Cabinet okays plan to expand - News of Bahrain

DT News NetworkManama

The Cabinet has endorsed a plan to expand the

Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) to the eastern region of the Salman Industrial City at Al Hidd. The plan was endorsed at the weekly Cabinet meeting chaired by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday.

As per the plan, existing ventures in the new area will be extended all incentives provided at BIIP -- zero per cent tax for 10 years, zero restrictions on recruitment for five years as well as duty -free access to GCC markets and 100 per cent foreign ownership. BIPP expansion is part of the government’s plan to diversify non-oil revenues by attracting investments and developing industrial sector.

The Cabinet has also decided to extend incentives to aviation companies for the next two years as part of efforts to enhance the

competitiveness of the Bahrain International Airport.

Infrastructure projects HRH the Prime Minister was informed about the situation of some infrastructure projects in the Muharraq Governorate, including the Sa’ada (happiness) project linking the city’s traditional market to a modern seafront with recreational, tourism and commercial services and facilities. Prince Salman has directed to expedite the implementation of the project by floating the tender. In this regard, the Deputy Premier and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee for Urbanisation and Infrastructure updated the Cabinet about the Sa’ada project regarding designs and land acquisition, noting that the project is on right track.

The cabinet was also briefed about “Rayya” Avenue revamp project, work on which will begin as soon as the budget is approved.

www.newsofbahrain.com www.facebook.com/nobonline newsofbahrain 38444680 nob_bh

200 FilsTuesday, February 7, 2017 Issue No. 7285

x

Strong 5.6 quake jolts northern IndiaNew Delhi

A strong 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit north

India late night yesterday, the US Geological Survey said, rattling cities as far away as the capital New Delhi. The quake struck at 10:33 pm local time with its epicentre 35 kilometres northwest of the Himalayan town of Pipalkoti.

@piersmorgan

The stinking hypocrisy of British MPs over President Trump is shameful. I hope @realDonaldTrump now cancels his trip.

Today’s WeatherMax Min

17°C 10°C

Tel: 1722 8888www.bfc.com.bh

BFC FLASH TRANSFER TO INDIA IN MINUTES, GUARANTEED

JO2216_BFC_BAH_IMPS_DT_Hamper2_67mmx85mm.indd 1 9/25/16 2:47 PM

Bahrain has maintained an annual unemployment rate at 4 per cent despite the challenges created by the economic

conditions, generating 5,885 job opportunities and providing employment to 22,000 Bahraini job seekers, according to official data. Data also showed an increase in the average salary for private sector workers by 3.3 per cent.

Jobless rate at 4pc

The Cabinet has reviewed a report on the economic indicators of the third quarter of 2016. A memorandum

submitted by the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism revealed that Bahrain’s GDP grew by 3.9 per cent, local and foreign investments went up by 2.7 per cent and 39 industrial projects were granted licenses during the third quarter of 2016, compared with the same quarter of 2015.

GDP growth at 3.9pc

Cabinet okays plan to expand

BIIP

2 Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Kingdom all set to celebrate first ever national sports dayDT News [email protected]

Manama

Excitement is at an all time high for citizens

and expatriates alike, as the Kingdom is celebrating the 2017 national sports day today, with a plethora of activities to be staged all over Bahrain.

The Sports Day, a widely-spread occasion in Qatar and the UAE over the past years, is being organised in Bahrain for the first time and will see more than 10 ministries, four governorates, 28 sports federations, national and expatriate sports clubs in addition to the youth centres delivering a variety of sports and entertaining

activities throughout the day in different locations across the Kingdom.

Open to all communities, the day-long event is organised by the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and Bahrain’s four governorates.

The Bahrain Sport Day

was approved as a national event to be organised every year involving all segments of the Bahrain society. Bahrain Olympic Committee seeks to activate the Olympic noble principles through the national day.

The committee aims to promote public health among the communities by having a sport day for all

sectors of the country in an initiative to motivate people to instil the culture of sport as a healthy lifestyle.

It is also a move that aims to promote the principles of community sport and expanding the number of participation in different activities to assert the famous proverb ‘A sound mind in a sound body’.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports assistant secretary-

general and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) secretary-general Abdulrahman Askar yesterday unveiled the official mascot inspired by Bahrain map.

“The first-ever Bahrain Sports Day, covers all parts of the country and aims to promote athletic and health-enhancing physical activities. The Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and the Youth and Sports Affairs Ministry and Bahrain Olympic Committee is proud to be the main partners in bringing this first of its kind sport gathering in the Kingdom,” the secretary general said.

Half day off for all ministriesManama

All ministries and government departments in the Kingdom have allocated half of the working hours today for sports

activities to mark the National Sports Day. This decision is in compliance to the directives issued by Prime

Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during the cabinet meeting.

The Interior Ministry, Bahrain Defence Force, Education ministry, Information Affairs Ministry, Health ministry, Foreign Ministry, Transports Ministry, Works Ministry, Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning, Housing Ministry, Gulf University, University of Bahrain, Capital Governorate, Northern Governorate, Muharraq Governorate and Southern Governorate are also bringing a number of programmes to contribute to the event.

The National sports day is being held as per decision from the President of National GCC Olympics Committee to allocate a national sport day organised all over the Gulf region and engage kids and adults of all segments of the Bahrain society.

The event is supported by Supreme Council for Youth & Sport Chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee President & Royal Charity Organisation (RCO) Chairman HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Sports village will be divided into four different zones, bringing a rich set of activities today.

Zone 1 Table tennis, athletics, mind sports, volleyball, badminton, hockey, disabilities sports, horse riding, 3x3 basketball, gymnastics, cross fit, weightlifting, mixed martial arts, self defence, sky diving, tennis, sailing, folk games and other recreation games

Zone 2 cricket matches

Zone 3 Football and Spartan sports

Zone 4 Running and cycling races

On the occasion of national sports day, a walkathon will be held at the Sport Village near the National Stadium at Isa Sports City in Riffa City today. This walkathon will be open to all and covers 1.7km in total. Set to tip off at 4pm, the event is organised in cooperation with the Bahrain Athletics Association’s Bahrain Road Runners.

The main attractions of the day will be staged at the purpose-built Sport

Village near the National Stadium at Isa Sports City in Riffa City, where set of programmes organised by national sports federations are scheduled.

Southern Governor, Bahrain Olympic

Committee member and Organising Committee chairman Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa made a field visit to the Sports Village yesterday where he inspected the facilities and other arrangements at the venue ahead of the event.

Southern Governor, Bahrain Olympic Committee member and Organising Committee chair-man Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa inspecting the Sports Village yesterday

3Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Rolex Boutique - Bahrain City Centre

School ordered to pay upBD49,000 for boy’s deathDT News [email protected]

Manama

A Bahraini court yesterday ordered a private school,

in which a five-year-old student died after he was “forgotten” inside a school bus, to pay a compensation of BD49,000 to the victim’s family.

As reported earlier, Al Rawabi School student Rashid Fadhel Buzuhaira, died after being locked inside a school bus for three-and-a-half hours

on September 19, 2013, when temperatures crossed 40 degrees Celsius.

It was mentioned in the Bahraini boy’s death certificate that he had died due to panic, fear, crying and fatigue.

Rashid reportedly fell asleep on the bus while on the way to school with his twin brother Abdullah.

None of the students, the bus driver or the supervisor noticed that he was left behind as they all got off the bus.

His twin brother, Abdullah, had reportedly informed the teacher that his brother was sleeping without elaborating more, but none of the school’s administration or staff members asked further questions.

According to court files, the case initially involved eight suspects who were

detained and prosecuted. The defendants were the school’s owner, and manager, principal of the school’s nursery, two of the bus supervisors, the driver

and the victim’s teacher.However, only three of

them were found guilty, while the others were acquitted as the court considered that the

incident had occurred due to an administrative error which cannot be termed as a criminal act.

The driver was sentenced to two years in prison and the teacher received a one-year jail term, while one of the bus supervisors was sentenced to six months in jail.

The mishap had left the Bahraini society in shock with the Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa immediately directing to promptly investigate the incident and ensure security measures at schools and nurseries.

The Premier himself had met the victim’s family members and offered condolences to the bereaved.

Rashid Fadhel Buzuhaira died after being locked inside a school bus for

three-and-a-half hours on September 19, 2013

Premier lauds BDF

DT News ServiceManama

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa

bin Salman Al Khalifa has extended his greetings to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, on the Bahrain Defence Force’s Day (BDF). Chairing the weekly Cabinet meeting at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday, HRH the premier lauded the crucial role played by the BDF.

“BDF’s establishment, preparedness and development into a protective shield that defends the nation and safeguards its progress, security, stability, achievements and gains have always enjoyed the royal support,” HRH Premier said. HRH the Prime Minister also hailed BDF

Commander-in-Chief and affiliates, voicing pride in the BDF’s preparedness, cutting-edge weaponry and modern equipment.

Turkish President visitTurkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, will visit Bahrain at the official invitation of HM King Hamad. Welcoming the President, the Cabinet said that the visit is within the framework of the brotherly relations and cooperation between the two countries. The Cabinet

has wished the distinguished guests and his accompanying delegation a happy stay in the Kingdom.

AwardHRH Premier has welcomed the announcement of the “King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Youth Empowerment Award” at the UN headquarters, describing the award as a noble initiative that serves the UN sustainable development goals and the international development priorities on which all member states had agreed in 2015.

HRH the Prime Minister has hailed Bahrain Defence Force Commander-in-Chief and affiliates, voicing pride

in the defence force’s preparedness, cutting-edge weaponry and modern

equipment

Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during the Cabinet meeting

HRH Premier taking a look at Rashid’s picture presented by his twin brother Abdullah

Rashid Fadhel Buzuhaira

Muhannad Mansour/[email protected]

Manama

Members of the League of Arab States yesterday

stressed on the importance of empowering women of the region economically.

This was stated here during the opening of the 36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League and the preparatory meeting for the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by the Kingdom.

Held under the patronage of Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the two-day long sessions hosts ministers and representatives of governmental woman development authorities in the 22 members of the league.

The League’s General Secretary Ahmed Aboul Gheit attended the function yesterday and asserted on the league’s keenness to support women in Arab states, especially during the critical conditions witnessed in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Palestine.

“Combatting all forms of violence against women is one of the league’s priorities. In this meeting we will concentrate on enhancing the situations of women in the Arab region, considering the current unprecedented political,

economic, cultural and security situations. Taking the necessary procedures to ensure

the protection of women’s rights in armed conflicts is vital now, especially with the growing conflict circles in our region during the past few years,” Aboul Gheit said in his opening speech yesterday.

The General Secretary announced that the “Arab agreement on combatting violence against women and domestic violence” and the “Arab strategy to protect woman refugees” will be discussed during the meetings, considering the increasing numbers of violence against women cases in refugee camps.

“The changes witnessed by the region has motivated us to set enabling women economically as our prime goal. Enhancing the economic situations of women would be an additional insurance for them. Several initiatives in this regard will be on the table of discussions in the meetings. Arab governments must work to integrate women in their sustainable development plans by enabling them politically, economically and socially,” Aboul Gheit added.

Excessive Cooperation NeededOn her part, SCW General Secretary Dr. Hala Al Ansari stated that the attendance of Aboul Gheit reflects the care the League of Arab States provides to women rights and development.

She emphasised that more cooperation is required to achieve a positive and touching

change in the development of Arab women.

“We must build on what have been achieved in the previous sessions,” Dr. Al Ansari said, referring to the great efforts and gains attained during the 36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League in the UAE.

The General Secretary highlighted that the meetings will include a set of important matters to be discussed, including the sustainable

development of woman in accordance with the 2030 developmental plan, women’s peace and security, enabling women economically and socially, enhancing women’s political role and the exchange of expertise in the fields of women empowerment among member states.

