 Red Sox 14, Mariners 10
American League
American League - East D. Duffy, McCarthy (7), Grimm (8), Hill (9) In Boston, JD Martinez homered and
and S. Perez; Keuchel, Devenski (7), Ron-
W L PCT GB don (8), Giles (9) and Stassi, B. McCann. W- drove in five, and Boston rallied from a
NY Yankees 50 23 .685 - Grimm 1-2. L-Giles 0-2. Sv-Hill (1). five-run deficit to beat Seattle despite a
Boston 51 26 .662 1 Toronto 000 000 100-1 9 0 monster game from Nelson Cruz.
Tampa Bay 35 40 .467 16 Los Angeles 200 000 00x-2 3 1
Toronto 34 41 .453 17 Estrada, Clippard (8) and R. Martin; Cruz had a pair of three-run hom- Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a Grand Slam against Zack Wheeler #45 of the New York Mets
Baltimore 22 52 .297 28-1/2 Heaney, Bedrosian (8), Parker (9) and Mal- ers and drove in seven, but the Mari- during their game at Citi Field on June 22, in New York City. (AFP)
American League - Central donado. W-Heaney 4-5. L-Estrada 4-7. Sv- ners still lost their season-worst fifth
Parker (9). straight game, including three earlier
W L PCT GB ed to break up rookie Jack Flaherty’s four starts. in five of his innings, including strik-
Cleveland 41 33 .554 - Interleague this week at Yankee Stadium. Seattle no-hit bid in the seventh inning, then The Angels got on the scoreboard ing out the side in the sixth. Gray (7-
Detroit 36 40 .474 6 Baltimore 000 010 006 003-10 15 0 led 4-0 and 10-5 before a wild Red Sox
Minnesota 33 39 .458 7 Atlanta 000 000 124 000-7 14 0
homered again in the ninth to lift Mil- with a two-run first inning, giving 7) walked none and withstood a solo
Chic W. Sox 25 50 .333 16-1/2 (15 innings) rally fueled by RBIs from eight differ- waukee over St. Louis. Heaney all the support he would need. homer in the third by Derek Dietrich,
Kansas City 23 52 .307 18-1/2 Cobb, Scott (8), Brach (8), Britton (9), ent players. Both teams got just three hits. The Justin Upton drew a two-out walk and who drove a 2-0 pitch the opposite way
American League - West O’Day (9), M. Castro (11), Wright Jr (14) and Martinez went 4 for 5, including a benches and bullpens briefly cleared in Albert Pujols doubled him in. Luis into the left-field bleachers.
Joseph, Wynns; Newcomb, Minter (8), Win- two-run homer in the sixth and two
W L PCT GB kler (9), S. Freeman (9), L. Jackson (9), Carle the eighth after Eric Sogard slid into Valbuena singled in Pujols from sec- Arenado had three hits, including his
Houston 50 27 .649 - (10), Biddle (12), Moylan (15) and Flowers, doubles. St. Louis shortstop Yairo Munoz, who ond to give the Angels a 2-0 lead. Cam team-leading 17th homer, a two-run
Seattle 46 30 .605 3-1/2 Suzuki. W-Wright Jr 1-0. L-Moylan 0-1. HRs- Reliever Matt Barnes (1-2) got the caught a wide throw on a bunt play in Bedrosian threw a perfect eighth in re- drive. Tom Murphy had two doubles
LA Angels 41 35 .539 8-1/2 Baltimore, Machado (19), Davis (5).
Oakland 39 37 .513 10-1/2 win with one scoreless inning. Juan the eighth. lief, and Blake Parker pitched a perfect among his three hits and two RBIs.
Texas 33 44 .429 17 National League Nicasio (1-4) took the loss, allowing Cardinals reliever Bud Norris (3-2) ninth to earn his ninth save. Indians 10, Tigers 0
National League Chicago 000 300 000-3 4 1 five runs on four hits in one-third of a started the ninth by striking out Travis Rangers 8, Twins 1
Cincinnati 010 030 11x-6 12 1 lousy seventh inning. Shaw. Aguilar followed with a drive In Cleveland, rookie Shane Bieber
National League - East Quintana, Bass (6), J. Wilson (7), Zastry- In Minneapolis, Mike Minor threw struck out nine in a career-high seven
zny (8) and Gimenez; L. Castillo, Crockett (6), The only flaw to the second half of an opposite-field drive to right for his
W L PCT GB
D. Hernandez (7), R. Iglesias (9) and Casali. the game for Boston: shortstop Xan- 16th home run. six solid innings, Shin-Soo Choo innings, Yonder Alonso hit a grand
Atlanta 43 31 .581 - homered and Texas beat Minnesota for slam and Cleveland beat Detroit for its
W-L. Castillo 5-8. L-Quintana 6-6. Sv-R. Igle- der Bogaerts left in the seventh with a
Philadelphia 40 33 .548 2-1/2 Phillies 12, Nationals 2
Washington 40 34 .541 3
sias (12). HRs-Chicago, Schwarber (15). Cin-
sprained index finger on his left hand. its sixth consecutive victory. fifth straight victory.
cinnati, Suarez (16). Bouncing back from a rough May,
NY Mets 31 42 .425 11-1/2 Los Angeles 000 004 001-5 6 1 In Washington, Odubel Herrera Edwin Encarnacion also connected
Miami 29 47 .382 15 Orioles 10, Braves 7, 15 Innings homered for the fifth straight game and Minor (5-4) has thrown three straight for Cleveland, which leads second-
New York 000 002 000-2 8 0
National League - Central Wood, Alexander (7), Jansen (9) and A. In Atlanta, Manny Machado hit a finished with four hits, helping Phila- quality starts for the first time since place Detroit by six games in the AL
W L PCT GB Barnes; Wheeler, Swarzak (8), Blevins (9), Beck tiebreaking two-run homer in the 15th delphia rout Washington. throwing six straight in 2014 for Atlan- Central. Encarnacion finished with
Milwaukee 45 30 .600 - (9) and Mesoraco. W-Wood 3-5. L-Wheeler 2-6.
Sv-Jansen (19). HRs-Los Angeles, Puig (9), inning after each team staged dramatic Herrera hit a tiebreaking two-run ta. He allowed one run and three hits, three RBIs, and Francisco Lindor add-
Chicago Cubs 42 31 .575 2
St Louis 38 36 .514 6-1/2 Bellinger (13). New York, Bautista (1). ninth-inning rallies. shot in the third for his 13th homer, lowering his ERA for June to 2.84. ed a solo shot.
Pittsburgh 36 39 .480 9 Philadelphia 202 022 031-12 15 0 The Braves surrendered six runs in matching the club record for consecu- Choo’s two-run shot off Fernando The 23-year-old Bieber (2-0) al-
Cincinnati 30 45 .400 15 Washington 020 000 000-2 8 0 Romero (3-3) made it 4-0 in the fifth.
Eflin, A. Davis (6), Rios (7), Curtis (9) and the ninth, and then scored four times tive games with a long ball. He has con- lowed four hits
National League - West Knapp; Roark, Collins (5), Grace (6), Solis (8), in the bottom of the inning. Peter Moy- nected in six of his last seven overall. It was his second homer on Texas’ six- and walked one
W L PCT GB Miller (9) and Severino. W-Eflin 5-2. L-Roark lan, Atlanta’s eighth pitcher, hit Craig Herrera is hitting. 472 (17 for 36) game road trip. in his third ma-
Arizona 42 33 .560 - 3-8. HRs-Philadelphia, Knapp (2), Herrera Gentry to open the 15th. Gentry moved Minor faced the minimum number jor league start.
LA Dodgers 39 35 .527 2-1/2 (13), Santana (12). with six homers, 11 runs and 10 RBIs
Colorado 38 38 .500 4-1/2 Arizona 000 000 000 0101-2 8 1 to second on Austin Wynns’ sacrifice. in his last eight games. The Tigers only
San Francisco 38 39 .494 5 Pittsburgh 000 000 000 0100-1 4 3 With first base open, the Braves Carlos Santana homered and drove BASEBALL pushed two run-
San Diego 35 43 .449 8-1/2 (13 innings) pitched to Machado and the slugger in four runs for Philadelphia, which ners past first base
Corbin, Hirano (8), Bradley (9), Salas (10),
MLB Linescores Boxberger (11), Chafin (12), McFarland (13) lined his 19th homer into the Orioles’ has won five of six. Santana delivered in his 97-pitch
American League and Mathis; Nova, F. Vazquez (9), Crick (10), bullpen. Moylan (0-1) gave up another a two-run single in the first, a two-run of batters through five innings despite gem, stranding
Oakland 040 040 030-11 11 1 E. Santana (11), Glasnow (12) and E. Diaz. run on singles by Colby Rasmus and homer in the sixth and walked twice. a first-inning single by Brian Dozier to them both at third.
