ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2015

2LOCAL

Kuwait fully supports int’lanti-graft bodies: minister

‘Corruption poses serious threat to development’

nership with the IACA and other high-ly-experienced and credible relevantinternational organizations, the minis-ter said.

He noted that Kuwait seeks to makethe best use of training programsoffered by the IACA.

The International Anti-CorruptionAcademy (IACA) is an internationalorganization based in Laxemburg,Austria. The Academy provides a newand holistic approach to anti-corrup-tion education and research, deliversand facilitates anti-corruption trainingfor practitioners from all sectors ofsociety, and provides technical supportand assistance to a wide variety ofstakeholders.

It offers standardized and tailor-made trainings, academic degree pro-grams, opportunities for dialogue andnetworking, anti-corruption think-tankand benchmarking activities.

Minister Al-Sanaie hoped the fourthassembly would come up with resolu-tions to strengthen cooperation andcoordination in this crucial domain.

The fourth session of IACA’sAssembly of Parties started earlier onWednesday, concentrating on theAcademy’s overall policy as well askey issues regarding the work pro-gram, financing, and elections in theBoard of Governors. More than 200delegates from Parties and Observersto the IACA Agreement are partakingin the meeting.

Two side events are also on theagenda for Dec 10. The first is a paneldiscussion on the nexus between cor-ruption and security with SarahChayes from the Carnegie Endowmentfor International Peace, as well as sen-ior representatives from UNODC, theOSCE, and others.

The second event aims to raiseawareness on the importance of anti-corruption education and training, par-ticularly in view of the 2030 Agendafor Sustainable Development.Participants will have a chance to hearfrom IACA students and faculty abouthow the organization’s programs andactivities have impacted them and thecommunities they serve.

SeriousCorruption and bribery, if left

unchecked, are serious impediments tosustainable development and theachievement of the 2030 Agenda forSustainable Development throughoutthe world, said Yury Fedotov,Executive Director of the UN Officeon Drugs and Crime (UNODC), onWednesday.

“These serious crimes breach theessential trust between citizens andgovernments, as well as businessesand consumers,” he said in a pressrelease on the occasion of theInternational Anti-Corruption Day.

“When corruption and bribery suc-ceed, the goal of fairness and equalityfails; entire communities can be leftwithout infrastructure, hospitals orschools. But, corruption also under-mines vital tendering processes, dam-ages industries and debases competition.

“Where corruption is rampant,countries face poor inward investmentand blemished reputations. Corruptionis, therefore, a short term victory forthe few that deeply harms the many,”Fedotov pointed out.

“For all these reasons, InternationalAnti-Corruption Day is an opportunityto acknowledge the work undertakenagainst corruption and bribery, butalso to chart future efforts to rid theworld of these crimes.

“This year was another milestone inthese activities. The sixth session of theConference of the States Parties to theUN Convention against Corruption(UNCAC) came together in StPetersburg to hold a dialogue on globalanti-corruption activities,” he stressed.

“There were a number of successes,including in the areas of asset recov-ery, prevention of corruption andbribery, the development of public/pri-vate partnerships and the launch of thesecond cycle of the review mechanismunder UNCAC.

“In his first-ever message to theConference, the UN Secretary-General(Ban Ki-moon) stressed the need toend corruption as a means of achievingsustainable development,” Fedotovnoted.

“In December, we will celebrate adecade in the life of UNCAC. It will bea time to pore over lessons learned andacknowledge the remarkable impact ofthe peer review mechanism, which hasunited countries in the mutual desire tofully implement the convention.

“The review mechanism hasbrought into stark relief the greater-than-ever need for technical assistanceto help governments improve theiranti-corruption regimes.

“To succeed in this endeavour, I trustthe international community will live upto its commitment that made theConvention a reality and rally to supportthe efforts of States Parties, particularlydeveloping countries,” he went on.

“Whether acting bilaterally or mul-tilaterally, donors and technical assis-tance providers have a critical role toplay in the coming years to helpachieve full compliance with theConvention.

“But, in addition to governments,international organizations, academia,the private sector, civil society andprofessional associations must worktogether, with a joint sense of purpose,if we are to succeed.”

Photos by Anwar Daifallah

Top: Minister of Commerce Al-Ali being briefed on one of the projects, and (above) some more photos from the event. Top and above: Some photos from the Dialogue Council.

KUNA photo

Newly-appointed Ambassador to Slovakia shakes hands with President Kiska.

New Kuwaiti ambassador submits credentialsKuwait’s newly-appointed Ambassador toSlovakia Yusuf Isa Al-Shemali submittedhis papers to Slovak President AndrejKiska during a ceremony held at theRepublican Palace in Bratislava onWednesday.

Speaking to KUNA following the meet-ing, Al-Shemali said he conveyed toPresident Kiska the regards of HisHighness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and the bestwishes for friendly Slovakia.

“President Kiska, in turn, expressed

thanks and appreciation, and asked me toconvey his greetings to His Highness theAmir,” he pointed out.

