bbc--2020-08-23--'The best team v the best player' - what could decide Champions League final?

Paris St-Germain take on Bayern Munich in a mouth-watering Champions League final on Sunday - with both teams looking to create history for themselves .
A competition which started in June 2019 with the preliminary round comes to a climax between arguably the best side in world football against one of the planet 's finest forward lines .
While ruthless Bayern chase only the second European-domestic treble in their proud history , PSG are looking to be crowned champions of Europe for the first time .
BBC Radio 5 Live 's European football experts got together to discuss the showpiece @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany prepare for a showdown in Lisbon without spectators .
• Vote : Which is the best Champions League final ?
• Goals , goals , goals - Micah Richards on why Bayern v PSG is such a mouth-watering final 'The best team v the best player' Having won both the Bundesliga , with a 13-point cushion , and the German Cup , Hansi Flick 's Bayern side are on course to match the achievements of Jupp Heynckes ' class of 2012-13 .
`` The 2013 team were in many ways perfect but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't get into this team , '' German football expert Raphael Honigstein said .
Bayern have swept all before them in this season 's competition , including the 8-2 quarter-final thrashing of five-time winners Barcelona .
They have scored 42 goals in 10 games , including 10 in two group matches against Tottenham and seven over two legs against Chelsea in the last 16 .
Trying to stop them from winning a sixth European cup is a PSG side whose forward line consists of Neymar , Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Neymar has been directly involved in 23 goals , scoring 14 times and assisting nine .
`` Bayern are the best team in Europe , '' said Spanish football expert Guillem Balague .
`` It is the best team against the team with the best player , in Neymar .
You have , in him , someone who can do something out of nothing like nobody else in the world right now .
`` He does nearly impossible things .
He is perhaps the only player who can win a game on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Matt Spiro believes a Paris St-Germain win would justify the club 's decision to pay Barcelona a world record fee of 222m euros ( £200m ) for Neymar in August 2017 .
`` Outside of France I think it 's hard for anyone to look at that transfer in any other way than he wanted lots and lots of money and to be a big star - but his attitude has made a big difference this season , '' said Spiro .
`` It all changed for PSG in that [ last-16 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ March ] .
`` Neymar epitomised this new spirit at PSG .
Ever since , he has looked like a very happy and determined man . ''
Do Bayern need to change ?
Bayern Munich have reached their 11th final in the competition , with only Real Madrid playing in more ( 16 ) .
Despite winning all 10 games in this season 's competition , Bayern have faced questions about their defending , with Lyon missing chances in their 3-0 semi-final defeat .
`` We might just see the team dropping a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the time , '' added Honigstein about Sunday 's final .
`` There is a slight debate and concern inside the team that they need to adapt and adjust a little bit to be successful against Paris St-Germain . ''
Balague believes there is little wrong with Bayern .
`` They completely believe in what they are doing , '' he said .
This is Paris St-Germain 's first final in the competition , with Thomas Tuchel 's men the 41st team to reach the showpiece .
They have been one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the continent 's most high-profile underachievers on the grandest stage .
Former Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel has built a functional team and made a platform for Neymar , who is playing his best football in three years in Paris .
`` They are a little bit predictable in the sense everything goes through Neymar or , increasingly , Angel di Maria , '' added Honigstein .
`` But there is also now this connection between the back four and Neymar with this midfield that is full of running and a good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more like a complete team . ''
Balague said Tuchel deserves praise for `` making a team for Neymar '' .
`` The most impressive stat for PSG is they kept seven clean sheets in 10 games in the Champions League , '' he said .
`` It is not just defending quality , it 's that the whole team is at it . ''
While this is new territory for PSG , Bayern have been here before .
European football journalist Kristof Terreur said it was `` now or never '' for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League could transform the French champions .
`` If they win it , they might leave some teams behind , '' he said .
`` They have Mbappe , Neymar who wo n't leave if he wins the Champions League , and a good manager . ''
Honigstein said Bayern needed to win to be considered a truly exceptional European force .
`` I 've seen Bayern teams lose Champions League finals in pretty dramatic and traumatic circumstances in my lifetime , '' he added .
`` Despite all the nice things we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to PSG - which is entirely possible - all of these things will be for nothing . ''
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski has scored in nine consecutive Champions League matches , with only Cristiano Ronaldo netting in more successive games in the history of the competition .
But could Serge Gnabry , who scored two of Bayern 's three goals in the semi-final against Lyon , be the key to Bayern winning the Champions League for the first time since 2013 ?
The Germany winger , 25 , played three games for West @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against Port Vale , at the age of 20 during a loan spell from Arsenal in 2015 .
`` In Serge Gnabry , Bayern have a player who scores in every game , '' said Balague .
`` Lewandowski does n't seem as smooth in his finishing as Gnabry but he is still finishing .
They have some of the best wide players in the world and some of them are on the bench . ''
• Americast : The Democratic Party get set for election • The Hayley Daily Is the 'chav @ @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Will Bayern Munich (left) or Neymar's PSG (right) take the glory in Lisbon?
Champions League final: Paris St-Germain v Bayern Munich Date: Sunday 23 August Kick-off: 20:00 BST Venue: Estadio da Luz,Lisbon Coverage: Full match commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, live text commentary on the BBC Sport website
Paris St-Germain take on Bayern Munich in a mouth-watering Champions League final on Sunday - with both teams looking to create history for themselves.
A competition which started in June 2019 with the preliminary round comes to a climax between arguably the best side in world football against one of the planet's finest forward lines.
While ruthless Bayern chase only the second European-domestic treble in their proud history, PSG are looking to be crowned champions of Europe for the first time.
BBC Radio 5 Live's European football experts got together to discuss the showpiece final as the powerhouses of France and Germany prepare for a showdown in Lisbon without spectators.
'The best team v the best player'
Having won both the Bundesliga, with a 13-point cushion, and the German Cup, Hansi Flick's Bayern side are on course to match the achievements of Jupp Heynckes' class of 2012-13.
"The 2013 team were in many ways perfect but then they had players that probably wouldn't get into this team," German football expert Raphael Honigstein said.
Bayern have swept all before them in this season's competition, including the 8-2 quarter-final thrashing of five-time winners Barcelona.
They have scored 42 goals in 10 games, including 10 in two group matches against Tottenham and seven over two legs against Chelsea in the last 16.
Trying to stop them from winning a sixth European cup is a PSG side whose forward line consists of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Angel di Maria.
In 19 Champions League appearances for PSG, Neymar has been directly involved in 23 goals, scoring 14 times and assisting nine.
"Bayern are the best team in Europe," said Spanish football expert Guillem Balague.
Neymar scored in the 2015 final for Barcelona and could become only the third player to score in the final for two different teams, along with Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd/Real Madrid) and Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich/Juventus)
"It is the best team against the team with the best player, in Neymar. You have, in him, someone who can do something out of nothing like nobody else in the world right now.
"He does nearly impossible things. He is perhaps the only player who can win a game on his own."
French football expert Matt Spiro believes a Paris St-Germain win would justify the club's decision to pay Barcelona a world record fee of 222m euros (£200m) for Neymar in August 2017.
"Outside of France I think it's hard for anyone to look at that transfer in any other way than he wanted lots and lots of money and to be a big star - but his attitude has made a big difference this season," said Spiro.
"It all changed for PSG in that [last-16] second leg against Borussia Dortmund [in March].
"Neymar epitomised this new spirit at PSG. Ever since, he has looked like a very happy and determined man."
Do Bayern need to change?
Bayern Munich have reached their 11th final in the competition, with only Real Madrid playing in more (16).
Despite winning all 10 games in this season's competition, Bayern have faced questions about their defending, with Lyon missing chances in their 3-0 semi-final defeat.
"We might just see the team dropping a little bit deeper and maybe not pushing all the time," added Honigstein about Sunday's final.
"There is a slight debate and concern inside the team that they need to adapt and adjust a little bit to be successful against Paris St-Germain."
Bayern are looking to become the first team in the history of the competition to win 11 games in a row
Balague believes there is little wrong with Bayern.
"They completely believe in what they are doing," he said.
Tuchel's created a team to make Neymar better
This is Paris St-Germain's first final in the competition, with Thomas Tuchel's men the 41st team to reach the showpiece.
They have been one of Europe's biggest spenders, but also one of the continent's most high-profile underachievers on the grandest stage.
Former Borussia Dortmund boss Tuchel has built a functional team and made a platform for Neymar, who is playing his best football in three years in Paris.
"They are a little bit predictable in the sense everything goes through Neymar or, increasingly, Angel di Maria," added Honigstein.
Paris St-Germain have won Ligue 1 twice since Thomas Tuchel was appointed in May 2018
"But there is also now this connection between the back four and Neymar with this midfield that is full of running and a good attitude.
"It just feels much more like a complete team."
Balague said Tuchel deserves praise for "making a team for Neymar".
"The most impressive stat for PSG is they kept seven clean sheets in 10 games in the Champions League," he said.
"It is not just defending quality, it's that the whole team is at it."
Bayern's crowning glory or PSG's breakthrough moment?
While this is new territory for PSG, Bayern have been here before.
European football journalist Kristof Terreur said it was "now or never" for PSG - and believes winning the Champions League could transform the French champions.
"If they win it, they might leave some teams behind," he said. "They have Mbappe, Neymar who won't leave if he wins the Champions League, and a good manager."
Honigstein said Bayern needed to win to be considered a truly exceptional European force.
"I've seen Bayern teams lose Champions League finals in pretty dramatic and traumatic circumstances in my lifetime," he added.
"Despite all the nice things we're talking about, if they lose to PSG - which is entirely possible - all of these things will be for nothing."
From West Brom to Champions League winner?
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski has scored in nine consecutive Champions League matches, with only Cristiano Ronaldo netting in more successive games in the history of the competition.
But could Serge Gnabry, who scored two of Bayern's three goals in the semi-final against Lyon, be the key to Bayern winning the Champions League for the first time since 2013?
Serge Gnabry has scored three goals in his past two Champions League appearances
The Germany winger, 25, played three games for West Brom, including a League Cup tie against Port Vale, at the age of 20 during a loan spell from Arsenal in 2015.
"In Serge Gnabry, Bayern have a player who scores in every game," said Balague.
"Lewandowski doesn't seem as smooth in his finishing as Gnabry but he is still finishing. They have some of the best wide players in the world and some of them are on the bench."