Princess Sabeeka International Award AnnouncedDuring her speech, Dr. Al

Ansari officially announced the launch of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa International Award for Women Empowerment, adding that registration for the first addition has opened yesterday in cooperation with the United Nations Women (UN-Women), which has adopted the initiative. “The UN-Women support comes as a reflection of the success the prize accomplished locally,” she said.


The two-day session hosts ministers and

representatives of governmental

woman development

authorities

The Arab League bestowed the Arab Woman Medal on Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa at a meet-ing with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit at Al Rawdha Palace yesterday. The medal was awarded in tribute for her unrelenting and influential efforts to empower Arab women and ensure sustainable development of Bahraini women as well as maximize their development contributions. Participants of the 36th session of the Arab League’s Arab Women Committee and the preparatory meeting for the 61st ses-sion of the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) also attended. Aboul Gheit invited Princess Sabeeka to visit the Arab League Headquarters in Cairo to address a meeting comprising delegates of Arab League member states on uplifting status of Arab women.On her part HRH Princess Sabeeka lauded the progress achieved by the Arab women, stressing the need to highlight it in the next session of CSW. Princess Sabeeka pointed out the importance of Bahrain Women Empowerment Award as an initiative to spot-light the big national strides made in empowering women while praising the royal reform project in this regard.

PRINCESS SABEEKA RECEIVES ARAB WOMAN MEDAL

Arab League leaders vow to protect women’s rights

From left, Dr. Al Ansari and Aboul Gheit

36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League opens

“Combatting all forms of violence

against women and enhancing

the situations of women is one

of the league’s priorities”

Several initiatives will be taken

regarding the increasing

numbers of violence against women cases in refugee camps


Global recognition for Bahraini doctor

Dr Faisal Alnasir among top 100 healthcare leaders in the world


Chairman of the Home Health Care Center

Bahrain, Dr Faisal Alnasir has been selected in the ‘100 Most Impactful Healthcare Leaders’ list compiled by the World Health and Wellness Congress, an organisation based in India.

Dr Alnasir, a professor of family medicine and an advisor for the WHO, Eastern Mediterranean Region was nominated to the list for his achievements and great efforts he made during the past 30 years. He is well-known for the attempts to prevail the concept of family medicine in the Arab and Eastern Mediterranean region

countries.The list of top 100

impactful healthcare leaders was prepared after an intensive research by a team, consisting of well qualified analysers, who shortlisted individuals doing extraordinary work in health field, across the globe.

The shortl isted candidates were reviewed by a jury comprising of senior professionals in the field.

The award will be presented at a ceremony held at Taj Land Hotel Mumbai, in India. The ceremony will be attended by health and wellness leadership award founder Dr R L Bhatia and scientists and academicians across the world.

Kerala Minister to visit BahrainDT News NetworkManama

Chief Minister of Indian state, Kerala, Pinarayi

Vijayan will be in Bahrain on a three-day visit starting Thursday.

On Thursday evening, Pinarayi Vijayan along with Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister H R H Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa will inaugurate a year-long platinum jubilee celebrations of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) at the BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall in Segaiya.

The minister will attend Kairali Business Awards distribution ceremony on Friday morning, organised by Malayalam Communications

Limited at Diplomat Radisson Blu. Leading business men Dr Ravi Pillai, Dr Varghese Kurain and Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Nalini Netto will give the felicitation address at the ceremony.

He is also scheduled to visit Bab Al Bahrain, King Fahd Causeway and Bahrain national museum.

The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam will be hosting a public reception for the minister on Friday evening. This is first ever visit of the minister to Bahrain since he assumed office on 25 May 2016.

The minister will visit Bab Al Bahrain, King

Fahad Causeway and Bahrain

national museumDr Faisal Alnasir will be awarded at Taj Land Hotel Mumbai, in India

Pinarayi Vijayan

Muhannad Mansour/[email protected]

Manama

Members of the League of Arab States yesterday

stressed on the importance of empowering women of the region economically.

This was stated here during the opening of the 36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League and the preparatory meeting for the 61st session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by the Kingdom.

Held under the patronage of Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, the two-day long sessions hosts ministers and representatives of governmental woman development authorities in the 22 members of the league.

The League’s General Secretary Ahmed Aboul Gheit attended the function yesterday and asserted on the league’s keenness to support women in Arab states, especially during the critical conditions witnessed in countries such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Libya and Palestine.

“Combatting all forms of violence against women is one of the league’s priorities. In this meeting we will concentrate on enhancing the situations of women in the Arab region, considering the current unprecedented political,

economic, cultural and security situations. Taking the necessary procedures to ensure

the protection of women’s rights in armed conflicts is vital now, especially with the growing conflict circles in our region during the past few years,” Aboul Gheit said in his opening speech yesterday.

The General Secretary announced that the “Arab agreement on combatting violence against women and domestic violence” and the “Arab strategy to protect woman refugees” will be discussed during the meetings, considering the increasing numbers of violence against women cases in refugee camps.

“The changes witnessed by the region has motivated us to set enabling women economically as our prime goal. Enhancing the economic situations of women would be an additional insurance for them. Several initiatives in this regard will be on the table of discussions in the meetings. Arab governments must work to integrate women in their sustainable development plans by enabling them politically, economically and socially,” Aboul Gheit added.

Excessive Cooperation NeededOn her part, SCW General Secretary Dr. Hala Al Ansari stated that the attendance of Aboul Gheit reflects the care the League of Arab States provides to women rights and development.

She emphasised that more cooperation is required to achieve a positive and touching

change in the development of Arab women.

“We must build on what have been achieved in the previous sessions,” Dr. Al Ansari said, referring to the great efforts and gains attained during the 36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League in the UAE.

The General Secretary highlighted that the meetings will include a set of important matters to be discussed, including the sustainable

development of woman in accordance with the 2030 developmental plan, women’s peace and security, enabling women economically and socially, enhancing women’s political role and the exchange of expertise in the fields of women empowerment among member states.

Princess Sabeeka International Award AnnouncedDuring her speech, Dr. Al

Ansari officially announced the launch of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa International Award for Women Empowerment, adding that registration for the first addition has opened yesterday in cooperation with the United Nations Women (UN-Women), which has adopted the initiative. “The UN-Women support comes as a reflection of the success the prize accomplished locally,” she said.


The two-day session hosts ministers and

representatives of governmental

woman development

authorities

The Arab League bestowed the Arab Woman Medal on Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa at a meet-ing with Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit at Al Rawdha Palace yesterday. The medal was awarded in tribute for her unrelenting and influential efforts to empower Arab women and ensure sustainable development of Bahraini women as well as maximize their development contributions. Participants of the 36th session of the Arab League’s Arab Women Committee and the preparatory meeting for the 61st ses-sion of the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) also attended. Aboul Gheit invited Princess Sabeeka to visit the Arab League Headquarters in Cairo to address a meeting comprising delegates of Arab League member states on uplifting status of Arab women.On her part HRH Princess Sabeeka lauded the progress achieved by the Arab women, stressing the need to highlight it in the next session of CSW. Princess Sabeeka pointed out the importance of Bahrain Women Empowerment Award as an initiative to spot-light the big national strides made in empowering women while praising the royal reform project in this regard.

PRINCESS SABEEKA RECEIVES ARAB WOMAN MEDAL

Arab League leaders vow to protect women’s rights

From left, Dr. Al Ansari and Aboul Gheit

36th session of Arab Women Committee of Arab League opens

“Combatting all forms of violence

against women and enhancing

the situations of women is one

of the league’s priorities”

Several initiatives will be taken

regarding the increasing

numbers of violence against women cases in refugee camps


‘forces of death’MacDill Air Force Base

President Donald Trump vowed yesterday that

America and its allies would defeat the “forces of death” and keep radical jihadists from gaining a foothold on US soil, but did not offer details about his strategy to defeat the Islamic State group.

In his first visit to US Central Command -- responsible for an area that includes the Middle East and Central Asia -- Trump did not say whether he would scrap the anti-IS mission in Iraq and Syria undertaken by his predecessor Barack Obama.

“Today we deliver a message in one very unified voice to these forces of death and destruction -- America and its allies will defeat you. We will defeat them,” he told about 300 military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa,

Florida.“We will defeat radical

Islamic terrorism. And we will not allow to it take root in our country,” Trump added.

“Freedom, security, and justice will prevail.”

He accused Islamic State fighters of leading a “campaign

of genocide, committing atrocities across the world.”

“Radical Islamic terrorists are determined to strike our homeland as they did on 9/11, as they did from Boston to Orlando to San Bernardino, and all across Europe,” added the president.

He claimed that the “the very, very dishonest press doesn’t want to report” on certain attacks, without offering any corroborating evidence to back up his allegation.

“They have their reasons,” he said, without explaining further. - (AFP)

VP Pence to lead voter fraud commissionWashington

Donald Trump said yesterday he is creating

a commission headed by Vice President Mike Pence to investigate what the US leader alleges was massive voter fraud in the 2016 election.

No public evidence has emerged of large-scale illegal voting in the November election, and Trump and the White House have failed to substantiate the president’s claim.

However Trump listed the ways he believed voter fraud had occurred during an interview with Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly which aired before the Super Bowl yesterday.

The fraud was apparent, Trump said, “when you look at the registration and you see dead people that have voted, when you see people that are registered in two states that voted in two states, when you see other things, when you see illegals, people that are not

citizens and they are on the registration rolls.”

“It’s really a bad situation. It’s really bad” Trump said.

Trump’s own lawyers have stated in legal filings that there was no evidence of fraud in the November 8 election.

But yesterday the president promised “to set up a commission to headed by Vice President Mike Pence and we’re going to look at it very, very carefully.”

Trump has previously argued that were it not for illegal immigrants voting, he would have won not just the electoral college but also the popular vote, which was taken by Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

Although there has been no substantiated evidence of massive voter fraud, US officials have said they believe that Russia attempted to meddle in the presidential vote by hacking Democratic Party emails as part of a pro-Trump campaign.

Qatar Petroleum boss says Trump ‘very positive’ for oil industryDoha

The head of energy giant Qatar Petroleum has

shrugged off fears that any potential protectionist policies pursued by US President

Donald Trump would impact on global oil and gas markets.

Saad Al-Kaabi -- who heads state-owned QP, the largest exporter of Liquid Natural

Gas and one of the biggest oil companies in the world -- said yesterday he expected US policy to remain similar to that exercised under previous presidents.

“Projects that we get into are projects that we get into for 25 to 30 years,” he said.

“They survive seven, eight presidents or whatever.

“The president is a

businessman. Bringing in foreign investment into the US is something that I think he would want.

“As far as I have seen, as far as the oil and gas business

is concerned, he’s been very positive for oil and gas.”

Fears have been raised elsewhere about a new protectionism being used by Washington.(AFP)

Golf with Japan’s Prime Minister

Washington

U.S. President Donald Trump will play a round

of golf with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida this week and says he will make sure the Japanese leader is his partner in the game, rather than a competitor.

Trump, who is due to welcome Abe at the White House on Friday, told Westwood One Sports Radio that playing golf was a better way to get to know someone than having lunch.

“We’re going to have a round of golf, which is a great thing,” Trump said in the interview on Sunday, according to a transcript made available by the White House.

“That’s the one thing

about golf - you get to know somebody better on a golf course than you will over lunch.”

Asked if he would have a bet on the game, which is expected to be played at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago private resort, the U.S. president replied: “I don’t know. He loves the game, and we’re going to have a lot of fun. I’ll just make sure he’s my partner.” - (BI)

Pence attended yesterday one of the most spectacular US sporting events: the Super Bowl. He was said to be only the fourth vice president to watch the event in

person.

A group of prominent Democrats including former secretaries of state John Kerry and Madeleine Albright called yesterday for a fed-eral appeals court to continue block-ing President Donald Trump’s travel ban, saying it harms national security.

