bbc--2020-02-28--Netflix’s first African series, Queen Sono, premieres

Netflix 's first African original series , Queen Sono - about a spy from South Africa - has been released .
The streaming site 's six-episode TV thriller stars South African Pearl Thusi as the eponymous secret agent .
Written and directed by Kagiso Lediga , an award-winning stand-up comedian in South Africa , Queen Sono is filmed in several locations across the continent .
Thusi is quoted as saying that it is empowering for Africans to tell their own stories .
`` Controlling the narrative is really important because we 're tired of seeing , particularly , just struggle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as saying .
Several African languages are also used during the drama , which centres on Queen Sono trying to uncover the truth behind the death of her mother , who was a hero of South Africa 's anti-apartheid struggle .
Other themes include corruption as well as much James Bond-style action and , like the fictional British spy , Queen Sono does not always play by the rules .
Reviews so far have been mixed , but most point to how refreshing it is to see a story that is set in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is African .
Of all the performances , veteran actress South African Abigail Kubeka is widely praised for her humorous turn as Queen 's grandmother .
Africa is most famous for its Nollywood film productions that come out of Nigeria - it is a multi-billion dollar enterprise .
Experts say what Netflix offers storytellers in Africa is an opportunity to produce better-quality dramas .
In 2018 , Netflix acquired the rights to Nigerian feature film Lionheart , directed by Nollywood star Genevieve Nnaja .
It became Nigeria 's first-ever Oscar submission for best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disqualified as it was largely in English .
All six episodes of Queen Sono are now available for Netflix members , who must pay a monthly fee to stream content .
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bbc--2020-02-28--South Carolina primary: The biggest myth about the 'black vote'

We asked voters in South Carolina what they think when politicians talk about the `` black vote '' .
Produced @ @ @ @ @ and Roderick Macleod

We asked voters in South Carolina what they think when politicians talk about the "black vote".
Produced by the BBC's Chelsea Bailey and Roderick Macleod


bbc--2020-02-28--Five reasons why Canada's 'shutdown' is a big deal

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under pressure from all sides .
At the forefront is a conflict first sparked over indigenous opposition to a natural gas pipeline project , that has now evolved to include broader complex issues like indigenous governance and indigenous rights .
It has led to rail blockades and protests that have crippled rail lines and disrupted the flow of the country 's economy .
Those events have underscored a pressure point for Mr Trudeau - he has struggled to deliver on his promise to chart a path for Canada that balances oil and gas development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Here are five reasons why the current unrest is a big deal .
The conflict has forced work to be paused on a major natural gas pipeline , the Coastal GasLink project , that Mr Trudeau 's Liberal government supports .
Until this week , his ministers had a hard time trying to set up a meeting with the Wet'suwet'en hereditary chiefs who led the calls for protests in support of their cause .
It is the latest resource project to hit gridlock amid opposition by some First Nations and environmental campaigners .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ seized on the crisis to argue that he has shown weak leadership in his handling of the rail blockades and upholding of the rule of law .
They are also laying the blame for the country 's struggling oil and gas sector at his feet .
And Canadians are feeling frustrated - a poll published this week by the National Post newspaper suggested that almost 60 % of Canadians do n't think the country is headed in the right direction , while 63 % of respondents said Mr Trudeau was `` not governing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ development , environmental stewardship and indigenous rights - have become more challenging for countries like Canada as climate change becomes a greater public concern and indigenous communities are increasingly empowered , says former interim Liberal leader Bob Rae .
Says Mr Rae : `` Where governments and companies are prepared to embrace the need for dialogue and inclusion and recognition and so on , projects proceed and in fact benefit the First Nations quite significantly in terms of economic development '' .
2 - Businesses are hit by crippled rail troubles - and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meant that parts of the cross-country rail system have ground to a halt over the past weeks as the current conflict drags on .
Almost 1,500 rail workers are temporarily out of work and many industries are struggling with the impact , including agriculture .
Quebec dairy and grain farmer Martin Caron says farmers are under `` real stress '' amid shortages of soy and propane used for food and heating .
About 80 % of the province 's propane and 65 % of its soy is transported by rail , he says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trucks at a significant mark-up .
Propane is used to heat buildings holding livestock , critical in Canadian winters .
`` [ There is ] stress because we have animals and if we can no longer heat them properly , we put them at risk , '' says Mr Caron .
`` So there 's an economic stress but also a mental health aspect to this - the animals are part of our families .
The producers do n't want to put the animals at risk . ''
While rail blockades have subsided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have sat down with government officials , it will take a number of weeks before the rail system is fully up and running .
`` People are hoping with all their hearts that the federal government , among others , will position itself quickly to prevent crises like this , '' says Mr Caron .
3 - Companies are spooked by the uncertainty The University of Calgary 's Harrie Vredenburg , an expert on the global energy industry , says Canada has traditionally been a low risk political environment for investment .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ largest oil and gas exporter .
But the lack of certainty around the regulatory and approval process is now chilling business interest in the sector , he says .
A company can spend years getting environmental and First Nations approvals .
`` In Canada you do all that and at the end it 's still a political decision that depends on what activists are doing and what the media is saying and it 's a totally unpredictable outcome , '' says Mr Vredenburg .
This month , mining company Teck Resources pulled its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine in northeastern Alberta .
The firm said the global capital markets , investors and customers are looking to places that reconcile `` resource development and climate change '' .
`` This does not yet exist here today and , unfortunately , the growing debate around this issue has placed [ the project ] and our company squarely at the nexus of much broader issues that need to be resolved . ''
The decision also came amid questions about the project 's financial viability .
`` It had become a political football and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Teck board and management just said it is n't worth it , '' says Mr Vredenburg .
4 - It adds to the sense of 'western alienation' The economic recovery in the province of Alberta , after an overabundance of supply caused the worldwide price of oil to plummet a few years ago , has been slow .
The oil woes led to the loss of more than 100,000 jobs in Alberta and a full-on recession .
In October 's general election , the resource-rich provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan turned solidly away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a sense in western Canada that its interests were not represented .
Several pipeline projects - seen by the industry as critical for gaining access to global markets - hang in limbo , fuelling more frustration .
Some provincial premiers are also at loggerheads with Mr Trudeau over his main climate initiative , a carbon tax , which will be challenged in the country 's top court .
The Teck decision and the Wet'suwet'en conflict have only ramped up tensions .
Mr Vredenburg says `` constant bickering '' between provincial and federal leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help Canada 's brand '' .
5 - It highlights the challenges facing indigenous reconciliation and rights Mr Trudeau came to power promising to transform the country 's relationship with indigenous people .
This conflict has highlighted the challenges involved in moving forward with that reconciliation .
Karen Joseph , CEO of the charity Reconciliation Canada , says the country is at the `` very early stages of this process of reconciliation '' with many systemic challenges that reinforce inequality still in place .
She says amid the unrest everybody needs `` to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do better , how we can show our children how we resolve conflict as leaders and as peoples so that they can move forward '' .
Canada has a duty to consult with indigenous peoples before they begin any projects on their land .
But there is ambiguity around the rules for consultation - one of the roots of the civil unrest seen in recent weeks .
Coastal GasLink received the support of 20 First Nations along its route , including some Wet'suwet'en and their band council , though not a number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been vocal opponents of major resource projects .
Other indigenous communities have chosen to participate in the oil and gas sectors , seeing agreements with resource firms as an opportunity to close the gap in living standards that exists between indigenous peoples and the rest of Canada .
In a recent op-ed in the Globe and Mail newspaper , Abel Bosum , Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees of Northern Quebec , shared how his community and the province were able to come to the table after a bitter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a beneficial path forward .
Canada is not alone in facing many of these challenges that need a `` significant shift '' in how countries look at issues raised by the Wet'suwet'en conflict , says Ms Joseph .
`` The difference in Canada is we have a opportunity and a number of policies that can facilitate a new way forward that 's potentially shareable globally . ''

"[There is] stress because we have animals and if we can no longer heat them properly, we put them at risk," says Mr Caron. "So there's an economic stress but also a mental health aspect to this - the animals are part of our families. The producers don't want to put the animals at risk."


bbc--2020-02-28--What does Trump's new Denaturalisation Section do?

