bbc--2020-01-26--Trump ordered to remove envoy in Ukraine in 2018 - video

President Donald Trump in 2018 ordered the removal of the US ambassador to Ukraine , Marie Yovanovitch , according to a video made public on Saturday .
In the tape , Mr Trump can be heard saying `` Get rid of her ! ''
at a dinner with a group of donors in Washington .
Ms Yovanovitch , who was recalled from her post in May 2019 , has testified in Mr Trump 's impeachment inquiry .
The footage from April 2018 was provided by an attorney of Lev Parnas , a US businessman who was at the dinner .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ not know Mr Parnas , who worked for the president 's personal lawyer Rudolph Giuliani .
The businessman , who is a Republican party donor , says he went to Ukraine to pressure officials on behalf of the president and Mr Giuliani .
President Trump has so far made no public comment on the emergence of the video recording .
On Saturday , his lawyers began defending him at his impeachment trial in the Senate , accusing Democrats of seeking to overturn the result of the 2016 election .
The Republican president faces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ obstruction of Congress .
• How Trump 's lawyers set out their case • Trump impeachment trial : All you need to know • Who 's who in the Trump-Ukraine story ?
Mr Trump is alleged to have withheld military aid to pressure Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky into starting a corruption investigation into Mr Trump 's political rival , Democrat Joe Biden , and his son Hunter .
The recording was made during a dinner at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on 30 April 2018 .
It was shot on the mobile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businessman and former Giuliani associate .
Both Mr Fruman and Mr Parnas were last year charged with violations of campaign finance laws .
On the tape , Mr Parnas at one point is heard describing the US ambassador in Ukraine as `` the biggest problem there '' .
Without naming Ms Yovanovitch , Mr Parnas said : `` She 's basically walking around telling everybody , 'Wait , he 's going to get impeached , just wait . '
'' Mr Trump is then heard reacting shortly afterwards , saying : `` Get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow .
I do n't care .
Get her out tomorrow .
Take her out .
OK ?
Do it . ''
The president appeared not to have known the ambassador personally at the time , as he asked for the envoy 's name .
The 33-year veteran of the foreign service was recalled as the American ambassador to Kyiv in May 2019 for reasons that remain murky .
She testified that her anti-corruption efforts had incurred the ire of influential Ukrainians who sought to remove her .
Ms Yovanovitch said she was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allies in the Trump administration , including the president 's personal lawyer , Rudy Giuliani .
The former envoy 's supporters say she was also smeared by US conservative media voices .
In her testimony to the impeachment inquiry , Ms Yovanovitch said the allegation she was disloyal to Mr Trump was false .
President Trump has said that the diplomat `` did n't want to hang my picture in the embassy '' in Kyiv .
• Trump says envoy Marie Yovanovitch refused to hang his photo '' She said bad things about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I have the right to change the ambassador , '' Mr Trump told Fox News .

Mr Trump is then heard reacting shortly afterwards, saying: "Get rid of her. Get her out tomorrow. I don't care. Get her out tomorrow. Take her out. OK? Do it."


bbc--2020-01-26--Grammys 2020: Seven things to watch out for - and how to watch the ceremony

The 62nd annual Grammy Awards take place in Los Angeles on Sunday night .
Billed as `` music 's biggest night '' , the ceremony is more like `` music 's longest day '' - with festivities kicking off at lunchtime in LA and stretching out into the night .
Comfortable shoes are advised .
Pop star Lizzo leads the nominations this year , with eight in total , including album and song of the year .
Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X are close behind with six each .
All three represent a new vanguard of pop - charismatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the last 12 months ( Lizzo 's Truth Hurts , Billie 's Bad Guy and Lil Nas X 's Old Town Road ) .
But , as Snoop Dogg knows only too well , nominations do n't necessarily translate into trophies .
The rapper has gone home empty-handed 17 times - a victim of the Grammys ' tendency to reward establishment heavyweights over vibrant new talent .
We 'll avoid predicting the winners for that very reason ...
But here are seven other moments to watch out for .
Who 'd have thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a gay teenager for just $ 50 would become the longest-running number one in US chart history ?
Well , that 's the story of Old Town Road , Lil Nas X 's likeably daft breakout track , which racked up 19 weeks at the top of the Billboard charts last year .
The single 's sustained success was partly due to a constant stream of remixes that refreshed the song and introduced it to new audiences .
To celebrate his six Grammy nominations , Lil Nas X is bringing out everyone who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ray Cyrus , Diplo , BTS and 13-year-old country singer Mason Ramsey - for an all-star performance .
Hopefully , their live version will be released as a single , which will in turn be eligible for next year 's Grammys , and the cycle will continue until the sun dies and the universe ends .
It 's what we deserve .
Ten days before the Grammys , the Recording Academy dropped a bombshell : It was suspending its chief executive Deborah Dugan with immediate effect .
Dugan responded by filing a discrimination @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process for the Grammys was compromised .
Some of her claims merely confirmed what everyone always suspected - that people who perform on the night are given preferential treatment .
But Dugan also alleges that artists and their representatives are allowed to sit on the `` secret committees '' who decide the shortlists , and insert themselves into the running .
She said these `` conflicts of interest '' had `` tainted '' the awards , a claim which the Recording Academy called `` spurious '' and `` categorically false '' .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the claims - or refuse to accept a trophy - at the ceremony ?
Lana Del Rey is deservedly a contender for album of the year - but her record 's sweary title will cause a headache for the organisers .
How will they refer to it on television ?
And what goes on the trophy if she wins ?
Lana 's solution for the supermarket edition of the record was to reduce the title to an acronym : NFR .
But we prefer the Cockney version : `` Norman Flaming Rockwell '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next to Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande 's Thank U , Next , it 's worth noting that NFR was a critical darling that topped the BBC 's `` poll of polls '' for album of the year .
• The best albums and songs of 2019 revealed 4 ) An old artist winning best new artist That 's not as daft as it sounds : One of the leading contenders for best new artist , Lizzo , is actually on her third album - the twist being that the first two were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to begrudge her nomination when she 's celebrated her breakthrough with such an irrepressible joie de vivre , busting out flute solos , preaching body-positivity and bringing a giant pair of inflatable buttocks to the MTV Awards ( see above ) .
Her main competition comes from spook-pop sorceress Billie Eilish , whose album When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go was America 's biggest-selling debut of 2019 , selling 2.5 million copies .
Both singers are nominated in all four of the Grammy 's biggest categories - record of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ album of the year and best new artist - with Eilish being the youngest-ever artist to achieve that feat .
Rock titans Aerosmith will receive the MusiCares Person Of The Year award , which recognises both musical and philanthropic endeavours ( the band have a charity supporting abused women , a topic they first addressed in the song Janie 's Got A Gun ) .
They 'll also get to play a medley of their hits - with Run-DMC joining them to recreate the 1986 rap-rock crossover Walk This Way .
It 'll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have played together since 2007 , in London 's Hyde Park .
One person who wo n't be joining the celebration , however , is Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer , who 's been told he ca n't play with the band after recovering from a foot injury .
He even took the issue to court , but lost the case on Wednesday .
Believe it or not , Harry Potter already has two Grammys - both in the best audiobook category - and JK Rowling 's boy wizard could double that tally this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is nominated for best musical theatre album category ; while a new recording of Hedwig 's Theme , which appeared in all eight Potter films , is up for best instrumental arrangement .
Meanwhile , Michelle Obama is nominated in the spoken word category for the audiobook of her memoir , Becoming .
Her husband Barack has already won the category twice , but a third trophy would really bring the room together .
Rapper Nipsey Hussle 's life was cut tragically short last year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ store he owned in Los Angeles .
The 33-year-old was more than a musician , though .
He was a community activist , who was deeply committed to rebuilding and regenerating the neighbourhood he grew up in .
After his death , the Los Angeles Police Department hailed him as a `` peacemaker '' .
He never won a Grammy in his lifetime , but organisers will acknowledge his legacy with a star-studded tribute featuring DJ Khaled , John Legend , Meek Mill , and gospel singer Kirk Franklin .
The night 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curveball .
Camila Cabello , Cyndi Lauper , Lang Lang , Ben Platt and John Legend ( yes , him again ) are lined up to perform The Body Electric , a song you may vaguely remember from the finale to the 1980 movie Fame , which centred on a group of students at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts .
The segment is apparently a self-congratulatory honour for TV producer Ken Ehrlich , who 's been putting together the Grammy ceremony for the last 40 years .
Other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night will come from Ariana Grande , Billie Eilish , the Jonas Brothers , Lizzo and Spanish star Rosalía .
Pop star Demi Lovato will also make her comeback after completing treatment for substance abuse in 2018 following a suspected overdose .
How to watch the ceremony Because the Grammys features approximately 2,735 categories , there are actually two ceremonies .
The first one , officially called the Grammy Awards Premiere , can be streamed live on Grammy.com from 20:30 ( UK ) / 15:30 ( ET ) on Sunday 26 February .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will feature performances by Nicola Benedetti , Yola and Angélique Kidjo ; while prizes like best immersive audio album and best regional Mexican music album ( Including Tejano ) will be handed out .
Sadly , the main ceremony is n't broadcast live in the UK - but US viewers can catch it live on CBS from 20:00 ( ET ) .
Highlights will be shown on 4Music from 19:30 on Monday , 27 January .
Or you can come to the BBC News website for full as-it-happens coverage .
Follow us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