Chicago 000 001 001-2 8 3 W-Chafin 1-2. L-Glasnow 1-2. Sv-McFarland deep left.
Manaea, Hendriks (8), Lucas (9) and Lu- (1). Jonathan Schoop. Rays 2, Yankees 1 Bieber became
croy; Shields, Minaya (5), Avilan (7), Rondon St Louis 001 000 000-1 3 0 Reds 6, Cubs 3 Diamondbacks 2, Pirates 1, 13 In- the third Indians
(8) and K. Smith. W-Manaea 7-6. L-Shields Milwaukee 000 000 101-2 3 1 In St Petersburg, Florida, six Tampa nings Martinez pitcher with six or
2-9. HRs-Oakland, Barreto 2 (3). J. Flaherty, J. Hicks (8), Norris (9) and Molina; In Cincinnati, Eugenio Suarez hit a Bay pitchers combined on a five-hitter, In Pittsburgh, Ketel Marte’s two-out more strikeouts in
Detroit 000 000 000-0 5 1 Guerra, Hader (6), J. Barnes (7), Jeffress (8), go-ahead homer off Jose Quintana in and Tampa Bay beat New York.
Cleveland 001 210 51x-10 8 1 Knebel (9) and Pina. W-Knebel 1-0. L-Norris single in the 13th inning led Arizona to his first three big league appearances,
Fiers, Farmer (6), Barbato (7), Saupold (7) 3-2. HRs-Milwaukee, Aguilar 2 (16). the fifth inning, and Cincinnati held on Utilizing a bullpen day, the Rays im- a victory over Pittsburgh. joining Herb Score (eight in 1955) and
and J. McCann; Bieber, McAllister (8), Kontos Miami 001 000 020-3 10 1 for its fifth straight victory. proved to 14-31 against teams with a .500 Marte’s liner into center field off Ty- Luis Tiant (three in 1964).
(9) and Gomes. W-Bieber 2-0. L-Fiers 5-4. Colorado 010 600 31x-11 15 1 The Reds have won the first two or better record with the victory over the ler Glasnow (1-2) scored Jon Jay from
HRs-Cleveland, Alonso (12), Encarnacion Chen, Wittgren (5), Guerrero (6), E. Hernan- games in the series, a recent rarity in team with the majors’ best record. second base as the NL West-leading Padres 6, Giants 2
(17), Lindor (17). dez (7), Graves (8) and Realmuto; Gray, Al-
New York 000 000 100-1 5 1 monte (8), Pounders (9) and T. Murphy. W- the rivalry. It’s only the second time Winner Ryan Yarbrough (6-3) en- Diamondbacks won for the fourth time In San Francisco, Clayton Rich-
Tampa Bay 000 110 00x-2 10 1 Gray 7-7. L-Chen 2-4. HRs-Miami, Dietrich in the last two years that they’ve won tered in the second and allowed one in five games. Jay walked to start the ard (7-6) pitched three-hit ball over
Sabathia, Warren (6), Cessa (7) and G. (9). Colorado, Arenado (17). back-to-back games in a series against hit in 3-1/3 scoreless innings. Sergio six innings for his fourth consecutive
Sanchez; Stanek, Yarbrough (2), D. Castillo (5), San Diego 010 002 003-6 12 0 rally, then advanced to second on a
Roe (7), Alvarado (7), Romo (9) and Ramos. W- San Francisco 100 000 100-2 5 1 the Cubs. Chicago is 43-21 against Romo worked the ninth for his fifth two-out wild pitch before Marte fol- win. He retired 17 straight during one
Yarbrough 6-3. L-Sabathia 4-3. Sv-Romo (5). Richard, Cimber (7), J. Castillo (7), Stammen Cincinnati over the last four seasons. save in nine chances. lowed an intentional walk to David stretch, allowed only two runners past
Seattle 420 400 000-10 14 0 (7), Yates (8), Hand (9) and Lopez; Stratton, Suarez’s two-run shot in the fifth Peralta with his winning hit. second base and struck out four.
Boston 500 013 50x-14 20 0 Blach (7), Gearrin (8), P. Johnson (9), W. Angels 2, Blue Jays 1
LeBlanc, Pazos (5), Vincent (6), Nica- Smith (9) and Hundley, Posey. W-Richard 7-6. inning off Quintana (6-6) gave him a Andrew Chafin (1-0) pitched one Eric Hosmer and Manuel Margot
team-high 16 homers and put the Reds In Anaheim, Andrew Heaney (4-5) scoreless inning for the win, and TJ each had two hits and two RBIs as
sio (7), Rumbelow (7), Elias (8) and Zunino; L-Stratton 8-5.
ahead 4-3. pitched seven solid innings in another McFarland notched the first save of his the Padres snapped a five-game skid.
quality start, allowing just one run and six-year career with a perfect 13th. Travis Jankowski and Cory Spangen-
Brewers 2, Cardinals 1
Gators chomped In Milwaukee, Jesus Aguilar homer-
nine hits. The left-hander has gone at
least seven innings in three of his last Royals 1, Astros 0 berg added two hits apiece.
Padres manager Andy Green used
In Houston, rookie Rosell Herrera three relievers to get out of the seventh.
Arkansas off to CWS finals kept the game scoreless with a home-
run robbery in the eighth inning and hit
an RBI triple in the ninth, and strug-
Kirby Yates allowed a leadoff single in
the eighth before setting down the next
OMAHA, Neb, June 23, (AP): Isaiah ance in a championship game. three. Brad Hand retired all three bat-
Campbell limited Florida to two hits Florida (49-21), the No. 1 overall gling Kansas City beat Houston. ters he faced in the ninth.
over 5-1/3 innings, Arkansas scored seed, lost for the first time in eight Herrera helped the Royals end a
nine-game skid by bringing back Alex Athletics 11, White Sox 2, 1st Game
four times in five innings against first- NCAA elimination games. The Gators
round draft pick Brady Singer, and the were looking to get to the finals for the Bregman’s would-be homer. The right White Sox 6, Athletics 4, 2nd Game
Razorbacks earned a spot in the second straight year and fourth time fielder reached over the short outfield
wall to snag the first out in the eighth. In Chicago, Lucas Giolito (5-7)
College World Series finals with a 5-2 since 2005. pitched into the eighth inning before
win over the defending champion Adalberto Mondesi then singled
Casey Martin went 4 for 5 and off Ken Giles (0-2) to start the ninth, Xavier Cedeno worked out of a jam,
Gators on Friday night. and Chicago snapped an eight-game
stole second and took third on a flyout
Campbell more than atoned for his by Whit Merrifield. Herrera then sent losing streak by beating Oakland to
worst performance of the season when BASEBALL a ball to center field to score Mondesi salvage a doubleheader split.
he faced the Gators in the teams’ and make it 1-0. The White Sox bounced back after
Southeastern Conference opening getting pounded behind a pair of three-
series in March. He was at his best this Dominic Fletcher homered for the sec- Rockies 11, Marlins 3 run homers by Franklin Barreto in the
time, matching his career high with ond straight game to lead the In Denver, Jon Gray struck out 12 first game. They stopped their worst
eight strikeouts and leaving with a 5-2 Razorbacks’ offense against Singer in seven dominant innings, Nolan Are- skid since a nine-game rut last July
lead. (12-3) and Tommy Mace. nado homered in a six-run fourth, and and ended Oakland’s season-high win
Arkansas (47-19) has never gone to The Gators managed only three hits Colorado won its fourth in a row by streak at five. Joakim Soria retired all
the CWS finals since the NCAA against Campbell (5-6), Jake Reindl beating Miami. three batters in the ninth for his 11th
Tournament went to its current struc- and Matt Cronin — the fourth time Arkansas pitcher Isaiah Campbell works against Florida in the fifth inning It was Gray’s 12th career 10-plus save in 13 opportunities. Chris Bassitt
ture in 1999. The Razorbacks were this season they were held to three or of an NCAA College World Series baseball game in Omaha, Nebraska on strikeout game and the fourth this (0-3) got tagged for five runs and six
runner-up in 1979 in their only appear- fewer and first since May 13. June 22. (AP) season. He had at least two strikeouts hits in 5-1/3 innings in the late game.

