2 Oct

RI PT IO N BS C SU THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF

24 PAGES

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2010

Lebanon alliance calls Ahmadinejad visit ‘provocation’ PAGE 4

SHAWAL 23, 1431 AH

Militants attack NATO convoy

US, EU battle homegrown terror

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NO: 14867

150 FILS

Europe provides no respite for Liverpool PAGE 24

Bin Laden ‘worried’ over climate change Qaeda uses Pakistani floods to drum up support DUBAI: Osama bin Laden has expressed concern about global climate change and flooding in Pakistan, in an audiotape aired on the Internet, his first public remarks since March, a monitoring group said yesterday. “The number of victims caused by climate change is very big... bigger than the victims of wars,” said the voice, whose authenticity could not be immediately verified and was made available by SITE Intelligence Group. The tape would be the first time Bin L aden has spoken publicly since March 25.

It was not clear when the tape was made, but Bin Laden congratulated Muslims on the holy fasting month of Ramadan which ended September 10. “The catastrophe (in Pakistan) is very big and it is difficult to describe it,” said the leader of AlQaeda. “What we are facing... calls for generous souls and brave men to take serious and prompt action to provide relief for their Muslim brothers in Pakistan.”Bin Laden made a

NEW YORK: His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah, left the US yesterday for the Britain on a private visit.

Sheikh Sabah was seen off at the airport by Sheikh Mubarak Jaber AlAhmad Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Ambassador to the US Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s permanent representative to the UN Mansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi and Kuwait Consul General in Los Angeles Abdullatif AlYahya.— KUNA

Emirates using Israel military technology?

Le Figaro row freezes France-UAE arms deal PARIS: A row over a French newspaper article is behind the breakdown of talks for a sale of French warplanes to the United Arab Emirates worth $56 billion, a senior French government source said yesterday. UAE officials were angry about a June 26 article in Le Figaro, owned by conservative politician Serge Dassault, whose family-controlled Dassault Aviation made the Rafale, government officials said.

The newspaper said the UAE used Israeli technology to help secure its borders. Business with Israel remains a sensitive subject in the Gulf where most countries including the UAE have no relations with the Jewish state. “We understood that it (the suspension) was for several months and we hope the talks will resume,” the senior government source said. A spokesman for Dassault Aviation declined comment.

Officials in Abu Dhabi could not be reached for comment yesterday, which is the local weekend.

The article appeared days after French Defense Minister Herve Morin said a sale of 60 Rafale aircraft to the UAE was near completion in what would be the plane’s first export deal. Asked yesterday on the television Parliamentary Channel if talks over arms sales to foreign countries includ-

ing Brazil and Abu Dhabi had been derailed, he said: “Nothing is messed up.”

Word that talks over the sale of Rafales could be in trouble surfaced last month when specialist publication Defense News reported that Abu Dhabi had expressed interest in the Boeing F/A18, a US-built competitor to the Rafale. Sources familiar with the issue confirmed to Reuters in Washington this week that UAE had asked for technical information about the F/A-18 Super Hornet, puncturing exclusive talks with France on the Rafale.

Talks over the deal have already taken some time as the UAE pressed for changes to the Rafale including better radar and a more powerful engine to cope more quickly with heavy armament loads given the UAE’s proximity to its main regional rival Iran. The Rafale was originally designed to protect France against threats waged over longer distances during the Cold War. The UAE wanted France to boost the thrust on the Rafale’s Snecma M88 engines to 9 tons from 7.5 tons. But there have been protracted negotiations over who should pay for the enhancements, defense industry executives said recently. — Reuters

Cyber ‘superweapon’ Stuxnet brings cyber warfare out of virtual world BRUSSELS: A mysterious computer worm that has struck Iran has raised the specter of a cyber attack as a new weapon of war, a danger NATO identifies as a key threat, experts say. The 28nation transatlantic alliance will highlight the cyber menace in its new “strategic concept” that will be adopted at a NATO summit in Lisbon next month, diplomats say.

The danger became all too real with the emergence of Stuxnet in recent weeks, dubbed the world’s “first cyber superweapon” by experts, and which has wreaked havoc on computerized industrial equipment in Iran. “Are we armed against similar operations? We can ask ourselves on the security of control systems for industries, energy distribution networks or transport,” said Daniel Ventre, author of the book “Information Warfare.”

“This operation aims to destroy key computer networks, it is not a more common action such as hacking, spying or the dissemination of false information,” said Ventre, of the National Scientific Research Centre in Paris. The virus targets control systems made by German industrial giant Siemens commonly used to manage water supplies, oil rigs, power plants and other industrial facilities. Chinese media reported this week that Stuxnet had spread to China, infecting millions of computers around the country.

The source of the worm strike on Iran remains unknown, although suspicion has fallen on Israel and the United States, which fear that Tehran is using its nuclear program to build an atomic bomb, a charge denied by Iran. Axel Dyevre, a director at the European Company for Strategic Intelligence, said Stuxnet represented “an escalation towards the potential military or political use” of vulnerable computer systems. The next major conflict could indeed be launched with a tra-

ditional bombing campaign in tandem with a cyber blitz, an electronic Pearl Harbor paralyzing the enemy.

NATO, which was lightly hassled by Serbian hackers during the Kosovo war in 1999, has gradually stepped up efforts to protect its own networks since 2002. The United States urged the alliance last month to build a cyber fortress around its vital military and economic infrastructures. “NATO has a nuclear shield, it is building a stronger and stronger defense shield, it needs a cyber shield as well,” US Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn said in Brussels on September 15.

The US government kicked off an exercise dubbed “Cyber Storm III” on Tuesday to simulate a large-scale cyber attack on critical infrastructure, with the participation of 60 private companies and 12 international partners. Stephan De Spiegeleire, a defense expert at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, said it was critical for civilians to prepare for the prospect of a computer invasion as well. “It wouldn’t be like the exodus of May 1940, when millions of French and Belgian citizens fled their towns on the road during World War II. This time populations would suddenly be left without electricity, hot water, heating and television,” he said.

Aware of the growing danger, the European Union’s executive arm proposed new regulations on Thursday to boost the 27-nation bloc’s computer defenses by improving cooperation against cyber threats. Several EU states were the target of a botnet, a network of computers infected by malicious software, called ‘Conficker’ in early 2009, which affected the computers of armed forces in France, Germany and Britain. A cyber attack against Estonia in 2007 cost the Baltic states between 19 million and 28 million euros. — AFP

series of recommendations to deal with climate changes namely preventive measures that he said should be taken by governments in the face of disasters.

“Providing tents, food and medicine is a duty... but the disasters (facing many Muslim countries) are much bigger than what is being offered.

“Action should not be confined to providing emergency aid... but to set up a capable relief task force that has the knowledge and experience need to” meet the challenges. One of them is “setting up studies of urban areas that lie by rivers and valleys in the Muslim world,” pointing to floods that hit the Saudi city of Jeddah earlier this year.

He also called for a review of security guidelines concerning dams and bridges in Muslim nations and said more should be done to invest in agriculture to guarantee food security for all. “Investment in agriculture needs a lot of efforts and yields small gains.

Continued on Page 19

Iran opposition figure detained

SICHUAN: A Long March 3C rocket carrying China’s second unmanned lunar probe Chang’e II is launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China’s Sichuan province yesterday. — AP

Chang’e-2 lunar orbiter blasts off China launches second lunar exploration probe BEIJING: China launched its second lunar exploration probe yesterday, boosting the country’s efforts to rise as a major space power eventually capable of landing a man on the moon and perhaps one day exploring far beyond. The Chang’e-2 lunar orbiter blasted off from a remote corner of the southwestern province of Sichuan a few seconds before 7 pm, state media said, on the same day the country celebrates 61 years since the founding of Communist China.

“Chang’e-2 lays foundation for the soft-landing on the moon and further exploration of outer space,” Xinhua news agency quoted head of the orbiter’s design team Wu Weiren as saying.

“It (will) travel faster and closer to the moon, and it will capture clear pictures,” Wu added.

State television delayed the start of its main evening news to carry live pictures of the launch, bumping a story about the country’s top leaders attending National Day ceremonies on Beijing’s central Tiananmen Square into second place.

The Chang’e-2 is expected to fly as close as 15 km above the moon, testing skills and technology intended to pave the way for an unmanned landing planned in about 2013.

It will take high-resolution photos of the moon’s Bay of Rainbows, where engineers plan to land Chang’e-3, the official China Daily said.

China is jostling with neighbors Japan and India

for a bigger presence in outer space but its plans have faced international scrutiny.

Fears of a space arms race with the United States and other powers have mounted since China blew up one of its own weather satellites with a ground-based missile in January 2007.

China says its aims are purely peaceful. The Chang’e is named after a mythical Chinese goddess who flew to the moon. A successful Chang’e-2 mission would mark another advance in China’s plan to establish itself as a space power in the same league as the United States and Russia.

Chief designer Huang Jiangchuan told Xinhua before the launch that Chang’e-2 may be given an extra mission-flying into outer space to “test China’s capability to probe further into space”. He did not elaborate. In 2003, China became only the third country, after the United States and Russia, to send a man into space aboard its own rocket. In October 2005, it sent two men into orbit, and in 2008 it staged its first “space walk”, when an astronaut floated outside a vehicle orbiting the Earth.

Chinese space officials said they are considering a manned landing on the moon by 20252030, state media reported last year. China launched its first moon orbiter, the Chang’e-1, in October 2007, accompanied by a blaze of patriotic propaganda celebrating the country’s technological prowess. — Reuters

TEHRAN: Iran detained opposition politician Ebrahim Yazdi yesterday, the official IRNA news agency reported, in the latest crackdown on the proreform movement in the Islamic state. Yazdi, who heads the banned Freedom Movement, was foreign minister in Iran’s first government after the 1979 Islamic revolution that overthrew the USbacked shah, but was sidelined as religious hardliners took over. “An informed source has informed IRNA that Ebrahim Yazdi ... was arrested yesterday afternoon in the city of Isfahan,” the news agency reported.

Yazdi was twice detained after Iran’s disputed election in June 2009. He is an important opposition voice in Iran but has no influence on state policy and limited popular support.

Since Iran’s presidential election hundreds of reformists

have been detained and put on trial in a crackdown on the proreform opposition. The vote was followed by street protests, the most serious unrest since the Islamic Republic was founded, that were put down violently by security forces. Mass detentions and trials followed. Two people were executed and scores of remain in jail.

The opposition says the vote was rigged to bring back hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The authorities deny allegations of electoral fraud. An Iranian court ordered the dissolution of two leading reformist parties, Iranian media reported earlier this week. At least a dozen proreform publications and most opposition websites have been blocked since the election, making it difficult for opposition leaders to communicate with the public. — Reuters

Amman rejects jamming charge Al-Jazeera pointing finger at Jordan DUBAI: Pan-Arab satellite broadcaster Al-Jazeera Television says it has evidence that a widespread disruption of its regional feed during the World Cup originated in Jordan - a charge the kingdom disputes. A Jordanian government official yesterday called Al-Jazeera’s allegations “absolutely baseless and unacceptable,” and said his country is willing to cooperate with an independent investigation of the claims.

Qatar-based Al-Jazeera says that its investigators determined a site in Jordan was used to deliberately jam the satellite signal during the

broadcast of World Cup games, garbling some and completely blocking others.

The disruption sparked outrage among football fans across the Middle East, many of whom had to pay extra for special TV packages allowing them to watch the games at home. Al-Jazeera is seeking an explanation from the Jordanian government.

The Jordanian official said the kingdom is willing to cooperate with any independent team of experts to examine the claims. But he dismissed the merit of the broadcaster’s charges.

Continued on Page 19

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NATIONAL

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Sheikh Ahmad renews commitment to joint refining

Kuwait-Vietnam refinery work progresses steadily HANOI: The Kuw aiti Minister of Oil and Information, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, renew ed Kuw ait’s commitment to the proposed joint refining and petrochemical project in Vietnam yesterday Friday. He expressed his w illingness to put the refinery into operation by

2014 as scheduled. While praising the contributions of local authorities and companies participating in the project, Sheikh Ahmad said that the venture’s top priority is to obtain the Vietnamese government’s approval.

HANOI: Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah poses for a group photo with Vietnamese officials before leaving the country. — KUNA

Syrian minister to visit Kuwait DAMASCUS: Syrian Local Administration Minister Tamir Al-Hijah stressed that the ties between his country and Kuwait were strong and that that Syria was keen on developing them in all fields. Al-Hijah was speaking to KUNA prior to his visit to Kuwait today to head Syria’s delegation to the 15th conference of the Arab Towns Organization.

He said during the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to Syria, he met President Bashar Al-Assad and signed a number of agreements between the two countries in the fields of culture, services and tourism.

One of the main agreements was on establishing

Damascus sees growing ties the palace of conferences in memory of late Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and President Hafiz Al-Assad, he pointed out.

The conference of the Arab Towns Organization will coincide with the launch of an international campaign to reduce disasters, he said. “As a sponsor of the campaign in Arab countries, I will realize the importance of setting pillars for sustainable development to prevent dangers through organized plan-

ning, strengthening infrastructure, thorough dangers administration, emergency plans, and increasing awareness,” he noted.

He expressed gratitude to the Kuwait-based organization for preserving the identities and heritage of Arab towns and strengthening relations between Arab and Islamic towns and local authorities. He also expressed gratitude to Kuwait for its efforts in holding the conference. — KUNA

HO CHI MINH CITY: Kuwaiti Consul to Ho Chi Minh City Najib Al-Bader with the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in their offices in the Vietnamese city yesterday. — KUNA

Kuwaiti consul meets IOM head in Vietnam KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuwaiti Consul to Ho Chi Minh City, Najib Al-Bader, met with the head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in their offices in the Vietnamese city yesterday.

Al-Bader said that the meeting was attended by sev-

eral officials from the IOM office and that the head of the organization briefed him on their latest developments and humanitarian programs. Kuwait supports the IOM and their regional offices and plays a lead role in mitigating the effects of violence, war and natural disasters

throughout the world while contributing to social and economic development, he added. Al-Bader stressed the strength of the relations between Kuwait and the IOM office in Ho Chi Minh City and praising Kuwait’s efforts to support its activities and programs. —KUNA

“We appreciate the Vietnamese government’s understanding of our request and hope for their approval of the project within the next few weeks,” said the minister. He held a series of talks with the Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, the Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang and PetroVietnam Chairman Dinh La Thang, in which they all agreed on the importance of keeping the project on schedule.

“I came to Hanoi once again to speed up the process and help ensure the implementation of the Nghi Son Petrochemical Refinery Project,” Sheikh Ahmad said. He highlighted the positive outcome of his four-day visit and said that he expected the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts awarded first. He also expressed optimism at being able to secure enough funds for the project.

According to the Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade, Vu Huy Hoang, Vietnamese authorities are carrying out the groundwork and other preparations needed for the complex and the work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The trilateral project involves Kuwait, Vietnam and Japan and will be located in the Nghi Son Economic Zone in the northern Vietnamese province of Thanh Hoa, some 180 kilometers south of the country’s capital Hanoi, and is expected to have a capacity of 200,000 barrels per day (bpd).

The state-run Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) company, an international subsidiary of the Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC), established the $6 billion project in April 2008. It is designed to process 100 percent Kuwaiti crude and is expected to produce gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other petroleum products for Vietnam. Meanwhile, paraxylene, benzene and polypropylene are expected to be sold to neighboring countries. “Kuwait is satisfied with the development momentum of our cooperation with Vietnam,” he said.

“With the completion of the refinery, we will see a 200,000 bpd increase in our crude oil exports to Vietnam,” he said, adding that Kuwait exported 500,000 tons of diesel to the nation last year.

Despite being southeast Asia’s third-largest crude oil producer, Vietnam relies almost entirely on oil product imports because it lacks major refineries.

As for the global oil prices of crude, which hovers around $75-80 a barrel, Sheikh Ahmad said current prices are appropriate and that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is unlikely to change the output quota at their next meeting on October 14 in Vienna. “I believe there will be no changes to OPEC’s policy in the foreseeable future,” he said, adding that the upcoming meeting will focus on compliance among members.

“China and India-the world’s fastest-growing economies-drive oil demand high while oil consumption in Europe and North America remains limited because of their slow economic growth,” Sheikh Ahmad said. “Once growth in these regions pick up to a certain level we will see a jump in oil demand and crude prices may rise.” — KUNA

Sheikh Faisal Al-Homoud Al-Sabah

Kuwaiti envoy congratulates Queen Rania AMMAN: Kuwait’s Ambassador to Jordan, Sheikh Faisal Al-Homoud Al-Sabah, congratulated Jordan’s Queen Rania Al-Abdullah on her recovery after being treated for a heart complication yesterday. In his message to Queen Rania, Al-Sabah praised her for her humanitarian efforts and care for children, the poor and those with special needs.

Queen Rania returned to Jordan on Thursday after receiving non-surgical medical treatment in New York. It was reported that she had the procedure after suffering from an irregular heartbeat, a common condition that does not affect the heart’s function.

Drug-pusher held, 1kg hashish seized Reckless drivers rounded up KUWAIT: A 38-year-old citizen was arrested in Jaber Al-Ali after he was found to be hiding a kilo of hashish underneath his driver’s seat. A police patrol stopped the man when they noticed that he was under the influence of drugs. After they checked his identification, they noticed that he was wanted by authorities for selling liquor and drugs.

Reckless driving After responding to the complaints of several citizens, police arrested several young drivers near a Qairawan school. They were arrested after they were found to be driving without licenses. The police issued the youths tickets and confiscated their vehicles.

Missing car A citizen reported that a fellow compatriot rented a vehicle from his car rental agency and did not return the vehicle four months later when the lease expired. A case was filed and authorities are searching for the suspect.

Fire mishap A fire occurred on the roof of a building in Salmiya on Amman street where pieces of furniture had been dumped. Salmiya firefighters responded to the emergency and extinguished the flames before they could spread. No casualties were reported in the incident. Meanwhile, a citizen narrowly escaped death when his sports car caught on fire on Sabhan Road. The driver escaped the car only moments before his car burst into flames.

Robbery A cashier reported that unidentified burglars broke into his co-op and stole a cashier box with KD 250 cash as well as KD 210 of pre-paid mobile phone cards. Upon examining the crime scene, criminal investigators noticed that the burglars smashed the surveillance cameras and took the store’s surveillance tapes and recorder.

Fraud A citizen filed a complaint against a business in Hawally. She accused the business of taking money from her in order to get her son registered in an Australian university. She reported the incident when she noticed that the business’s staff failed to deliver any results.

Prank earthquake A prank phone call case was filed against a citizen in Jahra who called police and reported feeling earthquake. When police responded to the emergency the citizen reportedly said “the earthquake is waiting for you,” to the authorities. The man was held for questioning.

Accident A Pakistani was killed in the Amghrah scrapyard when a load of metal fell on him. The incident occurred when an Egyptian machine operator unloaded the metal scraps without noticing that his colleague was there. A case was opened.

Dead body Four campers found a burnt human body while pitching a tent near Abraq Highway. Jahra police responded to the scene and an investigation was launched.

Sexual harassment An Asian was arrested for sexually harassing a senior citizen after he texted her inappropriate messages and photos to her mobile phone. The case paper indicated that because the messages were in a language she did not understand she thought the message was sent to her by mistake. After she got the messages translated by a friend she learned that the messages were inappropriate and informed the police. Police discovered the man’s identity by investigating his phone number and arrested him.

KUWAIT: Farwaniya municipality inspection teams recently launched a campaign to remove abandoned vehicles left in open grounds. The campaign resulted in removing eight pickup trucks, two trailers, three water tankers and three trucks.

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NATIONAL

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Iranian mugged by 4-man gang

Child stuck in toilet rescued in Hawally

By Hanan Al-Saadoun KUWAIT: Police were informed that a 3-year-old Kuwait child’s foot was trapped in an Arabic style toilet in Jabriya. It took Hawally firefighters 40 minutes to free the child by breaking the toilet. He was referred to Mubarak Hospital.

Domestic dispute A citizen reported that his teenage son beat him after suffering through financial difficulties. He told police that his son hit him with a shoe and an official complaint was filed with authorities.

‘Let It Rot!’ campaign to boycott vegetables Consumers upset as prices skyrocket KUWAIT: Under the slogan ‘Let It Rot!’ a public campaign was launched to boycott tomatoes and vegetables, reported AlWatan. The campaign was started when it was found that various vegetables were being sold at an unprecedented price, as high as KD 5 per box.

An online youth group initiated the campaign and it was positively received and supported by various MPs, such as MP Faisal Al-Mislem. The MP described the price hikes as impossible and said such expensive produce will affect everyone. Meanwhile, MP Hussein Mezyad said

he was amazed at how authorities trusted to control the price of produce could turn a blind eye to such “artificial” price increases.

MP Mubarak Al-Walan threatened the commerce minister and said that “citizens have become the prey of merchants.”

Harassment A citizen working as an employee in one of the ministries reported that her manager sexually harassed her. A case was filed at a police station and the manager was called in for questioning.

Mugged An Iranian expat reported that he was robbed by four men to the Sulaibiya police station.

He said that he was mugged, beaten and robbed of KD 4,000 while sleeping in the Amghara scrap yard. A case was filed and police are looking for the possible suspects.

PAAAFR bans livestock export till Eid Al-Adha KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) called for reactivating its decision to ban the export of livestock in general and sheep in particular during the period between the start of the Holy Month of Ramadan and until Eid Al-Adha every year. The statement was issued by PAAAFR Deputy Director for Livestock Affairs, Nabila Al-Ali, reported Al-Watan. Al-Ali added that the decision was made in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry three years ago with the intention of keeping meat prices under control as Arabian sheep were being sold for as much as KD 80 each. She added that exports would be allowed throughout the rest of the year.

KUWAIT: Hawally firefighters rescuing a child whose leg was caught in a toilet in Hawally yesterday. — Photos by Hanan Al-Saadoun

Hawally detectives bust MEW racket KUWAIT: Hawally detectives, in cooperation with the consumer affairs administration at the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW), arrested five suspects of different nationalities for bribery charges.

The first suspect was arrested while trying to bribe an MEW employee by paying him KD 750 in exchange for entering data into ministry computers.

The ministry employee pretended to agree to the transaction and informed authorities about the attempted bribe. When the man attempted to pay the employee he was apprehended by police.

When questioned, he explained that he was bribing

the employee on behalf of another person who was paying him KD 600 for every file that was altered.

When the second suspect was arrested he was found to be in possession of KD 2,400 cash and several electrical items. When questioned he admitted that the first suspect’s story was true and that he was working for an electrical contractor who asked him to have some files changed illegally. He explained that he bought the electrical equipment from two other sources in order to help him carry out the crimes. Authorities arrested the individuals and they were referred to the proper authorities.

MPs to vote on KCCI bill amendments KUWAIT: Official parliamentary sources said that a number of MPs were currently leading calls to hold a special parliamentary session during the coming term, reported AlWatan. The meeting will be called to consider passing a law on the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) that was recently completed by the parliamentary financial committee.

The sources highlighted that a majority of the MPs were for the amendments made by the committee to the government project, especially since they included the suggestions of several MPs. In an attempt to prevent conflict, lawmakers urged

their fellow parliamentarians with KCCI interests to be neutral while voting on the law, the sources added.

Meanwhile, an independent parliamentary source promised to expose MPs who try to pass the government’s project while representing the interests of KCCI. He added that voting on the new amendments would be done publically and that “the new law will put an end to the KCCI monopoly of decision making and determining the fees they collect for their services.” He noted that the law would put an end to the arguments regarding whether the commerce minister should set the fee values himself.

Plan to extend school timing postponed

Hajj honoring ceremony KUWAIT: Under the patronage of the Secretary of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Dr Adel Al-Falah, an annual honoring ceremony for outstanding Hajj convoy organizers was held at the Grand Mosque. Trophies were given to outstanding Hajj campaign organizers.

— Photos by Fouad A-Shaikh

KUWAIT: Following a series of debates and raging arguments between the Ministry of Education and the Kuwait Teachers Society (KTS) over the ministry’s reported plans to extend school timing on Tuesdays by 25 minutes, the ministry has finally decided to postpone the implementation of it until November 2, instead of October 5 as earlier planned, pending further studies on the issue, according Arab daily Al-Watan.

Informed sources point out that the ministry had planned to deduct five minutes from each of the daily seven periods on Tuesdays to make 35 minutes and add that 25 minutes to them so

that students could have a full hour for activities on a weekly basis.

The sources also explained that the decision to postpone the decision was made upon requests from school activity managers from various educational zones who added that the weather at this time of the year would make it impossible for students to engage in any activities, namely outdoor ones.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education is still seeking the employment of two senior officials for the vacant posts of directors at the Jahra and the Capital educational zones, the sources added.

Stolen Kuwaiti trailer found in Basra area

By A Saleh KUWAIT: Official security sources with the Iraqi, Basra governorate revealed that authorities found a stolen Kuwaiti trailer. The trailer had been reported missing, along with another trailer and their drivers, three months ago east of Basra. The driver of the stolen trailer and his assistant were arrested.

The sources explained that the stolen trailer

belongs to Fiafi, a Kuwaiti company, and that the arrested driver and his assistant were held for questioning regarding the second missing trailer.

There have been several reported thefts of Kuwaiti trailers in the Basra governorate, which often deliver consumer goods to the Iraqi market as well as to US and British forces in Iraq. The theft of the two trailers is the first reported incident of its kind in two years.

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INTERNATIONAL

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Ahmadinejad visit a ‘provocation’: Lebanon alliance BEIRUT: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s expected tour of south Lebanon during his official visit to the Mediterranean country was criticized as a “provocation” yesterday by the largest bloc in parliament.

On the two-day visit from October 13, Ahmadinejad is scheduled to hold talks with his counterpart Michel Sleiman, who invited the Iranian leader, as well as Prime Minister Saad Hariri and parliament speaker Nabih Berri. The hardliner is also due to meet on the sidelines with Hezbollah leader Hassan

Nasrallah-a key ally whose powerful party is considered a proxy of Iran-and tour the south of the country, according to political officials. “The message is that Iran is at the border with Israel,” Fares Souaid, coordinator of the “March 14” alliance, told AFP. “Ahmadinejad through this visit is saying that Beirut is under Iranian influence and that Lebanon is an Iranian base on the Mediterranean,” said Souaid, whose coalition is led by the Western- and Saudi-backed premier. “His visit to the south would be a provocation, he doesn’t need to go there,”

he added. Souaid also pointed out Ahmadinejad was coming to Beirut at a time when the West is bidding to rescue fledgling, US-backed peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.

“The Iranian president is here to say that Lebanon is a land of resistance and to reaffirm his project of a continuous war with Israel,” he said. The southern border region with Israel is largely controlled by Hezbollah and was devastated during the 2006 war between the militant party and the Jewish state. Ahmadinejad would tour the

villages of Qana and Bint Jbeil as well as a war museum in the region inaugurated by Hezbollah earlier this year, a Hezbollah official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

“This will be a message to the United States and Israel that they need to understand there is a regional force backing Lebanon,” said Sheikh Ali Yassin, a local imam in the southern coastal city of Tyre.

The visit will be Ahmadinejad’s first to Lebanon since his 2005 election. It comes amid heightened tensions in the country over unconfirmed reports that a UN-backed

tribunal probing the 2005 assassination of Hariri’s father-ex-premier Rafiq Hariri-is set to indict Hezbollah members in connection with the murder.

There are fears the Special Tribunal for Lebanon might implicate Hezbollah, which could in turn lead to sectarian clashes similar to ones that brought Lebanon close to civil war in 2008. Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, Ghazanfar Roknabadi, said this week that Ahmadinejad’s visit was aimed at promoting unity among the Lebanese.

The Islamic republic heavily financed the

reconstruction of southern Lebanon after the 2006 war and more recently said it stood ready to offer military aid. That offer came in the wake of a US freeze in its military aid to Beirut over concerns the weapons could be used by Hezbollah.

The militant group is blacklisted by Washington as a terrorist organization. The United States and its allies have also been embroiled in a long-running dispute with Iran over its controversial nuclear program, which Tehran insists is for peaceful purposes. — AFP

Mitchell meets Abbas, Bibi at odds

US envoy pressing to save Middle East peace talks J ERUSALEM: A US envoy w as shuttling betw een J erusalem and Ramallah yesterday as part of an emergency mission to rescue Mideast peace talks facing collapse because of a spat over Israeli settlements. George Mitchell w as meeting Israeli and Palestinian leaders at odds over the end of Israel’s temporary settlement slow dow n, w ith no evident sign so far of a compromise that

w ould allow the month-old talks to move forw ard. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has threatened to quit the US-sponsored negotiations unless Israel extends the 10-month-old restrictions on building in J ew ish settlements in the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to do so.

RAMALLAH: Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell (left) with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas before their meeting at Abbasí residence, in the West Bank city of Ramallah yesterday. — AP

Turkish nationalists pray at ruins on Armenia border ISTANBUL: Turkish nationalists performed Muslim prayers in an abandoned churchturned-mosque near the Armenian border yesterday in response to an Armenian church service which Ankara recently allowed in eastern Turkey.

The prayers were seen as a gesture to stress the Turkish identity of the region after last month’s Armenian Orthodox service, in a disused church on an island in Lake Van. The government had hailed that service as a sign of growing religious tolerance in the predominantly Muslim country as it seeks membership of the European Union.

Following the church service, the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) obtained permission from the Culture Ministry to hold prayers in the 11th Century Cathedral of Ani, converted into a mosque by Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan when he conquered the region in 1064.

“I think it is important to at least remember the mosque where Sultan Alp Arslan prayed when he entered these lands,” MHP Kars deputy Gurcan Dagdas told a Turkish broadcaster this week.

The ruins of the abandoned mediaeval city of Ani, once the capital of an Armenian kingdom, are in Turkey’s Kars province. MHP leader Devlet Bahceli and provincial party chiefs knelt down and pressed their foreheads to the ground as they prayed in the building as part of an event launching the MHP’s campaign for a parliamentary election set to be held in June 2011.

The service coincided with the reopening of parliament following a summer recess.

The prayers came less than two weeks after the service on Van’s Akdamar island.

The church had been closed for services since the 1915 mass killings of Armenians at the hands of Ottoman troops.

Muslim Turkey and Christian Armenia are bitterly divided over their troubled history and the border between them remains closed despite US-brokered peace accords signed last year. A bid to normalize ties suffered a blow in April when Yerevan froze ratification of an accord after months of deadlock.

Armenia, backed by many historians and parliaments, says some 1.5 million Armenians died during the upheaval that accompanied World War One and labels the events as genocide. Ankara rejects the term genocide and says large numbers of both Christian Armenians and Muslim Turks were killed during the chaos that accompanied the collapse of the Ottoman Empire. —Reuters

Iraqi Shiite cleric Al-Sadr backs Maliki, say aides Analysts see end to political impasse soon BAGHDAD: Powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr has agreed to support the bid by Iraq’s prime minister to retain power, aides said yesterday, in a move that could speed an end to the sevenmonth political impasse and bring dealmaking that may give key concessions to Al-Sadr’s anti-American bloc.

The decision by al-Sadr would mark a significant boost for Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki’s Shiite-led coalition to secure enough parliament seats to form a new government. Iraq has been in political limbo since March elections, won by a Sunni-backed bloc but without the majority needed to oust al-Maliki.

US military officials say the power vacuum is encouraging a spike in attacks

by Sunni insurgents trying to humiliate authorities and tap into public frustration.

The uncertainties also have hindered Iraq’s efforts to lure badly needed foreign investment and get domestic reconstruction plans off the drawing boards. Three senior Al-Sadr aides told The Associated Press that a formal announcement on backing al-Maliki’s coalition is expected later yesterday.

A top official for Al-Maliki’s bloc confirmed that a joint press conference is planned with al-Sadr envoys to “announce the name of the nominee.”

They all spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to brief reporters.

Al-Sadr’s move apparently sets aside past animosity with al-Maliki for a chance to gain a greater voice in a possible new government. Al-Sadr — who has been in self-exile in Iran since 2007 — has denounced Al-Maliki’s government for its close ties to Washington and a joint security pact that allows US military presence through at least the end of next year.

In 2008, a joint US-Iraqi offensive broke the grip of al-Sadr’s Mahdi Army militia in its Baghdad stronghold. AlSadr’s bloc won 39 seats in March elections. Even that — combined with AlMaliki’s coalition — would fall short of the 163 seats needed for a majority in the 325-seat parliament.

Kurdish leaders, who are widely expected to throw their weight behind alMaliki if they sense he can hold on to his post, had no immediate comment.

The Kurds, who control a semiautonomous northern enclave, have generally remained on the sidelines in the political maneuvering since March elections, which were narrowly won by Sunni-supported bloc led by former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. —AP

Iran rams US meddling in domestic affairs TEHRAN: Tehran hit out yesterday against US “interference” after Washington ordered sanctions against senior Iranian officials for alleged human rights abuses during a crackdown on postelection protests last year.

“This decision is in line with the US interference in the internal affairs of Iran for the past 30 years,” foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast was quoted as saying by the official IRNA news agency. “It goes against international law,” he added.

US President Barack Obama imposed the sanctions against eight senior Iranian officials on Wednesday over the crackdown against anti-government protesters who rejected the outcome of the Islamic republic’s 2009 presidential election. The

order will freeze any US assets held by the eight, who include Revolutionary Guards Commander Mohammad Ali Jafari and former Tehran prosecutor general Said Mortazevi.

On Thursday, Iran summoned Livia Leu Agosti, the ambassador of Switzerland which manages US interests in Tehran, to protest against the move which it called “illegal.”

After the 2009 presidential election, hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters defied a government ban and poured onto the streets of Tehran to protest against the re-election of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Human rights groups have accused the government of suppressing the uprising through extrajudicial killings, rapes and torture. —AP

The US, which worked for months to coax both sides back to the negotiating table, is pressing Israel to extend the slowdown in a bid to keep talks going. Israeli media have reported that American mediators offered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a package of farreaching incentives in return for agreeing to a 60-day extension, including new weaponry.

According to the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot, the US also promised to support an Israeli demand to leave troops along the eastern border of a future Palestinian state after a peace agreement, a demand the Palestinians have said they will not accept.

But Netanyahu — hemmed in by his hard-line coalition partners and his own explicit promises that the slowdown would last only 10 months — has so far refused.

Mitchell met with Netanyahu on Friday morning. In public comments before the meeting, the Israeli leader said only that he has a “mission of peace” and hopes the talks continue. The European Union’s top diplomat, Catherine Ashton, also met Netanyahu yesterday in an attempt to bridge the gaps between the sides.

Abbas is expected to make his final decision at a meeting of Arab foreign ministers next week in Cairo. Ahead of that meeting, Egypt’s foreign minister issued a surprising criticism of the Palestinian decision to make talks contingent on the freeze, saying the sides should concentrate on drawing the borders of a Palestinian state.

“Whoever offered the idea to freeze settlements as a main goal and priority didn’t see the real goal of the negotiations, which is to define borders,” Ahmed Aboul Gheit told the London-based Arab newspaper Al-Hayat in an interview published yesterday.

“Everyone involved should be working hard to define borders ... and then we can start looking at other items on the agenda,” he said.

The comments could suggest that Egypt will throw its weight behind Abbas if the Palestinian leader opts to soften his demand for a continuation of the construction restrictions.