Pence at Super Bowl

Kerry slam Trump travel ban

Donald Trump speaks following a visit to the US Central Command and Special Operations Command

US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence

MIDDLE EAST 7Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Sudan president accusesEgypt of backing opponents

Kuwait City

A fire broke out yesterday at a cultural centre in

Kuwait that houses the Gulf state’s opera house, the fire department said.

The blaze started during maintenance work on the titanium roof, the department

said in a statement on Twitter.It said the fire was put out

and caused no injuries.Parts of the roof were seen

to be missing after the blaze but it was unclear if that was the result of the maintenance work or the fire.

The centre was launched in

October with a performance at the 2,000-seat opera house by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

T h e s p r a w l i n g 214,000-square-metre (2.3 million square feet) centre, located in the heart of the capital Kuwait City, cost $750 million. - (AFP)

Firehits Kuwait opera house

Kuwait

Kuwait’s information and youth minister submitted

his resignation yesterday, two days before he was scheduled to face a confidence vote over a sports ban, a government source and parliamentarians said.

Sheikh Salman Humoud Al-Sabah’s move comes after around 30 lawmakers of the 50-member house announced their support for the no-confidence motion filed

after MPs grilled the minister last week.

Three opposition lawmakers questioned Sheikh Salman over a failure to lift a 15-month

international ban on Kuwaiti sports and over alleged administrative and financial violations.

They blamed the minister for causing the ban imposed on the Gulf state by the International Olympic Committee, the world football body FIFA and several sports federations.

FIFA and IOC imposed the suspension in October 2015, for the second time since 2010, over alleged government meddling in sports.

Kuwait minister quits after grilling over sports ban

Sheikh Salman Humoud Al-Sabah

Dubai

Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir accused the

Egyptian government of harbouring and backing Sudanese opposition figures fighting his troops, in remarks broadcast yesterday.

In his first such accusation against Cairo, Bashir said in an interview broadcast by Al-Arabiya that Sudanese opposition figures were

“backed by Egyptian intelligence services”.

Sudanese troops are fighting rebels in three conflict regions Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

“Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is a good man and he is my friend, but it’s the Egyptian intelligence that I am accusing,” he said.

Bashir also denied allegations that Sudan was

hosting several members of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movement banned by Cairo.

“Our policy is not to disturb the peace and security of any country and not to intervene in any internal issues of any country,” he said.

Bashir reiterated that Sudan will protest to the United Nations if Egypt does not end its occupation of a border region claimed by his country.

Firefighters tackle a blaze at a Cultural Center in Kuwait City

Omar al-Bashir


‘forces of death’MacDill Air Force Base

President Donald Trump vowed yesterday that

America and its allies would defeat the “forces of death” and keep radical jihadists from gaining a foothold on US soil, but did not offer details about his strategy to defeat the Islamic State group.

In his first visit to US Central Command -- responsible for an area that includes the Middle East and Central Asia -- Trump did not say whether he would scrap the anti-IS mission in Iraq and Syria undertaken by his predecessor Barack Obama.

“Today we deliver a message in one very unified voice to these forces of death and destruction -- America and its allies will defeat you. We will defeat them,” he told about 300 military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa,

Florida.“We will defeat radical

Islamic terrorism. And we will not allow to it take root in our country,” Trump added.

“Freedom, security, and justice will prevail.”

He accused Islamic State fighters of leading a “campaign

of genocide, committing atrocities across the world.”

“Radical Islamic terrorists are determined to strike our homeland as they did on 9/11, as they did from Boston to Orlando to San Bernardino, and all across Europe,” added the president.

He claimed that the “the very, very dishonest press doesn’t want to report” on certain attacks, without offering any corroborating evidence to back up his allegation.

“They have their reasons,” he said, without explaining further. - (AFP)

VP Pence to lead voter fraud commissionWashington

Donald Trump said yesterday he is creating

a commission headed by Vice President Mike Pence to investigate what the US leader alleges was massive voter fraud in the 2016 election.

No public evidence has emerged of large-scale illegal voting in the November election, and Trump and the White House have failed to substantiate the president’s claim.

However Trump listed the ways he believed voter fraud had occurred during an interview with Fox News’s Bill O’Reilly which aired before the Super Bowl yesterday.

The fraud was apparent, Trump said, “when you look at the registration and you see dead people that have voted, when you see people that are registered in two states that voted in two states, when you see other things, when you see illegals, people that are not

citizens and they are on the registration rolls.”

“It’s really a bad situation. It’s really bad” Trump said.

Trump’s own lawyers have stated in legal filings that there was no evidence of fraud in the November 8 election.

But yesterday the president promised “to set up a commission to headed by Vice President Mike Pence and we’re going to look at it very, very carefully.”

Trump has previously argued that were it not for illegal immigrants voting, he would have won not just the electoral college but also the popular vote, which was taken by Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton.

Although there has been no substantiated evidence of massive voter fraud, US officials have said they believe that Russia attempted to meddle in the presidential vote by hacking Democratic Party emails as part of a pro-Trump campaign.

Qatar Petroleum boss says Trump ‘very positive’ for oil industryDoha

The head of energy giant Qatar Petroleum has

shrugged off fears that any potential protectionist policies pursued by US President

Donald Trump would impact on global oil and gas markets.

Saad Al-Kaabi -- who heads state-owned QP, the largest exporter of Liquid Natural

Gas and one of the biggest oil companies in the world -- said yesterday he expected US policy to remain similar to that exercised under previous presidents.

“Projects that we get into are projects that we get into for 25 to 30 years,” he said.

“They survive seven, eight presidents or whatever.

“The president is a

businessman. Bringing in foreign investment into the US is something that I think he would want.

“As far as I have seen, as far as the oil and gas business

is concerned, he’s been very positive for oil and gas.”

Fears have been raised elsewhere about a new protectionism being used by Washington.(AFP)

Golf with Japan’s Prime Minister

Washington

U.S. President Donald Trump will play a round

of golf with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida this week and says he will make sure the Japanese leader is his partner in the game, rather than a competitor.

Trump, who is due to welcome Abe at the White House on Friday, told Westwood One Sports Radio that playing golf was a better way to get to know someone than having lunch.

“We’re going to have a round of golf, which is a great thing,” Trump said in the interview on Sunday, according to a transcript made available by the White House.

“That’s the one thing

about golf - you get to know somebody better on a golf course than you will over lunch.”

Asked if he would have a bet on the game, which is expected to be played at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago private resort, the U.S. president replied: “I don’t know. He loves the game, and we’re going to have a lot of fun. I’ll just make sure he’s my partner.” - (BI)

Pence attended yesterday one of the most spectacular US sporting events: the Super Bowl. He was said to be only the fourth vice president to watch the event in

person.

A group of prominent Democrats including former secretaries of state John Kerry and Madeleine Albright called yesterday for a fed-eral appeals court to continue block-ing President Donald Trump’s travel ban, saying it harms national security.

Pence at Super Bowl

Kerry slam Trump travel ban

Donald Trump speaks following a visit to the US Central Command and Special Operations Command

US President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence

BUSINESS8 Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Manama

In a move further enhancing its support to the Crown

Prince’s International Scholarship Programme (CPISP), Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain yesterday presented the final instalment of its BD50,000 donation to the programme.

Dr Boutros Klink, Chief Executive Officer of StanChart Bahrain and the GCC presented a cheque of BD30,000 to Shaikh Mohammed

bin Essa Al Khalifa, Adviser for Political and Economic Affairs at the Court of the Crown Prince and Board Member and Head of the Financial and Administrative Committee of CPISP.

Shaikh Mohammed extended his appreciation to the bank for its generous contribution, and for supporting the CPISP in its mission to develop the capabilities of Bahraini students.

Dr Klink praised the efforts of

HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister in supporting Bahraini youth.

Also in attendance from Standard Chartered Bank Bahrain were Noora Al Nusuf, Head of Corporate Affairs and Brand and Marketing. In attendance from CPISP were Shatha Ahmed Ali, Head of HR, Administrative, Financial, and Student Affairs.

StanChart funding gives fillip to CPISP

CPISP and Standard Chartered Bank officials during the ceremony

© GRAPHIC NEWSSource: United Nations Picture: Getty Images All figures rounded

Washington’s new UN envoy Nikki Haley is undertaking a far-reachingreview of UN peacekeeping that is likely to lead to closures of missions.

U.S. de-funding could open the door for China – the second largestfinancial contributor to UN peacekeeping – to bolster its role

MISSIONS: Personnel at Dec 2016 (fatalities) Budget Jul 2016 – Jun 2017

Nikki Haley: Seeking to lower U.S.share of funding to below 25%

Budget(2016-17)

U.S.ChinaJapanGermanyFranceUKRussiaItalyCanadaSpainOthers

TOP CONTRIBUTORS28.6%10.3%

9.7%6.4%6.3%5.8%4.0%3.7%2.9%2.4%20%

Dem. Rep.of Congo22,590 (102)$1.2bn

Mali13,456 (110)$933m

Lebanon11,389 (312)$489m

Kashmir111 (11)$21m

Syria969 (46)$48mMiddle East384 (51)$69mSudan (Darfur)20,645 (237)$1bnSudan (Abyei)4,719 (21)$269mSouth Sudan15,171 (47)$1bnCentral African Rep.13,098 (25)$921m

WesternSahara467 (15)$57m

Cyprus1,103 (183)$55m

Liberia3,018(197)$187m

Haiti6,168 (185)$346m

Côted’Ivoire3,656 (144)$153m

Kosovo362 (55)$36m

Manama

In a first, the Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) has

supplied Methanol to a regional company as part of the company’s policy to encourage small and medium enterprises.

GPIC usually exports most of its 1.2 million tonnes of annual production, including 40,000 tonnes of Methanol,

as well as Ammonia and Urea, to international markets.

As part of the deal, GPIC will supply Methanol to a United Arab Emirates-based Company, Golden Star, a private Company specialises in the food trade industry.

Commenting on the deal, GPIC Managing Director Ibrahim Al Musaiteer said it was a new step on

cooperation with local markets. He said the agreement would be

a prelude to further cooperation with local and regional companies, especially since GPIC’s products are of high quality and in great demand from international markets.

In a statement, GPIC President Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery said the agreement is of great importance

since it is part of the Company’s support for regional industries and its encouragement for all types of manufacturing.

Golden Star is a private Company set up in 1999. It specialises in the food trade industry and has been involved in several activities like food service, distribution, wholesale, exports, ship chandelling and retail.

Gulf Petrochemical company enters regional marketSigns Methanol supply deal with

UAE-based Golden Star

Manama

National Motor Company, the exclusive distributor

of Honda vehicles in Bahrain, received the Japan Automobile Manufacture Association (JAMA) “No. 1 Customer Satisfaction Index Award in 2016”.

To determine the winner of the award, JAMA interviewed 100 random customers in several automotive brands in

Bahrain. The award was given by

Honda brand to Mohammed Ajmi Khan, National Service Manager at National Motor Company.

Commenting on the award,

Ramzi Barakat – General Manager of National Motor Company: “This is a direct reflection of the “Customer First” philosophy that is embedded in every aspect of our organisation.”

National Motor Company gets

top JAMA award

Ramzi Barakat, General Manager, National Motor Company

The award

BUSINESSTuesday, February 7, 2017 9

The Middle East retail major LuLu Group has opened its latest hypermarket in the city of Ha’il, in the north-western province of Saudi Arabia on Sunday

New hypermarket in Ha’il is LuLu’s

8th in Saudi

133rd globallyThe hypermarket, which is 8th in Kingdom and 133rd of the group, is spread over an area of about 160,000 square feet and will serve the residents of Al Jamiyeen District and its sur-rounding areas.

Inauguration The hypermarket was officially inaugurated by Dr. Saud Hamood Al Bugami, Under Secretary of Hail province in the presence of several high-ranking officials from vari-ous government departments and representatives from local busi-ness communities. Yusuffali MA, Chairman of LuLu Group, Saifee Rupawala, CEO, Ashraf Ali MA, Executive Director other senior officials of LuLu were also present at the event along with a large number of residents.