SPORTS
Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive ends Fantasy Premier League tourney
KUWAIT CITY, June 23: Ali Al-
ghanim & Sons Automotive Com-
pany, the exclusive importer of
Land Rover, BMW, MINI, Rolls-
Royce and McLaren vehicles in
Kuwait, concluded last week its
Fantasy Premier League (FPL)
tournament following a nine-month
sensational competition among
more than 4,000 Kuwaitis. The
tournament, which started in Au-
gust 2017, saw Fawaz Al Fouzan
walk away with KD 5,000 in cash
after topping the charts as the tour-
nament’s best FPL manager for the
season.
In second place came Fahad Al
Hubaidah who won KD 3,000,
Yousef Al Houti came third winning
KD 1,500. Throughout the tourna-
ment, 12 ‘Managers of the Month’
where called to win KD 300 each.
The tournament prizes summed up
to more than KD 13,000 making one
of the biggest free FPL tournaments
globally.
“At Ali Alghanim & Sons Au-
tomotive, we are always keen on
finding new ways to engage our
customers and reward them for
their loyalty,” commented Yousef
Al Qatami, General Manager of
Ali Alghanim & Sons Automotive
while handing away the prizes to
the tournament’s top three manag-
ers. Football is an all-time favorite
Nole ends 12-month drought
to reach Queen’s showpiece
Federer chases 99th title, faces Coric in Halle final
LONDON, June 23, (AFP): Novak Djokovic ended his fi-
nal drought as the former world number one reached his
first title match for a year with a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 win against
Jeremy Chardy at Queen’s Club on Saturday.
Djokovic will play top seed Marin Cilic on Sunday in the Serb’s first fi-
nal since he won the grass-court tournament at Eastbourne 12 months ago.
It will be Djokovic’s first appearance in the Queen’s title match since he was beaten
by Rafael Nadal in his only previous final at the Wimbledon warm-up event in 2008.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic returns to France’s Jeremy Chardy during their men’s singles semifinals match at the ATP
Queen’s Club Championships tennis tournament in west London on June 23. (AFP)
Cambage helps Wings rout Sparks 101-72
Lynx end Mercury’s 8-game run
PHOENIX, June 23, (AP): Maya
Moore scored 23 points and the
Minnesota Lynx beat Phoenix 83-
72 on Friday night to end the Mer-
cury’s eight-game winning streak.
Lindsay Whalen added 15 points
for Minnesota (6-6), Seimone Au-
gustus had 14, and Sylvia Fowles
finished with 11 points and 10 re-
bounds. The defending champions
Lynx have won three in a row after
losing five of six.
Diana Taurasi scored 23 points
for Phoenix (10-4), and Brittney
Griner had 18 points and 13 re-
bounds.
Whalen scored six points during
BASKETBALL
Minnesota’s 12-4 opening run, and
Moore hit a 3-pointer to push the
lead to 40-19 midway through the
second quarter. Taurasi scored eight
points, Sancho Lyttle converted a
3-point play and Briann January hit
a 3-pointer during a 14-6 run that
pulled Phoenix within eight with
four minutes to play. But Rebekkah
Brunson answered with a layup and,
after a turnover by Taurasi, Fowles
added a basket to make it 73-61
with three minutes left.
Aces 88, Liberty 78
In Las Vegas, Kayla McBride
scored a season-high 27 points and
rookie A’ja Wilson had her third
consecutive double-double for Las
Vegas.
Wilson finished with 20 points,
14 rebounds and three blocks and
More than 4,000 Kuwaitis competed for 15 cash prizes worth over KD 13,000
Winners of Fantasy Premier League tournament.
for Kuwaitis and our FPL tourna-
ment saw tremendous interest with
over 4,000 participants. We look
forward to organizing more excit-
ing competitions in the future,”
commented Al Qatami.
McBride made 4 of 5 from 3-point
range.
Wilson converted a 3-point
play to give the Aces a 10-8 lead
midway through the first quarter,
and they never again trailed. New
York (4-7) tied it three times in
the fourth quarter before McBride
scored 10 points in the final seven
minutes to help Las Vegas pull
away for good.
Tina Charles led New York with
14 points, Kia Nurse scored 13 and
Amanda Zahui B.
added 12 points
— her most
since scoring
15 in the season
opener.
Aces coach
Bill Laimbeer
— who coached
the Liberty from
2013-2017, in-
cluding a trip to
Moore
the 2015 Eastern
Conference Finals — improved to
2-0 against his former team. Las
Vegas won 78-63 at New York on
June 13.
Wings 101, Sparks 72
In Arlington, Texas, Liz Cam-
bage scored 20 points on 9-of-10
shooting and Aerial Powers had 16
points and eight rebounds to help the
Dallas Wings beat the Los Angeles
Sparks 101-72 on Friday night.
Allisha Gray scored 15 points,
Azura Stevens added 13 and Skylar
Diggins-Smith, who finished with a
season-low six points, had 11 assists
— one shy of her career best set in
Ali Alghanim & Sons Automo- ity team distributed food supplies to
tive hosts several lifestyle and com- over 6,000 needy families in Kuwait
munity events throughout the year during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
including activities that give back Fantasy Premier League is the
to the local society. Most recently, world’s biggest fantasy football
the company’s social responsibil- game with over 5 million players.
The 31-year-old’s 99th career final offers him the chance to move above Stefan
Edberg into sole possession of ninth place in the all-time match wins list on 802.
Asked how he would cope with Cilic’s power serves, Djokovic joked: “I will
play with two racquets! One in the right hand and one in the left hand!”
After such a turbulent period since he was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon
with an elbow injury last year, Djokovic may be rounding into form just in time for
his return to the All England Club.
Maintaining his domination of Chardy, Djokovic set up another so far one-sided
match-up against Cilic, who has lost 14 of their 15 meetings.
Cilic slugged his way into a fourth Queen’s final as the Croatian won the battle of
the big servers with a 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/4)
victory over Nick Kyrgios.
Cilic, 29, is bidding to win Queen’s
for the second time after lifting the tro-
phy in 2012 and finishing as runner-up
in 2013 and 2017.
It will be Cilic’s second final of
2018 following his defeat against
Roger Federer at the Australian Open
in January. The world number six,
who was also beaten by Federer in last
year’s Wimbledon final, lost the ace
race against Kyrgios, with the Austral-
ian hitting 16 to Cilic’s 11.
But former US Open champion Cil-
ic held his nerve in two tie-breaks and
punished a handful of key errors from
TENNIS
Kyrgios.
In Halle, Germany, defending
champion Roger Federer will play
21-year-old Borna Coric in the Gerry
Weber Open final as he chases his 99th
career singles title on Sunday.
Federer reached his 12th final in
Halle after beating qualifier Denis
Kudla 7-6 (1), 7-5 on Saturday.
Coric advanced after fourth-seeded
Roberto Bautista Agut retired injured
in their semifinal. The Spaniard was
leading 3-2 in the first set.
Federer fired 12 aces and saved six of
the seven break points he faced to end
Kudla’s 10-set winning streak in Halle.
The American had three break points
when he was leading 4-3 in the second
set, but Federer fought back and finished
the set with two successive aces.
The 25-year-old Kudla had saved
20 of 21 break points on his way to the
semifinals at the grass-court tournament.
2014 — for Dallas (6-5). Federer, who saved two match points
Nneka Ogwumike led Los Ange- against Benoit Paire in the second round
les (9-3) with 17 points. The Sparks on Thursday, is going for a record-ex-
had won five in a row. tending 10th title in Halle. It will be his
second final in as many weeks.
Dream 75, Sun 70 The Swiss great, who won his 18th
In Atlanta, Angel McCoughtry grass-court title in Stuttgart on Sun-
scored 25 points, Layshia Claren- day, is just two match wins away from
matching Jimmy Connors’ all-time re-
don hit two free throws with 9.4
seconds left and Atlanta overcame a cord of 174 victories on grass.
After skipping the entire clay-court
13-point second-half deficit to beat
season for the second year in a row,
Connecticut. Federer extended his grass-court win-
Brittney Sykes scored 13 points,
ning streak to 20 matches, includ-
Damiris Dantas added 11, and Elizabeth ing Stuttgart and last year’s titles in
Williams had 10 rebounds and three Halle and Wimbledon. The revitalized
blocks for Atlanta (7-6). Alex Bentley 36-year-old only had a longer streak
(7-5) led the Sun with 18 points, and on the surface once before, when he
Chiney Ogwumike had 16. won 65 consecutive matches on grass
Mystics 93, Sky 77
between 2003 and 2008.
In Birmingham, England, Magdale-
In Chicago, Elena Delle Donne na Rybarikova, the grass-court expert
scored 22 of her 30 points in the whose career was in danger of ending
after wrist and knee surgeries, over-
first half in Washington’s victory
over Chicago. came Barbora Strycova 7-6 (1), 6-4
Saturday to reach the final of the Bir-
Delle Donne added 10 rebounds, mingham Classic for a second time.
six assists and two blocks. Kristi
It was further proof of a remarkable
Tolliver scored 13 points — all in recovery for the Slovak from a ranking
the first half — and Monique Currie of 453 early last year, which has been
added 11 for the Mystics (8-5). followed by a Wimbledon semifinal
Allie Quigley scored 21 points for and a chance of regaining a title she
Chicago (3-9). The Sky have lost won nine years ago.
Strycova, the top 30 Czech who
six in a row.
ousted Wimbledon champion Garbine
Storm 72, Fever 63 Muguruza in the second round, had
In Seattle, Jewell Loyd had 25 won their last four meetings.
points on 10-of-16 shooting and But Strycova had her chances this
Natasha Howard had 11 points, nine time as well. She broke serve to lead
5-3 in the first set, and then broke again
rebounds and four blocks to help
to lead 4-3 in the second. On each oc-
Seattle beat Indiana. casion she reached 30-15 on her serve
Breanna Stewart scored 15 points before committing errors, though this
for the Storm (9-4). was still an impressive display be-
Candice Dupree led Indiana (1- tween two players fully comfortable
12) with 15 points. on the surface.
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
Thompson wins Jamaican crown
Lyles, Hobbs claim 100m
final titles at US outdoors
DES MOINES, Iowa, June 23, (Agen-
cies): Noah Lyles was asked after win-
ning his first USATF title whether he’s
a “100- or 200-meter guy.”
Without skipping a beat, Lyles said
“I’m both.”
Lyles certainly showed he’s more
than just a specialist in the 200 meters
with a scintillating performance on Fri-
day in Des Moines.
The 20-year-old from Florida won a
thrilling 100 final at the outdoor national
championships, becoming the youngest
title-holder in the event in 34 years.
Lyles finished in a world-leading
9.88 second. Ronnie Baker was second
in 9.90.
LSU’s Aleia Hobbs won the wom-
en’s 100 to become the first college
winner in the event since 1991. She
finished in 10.91. Ashley Henderson,
also a collegian for San Diego State,
was second in 10.96 — and five of the
eight sprinters in the finals were col-
lege runners.
Zack Ziemek won the decathlon with
a stadium-record 8,294 points to edge
Harrison Solomon by 275 points. Donald
ATHLETICS
Scott took the triple jump at 57 feet.
Christian Taylor, who was expect-
ed to win the triple jump after taking
first at worlds in 2017, didn’t register
a qualified jump before dropping out.
Taylor’s performance came shortly af-
ter he barely failed to advance in the
400. “My legs were heavy after the
400,” Taylor said. “I mean, there is so
much to lose and little to gain in that.”
Ziemek, who was seventh in the Rio
Olympics, cruised to the win by posting
the best score by an American in 2018.
Ziemek also beat two-time Olympic
champion Ashton Eaton’s stadium re-
cord by just three points in winning his
first national title.
Rudy Winkler won the event for the
second time in three years, finishing first
with a toss of 242 feet — less than two
feet further than runner-up Alex Young.
World record holder Kendra Harri-
son advanced in the 100 hurdles with a
season-best time of 12.46 in a prelimi-
nary heat. ... Michael Rodgers, who ran
a world-leading time of 9.89 seconds in
the first round of the 100 on Thursday,
pulled out of the meet for unspecified
reasons. ... Chris Bernard was second
in the triple jump at 56-10, followed by
KeAndre Bates at 56-3-3/4.
Also:
KINGSTON, Jamaica: Olympic 100
metres champion Elaine Thompson left
Ball undrafted
Cavs GM optimistic after
‘talks’ with team LeBron
33 Russians cleared
to race as ‘neutrals’
PARIS, June 23, (AFP): Thirty-
three more Russian athletes were
cleared to compete as neutrals by the
International Association of Athlet-
ics Federations (IAAF) on Friday,
the latest development in the fall-out
from the doping scandal which led
to a ban on Russia in 2015.
The 33 are all young athletes
who will be clear to take part un-
der a neutral flag at the world un-
der-20 championships from July
19-24 in Tampere, Finland and the
European under-18 tournament
from July 5-8 at Gyor in Hungary.
The system of allowing clean
ATHLETICS
athletes to take part as neutrals
has been used for the 2016 Olym-
pics in Rio as well as at the World
Championships in London in 2017
and for the 2018 indoor season.
Friday’s announcement means
that the list now contains 58 athletes.
Some were able to compete at
the World Indoor Championships
in Birmingham, such as gold med-
al winning high-jumpers Maria
Lasitskene and Danil Lysenko.
However, 44 have been rejected
by the anti-doping panel this year,
said the IAAF, which said it has
received more than 180 applica-
tions since last December.
Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts
after defeating Denis Kudla from the
US in their match at the ATP tennis
tournament in Halle, western Ger-
many on June 23. (AFP)
32
Noah Lyles runs to victory in the
men’s 100-meter final during day 2
of the 2018 USATF Outdoor Cham-
pionships at Drake Stadium on June
22, in Des Moines, Iowa. (AFP)
it late before coming through in the clos-
ing stages to run down a fast-starting
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and win the
Jamaican championships title on Friday.
Thompson, who had a poor start crossed
the line in 11.01 seconds, while three-time
world champion Fraser-Pryce faded to
a season-best 11.09 and Olympic 400m
bronze medalist Shericka Jackson came
third with career-best 11.13.
The 25-year-old Thompson was
pleased with the win after an injury-hit
start to the season.
The 11.09 was Fraser-Pryce’s best
time in 22 months after returning to
competition last month following the
birth of her first child in 2017.
In the absence of former world cham-
pion Yohan Blake, Tyquendo Tracey
produced a career best 10.07 seconds to
win his first national 100m title. Kenroy
Anderson was second in 10.24, while
Nesta Carter was third in 10.31.
Blake was disqualified in the semifi-
nals after running under protest, having
been charged with a false start.
World championship semifinalist
Julian Forte pulled up injured around
60 metres into the final.
Earlier, Commonwealth Games gold
medalist Janieve Russell led from
start to finish to win the 400m hurdles
in 54.18, as Olympic finalist Annsert
Whyte won the men’s equivalent from
lane eight in 48.80.
WASHINGTON, June 23, (RTRS): Cava-
liers general manager Koby Altman senses
positive momentum as Cleveland prepares
to pith LeBron James on sticking around.
Altman entered the NBA draft Thursday
without knowledge of James’ intentions
in free agency. James has until midnight
on June 29 to exercise the 2018-19 sea-
son option in his contract worth $35.6
million or opt out to become a free agent.
Altman described talks between
the Cavaliers and
James’ represent-
atives as “good
dialogue.”
The Cavaliers
believe drafting
point guard Col-
lin Sexton with
the No. 8 pick on
Thursday was a
signal to James that
they’re still build-
James ing around him.
Altman also said
owner Dan Gilbert is set to “spare no
expense” building a championship team
after the Cavaliers were swept by the
Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals.
❑ ❑ ❑
LiAngelo Ball went undrafted on
Thursday night and afterward was in-
formed by the Los Angeles Lakers
that they won’t be inviting him to join
their summer league team, according
to an ESPN report.
LiAngelo, the younger brother of
Lakers point guard Lonzo Ball and
BASKETBALL
middle of three basketball-playing Ball
brothers, worked out for Los Angeles
and the Golden State Warriors before
the draft. After his Lakers workout, the
team signified it had no interest in draft-
ing LiAngelo or signing the 19-year-
old to play for their G League team,
the South Bay Lakers, according to a
report from USA Today Sports.
❑ ❑ ❑
Atlanta Hawks general manager
Travis Schlenk admitted that his NBA
draft strategy one night earlier was altered
by a leaked media report during trade
talks, leading to him backing out of a pro-
posed trade with the Milwaukee Bucks.
During a radio interview on 95.7
The Game in San Francisco, the
Hawks GM explained that a tipped
news report helped him avoid deal-
ing away additional draft picks to the
Bucks, who picked No. 17 overall in
the first round Thursday -- two spots
ahead of the Hawks at No. 19.