Such a decision, however, would further damage Abbas’ standing among Palestinians, many of whom already see 75-year-old leader as overly influenced by the U.S. and too conciliatory toward Israel. — AP

HEBRON: US Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jody Williams crosses an Israelicontrolled checkpoint in the center of the Palestinian West Bank city of Hebron yesterday as she headed to the Ibrahimi Mosque or the Patriarch’s Tomb during a visit to the divided city. —AFP

Irish Nobel laureate fights legal battle to enter Israel PETAH TIKVA, Israel: Irish Nobel laureate and peace activist Mairead Maguire appeared in a Tel Aviv court yesterday to appeal against a ban on her from entering Israel for 10 years, officials said.

Maguire flew to Israel on Tuesday but was denied entry at Ben Gurion airport because she had been deported in June for trying to reach Gaza by boat in defiance of an Israeli naval blockade.

When she arrived, airport officials told her she would not be allowed in to Israel for 10 years, the Adalah legal rights group told AFP on Tuesday.

Speaking to Israeli public radio before the hearing, Maguire said she was hopeful the legal challenge would succeed.

“I’m here to appeal against my deportation from Israel for 10 years. I hope that we will win the appeal because I want very much to come back to see my

friends in Israel and Palestine,” she said.

“I have been coming here for many years to support all those working for peace and non-violence,” said the 66-year-old, who has been held in detention at the airport since Tuesday.

Airport officials were trying to put her on the first plane back to Belfast, but Adalah lawyers managed to obtain a temporary injunction preventing her expulsion. Maguire was one of 19 activists on board the Irish-owned “Rachel Corrie,” which tried and failed to reach Gaza in early June, a week after Israeli forces botched a raid on a six-ship flotilla heading for the coastal enclave, killing nine Turkish activists.

She had planned to lead a delegation of women on a week-long tour of Israel and the Palestinian territories to highlight the work of women peace activists. —AFP

Palestinian Ahmed Elaian, 86, shows the keys of his home in Israel, abandoned during the 1948 Mideast war, on the 57th anniversary of Al Naqba, or day of catastrophe in the Kalandia refugee camp near the West Bank town of Ramallah. An Israeli high school principal has been summoned for a hearing by the country’s Education Ministry for using a textbook presenting the Palestinian narrative about events surrounding Israel’s creation in 1948, officials said yesterday. —AP

Principal faces hearing over textbook in Israel JERUSALEM: An Israeli Education Ministry official says a high school principal has been summoned for a hearing over a textbook that presents the Palestinian narrative about events surrounding Israel’s creation in 1948.

The new controversy shows how charged the events surrounding the Jewish state’s birth remain more than six decades later. Israeli Jews celebrate 1948 as the year of their independence, while

Palestinians and Israel’s Arab citizens mourn what they call “Al-Naqba” — the catastrophe.

Ministry spokesman Hagit Cohen said yesterday that the principal of a school in southern Israel has been summoned for clarifications next week for using an unapproved textbook. The book presents the Palestinian view of events in 1948 alongside the Israeli view, with room for students to insert their own thoughts. — AP

S Sudan president warns of violence over Jan vote JUBA, Sudan: The president of Southern Sudan yesterday warned cheering crowds of a return to violence “on a massive scale” if the region’s independence referendum — now 100 days away — is not held on time. President Salva Kiir’s return to this dusty, former war garrison town follows meetings at the UN last week that focused new attention on the region in the run-up to a Jan 9 vote on independence.

Kiir predicted the south’s vote will pass overwhelmingly. The border region of Abyei — where much of Sudan’s oil is located — holds a similar vote the same day, in which voters will choose whether the region will join Sudan’s north or a possible new country in the south. “Delay or denial of the right of self-determination for

the people of Southern Sudan and Abyei risks dangerous instability,” Kiir said, according to prepared remarks. “There is without question a real risk of a return to violence on a massive scale if the referenda do not go ahead as scheduled.” Tensions between north and south are high over stalled preparations for both the southern referendum and the separate vote for Abyei. The Obama administration has labeled it “inevitable” the south will declare independence, but US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also called the issue a “ticking time bomb.” Speaking before a crowd of about 1,000 people, Kiir appealed to the armies and people of Sudan to shun war, saying that he is not a coward but only those who have not been in war

“still drill for it.” He said the south was willing to negotiate with the north.

Leaders from the north and south meet this weekend in Egypt in search for solutions surrounding the January votes. The northsouth border must still be demarcated and agreements made over oil wealth, much of which is located in the south.

At Kiir’s arrival at the airport, traditional dancers performed on the runway and Kiir released white doves into the air. A white bull — a southern cultural emblem of prosperity — was slaughtered as Kiir’s plane landed. Juba residents lined the streets to welcome Kiir, and one youth group wore T-shirts that saying: “The referendum is your golden chance for total independence.” —AP

Saturday, October 2, 2010

5

INTERNATIONAL

Ayodhya comes to terms with new court ruling AYODHYA: In Ayodhya yesterday, people rushed to buy newspapers to read about the previous day’s court judgement, with some drawing chalk outlines of the site on the pavement to understand the split.

Locals returned to the streets of the northern pilgrimage town, which had been locked down by thousands of security forces on Thursday amid fears of a backlash against the High Court ruling on a plot claimed by Hindus and Muslims.

“It is a great judgement for the people of Ayodhya,” said Bihari Lal, a Hindu school teacher who was reading an English newspaper and translating the news about the court verdict in Hindi for his neighbors.

“It will now allow people to move on and think of the future.” The whole country had been on tenterhooks on Thursday as it awaited the High Court ruling on which religious group should own the site where the Babri mosque was torn down by Hindu zealots in 1992, sparking deadly riots.

The ruling proposed that the parcel of land where the mosque once stood be divided in three parts, with one for Muslims and two for Hindus, who will also get

the central part of the plot, where they plan to build a temple.

Men and women could be seen sitting outside their houses, discussing the newspaper interpretations of the judgement. Some made sketches on the ground to try to visualize the complex partition.

“After six decades, the city now has a chance to forget the past and talk about development, education and economic improvement. These should be the main concern,” said Desh Bandhu Rai, a tea vendor.

“I thank Lord Ram and Allah for ending this battle,” he said. Hindus believe that their warrior god Ram was born at the site of the mosque and saints and monks gathered in temples Friday to hum prayers to him.

Others distributed pictures of the disputed site among worshippers. “I am sure once the temple is made, Ayodhya will regain its lost glory and fame,” said Swami Niranjan Mohan Maharaj, a temple priest.

“Tourists from all over the world will throng the town for one glance of Lord Ram.” Several Muslims refused to comment on the verdict, conscious of the danger of provoking ill-feeling in

a town still scarred by the violence of 1992, which let 2,000 people dead, mostly Muslims.

“I don’t want to speak about the matter. If I say anything then chances are the Hindus will not like it and we will start fighting again,” said Ameen Sheikh Sardar, a car mechanic. “We Muslims have decided to remain silent. The less we talk about the disputed land, the better it is for the people of Ayodhya,” he said.

Though many hoped that Thursday’s judgment was the end of the dispute, the litigants have promised to appeal the verdict in the Supreme Court, meaning the battle will rumble on in the country’s notoriously slow legal system.

Paramilitary security forces drafted in to help with security on Thursday were being withdrawn from the streets already, leaving police to take over.

“There have been no incidents of violence or any disturbances in Ayodhya since Thursday evening but we are still keeping a very tight vigil,” said Rakesh Pandey, a senior police official in Ayodhya. “The issue is still fresh in the minds of the people. They are discussing it.” — AFP

AYODHYA: An Indian Muslim man walks past paramilitary troops standing guard near a mosque in Ayodhya yesterday. — AFP

Truck driver, assistant burned alive

Militants attack NATO convoy ISLAMABAD: Assailants in Pakistan launched tw o separate attacks yesterday on vehicles carrying fuel for NATO and American forces in Afghanistan, highlighting the vulnerability of the US-led mission a day after Pakistan closed a major border crossing. A truck driver and his

LAHORE: An injured lawyer is escorted by a Pakistani police officer after a clash between lawyers and police in Lahore yesterday. Police beat lawyers demanding transfer of a judge. — AP

NATO works to hand business to Afghans KABUL: Contracting with the US military to make boots for Afghan soldiers and police doubled the work force at Farhad Saffi’s factory and guaranteed steady business for months and possibly years - to come. In the eyes of the US military, the boot deal was another step toward building up Afghanistan’s economy and business culture and giving Afghans a stake in their government to help counter support for the Taleban insurgency.

For the country’s hard-pressed security forces, it means they aren’t going to war in plastic sandals or illfitting sneakers. “We are proud that these boots are Afghan-made. They, the soldiers, are proud as well,” said Saffi, dressed in a natty suit and tie as he showed visitors around his assembly line in a nondescript factory on the east side of Kabul.

Saffi’s company, Kabul Milli Trading Ltd, won the boot contract as part of a year-old program known as “Afghan First,” run by the coalition and administered mainly by officers from the US Air Force. It aims to source needed products locally to build up the Afghan construction industry and manufacturing base battered by three decades of near continuous warfare. “Part of our counterinsurgency strategy is to employ people,” said Air Force Col Lawrence G Avery, who heads the program from his office inside a fortified US military base in Kabul.

While Avery chalks up some of the program’s successes, it still faces a host of challenges. Afghan-made products must compete with cheap imports, construction delays and substandard quality - plus a business culture saturated by kickbacks and corruption and the everpresent insurgency, which makes business travel and

the transportation of goods a perilous undertaking.

Crime and insurgent attacks against companies working with foreign forces are also major concerns. “They feel like there’s always the possibility of retaliation,” Avery says of the local companies he deals with.

By almost any measure, Afghanistan’s economy is primitive and mired in inefficiencies. The gross national product stands at $14 billion. Per capita income is estimated at $1,000 a year. Unemployment is loosely estimated at 35 percent. And just 5.7 percent of the work force is employed in industry, as opposed to 78.6 percent engaged in agriculture.

Low spending power and problems financing and jump-starting a domestic manufacturing base have pushed the economy toward cheap, low-quality imported goods, much of it from neighboring China. Even for basic commodities such as cement, some Afghan businessmen say clients prefer imports from Turkey or elsewhere, convinced that domestic quality isn’t up to snuff.

Afghan First hopes to change some of those attitudes by offering lucrative contracts. This year, the program plans to award more than $500 million in contracts for equipment and another $2 billion for construction projects, mainly stackable buildings made from converted shipping containers and bases for the Afghan police and army. Afghanistan’s garment industry was picked as the easiest place to start. Within a few months, all uniforms for the Afghan army and police were being produced locally from imported materials. Those contracts now employ 2,600 Afghans and have saved the US military $41 million over the cost of imports. Soon boots were on the agenda.—AP

Australian arrested with drugs in Bali DENPASAR, Indonesia: An Australian man was arrested yesterday with 1.7 kilograms (3.4 pounds) of methamphetamine in his luggage at Bali International Airport in Indonesia, police and customs officials said.

He told customs officials he had been given a bag by an Indian friend in Bangkok and had no idea it contained drugs, according to investigators. “We arrested Michael Sacatides because he was carrying 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine,” customs official Bagus Endro Wibowo told AFP. The 43-year-old boxing trainer from Sydney could face the death penalty if convicted of smuggling the drugs into Indonesia. He was arrested as he passed through customs after landing on an AirAsia flight from Bangkok at 11:30 am (0430 GMT), Wibowo said.

“We suspected him as he walked through the X-ray machine. The officers checked his luggage and found four plastic bags of meth,” he said.

“After being interrogated he said he got the meth from an Indian national in Bangkok.” The drugs are reportedly worth 2.8 billion rupiah ($314,000) at Indonesian street prices.

Sacatides was presented to reporters wearing an orange shirt emblazoned with the word “pelaku” or criminal, but was not allowed to speak directly to the media. Officials said he claimed to have come to Bali on holiday and had a return ticket to Bangkok on October 4.

“He said the luggage belonged to his Indian friend in Bangkok who lent it to him and he didn’t know about the drugs inside,” Bambang

JAKARTA: Australian boxing trainer Michael Sacatides sits next to the evidence, 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, at the Custom office in Denpasar yesterday. — AFP Wahyudi airport customs chief Ngurah Rai said.

Three Australians are currently on death row in Bali’s Kerobokan jail for a 2005 attempt to smuggle 8.3 kilograms (18 pounds) of heroin into Australia from the tourist island. Six other members of the so-called Bali Nine gang are serving long jail sentences. Another Australian, Schapelle Corby, is serving a 20-year sentence in Bali for trafficking 4.1 kilograms of marijuana into Indonesia in 2005. — AFP

That term could refer to Islamist militants or separatist rebels active in the region. Earlier yesterday, suspected militants torched 27 tankers carrying oil for troops in Afghanistan in Sindh province. Around 80 percent of the fuel, spare parts, clothing and other nonlethal supplies for foreign forces in landlocked Afghanistan travels through Pakistan after arriving in the southern Arabian Sea port of Karachi. The alliance has other supply routes to Afghanistan, but the Pakistani ones are the cheapest and most convenient.

The Pakistani government shut the Torkham border crossing in the northwest on Thursday in apparent protest of a NATO helicopter incursion that killed three of its soldiers on the border. It kept open the Chaman crossing in Baluchistan, where it seemed likely the vehicles attacked Friday were heading. The closure raised tensions between Pakistan and the United States, which have a close but often troubled alliance in the fight against militants. Islamist militants regularly attack NATO supply tankers in Pakistan, mostly in the northwestern border region where their influence is stronger.

In Sindh, around 10 gunmen attacked the tankers when they were parked at an ordinary truck stop on the edge of Shikarpur town shortly after midnight.

assistant w ere burned alive in the second attack on a single tanker in the parking lot of a restaurant in southeastern Baluchistan province, said police officer Mohammad Azam. He said «anti-state elements» w ere behind the attack.

They forced the drivers and other people there to flee before setting the fires, said police officer Abdul Hamid Khoso. Another officer, Nisar Ahmed, said the tankers had arrived in Shikarpur from Karachi and were heading to Quetta, a major city in the southwest. From there, the road leads to Chaman.

Attacks on NATO and US supply convoys in Pakistan give militants a propaganda victory, but coalition officials say they do not result in shortages in Afghanistan. Some of the attacks are believed to be the work of criminals or in Baluchistan, separatists. Some officials allege truck owners may be behind some of them, perhaps to fraudulently claim insurance. The vast majority of the convoys, however, through the country unharmed and the frequency of attacks reported in the media does not appear to have risen much, if at all, over the last two years.

In recent years, the alliance has sought to shift more of the supplies through Central Asian countries north of Afghanistan and Russia, aware of the problems of relying too much on Pakistan, which some argue does not share America’s strategic goals in the region.

There is a risk, albeit small, that militant attacks could one day seriously squeeze supplies. But the overriding concern is that hosting the supply routes gives

Islamabad immense leverage in its relationship with Washington.

The United States cannot force Pakistan to, say, crack down on militants in the northwest behind attacks in Afghanistan because Islamabad holds a trump card: it can cut off most of the supplies to the war whenever it wants. Pakistani security forces provide guards for the trucks and tankers in the northwest, but generally do not do so in southern and central Pakistan, where attacks are rarer. Pakistani security officials had warned after two alleged NATO helicopter incursions last weekend that they would stop providing protection to NATO convoys if it happened again.

In Brussels on Friday, Pakistani Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani met with NATO leaders and lodged a formal protest over the border incursions. In Pakistan, government officials said they had to take a stand. «If the NATO forces keep on entering into Pakistan and carrying out attacks, then (the) only option we have - we should stop the movement of the containers,» Defense Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar said.

Opinion polls show many Pakistanis regard the United States as an enemy, and conspiracy theories abound of US troops wanting to attack Pakistan and take over its nuclear weapons. —AP

Manila tour guide’s protest offends Roman Catholics

SEOUL: South Korean new Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik takes an oath during his inauguration ceremony at the government complex in Seoul yesterday. — AP

South Korea gets new PM, foreign minister SEOUL: South Korea’s parliament yesterday approved a former top state inspector as the country’s new prime minister, while President Lee Myung-bak named his security adviser as the nation’s top diplomat. South Korea had been without a prime minister — the country’s No 2 official — since August when Chung Un-chan stepped down amid a political dispute over a government relocation project.

The National Assembly confirmed Kim Hwang-sik as prime minister by a vote of 169-71.

Kim had served as chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection and as a Supreme Court justice.

The post is largely ceremonial in a country where power is heavily concentrated around the president. President Lee had previously named former provincial governor Kim Tae-ho as Chung’s replacement. But the appointee later withdrew from consideration amid accusations of unethical behavior and misconduct centered on ties to a convicted businessman.

Separately, Lee named his national security adviser, Kim Sung-hwan, as the new foreign minister, presidential spokeswoman Kim Hee-jung said.

Former Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan resigned last month amid accusations of nepotism over the hiring of his daughter for a midlevel job at the ministry. Kim, 57, is a career diplomat who previously served as vice foreign minister. Kim’s appointment does not need parliamentary approval, though he is required to undergo a confirmation hearing in which lawmakers ask questions. — AP

MANILA: Government prosecutors yesterday charged a popular Manila artist and tour guide with offending Roman Catholics after he disrupted Mass at the capital’s main cathedral to protest the clergy’s opposition to contraception.

Public debate over family planning has simmered again in this predominantly Catholic country after President Benigno Aquino III last week expressed support for the right to contraception, angering the powerful church. On Thursday, Carlos Celdran, who is known for distributing condoms and birth control pills to poor residents as he guides tourists through Intramuros, the Spanish colonial-era walled city, interrupted an ecumenical Mass at Manila Cathedral.

Dressed in a 19th-century outfit, the performing artist approached the altar and told the priests to stop getting involved in politics and not to threaten civil disobedience against any government plan to promote family planning and birth control, according to police.

He carried a placard bearing the name “Damaso,” seen in the Philippines as a term of insult for priests. Damaso is the name of a friar

depicted in a novel by national hero Jose Rizal who was openly strict with religious practices yet secretly fathered a child.

Celdran, 37, was arrested at the cathedral and freed almost a day later on 6,000-peso ($138) bail. Friends of the artist had set up a Facebook fan page calling for his release, drawing more than 12,000 supporters by the time he posted bail.

“I apologize for being rude, but it was necessary for me to be rude,” he told reporters while in custody on Thursday. “I am sorry for the method that I used but I have no apologies for the message that I made.” He was shown on television kissing the hand of the rector of Manila Cathedral, Monsignor Nestor Cerbo, while offering his apologies.

Police officer Jun Gumaru said prosecutors had charged Celdran with “offending religious feelings,” which carries a maximum penalty of six years’ imprisonment. In a statement yesterday, Manila’s 238 priests expressed “disapproval and condemnation” of the protest. “These actions cannot by any means be considered within the purview of freedom of expression,” the statement said.

“Instead they were malicious acts directed towards a faith, a religion that was represented by its leaders and the faithful gathered.” President Aquino’s expression of support for the right to contraception has angered bishops and renewed church attacks on a reproductive health bill that calls for contraceptives to be provided in government hospitals and sex education to be taught in public schools.

Proponents of contraception have argued that rapid population growth and high fertility rates have exacerbated crushing poverty, and birth control could be a powerful way to raise living standards.

Bishop Nereo Odchimar, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, clarified an earlier report quoting him as saying that Aquino may be excommunicated for pushing artificial birth control.

The bishops’ website reported Friday that Odchimar believes that a dialogue with the government and not confrontation is the way forward.

“Threat of excommunication at this point of time can hardly be considered to be in line with dialogue,” the website quoted Odchimar as saying. — AP

Japan PM urges China to act ‘responsibly’ TOKYO: Japan’s prime minister urged China to act as a “responsible” member of the international community yesterday and raised concern over its expanding maritime activity in Asia, including in disputed waters where a ship collision ignited a bitter diplomatic feud. Prime Minister Naoto Kan’s comments came after three Japanese held by China for allegedly entering a restricted military zone returned home yesterday — a sign that tension between the two Asian giants was easing somewhat. Still, Kan took a serious tone in his first major policy speech to parliament since surviving a leadership challenge last month, stressing the need for Japan to adopt a more “active” diplomacy and defense policy that can deal with “uncertainty and instability that exist in areas surrounding our country.” He urged China, Japan’s biggest trading partner, to act as a “responsible international community member,” calling on both countries to deepen relations and promote economic cooperation to contribute to regional peace.

“The rise of China has been remarkable in recent years, but we are concerned about its strengthening defense capability without transparency and accelerating maritime activities spanning from the Indian Ocean to the East China Sea,” he said.—AP

BUSAN: People watch a burning apartment building in Busan yesterday. A massive fire broke out in a 38-floor apartment and tower in the southern port city, news reports and fire officials said. — AP

INTERNATIONAL

6

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Nigerian independence day blasts kill seven ABUJA: Explosions rocked an area near Nigeria’s independence celebrations yesterday and killed at least seven people following threats from oil militants, witnesses and a police source said.

The blasts occurred after Nigeria’s most prominent militant group threatened attacks at the events in Abuja marking 50 years of independence attended by the country’s leaders and foreign delegations. “There are seven bodies, including a senior police officer,” the source said. An

AFP correspondent saw six bodies.

A senior intelligence officer was also among those killed, one of his colleagues from the intelligence service said on condition of anonymity.

“There were more casualties at the second explosion because the first explosion drew crowds to the scene, which is close to the second explosion,” the intelligence officer said.

Police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said earlier that “my information is that there was an explosion in a house” and he could not confirm

any fatalities.

However, some 10 cars were destroyed and the blast did not appear to originate from a house, an AFP journalist said. An AFP journalist at the scene said there appeared to have been two blasts in an area about 10 minutes away from the square where the celebrations were occurring and one dead body was on the ground.

Firefighters, police and bomb disposal experts were at the scene. The area was filled with smoke, and

authorities were cordoning off the scene and pushing journalists back.

“We heard the first explosion and rushed there,” one witness who refused to be named told AFP. “All of a sudden we heard another loud explosion behind us.”

The incident occurred near a federal court building. Independence celebrations, however, continued nearby, with a military parade in progress.

Earlier in the day, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger

Delta militant group warned of explosions at the independence celebrations and said attendees should evacuate.

“With due respect to all invited guests, dignitaries and attendees of the 50th independence anniversary of Nigeria being held today ... the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is asking everyone to begin immediate evacuation of the entire area within the next 30 minutes,” it said.

“This warning expires after 10:30

Hrs (0930 GMT). Several explosive devices have been successfully planted in and around the venue by our operatives working inside the government security services. In evacuating the area, keep a safe distance from vehicles and trash bins.”

MEND has staged scores of attacks in the oil-rich Niger Delta in recent years, claiming to be fighting for a fairer distribution of oil revenue.

However, thousands of oil militants signed up to a government

amnesty program last year and unrest in the region has been greatly reduced. “There is nothing worth celebrating after 50 years of failure,” MEND said in yesterday’s statement.

“For 50 years, the people of the Niger Delta have had their land and resources stolen from them.”

In an earlier address marking independence day, President Goodluck Jonathan said the government was committed to seeing through the amnesty. —AFP

Officials probe Mumbai-style terror plot

US, EU should join to stop homegrown terror: Study

LONDON: A forensic officer walks next to the wreckage of a double decker bus with its top blown off and damaged cars scattered on the road at Tavistock Square in central London. European security officials said a terror plot to wage Mumbai-style shooting sprees or other low-budget attacks in Britain, France and Germany is still active and that sites in Pakistan — where the threat was intercepted — are being targeted for Al-Qaeda operatives. —AP

British police find weapons used to kill Pakistan politician LONDON: British police said yesterday they had recovered a knife and brick used in the attack on Pakistani politician Imran Farooq, who was stabbed to death outside his home in north London last month.

“Detectives have recovered a 5.5-inch (14cm) bladed kitchen knife and a house brick which were used in the attack on Dr Imran Farooq in Edgware two weeks ago,” a statement from London’s Metropolitan Police said.

It said the items were found in Green Lane, the street where the 50-year-old was found with head injuries and stab wounds on September 16. He was declared dead at the scene.

Officers from the Met’s counter-terrorism command were trying to trace two Asian men in connection with the murder, police said, but added that they “retain an open mind as to a motive.”

No arrests have yet been made and police urged witnesses to come forward. Farooq was a founding member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a major force in Pakistan’s biggest city Karachi. The city went on alert following his death, after the murder of an MQM lawmaker the previous month triggered a wave of violence, and traders ceased business for the day in mourning.

The MQM is a partner in the ruling coali-

tion led by President Asif Ali Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party in the southern province of Sindh, of which Karachi is the capital. Farooq claimed asylum in Britain in 1999. He was wanted in Pakistan over scores of charges including torture and murder related to the MQM’s activities but always claimed the accusations were politically motivated.

The London-based Observer newspaper reported on Sunday that Farooq may have been about to leave the MQM and join a new party being set up by former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf, who also lives in London. —AFP

Ecuadorean troops rescue leader from rebel police QUITO: Ecuador was under a state of siege yesterday, with the military in charge of public order after rescuing President Rafael Correa from a hospital where he had been surrounded, roughed up and tear gassed by

rebellious police.

Correa and his ministers called Thursday’s revolt — in which insurgents also paralyzed the nation with airport shutdowns and highway blockades — an attempt to over-

throw him and not just a simple insurrection over a new law that cuts benefits for public servants.

Other South American presidents quickly showed their support for Correa, rushing to a

BUENOS AIRES: A demonstrator holds a poster that reads in Spanish “No to the coup in Ecuador,” bottom, and “Yankees get out of Latin America” as people wait for the arrival of South American presidents for an emergency meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, early yesterday. —AP

meeting in Buenos Aires early yesterday and condemning what they called a coup attempt and kidnapping of Correa. The US also warned those who threaten Ecuador’s democracy that Correa has full US support.

Both Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Evo Morales of Bolivia alleged yesterday that the United States was somehow behind the police rebellion, despite forceful US declarations otherwise.

“The United States deplores violence and lawlessness, and we express our full support for President Rafael Correa and the institutions of democratic government in that country,” US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said. At least three people — two police officers and a soldier — were killed and dozens injured in the clashes, said Irina Cabezas. the vice president of congress. Five soldiers were wounded — two critically — in the firefight at the hospital before Correa was removed at top speed in an SUV, according to the military and Red Cross. —AP

WASHINGTON: The US and its European allies must work together better to stop radicalized Westerners who travel to terrorist training camps and return home to wage attacks, counterterrorism experts said in a new study. The warning came as Western officials this week investigate an active terror plot they said was aimed at carrying out Mumbai-style shooting rampages or other attacks in Britain, France and Germany.

A Pakistani intelligence official has said a number of Germans and British militants were involved.

The new report, being released yesterday by The George Washington University’s Homeland Security Policy Institute and the Swedish National Defense College’s Center for Asymmetric Threat Studies, said radicalized Westerners who easily travel around the world represent a growing terrorism threat. Though they are still fairly few in number, these extremists help inspire and unite others. “Thwarting terrorist travel is of the highest priority,” said Charles Allen, a former top US intelligence and homeland security official. “More progress is needed if we are to reach a level of collaboration that gives us the confidence needed to track extremists, who with the proper credentials and a clean record can travel globally.” In the study’s foreword, Allen and European Union Counterterrorism Coordinator Gilles de Kerchove said the report’s findings underscored the need for the US and its European allies to improve their information and intelligence sharing, including passenger data.

The report lays out the growing and complex threat from what the authors call Western foreign fighters — Westerners who leave home to train or fight jihad, or holy war, and are often sent back to their countries armed with terror expertise and tasked with launching domestic attacks. Because these foreign fighters often have different reasons for turning to terrorism and come from a variety of backgrounds, ethnicities and social circumstances, they are hard to spot and track.

The authors, including the George Washington institute’s director, Frank J. Cilluffo, said recent terror incidents in the US — including the foiled New York City subway bombing authorities have blamed on Afghan Najibullah Zazi — help to inspire others.

In response, the study said, Western officials must do more to counter that propaganda by highlighting the harsher realities of training camps and giving greater visibility to fighters who have turned away from jihad. The terror plot unveiled by European officials this week was still in its early stages and not considered serious enough to raise the terror threat level, authorities said.

The Pakistani official said eight Germans and two British brothers were at the heart of the Al-Qaeda-linked terror plot against European cities and had been calling acquaintances in Europe to plan logistics. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak with the media. —AP

ABUJA: The charred body of a man lies near a damaged car following a blast in Abuja during the 50th independence anniversary ceremony in Abuja yesterday.

Explosions rocked an area near Nigeria’s independence celebrations yesterday and killed at least seven people following threats from oil militants, witnesses and a police source said. —AFP

Ukraine court boosts Yanukovich’s powers KIEV: Ukraine’s Constitutional Court strengthened President Viktor Yanukovich’s control in the country yesterday by handing him key presidential powers lost to parliament in 2004.

The landmark ruling pointed the way for proMoscow President Viktor Yanukovich, elected in February, to be able to choose his own government and rule in a presidential republic, similar to that in Russia, rather than in a parliamentary one.

The court, upholding an appeal by Yanukovich’s allies, overturned a 2004 law under which many presidential powers devolved to parliament. It said they should be returned to the presidency forthwith.

Yanukovich, speaking in Yalta in Crimea, said it was the duty of all branches of power to follow the court’s ruling.

But his main political opponent, ex-Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, denounced the court’s decision as “a usurpation of state power”.

“Today will go down in history as the day of the destruction of democracy, the establishment of dictatorship,” she told journalists.

Some analysts also saw the ruling as bad news for potential foreign investors in the cashstrapped economy. “It was a crucial moment-the discrediting of the judicial branch of power and investors will now think a long time about going into Ukraine where the courts are simply a part of the power structure,” political analyst

Mikhailo Pogrebinsky commented.

The court’s decision climaxed a steady consolidation of power by the 60-year-old Yanukovich since he was elected in a bitter runoff against Tymoshenko, defying many commentators who saw him simply as a creature of the wealthy industrialists who bankrolled his campaign.

Prime Minister Mykola Azarov is doggedly loyal and Yanukovich has appointed many other reliable lieutenants in key posts in the regions and important sectors such as energy, banking and the intelligence service.

Since taking office, he has tilted foreign policy back towards Moscow and ended Ukraine’s pursuit of NATO membership. At the same time, he says he remains committed to integrating the ex-Soviet republic into Europe’s mainstream, though no new ground has been broken in relations with the European Union.

But though the court’s ruling was far from unexpected, it triggered confusion in political circles about the status of post-2004 laws and uncertainty about what to do next.

Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn cautioned that the ruling would reduce the motivation for tough decision-making by the proYanukovich coalition. He said parliament might be more reluctant to enact vital reform legislation such as a proposed new tax code. —Reuters

EPHRATA: A buggy and car drive through high water on South Farmersville Road at Groff’s Creek on Thursday in Ephrata. Much of eastern Pennsylvania is under flood warnings as storms could bring as much as six inches of rain before leaving the area yesterday. —AP

Drenching rains, wind take aim at northeastern US NEW YORK: Torrential downpours and high winds have reached the Northeast, snarling traffic in New York City and knocking out power to tens of thousands across the region.

Commuters coped with sheets of rain, poor visibility, slick roads, delayed trains and strong wind gusts yesterday morning as the storm made its way up to the country’s northeastern coast.

On Thursday, five people died in weather-related accidents when the storm passed through North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration reported delays up to three hours at New York’s LaGuardia airport. Further north in New York state, two apartment buildings and several homes had to be evacuated because of flooding. Rainfall totals in the Philadelphia area topped 10 inches (25 centimeters). The storm was expected to hit the Boston area by midday. —AP

Mediterranean whodunit grips France MONTPELLIER, France: A murder trial in the south of France reads like an Agatha Christie novel: the whimsical aristocrat, the rough and ready gardener and the wealthy husband who insists he is innocent. More than 100 witnesses are due to appear at the trial expected to last a month in the Mediterranean city of Montpellier seeking to slice the Gordian knot of violence, romance and intrigue that has gripped France.

The whodunit began on March 11, 2008, when property developer Jean-Michel Bissonnet returned from a Rotary Club meeting to find the body of his wife Bernadette lying in a pool of blood at their plush villa near Montepellier. —AFP

Saturday, October 2, 2010

BUSINESS

7

AIG, US set faster, riskier exit path AIG shares up 4.4 pct NEW YORK: American International Group Inc and the US government have agreed on a plan that would accelerate the payback of bailout money and could yield a profit for taxpayers but also increase their risk. The plan comes a little over two years after AIG was first rescued with an aid

ZHEJIANG: A worker loads the brass tubes into a stock house of Hailiang Group brass tubes workshop in Zhuji in east China’s Zhejiang province.— AP

Chinese factories offset Europe slowdown worries Euro zone PMI slips as Ireland, Spain factories decline LONDON/BEIJING: Chinese manufacturing picked up steam in September after a mid-year lull, easing worries of a marked downturn in global growth, although business surveys again showed a cooling recovery in European factories. Global stock markets perked up yesterday after two separate purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs) showed Chinese factories expanded robustly, shrugging off European numbers that revealed Spain and Ireland faring badly.

The Markit Euro Zone Manufacturing PMI suggested a two-speed recovery taking hold in Europe, with the headline index dropping to 53.7 in September from 55.1 in August, still well above the 50 mark that divides growth from contraction.

“Growth is becoming more focused on the two largest economies of Germany and France as fiscal consolidation measures begin to bite in the periphery,” said Andrew Grantham at HSBC. Factories in austerity-ridden Ireland and Spain went into reverse gear. Ireland on Thursday revealed an enormous bill for its banking sector bailout, and Spain lost its last top-notch “AAA” credit rating amid 20 percent unemployment.

Manufacturing growth in Britain, meanwhile, fell to its lowest since November as exports declined for the first time since July 2009, with the PMI there unexpectedly falling to 53.4 from 53.7.

Although the PMI surveys, which are considered a good leading indicator of broader economic activity, also showed declines in South Korea and Australia, the strength of the upturn in China cheered analysts and markets. They will be looking to the US Institute for Supply Management survey data due at 1400 GMT for further signs that the recent slowdown will be slight and not severe.

China’s official PMI rose to 53.8 in September from 51.7 in August, well above a median forecast of 52. A separate Chinese manufacturing PMI from HSBC also showed a strong upturn in September, rising to 52.9 from 51.9 in August.

“Fears of a substantial downturn have proved unfounded and this should put to rest a lot of the worries about the global outlook,” said Rob Henderson, head market economist at National Australia Bank in Sydney.

Despite Thursday’s news that Japanese manufacturing contracted for the first time in 15 months, Asian manufacturers have largely followed signs that US activity had picked up a little in the third quarter. India’s manufacturing sector expanded for the 18th straight month, but the pace slowed to a 10-month low. Indian manufacturing had stayed strong earlier this year as Chinese activity had slowed. “Capacity constraints may be partly responsible for this, in addition to the fading fiscal stimulus,” said Frederic Neumann, co-head of Asian Economics Research at HSBC. In Australia, among the few developed economies to avoid a recession after the global financial crisis, a strong local currency and soft domestic demand led to the first contraction in manufacturing activity in 2010. The ISM index, measuring US manufacturing activity and due to be released later, is expected to ease to 54.5 in September from 56.3 in August, underscoring the tepid nature of the US, recovery. On Thursday, the US government nudged its second-quarter growth estimate up to a 1.7 percent annualized pace from 1.6 percent after growth in consumer spending for April to June was revised up to the fastest pace in three years.