The US Department of Justice ( DOJ ) announced this week that it has opened a division dedicated to denaturalisation - the process of revoking US citizenship from someone who was not born in the country .
More than 20 million US citizens are naturalised , and there has been confusion over how the newly created `` Denaturalisation Section '' could affect foreign-born American citizens .
Stripping citizenship remains rare occurrence , and the department has emphasised the new team will target serious criminals .
But critics have expressed concerns over the rise in denaturalisation cases brought by the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Justice Initiative , the average civil denaturalisation filing rate for the last eight presidencies was 12 per year - under President Donald Trump , that has risen to nearly 30 per year .
Should naturalised citizens be worried about the DOJ 's denaturalisation efforts ?
What will the 'Denaturalisation Section ' do ?
According to the DOJ , the newly minted Denaturalisation Section will investigate and argue cases .
The department says the section was created due to an anticipated increase in the number of denaturalisation referrals from law enforcement agencies .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sex offenders , and `` other fraudsters '' , the DOJ said .
Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt said allowing these criminals to unlawfully remain citizens `` is an affront to our system '' .
The division will target people suspected of unlawfully obtaining citizenship and `` ensure that they are held accountable for their fraudulent conduct , '' Mr Hunt said .
Immigration lawyer Allen Orr told the BBC this was already being handled within the DOJ before .
This new section is mostly for optics , in Mr Orr 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
The US government has revoked citizenship many times from the 20th century onwards for various reasons , according to Patrick Weil , a visiting professor at Yale University Law School .
• Six surprising statistics about immigrants in the US • What 's the state of illegal immigration in US ?
During World War Two , there was a similar office in the DOJ focused on targeting pro-Nazi or fascist Americans who had naturalised .
Decades later , an office of special investigations was created to investigate Americans who had not disclosed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1979 , brought cases against some 150 individuals .
In 2004 , that office expanded to include naturalised citizens who participated in genocide or similar crimes anywhere in the world , said Mr Weil .
How do you naturalise ?
Briefly , here 's what residents seeking citizenship must do : • Prove you have lived in the US continuously for at least five years • Be able to speak , read and write basic English • Prove a basic understanding of US history and civics ( there is a test ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you are a man between age 18 and 26 The actual application for naturalisation is 20 pages long , featuring questions about days spent outside the US in the last five years , selling weapons , being a `` habitual drunkard '' , admittance into a mental institution , and associations - indirect or direct - with communists , terrorists and Nazis .
It ends with an oath of allegiance - to `` absolutely and entirely renounce '' all other national ties .
`` The Trump administration will say if you have n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be afraid , '' says Mr Orr .
But though the department says it is looking at serious criminals , Mr Orr says there is a lot of room for interpretation .
`` They expressed they 're going to review cases referred to them - referred how and why ?
Is it random ? ''
Mr Orr told the BBC he believes the department may be looking more closely at naturalised Americans from Muslim-majority countries , people of colour , and men , even if they have already cleared the process .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of records could allow for more extensive case review than years prior , and there is no statute of limitations for denaturalisation .
That said , even if the federal government brings more denaturalisation cases to court , it does not mean they will go through .
`` The courts have been very protective of American citizenship , '' says Prof Weil .
He points to a Supreme Court decision in June 2017 , where the justices unanimously ruled that the government must establish that a crime played a role in the acquisition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote : `` We have never read a statute to strip citizenship from someone who met the legal criteria for acquiring it . ''
It does not concern crimes committed post-citizenship .
`` So , for example , if you lied about your date of birth - that 's not going to be a reason to denaturalise you because your date of birth would not have prevented you to be naturalised , '' Prof Weil says .
What does the focus on denaturalisation say about US citizenship ?
The move certainly fits within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` fixing '' the US immigration system .
Prof Weil adds that this announcement seems to be a method of courting voters in an election year , as Mr Trump 's base is `` charmed that he is acting very strongly against people who should n't be 'American ' . ''
It also brings up the recurring cultural issues around a hierarchy of citizenship : Are naturalised Americans somehow different from born-Americans ?
`` Are you ever really naturalised ? ''
asks Mr Orr .
Most Americans are descendants of immigrants , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ linked back to their birthplace , he points out .
`` Why is that part of the conversation when it is not one of the parts of the crime ? ''
`` They do it to tell you its a foreign threat that did this , not a US citizen , '' Mr Orr says .
`` It 's more divisive language : you never really get to be American . ''

"So, for example, if you lied about your date of birth - that's not going to be a reason to denaturalise you because your date of birth would not have prevented you to be naturalised," Prof Weil says.


bbc--2020-02-28--'Health more important than football' - Infantino says games could be postponed over coronavirus

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has not ruled out next month 's international fixtures being postponed as the spread of coronavirus continues .
England and Wales have friendly matches , while Scotland , Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland play Euro 2020 qualifiers .
`` People 's health is much more important than any game , '' said Infantino .
Players have contacted unions `` out of fear '' and are concerned about games in `` high-risk environments '' , says Fifpro .
On Friday , there were a number of other coronavirus-related developments affecting football : • This weekend 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been called off • Tottenham 's Son Heung-min will self-isolate when he returns from surgery in South Korea • Newcastle and West Ham have banned handshakes at their training grounds Infantino says he is hopeful next month 's international fixtures will go ahead , but added : `` I would n't exclude anything at this moment .
`` That 's why we have to look at the situation and hope that it will decrease rather than increase .
At the moment it looks like it is still increasing .
`` If games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spectators until it is over , then we have to go through that . ''
• What next for coronavirus and sport ?
• Coronavirus - how worried should we be ?
Fifpro , a global union with 65 affiliated national associations , says there have been talks between `` various football stakeholders '' about rescheduling international dates .
In the Euro 2020 qualifiers on 26 March and 31 March , Scotland play Israel , Northern Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina , while the Republic of Ireland meet Slovakia .
England host Italy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denmark visit London four days later .
Wales have home friendlies scheduled against Austria and the United States .
A number of World Cup qualifying matches in the Asian Football Confederation , including Australia 's home match against Kuwait and Hong Kong 's trip to Iran , are also set to be played at the end of March .
China 's home qualifier against the Maldives has already been moved to Thailand and is set to be played behind closed doors .
Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian Serie A matches will be played behind closed doors this weekend - including Juventus ' match at home to Inter Milan .
`` Fifpro is concerned for the safety of players who may be exposed to the coronavirus and the danger of football acting as a vehicle to spread disease , '' said the global union , which works on behalf of more than 65,000 players .
`` Players have contacted our member unions asking for assistance out of fear they could be made to perform in high-risk environments .
`` While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Covid-19 outbreak is bigger than football , and we applaud the willingness of competition organisers to take firm action in this delicate period . ''
Tottenham forward Son , 27 , travelled to Seoul for surgery on a fractured arm earlier this month .
Tottenham say he will follow government advice and stay indoors as a precaution upon his return .
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said his squad had a `` ritual '' of shaking hands with each other every morning .
`` We 've stopped that on the advice of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Thankfully , we 've got a superb doctor here and he will keep us informed of what we have to do .
`` We 're like everybody else , we 're glued to the TV for where it 's going to go next and let 's hope it does n't get any worse in this country . ''
West Ham boss David Moyes said : `` After consulting with the medical team , we have supplied all the players with hand gel to keep with them .
`` We 've also agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , just fist bumps .
If we score tomorrow , of course they 'll be able to celebrate . ''
More than 80,000 people have been infected by the virus , which originated in China but has since spread to more than 50 countries , resulting in nearly 2,800 deaths .
Three more cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK on Friday , bringing the total number in the country to 19 .
The Premier League says clubs are following the same NHS and government advice issued to all businesses and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people .
There is currently no suggestion or guidance to take any additional measures , though the body says clubs are free to do so where deemed necessary .
Arsenal have introduced extra checks for media attending Saturday 's news conference at the club 's training ground , while Everton have contacted all staff informing them of the latest government guidelines .
Spanish La Liga side Valencia have cancelled `` all meetings or public gatherings in enclosed spaces that present risk to players , coaching staff and club staff '' after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city .
Other major sporting events , including Six Nations rugby and the Chinese Grand Prix , have also been postponed because of the outbreak .

Last updated on .From the section Football
Gianni Infantino has been speaking in Belfast before Saturday's annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has not ruled out next month's international fixtures being postponed as the spread of coronavirus continues.
England and Wales have friendly matches, while Scotland, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland play Euro 2020 qualifiers.
"People's health is much more important than any game," said Infantino.
Players have contacted unions "out of fear" and are concerned about games in "high-risk environments", says Fifpro.
On Friday, there were a number of other coronavirus-related developments affecting football:
This weekend's matches in Switzerland's top two divisions have been called off
Tottenham's Son Heung-min will self-isolate when he returns from surgery in South Korea
Newcastle and West Ham have banned handshakes at their training grounds
Infantino says he is hopeful next month's international fixtures will go ahead, but added: "I wouldn't exclude anything at this moment.
"That's why we have to look at the situation and hope that it will decrease rather than increase. At the moment it looks like it is still increasing.
"If games have to be postponed or played without spectators until it is over, then we have to go through that."
Fifpro, a global union with 65 affiliated national associations, says there have been talks between "various football stakeholders" about rescheduling international dates.
In the Euro 2020 qualifiers on 26 March and 31 March, Scotland play Israel, Northern Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while the Republic of Ireland meet Slovakia.
England host Italy at Wembley at 27 March, before Denmark visit London four days later. Wales have home friendlies scheduled against Austria and the United States.
A number of World Cup qualifying matches in the Asian Football Confederation, including Australia's home match against Kuwait and Hong Kong's trip to Iran, are also set to be played at the end of March.
China's home qualifier against the Maldives has already been moved to Thailand and is set to be played behind closed doors.
Asian Champions League matches involving Chinese clubs Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai Shenhua have also been postponed.
Five Italian Serie A matches will be played behind closed doors this weekend - including Juventus' match at home to Inter Milan.
"Fifpro is concerned for the safety of players who may be exposed to the coronavirus and the danger of football acting as a vehicle to spread disease," said the global union, which works on behalf of more than 65,000 players.
"Players have contacted our member unions asking for assistance out of fear they could be made to perform in high-risk environments.
"While we understand the inconvenience this causes worldwide, the Covid-19 outbreak is bigger than football, and we applaud the willingness of competition organisers to take firm action in this delicate period."
Isolated Son to follow 'government advice'
Son fractured his arm in the Premier League win at Aston Villa earlier this month
Tottenham forward Son, 27, travelled to Seoul for surgery on a fractured arm earlier this month.
Tottenham say he will follow government advice and stay indoors as a precaution upon his return.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said his squad had a "ritual" of shaking hands with each other every morning.
"We've stopped that on the advice of the doctor," he said.
"Thankfully, we've got a superb doctor here and he will keep us informed of what we have to do.
"We're like everybody else, we're glued to the TV for where it's going to go next and let's hope it doesn't get any worse in this country."
West Ham boss David Moyes said: "After consulting with the medical team, we have supplied all the players with hand gel to keep with them.
"We've also agreed to no shaking hands at the moment, just fist bumps. If we score tomorrow, of course they'll be able to celebrate."
Premier League managers react to coronavirus threat
More than 80,000 people have been infected by the virus, which originated in China but has since spread to more than 50 countries, resulting in nearly 2,800 deaths.
Three more cases of the virus were confirmed in the UK on Friday, bringing the total number in the country to 19.
The Premier League says clubs are following the same NHS and government advice issued to all businesses and venues which are used by large numbers of people.
There is currently no suggestion or guidance to take any additional measures, though the body says clubs are free to do so where deemed necessary.
Arsenal have introduced extra checks for media attending Saturday's news conference at the club's training ground, while Everton have contacted all staff informing them of the latest government guidelines.
Spanish La Liga side Valencia have cancelled "all meetings or public gatherings in enclosed spaces that present risk to players, coaching staff and club staff" after the first confirmed cases of coronavirus in the city.
Other major sporting events, including Six Nations rugby and the Chinese Grand Prix, have also been postponed because of the outbreak.