Some of her claims merely confirmed what everyone always suspected - that people who perform on the night are given preferential treatment. But Dugan also alleges that artists and their representatives are allowed to sit on the "secret committees" who decide the shortlists, and insert themselves into the running.


bbc--2020-01-26--Peru Congress vote: Election follows September dissolution

Peruvians will go to the polls on Sunday to elect a new Congress after the previous one was dissolved by President Martín Vizcarra .
Mr Vizcarra took the drastic step in September , arguing that lawmakers were obstructing his anti-corruption agenda .
Polls suggest that half of the voters are undecided , making the election for the 130-seat chamber unpredictable .
Twenty-one parties are running and polls suggest centrist politicians could win a majority .
The right-wing Popular Force , which was the dominant party in the last Congress , is expected to lose seats but to still emerge with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party is led by Keiko Fujimori , the daughter of disgraced former President Alberto Fujimori .
Mr Fujimori was found guilty of human rights abuses and corruption .
Ms Fujimori is awaiting trial on charges of corruption , which she denies .
Under Peru 's electoral laws , parties need to achieve at least 5 % of the popular vote or seven elected legislators to gain representation .
The high number of undecided voters could result in a fragmented assembly .
President Vizcarra had made the fight against corruption his main priority when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ then-President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski resigned over a vote-buying scandal .
When parties , including the Popular Force , blocked his efforts , he dissolved Congress .
• Peru 's top court says dissolution of parliament was legal His tough anti-corruption stance endeared him to Peruvians tired of the endless scandals that have tainted not only Mr Kuczynski but also the three previous Peruvian presidents .
• Pedro Pablo Kuczynski : Under house arrest while under investigation for alleged corruption linked to Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht • Ollanta Humala : Accused of accepting $ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Odebrecht for his electoral campaign • Alan García : Killed himself in April 2019 as police arrived to detain him over bribery allegations also linked to Odebrecht • Alejandro Toledo : In jail in the US ; Peru has requested his extradition for allegedly taking $ 20m in bribes from Odebrecht Voting is mandatory in Peru , Latin America 's fifth-largest economy , and some 25 million people are eligible to vote .
The new Congress will finish the current legislative term , which ends in July 2021 .
Earlier this month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a centrist politician , had not exceeded his powers when he dissolved the chamber .
Opposition lawmakers had denounced the dissolution of Congress as a coup but the heads of the armed forces and the police backed the president .
Supporters of Mr Vizcarra turned out to show their approval of the move .

An evangelical party, the Agricultural People's Front of Peru, known by its initials in Spanish as FREPAP, came second in the quick count with 8.9%. The party has not had any representatives elected to Congress since 2000 and its last-minute surge has surprised political analysts.


bbc--2020-01-25--Arizona man dresses up skeleton to drive in HOV lane

A driver in the US has been caught trying to disguise a fake skeleton as a passenger so he could use a high-occupancy vehicle ( HOV ) lane .
The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the 62-year-old was pulled over when an official noticed the skeleton , which was wearing a hat and tied to the passenger seat with yellow rope .
The driver was given a penalty ticket .
The department told AP news agency some 7,000 drivers in Arizona were caught violating HOV rules every year .
In a post on Twitter , it warned others against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can use the HOV lane with Skeletor riding shotgun ?
You 're dead wrong ! ''
it wrote , referring to the fictional nemesis of He-Man in the Masters of the Universe series .
It ended the post with the hashtags `` # NiceTry '' and `` # YoureNotHeMan '' .
The post was accompanied by a picture from the car , showing the fake skeleton with a camouflage bucket hat pulled over its eyes .
The Arizona man is not the first to have gone to extreme lengths to avoid rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in particular lanes .
Last April , a man was caught driving in an HOV lane with a mannequin wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses , AP reports .
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The Arizona Department of Public Safety said the 62-year-old was pulled over when an official noticed the skeleton, which was wearing a hat and tied to the passenger seat with yellow rope.


bbc--2020-01-25--Iran executes 'Crocodile of the Gulf' drug kingpin

Iran has executed a drug kingpin nicknamed the `` Crocodile of the Persian Gulf '' and dismantled his smuggling ring , state media report .
The `` crocodile '' was arrested in the middle of transferring more than 100 tonnes of drugs in international waters , officials said .
The 36-year-old and an accomplice were killed following a years-long intelligence operation .
Amnesty International says the country executed at least 253 people in 2018 .
That represents a drop of 50 % from the 507 executed the year before , credited to changes in the country 's strict anti-narcotics laws @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scale can still carry the death penalty .
• Thousands on Iran death row may be spared '' The 'Crocodile ' was operating under different guises and aliases '' Hormozgan province chief prosecutor Ali Salehi told ISNA news agency .
`` He led one of the biggest and most vicious drug-trafficking networks in Iran and the region , '' he said .
Other members of the gang received prisons sentences of up to five years , or heavy fines , he said .
The gang laundered money and used the proceeds of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of which has now been seized by the government .
As for the true identity of `` the crocodile '' , authorities declined to name him , giving only the initials `` AZ '' for the ringleader , and `` MH '' for his executed accomplice .

Other members of the gang received prison sentences of up to five years, or heavy fines, he said. The gang laundered money and used the proceeds of the drug trade to purchase real estate - some of which has now been seized by the government.


bbc--2020-01-26--Coco Gauff knocked out of Australian Open by Sofia Kenin

Teenage phenomenon Coco Gauff missed out on her first Grand Slam quarter-final as fellow American Sofia Kenin fought back to win in the Australian Open fourth round .
Gauff , 15 , lost 6-7 ( 5-7 ) 6-3 6-0 to the 14th seed in Melbourne .
She showed all her undoubted quality in the first set , but tired in the third as Kenin wore her down .
Kenin will next face Tunisia 's Ons Jabeur , who beat Serena Williams ' conqueror Wang Qiang in straight sets .
• Kvitova fights back to reach last eight After a warm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gauff broke out in tears following an intense battle on Melbourne Arena .
Kenin , 21 , dropped her racquet and cupped her face with both hands after taking her second match point to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final .
`` I was just fighting , '' Kenin said .
`` She played some good points at crucial moments but I just had to calm down and relax . ''
An emotional Gauff received a standing ovation as she walked off the court , understandably disappointed at the manner of her defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments ahead of her .
`` I 'm doing well right now at 15 .
I still have so much I feel like I can get better on , '' said Gauff , who will rise into the world 's top 50 for the first time next week .
`` I do n't even think this is close to a peak for me , even though I 'm doing well right now . ''
Gauff has become a global star in less than a year , announcing her arrival with a victory over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Wimbledon before 'Cocomania ' surrounded her run to the last 16 .
The hype returned at Melbourne Park after the Florida teenager , who turns 16 in March , produced an assured performance to knock out defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round .
That was as much down to Osaka 's implosion as it was Gauff 's brilliance , however .
Against the streetwise Kenin , the question was always going to be whether she could soak up her opponent 's relentless returning and then play aggressively to ask questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start where she lost the opening two games , Gauff rediscovered the things which have marked her out a potential great - hard-hitting from the baseline , fizzing angled winners and fleet of foot around the court - to break back for 4-4 .
Gauff missed a set point on Kenin 's serve at 6-5 before the older American produced two double faults as Gauff eventually took the tie-break with her fourth set point .
Momentum swung back in Kenin 's direction early in the second set .
Gauff 's tendency to cough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributing heavily to Kenin breaking serve in the fourth game and pinching the advantage .
That proved pivotal as Gauff , with errors now starting to creep in , was unable to claw the break back .
In similar fashion to the opening set , the teenager started the decider slowly but this time could not recover like she did in the opening set .
The winners began to dry up for Gauff , allowing Kenin to dominate the rallies and breeze through the decider in 33 minutes .
`` She definitely put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She 's quick .
Also her drop-shots were good , '' said Gauff , who won just 15 points in the final set .
`` I think I made a lot of errors too . ''
Gauff has admitted she struggled to cope with the intense scrutiny at the US Open a few months ago , culminating in an error-strewn performance against Japan 's two-time Grand Slam champion Osaka .
When the pair met again on Friday , Gauff responded with an assured performance .
Asked what she has learned from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melbourne Park , she said : `` I 'm most proud of how I handled it on the court .
`` I guess what surprised me is how calm I was going into all these matches .
I was n't really nervous .
`` I 'm happy that I 'm not letting the moment seem too big than what it is . ''
Gauff came through the first set in flying colours .
When the pressure was on she played some of her best tennis .
But Kenin , she 's a tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be a challenge for Gauff to maintain that high level .
It was a bit surprising that Gauff started missing - the forehand went off and she struggled getting her rhythm back .
Kenin was too solid and I think some of the nerves , the tension , the desire to get through that match got to Gauff .
It 's been the most incredible , impressing thing about Gauff - we forget sometimes that she 's 15 and she 's handling these moments incredibly well .
You still need experience to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against players who understand how to play their game in the big moments .
Nobody likes losing a 6-0 set but I think in the end there are many positives Gauff can take from this and she 's just got to keep building .
Gauff wants to be the greatest - and that takes time .
She 's focusing on the right things with the help of the parents and her team .
It 's her mental fortitude , the way she competes - how calm , how much poise she has in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top players , from Venus [ Williams ] at Wimbledon to Naomi here , she just manages to find a high level through all that pressure .
That 's something that can take years to learn .
It 's something that 's come at such a young age - and that 's so impressive .

