france24--2020-07-21--Hajj, drastically scaled down to include some 1,000 pilgrims, to begin July 29

Sanitation workers disinfecting the area around the Kaaba in Mecca 's Grand Mosque on April 24 , 2020 .
This year 's hajj , which has been scaled back dramatically to include only around 1,000 Muslim pilgrims as Saudi Arabia battles a coronavirus surge , will begin on July 29 , authorities said Monday .
Some 2.5 million people from all over the world usually participate in the ritual that takes place over several days , centred on the holy city of Mecca .
This year 's hajj will be held under strict hygiene protocols , with access limited to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any chronic illnesses .
`` The stand of pilgrims on Mount Arafat , the peak of the hajj ritual , falls on Thursday , '' the official Saudi Press Agency cited the Supreme Court as saying , indicating that Wednesday would be the first day of the annual event .
The timing of the hajj is determined by the position of the moon , in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar .
Last month , Saudi Arabia announced it would hold a `` very limited '' hajj , a decision fraught with political @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surge in coronavirus infections .
It has seen some 253,349 cases so far including 2,523 deaths – the highest toll among the Arab Gulf states .
Although hajj officials said the pilgrimage would be restricted to 1,000 people already present in the kingdom , 70 percent of them foreigners and the rest Saudis , some press reports have said that 10,000 people may take part .
The ritual will be restricted to medical professionals and security personnel who have recovered from the virus , the hajj ministry said .
The decision to exclude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a first in the kingdom 's modern history and has sparked disappointment among Muslims worldwide , although many accepted it was necessary due to the pandemic .
The pilgrims will be tested for coronavirus before arriving in Mecca and are required to quarantine at home after the ritual , according to health officials .
Saudi Arabia has seen an uptick in both confirmed infections and deaths from Covid-19 since easing movement restrictions in late May .
It has yet to restore international air links .
The hajj – a must for able-bodied Muslims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be a major source of contagion , as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites .
The Saudi-based Muslim World League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have backed the government 's move for the health and safety of pilgrims .
But the decision still risks angering hardline Muslims for whom religion trumps health concerns .
A scaled-down hajj represents a major loss of revenue for the kingdom , already reeling from the twin shocks of the virus-induced slowdown and a plunge in oil prices .
The smaller year-round umrah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Together , they add $ 12 billion to the Saudi economy every year , according to government figures .
Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers , for whom the custodianship of Islam 's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy .
But a series of deadly disasters over the years , including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 worshippers , has prompted criticism of the kingdom 's management of the pilgrimage .

This year's hajj, which has been scaled back dramatically to include only around 1,000 Muslim pilgrims as Saudi Arabia battles a coronavirus surge, will begin on July 29, authorities said Monday.
Sanitation workers disinfecting the area around the Kaaba in Mecca's Grand Mosque on April 24, 2020.
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Some 2.5 million people from all over the world usually participate in the ritual that takes place over several days, centred on the holy city of Mecca.
This year's hajj will be held under strict hygiene protocols, with access limited to pilgrims under 65 years old and without any chronic illnesses.
"The stand of pilgrims on Mount Arafat, the peak of the hajj ritual, falls on Thursday," the official Saudi Press Agency cited the Supreme Court as saying, indicating that Wednesday would be the first day of the annual event.
The timing of the hajj is determined by the position of the moon, in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar.
Last month, Saudi Arabia announced it would hold a "very limited" hajj, a decision fraught with political and economic peril as it battles a surge in coronavirus infections.
It has seen some 253,349 cases so far including 2,523 deaths – the highest toll among the Arab Gulf states.
Although hajj officials said the pilgrimage would be restricted to 1,000 people already present in the kingdom, 70 percent of them foreigners and the rest Saudis, some press reports have said that 10,000 people may take part.
The ritual will be restricted to medical professionals and security personnel who have recovered from the virus, the hajj ministry said.
Heavy blow
The decision to exclude pilgrims arriving from outside Saudi Arabia is a first in the kingdom's modern history and has sparked disappointment among Muslims worldwide, although many accepted it was necessary due to the pandemic.
The pilgrims will be tested for coronavirus before arriving in Mecca and are required to quarantine at home after the ritual, according to health officials.
Saudi Arabia has seen an uptick in both confirmed infections and deaths from Covid-19 since easing movement restrictions in late May. It has yet to restore international air links.
The hajj – a must for able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime – could be a major source of contagion, as it packs millions of pilgrims into congested religious sites.
The Saudi-based Muslim World League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have backed the government's move for the health and safety of pilgrims.
But the decision still risks angering hardline Muslims for whom religion trumps health concerns.
A scaled-down hajj represents a major loss of revenue for the kingdom, already reeling from the twin shocks of the virus-induced slowdown and a plunge in oil prices.
The smaller year-round umrah pilgrimage was already suspended in March.
Together, they add $12 billion to the Saudi economy every year, according to government figures.
Hosting the hajj is a matter of prestige for Saudi rulers, for whom the custodianship of Islam's holiest sites is their most powerful source of political legitimacy.
But a series of deadly disasters over the years, including a 2015 stampede that killed up to 2,300 worshippers, has prompted criticism of the kingdom's management of the pilgrimage.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-21--Bayer loses Roundup weedkiller appeal in US court

Bayer on Monday lost an appeal challenging the outcome of the first case to go to trial in the US over the company 's weedkiller Roundup , though the court reduced the punitive damages awarded to the plaintiff .
The case before the California Court of Appeals concerned Dewayne `` Lee '' Johnson , a school groundskeeper and heavy user of Roundup who sued Monsanto – a subsidiary of Bayer – in a landmark case after contracting terminal non-Hodgkin 's lymphoma .
A jury in 2018 found that the herbicide substantially contributed to Johnson 's illness and awarded him nearly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 250 million in punitive damages that were later reduced to $ 78.5 million .
The ruling sent Bayer share prices tumbling at the time and was followed by a wave of lawsuits that have weighed on the company since it bought the US firm Monsanto in 2018 .
Under Monday 's ruling , the court denied Monsanto 's motion for a new trial on condition that Johnson accept a settlement of $ 10.2 million in compensatory damages and the same amount in punitive damages .
`` Although we have concluded that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we do not otherwise reverse the judgement , '' the three-judge panel said , affirming Monsanto 's liability in the case .
`` In our view , Johnson presented abundant – and certainly substantial – evidence that glyphosate , together with the other ingredients in Roundup products , caused his cancer , '' the judges said in their ruling .
`` Expert after expert provided evidence both that Roundup products are capable of causing non-Hodgkin 's lymphoma and caused Johnson 's cancer in particular . ''
Bayer said in a statement that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the right direction . ''
`` We nevertheless still believe that the jury ruling and the indemnity payments are not compatible with the presented evidence and the existing laws , '' the company said .
`` Monsanto will examine its legal options , including an appeal to the Supreme Court of California , '' Bayer added in the statement .
The company last month said it would pay more than $ 10 billion to end a wave of lawsuits related to Roundup that have sent jitters among shareholders .
Bayer , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the $ 10 billion-plus settlement package , maintains that scientific studies and regulatory approvals show Roundup 's main ingredient glyphosate is safe .
But other research has found that glyphosate can cause cancer .