bbc--2020-08-23--'You have to take them out' - Joshua says Whyte must rediscover finishing instinct

Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has urged Dillian Whyte to find his finishing instinct after a shock defeat by Alexander Povetkin .
It ends the 32-year-old 's immediate hopes of a world-title shot against WBC champion Tyson Fury but Joshua is open to facing Whyte if he wins a rematch .
`` As long as I am champion he always has a chance , '' Joshua told 5 Live Boxing .
`` I 'll fight Dillian any day of the week , '' added Joshua , in an interview that will be available in Monday 's 5 Live Boxing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fight me in 2019 before I fought Andy Ruiz Jr .
He turned it down .
Dillian , if you want that world title shot and I have n't got any obligations , then come and get this work . ''
Joshua is the only other man to beat Whyte , back in 2015 .
But , in reality , the likelihood of them meeting again any time soon is slim in the wake of Povetkin 's upset win .
Whyte had been in line for a shot at WBC champion Fury or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to fight for a third time later this year .
Instead , with Whyte now likely to face Povetkin again , it creates a clearer path for Fury and IBF , WBA and WBO champion Joshua to fight for all four world heavyweight belts .
Fury would need to beat Wilder again , while Joshua must face mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev .
Both bouts are expected to take place in December .
`` None of the problems lie with me , '' Joshua added .
`` I have n't got this situation with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am willing to fight Fury - let 's just get it on . ''
'Whyte must be clinical again' Whyte hopes to get a second shot at Povetkin in December , hoping a win will revive his hopes of a first world title fight .
The Brixton fighter looked well placed to keep his impressive run of form going on Saturday until 40-year-old Povetkin landed a stunning uppercut , having risen from the canvas twice in the previous round .
Joshua said : `` I thought 'has Dillian lost that instinct ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or see a drop of blood you have to take them out .
If you leave it a round or two you just do n't know .
If a man gets a hope and a lifeline he might just bounce back .
If I see you hurt I am going to blitz you and Dillian needs to get back to that mindset .
`` The last thing you lose is your power .
Povetkin is a bit shaky on the legs but the foundations these guys have , I do n't think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They will take any opportunity , and opportunity matched with power is knockouts .
`` Certain people will now be negative towards Dillian .
I believe he 's a great fighter .
It 's a blip in his career .
Five years from now it will just be part of the story .
He will be able to look back and think it 's a great lesson . ''

Whyte was knocked out in the fifth round by Povetkin
Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has urged Dillian Whyte to find his finishing instinct after a shock defeat by Alexander Povetkin.
Whyte was knocked out by Povetkin in five rounds on Saturday after flooring the Russian twice in round four.
It ends the 32-year-old's immediate hopes of a world-title shot against WBC champion Tyson Fury but Joshua is open to facing Whyte if he wins a rematch.
"As long as I am champion he always has a chance," Joshua told 5 Live Boxing.
"I'll fight Dillian any day of the week," added Joshua, in an interview that will be available in Monday's 5 Live Boxing Podcast.
"I offered Dillian to fight me in 2019 before I fought Andy Ruiz Jr. He turned it down. Dillian, if you want that world title shot and I haven't got any obligations, then come and get this work."
Joshua is the only other man to beat Whyte, back in 2015. But, in reality, the likelihood of them meeting again any time soon is slim in the wake of Povetkin's upset win.
Whyte had been in line for a shot at WBC champion Fury or Deontay Wilder, whom Fury is due to fight for a third time later this year. Instead, with Whyte now likely to face Povetkin again, it creates a clearer path for Fury and IBF, WBA and WBO champion Joshua to fight for all four world heavyweight belts.
Fury would need to beat Wilder again, while Joshua must face mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev. Both bouts are expected to take place in December.
"None of the problems lie with me," Joshua added. "I haven't got this situation with Whyte, Wilder or whatever person. I am willing to fight Fury - let's just get it on."
'Whyte must be clinical again'
Joshua worked as a television pundit for Whyte's defeat
Whyte hopes to get a second shot at Povetkin in December, hoping a win will revive his hopes of a first world title fight.
The Brixton fighter looked well placed to keep his impressive run of form going on Saturday until 40-year-old Povetkin landed a stunning uppercut, having risen from the canvas twice in the previous round.
Joshua said: "I thought 'has Dillian lost that instinct?'
"I believe if you smell or see a drop of blood you have to take them out. If you leave it a round or two you just don't know. If a man gets a hope and a lifeline he might just bounce back. If I see you hurt I am going to blitz you and Dillian needs to get back to that mindset.
"The last thing you lose is your power. Povetkin is a bit shaky on the legs but the foundations these guys have, I don't think you can give them an inch of hope. They will take any opportunity, and opportunity matched with power is knockouts.
"Certain people will now be negative towards Dillian. I believe he's a great fighter. It's a blip in his career. Five years from now it will just be part of the story. He will be able to look back and think it's a great lesson."


bbc--2020-08-22--Whyte's hopes of world-title shot ruined by Povetkin

Last updated on .From the section Boxing Dillian Whyte 's hopes of a world-title shot were wrecked as Alexander Povetkin twice rose from the canvas to land a stunning knockout win .
But just as Whyte appeared to be closing in on a shot at the WBC world heavyweight title , Povetkin produced a devastating left uppercut in the fifth .
Whyte , who needed treatment , will get a rematch according to Eddie Hearn .
The London fighter , 32 , left without speaking to the media but was picked up by Matchroom Boxing 's Twitter channel asking promoter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
`` It 's one of those things , it just landed .
I was bossing it .
It is what it is .
A rematch , let 's go , '' he was heard to say .
`` I ca n't quite believe it , '' said Hearn .
`` When the punch landed I felt like I was in some dream .
The fight was over virtually .
Dillian was measuring Povetkin up , then two heavy knockdowns .
`` I and others thought it was over .
This is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ punch can change everything .
`` He has to do a job in a rematch . ''
Povetkin , who has only lost to Wladimir Klitschko and IBF , WBO and WBA world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a 39-fight and 15-year-long career , simply found `` the best punch he has ever thrown '' according to BBC Radio 5 Live 's Steve Bunce .
With no fans in the garden of Matchroom Boxing 's headquarters , the jubilant celebrations of Povetkin 's team were all there was to hear as Whyte lay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The British heavyweight had been just about punch perfect for 12 minutes .
Shots to the body left red marks on 40-year-old Povetkin , while jabs to the Russian 's face looked to be discouraging the underdog .
Two hard right hands and a short left hook combined sweetly to floor Povetkin in the fourth and , before the bell , Whyte drove home a left uppercut when backed to the ropes to send his rival down again .
But moments later the tables turned and Povetkin dipped to his left and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Whyte 's chin .
Povetkin had been written off as past it by some , while others point to two drug bans as evidence he should not be in the sport .
The devastating nature of his finish will only serve to underline the threat he continues to carry , however .
Since his only previous defeat , by Joshua in 2015 , Whyte - who also served a drugs ban in 2012 - has put solid names on his record .
His refusal to simply sit and wait for his world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taker to fans and undoubtedly improved him as an athlete and fighter .
But one punch ultimately proved why this is a risky strategy and he must now get back to work if he is to revive his hopes of a first world-title shot .
'One roll too many ' - reaction Former world middleweight champion Andy Lee on BBC Radio 5 Live : `` I am in shock .
That is a sensational upset .
That 's heavyweight boxing where one punch can change it all .
`` Whyte will be kicking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He was so close to a world title for so long .
It 's a tragedy he was a contender for 1,000 days but he has rolled the dice just one too many times . ''
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing analyst Steve Bunce : `` That was just a perfect shot , the best punch Povetkin has ever thrown .
That is boxing .
When people say 'one punch can change a fight ' they are not joking .
Whyte can come again , no sweat . ''
• None The @ @ @ @ @ @