SPORTS
Ireland edge Wallabies thriller to win rare series
SYDNEY, June 23, (Agencies): Ire-
land clung on in a titanic battle to
down the Wallabies 20-16 and win
their first Test series in Australia in 39
years in Sydney on Saturday.
Star fly-half Johnny Sexton kicked
a pressure penalty a minute from full-
time to clinch victory after Australia
had fought back from eight points
down in the second half.
Ireland held on to win a three-match
series for the first time in the southern
hemisphere, to add to their Grand Slam
Six Nations victory earlier this year.
Ireland, who trail only world cham-
pions New Zealand in the international
standings, hadn’t won a series in Aus-
tralia since they swept a two-Test tour
in 1979.
But Joe Schmidt’s team fought back
from losing the opening game 18-9 in
Brisbane to win the final two Tests in
RUGBY
Melbourne and Sydney and end their
39-year away win drought against
Australia.
In Cape Town, brilliant goal-kick-
ing by Owen Farrell and a superbly
created Jonny May try gave England
a 25-10 dead-rubber Test win over
South Africa Saturday that snapped a
six-match losing run.
Having led 6-3 at half-time, Eng-
land fell a point behind in the second
half before captain and centre Farrell
and winger May took the game away
from 2-1 series winners South Africa.
The longer this arm-wrestle match pro-
gressed the more likely England looked
like winning and they sealed success with
a great try eight minutes from time at
Newlands stadium in Cape Town.
Recalled fly-half Danny Cipriani
sent a perfectly-weighted cross-field
kick into the far corner and official
man-of-the-match May darted behind
the defence to score.
Ireland’s rugby team celebrate winning the Lansdown Cup after beating
Australia 20-16 in the third and final rugby union Test match in Sydney
on June 23. (AFP)
Soccer Roundup
Kluivert leaves Ajax for Roma
Owners of Chicago Cubs in
talks to purchase AC Milan
MILAN, June 23, (Agencies): The
Ricketts family that owns the Chi-
cago Cubs says it is negotiating to
purchase the debt-ridden AC Mi-
lan soccer team.
The Milan office of the Edel-
man public relations firm, which
has been hired to represent the
Ricketts, says the entire family
is interested in Milan for “a me-
dium- to long-period investment”
and wants to create “a strong bond
with the city.”
The interest comes as seven-
time European champion Milan
faces UEFA sanctions over a
breach of financial fair play regu-
lations.
Milan last year spent more than
200 million euros (then nearly
$250 million) on new players amid
questions over the financial stabil-
ity of the Chinese-led consortium
that purchased the club from Sil-
vio Berlusconi for $800 million in
April 2017.
Serie A team Milan took a loan
from US private equity fund El-
liott worth more than 300 million
euros that club chairman Li Yong-
hong has struggled to pay back.
Milan qualified for the Europa
League next season but risks being
excluded as part of the possible
sanctions.
The Ricketts family acquired
a majority interest in the Cubs in
2009 and the team won the 2016
World Series under its guidance.
The Gazzetta dello Sport reports
Saturday that there is also another
American party — which it did not
name — interested in purchasing
Milan.
Thomas DiBenedetto, a part-
ner in the Fenway Sports Group,
which controls the Boston Red
Sox and Liverpool, headed the
group that took control of Roma
in 2011. All-Star catcher Mike
Piazza bought control of third-tier
Reggiana in 2016.
❑ ❑ ❑
Justin Kluivert, the son of
former Barcelona and Newcastle
striker Patrick, left Ajax for Roma
for 17.25 million euros ($20mln)
on Friday, the Serie A club an-
nounced.
The Dutch international winger
penned a five-year contract with
the Italian giants that runs until 30
June 2023.
❑ ❑ ❑
Ioane treble as New Zealand whip France in 7-try spree
Winners celebrate after winning the Kuwait Cricket Desert Edition II Tournament.
Kuwait Swedish Cricket Team set a record
Kuwait Swedish Cricket Team,
Winners of Kuwait Cricket Desert
Edition II Tournament (Division E).
The team also made a record in
In Dunedin, New Zealand, Rieko Io-
ane scored a dazzling second-half hat-
trick as New Zealand punished France
49-14 to complete a clean sweep of
their three-Test series in Dunedin on
Saturday.
There were nine tries, seven for the
All Blacks — including three to Ioane
Real Madrid have signed
19-year-old goalkeeper Andriy
Lunin from Zorya Luhansk, the
European champions announced
on Saturday.
“He is distinguished by his size,
1.91 metres (6’3”), and has signed
for six seasons,” Real wrote on
their website, adding that Lunin
was “young but experienced,”
having already made his interna-
tional debut.
According to the Spanish press,
Lunin will start with Real Madrid
Castilla, the
club’s B team
which plays in
the Spanish sec-
ond division.
With the club
also pursuing
Brazil’s World
Cup goalkeeper
Alisson Becker
of Roma, who is
25, the young-
Kluivert ster’s arrival
increases the
pressure on Costa Rican Keylor
Navas, who started for Real in the
Champions League final and is 31.
❑ ❑ ❑
Los Angeles FC seeks to con-
tinue its unbeaten streak at home
when the Columbus Crew visits on
Saturday.
The first-year club is 2-0-3 at
Banc of California Stadium play-
ing in front of enthusiastic sellouts
of 22,000. This will be the first
meeting with the Crew, one of
the original MLS franchises from
1996.
“The excitement of the crowd,
the quality of the stadium will be
fun to see,” Crew midfielder and
captain Wil Trapp said. “Look,
we’re going there to get three
points. That’s the point of this
trip.”
After a 2-0 home loss to Atlan-
ta United on June 13, Columbus
(7-4-6) has a loss and four ties in
its last five matches.
The Crew are third in the East-
ern Conference while LAFC (7-4-
3) holds the same position in the
West.
“They’re a team that can score
in multiple ways,” Trapp said.
“For a team that’s in their first year
they’re very organized. (Coach)
Bob Bradley has them very con-
fident, playing well.”
Kuwait Cricket History by scoring
303/0 in 20 Overs. The prize distri-
bution was organized at Doha En-
tertainment City Cricket Ground.
and two to Damian McKenzie — and
two for France as both sides relished
the freedom to attack on a firm surface
in the enclosed Dunedin Stadium.
McKenzie converted all the All
Blacks’ tries to finish with a match haul
of 24 points, while Ioane took his try
haul to 16 from 16 Tests.
Merchant Navy flies the
flag for O’Brien at Ascot
Arthur Kitt lands emotional Chesham Stakes win
LONDON, June 23, (AFP):
Former Australian star
Merchant Navy gave re-
cordbreaking Irish trainer
Aidan O'Brien his first
Group One winner of the
week at Royal Ascot in a
thrilling Diamond Jubilee
Stakes on Saturday.
Merchant Navy – who cost
O'Brien's employers Coolmore
Stud AUS $30million -- just held
off the fast finishing French raid-
er City Light under Christophe
Soumillon.
American runner Bound for No-
where – trained by Wesley Ward and
ridden by Joel Rosario who teamed up
earlier in the week to win with Shang
Shang Shang -- completed an interna-
tional 1-2-3.
"I am over the moon," said O'Brien.
"We have always been very happy
with him since he arrived from Aus-
tralia but we still thought it would be
an impossible task."
HORSE RACING
O'Brien, who performed a similar
training feat with another ex Austral-
ian horse Starspangled Banner when
he won the Diamond Jubilee in 2010,
added it was likely to be the last time
he raced as he is due to return to Aus-
tralia to take up stallion duties.
O'Brien credited Ryan Moore with
a great ride but the Englishman ad-
mitted the finish was so tight with
Soumillon alongside him that what
he thought at that moment was 'un-
repeatable'.
A couple of the more fancied run-
ners failed to justify their favoured
status.
The Godolphin Operation's Harry
Angel's chances evaporated before the
off as he acted up and caught one of
his hind legs on the running rail inside
the stalls.
He stumbled out of them and trailed
in last.
Australian runner Redkirk Warrior
flattered to deceive under Frankie Det-
tori, prominent early on in the six fur-
long (1200 metres) race before fading
from the picture.
Arthur Kitt goes from defying death
to Royal Ascot win
Meanwhile, Arthur Kitt who nearly
died at birth produced one of the fair-
ytale wins of this year's Royal Ascot
landing the Chesham Stakes on the fi-
nal day of the world's greatest racing
carnival.
The Tom Dascombe-trained two-
year-old had to be resuscitated six
times when he was born – his dam
(mother) Ceiling Kitty having to be
put down.
Ceiling Kitty had also experienced
the glory of winning at the Royal meet-
ing having collected the Queen Mary
Stakes in 2012 and the same team were
present six years on to repeat the feat
with her son.
Jockey Richard Kingscote, known
as the 'tattoo jockey' as his body is cov-
ered with tattoos, said it was a special
moment.
The ceremony was attended by
Mahmood Bastaki, Board Mem-
ber, Kuwait Cricket, Mohammed
Abdul Asad Aleem (Asad Khan)
In Toyota City, Japan, Japan blanked
Georgia 28-0 on Saturday to end a busy
month of home Tests on a high note af-
ter splitting a two-match series against
Italy.
The 2019 World Cup hosts, ranked
one spot above Georgia at 11th in the
world, ran in three second-half tries af-
Britain’s Queen Elizabeth smiles before presenting the trophy for the Diamond Jubilee Stakes during day five of
Royal Ascot at Ascot Racecourse, England on June 23. (AP)
Force India fined 100,000 euros for loose wheel
Hamilton on pole in France GP
LE CASTELLET, France, June 23,
(RTRS): Formula One world cham-
pion Lewis Hamilton roared back to
form on Saturday to put his Mercedes
on pole position for the first French
Grand Prix in a decade.
Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas,
who had gone top moments earlier,
had to settle for second – just 0.118 of
a second slower – as the Silver Arrows
locked out the front row in style.
Ferrari's championship leader Se-
bastian Vettel, a point ahead of the
Briton after seven of 21 races, quali-
fied in third place.
Sunday's race will be the first
French Grand Prix since Magny-Cours
in 2008 and the first held at the south-
ern Le Castellet circuit since 1990.
"It feels great to be back in France.
It's such a beautiful place. I got a great
response from the crowd and I'm de-
lighted to be here for the first time,"
said Hamilton, who described his final
MOTOR RACIING
session as 'so-so'.
The pole, in a time of one minute
30.029 seconds, was his third of the
year and pushed his Formula One re-
cord to 75.
The battle of Formula One's four-times
champions has ebbed and flowed, with
Vettel taking back the lead in Canada af-
ter Hamilton had to make do with an en-
gine reaching the end of its life while rival
teams had upgrades. He finished fifth in
Montreal, a favourite track, in his worst
showing of the season so far.
ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018
General Manager — Managing
Partner/Kuwait Swedish, Sajid
Ashraf, Director General, Kuwait
Cricket.
ter a scrappy first period in rain-soaked
Toyota.
Leading by nine points at the break,
Japan broke the game open when
Wimpie van der Walt bundled over
three minutes after the restart, quickly
followed by a brilliant solo try from
Lomano Lemeki.
Mercedes brought an upgraded
power unit to Le Castellet and Hamil-
ton, who has yet to win in France, has
been consistently quick.
"I did push everything in the last at-
tempt but pushed too much," said Vet-
tel. "After the first attempt I thought
'with a really amazing lap we have a
chance' but P3 I'm happy with because
the car should be good in the race."
Red Bull's Max Verstappen quali-
fied fourth with Australian team mate
Daniel Ricciardo fifth and Ferrari's
Kimi Raikkonen sixth.
Mercedes’ British driver Lewis
Hamilton poses with a pole position
award as he celebrates winning the
pole position after the qualifying
session at the Circuit Paul Ricard in
Le Castellet, southern France, on
June 23, ahead of the Formula One
Grand Prix de France. (AFP)
33
Kazuki Himeno added a third try for
the Brave Blossoms, who were never
seriously threatened by the visitors.
In Suva, Fiji, the boot of Sonatane
Takulua and a late try by Dan Faleafa
sealed an upset 27-19 win for Tonga
over Pacific Nations Cup champions
Fiji in Lautoka on Saturday.
The match settled unfinished busi-
ness between the two sides after they
finished first and second without play-
ing each other in the recent two-round
Nations Cup tournament, also involv-
ing Samoa and Georgia.
Fiji coach John McKee had said his
side could not consider themselves
true champions unless they beat Ton-
ga, and with 20 minutes remaining
they led 19-14 and appeared on their
way to victory.
But ill discipline proved costly as
Takulua slotted two penalties, Fiji
went down to 14-men when Vereniki
Goneva was yellow carded and Faleafa
crossed for his try.
Tonga had set the early pace with
a converted try to Agen hooker Paul
Ngauamo, and Frank Lomani levelled
for Fiji at 7-7 with a try just before
half-time converted by Ben Volavola.
Immediately after the start of the sec-
ond half, Tonga pulled away again when
Castres lock Sitiveni Mafi scored.
Also:
SYDNEY: Winger Junior Rau scored
two tries to lead Papua New Guinea
to a 26-14 upset win over Fiji in a rug-
by league international on Saturday.
In a later match of the Pacific In-
ternational doubleheader at Camp-
belltown Stadium in western Sydney,
Tonga kept up its strong recent form
with a seven-try, 38-22 win over Sa-
moa. Tonga led 30-6 at halftime.
Despite giving up more than 500
games of National Rugby League
experience to its rivals, Papua New
Guinea led 26-4 at halftime and held
on for the win.
Two youngsters were right behind,
with Renault's Carlos Sainz seventh
fastest and Sauber's Charles Leclerc an
eye-catching eighth with a lap that will
only have impressed Ferrari.
The 20-year-old Monegasque rook-
ie is already seen as the likely replace-
ment for 2007 world champion Raik-
konen at Ferrari next year.
Frenchman Romain Grosjean
brought out red flags when he lost
control and hit the tyre wall with just
under eight minutes remaining of the
final session.
He will still start 10th, the highest of
the three home drivers.
There was gloom at McLaren, with
last weekend's Le Mans 24 Hours win-
ner and double world champion Fer-
nando Alonso managing only the 16th
best time. His Belgian team mate Stof-
fel Vandoorne was 18th.
That was still better than former
champions Williams, who had Russian
Sergey Sirotkin 19th and Canadian
Lance Stroll 20th.
Brendon Hartley will start behind
them for Toro Rosso due to penalties
arising from a breach of the engine
regulations, with the New Zealander
using his fourth of the season.
Force India have been fined 100,000
euros ($116,550), with 85,000 of the total
suspended for a year, after a rear wheel
flew off Sergio Perezís Formula One car
at speed in French Grand Prix practice.
The team were also told by stewards
on Saturday to investigate their assem-
bly and quality control procedures to
ensure such a potentially dangerous
accident did not happen again.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 34