Though analysts say US economic activity may have picked up in the September quarter, it remains far from robust and the Federal Reserve is expected to start a fresh round of monetary easing as soon as November. “We can stop talking about a double dip, but we are going to grow much more slowly than most people’s memory of a recovery will cause them to expect,” said Jerry Webman, chief economist at OppenheimerFunds in New York. — Reuters

Hedge funds catch new wave in commodities New breed of hedge funds investing in commodities spreads LONDON: Tucked away in a basement in London’s exclusive Mayfair district is a hedge fund manager investing entirely in raw materials, one of a small band trading commodity spreadsand making big money in the process. VOC Capital Management is riding a wave of disillusionment with commodities markets that over the last three years have attracted hundreds of billions of dollars into oil, gold, base metals, livestock and soft commodities such as sugar and coffee. Banks and trading houses have persuaded many pension funds and other investors to buy into commodity and energy markets, arguing they can offer an attractive hedge against inflation, diversification and big returns in rising markets.

But many have lost money with such passive investments, holding long positions in rangebound or falling markets and hit by the cost of rolling over contracts in over-supplied markets.

Enter VOC and a host of other, commodityfocused hedge funds that make money trading positions within and between commodities, called “relative-value” or “long-short” spreads. “Some have suggested that commodities have somehow failed as an investment,” VOC co-founder and partner Christiaen van Lanschot said. “But it is not commodities that have failed. What has failed is the approach to investing in commodities.” Van Lanschot says trading strategies in commodities have in many cases been “too naive, too simplistic for what is an incredibly complex and dynamic market”.

The complexity of these markets has been masked by close correlations over the last year between stock markets and some commodities, which have seen equities and oil, for example, move in lock-step for several months at a time.

These correlations, in part a reflection of huge inflows of capital from passive investors, encouraged the false view that commodities are a single market moving-mostly up-together. “There is no longer one commodity trade where everything rallies and sells off in tandem,” said Paul Caruso, analyst at New York-registered investment manager Galtere Ltd, which has around $1 billion under management. “We have seen commodities decouple because they are being driven by supply

and demand fundamentals rather than purely investment flows,” Caruso told Reuters.

The change in fund strategy has been reflected in data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, showing a decline in long positions held by money managers as they diversified risk away from inactive products. “Hedge funds were largely on the long side and now it is much more balanced between longs and shorts,” said Olivier Jakob, head of consultants Petromatrix in Zug, Switzerland. VOC and other specialist commodity hedge fund managers have developed investment strategies that aim to make money even when markets are range-bound, picking out trends and patterns of behavior that are common to commodities by analyzing prices.

“It doesn’t matter whether it is a shortage in wheat, or cocoa or gold, it is going to impact a market in a similar way. If supply is lower than demand, irrespective of the commodity, you are going to see a certain price behavior,” said VOC co-founder Nicholas Denbow. “We are looking at a lot of spreads, either spreads within a commodity or between them.” One strategy used by VOC and others involves looking for the steepest points in futures price curves and selling or buying those points while taking opposing positions in other commodities. Stockholm-based hedge fund IPM Informed Portfolio Management, with $8 billion in assets, makes 30 to 40 bets on the differences in price between commodities or time spreads in commodities and has had returns of 5 percent net in five months.

“We use a market-based model,” said Alex Gioulekas, head of research at IPM. “The biggest component is based on relative value, which performs well in directionless markets.” VOC trades 24 commodities, ranging from crude oil and natural gas to wheat, corn and cocoa. All its trading positions aim to limit exposure to short-term shocks and instead make money from long-term trends. “We are not in the market timing business. Our models are generally based on fundamental principles as applied to the commodities markets,” said Denbow. “We are trying to take a fresh look at commodity investing, a more intelligent approach.” — Reuters

The Treasury will convert some of its AIG securities into common shares, raising its stake in the insurer to 92.1 percent from nearly 80 percent. That stake will be sold off over time.

The Treasury also will effectively buy out the Fed’s interest in two large AIG units that are being sold. The plan could lead to a loss for taxpayers if the stock price falls below roughly $30, at which the Treasury will break even, or if the company fails, as common shares sit lower in the capital structure.

AIG shares closed up 4.4 percent, or $1.65, to $39.10. “Now the debate is how much the government will make on AIG,” Chief Executive Robert Benmosche said in an interview.

“Is it a billion, is it 10 billion?

They are not talking about a $30 billion loss anymore.” A senior Obama administration official said the plan could yield a profit of around $16.5 billion for taxpayers, compared to a previously estimated loss of about $45 billion. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of the 2011 first quarter, shows the insurer is making progress in disentangling itself from the government and positions the company to tap the capital markets again.

The announcement of the plan comes as the government faces pressure to show it is extracting itself from the financial industry, which was offered more than a trillion dollars of taxpayer support in 2008. When Americans go to the polls for mid-term elections in November, the state of the financial system and the economy will be a big issue. The Troubled Asset Relief Program, set up amid the 2008 financial crisis to shore up the industry, expires on Sunday. Benmosche said the timing of the deal helps AIG avoid another “firestorm of negative publicity.”

THE PLAN The Treasury will get about 1.66 billion AIG common shares, worth $64.9 billion at Thursday’s closing share price, in exchange for the $49.1 billion of AIG preferred shares and accrued interest it now holds. The strategy is similar to one the government has been following in exiting Citigroup Inc. Benmosche said the Treasury took the time to understand the value of AIG’s business, book value and earnings potential before making the move, which makes for an easier exit as the market for common shares is more liquid.

The Treasury had estimates ranging from a year to 18 months for selling down its stake in AIG once the exchange is completed, Benmosche said. Former AIG CEO Maurice “Hank” Greenberg, who has been a critic of the bailout terms, told Reuters Insider he was unhappy with the plan and that the conversion creates “a huge overhang” on the stock. “What’s going to drive the stock up? Their job is not to hold it; it is to sell it,” Greenberg said.

The plan also calls for AIG to repay $20 billion under a Fed credit facility, using funds from operations and disposal of assets like its Asian life insurance businesses-American Life Insurance Co (Alico) and American International Assurance (AIA).

The exchange of the Treasury’s preferred stock will not be executed until the Fed credit facility is repaid in full.

Morgan Stanley has been advising the Fed throughout the restructuring. The Fed also owns preferred shares worth about $26 billion in AIA and Alico. AIG plans to draw down up to $22 billion from an existing Treasury equity line to buy out part of that stake, and then transfer the shares to the Treasury. AIG plans to use the proceeds from future asset sales, including the sale of two Japanese life insurance units, to retire the remainder of the Fed’s stake. Prudential Financial Inc clinched a deal for the Japan units-AIG Star Life Insurance Co Ltd and AIG Edison Life Insurance Co-for $4.2 billion in cash.

AIG Credit Facility, formed in January 2009 to hold the government’s stake in the company, will be dissolved, further reducing the number of parties at the table.

“As we move into 2011, we will be dealing with one owner in the US government instead of several,” Benmosche said. —Reuters

package that ballooned to $182.3 billion. The plan allows the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to be repaid in full and ends its involvement in AIG, leaving AIG to deal with just the Treasury Department, while simplifying the bailout structure.

NEW YORK: An American International Group office building is shown in New York. — AP

European stocks dip as weak banks offset oils PARIS: Europe’s top stocks were slightly lower around midday yesterday, as banks extended recent losses into the fourth quarter, offsetting buoyant resource-related shares. At 1135 GMT, the FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was down 0.1 percent at 1,060.12 points, while the Euro STOXX 50, the euro zone’s blue-chip index, was unchanged at 2,749.45 points, after testing resistance at its 200-day moving average of 2,780.15.

Spanish oil major Repsol soared 6.4 percent after clinching a deal to sell a 40 percent stake in its Brazilian arm to Chinese oil group Sinopec for $7.1 billion. BP rose 3.6 percent after it named the Gulf of Mexico assets it will use to help finance the $20 billion fund for victims of its oil spill and said the cost of dealing with the disaster had risen to $11.2 billion. But the stock, which has jumped 9 percent in three sessions, is running into strong resistance around 446 pence, the lower end of a breakaway gap-a break between prices when a stock moves sharply up or down with no trading in

between-that occurred in early June as the stock tumbled.

Major euro zone banks lost ground, hit by lingering concerns over the health of the sector that have dragged down the sector for three weeks. Banco Santander was down 1.3 percent, UniCredit down 1 percent and Natixis down 0.7 percent. Investors are looking for direction to a batch of key US economic figures, including the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) manufacturing index. Analysts and traders said if the ISM reading comes weaker than expected, the downside risk for equities looks quite limited as a weak figure would boost the view that the Federal Reserve is poised to intervene to support the economic recovery.

“The market clearly anticipates more quantitative easing from the Fed; just look at the dollar,” said Philippe De Vandiere, analyst at IG Markets, in Paris. “But the problem is that consumer spending is not rebounding; companies are maintaining their margins by cutting costs and looking for external growth. So there’s not

much to support stocks these days.” The dollar hit its weakest against the euro since March on the view that it will face more losses if the Federal Reserve eases monetary policy further to support the economy. Around Europe, UK’s FTSE 100 index was up 0.7 percent, Germany’s DAX index up 0.2 percent, and France’s CAC 40 down 0.2 percent.

Commodity-related stocks featured among the top gainers, with Anglo American up 1.8 percent and BHP Billiton up 1.5 percent, helped by stronger-than-expected Chinese manufacturing data.

“The China data was positive and will be very good for companies exporting into the country,” said Heino Ruland, strategist at Frankfurt-based Ruland Research. BMW dropped 2.3 percent after the group said it would recall 345,000 cars because of a potential braking problem. German retailer Metro fell 2.3 percent on news that German retail sales edged lower in August from a month earlier, missing expectations.— Reuters

United, Continental finalize mega-merger CHICAGO: United and Continental closed the deal yesterday that will create the world’s biggest airline, ending Delta’s brief hold on the top spot. The transaction puts the two airlines in the same holding company, United Continental Holdings Inc, which will spend the next year combining them into a single airline.

The combined airline will be called United Airlines, with Continental’s colors and globe logo on the tail. For now, Continental customers will continue to check in through Continental’s website or at Continental airport counters. The same is true for United customers.

Their frequent flier programs will stay separate for now, too. The company said travelers should begin to see a more unified product in the spring. It expects to get a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration in early 2012. Some industry watchers worry that the deal will lead to higher fares, although United and Continental have said that competition from low-cost airlines will keep prices from rising.

Just two years ago, the US had at least five major international airlines. That began to change when Delta Air Lines Inc bought Northwest in October 2008, making Delta the world’s biggest airline until yesterday. United and Continental together carried 8.7 percent more traffic than Delta through August of this year. The combined airline would have about 5,800 daily departures, versus Delta’s 5,715.

Their combination leaves the US with three dominant international airlines (United Continental, Delta, and AMR Corp.’s American), and a big domestic hauler, Southwest Airlines Co. United Continental is hoping that a larger route map will attract more corporate travelers, who spend more. It should also reduce costs, as Continental’s headquarters and operations center in Houston are eliminated, along with other overlaps. The company said it expects as much as $1.2 billion in combined new revenue and cost savings by 2013, including up to $900 million in new revenue as its larger network attracts new passengers. JP

Morgan analyst Jamie Baker wrote in a note that he is “doubtful” of those claims. He wrote that Delta management claimed $1.5 billion in similar gains from the Northwest deal, but its margins have been about the same as the rest of the industry.

Baker expects $400 million in extra labor costs at United Continental as it integrates two unionized work forces. United Continental Holdings is being run by former Continental CEO Jeff Smisek. It’s based in United’s headquarters in Chicago, and United shareholders will own about 55 percent of the stock. Under the deal, Continental shareholders received 1.05 shares of United stock for every share of Continental.

The old Continental shares have stopped trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

Shares in the new company will trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “UAL,” which was United’s old ticker symbol before filing for bankruptcy protection in 2002. It emerged in 2006 and traded under the symbol “UAUA.”— AP

Photo shows changes to the visual branding for the new global airline. United and Continental closed the deal yesterday, that will create the world’s biggest airline, ending Delta’s brief hold on the top spot.—AP

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BUSINESS

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Spending, inflation data point to more Fed easing US consumer spending rises 0.4 percent WASHINGTON: US consumer spending rose slightly more than expected in August, but inflation remained subdued, leaving the door open for the Federal Reserve to launch a fresh round of monetary policy easing. The data was the latest in a series to imply economic activity rose modestly in the third quarter after growth slowed to a 1.7 percent annual pace in the April-June period.

The Commerce Department said consumer spending increased 0.4 percent after rising by the same margin in July.

Analysts polled by Reuters had forecast spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of US economic activity, rising 0.3 percent in August.

The Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of consumer

inflation-the personal consumption expenditures price index, excluding food and energy-rose only 0.1 percent for a fourth straight month. In the 12 months through August, the core PCE index increased 1.4 percent for the third consecutive month.

“More quantitative easing is on the way. The Fed may see the track of growth being too slow. It may be too close for comfort for them in terms of deflation. I don’t know whether they will do it (QE) in November or December,” said John Canally, an economist at LPL Financial in Boston. US stock index futures extended gains, while Treasury debt prices pared losses. The U.S. dollar fell versus the euro. The Fed warned last week that

underlying inflation was below levels policymakers viewed as consistent with the US central bank’s mandate of full employment and price stability. It said it was ready to pump more money into the economy to shore up growth and avert a harmful downward spiral in prices.

On Friday, New York Federal Reserve Bank President William Dudley said more action by the Fed to boost growth would likely be warranted unless the economic outlook improved.

“Further action is likely to be warranted unless the economic outlook evolves in such a way that makes me more confident that we will see better outcomes for both employment and inflation before long,” Dudley

told a conference of business journalists in New York. The Fed, which has already injected $1.7 trillion into the economy through purchases of mortgagerelated and government bonds, next meets on Nov. 2-3.

A 9.6 percent unemployment rate and shrinking household wealth as the economy struggles to recover from the worst recession since the Great Depression are crimping spending. In August, spending was supported by a 0.5 percent rise in personal income, the largest rise since December, the Commerce Department report showed.

The rise in incomes was above market expectations for a 0.3 percent increase and followed a 0.2 percent gain in July.

“The income data could be a

very early indication that incomes are starting to recovery a little bit, which of course would be a good thing,” said Paul Nolte, managing director, Dearborn Partners in Chicago.

Spending adjusted for inflation rose 0.2 percent after a similar gain in July.

The fourth straight month of gains offered hope that consumers continued to prop up economic growth in the third quarter. Spending grew at an annual 2.2 percent pace in the second quarter, the government reported on Thursday.

With spending a touch below the 0.5 percent rise in disposable income, the saving rate edged up to 5.8 percent from 5.7 percent in July. Savings rose to an annual rate of $661.9 billion. — Reuters

Oil jumps to $81 Dollar index hits 8-mth low LONDON: Oil rose yesterday to above $81, a seven-week high, boosted by a weaker dollar and stronger-than-expected Chinese economic data which raised prospects of demand recovery in one of the largest consumers. US crude for November was up $1.26 at $81.23 a barrel at 1300 GMT, having hit $81.40, its highest level since around mid-August. ICE Brent for November

was up $1.14 at $83.45 a barrel. “The main driver has been the euro with a lot of bullish news back behind it,” Rob Montefusco, a trader at Sucden Financial, said. The dollar accelerated losses against the euro yesterday after New York Federal Reserve Bank President William Dudley said more Fed action is warranted unless the US economic outlook improves.

CALIFORNIA: A Chevron gas station pump is shown in Vallejo, Calif. Britain has granted Chevron Corp a permit for the first new deepwater drilling project in UK waters since the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill, brushing aside calls for a US-style moratorium on new offshore drilling. — AP

A weaker dollar increases the purchasing power of nonUS dollar currency holders.

Data showed US consumer spending rose slightly more than expected in August, but inflation remained subdued.

In China, the country’s manufacturing sector gathered momentum last month, the official purchasing managers index (PMI) showed, providing further evidence that an important engine of global growth is humming again after sputtering in the second quarter. “(The data is) indicating that we’ve had no slowdown in recent economic activity so that’s very supportive, because China is the main source of growth for oil demand in the foreseeable future,” Christophe Barret, oil analyst at Credit Agricole, said. China’s financial markets are closed for a week from Oct 1 to 7 for the National Day holiday.

In oil producer Nigeria, eight people were killed and three injured in car bomb explosions that hit the capital near a parade marking the 50th anniversary of independence, police said. In France, a strike at a top oil port that has squeezed supplies to refineries entered a fifth day yesterday, with unions aiming to escalate protests with a call

for a national stoppage at all French ports. Meanwhile, officials said Indonesia’s crude oil production has been cut by 150,000 barrels per day (bpd) after a gas pipeline leak that will take three days to fix, cutting output from Chevron’s Minas and Duri fields.

The International Energy Agency, which advises industrialized nations on energy policy, said yesterday it sees upward pressure on oil prices in the second half of 2011 due to a projected decline in oil stocks.

Oil prices have remained relatively stable so far this year, trading two-thirds of 2010 at between $70 and $80 per barrel, a range that oil producers in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries have said they favor.

“In the short term ... probably yes (price above $80 is sustainable) given bullish market environment momentum, a weaker dollar, technical’s and the latest economic news from China,” Carsten Fristch at Commerzbank said. “But in the mid to long term, meaning next month or so, probably not as the fundamentals don’t justify prices beyond $80 at the moment. They haven’t really changed only market sentiment has changed.” — Reuters

Currency tensions rising Complaints about weaker dollar growing NEW YORK: Fears some countries may resort to currency depreciation to boost exports will be one of the hottest issues at the International Monetary Fund’s annual meeting next week.

Currencies will be a delicate topic at the Oct 8-10 gathering in Washington as they can be used as a powerful tool to help rebalance the global economy, or as a means to seek a competitive trade edge. With the dollar weakening on expectations of further easing in US monetary policy, worries about competitive devaluations are on the rise as investors flock to higher-yielding currencies.

Many such currencies are in developing countries.

Developed countries could use weaker currencies to support exports and bolster their economies. But emerging markets do not want to pay for a crisis that started in the developed world by seeing their currencies surge in value and their trade competitiveness erode. “We cannot simply allow our economies to be imbalanced while allowing other economies to be balanced,” Brazil’s central bank president Henrique Meirelles told Reuters on Thursday. Some countries “are trying to protect themselves by weakening their currencies.”

Earlier this week, Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said the world was in an “international currency war” as govern-

ments try to manipulate foreign exchange rates to boost exports.

Financial authorities around the globe, including IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, have rejected this notion. But most admit the idea that competitive devaluations is a concern.

Canadian Finance Minister Jim Flaherty suggested on Wednesday the issue would be on

the table when the Group of Seven developed nations holds an informal meeting on the sidelines of the IMF meeting next week.

“Currency issues are major issues in the world. They distort trading relationships,” Flaherty said. “We believe that currencies, including the Chinese currency, need to be more flexible so that our trading relationships are more rational.”

Two weeks ago, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said he would rally other Group of 20 powers to push China for currency reforms at a November leaders’ summit in South Korea. Canada has been one of the few countries publicly backing US efforts to convince China to let its yuan currency rise in value-in a strategy to stem a flood of imported Chinese

SHANDONG: A cashier counts Chinese currency notes for workers at an office in Rizhao in east China’s Shandong province. China has rejected a measure passed by US lawmakers to allow sanctions over currency manipulation as protectionist and a violation of global free-trading rules. — AP

goods. Beijing’s currency policy has been a hot topic in Washington, where many lawmakers claim that an undervalued yuan has given China an unfair trade advantage and cost American jobs. The US House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill to penalize China for not letting the yuan rise faster.

Increased tensions on the currency front have raised questions on whether the world needs another Plaza Accord- the 1985 agreement signed by five powerful capitalist countries in a New York hotel that allowed the US dollar to depreciate against other major currencies. It seems obvious, however, that this time around most world leaders will give the United States the cold shoulder. Countries such as Brazil, South Korea and India have made it clear they don’t want to anger China, a major trading partner. “We have a good relationship with China. We won’t take up that issue. Let other big countries take it up,” an emerging market central banker who declined to be named said. Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, who called China Brazil’s “main customer,” said last week that putting pressure on the Chinese “isn’t the right way for finding solutions.” Korean Finance Minister Yoon Jeung-hyun said discussions of the yuan’s level were “not appropriate” for the G20 summit. — Reuters

CALIFORNIA: A Costco customer waits in line at Costco in Mountain View, Calif. Consumer spending rose by a moderate amount in August while incomes increased by the largest amount in eight months, a gain that was propelled by the resumption of extended unemployment benefits. — AP

EU opens IMF door to emerging giants BRUSSELS: Europe opened the door today to giving up some power at the International Monetary Fund to emerging economies, in a key gesture ahead of a summit with Asian giants and a crunch IMF meeting. European Union finance ministers agreed to hold talks with the United States and other IMF partners on EU representation at the international lender, which has been criticized as disproportionate by emerging powers and Washington.

Belgian Finance Minister Didier Reynders, whose country holds the 27-nation EU’s rotating presidency, said the bloc was ready to discuss the quota system that determines voting strength and the possibility of giving up board seats. If the United States agrees to a swing of five percent in these quotas, favoring advanced emerging economies such as China or India, then Europe will consider rotating two of the nine seats it controls on the current 24-berth IMF board.

But a statement and Reynders made clear the concession would only be negotiated if Washington dropped a demand to return the board to its statutory 20 seats by November 1.

Likewise, the United States would also have to relinquish its ability to block majority decisions taken by old and new partners. German deputy finance minister Joerg Asmussen said Berlin would also “like to abandon the gentleman’s agreement that the managing director of the IMF come from Europe and the managing director of the World Bank from the United States.”

Ministers agreed to “try to start discussions with the partners in the IMF, first maybe the US but also other partners, to see how it is possible to organize a quota revision,” Reynders said ahead of the IMF’s annual meeting on October 8-10. “In 2010 we want to organize a shift of five percent in the quotas to emerging and underrepresented markets,” he said, stressing that the number of board seats would only be looked at “after” the revision of the quotas is implemented. Reynders said the bloc would intro-

duce “some evolution” on European representation, which emerging economies have long claimed far outweighs the EU’s economic strength.

He said the anticipated outcome-two seats available to share, on similar arrangements to those in the World Bank, where Belgium currently rotates with Austria-would be “in favour of emerging countries, in favor of under-represented countries.” The bloc said its “shared view was that the functioning of the international institutions should reflect the economic dynamism of emerging markets and under-represented countries.” The extra four IMF seats, allocated by arrangement to Argentina, Brazil, India and Rwanda, would have to be cut back if no diplomatic deal on representation were agreed before its new, two-year board is selected by November 1.The issue is set to feature heavily during summit talks gathering 46 European and Asian nations including Russia and Australia that begin on Sunday and run through much of next week. EU leaders expect pressure to give up seats during the eighth Asia-Europe meeting (ASEM) on Monday and Tuesday. A senior EU diplomat warned this month that a “genuine willingness” to give up votes in the IMF would only materialize if China shows “responsibility” on currency protection.

In April, US Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner came out publicly with a call for Europe to give up berths, a stance followed in June by the IMF’s French managing director, Dominique Strauss-Kahn.But striking a bargain with the United States will prove very difficult, because Washington, while it only controls 16.7 percent of votes, can block a required majority for action of 85 percent. The United States has made it clear it does not intend to give up on this privilege. Reynders added that the IMF was only one international forum where issues of representation “long-term,” which he spelled out meant at least 12 years down the line, could be raised.— AFP

Austerity drives Romania firms to low-tax Bulgaria Bailout drives VAT higher, public spending cuts BUCHAREST: Tough budget measures to keep its international bailout on track have helped prompt thousands of Romanian companies to relocate to neighboring Bulgaria, where lower taxes and more stable regulations offer an easier place to do business. Bulgaria has corporate and income tax on profits of just 10 percent, compared with Romania’s 16 percent, and now also has lower value added tax after Bucharest hiked its rate as part of efforts to meet the conditions of a 20 billion euro EU/IMF bailout.

Sofia has also cut red tape and initial capital for setting up a company is now 2 levs ($1.39), compared with a previous 5,000 levs and 200 lei ($63.55) in Romania. It takes less than a week, almost half the time needed in Romania. That may seem like small beer, but business people say the speed of the changes forced by the bailout and uncertainty over future cuts in Romania have encouraged them to move base.

Bulgarian authorities have not released precise data, but local media report up to 2,500 Romanian companies have set up there already and another two are registering daily in the border city of Ruse alone. “Romanian legislation and taxation are changing from one day to another.

So how can I have any guarantee, any certainty if I open a company here?” said 23-year-old Bogdan Popescu from Bucharest, who wants to open an online television business. “I could as well wake up with a 40 percent income tax tomorrow (instead of 16 at present),” said Popescu, who plans to put his headquarters in Bulgaria. “The present fiscal legislation is in no way a stimulus.”

The two Balkan countries share a long border and though links can be complicated-only one bridge connects the states along a 470 kilometer stretch of the Danube- companies can set up a paper headquarters but still effectively run operations from Romania. Both suffered deep and painful recession after 2008’s financial crisis, but while Romania is having to cut spending and raise taxes, Bulgaria previously ran large fiscal surpluses and has enough reserves to keep taxes low despite dwindling revenues.

IMAGE PROBLEM Major foreign investment has been at the

heart of the transition to developed market economies for countries like Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, whom Romania and Bulgaria followed into the EU in 2007. Taxes in both countries are low compared to most and they remain out on their own in terms of low labor costs, but still have a lack of businessfriendly infrastructure.

Bulgaria, however, is the bloc’s poorest member and its social security contributions are two-thirds lower. Its sales tax of 20 percent is now lower than in Romania, which hiked from 19 to 24 percent to close its budget gap to the 6.8 percent of GDP demanded under the bailout. “If Greece and Romania have to battle the crisis by increasing taxes, it will be beneficial for Bulgaria if it does not do the same,” said Georgi Angelov, a Sofia-based economic analyst with Open Society Institute.

Lawyers said companies who have already done so are reluctant to talk with media because of concerns they may attract attention from Romanian fiscal authorities. “There is an increased interest of Romanian companies about costs for setting up a business in Bulgaria,” said marketing expert Desislava Grozeva of the Bulgarian-Romanian chamber of commerce, based in Ruse. “The VAT increase has an effect on Romanians’ decision to register businesses in Bulgaria, that’s a fact.” Romanian lawmaker Varujan Pambuccian says the country needs to address the situation by making it easier for companies to do business by cutting bureaucracy and ensuring taxes are not significantly higher than in neighboring countries.

RED TAPE The accelerating trend, though not affecting Romania’s drive to balance the budget, may yet leave it with serious long-term problems, analysts said. “This is more an image problem because we don’t attract other companies ...

Other companies don’t come to invest in Romania, and Romania needs investments now,” said Nicolaie Alexandru-Chidesciuc, ING Bank’s chief economist in Bucharest. “The impact is very small if we strictly talk about revenue loss.

Some 0.1-0.2 percent (of GDP), maybe 0.3 percent is lost.” — Reuters

9

TECHNOLOGY

Saturday, October 2, 2010

At Paris, conventional engines steal the show Hybrids, electrics no competition for old models PARIS: Hybrids and electric cars may get top billing. But at the Paris Auto Show , conventional engines are show ing they have plenty of mileage left. New gas and diesel models have carbon emissions not far behind those of hybrids, and there’s nothing old-fashioned about their small size and highly efficient internal combustion technology. A diesel-pow ered Ford Fiesta and a Fiat 500 subcompact outfitted w ith

PARIS: The Jaguar CX 75 sports concept car is on display yesterday. — AP

US student’s suicide shows Web dangers PISCATAWAY: The shocking suicide of a college student whose carnal life was broadcast over the Web illustrates yet again the Internet’s alarming potential as a means of tormenting others and raises questions whether young people in the age of Twitter and Facebook can even distinguish public from private. Cruel gossip and vengeful acts once confined to the schoolyard or the dorm can now make their way around the world instantly via the Internet, along with photos and live video.

“It’s just a matter of when the next suicide’s going to hit, when the next attack’s going to hit,” said Parry Aftab, a New Jersey lawyer who runs the website WiredSafety. Last week, Tyler Clementi, a shy, 18-year-old Rutgers University freshman and gifted violinist, jumped to his death from the George Washington Bridge after his roommate and another classmate allegedly used a webcam to secretly broadcast his dorm-room encounters with another man. The two classmates have been charged with invasion of privacy, with the most serious charges carrying up to five years in prison.

The suicide shocked and disturbed gay rights activists and others on campus. “Had he been in bed with a woman, this would not have happened,” said Rutgers student Lauren Felton, 21. “He wouldn’t have been outed via an online broadcast, and his privacy would have been respected and he might still have his life.” The Associated Press found at least 12 cases in the US since 2003 in which children and young adults between 11 and 18 killed themselves after falling victim to some form of “cyberbullying” - teasing, harassing or intimidating with pictures or words distributed online or via text message.

In probably the best-known case, 13-year-old Megan Meier hanged herself in 2006 after she received messages on MySpace supposedly from a teenage boy - cruelly dumping her. An adult neighbor was later found guilty of taking part in the hoax, but the conviction was overturned. Earlier this year, 17-year-old Alexis Pilkington who had landed a college soccer scholarship, killed herself after receiving a stream of nasty messages. Gregory Jantz, founder of A Place of Hope, a Seattle mental health care center, said young people who use the Internet to spread something damaging about others often don’t realize how hurtful it can be because many of them have grown up in a world that has blurred the line between public and private.

“Our kids are in a different zone now,” Jantz said. Aftab said young people who would never bully someone face to face do it

online in part because of the often-false sense of anonymity that the Internet provides. “They’ll also jump on because they don’t want to be the next target,” Aftab said. In Clementi’s case, prosecutors said that his roommate, Dharun Ravi and Molly Wei both 18-year-old freshmen, transmitted a live image of Clementi getting physical on Sept 19 and that Ravi tried to webcast a second encounter on Sept 21, the day before Clementi’s suicide. Ravi’s lawyer and a lawyer believed to be representing Wei did not return calls.

Luanne Peterpaul, vice chairwoman of the gay rights group Garden State Equality and a former New Jersey prosecutor, said authorities might be able to pursue the case as a hate crime under state law if they are able to establish that the defendants acted because they believed Clementi was gay.

Ravi posted a message on his now-closed Twitter account on Sept 19. “We will be making every effort to assess whether bias played a role in the incident, and, if so, we will bring appropriate charges.” A lawyer for Clementi’s family did not respond to requests for comment on whether Clementi had come out to friends and family about his orientation. He also said the family had no comment. The mourning continued at Rutgers and in Ridgewood, the suburban New Jersey town where Clementi grew up and attended high school.

Clementi’s violin teacher for the past five years could not believe he had taken his own life. “He was a very genuine and, I guess, you could call it a shy person,” said Khullip Jeung, 33, who teaches out of his home in Fort Lee. “But when he played the violin, it was different. He had a strong voice. He knew what he wanted to say. And he spoke through his violin. And I think that is the real Tyler that I knew.” The governor also had a comment.

“As the father of a 17-year-old, I can’t imagine what those parents are feeling today,” Gov Chris Christie said. “Those people who led him to that bridge are going to have to bear that responsibility for the rest of their lives.” Ed Schmiedecke, the recently retired music director at Ridgewood High, called Clementi “a terrific musician and a very promising, hardworking young man.”

“Musically, Tyler was destined for greatness,” childhood friend Mary Alcaro, who played in a summer music academy with him, said in an e-mail. “I’ve never heard anyone make a violin sing the way he did.” Students at West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional High School, from which Ravi and Wei graduated, remembered them as nice people who were not in any way homophobic. — AP

Review

‘Social Network’ epic and intimate at once hecking into Facebook sporadically while writing my review of “The Social Network,” I notice my hairstylist commenting on how freakishly hot it’s been in Los Angeles, an old friend announcing she’s flying back to Dallas from a business trip in New Jersey and a sports colleague posting a photo of himself while on assignment in Wales covering the Ryder Cup. My dog trainer has seven new friends. A classmate from my college newspaper is celebrating a birthday.

They’re all the usual mundane updates and observations that have become second nature in an age when we must share the meaningless immediately - all part of who we are and how we live and work. But the origin tale of Facebook itself is filled with high drama, betrayal and rage - just one of the many fascinating contradictions that make “The Social Network” so smart, meaty and compulsively watchable.

Director David Fincher and writer Aaron Sorkin have gotten together to create an epic tale about how we’re able to tell the world about the tiniest details of our lives; they depict potentially dry, unwieldy topics - computer coding and competing lawsuits - and they do it in an intimate way. These are two guys who aren’t exactly checking their smart phones constantly for new friend requests, but “The Social Network” represents the best of what they do: Fincher’s mastery of fluid, visual storytelling, Sorkin’s knack for crisp, biting dialogue. It’s sharp, funny and tense, has great energy and pulsates with the thrill of discovery. Why we think people are itching to discover so much about us is another conversation for another time.

But at age 19, Harvard student Mark Zuckerberg figured out that we’d want to do just that, and he determined it

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while messing around on his computer one night in 2003, drunkenly miffed after his girlfriend dumped him. At least, that’s how the story goes; Facebook itself calls the movie fiction. Still, here we are now, 500 million users strong worldwide - and here Zuckerberg is, billions of dollars richer. Zuckerberg himself is the biggest contradiction of all: a socially inept guy who came up with a revolutionary way for others to connect, a hugely inventive genius who’s also depicted as being small, petty and backstabbing. He’s coy about his own life and likes but he’s become obscenely wealthy by urging others to divulge theirs. In starring as Zuckerberg, Jesse Eisenberg rises beautifully to the challenge of portraying an unlikable protagonist and making us feel engaged by him - or even want to see him succeed, depending on your perspective.

And perspective is everything, as you’ll find in “The Social Network.”

Eisenberg hones the awkward intelligence that’s become his trademark in films like “The Squid and the Whale” and “Adventureland,” but there’s an edge to it now, a bitterness that makes him the most dangerous nerd ever.

Based on Ben Mezrich’s book “The Accidental Billionaires,” “The Social Network” couldn’t be more timely, with Trent Reznor’s synth-heavy score contributing to the contemporary, techie vibe. But it’s a classic tale of ambition, greed, ego and self-destruction. It looks like a Fincher film with its dark, smoky warmth, similar to “Fight Club,” “Panic Room” and “Zodiac.” And yet it’s his least show-offy film from a technical standpoint (although how he digitally depicts a set of twins is seamless). “The Social Network” moves with great verve but it’s all about the dialogue. And that’s where Sorkin comes in - his 162-

page script packed neatly into a twohour film with patter so brisk, especially off the top, it’ll make you feel as if you’re watching a 1940s screwball comedy.

Fincher cuts back and forth between the creation of what we now know to be the juggernaut of Facebook and the depositions in two lawsuits against Zuckerberg. One is from a group of Harvard classmates, twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer and Josh Pence) and Divya Narendra (Max Minghella), who say Zuckerberg agreed to help them establish their own oncampus social network, then stole his idea and formed his own. The other is from his former business partner and only close friend back then, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), who says he was cheated out of millions after providing the earliest financial backing.

Each is certain of his telling of the events; “The Social Network” lets us watch them all play out and gives us enough credit to decide for ourselves.