Povetkin joins Anthony Joshua as the only men to beat Whyte
Dillian Whyte's hopes of a world-title shot were wrecked as Alexander Povetkin twice rose from the canvas to land a stunning knockout win.
The Russian had been out-boxed for three rounds and was down twice in the fourth as Whyte mixed poise with power.
But just as Whyte appeared to be closing in on a shot at the WBC world heavyweight title, Povetkin produced a devastating left uppercut in the fifth.
Whyte, who needed treatment, will get a rematch according to Eddie Hearn.
The London fighter, 32, left without speaking to the media but was picked up by Matchroom Boxing's Twitter channel asking promoter Hearn whether a rematch was possible this year.
"It's one of those things, it just landed. I was bossing it. It is what it is. A rematch, let's go," he was heard to say.
"I can't quite believe it," said Hearn. "When the punch landed I felt like I was in some dream. The fight was over virtually. Dillian was measuring Povetkin up, then two heavy knockdowns.
"I and others thought it was over. This is the drama of heavyweight boxing - one punch can change everything.
"He has to do a job in a rematch."
Whyte was dominant but could not find his feet after Povetkin's uppercut
Povetkin, who has only lost to Wladimir Klitschko and IBF, WBO and WBA world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a 39-fight and 15-year-long career, simply found "the best punch he has ever thrown" according to BBC Radio 5 Live's Steve Bunce.
With no fans in the garden of Matchroom Boxing's headquarters, the jubilant celebrations of Povetkin's team were all there was to hear as Whyte lay, almost motionless, on his back.
The British heavyweight had been just about punch perfect for 12 minutes. Shots to the body left red marks on 40-year-old Povetkin, while jabs to the Russian's face looked to be discouraging the underdog.
Two hard right hands and a short left hook combined sweetly to floor Povetkin in the fourth and, before the bell, Whyte drove home a left uppercut when backed to the ropes to send his rival down again.
But moments later the tables turned and Povetkin dipped to his left and thrust an uppercut of his own on to Whyte's chin.
Povetkin had been written off as past it by some, while others point to two drug bans as evidence he should not be in the sport. The devastating nature of his finish will only serve to underline the threat he continues to carry, however.
Since his only previous defeat, by Joshua in 2015, Whyte - who also served a drugs ban in 2012 - has put solid names on his record.
His refusal to simply sit and wait for his world title chance endeared him as a risk taker to fans and undoubtedly improved him as an athlete and fighter.
But one punch ultimately proved why this is a risky strategy and he must now get back to work if he is to revive his hopes of a first world-title shot.
'One roll too many' - reaction
Whyte (left) asked promoter Eddie Hearn if a rematch was possible this year
Former world middleweight champion Andy Lee on BBC Radio 5 Live: "I am in shock. That is a sensational upset. That's heavyweight boxing where one punch can change it all.
"Whyte will be kicking himself - that's a devastating knockout. He was so close to a world title for so long. It's a tragedy he was a contender for 1,000 days but he has rolled the dice just one too many times."
BBC Radio 5 Live boxing analyst Steve Bunce: "That was just a perfect shot, the best punch Povetkin has ever thrown. That is boxing. When people say 'one punch can change a fight' they are not joking. Whyte can come again, no sweat."


bbc--2020-08-23--Kallis, Sthalekar & Abbas inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Last updated on .From the section Cricket Jacques Kallis , Lisa Sthalekar and Zaheer Abbas have been inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame .
Ex-Australia captain Sthalekar , 41 , is only the ninth woman to be inducted .
`` These are all players with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations for years to come , '' ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said .
Kallis , who is now the Proteas batting coach , is the only player to score at least 10,000 runs and take at least 250 wickets in both Test and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the prestigious list was a `` great honour '' .
`` It is something that I never expected when I started playing , but it is nice to be recognised by people for something that you have achieved in the game , something that I am really proud of , '' he added .
Abbas is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time and his record-breaking career included scoring two centuries in the same first-class match on a record eight occasions .
`` I feel privileged and truly humbled to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also the first player to score three successive centuries in ODIs , and served as president of the ICC from 2015 to 2016 .
Former Australia captain Sthalekar , who won the World Cup in 2005 and 2013 and topped both the Test and ODI batting and bowling rankings during her career , said : `` Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would ever get to join such an illustrious group of players . ''
All-rounder Sthalekar retired from international cricket in 2013 but still plays domestic cricket @ @ @ @ @

Last updated on .From the section Cricket
Current South Africa batting coach Jacques Kallis, former Australia captain Lisa Sthalekar and ex-ICC president Zaheer Abbas
Jacques Kallis, Lisa Sthalekar and Zaheer Abbas have been inducted into the International Cricket Council Hall of Fame.
Former-all rounder Kallis, 44, is the fourth South African inductee while batsman Abbas, 73, is Pakistan's sixth.
Ex-Australia captain Sthalekar, 41, is only the ninth woman to be inducted.
"These are all players with a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations for years to come," ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney said.
Kallis, who is now the Proteas batting coach, is the only player to score at least 10,000 runs and take at least 250 wickets in both Test and one-day international cricket.
He said making the prestigious list was a "great honour".
"It is something that I never expected when I started playing, but it is nice to be recognised by people for something that you have achieved in the game, something that I am really proud of," he added.
Abbas is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time and his record-breaking career included scoring two centuries in the same first-class match on a record eight occasions.
"I feel privileged and truly humbled to be inducted," said Abbas, who was also the first player to score three successive centuries in ODIs, and served as president of the ICC from 2015 to 2016.
Former Australia captain Sthalekar, who won the World Cup in 2005 and 2013 and topped both the Test and ODI batting and bowling rankings during her career, said: "Never in my wildest dreams did I believe that I would ever get to join such an illustrious group of players."
All-rounder Sthalekar retired from international cricket in 2013 but still plays domestic cricket for New South Wales.


bbc--2020-08-24--Christchurch mosque gunman Brenton Tarrant's sentencing hearing begins

The Australian white supremacist who killed 51 Muslim worshippers at two mosques in New Zealand last year is facing survivors of his attack as a sentencing hearing gets under way .
Australian Brenton Tarrant is likely to be jailed for life for the rampage .
Tarrant pleaded guilty in March and was convicted of 51 murders , 40 attempted murders and one charge of terrorism .
Survivors and the family members of victims will speak at the four-day hearing .
The hearing will take place at the courthouse in Christchurch , the city where Tarrant carried out the attacks in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Monday morning , Covid-19 restrictions mean the main court room is relatively empty .
An additional seven overflow courts within the law complex in Christchurch are being used for survivors and relatives of those killed to follow proceedings .
Tarrant , 29 , from New South Wales , had previously denied the charges and was due to face trial in June , before reversing his plea .
He now faces a minimum sentence of 17 years , but Justice Cameron Mander , the High Court judge presiding over the case , has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full life term with no parole - a sentence never before imposed in New Zealand .
More than 60 people will give in-person victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing .
Some have travelled from overseas and undergone a two-week coronavirus quarantine in order to take part .
• Who were the victims ?
Dr Hamimah Tuyan , whose husband Zekeriya Tuyan died nearly seven weeks after being shot at the An-nur Masjid mosque , flew from Singapore in time to undergo quarantine for the hearing .
Dr Tuyan told the BBC she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ impact statement to be read in front of Tarrant , worried that it might `` fan his narcissism '' , but decided ultimately that she would .
`` I have n't really had time to think about how I feel about him or how I feel about seeing him in the flesh , '' she said .
`` I hope I will be cool , calm and collected . ''
Hundreds of others will have to watch the proceedings on video feeds from other courtrooms in the city to allow for social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shown live to the general public .
Justice Mander said in an order issued this month that the court would have the power to restrict the publication of victim statements if needed .
Tarrant 's attacks on the two mosques , parts of which he livestreamed online , sent shockwaves around the world and prompted New Zealand to make swift changes to its gun laws .
Less than a month after the shootings , the country 's parliament voted by 119 to 1 on reforms banning military-style semi-automatic weapons as well as parts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firearms .
The government offered to compensate owners of newly-illegal weapons in a buy-back scheme .

As he drove towards the Linwood Islamic Centre, he stopped and shot at men of African origin who were able to escape. He briefly pointed his gun at a Caucasian man, the court heard, but then "smiled and then drove off".