Saudis say 12,000 pirating devices seized

Saudi Arabia has said it has confiscated more than
12,000 pirating devices in the country, after rival Qa-
tar’s beIN Media accused broadcasters in the kingdom
of bootlegging its World Cup broadcasts.
“The number of confiscated devices was 12,000... in
recent months, although the actual figure in my opinion
is much higher,” Saud al-Qahtani, an adviser to pow-
erful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, told AFP.
“Saudi Arabia respects the issue of protecting intel-
lectual rights and abides by international conventions
in this regard,” he added.
His statement comes as sports broadcaster beIN —
which has exclusive Middle East rights to televise this
year’s World Cup — alleges it is a victim of a major A Nigeria fan celebrates
pirating operation based in Saudi Arabia. their victory at the end of
BeIN has said that since last October, a vast and the Russia 2018 World
sophisticated Saudi bootlegging network known as Cup Group D football
“beoutQ” — using a signal from Riyadh-based satellite match between Nigeria
provider Arabsat — has been illegally transmitting its and Iceland at the Volgo-
broadcasts. grad Arena in Volgograd
Illegal transmissions from beoutQ had appeared in on June 22. (AFP)
Morocco, Jordan and Syria, and it was likely they would
reach Asia and southern Europe, according to beIN.
(AFP)

