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The UAE private investor, with ties to the Dubai Ruling Family, at the heart of the battle for Fortenova

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

When Saif Alketbi purchased a stake in Fortenova, the Croatian food giant and the country’s biggest private employer, many welcomed this significant foreign direct investment from the Gulf.But, since making the acquisition, it has not at all been plain sailing for Mr. Alketbi. After acquiring the 43 per cent stake in Fortenova, purchasing SBK ART LLC from the Russian bank, Sberbank, for €400 million, SBK ART (though not Mr. Alketbi himself) found itself targeted by EU sanctions, at the request of the Croatian government.Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Croatian state had previously attempted to sell Fortenova to Croatia’s pension fund. When the deal collapsed at the last moment, and in the absence of any other bidders, the respected Emirati businessman stepped in to acquire Sberbank’s stake. Since then, the Croatian government has been desperately trying to keep Fortenova in Croatian ownership, which has created the conditions for local tycoon, Pavao Vujnovac, to capitali...

Miss Manners: I’m irritated by drivers who leave their car at the pump

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I frequent a gas station that has four sets of pumps (with nozzles on both sides), a convenience store/coffee shop, plenty of parking away from the pumps, and designated handicapped spaces right near the door.Related ArticlesAdvice | Miss Manners: I’m offended that they think my husband knows best Advice | Miss Manners: Do they think that as doctors they have some special aura? Advice | Miss Manners: I’m taking the high road when it comes to the fruitcake Advice | Miss Manners: Is it vindictive to cross these people off my cookie list because of what they said? Advice | Miss Manners: I wish the cleaning lady wouldn’t openly covet my belongings I regularly observe drivers pull their cars up to the pumps, get out, go into the store, come back out, get into their cars and leave — without pumping any gas. Meanwhile, there are cars lined up waiting for a pump.For rea...

Dear Abby: This is my family’s pronunciation, and the correction is hurtful

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

DEAR ABBY: My daughter is married with two kids. They live a few hours away. I love seeing them, but I have just one issue. She constantly corrects the way I pronounce words.Related ArticlesAdvice | Dear Abby: If my daughter’s not good enough for his son, what does that mean for us? Advice | Dear Abby: I let a drunk guy stay on my couch, and he won’t leave Advice | Dear Abby: I skipped the wedding because of what the bride’s mother demanded Advice | Dear Abby: My kids want the inheritance but I’m scared to give it to them Advice | Dear Abby: Do I need to be honest about what happened to their gift? No one ever mentioned it before she did. A lot of the pronunciations are how my family members and people in my state pronounce them. She started criticizing me after she lived in three different states.It has reached a point where I dread seeing her. I feel self-conscious, and my self-...

President Vladimir Putin says some 244,000 Russian troops are currently on the battlefield in Ukraine

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin says some 244,000 Russian troops are currently on the battlefield in Ukraine.Source

Ex-Tokyo Olympics official pleads not guilty to taking bribes in exchange for Games contracts

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

TOKYO (AP) — Haruyuki Takahashi, a former member of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee, appeared in a Tokyo district court on Thursday and pleaded not guilty to taking bribes tied to the Games.Takahashi was arrested more than a year ago and its unclear when his trial will end.The defense will present its case early next year.A former executive with the powerful Japanese advertising company Dentsu, Takahashi is charged with accepting around 198 million yen ($1.4 million) in bribes in exchange for awarding Olympic contracts for the 2021 Tokyo Games.Takahashi appeared in court just nine days after a separate bid-rigging trial was adjourned with Dentsu and five other companies facing criminal charges. That trial is to resume early next year.“I assert my innocence on all the charges,” Takahashi, wearing a gray suit and burgundy tie, told the judge before the prosecution presented its case. “It was strictly business and it was not a bribe.” The indictment says Takahashi received bribe...

Things to do in the DC area: Kwanzaa celebration, ARTECHOUSE displays … and more!

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

Kwanzaa Celebration at Creative Suitland. (Courtesy Creative Suitland) Kwanzaa Celebration at Creative Suitland. (Courtesy Creative Suitland) There’s so much to do in the D.C. area in the coming days, and WTOP has you covered with our weekly roundup of area events worth anticipating.Check back every Thursday for a roundup of Things to do in the D.C. area.In Suitland, Maryland, arts-based organization Creative Suitland will host its fourth-annual Kwanzaa Celebration and Kuumba Market, featuring more than 20 of the region’s top artisan vendors. The free event on Saturday, Dec. 16, lasts from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for the market. Later between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., expect spoken word poetry and a closing performance by...

AP PHOTOS: Crowds bundle up to take snowy photos of Beijing’s imperial-era architecture

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — Throngs of people in down parkas and boots climbed a hill that overlooks the Forbidden City this week to jostle with others trying to get a shot of the snow-covered roofs of the former imperial palace.For many people in Beijing, a snowfall means it’s time to bundle up and head out to take photos of a city dotted with traditional architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties that ruled the country for more than five centuries.Successive snowstorms, a relative rarity in the normally arid Chinese capital, drew crowds to the hill and other popular spots with restored ornate buildings as a backdrop.Some people posed like models in period costumes or modern outfits, some for photos no doubt destined for social media posts.Snow fell across much of northern and central China on Monday, and again on Wednesday and Thursday. Nearly 200 sections of highways and other roads were closed in 10 provinces on Thursday morning, though dozens had reopened by the afternoon, the Transport ...

President Vladimir Putin says Russia’s goals in Ukraine remain unchanged, no peace until they’re achieved

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin says Russia’s goals in Ukraine remain unchanged, no peace until they’re achieved.Source

Hallelujah! National Philharmonic performs Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at Strathmore and Capital One Hall

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

The National Philharmonic performs Handel's "Messiah." (Courtesy Strathmore) The National Philharmonic performs Handel's "Messiah." (Courtesy Strathmore) The spiritual music has endured for centuries with transcendent performances every holiday season.The National Philharmonic performs Handel’s “Messiah” at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland, on Dec. 16 and 17, followed by a performance at Capital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia, on Dec. 20.“It’s the longest nonstop-running show in the history of civilization,” music director Piotr Gajewski told WTOP. “From the year it premiered in 1742, it’s had revivals every single year, first only in England, then it came over t...

Tulane hosts Furman following Williams’ 31-point outing

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 19:52:23 GMT

Furman Paladins (5-5) at Tulane Green Wave (6-2)New Orleans; Thursday, 7 p.m. ESTFANDUEL SPORTSBOOK LINE: Green Wave -6; over/under is 172.5BOTTOM LINE: Furman visits the Tulane Green Wave after Alex Williams scored 31 points in Furman’s 100-58 victory over the Bob Jones Bruins.The Green Wave have gone 4-0 at home. Tulane scores 86.9 points and has outscored opponents by 7.6 points per game.The Paladins are 0-3 in road games. Furman ranks third in the SoCon scoring 37.6 points per game in the paint led by Marcus Foster averaging 11.0.Tulane’s average of 5.6 made 3-pointers per game is 1.8 fewer made shots on average than the 7.4 per game Furman allows. Furman averages 84.1 points per game, 4.8 more than the 79.3 Tulane gives up to opponents.TOP PERFORMERS: Kevin Cross is scoring 18.0 points per game with 7.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Green Wave. Kolby King is averaging 15.1 points and 4.0 rebounds while shooting 54.2% for Tulane.Foster is scoring 19.8 points per ...