bbc--2020-02-28--Dubai Tennis Championships: Novak Djokovic beats Gael Monfils

World number one Novak Djokovic survived a scare to beat France 's Gael Monfils and set up a final against Dan Evans ' conqueror Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Dubai Tennis Championships .
Greek second seed Tsitsipas , 21 , wasted little energy in beating the unseeded British number one 6-2 6-3 .
But Djokovic , 33 , had to dig deep , coming from a set down and saving three match points to win 6-2 7-6 ( 10-8 ) 6-1 .
The Serb now aims to win a fifth Dubai title as Tsitsipas goes for his first .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Djokovic .
`` He was clearly the better player for two sets and I was fortunate to work my way back in the second set .
`` Gael is playing as well as he has ever .
I have played him many times and it is very difficult to go through him .
I know I have a good defence but what he did today for two sets was unbelievable . ''
• Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone Monfils , 34 , was aiming for a first victory over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the match in blistering fashion , claiming two breaks of serve to win the opening set .
The French world number nine broke again to go 2-1 up in the second set before Djokovic battled back to level at 3-3 .
The top seed wasted two set points at 5-4 but was then forced to save three match points in the tie break before finally levelling the match .
He then eased past Monfils in the third with three breaks of serve .
Evans , 29 , had beaten two seeds - Fabio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fourth ATP semi-final .
But he was never able to get a foothold in his first match against Tsitsipas , who won in 81 minutes .
`` I just managed to stay solid throughout the whole match , '' said Tsitsipas , who was runner-up to Roger Federer in Dubai last year .
`` I did n't have massive breakdowns and just played a quality of tennis which I enjoyed .
I am really impressed by the quality of my game today and I really hope to bring the same and possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Tsitsipas won 90 % of the points on his first serve and did not face a break point in the match , while world number 37 Evans was broken twice in each set as his hopes of making a first final in an ATP 500 event were dashed .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Gael Monfils has lost all 17 matches against Novak Djokovic, stretching back to a five-set defeat at the US Open in 2005
World number one Novak Djokovic survived a scare to beat France's Gael Monfils and set up a final against Dan Evans' conqueror Stefanos Tsitsipas at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Greek second seed Tsitsipas, 21, wasted little energy in beating the unseeded British number one 6-2 6-3.
But Djokovic, 33, had to dig deep, coming from a set down and saving three match points to win 6-2 7-6 (10-8) 6-1.
The Serb now aims to win a fifth Dubai title as Tsitsipas goes for his first.
"It truly was an escape," said Djokovic. "He was clearly the better player for two sets and I was fortunate to work my way back in the second set.
"Gael is playing as well as he has ever. I have played him many times and it is very difficult to go through him. I know I have a good defence but what he did today for two sets was unbelievable."
Monfils, 34, was aiming for a first victory over Djokovic at his 17th attempt and started the match in blistering fashion, claiming two breaks of serve to win the opening set.
The French world number nine broke again to go 2-1 up in the second set before Djokovic battled back to level at 3-3.
The top seed wasted two set points at 5-4 but was then forced to save three match points in the tie break before finally levelling the match.
He then eased past Monfils in the third with three breaks of serve.
Friday's match was the first meeting between Stefano Tsitsipas (right) and Dan Evans
Evans, 29, had beaten two seeds - Fabio Fognini and Andrey Rublev - to reach his fourth ATP semi-final.
But he was never able to get a foothold in his first match against Tsitsipas, who won in 81 minutes.
"I just managed to stay solid throughout the whole match," said Tsitsipas, who was runner-up to Roger Federer in Dubai last year.
"I didn't have massive breakdowns and just played a quality of tennis which I enjoyed. I am really impressed by the quality of my game today and I really hope to bring the same and possibly even better in the next round."
Tsitsipas won 90% of the points on his first serve and did not face a break point in the match, while world number 37 Evans was broken twice in each set as his hopes of making a first final in an ATP 500 event were dashed.


bbc--2020-02-28--Lewis goal gives Norwich new hope of Premier League survival

Norwich moved to within four points of an unlikely escape from the Premier League relegation zone as Jamal Lewis ' fine goal gave them a precious win against Leicester .
The Canaries were in real danger of being cut adrift heading into the final 10 games of the season but can now retain hope of overhauling the struggling sides above them after a much-needed win .
Daniel Farke 's side had not scored from open play since New Year 's Day but managed to hang on after Lewis smashed in for a fifth win of the season .
For the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will feel hard done by as they saw Kelechi Iheanacho 's excellent 20-yarder ruled out by VAR for handball .
Brendan Rodgers saw his side have plenty of pressure without the injured Jamie Vardy but the Foxes have now gone five games without a win in all competitions .
Leicester have looked locked in for a European place for months now and will remain in third place no matter what happens over the Premier League weekend - but they will now be starting to worry after a damaging slump in form .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival was starting to look improbable but this win could prove absolutely vital come the end of the campaign .
On the 15th anniversary of Delia Smith 's famous `` where are you ? ''
outburst at half-time of a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City , the club were in need of inspiration once again .
One win in 14 league games had left the Canaries rooted to the foot of the table and a further defeat would have left them on 18 points after 28 games .
Only one side in Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had stayed up after being in such a predicament but now Norwich can focus on Watford and West Ham just a win ahead .
Delia was watching on again as defender Ben Godfrey went close with an early header before a familiar tale of pretty approach play with no end product began to play out .
Top scorer Teemu Pukki dragged wide after fine play from Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia but it was hard to see where a goal could come from .
Lewis was the unlikely answer , arriving on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hit a swerving shot on the bounce that curved past Kasper Schmeichel and in .
It was his first league goal for the club on his 82nd appearance .
The hosts actually wasted two great counter-attacks - including a six-on-three break - but held on for just a second league win since November .
`` A win is always good for the mood and confidence but I am not over the moon , '' Farke said .
`` It was important that we were on top of our game to get some points @ @ @ @ @ @ @ league .
`` There are more than 20 points , let us see how far we can go .
We will be brave and let 's see what the outcome can be . ''
'We ca n't dance around the truth' This week marks the first anniversary of Rodgers ' arrival at Leicester and the club are perhaps facing their first real blip .
Vardy was missing with a calf strain but Leicester still could and should have been ahead before Lewis ' intervention .
Dennis Praet hit the outside of the post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iheanacho 's 'goal ' would surely have stood in any previous season .
As the striker jostled with Godfrey for a bouncing ball , both players appeared to unintentionally handle it before the former Manchester City man went on to power home a brilliant finish with his left foot .
There was a long wait as VAR Graham Scott consulted the footage and the goal was ruled out .
It was another blow for Leicester and Rodgers , who felt his side were denied a penalty for handball against Manchester City last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ goal being ruled out , '' Rodgers said .
`` We felt it was very , very harsh .
It was unintentional but it hits their player 's arm and drops on to Kelechi 's .
`` We have been inconsistent .
We ca n't dance around the truth , we need to be better but that is something I am confident we can do .
`` We need to get that focus back in our game . ''
An expected late onslaught never really came as Leicester failed to force Norwich goalkeeper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ final 20 minutes despite plenty of pressure .
They retain a nine-point cushion over fifth-placed Manchester United but need a win soon to get their Champions League hopes back on track .
Norwich head to Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night - live on the BBC - while Leicester host Birmingham at the same time .
• Norwich City enjoyed only their fifth Premier League win of the season , with two of those coming against teams occupying the top three ( 3-2 vs Man City in September ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last 11 Premier League games ( W3 D2 L6 ) , one more than they lost in their first 27 matches under Brendan Rodgers ( W17 D5 L5 ) • Leicester have now lost three of their last four Premier League games against teams starting the day in the bottom half ( W1 D0 L3 ) , having lost just one of their first 18 games of this kind under Brendan Rodgers ( W13 D4 L1 ) • Leicester suffered a Premier League defeat against a team starting the day bottom for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they lost 2-1 against Sunderland • Norwich defender Jamal Lewis - aged 22 years and 34 days - became the youngest Northern Irish player to score in the Premier League since Craig Cathcart in January 2011 for Blackpool against Man Utd ( 21y 353d )