Bayer on Monday lost an appeal challenging the outcome of the first case to go to trial in the US over the company's weedkiller Roundup, though the court reduced the punitive damages awarded to the plaintiff.
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The case before the California Court of Appeals concerned Dewayne "Lee" Johnson, a school groundskeeper and heavy user of Roundup who sued Monsanto – a subsidiary of Bayer – in a landmark case after contracting terminal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A jury in 2018 found that the herbicide substantially contributed to Johnson's illness and awarded him nearly $40 million in compensatory damages and $250 million in punitive damages that were later reduced to $78.5 million.
The ruling sent Bayer share prices tumbling at the time and was followed by a wave of lawsuits that have weighed on the company since it bought the US firm Monsanto in 2018.
Under Monday's ruling, the court denied Monsanto's motion for a new trial on condition that Johnson accept a settlement of $10.2 million in compensatory damages and the same amount in punitive damages.
"Although we have concluded that a reduction in the damages awarded is appropriate, we do not otherwise reverse the judgement," the three-judge panel said, affirming Monsanto's liability in the case.
"In our view, Johnson presented abundant – and certainly substantial – evidence that glyphosate, together with the other ingredients in Roundup products, caused his cancer," the judges said in their ruling. "Expert after expert provided evidence both that Roundup products are capable of causing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and caused Johnson's cancer in particular."
Bayer said in a statement that the ruling is a "step in the right direction."
"We nevertheless still believe that the jury ruling and the indemnity payments are not compatible with the presented evidence and the existing laws," the company said.
"Monsanto will examine its legal options, including an appeal to the Supreme Court of California," Bayer added in the statement.
The company last month said it would pay more than $10 billion to end a wave of lawsuits related to Roundup that have sent jitters among shareholders.
Bayer, which is not admitting any wrongdoing as part of the $10 billion-plus settlement package, maintains that scientific studies and regulatory approvals show Roundup's main ingredient glyphosate is safe.
But other research has found that glyphosate can cause cancer.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-21--German man goes on trial for deadly 2019 attack on synagogue in Halle

The synagogue in Halle , Germany , which Stephan Balliet is accused of trying to storm with firearms and explosives during Yom Kippur prayers in October , 2019 .
A German man goes on trial on Tuesday for a deadly shooting targeting Jews in the eastern city of Halle last year , one of the worst acts of anti-Semitic violence in Germany 's postwar history .
Stephan Balliet , 28 , is accused of shooting dead two people in October after he tried and failed to storm a synagogue .
He has been charged with two counts of murder and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say Balliet used explosives and firearms to try to gain access to the synagogue , where 52 worshippers were celebrating Yom Kippur , the holiest day in the Jewish calendar .
After failing to break through the synagogue 's locked wooden door , he shot dead a female passer-by and a man in a nearby kebab shop .
He filmed the assault and livestreamed it on the internet .
The attack shocked Germany and fuelled alarm about rising right-wing extremism and anti-Jewish violence , 75 years after the end of the Nazi era @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a vigil at a Berlin synagogue after the attack , said the bloodshed in Halle showed Germany had `` to do more '' to protect Jews .
Prosecutors said Balliet made a `` very comprehensive '' confession , confirming `` far-right and anti-Semitic motives '' .
Balliet also published documents online that called for the killing of all Jews .
His video of the attack will be shown in court .
Balliet faces an additional charge of incitement to hatred for denying the Holocaust in the footage .
According to a report in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Balliet concluded that he has a complex personality disorder with elements of autism .
However , he was deemed to be aware of his actions and not exempt from criminal responsibility , the report said .
Baillet `` described the fatal shots fired at his two victims in Halle without emotion '' and appeared disappointed that he had failed in his attempt to enter the synagogue , psychiatrist Norbert Leygraf was cited as saying .
If convicted , Baillet could face life in prison .
The trial is being held at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last until mid-October .
The synagogue 's heavy wooden door still bears the bullet holes from the assault and will soon be removed and used for a communal art project .
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier , seen by many as Germany 's moral compass , said in his Christmas speech last December that it was `` a miracle '' the door had resisted the attack , saving dozens of lives .
`` It also symbolises what we stand for .
Are we strong and resistant ?
Do we stand by each other enough ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ came three months after the murder of local pro-migrant politician Walter Luebcke in the western city of Kassel , allegedly by a known neo-Nazi .
The trial in that case began last month , with prosecutors claiming 46-year-old suspect Stephan Ernst was motivated by `` extreme right-wing political convictions '' .
In February this year , a gunman with apparent far-right beliefs killed nine people at a shisha bar and a cafe in the city of Hanau , near Frankfurt .
Interior Minister Horst Seehofer has since declared far-right extremism the `` biggest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a beefed-up security response .

A German man went on trial Tuesday for a Yom Kippur attack on a synagogue that is considered one of the worst anti-Semitic assaults in the country's post-war history.
Accused Stephan Balliet sits in the courtroom of the regional court at the beginning of the trial in Magdeburg, Germany, Tuesday, July 21, 2020.
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The trial comes at a time when anti-Semitic crimes have reached their highest level since Germany started tracking such crimes in 2001, amid an overall increase in right-wing extremist criminality.
Stephan Balliet, 28, is alleged to have posted an anti-Semitic screed before carrying out the October 9 attack in the eastern German city of Halle. He broadcast the shooting live on a popular gaming site.
The attacker tried but failed repeatedly to force his way into the synagogue as 52 worshippers were inside. Prosecutors allege he then shot and killed a 40-year-old woman in the street outside and a 20-year-old man at a nearby kebab shop as an “appropriate target” with immigrant roots.
Balliet is charged with 13 crimes including murder and attempted murder, along with bodily harm, incitement and other charges. Forty-three victims and relatives have joined the trial as co-plaintiffs, as allowed under German law.
03:19
The start of the Magdeburg state court trial was delayed for two hours due to the intense interest from dozens of national and international reporters and others who lined up for hours in front of the court building to get through security.
The suspect, clad in all black, with a blue face mask and shaved head, was taken to the court room by special forces with bullet-proof vests and covered faces. Balliet was handcuffed and his feet were shackled, the German news agency dpa reported.
Igor Matviyets, a member of Halle's Jewish community, who stood vigil with dozens of others outside the court building, said he worried the assault would be considered a crime against Jews only and not as an attack on the entire society.
“That is something I'm trying to fight against,” Matviyets told The Associated Press. “Because everyone could become a target of far-right crime, of far-right terrorists.”
During his attack, Balliet was armed with eight firearms, several explosive devices, a helmet and a protective vest, according to the indictment. Prosecutors have said the weapons were apparently homemade.
Following the attack, the suspect fled the city, wounding another two people in a small town near Halle where he abandoned his car and stole a taxi. Balliet was arrested about 1½ hours after the attack as he got out of the taxi, which had been in an accident.
'One of Germany's worst anti-Semitic attacks'
The head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, Joseph Schuster, called the attack “one of the worst anti-Semitic incidents of the last years in Germany.”
"The suffering of the people in the Halle synagogue on Yom Kippur remains inconceivable,” Schuster said in a statement. “It was a miracle that they could evade this massacre.”
As the suspect tried to break into the synagogue, terrified worshippers inside were able to watch him through a surveillance camera.
Schuster demanded that the court looks into all aspects of the attack, and continues to investigate whether the suspect had any support from others.
He lauded the German government for making the fight against far-right crimes one of its top priorities in recent months and said that while the sense of security among Jews in Germany had taken a hard hit after the attack, it was now “almost back at the level before the attack, though additional security measures have partially led to restrictions in community life,” dpa reported.
German authorities vowed to step up measures against far-right extremism following the killing of a regional politician by a suspected neo-Nazi, the attack on the Halle synagogue and the fatal shooting of nine people of immigrant background in Hanau over the past year.
A lawyer for the co-plaintiffs, Juri Goldstein, said the trial was also about trying to find out how somebody could develop so much hatred “for people that he doesn’t know at all.”
(AP)
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france24--2020-07-21--Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez rejects creditors’ counter-offer on debt

Argentina 's President Alberto Fernandez is seeking to restructure his country 's $ 66 billion debt with a new offer to the US Securities and Exchange Commission Argentinian president Alberto Fernandez on Monday dismissed a counter-offer from three groups of creditors who said they had rejected the country 's proposal to restructure $ 66 billion of debt .
`` It is impossible for us to move from the last offer , '' Fernandez said in a statement on public television .
Argentina 's last offer , issued under foreign law , was worth 53.5 cents on the dollar , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of 39 cents .
Having originally proposed a three-year grace period , the offer reduced that to one year , with repayments beginning in September 2021 .
The creditors had earlier said , `` Argentina 's offer is short of what the creditor groups can accept , '' adding that they would not meet the government 's August 4 deadline to find an agreement .
However , the creditors expressed confidence that an `` agreed solution '' could be found that ensures `` the future economic sustainability for the Argentine people . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Argentina Creditor Committee groups claim to represent a third of bondholders under foreign law involved in the restructure talks .
That gives the groups veto power over any restructure deal , experts say .
Argentina Creditor had seemed more disposed to accepting the government 's offer , but in joining the other two groups , `` they are practically in a position to block the whole deal , '' economist Sebastian Maril told AFP .
`` And if they work together , as one , it 's going to be very difficult for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The groups did not divulge any details about their counter-offer , but sources close to the negotiation said it represents 56.6 cents on the dollar with the new bonds beginning to accrue interest from September this year .
The groups said their offer would give Argentina relief to its urgent needs , access to capital markets and the legal framework necessary to attract investors .
The bonds represent roughly a fifth of the country 's $ 324 billion debt , which amounts to around 90 percent of its GDP .
In recession since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further punished by the coronavirus pandemic .
The International Monetary Fund estimates it will contract by 9.9 percent this year .
With the backing of the IMF , Fernandez has insisted that any deal with creditors be sustainable so that the country can meet its obligations over the long term .
But Argentina has been in default -- for the ninth time in its history -- since May 22 when the country missed a deadline to pay $ 500 million in interest on the debt that is subject to the current negotiation .