And the performances all around bring these various versions of the truth to life. Eisenberg is at the center of it all, but Garfield is just as strong: He’s the realist in the equation, but he’s also more emotionally invested. And Justin Timberlake is, totally unsurprisingly, charismatic as hell as Sean Parker, the Napster co-founder who encourages Zuckerberg’s ambition, as well as his darker instincts. Just as you can’t stop yourself from checking into Facebook more than once a day, you’ll find yourself drawn to “The Social Network” again and again. It’s easily one of the year’s best. “The Social Network,” a Columbia Pictures release, is rated PG-13 for sexual content, drug and alcohol use and language. Running time: 120 minutes.

Four stars out of four. — AP

That compares with the Toyota Prius’ 89 g/km, down from 120 grams a decade ago.

Hybrids and electrics are still not driving automotive industry profits nor have they grabbed any serious market share in years of being ballyhooed as the way ahead. In fact, automakers from Fiat to Ford are looking to squeeze as much efficiency as possible out of conventional engines before making major forays into hybrid and electric engines.

Even Toyota, the industry leader in hybrid vehicles with 13 years on the road, keeps a sharp focus on conventional engine for obvious reasons: the more efficient the gasoline-powered component of the hybrid, the more efficient the hybrid. “We don’t want to give up the normal combustion engine. We will continue to develop the petrol engine, this is our philosophy,” Masato Katsumata, Toyota senior vice president for research and development said on the sidelines of the Paris Auto Show. Fiat’s CEO Sergio Marchionne says there’s more to be gained from tweaking conventional engines for higher efficiency.

“From my standpoint, I think the amount of work that can and should be done on the removal ... of the loss-making portions of combustion and transmissions is the biggest bang for the buck you can get out of any dollar of investment today,” Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne said on the sidelines of the Paris Auto Show yesterday. “I run these charts in my head all the time and I ask the technical guys to tell me, ‘If I spend a hundred dollars on this what do I get in exchange.’ And we have done phenomenal things in terms of improving the efficiency of the overall system, engine, transmission and the vehicle itself.” Investment in new electric and hybrid technology is inevitable, and Fiat and its US ally Chrysler are making the necessary investments to “not fall behind the technology curve,” Marchionne said.

Some, like the Renault-Nissan alliance, are pushing the electrification edge for all its worth, convinced that the buyers’ demand has been pent up by a dearth of affordable choice.

Renault Chief Executive Carlos Ghosn told reporters in Paris that the carmaker’s own surveys in the United States, Japan and Europe show that already 10 percent of car buyers say they want an electric car. “That’s massive, that’s colossal,” Ghosn said. “I am less and less worried, that is if I ever had any worries, about consumer demand” for electric cars. The problem is going to be whether there is sufficient capacity to supply the market.” But the fact is, in the United States only 3 percent of vehicle sales are hybrids, and even fewer are electric.

PricewaterhouseCooper’s Autofacts consultancy predicts that electric vehicle production worldwide is likely to hit only 1.5 million units by 2020.

The high cost of batteries, forcing up the price of electric cars, and a lack of infrastructure to extend the limited range of electrified automobiles before they need a recharge have hampered the adoption of electrified automobiles, overriding the appeal of zero emissions. Chief executives like Marchionne see hybrids as the answer in the medium - to long-term. Unlike electric, which are 100 percent battery-run, hybrids involve some sort of fossil-fuel consumption engine that works along with an electrified powertrain.

Nonetheless, Fiat plans on selling an electrified 500, shown earlier this year in Detroit, in the United States in 2012 under its partnership with Chrysler. It has not so far announced its hybrid plans. And Ford will have five electric models on European roads by 2013, the first rolling out next year.

Peugeot and Citroen each have their own electric or hybrid cars at the show. Peugeot will soon offer a unique diesel-electric hybrid, the 3008 Hybrid crossover, while Citroen has just begun selling its C-Zero mini car. But the reality is, in most cases, returns on those investment are a way off.

“It’s the $10,000 question,” said Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche. “We are investing huge amounts of money. We won’t see a return for five years, or a decade. ... No one really knows when it will come to 5 percent or 10 percent of sales driven by electric or hybrids. We have to make sure when it happens that we are there.” Daimler has been investing heavily in lithium ion batteries, which appears to be the fuel cell of industry consensus, and it also has entered into an alliance with France’s Renault and Japan’s Nissan that could see the automakers share technology for electric cars and batteries.

What ultimately may change the tide is not so much government regulation toward lower emissions, which can often be met with more efficient conventional engines, but generation change. Rebecca Lindland, an auto analyst with IHS automotive, said the drivers of tomorrow, kids today too young to drive, are growing up with the perception that hybrids and electric cars have always, in their awareness, been on the market. “They are much more receptive to these new technologies, much more open to the idea that your vehicle does not necessarily have to have a V8 engine to be fun and exciting,” said Lindland said. — AP

a new tw o-cylinder MultiAir engine w ere among the conventional pow ertrains on display that boasted emissions very close to marketleading hybrids. The tw o-cylinder 500 engine, an evolution of Fiat’s MultiAir technology for gas engines that improves air flow for better efficiency, has just 92 kilograms of carbon emissions per kilometer.

The Fiesta w ith Ford’s Econetic technology produces 98 g/km.

PARIS: The Honda 3R-C electric powered concept vehicle is displayed during a press day of the Paris Auto Show yesterday. — AP

Review

Hockey games face off for dominance thletes, both amateur and professional, have different ways to prep themselves for a game. Some listen to loud music, others take a nap. But for me, there’s nothing better than playing a simulated version of the game I’m about to step on the ice and play. With the National Hockey League’s regular season starting next week, I took the opportunity to see which of the latest hockey video games I’m most likely to keep playing before lacing up my skates this adult league season. - “NHL 11” (EA Sports, for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, $60): This season, EA’s hockey game is the only one available for the Xbox 360 and PS3. Fortunately, as in the past, it’s a dream game for fans and players alike. For “NHL 11,” EA Sports has updated its physics engine, making on-ice action like face-offs and body checks more real. Other features, like new ways to take faceoffs or hit an opponent, are among the more than 200 enhancements, along with realistic details like broken hockey sticks and video goal reviews by the referees.

EA has also updated its Be a Pro mode, expanding the number of other hockey leagues your custom player can join before moving up to the big show. It has also added the Hockey Ultimate Team, in which you collect trading cards, set lineups based on those cards, and then pit your team against the computer or another opponent online. “NHL 11” remains the gold standard for authentic hockey. Four stars our of four.

• “NHL Slapshot” (EA Sports, for Nintendo Wii, $60): EA’s hockey game for the Wii may not have the graphic flash of its Xbox/PS3 cousins, but it does include some of their best features.

More important, it lets you use the Wii controller as a hockey stick. The Wii remote and nunchuck slide into a plastic casing, complete with a foam blade. You use the hockey stick to take shots on net, move around players, check opponents into the boards or lift another player’s stick. You can also play as goalie, using the Wii controllers as the glove and blocker. Other highlights include the split-screen and minigames, as well as the “Pee Wee to Pro” mode that lets users create a 10-year-old version of themselves playing on a backyard rink and work their way up to the NHL.

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Players can also choose to play as a “peewee” version of Wayne Gretzky and some of hockey’s other great stars. Gretzky also serves as a coach in the “Pee Wee to Pro” mode, giving players tips on how to get to the NHL. As with most Wii games, the graphics don’t compare with PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 games. But using the hockey stick accessory really puts you into the game. It may be a bit difficult to get the hang of the controls, but it is fun to move the stick to take shots and hit other players. Just a tip: Don’t put the controller together until you’ve launched the game because you cannot navigate the Wii menu once the hockey stick is put together. Three stars.

• “NHL 2K11” (2K Sports, for Nintendo Wii, $50): Graphics are always a sticking point for gamers. So when you’re used to true-to-life sports simulation games, the Wii has never been the best platform to showcase those type of titles.

But what games like 2K Sports’ “NHL 2K11” lack in graphics is redeemed with simplicity of play. The Wii remote and nunchuck serve as your controls to skate, hit, pass and shoot. And if you’re using the Wii MotionPlus, you can step up your game to do more complicated moves, juggle the puck and do trick shots with your Wii remote.

You can also use a classic controller.

2K Sports updated its player models and redesigned the arenas, jerseys and equipment with more detail. Producers also added other features like broken sticks and improved the skating. By far my favorite feature of “NHL 2K11” is the Road to the Cup feature, a series of minigames, trivia challenges and skills competitions that make use of the Wii motion controls.

The minigames use your Mii characters to compete against friends or the computer.

If you’re looking for a hockey game for the Wii, “NHL 2K11” can be a fun option to pop in, to get off the couch and play with friends, or play online against other opponents. 2K Sports also makes an iPhone/iPod Touch version of the game for $7. The graphics, once again, leave something to be desired, but for the price and portability, it’s worth the download. For the Wii version, twoand-a-half stars. — AP

In this video game image released by EA Sports, a scene depicting Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews is shown in “NHL 11.” — AP

HEALTH & SCIENCE

10

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Nearly one in 10 in US depressed, employment a factor, study finds WASHINGTON: Nearly one in 10 Americans is depressed, and one in 30 meets the criteria for major depression, with the rate higher among the unemployed or those who can’t work, a study said Thursday. Nine percent of more than 235,000 adults polled from 2006-2008 in 45 US states, the capital Washington, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, met the criteria for depression, and 3.4 percent for “major” depression, according to the study by US Centers for Disease Control and

Ancient penguins not so well dressed: Scientists WASHINGTON: A 36-millionyear-old fossil of a penguin from Peru shows the bird had feathers that were reddish brown and gray, unlike the black-and-white tuxedo appearance of today’s penguins, researchers reported.

The new species called Inkayacu paracasensis or water king, was nearly five feet (1.5 meters) tall or about twice the size of an Emperor penguin, the largest living penguin today, the scientists reported Thursday.

“Before this fossil, we had no evidence about the feathers, colors and flipper shapes of ancient penguins. We had questions and this was our first chance to start answering them,” said Julia Clarke, paleontologist at The University of Texas at Austin and lead author of a report in the journal Science. The fossil shows the flipper and feather shapes that make penguins such powerful swimmers evolved early, but that their distinctive color patterns took longer.

“Insights into the color of extinct organisms can reveal clues to their ecology and behavior,” said coauthor Jakob Vinther at Yale University.

“But most of all, I think it is simply just cool to get a look at the color of a remarkable extinct organism, such as a giant fossil penguin.” To determine the colors, the researchers studied the size and shape of melanosomes, the biological cells that produce pigments. They compared melanosomes recovered from the fossil to their extensive library of those from living birds to reconstruct the colors of the fossil penguin’s feathers. —AFP

Prevention (CDC).

Among people who classified themselves as unable to work on the survey analyzed by the CDC for the report, nearly a quarter — 22 percent — met the criteria for major depression, as did nearly 10 percent of those who said they were unemployed. Although the survey did not ask respondents why they were unable to work, McKnightEily said they were probably disabled or suffering from long-term illness. In sharp contrast to the unemployed, only

two percent of people with jobs had symptoms of major depression, the study published in the CDC’s weekly Morbidity and Mortality report (MMWR) said.

Participants were deemed to be suffering from major depression if they met five of eight criteria on a questionnaire that asked how often during the previous two weeks they had feelings of hopelessness or disinterest, if they had trouble falling asleep or if they slept too much. The questions

also inquired about respondents’ appetite, concentration, restlessness, lethary or feelings of failure. The real rate of depression among adult Americans was likely to be significantly higher because key groups-the homeless and the incarcerated- were not included in the survey, study coauthor and clinical psychologist Lela McKnight-Eily told AFP. The survey also found that just under seven percent of people who had not completed high school suffered

major depression compared to four percent of high school graduates and 2.5 percent of people who had spent at least some time at university. Women were more susceptible to depression than men, young people were more likely than those over 65 years old to suffer from depression, and blacks and Hispanics were more likely than whites to be depressed, it said.

Depressive disorders are also “more common among persons with chronic conditions,” such as obesity,

cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and cancer, the study said.

Sometimes, chronic illness and depression work together to negatively impact the sufferer, said McKnightEily.

“A person who has a chronic disease and becomes depressed may stop following the directions on their prescription medications and their condition could get worse, which might make them even more depressed,”

she added. A separate short report in the MMWR said depression can result in “increased work absenteeism, short-term disability and decreased productivity.”

Depression was the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide in 2004 and is expected to be second only to cardiovascular disease by 2020, the CDC said in the twin reports, issued a week before US National Depression Screening Day on October 7. —AFP

Oil found at a depth of 1,000 meters

Oil from BP spill traveled 500 kilometers: Scientists MIAMI: Traces of oil from a ruptured BP well in the Gulf of Mexico have been found at a depth of 1,000 meters (3,200 feet) and up to 500 kilometers (300 miles) from the spill site, according to a new analysis. A team of scientists aboard the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise reported results Thursday from 10 days of sampling around areas affected by the worst oil spill in history.

“From the measurements we’ve taken, we see clear signs of oxygen deficiency on a large transect starting at the Macondo wellhead, all the way 300 miles to the west,” said Rainer Amon, a Texas A&M scientist who participated in the research.

“How much of oil and gas components are still in the water is something that we need to now investigate in the laboratory.”

The expedition had four points plotted to the west of the well to investigate what is considered the main path of oil after the April accident that led to a massive release of crude oil. They concluded that the dissolved oxygen level was not as low as scientists would have expected if a greater proportion of oil and gas had dissolved in the water. This suggests that oil has not “disappeared” some have suggested, and that as much as three to four million barrels of crude from the disaster have still not been accounted for.

“Despite everything that BP and the government would like us to think, the truth is, the oil spill’s impact is not over,” said Greenpeace US research director Kert Davies. “Scientists know better, fishermen know better, the people of the Gulf

and certainly the clean up crews endlessly picking up tar balls know better.

Thegovernment and BP need to be honest with everyone about the extent of the damage.” The researchers conducted a parallel study of sea lift, and obtained samples of sediment on the ocean floor at a depth of 1,300 meters (4,20 feet), eight kilometers (five miles) from the disaster site.

Some of the samples contained visible amounts of oil with a strong smell, said Greenpeace. The samples have been sent to an independent laboratory for study and to determine the presence of chemical dispersants. In October, other scientists will join the Greenpeace expedition, which used a submersible to dive to the ocean floor to study the effects of oil disaster in coral reef habitats and marine communities.

“What we want to do is to come up with a mass balance of how much oil was put in the water column, the sediment surface,” Amon said. “When we’ve analyzed all the samples we’ve collected for our work and that of our colleagues, we hope to come up with a pretty good estimate of how much of the oil and gas was put into the system.

Hopefully we can then come up with good ideas of where that missing oil and gas has gone.”

Some 205 million gallons of oil flowed into the Gulf after the April 20 explosion aboard the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon oil rig, impacting the crucial fishing and tourism industries and destroying hundreds of miles of the region’s fragile coastal ecosystems. —AFP

GULF OF MEXICO: This undated handout photo provided by BP, shows a Wave Glider, a new type of robotic boat measuring water quality and doing scientific research for BP. —AP

US has low meat prices, but critics say there’s a cost CHICAGO: If you adjust for inflation and income, Americans have never spent less on food than they have in recent years. And yet many feel we’ve also never paid such a high price. US Department of Agriculture figures show the average American spent just 9.5 percent of his or her disposable income on food last year, a lower percentage than any country in the world.

And although meat consumption has risen slightly over the past 40 years, its impact on the pocketbook is less than half of what it was in 1970, falling from 4.1 percent to 1.6 in 2008. The majority of this cheap protein is delivered by “factory farms” that house hundreds of animals in confinement. These concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, produce mass quantities of food at low cost.

“We have found the most efficient way to meet consumer demand for a high-quality, relatively inexpensive product,” said Dave Werner, spokesman for the National Pork Producers Council in Washington. “We’re the lowestcost producer in the world, which is why we’re the No1 pork exporter in the world.” But the system has also created disasters like August’s recall of half a billion salmonellatainted eggs. Critics say the consolidation of food production has led to environmental damage, the loss of millions of small independent farms, rising health care expenditures and billions in tax-funded subsidies to produce cheap animal feed.

The House of Representatives held hearings last week on just what went wrong with the factoryfarmed eggs implicated in the salmonella outbreak and if regulation could have helped. But many environmentalists, farmers and advocates of “sustainable” food say that, even with better regulation, this kind of agriculture is not sustainable and only artificially cheap.

“Cheap is in the eyes of the accountant,” said Daniel Imhoff, a researcher who edited the new book “CAFO: The Tragedy of Industrial Animal Factories.”

ILLINOIS: A worker slices up meat at a Chicago meat company in Chicago, Illinois, January 27, 2010. —MCT “Somehow we’ve forgotten how to add the total costs of cheap meat production to our health, environment, the loss of vibrant rural communities with lots of family farms.”

The costs not calculated in the direct consumer price of meat and other animal products , called externalities, touch on a variety of issues. Among them: HEALTH: Meat producers put antibiotics in feed to make the animals grow faster and to prevent disease. But this summer, officials from several federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified in support of new guidelines that would curb CAFOs’ non-therapeutic use of antibiotics, citing a rise in dangerous antibiotic-resistant infections.

The meat industry objects, saying no studies directly link drug resistance in humans to the use of antibiotics in animals. A cheap meat supply also may affect health by encouraging people to eat more of it. Americans already eat more protein than the USDA dietary guidelines recommend , an average of 5.5 ounces of protein from meat, fish,

beans and nuts combined daily. The USDA is expected to add eggs to that list of protein sources this year.

According to a recently published Harvard School of Public Health study that followed 84,000 women over 26 years, women who ate two servings per day of red meat had a 30 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than those who had half a serving per day.

“So maybe it’s time to step back and ask if it really needs to be that cheap,” said David Kirby, author of “Animal Factory: The Looming Threat of Industrial Pig, Dairy and Poultry Farms to Humans and the Environment.” “Maybe we don’t need so much. Maybe we need better-quality animal products in moderation and less regularly.”

FOOD: While some CAFO supporters say these operations benefit from having enough money to hire consultants who help create safer and more efficient facilities, the multiple violations at the huge Wright County Egg operation linked to the salmonella outbreak show that larger doesn’t always mean safer.

Last year, the Consumers Union found that two-thirds of American supermarket chickens they tested were contaminated with salmonella or campylobacter, another bacterium that can sicken humans.

The relatively rapid consolidation of US meat, poultry, egg and dairy production and processing greatly increases the potential for these “problems to spread fast and wide throughout the food system,” Imhoff said.

“Ideally eggs shouldn’t have salmonella in them in the first place, and chickens grown in a more sustainable manner are less likely to carry it,” Kirby said. “But if this were isolated to one egg farm somewhere, we wouldn’t have this massive problem.” As long as the factory-farming system is in place, Kirby called for stringent safety rules and better enforcement.

“Right now we just don’t have enough inspectors and boots on the ground,” he said.

TAXPAYER DOLLARS: The meat industry doesn’t receive direct subsidies from the government. But it relies heavily on cheap

corn and soy feed whose farming soaks up billions in subsidies each year. It also receives government grants for CAFO pollution management, and the government bought $150 million of pork from an industry damaged last year by swine flu fears.

ENVIRONMENT: On traditional farms, animal waste is used to fertilize crops. On CAFOs there are no crops, so an enormous amount of waste must be stored, pumped out and transported away.

Often, environmentalists say, the excrement creates toxic fumes (both while stored and when sprayed onto fields), leaks into waterways, runs off from fields and spills from lagoons and transit vehicles.

In Iowa, home to hundreds of CAFOs, 47 of the 99 recorded incidents of fish-killing water contamination in 2008 were positively traced back to livestock sources, according to the Department of Natural Resources. An average incident kills about 40,000 aquatic animals.

Activists say such figures underestimate the problem because they account only for spills that are reported and investigated.

“The problem is there is very little monitoring of the pollution big ag has caused because the agencies don’t regulate,” said Scott Edwards, director of advocacy at Waterkeepers Alliance.

An analysis by the Chesapeake Bay Program found that agriculture (both livestock and crops) is the single biggest source of pollution in the bay, contributing 42 percent of the nitrogen, 46 percent of the phosphorus and 76 percent of the sediment in the troubled waterway.

This year the Environmental Protection Agency found that 21 percent of the groundwater sampled in the Washington state’s agricultural Yakima Valley contained unsafe levels of nitrates, leaving it unfit for residents to use. A final report is due out in coming weeks, but nitrogen-rich animal waste is a suspected contributor. —MCT

HEATH & SCIENCE

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Whale snot, bat sex win 2010 IgNobel spoof prizes WASHINGTON: Researchers who used a remote-controlled helicopter to collect whale snot, documented bats having oral sex and showed that swearing makes you feel better when you stub a toe were among the winners of spoof IgNobel prizes on Thursday. The prizes, meant to be both humorous and to encourage scientific research, are given every year by the Journal of Improbable Research as a whimsical counterpart to the Nobel Prizes, which will be awarded starting next week.

Prizes aim for humor, scientific research IgNobels also went to researchers who found that wearing socks outside shoes can prevent slipping on ice and that organizations would fare better if managers were promoted randomly. Former winners of the real Nobel prizes hand out the prizes at a ceremony held at Harvard University in Massachusetts. “There are four winners from Britain this year,” said Marc Abrahams, editor of the Annals and architect of the IgNobels.

“The British Empire had a rough 20th century.

Maybe this is the best sign that the empire is surging back to prominence.” Karina AcevedoWhitehouse and Agnes Rocha-Gosselin of Britain’s Zoological Society and Diane Gendron of Instituto Politecnico Nacional in Mexico won an engineering IgNobel for a new way to study respiratory diseases in whales. “The technique involves flying a remote-controlled helicopter above a whale as it surfaces and catching the whale blow in petri dishes attached to the underside of the helicopter,” they said in a statement.

A team of Chinese researchers led by Min Tan of Guangdong Entomological Institute and including Gareth Jones of Britain’s University of Bristol won a biology IgNobel for scientifically documenting oral sex between fruit bats. “Our observations are the first to show regular fellatio in adult animals other than humans,” they wrote in their paper, published at http://www.plosone.org/article/ info: doi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0007595.

Oil spill researchers Eric Adams of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Scott Socolofsky of Texas A&M University and Stephen Masutani of the University of Hawaii, along with BP Plc, won a prize “for disproving the old belief that oil and water don’t mix.”

Other winners: • Simon Rietveld of the University of Amsterdam and Ilja van Beest of Tilburg University in the Netherlands for discovering that asthma symptoms abate with a roller-coaster ride.

• Alessandro Pluchino and colleagues at the University of Catania in Italy for showing mathematically that organizations would become more efficient if they promoted people at random.

• Toshiyuki Nakagaki of Future University Hakodate in Japan and colleagues for using slime mold to route railroad tracks.

• Lianne Parkin and colleagues of the University of Otago, New Zealand for demonstrating that people slip and fall less often on ice if they wear socks on the outside of their shoes.

• Richard Stephens and colleagues of Britain’s Keele University for confirming that swearing relieves pain.

• Manuel Barbeito and colleagues of Fort Detrick in Maryland for demonstrating that microbes cling to beards.

An economics prize was given to the “executives and directors of Goldman Sachs, AIG, Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns, Merrill Lynch, and Magnetar for creating and promoting new ways to invest money.” — Reuters

NEW DELHI: Blackbuck antelopes stand in their enclosure at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, India Thursday. — AP

Scientists hail new prostate cancer drug LONDON: Scientists yesterday hailed a new chemotherapy drug as the first ever treatment to prolong life for men with advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found those who trialed “Cabazitaxel” in the latter, more aggressive stages of the disease, lived on average 30 percent longer than those taking another

medication, the British medical Journal, the Lancet, reported.

The drug, which has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could offer an extra lease of life for thousands of men every year. Cabazitaxel was tested on those with advanced prostate cancer who had developed

a resistance to hormone treatment and the chemotherapy drug Docetaxel. Patients were randomly assigned to receive an injection for up to a maximum of 10 cycles of Cabazitaxel or Mitoxantrone - a chemotherapy drug that is given to patients who develop resistance to Docetaxel, the Journal added. The

large-scale trial, led by Johann de Bono from The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and The Royal Marsden hospital here, was conducted in 146 trial sites in 26 countries around the world.

It found patients in the Cabazitaxel treatment group lived on average 15.1 months compared

to 12.7 months for those who used Mitoxantrone. Cabazitaxel blocked cancer growth for twice as long as Mitoxantrone (1.4 months compared to 2.8 months), and those who took it found their levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), the standard measure of tumor activity, stayed lower for longer. During the study,

which ran from January 2007 until September 2009, men taking Cabazitaxel were 30 percent less likely to die during the course of their treatment than men in the Mitoxantrone group. Around 10,000 men die from prostate cancer in the UK each year, according to Cancer Research figures. — KUNA

Thick cartilage may stretch some dinosaurs’ height

NEW DELHI: A rhino walks in his enclosure at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi, India, Thursday. — AP

WASHINGTON: Dinosaur skeletons often are pieced together with leg bones nearly touching, no room left for cushiony cartilage because scientists don’t know how much they had.

New research suggests some species might have had a foot’s worth.

Mammal limbs have knuckle-like projections on each end that fit together like puzzle pieces at a joint, coated with thin layers of cartilage to keep bones from rubbing. But many dinosaurs’ limbs are rounded off, suggesting thick pads of cartilage. The bones also can contain grooves that University of Missouri anatomy pro-

fessor Casey Holliday theorizes are evidence of blood vessels needed to nourish the cartilage.

His team tested the limbs of some of dinosaurs’ modern relatives, ostriches and alligators, to estimate how much cartilage their ancient ancestors might have had. Bones stripped of cartilage were 4 percent to nearly 10 percent smaller, and each contained some characteristics similar to dinosaur bones that can create a cartilage signature, Holliday reported Thursday in the journal PLoS One. Using that information, he calcu-

lated that certain dinosaurs would have had more cartilage than others, enough that already huge sauropods like Brachiosaurus could have added another 12 inches (30 centimeters) of height. Holliday is interested in how various species build healthy joints, a field that in turn might shed light on arthritis.

But for dinosaur specialists, it is work that could impact efforts to understand how the creatures stood and moved, said paleontologist Matthew Bonnan of Western Illinois University, whose own work is reaching similar conclusions. —AP

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Hilton

involved in hit and run aris Hilton and her boyfriend were involved in an alleged hit and run incident on Thursday night. The socialite and Cy Waits were surrounded by paparazzi as they tried to drive away from the Boa restaurant, in West Hollywood, when their car seemingly ran over the leg of a photographer, currently known only as ‘Carol’. In video footage of the incident, Cy - who is

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behind the wheel of the blue vehicle - is seen asking if the photographer is OK, to which another paparazzo tells him “yes”. After the couple drove off, the photographer telephoned police who arrived at the scene to question her. Paramedics were also called and took Carol to a local hospital so she could receive treatment on a cut to her right leg. Cy later met with police to answer questions about

what had happened and reportedly underwent a sobriety test. He was cited for hit and run and allowed to return home but is set to appear in court at a later date. Paris took to her twitter page to blast the “aggressive” paparazzi for spoiling her evening. She wrote: “Lovely evening with friends and family ruined by aggressive paparazzi. They are literally insane!”

ed by her manager for swamping her figure under loose clothes, as casting directors need to know “if she’s slim”. Rosario, who regularly features in polls to determine the world’s sexiest women, added to Total Film magazine: “I tell them - it’s just the boobs! I would get told by my manager, ‘Rosario, you went into your audition with sweats today. If you want to wear a sweater, just make sure it’s tight.’ Because the casting directors would call her and say, ‘She’s great but the casting director needs to know if she’s slim.’ “I’m like, ‘Dude, have you seen the photos I’ve done? You know what I look like.’ “

osario Daw son feels “fat and old” in Los Angeles. The 31-year-old actress feels “uber skinny and super young” when she is in her native New York, but when she is in Hollywood she is stunned by the amount of times she is asked to lose weight. She said: “I’m on the East Coast a lot and I feel uber skinny and super young. I come to California and I feel fat and old. I’m 31, I’m starting to get old. I’m not emaciated. The amount of times I’ve been told to lose weight is unbelievable, I kid you not.” The ‘Sin City’ star - who was discovered by director and producer Harmony Korine at the age of 15 - is even reprimand-

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indsay Lohan is receiving treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic in California.

The troubled actress admitted herself to the world-famous facility on Monday, much to the unhappiness of her father Michael Lohan, who does not believe the centre - who has previously treated stars including David Hasselhoff, Keith Urban, Ozzy Osbourne, Drew Barrymore, Billy Joel, Liza Minnelli, Bobby Brown and Elizabeth Taylor- will be able to help her overcome her problems. He told website Hollyscoop: “Look at the shortlist of people who went to Betty Ford. “Most if not all relapsed. I went there myself and I will tell you, Betty Ford is a Country Club. They administer prescription meds, and even put their patients on prescription meds.” Michael - who plans to seek a conservatorship over the ‘Machete’ star, giving him control over her affairs - is particularly unhappy that the clinic does not offer family therapy as he believes Lindsay’s relationship with him and her mother Dina Lohan is at the heart of her problems. He added: “Her turmoil and the root of her problems are her family. This will not work! Mark my words!

It is however, comforting to know Lindsay is in a safe place and away from her enablers. Unfortunately, if BF gives her any prescription drugs, they become another enabler. Back to square one!” Lindsay failed two drugs test earlier this month following a stint in prison and rehab - where she was sent after violating the terms of her probation for a 2007 driving under the influence (DUI) conviction - and was subsequently sentenced to four weeks in jail last Friday (24.09.10). However, the ruling was overturned within a day and the 24-year-old star was released after posting $300,000 bail. Lindsay is due back in court for a probation hearing on October 22.

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ea Michele was “ignored” by her high school drama teachers.

The ‘Glee’ star - who plays fame-hungry Rachel Berry in the musical TV show - claims her real-life school teachers were “threatened” by her because she starred in a New York production of ‘Les Miserables’ as a child. She told Britain’s Marie Claire magazine: “My acting teachers and music teachers didn’t really like me and they kind of ignored me. “I think that they were threatened by the fact that I had worked before.

Maybe it made them uncomfortable, I would have loved for them to have taught me but maybe they felt like they couldn’t. “They just ignored me and didn’t really pay attention to me.” Lea says her unsupportive teachers are now paying the price for their behavior because she could be praising them for their influence on her career now, instead of criticizing them. Asked how it made her feel, she said: “Like, they were stupid, that it was pretty silly of them. “I’m on a show called ‘Glee’ right now and I could sing their praises, but unfortunately I don’t have anything to say.”

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ichael Douglas’ cancer treatment is going very well, according to his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones. The 41year-old actress revealed her 66-year-old actor husband - who is currently undergoing eight weeks of radiation and chemotherapy after being diagnosed with a tumour in his throat - is “holding up very, very well” despite the severity of the illness. Speaking at the Welcome To Wales concert held at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium to greet the Ryder Cup teams ahead of the golf contest, she said: “Everyone couldn’t be happier with his progress. He’s holding up with great strength and dignity.” Catherine - who is from Wales, the country where the Ryder Cup is being held - was due to be accompanied by Michael for the event, but he had to stay in the US with their two children, Dylan, 10, and Carys, seven, to continue his treatment. Referring to her golf fanatic spouse, a visibly upset Catherine said: “Michael will be glued to anything that has a golf ball and a club, especially the Ryder Cup. Usually I would be watching it with him. He would be representing the American team and I would be wholeheartedly representing the European team, but not this year, maybe next time.”

The ‘Chicago’ actress was joined at the welcoming ceremony by fellow Welsh stars, opera singer Katherine Jenkins and music

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legend Dame Shirley Bassey, who both performed for the golfing teams and guests which included Prince Charles. The tournament - which takes place every two years - is being staged at the Celtic Manor Resort, in Newport, from October 1-3.

hoopi Goldberg is finding it difficult to cope after her mother’s death. The Hollywood star - whose mother Emma Johnson died on August 29 from complications following a stroke - admits she is still devastated at her loss and is trying to keep busy to deal with her grief. When asked how she is handling her mother’s death, Whoopi said: “I’m here, but it’s not easy.” The 54-year-old actress had been performing a limited run as Mother Superior in the London musical version of her hit movie ‘Sister Act’ when her mother was taken ill and immediately returned to America to be with her. Whoopi used her US TV talk show to pay tribute to her mother earlier this month. Speaking on the first episode of the new season of ‘The View’, she revealed: “My mom passed on the 29th of August. One of the great women - truly one of the great women one of the best people I’ve had the privilege of knowing. “She was an extraordinary woman and really my brother and I were very, very lucky to have her in our lives. I think I’m just sad sometimes that I think, ‘Who will love me the way that she did?’ “But I realize that my brother and I have each other and so we’re OK.”

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yan Reynolds would have been a Mountie if he hadn’t become an actor. The ‘Buried’ star grew up in Vancouver, Canada, and is convinced he would have followed in the footsteps of his father James and joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - famous for their distinctive red uniforms - if he hadn’t followed his thespian dream.

Ryan - who is the youngest of four brothers, one of which became a Mountie - said: “I would probably have been one (a Mountie) too, if it wasn’t for this job. Being a Mountie is actually a dirtier, rougher, and a much more difficult job than you’d think.”

The 33-year-old Hollywood star - who is married to screen beauty Scarlett Johansson - didn’t believe he could make a career out of acting until he reached his 20s, because he was embarrassed about his passion as a teenager. Ryan - whose breakout role was in 2002 comedy movie ‘National Lampoon’s Van Wilder’ - added in an interview with The Times newspaper: “It wasn’t until my mid-20s that I began to fall in love with it, and see the possibilities, and embrace all the actor c**p that I used to get so embarrassed about. In the early days it was all just about cracking one-liners, not being vulnerable.”

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Issey Miyake’s haunted house of fashion ist wafted onto the runway as the models stepped out in ghostly-fine silks, to the sound of eery fairground music: Issey Miyake’s look for next summer came straight out of a haunted house. Pale as moonlight, the first model wore a dress of infinitely soft, pleated grey silk tumbling straight from bare shoulders to the thighs like its wearer’s thick, soft pony tail, blonde with a red streak.

Designer Dai Fujiwara put the focus on fabrics, showcasing the label’s technical knowhow in a series of groups with names like “Invisible”, “Transformation”, “Shadow” or “Merry-Ghost-Round.”

Sleeveless dresses were wrapped like kimonos, with a large black-and-white check folded over the breasts, worn over ballooning soft white pants, cropped at mid-calf.

Flowing, ultra-fine silks, alternated with highly-structured pleats and architectural folds around the shoulders and hips. A white, full length, fineknitted dress was covered with a mosaic of tiny slits that stretched to offer a glimpse of

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the model’s black skin underneath, with ridges of little triangles like a dragon’s scales running up the arms.

The same elaborate slittedmotif cropped up on a black dress, worn over ample black pants. One cleverly pleated sarong-dress bounced up and down almost a foot as the model walked, in a charcoalsketch pattern of grey and black. The Miyake palette mostly ran from white to black-like a grey silk dress with a band of lighter silver discs running around the breast-with patterns like cobwebs and mist. But there were playful numbers too, like a rust-colored bell hat of wide netting, worn over straw-colored shorts and body-hugging top with rich, scrunched-looking embellishments.