bbc--2020-08-23--Belarus opposition holds mass rally in Minsk despite ban

Opposition supporters in Belarus have held a mass rally in the capital Minsk , two weeks after a disputed election gave President Alexander Lukashenko another term in office .
Correspondents in the city said tens of thousands filled the central square despite a heavy police presence .
The protesters say Mr Lukashenko stole the election and want him to resign .
The president has vowed to crush unrest and blamed the dissent on unnamed `` foreign-backed revolutionaries '' .
Recent protests were met with a crackdown in which at least four people were killed .
Demonstrators said they had been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ results , Mr Lukashenko - who has ruled Belarus for 26 years - won more than 80 % of the vote in the 9 August election and opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 10 % .
There were no independent observers and the opposition alleges massive vote rigging .
Ms Tikhanovskaya , who was forced to flee to neighbouring Lithuania the day after the election , vowed to `` stand till the end '' in the protests .
• 'If you croak we do n't care ' : Brutality in Belarus • 'There 's no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forgive this' What is happening in Minsk ?
Tens of thousands of people - from the elderly to those with small children - poured into Independence Square on Sunday .
Many were carrying the opposition 's red and white flags , and chanted `` freedom '' and anti-government slogans .
Pro-opposition media say 100,000 people took part .
State television put the crowd at 20,000 .
After gathering in the square , some demonstrators moved towards the `` Hero City '' war memorial and the presidential palace .
They were blocked by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released a video showing Mr Lukashenko arriving at the presidential palace by helicopter , wearing a flak jacket and carrying an automatic weapon .
Similar demonstrations were held in other Belarusian cities .
Meanwhile in Lithuania , thousands of people - including President Gitanas Nausėda - formed a human chain from the capital Vilnius to the Belarusian border in solidarity with those protesting in Minsk .
More human chains were planned in the Estonian capital Tallinn and in Prague in the Czech Republic .
This weekend 's rally in Minsk follows the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , when hundreds of thousands filled the streets .
Strike action in key factories across Belarus is also keeping up the pressure on the president .
This was another massive demonstration carried out under the noses of Alexander Lukashenko 's security forces .
Belarus 's beleaguered president had instructed his interior ministry to end the `` unrest '' and promised to `` solve the problem '' .
But in the end no serious effort was made to stop protesters gathering .
In the back streets leading into Independence Square there were long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
They looked on as the swelling crowd ignored loudspeaker warnings that this was an illegal gathering and to disperse .
These demonstrations are organic and loosely organised , so in the square there is no stage or PA system .
That means no place for the few opposition leaders that remain free in Belarus to make speeches .
Instead the protesters marched around chanting `` Long live Belarus '' and `` Go Away Lukashenko '' before heading off towards a war memorial .
Some told me that they had been scared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so many like-minded Belarusians .
What has Lukashenko said ?
The 65-year-old president insists he won the election fairly and has ruled holding another poll .
On Saturday he accused Nato of `` trying to topple the authorities '' and install a new president in Minsk .
He said he was moving troops to the country 's western borders to counter a Nato build-up in Poland and Lithuania , and vowed to `` defend the territorial integrity of our country '' .
Nato responded by saying it posed `` no threat to Belarus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had `` no military build-up in the region '' .
`` The regime is trying to divert attention from Belarus 's internal problems at any cost with totally baseless statements about imaginary external threats , '' Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda told AFP news agency on Saturday .
Mr Lukashenko has also accused an opposition council - set up by Ms Tikhanovskaya to organise peaceful transition - of trying to seize power .
Two of its members were questioned by police on Friday .
Where is Belarus ?
It has Russia - the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine to the south .
To the north and west lie EU and Nato members Latvia , Lithuania and Poland .
Why does it matter ?
Like Ukraine , this nation of 9.5 million is caught in rivalry between the West and Russia .
President Lukashenko , an ally of Russia , has been referred to as `` Europe 's last dictator '' .
He has been in power for 26 years , keeping much of the economy in state hands , and using censorship and police crackdowns against opponents .
What 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a huge opposition movement , demanding new , democratic leadership and economic reform .
Mr Lukashenko 's supporters say his toughness has kept the country stable .

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bbc--2020-08-23--Republican National Convention: What is happening this year?

The Republican National Convention is next week and we 're slowly learning more about what it might look like - though some details are still up in the air .
But let 's back up first .
What IS the Republican National Convention ?
Party conventions take place once every four years - they are the ceremonial crowning of the party 's presidential candidate as they prepare for the final phase of campaigning .
Last time around , we saw the Trump family take centre stage to a backdrop of fireworks and a sea of red , white and blue @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials wrap up other less-glamorous business , like unveiling the political platform and adopting rules .
As the sitting president , Trump is the de facto nominee , but it 's not official until the party anoints him at the convention .
This year , that will happen at the end of four days of convention events between 21-24 August .
How will the Republican National Convention work this year ?
Even Republicans have been trying to figure this out .
The conventions of years past have been glitzy affairs , bringing together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ activists and celebrities for receptions , speeches and general hyping up of the presidential candidate .
But the pandemic has upended all that .
Unlike its Democratic counterpart , the Republican Convention still plans on hosting some in-person business .
But people will need to wear masks and social distance .
Those attending will also be given a self-swab Covid-19 test before travelling and entering their hotels .
OK , so where will Trump be ?
He will accept the nomination in a `` real speech on Thursday '' , live from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entirely well-received - with critics arguing using federal property for a campaign speech is unethical .
Three things to watch out for Few incumbent presidents of the modern era have faced a challenge as great as the one before Donald Trump in the final months of their re-election campaign .
He has consistently trailed Joe Biden in the polls by a modest but significant margin for months .
The Republican Convention is one of his last , best opportunities to turn the tide .
The coronavirus pandemic has made a traditional convention format @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will try to come close to replicating the feel of one .
Unlike the Democrats , they will have audiences for many of their speeches , including Donald Trump 's Thursday night address , which will be held from the South Lawn of the White House .
That speech will be a good guide for how the Republicans hope to conduct their campaign over the final months .
Will he focus on tearing down Joe Biden or on accomplishments from early in his presidency ?
Or will he try to convince the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are over ?
The Democrats during their convention turned to voices from `` ordinary '' Americans - immigrants , workers and minorities - who said they had been harmed by the president 's policies .
The Republicans will counter with ones who will recount how they 've been helped - or who are worried about what the Democrats would do in power .
Will they make a compelling case ?
The rest of the week will be filled with Republican officeholders of various levels .
Some , including Vice-President Mike Pence , will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ party once Trump leaves office - either next year or in 2024 .
Four years ago , Trump defied conventional practices and wisdom to win the presidency .
He 's remade the Republican Party in his image , with an emphasis on conservative populism and sometimes brash rhetoric .
That new party , his party , will be on full display this week If the battle to be Trump 's political heirs is one potential theme of the convention , another will be the dynamic among his actual heirs .
The president 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ children - Eric , Don Jr and Tiffany - are all scheduled set to speak .
The Trump family has had more than its share of drama - most recently with secret recordings of sister Maryanne Barry disparaging the president .
Will this week be more like the Brady Bunch or King Lear ?
Who are the speakers this year ?
Specific timings have not yet been announced , but as well as Mr Trump himself , First Lady Melania Trump will speak on Tuesday , followed by Vice-President Mike Pence on Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mate role from Fort McHenry in Baltimore .
It 's a place heavy with historical significance , because it is where US soldiers withstood the might of the British in 1814 , inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the poem that became the national anthem .
We can expect addresses from the rest of the Trump family on Monday .
We can also expect this year 's convention to be wholly pro-Trump in tone , unlike 2016 when the political outsider was met with pushback from some party members .
Planners say Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the convention - but we 'll hear from `` everyday '' Americans too .
Like its Democratic counterpart , the Republican programme will also be a mix of pre-recorded and live speeches , based in Washington DC .
Each day will follow themes of America as the land of promise , opportunity , heroes and - in a nod to Trump 's slogan - greatness .
It would n't be a political show without a bit of controversy , and some of the additional voices will certainly draw ire from Trump critics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ headlines for brandishing guns at protesters who they said were threatening them will make an appearance ; so will a high school student criticised for a viral video with a Native American protester last January , and an anti-abortion activist .
As for who else might take the stage , virtual or otherwise , pundits predict we will see the president 's top defenders , like Congressman Kevin McCarthy - the minority House leader from California - and Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio are likely to get air-time , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ does the voting work ?
There 's a roll call when delegates from states and territories across the US say which candidate they are backing .
This time , that 's the president .
State delegates vote in line with the results of their state primary results - and in the case of Republicans , they are bound to do so .
There are also unpledged delegates who can vote freely - these are two national committee members and the party chairperson from each state .
With Trump as the incumbent , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and automatically gave their delegates to him .
If you need a refresher on all things primary and caucus , check out our explainer here .
What happens next ?
Now we watch as campaigning heats up before the general election on 3 November .
Be sure to set a reminder for the debates too , where we 'll see Biden and Trump battle to win over voters .
The first presidential debate is scheduled for 29 September with two more in October .