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
2020 Australian Open Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 20 January to 2 February Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.
Teenage phenomenon Coco Gauff missed out on her first Grand Slam quarter-final as fellow American Sofia Kenin fought back to win in the Australian Open fourth round.
Gauff, 15, lost 6-7 (5-7) 6-3 6-0 to the 14th seed in Melbourne.
She showed all her undoubted quality in the first set, but tired in the third as Kenin wore her down.
Kenin will next face Tunisia's Ons Jabeur, who beat Serena Williams' conqueror Wang Qiang in straight sets.
After a warm embrace at the net, Kenin and Gauff broke out in tears following an intense battle on Melbourne Arena.
Kenin, 21, dropped her racquet and cupped her face with both hands after taking her second match point to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final.
"I was just fighting," Kenin said. "She played some good points at crucial moments but I just had to calm down and relax."
An emotional Gauff received a standing ovation as she walked off the court, understandably disappointed at the manner of her defeat but with the likelihood of much better moments ahead of her.
"I'm doing well right now at 15. I still have so much I feel like I can get better on," said Gauff, who will rise into the world's top 50 for the first time next week.
"I don't even think this is close to a peak for me, even though I'm doing well right now."
Sofia Kenin took five of her 12 break point chances against Gauff
Gauff falters as errors creep in
Gauff has become a global star in less than a year, announcing her arrival with a victory over seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams at Wimbledon before 'Cocomania' surrounded her run to the last 16.
The hype returned at Melbourne Park after the Florida teenager, who turns 16 in March, produced an assured performance to knock out defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round.
That was as much down to Osaka's implosion as it was Gauff's brilliance, however.
Against the streetwise Kenin, the question was always going to be whether she could soak up her opponent's relentless returning and then play aggressively to ask questions of her own.
After a slow start where she lost the opening two games, Gauff rediscovered the things which have marked her out a potential great - hard-hitting from the baseline, fizzing angled winners and fleet of foot around the court - to break back for 4-4.
Gauff missed a set point on Kenin's serve at 6-5 before the older American produced two double faults as Gauff eventually took the tie-break with her fourth set point.
Momentum swung back in Kenin's direction early in the second set.
Gauff's tendency to cough up double faults appeared again, three contributing heavily to Kenin breaking serve in the fourth game and pinching the advantage.
That proved pivotal as Gauff, with errors now starting to creep in, was unable to claw the break back.
In similar fashion to the opening set, the teenager started the decider slowly but this time could not recover like she did in the opening set.
The winners began to dry up for Gauff, allowing Kenin to dominate the rallies and breeze through the decider in 33 minutes.
"She definitely put a lot of balls in the court. She's quick. Also her drop-shots were good," said Gauff, who won just 15 points in the final set.
"I think I made a lot of errors too."
Gauff has admitted she struggled to cope with the intense scrutiny at the US Open a few months ago, culminating in an error-strewn performance against Japan's two-time Grand Slam champion Osaka.
When the pair met again on Friday, Gauff responded with an assured performance.
Asked what she has learned from her first experience in the senior competition at Melbourne Park, she said: "I'm most proud of how I handled it on the court.
"I guess what surprised me is how calm I was going into all these matches. I wasn't really nervous.
"I'm happy that I'm not letting the moment seem too big than what it is."
Coco Gauff had beaten 2019 Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka in the previous round
Analysis
Former Australian Open semi-finalist Chanda Rubin on Radio 5 Live Sports Extra
Gauff came through the first set in flying colours. When the pressure was on she played some of her best tennis.
But Kenin, she's a tough competitor, and it was always going to be a challenge for Gauff to maintain that high level.
It was a bit surprising that Gauff started missing - the forehand went off and she struggled getting her rhythm back. Kenin was too solid and I think some of the nerves, the tension, the desire to get through that match got to Gauff.
It's been the most incredible, impressing thing about Gauff - we forget sometimes that she's 15 and she's handling these moments incredibly well. You still need experience to get through those deep, tough matches against players who understand how to play their game in the big moments.
Nobody likes losing a 6-0 set but I think in the end there are many positives Gauff can take from this and she's just got to keep building. Gauff wants to be the greatest - and that takes time. She's focusing on the right things with the help of the parents and her team.
It's her mental fortitude, the way she competes - how calm, how much poise she has in the big moments, and against the top players, from Venus [Williams] at Wimbledon to Naomi here, she just manages to find a high level through all that pressure. That's something that can take years to learn. It's something that's come at such a young age - and that's so impressive.


bbc--2020-01-26--Brexit day 50p coin unveiled by Chancellor Sajid Javid

A commemorative 50p coin marking the UK 's departure from the EU has been unveiled by Chancellor Sajid Javid .
The coins bear the inscription `` Peace , prosperity and friendship with all nations '' and the date of 31 January .
Mr Javid had first ordered production of the coins in advance of the UK 's original 31 October departure date .
But the Brexit delay meant about a million coins had to be melted down and the metal put aside until a new exit date was confirmed .
About three million Brexit coins will enter circulation around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven million to be added later in the year .
Mr Javid , who is Master of the Mint , was given the first batch of coins and will present one to Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week .
As part of the launch of the coin , the Royal Mint will open the doors of its south Wales HQ for 24 hours on 31 January ( from 00:01 to 23.59 ) to let people strike their own commemorative Brexit coins .
Mr Javid said : `` Leaving the European Union is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coin marks the beginning of this new chapter . ''
The European Parliament is expected to approve the Withdrawal Agreement on Wednesday , after the PM this week signed the treaty paving the way for the UK to leave on 31 January .

As part of the launch of the coin, the Royal Mint will open the doors of its south Wales HQ for 24 hours on 31 January (from 00:01 to 23.59) to let people strike their own commemorative Brexit coins.


bbc--2020-01-22--Your pictures on the theme of 'framed'

Your pictures on the theme of 'framed'

And finally Martin , in York , sent in this picture of a toy seemingly trapped in a window frame @ @ @ @ @ `` electric '' and the deadline for entries is 28 January 2020 .
Send pictures @ @ @ @ @ follow the link to `` Upload your pictures here '' below .
Further details and @ @ @ @ @ following the link to `` We set the theme , you take the pictures , @ @ @ @ @ the page .