Last updated on .From the section Premier League
Jamal Lewis' only previous career goal came in the FA Cup against Chelsea in 2018
Norwich moved to within four points of an unlikely escape from the Premier League relegation zone as Jamal Lewis' fine goal gave them a precious win against Leicester.
The Canaries were in real danger of being cut adrift heading into the final 10 games of the season but can now retain hope of overhauling the struggling sides above them after a much-needed win.
Daniel Farke's side had not scored from open play since New Year's Day but managed to hang on after Lewis smashed in for a fifth win of the season.
For the second week in a row, Leicester will feel hard done by as they saw Kelechi Iheanacho's excellent 20-yarder ruled out by VAR for handball.
Brendan Rodgers saw his side have plenty of pressure without the injured Jamie Vardy but the Foxes have now gone five games without a win in all competitions.
Leicester have looked locked in for a European place for months now and will remain in third place no matter what happens over the Premier League weekend - but they will now be starting to worry after a damaging slump in form.
At the other end of the table, survival was starting to look improbable but this win could prove absolutely vital come the end of the campaign.
Unlikely hero gives Canaries fresh hope
On the 15th anniversary of Delia Smith's famous "where are you?" outburst at half-time of a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City, the club were in need of inspiration once again.
One win in 14 league games had left the Canaries rooted to the foot of the table and a further defeat would have left them on 18 points after 28 games.
Only one side in Premier League history - Portsmouth in 2006 - had stayed up after being in such a predicament but now Norwich can focus on Watford and West Ham just a win ahead.
Delia was watching on again as defender Ben Godfrey went close with an early header before a familiar tale of pretty approach play with no end product began to play out.
Top scorer Teemu Pukki dragged wide after fine play from Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia but it was hard to see where a goal could come from.
Lewis was the unlikely answer, arriving on to right-back Max Aaron's deep cross to hit a swerving shot on the bounce that curved past Kasper Schmeichel and in. It was his first league goal for the club on his 82nd appearance.
The hosts actually wasted two great counter-attacks - including a six-on-three break - but held on for just a second league win since November.
"A win is always good for the mood and confidence but I am not over the moon," Farke said.
"It was important that we were on top of our game to get some points because we are the underdogs in this league.
"There are more than 20 points, let us see how far we can go. We will be brave and let's see what the outcome can be."
Staying up? Norwich's run-in 7 March - Sheffield Utd (a) 14 March - Southampton (h) 21 March - Everton (h) 4 April - Arsenal (a) 11 April - Brighton (h) 18 April - Watford (a) 25 April - West Ham (h) 2 May - Chelsea (a) 9 May - Burnley (h) 17 May - Man City (a)
'We can't dance around the truth'
Kelechi Iheanacho's celebrations were cut short by VAR
This week marks the first anniversary of Rodgers' arrival at Leicester and the club are perhaps facing their first real blip.
Vardy was missing with a calf strain but Leicester still could and should have been ahead before Lewis' intervention.
Dennis Praet hit the outside of the post as Leicester had 12 first-half efforts and Iheanacho's 'goal' would surely have stood in any previous season.
As the striker jostled with Godfrey for a bouncing ball, both players appeared to unintentionally handle it before the former Manchester City man went on to power home a brilliant finish with his left foot.
There was a long wait as VAR Graham Scott consulted the footage and the goal was ruled out. It was another blow for Leicester and Rodgers, who felt his side were denied a penalty for handball against Manchester City last week.
"We are disappointed with our goal being ruled out," Rodgers said.
"We felt it was very, very harsh. It was unintentional but it hits their player's arm and drops on to Kelechi's.
"We have been inconsistent. We can't dance around the truth, we need to be better but that is something I am confident we can do.
"We need to get that focus back in our game."
An expected late onslaught never really came as Leicester failed to force Norwich goalkeeper Tim Krul into a save in the final 20 minutes despite plenty of pressure.
They retain a nine-point cushion over fifth-placed Manchester United but need a win soon to get their Champions League hopes back on track.
Man of the match - Emiliano Buendia (Norwich)
Recalled by Daniel Farke, Buendia had more touches, passes in the opposition half and crosses than any other Norwich player
What next?
Norwich head to Tottenham in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night - live on the BBC - while Leicester host Birmingham at the same time.
Leicester slump continues - the stats
Norwich City enjoyed only their fifth Premier League win of the season, with two of those coming against teams occupying the top three (3-2 vs Man City in September)
Leicester have lost six of their last 11 Premier League games (W3 D2 L6), one more than they lost in their first 27 matches under Brendan Rodgers (W17 D5 L5)
Leicester have now lost three of their last four Premier League games against teams starting the day in the bottom half (W1 D0 L3), having lost just one of their first 18 games of this kind under Brendan Rodgers (W13 D4 L1)
Leicester suffered a Premier League defeat against a team starting the day bottom for the first time since December 2016, when they lost 2-1 against Sunderland
Norwich defender Jamal Lewis - aged 22 years and 34 days - became the youngest Northern Irish player to score in the Premier League since Craig Cathcart in January 2011 for Blackpool against Man Utd (21y 353d)


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Iran's deaths at least 210, hospital sources say

At least 210 people in Iran have died as a result of the new coronavirus disease , sources in the country 's health system have told BBC Persian .
Most of the victims are from the capital , Tehran , and the city of Qom , where cases of Covid-19 first emerged .
The figure is six times higher than the official death toll of 34 given by the health ministry earlier on Friday .
Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour insisted it was being transparent and accused the BBC of spreading lies .
It comes after a member of parliament for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the US expressed concern that they may not be sharing information .
• Analysis : How close are we to a pandemic ?
• What is coronavirus and what are the symptoms ?
`` We have made offers to the Islamic Republic of Iran to help , '' US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told a congressional committee in Washington on Friday .
`` Their healthcare infrastructure is not robust and , to date , their willingness to share information about what 's really going on inside ... Iran has not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abbas Mousavi dismissed the offer of help .
`` The claim to help Iran confront coronavirus by a country that has imposed expansive pressures on the Iranian nation through its economic terrorism and has even blocked the way for purchase of medical equipment and medicines is ridiculous and a political-psychological game , '' he said .
There are fears in Iran that the government , unsure of how to handle the outbreak , is covering up the extent of the spread of the new coronavirus disease .
Now , a tally of figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ several hospitals suggests at least 210 people had died across the country as of Thursday night .
The highest number of deaths were said to be in Tehran , where a disproportionately high number of officials have reportedly tested positive for Covid-19 , including a vice-president , a deputy minister , and at least two MPs .
Friday prayers in Tehran and 22 other cities were cancelled , and schools and universities closed .
Thousands of Iranians have also been stranded inside and outside the country as many flights have been stopped to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 83,000 reported cases of Covid-19 worldwide and 2,800 deaths since the disease emerged late last year - the vast majority in China .
At midday on Friday , the Iranian health ministry reported eight new deaths related to Covid-19 , increasing the official toll to 34 .
It also said 143 new cases had been detected , bringing the total to 388 .
`` Staying home , restricting traffic , reducing movement and interactions , avoiding unnecessary travel , cancelling any nationwide gatherings along with observing individual health tips are the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Jahanpour tweeted .
Later , Health Minister Saeed Namaki announced that all schools would be closed for at least three days from Saturday as a precaution .
`` We have a relatively difficult week ahead ... as we see the trend , the main peak of the disease will be in the next week and coming days , '' he told state TV .
A member of the Tehran City Council told Ilna news agency that `` the number of infected patients may rise to 10,000 or 15,000 '' in the coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health Organization 's emergencies programme , Dr Michael Ryan , said on Thursday that the apparent high mortality rate in Iran indicated its outbreak might be more widespread than realised .
A WHO mission is due to arrive in Iran on Sunday or Monday to help .
Dr Ryan said on Friday that its departure had been delayed due to `` issues with getting flights and access to Iran '' , but that the United Arab Emirates was helping .
Some health experts have questioned the actions of the Iranian authorities since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days ago .
President Hassan Rouhani has ruled out placing any cities or areas in quarantine , despite the head of the joint WHO-Chinese mission on Covid-19 saying such measures had helped `` changed the course '' of the outbreak in China .
There has also been concern about the decision not to close the Shia Muslim shrine of Hazrat Masumeh in Qom , which is visited by millions of pilgrims every year .
Some restrictions on access have nevertheless been imposed in recent days .
Mr Namaki told state TV that people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ once they had been given hand-sanitising gels , health information and face masks .
`` [ They must ] not gather together in groups - just pray and leave , '' he said .
The shrine 's custodian , Ayatollah Mohammed Saeedi , has said that it should be kept open as a `` house for cure '' and that `` people should be encouraged to come '' .
Vice-President for Women 's and Family Affairs , Masoumeh Ebtekar , and Deputy Health Minister Iraj Harirchi are among several senior officials who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reported that Ms Ebtekar - the highest-ranking woman in the Iranian government - had attended a meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and a number of ministers shortly before testing positive on Thursday .
Iran has also been the source of dozens of cases in neighbouring countries , including Afghanistan , Bahrain , Iraq , Kuwait , Oman and Pakistan .