Manama

As part of its participation in the third edition of

‘Shop, Saar Mall offers many exciting activities and events in addition to chances of winning valuable prizes.

Saar Mall will host a ‘Tea Party’ on Thursday, 9th February from 5 pm to 6:30pm with Dalal Al Doub, a well-known social media influencer. A competition will also be launched on Instagram

where 20 of her followers will be chosen to join her at the ‘Tea Party’. Mall visitors will also get the opportunity to meet Dalal and take memorable pictures with her.

The mall visitors will also enjoy watching their favourite Disney movies at the ‘Kids Cinema’ located in the mall every day and until 6th February from 10am to 10pm.

Shoppers will receive 3 points for every BD1 spent

against receipts totalling BD10 or more across all outlets. The points will be registered within the Shop Bahrain loyalty system allowing shoppers to enter the weekly raffle draw for an opportunity to win valuable prizes.

“Saar Mall aims to attract

local shoppers from different age groups and with varying interests since our focus has been to include c o m p r e h e n s i v e services and facilities under one roof” commented Esmahan Hassan Bokhowa, the

General Manager of Saar Mall.

“We have plans to open 20 new stores by 2020. We have to expand aggressively here as the Kingdom is investing in its industries, which means more jobs and business”

Yusuffali MAChairman, LuLu Group

Exciting activities @ Saar Mall during ‘Shop Bahrain’

Manama

LuLu Hypermarket has revealed an exciting

schedule of family fun activities taking place throughout the duration of the third edition of Bahrain Shopping Festival ‘Shop Bahrain’, in its six hypermarkets across the Kingdom in Dana Mall, Riffa, Hidd, Ramli Mall, Juffair, and Zinj.

Part of the line-up of activities includes the Masha and Bear show that will be held at Riffa on the 9th February, Zinj on the 10th February, and at Ramli Mall on the 11th February, while the Dinosaurs Show will be held at Ramli Mall on 16th February, Zinj on the 17th

February, and in Hidd on the 18th February. All shows will take place from 7pm until 9pm.

A Bubble Show was also held in Riffa on the 26th January and in Juffair on the 28th of January. The third edition of ‘Sanskriti’ a celebration of vibrant Indian culture and food also took place in LuLu Hypermarket in Galleria Mall, celebrating India’s Republic Day. This exciting fun-filled event coincides with ‘Shop Bahrain’ that will be running until 18th February 2017.

LuLu Hypermarket shoppers will receive 3 points for every BD1 spent against receipts totalling up to more BD10 across any outlets.

The points will be registered within the Shop Bahrain loyalty system allowing shoppers to enter the weekly raffle draw for a chance to win one of the 6 cars, airline tickets, and more than 25,000 instant prizes.

Commenting on the participation, LuLu Group Regional Director Juzer Rupawala said: “We are delighted to take part in new edition of the nationwide event ‘Shop Bahrain’ and provide our shoppers an opportunity to enjoy the line-up of fun activities that are hosted throughout the duration of the festival while also providing them with a rewarding shopping experience.”

joins the funLuLu

BUSINESS Tuesday, February 7, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.4724 0.3807 0.3358

KUWAIT 0.2855 32.0559 0.2883 0.2543

OMAN 0.3849 0.3812 0.3886 0.3428

QATAR 3.6420 3.6070 3.6773 3.2437

UAE 3.6730 3.6377 3.7086 3.2713

SAUDI 3.7500 3.7140 3.7863 3.3399

AUSTRALIA 0.2956 0.0932BANGLADESH 0.00521 0.00477CANADA 0.2958 0.2926DENMARK 0.0578 EGYPT 0.0361 0.0219EURO 0.4114 0.4093HONGKONG 0.04983 0.04943INDIA 0.00590 0.00573INDONESIA 0.00002997 0.00002899IRAN TUMAN 0.00010959 IRAQI DINAR 0.000294 JAPAN 0.003510 0.003440JORDAN 0.5365 0.5351KOREA 0.00038195 KUWAIT 1.2580 1.242MALAYSIA 0.087900 0.0875NEW ZEALAND 0.2798 0.2785NORWAY 0.0481 NEPAL 0.00398 0.00352OMAN 0.97962 0.97962PAKISTAN 0.00371 0.00360PHILIPPINES 0.00787 0.00760QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10061 0.26810SINGAPORE 0.2724 0.2704SOUTH AFRICA 0.03000 0.02990SRI LANKA 0.00277 0.00251SWEDISH 0.0461 SWITZERLAND 0.3861 0.3836SYRIA 0.001740 0.0123TAIWAN 0.012600 THAILAND 0.010970 0.010970TURKEY 0.1079 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4787 0.4757UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102800 0.102810UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37800 0.37805YUAN 0.058500 0.0585

Manama

Bin Faqeeh, a Bahrain-based privately owned real

estate investment company, is showcasing a number of its real estate projects at Bahrain City Center.

The portfolio of projects showcased includes “Alsidra”, a luxury villa community with 450 villas of varying designs and capacities located in Diyar Al Muharraq.

Another project showcased is “Waterbay”, which is located at the heart of Bahrain Bay. It will feature three distinct 10-storey residences with around 600 luxury apartments that have spectacular views, car parking, a host of leisure facilities such as swimming pools, gymnasium, saunas, a rooftop running track as well as a wide range of supporting amenities and restaurant

outlets. The first of the three residences has an expected date of completion end of 2018.

Other projects showcased include “Hidd Heights” which consists of 13-storey building located in Hidd adjacent to Khalifa park, offering fully furnished studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments,, and “Plus” which is a 13-floor residential tower located in

Busaiteen.In addition to that, the

list of projects includes “The Treasure” which is located in Dilmunia Island; “360” at the shores of Durrat Marina, and “The Grand” which is a residential tower located in Seef District with close proximity to top shopping destinations, making it an ideal choice for all family members.

Bin Faqeeh showcases

realty projects

Dubai

Most stock markets in the Gulf moved

little yesterday but United Arab Emirates bourses outperformed with mid-to-large sized companies boosting Dubai, while Egypt’s index slipped in thin volume.

Dubai’s main index added 1.2 per cent as Emaar Properties gained 2.7pc after saying it would recover 1.22 billion dirhams ($332 million) from an insurance claim for a fire that engulfed one of its hotels in late 2015.

The Dubai-listed shares of GFH Financial Group fell as much as 6.5pc during the day but ended 0.4pc higher. The Bahrain-based financial firm announced plans for a big increase in share capital to fund a new growth strategy of acquiring financial institutions and infrastructure investments.

Large caps helped carry Abu Dhabi’s index 0.7pc higher. Dana Gas, which has not yet reported quarterly earnings, rose 1.9pc.

Saudi Arabia’s index added 0.2pc with buying momentum building in the final hour. Petrochemical shares were the main support with almost two-thirds of the 14 producers gaining. Loss-making Nama Chemicals surged 9.5pc after slumping 6.7pc on Sunday. Shares in the polymer maker have been volatile since it announced a recovery plan late last month.

Kuwait’s index rebounded 0.2pc after sinking 2.3pc in the previous session as investors worried over rising political tensions between the cabinet and parliament, which may delay the country’s economic plans.

The Kuwaiti index soared 19pc last month but has lost

steam in the past week and fund managers are split over whether the bull run has ended.

Egypt’s index fell 0.3pc with two-thirds of the blue-chip constituents declining.

GB Auto lost 3.5pc after the automotive industry

council published a report showing car sales in Egypt fell to their lowest in five years and car brands sold by GB Auto declined 55pc month-on-month in November 2016, the month when the Egyptian pound was floated and lost nearly half its value. (Reuters)

outperforms,Egypt dipsUAE

Closing BellSAUDI added 0.2pc to 7,062 points

DUBAI climbed 1.2pc to 3,691 points

ABU DHABI rose 0.7pc to 4,522 points

QATAR edged up 0.1pc to 10,610 points

EGYPT declined 0.3pc to 12,849 points

KUWAIT rose 0.2pc to 6,702 points

OMAN edged up 0.1pc to 5,815 points

BAHRAIN fell 0.1pc to 1,301 points

Manama

Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l,

marked the introduction of the new generation by unveiling two all-wheel drive versions: the Panamera 4S and Turbo at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay.

Modifications to the engine, transmission, chassis and overall design concept, makes the second generation Panamera a performance icon in the luxury class. The new model further extends the boundaries between an ambitious sports car and a comfortable cruising car

with technical highlights such as rear axle steering, electromechanical roll stabilisation and a three-chamber air suspension.

Meanwhile, a completely new display and control concept greets the driver and passengers upon entry. In many areas, touch-sensitive surfaces replace classic hard keys, and high-resolution displays merge into the interior.

Speaking at the launch event Colin Sattar, Brand Manager of Porsche Centre Bahrain, Behbehani Brothers w.l.l said: “All models launched

here today are more powerful than previous versions, whilst also significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. The enhancements applied to the new Panamera make it a true segment leader, one that I am sure will be well received here in Bahrain.”

New engines and transmission All Panamera engines have been redesigned to produce more power, whilst significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions. Three new twin-turbo engines have been introduced ranging between 440 – 550 hp output across the model range, and in combination with the brand’s first eight-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission. The eight-speed PDK enables an even better gear ratio spread alongside a reduction in fuel consumption.

New design philosophy Recognisable sports car aesthetics in Panamera include pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and an extremely fast roof line that is 20 mm lower at the rear. LED headlights, larger wheels, completely new front-end design, and an arrow-shaped bonnet also add to a sporty look.

Refined chassisThe chassis unites the cruising comfort of a luxury saloon with the performance of a true sports car by supplementing

the basic layout with innovative systems such as an adaptive air suspension with new three-chamber technology and Porsche Active Suspension Management (electronic damper control), the further enhanced Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control Sport system including Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus, as well as a new electromechanical steering system. The integrated 4D Chassis Control system analyses and synchronises all chassis systems in real time for even better

handl ing . In combination with improved brake performance, Porsche is now also introducing rear axle steering to its Panamera range.

Behind the steering wheel The intuitive user

interface of the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit makes operation of the communication, convenience and assistance systems easier with the 12.3-inch display touchscreen.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 11Volkswagen chairman Herbert Diess has admitted that

the trend of downsizing engines has come to an end.In October 2016, a report from Reuters revealed that VW,

General Motors and Renault would start to increase the size of their engines due to the higher emissions produced by small-capacity three- and four-cylinder units.

Diess said that the German automaker won’t produce engines smaller than its 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol and that its future diesel engines won’t shrink below 1.6-liters.

“The trend of downsizing is over. Emissions tend to go up as engines get smaller. (Carscoops)

Lexus has filed a European trademark application for LC F all but confirming that a high-performance version of the

LC is in development.Toyota president Akio Toyoda gave the model the green

light some time ago to sit alongside the RC F and GS F in Lexus’ fleet of performance-oriented models.

Lexus says that the standard LC 500 is its most dynamic model since the famed

LFA so one can expect the LC F to be even more

impressive.