Image caption,
And finally Martin, in York, sent in this picture of a toy seemingly trapped in a window frame. The next theme is "electric" and the deadline for entries is 28 January 2020. Send pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or follow the link to "Upload your pictures here" below. Further details and terms can be found by following the link to "We set the theme, you take the pictures," at the bottom of the page.


bbc--2020-01-26--A murder mystery, the PM and his estranged wife

Lesotho 's prime minister and his wife are caught up in a murder investigation involving allegations so sinister that they have the makings of a crime novel .
Pumza Fihlani tries to unpack the mystery from the capital of the southern African nation , Maseru .
People are going about their business in the city , vegetable vendors line the streets , taxis whizz pass each rushing to the next passenger .
On the surface everything is in order but newspaper billboards plastered on shop windows and tied to lamp posts give the first indication that something is deeply wrong @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bold type : `` Police Hunt First Lady . ''
Another says : `` Embattled PM agrees to quit . ''
The country 's first couple - Prime Minister Thomas Thabane and his current wife Maesaiah Thabane - are wanted for questioning in connection with the 2017 murder of Mr Thabane 's then estranged wife , Lipolelo Thabane .
The 58-year-old , who had been living apart from her husband since 2012 , was killed just two days before Mr Thabane was sworn in as prime minister .
One evening while returning home @ @ @ @ @ @ @ times at close range and died on the side of a dirt road .
The murder shocked the nation .
At the time , Mr Thabane described it as a `` senseless killing '' .
At the time of her death , the attack was blamed on unknown armed men , but recent court papers filed by the country 's police commissioner , Holomo Molibeli , have raised further questions .
Among the court papers , seen by AFP news agency , was a copy of a letter , dated 23 December 2019 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 80-year-old prime minister saying : `` The investigations reveal that there was a telephonic communication at the scene of the crime in question ... with another cell phone .
The cell phone number belongs to you . ''
A warrant of arrest of was issued for 42-year-old Maesaiah Thabane on 10 January after she failed to present herself to the police for questioning .
She has not been seen publicly for two weeks and no-one seems to know where she is , well no-one willing to talk that is .
Mr Thabane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has avoided any questions about his wife 's whereabouts .
The BBC contacted government officials for comment but they were unwilling to take questions on the matter .
A spokesman for the prime minister 's party said `` the matter has not been addressed '' .
Last week , he reluctantly agreed to be questioned by the police .
Neither Mr Thabane nor his wife have been charged .
It says something about the separation of judicial and political power in Lesotho that a prime minister can be wanted for questioning but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The police commissioner , Mr Molibeli , told me the Thabane investigation was one of the most complex and dangerous cases he had worked on in his 32 years as a policeman .
`` It has n't been easy , there have been many attempts for this investigation to not continue .
`` I believe what we are doing is right , as long as my conscious is clear .
The people of Lesotho want to know the truth and it is our job to investigate and get to that truth , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ threats on his life for pursuing the investigation , he adds , but he insists he is not scared .
`` Not at all .
I have people who support me .
In the past the people who would 've threatened me would be the army but no , I have a good relationship with them .
`` We all just want to get Lesotho out of this quagmire . ''
While the police will not say what evidence they have , Mr Molibeli said the case was `` strong '' .
Those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the limelight and preferred her slow village life in Ha Masana on the outskirts of the capital .
But the months prior to her death had been filled with turmoil .
News of her protracted divorce from Mr Thabane frequently made headlines , as did a counter-suit from her to continue to be recognised as Lesotho 's rightful First Lady .
After he had separated from Lipolelo , Mr Thabane was living with Maesaiah as if she was his wife and she was enjoying all the perks that came with the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been left high and dry .
In 2015 , after a long legal wrangle , the High Court ruled in Lipolelo 's favour and ordered the government to stop using state funds to support Maesaiah .
It further ruled that she was to stop `` performing any functions and exercising any rights vested on the applicant [ Lipolelo ] as the First Spouse '' .
It was a humiliating loss for the prime minister .
The ruling meant that until the divorce was finalised , Lipolelo was still legally recognised as his spouse @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to take care for of her .
The divorce was never finalised .
This small country is relatively peaceful , but does have a reputation for the killing of high-ranking officials .
In the past , these have been as a result of a dispute within the military or political classes .
Mr Thabane himself once fled to South Africa supposedly because there was a hit out on him .
Mme Lipolelo , as she was known here , was neither political nor someone who had political enemies .
For many her death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so shocked when she died , '' Maseru resident Lebohang Liballo said .
`` What happened to her was so strange - even now the secrecy around it is strange .
Mme Lipolelo deserves justice . ''
Although people are intrigued by the case and are following each twist and turn , there is still a sense of fear .
Those who agreed to speak to me asked not to have their pictures taken .
`` It 's been a big embarrassment for the country , '' said Bakwena Mofoka .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The First Lady must come back . ''
But Maesaiah does not appear to be backing down .
Her legal team have been trying to have her warrant of arrest set aside .
The court is yet to rule on the matter .
Her lawyers told the Maseru High Court that the First Lady had always been willing to cooperate with the police but was busy with official duties on the day she was due to be questioned .
They have not explained why she appears to have left .
She is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last couple of years she has repeatedly been accused of interfering in the running of government , something the people of Lesotho have termed a `` bedroom coup '' .
Mr Thabane has denied the claims but the accusations have lost her favour with some in the party .
The scandal has also had political implications for the prime minister .
While his supporters have questioned the timing of the investigation , claiming that their leader was the victim of a smear campaign , he has been forced to agree to step down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He said he was resigning because of his age and made no link with the investigation .
The governing All Basotho Convention ( ABC ) is deeply divided but in the days since the scandal erupted its members have tried to present a united front - if only to keep opposition parties at bay and buy Mr Thabane time to plan his next move .
But he might not have too long .
Hundreds of people , calling themselves `` concerned citizens of Lesotho '' , marched in the capital last week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be a series of protests aimed at forcing the prime minister to leave immediately .
`` We are determined to keep protesting until he goes .
`` If that means that there is instability , so be it , it would have been brought on by the prime minister , '' protest organiser Ramahoana Mathlosa said .
It was a sign of a people who are growing tired of Mr Thabane and perhaps one scandal too many .
But his resignation would not be an end to the mystery surrounding who killed @ @ @

Her lawyers told the Maseru High Court that the First Lady had always been willing to cooperate with the police but was busy with official duties on the day she was due to be questioned. They have not explained why she appears to have left.


bbc--2020-01-25--Billy Cooper, the Barmy Army's trumpet player, to retire

For many , he 's the soundtrack to the England cricket team .
Jerusalem being belted out ?
It 's the first over of the day .
Rocky theme ?
David Warner must be walking out to bat .
Simply the Best ?
Ah , that means Dom Sibley 's going well .
But Billy Cooper 's trumpet will soon be no more .
After 16 years of rousing England 's fans and players alike with his greatest hits , Cooper - a classically trained musician who can usually be found in cricket grounds the world over - has decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it comes to touring anyway - the current Test against South Africa will be his last one ( at least in an official capacity ) .
`` It 's more complicated now , with a wife and kids , '' he tells BBC Sport , finding a quiet place to chat on the phone just as Zak Crawley scores his maiden Test 50 ( 'Land of Hope and Crawley ' ! )
.
It 's a big moment and the Barmy Army are in full song behind him .
`` It 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ high , '' Cooper says , as England march towards a series win .
Victory in the current Test in Johannesburg would be only the 15th win he has seen in 52 Tests abroad .
But how did Cooper get here in the first place ?
This , after all , is a man who has played in the Royal Shakespeare Company 's production of Matilda in the West End .
His involvement with the group came about quite organically .
Back in 2004 , out in Barbados for the third Test against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ professional musician , had to report his blue trumpet stolen after misplacing it .
The next Test was in Antigua .
`` I did n't have anything to do with the Barmy Army back then , but I heard that noise and I saw it was my trumpet , '' Billy explained .
He says he approached the members of the Barmy Army about the trumpet , who subsequently asked him to prove it did indeed belong to him .
That , of course , was n't a problem - and it soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gang , where Billy met Paul Burnham , one of the founding members of the Barmy Army .
`` Paul said 'we 'd love you to come to South Africa with us for the next Test and we can pay for your flights ' , '' Billy recalled .
His first year with the supporters group began well , with England winning the Ashes in 2005 - their first win since 1986-87 .
That brought about one of his proudest memories when victorious skipper Michael Vaughan invited him on stage at Trafalgar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There have been lows too .
Billy cites the 2006-2007 Ashes , when England were walloped 5-0 and he was banned from playing his trumpet in the stadium .
`` I do n't think the Aussies wanted a home game to feel like an away game by letting us make too much noise , '' Billy observes .
Billy had been escorted from The Gabba by officials after celebrating , sparking a row over the use of musical instruments in the stadium .
He tells us the number of losses he 's witnessed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And he says touring the world with England over the past six years has become addictive .
`` You leave behind the winter in England for someone else 's summer . ''
For now though , he 's happy to call it a day : `` I do n't want to overstay my welcome . ''