And eruptions of color came with bold chequered or tie-dyed patterns in mustard, red, and turquoise. Black twisted leather could be zipped on and off white dresses, with bags to match, while shoes were streamlined slip-ons like clogs with an open toe and bare strip across the bridge, or flats in sparkling silver or rust. — AFP

Spanish model Eugenia Silva, currently a brand ambassador for Giorgio Armani and Chopard, poses for photographers as she arrives at the 90th anniversary of Vogue in Paris, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010. —AP photos

Masked ball rings in 90 years for French Vogue rom Zorro to the Commedia del Arte, the in-crowd stepped out in fancy-dress, glamour-style, for an extravagant Fashion Week bash thrown in Paris by the French Vogue to mark its 90 birthday. There were Mohicanstyle masks, devil masks, a couple in matching spiked masks, and one frankly alarming leather mask at the party, which rocked into the early hours yesterday under the chandeliers of a Latin Quarter mansion. Singer Lenny Kravitz and glamartist Dita von Teese were two of the recognisable faces among the crowd of masked, tuxedo- and ball-gown-wearing fashionistas.

French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac wowed the crowd with an eye mask stitched together from two pairs of gloves, while Jean-Paul Gaultier designed a metal mask adorned with a line of feathers. “Yes, they’re giant eyelashes, acting like hair-since I’m missing some as you can see-so instead I’ve gone for this black plume,” he quipped. “Vogue is still a beautiful demoiselle,” said French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, who put out a doorstep-thick 600-page special edition to mark the magazine’s anniversary.— AFP

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U.S. model Tyra Banks poses for photographers as she arrives at the 90th anniversary of Vogue in Paris, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010.

A model presents a creation by Japanese designer Issey Miyake. (Right) A model presents a creation by Japanese designer Issey Miyake during the Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection show yesterday in Paris. —AFP photos

A model presents a creation by French designer Roland Mouret.

A model presents a creation by Japanese designer Issey Miyake.

Sting cheers on French designer Roland Mouret P op star Sting and his wife Trudie Styler took up front-row seats yesterday as France’s Roland Mouret, whose sensual evening wear is a hit in American socialite circles, unveiled his look for next summer. Delicate bustiers were draped lightly over the chest, in diamond shapes that plunged deep-but not as deep as previous seasons. Barebacked dresses fell immaculately, in frank greens and marine blues, while pleats under the breasts flattered the silhouette and asymetrical dresses left a shoulder bare, or the small of the back.

“We loved it. We are very devoted to Roland,” Styler told AFP afterwards. Other dresses were more structured, with sculpted shoulders and sexy slits at the back of each calf, in tune with the

models’ hair, swept cleanly back into tight pony-tails.

A series of black evening dresses, pinned in place with sophisticated straps and braces, moulded the body down to mid-calf. Rare splashes of masculine contrast came from small sahara jackets, or wide sqaure pants in charcoal grey with black hemming.

Mouret was showing a collection under his own name for the first time since 2005, after temporarily losing the rights to his name in 2005.

Since then he was forced to use the brand “RM by Roland Mouret.” The designer is setting up shop next Spring in central London in a six-floor building opposite the Connaught Hotel in the heart of upmarket Mayfair-which is to host his headquarters, his workshop, a showroom and a flagship boutique.— AFP

A model presents a creation by French designer Roland Mouret. (Right) A model presents a creation by French designer Roland Mouret during the Spring/Summer 2011 ready-to-wear collection show yesterday.

—AFP photos

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Foreign films give isolated N Korea rare window on world ne of the world’s most tightlycontrolled societies got a rare glimpse of the outside world at the Pyongyang International Film Festival last week, where even Western films were screened. Communist North Korea strictly controls access to information, including via mobile phones and the Internet, leaving most North Koreans in ignorance of the wider world. A tour guide had never heard of the late pop star Michael Jackson.

Yet participants in the 12th Pyongyang International Film Festival, which ended on September 24, say it helped open a window for the impoverished country. Only a minority of the population was able to attend the event, but it gave them access to documentaries, feature films and shorts from several European countries and Canada.

Productions from Asia, Russia, the Middle East and elsewhere were also on

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the program.

Henrik Nydqvist, a freelance film producer who was Sweden’s official delegate to the eight-day event, said anything which breaks North Korea’s isolation is positive. “We think we’re doing something good here,” he said. “We feel we can make some positive impact... and that outweighs the other things.”

The festival has its own venue, the Pyongyang International Cinema House, which includes a 2,000-seat theatre as well as other smaller halls. Red, blue and green neon signs hanging in the atrium beam the country’s foreign policy slogan: “Peace, independence, friendship”. A 300-seat hall was almost completely filled with Koreans for an afternoon screening of the comedy “Pieces d’Identites” from Congo.

They sat quietly behind padlocked doors in a hot, airless room for the story of an African king who travels to Belgium

Dailey & Vincent win entertainer of the year 2010 D

ailey & Vincent won entertainer of the year for the third straight time at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards on Thursday night.

Propelled by the success of two albums, including “Vincent & Dailey Sing The Statler Brothers,” the group won five awards at Ryman Auditorium.

Jamie Dailey told the crowd that before every performance he and Darrin Vincent gather their players at the front of the bus and remind them of the mission. “A lot of people might have cancer, might be sick, might have financial trouble, marital trouble, any kind of trouble you can imagine, so we tell the guys it is our jobs to go in there for that hour and a half, hour and 45 minutes and make their troubles go away,” Vincent said. The group was the leading nominee with 10 and joins nine-time entertainer of the year winner The Del McCoury Band as the only recipients of more than two of the IBMA’s top award. Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper won three awards, and The Gibson Brothers and Adam Steffey won two each.

Dailey & Vincent also won vocal group of the year for the third straight time, album of the year and graphic design for “The Statler Brothers,” and recorded event of the year for “Give This Message To Your Heart.” They performed their nominated song, “Elizabeth,” with its songwriter, Jimmy Flowers of The Statler Brothers. Dailey told the crowd later in the show how it was that song that started him on a path to the Ryman stage.

“I remember the first time I heard Jimmy Flowers Dobro guitar player Jerry sing ‘Elizabeth’ Douglas wears a wig as he and I knew that’s pokes fun at the long hair what I wanted to of fellow musician Ricky do,” he said.

Russell Skaggs as Douglas hosts Moore, who was the International Bluegrass nominated for six Music Awards show on awards with his Thursday in Nashville, band IIIrd Tyme Out, won male Tenn. —AP vocalist for the third time in his career and the first time since 1997. “I want to thank you for voting for me,” Moore said. “Shoot, I’ll even thank the ones who didn’t vote for me.” It’s also been a long time for female vocalist winner Claire Lynch. “I haven’t won one of these since the 1900s,” the 1997 winner joked.

Cleveland and his band kept a couple of impressive streaks rolling. Cleveland won fiddle player of the year for the eighth time, tying Stuart Duncan’s record, and the fifth time in a row. And the group as a whole won instrumental group of the year for the fourth straight time. The band added a third trophy when Marshall Wilborn won bass player of the year for the second time.

The Gibson Brothers won two awards for “Ring The Bell” , song of the year and gospel recorded performance of the year.

Adam Steffey, the solo performer and mandolin player in The Dan Tyminski Band, also won two awards , instrumental recorded performance for “Durang’s Hornpipe” and mandolin player of the year for the sixth time. Other players who took home trophies included Rob Ickes, who added to his record as the most honored instrumentalist with his 12th dobro player of the year award; Kristen Scott Benson, banjo player of the year winner for the third straight time; and Josh Williams, guitar player of the year for the third consecutive year.

This year’s IBMA Hall of Fame inductees were honored as well , the late John Hartford, a singer-songwriter and banjo and fiddle player, and the late Louise Scruggs, the pioneering business manager and wife of Earl Scruggs.

The show included performances by Dierks Bentley and an all-star band, who opened the show with his new song, “Fiddlin’ Around.” And Bentley joined Scruggs and his sons, Gary and Randy, on stage to play The Carter Family’s, “You Are My Flower.” “We asked Dierks to be here because his first name is real bluegrass-y,” Gary Scruggs said. Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, The Whites and others saluted the 10th anniversary of the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack with a medley of songs that helped bring new attention to bluegrass and roots music.

Krauss sang “Down To The River To Pray,” The Whites played “Keep On The Sunny Side” and Tyminski sang “I Am A Man Of Constant Sorrow,” the movie’s show-stopper, to some of the loudest cheers of the night. — AP

in search of his daughter, who has been forced to work as a nude dancer. The film’s images include bordellos and a heaving African nightclub, depicting a world alien to North Koreans who are bombarded with propaganda from childhood and whose showpiece capital Pyongyang appears to be stuck in a time decades past. Such images can only help to bring about change, said a source connected with the film festival.

“They have in mind: Why is North Korea, my country, different?”

Connections are required to gain admission and authorities do not want the rural masses outside of the capital to see foreign movies, he said. “I watched some poor people who wanted to see the movie, and the guard stopped them.” At the event’s closing ceremony attended by more than 1,500 people, including foreign diplomats, Nydqvist read a letter of thanks to Kim Jong-Il, ruler of the coun-

try which has twice tested nuclear weapons and is under various United States and United Nations sanctions.

“The Pyongyang International Film Festival is unique,” the letter said, thanking Kim for his “care and interest.”

Such messages are common practice in the country, Nydqvist said. Kim, 68, is said to have a collection of 20,000 Hollywood movies, and engineered the kidnap in 1978 of a South Korean director to help him make films. He has also written books about movie-making, including one slim volume which says cinema “has the task of contributing to the development of people to be true communists and to the revolutionisation and working-classisation of the whole of society.”

At Pyongyang’s Korean Film Studio, the country’s centre of film production, a director said Kim had visited “on more than 500 occasions”. Kim has also pro-

vided “guidance” to the film festival, Nydqvist said, citing organisers of the event. But the ailing Kim’s time on the political stage appears to be nearing an end. On Thursday the regime released the first-ever official photograph of Kim Jong-Il’s youngest son Kim Jong-Un, which analysts said confirms the young man’s status as leader-in-waiting. JongUn, believed aged about 27, has assumed powerful posts in North Korea’s ruling party, state media said after the Workers’ Party of Korea held its highest-level meeting in 30 years on Tuesday.

Whether he shares his father’s cinematic obsession is unknown but Jong-Un did have an interest in Hollywood toughguy Jean-Claude Van Damme, say staff and friends at Swiss international schools where he studied, according to newspaper reports. Several North Korean films were screened at the festival, including “Hong Kil Dong,” a 1986

production about a type of Robin Hood martial arts fighter in ancient times, whose flute-playing induces terror in the villains.

The festival program listed Germany’s “Four Minutes”, the Serbian documentary “Let There Be Light”, and Swedish feature “As It Is In Heaven” among the many international offerings.

An organizing committee chooses delegates from among those who apply, Nydqvist said, adding their expenses in Pyongyang are paid for but airfare is not.

A Briton and a Vietnamese were among the members of the film jury which chose a Chinese film, “Walking to School,” as the grand prize winner.

China won at the previous festival, too, but Nydqvist said: “I’ve never heard anything suggesting that the jury was encouraged to favor a specific country.”

China is North Korea’s sole major ally and economic lifeline. — AFP

A Sotheby’s employee replaces the display case cover on a 1276 AH/1859 AD Ottoman calligraphy with ninety-nine names of God (Esma Al-Husna) signed by AlSayyid Muhammad Bahir Bey, calligraphy teacher at the Topkapi Palace, on display at the auction house in London yesterday. —AP

Ancient Roman spa awaits flooding in Turkey nder a mild autumn sun, workers bustle about like bees at a Roman bath complex sprawling over a green plain in western Turkey in what looks like a regular excavation site. But the fate awaiting the impressive ancient spa of Allianoi is dark: the workers here are tasked with burying the site and not digging it out to reveal its secrets. Much to the consternation of archaeologists and civic bodies, the Turkish government has said it will go ahead with flooding the valley the site sits in to serve as a dam reservoir with a capacity to irrigate 8,000 hectares (19,760 acres) of farmland.

The work now underway is an effort to preserve the complex for future gen-

U

erations, before officials allow water to accumulate in the reservoir for the Yorganli dam before the end of the year.

As archaeologists-denied entry to the site-mourn the loss of a significant treasure, workers dump wheelbarrows of sand over the foundations of the hospital of Galen, a prominent Roman physician born in the 2nd century AD in the nearby city of Pergamon, or modern-day Bergama. Soon the thermal bath-with its five metre-high (17 feet-high) walls and a pool still powered by a hot spring-will disappear under the sand, after being covered with a pinkish protective coating, along with buildings looking out over a columned courtyard, rooms covered with mosaics and paved walkways.

It is a sad sight for Professor Ahmet Yaras who excavated Allianoi for nine years and who says 80 percent of the site has yet to see the daylight.

‘Flooding the site is a massacre’”Normally, cultural treasures need to be examined and registered before any action is taken on a site. Here, flooding the site before the excavation is complete is a massacre,” lamented the archaeologist. “There is no other warm bath, health center in the world as well preserved as this... Unfortunately, all this will be abandoned forever,” he said.

Furthermore, Yasar expressed doubt that the sand will be enough to preserve the site under 30 metres of water. “Even if the site were protected, the sedimenta-

tion brought by the dam will reach 15 or 16 meters in 50 years time. It would be crazy to try to excavate the complex again at such a depth,” he added.

But the fate of the site is not much of a concern for the farmers at the nearby village, who see the Yorganli damcompleted in 2007 — as the answer to their irrigation problems. “They exaggerate, I do not think there is much of the ancient there. It is just a hot spring,” said Mehmet Aydin, 52, who grows cotton, tomatoes and corn on his plot. His remarks almost echo the views of Environment Minister Veysel Eroglu who said in late August: “Allianoi does not exist, it is an invention... There is just a hot spring like many others across

Turkey.” His remarks were roundly criticized while the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), the European non-governmental preservation organization Europa Nostra and archaeologists from the European Union urged the Turkish government in a letter to preserve the “common heritage” at Allianoi. But the game seems to be over: Culture Minister Ertugrul Gunay quashed hope of saving Allianoi last week when he dismissed the idea of questioning the local archaeological commission’s decision in late August to bury the site for preservation.”After all, Allianoi remained underground for a long time and it surfaced only during drilling works,” he said. — AFP

Franceʼs ʻLittle Princeʼ to hit the small screen here Walt Disney and others failed, the heirs of Antoine de Saint-Exupery have finally succeeded in bringing the French aviator’s world-famous blonde Little Prince to the small screen. The 52-episode animated series of the best-selling ever French book, first published in English in 1943 and in French only three years later, is to be shown in 80 countries, with a first taste on French television at Christmas.

“Send me word that he has come back,” which takes its name from the final words of Saint-Exupery’s spaceodyssey, sees the diminutive hero travel around 24 planets in a bid to save the universe from a snake. The series will be shown around the world, from Australia to Japan, where a Little Prince museum receives 400,000 visitors a year.

Over 134 million copies of the poetic

W

and philosophical book have been sold around the world, where it has been translated into 220 languages and dialects. “Adapting the Little Prince has been very difficult because it’s at once a small book and a Pandora’s box, very simple and very deep,” says the series’ co-author, Alexandre de la Patelliere.

Rather than copy the book’s simple style, the series seeks to help the prince escape the printed page, throwing him into a stylised universe that is more accessible for 21st-century children.

And whereas the original story is told by an adult narrator, the new series is told by the prince himself. The heirs of Saint-Exupery, who died mysteriously during a reconnaissance mission in 1944 and never saw his book published in French, wanted to “bring the Little Prince’s message to 21st-century chil-

dren through new media, with a different language,” says producer Aton Soumache. “Taking the plunge was painful,” he says. Francois d’Agay, who represents Saint-Exupery’s heirs, says that “it was a difficult wish because the work is impalpable.”

‘Ambassador of sustainable development’- He says that Walt Disney tried to animate the Little Prince, but the result was “flat and lifeless”. “We needed a solution: get the Little Prince out of his book while preserving the spirit,” he says, adding that the heirs were won over by the first images from the series.

The protagonist is modelled in three dimensions, his eyes have been opened wider and colored blue. The fox has become his witty and sometimes sulky companion and the snake’s humor is dark. —AFP

Stroke of the brush:

Italian artworks go online A Sotheby’s employee poses with a 2007 calligraphy entitled ‘Mohabbat’ by Mohammad Ehsai on display at the auction house in London yesterday. The calligraphy is to be auctioned on Dec 16 in Doha in ‘Hurouf: The Art of the Word’ sale with an estimated price of 80,000 to 120,000 pounds. —AP

magine being so close to Botticelli’s Venus that you can see the strands of her blond hair, the shades of pink in her cheeks, the cracks in the centuriesold paint.

That sensation is now just a click

I

away. This week, an Italian company has put high-resolution images online of “The Birth of Venus” and five other masterpieces from the Uffizi gallery in Florence, including works by Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci. By zooming in with the

click of a mouse, the smallest details can appear , even ones that aren’t ordinarily visible.

The images have a resolution of up to 28 billion pixels , about 3,000 times stronger than that of an average digital camera. — AP

Saturday, October 2, 2010

WHATʼS ON IN KUWAIT

The Nigerian Ambassador in Kuwait Ahmed Bala G cutting the anniversary cake with the Jahra Governor Sheikh Ali Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. —Photos by Fouad Al-Shaikh

I

t was a glamorous day at the Nigerian Embassy as Nigerians, Diplomats, top government officials, friends and well wishers gathered on Thursday to celebrate the 50th Independence anniversary. The program featured a lot of cultural displays.

Kuwait congratulates Nigeria His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations yesterday to Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan on his country’s National Day. His Highness the Deputy Amir and Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf AlAhmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser AlMohammad Al-Ahmad AlSabah sent similar cables.

Message from the Embassy The Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria felicitates with all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria in Kuwait on the occasion of the 50TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA. The Embassy wishes to use this medium to acquaint all business people and investors of the immense opportunities available in Nigeria. Under the current reform and liberalization programs of the administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, foreign investments are welcome in many areas of the Nigerian economy including the upstream and downstream sectors of the Petroleum and Gas industry, Solid minerals, Mining, Power generation, Iron and Steel, Telecommunications, Banking and Finance, Tourism etc. Nigeria’s population of about 150 million people provides a readymade market for investments.

Furthermore, the present government has focused on seven (7) Point Agenda that has already started yielding positive results being a vehicle for achieving vision 2020.

The focus is on Energy, Security, wealth and job creation, Education, Land reform, Mass transit (transportation). While inviting foreign investors to Nigeria, the Embassy wishes to advise genuine business entities and persons planning to do business with Nigerians to always verify the authenticity of proposals. The Embassy and other credible agencies of the Nigerian Government are always ready and willing to assist in this regard. We look forward to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the governments and people of Nigeria and the friendly state of Kuwait.

15

SPECTRUM

16

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Calvin

CROSSWORD 97

Aries (March 21-April 19) This may be a challenging day in which you will be called upon to use your skills for solving problems; you feel successful. Any professional advice you might need is available. You may be unable to get the support you require. Someone may challenge you. You value what is above-board and straightforward and have a particular aversion to what is secret, intense and private. You do not enjoy gossip or nosy neighbors and will take great effort to create a positive atmosphere. Challenging authority may play a bigger role in your life now. Old patterns of organization and power are ripe for an innovative approach. Radical and inventive ideas hold the key to realizing your ambitions and advancing your status—a shake-up is in the works.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) You do a lot that shows you

have a genius mentality or at least close. Some of the things you think and say are obviously brilliant. You have such an outpouring of insights that having a conversation with you can be a real experience. Your mind works like lightning. Words and thoughts are easily said but not many listen. Consider joining a group of people that are similar in your thinking or in your activities; you will have much to communicate. You will find a multitude of friends where there was once, none or few. There may also be a sustained interest in communication, computers, electronics and all that is electrical. This is a good day to start a diet or perhaps, a new and positive habit. All the energies are working in your favor for success.

Pooch Cafe

ACROSS 1. A federation of North American labor unions that merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

4. Make uniform.

9. A dry cold north wind in SE France.

13. Large brownish-green New Zealand parrot.

14. English clergyman who (with John Henry Newman and Edward Pusey) founded the Oxford Movement (1792-1866).

15. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

16. A human limb.

17. Valuable fiber plant of East Indies now widespread in cultivation.

18. A small ball with a hole through the middle.

19. A small cake leavened with yeast.

21. A town in northern Egypt.

23. A silvery ductile metallic element found primarily in bauxite.

24. Cheese containing a blue mold.

27. An independent agency of the United States government responsible for collecting and coordinating intelligence and counterintelligence activities abroad in the national interest.

28. A reflex that expels wind noisily from the stomach through the mouth.

29. (Akkadian) God of wisdom.

33. annoy continually or chronically.

36. One thousand periods per second.

37. The mission in San Antonio where in 1836 Mexican forces under Santa Anna besieged and massacred American rebels who were fighting to make Texas independent of Mexico.

39. Being one hundred more than two hundred.

40. European strong-scented perennial herb with gray-green bitter-tasting leaves.

42. A unit of heat equal to the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit at one atmosphere pressure.

43. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

44. Tropical American plants with basal rosettes of fibrous sword-shaped leaves and flowers in tall spikes.

46. A hard brittle blue-white multivalent metallic element.

48. A metabolic acid found in yeast and liver cells.

50. A federal agency established to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.

55. The atomic weight of an element that has the same combining capacity as a given weight of another element.

56. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which the pilot is talked down by ground control using precision approach radar.

58. Followed with enmity as if to harm.

60. A family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in southeastern Asia.

63. A master's degree in business.

64. A defensive missile designed to shoot down incoming intercontinental ballistic missiles.

65. Scarabaeid beetle considered divine by ancient Egyptians.

67. A decree that prohibits something.

68. A coenzyme derived from the B vitamin nicotinic acid.

69. A genus of Caltha.

70. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth.

DOWN 1. Jordan's port.

2. Wild and menacing.

3. Young sheep.

4. A secret society of white Southerners to resist Black emancipation.

5. (comparative of `near') Being the one of two that is less distant in space.

6. The compass point that is one point north of due east.

7. By bad luck.

8. Mar or spoil the appearance of.

9. A coffee cake flavored with orange rind and raisins and almonds.

10. The content of cognition.

11. A Chadic language spoken in northern Nigeria.

12. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

20. A French abbot.

22. Deciduous South African tree having large odd-pinnate leaves and profuse fragrant orange-yellow flowers.

25. In some classifications considered a genus of the subfamily Lutrinae.

26. Activity involved in maintaining something in good working order.

30. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

31. A benevolent aspect of Devi.

32. A licensed medical practitioner.

34. An international organization of European countries formed after World War II to reduce trade barriers and increase cooperation among its members.

35. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike.

38. United States screenwriter and filmmaker (born in 1944).

41. The part of the eye that contains the iris and ciliary body and choroid.

45. Mentally or physically infirm with age.

47. Syncopated music in duple time for dancing the rumba.

48. A river in north central Switzerland that runs northeast into the Rhine.

49. Jordan's port.

50. A unit of information equal to one million (1,048,576) bytes.

51. Remote and separate physically or socially.

52. Any of numerous low-growing cushion-forming plants of the genus Draba having rosette-forming leaves and terminal racemes of small flowers with scapose or leafy stems.

53. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables.

54. A city in southern Turkey on the Seyhan River.

57. (computer science) A kind of computer architecture that has a large number of instructions hard coded into the cpu chip.

59. A state in the western United States.

61. A doctor's degree in dental medicine.

62. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal to 10 liters.

66. A white metallic element that burns with a brilliant light.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Your public image has become improved and you may find higher-ups are taking another look at your possibilities. The good life and all that is fine and luxurious may be what you value just now. You could enjoy making your own way and finding solutions to whatever problems you have but it is much more fun with a support system.

If someone from your professional life asks you and your family to join that person in some activity away from work, it would be good to go. You may be pleased to find many people like you and want to help you open the right door; so to speak. A relationship with an older person that has presented some emotional challenge in the past may become more positive now. You may be learning the art of patient listening.

Non Sequitur

Cancer (June 21-July 22) This could be a challenging day but it is one that opens up opportunities for improvement and positive changes. You may not find the support you want today but it does not mean you will not have it eventually. For now, the energies could be a bit scattered. Some sort of temporary obstacle may appear. The important word here, however, is temporary! You may have a presentation later today and your job for now is to concentrate on selling your ideas to others, which you can do very well. You will be incredible . . . poised and confident. This is the way you get attention and because you are so convinced of your project, others will be convinced as well. Check the calendar this afternoon; a bit of shopping may be in order.

Leo (July 23-August 22) Magical things seem to happen today and everything works well for you. You may find that you are more organized than usual—able to reach new levels of self-discipline. A class that you took in the past or the education that you received to get you where you are now is appreciated. A difficult customer this afternoon gains everyone’s attention; you are the one that can put everything in perspective. You are good at calming the emotional frustrations of another as you know just the right questions to ask. It is wisdom and not always knowledge that counts the most. Some type of entertainment fills the air at your house this evening.

Neighbors and friends may enjoy an unexpected evening and a card or board game interaction.

Zits

Virgo (August 23-September 22) This is a vital day with much energy and lots of action. You may feel focused and even a bit happy. You could find yourself in the limelight or able to really communicate and get yourself across to others. A financial or business opportunity is opening up to you now and this seems to be the right time to become better known for your ideas and insight. You can demonstrate great understanding and sensitivity to the needs of others and are in a good position to interact in groups and society in general. As a sports-minded person, you may find some group sport that is a fun way to work off any excessive energy this afternoon. Others in this birth sign may enjoy some social event with friends. This is a fortunate Saturday for you in many ways.

Libra (September 23-October 22) Your attitude is that your professional life is as fun as your personal life.

People around you use you as a mentor. You are appreciated for your ability to respond quickly when others need help. You may enjoy being called upon to help others.

Communications with others are positive today and your friends and co-workers find you especially witty just now. Others value you for your independence and unique qualities. You may find your run of luck more positive than usual this Saturday. It is a very lucky day for making plans or decisions and finding your way through just about any problem you may discover—you feel successful.

Difficult matters of the past are coming to a successful end. New and constructive plans are in the making for your whole family.

Mother Goose and Grimm

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Things are

happening, and your career depends upon your own ambition and drive, which are strong now. Your thoughts count—so use your mind and communicate. You are at your most practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. Material things and the whole concept of value take on more importance for you. Financial security and enjoying the finer things in life, appreciating and creating things others long to have are experiences that assume a high priority. There are opportunities available for you to improve your budget. Your mind may be very clear— your thoughts are brought to a sharp focus. It is easy to organize your thoughts, and communication of all kinds is furthered—write that book or take that course.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) All your co-worker friends are just as happy as you are that this is Saturday. You have all been working hard to please customers and complete projects. Today may be the last push to complete whatever has been left for the last minute. You have an uncanny ability to get beyond the usual, always coming up with new ways of doing things. You can take the most mundane stuff and find a new angle. You enjoy working with these co-workers as they are as unpredictable and spontaneous as you. Many of you prefer to create as you work and you respect others people’s ability to create. Regardless of the challenges and variety and freedom to create, you are ready for the weekend. There are creative adventures as well as party invitations just waiting for you.

Yesterdayʼs Solution

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) Life

may be a bit frustrating today. Frustrations are ironed out in no time with your patience. It is almost like the frustrations happen so you will come to the rescue.

In the past there was a tendency to have difficulty making choices and decisions. You have learned problem-solving techniques and can use them today successfully. Give yourself a pat on the shoulder! Concentrating and getting down to the basics is the best path to take this afternoon. There is a community affair this evening that will bring a positive end to a confusing day. Perhaps stopping to feed the ducks or to check out a bookstore will help in making the transition from high awareness to enjoying the world around you.

Music brings new perspective.

Yesterdayʼs Solution

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) This is an important day that you can use to your advantage. This day is not too lazy or too stressful—it is a time for accomplishing tasks or setting things up to work in your favor. Delays and inconveniences however, may try your patience. Plan ahead, proof your work and confirm appointments. A visitor or customer in your workplace today compliments you on your efficiency and polite behavior. At home this afternoon a visitor may have a lot to say that is complimentary regarding your home color scheme or landscape around your home. Short trips or planned vacation time can be enjoyed soon. A few last minute shopping trips or phone calls will get you where you want to go. There may be an older person to visit before your start a trip.

INTERNATIONAL CALLS Kuwait Qatar Abu Dhabi Dubai Raas Al Khayma Al-Shareqa Muscat Jordan Bahrain Riyadh Makkah - Jeddah Cairo Alexandria Beirut Damascus Allepo

00965 00974 009712 009714 009717 009716 00968 009626 00973 009661 009662 00202 00203 009611 0096311 0096321

Tunisia Rabat Washington New York Paris London Madrid Zurich Geneva Monaco Rome Bangkok Hong Kong Pakistan Taiwan Bonn

0021610 002127 001212 001718 00331 004471 00341 00411 004122 0033 00396 00662 00852 0092 00886 0049228

Word Sleuth Solution

Pisces (February 19-March 20) If you need a loan, this is a good day to request one. This is a perfect time to be assertive and to move forward in your career decisions. You have all the drive and energy you could want today. It should be easy to channel your energies in the right direction. The path is open and clear. Communicating and being understood is important to you and today seems to be a high point for you as you learn new techniques and skills for being clearly understood. You are respected for your efforts with this endeavor. Your timing should be perfect, and those around you should find you most spontaneous. You may be able to enjoy and value your own life situation today. You feel especially kind toward a friend or loved one. Someone compliments you on your tastes.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

17 A/C flat. Contact: 66625901 / 24716975. (C 2698)

ACCOMMODATION Sharing accommodation available for Indian working lady in a double bedroom flat in Salmiya. Contact: 25635450 / 99838117.

(C 2709) Respectable Apt., C-A/C, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, one maid room, spacious lounge, shaded parking, road 1, Shara Amman, Salmiya, ready to be occupied with all its contents (households) wef 1/11/2010 - 15/11/2010. Contact: 97543176. (C 2710) Sharing accommodation available for couple / small family in a 2 BHK flat, near Hi Dine Supermarket, Abbassiya.

Contact: 99396714 after 5 pm.

(C 2713) 1-10-2010 Sharing accommodation available with an Indian family for decent working bachelors or a working couple family in B始neid Al-Gar, Block 2, Street 78. Please Contact: 90059069.

(C 2706) Furnished room with small family, with C-A/C in Hawally, Tunis Street near Commercial Bank, for couple or executive. Call: 97794619.

(C 2707) 29-9-2010

Sharing accommodation available in Abbassiya for family 2 bedrooms with bath attached, rent KD 150 or one working lady one room rent KD 50 in a new C-A/C flat, with Keralite family.

Contact: 66013882.

(C 2699) Room available for family near Pakistan International School College, Khaitan.

Cont: 94956342 / 24747294.

27-9-2010

FOR SALE Chevrolet Caprice 1991 Model, Navy blue color in good condition. Registered up to May 2011. Price negotiable, interested candidates please contact mobile no.

99502389.

Honda Accord 2007 automatic gear 4 doors 97,000 km, parking sensors, agency maintained, extra clean, dark gray color. Call: 97271526. (C 2712) 2006 Toyota Corolla 1.8 XLI, color white, done 66000 km, excellent condition. Cash price KD 2,400

only. Contact: 99934965.

(C 2711) 1-10-2010 2009 Toyota Camry SE - full option - whit body color excellent condition. Price KD 4800. Tel: 99764366.

28-9-2010 SITUATION VACANT

Small family looking for alive in cook.

Tel: 94934985. (C 2715) 1-10-2010 English speaking housemaid wanted in Salwa. Fulltime, live-in with Friday holiday from 9am-8pm. Must like cats and dogs and be clean, honest and reliable with experience in European cooking and cleaning.

Salary is negotiable. Ph: 97611015 / 99301909.

(C 2708) 29-9-2010

Policy No. 400416466 issued by the State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan Gulf Zone on the Life of Mr. Altaf Hussain Jaffari is reported to have been lost. Anyone finding the same or claiming any interest in it should communicate with the Manager (PHS) State Life P.O. Box No. 11278 Dubai U.A.E. within one month from this date after which no claim will be entertained.

(C 2705) SITUATION WANTED

LOST Dog lost on 22nd August at 11am from animal care center in Friday Market. It is maltese white long hair, small 8 year old beautiful. If anybody finds get 100 KD reward. Contact: 99352284.

(C 2704)

Available from India, Goan Roman Catholic full time live out maid for American and European family only.

Experience in housekeeping, baby sitting and looking after pets.

Contact 94005328. (C 2678) 21-9-2010

No: 14867

Sharing accommodation available in New Riggai [CAC building] for family or working ladies. Only Keralites. Contact: 99874350.