RNC 2020: The speakers and schedule for day four Published 27 August 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Melania Trump: "Look at things from all perspectives"
The Republican National Convention is nearing its conclusion, with Donald Trump set to close the event with a speech making the case for his re-election.
What's been happening at the four-day event?
Let's back up first.
There's an obvious question...
What is the Republican National Convention?
OK, good question.
Party conventions take place once every four years - they are the ceremonial crowning of the party's presidential candidate as they prepare for the final phase of campaigning.
Last time around, we saw the Trump family take centre stage to a backdrop of fireworks and a sea of red, white and blue balloons.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, "I would crawl through broken glass to vote for Trump in this election"
It's also where party officials wrap up other less glamorous business, like unveiling the political platform and adopting rules. This time - for the first time - no new platform is being adopted. The party will continue to support Mr Trump's 2016 manifesto.
As the sitting president, Mr Trump is the de facto nominee but the convention has formally nominated him with a roll call, nonetheless.
On Thursday, the president will formally accept the nomination with a big speech.
How is the Republican National Convention being held this year?
The conventions of years past have been glitzy affairs, bringing together thousands of delegates, party leaders, activists and celebrities for receptions, speeches and general hyping up of the presidential candidate.
But the pandemic has upended all that.
Unlike its Democratic counterpart, the Republican Convention is hosting some in-person events at venues in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Washington DC, along with speeches delivered remotely.
Each day will follow themes of America as the land of promise, opportunity, heroes and - in a nod to Trump's slogan - greatness.
Image source, Getty Images
People are being told they need to wear masks and social distance. Those attending events are given a self-swab Covid-19 test before travelling and entering their hotels.
OK, so where will Trump be?
Trump has been involved in some regard each day of the convention, either in person or in recorded videos. He will accept the nomination in a "real speech on Thursday", live from the White House.
This hasn't been entirely well received - with critics arguing using federal property for a campaign speech is unethical.
Who else will speak on the final day?
In addition to President Trump, the following will be speaking on Thursday:
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell
Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and a senior White House adviser
Alice Johnson, a criminal justice reform advocate whose life sentence was commuted by the president after a campaign led by Kim Kardashian
The parents of Kayla Mueller, an American aid worker who was taken hostage and killed in Syria
Who spoke on Wednesday night?
Vice-President Pence addressed the convention remotely from Baltimore's Fort McHenry, where the city was defended against the British in the War of 1812, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the US national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Francis Scott Key saw the flag at the fort and wrote the words that later became the national anthem
The former Indiana governor argued that Joe Biden would set the country on to "a path of socialism and decline".
As pitchman for Mr Trump's re-election, he said voters need "a president who believes in America".
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Pence: Stakes in this election never higher
On a night with the theme "Land of Heroes", his wife Karen Pence also addressed the convention, paying tribute to "military spouses".
White House adviser Kellyanne Conway, who is leaving the White House next week, said of Mr Trump: "He has stood by me, and he will stand up for you."
Image source, EPA Image caption, Kellyanne Conway said she had made the decision in order to focus on her children
The 53-year-old announced this week that she was resigning from her post as senior adviser to Mr Trump at the end of August to focus on her children, giving them "less drama, more mama".
Two black speakers on Wednesday spoke in support of President Trump. Clarence Henderson, a civil rights activist from the 1960s, spoke about the power of peaceful protest and the Republican Party's record on civil rights.
Burgess Owens, a former NFL player and Fox News commentator, who is running for office in Utah, pushed Mr Trump's law-and-order message.
Several military veterans also addressed the convention as well as four of the party's rising female stars: Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, New York Representative Elise Stefanik, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and presidential daughter-in-law Lara Trump.
Who has already spoken?
US First Lady Melania Trump made a heartfelt plea for racial unity when she delivered a live speech from the White House on Tuesday.
The day also saw two of the president's children, Eric and Tiffany Trump, making fierce attacks on the Democrats while Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a pre-recorded speech from Israel, praising the president's "America First vision".
Normally, the nation's top diplomat does not attend political conventions, and critics called his participation unethical.
Monday, the convention's opening day, was dominated by a speech by President Trump himself in which he warned Republicans their opponents might "steal" November's election.
His claim that postal voting could lead to voter fraud has been dismissed by experts and election officials as a conspiracy theory.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Donald Trump: "This is the greatest scam in the history of politics"
His eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, described Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden as "basically the Loch Ness monster of the swamp".
What time is the Republican National Convention?
The convention is expected to last 2.5 hours each night, Monday to Thursday, from 20:30 EST (00:30 GMT) to 23:00 EST (03:00 GMT).
You can follow the latest news, including a live page on Thursday, at bbc.com/news. BBC World News and the BBC News Channel (available globally and in the UK, respectively) will broadcast Mr Trump's speech live and bring you reaction and analysis afterwards.
And you can also watch on the Republican National Convention website.
What to watch out for
Few incumbent presidents of the modern era have faced a challenge as great as the one before Donald Trump in the final months of their re-election campaign. He has consistently trailed Joe Biden in the polls by a modest but significant margin for months. The Republican Convention is one of his last, best opportunities to turn the tide.
The president's speech will be a good guide for how the Republicans hope to conduct their campaign over the final months. Will he focus on tearing down Joe Biden or on accomplishments from early in his presidency? Or will he try to convince the public that the worst days of the pandemic are over?
The Democrats during their convention turned to voices from "ordinary" Americans - immigrants, workers and minorities - who said they had been harmed by the president's policies. The Republicans have countered with ones who will recount how they've been helped - or who are worried about what the Democrats would do in power. Have they made a compelling case?
The rest of the week has been be filled with Republican officeholders of various levels. Some, including Vice-President Mike Pence, will be vying for position to lead the partyonce Trump leaves office - either next year or in 2024.
Four years ago, Trump defied conventional practices and wisdom to win the presidency. He's remade the Republican Party in his image, with an emphasis on conservative populism and sometimes brash rhetoric. That new party, his party, has been on full display this week.
What happens next?
Now we watch as campaigning heats up before the general election on 3 November.
Be sure to set a reminder for the debates too, where we'll see Biden and Trump battle to win over voters. The first presidential debate is scheduled for 29 September with two more in October.


bbc--2020-08-23--Donald Trump's sister says he's an 'unprincipled phoney'

US President Donald Trump 's eldest sister , a former federal judge , has said her brother is a liar who `` has no principles '' , secret recordings reveal .
The critical remarks by Maryanne Trump Barry were recorded by her niece , Mary Trump , who last month published a book excoriating the president .
`` His goddamned tweet and lying , oh my God , '' Ms Barry is heard saying .
`` It 's the phoniness and this cruelty . ''
Mary Trump said she had taped her aunt to protect herself from litigation .
Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a statement issued by the White House , saying : `` Every day it 's something else , who cares . ''
The recordings were first reported by The Washington Post , after which the Associated Press obtained them .
'He had somebody take the exams' In the secret recordings , Ms Barry criticises the Trump administration 's immigration policy , which has led to children being held at migrant detention centres at the border .
`` All he wants to do is appeal to his base , '' she said .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's memoir - Too Much and Never Enough : How My Family Created the World 's Most Dangerous Man - is that her uncle paid a friend to take a SAT test for him - a standardised exam which determines university placement .
Ms Barry refers to this in the recording , even suggesting that she remembers the name of the friend involved .
`` He got into University of Pennsylvania because he had somebody take the exams , '' she said .
• Trump 's parents and siblings : What do we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been supportive of her brother Donald and has previously said the two were close .
She once told the story of how he had visited her every day she was in hospital following an operation .
`` Once would have been enough - the duty call .
That 's how love shows , when you go that extra yard . ''
She also said she `` knew better even as a child than to even attempt to compete with Donald '' .
A Superior Court judge in California has ordered the president to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stephanie Clifford , also known as Stormy Daniels .
The sum was awarded to cover her legal fees relating to a non-disclosure agreement over an alleged affair between the two .
Ms Daniels alleges that she and Mr Trump had sex in a hotel room in Lake Tahoe , a resort area between California and Nevada , in 2006 .
Ms Daniels said she had signed an agreement to keep quiet about her claims in exchange for $ 130,000 in October 2016 , days before the presidential election .
In a court ruling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the case being dismissed , Ms Daniels was `` the prevailing party '' in the dispute and therefore her costs should be covered .

Ms Barry has been supportive of her brother Donald and has previously said the two were close. She once told the story of how he had visited her every day she was in hospital following an operation.


bbc--2020-08-23--California wildfires seen from a plane as Trump declares major disaster

Video footage from the Air National Guard shows the scale of California 's wildfires , which President Donald Trump has @ @ @ @ @ Flames have caused widespread destruction , destroying homes and forests , and killing at least @ @ @ @ @ fires are raging , including some of the largest blazes the state has ever seen @ @ @ @ @ to stay at home to avoid the thick smoke .

Video footage from the Air National Guard shows the scale of California's wildfires, which President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster.
Flames have caused widespread destruction, destroying homes and forests, and killing at least six people.
Around 560 fires are raging, including some of the largest blazes the state has ever seen.
Residents are being advised to stay at home to avoid the thick smoke.
Read more: Trump declares California wildfires major disaster


bbc--2020-08-23--Iran nuclear: Fire at Natanz plant 'caused by sabotage'

Iran 's nuclear body has said that a fire last month at a major nuclear facility at Natanz was caused by sabotage .
But the Iran 's Atomic Energy Organisation ( IAEO ) did not say who they believe is behind the incident .
Some Iranian officials have previously said the fire might have been the result of cyber sabotage .
It comes after a number of fires and explosions at power facilities and other sites over the last few weeks .
Behrouz Kamalvandi , a IAEO spokesperson , told state TV channel al-Alam on Sunday that `` security authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ behind the [ Natanz ] blast '' .
• What is behind mysterious 'attacks ' at key sites ?
• Why do the limits on Iran 's uranium enrichment matter ?
The fire hit a central centrifuge assembly workshop .
Centrifuges are needed to produce enriched uranium , which can be used to make reactor fuel but also material for nuclear weapons .
Mr Kamalvandi said last month that Iran would replace the damaged building with more advanced equipment , but the fire could slow down the development and production of advanced centrifuges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ An article by Iran state news agency Irna previously addressed the possibility of sabotage by adversaries such as the United States and Israel , but did not accuse either of the countries directly .
Natanz , about 250km ( 150 miles ) south of the capital Tehran , is Iran 's largest uranium enrichment facility .
Earlier this month , Bloomberg published details of a report by the the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) , the UN 's nuclear watchdog , which concluded that Iran was attempting to boost uranium enrichment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the move would be in violation of a 2015 nuclear deal Iran signed with several world powers .
As part of the deal , Iran agree only to produce low-enriched uranium , which has a 3-4 % concentration of U-235 and can be used to produce fuel for nuclear power plants .
Weapons-grade uranium is 90 % enriched or more .
Iran also agreed to install no more than 5,060 of the oldest and least efficient centrifuges at Natanz until 2026 , and not to carry out any enrichment at its other underground @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In exchange for concessions to it 's nuclear programme , Iran was granted relief from international sanctions .
But last year , Iran began rolling back its commitments after US President Donald Trump abandoned the nuclear accord and reinstated crippling economic sanctions .
In November , Iran said it had doubled the number of advanced centrifuges being operated at Natanz and had begun injecting uranium hexafluoride gas into centrifuges at Fordo .
Natanz is one of several facilities being monitored by the IAEA to ensure Iran 's compliance with the 2015 deal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rafael Grossi announced he would visit Tehran on Monday to request access to two suspected former nuclear sites .
The IAEA said it suspects activities related to the development of nuclear weapons was carried out in the earlier 2000s at these sites .
Iran has previously insisted its nuclear programme is not intended for military use .
Officials have also denied that Mr Grossi 's visit is related to moves by the United States at the UN Security Council to reimpose international sanctions on Tehran , state media reported .