Swiss applaud victory, criticise celebrations

Brazil win but old questions of mental focus persist

SOCHI, Russia, June 23, (RTRS):
Brazil’s late World Cup win over
Costa Rica takes them to the top of the
Group E but they have failed to con-
vince in their two matches so far and
the focus is once again shifting to the
South American side’s old foe — emo-
tional stability.
Neymar broke down in tears when
the final whistle went as the relief of
two goals in stoppage time flooded out
of him.
Pictures of the world’s most expen-
sive player crying on the pitch after
the 2-0 win on Friday brought back
memories of four years ago when cap-
tain Thiago Silva sobbed uncontrolla-
bly ahead of the penalty kicks decider
against Chile in the last 16.
Brazil were questioned at that tour-
nament for their psychological readi-
ness — the players’ looked seriously
freaked by Neymar’s absence ahead
of their 7-1 capitulation to Germany
in the semifinal — and the same ques-
tions are starting to be asked now.
In a typically defiant post on Insta-
gram, Neymar claimed his tears were
of joy and his team mates defended his
public display of emotion.
“I think you have to let it out, a great
weight was lifted off our shoulders,”
Thiago Silva said, in quotes reported
by Globo’s website. “I told him that
(crying) is good. Cry as much as you
want, only you know what you went
through to be at the World Cup.”
Brazil’s oscillating emotions were
also laid bare in other comments made
by Silva.
A team mate of Neymar’s at Paris
St Germain, he said he was upset at his
friend for swearing at him for return-
ing the ball to the Costa Ricans in a
show of fair play.
The tempestuous forward was, in
addition, caught several times on cam-
era swearing at the referee in Portu-
guese.
Neymar’s obsession with social me-
dia has undoubtedly opened him up to
more criticism — and pressure — than
ever but former players acknowledged
even the most balanced individual is
under massive stress in Russia.
“The demands on the players here
at the World Cup are huge,” Ronaldo,
who won the World Cup in 1994 and
2002, said in a TV Globo broadcast.
“The team didn’t play bad but so much
is expected of them.”
Switzerland’s 2-1 World Cup win
over Serbia was given a mixed reac-
tion by Swiss media who applauded
their rousing second-half comeback
Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojko-
vic cuts off a shot during the Group
E match between Switzerland and
Serbia at the 2018 soccer World
Cup in the Kaliningrad Stadium in
Kaliningrad, Russia on June 22.
(AP)
but criticised celebrations by scorers
Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri
which appeared to have political over-
tones.
After falling behind in the fifth
minute, Switzerland defied a cauldron-
like atmosphere created by fervent
Serbian supporters as they hit back
with a thunderbolt from Xhaka and a
last-minute breakaway goal from Sha-
qiri.
Both players, who are ethnic Al-
banians and of Kosovar heritage, cel-
ebrated with a gesture which appeared
to imitate the eagle displayed on Alba-
nia’s flag.
Serbia refuses to recognise the in-
dependence of its former province
Kosovo, whose 1.8 million people are
mostly ethnic Albanians, which broke
away 10 years ago.
Second-generation immigrants from
the Balkans have played a huge part in
transforming the Swiss national side
over the past 10 years.
Players such as Valon Behrami —
playing at his fourth World Cup —
Xhaka and Shaqiri have brought both
raw talent and passion to a team which
was not noted for either in the past.
But their efforts on Friday got a
mixed reaction from the Swiss media,
which showered praise on their perfor-
mance but criticised their celebrations.
“Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka
have talented feet like no one else in
this national team. But their political
sensitivity and social awareness let
much to be desired,” said the Neue
Zuercher Zeitung (NZZ).
The tabloid Blick took a similar line.
“(Xhaka and Shaqiri played with real
heart but forgot to keep cool heads
when they celebrated, and that is the
big flaw of this wonderfully stirring
evening.”
World Cup Diary
Musa warns Argentina: Nigeria’s
Ahmed Musa became ‘Lionel Musa’
on social media in Argentina on Friday
after his two goals against Iceland which
not only put the Africans back on course
for a last 16 place, but also restored
the World Cup hopes of the South
Americans.
However, the Nigerian has warned
his new-found hero status in Argentina is
likely to end abruptly on Tuesday when
the two countries meet in a decisive
Group D game in St Petersburg.
“Whenever I play against Argentina,
or whenever (Lionel) Messi is playing
against me, I score. (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
Plane suffers engine failure: A Rus-
sian passenger plane carrying Peruvian
soccer fans from the World Cup city of
Ye Ekaterinburg to Tyumen in Siberia
landed safely on Friday after an engine
fault caused the cabin to fill with smoke,
Russia’s air transport regulator said on
Saturday.
Safety concerns have plagued
Russia’s airline industry, which has
witnessed multiple fatal crashes in recent
years, and the engine of a plane carrying
Saudi Arabia’s soccer team caught fire
earlier this week.
Russia’s state aviation agency,
Rosaviatsiya, said on Saturday that a
Utair plane which was carrying Peruvian
fans back to Moscow via Tyumen after
watching their national side lose 1-0 to
France in Ye Ekaterinburg, had suffered
engine failure. (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
VAR in the firing line: Critics of the
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system
were handed ample ammunition when
Serbia were somehow denied what ap-
peared a blatant penalty in their defeat to
Switzerland on Friday.
Serbia fell to a 2-1 loss in Kaliningrad
with Xherdan Shaqiri snatching a last-
minute breaka-
way goal, but
it could have
been very
different had
Aleksandar
Mitrovic been
awarded a
penalty.
Midway
through the
second half,
Switzerland Musa
defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and
Fabian Schar both grabbed hold of
the Serbia striker, dragging him to the
ground in the penalty area.
German referee Felix Brych waved
play on and inexplicably the decision
stood, despite the VAR system being in
use and designed to prevent those types
of controversies.
Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic kept his
council in his post-match news confer-
ence, refusing to condemn the officials.
“As far as the referee is concerned, it
is not up to me to comment or to berate
the referee, it is up to you to assess that,”
he told reporters. (RTRS)
❑ ❑ ❑
Spain count on Costa goals: Spain
will be looking for their unlikely new
World Cup figurehead Diego Costa to
strike again against already eliminated
Morocco on Monday as they bid to
outscore Portugal and grab top spot in
Group B.
A draw in Kaliningrad would guar-
antee the 2010 winners safe passage into
the last 16 but to be assured of winning
the group they need to win a scoring
contest with Portugal, who play Iran at
the same time.
If the two European sides win by
the same scoreline, top spot will be
determined by who has the cleaner dis-
ciplinary record, with Spain currently on
one yellow card to Portugal’s two.
Iran, however, would reach the last 16
if they sprang a surprise by beating the
European champions.
Costa has scored three of Spain’s four
goals in Russia, emerging as a surprise
talisman after the sacking of coach Julen
Lopetegui threatened to throw their
campaign into chaos.
Brazilian-born Costa had flopped
at the 2014 World Cup after switching
loyalties to Spain, failing to have a single
shot in two games as the holders were
dumped out. He was left out of the Euro
2016 squad and his return had been a
constant subject of debate in Spain, with
leading newspaper El Pais questioning
his suitability in a team which prioritises
possession.
Costa got off to a flying start in the
opening game against Portugal, scoring
the first equaliser in the 3-3 epic with an
emphatic demonstration of his power
and skill before also showing bravery to
dive in and score the second.
Against the combative and defensive-
ly dogged Iran, he broke the deadlock
with the scrappiest of goals to give Spain
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 35

Chechen strongman makes Salah honorary citizen

After his team crashed out of the World Cup, Egypt’s
star player Mohamed Salah has won a consolation
prize in the form of honorary citizenship of Chechnya.
Chechen strongman Ramzan Kadyrov wrote on
Telegram that he had presented the Liverpool star
with the honorary title while hosting a dinner for the
Egypt team, whose World Cup training base is in the
Chechen capital Grozny.
“Mohamed Salah is an honorary citizen of Chechn-
ya! That’s right!” Kadyrov wrote late Friday. “Tonight I
signed a decree to grant the high honour to the great
footballer who plays for Egypt and Liverpool.”
Kadyrov, supported by Russia’s President Vladimir
Putin, rules Chechnya with an iron fist, drawing con-
stant condemnation from human rights groups.
He is known as an ardent football fan and in 2013 A Belgium supporter
took to the public address system during a match reacts during the Rus-
involving Chechen team Akhmat (formerly Terek) to sia 2018 World Cup
publicly insult the referee. Group G football match
Salah has been photographed smiling and clasp- between Belgium and
ing hands with Kadyrov during the tournament. Egypt Tunisia at the Spartak
crashed out of the World Cup after losing to Russia Stadium in Moscow on
3-1 on Tuesday, with Salah returning to action for the June 23. (AFP)
first time in three weeks following a shoulder injury but
unable to save his team. The Egyptians play their final
match against Saudi Arabia on Monday. (AFP)

Fan Zone

A Tunisia supporter cheers during

the Russia 2018 World Cup Group
G football match between Belgium
and Tunisia at the Spartak Stadium
in Moscow on June 23. (AFP)

South Korea’s Son Heung-min (right), and Mexico’s Hector Moreno challenge for the ball during the Group F match between Mexico and South Korea at the 2018 soccer World Cup in the Rostov
Arena in Rostov-on-Don, Russia on June 23. (AP)