"The claim to help Iran confront coronavirus by a country that has imposed expansive pressures on the Iranian nation through its economic terrorism and has even blocked the way for purchase of medical equipment and medicines is ridiculous and a political-psychological game," he said.


bbc--2020-02-28--Coronavirus: Global shares suffer worst week since financial crisis

US markets have suffered their worst week since the global financial crisis of 2008 , as fears over the impact of the coronavirus continued to grip investors .
The three main US indexes ended the week down 10 % or more from last Friday , despite a last-minute rally in prices .
Earlier , the main European markets fell sharply , with London 's FTSE 100 index down 3.2 % for the day .
Investors are worried the coronavirus could spark a global recession .
The Dow settled 1.4 % lower on Friday , recovering from earlier lows , while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Nasdaq was roughly flat .
Amid the sell-off , Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell put out an unusual statement , saying the US central bank was `` closely monitoring '' developments .
`` The fundamentals of the US economy remain strong .
However , the coronavirus poses evolving risks to economic activity , '' he said .
`` We will use our tools and act as appropriate to support the economy . ''
• Why should I care if share prices fall ?
The news of more coronavirus cases , notably @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a much larger economic effect than previously expected .
Bank of England Governor Mark Carney on Friday warned the outbreak could lead to a downgrade of the UK 's growth prospects .
Other countries are also reassessing their economic forecasts , as hundreds of firms warn of disruptions to their supply chains and a decline in consumer demand .
US tech giants Apple and Microsoft are among the companies that have said their business will be affected , while investment bank Goldman Sachs warned on Thursday that the coronavirus is likely to wipe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year .
Shares in airlines have been especially hard-hit as travel bans are imposed and companies limit staff travel .
On Friday , airline group IAG - which owns British Airways and Iberia - said its earnings had been affected by `` weaker demand '' as a result of the outbreak .
`` A known unknown '' is how one major company boss described the economic fallout of coronavirus to the BBC .
But what the markets have woken up to - perhaps belatedly - is that the disruption to the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and perhaps longer lasting than previously assumed .
As major outbreaks spring up outside China , it is clear that it is not just global supply chains but also demand from consumers that 's suffering , as efforts to contain the virus keep them away from shops , bars and restaurants .
What is unknown is exactly how bad and how lasting the impact could be .
But what is known is that this comes at an already tricky time for the global economy with Japan , Italy , China and the UK @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As economists slash their growth forecasts , policymakers are debating how much they can do to help , given how low interest rates remain .
What 's entirely clear is that investors face more anxiety ahead .
Mayank Mishra , a strategist at Standard Chartered Bank , said : `` Previously the market had taken some comfort in the falling infection rates in China as a result of containment measures put in place earlier .
`` But the spread of the coronavirus infection outside China , with clusters emerging in South Korea , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ significantly . ''
Earlier on Friday , in Asia , Japan 's Nikkei 225 index dropped 3.7 % , bringing its fall for the week to more than 9 % .
China 's Shanghai Composite index also fell 3.7 % on Friday .
Traders fled to less risky investments , such as government debt , sending bond yields to new lows .
Meanwhile , oil prices also fell on fears the virus would hurt demand , with Brent prices dropping more than 3 % to about $ 50 a barrel on Friday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
US President Donald Trump , who has claimed credit for a sharp rise in share prices during his tenure , blamed the falls on investor fear of `` the unknown '' - as well as concerns about the Democratic candidates hoping to challenge him in November 's presidential election .
`` People look at it and they say how long will this last , '' he said .
`` It 's an election ...
I do n't think that 's helping . ''
Several key global market indexes - including the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fallen more than 10 % from recent highs .
A drop of that magnitude is generally referred to as a correction .
However , share prices were hovering at record levels before the sell-off started , noted Sonja Laud , chief investment officer at Legal & General Investment Management .
The Dow and S & P 500 have now retreated roughly to where they were in August , while the Nasdaq has returned to December prices .
`` What markets are trying to digest is how long this is going to go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be , '' she said .
Many analysts now predict the US central bank will cut interest rates in an attempt to counter any impact .
James Bullard , who sits on the Fed 's board of governors , said Friday that cuts are `` a possibility '' should the virus continue to spread , but he warned that market expectations would not force the bank to act .
Ms Laud said that many central banks had little room for manoeuvre , because rates are already so low .
`` Realistically it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bank of England that still have the chance to cut rates , '' she told the BBC .
`` I think there will be a huge focus on governments to step up fiscal stimulus under the assumption there is not a lot more that central banks can do to stimulate the economy . ''

What is unknown is exactly how bad and how lasting the impact could be. But what is known is that this comes at an already tricky time for the global economy with Japan, Italy, China and the UK among those already seeing growth faltering.


bbc--2020-03-01--South Carolina primary: Joe Biden wins decisively

Joe Biden has been handed a huge boost in the race to challenge President Donald Trump in November 's election .
Mr Biden , a former vice-president , won decisively in South Carolina 's primary , where voters chose which Democrat they want to be the party 's candidate .
Left-winger Bernie Sanders came second in South Carolina - the fourth state to vote in the months-long primary season - and remains in the lead overall .
Another 14 states vote on Super Tuesday this week .
By the end of Super Tuesday , it could become much clearer who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr Biden 's first-ever victory in a primary in what is his third run for US president .
In his speech welcoming the result , the 77-year-old said : `` Just days ago the press and the pundits had declared this candidacy dead .
Now , thanks to all of you - the heart of the Democratic Party - we just won , and we 've won big . ''
Mr Biden won 48.4 % of the share , ahead of Mr Sanders on 19.9 % and billionaire hedge-fund manager Tom Steyer on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's best performance of the primaries , but he will now end his campaign , leaving seven candidates in the running .
Mr Biden had been pinning his hopes on a strong result in the southern state , after performing poorly in Iowa , New Hampshire and Nevada .
He regularly cited his strong support among African-Americans , and polls suggest an endorsement by influential black congressman James Clyburn significantly influenced voting patterns .
Victory allows Mr Biden to make the case that he is the best-placed moderate Democrat to take on Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from South Carolina • The Democratic 2020 race - in five charts Candidates who have won more than 15 % of the vote in South Carolina are awarded delegates , who will then go to the party 's convention in July to support their Democratic candidate .
In his speech , Mr Biden attacked Mr Sanders without naming him .
`` Folks , win big or lose , that 's the choice , '' he said .
`` Most Americans do n't want the promises of revolution .
They want more than promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happens next ?
Super Tuesday is the most important date in the race to pick the nominee .
Democrats in 14 states will vote ( as well as American Samoa and Democrats Abroad ) .
A massive 1,357 delegates will be distributed - almost a third of all those available through the entire primary season , and the two most populous states , California and Texas , will be voting .
• What are primaries and how do they work ?
The entire picture could change in one day .
Or we could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the front-runner - and even extend into a near-unbeatable lead .
This will also be the first time that New York billionaire Michael Bloomberg will be on the ballot .
The performance of moderates like Mr Biden on Super Tuesday will be determined to some degree by that of Mr Bloomberg .
We 've pulled together a guide on what to look out for in each state on Super Tuesday .
• WHO IS HE ?
Third White House run for 'Middle Class Joe Biden' • WHAT HIS SUPPORTERS SAY : Is this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL : Watch Biden on 'No Malarkey ' tour • WHERE HE STANDS : Against other Democrats like Obama • A SIMPLE GUIDE : All you need to know about the presidential race South Carolina had been billed as Joe Biden 's last stand - where he poured time and resources into securing a positive result .
Just a few weeks ago , as his poll numbers sank across the nation , it also appeared it would be his campaign 's final resting place .
Instead , after a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave Biden his first primary victory of the year - his first win in any of his three presidential bids , in fact .
Biden may have one man in particular to thank for his success : Congressman James Clyburn , a powerful voice in the state 's black community , who endorsed the vice-president on Wednesday .
Exit polls indicate Clyburn 's backing was an important factor for about half of the primary voters - and probably one of the reasons Biden posted such a dominating performance among the state 's black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ kind of showing in states to come , he 's going to give Bernie Sanders a tough fight .
Biden is going to have to hope his success in South Carolina translates into a surge on Super Tuesday without much assistance from his campaign , however .
He only recently began advertising in the upcoming states , and a Saturday afternoon trip to North Carolina was the first time he left South Carolina in almost a week .
He 's still running on a wing and a prayer , but at least for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those prayers were answered .
• Read more from Anthony here

Biden may have one man in particular to thank for his success: Congressman James Clyburn, a powerful voice in the state's black community, who endorsed the vice-president on Wednesday. Exit polls indicate Clyburn's backing was an important factor for about half of the primary voters - and probably one of the reasons Biden posted such a dominating performance among the state's black voters.


bbc--2020-03-01--Coronavirus: South Korea sect leader to face homicide probe over deaths