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Billy plays alongside Geoffrey Boycott, New Zealand, 2015
For many, he's the soundtrack to the England cricket team.
Jerusalem being belted out? It's the first over of the day. Rocky theme? David Warner must be walking out to bat. Simply the Best? Ah, that means Dom Sibley's going well.
Sibley the best - geddit?!
But Billy Cooper's trumpet will soon be no more. After 16 years of rousing England's fans and players alike with his greatest hits, Cooper - a classically trained musician who can usually be found in cricket grounds the world over - has decided to call it a day.
Certainly when it comes to touring anyway - the current Test against South Africa will be his last one (at least in an official capacity).
"It's more complicated now, with a wife and kids," he tells BBC Sport, finding a quiet place to chat on the phone just as Zak Crawley scores his maiden Test 50 ('Land of Hope and Crawley'!).
It's a big moment and the Barmy Army are in full song behind him.
"It's good to be going out on a high," Cooper says, as England march towards a series win. Victory in the current Test in Johannesburg would be only the 15th win he has seen in 52 Tests abroad.
Billy Cooper in Johannesburg, 2016
But how did Cooper get here in the first place? This, after all, is a man who has played in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Matilda in the West End.
His involvement with the group came about quite organically. Back in 2004, out in Barbados for the third Test against the West Indies, Billy, a professional musician, had to report his blue trumpet stolen after misplacing it.
The next Test was in Antigua.
"I didn't have anything to do with the Barmy Army back then, but I heard that noise and I saw it was my trumpet," Billy explained.
He says he approached the members of the Barmy Army about the trumpet, who subsequently asked him to prove it did indeed belong to him.
That, of course, wasn't a problem - and it soon led to a "sing-song" with the gang, where Billy met Paul Burnham, one of the founding members of the Barmy Army.
"Paul said 'we'd love you to come to South Africa with us for the next Test and we can pay for your flights'," Billy recalled.
The rest is history.
His first year with the supporters group began well, with England winning the Ashes in 2005 - their first win since 1986-87.
That brought about one of his proudest memories when victorious skipper Michael Vaughan invited him on stage at Trafalgar Square during the celebrations that followed.
There have been lows too. Billy cites the 2006-2007 Ashes, when England were walloped 5-0 and he was banned from playing his trumpet in the stadium.
"I don't think the Aussies wanted a home game to feel like an away game by letting us make too much noise," Billy observes.
Billy had been escorted from The Gabba external-link by officials after celebrating, sparking a row over the use of musical instruments in the stadium.
He tells us the number of losses he's witnessed have made the wins all the sweeter.
And he says touring the world with England over the past 16 years has become addictive.
"You leave behind the winter in England for someone else's summer."
For now though, he's happy to call it a day: "I don't want to overstay my welcome."


bbc--2020-01-26--James moves past Bryant to third on NBA's all-time scoring list

LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant to become the NBA 's third-highest scorer of all time in the LA Lakers ' 108-91 defeat by the Philadelphia 76ers .
James , 35 , scored 29 points to move to 33,655 career points , 12 more than former Lakers star Bryant .
Kareem Abdul Jabbar , the ex-Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks centre , is the NBA 's all-time top scorer on 38,387 points .
Former Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone , who also briefly played for the Lakers , is second on 36,928 .
`` I 'm happy just to be in any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ James .
`` One of the all-time greatest basketball players to ever play , one of the all-time greatest Lakers .
`` The man 's got two jerseys hanging up in Staples Center .
It 's just crazy . ''
James , in his 17th NBA season , received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia crowd after scoring the basket that saw him pass Bryant 's total in the third quarter .
Bryant tweeted : `` Continuing to move the game forward .
Much respect my brother . ''
Tobias Harris and Ben @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lead the Sixers to victory .

Last updated on .From the section Basketball
LeBron James surpassed Kobe Bryant to become the NBA's third-highest scorer of all time in the LA Lakers' 108-91 defeat by the Philadelphia 76ers.
James, 35, scored 29 points to move to 33,655 career points, 12 more than former Lakers star Bryant.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the ex-Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks centre, is the NBA's all-time top scorer on 38,387 points.
Former Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, who also briefly played for the Lakers, is second on 36,928.
"I'm happy just to be in any conversation with Kobe Bryant," said James.
"One of the all-time greatest basketball players to ever play, one of the all-time greatest Lakers.
"The man's got two jerseys hanging up in Staples Center. It's just crazy."
James, in his 17th NBA season, received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia crowd after scoring the basket that saw him pass Bryant's total in the third quarter.
Bryant tweeted external-link : "Continuing to move the game forward. Much respect my brother."
Tobias Harris and Ben Simmons scored 29 and 28 points respectively to lead the Sixers to victory.
Top 10 all-time NBA scorers


bbc--2020-01-26--Australian Open: Novak Djokovic to face Milos Raonic in quarter-finals

Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached his 11th Australian Open quarter-final with a 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over Argentine Diego Schwartzman .
The seven-time winner was frustrated with himself in the opening set but broke the 14th seed in the eighth game .
Schwartzman fought back after losing the first three games of the second set but could not halt the resurgent Serb .
Djokovic broke again in the fifth game of the third set en route to victory in Melbourne .
• Kvitova fights back to reach last eight Despite the straight-set win , this display was not as impressive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the previous round .
The opening games of the first set were a struggle as Djokovic muttered to himself over his form .
He improved as the set wore on though , and looked at his best in the first few games of the second before Schwartzman broke his opponent for the only time .
However , the Serb regained control of the match and eventually sealed victory in just over two hours .
The world number two will have to raise his level against his next opponent , Milos Raonic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 finalist Marin Cilic .
`` This will be a different match-up to he one today , '' said Djokjovic .
`` Raonic is one of tallest and strongest players .
He 's also got one of biggest serves .
I 'm ready for missiles .
`` One of key elements will be how well I 'm returning .
It 's good to see Milos healthy .
He 's a great guy and good friend . ''
Canadian Raonic , seeded 32nd , dominated the Croat throughout with almost double the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 35 aces compared to Cilic 's five .
Unseeded Cilic did have two set points when leading 5-4 in the third set but Raonic saved them and then broke his opponent in the next game before serving out the win .
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Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Novak Djokovic recorded his third win in three Grand Slam matches against Diego Schwartzman
2020 Australian Open Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 20 January to 2 February Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic reached his 11th Australian Open quarter-final with a 6-3 6-4 6-4 win over Argentine Diego Schwartzman.
The seven-time winner was frustrated with himself in the opening set but broke the 14th seed in the eighth game.
Schwartzman fought back after losing the first three games of the second set but could not halt the resurgent Serb.
Djokovic broke again in the fifth game of the third set en route to victory in Melbourne.
The world number two will have to raise his level against his next opponent, Milos Raonic, who secured a 6-4 6-3 7-5 over 2018 finalist Marin Cilic.
Sandgren overcomes Fognini rollercoaster
Tennys Sandgren bowed to the crowd after his four set win over Fabio Fognini
Tennys Sandgren came through a feisty match against Fabio Fognini to set up a quarter-final meeting with six-time champion Roger Federer.
American Sandgren beat the Italian 12th seed 7-6 (7-5) 7-5 6-7 (2-7) 6-4 in a match that saw Fognini given a point penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Fognini was given the penalty for taking off his shirt between games, which is only permitted at a change of ends.
The 32-year-old then refused to play until he had received medical attention for a blister on his finger, which left Sandgren visibly annoyed.
Sandgren was later forced to take a medical time-out for treatment on his heavily strapped right knee.
"It's a rollercoaster sometimes with [Fognini]. Sometimes you're just a passenger with what's going on," Sandgren said.
"He doesn't play well, all of a sudden he's playing amazing, you're stuck with your hands in your pockets like, 'Shoot, I'd like to play tennis, too'."
Djokovic title defence stays on course
Despite the straight-set win, this display was not as impressive as the one produced against Yoshihito Nishioka in the previous round. The opening games of the first set were a struggle as Djokovic muttered to himself over his form.
He improved as the set wore on though, and looked at his best in the first few games of the second before Schwartzman broke his opponent for the only time.
However, the Serb regained control of the match and eventually sealed victory in just over two hours.
Milos Raonic's best result at the Australian Open was reaching the semi-finals in 2016 when he lost to Andy Murray
"This will be a different match-up to he one today," said Djokjovic. "Raonic is one of tallest and strongest players. He's also got one of biggest serves. I'm ready for missiles.
"One of the key elements will be how well I'm returning. It's good to see Milos healthy. He's a great guy and good friend."
Canadian Raonic, seeded 32nd, dominated the Croat throughout with almost double the number of winners - 55 to 29 - and 35 aces compared to Cilic's five.
Unseeded Cilic did have two set points when leading 5-4 in the third set but Raonic saved them and then broke his opponent in the next game before serving out the win.


bbc--2020-01-26--Australian Open: Ashleigh Barty & Petra Kvitova reach quarter-finals