(C 2701) 28-9-2010 Sharing accommodation available for executive bachelor, ladies or families (Indians only) in 2 BHK, CA/C flat. Contact: 66625901 / 24716975. (C 2698)

Sharing accommodation available for executive bachelor, ladies or families (Indians only) in 2 BHK, C-

FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION 161

FLIGHT SCHEDULE

In case you are not travelling, your proper cancellation of bookings will help other passengers to use seats Airlines

Arrival Flights on Saturday 02/10/2010 Flt Route

Jordanian Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Gulf Air Turkish Ethiopian Egypt Air Jazeera DHL Pakistan Emirates Etihad Qatari Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera British Kuwait Jazeera Falcon Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Fly Dubai Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Kuwait Emirates Arabia Qatari Etihad Jazeera Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Jazeera Egypt Air Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait United Jordanian Egypt Air Fly Dubai Kuwait Jazeera Jazeera Wataniya Airways Saudia Kuwait Nas Air Qatari Mahan Air Saudia Iran Aseman Kuwait Nas Air Etihad

802 188 305 211 772 620 614 267 370 239 853 305 138 637 412 527 157 416 529 201 613 204 302 053 332 676 284 344 362 855 121 132 301 497 213 122 165 610 457 672 774 982 800 621 057 786 257 525 422 500 552 745 134 5066 2358 6791 118 703 303

Amman Bahrain Cairo Bahrain Istanbul Addis Ababa Cairo Beirut Bahrain Sialkot Dubai Abu Dhabi Doha Aleppo Manila/Bangkok Alexandria London Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur Assiut Bahrain Lahore Lahore Mumbai Dubai Trivandrum Dubai Dhaka Chennai Colombo Dubai Sharjah Doha Abu Dhabi Riyadh Bahrain Abu Dhabi Dubai Cairo Damascus Dubai Riyadh Washington DC Dulles Amman Assiut Dubai Jeddah Beirut Alexandria Amman Jeddah Damascus Jeddah Doha Mashad Jeddah Mashad New York Medinah Abu Dhabi

Time 00:05 00:30 00:50 01:05 01:15 01:45 02:05 02:10 02:15 02:15 02:25 02:55 03:20 05:45 06:15 06:20 06:30 06:35 06:40 07:00 07:05 07:10 07:50 07:55 07:55 08:00 08:10 08:20 08:20 08:25 08:40 09:00 09:20 10:40 10:45 11:05 11:15 12:55 13:10 13:15 13:20 13:35 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:00 14:05 14:10 14:10 14:30 14:35 14:55 15:05 15:15 16:15 16:45 16:15 16:20 16:50

Rovos Etihad Emirates Wataniya Airways Gulf Air Cargolux Saudia Arabia Jazeera Saudia Jazeera SriLankan Syrian Air Kuwait Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Rovos Kuwait Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Kuwait Jazeera Iran Air Air Arabia Egypt Kuwait Bahrain Air Singapore Jazeera Kuwait Kuwait Fly Dubai Wataniya Airways Oman Air Indian Wataniya Airways Middle East Saudia Jet A/W Egypt Air KLM Kuwait Wataniya Airways DHL Gulf Air Jazeera Emirates Qatari Kuwait United Mihin Saudia Jazeera Lufthansa Jazeera Egypt Air India Express Egypt Air Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways

061 303 857 402 215 792 510 125 493 2353 129 227 341 104 304 106 093 542 502 202 548 618 177 607 555 674 344 458 459 562 614 061 186 647 993 612 402 6504 572 618 0445 788 404 372 217 433 859 136 178 981 1405 6506 429 636 185 612 393 606 128 108

Baghdad/Najaf Abu Dhabi Dubai Beirut Bahrain Luxembourg Riyadh Sharjah Jeddah Jeddah Bahrain Colombo/Dubai Damascus London Cairo Dubai Kandahar/Dubai Cairo Beirut Jeddah Luxor/Sharm El Sheikh Doha Dubai Mashad Alexandria Dubai Bahrain Singapore/Abu Dhabi Damascus Amman Bahrain Dubai Bahrain Muscat Chennai/Mumbai Sabiha Beirut Jeddah Mumbai Alexandria Amsterdam Jeddah Beirut Bahrain Bahrain Mashad Dubai Doha Geneva/Frankfurt Bahrain Colombo/Dubai Jeddah Bahrain Frankfurt Dubai Cairo Kozhikode/Cochin Luxor Abu Dhabi Dubai

16:50 16:50 16:55 17:15 17:15 17:15 17:20 17:40 17:40 17:50 17:55 18:00 18:30 18:35 18:35 18:45 18:45 18:50 18:50 18:55 18:55 18:55 19:05 19:05 19:15 19:20 19:25 19:25 19:30 19:40 19:55 20:05 20:15 20:15 20:15 20:20 20:20 20:25 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:50 21:00 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:35 17:15 21:55 22:00 22:10 22:15 22:35 22:40 23:05 23:10 23:15 23:25 23:55

Departure Flights on Saturday 02/10/2010

Airlines

Flt

Route

Time

Jazeera Shaheen Air Egypt Air KLM Indian Lufthansa Turkish Ethiopian Egypt Air DHL Pakistan Emirates Etihad Qatari Jordanian Wataniya Airways Jazeera Jazeera Jazeera Gulf Air Jazeera Rovos Jazeera Kuwait British Fly Dubai Kuwait Kuwait Wataniya Airways Arabia Kuwait Emirates Qatari Kuwait Etihad Kuwait Gulf Air Wataniya Airways Kuwait Wataniya Airways Kuwait Rovos Wataniya Jazeera Wataniya Airways Al Naser Kuwait Wataniya Airways Egypt Air Jazeera Wataniya Airways Jordanian Fly Dubai Egypt Air United Jazeera Jazeera Kuwait Wataniya Airways Jazeera

528 442 607 0447 576 637 773 620 615 371 240 854 306 139 803 121 164 524 496 212 456 094 256 785 156 054 671 551 421 122 101 856 133 773 302 547 214 401 165 303 541 062 611 492 103 712 501 201 611 458 105 801 058 622 982 176 128 673 403 432

Assiut Lahore Luxor Amsterdam Goa/Chennai Frankfurt Istanbul Bahrain/Addis Ababa Cairo Bahrain Sialkot/Islamabad Dubai Abu Dhabi Doha Amman Abu Dhabi Dubai Alexandria Riyadh Bahrain Damascus Dubai/Kandahar Beirut Jeddah London Dubai Dubai Damascus Amman Sharjah London/New York Dubai Doha Riyadh Abu Dhabi Luxor/Sharm El Sheikh Bahrain Beirut Rome/Paris Cairo Cairo Baghdad Sabiha Jeddah Dubai Najaf/Baghdad Beirut Jeddah Cairo Damascuss Dubai Amman Dubai Assiut Bahrain Dubai Bahrain Dubai Beirut Mashad

00:05 00:10 00:15 00:30 00:50 00:50 02:15 02:30 03:05 03:15 03:45 03:45 04:00 05:00 07:00 07:05 07:05 07:10 07:15 07:45 07:45 08:00 08:05 08:20 08:25 08:40 09:00 09:10 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:00 10:00 10:05 10:55 11:35 11:35 11:45 11:50 12:00 12:00 12:05 12:15 12:15 12:30 13:00 13:45 13:55 14:00 14:30 14:30 14:35 14:40 14:50 14:55 15:00 15:10 15:10 15:20

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Kuwait Kuwait Nas Air Saudia Qatari Mahan Air Kuwait Nas Air Wataniya Airways Saudia Etihad Iran Aseman Gulf Air Emirates Wataniya Airways Kuwait Arabia Jazeera Saudia Cargolux Kuwait Saudia SriLankan Jazeera Wataniya Airways Syrian Air Wataniya Airways Wataniya Airways Air Arabia Egypt Iran Air Bahrain Air Jazeera Kuwait Jazeera Fly Dubai Singapore Kuwait Wataniya Airways Oman Air Middle East Saudia Jet A/W Egypt Air Wataniya Airways KLM Gulf Air Jazeera DHL Kuwait Emirates Kuwait Falcon Qatari Kuwait Kuwait Mihin Saudia Jazeera United Jazeera Kuwait Egypt Air

617 787 746 505 135 5065 613 704 185 9357 304 6792 216 858 306 543 126 184 511 792 285 9353 228 428 127 342 433 107 556 604 345 266 283 240 062 457 331 261 648 403 9504 571 619 187 0445 218 512 373 675 860 381 102 137 301 205 1405 9506 526 981 502 411 613

Doha Jeddah Jeddah Jeddah Doha Mashad Bahrain Riyadh Bahrain Jeddah Abu Dhabi Mashad Bahrain Dubai Cairo Cairo Sharjah Dubai Riyadh Hong Kong Chittagong Jeddah Dubai/Colombo Bahrain Abu Dhabi Damascus Damascus Dubai Alexandria Isfahan Bahrain Beirut Dhaka Amman Dubai Abu Dhabi/Singapore Trivandrum Muscat Muscat Beirut Jeddah Mumbai Alexandria Bahrain Bahrain/Amsterdam Bahrain Sharm El Sheikh Bahrain Dubai Dubai Delhi Bahrain Doha Mumbai Islamabad Dubai/Colombo Jeddah Alexandria Washington DC Dulles Luxor Bangkok/Manila Cairo

15:35 15:40 15:45 16:00 16:20 16:30 16:55 17:10 17:20 17:20 17:35 17:45 18:05 18:05 18:05 18:10 18:20 18:30 18:35 18:45 18:45 18:45 19:10 19:20 19:25 19:30 19:30 19:40 19:55 20:05 20:10 20:10 20:00 20:20 20:50 20:55 21:00 21:15 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:35 21:35 21:40 21:55 22:00 22:00 22:10 22:25 22:30 22:30 22:35 22:45 22:55 23:00 23:10 23:20 23:40 23:40 23:40 23:55

TV PROGRAMS

18

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Orbit / Showtime Listings

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

The Closer Karen Sisco Hawthorne GMA Live RPT Friday Night Lights The Unit Inside the Actors Studio Ghost Whisperer The Invisible Man The Closer Good Morning America Live Kathy Griffin Friday Night Lights The Unit Glee Royal Pains Smallville The Closer The Pacific Inside the Actors Studio GMA Live RPT Kathy Griffin

00:00 Living With The Wolfman 00:30 Animal Cops Miami 01:25 Africa’s Super Seven 02:20 Untamed And Uncut 03:10 Sspca: On The Wildside 03:35 In Too Deep 04:00 Animal Crackers 04:25 Meerkat Manor 04:50 The Planet’s Funniest Animals 05:40 Return Of The Prime Predators 06:35 Animal Battlegrounds 07:00 Dogs 101 07:55 Monkey Life 08:20 Rspca: On The Frontline 08:50 Miami Animal Police 09:45 E-Vets: The Interns 10:10 Pet Rescue 10:40 Animal Cops Miami 11:35 Wildlife SOS 12:00 Rspca: On The Frontline 12:30 Crocodile Hunter 13:25 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 14:20 Max’s Big Tracks 15:15 Austin Stevens Adventures 16:10 Incredible Journeys With Steve Leonard 17:10 Cats 101 18:05 Dogs 101 19:00 Your Worst Animal Nightmares 19:55 Animal Cops Phoenix 20:50 Sharkbite Summer 21:45 Untamed And Uncut 22:40 Return Of The Prime Predators 23:35 Untamed And Uncut

00:00 01:05 01:25 01:50 02:10 02:40 03:00 03:20 03:50 04:10 04:35 04:55 05:25 05:50 06:20 06:50 08:55 10:55 11:40 12:25 14:30 15:15 16:10 17:10 17:55 19:15 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00

00:25 01:15 02:05 02:55 04:10 09:00 09:50 10:45 11:30 12:20

Only Fools And Horses Tweenies Teletubbies Me Too Tikkabilla Tweenies Me Too Tikkabilla Tweenies Teletubbies Me Too Tikkabilla Teletubbies Tikkabilla Only Fools And Horses Strictly Come Dancing Eastenders Robin Hood The Weakest Link Strictly Come Dancing Robin Hood Holby City Holby City Robin Hood Strictly Come Dancing Jack Dee Manchild The Keith Barret Show Eastenders Holby City

Come Dine With Me Daily Cooks Challenge 10 Years Younger House Swap What Not To Wear Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 Living In The Sun Fantasy Homes By The Sea The Home Show Cash In The Attic

13:00 13:25 14:15 18:00 19:40 20:30 21:15 22:10 22:55 23:40

Cash In The Attic USA Design Rules Cash In The Attic Come Dine With Me Rhodes Across India Saturday Kitchen 2008/09 Living In The Sun Fantasy Homes By The Sea The Home Show Cash In The Attic

00:15 02:15 04:15 06:00 08:00 PG15 10:15 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:15 22:00

De-Lovely-PG15 Charlotte Gray-PG15 October Sky-PG15 Fireproof-PG The Bridges Of Madison County-

00:25 01:20 02:15 02:40 03:05 04:00 04:25 05:15 06:10 07:05 07:35 08:30 09:25 09:50 10:20 11:15 12:10 13:05 14:00 14:55 15:20 16:15 17:05 18:55 19:50 20:45 21:40 22:35 23:30

Mega Builders Mythbusters How Stuff’s Made How Does It Work Dirty Jobs Fifth Gear Street Customs Berlin Overhaulin’ Street Customs How Stuff’s Made Overhaulin’ Street Customs Berlin Wheeler Dealers Wheeler Dealers X-Machines Battle Machine Bros Mega Builders Man Made Marvels Asia Extreme Engineering How Stuff’s Made Destroyed In Seconds Swamp Loggers Ultimate Survival Deadliest Catch Surviving Disaster I Escaped Death Lucie Blackman Murder Time Warp Worst-Case Scenario

00:00 00:25 00:50 01:45 02:40 03:10 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:55 07:50 12:25 12:55 13:50 14:45 15:40 16:30 17:20 18:10 19:00 20:40 21:30 22:20 23:10

Weird Connections How Stuff’s Made Junkyard Wars Robocar Weird Connections Invisible Worlds Junkyard Mega-Wars Scrapheap Challenge Race To Mars Brainiac Engineered Savage Planet Eco-Tech The Gadget Show Nyc: Inside Out The Future Of...

Nextworld How Stuff’s Made Catch It Keep It Mythbusters Engineered Sci-Fi Science Nyc: Inside Out Nextworld

03:00 03:50 04:40 05:05 06:50 07:15 08:05 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:05 14:30 16:10 16:35

Kid Vs Kat American Dragon Phineas And Ferb Pokemon Movie Phineas And Ferb Zeke And Luther The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Kid Vs Kat Aaron Stone American Dragon Phineas And Ferb The Super Hero Squad Show Kick Buttowski The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb I’m In The Band Zeke And Luther The Super Hero Squad Show Pokemon Movie Phineas And Ferb Kid Vs Kat

The Old Curiousity Shop-PG December Boys-PG15 The Last Mimzy-PG Meet Bill-PG15 The Express-PG Croupier-18 A Clockwork Orange-18

Inkheart on Show Movies

17:00 17:30 18:00 18:55 19:20 20:00

Aaron Stone Kick Buttowski Zeke And Luther Shreducation Pokemon Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

00:15 25 Most Stylish 01:10 Sexiest 02:05 Battle of the Hollywood Hotties 02:30 Streets of Hollywood 03:00 THS 04:45 Behind the Scenes 05:35 E! News 06:00 The Daily 10 06:25 15 Remarkable Celebrity Body Bouncebacks 08:05 Kendra 08:30 Kendra 09:00 E! News 09:25 The Daily 10 09:50 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 15:00 E! News 15:25 The Daily 10 15:50 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 17:55 The Soup 18:20 Keeping Up with the Kardashians 19:10 E! News 19:35 The Daily 10 20:00 The Soup 20:25 Chelsea Lately 20:50 25 Most Stylish 21:40 Dr 90210 22:30 E! Investigates

00:00 Strikeforce 01:00 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross Championships 20 02:00 Lucas Oil Ama Motocross Championships 20 03:00 I-Ex 05:00 Profiles - Andy Irons 05:30 Profiles - Steve Caballero 06:00 Profiles - Romain De Marchi 06:30 Profiles - Tara Dakides 07:00 Profiles - Tosh Townend 07:30 Profiles - Taylor Knox 08:00 Smp Shanghai Showdown 1 09:00 Mind The Addiction 10:00 Winter X Games 12:00 Drop In Series 5 14:00 Ride Guide Snow 2008 14:30 Kenny Belaey’s Big Time 16:00 Winter X Games 18:00 Bikecar 19:30 Klunkerz 21:00 M1 Challange 23:00 Drop In Series 5

00:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 00:30 Unwrapped 01:00 Chopped 02:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 02:30 Guy’s Big Bite 03:00 Food Network Challenge 04:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 04:25 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 04:50 Guy’s Big Bite 05:15 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 05:40 Everyday Italian 06:05 30 Minute Meals 06:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 07:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 07:30 Barefoot Contessa 08:00 Unwrapped 08:30 Paula’s Party 09:30 Guy’s Big Bite 10:00 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 10:30 Paula’s Best Dishes 11:00 Barefoot Contessa - Back To Basics 11:30 Everyday Italian 12:00 30 Minute Meals 12:30 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 13:00 Iron Chef America 14:00 Barefoot Contessa 14:30 Unwrapped 15:00 Paula’s Best Dishes 15:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 16:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 16:30 Good Deal With Dave Lieberman 17:00 Chopped 18:00 Barefoot Contessa 18:30 Everyday Italian 19:00 Food Network Challenge 20:00 Throwdown With Bobby Flay 20:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 21:00 Iron Chef America 22:00 30 Minute Meals 22:30 Tyler’s Ultimate 23:00 Chopped

00:05 01:00 01:55 02:20 03:10 04:00 04:50 05:40 06:30 07:20 08:10 09:00 09:50 10:40 11:30 12:20 13:10 14:00 14:50 15:40 16:30 17:20 18:10 19:00 20:40 21:30 22:20 23:10

Extreme Forensics Forensic Detectives Black Museum Dr G: Medical Examiner Real Emergency Calls Forensic Detectives FBI Files Undercover Diagnosis: Unknown Forensic Detectives Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Disappeared On the Run Forensic Detectives FBI Files Undercover Diagnosis: Unknown Forensic Detectives Mystery Diagnosis Real Emergency Calls Disappeared The Haunted A Haunting Psychic Witness Crime Scene Psychics The Haunted A Haunting

01:15 02:55 04:30 05:50 07:15 08:45 10:20 12:00 13:35 15:25 17:15 19:00 21:00 22:25

Final Approach The Donor Haunted Honeymoon It Runs In The Family Ski Patrol The Spikes Gang The Boyfriend School Canadian Bacon Where Angels Fear To Tread Yours, Mine And Ours Tune In Tomorrow The 60’s Badlanders War Party

03:00 03:25 03:45 03:50 04:40 05:30 06:20 06:45 07:10 07:35 07:40 07:45 08:30 08:35 09:00 09:25 10:15 11:35 11:50 13:50 14:15 14:25 14:50 15:10 15:35 16:00 17:20 17:45 18:10 18:35 19:00 20:20 20:45 21:10 21:30 22:00

New Adventures of Madeline Rupert Jass Time Babar Max and Ruby Ned’s Newt New Adventures of Madeline Heathcliff Dennis The Menace The Beach Crew Boo and Me Birdz Ace Lightning The Fairly OddParents Sabrina Sonic Underground Dinosaur Island Dennis The Menace Even Stevens Beverly Hills Teen Club The Beach Crew S Club 7 In LA The Hardy Boys Nancy Drew Inspector Gadget The Prince of Dinosaurs Fat Dog Mendoza Sabrina S Club 7 In Miami Beverly Hills Teen Club The Prince of Dinosaurs Sonic Underground Nancy Drew The Hardy Boys Inspector Gadget M.A.S.K. Marathon

00:00 Reggie Perrin 00:30 Mumbai calling 01:00 South Park 01:30 Malcolm in the Middle 02:00 Kath & Kim 02:30 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 03:30 Ellen 04:00 My Name is Earl 04:30 The Simpsons 05:00 Three sisters 05:30 Everybody Loves Raymond 06:00 Malcolm in the Middle 06:30 The Drew Carey Show 07:00 Ellen 07:30 My Name is Earl 08:00 Three sisters 08:30 Kath & Kim 09:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 10:00 The Drew Carey Show 10:30 Yes Dear 11:00 Frasier 11:30 Sons of Tucson 12:00 Two and a half men 12:30 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart 13:00 The Colbert Report 13:30 The Drew Carey Show 14:00 Ellen 14:30 Three sisters 15:00 Brothers 15:30 My Name is Earl 16:00 How I met your mother 16:30 New adventures of Old Christine 17:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon 18:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (repeat) 18:30 The Colbert Report (repeat) 19:00 SNL 20:00 South Park 20:30 The Simpsons 21:00 How I met your mother 21:30 Two and a half men 22:00 The Daily Show with Jon Stewart (repeat) 22:30 The Colbert Report (repeat) 23:00 Late night with Jimmy Fallon

04:00 04:25 04:50 05:15 05:30 05:45 06:00 06:25 06:50 07:15 07:40 Pooh 08:05 08:30 08:55 09:20 09:45 10:10 10:35 11:00 11:25 11:45 12:05 12:30 12:30 12:50 13:20 13:45 14:10 Pooh 14:35 14:45 15:10 15:35

Lazytown Imagination Movers Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Handy Manny Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse New Adventures of Winnie the Imagination Movers Jungle Junction Special Agent Oso Little Einsteins My Friends Tigger and Pooh Handy Manny JO JO’S CIRCUS Higglytown Heroes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers HAPPY MONSTER BAND Mickey Mouse Clubhouse JO JO’S CIRCUS Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse New Adventures of Winnie the Special Agent Oso Imagination Movers Handy Manny Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

16:00 Pooh 16:25 16:40 16:50

New Adventures of Winnie the Handy Manny Special Agent Oso Jungle Junction

00:00 Nationwide Tour: Soboba Golf Classic Rd. 3 San Jacinto, CA 02:30 World Sport 2010 03:00 Golf Central International Live From the Ryder Cup 04:00 Golf Channel - TBA 06:00 NFL Game Day 06:30 College Football Saturday Preview 07:00 MLB: TBA at TBA 10:00 FIM Supermoto Pleven Bulgaria 11:00 ARCA Racing Series: Kansas 150 Kansas City, KS 13:00 MLB: TBA at TBA 16:00 Sport Central 16:30 Big 12 Football 20:00 MLB on FOX: TBA at TBA 23:00 This Week in Baseball 23:30 Inside the PGA Tour

00:00 The Powerpuff Girls 00:15 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 00:40 The Secret Saturdays 01:05 Codename: Kids Next Door 01:30 Ben 10 01:55 Best ED 02:20 Samurai Jack 02:45 Cramp Twins 03:10 Eliot Kid 03:35 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 04:00 Casper’s Scare School 04:25 Chop Socky Chooks 04:50 Chowder 05:15 Ben 10: Alien Force 05:40 Bakugan: New Vestroia 06:05 Batman: The Brave And The Bold 06:30 Alien Force 60 07:30 The Secret Saturdays 07:55 Best ED 08:20 Eliot Kid 08:45 Fantastic Four: World’s Greatest Heroes 09:10 Megas Xlr 09:35 Samurai Jack 10:00 Ben 10 10:25 Codename: Kids Next Door 10:50 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 11:15 The Life And Times Of Juniper Lee 11:40 George Of The Jungle 12:05 Ed, Edd N Eddy 12:35 Chop Socky Chooks 13:00 Celebrity Manhunt’s Total Drama...

13:50 Total Drama World Tour 15:30 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 16:00 Best ED 16:25 Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends 16:50 My Gym Partner’s A Monkey 17:05 The Powerpuff Girls 17:30 The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack 17:45 Ben 10: Alien Force 18:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 18:35 Robotboy 19:00 Camp Lazlo 19:25 Samurai Jack 19:50 Megas Xlr 20:15 Out Of Jimmy’s Head 20:40 Chowder 21:05 Cow And Chicken 21:30 Cramp Twins 21:55 George Of The Jungle 22:20 Adrenalini Brothers 22:45 Eliot Kid 23:10 Ed, Edd N Eddy 23:35 Ben 10: Alien Force

03:00 03:50 04:40 05:05 06:50 07:15 08:05 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:45 13:15 14:05 14:30 16:10 16:35 17:00 17:30 18:00 18:55 19:20 20:00

Kid Vs Kat American Dragon Phineas And Ferb Pokemon Movie Phineas And Ferb Zeke And Luther The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Kid Vs Kat Aaron Stone American Dragon Phineas And Ferb The Super Hero Squad Show Kick Buttowski The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody Phineas And Ferb I’m In The Band Zeke And Luther The Super Hero Squad Show Pokemon Movie Phineas And Ferb Kid Vs Kat Aaron Stone Kick Buttowski Zeke And Luther Shreducation Pokemon Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 17:00 19:00 21:30 23:15

Under The Mountain-PG Appaloosa-PG15 My One And Only-PG15 Three Investigators-PG15 Inkheart-PG Nurse.Fighter.Boy-PG15 My One And Only-PG15 Rush Hour 3-PG15 The Boys Are Back In Town-PG Angels And Demons-PG15 Boarding Gate-18 Shoot The Hero-PG15

00:00 02:00 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00

Red Sands-18 Rock Monster-PG15 The Blackout-PG15 Planet Of The Apes-PG15 Newton Boys-PG15 Boa-PG15 Planet Of The Apes-PG15 Noble Things-PG15 Dog Pound-18 The Snow Walker-PG15 Hell Ride-R Dog Pound-18

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 09:00 11:00 13:00 15:00 PG15 17:00 19:00 21:00 23:00

The Good Girl-PG15 Splinterheads-PG15 Beverly Hills Chihuahua-PG Adventures Of Power-PG15 Married To It-PG15 The Clique-PG15 Miss Conception-PG15 Deuce Bigalow: Male GigoloThe Last Shot-PG15 Go-18 Killer Bean Forever-PG15 Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo-PG1

Endgame on Super Movies

01:00 Zeus And Roxanne-PG 03:00 Barbie In A Fashion FairytaleFAM 05:00 Barbie In The 12 Dancing Princesses-FAM 07:00 Zeus And Roxanne-PG 09:00 Snow 2: Brain Freeze-FAM 11:00 The Pagemaster-PG 13:00 Robin Hood: The Invincible Knight-FAM 15:00 Harriet The Spy-PG 17:00 The Jungle Book I-FAM 19:00 Snow 2: Brain Freeze-FAM 21:00 Barbie In The 12 Dancing Princesses-FAM 23:00 Harriet The Spy-PG

00:00 01:00 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 04:00 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

CSI Miami The View Look alike Look alike Gavin and Stacey Just Shoot Me CSI Miami “8” Simple rules Yes Dear Look alike Look alike CSI Miami The View Gavin and Stacey Just Shoot Me “8” Simple rules Yes Dear Bones Bones Downsize Me The View Emmerdale Coronation Street CSI Treme Mercy The View Downsize Me CSI Treme “8” Simple rules

00:00 Aviva Premiership 02:00 Rugby Union ITM CUP 04:00 Futbol Mundial 04:30 Brazil League Highlights 05:00 The All Sports Show 06:00 ICC Cricket World 06:30 Total Rugby 07:00 Aviva Premiership 09:00 ICC Cricket World 09:30 Scottish Premier League Highlights 10:00 The All Sports Show 11:00 Live Scottish Premier League 13:00 Scottish Premier League Highlights 13:30 Futbol Mundial 14:00 Live Scottish Premier League 16:00 Brazil League Highlights 16:30 World Sport 17:00 Live Super League 19:30 Scottish Premier League 21:30 Scottish Premier League 23:30 Super League

06:00 06:30 17:30 18:00 Film 19:00

European Tour Weekly Live Ryder Cup European Tour Weekly The Open Championship Official

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 08:00 09:00

WWE NXT UFC Unleashed UFC The Ultimate Fighter UFC Unleashed WWE Bottom Line WWE NXT WWE Smackdown WWE Vintage Collection UFC The Ultimate Fighter

The Ryder Cup

10:00 10:30 12:30 13:00 17:00 18:00 20:00 21:30 22:00 23:00

UFC All Access WWE Smackdown Total Rugby Live Currie Cup UFC The Ultimate Fighter WWE Smackdown Live Red Bull X-Fighters UFC All Access WWE Bottom Line WWE NXT

00:00 Ye Olde Times-PG 02:00 Race To Witch Mountain-PG15 04:00 The Day The Earth Stood StillPG15 06:00 G-Force-PG 08:00 Fred Claus-PG 10:00 Fast And Furious-PG15 12:00 Mama I Want To Sing-PG 14:00 G-Force-PG 16:00 Sisterhood Of The Travelling Pants 2-PG15 18:00 The Proposal-PG15 20:00 Endgame-PG15 22:00 While She Was Out-18

00:00 Investigating History 00:55 Rome: Rise And Fall Of An Empire 01:50 Ancient Discoveries 3 02:40 Dinosaur Secrets 03:30 Tunnellers 04:20 Ax Men 2 05:10 Investigating History 06:55 Rome: Rise And Fall Of An Empire 07:50 Ancient Discoveries 3 08:40 Dinosaur Secrets 09:30 Tunnellers 10:20 Ax Men 2 11:10 Investigating History 12:55 Rome: Rise And Fall Of An Empire 13:50 Ancient Discoveries 3 14:40 Dinosaur Secrets 15:30 Tunnellers 16:20 Ax Men 2 17:10 Investigating History 18:00 Inside The Body Of Henry Viii 18:55 Mummy Forensics 19:50 Rudolf Hess: The Man Who Died Twice 20:40 Cities Of The Underworld 21:30 Ax Men 22:20 Modern Marvels 23:10 Investigating History

01:00 The Screening Room 01:25 Cat On A Hot Tin Roof 03:10 The Screening Room 04:00 Young Cassidy 05:50 The Wings Of Eagles 07:35 Little Women 09:35 Bear Island 11:30 Viva Las Vegas 12:55 Blackboard Jungle 14:35 The Champ 16:40 Kelly’s Heroes 19:00 Castaway 21:00 Wrong Is Right 22:55 The Wonderful World Of The Brothers...

00:00 Split Ends 01:00 The Designers 01:30 Style Her Famous 02:00 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 03:00 How Do I Look?

04:00 Millennium Fashion: The Year In Fashion 05:00 Clean House 06:00 What I Hate About Me 07:00 How Do I Look?

09:00 Fashion Police 10:00 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 17:00 Tia And Tamera Take 2 17:30 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 18:00 Fashion Police 18:30 The Dish 19:00 Jerseylicious 20:00 Kimora: Life In The Fab Lane 21:00 Dallas Divas And Daughters 22:00 My Celebrity Home 23:00 How Do I Look?

00:15 00:17 04:15 04:17 05:00 05:45 06:15 06:17 08:00 08:40 10:00 10:45 11:00 12:00 12:15 12:17 13:00 13:45 14:15 14:17 15:00 17:00 17:45 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:40 21:15 21:17 22:00 22:45 23:00 23:45

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00:00 Short History of Convict Australia 01:00 The Thrillseekers Guide 01:30 PhotoXplorers 02:00 Globe Trekker 03:00 Intrepid Journeys 04:00 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 04:30 Feast India 05:00 Globe Trekker Special 06:00 Essential 06:30 Top Travel 07:00 Culinary Asia 08:00 Planet Food 09:00 Julian and Camilla’s World Odyssey 10:00 Globe Trekker 11:00 Exotic Lives 12:00 Planet Food 13:00 World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 14:00 Globe Trekker 15:00 Intrepid Journeys 16:00 Short History of Convict Australia 17:00 Essential 17:30 Hollywood and Vines 18:00 Sophie Grigson In The Orient 18:30 The Thirsty Traveler 19:00 Exotic Lives 20:00 Top Travel 20:30 48 Hours In 21:00 Globe Trekker 22:00 Think Green 23:00 Hollywood and Vines 23:30 Sophie Grigson In The Orient

00:10 00:35 01:00 01:25 01:50 02:15 02:40 03:05 03:30 04:00 04:25 04:55 05:20 05:45 06:10 06:35 07:00 07:30 08:25 08:50 09:15 09:40 10:05 10:30 10:55 11:20 11:45

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NEWS

Saturday, October 2, 2010

19

Hands off my house: Dutch outlaw squatting AMSTERDAM: The scene has unfolded countless times in the Netherlands: Young people break into an unused building, move in a table, chair and bed, and then tell the police they are now the official residents - with no permission from the owner and no plans to pay rent.

Yesterday, the once-respected Dutch tradition of squatting becomes illegal. It is the latest pillar of the country’s liberal institutions - such as legal prostitution and cafes that openly sell marijuana - to be abolished or curtailed as the Dutch become more conservative and rethink the boundaries of their famed tolerance.

In Amsterdam, the epicenter of the movement known in Dutch as “kraken,” or “breaking,” squatters plannned a demonstration yesterday against the new law that makes their way of life punishable by up to one year in prison. “Of course we’re going to resist: resisting is part of what we do,” says a young English-speaking woman at a “squat,” or occupied building, next to the Amstel River. She identified herself only as Lilo. Most squatters declined to give their full names both for philosophical reasons and to avoid trouble with police or immigration authorities.

A study published this year by Amsterdam’s Free University estimated the number of squatters at roughly 1,500 in the Dutch capital, a city of 750,000. Amsterdam mayor Eberhard van der Laan says he plans to gradually empty the city’s remaining 200 squats. “Here and there squatting definitely causes problems for a neighborhood,” he said, but until now it has been seen mostly as a civil dispute between owners and occupants.

Beginning yesterday, building owners can argue that squatters are breaking the law, the mayor said. That would “bring us to take action, where in the past we might not have done anything.”

City officials say no major evictions are expected yesterday, however.

Amsterdam and other Dutch cities remain unusually liberal, even by European standards, but they have gradually moved away from their free-for-all attitudes. Prostitution is legal but has become more regulated, and Amsterdam has shuttered one-third of its brothels. The number of marijuana cafes is declining amid new restrictions to distance them from schools. Squatting gained public sympathy after World War II during a time of severe housing shortages and anger at real estate speculators. A Supreme Court ruling in 1971 found that entering an unused building is not trespassing.

The thinking was that it was humane, or at least pragmatic, not to evict poor or homeless people living in a building that was not being used. Yet that view changed as the Netherlands grew more prosperous and more sympathetic to business and today the sentiment often runs

against the squatters’ antiestablishment world view. “Once squatting was maybe a romantic thing for people to do, but now they have children and jobs. Things have changed,” said Amsterdam city councilman Frank van Dalen.

These days most squatters are migrants from eastern and southern Europe “who want a cheap place to live,” he said.

Van Dalen is a member of the pro-business VVD party, which has been a vocal opponent of both squatting and immigration. The VVD will lead the next Dutch coalition government, which may take office as early as next week. Backed by the anti-Islam Freedom Party of populist politician Geert Wilders, the new administration is likely to further tighten restrictions on immigration - particularly from Muslim countries. At the squatted building on the Amstel, a former fire department office, the squatters - most from other countries - argue against the perception that they just want a parasitic lifestyle.

“The people who are willing to come to a foreign city, with no place to live - to me these are very valuable people, brave people,” says Marek Griks, a Polish man who drives a cab part-time and lives at a different squat with his daughter.

He says squatters bring a positive and creative impulse to Amsterdam. A man from Eastern Europe with dreadlocks known as “Muppet” says squatting will continue long after the ban.

In his six years in Amsterdam, he has stayed as little as 16 hours in one squat and as long as 2 1/2 years in another.

“I think everything is going to change. It’s going to become more of a political struggle again. Not about living for free,” he said.

Historically, squatting has provided an alternative to mainstream Dutch lifestyles and has acted as a wellspring for leftist activism. It reached a peak on April 30, 1980, the day of Queen Beatrix’s accession to the throne. Thousands of squatters and sympathizers fought riot police throughout Amsterdam, trying to disrupt her coronation.

Their motto: “No housing, no crowning.”

The economic boom of the 1990s saw an expansion of construction and signaled the beginning of the movement’s end. For the past decade, Amsterdam has been emptying squatted buildings at an ever-accelerating pace. Property owners have also found their own ways to combat squatting, letting “anti-squatters” move into buildings they planned to leave empty in exchange for extremely low rents and ironclad guarantees to leave when asked. Still, affordable housing remains a huge problem. Van Dalen says the city now plans to convert unused office buildings into low-rent housing. Asked if that wasn’t what squatters have always demanded, he said no. “There’s a crucial difference between low-rent and free,” he noted. — AP

AMSTERDAM: A squatter paints a mural in a former fire department building in Amsterdam, Netherlands. — AP

US apologizes for syphilis experiment Researchers infect Guatemalan inmates, patients with syphilis WASHINGTON: The United States apologized yesterday for an experiment conducted in the 1940s in which US government researchers deliberately infected Guatemalan prison inmates, women and mental patients with syphilis. In the experiment, aimed at testing the thennew drug penicillin, inmates were infected by prostitutes and later treated with the antibiotic.

“The sexually transmitted disease inoculation study conducted from 19461948 in Guatemala was clearly unethical,” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “Although these events occurred more than 64 years ago, we are outraged that such reprehensible research could have occurred under the guise of public health. We deeply regret that it happened, and we apologize to all the individuals who were affected by such abhorrent research practices,” the statement said.

The experiment, which echoed the infamous 1960s Tuskegee study in which black American men were deliberately left untreated for syphilis, was revealed

by Susan Reverby, professor of women’s studies at Wellesley College in Massachusetts. She found out about it

this year while following up on a book about Tuskegee and, unusually for a researcher, informed the US government before she published her findings.

“In addition to the penitentiary, the studies took place in an insane asylum and an army barracks,” Reverby said in a statement. “In total, 696 men and women were exposed to the disease and then offered penicillin. The studies went on until 1948 and the records suggest that despite intentions not everyone was probably cured,” she said.

Her findings, to be published in January in the Journal of Policy History, link the Tuskegee and Guatemala studies.