Argentinian president Alberto Fernandez on Monday dismissed a counter-offer from three groups of creditors who said they had rejected the country's proposal to restructure $66 billion of debt.
Argentina's President Alberto Fernandez is seeking to restructure his country's $66 billion debt with a new offer to the US Securities and Exchange Commission
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"It is impossible for us to move from the last offer," Fernandez said in a statement on public television.
Argentina's last offer, issued under foreign law, was worth 53.5 cents on the dollar, a significant improvement on its original starting position of 39 cents.
Having originally proposed a three-year grace period, the offer reduced that to one year, with repayments beginning in September 2021.
The creditors had earlier said, "Argentina's offer is short of what the creditor groups can accept," adding that they would not meet the government's August 4 deadline to find an agreement.
However, the creditors expressed confidence that an "agreed solution" could be found that ensures "the future economic sustainability for the Argentine people."
The Exchange Bondholders, Ad Hoc and Argentina Creditor Committee groups claim to represent a third of bondholders under foreign law involved in the restructure talks.
That gives the groups veto power over any restructure deal, experts say.
'Very difficult' to reach agreement
Argentina Creditor had seemed more disposed to accepting the government's offer, but in joining the other two groups, "they are practically in a position to block the whole deal," economist Sebastian Maril told AFP.
"And if they work together, as one, it's going to be very difficult for Argentina to reach an agreement."
The groups did not divulge any details about their counter-offer, but sources close to the negotiation said it represents 56.6 cents on the dollar with the new bonds beginning to accrue interest from September this year.
The groups said their offer would give Argentina relief to its urgent needs, access to capital markets and the legal framework necessary to attract investors.
The bonds represent roughly a fifth of the country's $324 billion debt, which amounts to around 90 percent of its GDP.
In recession since 2018, the Argentine economy has been further punished by the coronavirus pandemic. The International Monetary Fund estimates it will contract by 9.9 percent this year.
With the backing of the IMF, Fernandez has insisted that any deal with creditors be sustainable so that the country can meet its obligations over the long term.
But Argentina has been in default -- for the ninth time in its history -- since May 22 when the country missed a deadline to pay $500 million in interest on the debt that is subject to the current negotiation.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-20--Trump threatens to send federal forces to more ‘Democrat’ cities

A federal law enforcement official fires tear gas at protesters during a protest against racial inequality in Portland , Oregon , on July 19 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump on Monday said he would send law enforcement to more U.S. cities , as a federal crackdown on anti-racism protests in Oregon with unmarked cars and unidentified forces angered people across the country .
Trump , a Republican , cited New York , Chicago , Philadelphia , Detroit , Baltimore and Oakland , California , as places to send federal agents , noting the cities ' mayors were `` liberal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ frequently blasts Trump on Twitter .
`` We 're sending law enforcement , '' Trump told reporters at the White House .
`` We can ’ t let this happen to the cities . ''
State and local leaders in Oregon , as well as members of Congress , have called for Trump to remove Department of Homeland Security secret police forces from Portland , Oregon , after videos showed unidentified federal personnel rounding up people and whisking them away in black minivans .
`` Not only do I believe he is breaking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ endangering the lives of Portlanders , '' the city 's mayor , Ted Wheeler , tweeted , having previously called the federal presence `` political theater '' in an election year .
Trump , trailing in opinion polls behind Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden , in June declared himself `` president of law and order '' and threatened to send the U.S. military into cities after sometimes violent protests and looting in the aftermath of African American George Floyd 's death in police custody in Minneapolis .
Federal agents last week began cracking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and systemic racism , using tear gas to defend federal buildings and taking some activists into custody without explanation .
`` They grab a lot of people and jail the leaders .
These are anarchists , '' Trump said of federal agents sent to the historically liberal city to quell often unruly protests .
Despite a national outcry over the tactics , Department of Homeland Security ( DHS ) officials on Monday said they would not back down and would not apologise .
The state of Oregon and the American Civil Liberties Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detaining Oregon residents , and some Republicans spoke out against its tactics on Monday .
`` There is no place for federal troops or unidentified federal agents rounding people up at will , '' tweeted U.S .
Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky .
The Chicago Tribune reported that Homeland Security was making plans to deploy around 150 agents in the city this week where police defending a statue clashed with protesters on Friday .
The DHS did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment .

President Donald Trump on Monday said he would send law enforcement to more U.S. cities, as a federal crackdown on anti-racism protests in Oregon with unmarked cars and unidentified forces angered people across the country.
A federal law enforcement official fires tear gas at protesters during a protest against racial inequality in Portland, Oregon, on July 19, 2020.
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Trump, a Republican, cited New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit, Baltimore and Oakland, California, as places to send federal agents, noting the cities' mayors were "liberal Democrats." Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot frequently blasts Trump on Twitter.
"We're sending law enforcement," Trump told reporters at the White House. "We can’t let this happen to the cities."
State and local leaders in Oregon, as well as members of Congress, have called for Trump to remove Department of Homeland Security secret police forces from Portland, Oregon, after videos showed unidentified federal personnel rounding up people and whisking them away in black minivans.
"Not only do I believe he is breaking the law, but he is also endangering the lives of Portlanders," the city's mayor, Ted Wheeler, tweeted, having previously called the federal presence "political theater" in an election year.
Trump, trailing in opinion polls behind Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden, in June declared himself "president of law and order" and threatened to send the U.S. military into cities after sometimes violent protests and looting in the aftermath of African American George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis.
Federal agents last week began cracking down on Portland protests against police brutality and systemic racism, using tear gas to defend federal buildings and taking some activists into custody without explanation.
"They grab a lot of people and jail the leaders. These are anarchists," Trump said of federal agents sent to the historically liberal city to quell often unruly protests.
Despite a national outcry over the tactics, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials on Monday said they would not back down and would not apologise.
The state of Oregon and the American Civil Liberties Union have sued the Trump administration for unlawfully detaining Oregon residents, and some Republicans spoke out against its tactics on Monday.
"There is no place for federal troops or unidentified federal agents rounding people up at will," tweeted U.S. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky.
The Chicago Tribune reported that Homeland Security was making plans to deploy around 150 agents in the city this week where police defending a statue clashed with protesters on Friday.
The DHS did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-22--Trump concedes US Covid-19 crisis to 'get worse before it gets better'

U.S. President Donald Trump faces a coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) response news briefing at the White House in Washington , U.S. , July 21 , 2020 .
A somber President Donald Trump warned Tuesday that the coronavirus crisis in the United States is likely to `` get worse before it gets better . ''
`` Some areas of our country are doing very well , '' Trump said at his first formal White House virus briefing since the end of April .
`` Others are doing less well , '' the president said .
`` It will probably unfortunately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' He said there had been a `` a concerning rise in ( virus ) cases in many parts of our South . ''
Trump urged Americans to wear facemasks to help prevent the spread of the highly contagious virus which has left more than 141,000 people dead in the United States .
`` We are asking everybody that when you are not able to socially distance , wear a mask , '' he said .
`` Whether you like the mask or not , they have an impact .
They will have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can get . ''
Trump said the goal is `` not merely to manage the pandemic but to end it . ''
`` The vaccines are coming and they 're coming a lot sooner than anyone thought possible , '' he said .
Trump also repeated his assertion that the virus `` will disappear . ''
`` It will disappear , '' he said .

