france24--2020-11-08--Authentic wins Breeders' Cup Classic as European raiders dominate on turf

Authentic won the $ 6 million Breeders ' Cup Classic as Bob Baffert capped a troubled 2020 with two victories at Keeneland , where European raiders won all four turf races on Saturday in sometimes sensational style .
Baffert 's Kentucky Derby winner Authentic was a wire-to-wire winner in the Classic under John Velazquez , cruising to his third Grade One victory over elder stablemate Improbable in the marquee event of the 14-race , $ 30 million Breeders ' Cup slate at the Keeneland track in Lexington , Kentucky .
There were no fans in attendance , but the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than two dozen runners from Europe , who came up big on Saturday after being shut out in Friday 's five races .
Order of Australia , a 73-1 longshot who was in the $ 2 million Mile only after One Master was scratched because of injury , led a sweep of the board for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien under jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot -- who was only aboard because Christophe Soumillon tested positive for Covid-19 this week .
Boudot made the most of his chance , grabbing his second win of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the Filly & Mare Turf -- a mount he inherited after Ioritz Mendizabal was unable to make the trip from Europe because of a positive coronavirus test .
`` It 's just unbelievable , '' Boudot said .
`` It 's a dream come true for me .
It is my first win during the Breeders ' Cup week with Audarya .
`` I had an opportunity because Ioritz had a positive test of Covid and his trainer give me this fabulous mare and today she makes her perfect job .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ non-runner and Christophe had a positive Covid test again and I pick up this ride . ''
Order of Australia broke from the outside post and was running second entering the final straight , where he overtook Halladay and held off the late-charging Circus Maximums .
Lope Y Fernandez finished third to complete the sweep for O'Brien .
O'Brien was n't in attendance in Lexington , but his 13th Breeders ' Cup win , and his first in the Mile , was a welcome reversal of fortune after his English Derby winner Anthony @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaking down in the Melbourne Cup .
That followed disappointment in October when O'Brien withdrew four runners from the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after contaminated feed put them afoul of anti-doping regulations .
Dermot Weld likewise was n't on hand to see Tarnawa -- with replacement rider Colin Keane aboard in place of Soumillon -- win the $ 4 million 1 1/2-mile Turf .
It was a first Breeders ' Cup victory for Weld in his 17th attempt .
`` It does n't get any bigger than this , '' said Weld @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 'm sad that my dad 's not here , but this Covid situation is what it is . ''
Glass Slippers had got the ball rolling for the European raiders with a victory in the Turf Sprint with Tom Eaves in the irons .
It was a monster meeting for Kentucky trainer Brad Cox , who saddled Dirt Mile winner Knicks Go and Distaff winner Monomoy Girl to take his tally for the 2020 Breeders ' Cup to four .
It was an especially sweet victory for Monomoy Girl , who won the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sidelined for more than a year after colic surgery .
`` I 'm very proud of her , I thought she was better than ever coming into this , I really , really did and I think she proved that , '' Cox said .
The 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares was billed as a showdown between Monomoy Girl and rising star Swiss Skydiver , who this year became just the sixth filly to win the Preakness Stakes ahead of Authentic .
But Swiss Skydiver stumbled out of the gate and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ filly , Baffert 's Gamine , underlined her credentials as a speedster with her victory under Velazquez in the $ 1 million Filly & Mare Sprint .
Gamine came from off a blistering pace set by Serengeti Empress , surging to the front at the top of the stretch and pulling away for the victory .
`` She is just brilliant , '' Baffert said .
`` She is the fastest filly going one turn I 've ever trained .
`` I wanted it bad for her .
What she 's gone through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Baffert , the two-time Triple Crown winning trainer who has come under scrutiny this year after having four horses produce positive tests for banned or regulated substances .
Gamine was among them , testing positive twice , including for an illegal level of a corticosteroid used legally as an anti-inflammatory .
Both Baffert and Velazquez called her victory a `` vindication . ''
`` The headlines do n't sound well , but when you get to the facts , they were contamination , one was an overage , '' Baffert said of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement on the eve of the Breeders ' Cup outlining measures he would take to prevent similar incidents in the future .
`` I always thought I ran a tight ship , I have to run a tighter ship , '' Baffert said .
`` We run it like a barn and we have to run it more like a hospital and that 's the new norm now .
`` I 'm just happy that she showed what a wonderful filly she is and there was no doubt today . ''

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Authentic won the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic as Bob Baffert capped a troubled 2020 with two victories at Keeneland, where European raiders won all four turf races on Saturday in sometimes sensational style.
Baffert's Kentucky Derby winner Authentic was a wire-to-wire winner in the Classic under John Velazquez, cruising to his third Grade One victory over elder stablemate Improbable in the marquee event of the 14-race, $30 million Breeders' Cup slate at the Keeneland track in Lexington, Kentucky.
There were no fans in attendance, but the coronavirus pandemic didn't stop a determined contingent of more than two dozen runners from Europe, who came up big on Saturday after being shut out in Friday's five races.
Order of Australia, a 73-1 longshot who was in the $2 million Mile only after One Master was scratched because of injury, led a sweep of the board for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien under jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot -- who was only aboard because Christophe Soumillon tested positive for Covid-19 this week.
Boudot made the most of his chance, grabbing his second win of the day after piloting Audarya to victory in the Filly & Mare Turf -- a mount he inherited after Ioritz Mendizabal was unable to make the trip from Europe because of a positive coronavirus test.
"It's just unbelievable," Boudot said. "It's a dream come true for me. It is my first win during the Breeders' Cup week with Audarya.
"I had an opportunity because Ioritz had a positive test of Covid and his trainer give me this fabulous mare and today she makes her perfect job.
"A chance again because One Master is non-runner and Christophe had a positive Covid test again and I pick up this ride."
Order of Australia broke from the outside post and was running second entering the final straight, where he overtook Halladay and held off the late-charging Circus Maximums. Lope Y Fernandez finished third to complete the sweep for O'Brien.
O'Brien wasn't in attendance in Lexington, but his 13th Breeders' Cup win, and his first in the Mile, was a welcome reversal of fortune after his English Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck was euthanized on Tuesday after breaking down in the Melbourne Cup.
That followed disappointment in October when O'Brien withdrew four runners from the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe after contaminated feed put them afoul of anti-doping regulations.
Dermot Weld likewise wasn't on hand to see Tarnawa -- with replacement rider Colin Keane aboard in place of Soumillon -- win the $4 million 1 1/2-mile Turf.
It was a first Breeders' Cup victory for Weld in his 17th attempt.
"It doesn't get any bigger than this," said Weld's son, Mark. "I'm sad that my dad's not here, but this Covid situation is what it is."
Glass Slippers had got the ball rolling for the European raiders with a victory in the Turf Sprint with Tom Eaves in the irons.
It was a monster meeting for Kentucky trainer Brad Cox, who saddled Dirt Mile winner Knicks Go and Distaff winner Monomoy Girl to take his tally for the 2020 Breeders' Cup to four.
It was an especially sweet victory for Monomoy Girl, who won the 2018 Distaff as a three-year-old but was sidelined for more than a year after colic surgery.
"I'm very proud of her, I thought she was better than ever coming into this, I really, really did and I think she proved that," Cox said.
The 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares was billed as a showdown between Monomoy Girl and rising star Swiss Skydiver, who this year became just the sixth filly to win the Preakness Stakes ahead of Authentic.
But Swiss Skydiver stumbled out of the gate and was never a factor.
- Brilliant 'Gamine' -
Another star filly, Baffert's Gamine, underlined her credentials as a speedster with her victory under Velazquez in the $1 million Filly & Mare Sprint.
Gamine came from off a blistering pace set by Serengeti Empress, surging to the front at the top of the stretch and pulling away for the victory.
"She is just brilliant," Baffert said. "She is the fastest filly going one turn I've ever trained.
"I wanted it bad for her. What she's gone through, she deserved it," added Baffert, the two-time Triple Crown winning trainer who has come under scrutiny this year after having four horses produce positive tests for banned or regulated substances.
Gamine was among them, testing positive twice, including for an illegal level of a corticosteroid used legally as an anti-inflammatory.
Both Baffert and Velazquez called her victory a "vindication."
"The headlines don't sound well, but when you get to the facts, they were contamination, one was an overage," Baffert said of the drug violations.
He had released a statement on the eve of the Breeders' Cup outlining measures he would take to prevent similar incidents in the future.
"I always thought I ran a tight ship, I have to run a tighter ship," Baffert said. "We run it like a barn and we have to run it more like a hospital and that's the new norm now.
"I'm just happy that she showed what a wonderful filly she is and there was no doubt today."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Burns holds slim lead at Houston Open; Day, Johnson in hunt

Sam Burns fired a two-under par 68 on Saturday at the Houston Open to maintain a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the US PGA Tour event in Texas .
The 24-year-old American sits at nine-under 201 for a one-shot cushion over Australia 's Jason Day and Carlos Ortiz of Mexico at the difficult Memorial Park Golf Course .
“ I think this golf course , it ’ s not a matter of if , it it ’ s a matter of when this golf course will hit you , ” Burns said .
“ I think for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in there.
” Day , who will turn 33 next week , and Ortiz both shot a three-under 67s to reach eight-under 202 .
Austria 's Sepp Straka was one shot back in fourth after a 66 as both he and Burns are seeking their first PGA Tour titles .
With the global pandemic still gripping the United States , organizers are using the Houston Open as a testing ground for the return of spectators with some 2,000 a day being allowed on the grounds .
World number one Dustin Johnson , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting the coronavirus and missing October tournaments , was alone in fifth place after shooting a second straight 66 .
He had an uncharacteristic 72 in his opening round .
South Africa 's two-time European Tour winner Dawie van der Walt and Aaron Wise of the United States were tied for sixth at five-under 205 , four shots back of Burns .
Day has been battling some health issues of late but his play this week has been very consistent .
`` Right now I 'm in contention , I 'm one back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's positive in regards to how I feel like I 'm playing , '' Day said .
`` I think the golf swing is holding up quite nicely and the body is , too . ''
Burns , ranked 179th in the world , opened his round with back-to-back bogeys on the second and third holes but clawed that back with a birdie on the par-four No .
4 and an eagle on the par-five eighth , where he chipped in from a greenside bunker .
`` I kind of necked the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first cut , '' Burns said .
He had two more bogeys on the ninth and the 11th holes and then finished strong with three birdies in a four hole stretch , beginning at the par-four 13th .
Burns landed his 181-yard approach shot on the 14th just two feet from the cup then made the easy putt .
He two-putted for birdie on 16 after landing a 230-yard second shot onto the green .