World number one Ashleigh Barty survived a scare to beat Alison Riske and reach the Australian Open quarter-finals in Melbourne .
Home favourite Barty overcame a poor second set to beat the American 18th seed 6-3 1-6 6-4 in front of a packed crowd on Rod Laver Arena .
Barty had lost her previous two meetings with Riske , including a three-set match at Wimbledon in 2019 .
She will face Czech seventh seed Petra Kvitova in the next round .
Kvitova , who beat Barty at the same stage last year , battled from a set down to defeat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6-3 6-2 .
`` I love Petra , but let 's hope she does n't break my heart on Tuesday night , '' Barty said .
It was a fluctuating match from Barty , who began confidently and then faded as Riske found her rhythm in the second set .
After outmuscling Riske with her backhand , a tight Barty double faulted to give the American break point , before a long return handed the American the initiative .
Riske raced to a 5-1 lead over the top seed , capitalising on Barty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fell silent as the match was forced into a third set .
Barty appeared more composed in the decider , holding her serve first up and then finding a break , but the errors crept in again as Riske forced the match back on serve .
However , the Australian was rewarded for some brave hitting , with Riske missing a shot at the net to hand her opponent match point .
It was an unfortunate end for Riske , who double faulted to hand Barty the match in one hour 38 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a meeting with her good friend Barty , who she beat on her run to the Australian Open final in 2019 .
The pair struggled with their service games in a contest where there were 12 breaks and 28 chances to do so .
After trailing by a set and a break , Kvitova broke herself in the seventh and ninth games to take the second set .
The 22nd seed 's level dropped further in the third as the Czech 2019 finalist sealed victory with another break .
`` I do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she said when asked about her fightback .
`` I just kept playing .
I knew it would be a difficult match . ''
Tunisia 's Ons Jabeur reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final by overcoming Serena Williams ' conqueror Wang Qiang , winning 7-6 ( 7-4 ) 6-1 .
The unseeded Jabeur will face American Sofia Kenin , who knocked out Coco Gauff , in the last eight .
• Alerts : Get tennis news sent to your phone

Last updated on .From the section Tennis
Ashleigh Barty reached the Australian Open quarter-finals last year, where she was beaten by Petra Kvitova
2020 Australian Open Venue: Melbourne Park Dates: 20 January to 2 February Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and online; Live text on selected matches on the BBC Sport website and app.
World number one Ashleigh Barty survived a scare to beat Alison Riske and reach the Australian Open quarter-finals in Melbourne.
Home favourite Barty overcame a poor second set to beat the American 18th seed 6-3 1-6 6-4 in front of a packed crowd on Rod Laver Arena.
Barty had lost her previous two meetings with Riske, including a three-set match at Wimbledon in 2019.
She will face Czech seventh seed Petra Kvitova in the next round.
Kvitova, who beat Barty at the same stage last year, battled back to defeat Greek Maria Sakkari 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-2.
"I love Petra, but let's hope she doesn't break my heart on Tuesday night," Barty said.
It was a fluctuating match from Barty, who began confidently and then faded as Riske found her rhythm in the second set.
After outmuscling Riske with her backhand, a tight Barty double faulted to give the American break point, before a long return handed the American the initiative.
Riske raced to a 5-1 lead over the top seed, capitalising on Barty's forehand errors, and the crowd fell silent as the match was forced into a third set.
Barty appeared more composed in the decider, holding her serve first up and then finding a break, but the errors crept in again as Riske forced the match back on serve.
However, the Australian was rewarded for some brave hitting, with Riske missing a shot at the net to hand her opponent match point.
It was an unfortunate end for Riske, who double faulted to hand Barty the match in one hour 38 minutes.
Kvitova forces way into quarters
Petra Kvitova was defeated by Naomi Osaka in the 2019 final
Kvitova battled past Sakkari to set up a meeting with her good friend Barty, who she beat on her run to the Australian Open final in 2019.
The pair struggled with their service games in a contest where there were 12 breaks and 28 chances to do so.
After trailing by a set and a break, Kvitova broke in the seventh and ninth games to take the second set.
The 22nd seed's level dropped further in the third as the Czech 2019 finalist sealed victory with another break.
"I don't know how I found my game," she said when asked about her fightback. "I just kept playing. I knew it would be a difficult match."
Tunisia's Ons Jabeur reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final by overcoming Serena Williams' conqueror Wang Qiang, winning 7-6 (7-4) 6-1.
The unseeded Jabeur will face American Sofia Kenin, who knocked out Coco Gauff, in the last eight.


bbc--2020-01-26--Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash

US basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna are among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas , California .
Bryant , 41 , was travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames .
The LA county sheriff said there were no survivors .
Early reports had suggested five people were on board .
Bryant , a five-time NBA champion , was widely considered one of the greatest players in the game 's history .
Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in , many expressing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Please no .
Please god no .
It ca n't be true , '' basketball player Kevin Love wrote on Twitter .
The NBA issued a statement saying it was `` devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter , Gianna '' aged 13 .
`` For 20 seasons , Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning , '' it said .
What do we know about the crash ?
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the helicopter manifest indicated that nine people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising the number from five in earlier statements by officials .
In a statement , the City of Calabasas said it heard the news `` with great sadness '' .
`` The aircraft went down in a remote field off Las Virgenes around 10:00 this morning .
Nobody on the ground was hurt , '' it added .
• Reaction and tributes as NBA legend dies in helicopter crash Gavin Masak , who lives nearby , told CBS News of the moment the helicopter crashed .
`` It was n't exactly like an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loud boom .
It sounded like a helicopter , but it sounded like a jet , like it was loud , so I went inside and told my dad what was happening .
So when I came out I saw smoke on the hill but it was n't like a big , black cloud of smoke , it was just grey , '' he said .
Other eyewitnesses told celebrity news site TMZ they heard the helicopter 's engine sputtering before it went down .
The LA County Sheriff 's Department shared pictures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showing a fire truck and smoke emerging from the hills .
The National Transportation Safety Board identified the crashed helicopter as a Sikorsky S-76B and said it was sending a team to investigate the crash .
Bryant played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers .
He retired in April 2016 .
His achievements include being the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player and two-time NBA Finals MVP .
He was also NBA scoring champion twice and a two-time Olympic champion .
He famously scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ NBA history .
He also won an Oscar for best short animated film in 2018 for Dear Basketball , a five-minute film based on a love letter to the sport he had written in 2015 .
Bryant and his wife , Vanessa , have three other daughters , Natalia , Bianca and Capri .
Bryant was accused of sexual assault in 2003 by a 19-year-old woman working at a Colorado resort .
He denied the allegation , saying the two had consensual sex .
The case was dropped after the accuser refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying he recognised that `` she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did . ''
A subsequent civil suit was settled out of court .
What has the reaction been ?
Tributes for the sports star poured in on social media following news of the crash .
Shaquille O'Neal , who played alongside Bryant at the Lakers between 1996 and 2004 , said there were `` no words to express the pain I 'm going through '' .
`` I love you and you will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alongside a photo of the pair in their Lakers kits .
Deron Williams , who won an Olympic gold alongside Bryant , said he was lost for words .
He described Bryant as `` the greatest competitor I have ever gone up against and played with . ''
Former basketball player Tony Parker said he was `` heartbroken '' .
Former US President Barack Obama described Bryant as `` a legend on the court '' and said he was `` just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sprinter Usain Bolt said he could not believe the news .
Rapper Kanye West tweeted his appreciation for `` the life you 've lived and all the inspiration you gave '' .
Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling wrote `` rest easy legend '' in a tweet accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the sports star .
`` This is absolutely terrible .
Everyone is numb , '' American actress and model Chrissy Teigen tweeted .
Pop star Mariah Carey said she was in shock .
Fans gathered at a makeshift memorial for Bryant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and entertainment arena in Los Angeles , laying flowers and basketballs in memory of the star .