Iran also agreed to install no more than 5,060 of the oldest and least efficient centrifuges at Natanz until 2026, and not to carry out any enrichment at its other underground facility, Fordo, until 2031.


bbc--2020-08-23--Thomas Restobar Club: Crush kills 13 as Peru police raid party violating lockdown

At least 13 people died in a crush in Peru after trying to escape police who raided a nightclub violating coronavirus restrictions , police say .
The crush happened as revellers tried to leave the Thomas Restobar Club in Lima 's Los Olivos district .
Some eyewitnesses said tear gas was used .
President Martín Vizcarra said 15 of 23 revellers arrested had tested positive for the coronavirus .
Peru has been among the Latin American countries hardest hit by Covid-19 .
It has recorded more than 576,000 cases of coronavirus cases and more than 27,000 fatalities .
A night-time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and a ban on large gatherings was reimposed earlier this month .
Peru 's interior minister said around 120 people had attended the illegal birthday gathering on Saturday .
After police raided the club , the partygoers `` tried to escape through the single exit , trampling each other and getting trapped in the stairway '' .
Eleven men and two women aged in their 20s and 30s died .
The ministry says police `` did not use any type of weapon or tear gas '' during the operation but this was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who told RPP radio : `` It appears that police entered and threw tear gas canisters at them , and boxed them in . ''
The club 's owners , a married couple , were among those detained .
Six people were injured , including three police officers .
President Vizcarra said such large gatherings were common and were posing a serious threat to public health .
`` I have sorrow and I have sadness for the people and relatives of the people who have died , but I also have anger and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organising this , '' he said , adding : `` Please reflect , let 's not lose more lives due to negligence . ''
He said all 60 police officers involved in the raid would be tested for Covid-19 .
• How Peru locked down early but still got badly hit Peru imposed one of the earliest and strictest lockdowns in Latin America to stop the spread of coronavirus - but has still seen cases rise rapidly .


bbc--2020-08-23--Paris St-Germain 0-1 Bayern Munich: German side win Champions League final

Bayern Munich overcame Paris St-Germain in a tightly contested Champions League final in Lisbon to claim the crown for the sixth time .
Kingsley Coman , who started his career at PSG , settled a tense affair with a 59th-minute header at the far post from Joshua Kimmich 's cross to leave the French giants still searching for that elusive Champions League triumph .
It was a night of joy for Bayern coach Hansi Flick , who added the Champions League to the Bundesliga after initially taking over as interim coach from sacked Niko Kovac in November .
In contrast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ disappointment for PSG 's two attacking superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe , who failed to produce their best and found themselves frustrated by Bayern keeper and man of the match Manuel Neuer when they had the best of the first-half chances .
Mbappe 's pain increased in the second half when he looked to be tripped by Kimmich in the area , but PSG 's penalty claims were ignored - leaving Bayern to celebrate being crowned champions of Europe once more , becoming the first team to win the trophy by winning every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• How you rated the players Bayern fully merited their sixth triumph in this tournament , an all-consuming machine that demonstrated graphically that they could overpower teams with attacking prowess but also showed the grit , determination and organisation to frustrate PSG 's attacking golden boys Mbappe and Neymar .
And huge credit must go to coach Flick , who has guided Bayern to 21 successive victories , reviving and inspiring Bayern after emerging from the shadows when Kovac was sacked in November and the club in crisis .
Flick also illustrated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , selecting Coman ahead of the influential Croat Ivan Perisic and being rewarded with that decisive moment just before the hour .
Bayern also leant heavily on one of the great figures of the club 's successes , keeper Neuer , who was at his magnificent best to stand toe-to-toe with Neymar in those crucial first-half duels and make the saves that made such a huge contribution to this victory .
Bayern 's status as European champions is deserved , having won every game in the tournament this season , not only having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the sort that overwhelmed Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-final and frustrate PSG 's threat in the final .
This is a developing team , with Leroy Sane already signed from Manchester City for next season , and Bayern 's future looks bright under Flick .
PSG 's big two misfire when it matters most PSG looked to the two great superstars Neymar and Mbappe to spearhead their assault on the trophy they crave most after such lavish investment - but they were unable to break down the Bayern Munich barrier .
The pair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ half , but their finishing was not at its best and the imposing figure of Neuer denied them , with Mbappe 's bad miss at the end of the opening period proving a pivotal moment .
This has been PSG 's best Champions League campaign but this will not ease the pain of this defeat for the players or coach Thomas Tuchel , who must now revamp his side as experienced captain and defensive pivot Thiago Silva leaves the club .
Neymar and Mbappe will remain the big hopes for a club of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge opportunity to break this final frontier was missed in Lisbon , especially as their big rivals will come back stronger next season .
Bayern the first team to win every Champions League game - stats • Bayern have won the European Cup/Champions League for a sixth time ( level with Liverpool ) and for the first time since 2012-13 .
Only Real Madrid ( 13 ) and AC Milan ( 7 ) have been crowned champions on more occasions .
• PSG failed to score in a game in a major European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches , last failing to do so in a 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in April 2016 .
• Each of the past seven teams competing in their first European Cup/Champions League final have all lost , with the last first-time winners being Borussia Dortmund in 1997 against Juventus .
• On only four previous occasions has a manager older than Bayern boss Hansi Flick ( 55y 181d ) won the Champions League ( Goethals with Marseille in 1993 - 71 , Heynckes with Bayern Munich in 2013 - 68 and Alex Ferguson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - 57 and 66 ) .
• Bayern became just the third side in Champions League history to hit the 500-goal mark in the competition ( 500 goals in total ) , after Barcelona ( 517 ) and Real Madrid ( 567 ) .
• Bayern attacker Kingsley Coman became the fifth Frenchman to score in a Champions League final ( Benzema 2018 , Zidane 2002 , Desailly 1994 and Boli 1993 ) .
• PSG 's Keylor Navas is the third goalkeeper to appear in a Champions League final with two different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Munich and Bayer Leverkusen ) and Edwin van der Sar ( Man Utd and Ajax ) .
• Thiago Silva is the first Brazilian to start a European Cup/Champions League final as captain .

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Bayern are the first team to win every game en route to winning the European Cup or Champions League (11 wins)
Bayern Munich overcame Paris St-Germain in a tightly contested Champions League final in Lisbon to claim the crown for the sixth time.
Kingsley Coman, who started his career at PSG, settled a tense affair with a 59th-minute header at the far post from Joshua Kimmich's cross to leave the French giants still searching for that elusive Champions League triumph.
It was a night of joy for Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who added the Champions League to the Bundesliga after initially taking over as interim coach from sacked Niko Kovac in November.
In contrast, it was a night of bitter disappointment for PSG's two attacking superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who failed to produce their best and found themselves frustrated by Bayern keeper and man of the match Manuel Neuer when they had the best of the first-half chances.
Mbappe's pain increased in the second half when he looked to be tripped by Kimmich in the area, but PSG's penalty claims were ignored - leaving Bayern to celebrate being crowned champions of Europe once more, becoming the first team to win the trophy by winning every Champions League game in a single campaign.
Bayern show steel to match silk
Kingsley Coman is the fifth Frenchman to score in a Champions League final
Bayern fully merited their sixth triumph in this tournament, an all-consuming machine that demonstrated graphically that they could overpower teams with attacking prowess but also showed the grit, determination and organisation to frustrate PSG's attacking golden boys Mbappe and Neymar.
And huge credit must go to coach Flick, who has guided Bayern to 21 successive victories, reviving and inspiring Bayern after emerging from the shadows when Kovac was sacked in November and the club in crisis.
Flick also illustrated his ability to make the big calls, selecting Coman ahead of the influential Croat Ivan Perisic and being rewarded with that decisive moment just before the hour.
Bayern also leant heavily on one of the great figures of the club's successes, keeper Neuer, who was at his magnificent best to stand toe-to-toe with Neymar in those crucial first-half duels and make the saves that made such a huge contribution to this victory.
Bayern's status as European champions is deserved, having won every game in the tournament this season, not only having the ability to produce blistering performances of the sort that overwhelmed Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-final and frustrate PSG's threat in the final.
This is a developing team, with Leroy Sane already signed from Manchester City for next season, and Bayern's future looks bright under Flick.
PSG's big two misfire when it matters most
Neymar is the most expensive footballer of all time (222m euros, £200m)
PSG looked to the two great superstars Neymar and Mbappe to spearhead their assault on the trophy they crave most after such lavish investment - but they were unable to break down the Bayern Munich barrier.
The pair had chances, especially in the first half, but their finishing was not at its best and the imposing figure of Neuer denied them, with Mbappe's bad miss at the end of the opening period proving a pivotal moment.
This has been PSG's best Champions League campaign but this will not ease the pain of defeat for the players or coach Thomas Tuchel, who must now revamp his side as experienced captain and defensive pivot Thiago Silva leaves the club.
Neymar and Mbappe will remain the big hopes for a club of huge ambition but they will know a huge opportunity to break this final frontier was missed in Lisbon, especially as their big rivals will come back stronger next season.
Bayern the first team to win every Champions League game - stats
Bayern have won the European Cup/Champions League for a sixth time (level with Liverpool) and for the first time since 2012-13. Only Real Madrid (13) and AC Milan (7) have been crowned champions on more occasions.
PSG failed to score in a game in a major European competition for the first time in 35 matches, last failing to do so in a 1-0 defeat by Manchester City in April 2016.
Each of the past seven teams competing in their first European Cup/Champions League final have all lost, with the last first-time winners being Borussia Dortmund in 1997 against Juventus.
On only four previous occasions has a manager older than Bayern boss Hansi Flick (55y 181d) won the Champions League (Raymond Goethals with Marseille in 1993 - 71, Jupp Heynckes with Bayern Munich in 2013 - 68 and Alex Ferguson with Man Utd in 1999 and 2008 - 57 and 66).
Bayern became just the third side in Champions League history to hit the 500-goal mark in the competition (500 goals in total), after Barcelona (517) and Real Madrid (567).
Bayern attacker Kingsley Coman became the fifth Frenchman to score in a Champions League final (Karim Benzema 2018, Zinedine Zidane 2002, Marcel Desailly 1994 and Basile Boli 1993).
PSG's Keylor Navas is the third goalkeeper to appear in a Champions League final with two different teams, after Hans-Jorg Butt (Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen) and Edwin van der Sar (Man Utd and Ajax).
Thiago Silva is the first Brazilian to start a European Cup/Champions League final as captain.