Washington (AFP) –
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Sam Burns fired a two-under par 68 on Saturday at the Houston Open to maintain a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the US PGA Tour event in Texas.
The 24-year-old American sits at nine-under 201 for a one-shot cushion over Australia's Jason Day and Carlos Ortiz of Mexico at the difficult Memorial Park Golf Course.
“I think this golf course, it’s not a matter of if, it it’s a matter of when this golf course will hit you,” Burns said. “I think for me, just being able to hang in there.”
Day, who will turn 33 next week, and Ortiz both shot a three-under 67s to reach eight-under 202.
Austria's Sepp Straka was one shot back in fourth after a 66 as both he and Burns are seeking their first PGA Tour titles.
With the global pandemic still gripping the United States, organizers are using the Houston Open as a testing ground for the return of spectators with some 2,000 a day being allowed on the grounds.
World number one Dustin Johnson, who is playing in his first event since getting the coronavirus and missing October tournaments, was alone in fifth place after shooting a second straight 66. He had an uncharacteristic 72 in his opening round.
South Africa's two-time European Tour winner Dawie van der Walt and Aaron Wise of the United States were tied for sixth at five-under 205, four shots back of Burns.
Day has been battling some health issues of late but his play this week has been very consistent.
"Right now I'm in contention, I'm one back going into tomorrow's round, so it's positive in regards to how I feel like I'm playing," Day said. "I think the golf swing is holding up quite nicely and the body is, too."
Burns, ranked 179th in the world, opened his round with back-to-back bogeys on the second and third holes but clawed that back with a birdie on the par-four No. 4 and an eagle on the par-five eighth, where he chipped in from a greenside bunker.
"I kind of necked the tee shot, but fortunately it stayed in the first cut," Burns said.
He had two more bogeys on the ninth and the 11th holes and then finished strong with three birdies in a four hole stretch, beginning at the par-four 13th.
Burns landed his 181-yard approach shot on the 14th just two feet from the cup then made the easy putt.
He two-putted for birdie on 16 after landing a 230-yard second shot onto the green.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Venezuela rivals congratulate Biden on victory

Venezuela 's political rivals Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido both congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the US presidential race ; handout image of Maduro is from his office November 6 , 2020 Venezuela 's political rivals Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido on Saturday both congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the US presidential election .
President Maduro , whose regime was hit with multiple new sanctions by the Donald Trump administration , wrote on Twitter that `` Venezuela ... will always be ready for dialogue and understanding with the people and government of the US . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ support from Trump in his bid to oust Maduro before that help waned , said he and Biden would `` work together to secure the restoration of democracy , freedom and human rights to the Venezuelan people . ''
Under President Trump , Washington was one of the first of around 60 countries to back Guaido 's January 2019 claim to be Venezuela 's acting president .
But the Venezuelan military maintained its support for Maduro and Guaido 's early momentum ground to a halt .
He faces a challenge to hang onto @ @ @ @ @ @ @ elections due next month .
Guaido and the main opposition parties have vowed to boycott the poll but election authorities say it will go ahead .
Elsewhere , Argentina 's President Alberto Fernandez and Peru 's Martin Vizcarra were other South American leaders to congratulate Biden .
Fernandez also pointed to Kamala Harris making history as the `` this country 's first woman vice-president . ''
Former Bolivia president Evo Morales took to Twitter to celebrate Trump 's defeat rather than Biden 's victory .
Relations between Washington and La Paz were frosty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The United States has not had an ambassador to Bolivia since former coca leaf growers union leader Morales kicked the last one out in 2008 after accusing Washington of fomenting anti-government protests .
`` Trump 's electoral defeat is a defeat for racist and fascist policies , '' Morales wrote on Twitter .
Under Morales , Bolivia was a close ally to fellow leftist regimes in Venezuela and Cuba , both of which suffered toughening US sanctions under Trump .
`` His interventionist practices have been defeated , as have his inhumane attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in reference to Trump withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate accord .

Caracas (AFP) –
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Venezuela's political rivals Nicolas Maduro and Juan Guaido on Saturday both congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the US presidential election.
President Maduro, whose regime was hit with multiple new sanctions by the Donald Trump administration, wrote on Twitter that "Venezuela ... will always be ready for dialogue and understanding with the people and government of the US."
Opposition leader Guaido, who received early support from Trump in his bid to oust Maduro before that help waned, said he and Biden would "work together to secure the restoration of democracy, freedom and human rights to the Venezuelan people."
Under President Trump, Washington was one of the first of around 60 countries to back Guaido's January 2019 claim to be Venezuela's acting president.
But the Venezuelan military maintained its support for Maduro and Guaido's early momentum ground to a halt.
He faces a challenge to hang onto his position as assembly speaker with legislative elections due next month.
Guaido and the main opposition parties have vowed to boycott the poll but election authorities say it will go ahead.
Elsewhere, Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez and Peru's Martin Vizcarra were other South American leaders to congratulate Biden.
Fernandez also pointed to Kamala Harris making history as the "this country's first woman vice-president."
Former Bolivia president Evo Morales took to Twitter to celebrate Trump's defeat rather than Biden's victory.
Relations between Washington and La Paz were frosty under Morales's near 14-year reign.
The United States has not had an ambassador to Bolivia since former coca leaf growers union leader Morales kicked the last one out in 2008 after accusing Washington of fomenting anti-government protests.
"Trump's electoral defeat is a defeat for racist and fascist policies," Morales wrote on Twitter.
Under Morales, Bolivia was a close ally to fellow leftist regimes in Venezuela and Cuba, both of which suffered toughening US sanctions under Trump.
"His interventionist practices have been defeated, as have his inhumane attacks against Mother Earth," Morales added in reference to Trump withdrawing the United States from the Paris climate accord.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-07--Authentic wins $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic

Kentucky Derby winner Authentic , trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by John Velazquez , won the $ 6 million Breeders ' Cup Classic on Saturday at Keeneland in Lexington , Kentucky .
Baffert notched his 17th Breeders ' Cup victory and his fourth in the Classic while Velazquez claimed his 18th Breeders ' Cup victory but his first in the Classic .
The duo had teamed earlier in the day for a victory in the Filly & Mare Sprint with Gamine .
Tiz the Law , winner of the Belmont Stakes in June and runner-up to Authentic in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Triple Crown year reshuffled amid the coronavirus pandemic , broke smartly , but he could n't get the jump on Authentic , who went straight to a lead he never relinquished .
On the far turn , 25-1 shot Global Campaign made the first run at Authentic with Baffert 's Improbable looping up three wide .
In the stretch , Authentic expanded his lead and was well clear at the eighth pole and not threatened by Improbable who overtook Global Campaign by a length for second .
Global Campaign was third by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's incredible , '' said Velazquez , whose first Classic win came on his 20th try .
`` Thanks God and the whole team .
The older I get the more emotional I get .
`` It worked out perfect .
Bob said to take him to the lead so he does n't wander so much and keep his mind on running .
It worked out .
He did everything I wanted him to do . ''
Baffert said Authentic , at the end of his three-year-old campaign , was `` catching up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That 's what they do at this time of year , '' Baffert said .
`` What a horse .
He 's the real deal .
`` I tell you what , I needed that , did n't I ? ''
added Baffert , who has been under scrutiny in 2020 after four of his horses ran afoul of anti-doping regulations in incidents that have prompted the superstar trainer to vow this week to run `` a tighter ship . ''

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Kentucky Derby winner Authentic, trained by Bob Baffert and ridden by John Velazquez, won the $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky.
Baffert notched his 17th Breeders' Cup victory and his fourth in the Classic while Velazquez claimed his 18th Breeders' Cup victory but his first in the Classic.
The duo had teamed earlier in the day for a victory in the Filly & Mare Sprint with Gamine.
Tiz the Law, winner of the Belmont Stakes in June and runner-up to Authentic in the Kentucky Derby in a year that saw the Triple Crown year reshuffled amid the coronavirus pandemic, broke smartly, but he couldn't get the jump on Authentic, who went straight to a lead he never relinquished.
On the far turn, 25-1 shot Global Campaign made the first run at Authentic with Baffert's Improbable looping up three wide.
In the stretch, Authentic expanded his lead and was well clear at the eighth pole and not threatened by Improbable who overtook Global Campaign by a length for second.
Global Campaign was third by two lengths over Tacitus.
"It's incredible," said Velazquez, whose first Classic win came on his 20th try. "Thanks God and the whole team. The older I get the more emotional I get.
"It worked out perfect. Bob said to take him to the lead so he doesn't wander so much and keep his mind on running. It worked out. He did everything I wanted him to do."
Baffert said Authentic, at the end of his three-year-old campaign, was "catching up with" his older competition.
"That's what they do at this time of year," Baffert said. "What a horse. He's the real deal.
"I tell you what, I needed that, didn't I?" added Baffert, who has been under scrutiny in 2020 after four of his horses ran afoul of anti-doping regulations in incidents that have prompted the superstar trainer to vow this week to run "a tighter ship."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-07--What next for Trump? Golf, Twitter and maybe another run?