Ambassador Al-Shemali added that hediscussed with President Kiska severalbilateral, regional and international issues,including ways for promoting investmentcooperation, and the international efforts tocombat extremism and terrorism.

Kuwait was the first GCC member coun-try to establish diplomatic ties with theSlovak Republic and open embassy inBratislava. (KUNA)

Focus on reality, future of social media

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 10: Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah Informatics Award onWednesday organized the seventh DialogueCouncil, one of the developmental activitiesof the award, at Sheikha Salwa Hall inMarina Hotel. The dialogue focused on thereality and future of social media in Arabcountries.

Coordinator of the Dialogue Council DrFayez Al-Thufairi opened the floor with theintroduction of guests, speakers and activi-ties at the event. The speakers wereSecretary General of Jordanian Ministry ofCommunications and Technology Dr Nader

Thunaibat; Director of InformationTechnology and Communications at theArab League Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization (ALESCO) DrMohammad Al-Jumna; Director ofInformation Technology at West Asia Socialand Economic Committee Dr Haider Freihatand Chairman of Palestinian Internet GroupSociety Dr Wasl Ghanim.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees forSheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah InformaticsAward Sheikha Ayedah Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah ended the program by honoring thespeakers for their efforts and participation.

Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Informatics Awardorganizes seventh ‘Dialogue Council’

VIENNA, Dec 10, (KUNA): Minister of Justice andMinister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Yaacoub Al-Sanaiereiterated Kuwait’s full support to international anti-graft organizations.

Speaking at the Fourth Assembly of the International Anti-CorruptionAcademy, kicked off Wednesday, Al-Sanaie added that this support is atranslation to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah’s clear vision of prioritizing fight against corruption.

To achieve this goal, Kuwait was keen on joining and building strategic part-

3-day event to feature 70 foreign exhibitors

Second ‘Cityscape’ officially opens By Iddris Seidu

Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 10: The second edi-tion of Cityscape officially openedWednesday by State Minister of Commerceand Industry Yousef Mohammed Al Ali atKuwait’s International Fair Grounds underthe auspices of the Prime Minister HisHighness Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah with a strong presence ofinternational exhibitors.

The three day event from 9-11 ofDecember, is set to welcome morethan 70 exhibitors, from 10 countriesincluding; Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia,Oman and Europe.

Yousef Mohammad Al Ali, StateMinister for Commerce and Industryafter opening ceremony stated that“Under the patronage of the primeminister, we’ve opened todayCityscape — the worldwide knownexhibition which is in its second edi-tion in Kuwait. Cityscape holds underits roof a great number of participantswho have different real estate invest-ments opportunities”.

Speaking about the international par-ticipation at the event; and the willing-ness of Kuwaiti investors to seek oppor-tunities outside of their national borders,Deep Marwaha, Group Director ofCityscape commented “Encouraged bylow oil prices, Kuwaitis are diversifyingtheir investments both at home and inoverseas markets. Over the last decadeoutward foreign investments byKuwaitis have helped boost the Gulfcountry’s economic leverage in both theregion and in the world.”

He continued “The figures speak forthemselves; Kuwaitis invested nearly$14.2 billion abroad in 2007 alone.Almost ten years later, Kuwaitis arestill looking at opportunities abroad.Kuwait is the Middle East’s largestand the world’s seventh largest foreigninvestor, according to the WorldInvestment Report of 2015, releasedby the United Nations ConferenceTrade and Development (UNCTAD).”

Dr Onder Halisdemir, ChiefExecutive Officer of Agaoglu Groupof Companies commented on thedemand from Kuwaiti based investors,he said: “Agaoglu has experienced anincrease of interest from the MiddleEastern investors due to the high qual-ity projects being presented and thestrong ties between our very similarcultures. As the leading real estate andthe construction company in Turkey,we are proud to be a part of the growthin the Turkish real estate market offer-

ing very attractive incentives to theKuwaiti investors”.

Significant Having already established its first

international office in the region in2013, Agaoglu will be participating atCityscape Kuwait to showcase theirprojects at this significant real estateplatform and enhance connectionswith Kuwaiti investors.

In a related development, IdrisDemirhan, regional Director forAgaoglu real estates, told Arab Timesin a short interview that the company asthe biggest developer in Turkey, has in35 years, handed over more that 35,000residential units in the local market,saying that this year they are launchingthe Boukarkei project which is in a veryprime location in Istanbul, containing1,200 residential units. He also statedthat his company is building the largestInternational Islamic Finance centre inTurkey where all the banks, financecompanies and so forth will be settled.“We want to invite Kuwaitis to do theirinvestments in Turkey because it’s theirsecond home country”.

Abdullah Al Abdooli, ManagingDirector, Al Marjan Island, stated thatAl Marjan Island is the iconic realestate & touristic developer in Ra’sAlHaima extending 4.5 km into theArabian Gulf covering an area of 2.7million square meters.