Lexus files trademark application VW admits end of engine downsizing

Lee Newton, Marketing Director, Porsche Middle East & Africa

C l a s s i c hard keys and con-v e n t i o n a l i n s t r u -m e n t s have been r e p l a c e d with touch-s e n s i t i v e panels and i n d i v i d u -ally con-f i g u r a b l e displays

2.9-litre V6 twin-turbo engine Horsepower 440 hp at 5,650 rpm Reaches 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds Top speed of 289 km/hrFuel consumption of 8.2 – 8.1 l/100 km (186 – 184 g/km CO2) Price BD50,100

Panamera 4S

4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engineHorsepower 550 hp at 5,750 rpm,Maximum torque of 770 Nm between 1,960 and 4,500 rpm. Reaches 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds with the new Panamera TurboReaches100 km/h in 3.6 sec-onds with the Sport Chrono PackageTop speed of 306 km/h Power-to-weight ratio 3.6 kg/hp Price BD70,400

Panamera Turbo

Tuesday, February 7, 201712

Minister of For-eign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa met with with Pakistan Presi-dent Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as part of an official visit to coun-try. The minister coveyed Bahraini leadership’s wishes of good health to both the leaders and wished further progress and pros-perity to the Paki-stani people

HM King’s Adviser for Media Affairs, Nabeel Alhamer received re-cently-appointed Ap-plied Science University (ASU) Dean of Admis-sions, Dr. Isa Al Khayat, praising his profession-al career and efforts to develop the University’s Deanship of Admission & Registration in har-mony with the King-dom’s ambitious devel-opmental plans

Wife of His Majesty the King and Supreme Council for Women Chairwoman HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa received Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit on the occasion of his visit to Bahrain to attend the 36th session of the Arab League’s Arab Women Committee and the preparatory meeting for the 61st session of the United Nation’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at Al-Rawdha Palace yesterday

Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Command-er and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa met Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Gudaibiya Pal-ace yesterday. The leaders reviewed the latest regional and global develop-ments, stressing that the changes that are currently taking place in the world require initiatives that ensure optimal dealing with their impacts at the local and regional levels

The Transport and Logistics committee of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) headed by bureau member Abdulhakeem Al Shemeri recently held a joint meeting with the General Directorate of Traffic in Bait Al Tijjar.The meeting probed a number of obstacles curbing the transport and logistics sector including the long time for the settlement of traffic violations transferred to the Public Prosecution

HM King’s Adviser for Media Affairs, Nabeel Alhamer received Dr. Wijdan Fahad Al Jas-sim who presented him a copy of her book titled “Public Awareness Trilogy.”

13

Prime Minister’s Adviser HH Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa yesterday received Ambassa-dor of the People’s Republic of China to Bahrain, Qi Zhen-hong and discussed about the increas-ingly-growing fruit-ful cooperation ties and means of bolstering them in various fields

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Progress Harmony and Development (PHD) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi-India signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual cooperation for the purpose of developing business opportunities between Bahrain and India. The memorandum was signed by BCCI Chairman Khalid Al Moayed and Vice President of PHD Chamber Snri Anil Khaitan in a ceremony held in Bait Al Tijjar yesterday in the presence of the Indian ambassador to Bahrain H.E. Alok Kumar Sinha, a number of BCCI board members, and members of the business com-munity of both sides

Minister of For-eign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa met Paki-stani Premier’s Special Assistant for Foreign Af-fairs Tariq Fatemi and discussed cooperation and the friendship between the two countries as well as means to bol-ster ties for the benefit of the two countries, in addition to issues of mutual interest


BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation yesterday paid a visit to Parliament where they met Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla, Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh and members of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee

Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi received Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Shaikh Azam Mubarak Al Sabah yesterday and discussed ways of boosting media cooperation and exchanging technical experience for the best interest of both countries and peoples

Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Khalid Al Moayed received at his office in Bait Al Tijjar yesterday Bahraini Advisor of Handicrafts of the Min-istry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism and author Dr. Ali Hassan Follad. Dr. Follad pre-sented a copy of his latest book “Reflections” which centers on the history of decorative glassware in the Kingdom from the Tylos Era to Modern Times



13

Prime Minister’s Adviser HH Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa yesterday received Ambassa-dor of the People’s Republic of China to Bahrain, Qi Zhen-hong and discussed about the increas-ingly-growing fruit-ful cooperation ties and means of bolstering them in various fields

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) and the Progress Harmony and Development (PHD) Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi-India signed a Memorandum of Understanding on mutual cooperation for the purpose of developing business opportunities between Bahrain and India. The memorandum was signed by BCCI Chairman Khalid Al Moayed and Vice President of PHD Chamber Snri Anil Khaitan in a ceremony held in Bait Al Tijjar yesterday in the presence of the Indian ambassador to Bahrain H.E. Alok Kumar Sinha, a number of BCCI board members, and members of the business com-munity of both sides

Minister of For-eign Affairs Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa met Paki-stani Premier’s Special Assistant for Foreign Af-fairs Tariq Fatemi and discussed cooperation and the friendship between the two countries as well as means to bol-ster ties for the benefit of the two countries, in addition to issues of mutual interest


BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and the accompanying delegation yesterday paid a visit to Parliament where they met Parliament Chairman Ahmed Al Mulla, Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh and members of Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee

Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi received Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Shaikh Azam Mubarak Al Sabah yesterday and discussed ways of boosting media cooperation and exchanging technical experience for the best interest of both countries and peoples

Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) Khalid Al Moayed received at his office in Bait Al Tijjar yesterday Bahraini Advisor of Handicrafts of the Min-istry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism and author Dr. Ali Hassan Follad. Dr. Follad pre-sented a copy of his latest book “Reflections” which centers on the history of decorative glassware in the Kingdom from the Tylos Era to Modern Times



Ellen DeGeneres ‏@TheEllenShow

They wrote a great song for me at Georgia Tech,

so I sent them to the #SuperBowl . That’s just how I roll.

New Delhi

Toronto-based DJ and producer Grandtheft is set to make his India

debut this week as the headliner of the Mad Decent Pre Party tour.

The trap music producer will travel to Mumbai, New Delhi and

Hyderabad February 9-11, read a statement from

Oji, organiser of Mad Decent Block Party. Grandtheft has been on remix duties for singers such as Katy

Perry and Rihanna. (IANS)

London

Actor Robert Pattinson and his fiancee and singer FKA Twigs were

seen in public for the first time after they had reportedly cancelled their wedding due to family issues some weeks ago.

They were photographed having dinner here on Sunday evening, reports aceshowbiz.com.

In some photographs, the couple is seen trying to walk past photographers.

The 30-year-old actor went casual in a beanie and a pair of sneakers as he kept his body warm in a dark jacket, while Twigs looked chose a green plunging,

sleeveless top with her coat draped around her arms.

Pattinson has been keeping his relationship with Twigs under the radar since they started dating in late 2014.

Earlier last month, reports emerged that the couple had called off their wedding.Pattinson was said to have been afraid that their

families would reveal all of the couple’s secrets to the media if they were invited to their wedding. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has posted on her Instagram page

a cryptic message in the form of a popular inspirational quote usually attributed to heartache.

“Timing is everything. If it’s meant to happen, it will, and for the right reasons,” read the post shared by Lopez, who was most recently linked romantically to rapper Drake, on February 4, reports eonline.com.

She recently bumped into her former beau Casper Smart. A

source said the two are friends and “are not back together or romantic in any capacity”.

The source added that Lopez and Drake “are still hanging out”.

The two are yet to comment on it. (IANS)


Known for his childhood roles in such films as Where God Left His Shoes and 27 Dresses, he also appeared in several episodes of the television series.

David Castro

February 7, 1996

Ellen DeGeneres ‏@TheEllenShow

They wrote a great song for me at Georgia Tech,

so I sent them to the #SuperBowl . That’s just how I roll.

New Delhi

Toronto-based DJ and producer Grandtheft is set to make his India

debut this week as the headliner of the Mad Decent Pre Party tour.

The trap music producer will travel to Mumbai, New Delhi and

Hyderabad February 9-11, read a statement from

Oji, organiser of Mad Decent Block Party. Grandtheft has been on remix duties for singers such as Katy

Perry and Rihanna. (IANS)

London

Actor Robert Pattinson and his fiancee and singer FKA Twigs were

seen in public for the first time after they had reportedly cancelled their wedding due to family issues some weeks ago.

They were photographed having dinner here on Sunday evening, reports aceshowbiz.com.

In some photographs, the couple is seen trying to walk past photographers.

The 30-year-old actor went casual in a beanie and a pair of sneakers as he kept his body warm in a dark jacket, while Twigs looked chose a green plunging,

sleeveless top with her coat draped around her arms.

Pattinson has been keeping his relationship with Twigs under the radar since they started dating in late 2014.

Earlier last month, reports emerged that the couple had called off their wedding.Pattinson was said to have been afraid that their

families would reveal all of the couple’s secrets to the media if they were invited to their wedding. (IANS)

Los Angeles

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez has posted on her Instagram page

a cryptic message in the form of a popular inspirational quote usually attributed to heartache.

“Timing is everything. If it’s meant to happen, it will, and for the right reasons,” read the post shared by Lopez, who was most recently linked romantically to rapper Drake, on February 4, reports eonline.com.

She recently bumped into her former beau Casper Smart. A

source said the two are friends and “are not back together or romantic in any capacity”.

The source added that Lopez and Drake “are still hanging out”.

The two are yet to comment on it. (IANS)


Known for his childhood roles in such films as Where God Left His Shoes and 27 Dresses, he also appeared in several episodes of the television series.

David Castro

February 7, 1996


Fist FightDirector: Richie KeenStars: Christina Hendricks, Ice Cube, Charlie Day, JoAnna Garcia Swisher

A Cure for WellnessDirector: Gore VerbinskiStars: Jason Isaacs, Dane DeHaan, Mia Goth, Celia Imrie

Everybody Loves SomebodyDirector: Catalina Aguilar MastrettaStars: Karla Souza, Ben O’Toole, Stefanie Estes, K.C. Clyde

In Dubious BattleDirector: James FrancoStars: Nat Wolff, James Franco, Vincent D’Onofrio, Selena Gomez

Get Out Director: Jordan PeeleStars: Allison Williams, Lakeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Catherine Keener

MOVIES... COMING SOON... next weekAmerican actress Emma Stone in the SAG Awards 2017

‘La La Land’ has captured another major Hollywood

trophy as Damien Chazelle took home the top honour at the 69th annual Directors Guild of America Awards.

Chazelle, who helmed the dazzling LA-set musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, was named best feature film

director at the star-studded ceremony, which took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

While accepting the honour Chazelle, 32, said, “I’m a movie maker because I love movies. I was three years old watching Cinderella on loop.” I felt that movies were powerful because they speak to everyone: all

countries all cultures, he added.Chazelle’s candy-colored love

story’s DGA win, coming in the wake of victories at the Golden Globes and the Producers Guild of America, further consolidates its position as the Oscar front-runner, where it has earned a record-equalling 14 nominations. (TOI)

(www.imdb.com)

UPDATE ON GENETIC MYOPA-THIES SEMINARDate: Today 9 am – 1 pm Venue : Al-Jawhara Center- Manama

An informative Seminar for Pediatricians, Neurologists, Cardiologists , Geneticists and General Practitioners dealing with patients diagnosed with myopathies. Speaker: Dr. Cristina Skrypnyk, Consultant Medical Geneticist.

BAHRAIN SPORTS DAY Date: TodayVenue: Bahrain Governorates

The first-ever Bahrain Sports Day promises a packed programme set to take place on Tuesday, February 7 and covers all parts of the country in an attempt to promote sport and health-enhancing physical activities.

More than 10 ministries, four governorates, 28 sports federations, national and expatriate sports clubs in addition to the youth centres will all deliver a multi-sporting event on a single day.

The Sports Day is organized by the Bahrain Olympic Committee in cooperation with the Youth and Sports Ministry. 2017 Bahrain Sports Day will be organized in compliance to the GCC National Olympic Committees Presidents’ decision to have a single day of sports and entertaining activities in all over the Gulf and is open to both citizens and expatriates of all ages.

THE 4TH INTERNATIONAL SELF DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE - CREATING CHANGEDate: February 7-9Venue: Al Mamlaka Hall BCCI Manama

Bahrain Meditation Centre for Self-development presnts the 4th International Self Development Conference - Creating Change.