US President Donald Trump , seen speaking at the White House on November 5 , 2020 , is widely expected to stay in the limelight once he leaves office When networks projected he had lost his bid for reelection to Joe Biden , President Donald Trump was playing golf .
He 'll soon have plenty more time to enjoy the links if he so desires .
But if there 's one constant for Trump , it is his love of the limelight and few expect this most unusual of presidents to pursue a traditional post-White House life of public reticence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He will lose the keys to the White House but not his login on Twitter , where Trump and his itchy fingers could still wield powerful control over his Republican Party .
Some allies have already spoken of Trump planning a rematch in 2024 .
Only one other president , Grover Cleveland , has served non-consecutive terms , winning in 1892 after narrowly losing reelection four years earlier .
Former White House chief of staff Mark Mulvaney said with understatement that Trump -- who has refused to concede and made unsubstantiated claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like losing . ''
`` I would absolutely expect the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on the shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024 , '' he told an Irish think tank .
Trump 's children have made clear that they are still demanding loyalty from Republicans .
`` The total lack of action from virtually all of the '2024 GOP hopefuls ' is pretty amazing , '' Donald Trump Jr. tweeted on Thursday .
He called out by name Senator Lindsey Graham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coasted to reelection .
Hours afterward , Graham was on Trump 's favorite Fox News show pledging money for the president 's legal defense and repeating unsubstantiated accusations of election irregularities .
The thrice-married New York-born hotel developer and television celebrity has made no secret that he longs for some comforts of his pre-White House days .
`` I had a nice life .
I had the greatest life , '' Trump said in Grand Rapids , Michigan , in his final campaign rally .
His main product to fund that lifestyle has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his disgraced former lawyer Michael Cohen , the 2016 presidential run itself was conceived as a `` branding opportunity '' -- until he unexpectedly won .
Trump had rebuilt his public profile in the 2000s as the host of reality TV series `` Celebrity Apprentice '' following a string of bankruptcies .
The president has hinted about seeking to start a `` Trump TV '' brand as he has increasingly complained about Fox News , accusing the channel that helped fuel his rise of being insufficiently right-wing .
Viewers , he tweeted , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do I ! ''
And no one can deny Trump has the gift of the gab .
At his innumerable rallies , he held large crowds in a kind of mesmerized attention with stream-of-consciousness shifts from conspiracy theories to jokes to pet peeves , like his peculiarly passionate criticism of feeble water pressure in bathroom faucets .
And he has a potential readymade vehicle for the project in the form of openly Trump-supporting cable channels One America News and NewsMax TV -- current minnows that a Trump takeover could turn into giants .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump is embroiled in serious legal problems .
Prosecutors in New York are already probing Trump 's hush money payment to a porn star , his tangled business dealings and mysterious accounting practices .
Then there are those old rape and other sexual assault allegations .
As president , Trump is largely protected from prosecution .
Some have speculated that he may again challenge accepted norms by trying to issue a pre-emptive pardon to himself .
Eight Trump associates , including men who served as his campaign managers , lawyer and national security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ imprisoned for serious crimes including over the 2016 campaign 's links to Russia .
Or , just maybe , Trump will want to get away from it all .
However implausible this sounds , he has dropped a few hints .
In June at the White House he mused about taking a road trip in an RV with his former model wife Melania .
Less romantic but equally heartfelt , he paused mid-speech during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania to admire parked trucks .
`` Nice trucks , '' the president said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of them and drive it away ?
I 'd love to do it , just drive the hell out of here .
Just get the hell out of this . ''

Washington (AFP) –
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When networks projected he had lost his bid for reelection to Joe Biden, President Donald Trump was playing golf. He'll soon have plenty more time to enjoy the links if he so desires.
But if there's one constant for Trump, it is his love of the limelight and few expect this most unusual of presidents to pursue a traditional post-White House life of public reticence, reflective memoir-writing and occasional charitable events.
He will lose the keys to the White House but not his login on Twitter, where Trump and his itchy fingers could still wield powerful control over his Republican Party.
Some allies have already spoken of Trump planning a rematch in 2024. Only one other president, Grover Cleveland, has served non-consecutive terms, winning in 1892 after narrowly losing reelection four years earlier.
Former White House chief of staff Mark Mulvaney said with understatement that Trump -- who has refused to concede and made unsubstantiated claims of widespread fraud -- "doesn't like losing."
"I would absolutely expect the president to stay involved in politics and would absolutely put him on the shortlist of people who are likely to run in 2024," he told an Irish think tank.
"He's a very high-energy 74-year-old."
Trump's children have made clear that they are still demanding loyalty from Republicans.
"The total lack of action from virtually all of the '2024 GOP hopefuls' is pretty amazing," Donald Trump Jr. tweeted on Thursday.
He called out by name Senator Lindsey Graham, a former Trump critic turned supporter who coasted to reelection. Hours afterward, Graham was on Trump's favorite Fox News show pledging money for the president's legal defense and repeating unsubstantiated accusations of election irregularities.
- Trump TV? -
The thrice-married New York-born hotel developer and television celebrity has made no secret that he longs for some comforts of his pre-White House days.
"I had a nice life. I had the greatest life," Trump said in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in his final campaign rally.
His main product to fund that lifestyle has been his own name. According to his disgraced former lawyer Michael Cohen, the 2016 presidential run itself was conceived as a "branding opportunity" -- until he unexpectedly won.
Trump had rebuilt his public profile in the 2000s as the host of reality TV series "Celebrity Apprentice" following a string of bankruptcies.
The president has hinted about seeking to start a "Trump TV" brand as he has increasingly complained about Fox News, accusing the channel that helped fuel his rise of being insufficiently right-wing.
Viewers, he tweeted, "want an alternative now. So do I!"
And no one can deny Trump has the gift of the gab.
At his innumerable rallies, he held large crowds in a kind of mesmerized attention with stream-of-consciousness shifts from conspiracy theories to jokes to pet peeves, like his peculiarly passionate criticism of feeble water pressure in bathroom faucets.
And he has a potential readymade vehicle for the project in the form of openly Trump-supporting cable channels One America News and NewsMax TV -- current minnows that a Trump takeover could turn into giants.
- Prison, or a road trip? -
No less plausible is a scenario where Trump is embroiled in serious legal problems.
Prosecutors in New York are already probing Trump's hush money payment to a porn star, his tangled business dealings and mysterious accounting practices. Then there are those old rape and other sexual assault allegations.
As president, Trump is largely protected from prosecution. Some have speculated that he may again challenge accepted norms by trying to issue a pre-emptive pardon to himself.
Eight Trump associates, including men who served as his campaign managers, lawyer and national security advisor, have already been indicted or imprisoned for serious crimes including over the 2016 campaign's links to Russia.
Or, just maybe, Trump will want to get away from it all.
However implausible this sounds, he has dropped a few hints.
In June at the White House he mused about taking a road trip in an RV with his former model wife Melania.
Less romantic but equally heartfelt, he paused mid-speech during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania to admire parked trucks.
"Nice trucks," the president said. "You think I could hop into one of them and drive it away? I'd love to do it, just drive the hell out of here. Just get the hell out of this."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-07--Congratulations flood in for Biden's 'historic' win