Honda sees weakness in African team

A Mexico fan poses with a replica

World Cup trophy prior to the Rus-
sia 2018 World Cup Group F foot-
ball match between South Korea
and Mexico at the Rostov Arena in
Rostov-On-Don on June 23. (AFP)
A football fan painted in the colours
of the Russian flag shouts in cen-
tral Moscow on June 23, during the
Russia 2018 World Cup football
tournament. (AFP)
A South Korea fan poses in the
stands before the Russia 2018
World Cup Group F football match
between South Korea and Mexico
at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-
Don on June 23. (AFP)
Two entertainers pose with a Tuni-
sia fan outside the Spartak Stadium
before the Russia 2018 World Cup
Group G football match between
Belgium and Tunisia in Moscow on
June 23. (AFP)
England seek trusty Racist tweet could inspire
Senegal against Japan
lieutenants to Kane
Sterling place vs Panama in danger
REPINO, Russia, June 23,
(AFP): Handed a winning
start for the first time in a
major tournament for 12
years by captain Harry
Kane’s injury-time winner
against Tunisia, England
can look forward to Sun-
day’s meeting with Panama
with a rare sense of World
Cup calm.
A two-time Premier League
Golden Boot winner, Kane ban-
ished any remaining doubts over
his ability to perform on the biggest
stage for his country with the first
England vs Panama beIN SPORTS 1HD,
beIN MAX 1HD, beIN MAX 2HD
15:00 local
double by an English player at the
World Cup since Gary Lineker in
1990.
But Kane’s heroics in Volgograd
papered over the cracks of his team-
mates’ failure to find the net with a
host of simple first-half chances.
Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard
were particularly culpable and while
Kane saved an inquest into England’s
profligacy and ponderous second-half
performance, Sterling’s place against
Panama may now be in jeopardy.
The first media storm of a hitherto
relaxed campaign for the Three Lions
was brewing on Friday after Gareth
Southgate’s planned team was in-
advertently revealed when assistant
manager Steve Holland’s notes were
photographed at training on Thurs-
day.
According to the notes, Marcus
Rashford will replace Sterling with
Ruben Loftus-Cheek stepping in for
Dele Alli, who suffered a thigh injury
against Tunisia.
Southgate criticised the media for
giving England’s opponents an upper
hand. “If we were to give the oppo-
sition the opportunity of having our
team it’s a disadvantage to us,” said
Southgate.
“So of course our media has to de-
cide if they want to help the team or
not.”
In contrast to his 23-goal season at
club level for Premier League cham-
pions Manchester City, Sterling now
hasn’t scored in his last 21 interna-
tionals.
However, Rashford refuted sug-
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford attends England’s official training in
Zelenogorsk near St Petersburg, Russia on June 23, on the eve of the
Group G match between Panama and England at the 2018 soccer World
Cup. (AP)
gestions England are too dependent
on Kane for goals.
“I don’t think that’s happening
in this group,” said the Manchester
United striker, who admitted to being
an admirer of Kane’s ability to be in
the right place at the right time.
“He gets himself in great positons.
If we can find him, we will, and, more
often than not, he’s going to score.”
At 20, Rashford is just one of a
host of exciting young English talents
as Southgate took the third youngest
squad in the tournament to Russia.
And Holland believes a more clini-
cal touch in front of goal will come
with experience.
“It’s psychological, it’s about
pushing the players to be match-
Death threats probe clouds Colombia preparations
KAZAN, Russia, June 23, (RTRS):
Colombia head into their World Cup
clash against Poland in Group H on
Sunday under pressure to get a result
and with their preparations overshad-
owed by a police investigation into
death threats made to midfielder Car-
los Sanchez.
In a grisly echo of the killing of An-
dres Escobar, who was gunned down
after scoring an own goal for Colom-
bia at the 1994 World Cup, Sanchez
received threats on social media after
receiving a red card in the third minute
of Tuesday’s 2-1 loss against Japan.
Sanchez was sent off for a deliber-
ate handball after trying to block a shot
in the area and will miss the Poland
match in Kazan on Sunday.
The Jose Pekerman-coached team
winners but it is also a process,” he
said. “It might just take the time that
it takes.
“If you imagine these guys in a
couple of years, and I hope I’m still
around then, once they’ve become
more seasoned at this level, that could
be really exciting. It already is now.”
Racking up goals against Panama
could be crucial if England are to top
Group G.
Highly-fancied Belgium soared to
the top of the group by easing past
the World Cup debutants 3-0 in their
opening game.
Victory in Nizhny Novgorod will
guarantee England’s place in the last
16 as long as Tunisia fail to beat Bel-
gium on Saturday.
closed ranks on Friday, undertaking
a private training session at their ski
resort base outside of Kazan and de-
clining to comment on the Colombian
police probe and their preparations for
Poland, who were upset 2-1 by Sen-
Colombia vs Poland beIN SPORTS 1HD,
beIN MAX 1HD, beIN MAX 2HD
21:00 local
egal in their opener.
Queries remain over the fitness
of talisman James Rodriguez, who
was used as a 59th-minute substitute
against Japan as he recovers from a
calf problem.
Argentine Pekerman would prize
YEKATERINBURG, Russia, June 23,
(AFP): Senegal face Japan on Sunday
at the World Cup fired up by an “ig-
norant” tweet by a British tycoon and
reality television star that has become
the talk of the team.
Along with Nigeria, a powerful Sen-
egal side spearheaded by Liverpool
striker Sadio Mane are flying the flag
for Africa in Russia.
After battling to a 2-1 opening win
over Poland in
Group H, Aliou
Cisse’s Senegal
can take a major
step towards the
last 16 with vic-
tory over Japan in
Yekaterinburg.
They unwit-
tingly found them-
selves at the centre
of a Twitter storm
Mane
this week after
businessman Alan
Sugar tweeted a picture of the Senegal
team with the caption, “I recognise
some of these guys from the beach in
Marbella”.
Alongside the picture, the billionaire
Briton posted images of sunglasses and
handbags for sale.
The Apprentice presenter took down
the post and later apologised after be-
ing accused of racism, but the incident
angered Senegal and could serve to
further inspire them against Japan.
Ndongo Ndiaye, a former basketball
player and now an adviser to Senegal
President Macky Sall, told The Times
at the team’s base in Kaluga, south of
Moscow: “Everyone here is talking
about this tweet, it has made headlines
in Senegal too.
“I think it is very ignorant from
someone in his position,” said Ndiaye,
calling for Sugar to be sacked by the
BBC.
“Of course, there must be freedom
of speech but this was wrong and it is
dearly the option of starting the Gold-
en Boot winner at the 2014 Brazil fi-
nals against eighth-ranked Poland, and
alongside midfield partner Juan Quin-
tero.
Sanchez’s absence may open the
door for Mateus Uribe to slot into mid-
field next to Jefferson Lerma.
After a stunning loss to Senegal,
courtesy of a pair of howling errors,
Poland might console themselves that
they can only get better.
The staff have promised changes for
a team that has the ability to both score
and concede lots of goals.
With Senegal’s well-drilled back-
line keeping Robert Lewandowski
subdued, manager Adam Nawalka will
hope for more midfield drive to boost
supply to the country’s record goal-
hurtful to the players and people from
Senegal.”
Livewire forward Mane is Sen-
egal’s prime dangerman, but it was the
raw pace and power of Mbaye Niang
and a mistake by Poland goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny that clinched vic-
tory on Tuesday after Thiago Cionek’s
own goal put the Africans ahead.
Cisse and his men are now dreaming
of a repeat of their run to the quarter-fi-
nals in 2002 — he captained that team.
“Of course we represent our country
Japan vs Senegal beIN SPORTS 1HD, beIN
MAX 1HD, beIN MAX 2HD
18:00 local
but I can also guarantee that the whole
of Africa is supporting us,” said Cisse,
the only black coach at the World Cup.
A week ago, Japan — who sacked
Vahid Halilhodzic and brought in Aki-
ra Nishino as coach just weeks before
the World Cup — looked the easiest
game in the group.
But a shock 2-1 win over Colombia
made them the first Asian side to beat a
South American team at a World Cup
and will have infused the Japanese
with badly needed belief.
In mitigation, Colombia played
almost the whole game with 10 men
after Carlos Sanchez was sent off on
three minutes.
Japan’s attacking midfielder
Keisuke Honda said on Friday they
were wary of Senegal — but could also
see a major weakness.
“It’s going to be tough, they have
great players. They’re physical,
they’re fast and they’ll play in front of
a big crowd,” he said.
“But I know the weakness of some
African teams... You know, no one
can play perfectly for 90 minutes, and
African players especially lack con-
centration, particularly in the second
half.”
scorer.
The recall of defensive stalwart
Kamil Glik, who missed the Senegal
opener with a shoulder injury, would
be a huge boost for Poland’s hopes of
stopping the likes of Rodriguez and
front man Radamel Falcao.
There are still doubts about Glik’s
fitness, however, so Thiago Cionek,
his replacement against Senegal, may
keep his starting place despite scoring
an own goal against the Africans.
Poland, who have never reached the
knockout rounds of a World Cup after
losing their opening game, will need
to shore up their defence in their first
competitive match against Colombia if
they are to defy their history.
“It will be like a final,” said Colom-
bia striker Falcao.
 ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 2018 36
sunday— (all times are kuwait local)

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Belgium, Mexico close in on last 16