The ‘Creating Change’ Conference is all about navigating the waves and winds of change, discovering how to remain calm amidst chaos, and learning how to guide our thoughts, feelings and actions towards the most positive outcomes. When we are able, amidst the outer waves of change, to steer the self towards a safe and stable state of mind, then we can effectively innovate and generate positive change. Throughout the conference we will be using the tool of meditation to help us develop a deeper understanding of the self. People have used meditation as a technique for thousands of years, to develop concentration, regenerate inner power, attain self-mastery, and ultimately initiate change for personal and world benefit. Developing the ability to concentrate, to rule over one’s thoughts, to maintain a clear mind, and to nurture appropriate values and attitudes, are all keys to attain self-mastery.

We invite you to join us for these few days of experiential learning from which you will emerge refreshed, rejuvenated, powerful and ready for change.The conference is for people

from all sectors of society: corporate, social, educational and anyone wishing to learn how to embrace change and to grow and emerge as a leader. It is for those who wish to be more effective in their work and relationships and who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

WALKING TOUR OF MUHURRAQ - PEARL TRAILDate : 08 Feb 9 am – 11 amVenue : Muharraq

Explore Bahrain’s Pearling Trail in Muharraq (an Unesco World Heritage Site) and follow in the footsteps of Bahrain’s pearl divers during much of Bahrain’s history until the early 1930s. For part one, our journey starts at Siyadi House and ends at the House of Coffee.

CFC YFC PROJECT OASES BAHRAINDate: 09 Feb 6:30pm- 9pmVenue: Sacred Heart Church Catholic Church- Manama

CFC-Youth for Christ Bahrain will be having a worship and benefit concert, PROJECT OASES, for the ANCOP (Answering The Cry of The Poor) and for the needy of the parish. All parishioners of the Sacred Heart

Church and Catholic community of Bahrain are welcome. Tickets’ availability will be announced shortly.

BAHRAIN KERALEEYA SAMAJAM (BKS) PLATINUM JUBILEE CELEBRATIONSDate: February 9-10Venue: BKS Segaiya

Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) is launching a year-long platinum jubilee celebrations next week. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be the Chief Guest at the two-day inaugural function at the BKS Diamond Jubilee Hall in Segaiya. Shows specially choreographed by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the founder-director of the SOORYA Stage and Film Society, will be the highlights on both days. On the first day a team of 35 artists led by South Indian film actress Lakshmi Gopalaswamy will stage Bharatham-Keralam (India-Kerala) a 25minute –long show depicting the influence of Kerala on Indian culture. A two hour-long mega show Ganesham will be staged the following day. The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, established in the year 1947 by a group of visionaries, is today one of the oldest and largest leading socio-cultural organizations on the island.

NIGHTS IN PARIS Date : 9 Feb 9:30 pm - 10 Feb 2 pmVenue : ART Rotana- Muharraq

Transition back in time and space with our Parisian themed party that will surely put you in the right mood for Valentine’s at Cellar 59. Witness the extraordinary performance by our talented artist, Arlenis & Fabien. DJ Katrin Love and DJ Boudi will stir things up on the dance floor with an eclectic mix of beats to keep you fueled for the rest of the evening.


HOW TO REACH US “Out & About’, a

ready reckoner for the events taking place on the

island, is published from Friday to Tuesday. To be included,

please use one of the following: [email protected], or

call 38444680.

HIGHLIGHT

JEWELRY DESIGNING Date: 13th and 23rd February from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m Venue: Bait Al Tijjar

The pearl, gold, and jewelry sector committee of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is organizing two specialized courses in jewelry designing in cooperation with HRD- Antwerp Institute of Gemmology between 13th and 23rd February from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Chamber’s premises (Bait Al Tijjar).

In this regard, board member and head of the committee Ms. Deema Al Haddad called all concerned to attend the courses which will enable participants to use various designing techniques and stress on current trends in jewelry designing. She said “The first course will be basic in its nature and will extend from 13th February to the 18th, while the second course will be more advanced and will extend from 19th to the 23rd.” She urged interested participants to secure their places by registering for the courses no later than Thursday 9th February by calling 17380096 or sending their details to [email protected].

2017 CHERRY TREE TROT RACEDate: Saturday, 25th of February, 2017Venue: Bahrain International Circuit (BIC)

The Cherry Tree Trot (CTT) is a day of fun and races sponsored by the American Women’s Association(AWA). It is one of the oldest and highest profile charity events in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The CTT is organized to raise money for over 35+ Bahraini charities supported by AWA. The high profile event is held every two years. It is also a fun day out for participants who are mentally and physically challenged, with the primary event being a 2k race designed especially for them. There are three categories: 1) Adults (over 18 years of age), 2) Children and 3) People in Wheelchairs.

The participants with mental and physical challenges will be supported in their race by students, volunteers from private schools, and adult volunteers; including many from the American Forces based in Bahrain. Included in the other race events are a 2k, 3k, 5k and

8k race for able-bodied participants of various ages. There is also a 3k walkathon for those who like to take things a little easier, such as families with pushchairs or strollers. Children ages 6-12 can enter the 2k race, ages 13 and up can enter the 3k, 5k and 8k races. All ages can walk in the walkathon. Spectators are welcome and are not charged. Register online at www.adnanevents.org till 23rd February 2017.

HIGHLIGHTFILM SHOW: CERTAIN WOMENDate: Wednesday, February 8 Venue: Bahrain Cinema Club Juffair

Certain Women is a 2016 American drama film written and directed by Kelly Reichardt. Based on short stories from Maile Meloy’s collection, Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It, the film stars Laura Dern, Kristen Stewart, Michelle Williams, Lily Gladstone, James Le Gros, and Jared Harris.

Three strong-willed women strive to forge their own paths amidst the wide-open plains of the American Northwest: a lawyer who finds herself contending with both office sexism and a hostage situation; a wife and mother whose determination to build her dream home puts her at odds with the men in her life; and a young law student who forms an ambiguous bond with a lonely ranch hand. As their stories intersect in subtle but powerful ways, a portrait emerges of flawed, but strong-willed individuals in the process of defining themselves. The film won the Best Film Award in The Official Competition at London Film Festival.

ROMEO & JULIET VALENTINES THEMED BRUNCH Date : 10 Feb 12:30 pm – 4 pmVenue: Crowne Plaza Bahrain- Manama

If music be the food of love, play on. Valentine’s at Crowne Plaza is all about love, and that starts with the food. You will be spoilt for choice at La Mosaque on valentines themed brunch and enjoy an afternoon of Shakespearean era.

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18 Tuesday, February 7, 2017COOL ZONE

S OU UKD

CROSSWORDYESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Your star today

Across Down

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

How to play: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

(Mar 21st - Apr 20th)

(Apr 21st - May 21st)

(May 22nd - Jun 21st)

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

(July 24th - Aug 23rd)

(Aug 24th - Sep 23rd)

(Sep 24th - Oct 23rd)

(Oct 24th - Nov 22nd)

(Nov 23rd - Dec 21st)

(Dec 22nd- Jan 20th)

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th)

(Feb 20th - Mar 20th)

Your physical energy is likely to be very high today, and you might want to spend most of your time out and about, probably in the company of others. You may attend a concert this evening or some other kind of entertainment that you really enjoy. There might be a slight delay in getting there, but don’t panic. You should arrive eventually.

This is a good day to spend some time alone. You may have projects you want to finish, and you have the energy to get a lot done. You could feel restless, but socializing might not be a good idea. Tempers may be short and frustrations high among those in your social circle. Quarrels might break out. Get out on your own, then work on whatever you want.Discussions in a group you’re affiliated with could get heated as disagreements escalate. A goal you’ve been working toward might finally near fulfilment, and tempers are short. You may avoid arguments, but the situation could still make you uncomfortable. You might decide to leave early and go for a workout or walk. This is a good idea.

Today you could put a lot of energy into mundane chores and tasks, as you won’t want them hanging over your head and interfering with your evening plans. As a result, you might feel very stressed and your temper could be a bit short. Try to control it and avoid taking your frustrations out on others.

You might be planning or leaving on a much-needed vacation now, and feeling very excited about it. Plans should go smoothly, so you’re apt to get everything together with few glitches. Friends in distant places might ask you to visit or be planning visits of their own. The focus today is on expansion of your physical and mental horizons.

Ambitious plans for your future could necessitate your giving a lot of attention to practical matters, such as finances. This could be a drag, but if you’re serious about your ideas, it needs to be done. A friend could pitch in and help you make sense of everything. Don’t try to get it all done today. Your mind could get overloaded, which might discourage you.

The coming days promise a busy social time. You might host a party at your home. You may feel terribly rushed and wonder if you will be able to get everything done. Don’t worry. It will all come out all right. Friends or family members could prove invaluable in lending assistance. At some point, you might attend or take part in a sports event.

Your energy level should be high today, so you’re going to feel restless and spend most of your time out and about. There might be some chores you need to get done at home, but family members should help and you’re apt to finish them all quickly. Paperwork might need to be completed, which could be the slowest of all your tasks. Don’t get frustrated. Handle it and then have fun this evening.

The promise of possible financial advancement could cause you to plunge into a lot of paperwork today. This could be related to a job, or it might involve a personal project that you’ve been working on. You might get so caught up in what you’re doing that you lose your ability to focus and get too frazzled to finish. Remember to pace yourself.

You may be looking forward to an evening with close friends, probably including a romantic partner. Occasions such as sporting events, movies, or concerts could be on your agenda. Activities involving children are also possible. Don’t be surprised if you’re inclined to sit quietly and let others do the talking. You might have a lot on your mind and need to let it stew for a while.

Members of your household may feel a bit restless today, and therefore might spend most of their time out and about. You might take advantage of everyone’s absence to catch up on work you need to do alone. This is going to be a busy day with lots of outside contact. Visitors might drop by and the phone could ring constantly.

Your neighbourhood is likely buzzing with activity today. New neighbours could move in, improvements could be made, and new businesses could open their doors. Expect a lot of visitors and calls. A man with a child could play a big role in these events. At some point you might decide to walk down the street and check out what’s happening.

1- Monumental;; 5- Addis ___;; 10- Recedes;; 14- Of like kind;; 15- Agave fiber;; 16- Low-lying region;; 17- Ripe for drafting;; 18- Triple;; 19- Zeno of ___;; 20- Like barber poles;; 22- Skull;; 24- Siesta;; 25- Boob tubes;; 26- Seize;; 29- Chat room chuckle;; 32- Bits;; 36- I could ___ horse!;; 37- Capital of the Philippines;; 39- Therapists’ org.;; 40- In spite of;; 43- Yes, to Yves;; 44- Spuds;; 45- Arrow poison;; 46- Foil maker;; 48- Suffix with meteor;; 49- ___ Is Born;; 50- Arafat’s org.;; 52- Cul-de-___;; 53- Fashionable;; 57- Disordered;; 61- Singer Braxton;; 62- River of Tours;; 64- Ballot choice;; 65- Black-and-white treat;; 66- Type of sanctum;; 67- Footnote abbr.;; 68- Predictive sign;; 69- Lauder of cosmetics;; 70- Drum sound;;

1- Those, to Juan;; 2- Football kick;; 3- Cake decorator;; 4- Portable power saw;; 5- ___ in the right direction;; 6- Feathered creature;; 7- ___ live and breathe!;; 8- Judge’s seat;; 9- Warn;; 10- Be that as it may;; 11- Indonesian resort island;; 12- Chicken cordon ___;; 13- Tailor’s line;; 21- Baby food;; 23- Birdlike;; 26- Columbus’s birthplace;; 27- Fauvist painter Dufy;; 28- Room at the top;; 29- Christine of “Chicago Hope”;; 30- Get-go;; 31- Brit’s bottle measure;; 33- Spoil;; 34- Sleep issue;; 35- More wise;; 37- 1959 Kingston Trio hit;; 38- ___ Vegas;; 41- Pisa place;; 42- Detect;; 47- Choice;; 49- Penlight bat-tery;; 51- Stan’s pal;; 52- Author Hite;; 53- Langston Hughes poem;; 54- “Cheers” regular;; 55- Dagger;; 56- Ages and ages;; 57- Manitoba native;; 58- Dorothy’s dog;; 59- Romance lang.;; 60- Prison room;; 63- CD earnings;;

BEETLE BAILEY R

Korek resort, Iraq

In the fledgling ski resort of Korek in war-torn Iraq,

the only battles are snow fights between visitors who often leave their traumatic memories at the foot of the slopes.