From the EU to the UAE president-elect Joe Biden has received congratulations from around the world Congratulations poured in for US president-elect Joe Biden from around the world , with Washington 's allies , particularly in Europe , seeing his win as a chance at a fresh start after the antagonistic years under Donald Trump .
As crowds rushed into the streets of Washington and other cities in exuberant celebration after US networks declared Biden the winner , here are some reactions from across the globe : '' Congratulations ! ''
said Chancellor Angela Merkel .
`` I wish luck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart .
`` Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we want to overcome the great challenges of our times , '' she said in a tweet issued by a government spokesman .
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted : `` The Americans have chosen their President .
Congratulations @ JoeBiden and @ KamalaHarris !
We have a lot to do to overcome today 's challenges .
Let 's work together ! ''
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden `` on his election as President of the United States and Kamala Harris on her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities , from climate change to trade and security . ''
In a joint statement , EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel , president of the European Council , which represents the leaders of EU member states , said : `` We take note of the latest development in the electoral process .
`` On this basis the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as a `` strong supporter of our Alliance '' .
Stoltenberg , who often had to adapt to President Donald Trump making unexpected announcements about US troop drawdowns from NATO deployments , said in a tweet he looked forward to working with Biden .
`` A strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe , '' he said .
Canada 's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said : `` I look forward to working with President-elect Biden , Vice President-elect Harris , their administration , and the United States Congress as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Former US president Barack Obama hailed Biden 's win as `` historic and decisive '' and appealed to Americans to overcome bitter divides and `` find some common ground . ''
`` Once every vote is counted , President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory , '' Obama , Donald Trump 's White House predecessor , said in a statement .
The republic 's prime minister Micheal Martin was one of the first to take to Twitter , tweeting : `` I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ USA @ JoeBiden .
Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead .
I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow ! ''
Prime Minister , Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted : `` Congratulations to US President-Elect @ JoeBiden .
Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I 'm certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger . ''
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and institutions for an outstanding turnout of democratic vitality .
We are ready to work with the President-elect @ JoeBiden to make the transatlantic relationship stronger .
The US can count on Italy as a solid Ally and a strategic partner . ''
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted : `` The American people have chosen the 46th President of the United States .
Congratulations @ JoeBiden and @ KamalaHarris .
We wish you good luck and all the best .
We are looking forward to cooperating with you to tackle the challenges ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tweet to Biden 's running mate Kamala Harris , whose mother was Indian , Modi wrote : `` Your success is pathbreaking , and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis , but also for all Indian-Americans . ''
`` Chitti '' is a Tamil term of endearment for the younger sisters of one 's mother , which Harris used in her acceptance of the Democratic nomination for vice president .
She is the first woman of color elected to the US vice presidency .
In his congratulations , President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most populous nation , called for `` greater engagement '' with the continent .
He said he looked forward to `` enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the United States , especially at economic , diplomatic and political levels , including especially on the war against terrorism '' .
President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted in English : `` Congratulations to Joe Biden , Kamala Harris !
Ukraine is optimistic about the future of the strategic partnership with the United States .
Ukraine and the USA have always collaborated on security , trade , investment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ friendship becomes only stronger ! ''
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Twitter his government looked forward to `` working with you and deepening our bonds of friendship and cooperation '' .
President Barham Saleh extended `` warmest congratulations '' to Biden , describing him as `` a friend and trusted partner in the cause of building a better Iraq .
We look forward to working to achieve our common goals and strengthening peace and stability in the entire Middle East '' .
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt , the most populous Arab @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strategic bilateral ties between Egypt and the US in the interest of both countries and peoples ” .
`` Congratulations to @ JoeBiden and @ KamalaHarris on winning the US elections .
Our sincere wishes for further development and prosperity for the American people .
The UAE and USA are friends and allies with a strong historic partnership that we look forward to strengthening together , '' tweeted Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan .

Paris (AFP) –
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Congratulations poured in for US president-elect Joe Biden from around the world, with Washington's allies, particularly in Europe, seeing his win as a chance at a fresh start after the antagonistic years under Donald Trump.
As crowds rushed into the streets of Washington and other cities in exuberant celebration after US networks declared Biden the winner, here are some reactions from across the globe:
- Germany -
"Congratulations!" said Chancellor Angela Merkel. "I wish luck and success from the bottom of my heart.
"Our transatlantic friendship is irreplaceable if we want to overcome the great challenges of our times," she said in a tweet issued by a government spokesman.
- France -
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: "The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today's challenges. Let's work together!"
- Britain -
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Biden "on his election as President of the United States and Kamala Harris on her historic achievement.
"The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security."
- European Union -
In a joint statement, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel, president of the European Council, which represents the leaders of EU member states, said: "We take note of the latest development in the electoral process.
"On this basis the EU congratulates President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on reaching enough Electoral Votes."
- NATO -
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg described Biden as a "strong supporter of our Alliance".
Stoltenberg, who often had to adapt to President Donald Trump making unexpected announcements about US troop drawdowns from NATO deployments, said in a tweet he looked forward to working with Biden.
"A strong NATO is good for both North America and Europe," he said.
- Canada -
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world's greatest challenges together."
- Barack Obama -
Former US president Barack Obama hailed Biden's win as "historic and decisive" and appealed to Americans to overcome bitter divides and "find some common ground."
"Once every vote is counted, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris will have won a historic and decisive victory," Obama, Donald Trump's White House predecessor, said in a statement.
- Ireland -
The republic's prime minister Micheal Martin was one of the first to take to Twitter, tweeting: "I want to congratulate the new President Elect of the USA @JoeBiden. Joe Biden has been a true friend of this nation throughout his life and I look forward to working with him in the years ahead. I also look forward to welcoming him back home when the circumstances allow!"
- Greece -
Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis tweeted: "Congratulations to US President-Elect @JoeBiden. Joe Biden has been a true friend of Greece and I'm certain that under his presidency the relationship between our countries will grow even stronger."
- Italy -
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte tweeted: "Congratulations to the American people and institutions for an outstanding turnout of democratic vitality. We are ready to work with the President-elect @JoeBiden to make the transatlantic relationship stronger. The US can count on Italy as a solid Ally and a strategic partner."
- Spain -
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted: "The American people have chosen the 46th President of the United States. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. We wish you good luck and all the best. We are looking forward to cooperating with you to tackle the challenges ahead of us."
- India -
"Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory!" Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
In a separate tweet to Biden's running mate Kamala Harris, whose mother was Indian, Modi wrote: "Your success is pathbreaking, and a matter of immense pride not just for your chittis, but also for all Indian-Americans."
"Chitti" is a Tamil term of endearment for the younger sisters of one's mother, which Harris used in her acceptance of the Democratic nomination for vice president.
She is the first woman of color elected to the US vice presidency.
- Nigeria -
In his congratulations, President Muhammadu Buhari, leader of Africa's most populous nation, called for "greater engagement" with the continent.
He said he looked forward to "enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and the United States, especially at economic, diplomatic and political levels, including especially on the war against terrorism".
- Ukraine -
President Volodymyr Zelensky tweeted in English: "Congratulations to Joe Biden, Kamala Harris! Ukraine is optimistic about the future of the strategic partnership with the United States. Ukraine and the USA have always collaborated on security, trade, investment, democracy, fight against corruption. Our friendship becomes only stronger!"
- South Africa -
President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Twitter his government looked forward to "working with you and deepening our bonds of friendship and cooperation".
- Iraq -
President Barham Saleh extended "warmest congratulations" to Biden, describing him as "a friend and trusted partner in the cause of building a better Iraq. We look forward to working to achieve our common goals and strengthening peace and stability in the entire Middle East".
- Egypt -
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt, the most populous Arab country, looked forward to “strengthening strategic bilateral ties between Egypt and the US in the interest of both countries and peoples”.
- UAE -
"Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on winning the US elections. Our sincere wishes for further development and prosperity for the American people. The UAE and USA are friends and allies with a strong historic partnership that we look forward to strengthening together," tweeted Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
burs-spm/har
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-07--Bolsonaro critic targeted by Brazil police cries foul

A leading critic of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , the online influencer Felipe Neto , said he was the victim of a smear campaign ; image of Bolsonaro in Brasilia , on November 4 , 2020 A leading critic of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , the online influencer Felipe Neto , said Saturday he was the victim of a smear campaign after police sought to have him charged with corrupting minors .
Neto , a 32-year-old YouTuber named one of Time magazine 's 100 most influential people this year , has emerged as a prominent critic of Brazil 's far-right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Thursday they had placed him under investigation at the justice ministry 's request .
In a statement , they said they would ask prosecutors to charge him `` for publishing material inappropriate for children and adolescents on his YouTube channel and failing to impose an age limit on videos with language and content inappropriate for minors . ''
Neto denied wrongdoing and said the investigation was `` an absurd case of persecution . ''
`` Persecuting opposition communicators with slanderous criminal accusations in an attempt to silence them is a move typical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrote on Twitter .
Police did not give further details on the accusation , and did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
Neto , one of Brazil 's biggest social media personalities , gained international prominence earlier this year when he recorded an opinion video for the New York Times in which he called Bolsonaro the world 's worst president , and urged Americans not to vote for the Brazilian leader 's ally Donald Trump .
The investigation against Neto took on political overtones when Bolsonaro 's minister for women @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Damares Alves , tweeted a link to a news story about it Saturday , adding : `` In this country we have people who stand up for children ! ''
Neto has for months been the target of a fake news campaign online accusing him of pedophilia .
In July , a group of 37 civil society groups including to Order of Brazilian Lawyers condemned the `` defamatory campaign '' against him , saying such practices `` should not exist in a democracy . ''
However , the accusations have continued to circulate @ @ @ @

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) –
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A leading critic of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, the online influencer Felipe Neto, said Saturday he was the victim of a smear campaign after police sought to have him charged with corrupting minors.
Neto, a 32-year-old YouTuber named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people this year, has emerged as a prominent critic of Brazil's far-right president.
Police in Rio de Janeiro said Thursday they had placed him under investigation at the justice ministry's request.
In a statement, they said they would ask prosecutors to charge him "for publishing material inappropriate for children and adolescents on his YouTube channel and failing to impose an age limit on videos with language and content inappropriate for minors."
Neto denied wrongdoing and said the investigation was "an absurd case of persecution."
"Persecuting opposition communicators with slanderous criminal accusations in an attempt to silence them is a move typical of the worst dictatorships," he wrote on Twitter.
Police did not give further details on the accusation, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Neto, one of Brazil's biggest social media personalities, gained international prominence earlier this year when he recorded an opinion video for the New York Times in which he called Bolsonaro the world's worst president, and urged Americans not to vote for the Brazilian leader's ally Donald Trump.
The investigation against Neto took on political overtones when Bolsonaro's minister for women, the family and human rights, Damares Alves, tweeted a link to a news story about it Saturday, adding: "In this country we have people who stand up for children!"
Neto has for months been the target of a fake news campaign online accusing him of pedophilia.
In July, a group of 37 civil society groups including to Order of Brazilian Lawyers condemned the "defamatory campaign" against him, saying such practices "should not exist in a democracy."
However, the accusations have continued to circulate in far-right groups.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-07--As his reelection bid collapses, Trump goes golfing