bbc--2020-08-23--Thousands evacuated as two storms head for southern US

Thousands of people have been evacuated from parts of the Caribbean and southern US as two storms tore through the region on Sunday .
Hurricane Marco and Tropical Storm Laura have brought high winds and rough seas , causing damage to areas of Haiti , Cuba and the Dominican Republic .
Heavy rains have also battered the US territory of Puerto Rico .
Marco is expected to make landfall in the US state of Louisiana on Monday , with Laura hitting Texas by Thursday .
But forecasters say that Laura may swing east towards Louisiana , and it could be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the state has been hit by two simultaneous hurricanes .
In response to the storms , US President Donald Trump has issued a disaster declaration for Louisiana , ordering federal assistance to coordinate relief efforts .
On Saturday , a similar declaration was made for Puerto Rico .
A least three people have been killed in the Dominican Republic as Laura swept through the country , leaving more than a million people without electricity .
Among those killed was a seven-year-old boy who died with his mother after a wall collapsed in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tree collapsed on a house .
Five other deaths have been reported in Haiti , including that of a 10-year-old girl .
The capital Port-au-Prince , is also experiencing severe flooding .
Meanwhile in Cuba , many residents in the country 's eastern regions have been evacuated and housed in shelters or safer buildings on higher ground .
Marco strengthened to a hurricane on Sunday , with sustained winds of up to 75mph ( 120km/h ) , and is moving north between Cuba and Mexico 's Yucatan Peninsula .
Laura is also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with its course heading northwest towards Houston , America 's fourth-largest city .
The US National Hurricane Centre has warned that back-to-back hurricanes arriving in the US within days of one another could result in prolonged periods of hazardous weather .
The US Coast Guard has also issued a warning for the Port of New Orleans , and called on ships to make plans to evacuate some areas .


bbc--2020-08-23--EU trade commissioner apologises for attending golf dinner

EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan has apologised `` fully and unreservedly '' for attending a dinner in the west of Ireland with more than 80 people .
Mr Hogan said he acknowledged his presence at the golf event had `` touched a nerve '' with Irish people .
The Irish government has agreed to recall the Dáil ( Irish parliament ) early amid the controversy surrounding the attendance of political figures at the Galway gathering .
It was due to return on 15 September .
It has also emerged that the commissioner was stopped by gardaí ( Irish police ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in County Kildare on 17 August .
The county has been under strict restrictions that prevent people from travelling in and out except in exceptional circumstances .
A spokesperson for Mr Hogan told the Irish national broadcaster RTÉ that the incident happened while he was en route from Kilkenny to Kildare to collect `` personal belongings and essential documents '' at his apartment there before driving on to Galway for the golf event .
The spokesperson said : `` The lockdown guidelines for Kildare provide for exceptional travel outside the county 'to travel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Mr Hogan will not be resigning from his position , his spokesperson also told RTÉ News .
As EU trade commissioner , Mr Hogan , a former Irish government minister , would lead free trade negotiations with the UK if and when they commence after Brexit .
Taoiseach ( Irish PM ) Micheál Martin will make the request for the Dáil to be recalled to the Ceann Comhairle ( Speaker ) on Monday .
The coalition government has agreed the Dáil should be recalled following the reopening of schools .
Opposition politicians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake of the dinner controversy that has already claimed the resignation of Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary , who had also attended the event .
Irish police are investigating if the Oireachtas golf society dinner breached Covid-19 regulations .
The event came a day after tighter lockdown restrictions were announced .
In a statement on Sunday , Mr Hogan said he particularly wanted to `` apologise to the wonderful healthcare workers , who continue to put their lives on the line to combat Covid-19 and all people who have lost loved ones during this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland , something for which I am profoundly sorry , '' he said .
`` I realise fully the unnecessary stress , risk and offense caused to the people of Ireland by my attendance at such an event , at such a difficult time for all , and I am extremely sorry for this , '' he added .
He said he had spoken to the taoiseach and Tánaiste ( deputy PM ) Leo Varadkar yesterday and had been reporting to the President of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reportedly come under pressure to consider his position .
The Sunday Independent has reported that Mr Martin and Mr Varadkar want the EU trade commissioner to consider his position .
Mr Varadkar told RTÉ News on Sunday that he welcomed Mr Hogan 's apology but that further explanation was required .
The return date for the Dáil has not yet been confirmed , but is expected to be early next month .
The decision to recall the Dáil was taken by Mr Martin , Mr Varadkar , and Minister Eamon Ryan , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on RTÉ News on Friday , Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called for the return of the Dáil , and said the event had been `` the last straw for many people '' .
Calls for its return were also made by Labour leader Alan Kelly , and co-leader of the Social Democrats , Catherine Murphy .
As well as Agriculture Minister Dara Calleary , Jerry Buttimer , who was the leas-chathaoirleach ( deputy chairman of the Irish senate ) , also stepped down from his roles after attending the event .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ has apologised `` unreservedly '' for the hurt caused by the dinner .
Others present at the event included Supreme Court judge Séamus Woulfe and independent TD ( MP ) Noel Grealish .


bbc--2020-08-23--Eilat rape allegations: Tel Aviv covers over Peeping Toms beach mural

The Israeli authorities have covered over a mural known as Peeping Toms at a beach in Tel Aviv in response to an outcry over the suspected gang rape of a teenage girl at another beach resort .
The mural shows two young men in bathing suits peering inside what is the women 's changing room .
Almost 20 years old , it commemorates a 1970s film of the same name that was partly filmed at the beach .
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai tweeted ( in Hebrew ) that the time had come to cover it over after the alleged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expression and the arts are important values in our city but because the painting was seen as acceptance of a forbidden and criminal act , we have decided to say goodbye to it , '' he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency .
What are the allegations in Eilat ?
Police launched an investigation this month into the alleged gang rape of a 16-year-old girl at a hotel in Eilat .
At least three people have been detained so far .
One of the suspects said more than 30 men had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rape , according to local media reports .
The men are accused of raping the teenager while she was intoxicated .
Last year , a 19-year-old British woman claimed she had been gang-raped by 12 Israeli men at a hotel in Cyprus .
She was later found guilty of lying about being raped and given a four-month suspended sentence .
The case was denounced by women 's rights groups .
The 19-year-old 's lawyer said she was appealing against her conviction .

"Freedom of expression and the arts are important values in our city but because the painting was seen as acceptance of a forbidden and criminal act, we have decided to say goodbye to it," he was quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.


bbc--2020-08-23--North Korea propaganda: New faces but old messages

North Korea ’ s propaganda machine could never be accused of being ahead of the curve .
But there are @ @ @ @ @ new , more modern approach .
Pyongyang is believed to be behind several YouTube and @ @ @ @ @ foreign audiences , that are promoting a benign vision of the country in a friendly @ @ @ @ @ a recent video series in English about life in Pyongyang .

North Korea’s propaganda machine could never be accused of being ahead of the curve. But there are signs of change signalling a new, more modern approach.
Pyongyang is believed to be behind several YouTube and Twitter accounts, aimed at foreign audiences, that are promoting a benign vision of the country in a friendly video blogging style, including a recent video series in English about life in Pyongyang.
Krassi Twigg from BBC Monitoring reports.
Video produced by Suniti Singh


bbc--2020-08-23--Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race: Hundreds join Istanbul competition

While many sporting events have been cancelled by the coronavirus pandemic , a unique swimming challenge took place in Istanbul @ @ @ @ @ competitors took part in the 32nd Samsung Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swimming Race , which is considered @ @ @ @ @ best open water swimming races and the only intercontinental swimming contest .
The race started @ @ @ @ @ , which lies on the Asian side of the city , and ended in the @ @ @ @ @ to Hurriyet Daily News , 1,765 swimmers from 59 countries braved the 6.5km ( four @ @ @ @ @ race , which is organised by the Turkish Olympic committee , began in 1989 .
@ @ @ @ @ to take place on 12 July , but was postponed until 23 August due to @ @ @ @ @ changes were made for the pandemic , with competitors wearing masks before setting off and @ @ @ @ @ And in contrast to previous years , no spectators were allowed to attend .
Turkey @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus cases and 6,121 deaths , according to figures from Johns Hopkins University .