President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the “nasty horrible” coronavirus will get worse in the U.S. before it gets better, but he also tried to paint a rosy picture of efforts to conquer the disease that has claimed more than 140,000 American lives in just five months.
US President Donald Trump at a news briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, on July 21, 2020.
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He also professed a newfound respect for the protective face masks he has seldom worn. He pulled one from his pocket in the White House briefing room but didn't put it on.
After a three-month hiatus from his freewheeling daily virus briefings, Trump returned to the podium, keeping the stage to himself without the public health experts who were staples of his previous events but keeping close to scripted remarks prepared by aides.
Besides declaring support for masks as a way to fight the pandemic, he admonished young people against crowding in bars and spreading the disease.
It all marked a delayed recognition by Trump that the economic reopening he's been championing since April – and, more importantly, his reelection – were imperiled by spiking cases nationwide.
01:45
There were no guarantees how long Trump's more measured tone, delivered with an eye to halting a campaign-season erosion of support, would last. Along the way Tuesday, the president still worked in jabs at the news media and Democrats for focusing on disease-fighting shortcomings in the U.S. as the rest of world also struggles with the virus. He also belatedly addressed bipartisan criticism of virus-testing delays that have hampered reopening plans.
“It will probably unfortunately get worse before it gets better,” Trump said from the White House. But he also touted a reduction in deaths and progress on vaccines and treatments for Covid-19, which he referred to repeatedly as a the “China virus.” He continued his recent encouragement of Americans to wear masks when social distancing is not possible.
“Whether you like the mask or not, they have an impact," he said. "I’m getting used to the mask,” he added, pulling one out after months of suggesting that mask-wearing was a political statement against him.
Swaths of the country are now battling rising infections and growing deaths, and some states are once again having to close businesses and rethink school in the fall. Many retailers themselves are insisting their customers don masks.
For months, the nation’s top health experts have pleaded with Americans to wear masks in public and steer clear of crowds – calling those simple steps life-saving – even as the president’s stance fueled a partisan social divide.
The early evening show at the White House came as the next stage of the federal government’s response to the pandemic was being crafted on Capitol Hill. Lawmakers and White House officials were opening negotiations on a trillion-dollar-or-more “phase four” rescue package.
‘The vaccines are coming’
For weeks, White House aides have pressed Trump to grow more disciplined in his public statements about the pandemic. On Tuesday, he steered clear of what has been a favored talking point: that widespread testing for the virus in the U.S. “created” more cases, as aides noted that was false and projected a lack of responsibility.
President @realDonaldTrump on the U.S. preforming 50 million tests: "We have conducted nearly three times as many tests as all of the other countries in the western hemisphere combined" pic.twitter.com/ikdcnhheM6 — Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) July 21, 2020
Little more than three months from Election Day, Trump and his political team hoped that the podium spotlight would give him an edge against Democratic rival Joe Biden.
“The vaccines are coming, and they're coming a lot sooner than anybody thought possible,” Trump promised anew.
As early as next week, the first possible U.S. vaccine is set to begin final-stage testing in a study of 30,000 people to see if it really is safe and effective. A few other vaccines have begun smaller late-stage studies in other countries, and in the U.S. a series of huge studies are planned to start each month through fall in hopes of, eventually, having several vaccines to use. Already, people can start signing up to volunteer for the different studies.
Health authorities warn there’s no guarantee – it’s not unusual for vaccines to fail during this critical testing step. But vaccine makers and health officials are hopeful that at least one vaccine could prove to work by year’s end. Companies already are taking the unusual step of brewing hundreds of millions of doses so that mass vaccinations could begin if the Food and Drug Administration signs off.
Trump also acknowledged bipartisan criticism of delays processing testing results.
"We’ll be able to get those numbers down," Trump said, saying his administration was working to improve the availability of rapid, point-of-care tests like those used to protect him at the White House.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, told NPR Tuesday that he was glad Trump has begun to promote mask-wearing.
“If we, during those conferences, come out and have consistent, clear, noncontradictory messages, I believe it will be very helpful in getting people on the track of knowing the direction that we need to go to get this pandemic under control,” he said.
'He’s quit on this country'
Biden, for his part Tuesday, launched into scathing criticism of Trump as he outlined the latest plank of his economic recovery plan, charging that Trump “failed his most important test as an American President: the duty to care for you, for all of us.”
“He’s quit on you, he’s quit on this country,” Biden said.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump took to Twitter to claim that “by comparison to most other countries, who are suffering greatly, we are doing very well - and we have done things that few other countries could have done!”
In fact, the U.S. leads the world in confirmed cases and deaths from the virus – and ranks near the top on a per capita basis as well.
On Capitol Hill, some Republicans have broken with the White House in seeking additional federal funding for testing and contact-tracing in the next relief bill.
Democratic leader Chuck Schumer, in a news conference, encouraged White House aides to “keep Trump away from the podium,” calling the president "a threat to public health."
Trump's daily turns in the White House briefing room largely ended in late April after the president’s widely derided suggestion that injecting toxic disinfectant could help treat the coronavirus. The comment prompted widespread medical warnings against the potentially deadly move.
Scrapping the briefings was welcomed by aides who believed they were dragging down the president’s poll numbers, particularly with older voters. However, with his trademark rallies largely on hold because of the coronavirus, the view in Trump’s circle is that he needs an alternate means to reach voters.
And Trump missed the days when he would dominate cable television ratings with his early evening briefings. Tellingly, when he announced Monday that the sessions could return, he did so with an eye toward their time slot and a boast about ratings.
(AP)
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france24--2020-07-21--‘We want to breathe’: Campaigns for racial, climate justice find common ground in Paris suburbs