What does a president do when teetering on the verge of electoral defeat , with the entire world watching ?
If you 're Donald Trump , you go golfing .
The president left the White House Saturday morning as the last crucial vote counts were about to come in from Pennsylvania and a few other battleground states .
Already trailing Democrat Joe Biden in the all-important , state-by-state Electoral College vote tally -- the handwriting on the wall was becoming impossible to ignore .
So Trump , who is known for regularly hitting the links , headed across the Potomac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sterling , Virginia .
Trump was there when the major US television networks -- first CNN then NBC , CBS , ABC and finally Fox -- declared that new results from Pennsylvania had pushed Biden over the top -- and into the White House , come January .
He was also there when his office released a defiant statement saying Biden was `` rushing to falsely pose as the winner . ''
But Trump seemed determined to project a sense of serene unflappability when he finished his round in the afternoon .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Seeing a wedding couple posing for photos outside the clubhouse , the president offered to join them , videos posted on social media show .
Wearing dark gray slacks , a gray jacket and a white `` Make America Great Again '' basehall hat , he engaged in what seemed to be lighthearted banter .
As he stepped away , several people shouted after him : `` We love you !
We love you ! ''
Afterward , as thousands of exultant Biden supporters celebrated raucously in front of the White House and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump motorcade made its way back to the White House .
The president had nothing else on his schedule Saturday .
One perhaps small consolation for the avid golfer : Golf Digest magazine once said Trump should be considered alongside John F. Kennedy as the `` best golfing president in history . ''

Sterling (United States) (AFP) –
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What does a president do when teetering on the verge of electoral defeat, with the entire world watching?
If you're Donald Trump, you go golfing.
The president left the White House Saturday morning as the last crucial vote counts were about to come in from Pennsylvania and a few other battleground states.
Already trailing Democrat Joe Biden in the all-important, state-by-state Electoral College vote tally -- the handwriting on the wall was becoming impossible to ignore.
So Trump, who is known for regularly hitting the links, headed across the Potomac River to the Trump National Golf Course in Sterling, Virginia.
Trump was there when the major US television networks -- first CNN then NBC, CBS, ABC and finally Fox -- declared that new results from Pennsylvania had pushed Biden over the top -- and into the White House, come January.
He was also there when his office released a defiant statement saying Biden was "rushing to falsely pose as the winner."
But Trump seemed determined to project a sense of serene unflappability when he finished his round in the afternoon. (No score was announced.)
Seeing a wedding couple posing for photos outside the clubhouse, the president offered to join them, videos posted on social media show.
Wearing dark gray slacks, a gray jacket and a white "Make America Great Again" basehall hat, he engaged in what seemed to be lighthearted banter.
As he stepped away, several people shouted after him: "We love you! We love you!"
Afterward, as thousands of exultant Biden supporters celebrated raucously in front of the White House and elsewhere in the US capital, the Trump motorcade made its way back to the White House.
The president had nothing else on his schedule Saturday.
One perhaps small consolation for the avid golfer: Golf Digest magazine once said Trump should be considered alongside John F. Kennedy as the "best golfing president in history."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Lebanon ex-FM says US demanded he reject Hezbollah before sanctions

Gebran Bassil has been a minister in all of Lebanon 's cabinets from 2008 to 2019 , most recently foreign minister in the government that stepped down under pressure from massive street protests last autumn Lebanon 's former foreign minister Gebran Bassil Sunday said the United States had urged him to sever ties with Shiite movement Hezbollah before targeting him with sanctions over alleged corruption .
The punitive measures announced Friday are the first against a senior Christian ally of Hezbollah , long targeted by US sanctions and blacklisted as a `` terrorist '' organisation .
Bassil in a televised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he `` should immediately comply with four demands or US sanctions would be implemented '' .
`` Throughout all this discussion , the word corruption was never mentioned , '' the 50-year-old son-in-law of Lebanon 's president added .
He said the first demand was for him to `` immediately sever ties with Hezbollah '' , which then became the only request .
He did not elaborate on the three other initial demands .
When he refused to comply , it appeared the sanctions `` were linked to corruption and Hezbollah was barely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to me about anything but Hezbollah '' , he said .
He described the measures against him as a `` crime '' , and said he would be directing lawyers to appeal the decision and demand `` moral and material compensation '' in a US court .
He spoke after his father-in-law , Lebanon 's President Michel Aoun , on Saturday said he had requested evidence of Bassil 's alleged wrongdoings .
The US Treasury said it had targeted Bassil `` for his role in corruption in Lebanon '' , alleging in particular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to individuals close to him through a group of front companies '' as energy minister .
Bassil has been a minister in all cabinets from 2008 to 2019 , most recently foreign minister in the government that stepped down under pressure from massive street protests last autumn .
He is also head of the Free Patriotic Movement political party founded by Aoun , which together with Hezbollah and other allies holds a parliamentary majority .
Critics have claimed he was behind many shady state dealings , especially during his time at the head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2014 .
Bassil has repeatedly denied the accusations .

Beirut (AFP) –
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Lebanon's former foreign minister Gebran Bassil Sunday said the United States had urged him to sever ties with Shiite movement Hezbollah before targeting him with sanctions over alleged corruption.
The punitive measures announced Friday are the first against a senior Christian ally of Hezbollah, long targeted by US sanctions and blacklisted as a "terrorist" organisation.
Bassil in a televised statement said the US embassy informed him he "should immediately comply with four demands or US sanctions would be implemented".
"Throughout all this discussion, the word corruption was never mentioned," the 50-year-old son-in-law of Lebanon's president added.
He said the first demand was for him to "immediately sever ties with Hezbollah", which then became the only request.
He did not elaborate on the three other initial demands.
When he refused to comply, it appeared the sanctions "were linked to corruption and Hezbollah was barely mentioned, although they had not talked to me about anything but Hezbollah", he said.
He described the measures against him as a "crime", and said he would be directing lawyers to appeal the decision and demand "moral and material compensation" in a US court.
He spoke after his father-in-law, Lebanon's President Michel Aoun, on Saturday said he had requested evidence of Bassil's alleged wrongdoings.
The US Treasury said it had targeted Bassil "for his role in corruption in Lebanon", alleging in particular that he "steered Lebanese government funds to individuals close to him through a group of front companies" as energy minister.
Bassil has been a minister in all cabinets from 2008 to 2019, most recently foreign minister in the government that stepped down under pressure from massive street protests last autumn.
He is also head of the Free Patriotic Movement political party founded by Aoun, which together with Hezbollah and other allies holds a parliamentary majority.
Critics have claimed he was behind many shady state dealings, especially during his time at the head of the energy ministry between 2009 and 2014. Bassil has repeatedly denied the accusations.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--World leaders congratulate Joe Biden and Kamala Harris for election victory