“In 1946-48, Dr John C Cutler, a Public Health Service physician who would later be part of the Syphilis Study in Alabama in the 1960s and continue to defend it two decades after it ended in the 1990s, was running a syphilis inoculation project in Guatemala, co-sponsored by the PHS, the National Institutes of Health, the Pan American Health Sanitary Bureau (now the Pan American Health Organization), and the Guatemalan government,” she wrote.

“It was the early days of penicillin and the PHS was deeply interested in whether penicillin could be used to prevent, not just cure, early syphilis infec-

tion, whether better blood tests for the disease could be established, what dosages of penicillin actually cured infection, and to understand the process of reinfection after cures.”

Dr Francis Collins, director of the US National Institutes of Health, said regulation prohibited such “risky and unethical” research today. He said the revelations could damage efforts to encourage people to take part in medical research today. “I think the track record in past 20-30 years has been quite remarkable,” Collins told reporters in a telephone briefing. “But we all recognize that the Tuskegee study which involved this same Dr Cutler did great damage to the trust ... particularly from the African-American community and for medical research.”

Arturo Valenzuela, Assistant US Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said it was not yet clear whether any compensation would be offered. It was also not clear whether any of the people who were experimented upon could be traced, but said an investigation had been launched. Collins said there were no records of the study at NIH other than the title of the original grant. Cutler retired as a professor at the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and died in 2003. — Reuters

Amman rejects jamming charge Continued from Page 1 “Any examination will prove these allegations are false,” said the official. Another official said Jordan didn’t possess the technical capabilities to jam the broadcast.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. AlJazeera, which had exclusive rights to broadcast the tournament across the Mideast and North Africa, said it relied on

“multiple teams of independent international technology experts” to identify the source of the disruption. It didn’t say who was involved in the probe or how the investigation was carried out. Molly Conroy, a New York-based spokeswoman for the broadcaster, declined to comment further.

Football’s governing body FIFA threw its support behind the broadcaster shortly af ter technical problems plagued

transmission of the opening match between host South Africa and Mexico, saying it was working with Al-Jazeera to find the source of the problem. “FIFA condemns any interference of authorized transmissions of its competitions and hopes the relevant stakeholders will solve the issue,” FIFA TV director Niclas Ericson said in an emailed response to questions about Al-Jazeera’s allegations yesterday. — AP

Bin Laden ‘worried’ over climate change Continued from Page 1 “The issue today is not about gains or losses, but about life or death.” In one of two tapes issued in January, bin Laden blamed major industrial nations for climate change, a statement the US State Department said showed that he was struggling to stay relevant.

In his most recent remarks, he warned that Al-Qaeda would kill Americans if the

alleged mastermind of the 2001 attacks on the United States, Khaled Sheikh Mohammed, were executed. Plans to send Mohammed to trial just steps away from his alleged crime in New York had to be put on hold after a furious public backlash over potential costs and security threats. In another statement in January, he claimed responsibility for the botched Christmas Day bombing attempt of a US airliner and vowing further strikes on American targets.

Bin Laden also referred to US support for Israel in the January message. “God willing, our attacks against you will continue as long as you maintain your support to Israel,” he said. Bin Laden’s whereabouts are unknown, but in August, the US commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, said bin Laden is “far buried” in the remote mountains between Afghanistan and Pakistan and that capturing him remains a key task.— AFP

Divided Cyprus celebrates 50 years of independence NICOSIA: The Greek community in Cyprus celebrated 50 years of independence yesterday, while Turkish Cypriots ignored the anniversary that comes as talks to reunify the ethnically split island drag on. The internationally recognized state in the south was observing daylong commemorations that included a military parade in the capital, Nicosia, attended by cheering Greek Cypriots. Turkish Cypriots carried on business as usual in their breakaway state north of the United Nations-controlled buffer zone.

Andros Constantinou perched at the parade route to see his son who is completing his two-year compulsory army service but viewed the march with mixed feelings.

“We’re celebrating our independence, but we still have part of our country under occupation,” the 49-year-old said. Cyprus gained independence from British colonial rule in 1960 after Greek Cypriots waged a four-year guerrilla campaign. Its split came 14 years later when Turkey invaded in 1974 after a short-lived coup by supporters of union with Greece.

Turkish Cypriots declared an independent state in 1983, but only Turkey recognizes it and maintains 35,000 troops there.

Numerous UN-led attempts to broker an accord over 36 years have ended in failure.

The latest drive has produced only limited

progress after two years of difficult negotiations. Greek Cypriots celebrate statehood as an achievement against staggering adversity, said Nicosia University politics professor Hubert Faustmann.

From its inception, there was little pride in the young republic spawned as a compromise between opposing visions of union with Greece for the majority Greek Cypriots and partition for the Turkish Cypriots. Racked by intercommunal bloodshed, Independence Day celebrations never took root until 1974, when Greek Cypriots instituted commemorations to buttress the republic’s sovereignty. European Union membership came in 2004, with only Greek Cypriots enjoying the benefits. “Greek Cypriots may celebrate their statehood with less enthusiasm, but would fight hard to prevent losing it,” said Faustmann.

Turkish Cypriots never embraced the republic amid fears that Greek Cypriot domination would reduce them to an oppressed minority. Nonetheless, thousands of Turkish Cypriots hold Cyprus Republic passports and cross daily into the south either for work or to shop from several crossing points opened after travel restrictions were lifted in 2003. “We want Greek Cypriots over there and we want to be here, it’s better that way,” said Raif Ahmet, 56, in north Nicosia.

But both sides continue to pursue a peace deal for their own ends - Turkish Cypriots to gain legitimacy as equals in a newfound state and Greek Cypriots to stave off permanent partition. “I wish and hope that ongoing negotiations bring about the expected results and the Cyprus problem is solved so that our homeland is reunified, “ Greek Cypriot president Dimitris Christofias told reporters at the parade.

Negotiators envision the creation of a federated Cyprus republic, but progress on such complex issues as power sharing and arrangements on private property lost in the war has been slow.

Christofias has conceded that talks with rightist Turkish Cypriot leader Dervis Eroglu aren’t “proceeding as we would want” and said Turkish Cypriot proposals would lead to a two-state solution. He suggested that Turkey “isn’t ready for an accord”. But the 64-year-old former communist party leader, who proclaimed he ran for the post to fulfill his life’s ambition of a reunified Cyprus, says he sees no alternative to peace. “The only avenue that ensures the future of the Cyprus Republic ... is the peaceful, creative coexistence of all this land’s children in a free and reunified homeland,” Christofias said in a televised address Thursday. — AP

Musharraf launches new party LONDON: Pakistan’s ex-military ruler Pervez Musharraf apologized yesterday for mistakes made during his last term in office, as he launched a bid to return to power. Musharraf told scores of cheering supporters that he made decisions which had negative repercussions for his nation of 175 million. But the leader who stepped down in 2008 amid protests and under the threat of impeachment did not elaborate on what the mistakes had been.

“I take this opportunity to apologize,” he said. “Human beings make mistakes.” The 67year-old former leader spoke as he launched a new political party, arguing that no political alternative in his country now shows any hope of alleviating the “darkness that prevails in Pakistan.” He said under his regime there would be progress in every field. “I have confidence I can lead Pakistan toward light,” he said.

Numerous terror plots and attacks, including the 2005 suicide bombings that killed 52 commuters in London and an active plot to wage Mumbai-style shooting sprees in Europe, have been seeded in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

Musharraf declared that he had the experience to tackle the challenges of Al-Qaeda, the Taleban in the mountainous tribal regions, and the spread of extremism in Pakistan. He insisted that unless Pakistan was part of the fight against terrorism and extremism, “that fight will not succeed.” “People should be patient with Pakistan,” he said.

He said he would not do anything different this time around, saying his regime made strides to stamp out terror threats and that a crucial part of his strategy would be improving the economy.

He did not say whether he would change He said he would not do anything different this time

around, saying his regime made strides to stamp out terror threats. He did not say whether he would change his stance with the United States and coalition forces.

“There will be zero tolerance for extremism,” he said. Security was tight for the launch, which was taking place at 1 Whitehall Place - a storied and posh former gentlemen’s club.

Reporters were swept before coming in, then bomb-sniffing dogs were brought into the room where about 200 people applauded at the announcement. Several Pakistani politicians have used London in recent years to announce their intended political comebacks though few have been successful.

Some 1 million Britons are of Pakistani descent and many retain ties to Pakistan.

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted in the 1999 coup, stayed in the limelight by holding steady news conferences about his return. At the same time, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto - who struck a deal with Musharraf to drop corruption charges against her should she return to the country announced from London in 2007 that she planned to return to Pakistan after nearly a decade in exile.

Bhutto was assassinated in Pakistan at a political rally in late 2007, three months after her return. Her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, who continues to be dogged by corruption allegations, became Pakistan’s president in 2008. Bhutto’s comeback was bolstered by the power of the Bhutto political legacy - Bhutto’s father was a beloved figure among the poor. But Musharraf, who called for an end to “hereditary politics,” doesn’t enjoy the same support, and his return would be mired with obstacles. Many critics

would likely try to prevent it through the courts.

Some want him tried for treason for violating the constitution when he seized power in 1999.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry, who Musharraf fired in 2007, is back in office and is unlikely to give him an easy ride. Musharraf may be arrested or deported, just as Sharif was upon his return to Pakistan in 2007. Musharraf seemed unconcerned. “There is no case against me in the courts of Pakistan today,” he said.

“Whatever cases there have been, have been motivated politically. ... I am prepared to face anything. I am not afraid.” It also is unclear how much support Musharraf still has within the military.

Many of his close allies in the army and in the intelligence services have since retired. “He doesn’t have the same kind of clout he did,” Wajid Shamsul Hasan, Pakistan’s ambassador to Britain who was appointed under Musharraf said yesterday. “He’s yesterday’s man.” Musharraf was Pakistan’s leader when Islamist militants began attacking the state in earnest and was a key ally of the Bush administration’s so-called war on terror after the Sept. 11 terror attacks in 2001.

While in power, Musharraf launched several offensives against militants in the northwest, but struck deals with insurgents when it became clear the army could not win by sheer force.

Pakistan’s army and the current government, however, arguably have been more forceful and successful in flushing out Al-Qaeda operatives and Taleban supporters. Musharraf’s new political party must be registered in Pakistan before the country’s scheduled 2013 elections. He will spread his message at a rally in Birmingham today. — AP

SPORTS

20

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Padres pray for Giants sweep after Cubs loss Snyder drives in game winning run SAN FRANCISCO: Pablo Sandoval hit a splash shot into McCovey Cove, while Andres Torres and Buster Posey also connected as the NL West-leading San Francisco Giants beat Arizona 4-1 Thursday for a three-game sweep. The win, coupled with San Diego’s 1-0 loss to Chicago, means the Giants have clinched at least a share of the division title. Even if the Giants are swept in this weekend’s three-game series with visiting San Diego, they will finish level.

The Giants’ last division title and playoff berth was in 2003. Torres’ go-ahead, solo homer in the fifth inning helped rookie Madison Bumgarner (7-6) earn his first home victory in eight tries. Posey hit a two-run homer in the sixth, the rookie’s seventh shot in September.

Cubs 1, Padres 0 At San Diego, Brad Snyder hit an RBI single off Heath Bell with one out in the ninth inning to lead the Chicago over San Diego, pushing the Padres to the cusp of elimination from the playoff race. The loss reduced San Francisco’s magic number for clinching the NL West to one and idle Atlanta’s magic number for clinching the NL wild card to two. San Diego has lost 22 of 34 games since Aug 25, when it had 61/2game lead over the Giants. Aramis Ramirez started the Cubs’ ninth with a broken-bat single to right-center off Bell (6-1) and was replaced by pinch-runner Darwin Barney. Xavier Nady laid down a sacrifice bunt and Barney scored on Snyder’s single to left. San Diego had only three hits. It was the second time in the four-game series that San Diego lost 1-0. Sean Marshall (7-5) got two outs in the eighth for the win.

Carlos Marmol pitched a perfect ninth for his 37th save in 42 chances.

Reds 9, Astros 1 At Cincinnati, Drew Stubbs homered and drove in four runs to help the Reds stay in the race for homefield advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Brandon Phillips and Jonny Gomes homered for the NL Central champions and Bronson Arroyo (1710) pitched seven solid innings in his playoff tuneup.

The Reds are two games behind San Francisco in the race to finish with the league’s second-best record behind Philadelphia.

Cardinals 6, Rockies 1 At St Louis, Chris Carpenter threw his first complete game of the season as the Cardinals beat the Colorado Rockies. Carpenter (16-9) ended a fourgame losing streak - during which he posted a 7.17 ERA - with a four-hitter. The Rockies, who were eliminated from the postseason on Tuesday, have lost 10 of 11. Carpenter, who threw just 100 pitches, retired the last 10 batters in making his major leagueleading and career-best 35th start. He walked two and struck out four in the 29th complete game of his career. Cole Hammel (10-9) went just three innings, allowing five runs and eight hits.

Brewers 9, Mets 2 At New York, Casey McGehee got to 100 RBIs in the ninth inning on one of several sloppy plays by the Mets and Corey Hart reached 100 RBIs two batters later as the Milwaukee Brewers beat New York.

Chris Narveson (12-9) matched a season high with nine strikeouts and Lorenzo Cain hit a two-run double after All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes dropped a routine popup, helping the Brewers win for the seventh time in nine games. The loss ensured the Mets will finish with a second straight losing season. New York (77-82) struck out 13 times in dropping its third in a row to the Brewers.

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval hits a solo home run off Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Barry Enright during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, Sept 30, 2010. —AP

Greinke, Royals beat Rays, leave AL East in a tie-up KANSAS CITY: Zack Greinke pitched seven sharp innings as Kansas City beat Tampa Bay 3-2 on Thursday night, leaving the Rays and New York Yankees with a share of the AL East lead. The Rays and Yankees, who have both clinched playoff spots, are at 94-65 going into the final weekend. Tampa Bay plays three more times at Kansas City while the Yankees

have a three-game series at Boston. If Tampa Bay and New York are level after tomorrow, the Rays win the division title because they won the season series against the Yankees. Greinke (10-4) gave up two runs and four hits while striking out nine. He had won only one of his previous seven starts. Joakim Soria worked the ninth for his 43rd save. He has earned

saves in his past 36 opportunities since his last blown save on May 6 at Texas. Matt Garza (15-10) gave up three runs and five hits in seven innings.

Rangers 3, Angels 2 At Arlington, Vladimir Guerrero drove in the go-ahead run in the eighth for Texas and Cliff Lee pitched seven

Marlins 11, Pirates 9 At Miami, Mike Stanton homered and drove in five runs as the Marlins held off the Pittsburgh Pirates. Pedro Alvarez hit a three-run homer off Jose Veras in the ninth. Leo Nunez came in and struck out the final two batters to record his 30th save in 38 opportunities. Alvarez went 4 for 5 with five RBIs. Wes Helms drove in two runs in the Marlins’ four-run first inning and starter Chris Volstad (12-9) pitched six innings, allowing two runs. Rookies Stanton, Logan Morrison, Gaby Sanchez and Ozzie Martinez accounted for 10 of the Marlins’ 13 hits. Stanton had an RBI single in the first, a three-run homer off Zach Duke (8-15) to deep center field in the fourth, and another RBI single in the sixth. —AP

MLB results/standings Major League Baseball results and standings on Thursday. San Francisco 4, Arizona 1; Chicago Cubs 1, San Diego 0; Florida 11, Pittsburgh 9; Milwaukee 9, NY Mets 2; Cincinnati 9, Houston 1; Texas 3, LA Angels 2; Chicago White Sox 8, Boston 2; Kansas City 3, Tampa Bay 2; Toronto 13, Minnesota 2; St. Louis 6, Colorado 1; Oakland 8, Seattle 1; Baltimore v Detroit (postponed).

American League Eastern Division W L NY Yankees 94 65 Tampa Bay 94 65 Boston 87 72 Toronto 83 76 Baltimore 63 95 Central Division Minnesota 93 66 Chicago White Sox 86 73 Detroit 80 78 Cleveland 68 91 Kansas City 66 93 Western Division Texas 89 70 LA Angels 78 81 Oakland 78 81 Seattle 61 98 National League Eastern Division Philadelphia 95 64 Atlanta 90 69 Florida 78 81 NY Mets 77 82 Washington 68 91 Central Division Cincinnati 89 70 St. Louis 83 76 Milwaukee 76 83 Houston 75 84 Chicago Cubs 73 86 Pittsburgh 56 103 Western Division San Francisco 91 68 San Diego 88 71 Colorado 83 76 LA Dodgers 78 81 Arizona 64 95

PCT .591 .591 .547 .522 .399

GB 7 11 30.5

.585 .541 .506 .428 .415

7 12.5 25 27

.560 .491 .491 .384

11 11 28

.597 .566 .491 .484 .428

5 17 18 27

.560 .522 .478 .472 .459 .352

6 13 14 16 33

.572 .553 .522 .491 .403

3 8 13 27

KANSAS CITY: Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Reid Brignac (left) throws to first for the out, hit into by Kansas City Royals’ Mike Aviles, after missing the tag at second on Royals’ Gregor Blanco (7) during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Sept 30, 2010. —AP

innings in his final tuneup before the playoffs. Nelson Cruz, who had three hits, doubled to right and stole third on a pitch in the dirt with one out in the eighth. Guerrero lined a single to left off reliever Jordan Walden (0-1) to give Texas the lead. Darren O’Day (6-2) relieved Lee and allowed a game-tying home run to Peter Bourjos. Lee, who struck out eight without a walk, gave up four singles and an unearned run. He will start Game 1 of the AL division series Wednesday against either Tampa Bay or New York. Neftali Feliz pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 39th save. Angels starter Scott Kazmir allowed two runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. The lefthander made his final start of the season and is 2-10 since June 24.

Blue Jays 13, Twins 2 At Minneapolis, Jose Bautista hit home runs No. 53 and 54, including a grand slam, and Toronto went deep six times.

Edwin Encarnacion hit two homers and Jose Molina and Travis Snider added long balls for the Blue Jays, who have hit 253 homers this season, the fourth-highest total in baseball history. Bautista’s second homer went to right field, his first this season that didn’t go to either left or leftcenter. Francisco Liriano (14-10) gave up five runs and six hits, including three of those homers, with six strikeouts in 5 1-3 innings in his final start before the playoffs. The left-hander is scheduled to start Game 1 of the ALDS on Wednesday at Target Field. The AL Central champions have lost six of seven and missed a chance to tie the Rays and Yankees for the best record in the American League. Bautista entered the night on an 0-for-20 skid, but had three hits and five RBIs. Casey

Janssen (5-2) pitched 1 1-3 innings of scoreless relief for the win.

White Sox 8, Red Sox 2 At Chicago, Paul Konerko hit a grand slam that wrecked Jon Lester’s bid for his 20th win, and Chicago won a game delayed by a power failure. The game was held up for 21 minutes in the sixth inning when most of the stadium lights went out.

A power outage in the area was the cause.

Konerko connected for his 39th homer of the season and the ninth grand slam of his career. The fourth-inning shot off Lester (19-9) made it 6-2 and Dayan Viciedo chased the Red Sox ace with a two-run homer in the fifth. Lester, trying to become the first Red Sox left-hander in 57 years to win 20 games, gave up eight runs and nine hits in four-plus innings in his final start of the season. Victor Martinez homered for Boston, which has lost four of its last five. Juan Pierre stole three bases, giving him a career-high 66, as the White Sox finished 6-1 against the Red Sox. Chicago has won seven of eight since being eliminated from the AL Central.

Athletics 8, Mariners 1 At Seattle, Oakland’s Gio Gonzalez threw seven scoreless innings, giving up four hits, walking five and striking out eight. Jeremy Hermida of the Athletics singled to lead off the fifth inning and Rajai Davis and Daric Barton both singled with two outs to load the bases before Doug Fister (6-14) balked in a run. Mark Ellis drove in one run with a single and Jack Cust added a tworun single. Kevin Kouzmanoff singled to lead off sixth inning and Chris Carter homered to give Oakland a 6-0 lead and chase Fister. —AP

Lakers wary but eager about European tour EL SEGUNDO: Pau Gasol has traveled to Spain twice during previous NBA preseasons, so he knows all about being a tour guide for a bunch of wide-eyed American hoopsters in his native Barcelona. Las Ramblas, the Sagrada Familia, the paella - he has it all covered.

But Gasol knows his third trip back home is a whole lot bigger than his first two with the Memphis Grizzlies. After all, he’s now with the two-time defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, whose every move is a big deal. “It’s always special, but at the same time, it wears you out a little bit,” Gasol said of the NBA’s preseason European tours.

“They’ve got you doing two events a day, practice, media. You want to see your friends, you’re excited to be home, you have no time, so it becomes a little stressful. The most enjoyable part is the game. You can’t wait to play the game, get on a plane and get back here.”

Although the Lakers would prefer to

be practicing at their quiet training complex near LAX, they were politely excited about boarding one of those planes Thursday for a flight to London, where they’ll face the Minnesota Timberwolves at The O2 on Monday. They’ll go on to Spain for another game next Thursday against Regal FC Barcelona, Gasol’s former team. Their schedule is jam-packed with public events, private gatherings, team-building sessions, two exhibitions in front of excited audiences - and a few practices, if they can find the time.

Gasol acknowledges he’ll be the No 2 attraction - even in Barcelona - behind Kobe Bryant. The two-time NBA finals MVP hopes to play in both exhibitions, although his minutes will be limited as he ramps back up from offseason knee surgery. “Most of us have all been traveling all summer, so it just feels like another trip,” said Bryant, who has practiced only sparingly in the past week. “(The travel) doesn’t concern me. I’ll play if it

feels right. These are like practice games. If I can play, I’ll play.” The Lakers have been on a treadmill of nearly nonstop basketball since late 2007, when they gathered at training camp before the first of three consecutive trips to the NBA finals. Bryant and Gasol also participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, while Lamar Odom just got back from Europe after playing for the champi-

NBA onship-winning US team at the world championships.

Just when Odom finally had his body clock re-set to California time, he hopped on another plane - but Odom wasn’t complaining much. “We’re on the world stage representing our team and our corporation,” Odom said. “There’s nothing like representing basketball. The game is

expanding, and basketball is the new soccer. It’s catching on all over the world. ...

London is a pretty cool city, so I’m looking forward to getting this practice over with and getting out and walking around, just getting out and seeing the town, maybe getting my wife some shoes something she wouldn’t see over here.”

Odom’s wife, reality TV star Khloe Kardashian, won’t make the trip, but Odom knows the spotlight on the Lakers still will be quite bright.

“The paparazzi is strong over there, too, right?” he asked with a grin. Coach Phil Jackson already is a world traveler, and his natural concerns about interrupting training camp are tempered by the opportunity to expand his younger players’ horizons. Since he hasn’t installed Los Angeles’ inbounds plays, Jackson still plans to get the Lakers into a gym on every off-day to work on the triangle offense and their teamwork.

“You have to go over there and find a

way to get some progress, and not just slide along in neutral,” Jackson said. “I don’t know how much ground we’re going to gain, though. It’s really more of a publicity thing for the league.” The Lakers are traveling with 16 players, including injured center Andrew Bynum.

Bryant and Derek Fisher plan to get the players together at some point on the trip for an expensive meal and some good conversation as they attempt to solidify the team chemistry they’ll need to compete with Miami, Boston, Orlando and everybody else for a third straight title.

“I’m not a fish-and-chips type of guy, but hopefully we’ll get a chance to enjoy some fine dining,” Fisher said. “It’s tough to prepare for the type of season we have in front of us with such a disjointed October, but I think we’ve maximized what we have. I don’t think we’ll view it as an excuse to lean on or anything as to why we don’t start the season the right way.” —AP

SPORTS

Saturday, October 2, 2010

21

Watson scores second test century, remains at crease Zaheer strikes in final session

MOHALI: Australia’s Shane Watson celebrates scoring a century during the first day of their first cricket test match against India yesterday. —AP

Scoreboard Scoreboard at the close of the opening day of the yesterday.

Australia first innings: Shane Watson not out 101 Simon Katich lbw b Khan 6 Ricky Ponting run out 71 Michael Clarke c Dravid b Singh 14 Mike Hussey lbw Khan 17 Marcus North b Khan 0 Tim Paine not out 1

first test between Australia and India in Mohali Extras (lb-4, nb-10) 14 Total (5 wickets; 90 overs) 224 To bat: N. Hauritz, M. Johnson, B. Hilfenhaus, D. Bollinger. Fall of wickets: 1-13 2-154 3-172 4-218 5-222.

Bowling: Khan 16-4-45-3, Sharma 7.4-1-49-0, Ojha 31-12-39-0, Singh 29-6-69-1, Sehwag 6.2-0-18-0.

20 years on, East German athletes still bear scars BERLIN: With Germany celebrating the 20th anniversary of reunification today, some exathletes who competed for East Germany are still paying the price for their country’s sporting success. It is estimated up to 10,000 East German athletes were doped under a systematic program that ran from 1972 to 1989. The East German state established a huge doping system in the 1970s using Turinabol, an anabolic steroid which encourages muscle growth, and allowed the country to excel in a host of sports including swimming, athletics and cycling. During the 20-year period East Germany competed as a separate state, the small country of 16 million people won 519 medals at 11 Olympic games, 192 of them gold.

Even teenage athletes were subjected to doping under the regime at a time when drugs testing was far less stringent than it is today, a leading former sports official has admitted in a new book. Many of the athletes were given the pills as minors and insist they had no idea the effect they would have in later life. A number of athletes in the program later developed health problems, including cancer, ovarian cysts and liver dysfunction, while some gave birth to

babies who were blind or had club feet.

Thomas Koehler, former vice president of the East German sports association DTSB, this month became the first high-ranking member of the defunct Stalinist state’s sporting establishment to acknowledge that minors were also doped.

“When athletes participated (in doping programs) from the age of 16, it was primarily done when their biological maturity was established,” Koehler wrote in his book “The Two Sides of the Medal”. Doping “had been planned for select elite athletes, who were mainly adults.”

Koehler, himself a former Olympic luge champion, said that cheating was “the only way for East Germany to hold its own at the international level.”

The 70-year-old said that the communist officials had the interest of their athletes at heart, with 90 sports doctors employed to monitor their health. In April 2009, five former East German coaches confessed to taking part in the scheme which administered “pharmaceutical substances” to enhance athletes’ performances. But several victims of the doping program have expressed their anger at the decision not to punish them. Former athlete

Andreas Krieger has accused the German government of a “transparent attempt to cover up two decades of lasting ignorance.” Born Heidi Krieger in Berlin in 1966, she was first given steroids at the age of 13 and later competed as a woman shot-putter for East Germany, going on to win gold at the 1986 European Championships.

Krieger retired in 1990, but seven years later realized the steroids had left her with all the traits of a man, save the genitals, and underwent sex reassignment surgery before changing his name to Andreas.”Seeing that these people can simply buy themselves out of their past with this statement, I can only speak of a grave violation of moral principles,” Krieger said at the time. In 2000, both Krieger and Ines Geipel, a former top GDR sprinter, gave evidence against Manfred Ewald and Manfred Hoeppner, who led the East German doping program, which led to both men being convicted. Geipel, a former world record holder in the 4x100m relay, has said the confessions by former GDR officials now amount to nothing more than a “union for yes-men.” Said Geipel: “It is not only a fatal act, but an act of political perversion.” —AFP

MOHALI: Shane Watson made the most of two dropped catches to score a century as Australia posted 224-5 in their first innings at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against India yesterday. The Australian opener, let off on nought and 37, made an unbeaten 101 for his second Test hundred to help his side recover from an early blow with a 141-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Ricky Ponting (71). Watson, who cracked a century in each innings of a practice game before the Test, completed his hundred in the final session when he turned off-spinner Harbhajan Singh to deep square-leg for two runs.

He has so far cracked eight fours in his 279-ball knock.

Tim Paine was the other notout batsman on one. India did not allow Australia to seize the initiative despite Watson’s hundred as left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan grabbed three big wickets, including two in the final session. The fast bowler trapped Michael Hussey leg-before and then bowled Marcus North for duck. Hussey faced 76 balls for his 17 runs. Australia, who scored 101 runs in the morning after electing to bat on a pitch lacking pace and bounce, could manage only 45 in the last session. Even Watson could add only 26 to his tea score of 75. “To get a hundred is good as the conditions are different and it tested my concentration. It was all about playing the ball on its merit and try and rotate the strike,” said Watson.

“Indians bowled well after Ricky’s run-out, so our runrate dropped in the session.

Then the ball started to reverse-swing and Zaheer is a very good bowler, so we couldn’t score much.” Leftarm spinner Pragyan Ojha kept a tidy line and length, conceding just 39 runs in 31 overs. Australia were comfortably placed at 154-1 before slipping to 222-5, losing wellset Ponting, vice-captain Michael Clarke (14), Hussey and North.

Ponting, averaging just 20.85 in 12 Tests in India before this match, looked set to play a big knock before he was run out by Suresh Raina’s direct-hit at the striker’s end from mid-wicket. Words were exchanged between Zaheer and Ponting after the Australian skipper’s dismissal. Ponting hit 10 fours in his 124-ball knock. “I think when you play a tough game and expect a tough competition, words are exchanged.

You know you play hard and sometimes this happens,” said Ojha. “It was great the way we came back in the Test, getting wickets. At the end of day, we got five wickets which make the match evenly poised.” The Australian captain produced some delightful strokes during his stay at the crease, driving Ojha through the covers to reach his half-century and then square-driving and flicking Zaheer for two fours.

India were left a bowler short in the afternoon when paceman Ishant Sharma departed the field during his eighth over with a leg injury.

Zaheer, returning to the Test squad after missing the recent Test series in Sri Lanka due to injury, was unlucky not to dismiss Watson with his second delivery as Virender Sehwag dropped a catch at gully. The fast bowler did not have to wait long for his first success, trapping Simon Katich (six) leg-before in his third over. India introduced spin after 10 overs on a slow track, but Ojha and Harbhajan could not break the PontingWatson stand in the morning.

Watson was lucky to survive on 37 when wicket-keeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni failed to hold on to an edge off Ojha.

He played some handsome shots, straight-driving Sharma and then pulling Zaheer for two fours. He then struck two successive fours off Sharma before the paceman left the field. Harbhajan, a doubtful starter on Thursday due to a leg injury, was declared fit in the morning. —AFP

NEWPORT: Europe team captain Colin Montgomerie shelters under an umbrella during heavy rainfall that suspended play at the 2010 Ryder Cup golf tournament at the Celtic Manor golf course yesterday. —AP

Monday Cup finish likely at soaking Celtic Manor Waterproof Woods treats crowds to stirring game NEWPORT: The prospect of an unprecedented Monday Ryder Cup finish loomed large at a waterlogged Celtic Manor yesterday where play was suspended for more than four hours.

Europe led holders the United States in three of the four opening fourball encounters out on the early holes of the course before the action was halted in pouring rain at 0942 local (0842 GMT) due to unplayable conditions.

Organizers had been confident the weather would improve by the early afternoon but heavy rain continued to lash the Twenty Ten layout, ruling out any chance of an immediate resumption.

A further announcement said that they remained hopeful of resumption but that a decision would not be made until at least 1500 GMT. Large pools of water had formed on the fairways and greens earlier in the day, forcing the first suspension of play at a Ryder Cup since the 1997 edition at Valderrama, Spain. “This morning it was pretty rough,” European Tour chief referee John Paramor said. “It deteriorated to such an extent that I contacted both captains and said: ‘Gentlemen, what do you think?’ “At that stage, the first group had just teed off six. But by then it was clear that conditions were not improving so everyone came to the agreement to suspend play.”

With the opening matches almost certain not to finish yesterday, the opening foursomes will now spill over into today when Ryder Cup’s meteorologist Mike McClellan said better weather was expected. “It appears we are going to have some decent dry weather

during the day but then more rain tonight that continues into tomorrow morning,” McClellan told Reuters.

“Monday looks pretty good but I think the biggest issue we are going to have to deal with, as far as suspension or anything like that, will be a possible fog delay this morning.” The biennial Ryder Cup, which began in 1927, has never needed a Monday finish.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods gave a 90minute cameo that summed up his golfing year yesterday when he sprayed his ball to all corners of a sodden Celtic Manor, bar the fairways, but also produced one sublime, hole-winning shot.

Woods and Steve Stricker were one down to English duo Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher when fourball play on the first day of the Ryder Cup was suspended due to a waterlogged course with their match halfway down the fourth hole.

The pace of play was painfully slow as the overworked squeegee teams battled to keep the greens playable, but, as always when world number one Woods is around, his group drew the biggest crowds. Having been given a hugely warm welcome at Thursday’s opening ceremony, Woods’ arrival on the first tee was more low key and certainly overshadowed by that of Poulter who reveled in the football-style atmosphere engendered by the surrounding packed horseshoe-shaped stand.

Unlike most other players and the small army of caddies, assistants and officials, Woods opted, as usual, to forgo a waterproof jacket, instead wearing just a compression base layer, polo shirt

Springbok emblem shifted for 2011 World Cup jersey JOHANNESBURG: The centuryold Springbok emblem will have to be moved from the front of South Africa’s rugby jersey to the left sleeve at next year’s World Cup. Once the defining image of South African rugby, the Springbok had already been shifted from the left breast to the right to make way for South Africa’s

Springbok on the front of the jersey failed to find favor,” said Marais. “We were left with no choice and the important point to note is that this application will only be for IRB World Cup events.” The Springbok emblem is the focus of passionate debate in South Africa, and has been since the country’s shift to democracy in 1994.

Some believe it should be discarded because of its connection with the country’s racist past, when the Springboks were viewed by black South Africans as the sporting representatives of the apartheid regime. Authorities ruled the Springbok should be moved for the first time from the left breast to the right for the 2009 series against the British and Irish Lions, in the face of opposition from rugby fans who argue it’s a sporting and not a political symbol. It has been South Africa’s rugby emblem since 1906.

SARU said the presence of the Protea badge, the IRB logo and its own sponsors meant there was no place for the Springbok on the front of the jersey and the “cleanest option” was to move the Springbok to the left sleeve.

South Africa’s women’s rugby team had the Springbok on their left sleeves at the recent Women’s World Cup in England, and Australia’s team will also have its Wallaby logo on the sleeve of its World Cup jerseys in 2011, SARU pointed out. —AP

South African Rugby Union finally backs De Villiers JOHANNESBURG: Peter de Villiers finally received “full support” from the South African Rugby Union yesterday, but it demanded improved results and said consultants would be brought in to help the Springboks’ under-fire coach.

SARU president Oregan Hoskins also said his organization “had serious cause for concern and explanations had been sought,” following the team’s disastrous defense of its TriNations title.

On Monday, De Villiers faced an extensive review of the world champion’s Peter de Villiers season, in which it lost five of six Tri-Nations games and conceded 22 tries - its worst showing in the 15 years of the professional tournament.

Hoskins said he then met with De Villiers, and assistant coaches Gary Gold and Dick Muir, who were reportedly under pressure to keep their jobs, in Durban late on Thursday. “Recent speculation has obviously been unsettling for all three coaches,” Hoskins said in yesterday’s statement. “We frankly discussed operational issues and the team performance but I am very upbeat about the outcomes and the way forward ... I am happy to end all speculation by confirming that the coaching team remains unchanged.” South Africa finished last in this year’s Tri-Nations.