Climate activists take part in a rally in the Paris suburb of Beaumont-sur-Oise , on July 18 , 2020 , marking four years since the death in police custody of black youth Adama Traoré .
Seeking to expand their support base , anti-racism campaigners from the French banlieues are embracing the fight against human activities that poison the air , wreck ecosystems and spawn deadly pandemics – hurting vulnerable communities most .
Under a scorching sun , thousands of protesters marched through the Paris suburb of Beaumont-sur-Oise at the weekend , their banners , T-shirts and face masks calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ simply breathe .
Both solemn and festive , the gathering marked the fourth anniversary of the death in police custody of black youth Adama Traoré , whose case has mobilised broad anger against police brutality and racial injustice in France .
Demonstrators paid tribute to Traoré , who died of asphyxia on his 24th birthday in circumstances that remain unclear .
The march was also about broader grievances , and climate activists co-organised this year ’ s event .
Among them was Élodie Nace , a spokeswoman for environmental advocacy group Alternatiba , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the French capital to the distant northern suburb .
“ Ours is not merely an addition of groups , ” she told FRANCE 24 .
“ It ’ s an alliance around a common message : we want to breathe.
” Seldom has such an elementary plea felt quite so urgent as in recent months .
From Beaumont-sur-Oise to Minneapolis , a perfect storm of crises has focused attention on the most basic of human needs : the oxygen-filled air that sustains life , keeps coronavirus patients breathing , and which George Floyd @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the chilling video footage of Floyd ’ s killing on May 25 by a police officer in Minneapolis promptly evoked comparisons with the unresolved case of Traoré , whose last words were also , “ I can ’ t breathe ” .
Two autopsies and four separate medical examinations have offered conflicting reasons for Traoré ’ s death in police custody , with his family maintaining that he suffocated under the weight of the three officers who used a controversial technique to restrain him .
None of the officers has been charged , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fuelled the family ’ s struggle against racism and police violence in France ’ s deprived banlieues .
`` No man , no person should die like that , at that age , '' said Traoré ’ s sister Assa , who has led the family ’ s long legal fight .
Saturday ’ s broad-based march was the result of years of community organising by the Traoré family , backed by veteran anti-racism campaigners who joined their advocacy group , Truth For Adama , commonly referred to as the Comité Adama .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed Floyd ’ s killing in the US , the Comité Adama drew tens of thousands of protesters to the streets of Paris last month in France ’ s biggest – and most diverse – such rallies in decades .
Its protests have dwarved those staged by older anti-racism groups , whose radical edge has been eroded by years of association with mainstream political parties .
> > As George Floyd outrage spreads , France confronts its own demons The group has “ succeeded in carrying countless feelings of injustice that were yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Julien Talpin , a sociologist at the National Centre for Scientific Research .
“ In doing so , it has mobilised well beyond the circle of everyday activists.
” Since her brother ’ s death , Assa Traoré has roamed the country to meet with bereaved families , address rallies , reach out to other advocacy groups , and challenge political parties to take an interest in the banlieues .
Last year , she invited representatives of the Yellow Vests , a largely white anti-government protest movement , to the annual gathering in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the leftist “ antifa ” ( anti-fascists ) , have made for natural bedfellows , other tentative allies , like the Yellow Vests , have raised more than a few eyebrows in a country where rural folk and banlieue residents seldom cross paths .
Even as they reach out for partners , members of the Comité Adama have fiercely defended their autonomy , speaking of “ alliances ” rather than “ convergence ” .
They have been especially wary of involvement with political parties , careful to distinguish themselves from older anti-racism organisations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ controlled by the Socialist and Communist parties that once dominated left-wing activism .
“ The Comité Adama is willing to engage with political parties on the left , to challenge and provoke them , but it is careful to keep its distance , ” said Talpin , noting that many left-wing parties in the French Republican tradition are reluctant to acknowledge the “ systemic , institutionalised racism ” denounced by the Comité Adama .
So far , Alternatiba has proved a good match .
Both movements are young , radical , independent and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Nace , Alternatiba ’ s spokeswoman , they also share a “ systemic approach , aimed at overcoming a system of racial and gender-based domination that oppresses the most vulnerable '' .
“ On the one hand , they agree to support one another in their respective , autonomous fights , ” he explains .
“ And on the other , they share the assessment that the principal victims of racism , pollution and climate change are the underprivileged.
” Finally , Talpin adds , “ they also believe that the mainstream @ @ @ @ @ @ @ population and ignored the discriminations they endure.
” In March 2019 , when hundreds of thousands of climate campaigners marched in towns and cities across France to denounce government inaction , in the country ’ s largest ever climate protests , Assa Traoré chose to march separately , under the Truth For Adama banner .
But she accepted Alternatiba ’ s invitation to address the crowd , and later returned the invitation with Saturday ’ s gathering in Beaumont-sur-Oise .
For Alternatiba , a key aim of the rally was to dispel the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ preoccupation of white middle classes from the city-centres .
“ Ecology should not only be for the wealthy , organic-eating urbanites .
It is also about solidarity and reclaiming one ’ s territory , ” says Nace , noting that France ’ s poor suburbs , home to large immigrant and non-white populations living in cramped , neglected housing projects , are the most impacted by climate change , by polluted air and water .
“ The Adama Generation and the Climate Generation have come together to denounce a same system that plunders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ down the ladder , ” she says .
“ We want a different type of society based on justice and equality , and none of this will be possible without bringing poor , working-class districts on board .
”

Seeking to expand their support base, anti-racism campaigners from the French banlieues are embracing the fight against human activities that poison the air, wreck ecosystems and spawn deadly pandemics – hurting vulnerable communities most.
Climate activists take part in a rally in the Paris suburb of Beaumont-sur-Oise, on July 18, 2020, marking four years since the death in police custody of black youth Adama Traoré.
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Under a scorching sun, thousands of protesters marched through the Paris suburb of Beaumont-sur-Oise at the weekend, their banners, T-shirts and face masks calling for justice, equality and the freedom to simply breathe.
Both solemn and festive, the gathering marked the fourth anniversary of the death in police custody of black youth Adama Traoré, whose case has mobilised broad anger against police brutality and racial injustice in France. Demonstrators paid tribute to Traoré, who died of asphyxia on his 24th birthday in circumstances that remain unclear.
The march was also about broader grievances, and climate activists co-organised this year’s event. Among them was Elodie Nace, a spokeswoman for environmental advocacy group Alternatiba, which bussed dozens of its members from the French capital to the distant northern suburb.
“Ours is not merely an addition of groups,” she told FRANCE 24. “It’s an alliance around a common message: we want to breathe.”
‘I can’t breathe’
Seldom has such an elementary plea felt quite so urgent as in recent months. From Beaumont-sur-Oise to Minneapolis, a perfect storm of crises has focused attention on the most basic of human needs: the oxygen-filled air that sustains life, keeps coronavirus patients breathing, and which George Floyd was fatally denied.
In France, the chilling video footage of Floyd’s killing on May 25 by a police officer in Minneapolis promptly evoked comparisons with the unresolved case of Traoré, whose last words were also, “I can’t breathe”.
Two autopsies and four separate medical examinations have offered conflicting reasons for Traoré’s death in police custody, with his family maintaining that he suffocated under the weight of the three officers who used a controversial technique to restrain him. None of the officers has been charged, and the seething sense of injustice has fuelled the family’s struggle against racism and police violence in France’s deprived banlieues.
"No man, no person should die like that, at that age," said Traoré’s sister Assa, who has led the family’s long legal fight.
Leftists and Yellow Vests
Saturday’s broad-based march was the result of years of community organising by the Traoré family, backed by veteran anti-racism campaigners who joined their advocacy group, Truth For Adama, commonly referred to as the Comité Adama.
Galvanised by the global protest movement that followed Floyd’s killing in the US, the Comité Adama drew tens of thousands of protesters to the streets of Paris last month in France’s biggest – and most diverse – such rallies in decades. Its protests have dwarved those staged by older anti-racism groups, whose radical edge has been eroded by years of association with mainstream political parties.
>> As George Floyd outrage spreads, France confronts its own demons
The group has “succeeded in carrying countless feelings of injustice that were yet to find an outlet", says Julien Talpin, a sociologist at the National Centre for Scientific Research. “In doing so, it has mobilised well beyond the circle of everyday activists.”
Since her brother’s death, Assa Traoré has roamed the country to meet with bereaved families, address rallies, reach out to other advocacy groups, and challenge political parties to take an interest in the banlieues. Last year, she invited representatives of the Yellow Vests, a largely white anti-government protest movement, to the annual gathering in Beaumont-sur-Oise.
While some groups, including the leftist “antifa” (anti-fascists), have made for natural bedfellows, other tentative allies, like the Yellow Vests, have raised more than a few eyebrows in a country where rural folk and banlieue residents seldom cross paths.
Even as they reach out for partners, members of the Comité Adama have fiercely defended their autonomy, speaking of “alliances” rather than “convergence”. They have been especially wary of involvement with political parties, careful to distinguish themselves from older anti-racism organisations, established in the 1980s and largely controlled by the Socialist and Communist parties that once dominated left-wing activism.
“The Comité Adama is willing to engage with political parties on the left, to challenge and provoke them, but it is careful to keep its distance,” said Talpin, noting that many left-wing parties in the French Republican tradition are reluctant to acknowledge the “systemic, institutionalised racism” denounced by the Comité Adama.
Ecology for all
So far, Alternatiba has proved a good match. Both movements are young, radical, independent and driven by women. In the words of Nace, Alternatiba’s spokeswoman, they also share a “systemic approach, aimed at overcoming a system of racial and gender-based domination that oppresses the most vulnerable".
“There’s a common strategy and, to some extent, a shared ideological bedrock,” Talpin agrees.
“On the one hand, they agree to support one another in their respective, autonomous fights,” he explains. “And on the other, they share the assessment that the principal victims of racism, pollution and climate change are the underprivileged.”
Furthermore, Talpin adds, “they also believe that the mainstream left has abandoned those segments of the population and ignored the discriminations they endure.”
In March 2019, when hundreds of thousands of climate campaigners marched in towns and cities across France to denounce government inaction, in the country’s largest ever climate protests, Assa Traoré chose to march separately, under the Truth For Adama banner. But she accepted Alternatiba’s invitation to address the crowd, and later returned the invitation with Saturday’s gathering in Beaumont-sur-Oise.
For Alternatiba, a key aim of the rally was to dispel the widely-held belief that environmentalism is solely a preoccupation of white middle classes from the city-centres.
“Ecology should not only be for the wealthy, organic-eating urbanites. It is also about solidarity and reclaiming one’s territory,” says Nace, noting that France’s poor suburbs, home to large immigrant and non-white populations living in cramped, neglected housing projects, are the most impacted by climate change, by polluted air and water.
“The Adama Generation and the Climate Generation have come together to denounce a same system that plunders resources and pushes the most vulnerable further down the ladder,” she says. “We want a different type of society based on justice and equality, and none of this will be possible without bringing poor, working-class districts on board.”
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france24--2020-07-21--EU rescue deal: ‘The most important moment in the life of our Europe,’ says Macron