German Chancellor Angela Merkel , right , was one of the first world leaders to congratulate US President-elect Joe Biden on his victory , pictured together here prior to a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin , Germany , February 1 , 2013 .
World leaders on Sunday cheered Joe Biden ’ s election as US president as a chance to enhance cooperation on climate change , the coronavirus and other problems after four years of President Donald Trump 's rejection of international alliances .
While Trump refused to accept the results of the election , Western and Asian allies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump 's “ American First ” trade policies , withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and attacks on NATO and the World Health Organization .
In Asia , a region on edge about the strategic ambitions of China 's ruling Communist Party , the elected leaders of Japan , South Korea and Taiwan invoked “ shared values ” with Washington and expressed hope for close relations .
“ I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance and ensure peace , freedom , and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minister Yoshihide Suga on Twitter .
President Moon Jae-in of South Korea said he looked forward to working together “ for our shared values ” .
Word of the victory in Pennsylvania that pushed Barack Obama ’ s former vice president past the threshold of the 270 Electoral College votes needed to take over the Oval Office spread around the globe , sparking celebrations .
There was no immediate official reaction from Beijing , which is mired in conflicts with the Trump administration over trade , security and technology .
But Chinese social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post on the Sina Weibo microblog service , signed Gong Teng Xin Yi , said , “ Congratulating Biden , the old friend of Chinese people on winning the election.
” After Trump said he won “ by a lot ” , the Communist Party newspaper People ’ s Daily responded on Twitter with : “ HaHa.
” President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan , the self-ruled island Beijing claims as part of its territory , expressed hope to “ further our friendship ” .
Biden had congratulated Tsai on her reelection in January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of your free and open society ” .
Washington has no formal relations with Taiwan , but Trump raised the profile of informal contacts by sending Cabinet officials to the island , an act that irritated Beijing .
There also was no immediate reaction from Russian President Vladimir Putin , who was friendly with Trump .
Other leaders who supported Trump , including President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines , congratulated Biden , indicating they rejected Trump ’ s claim the election wasn ’ t over .
In addition , Duterte expressed hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commitment to democracy , freedom and the rule of law ” .
Iran 's president Hassan Rouhani called on Biden to “ compensate for past mistakes ” and return the US to Tehran 's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers , a state-run news agency reported on Sunday .
Rouhani 's comments mark the highest-level response from Iran to Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris clinching the election .
“ Now , an opportunity has come up for the next US administration to compensate for past mistakes and return to the path of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international norms , ” the state-run IRNA news agency quoted him as saying .
Iran 's Senior Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri wrote on Facebook : “ The era of Trump and his warmongering and adventurist team is over.
” The Iranian newspaper Resalat published images of Trump without a mask against the coronavirus and Biden with a mask , and said , “ Maskless enemy left , masked enemy arrived.
” Most Western allies welcomed a fresh start with Washington .
Many have been dismayed at Trump ’ s criticism of decades-old military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to work in our cooperation for a new trans-Atlantic beginning , a New Deal , ” said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Twitter .
Others expressed hope Biden might revive cooperation on health , climate and other issues following Trump ’ s rejection of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and pressure on Canada , Mexico , South Korea and other partners to renegotiate trade terms .
“ I look forward to working with President-elect Biden , Vice President-elect Harris , their administration , and the United States Congress as we tackle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau , who was the target of personal insults by Trump , said on Twitter .
Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia told reporters he looked forward to a “ great partnership ” with Washington .
He cited challenges including the coronavirus and “ ensuring a free and open ” Indo-Pacific region , a reference to China ’ s disputes with its neighbours over control of vast tracts of ocean .
“ American leadership is indispensable to meeting these challenges , ” Morrison said .
Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward to working together to end illegal tax havens and on peacemaking in Afghanistan .
Other leaders who sent congratulations included German Chancellor Angela Merkel , French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi .
Embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his US-backed rival , Juan Guaido , both congratulated Biden and Harris .
Maduro said Venezuela , which is under crippling US sanctions aimed at forcing him out of office , was “ ready for dialogue and understanding ” with the United States .
The election outcome drew mixed reviews in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a champion of the US invasion in 2003 .
Still , Iraqi President Barham Salih described Biden as a friend and trusted partner .
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates , who was close to Trump ’ s son-in-law , Jared Kushner , extended his best wishes to Biden and Harris on Twitter .
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who has been known for public displays of bonhomie with Trump , shared a photo of himself with Biden and offered his congratulations “ on your spectacular @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Boris Johnson , another Trump ally , said he looked forward to “ working closely together on our shared priorities , from climate change to trade and security ” .
Harris ’ s election inspired calls in parts of Africa for more women in government .
“ The time has also come to give our women the chance to occupy such a high office in our country and even the number one position , ” said a Nigerian Cabinet minister , Festus Keyamo , on Twitter .
Others expressed hope Biden will help @ @ @ @ @ @ @ global politics .
“ He seems open to accepting people ’ s different viewpoints and wants to move forward in a united manner , '' said Mika Goto , a nursery school employee in Tokyo .
While outspoken disappointment was scarce , several prominent leaders who have maintained warm relations with Trump ’ s administration kept silent .
That included President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia .
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would wait “ until all the issues are resolved ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose Twitter profile photo showed him sitting beside Trump , described Biden as a friend of Israel and said he looked forward to working with him and Harris to “ strength the special alliance ” between their countries .
In a separate statement , he thanked Trump for raising US-Israeli relations to “ unprecedented heights ” .
Many people , particularly in nations with turbulent politics , took Biden ’ s win as improving the outlook for respect of democracy .
Among them was Tanzanian opposition leader Zitto Kabwe , who was arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country ’ s bruising presidential election .
“ This victory symbolises the hope for democracy at a time when many other parts of the world are seeing that light diminishing , ” Kabwe said .
The outcome inspired disbelief in Slovenia , the homeland of first lady Melania Trump .
Prime Minister Janez Jansa was the only leader who congratulated Trump even before all votes were counted and showed support after Biden ’ s win was announced .

World leaders on Sunday cheered Joe Biden’s election as US president as a chance to enhance cooperation on climate change, the coronavirus and other problems after four years of President Donald Trump's rejection of international alliances.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, was one of the first world leaders to congratulate US President-elect Joe Biden on his victory, pictured together here prior to a meeting at the chancellery in Berlin, Germany, February 1, 2013.
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While Trump refused to accept the results of the election, Western and Asian allies expressed hope for a fresh start following Trump's “American First” trade policies, withdrawal from the Paris climate agreement and attacks on NATO and the World Health Organization.
In Asia, a region on edge about the strategic ambitions of China's ruling Communist Party, the elected leaders of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan invoked “shared values” with Washington and expressed hope for close relations.
Warm congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance and ensure peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. — 菅 義偉 (@sugawitter) November 7, 2020
“I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the Japan-US Alliance and ensure peace, freedom, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” said Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Twitter. President Moon Jae-in of South Korea said he looked forward to working together “for our shared values”.
Word of the victory in Pennsylvania that pushed Barack Obama’s former vice president past the threshold of the 270 Electoral College votes needed to take over the Oval Office spread around the globe, sparking celebrations.
02:53
There was no immediate official reaction from Beijing, which is mired in conflicts with the Trump administration over trade, security and technology. But Chinese social media users welcomed the change. A post on the Sina Weibo microblog service, signed Gong Teng Xin Yi, said, “Congratulating Biden, the old friend of Chinese people on winning the election.”
After Trump said he won “by a lot”, the Communist Party newspaper People’s Daily responded on Twitter with: “HaHa.”
President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan, the self-ruled island Beijing claims as part of its territory, expressed hope to “further our friendship”. Biden had congratulated Tsai on her reelection in January, saying Taiwan is “stronger because of your free and open society”. Washington has no formal relations with Taiwan, but Trump raised the profile of informal contacts by sending Cabinet officials to the island, an act that irritated Beijing.
Now it is my turn to extend congratulations to @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris on being elected President & VP-elect. The values on which we have built our relationship could not be stronger. I look fwd to working together to further our friendship, & contributions to int’l society. https://t.co/xIvit7emjH — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) November 8, 2020
There also was no immediate reaction from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was friendly with Trump. Other leaders who supported Trump, including President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, congratulated Biden, indicating they rejected Trump’s claim the election wasn’t over. In addition, Duterte expressed hope for enhanced ties based on “shared commitment to democracy, freedom and the rule of law”.
Iran's president Hassan Rouhani called on Biden to “compensate for past mistakes” and return the US to Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, a state-run news agency reported on Sunday.
Rouhani's comments mark the highest-level response from Iran to Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris clinching the election.
“Now, an opportunity has come up for the next US administration to compensate for past mistakes and return to the path of complying with international agreements through respect of international norms,” the state-run IRNA news agency quoted him as saying.
Iran's Senior Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri wrote on Facebook: “The era of Trump and his warmongering and adventurist team is over.”
The Iranian newspaper Resalat published images of Trump without a mask against the coronavirus and Biden with a mask, and said, “Maskless enemy left, masked enemy arrived.”
Most Western allies welcomed a fresh start with Washington. Many have been dismayed at Trump’s criticism of decades-old military and economic alliances.
“We want to work in our cooperation for a new trans-Atlantic beginning, a New Deal,” said German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas on Twitter.
Others expressed hope Biden might revive cooperation on health, climate and other issues following Trump’s rejection of the proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement and pressure on Canada, Mexico, South Korea and other partners to renegotiate trade terms.
Congratulations, @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Our two countries are close friends, partners, and allies. We share a relationship that’s unique on the world stage. I’m really looking forward to working together and building on that with you both. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 7, 2020
“I look forward to working with President-elect Biden, Vice President-elect Harris, their administration, and the United States Congress as we tackle the world’s greatest challenges together,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was the target of personal insults by Trump, said on Twitter.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia told reporters he looked forward to a “great partnership” with Washington. He cited challenges including the coronavirus and “ensuring a free and open” Indo-Pacific region, a reference to China’s disputes with its neighbours over control of vast tracts of ocean.
“American leadership is indispensable to meeting these challenges,” Morrison said.
Prime Minister Imran Khan of Pakistan said he looked forward to working together to end illegal tax havens and on peacemaking in Afghanistan.
Congratulations @JoeBiden & @KamalaHarris. Look forward to President Elect Biden's Global Summit on Democracy & working with him to end illegal tax havens & stealth of nation's wealth by corrupt ldrs. We will also continue to work with US for peace in Afghanistan & in the region — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 7, 2020
Other leaders who sent congratulations included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi.
The Americans have chosen their President. Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris! We have a lot to do to overcome today’s challenges. Let's work together! — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) November 7, 2020
Embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his US-backed rival, Juan Guaido, both congratulated Biden and Harris. Maduro said Venezuela, which is under crippling US sanctions aimed at forcing him out of office, was “ready for dialogue and understanding” with the United States.
The election outcome drew mixed reviews in Iraq, where Biden is remembered as a champion of the US invasion in 2003. Still, Iraqi President Barham Salih described Biden as a friend and trusted partner.
Congratulations to @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris on winning the US elections. Our sincere wishes for further development and prosperity for the American people. The UAE and USA are friends and allies with a strong historic partnership that we look forward to strengthening together. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 7, 2020
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, who was close to Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, extended his best wishes to Biden and Harris on Twitter.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has been known for public displays of bonhomie with Trump, shared a photo of himself with Biden and offered his congratulations “on your spectacular victory!”.
Congratulations @JoeBiden on your spectacular victory! As the VP, your contribution to strengthening Indo-US relations was critical and invaluable. I look forward to working closely together once again to take India-US relations to greater heights. pic.twitter.com/yAOCEcs9bN — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 7, 2020
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, another Trump ally, said he looked forward to “working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security”.
Harris’s election inspired calls in parts of Africa for more women in government.
“The time has also come to give our women the chance to occupy such a high office in our country and even the number one position,” said a Nigerian Cabinet minister, Festus Keyamo, on Twitter.
Others expressed hope Biden will help to heal divisions in American society and global politics.
“He seems open to accepting people’s different viewpoints and wants to move forward in a united manner," said Mika Goto, a nursery school employee in Tokyo.
While outspoken disappointment was scarce, several prominent leaders who have maintained warm relations with Trump’s administration kept silent.
That included President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would wait “until all the issues are resolved”.
Congratulations @JoeBiden and @KamalaHarris. Joe, we’ve had a long & warm personal relationship for nearly 40 years, and I know you as a great friend of Israel. I look forward to working with both of you to further strengthen the special alliance between the U.S. and Israel. — Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) November 8, 2020
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Twitter profile photo showed him sitting beside Trump, described Biden as a friend of Israel and said he looked forward to working with him and Harris to “strength the special alliance” between their countries. In a separate statement, he thanked Trump for raising US-Israeli relations to “unprecedented heights”.
Many people, particularly in nations with turbulent politics, took Biden’s win as improving the outlook for respect of democracy.
Among them was Tanzanian opposition leader Zitto Kabwe, who was arrested and charged with terrorism-related offences after his country’s bruising presidential election.
“This victory symbolises the hope for democracy at a time when many other parts of the world are seeing that light diminishing,” Kabwe said.
The outcome inspired disbelief in Slovenia, the homeland of first lady Melania Trump. Prime Minister Janez Jansa was the only leader who congratulated Trump even before all votes were counted and showed support after Biden’s win was announced.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
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france24--2020-11-08--Zimbabwe star Chigumbura to retire after Pakistan tour