That’s what Fawaz Behnam and many of the children and adults frolicking in knee-deep powder around him like about the idyllic tourist spot.

He and his family were in Mosul when the Islamic State group seized the city in 2014, forcing them to flee, leaving their home and their jewelry shops behind.

“We were very tired and we want to have some fun. Look at the people here enjoying themselves, not like in Mosul,” said the 35-year-old, his face flush from the bright sun and cold wind.

Korek lies in Iraq’s northern autonomous region of Kurdistan, where hundreds of thousands of Iraqis displaced by the 2014 jihadist offensive have found refuge.

“You can see the great atmosphere,” said Behnam’s brother-in-law Anmar Munir, a young accountant who also lives in the Kurdish city of Dohuk, further west.

“People are relaxed and enjoying themselves. This of course takes us away from the atmosphere of murder, displacement and persecution,” he said.

Fawaz and Anmar are among the luckiest displaced

w h o can afford to travel to Korek but hundreds o f thousands are spending their third winter in displacement camps.

Frontier destination At a snow festival organised in Korek by the regional government last week, groups of young people, some in proper winter attire but many wearing flimsy city shoes, broke into traditional dance and enjoyed some of the activities available there.

Dozens queued for a ride on a Zip-line, others raced each other on sleds and the most adventurous signed up for their first skiing class on a baby piste -- but the most popular sports remained snow fighting and selfie snapping.

Nader Rusty, a spokesperson for the regional government’s tourism ministry, has other ambitions for Iraq’s only mountain resort than just offering relief to victims of conflict.

“We organise this snow festival every year. It’s very important to improve tourism in general and winter tourism in particular,” he said.

Conflict-torn Iraq is best known for its searing temperatures and not exactly

a tourist magnet but Korek is hoping to make a name for itself as a frontier skiing destination.

2014 was supposed to be a takeoff y e a r

for Kurdistan’s tourism industry and Korek was one of its flagship projects.

However the devastating human and economic impact of the IS offensive that year and the subsequent war to retake lost territory left Kurdish dreams in tatters.

“Our target was seven million (tourists) by 2025 but because of the war, our plan has changed,” said Nader

Rusty.

HavenFor now Korek lacks a ski lift but it boasts a state-of-the-art Austrian-built cable car and swanky chalets.

James Willcox, a cofounder of adventure travel company “Untamed borders”, was in Korek for the snow festival with a group h e

believes was on the first ever commercial skiing trip to Iraq.

“We were skiing nearer to Haj Omran, where the mountains are bigger and we were lucky that there has been lots of snow this week,” he said. “So we took one day to come here to ski, to listen to

the music, to eat and to enjoy the festival,”

said Willcox. (AFP)

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 19

A mother and child enjoy a slide at Korek Mountain resort

Iraqis play with snow at Korek Mountain resort

A woman plays with snow at the Mountain resort

Iraqi Kurds enjoy an amusment ride at the Mountain resort

Britain must discuss the terms of its divorce from the EU before talks on any future trade deal can start

#PollToday

Yes No Can’t Say

Do you shop from illegal street vendors ?

Bernard Cazeneuve French Prime Minister

Rest in sight

For more, catch us online at: www.newsofbahrain.com

/nobonline/newsofbahrain

Kremlin demands apology for Putin ‘killer’ question

Indian commandos go missing en masse: report

Indian priests arrested for marrying off their children

5.7 quake rattles Colombia

The Kremlin yesterday urged US network Fox News to apologise after its presenter called Russian President Vladimir Putin “a killer” while interview-ing US President Donald Trump.

Dozens of trainee comman-dos have gone missing on the eve of their first deploy-ment to a restive region considered a stronghold of left-wing rebels.

A 5.7-magnitude earth-quake hit central Colombia yesterday, officials said, indi-cating there were no reports of casualties or damage.

Two priests have been arrested in India for marry-ing off their teenage children in a secret ceremony they believed would bring pros-perity to their families, police said yesterday.

Tuesday, February 7, 201720Crop-destroying worm poses threat to farming

London

A c r o p - d e s t r o y i n g caterpillar native to

the Americas is “spreading rapidly” in Africa and threatens farming worldwide, the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) warned on yesterday.

Two species of the fall armyworm, which can devastate maize production,

have been found in Ghana, and could spread to Asia and the Mediterranean, according to the Britain-based not-for-profit group. “This is the first time it has been shown that both species or strains are established on mainland Africa” CABI chief scientist Matthew Cock said after analysis was conducted in the group’s labs.

Yangon

A Buddhist monk in Myanmar has been

caught hiding more than four million methamphetamine pills in his monastery, police said on yesterday, following a record haul of stimulant seizures last year.

The monk, named Arsara, is in custody after police discovered hundreds of thousands of the tablets

in his car as he was driving from Shwe Baho village in the town of Maungdaw in Rakhine state bordering Bangladesh.

“First the police found 400,000 drug pills” when they searched his vehicle on Sunday evening, said local police chief Kyaw Mya Win.

“The police then went to the monk’s monastery and found another 4.2 million pills.” - (AFP)

Myanmar monk caught with 4.6m drug pills

© GRAPHIC NEWSSources: UNAMA, wire agencies

The UN says civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2016 hit theirhighest ever recorded level, with nearly 11,500 non-combatants

killed or wounded – one third of them children

UnitedNationsAssistance Mission inAfghanistan (UNAMA),which began documentingcivilian casualties in 2009,reports 3,498 killed and7,920 injured in 2016(up 3% over 2015,underscoring growinginsecurity)

2016 REPORT

CIVILIAN DEATHS ANDINJURIES BY EXPLOSIVEREMNANTS OF WAR, 2016Men 13% Women 3%

CIVILIAN DEATHS AND INJURIES, 201612

10

8

6

4

2

0

(000s)

2009 10 11 12 13 14 15 2016

Children 84%(disproportionate increaseof 24% in one year)

730

1,177

1,361

1,313

1,764

2,4762,840

3,512

Total deathsand injuries

PublishedFeb 6,

2017

Child deathsand injuries

Childrenhave been killed,

blinded, crippled – orinadvertently caused thedeath of their friends –

while playing withunexploded ordnance

UN HIGH COMMISSIONERFOR HUMAN RIGHTS

11,03410,535

8,638

7,842

7,1627,590

11,418

5,969

London

A teenager pleaded guilty yesterday to killing a

US tourist and injuring five others in a central London knife attack, with prosecutors accepting his admission of manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

At a hearing in London’s Old Bailey court, Zakaria Bulhan, 19, admitted killing 64-year-old retired teacher Darlene Horton.

He also admitted charges of wounding with intent with respect to Martin Hoenisch, Lillie Selletin, David Imber, Bernard Hepplewhite and Yovel Lewronski.

The August 3 stabbing spree initially sparked fears

it was a terror attack as it took place in Russell Square, the site of one of the suicide bombings in 2005.

Police quickly arrived at the scene and arrested him.

Bulhan, who lives in south London, is a Norwegian national of Somali origin who came to Britain as a young child in 2002.

At the hearing, the court heard how the suspect was suffering from an “acute” episode of paranoid schizophrenia at the time, with prosecutor Mark Heywood saying he accepted Bulhan’s plea.

Describing the attack, Heywood said the suspect

was seen “moving in an erratic fashion”.

“Without warning or provocation, the man stabbed six people in relatively quick succession, saying nothing to any of them, moving on after each stabbing towards his next victim,” he told the court.

Horton, a mother of two, was stabbed in the back, with the blade piercing her left lung and her heart. She died hours before she was due to fly home.

The three men injured in the attack were a Briton, an American and an Australian. Two women, an Australian and Israeli, were also wounded. - (AFP)

London attack

Teen admitskilling tourist in

London

Queen Elizabeth II, the world’s longest-reigning

monarch, set a new record yesterday as the first British sovereign to reach their sapphire jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne.

The head of state, now 90, became queen aged 25 upon the premature death of her father, king George VI, in 1952.

As usual on Accession Day, Queen Elizabeth was at her country estate in Norfolk, eastern England.

“The queen is spending the

day privately at Sandringham House,” said a Buckingham Palace spokesman.

The monarch was working on the “red boxes” -- the red briefcases of official government papers -- and

reflecting on her father’s passing.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the country would join in giving thanks for the queen’s lifetime of service to Britain and the wider Commonwealth.

Despite her reluctance to celebrate publicly, the occasion was being marked in Britain.

Gun salutes were fired at the Tower of London, in the capital’s Green Park and around the kingdom, while the bells of Westminster Abbey, where she was crowned in 1953, rang out.

Queen marks 65 years on throne

Armed police personnel walking past the crime scene in London’s Russell Square following a knife attack on August 3, 2016

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 21SPORTS


Loads of thrills await race fans this Saturday as

Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) hosts the fourth round of National Race Day in Sakhir.

An exciting triple-header is set to take place with the BIC 2,000cc Challenge, Bahrain Superbike Championship (BSBK) and Bahrain Motorcycle Racing 600 (BMR 600) all roaring into action, with BIC’s 2.55-km Inner Track set to host the racing.

The day’s programme begins at 9.50am and concludes at around 5pm, all are welcome and tickets are available at the gate. They cost BD2 for adults and BD1 for children.

All three championships

taking place Saturday will be holding the third round of their respective 2016/2017 seasons.

The BIC 2,000cc Challenge is one of the longest-running championships in the Gulf, professionally organised and featuring some of the top racers in two-litre cars with modifications limited to ensure an even playing field.

So far the 2,000cc campaign has been wildly unpredictable from the six races held to date, with four different winners - Mohammed Faqihi, Hussain Karimi, Tim Birkin and Shaikh Hamad bin Isa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who had a fantastic double in round three.

The BSBK is also set to feature a very strong field of competitors, with each rider

competing on a Ducati 899 Panigale sports bike.

Heading the cast is Mishal Alneaimi, who has won every race since last season with the exception of one, claimed by Mike “Spike” Edwards.

Edwards clinched race one from the previous meeting after Alneaimi was given a 20-second penalty following his first-place finish.

Others to look out for in the BSBK include Fahad Alsuwaidi and Ali Alshammari.

The BMR 600 will see competition divided into two categories, the first being the Superstock Series and the other the Hornets Series.

Some of the top riders in the Superstock class include David Wynne, Magnus Mossburg and Pawel

Rosciszewsi, while those in the Hornets category are Alshammari, Adel Najjar, Ali Adiby and Mohammad Al Zaidan.

Action on Saturday begins at 9.50am with BSBK Practice. The Superbikers move on to Qualifying at 11.30am, after which Race One is scheduled for 1.32pm. Race Two takes place at 3.12pm.

The 2,000cc Challenge begins its programme at 10.50am with Practice, and then Qualifying takes place at 12.20pm. Race One is at 2.31pm and Race Two is at 4.11pm and the BMR 600 will be taking to the track for the first time at 10.25am for Practice and then again at 11.55am for Qualifying. Race One will be at 2.01pm while Race Two will flag off at 3.41pm.

Get readyforRace Day thrills

Princess Alia bint Al Hussein, President of the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation and member of the executive committee in the World Arabian Horse Organisation (WAHO), arrived in Bahrain to participate in the WAHO Conference. Princess Alia was welcomed upon her arrival by Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Deputy Chairman of the High Organising Committee, to the conference. Shaikh Faisal wished the Princess a pleasant stay in Bahrain and extended to her the greetings of Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of HRH the Crown Prince and Chairman of the High Organising Committee. Princess praised the pioneering efforts of Bahrain within the WAHO and the active role being played in protecting the strains of Arabian horses.