Emmanuel Macron from the Elysée Palace during a televised interview on TF1 , in Paris on July 21 , 2020 .
An historic rescue plan for economies left shattered by the coronavirus epidemic was hailed by French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday as “ the most important moment in the life of our Europe since the creation of the euro ” .
The deal is a special victory for Macron , who came to office in 2017 committed to strengthening the European Union but has struggled to deliver .
`` This is the most important moment in the life of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ euro , '' in 2002 , Macron said , adding that France itself would receive 40 billion euros .
The 750-billion-euro ( $ 858-billion ) deal was sealed in the early hours of Tuesday after intense negotiations that saw threats of walkouts , vetoes and fierce opposition from the Netherlands and Austria .
`` These were of course , difficult negotiations in very difficult times for all Europeans , '' said EU Council chief Charles Michel , whose job was to guide the tortuous talks over more than 90 hours .
Germany and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enables joint borrowing by the 27 members of the bloc to help virus-hit countries , particularly Spain and Italy .
While German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe had shown itself equal to `` the greatest crisis '' in EU history , Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed `` a Marshall Plan for Europe '' that would boost his country 's economy by 140 billion euros over the next six years .
How will the debt be repaid ?
However , there was criticism from MEPs , who broadly welcomed the deal but questioned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now allowed to borrow funds but there is no certainty on how the debt will be repaid , '' said a group of six MEPs who took part in the negotiations .
And teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg questioned whether the compromises were too great .
`` As expected the # EUCO resulted in some nice words , some vague distant incomplete climate targets nearly impossible to track and a complete denial of the climate emergency , '' she tweeted .
The initial call for solidarity was met with the fierce opposition from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of northern nations led by the Netherlands that argued the package was unnecessary .
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had warned before the talks against the EU becoming a `` transfer union '' with a permanent north-south movement of wealth .
Afterwards , he defended himself from accusations that he had accepted precisely what he had sought to avoid .
`` This is a one off , there is a clear necessity for this given the excessive situation , '' he told reporters .
The frugals were also apprehensive about sending money to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lax with public spending .
To meet their concerns , payouts from the package will come with important strings attached - a hard pill to swallow for Rome and Madrid who resisted anything resembling the harsh bailouts imposed on Greece , Portugal or Ireland during the debt crisis .
The frugals were also enticed with heavy rebates on their EU contributions .
The recovery package will complement the unprecedented monetary stimulus at the European Central Bank , which has largely succeeded in reassuring the financial markets despite a catastrophic recession in Europe .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying it `` shows that when most needed , the EU steps up and comes together to help the people of Europe '' .
Overall , the deal will dole out €390 billion in the form of grants to pandemic-hit countries .
That was lower than an original €500 billion proposal made by France and Germany .
Another €360 billion will be disbursed in loans .
Spending must be devoted to policies seen as compatible with European priorities , including politically difficult economic reforms as well as the environment .
The European @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , will be in charge of distributing the funds , with the 27 member states able to turn down a spending plan if a weighted majority of them decide to intervene .
The rescue package was agreed along with the EU 's long-term budget , bringing the agreed spending to €1.8 trillion through 2027 .
The package now requires more technical negotiations among member states as well as ratification by the European Parliament , which will begin its scrutiny of the deal on Thursday .

An historic rescue plan for economies left shattered by the coronavirus epidemic was hailed by French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday as “the most important moment in the life of our Europe since the creation of the euro”.
Emmanuel Macron from the Elysée Palace during a televised interview on TF1, in Paris on July 21, 2020.
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The deal is a special victory for Macron, who came to office in 2017 committed to strengthening the European Union but has struggled to deliver.
"This is the most important moment in the life of our Europe since the creation of the euro," in 2002, Macron said, adding that France itself would receive 40 billion euros.
The 750-billion-euro ($858-billion) deal was sealed in the early hours of Tuesday after intense negotiations that saw threats of walkouts, vetoes and fierce opposition from the Netherlands and Austria.
"These were of course, difficult negotiations in very difficult times for all Europeans," said EU Council chief Charles Michel, whose job was to guide the tortuous talks over more than 90 hours.
Germany and France strongly backed the package, which enables joint borrowing by the 27 members of the bloc to help virus-hit countries, particularly Spain and Italy.
While German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Europe had shown itself equal to "the greatest crisis" in EU history, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hailed "a Marshall Plan for Europe" that would boost his country's economy by 140 billion euros over the next six years.
How will the debt be repaid?
However, there was criticism from MEPs, who broadly welcomed the deal but questioned the detail.
"The EU is now allowed to borrow funds but there is no certainty on how the debt will be repaid," said a group of six MEPs who took part in the negotiations.
And teenage climate campaigner Greta Thunberg questioned whether the compromises were too great.
"As expected the #EUCO resulted in some nice words, some vague distant incomplete climate targets nearly impossible to track and a complete denial of the climate emergency," she tweeted.
The initial call for solidarity was met with the fierce opposition from the "Frugals", a group of northern nations led by the Netherlands that argued the package was unnecessary.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte had warned before the talks against the EU becoming a "transfer union" with a permanent north-south movement of wealth.
Afterwards, he defended himself from accusations that he had accepted precisely what he had sought to avoid.
"This is a one off, there is a clear necessity for this given the excessive situation," he told reporters.
The frugals were also apprehensive about sending money to southern countries that they see as too lax with public spending.
To meet their concerns, payouts from the package will come with important strings attached - a hard pill to swallow for Rome and Madrid who resisted anything resembling the harsh bailouts imposed on Greece, Portugal or Ireland during the debt crisis.
The frugals were also enticed with heavy rebates on their EU contributions.
'Rule of law'
The recovery package will complement the unprecedented monetary stimulus at the European Central Bank, which has largely succeeded in reassuring the financial markets despite a catastrophic recession in Europe.
ECB chief Christine Lagarde welcomed the accord, saying it "shows that when most needed, the EU steps up and comes together to help the people of Europe".
Overall, the deal will dole out €390 billion in the form of grants to pandemic-hit countries.
That was lower than an original €500 billion proposal made by France and Germany. Another €360 billion will be disbursed in loans.
Spending must be devoted to policies seen as compatible with European priorities, including politically difficult economic reforms as well as the environment.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, will be in charge of distributing the funds, with the 27 member states able to turn down a spending plan if a weighted majority of them decide to intervene.
The rescue package was agreed along with the EU's long-term budget, bringing the agreed spending to €1.8 trillion through 2027.
The package now requires more technical negotiations among member states as well as ratification by the European Parliament, which will begin its scrutiny of the deal on Thursday.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-07-21--Ukraine bus siege ends with hostages freed and gunman arrested