Former Zimbabwe skipper Elton Chigumbura has announced he will retire from the game after the current Pakistan tour Former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura will retire after the final Twenty20 international against Pakistan on Tuesday , the 34-year-old said .
Chigumbura made his debut as an allrounder in the 2004 Junior World Cup in Bangladesh , taking four wickets in a match that helped Zimbabwe upset fancied Australia .
He was fast-tracked into the national team -- which he also led with success -- but injuries have marred his career over the past two years .
`` It 's a tough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' he told Pakistani television Sunday .
`` It was a lovely journey with ups and downs . ''
Chigumbura has played 213 one-day internationals for his country -- only behind Andy Flower ( 221 ) and equal with Andy 's brother Grant , scoring 4,340 runs at an average of 25.23 .
Chigumbura also played 14 Tests , and if he is included in the side on Tuesday will finish on 56 Twenty20 internationals .
As a fast bowler he has 101 one-day , 21 Test and 16 Twenty20 international wickets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as someone who played for the country and always wanted to inspire youngsters , '' he said .

Rawalpindi (Pakistan) (AFP) –
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Former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura will retire after the final Twenty20 international against Pakistan on Tuesday, the 34-year-old said.
Chigumbura made his debut as an allrounder in the 2004 Junior World Cup in Bangladesh, taking four wickets in a match that helped Zimbabwe upset fancied Australia.
He was fast-tracked into the national team -- which he also led with success -- but injuries have marred his career over the past two years.
"It's a tough decision to leave the game you love," he told Pakistani television Sunday.
"It was a lovely journey with ups and downs."
Chigumbura has played 213 one-day internationals for his country -- only behind Andy Flower (221) and equal with Andy's brother Grant, scoring 4,340 runs at an average of 25.23.
Chigumbura also played 14 Tests, and if he is included in the side on Tuesday will finish on 56 Twenty20 internationals.
As a fast bowler he has 101 one-day, 21 Test and 16 Twenty20 international wickets.
"I want to be remembered as someone who played for the country and always wanted to inspire youngsters," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Thousands rally in ex-Soviet Georgia demanding snap polls

Georgians protest in the capital Tbilisi against the ruling party led by billionaire ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili which won the October 31 polls with a two-percent margin .
It denies accusations of electoral fraud .
Thousands of opposition supporters rallied Sunday in ex-Soviet Georgia to demand a snap vote after the opposition accused the ruling party of rigging tightly contested parliamentary elections .
The main thoroughfare of the capital Tbilisi turned into a sea of Georgia 's red-and-white five-cross flags as protesters gathered outside parliament , many wearing masks against the coronavirus .
The ruling Georgian Dream party led by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won the October 31 polls with a two-percent margin -- has flatly denied the accusations of electoral fraud .
But all of Georgia 's opposition parties have refused to enter the new parliament , sparking fears of another political crisis in the Black Sea nation where elections are often followed by accusations of fraud and mass demonstrations .
In an unprecedented show of unity before the vote , the country 's main opposition force , exiled former president Mikheil Saakashvili 's United National Movement ( UNM ) , agreed with smaller opposition groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We demand the replacement of the totally discredited electoral administration and the holding of a fresh vote , '' one of the UNM 's leaders , Salome Samadashvili , told AFP .
`` This would allow for maintaining stability in the country , '' she said , adding that `` Georgian Dream has failed to receive a democratic mandate to remain in power . ''
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia of Georgian Dream has said the elections marked `` another important milestone in Georgia 's democratic development '' and criticised the opposition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic .
Gakharia , who has tested positive for the virus , has been in self-isolation for a week and announced a nightime curfew starting Monday .
Georgia has seen a rapid daily increase in new virus cases after it lifted a lockdown in September aimed at containing the spread of the disease .
The electoral commission has yet to formalise early results that showed Georgian Dream had won 48 percent of the proportional vote , against 46 percent for opposition parties .
The proportional vote decides 120 of the 150 seats in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be assigned in single-mandate constituencies requiring up to two rounds of voting , the final makeup of the new parliament may only become clear in late November .

Tbilisi (AFP) –
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Thousands of opposition supporters rallied Sunday in ex-Soviet Georgia to demand a snap vote after the opposition accused the ruling party of rigging tightly contested parliamentary elections.
The main thoroughfare of the capital Tbilisi turned into a sea of Georgia's red-and-white five-cross flags as protesters gathered outside parliament, many wearing masks against the coronavirus.
The ruling Georgian Dream party led by billionaire ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili -- which won the October 31 polls with a two-percent margin -- has flatly denied the accusations of electoral fraud.
But all of Georgia's opposition parties have refused to enter the new parliament, sparking fears of another political crisis in the Black Sea nation where elections are often followed by accusations of fraud and mass demonstrations.
In an unprecedented show of unity before the vote, the country's main opposition force, exiled former president Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement (UNM), agreed with smaller opposition groups to form a coalition government if elected.
"We demand the replacement of the totally discredited electoral administration and the holding of a fresh vote," one of the UNM's leaders, Salome Samadashvili, told AFP.
"This would allow for maintaining stability in the country," she said, adding that "Georgian Dream has failed to receive a democratic mandate to remain in power."
Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia of Georgian Dream has said the elections marked "another important milestone in Georgia's democratic development" and criticised the opposition for staging mass rallies amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Gakharia, who has tested positive for the virus, has been in self-isolation for a week and announced a nightime curfew starting Monday.
Georgia has seen a rapid daily increase in new virus cases after it lifted a lockdown in September aimed at containing the spread of the disease.
The electoral commission has yet to formalise early results that showed Georgian Dream had won 48 percent of the proportional vote, against 46 percent for opposition parties.
The proportional vote decides 120 of the 150 seats in the legislature.
With another 30 seats to be assigned in single-mandate constituencies requiring up to two rounds of voting, the final makeup of the new parliament may only become clear in late November.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--UK honours war dead on virus-afflicted Remembrance Day

A national wreath-laying Remebrance Sunday ceremony proceeded at the Cenotaph war memorial in London , but there were no lines of veterans marching past or crowds watching because of the Covid-19 pandemic Britain fell silent on Sunday in tribute to its war dead as royals and politicians commemorated a low-key Remembrance Day without the usual solemn pageantry , owing to the coronavirus pandemic .
The country observed a two-minute silence at 11:00 am ( 1100 GMT ) , the time on November 11 when the guns stopped firing in World War I after four years of horrific fighting .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war memorial in London , but there were no long queues of veterans marching past or crowds watching because of the Covid-19 pandemic .
`` We come together every November to commemorate the servicemen and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives for our freedom , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ahead of the ceremony .
`` In this time of adversity , no virus can stop us from honouring their memory , particularly when we have just celebrated the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , our tributes matter even more . ''
This year , after Black Lives Matter protests spread to Britain from the United States , Johnson has also called for greater acknowledgement of the role of black and Asian troops in World War II .
He cited the British Indian Army -- the `` largest volunteer force in history '' -- and the 14th army , the `` Forgotten Army '' comprising mostly Commonwealth troops who fought a brutal campaign against Japanese forces in Burma .
Earlier in the week , Queen Elizabeth II @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Britain 's Tomb of the Unknown Warrior , marking 100 years since the remains of an unidentified soldier were brought back from northern France .
The 94-year-old monarch staged a private ceremony at the tomb in Westminster Abbey , using a floral arrangement modelled on her wedding bouquet , according to Buckingham Palace .
Since 2017 , heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles has taken his ageing mother 's place at the Cenotaph ceremony .
Dressed in military uniform and with the queen watching from a balcony , Charles laid a large wreath at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saluted .
He was followed by Johnson , opposition leaders and former prime ministers .
A handful of socially distanced serving and former personnel then paid their own tributes , a marked reduction on years past .
Since Thursday , England has been in a second coronavirus lockdown but varying levels of restrictions were already in place across the country , hampering efforts to raise funds for military veterans .
The Royal British Legion has warned it risks a shortfall in donations of millions for the annual Poppy Appeal .
Poppies have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1914-1918 war , when the red flowers grew on the scarred battlefields of northern France and Belgium .
The government said it wanted to keep crowds `` to a minimum '' at regional remembrance events , and told organisers to `` discourage the public from attending '' .
Church services were either cancelled or broadcast online .
The Royal British Legion encouraged people to display poppies in windows or stand on doorsteps for Sunday 's two-minute silence .
The ban on public services was criticised by former prime minister Theresa May .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down their lives for our freedom deserve better than this ? ''
she said .
Britain already has the worst coronavirus death toll in Europe , and the government says it reluctantly imposed the restrictions to try to arrest a second wave of the disease heading in to winter .