Emina Dedovic, Legal Associate,Atilla Group, providers of services inthe fields of design, construction con-tracting, steel structure manufacturing,prefabricated housing, constructionbuildings manufacturing as well asmanufacturing and application offacade materials and accessories, saidher company has three projects inBosnia Herzegovina. For one of them inKyrgyzstan, we are looking for a coreinvestor. The project is about organiclife in mountainous capital city, about20 kilometers from city centre, which isa new way of living for the future.

Atilla Group operates through itsoffices in Bosnia and Herzegovina,Algeria, Turkey, United ArabEmirates, Romania, Gabon, Cyprus,Hungary and neighboring countries.

Mohamed Afifi, CEO of HMGProperties who will be showcasingprojects based in the US and otherinternational markets, believes thatnow is a very good time for investorsto consider diversifying their portfolio.He stated: “At Cityscape Kuwait,HMG will showcase its latest projectsin Britain, Spain, USA, Egypt,

Lebanon and Turkey. The exhibitionconsists a solid ground to promote ourprojects while reaching our targetaudience who are looking for state-of-the art residential and commercial realestate around the world”. Afifi con-firmed that Cityscape exhibitions arethe best platforms for real estate devel-opers to share their real estate services.

Benoy Kurien, General Manager, ofUAE based Al Hamra Real EstateDevelopment commenting on the whythe UAE is such an attractive destina-tion for international and regionalinvestors said : “We have witnessedconsistently high sales demand andtake-up of existing stock at Al HamraVillage as investors recognise thequality-value dynamic thanks to theemirates higher yields and sustainablerental rate increases. The freehold, taxfree environment and optional residen-cy visa combined with a high qualityof life ensure Al Hamra is a popularchoice for both investors and thoselooking to set up home. “

Investors Kurien confirmed that Cityscape

Kuwait is an excellent platform to meetKuwaiti investors and network with, hesaid: “Kuwait represents a very impor-tant market for AHRED. Investors arewell versed in the opportunities theUAE real estate market offers andKuwaiti investors are well representedfor such a small population. We arecommitted to ensuring Al Hamra’sportfolio of exceptional quality andvalue-for-money remains front-of-mind in this important market”.

AHRED will be showcasing threeunique properties during the exhibition.These include two categories of villasfor the multi-million dollar luxuryFalcon Island Development, the five-bedroom beach villas starting from $2million and the spacious 5 bedroompark villas starting from $1.3million.The company will also be highlightingthe newly launched spacious six bed-room Bayti Premium Villas priced from$953,000 as well as the Bab Al Bahrstudio, one, two and three bedroomapartments and penthouses.

These start from $107,800 with justa 25% deposit and incorporating anoptional two year payment plan with0% interest, AHRED will guarantee anincredible 18% return over two years.”

Aside from the exhibition, the three-day event is set to feature many newdevelopment including the free toattend seminars which will take placeand a family day on the 11th.

MP submits queries to Al-Essa regarding KISR

By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 10: TheParliament will vote on the proposedamendments to the Anti-CorruptionAuthority Law in the first and secondreadings on Tuesday even if the govern-ment fails to meet the deadline for sub-mitting its recommendations, says MPAhmed Al-Qudaibi.

In a press statement, Al-Qudaibi clari-fied the government has been given achance to present its recommendationsregarding the proposal until Sunday. Hedisclosed the Parliament’s proposedamendments include putting the author-ity under the control of the NationalAssembly.

He asserted the Parliament will notaccept any sign of weakness in the fightagainst corruption, so it intends to voteon the proposal whether or not the gov-ernment submits its recommendationson Sunday.

Meanwhile, MP Mohammad Tana Al-Enazi wondered why FIFA askedKuwait’s sports clubs not to participate inthe opening of Jaber Stadium allegedlydue to the suspension of Kuwait fromparticipating in international sportsevents. He said he was surprised when heheard about FIFA’s action considering theopening ceremony is under the patronage

of His Highness the Amir Sheikh SabahAl-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

He asserted, “This only shows some-one is trying to work against Kuwait, sothe government must immediately takeaction rather than remaining silent overthe issue. Today, everyone knows whocontrols the sports sector and these peo-ple seem keen on wreaking havoc in thisfield.”

In another development, MP AbdulHameed Dashti presented questions toMinister of Education and HigherEducation Bader Al-Essa regarding theKuwait Institute for Scientific Research(KISR). He said he needs answers tothese queries in order to guarantee trans-parency and to protect the rights ofKISR and its staff.

He demanded for a copy of KISR’sorganizational structure approved by theCivil Service Commission on June 24,2012; copy of the proof on the approvedjobs forwarded to the Board of Trustees;names and nationalities of the managersof Operations and Research depart-ments; copies of their contracts; namesof advisers of the KISR director; mem-bers of the Promotions, Scholarshipsand Projects Evaluation committees;managers of foreign programs; theirqualifications and years of service in theinstitute.

Parliament set to vote in 1st & 2nd readingson changes to Anti-Corruption Authority Law