Three hostages walk out of a seized passenger bus in the city of Lutsk , Ukraine July 21 , 2020 .
Ukrainian police freed 13 hostages and arrested an armed man who held them on a bus for more than 12 hours on Tuesday , after the country 's president agreed to his demand to post a movie recommendation on social media .
The SBU security service said a joint operation had resulted in all the hostages being released unharmed after a police stand-off in the western city Lutsk with the man , who threatened to detonate an explosive device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The tense hostage situation seemed to be resolved swiftly after the man spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky , who then recorded a short video , apparently meeting one of the man 's demands .
Three hostages were quickly let go , followed by the rest about an hour later .
Footage published by Ukrainian officials showed police escorting people as armed special forces stood over a man lying face down on the pavement near the bus with his hands behind his back .
The hostage-taker had earlier fired shots @ @ @ @ @ @ @ street in the centre of Lutsk , a city of over 200,000 some 400 kilometres ( 250 miles ) from capital Kiev .
The man initially made contact with the police identifying himself as Maksym Plokhoy , a pseudonym which translates to `` Bad Maxim '' , police said .
He was identified as Maksym Kryvosh , 44 , who had previously spent around 10 years in prison on various charges .
An account which was later suspended by Twitter had posts under Kryvosh 's name claiming he was armed , including with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convey anti-establishment messages on social media .
President Zelensky apparently carried out one of the demands posted on the account when he recorded a Facebook video calling on people to watch the 2005 documentary film `` Earthlings '' .
Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix , the film chronicles the harsh treatment of animals at the hands of humans .
Zelensky spoke with Kryvosh after a phone was handed to him , deputy head of Zelensky 's administration Kyrylo Tymoshenko told a briefing in Lutsk .
`` He had a telephone conversation , speaking with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to release three hostages , '' Tymoshenko said .
The president later deleted the short video from his account .
`` Today loved ones can hug everybody who languished all day on the bus with a gun pointed at them , '' Zelensky wrote after the crisis was over .
`` We did not lose a single person , '' added the president , a former TV comedian before his 2019 election win .
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Kryvosh came out of the bus following the negotiations .
`` He really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rifle , he really had a grenade .
There was a threat .
But it 's all in the past , '' Avakov said .
`` A lengthy prison sentence awaits him , '' he said , calling Kryvosh an `` unstable man '' .
Earlier footage showed the blue and white bus with several windows shattered and curtains drawn , surrounded by a heavy police presence .
Police earlier said there were 20 hostages , but it turned out there were only 13 .
While a heavy security presence including armoured vehicles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walked the streets beyond the perimeter and shops were open , an AFP correspondent said .
The hostages were onboard the bus from around 9 am ( 0600 GMT ) with no access to food or a toilet .
They were given access to water many hours later .
The SBU security service pronounced the situation an `` act of terror '' and launched a probe .
Ukraine , which has been fighting Russia-backed separatists since 2014 , has been struggling with a proliferation of illegal weapons .
Police in late 2017 stormed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Kharkiv , where an armed man claiming to be strapped with explosives captured 11 people .

Ukrainian police freed 13 hostages and arrested an armed man who held them on a bus for more than 12 hours on Tuesday, after the country's president agreed to his demand to post a movie recommendation on social media.
Three hostages walk out of a seized passenger bus in the city of Lutsk, Ukraine, on July 21, 2020.
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The SBU security service said a joint operation had resulted in all the hostages being released unharmed after a police stand-off in the western city Lutsk with the man, who threatened to detonate an explosive device unless his strange requests were met.
The tense hostage situation seemed to be resolved swiftly after the man spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who then recorded a short video, apparently meeting one of the man's demands.
Three hostages were quickly let go, followed by the rest about an hour later.
Footage published by Ukrainian officials showed police escorting people as armed special forces stood over a man lying face down on the pavement near the bus with his hands behind his back.
The hostage-taker had earlier fired shots and thrown an explosive package into the street in the centre of Lutsk, a city of over 200,000 some 400 kilometres (250 miles) from capital Kiev.
‘He convinced him’
The man initially made contact with the police identifying himself as Maksym Plokhoy, a pseudonym which translates to "Bad Maxim", police said.
He was identified as Maksym Kryvosh, 44, who had previously spent around 10 years in prison on various charges.
An account that was later suspended by Twitter had posts under Kryvosh's name claiming he was armed, including with bombs, and demanding top Ukrainian personalities convey anti-establishment messages on social media.
President Zelensky apparently carried out one of the demands posted on the account when he recorded a Facebook video calling on people to watch the 2005 documentary film "Earthlings". Narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, the film chronicles the harsh treatment of animals at the hands of humans.
Zelensky spoke with Kryvosh after a phone was handed to him, deputy head of Zelensky's administration Kyrylo Tymoshenko told a briefing in Lutsk.
"He had a telephone conversation, speaking with him for 15 minutes, he convinced him to release three hostages," Tymoshenko said.
The president later deleted the short video from his account.
"Today loved ones can hug everybody who languished all day on the bus with a gun pointed at them," Zelensky wrote after the crisis was over.
"We did not lose a single person," added the president, a former TV comedian before his 2019 election win.
‘There was a threat’
Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said Kryvosh came out of the bus following the negotiations.
"He really had a functioning pistol, an automatic rifle, he really had a grenade. There was a threat. But it's all in the past," Avakov said.
"A lengthy prison sentence awaits him," he said, calling Kryvosh an "unstable man".
Earlier footage showed the blue and white bus with several windows shattered and curtains drawn, surrounded by a heavy police presence.
Police earlier said there were 20 hostages, but it turned out there were only 13.
While a heavy security presence including armoured vehicles were around the immediate area, people walked the streets beyond the perimeter and shops were open, an AFP correspondent said.
The hostages were onboard the bus from around 9 am (0600 GMT) with no access to food or a toilet. They were given access to water many hours later.
The SBU security service pronounced the situation an "act of terror" and launched a probe.
Ukraine, which has been fighting Russia-backed separatists since 2014, has been struggling with a proliferation of illegal weapons.
Police in late 2017 stormed a post office in the eastern city of Kharkiv, where an armed man claiming to be strapped with explosives captured 11 people.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-21--Ethiopia says it has reached first-year target for filling divisive mega-dam

A handout satellite image shows a closeup view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam ( GERD ) and the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia July 12 , 2020 .
Ethiopia said Tuesday that its first-year target has been reached for filling a mega-dam on the Blue Nile River that has stoked tensions with downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan .
The announcement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed 's office indicated enough water had accumulated to enable Ethiopia to test the dam 's first two turbines -- an important milestone on the way toward actually producing energy .
But it risked drawing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which had insisted that a trilateral agreement on the dam 's operations be reached before Addis Ababa began impounding water in the dam 's reservoir .
`` It has become evident over the past two weeks in the rainy season that the GERD first year filling is achieved and the dam under construction is already overtopping , '' Abiy 's office said in a statement , using the acronym for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam .
The project has been a source of tension in the Nile River basin ever since Ethiopia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Egypt and Sudan view the dam as a threat to vital water supplies , while Ethiopia considers it essential for its electrification and development .
Ethiopia 's announcement came as African leaders held a virtual meeting Tuesday to try to resolve the dispute , a process that was being overseen by the African Union .
In a Twitter post after the meeting , Abiy said it had been `` fruitful '' and that there was a `` common understanding reached on continuing technical discussions on filling '' .
Sudanese water minister Yasser Abbas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected `` any unilateral step from one country '' .
There was no immediate reaction from Egypt .
In a statement earlier Tuesday , African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said it was `` absolutely necessary '' that Ethiopia , Egypt and Sudan `` come to an agreement that preserves the interest of all parties '' .
Ethiopia has long intended to begin filling the dam 's reservoir this month , in the middle of its rainy season .
Last week Ethiopian officials acknowledged that water was gathering in the dam 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a `` natural '' part of the construction process .
The statement from Abiy 's office Tuesday did not specify whether the first-year target had been hit through a `` natural '' process or through other steps to expedite filling .
An official at the dam site , speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity , stressed Tuesday that the dam 's culverts remained open and water continued to flow downstream .
`` There is no closure , nothing , '' the official said , adding that heavy rains meant water exceeding the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The reservoir has a capacity of 74 billion cubic metres , though the target for the first year was considerably less than that , at 4.9 billion cubic metres .
The goal is to impound an additional 13.5 billion cubic metres in the second year .