Tunisia’s midfielder Saif-Eddine Khaoui (right), vies for the ball with Belgium’s defender Dedryck Boyata during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group G South Korea’s goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo (left), claims the ball from a cross
football match between Belgium and Tunisia at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow on June 23. (AFP) during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between South
Korea and Mexico at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don on June 23. (AFP)
could be little complaint about this to Switzerland by calling for the ref-
Tunisia, SKorea still winless England vs Panama beIN SPORTS 1HD,
beIN MAX 1HD, beIN MAX 2HD
one, coming after a blatant handball
by Jang Hyun-soo, Vela stepping up
eree to be put on trial in the Hague,
in a reference to the war crimes tri-
15:00 local to convert. bunal for the ex-Yugoslavia.
MOSCOW, June 23, (AFP): defender Dylan Bronn and captain In temperatures around 35 degrees Serbia were furious when German
Wahbi Khazri. Japan vs Senegal beIN SPORTS 1HD, beIN
Eden Hazard says Belgium However, victory came at a cost MAX 1HD, beIN MAX 2HD Celsius, Mexico were rewarded for referee Felix Brych failed to award a
want to go all the way to another controlled performance that penalty in Friday’s game after Alek-
before Belgium’s final group game 18:00 local combined possession in midfield sandar Mitrovic was wrestled to the
the World Cup final after against England next Thursday as Colombia vs Poland beIN SPORTS 1HD, with pace and penetration in attack. ground in the penalty area by Swiss
the Red Devils threw down Lukaku is rated doubtful with an an- beIN MAX 1HD, beIN MAX 2HD Hirving Lozano, the match-winner defenders Stephan Lichtsteiner and
kle injury, but Hazard should recover
a marker to group rivals from a calf knock.
21:00 local against Germa- Fabian Schaer.
England with a 5-2 thrash- ny, was excellent Despite opening the scoring
Manchester United’s Lukaku, who again in particu- through Mitrovic in the fifth minute,
ing of Tunisia on Saturday. also scored twice in the opening 3-0 The Chelsea star sprinted onto lar. Serbia lost 2-1 after Granit Xhaka
Having lost to Argentina in the win against Panama, showed clinical De Bruyne’s lofted pass, held off Before their and Xherdan Shaqiri netted for Swit-
quarter-finals at the last World finishing for his first-half goals. two defenders, rounded keeper opening goal, zerland.
Cup, Hazard says Belgium are a Belgium coach Roberto Martinez Ben Mustapha and tapped home however, it was “We were robbed,” Mladen
better team than four years ago and criticised his side for starting slowly Belgium’s fourth goal in the 51st South Korea that Krstajic told Serbian reporters on
are targeting the final in Russia. against Panama, but they flew out of minute. created the better Saturday, when asked about Brych’s
We are a good team, we want to the blocks in Moscow. Knocks forced both Lukaku, then chances. decision.
reach the final and we are stronger Hazard, having been on the receiv- Hazard off in the second-half and for Only a brilliant
ing end of some bruising tackles in “I wouldn’t give him either a yel-
than four years ago, said the Chelsea A soccer fan wearing the flags of the final 22 minutes Batshuayi came saving tackle
star and Belgium captain who capped Belgium’s opener, was sent tumbling on and had five clear chances before Hernandez low or red card, I would send him to
Mexico and South Korea stands from Lozano de- the Hague. Then they could put him
a man-of-the-match performance after just five minutes but converted prior to the start of the Group F finally converting a cross for Bel- nied Lee Yong tapping in at the back
with two goals against Tunisia on the penalty to open his Russian ac- match between Mexico and South gium’s fifth goal. on trial, like they did to us.”
post before Son saw three quick-fire The Hague-based International
Saturday. count. Korea at the 2018 soccer World Tunisia captain Khazri grabbed shots come to nothing, the first two
The match was easy because we Midfielder Ferjani Sassi picked Cup at the Rostov Arena in Rostov- their second goal just before the fi- Criminal Tribunal for the former
blocked, the last skewed wide. Yugoslavia is a UN body that pros-
scored after five minutes and knew up an early booking for complaining on-Don, Russia on June 23. (AP) nal whistle of their second defeat in But Mexico’s penalty in the 27th
Tunisia would leave spaces as they when Tunisia’s appeals for a penalty Russia. ecutes the perpetrators of war crimes
minute was clear. Jang tried to committed during the wars in the
needed to win, making it easier for us. fell on deaf ears, just before Belgium awkwardly. Mexico laid one foot in the World block Andres Guardado’s cross but
Belgium ran riot to top Group G added their second goal. With half-time approaching, the Cup’s last 16 and left South Korea former Yugoslavia.
inexplicably slid with his arm out- Krstajic also posted photographs
as Romelu Lukaku scored twice to Ali Maaloul’s weak pass on the Belgians grabbed their third goal. on the brink of elimination after stretched above him and the ball
draw level with Cristiano Ronaldo at halfway line was collected by Dries After earlier squandering two goals from Javier Hernandez and from the match on his Instagram
struck the defender’s hand. account, accompanied by the com-
the top of the World Cup goalscoring Mertens, who sprinted away and put clear chances created by Kevin De Carlos Vela clinched a 2-1 victory Vela was made to wait by goal-
charts with four goals two a double Lukaku clear. Bruyne, Lukaku converted his third in Rostov. ment: “Unfortunately, it seems that
keeper Jo Hyeon-woo, who played only the Serbs are condemned to a
strike. The striker coolly placed his shot opportunity just before half-time. Hernandez became the first Mexi- for time by swigging his water and
Michy Batshuayi came off the past Tunisia keeper Farouk Ben Thomas Meunier put him in be- can player to score 50 goals for his selective justice, once (it was) the
chatting to his team-mates, but there Hague and today in football the
bench to grab Belgium’s fifth. Mustapha in the 16th minute. hind the defence and Lukaku tucked country, after 104 appearances, with was no mistake. Vela slid home.
The win puts the Red Devils on the Tunisia responded two minutes his shot away. Vela earlier opening the scoring VAR...”
The game became more open in He was referring to the video as-
brink of the last 16 and they face Tu- later, Bronn leaping highest to head The Manchester City midfield through yet another penalty kick. the second half as South Korea per-
nisia’s consolation goals came from home a free-kick on 18 minutes, only maestro turned provider again after Son Heung-min’s stunning long- sistant referee that is being used in
haps pushed too hard too soon, and the World Cup to check controver-
to be later carried off after landing the break for Hazard. range effort in stoppage time gave it was little surprise when Mexico
South Korea a glimmer of hope but sial incidents, but was not used on
doubled their lead. this occasion.
it was too little too late.
Messi on Mexico lead Group F on six points
after two games, having backed up
They were fortunate not to con-
cede a foul for a clear trip by Hector
Herrera in the build-up but Lozano
The match in Kaliningrad was
played in a febrile atmosphere un-
a mission their shock victory against Germany
with another display to suggest they
found Hernandez and the striker
did the rest. The former Manchester
derpinned by Balkan politics because
Xhaka and Shaqiri have roots in Ko-
BRONNITSY, Russia, can go deep in this tournament. sovo, a former province of Serbia that
United striker dummy-shot fooled has declared independence in a move
June 23, (AFP): Lionel South Korea, beaten by a Sweden the lunging Jang before a scuffed
Messi and Argentina hit penalty in their first match, had their not recognised by Belgrade.
finish rolled past Jo. Both players pointedly celebrated
the training ground on Sat- chances but again lacked cutting Son should have capitalised on a
urday with renewed hope edge up front. their goals by making a double eagle
Rafael Marquez mistake late on but gesture with their hands to represent
of qualifying for the World Yet to register a single point in made amends in the 93rd minute
Cup last 16. Russia, they are left needing a mira- the Albanian flag, with which many
with a fabulous effort that soared people in Kosovo identify.
Argentina were on the cle to progress. into the corner. Mexico, however,
brink of elimination after After 28 games at the World Cup, Shaqiri said his celebration was
held on. “just emotion”.
a humiliating 3-0 loss to there have now been 14 spot-kicks, Meanwhile, Serbia’s coach has re-
Croatia, but Nigeria’s 2-0 11 of them converted, and there acted to his team’s World Cup defeat See Also Page 34 & 35
win over Iceland on Friday
offered the two-time world
champions a lifeline.
Victory over Nigeria in World Cup Results/Standings
their final Group D match in
Saint Petersburg on Tues-
day would send Argentina MOSCOW, June 23, (AFP): World Cup results and standings Group E
through as runners-up if on Saturday. P W D L GF GA Pts
group leaders Croatia avoid Belgium 5 Tunisia 2 Brazil 2 1 1 0 3 1 4
South Korea 1 Mexico 2 Switzerland 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
defeat against Iceland. Group A Serbia 2 1 0 1 1 2 3
Gabriel Mercado, Nico- P W D L GF GA Pts E-Costa Rica 2 0 0 2 0 3 0
las Otamendi and mid- Q-Russia 2 2 0 0 8 1 6 Group F
Q-Uruguay 2 2 0 0 2 0 6 P W D L GF GA Pts
fielder Lucas Biglia trained E-Egypt 2 0 0 2 1 4 0 Mexico 2 2 0 0 3 1 6
separately from the rest of E-Saudi Arabia 2 0 0 2 0 6 0 Sweden 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
the squad in the gym as Group B Germany 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
P W D L GF GA Pts South Korea 2 0 0 2 1 3 0
they recover from minor Spain 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 Group G
knocks. Portugal 2 1 1 0 4 3 4 P W D L GF GA Pts
Defensive pair Mercado Iran 2 1 0 1 1 1 3 Belgium 2 2 0 0 8 2 6
E-Morocco 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 England 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
and Otamendi suffered an- Group C Panama 1 0 0 1 0 3 0
kle injuries in the loss to P W D L GF GA Pts Tunisia 2 0 0 2 3 7 0
Croatia but are expected to Q-France 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 Group H
be fit to face Nigeria. Denmark 2 1 1 0 2 1 4 P W D L GF GA Pts
Australia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 Japan 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Coach Jorge Sampaoli E-Peru 2 0 0 2 0 2 0 Senegal 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
was roundly criticised Group D Colombia 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
for his approach against P W D L GF GA Pts Poland 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
Q-Croatia 2 2 0 0 5 0 6 Note 1: Top two teams from each group reach last 16.
Croatia, sparking rumours Nigeria 2 1 0 1 2 2 3 Note 2: Standings read as played, won, drawn, lost, goals
the 58-year-old would be Iceland 2 0 1 1 1 3 1 for, goals against and points.
sacked during the tourna- Argentina 2 0 1 1 1 4 1 Note 3: ‘Q’ denotes qualified, ‘E’ denotes eliminated.
ment.

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