Manama

Batelco defeated Electricity and Water Authority

(EWA) 6-2 in the fifth week of the Bahrain Industrial Bowling League played at the Fun Land Centre in Manama.

Top scoring for Batelco was guest player Mahdi Asad (267) highgame of the week and (688) high series an for EWA it was another guest player Emad Al Jahromi (255) game and (703) high series of the week.

Other results (bowler, game, series): Tatweer (Mazen Al Zayed, 251, 616) bt Banagas (Ali Abdulla, 204, 577) 6-2. GPIC (Ahmad Fareed, 247, 694) bt Pioneers (Abdul Laif Hassan, 240, 666) 6-2. Gulf Air (MJ Vilianueva, 246,

668) bt Bapco (Mohammed H Janahi, 233, 643) 6-2.Tonight schedule: Bapco vs Banagas, Tatweer vs Ministry of Interior,Gulf Air vs GPIC. Bye: Batelco.

Emad Jahromi.....high series of the week

Mahdi Asad......high game of the week

Manama

Bahrain Triathlon Association (BTA) have

announced the launching of the first Triathlon League in the Arab world.

The Triathlon League is anticipated to be launched this Friday and the system to compute the winner will be determined by the points scored in the nine rounds.

BTA calls on all national clubs and amateurs wishing to participate in the league initiative to register by sending information to the e-mail [email protected] and should include their name, date of birth and telephone number.

Shaikh Saqer bin Salman Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Triathlon Association said the First

Triathlon League at the Arab world level, magnifies the Kingdom of Bahrain’s role on the Triathlon scene.

The league will be run to international standards with the BTA keen on holding training courses for local referees to oversee championships and a technical body that oversees the team and participation in most local and foreign events.

Manama

The DHL Bahrain Expatriate Netball

League resumes tonight with two-time defending champion Rugby Club A taking on British Club A in the final round of round-robin Division A matches starting at 7.30pm at the Dilmun Sports Club in Saar.

Both sides have won both their second phase games, while Dilmun Club A and British Club B have lost both of theirs and play at 8.10pm.

This round of matches will settle the semi-final line-up which will see first

place take on third place and second take on fourth later this month to determine the finalists, while the losers will play-off for third place.

Meanwhile, in the Second Division, Dilmun Club B are the only one of six teams with two wins from two games and they take on St Christopher’s (who are the only side without a win) in the late match at 8.50pm.

Other matches scheduled in the division are Rugby Club B and Sri Lanka Club at 7.30pm and British Club C and Dilmun Club C at 8.10pm.

Shaikh Saqer

Houston

Lady Gaga dazzled the Super Bowl on Sunday with a high-

tech, tightly choreographed half-time show celebrating American

diversity and unity as she chose the power of showbiz over direct

provocation. Performing at American football’s

title match -- generally the most watched US television event of the year -- the pop diva electrified NRG Stadium in Houston with a

pulsating medley of her greatest hits.

From the outset, Gaga served notice this was no ordinary halftime show --

she began her performance from the lip of the stadium, an

army of 300 drones forming a twinkling American flag in the sky.Then she took flight.

The singer, clad in a sparkling silver bodysuit and knee high boots, leapt from

the edge of the retractable roof onto the stage with the help of some sturdy wires -- and the performance was nonstop from there.

Ahead of the show, all eyes were on Lady Gaga to see whether she would use the platform to rip

into President Donald Trump at a tense time in US politics.

Even with Vice President Mike Pence in attendance, Gaga -- a sworn foe of Trump --

kept with the game’s guidelines to steer clear of overt politics. Instead the singer, known for her audacious outfits, delivered what seemed

to be a more subtle message.“How are you doing tonight, Texas? How are you doing tonight, America?”

Gaga asked. “We’re here to make you feel good,” she said. She opened with “This Land is Your Land,” the anthem by leftist folk legend

Woody Guthrie that has come to be seen as an alternative national anthem for the United States.

Gaga then mixed up her biggest songs -- from “Just Dance” and “Poker Face” to “Born This Way” -- an anthem of inclusion in which she speaks of acceptance of people regardless of ethnicity or sexual orientation.

She was backed up by an upbeat, ethnically diverse cast of dancers, who at one point joined in a group hug.

“No matter gay, straight or bi... You’re Lebanese / You’re orient,” she sang. “Whether life’s disabilities left you outcast, bullied or teased / Rejoice and love yourself today!”

Gaga literally dropped the mic -- and caught a football at the end of the show as fireworks shot into the air.

Given that the Super Bowl is the most coveted advertising venue of the year, the drone army -- designed by chip-maker Intel -- ended in another show of Americana, commercialism, as they created the logo of sponsor Pepsi. (AFP)

London

David Beckham’s squeaky-clean image as a British cultural icon has taken a battering following the

leaking of expletive-strewn emails in which he apparently raged about not receiving a knighthood.

The former England football captain is said to have sworn in emails to his PR team after being told he would not be made “Sir David” by Queen Elizabeth II because of concerns about his tax affairs. A spokesman for the 41-year-old said the emails, released by the Football Leaks website, were “hacked and doctored” to give a “deliberately inaccurate picture”.

But there has been a backlash against Beckham from sections of Britain’s tabloid media.

Monday’s Daily Mail spoke of the “Shame of Saint Becks”, with a columnist pronouncing him “a foul-mouthed, determined egotist” who had used charity work as part of an “increasingly desperate” bid for a knighthood.

Reports which emerged on Friday said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star refused to put his own money into his humanitarian 7 Fund and tried to obtain reimbursement from the UN children’s agency UNICEF for expenses met by his sponsors.

Brand BeckhamBorn in Leytonstone, east London, Beckham was a member of the fabled “Class of 92” crop of young players who emerged at United, along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neville.

Blessed with an extraordinarily accurate right foot, Beckham was renowned for his dead-ball prowess and his seemingly limitless stamina, as well as his ever-changing hairstyles. He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League with United, creating both injury-time goals as Alex Ferguson’s side stormed back to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final.

After his relationship with Ferguson deteriorated, he joined the Real Madrid “Galacticos” to great fanfare in 2003, but would win only one league title during his time in Spain. Beckham moved to Los Angeles Galaxy in a trailblazing trans-Atlantic move in 2007 and won two MLS Cup titles, whilst also spending time on loan at European giants AC Milan and PSG.

He captained England for six years and played at three World Cups, his 115 caps making him his country’s third most-capped player behind Peter Shilton and Wayne Rooney. Beckham’s global celebrity turned him into a one-man marketing phenomenon with a glut of lucrative endorsements. He is the face of firms including Adidas, fashion chain H&M and Haig Whisky and his shared fortune with Victoria, dubbed “Brand Beckham”, is believed to exceed £500 million ($624 million, 582 million euros). (AFP)

SPORTSTuesday, February 7, 201722

Leaked emails tarnish

golden-boy Beckham

Tuesday, February 7, 2017 23SPORTS

Shumen

Maedeh Borhani and Zeinab Giveh, the

first Iranian women to play professional volleyball outside their country, are easy to recognise -- they play in hijab scarves and long leggings.

Islamic dress was a condition imposed by the Iranian volleyball federation when Borhani, 29, and Giveh, 33, were allowed to move to YEB Shumen in Bulgaria where they played and lost their first official match against Kazanlak on Saturday.

Some opposing players

have made fun of their Islamic dress. The women say they do not take the taunts seriously.

Their coach Mehmed Basharan is more nervous about possible “provocations” however after rival team members posted social media pictures last week, “their heads and faces wrapped up like bedouins.”

“They want to tease us but we will not take offence. Yet, this is unnecessary, it is not fair play,” he said.

Borhani and Giveh say they want to be an example to other Iranian women.

“We are proud that we are the first Iranian women who can play in Europe and make history for Iran,” Borhani said ahead of Saturday’s match.

“One of the reasons why we wanted to come here was to open the way for other talented Iranian players to go abroad,” she said.

“It was a very easy decision, like opening the door and stepping out,” Giveh, who is captain of the Iranian women’s national team, added.

YEB manager Basharan, 48,

said he wanted the pair as attracting players of similar class from another country would cost 10 times more.

YEB are sixth in the Bulgarian league but need to be in the top four to get a place in European tournaments next year.

Volleyball is one of the most popular sports in Iran but women are not allowed to attend men’s matches because of Islamic rules.

Wearing the hijab and leggings is also compulsory for women during games. Borhani said they had no

problem keeping the rule in Bulgaria to get permission for the move from Iran’s volleyball federation and sports ministry.

“We are here to play volleyball and our religion and its rules should not be a problem,” Borhani said.

“Wearing hijab is a habit, a style that we are used to,” she added, her lipstick-covered mouth curling into a smile as she recounted how much they have been made welcome in Shumen.

“When we walk in the street all people know us and

we like it.”Bulgaria banned the

wearing of a full face veil in public in September amid rising nationalism and a refugee influx.

But the two women’s loosely tied dark blue headscarves do not turn eyes in a town like Shumen that has a large Muslim minority. Other women can be seen in the street wearing headscarves.

“Life is easy and simple in Bulgaria, the weather is nice and the people are very kind,” said Giveh, adding that she felt happy. (AFP)

Iranian volleyball players Maedeh Borhani (L) and Zeinab Giveh (2L) warm up in the sport hall of YEB Shumen volleyball club in the city of Shumen

London

Alastair Cook resigned as England Test captain yesterday after a

record 59 matches in the role, saying it was “a sad day” but the right decision for the team.

Yorkshire batsman Joe Root is the strong favourite to take over with an announcement expected in the next fortnight, as England build towards the Ashes in Australia at the end of the year.

Cook, England’s leading scorer in Tests with 11,057 runs, became captain in August 2012 and led his country to Ashes glory on home soil in 2013 and 2015 as well as series wins in India and South Africa.

“It’s been a huge honour to be England captain and to lead the Test team over the past five years,” Cook, 32, who intends to carry on playing Test cricket, said in a statement.

“Stepping down has been an incredibly hard decision, but I know this is the correct decision for me and at the right time for the team.”

Cook’s decision to stand down follows England’s 4-0 series defeat in India at the end of last year, which put pressure on him to quit.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said a “proper process” had started to appoint a successor, with the team not in Test action

again until July. Cook, who also led England in a record 69 one-day internationals between 2010 and 2014, is the country’s most capped Test skipper and has scored more Test centuries than any previous captain.

He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2012 and ICC (International Cricket Council) World Test Captain in 2013.

He tendered his resignation to England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Colin Graves on Sunday.

“It’s a sad day personally in many ways, but I want to thank everyone I’ve captained, all the coaches and support staff and, of course, the England supporters and the Barmy Army who follow us home and away and have given us unwavering support,” Cook added.

“Playing for England really is a privilege and I hope to carry on as a Test player, making a full contribution and helping the next England captain and the team however I can.”

In his first tour as captain he led England to a first series win in India in 28 years, hitting centuries in the first three Tests.

His first Ashes series in 2013 ended in triumph and after a harrowing 5-0 whitewash in Australia in 2013-14,

England regained the urn in 2015.Cook oversaw a historic series win

in South Africa in 2015-16 and last year England came within one win against Pakistan of topping the ICC Test rankings.

He went 35 Test innings without a century between May 2013 and March 2015, but the milestones have continued to stack up.

He was the first England batsman to reach 10,000 and then 11,000 Test runs and sits 10th in the all-time list, 4,864 runs behind the record held by the great Sachin Tendulkar.

Cook’s mentor Graham Gooch, the former England captain, told BBC Radio 5 Live he had tried to convince the Essex man to stay in the role.

“This type of sportsman only comes once in a generation, maybe less,” Gooch said. “He’s a great man and he’s still got great things to do for his country.” (AFP)

‘Sad’SPORTS

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P23 They’re game for anything

Cook quits

Alastair Cook (file picture)

Cabinet okays plan to expand - News of Bahrain

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