The leader of a religious sect in South Korea could face a homicide investigation over some of the country 's coronavirus deaths .
The city government of the capital Seoul has asked prosecutors to charge Lee Man-hee , the founder of the Shincheonji Church , and 11 others .
They are accused of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients before the virus spread .
South Korea is battling the worst coronavirus outbreak outside China .
The country has reported 3,730 cases and 21 deaths so far .
More than half of all infections involve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a fringe Christian group .
Authorities say Shincheonji members infected one another in the southern city of Daegu last month , before fanning out around the country .
On Sunday the Seoul City government filed a legal complaint to prosecutors against 12 leaders of the sect .
They are accused of homicide , causing harm and violating the Infectious Disease and Control Act .
The BBC 's Laura Bicker in Seoul says the complaint reflects growing public anger towards the religious group .
Its leader Lee Man-hee claims he is the Messiah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been interviewed .
Nearly 9,000 said they were showing symptoms of coronavirus .
A 61-year-old female member of the sect who tested positive for the virus was among the first to be infected .
She initially refused to be taken to a hospital to be tested and is known to have attended several church gatherings before testing positive .
Mr Lee has also been tested for the virus and is awaiting the results .
Roman Catholic churches remain closed , major Protestant groups have cancelled Sunday services and all Buddhist events have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 88 , claims he is the second coming of Jesus Christ and identifies as `` the promised pastor '' mentioned in the Bible .
He founded the Shincheonji Church in 1984 .
In Korean , Shincheonji means `` new heaven and earth '' .
The group is considered a cult by many .
Mr Lee 's followers believe he will take 144,000 people to heaven with him .
The church says it has more than 20,000 followers outside of South Korea including in China , Japan and areas of Southeast Asia .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tightly together during services .
Glasses , necklaces and earrings are reportedly banned from services .
What about the rest of the world ?
More than 85,403 cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed in over 50 countries , according to the World Health Organization ( WHO ) .
The global death toll is more than 2,900 .
The vast majority of infections and deaths are in China .
On Sunday , Australia and Thailand also recorded their first fatalities from the coronavirus .
A 78-year-old Australian man died after being infected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Japan last month .
Thailand , which has had 42 cases of the virus , said a 35-year-old man who died was also suffering from dengue fever .
In Paris , the Louvre museum did not open on Sunday .
The museum said on Twitter a meeting was being held on the public health situation and `` the museum can not open at the moment '' .
France has banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people , as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak .
• The US on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , in the state of Washington .
Officials said the patient was a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions • Iran reported 385 new coronavirus cases on Sunday , bringing the total to 978 so far .
The death toll rose to 54 • Italy - the worst-hit country Europe - says it will introduce measures worth 3.6bn euros ( £3.10bn ) to deal with the economic impact of the outbreak Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
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Coronavirus: South Korea sect leader to face probe over deaths Published 2 March 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, 'We're often persecuted': Spokesman for virus-hit S Korean church defends secrecy (March 2020)
The leader of a religious sect in South Korea will be investigated over some of the country's coronavirus deaths.
The city government of the capital Seoul has asked prosecutors to charge Lee Man-hee, the founder of the Shincheonji Church, and 11 others.
They are accused of hiding the names of some members as officials tried to track patients before the virus spread.
South Korea is battling the worst coronavirus outbreak outside China.
The country has reported 3,730 cases and 21 deaths so far. More than half of all infections involve members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a fringe Christian group.
Authorities say Shincheonji members infected one another in the southern city of Daegu last month, before fanning out around the country.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Watch how germs spread and how you can prevent it
One senior member, Kim Shin-chang, told the BBC's Laura Bicker that the church was "very sorry for causing concern".
He admitted that some church members had been afraid to reveal their identities but said the church had now revealed all of its information, including all its locations and members.
"We were worried about releasing this kind of information because of the safety of our members, but we believe right now the most important thing is to fully cooperate with the government," he said.
What's happening in South Korea?
On Sunday the Seoul City government filed a legal complaint to prosecutors against 12 leaders of the sect. They are accused of homicide, causing harm and violating the Infectious Disease and Control Act.
All 230,000 members of the church have been interviewed. Nearly 9,000 said they were showing symptoms of coronavirus.
A 61-year-old female member of the sect who tested positive for the virus was among the first to be infected.
She initially refused to be taken to a hospital to be tested and is known to have attended several church gatherings before testing positive.
The sect's leader, Lee Man-hee, claims he is the Messiah. He has also been tested for the virus and is awaiting the results.
Roman Catholic churches remain closed, major Protestant groups have cancelled Sunday services and all Buddhist events have been called off.
Anger grows over sect's response
Growing anger over the sect's handling of the outbreak has sparked a petition calling for the church to be disbanded. Nearly 1.2m people have signed it.
This investigation has been sparked by Seoul City Mayor Park Won-soon, who urged the Chief Prosecutor to detain the sect leader.
He warned that he would request a criminal investigation for homicide by wilful negligence and, on Sunday evening, he filed the claim with the prosecutor's office.
But this does not mean the church leaders will face murder charges. It means prosecutors will have to look into the case.
Once prosecutors have finished their investigation they will decide which charges, if any, to bring against the sect.
Who is Lee Man-hee?
Lee Man-hee, 88, claims he is the second coming of Jesus Christ and identifies as "the promised pastor" mentioned in the Bible.
He founded the Shincheonji Church in 1984. In Korean, Shincheonji means "new heaven and earth".
The group is considered a cult by many. Mr Lee's followers believe he will take 144,000 people to heaven with him.
The church says it has more than 20,000 followers outside of South Korea including in China, Japan and areas of Southeast Asia.
The group is known for packing its followers tightly together during services. Glasses, necklaces and earrings are reportedly banned from services.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What about the rest of the world?
More than 85,403 cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed in over 50 countries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The global death toll is more than 2,900. The vast majority of infections and deaths are in China.
On Sunday, Australia and Thailand also recorded their first fatalities from the coronavirus.
A 78-year-old Australian man died after being infected on the Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan last month.
Thailand, which has had 42 cases of the virus, said a 35-year-old man who died was also suffering from dengue fever.
In Paris, the Louvre museum did not open on Sunday. The museum said on Twitter a meeting was being held on the public health situation and "the museum cannot open at the moment".
France has banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people, as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak.
The US on Saturday reported the first death in the country, in the state of Washington. Officials said the patient was a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions
Iran reported 385 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, bringing the total to 978 so far. The death toll rose to 54
Italy - the worst-hit country Europe - says it will introduce measures worth 3.6bn euros (£3.10bn) to deal with the economic impact of the outbreak
Have you been affected by the coronavirus? Or do you have any information to share? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-03-01--UK 'rules nothing out' in coronavirus tactics

No tactics will be `` off the table '' in the UK government 's plan to contain coronavirus , the health secretary says .
Matt Hancock said an emergency `` battle plan '' , drawn up if the virus spreads further , includes banning big events , closing schools and dissuading people from using public transport .
He told the BBC 's Andrew Marr the plans were for the `` worst-case scenario '' .
Mr Hancock said the UK remained in the `` containment '' phase with 23 confirmed cases - but more are expected .
The government contingency plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , include that newly-retired doctors and nurses could be asked to return to the NHS .
If the outbreak worsens , people could also be urged to work from home .
A minister in every government department will focus on tackling the virus , which causes the Covid-19 disease , while a team of experts will drive a public health campaign .
Speaking on the BBC 's Andrew Marr Show , Mr Hancock said there were four phases to the plan : • Containment - caring for any infected people and identifying their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions to take to slow down the spread • Research - constant and ongoing work to inform the three other phases Currently , the UK is in the `` containment '' phase - which health leaders say may still be sufficient .
But the next phase could see broader `` social distancing '' measures .
Rules around class sizes in schools could also be relaxed in the event of widespread staff shortages .
Asked if UK cities could be shut down , as has happened where the virus originated in China , Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge economic and social downside to that .
But we do n't take anything off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary . ''
He added : `` Under the worst-case scenario we would have to take some quite significant actions that would have social and economic disruption . ''
• Coronavirus : What is the UK advice for me ?
• How is the UK getting ready for coronavirus ?
• How deadly is the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Republic of Ireland Labour shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said Mr Hancock must give more detail of any emergency powers he wants to bring in so that MPs `` can properly scrutinise '' the plans .
Emergency powers designed to restrict the virus if it became endemic would only be `` temporary '' , Mr Hancock said - adding that it was `` inevitable '' the scale of the virus would worsen .
He also said `` a lot more resources '' were being put into the NHS 111 helpline as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last week .
• ' I waited four days for NHS 111 to call back' On Saturday evening , Willow Bank Infant School in Woodley , Berkshire , issued a statement saying one of its members of staff had tested positive for coronavirus - and it would be closing for a deep clean .
Meanwhile , more than 200 British holidaymakers locked down at a quarantined hotel in Tenerife have been told they will be allowed to fly home , if they test negative for the virus .
The travellers have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace hotel since Tuesday after four Italians contracted the virus .
Some have already been allowed to leave but others are awaiting test results .
The Foreign Office is in contact with operators and travel agents about their plans to return Britons to the UK .
While the virus can be present but undetectable in a test , BBC correspondent Dan Johnson said advice for the hotel guests was that there is a 24-hour window after a negative test when people are not infectious , and are therefore safe to fly .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plans for a pandemic flu outbreak - but has been adapted for the coronavirus .
What do I need to know about the coronavirus ?
• WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS ?
A simple guide • WAYS TO PREVENT CATCHING IT : How to wash your hands • WHERE ARE WE WITH A VACCINE ?
Progress so far • A VISUAL GUIDE TO THE OUTBREAK : Virus maps and charts • WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR MY HOLIDAY ?
Your rights as a traveller The plan includes holding extra meetings for the government 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ already scheduled to meet on Monday .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who will chair Monday 's meeting , said : `` Coronavirus may very well be a challenge in the weeks and months ahead .
`` But I have no doubt that with the help of the NHS and its incomparable staff this country will get through it and beat it . ''
A team of scientists and media experts will also be set up to work on a public information campaign from a so-called `` war room '' in the Cabinet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social media adverts telling people to wash their hands for 20 seconds or more with soap and water .
Whitehall officials say they will be working closely with their counterparts in the devolved administrations .
Meanwhile , the Scottish government said it was increasing tests for coronavirus to all people with flu-like symptoms , even those who have not travelled to an affected area .
No one in Scotland has so far tested positive .
Mr Hancock said `` every part of government '' was working together to tackle `` the health , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the virus - `` but can not do this alone '' .
`` Every single person has a role to play in helping to manage the spread of the virus - whether that 's washing your hands more often , catching your sneezes , and following clinical advice , '' he said .
More than 10,000 people have now been tested for the virus in the UK .
The Berkshire school staff member is thought to be among three UK coronavirus cases confirmed on Saturday .
Ten more cases of the virus in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ might raise eyebrows , but health officials say all but one can be easily explained because the patients have travelled from the most affected countries , including northern Italy and Iran .
Since the first UK cases were confirmed in York - two Chinese nationals - positive tests have been recorded in the south of England , Derbyshire , south Wales and Northern Ireland .
Of potential concern is the case in Surrey , a man who had not travelled abroad .
Public health officials are tracing his contacts to see if his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has arrived in the UK from abroad .
• Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has tested negative for the virus .
The Foreign Office said he self-isolated after feeling unwell this week - and has returned to work since the test result • The Foreign Office has called on Iran to `` immediately allow '' health officials to examine Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe - a British-Iranian woman jailed in Iran - as state television reports the number of deaths in the country has risen to 54 • The Republic of Ireland has confirmed its first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was associated with travel from an affected area in northern Italy • The first person in the US to die from coronavirus was a man in his 50s with underlying health conditions , officials say • Australia and Thailand also recorded their first fatalities from the virus on Sunday .
A 78-year-old Australian man died after being infected on the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship in Japan .
Thailand said the 35-year-old man who died of the virus had also been suffering from dengue fever • France has temporarily banned gatherings of more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' as it reported a jump in cases • There has been a jump of cases in a South Korean religious sect which has been identified as a coronavirus hotbed .
Some 8,946 members of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus are now showing symptoms of the virus , according to officials • And Nasa images have shown air pollution in China has cleared dramatically in part because of the economic slowdown prompted by the virus On Friday the World Health Organization raised its global risk assessment of the virus to its top level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , more than 86,000 people have been infected , with cases in more than 50 countries .
About 3,000 people have died - the vast majority in China 's Hubei province , where the outbreak originated in December .
Have you been affected by coronavirus ?
You can share your experience by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Or upload your pictures/video here • Please read our @ @ @ @ @ @