It lost three successive games to eventual champion New Zealand, let in an average of nearly four tries a game, and was beaten by Australia at one of its highveld venues for the first time in 47 years. The Springboks’ form on the pitch was compounded by controversy surrounding De Villiers off it. The coach was hauled before a disciplinary hearing for questioning the honesty of referees - he was cleared of the charge - and faced a public relations disaster when he suggested his team supported Super 14 player Bees Roux, who has been charged with the murder of a policeman.

“All aspects of preparation and performance have been reviewed and nobody needs to explain the expectations of South African rugby supporters for the Springbok team,” Hoskins said. “Improvements in results have to be made and the coaching staff is aware of that. “But memories are short; a year ago this same group of players and coaches were No 1 in the world and the head coach was named as coach of the year by the South African rugby media.” SARU would also bring in extra help for De Villiers, said Hoskins. —AP

Rugby

Victor Matfield new sporting emblem, the Protea.

The South African Rugby Union said yesterday it was “left with no choice” but to move the Springbok for next year’s tournament in New Zealand. World Cup organizer the International Rugby Board requires its own logo on the front of jerseys at World Cups and the IRB had prevented South Africa from placing the Springbok above the Protea or sponsor’s emblem, said SARU executive council chairman Jan Marais. “The decision was very straightforward in the end as our attempts to find a place for the

and sleeveless jumper. His caddie Steve Williams also seemed determined to show his disdain for the angry Welsh weather gods, sporting a short-sleeved shirt as he maneuvered an umbrella deftly around his master while furiously toweling his clubs dry at every opportunity.

If Woods’ plan was to avoid any restriction in his shoulders it did not seem to be working initially as he hooked his opening drive into the rough then hacked his second just 80 yards, an all-too-familiar shot for the sodden gallery of weekend warriors. It did not take long for the world number one to make his mark, however. After a similarly scruffy start to the second hole, he threaded a glorious 100-yard wedge on to the narrowest landing zone and sank a four-footer for birdie to briefly level the match after Fisher had won the first with a par.

Woods would not have enjoyed taking almost an hour to complete the first two holes and, after two more wayward tee shots, he was not complaining when officials halted play with his group trudging into the teeth of the wind and rain up the fourth fairway.

Stricker, ranked the world’s fourthbest golfer, barely qualified as the fourth-best of his fourball grouping after a woeful set of early holes and will no doubt hope the rest of his round will rejuvenate his game. Poulter had fired up the home crowd by sinking a superb, long birdie putt to win the parthree third for Europe to go one up before the players left the course for the clubhouse. —Reuters

SPORTS

22

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Australia’s Matthews wins world U23 crown Cavendish won’t rule out sprint finish at worlds GEELONG: Australian Michael Matthews produced a powerful finishing burst to claim the under-23 men’s crown at the world road race cycling championships yesterday. Matthews, 20, finished the 159-kilometre race ahead of German John

Cycling

GEELONG: Michael Matthews from Australia celebrates after winning the men’s under 23 road race at the World Road Championships yesterday. —AP

Mind games begin ahead of rainbow jersey clash GEELONG: Italy coach Paolo Bettini is keeping rival teams guessing as the mind games gather pace ahead of tomorrow’s battle for cycling’s coveted rainbow jersey. The men’s road race, held over a grueling 262.7 kilometers (160 miles), will bring the curtain down on the fiveday world road race championships. And while Belgian Philippe Gilbert has been touted as the man best suited to a hilly 15.9 kilometer Geelong circuit that will be raced 11 times, the one-day classics specialist is by no means alone.

“There are about 10 guys who can really win the race,” said Fabian Cancellara, who won a historic fourth world time trial crown on Thursday.

Like Gilbert, Spaniard Oscar Freire and a few others, Italian Filippo Pozzato is a strong oneday rider who can excel on hilly circuits. Having missed out on the podium last year, the Italians are desperate to make amends, especially to honour former coach Franco Ballerini, who died in a rallying accident earlier this year. With Bettini now at the helm, the Italians are confident. He is the Olympic champion from 2004 and won backto-back rainbow jerseys in 2006 and 2007.

But Bettini is hoping to keep his rivals guessing over their race intentions right up to the finish. “We still haven’t defined the tactics for tomorrow’s race,” he said. “It shows that we’re not betting on one horse. We have many strong riders and if I compare our team with the other countries, our squad is the most diverse.” The men’s road race starts in Melbourne and winds its way west for 87 kilometer to Geelong, where it should spark into life on the final laps.

After experiencing the course first-hand, British sprint specialist Mark Cavendish all but admitted his rainbow dream was over.

“According to what people had been telling me beforehand the rainbow jersey was a possibility, but now that I’ve been able to check it out for myself, I’ll have to revise my ambitions,” Cavendish said. Freire is also a sprinter, but one who can climb well and finish fast on uphill home straights, such as in Geelong. A three-time world champion already, he will be supported by a Spanish team motivated by the chance of helping him win an unprecedented fourth rainbow jersey. —AFP

TOKYO: Spain’s Jorge Lorenzo steers his Yamaha during a free practice ahead of tomorrow’s Japanese Motorcycling Grand Prix at Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Motegi yesterday. —AP

Lorenzo all set for MotoGP title after Pedrosa crash MOTEGI: Championship leader Jorge Lorenzo stepped closer to his first MotoGP season title yesterday after second-ranked Dani Pedrosa crashed in practice, forcing him out of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. With Pedrosa out of the Motegi race, Spaniard Lorenzo saw his chances to win the season improve considerably, particularly if Pedrosa, who needs an operation, also misses next week’s race in Malaysia, as seems likely. “Obviously, the best way to win the world title is with all the riders in the best condition and all the races competed,” Lorenzo said after

the practice. “Bad luck for Dani. It’s not good news for the championship,” the Yamaha man added.

Pedrosa, also from Spain, was to immediately fly home for an operation to plate the fractured collarbone, his team Repsol Honda said in a statement.

The rider crashed at a Vshaped corner within the first five minutes of practice, after completing only two laps at Motegi. A problem with the bike meant he could not close the throttle when he started braking for a turn, the team said. “Another injury to contend with is really not what I needed,” Pedrosa said. “I hope

(the operation) goes as well as possible and that I can return to racing soon.”

With five races remaining, including Motegi, Lorenzo leads the field with 284 points, 56 points ahead of Pedrosa and 129 ahead of third-ranked Casey Stoner on a Ducati. Two consecutive victories or strong finishes would give Lorenzo an unbeatable points lead over Pedrosa, who, until his crash, was the only racer with a chance of overtaking Lorenzo in the race for the title. It was unclear when Pedrosa could return to racing, a race medical officer said. —AFP

Degenkolb, but race officials could not separate American Taylor Phinney and Canada’s Guillaume Boivin, who shared the bronze medal. Matthews, who races for the Jayco team but is set for a professional contract in the Pro Tour next year, kept his composure in a pack of around 30 riders as they powered towards the slightly uphill finish of the 10-lap race. Degenkolb launched his sprint with around 250 meters to go, but Matthews played a waiting game before digging deep and overtaking the German to win with room to spare.

As well as being Australia’s first gold medal in the category, it is their first of the five-day championships, which continues today with the women’s road race and ends tomorrow with the elite men’s 267.2 km race. Matthews, who has only been racing for four years but based his whole season around the race, was lost for words to describe his feat. “I’m speechless, I don’t know what to say,” said Matthews, who was quick to share the glory with his teammates. “They were with me the whole time, on the front run for me, being around me the whole time, making sure I had drinks, water, food, always asking me how I was. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

The early stages of the race were dominated by American Ben King, the under-23 rider who stunned a host of more established names recently to win the US elite national road race championships. King’s early attack led to him being chased down by Australian namesake Ben King, but the efforts of both riders ultimately left them trailing as the race wore on. Held on the same circuit to be used by the women and men this weekend, the course’s two main climbs failed to eliminate as many under-23 riders as expected.

Matthews’s team upped the pace in the last few laps before a series of attacks, notably from Frenchman Tony Gallopin, sparked the finale into life.

Gallopin ultimately failed to gain enough distance from his chasers on the descent from the final climb and at the last corner leading to the home straight the main bunch had reformed.

Matthews had started among the favorites, and kept the home fans happy with a superb victory.

“There was a lot of pressure but it worked on my side, so everyone felt like they had to beat me instead of me beat them,” he added. “So I started off really well and finished better, I can’t really say any more.” Phinney’s bronze medal comes two days after he won gold in the under-23 time trial, and he said he was happy to share it with his friend Boivin.

“Yeah we’ve raced together since 2007 in the Tour de l’Abitibi in Canada where he was beating me in sprints. So yeah, you never really want to share a medal but if there was one person I could share a medal with...

I’m happy.”

Meanwhile, British sprint king Mark Cavendish has refused to rule out his chances of being crowned world champion at the road race championships here tomorrow. Cavendish was reported to have said he had little chance of winning cycling’s coveted rainbow jersey because the course’s 15.9 km circuit, which has two climbs and finishes on a slight rise, is too difficult.

The 25-year-old Isle of Man rider is known mostly for his victories on flatter terrain which is favorable to sprinters. At the Tour de France this year he took his stage victory tally to a remarkable 15.

Cavendish, however, was perhaps given hope after he saw the under-23 men’s race, held on the same circuit yesterday, finish in a bunch sprint, with Australian Michael Matthews taking the honors.

While Cavendish refused to be drawn on his chances, he was quick to play down reports in which he said he would have to “review” his ambitions. —AFP

BANGKOK: Rafael Nadal of Spain serves to Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan during their quarter final round match at the PTT Thailand Open tennis tournament yesterday. —AP

Nadal eases into Thailand Open semis Nieminen, Becker advance as seeds tumble BANGKOK: World number one Rafa Nadal advanced to the semi-finals of the Thailand Open with a 6-2 6-3 win over Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Kukushkin yesterday. The Spaniard, who won his ninth grand slam at last month’s US Open, overpowered the 22-year-old with a polished all-round performance. Nadal broke the 83-ranked Kazakh at 3-2 in the first set and and won six straight games before Kukushkin answered back. Nadal served well throughout the second set and kept his opponent on the back foot with some punishing forehand drives.

“It was a much better performance than yesterday and I felt really happy.

My serve-kick worked really well,” Nadal told reporters. Referring to his US Open triumph, Nadal said he still had more room for improvement and

admitted it would be difficult to keep his number one ranking for a long time.

“I’m not the best tennis player yet.

Winning and losing depends on how I prioritize. I just want to enjoy it and become a better player year by year,” he added.

Unseeded Jarkko Nieminen and Benjamin Becker booked places in the

Tennis semi-finals after impressive runs in a tournament decimated by early exits of its top-ranked players. Finland’s Nieminen beat third-seeded Austrian Juergen Melzer 6-3 7-6 to set up a semifinal with Becker, the 2007 finalist, who outplayed fellow German Daniel Brands 6-4 6-2. Nieminen, the world number

60, put his form down to a recent change in coach and improvements to a game he said had stagnated.

“We’ve worked on a lot of things, especially the serve, and everything takes time to take shape,” he told reporters. “I’m 29 now and I have been doing the same things for a long time, so it takes a while to implement changes into my game but I think I am serving better than ever now.” Nadal and Latvian Ernests Gulbis are the only seeded players left in the competition.

Gulbis was due to play Spain’s Guillermo Garcia-Lopez later yesterday.

Those who made early exits include second-seeded Fernando Verdasco, former US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Serbian Viktor Troicki. —Reuters

TOKYO: Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki returns a shot against Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka in the singles semifinal match at the Toray Pan Pacific Open women’s tennis tournament yesterday. —AP

Wozniacki ready to meet Dementieva in Tokyo final Dane closes in on top ranking TOKYO: Top seed Caroline Wozniacki outmuscled Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-2 6-7 6-4 to reach the final of the Pan Pacific Open yesterday. Russia’s former champion Elena Dementieva defeated this year’s French Open winner Francesca Schiavone 6-4 7-5 of Italy in the other semi-final. Dane Wozniacki overcame Azarenka’s loud grunting, tantrums and occasional flashes of brilliance to advance to the final of the $2 million tournament in Tokyo.

“After the first set the second was really tight,” said Wozniacki, who is closing in on the world number one ranking.

“At 5-love I felt really good,” added Wozniacki, who squandered a big lead in

the final set before closing the match out in two hours and 51 minutes. “I thought the match was mine. Then Victoria started playing well and all of a sudden the score is 5-4 and I knew I had to close it out with my serve.”

Wozniacki stormed through the first set but was pegged back after an errorstrewn second in which both players struggled to hold serve. Normal service was resumed in the decider with Wozniacki pinning Azarenka back with some ferocious deep hitting before bringing up three match points. The Dane was held up briefly after a successful line-call challenge from Azarenka on the first but clinically brought proceedings to a close

with an ace the middle.

Wozniacki can overtake Serena Williams at the top of the world rankings by winning in Tokyo this week and following that with a quarter-final finish in Beijing next week. “Caroline is very motivated as she wants to reach the number one position by the end of the year,” said Dementieva, who win in Tokyo four years ago.

“She’s a very consistent player and has a very powerful baseline game. I have to be aggressive and really will have to go for the winners. “There are no mistakes I can expect from her because she is playing at the top level and having a great season.” —Reuters

SPORTS

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Lyon hope to build on Euro boost

Man Utd look to put pressure on Chelsea

PARIS: The Champions League has been plain sailing to date for Lyon, who already have a foot in the knockout phase, but in the league it seems they can do nothing right. Such schizophrenia is not the norm for a club that landed seven straight league

LONDON: Manchester United can draw level with champions Chelsea before the Premier League leaders even kick-off if they win away to Sunderland today. Victory for

French League Preview titles before Bordeaux knocked them off their perch two seasons ago. But recent weeks have brought one puzzling performance after another. Last weekend’s 1-0 loss at home to SaintEtienne in the 100th Derby du Rhone came despite one of their best performances of the campaign to date, but left them in the drop zone with just one win from seven league games.

A measure of redemption arrived with a mid-week win at Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Champions League, which, following on from an opening success against Schalke, has seen morale tentatively rising ahead of today’s trip to Nancy. Michel Bastos was Lyon’s match-winner in Israel with a first-half brace, which included a spectacular second goal to take his European haul to three this term, but he quickly switched his focus back to matters domestic. “Helping my team with a goal like that was great, but now we have to think about the Nancy game and go into that one in the right frame of mind,” said the Brazilian international.

Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom says he cannot put his finger on why Lyon have managed to collect maximum points from their European dates, but failed to reproduce that form in the league. “We really worked for each other,” said Kallstrom of the win in Tel Aviv. “But it’s true that we have been having a few problems in front of goal, even though we have performing at a high level.” All the more galling for Lyon is that it is Saint-Etienne who have been setting the Ligue 1 pace after decades in the doldrums.

Lyon’s title success in 2002 was their first ever, whereas their neighbours had reached double figures by 1981. Les Verts have failed to win the trophy since then, enduring spells in the second division and narrowly avoiding relegation from the top flight in the last two seasons.

With 16 points from seven games, however, things are looking up at a club best known for being Michel Platini’s stamping ground before he went on to even greater things with Juventus.

Under Christophe Galtier, who took over from Alain Perrin last December, Saint-Etienne have opened up a one-point lead over Rennes, with Toulouse a point further back in third place.

Defending champions Marseille, beaten mid-week at Chelsea and five points off the pace, arrive at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard today. A first win at Lyon in 17 years means the game is a 35,000 sell-out and Galtier is already talking about European places. —AFP

23

English Premier League Preview

TEL AVIV: Lyon player Bafetimbi Gomis (right) and player Eran Zahavi play their Champions League soccer match Group B at the Bloomfield Stadium. — AP

Mainz aim to make history, Bayern look to bounce back BERLIN: Surprise-package Mainz are bidding to write themselves into Bundesliga history this weekend when they face Hoffenheim while Bayern Munich need a win at Dortmund to keep the German media at bay. Only two sides, Kaiserslautern in 2001/02 and Bayern Munich in 1995/96, have ever won all seven of their opening Bundesliga games. Now Mainz’s young guns are hoping to become the third team by adding to their dream start with a seventh win at home to Hoffenheim today. Their success has come on the back of some outstanding performances, especially when they

German League Preview won 2-1 at defending champions Bayern Munich last Saturday.

Midfielder Lewis Holtby, 20, and teenage striker Andre Schuerrle have scored five goals between them and their excellent performances have even earned the attentions of national coach Joachim Loew. While Mainz’s fairytale has caught the media’s imagination in Germany, coach Thomas Tuchel says he has no time to daydream. His side has not finished higher than fourth in the league in the last decade. They only won promotion back to the Bundesliga in 2008 after being relegated the season before. “We have no time to dream. We have to stay on our path. Everything else is just a nice snapshot,” said Tuchel. “We have to fix our concentration and focus on our next task. “This is just a game for the media, it is not something that will help us and we must allow nothing to distract us.”

Hoffenheim are fourth in the table, but already seven points behind the leaders who have a faultless 18 points.

Defending champions Bayern are looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s humiliating defeat at Munich’s Allianz Arena when they travel to Dortmund tomorrow. Bayern are ninth in the league with eight points from six games, while second-placed Dortmund are flying high and captain Mark van Bommel says his side needs a win to keep the German press off their backs.

“If we don’t win in Dortmund this weekend, the next few weeks are going to be made difficult for me,” admitted the Dutchman after his side won 2-1 at Basel in the Champions League on Tuesday. “We had a good win in Basel which was important for us.

“The task now is to keep it up away to Dortmund.” Without injured playmakers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, Bayern are struggling to turn possession into goals. Dortmund have no such problems with midfielders Shinji Kagawa, Kevin Grosskreutz and striker Lucas Barrios scoring 10 goals between them so far this season as Jurgen Klopp’s team go from strength to strength. Werder Bremen have the chance to recover from their 4-0 hammering at defending Champions League holders Inter Milan in midweek when they travel to Leverkusen tomorrow.

Fresh from their 2-0 win over Benfica in the Champions League, Schalke 04 are looking to break out of the bottom three when they travel to fellow strugglers Nuremberg today.

Likewise Stuttgart coach Christian Gross needs to get his side off the bottom of the table when they host Eintracht Frankfurt tomorrow. Having hammered Moenchengladbach 7-0 a fortnight ago, Stuttgart have lost to Nuremberg and Leverkusen in recent weeks. — AFP

Todayʼs matches on TV (local timings) English Premier League Wigan Athletic v W Wanderers....................14:45 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 3 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 5 Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa................17:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 3

Italian Calcio League Udinese v AC Cesena......................................19:00 Aljazeera Sport +1 Parma v AC Milan.........................................21:45 Aljazeera Sport +1

Birmingham City v Everton.........................17:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 4

Spanish League Real Zaragoza v Sporting Gijon...................19:00 Aljazeera Sport +3 Aljazeera Sport +8

Stoke City v Blackburn Rovers....................17:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 6

Real Sociedad v RCD Espanyol....................21:00 Aljazeera Sport +2

West Bromw ich Albion v Bolton .................17:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 7

Valencia v Athletic de Bilbao........................23:00 Aljazeera Sport +2

West Ham United v Fulham..........................17:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 8

French League FC Girondins de Bordeaux v Lorient...........20:00 Aljazeera Sport +9

Sunderland v Manchester United..................17:00 Abu Dhabi Sports HD 5 African Confederation Cup 2010 Zanaco v Fath Union Sport de Rabat............16:00 Aljazeera Sport +10 Club Sportif Sfaxien v Haras El Hedoud.......19:00 Aljazeera Sport +10

AS Nancy Lorraine v Olympique Lyonnais..20:00 Aljazeera Sport +4 Saint Etienne v Olympique de Marseille......22:00 Aljazeera Sport +4 Scottish Premier League Hearts v Glasgow Rangers.............................14:00 Aljazeera Sport +3

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side against a team managed by United old boy Steve Bruce would see the Red Devils join Chelsea on 15 points. And that would give the Blues something else to think about before their London derby against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, even though they would likely still be on top, such is their vastly superior goal difference. But a United win at the Stadium of Light is anything but assured.

So far this season, Ferguson’s men have drawn each of their three away games in the Premier League, losing leads at Fulham and Everton and having to fight back to earn a point at Bolton.

“A lot has been made about us not keeping clean sheets but I haven’t seen us get opened up to make it a real crisis,” said United centre-half Rio Ferdinand, fit following a knee injury. “We have been a little unfortunate and unlucky in certain circumstances, maybe even naive at points, but we haven’t been opened up in a manner that would make it a massive problem.”

United go into this match on the back of a 1-0 Champions League win away to Valencia, which suggests they are getting over their travel sickness.

But Bruce reckons Sunderland’s supporters can put a side of even United’s class and experience off their game.

“With the crowd behind us, it can be like an extra man,” Bruce said. Chelsea and Arsenal both head into their eagerly awaited clash following Champions League wins over Marseille and Partizan Belgrade respectively. Those successes came after both clubs suffered domestic reverses, Chelsea losing to Manchester City and Arsenal, more surprisingly, to West Brom. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was confident his side could carry their European form into the Premier League. “For us it was important to win straight away after a big disappointment against West Brom.

“It puts us in a good position confidence-wise, tomorrow is a big, big game for us.”

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti is expected to be in the Blues dug-out despite having to attend his father’s funeral in Italy today.

Tottenham, also enjoying life in the Champions League after a midweek 4-1 win at home to Dutch club FC Twente, welcome an Aston Villa side rejuvenated by the arrival of French manager Gerard Houllier at White Hart Lane today. Everton may be in a “false position” according to their Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta but the fact remains they are bottom of the table and are the only team in the Premier League without a win so far this season. The Merseysiders face a tricky trip to Birmingham as they look to rid themselves of that unwanted record while Stoke face Blackburn, West Brom play Bolton and Wigan take on Wolves.

Blackpool, the surprise package of this season’s Premier League, will fancy their chances of causing fresh embarrassment to a Liverpool side that has won just once in the league so far this season when they make the short journey to Anfield tomorrow.

Liverpool’s goalless draw away to Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday did not exactly suggest better days were around the corner.

Manchester City, who battled back to draw 1-1 against Juventus in European football’s second tier competition, are at home to Newcastle. — AFP

VALENCIA: Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung of Korea Republic heads the ball next to Valencia’s Miguel Brito from Portugal during the Champions League soccer match at Mestalla stadium. — AP

Goals aplenty on the menu for Inter-Juve ROME: Football purists will be hoping for a goal glut when champions Inter Milan host giants Juventus in the plum tie of the weekend in Serie A. Both sides have already smashed in four goals twice this season, most recently when Inter thumped Werder Bremen 4-0 in the Champions League on Wednesday. What’s more, Juve have the best attack in Serie A with 12 goals in five games but also have the joint worst defense alongside AS Roma and Udinese-both in the bottom three-having leaked nine.

Inter have hit four goals in two of their last three matches and it all points to the potential for an entertaining encounter tomorrow. However, it is difficult to see the visitors emerging victorious. Champions Inter are top of Serie A with 10 points, ahead of Lazio on goal difference while Juve are three points back in mid-table. Although Inter have not always impressed this season, they did grind out crucial 2-1 victories against Udinese and Palermo before hammering Bari 4-0.

Their only real blip was their 1-0 defeat at Roma last time out courtesy of Mirko Vucinic’s injury time winner.

But even without forwards Diego Milito and Goran Pandev and captain Javier Zanetti, they were highly impressive on Wednesday in Europe.

Juve, on the other hand, have been

wildly inconsistent this campaign but it has made for entertaining viewing.

They have twice drawn 3-3 at home against Sampdoria and then in the Europa League against minnows Lech Poznan.

They were well beaten when going down 1-0 at Bari and 3-1 at home to Palermo but have showed glimpses of their potential when winning 4-0 at Udinese and 4-2 at home to Cagliari.

The problem for Juve is that they have

Italian League Preview never looked secure at the back and if there is one team likely to exploit that, it is Inter. Inter’s players are confident ahead of the game with Argentina midfielder Esteban Cambiasso insisting that Wednesday’s win over Werder had changed nothing for them.

“I don’t think it changes anything, we already knew before the game that we were top of the league,” he said.

“In the changing room we’re always calm but you can never control what others are saying.” There is an unlikely top of the table clash this weekend

in Rome where Lazio entertain newlypromoted Brescia, with either team capable of heading the table with victory.

Brescia have been a breath of fresh air and could already have been top but for last week’s 2-1 defeat at Bari.

Lazio’s rise is perhaps no less surprising given their financial difficulties and the sale of star players, such as Pandev, over recent years to try to balance the books. Another team that could be sitting pretty atop the league at the end of the weekend is Chievo who host Cagliari. However, the Flying Donkeys have had two other opportunities to top the league only to lose home games.

AC Milan are yet another team capable of going top for a day at least as they travel to Parma tomorrow night, but the rossoneri have been far from convincing since their opening day 4-0 win over Lecce. In fact their only other victory came against Genoa last week when a spectacular Zlatan Ibrahimovic lob saw them scrape home with a 1-0 success. Having got their first win of the season against Inter last week, Roma face a tough trip to Napoli as they look to climb out of the bottom three and start to make an impression on the title race.

Although lying 18th they are only five points off top. — AFP

2 new caps for Portugal under coach Bento LISBON: Toulouse midfielder Paulo Machado and Sporting Lisbon rightback Joao Pereira earned their first call ups from new Portugal coach Paulo Bento yesterday, and Cristiano Ronaldo was back for the two Euro 2012 qualifiers. Machado and Pereira played in Portugal’s youth teams. Ronaldo was available after missing Portugal’s disastrous start to its qualifying campaign when it collected just one point from its first two matches in Group H. Portugal needs to restore its for-

tunes by beating Denmark and Iceland, but Bento said he won’t be asking too much of the Real Madrid star. “Just because he’s the captain and one of the world’s best players doesn’t mean he has to sort out all our problems,” Bento said. Benfica midfielder Carlos Martins and Sporting Lisbon forward Helder Postiga earned recalls. Portugal was lackluster in a 1-0 loss at Norway and a 4-4 draw at home against lowly Cyprus in its opening matches.

The winless run constituted

Portugal’s worst start to a qualifying campaign since 1996. Former coach Carlos Queiroz, who was fired last month, sat out those two games after being suspended for misconduct. The Portuguese Football Federation tried unsuccessfully to hire Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho as an interim coach for its next qualifiers but the Spanish club rebuffed the approach. Portugal hosts Denmark at Porto’s Stadium of the Dragon on Oct 8 and plays Iceland away four days later. — AP

www.kuwaittimes.net

Europe provides no respite for Liverpool PSG remains top of the toughest group LONDON: Liverpool’s domestic woes followed it all the way to the Netherlands and a 0-0 draw with Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday, while Manchester City drew 1-1 with Juventus. A disjointed Liverpool display relied on goalkeeper Pepe Reina’s saves to secure a point, which kept the Reds top of Group K as Napoli drew 3-3 away to 10-man Steaua Bucharest. “I thought it was a good point,” Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson said. “Utrecht did well, they were determined, aggressive and committed, so we knew we had to be at our best defensively to keep them out and fortunately we did.” Juventus is still winless in Group A after Adam Johnson’s 36th-minute goal for Manchester City canceled out Vincenzo Iaquinta’s early strike for the Italian visitors.

Atletico Madrid earned the first point of its title defense by drawing 1-1 with Group B leader Bayer Leverkusen, but remains bottom - below Rosenborg, which beat Aris 2-1.

Stuttgart, which is bottom of the Bundesliga with just three points from its first six games, is top of Group H with a perfect record after beating Odense 2-1, while David Degen’s double gave Young Boys a 2-0 win over Getafe. Sporting Lisbon, CSKA Moscow, Zenit St Petersburg, Paris St Germain, Porto and Besiktas also recorded second successive wins. Such a feat never looked likely for Liverpool, which is more accustomed to playing in the European Cup it has won five times.

With Captain Steven Gerrard missing, Liverpool lacked creativity in midfield. Utrecht had the ball in the net in the 25th minute when Jan Wuytens’ shot powered past Reina, but the referee ruled it out for a foul. Among Reina’s many saves, he dived to keep out Edouard Duplan’s powerful shot from close range and used his legs to block Dries Mertens’ effort at the far post.

The best of Liverpool’s chances saw defender Martin Skrtel head against the post midway through the second half.

All the Group K drama came in Romania. Edinson Cavani struck in the eighth minute of stoppage time to earn Napoli a 3-3 draw, completing an Italian comeback after conceding three times in the opening 16 minutes.

But Pantelis Kapetanos was sent off shortly after scoring Bucharest’s third.

There were also six goals in the Group G meeting between Zenit St Petersburg and AEK Athens, which the Russian side won 4-2 against managerless visitors.

Anderlecht is bottom after being condemned to a second successive loss as Ante Vukusic struck deep into stoppage time to secure Hadjuk Split’s 1-0 win. Villarreal, which is second in the Spanish league, got off the mark in Europe with a 2-1 victory over 10-man Club Brugge having lost to Dinamo Zagreb in the Group D opener.

Zagreb went down 1-0 at Thessaloniki on Thursday. PSG remains top of the toughest group, with Christophe Jallet’s 30-meter strike and Brazilian playmaker Nene’s sixth goal in his last six matches securing a 2-0 victory over Karpaty Lviv. Sevilla earned its first points of Group J by beating 10-man Borussia Dortmund 1-0.

Porto is ahead of Besiktas on goal difference in Group L after beating CSKA Sofia 1-0. Besiktas came from behind to beat Rapid Vienna 2-1.

Sporting Lisbon stayed top of Group C by thrashing second-place Levski Sofia 5-0, while Lille drew 1-1 at Ghent. Borisov moved to the top of Group E with a 4-1 rout of struggling Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, while FC Sheriff is second after beating Dynamo Kiev 2-0. In Group H, goals from Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Martin Harnik gave Christian Gross’ Stuttgart a lift by securing the victory over bottom-place Odense, while David Degen’s double gave Young Boys a 2-0 win over Getafe. Group F leader CSKA Moscow relied on three second-half goals to beat Sparta Prague 3-0, while Palermo beat Lausanne Sports 1-0 in the other match. — AP

UTRECHT: Liverpool’s goalkeeper Jose Manuel Reina Paez saves during the Group K Europa League soccer match against FC Utrecht at Galgenwaard stadium, Thursday Sept 30, 2010. — AP

Focus turns to sports at Games Queen’s Baton travels around Delhi ahead of Games NEW DELHI: The fears about the unhealthy conditions at the athletes’ village have abated and the venue preparation appears to be going smoothly, leaving athletes a few days to actually concentrate on their sport before the Commonwealth Games open tomorrow. The games have been plagued by problems, and last week they were even put in doubt altogether as the athletes’ village lagged behind schedule and drew sharp criticism from many of the countries entered in the event. Some called it “uninhabitable.”

Now, though, the attention is turning to the playing field.

“We just want to get on with it,” said Australian field hockey player Mark Knowles, a two-time Olympian.

Competition is scheduled to start Monday in a variety of sports, including swimming. The athletics competition opens Wednesday, while field hockey probably the most popular sport in India that is on the program for this year’s Commonwealth Games - will be played every day. “We’re probably going to be playing in the best hockey stadium in the world,” said Knowles, who was on the 2006 team that won the

Commonwealth Games gold at home in Melbourne. “There is no worries from us for sure.” Indian boxer Vijender Singh, who won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics two years ago, also said it was good to get the focus back on the sport.

“Finally, we are being asked about our chances,” said Singh, who will compete in the 75-kilogram category.

“These games are important for us because we will have the support of spectators,” Singh said. “Our family members, friends and relatives will all be there to watch us. We hope to inspire a whole generation of youngsters with our punches.” There are 17 sports in total at this year’s Commonwealth Games, and 272 gold medals to be won through Oct 14 - 143 for the men, 123 for the women and six in mixed or open competitions. India is targeting second place in the medal standings. It finished fourth in 2006 behind Australia, England and Canada.

Off the field, one of the country’s most daunting tasks is keeping the games secure. India avoided a potentially serious ordeal on Thursday when a court ordered the Hindu and Muslim

communities to divide a disputed holy site in the town of Ayodhya, southeast of New Delhi near the border with Nepal. But a day after the decision, no major violent reaction had been reported.

In New Delhi, Indian authorities have deployed nearly 100,000 police officers and soldiers in the streets of the capital to keep the games and visitors safe. The Lowy Institute, an Australian think tank, said yesterday that while smaller attacks at the Commonwealth Games are still a concern, but a large-scale terror attack was unlikely. “These are now hard targets, and plots are likely to be thwarted or aborted,” said Rory Medcalf, the Lowy Institute’s international security program director. “But it is quite possible that jihadists, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, will attempt smaller attacks on vulnerable or random targets in the wider Delhi area or elsewhere in India.”

Australian Sports Minister Mark Arbib learned first-hand about the tight security in the city, having to stand for a pat down after arriving at the athletes’ village in an unaccredited vehicle.

“Sorry, there is no concession for

NEW DELHI: Members of the New Zealand cycling team train at the cycling velodrome of the Indraprastha Stadium complex, ahead of the Commonwealth Games yesterday. — AP

anybody. If anybody does not have proper accreditation, he will have to go through the process,” Delhi’s Lt Governor Tejinder Khanna said. “We cannot be complacent about security ... the security at the games village is foolproof.”

Despite the woes, Commonwealth Games Federation president Mike Fennell defended the decision to hold the games in New Delhi - only the second time the event has been held in Asia. “We have to take these journeys or you will confine these events to just a few countries,” Fennell told BBC Sport. “You can’t have the largest Commonwealth country make an acceptable offer and then not accept it. “My big hope is the athletes will enjoy it and leave with good memories.”

Meanwhile, athletes, politicians and students carried the Queen’s Baton past major Delhi landmarks yesterday as the symbolic relay neared the end of a global journey two days ahead of the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. Having travelled around 190,000 km through 70 Commonwealth nations and territories, the baton arrived in the Indian capital on Thursday as organizers worked franticly to ensure the Games would enjoy a smooth start after a tumultuous lead up.

The $6 billion event, intended to showcase India’s growing financial clout to rival China’s spectacular hosting of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has been hit hard by one setback after another. Yesterday, Games organizing committee chairman Suresh Kalmadi and India’s Olympic silver medalist shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore received the baton at the historic India Gate in the presence of jubilant students and military personnel.

Corruption charges swirled around the London leg of the baton’s relay, leading to the sacking of three senior organizing committee officials, and Kalmadi has been widely criticized for overseeing the event’s poor preparations. An attack by suspected militants that wounded two tourists, a dengue fever epidemic, a filthy Games Village and the collapse of a footbridge has sullied India’s image while the event lost much of its prestige when several highprofile athletes pulled out.— Agencies

Messi gets Golden Boot BARCELONA: Barcelona star Lionel Messi on Thursday received the Golden Boot award as last season’s top scorer in Europe’s domestic leagues at a ceremony here.

The 23-year-old Argentina striker’s 34 La Liga goals made him a clear winner ahead of Chelsea’s Didier Drogba and Udinese’s Antonio Di Natale, who both

achieved 29. Messi is the second player to win the Golden Boot while playing for Barcelona after Brazil’s Ronaldo in 1996-97. He joins Marco van Basten, Ronaldo and Cristiano Ronaldo as the only players to win the three major awards - the Golden Boot, FIFA Player of the Year and the Golden Ball, awarded to Europe’s top player. — AFP

BARCELONA: In this image released by the magazine Don Balon, FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi poses with the Bota de Oro (Golden Boot) trophy awarded to him as top scorer of all European Leagues, at a ceremony, Thursday, Sept 30, 2010. — AP