Kobe Bryant: Basketball legend dies in helicopter crash Published 27 January 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, This video has been removed for rights reasons
US basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California.
Bryant, 41, and Gianna, 13, were travelling in a private helicopter when it came down and burst into flames.
The LA county sheriff said there were no survivors.
Bryant, a five-time NBA champion, played for the LA Lakers throughout his career and is considered one of the greatest players in the game's history.
Tributes from celebrities and fellow sports stars have been pouring in, many expressing shock at his sudden death. Moments of silence have been observed at basketball games across the US.
Bryant was also remembered at the Grammy Awards, which were held at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers' stadium, on Sunday night.
"We're all feeling crazy sadness right now," said host Alicia Keys. "Because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. We're literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built."
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Alicia Keys and Lizzo lead tributes to Kobe Bryant at the Grammys
The National Basketball Association issued a statement saying it was "devastated by the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna".
"For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning," it said.
What do we know about the crash?
Sheriff Alex Villanueva said the helicopter's manifest indicated that nine people were on board when it crashed, raising the number from five in earlier statements by officials.
Coroners have not officially named the victims. But family members and colleagues said John Altobelli, coach of the Orange Coast College basketball team, was among the passengers, along with his wife Keri and their 13-year-old daughter Alyssa - who played with Bryant's daughter, Gianna.
Christina Mauser, a basketball coach at Gianna's school, was also on board, her husband wrote on Facebook.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva confirms there were no survivors in the helicopter crash
In a statement on Sunday afternoon, the City of Calabasas said it heard the news "with great sadness".
"The aircraft went down in a remote field off Las Virgenes around 10:00 this morning. Nobody on the ground was hurt," it added.
Gavin Masak, who lives nearby, told CBS News of the moment the helicopter crashed.
"It wasn't exactly like an explosion sound but it was like a loud boom. It sounded like a helicopter, but it sounded like a jet, like it was loud, so I went inside and told my dad what was happening. So when I came out I saw smoke on the hill but it wasn't like a big, black cloud of smoke, it was just grey," he said.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Site where basketball legend Kobe Bryant was killed in a helicopter crash
Other eyewitnesses told celebrity news site TMZ they heard the helicopter's engine sputtering before it went down.
The LA County Sheriff's Department shared pictures from the scene of the accident, showing a fire truck and smoke emerging from the hills.
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The National Transportation Safety Board identified the crashed helicopter as a Sikorsky S-76B and said it was sending a team to investigate the crash.
Police have asked people to stay away from the crash site in order not to interfere with the investigation.
Bryant was known for taking his helicopter to beat traffic in Los Angeles.
Why was Kobe Bryant so famous?
Bryant played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He retired in April 2016.
His achievements include being the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) and two-time NBA Finals' MVP. He was also NBA scoring champion twice and a two-time Olympic champion.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Bryant played his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers
He famously scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history.
He also won an Oscar for best short animated film in 2018 for Dear Basketball, a five-minute film based on a love letter to the sport he had written in 2015.
Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, have three other daughters, Natalia, Bianca and Capri.
Bryant was accused of sexual assault in 2003 by a 19-year-old woman working at a Colorado resort. He denied the allegation, saying the two had consensual sex. The case was dropped after the accuser refused to testify in court.
He later apologised, saying he recognised that "she did not and does not view this incident the same way I did." A subsequent civil suit was settled out of court.
What has the reaction been?
Tributes for the sports star poured in on social media following news of the crash.
Shaquille O'Neal, who played alongside Bryant at the Lakers between 1996 and 2004, said there were "no words to express the pain I'm going through".
"I love you and you will be missed," he wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair in their Lakers kits.
Deron Williams, who won an Olympic gold alongside Bryant, said he was lost for words. He described Bryant as "the greatest competitor I have ever gone up against and played with".
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Former basketball player Tony Parker said he was "heartbroken".
"Terrible news," tweeted US President Donald Trump. "He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating."
Former US President Barack Obama described Bryant as "a legend on the court" and said he was "just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act".
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist sprinter Usain Bolt said he could not believe the news.
Rapper Kanye West tweeted his appreciation for "the life you've lived and all the inspiration you gave".
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Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling wrote "rest easy legend" in a tweet accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the sports star.
"This is absolutely terrible. Everyone is numb," American actress and model Chrissy Teigen tweeted.
Pop star Mariah Carey said she was in shock.
Fans gathered at a makeshift memorial for Bryant in front of the Staples Center sports and entertainment arena in Los Angeles, laying flowers and basketballs in memory of the star.


bbc--2020-01-26--North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's aunt reappears after six years

The aunt of North Korea 's leader Kim Jong-un has been seen in public for the first time since the execution of her husband in 2013 .
Kim Kyong-hui is the daughter of North Korea 's founder , Kim Il-sung , and sister to former leader Kim Jong-il .
She had not been seen since her husband , Chang Song-thaek , was executed by her nephew for `` acts of treachery '' .
But on Sunday , state media released a photo of her enjoying new year celebrations .
The photo , released by North Korea 's state news agency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Kim Jong-un and his wife in a crowded theatre in Pyongyang .
She was also included in the list of top-ranking officials in attendance .
Oliver Hotham , editor at NK News , which covers events in the reclusive nation , said the reappearance was a surprise .
`` Many North Korea watchers had assumed that Kim Kyong-hui had gone into exile or even been killed in the wake of her husband 's death , '' he told Reuters .
• What is known about N Korea 's purge ?
Her appearance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had retained - or regained - significant influence , he added - possibly as an advisor .
`` It 's also a reminder of how weird and brutal North Korea is , after all she 's sitting next to the man who ordered her husband 's execution . ''
Kim Kyong-hui and her husband Chang Song-thaek were major players within the North Korean state at the time of their nephew 's ascension to power nearly a decade ago .
Mr Kim succeeded his father as leader in 2011 , and it was widely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mentors during the transition .
But two years into the new leader 's rule , Mr Chang was removed from a meeting by armed guards in dramatic fashion .
Official statements claimed he had confessed to plotting to overthrow the state , and that he had been immediately executed .
Many observers of the North Korean state believe he may have been considered a threat to the young leader , and killed as part of a purge .

But two years into the new leader's rule, Mr Chang was removed from a meeting by armed guards in dramatic fashion. Official statements claimed he had confessed to plotting to overthrow the state, and that he had been immediately executed.


bbc--2020-01-26--Early Grammys for Dolly Parton and Lil Nas X

Dolly Parton has won her 10th competitive Grammy Award , as `` music 's biggest night '' kicks off in LA .
The country star picked up best contemporary Christian song for God Only Knows , a duet with King & Country .
Rap star Lil Nas X also picked up his first Grammy in the best video category for his viral hit Old Town Road .
Many recipients have paid tribute to basketball star Kobe Bryant , who played for 20 years at the Staples Arena , where the Grammys are taking place .
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bulk of the night 's 84 awards are distributed , by recognising the star 's contribution .
`` As most of you may know , we lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter accident today , '' Mason said , '' Since we are in his house , I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence . ''
It is thought Alicia Keys will commence the main ceremony with a further tribute to Bryant and his family .
• Grammys 2020 : Seven things to watch out for Hundreds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the star died in a helicopter accident earlier in the day ; while his image is being projected on screens around the arena .
Inside , musician John Legend said he was `` sad and stunned '' by the news .
`` [ I 'm ] in Staples Arena , where Kobe created so many memories for all of us , preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon , Nipsey Hussle , '' he wrote on Twitter .
`` Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
`` It 's a very solemn day , '' added Motown legend Smokey Robinson .
`` It 's horrible . ''
Nipsey Hussle , who was shot dead in LA last year , will be the subject of an all-star tribute during the main ceremony later on Sunday .
The star has already won a posthumous Grammy , best rap performance , for his song Racks In The Middle .
It was collected by his family , including his grandmother , who told the audience : `` I want to thank @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I felt for him for all of his life '' .
Parton was n't present to accept her award , but King and Country told the story of how she had ended up on a remix of their hit single .
`` She said , ' I love this song because it 's reaching to the marginalised , to the depressed , the suicidal , which is all of us at some point , ' '' said the duo .
`` And then she said , in her Dolly accent , ' I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dollywood to Bollywood to Hollywood . '
'' Other early winners included British dance act The Chemical Brothers , whose single Got To Keep On was named best dance recording ; and Michelle Obama , who won best spoken word recording for the audiobook of her memoir , Becoming .
Spanish singer Rosalía also picked up best Latin recording for her album El Mal Querer - and said she was looking forward to her `` flamenco-inspired '' performance during the main ceremony , which starts at 01:00 GMT on Monday , 27 January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ariana Grande , Aerosmith and Billie Eilish .
Lizzo leads the nominations , with eight nominations in total , while Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish have six apiece .
All three have picked up awards in their respective genre categories during the pre-show , leaving the race for the night 's `` big four '' marquee categories ( album , song and record of the year ; and best new artist ) wide open .
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi is also in the running for song of the year , for his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the red carpet , he said he intended to make the most of the night .
`` Let 's face it , it 's never gon na happen again , '' he joked .
`` It 's all downhill from here . ''
Follow us on Facebook , or on Twitter @ BBCNewsEnts .
If you have a story suggestion email entertainment.news @ bbc.co.uk .