Asked if UK cities could be shut down, as has happened where the virus originated in China, Mr Hancock said: "There is clearly a huge economic and social downside to that. But we don't take anything off the table at this stage because you have to make sure you have all the tools available if that is what is necessary."


bbc--2020-03-01--Staff force Louvre closure over virus fears

The Louvre museum in Paris has remained shut amid concerns over France 's coronavirus outbreak .
Staff at the Louvre - the most visited museum in world - voted `` almost unanimously '' not to open on Sunday , a union representative said .
On Saturday the French government banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people , in an effort to curb the spread of the new coronavirus .
France has reported 100 cases of the Covid-19 disease .
Two people have died .
• How deadly is the coronavirus ?
• How worried should we be ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Queues formed outside the museum 's iconic pyramid in the rain , but the doors remained shut .
A statement on the museum 's website said a meeting was reviewing the `` public health situation linked to Covid-19 prevention measures '' announced by the government .
The previous day , an emergency cabinet meeting banned large gatherings `` in confined spaces '' , as well as open-air events such as Sunday 's Paris half-marathon .
Union official Christian Galani told AFP news agency : `` The meeting was arranged to discuss the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives were unable to convince workers to go to work .
`` The Louvre is a confined space which welcomes more than 5,000 people a day , '' Mr Galani said .
`` There is real concern on the part of staff . ''
It is unclear when the museum could re-open .
What other gatherings have recently been affected ?
In France all public gatherings have been banned in parts of Oise , the area north of Paris at the centre France 's coronavirus outbreak .
But the mayor of Montanaire , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ban , defied the move and allowed a market to go ahead on Sunday .
Cancelled events across France also include the final day of the Paris Agricultural Fair and a fireworks display in the southern city of Nice - both were due on Sunday .
Switzerland has also banned large gatherings .
The General Motor Show and the Basel Carnival are among the events affected .
In Italy , Europe 's worst-affected country , five Serie A football matches are not being held this weekend .
In rugby , Ireland postponed men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Italy in Dublin next weekend .
Have you been affected by the coronavirus ?
Or do you have any information to share ?
Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay @ bbc.co.uk .
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist .
You can also contact us in the following ways : • Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

Coronavirus: Staff force Louvre closure over infection fears Published 1 March 2020
Image source, Reuters Image caption, People queued up outside the Louvre on Sunday but were not allowed in
The Louvre museum in Paris has remained shut amid concerns over France's coronavirus outbreak.
Staff at the Louvre - the most visited museum in world - voted "almost unanimously" not to open on Sunday, a union representative said.
On Saturday the French government banned all indoor gatherings of more than 5,000 people, in an effort to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.
France has reported 100 cases of the Covid-19 disease. Two people have died.
What happened at the Louvre on Sunday?
Queues formed outside the museum's iconic pyramid in the rain, but the doors remained shut.
A statement on the museum's website said a meeting was reviewing the "public health situation linked to Covid-19 prevention measures" announced by the government.
The previous day, an emergency cabinet meeting banned large gatherings "in confined spaces", as well as open-air events such as Sunday's Paris half-marathon.
Union official Christian Galani told AFP news agency: "The meeting was arranged to discuss the concerns of staff", adding management representatives were unable to convince workers to go to work.
"The Louvre is a confined space which welcomes more than 5,000 people a day," Mr Galani said. "There is real concern on the part of staff."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Watch how germs spread and how you can prevent it
It is unclear when the museum could re-open.
What do I need to know about the coronavirus?
What other gatherings have recently been affected?
In France all public gatherings have been banned in parts of Oise, the area north of Paris at the centre France's coronavirus outbreak.
But the mayor of Montanaire, one of the towns affected by the ban, defied the move and allowed a market to go ahead on Sunday.
Cancelled events across France also include the final day of the Paris Agricultural Fair and a fireworks display in the southern city of Nice - both were due to be held on Sunday.
Switzerland has also banned large gatherings. The General Motor Show and the Basel Carnival are among the events affected.
In Italy, Europe's worst-affected country, five Serie A football matches are not being held this weekend.
In rugby, Ireland postponed men's and women's Six Nations games against Italy in Dublin next weekend.
And Qatar has cancelled the opening MotoGP race of the season, which was due to be held on 8 March, because of travel restrictions on visitors from Italy, a centre of the outbreak.
Have you been affected by the coronavirus? Or do you have any information to share? Get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.


bbc--2020-03-01--Afghan conflict: President Ashraf Ghani rejects Taliban prisoner release

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani says his government has not pledged to free Taliban prisoners , as stated in a deal reached by the US and the militants .
Under the landmark agreement signed on Saturday in Qatar , 5,000 Taliban would be released in exchange for up to 1,000 government detainees by 10 March .
Mr Ghani said such a prisoner release `` can not be a prerequisite for talks '' , but must be part of negotiations .
The US-Taliban agreement includes a phased withdrawal of US troops .
In return , the hard-line Islamist group agreed to hold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The deal also commits the Taliban to prevent al-Qaeda and all other extremist groups from operating in the areas they control .
The US invaded Afghanistan weeks after the September 2001 attacks in New York by al-Qaeda , then based in Afghanistan .
The Taliban were ousted from power but became an insurgent force that by 2018 was active in more than two-thirds of the country .
• The Afghan war : The short and long story What did Ghani say ?
Less than 24 hours after the deal was signed in Doha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kabul : `` The reduction in violence will continue with a goal to reach a full ceasefire . ''
But he added : `` There is no commitment to releasing 5,000 prisoners .
`` This is the right and the self-will of the people of Afghanistan .
It could be included in the agenda of the intra-Afghan talks , but can not be a prerequisite for talks . ''
Any prisoner release , he added , was `` not in the authority of the US '' but `` in the authority of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captured Taliban are being held in Afghanistan .
What happens to the Taliban prisoners in Afghan jails was always going to be a tricky issue .
For the insurgents , having them released is a key goal .
The Afghan government , however , knows that , and is reluctant to play the card too early - without extracting any concession in return .
As one Afghan official put it to me : `` They want their prisoners , we want a ceasefire . ''
The confusion over their fate stems in part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement released by the US on Saturday in Kabul , and the US-Taliban agreement .
The deal reached in Doha states that the US will `` work with all relevant sides on a plan to expeditiously release '' prisoners , before adding that the release will happen by the 10th March start of `` intra-Afghan talks '' .
However , the US-Afghan joint declaration released on the same day simply says the US will facilitate between the government and Taliban on the `` feasibility '' of prisoner release .
What does the deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2,400 American troops have been killed during the conflict .
About 12,000 are still stationed in the country .
The US and its Nato allies have agreed to withdraw all troops within 14 months if the militants uphold the deal .
US President Donald Trump , who had promised to end the Afghan conflict , said on Saturday that it was `` time to bring our people back home '' .
Mr Trump said 5,000 US troops would leave Afghanistan by May and he would meet Taliban leaders in the near future .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Who are the Taliban ?
• The Afghan women determined not to lose out He added that US troops had been killing militants in Afghanistan `` by the thousands '' and now it was `` time for someone else to do that work and it will be the Taliban and it could be surrounding countries '' .
Nearly 3,500 members of the international coalition forces have died in Afghanistan since the 2001 invasion .
The figures for Afghan civilians , militants and government forces are more difficult to quantify .
In a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that more than 32,000 civilians had died .
The Watson Institute at Brown University says 58,000 security personnel and 42,000 opposition combatants have been killed .
• Why Afghanistan is more dangerous than ever

What happens to the Taliban prisoners in Afghan jails was always going to be a tricky issue. For the insurgents, having them released is a key goal. The Afghan government, however, knows that, and is reluctant to play the card too early - without extracting any concession in return.


bbc--2020-03-01--Climate change: Warm winter ruins German ice wine harvest

Germany 's harvest of ice wine - a dessert wine produced from grapes that have frozen while still on the vine - has failed for the first time because the winter has been too warm .
None of Germany 's 13 wine-growing regions had the necessary temperatures of -7C to produce the wine in 2019 .
2019 was the second-warmest year on record globally , according to the US National Oceans and Air Administration .
The amount of ice wine produced has been dropping in recent years .
`` The 2019 vintage will go down in history here in Germany @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ice harvest has failed nationwide , '' the German Wine Institute ( DWI ) said in a statement .
`` If the warm winters continue in the next few years , ice wines from German wine regions will soon become even more of a rarity than they already are , '' said Ernst Büscher from the DWI .
• Last decade confirmed as warmest on record Another problem for ice wine production is that , in recent years , the dates for a possible ice harvest have shifted later - to January and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ earlier , the DWI said .
As a result , the grapes need to survive for longer .
The biggest ice wine markets include Japan and China as well as the Scandinavian countries and the US .
Due to their inherently low yields , ice wines have a very small share of the total harvest , often less than 0.1 % .