Some changes were made for the pandemic, with competitors wearing masks before setting off and during the award ceremony. And in contrast to previous years, no spectators were allowed to attend.


bbc--2020-08-23--Panorama investigation: The detainees held 'hostage' in Iran

Anoosheh Ashoori was arrested in Iran in 2017 and sentenced to 10 years in prison after being accused by the @ @ @ @ @ charges he denies .
He is one of eight known dual-nationality British citizens to have @ @ @ @ @ Iran in recent years .
That number includes Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe , convicted under spying charges @ @ @ @ @ as baseless .
Nizar Zakkar is a Lebanese businessman and US resident who spent four @ @ @ @ @ under similar charges .
The US government has claimed such detentions amount to hostage taking @ @ @ @ @ denied by Iran .
The BBC ’ s Darragh MacIntyre investigates these arrests and suggestions @ @ @ @ @ citizens in similar circumstances .
You can watch “ Hostage in Iran ” on Monday @ @ @ @ @ at 19:30 BST .

Anoosheh Ashoori was arrested in Iran in 2017 and sentenced to 10 years in prison after being accused by the Iranian government of spying, charges he denies.
He is one of eight known dual-nationality British citizens to have been arrested and detained in Iran in recent years. That number includes Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, convicted under spying charges that have been widely denounced as baseless.
Also detained in Iran is Hammersmith-born Morad Tahbaz. The conservationist was arrested in 2018 and had been diagnosed with cancer.
Nizar Zakkar is a Lebanese businessman and US resident who spent four years in the same prison under similar charges.
The US government has claimed such detentions amount to hostage taking for ransom, an allegation denied by Iran.
The BBC’s Darragh MacIntyre investigates these arrests and suggestions there may be more British citizens in similar circumstances.
UK viewers can watch Hostage in Iran on Monday 24 August on BBC One at 19:30 BST.


bbc--2020-08-23--Paris: 'World’s largest urban rooftop farm' in progress

A company in Paris is transforming roofs and abandoned urban areas into spaces which are covered in plants .
The @ @ @ @ @ a global model for sustainable production '' .

A company in Paris is transforming roofs and abandoned urban areas into spaces which are covered in plants.
The project aims to be "a global model for sustainable production".
Video produced by Daniel South and Lisa Louis


bbc--2020-08-23--Ten countries kept out Covid. But did they win?

Covid-19 has infected almost every country in the world – apart from 10 .
So what do they do now ?
The Palau Hotel is so named because , when it opened in 1982 , it was the Palau Hotel .
There were no others .
Since then , this tiny nation , surrounded by the sky-blue Pacific Ocean , has enjoyed a tourism boom .
In 2019 , 90,000 tourists came to Palau , five times the total population .
In 2017 , IMF figures showed , tourism made up 40 % of the country ’ s GDP .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders have been , in effect , closed since late March .
It is one of the 10 countries in the world with no confirmed cases ( excluding North Korea and Turkmenistan ) .
Yet , without infecting a single person , the virus has ravaged the country .
The Palau Hotel has been closed since March , and it ’ s not alone .
The restaurants are empty , the souvenir shops are shut , and the only hotel guests are returning residents in quarantine .
“ The ocean here is much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world , ” says Brian Lee , manager and co-owner of the Palau Hotel .
It is the sky-blue ocean that kept Brian busy .
Before Covid , his 54 rooms had an occupancy rate of 70 % -80 % .
But when the borders closed , there was nothing to fall back on .
“ It ’ s a small country , so local people won ’ t stay in Palau , ” says Brian .
He has around 20 staff , and has kept them all on , albeit with reduced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs for them – maintenance , renovation , and so on , ” he says .
But empty hotels can not be maintained and renovated for ever .
“ I can stay for another half-a-year , ” says Brian .
“ Then I may have to close.
” Brian doesn ’ t blame the government , which has offered financial support to residents , and has , after all , kept the virus out .
“ I think they did a good job , ” he says .
And yet , if Palau @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , something has to change soon .
The president recently announced that “ essential ” air travel could resume by 1 September .
Meanwhile , an “ air corridor ” with Taiwan , which would allow tourists to visit , has been rumoured .
For Brian , it can ’ t come soon enough .
“ I think they have to start reopening again – maybe have travel bubbles with New Zealand and countries like that , ” he says .
“ Otherwise , no one can survive here.
” Some 2,500 miles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast Pacific Ocean , the Marshall Islands also remain Covid-free .
But , like Palau , no infection does not mean no impact .
The Hotel Robert Reimers sits on a ribbon of land on the main atoll , Majuro , with a lagoon on one side , and ocean on the other .
Before Covid , the 37 rooms had an occupancy rate of 75 % -88 % , with guests mainly from Asia , the Pacific , or “ the Mainland ” ( the United States ) .
Since the borders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is has been 3 % -5 % .
“ We ’ ve had a few coming from the outer islands , ” says Sophia Fowler , who works for the hotel group .
“ But not a lot.
” Nationally , the country is expected to lose more than 700 jobs in the Covid downturn , the biggest fall since 1997 .
Of those , 258 will be in the hotel and restaurant sector .
But self-isolation affects more than tourism – and the Marshall Islands are much less dependent on holiday-makers than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fishing industry .
To keep the country Covid-free , boats that have been in infected countries are banned from entering the country ’ s ports .
Other boats , including fuel tankers and container ships , must spend 14 days at sea before entering .
Fishing licences are unsold , and cargo flights have been cut .
The effect is clear .
The Marshall Islands specialise in aquarium fish – the most popular is the flame angel fish – but exports fell by 50 % , according to one US report .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same amount .
Other fishing industries expect a 30 % fall during the year .
In short , you can keep the virus out , but you can ’ t beat it .
Covid-19 gets you one way or the other .
Sophia “ hopes ” things return to normal for the country , and Hotel Robert Reimers , next year .
But if they don ’ t ?
“ Then it ’ s just not feasible for us , ” she says .
But while closing borders has made Covid-free countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Dr Len Tarivonda is the director of public health in Vanuatu , population 300,000 .
Though he works in the capital , Port Vila , he is from Ambae , an island of 10,000 people around 170 miles north .
“ If you talk to them [ in Ambae ] , the majority say keep the border closed for as long as possible , ” he says .
“ They say : ‘ We don ’ t want the sickness – otherwise we ’ re doomed , basically.
’ ” Some 80 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towns and the “ formal economy ” , Dr Tarivonda says .
“ And my observation is they don ’ t necessarily feel the pinch yet .
They are subsistence farmers , they grow their own food – they depend on the local , traditional economy.
” Nonetheless , the country will suffer .
The Asian Development Bank expects GDP to fall by almost 10 % – Vanuatu ’ s biggest drop since independence in 1980 .
That slump is not just down to Covid ’ s closed borders .
In April , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country , killing three people and affecting more than half the population .
“ We had a daily health emergency operation briefing , ” Dr Tarivonda remembers .
“ First we would discuss Covid , then TC Harold .
Two disasters going on at the same time.
” Yet Covid will have the longer-lasting impact .
In July , the government announced plans to reopen the border to other “ safe ” countries by 1 September .
Then cases grew in Australia , and New Zealand , and the plan was pushed back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the border task force along with government , tourism , and airline officials , admits they are “ almost back to square one ” , with no new date for reopening .
Smaller , specific cross-border travel may help Vanuatu .
The government recently allowed 172 workers to travel to the Northern Territory in Australia for six months to pick mangoes .
While the remittances will help , they are not enough in a country where 35 % of GDP comes from tourism .
But , despite that need for open borders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Tarivonda looks at Papua New Guinea , which was almost Covid-free until a sharp increase in late July , with concern .
“ If the virus comes , it will probably be like wildfire – and what we are seeing in Papua New Guinea is a reflection of why we are worried , ” he says .
“ Given our [ health care ] limitations , the context we have in the Pacific , the best bet is to keep the virus out for as long as possible.
” So is there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are short-term measures , such as payments to workers and business .
And there is one long-term measure : wait for a vaccine .
Until then , travel bubbles remain the best hope .
Yet , as Rommel Rabanal from the Asian Development Bank points out , they sound simpler than they are .
“ These arrangements have prerequisites , ” he says .
“ A common set of testing standards , contact tracing , and quarantine facilities , in case outbreaks happen .
They are under discussion but there has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” And – as seen with Vanuatu ’ s “ September plan ” – the bubbles can burst quite easily , too .
“ Australia and New Zealand have made it clear the first country they ’ ll test it with is each other , ” says Jonathan Pryke , director of the Pacific islands programme at the Lowy Institute .
“ And before that can happen , you need to remove community transmission .
So I think the prospects of a travel bubble are off the cards for this year.
” • @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch Covid-19 ?
• How do you stay at home if your home is destroyed ?
Mr Pryke says that , as the months pass , the desperation is mounting in the closed-off Pacific countries .
He is , however , in no doubt that the only option for these countries was self-isolation on an international scale .
“ Even if they kept their borders open , their major tourism markets of Australia and New Zealand wouldn ’ t be open , as they ’ ve locked down their own borders , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the worst of both worlds – a health crisis and an economic crisis .
We ’ re going to have years and years to look at what the right decisions were .
`` But looking back , no one ’ s going to doubt that locking down was the right move by these Pacific nations .
”

"So you would have the worst of both worlds – a health crisis and an economic crisis. We’re going to have years and years to look at what the right decisions were.