"She said, 'I love this song because it's reaching to the marginalised, to the depressed, the suicidal, which is all of us at some point,'" said the duo. "And then she said, in her Dolly accent, 'I'm going to take this song from Dollywood to Bollywood to Hollywood.'"


bbc--2020-01-26--Trump ordered removal of envoy in Ukraine in 2018 - video


bbc--2020-01-27--The Fighter and the Pimp: Fighting for Kinshasa’s most vulnerable girls

In the DRC ’ s capital city , wrestling has helped an extraordinary woman to escape the violent streets on @ @ @ @ @ As a fighter , Shaki is an inspiration for dozens of street children , and @ @ @ @ @ refuge for girls trying to escape the thugs , rapists , and pimps of Kinshasa @ @ @ @ @ Africa Eye follows Shaki as she steps into the wrestling ring , fights to give @ @ @ @ @ life , and takes on other women who have very different ideas about how to @ @ @ @ @ you or someone you know has been affected by these issues , help and support @ @ @ @

In the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital city, wrestling has helped an extraordinary woman to escape the violent streets on which she grew up.
As a fighter, Shaki is an inspiration for dozens of street children, and her home has become a refuge for girls trying to escape the thugs, rapists, and pimps of Kinshasa’s slums.
BBC Africa Eye follows Shaki as she steps into the wrestling ring, fights to give her daughter a chance in life, and takes on other women who have very different ideas about how to raise teenage girls.
If you or someone you know has been affected by these issues, help and support is available at bbc.co.uk/actionline


bbc--2020-01-26--Turkey earthquake: Rescue efforts near end as death toll rises

Efforts to find survivors from a powerful earthquake in eastern Turkey have begun winding down as the death toll climbed to at least 36 .
The magnitude-6.8 quake shook Turkey 's Elazig province late on Friday , causing buildings to collapse .
Some 45 people have been pulled alive from the rubble so far .
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said the rescue operation was largely concluded , but teams had located six people still trapped under rubble .
`` It has been around 36 hours [ since the quake ] , but we are still in the hours where we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news conference on Sunday .
More than 1,600 people were injured in the earthquake , with 104 still in hospital , officials said .
Turkey , which sits atop two major fault lines , has a history of powerful earthquakes .
In 1999 , about 17,000 people died in a quake in the western city of Izmit .
Friday 's quake struck at about 20:55 local time ( 17:55 GMT ) , centring on the town of Sivrice in Elazig province .
More than 700 aftershocks have been registered so far , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were continuing .
Rescue teams worked through the night on Friday and Saturday in freezing temperatures , using their hands , drills and diggers to try to find people in the rubble of fallen buildings .
They also brought beds and tents for those displaced .
Turksish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has promised that steel-framed houses will be built for those who have lost their homes .
`` Turkey has begun to heal the wounds of this great disaster in unity , togetherness and coming together , '' he said .
Among those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relatives from her mobile phone to tell them where she was trapped .
Turkish television also showed a 35-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter being pulled out of the rubble some 28 hours after the quake .

Rescue teams worked through the night on Friday and Saturday in freezing temperatures, using their hands, drills and diggers to try to find people in the rubble of fallen buildings. They also brought beds and tents for those displaced.


bbc--2020-01-26--Holocaust: Dutch PM apologises over failure to protect Jews

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has apologised on behalf of his country 's government for its failure to protect Jews during World War Two .
Mr Rutte said that while some Dutch officials resisted during the Nazi occupation , too many simply did as they were told .
It was the first such apology to be offered by a Dutch prime minister .
About 102,000 of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust came from the Netherlands .
Mr Rutte made the remarks at a Holocaust remembrance event in Amsterdam , ahead of the 75th anniversary on Monday of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` With the last remaining survivors among us , I apologise on behalf of the government for the actions of the government at the time , '' he said .
`` I do so , realising that no word can describe something as enormous and awful as the Holocaust . ''
• Auschwitz : Searching for traces of my grandfather It was an admission long sought by the Netherlands ' Jewish community .
Some 75 % of the 140,000 Jews who lived in the Netherlands before the Holocaust were murdered by German @ @ @ @ @ @ @ governments in the past had apologised for the way Jews who survived the Holocaust were treated upon returning from concentration camps .
But Mr Rutte is the first to acknowledge the country 's role in persecuting Jews and other minorities during the Nazi occupation .
`` We ask ourselves : how could this have happened ? ''
he said .
`` In all , we did too little .
Not enough protection , not enough help , not enough recognition . ''

"With the last remaining survivors among us, I apologise on behalf of the government for the actions of the government at the time," he said.


bbc--2020-01-26--Salvini faces setback in Italian regional election

Italy 's far-right firebrand Matteo Salvini is facing a setback after his League Party looks set to be beaten by @ @ @ @ @ PD ) in a closely watched election in the country 's north .
The left @ @ @ @ @ end of World War Two .
Mr Salvini focused on the area ahead of Sunday @ @ @ @ @ an exit poll for state television is showing a narrow win for the PD , @ @ @ @ @ 51 % of the vote .
Mr Salvini 's League looked on course to take @ @ @ @ @ .
Final results are expected in the early hours of Monday .
The election had @ @ @ @ @ of the national coalition government , in which the populist Five Star Movement joined forces @ @ @ @ @ Salvini pulled his party out of office in what was seen as a tactical blunder @ @ @ @ @ and his allies look set to beat the PD in another regional election in the @ @ @ @ @ according to exit polls .

Optimistic opponents believe this shows Mr Salvini's fire burning itself out and that the current government will hold. Others, perhaps realists, say the fact that the left needed mass mobilisation of its voters, helped by a huge street movement - the Sardines - to win in its stronghold against a weak right-wing candidate, shows the threat that Mr Salvini poses and how close he is to gaining power.


bbc--2020-01-26--Brazil floods: Dozens dead in severe Minas Gerais rainstorms

At least 30 people have died during severe rainstorms in Brazil 's Minas Gerais state , the country 's emergency services have said .
Many of the victims were buried in landslides or washed away in floods after intense rain on Friday and Saturday .
More than 2,500 people were evacuated from their homes , and local TV showed images of ruined houses under red mud .
The Brazilian weather service said on Saturday that the state capital of Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , had had 17cm ( seven inches ) of rain in one 24-hour period - the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 years ago .
About 40 municipalities in Brazil 's second most populous state have been badly hit .
The floods and landslides come on the first anniversary of the dam collapse near the town of Brumadinho , south-west of Belo Horizonte , that killed 270 people .
Forests were destroyed and rivers polluted , in what was Brazil 's worst industrial accident .
• How do you clear tonnes of toxic sludge ?
• Vale : The pride of Brazil becomes its most hated company Mining giant Vale and German auditor Tüv @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the collapse , with 16 individuals who worked for the companies facing charges of murder .
Vale has been accused of failing to report warning signs before the dam engulfed a canteen , offices and farms .

The Brazilian weather service said on Saturday that the state capital of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, had had 17cm (seven inches) of rain in one 24-hour period - the heaviest rainfall since records were first kept 110 years ago.


bbc--2020-01-26--Mali: Militants on motorbikes kill 20 troops, officials say

Twenty members of the security forces have been killed in Mali by suspected Islamist militants , officials say .
The attack came early on Sunday at the Sokolo military camp in the central Segou region .
An official speaking to AFP news agency said the gunmen arrived on motorbikes and that all those killed were gendarmes or paramilitary police .
Militants linked to the Islamic State group or al-Qaeda often carry out attacks in Mali and the wider region .
Late last year , 24 soldiers were killed by militants in eastern Mali .
Only weeks earlier , 54 troops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the latest incident , the army said militants damaged and stole military equipment .
Five soldiers were injured , and a total of 60 survived the attack .
A witness described the scene as `` complete chaos '' .
Funerals for those killed took place on Sunday afternoon .
• The war in the desert • France summit : Sahel crisis in danger of slipping out of control Mali has been blighted by violence since 2012 when Islamist militants took over a Tuareg separatist rebellion in the north and seized several cities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ territory taken by militants with military help from France , which has 4,500 troops deployed in the region .
The UN has 13,000 peacekeeping troops in Mali .
But thousands of lives have been lost as Mali struggles to contain the violence , which has spread to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger .
Combating militants in the Sahel region is seen as important for maintaining security further afield , including Europe .
France 's Foreign Minister , Florence Parly , is heading to Washington for talks aimed at persuading the Americans to continue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transport - for the French operation .

Malian forces managed to regain control of territory taken by militants with military help from France, which has 4,500 troops deployed in the region. The UN has 13,000 peacekeeping troops in Mali.