"If the warm winters continue in the next few years, ice wines from German wine regions will soon become even more of a rarity than they already are," said Ernst Büscher from the DWI.


bbc--2020-03-01--Greece blocks 10,000 migrants at Turkey border

Greece says it has stopped nearly 10,000 migrants crossing over the land border from Turkey .
Separately , Greek police say at least 500 people on seven boats have reached the Greek islands of Lesbos , Samos and Chios , where camps for migrants are already severely overcrowded .
Turkey has vowed to open its doors for migrants to travel to the EU .
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says it can not deal with the amount of people fleeing Syria 's civil war .
His decision came after at least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in air strikes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called a meeting for his country 's national security council later on Sunday .
The EU 's border protection agency Frontex said it was on `` high alert '' on Europe 's borders with Turkey .
Turkey is hosting 3.7 million Syrian refugees , as well as migrants from other countries such as Afghanistan - but had previously stopped them from leaving for Europe under an aid-linked deal with the EU .
But Mr Erdogan accused the EU of breaking promises made in 2016 , when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ EU 's south-western border .
Almost 10,000 migrants have been blocked from entering Greece in the last day , the Greek government has said .
Some migrants tossed stones , metal bars and tear gas canisters when stopped at the border .
Seven boats carried more than 300 people to Lesbos , four arrived on Samos with 150 and two on Chios with a combined total of 70 to 80 people , a police official told the Reuters news agency .
Groups of migrants have also been seen wading through a river to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ migrants have been sent to Evros , an area along the Turkey border .
Greek deputy defence minister Alkiviadis Stefanis accused Turkey of encouraging migrants to make the trip .
`` Not only are they not stopping them , but they are helping them , '' he told Greece 's Skai TV .
There were clashes between migrants and Greek police on Saturday after President Erdogan effectively gave the all-clear for migrants to head for the EU .
The EU said it was assisting Greece and Bulgaria - which also borders Turkey - @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Turkey is hosting 3.7 million Syrian refugees, as well as migrants from other countries such as Afghanistan - but had previously stopped them from leaving for Europe under an aid-linked deal with the EU.


bbc--2020-03-01--Syria war: Turkey intensifies Idlib onslaught after air strike

Turkey shot down two Syrian fighter jets on Sunday as it intensified military action in northern Syria .
The pilots parachuted to safety over Idlib province , where Turkish troops and rebels have been clashing with Syrian government forces .
Turkey , which backs the opposition , said it had also targeted Syrian air defence systems and dozens of tanks .
Tensions in Idlib escalated sharply last week when at least 33 Turkish soldiers were killed in an air strike .
The incident sparked fears of a major escalation involving Turkey and Syria 's main military ally , Russia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Hulusi Akar said the country did not want conflict with Russia .
`` We expect Russia to stop the regime 's attacks , '' he said in a televised statement .
`` We do n't have the desire or intention to clash with Russia . ''
• Why does the battle for Idlib matter ?
Mr Akar dubbed the latest operation against the Syrian army `` Spring Shield '' .
He said it had destroyed a drone , eight helicopters , 103 tanks , as well as rocket launchers and other military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Syrian forces had been `` neutralised '' , a term used to mean killed , wounded or captured .
But the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights , a UK-based war monitor , said 74 Syrian government troops and pro-Damascus fighters had been killed since 27 February .
The latest developments have strained relations between Ankara and Moscow .
But Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin next week .
Meanwhile , the EU has called an emergency foreign ministers ' meeting over the conflict .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been trying to retake Idlib from jihadist groups and Turkish-backed rebel factions .
Idlib is the last Syrian province where Syrian rebel groups still control significant territory .
The Syrian government advance has displaced nearly a million civilians who have fled to areas near the Turkish border .
Turkey says it is already hosting millions of refugees and does not have the resources to let more enter .
Turkey has some troops in observation points in Idlib under a 2018 agreement with Russia .
President Erdogan had earlier threatened to confront @ @ @ @ @ @ @ withdraw from positions near the Turkish observation posts .
The attack on Turkish troops last week came after Turkish-backed rebels retook the key town of Saraqeb , north-east of Balyun .
Russia denies its own forces were involved in the fighting in the Balyun area .
But Russia and Turkey are backing opposing sides in the civil war .
Turkey is opposed to the government of Bashar al-Assad and supports some rebel groups .
Russia has rejected calls in the UN Security Council for a humanitarian ceasefire in northern Syria , saying the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calls terrorists from the country .
The Syrian government , which has regularly been accused of committing atrocities against civilians , says it is liberating Idlib from `` terrorism '' .
The Turkish and Russian presidents spoke by phone on Friday .
They both expressed concern and agreed on the need for `` additional meaWhy is Turkey so deeply involved in Syria ?
Why is Turkey so deeply involved in Syria ?
Its long border with Syria has brought it into close contact with the civil war and its strong opposition to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ destination for refugees .
But President Erdogan has said it can not deal with the amount of people fleeing the civil war .
Turkey has vowed to open its doors for migrants to travel to the EU .
Turkey is also actively trying to prevent Syria 's Kurdish community establishing control over the border region , fearing that this would encourage Kurdish separatism within Turkey itself .
It has been accused of seeking to drive Kurds away from the border in order to establish a safe area within Syria to rehouse two million @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The Syrian government advance has displaced nearly a million civilians who have fled to areas near the Turkish border. Turkey says it is already hosting millions of refugees and does not have the resources to let more enter.


bbc--2020-03-01--Slovakia election: Anti-corruption party takes lead

The opposition Ordinary People party ( OLaNO ) has won a resounding victory in Slovakia 's parliamentary election on a wave of anti-corruption sentiment .
With nearly all results counted , the party has secured almost 25 % of votes .
The popularity of the Ordinary People party soared in recent weeks , thanks to its anti-corruption agenda .
The election campaign was dominated by public anger over the 2018 murder of an investigative journalist , Jan Kuciak , and his fiancée , Martina Kusnirova .
The result has unseated the centre-left Smer-SD party , which dominated Slovak politics for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % .
Kuciak had been investigating high-level corruption when he was killed .
The shooting shocked the nation and toppled PM Robert Fico , but his Smer-SD party remained in office .
By the cold light of a Bratislava dawn , it appeared that Igor Matovic - a millionaire anti-corruption campaigner with a populist touch - had pulled off a stunning victory .
His Ordinary People party will command over a third of seats in parliament and he 's poised to become prime minister in a centre-right coalition , which could even have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , former prime minister Robert Fico arrived at his party 's election headquarters by the back door and left without speaking to reporters - and what was there to say ?
His party suffered its worst result in a decade of government ; it 's never recovered from the murder of Jan Kuciak , which took place on its watch .
The far-right People 's Party , led by the former neo-Nazi Marian Kotleba , did worse than the polls had suggested , scoring a slightly lower percentage than four years ago .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now have 17 seats , three more than after the last election .
Their rise appears to have mobilised liberal voters , but the continued presence of a virulently nationalist and xenophobic party will worry those who thought that at heart , Slovaks believe in liberal democracy .
Opposition protest party Sme Rodina ( We Are Family ) gained 8.26 % , followed closely by the far-right People 's Party Our Slovakia ( LSNS ) .
Two other parties also secured the 5 % of votes needed to enter parliament : the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Freedom and Solidarity ) and the anti-graft liberal opposition Za Ludi party .
The threshold for coalitions is higher , however , and the centre-left liberal Progressive Slovakia ( PS-SPOLU ) failed to reach the 7 % required .
The general election comes after last year 's presidential vote , won by anti-corruption campaigner and lawyer Zuzana Caputova - a political newcomer .

True to form, former prime minister Robert Fico arrived at his party's election headquarters by the back door and left without speaking to reporters - and what was there to say? His party suffered its worst result in a decade of government; it's never recovered from the murder of Jan Kuciak, which took place on its watch.


bbc--2020-02-29--Berlin International Film Festival: Iranian film about executions wins top prize

A film by an Iranian director about capital punishment has won the top prize at the Berlin International Film Festival .
Mohammad Rasoulof was banned from directing in 2017 .
He produced There Is No Evil , his sixth film , in secret .
He is unable to travel outside Iran owing to charges relating to his earlier films .
Mr Rasoulof 's daughter Baran , who also stars in the film , received the Golden Bear on his behalf .
Jury president Jeremy Irons said that the film , which tells four stories about the death penalty , showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among ordinary people , drawing them towards inhumanity '' .
The second-place award at the festival went to Never Rarely Sometimes Always , a film about abortion in the US by director Eliza Hittman .
Addressing a news conference by video call , Mr Rasoulof explained that There Is No Evil was about `` people taking responsibility '' .
`` I wanted to talk about people who push responsibility away from themselves and say that the decision is taken by higher powers , '' he said .
`` But they can actually say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
• Why Iran creates some of the world 's best films '' The story of each part of the film is based on my own experience , '' Mr Rasoulof said in a Skype interview with the Berlin festival published the day before the awards were announced .
He went on to describe how one of the film 's four episodes came about after he saw a man , who had interrogated him while he was in prison , coming out of a bank .
After following the man for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was and how much he resembled all other people .
I realised that there was no monster involved , there was no evil in front of me , just a person who has not questioned his own actions . ''
According to international rights groups , hundreds of people are executed every year in Iran .

After following the man for a while, "I realised how normal he was and how much he resembled all other people. I realised that there was no monster involved, there was no evil in front of me, just a person who has not questioned his own actions."