London (AFP) –
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Britain fell silent on Sunday in tribute to its war dead as royals and politicians commemorated a low-key Remembrance Day without the usual solemn pageantry, owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
The country observed a two-minute silence at 11:00 am (1100 GMT), the time on November 11 when the guns stopped firing in World War I after four years of horrific fighting.
A national wreath-laying ceremony proceeded at the Cenotaph war memorial in London, but there were no long queues of veterans marching past or crowds watching because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We come together every November to commemorate the servicemen and women from Britain and the Commonwealth who sacrificed their lives for our freedom," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said ahead of the ceremony.
"In this time of adversity, no virus can stop us from honouring their memory, particularly when we have just celebrated the 75th anniversary of victory in the Second World War.
"And in times of trial, our tributes matter even more."
This year, after Black Lives Matter protests spread to Britain from the United States, Johnson has also called for greater acknowledgement of the role of black and Asian troops in World War II.
He cited the British Indian Army -- the "largest volunteer force in history" -- and the 14th army, the "Forgotten Army" comprising mostly Commonwealth troops who fought a brutal campaign against Japanese forces in Burma.
Earlier in the week, Queen Elizabeth II laid a bouquet of orchids and myrtle on Britain's Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, marking 100 years since the remains of an unidentified soldier were brought back from northern France.
The 94-year-old monarch staged a private ceremony at the tomb in Westminster Abbey, using a floral arrangement modelled on her wedding bouquet, according to Buckingham Palace.
Since 2017, heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles has taken his ageing mother's place at the Cenotaph ceremony.
- Lonely tributes -
Dressed in military uniform and with the queen watching from a balcony, Charles laid a large wreath at the monument near parliament, stepped back and saluted. He was followed by Johnson, opposition leaders and former prime ministers.
A handful of socially distanced serving and former personnel then paid their own tributes, a marked reduction on years past.
Since Thursday, England has been in a second coronavirus lockdown but varying levels of restrictions were already in place across the country, hampering efforts to raise funds for military veterans.
The Royal British Legion has warned it risks a shortfall in donations of millions for the annual Poppy Appeal.
Poppies have been Britain's symbol of remembrance since the 1914-1918 war, when the red flowers grew on the scarred battlefields of northern France and Belgium.
The government said it wanted to keep crowds "to a minimum" at regional remembrance events, and told organisers to "discourage the public from attending". Church services were either cancelled or broadcast online.
The Royal British Legion encouraged people to display poppies in windows or stand on doorsteps for Sunday's two-minute silence.
The ban on public services was criticised by former prime minister Theresa May.
"Surely those men and women who gave down their lives for our freedom deserve better than this?" she said.
Britain already has the worst coronavirus death toll in Europe, and the government says it reluctantly imposed the restrictions to try to arrest a second wave of the disease heading in to winter.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Belarus protesters rally again as opposition reaches out to Biden

Security forces detain a man during the latest opposition rally in the capital Minsk against the Belarus presidential election three months ago .
The opposition leader in exile says she hopes to soon meet with US President-elect Joe Biden .
Protesters gathered in Belarus Sunday for the latest in weeks of unprecedented demonstrations against strongman Alexander Lukashenko , with the opposition leader saying she hopes to soon meet with US President-elect Joe Biden .
For three months running , tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Belarus on Sundays to protest against the disputed re-election of Lukashenko , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than two decades .
Lukashenko 's opponents are demanding he hand power to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , a political novice who ran against Lukashenko in the August 9 presidential race .
Several thousand protesters , many carrying the red-and-white opposition flag , joined a march in central Minsk on Sunday .
Police vans and water cannons had been deployed to the centre of the city with police sporadically detaining protesters in various locations .
Human rights group Viasna reported that more than 120 people had been detained .
An AFP journalist in the capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restricted in the city centre .
As in previous weeks several metro stations in the city were closed .
From exile in Lithuania , Tikhanovskaya said protests would continue `` until victory '' and that the past 90 days had shown authorities they had `` lost legitimacy and power '' .
`` The regime does n't want to give us the right to decide what will happen next to our country , '' Tikhanovskaya wrote on her Telegram channel on Sunday .
Tikhanovskaya , 38 , says she was the true winner of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support of several Western leaders , who have refused to recognise the election results .
On Saturday she congratulated Biden and said she hopes to meet with the newly elected president .
`` This was a real race of ideas , programmes and teams , unlike Belarus , where votes at elections were simply stolen , in the United States the vote of every voter was taken into account , '' she said .
She said she believed Biden will `` soon meet with the fairly elected president of the new , free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voiced support for the Belarusian opposition and promised he would expand sanctions against Lukashenko 's regime .
Lukashenko on Saturday called the US vote a `` mockery of democracy '' and said he does n't expect relations with Washington to change no matter the election outcome .
Apart from the large-scale Sunday protests , smaller rallies have been organised by professional groups such as teachers , students and medics .
On Saturday , around 50 medical workers held a protest outside a Minsk hospital , local news outlets reported .
Dozens of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state universities expelled students who organised sit-in protests on campus .
The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko , 66 , and several of his allies , imposing a travel ban and asset freezes , for vote-rigging and police violence .
Earlier protests in Minsk were met with a brutal crackdown with police using stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the gatherings .
Many of those detained reported brutal treatment including beatings and torture at the hands of security forces .
Authorities have also threatened to use live ammunition on protesters @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down and the opposition unable to force his resignation , the political situation appears to have reached an impasse .
Last week , Belarus closed land borders with Lithuania , Latvia , Ukraine and Poland , and banned foreigners from entering the country via land border crossings .
Two weeks ago , the opposition announced a nationwide strike but it did not gain momentum and its effects on the country 's economy appear to have been limited .

Minsk (AFP) –
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Protesters gathered in Belarus Sunday for the latest in weeks of unprecedented demonstrations against strongman Alexander Lukashenko, with the opposition leader saying she hopes to soon meet with US President-elect Joe Biden.
For three months running, tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Belarus on Sundays to protest against the disputed re-election of Lukashenko, who has been in power for more than two decades.
Lukashenko's opponents are demanding he hand power to Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a political novice who ran against Lukashenko in the August 9 presidential race.
Several thousand protesters, many carrying the red-and-white opposition flag, joined a march in central Minsk on Sunday.
Police vans and water cannons had been deployed to the centre of the city with police sporadically detaining protesters in various locations.
Human rights group Viasna reported that more than 120 people had been detained.
An AFP journalist in the capital Minsk reported that mobile internet access was restricted in the city centre. As in previous weeks several metro stations in the city were closed.
From exile in Lithuania, Tikhanovskaya said protests would continue "until victory" and that the past 90 days had shown authorities they had "lost legitimacy and power".
"The regime doesn't want to give us the right to decide what will happen next to our country," Tikhanovskaya wrote on her Telegram channel on Sunday.
Tikhanovskaya, 38, says she was the true winner of the presidential poll and has gained the support of several Western leaders, who have refused to recognise the election results.
On Saturday she congratulated Biden and said she hopes to meet with the newly elected president.
- 'Stolen elections' -
"This was a real race of ideas, programmes and teams, unlike Belarus, where votes at elections were simply stolen, in the United States the vote of every voter was taken into account," she said.
She said she believed Biden will "soon meet with the fairly elected president of the new, free Belarus."
Democrat Biden has previously voiced support for the Belarusian opposition and promised he would expand sanctions against Lukashenko's regime.
Lukashenko on Saturday called the US vote a "mockery of democracy" and said he doesn't expect relations with Washington to change no matter the election outcome.
Apart from the large-scale Sunday protests, smaller rallies have been organised by professional groups such as teachers, students and medics.
On Saturday, around 50 medical workers held a protest outside a Minsk hospital, local news outlets reported. Dozens of them were detained.
In October, several state universities expelled students who organised sit-in protests on campus.
The European Union has slapped sanctions on Lukashenko, 66, and several of his allies, imposing a travel ban and asset freezes, for vote-rigging and police violence.
Earlier protests in Minsk were met with a brutal crackdown with police using stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the gatherings.
Many of those detained reported brutal treatment including beatings and torture at the hands of security forces.
Authorities have also threatened to use live ammunition on protesters.
With Moscow-backed Lukashenko refusing to step down and the opposition unable to force his resignation, the political situation appears to have reached an impasse.
Last week, Belarus closed land borders with Lithuania, Latvia, Ukraine and Poland, and banned foreigners from entering the country via land border crossings.
Two weeks ago, the opposition announced a nationwide strike but it did not gain momentum and its effects on the country's economy appear to have been limited.
© 2020 AFP