Ethiopia said Tuesday that its first-year target has been reached for filling a mega-dam on the Blue Nile River that has stoked tensions with downstream neighbours Egypt and Sudan.
A handout satellite image shows a closeup view of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia July 12, 2020.
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The announcement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office indicated enough water had accumulated to enable Ethiopia to test the dam's first two turbines -- an important milestone on the way toward actually producing energy.
But it risked drawing the ire of both Cairo and Khartoum, which had insisted that a trilateral agreement on the dam's operations be reached before Addis Ababa began impounding water in the dam's reservoir.
"It has become evident over the past two weeks in the rainy season that the GERD first year filling is achieved and the dam under construction is already overtopping," Abiy's office said in a statement, using the acronym for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The project has been a source of tension in the Nile River basin ever since Ethiopia broke ground on it in 2011.
Egypt and Sudan view the dam as a threat to vital water supplies, while Ethiopia considers it essential for its electrification and development.
Ethiopia's announcement came as African leaders held a virtual meeting Tuesday to try to resolve the dispute, a process that was being overseen by the African Union.
In a Twitter post after the meeting, Abiy said it had been "fruitful" and that there was a "common understanding reached on continuing technical discussions on filling".
Fruitful meeting on the #GERD facilitated by @CyrilRamaphosa in the endeavors to strengthen African Solutions to African Problems. I appreciate my brothers @SudanPMHamdok & @AlsisiOfficial for common understanding reached on continuing technical discussions on filling. pic.twitter.com/tgcnSj8HYq — Abiy Ahmed Ali 🇪🇹 (@AbiyAhmedAli) July 21, 2020
Sudanese water minister Yasser Abbas, meanwhile, told reporters that Khartoum rejected "any unilateral step from one country". There was no immediate reaction from Egypt.
In a statement earlier Tuesday, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said it was "absolutely necessary" that Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan "come to an agreement that preserves the interest of all parties".
Turbine testing
Ethiopia has long intended to begin filling the dam's reservoir this month, in the middle of its rainy season.
Last week Ethiopian officials acknowledged that water was gathering in the dam's reservoir, though officials said this was a "natural" part of the construction process.
The statement from Abiy's office Tuesday did not specify whether the first-year target had been hit through a "natural" process or through other steps to expedite filling.
An official at the dam site, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, stressed Tuesday that the dam's culverts remained open and water continued to flow downstream.
"There is no closure, nothing," the official said, adding that heavy rains meant water exceeding the capacity of the culverts was "accumulating".
The reservoir has a capacity of 74 billion cubic metres, though the target for the first year was considerably less than that, at 4.9 billion cubic metres.
The goal is to impound an additional 13.5 billion cubic metres in the second year.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-21--Sudan adjourns trial against ousted president Bashir over 1989 coup

Sudanese police officers control civilians as they chant slogans outside the court during the new trial against ousted President Omar al-Bashir and some of his former allies on charges of leading a military coup that brought the autocrat to power in 1989 in Khartoum , Sudan July 21 , 2020 .
Ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and some of his former allies went on trial on Tuesday on charges of leading a military coup that brought the autocrat to power in 1989 .
A Sudanese court had already handed Bashir a two-year sentence in December on corruption charges .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killing of protesters .
State TV broadcast the judge opening the hearing at a court in Khartoum without showing footage of Bashir , who has been jailed since he was toppled in April last year following mass protests against his 30-year rule .
In December , his lawyer told reporters it was a `` political trial par excellence '' more than 30 years after the event .
Before any statements or evidence could be given , the trial was adjourned until August 11 to reconvene in a larger court to allow more lawyers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Some lawyers had complained their colleagues had not been able to get into Tuesday 's session .
Other defendants include former allies of Bashir such as former Vice President Ali Osman Taha and Ali al-Haj , secretary general of the Islamist Popular Congress Party ( PCP ) , judicial officials said .
A civilian transition government took over from Bashir under a three-year power sharing deal with the military deal who helped remove Bashir but it has struggled to fix an economy in crisis .
Bashir 's Islamist party has complained of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his departure .
On Friday , hundreds of Islamists and other supporters of Bashir took to the streets to protest against the government 's decision to allow the consumption of alcohol for non-Muslims in a reversal of decades of Islamist policies .

Ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and some of his former allies went on trial on Tuesday on charges of leading a military coup that brought the autocrat to power in 1989.
Sudanese police officers control civilians as they chant slogans outside the court during the new trial against ousted President Omar al-Bashir and some of his former allies on charges of leading a military coup that brought the autocrat to power in 1989 in Khartoum, Sudan July 21, 2020.
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A Sudanese court had already handed Bashir a two-year sentence in December on corruption charges. He also faces trials and investigations over the killing of protesters.
State TV broadcast the judge opening the hearing at a court in Khartoum without showing footage of Bashir, who has been jailed since he was toppled in April last year following mass protests against his 30-year rule.
In December, his lawyer told reporters it was a "political trial par excellence" more than 30 years after the event.
Before any statements or evidence could be given, the trial was adjourned until August 11 to reconvene in a larger court to allow more lawyers and family members of defendants to attend.
Some lawyers had complained their colleagues had not been able to get into Tuesday's session.
Other defendants include former allies of Bashir such as former Vice President Ali Osman Taha and Ali al-Haj, secretary general of the Islamist Popular Congress Party (PCP), judicial officials said.
A civilian transition government took over from Bashir under a three-year power sharing deal with the military deal who helped remove Bashir but it has struggled to fix an economy in crisis.
Bashir's Islamist party has complained of being sidelined in transitional political process following his departure.
On Friday, hundreds of Islamists and other supporters of Bashir took to the streets to protest against the government's decision to allow the consumption of alcohol for non-Muslims in a reversal of decades of Islamist policies.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-21--‘No blanket ban’ on Chinese firm Huawei, says French finance minister

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire after a cabinet meeting at the Elysée Palace in Paris , France , on July 15 , 2020 .
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday that France would not ban China 's Huawei from investing in the country , in contrast to Britain , which has decided to purge the firm 's equipment from its 5G network by 2027 .
Le Maire told France Info radio there was `` no blanket ban '' on Huawei in France , but that sensitive locations would be protected .
`` We wo n't ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will protect our national security interests , '' Le Maire said , adding that he had reaffirmed France 's position to Chinese authorities on Monday .
Le Maire nevertheless condemned China 's alleged abuses against the country 's minority Muslim population , saying they were `` revolting and unacceptable '' .
U.N. experts and activists say at least a million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang .
China describes them as training centres helping stamp out terrorism and extremism and giving people new skills .
U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aim at China last week , saying the United States would impose visa restrictions on Chinese firms such as Huawei that he accused of facilitating human-rights violations .

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Tuesday that France would not ban China's Huawei from investing in the country, in contrast to Britain, which has decided to purge the firm's equipment from its 5G network by 2027.
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire after a cabinet meeting at the Elysée Palace in Paris, France, on July 15, 2020.
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Le Maire told France Info radio there was "no blanket ban" on Huawei in France, but that sensitive locations would be protected.
"We won't ban Huawei from investing in 5G, we will protect our national security interests," Le Maire said, adding that he had reaffirmed France's position to Chinese authorities on Monday.
Le Maire nevertheless condemned China's alleged abuses against the country's minority Muslim population, saying they were "revolting and unacceptable".
U.N. experts and activists say at least a million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims are being held in detention centres in Xinjiang. China describes them as training centres helping stamp out terrorism and extremism and giving people new skills.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo took fresh aim at China last week, saying the United States would impose visa restrictions on Chinese firms such as Huawei that he accused of facilitating human-rights violations.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-21--France denounces 'unacceptable' treatment of Uighurs in China

An ethnic Uighur woman looks through a security fence at the Grand Bazaar as Chinese soldiers watch in Urumqi , in China 's far western region of Xinjiang on 9 July 2009 .
Paris on Tuesday said the imprisonment of ethnic and religious minorities in China 's western Xinjiang region is `` unacceptable '' and demanded that Beijing let independent human rights observers visit the area .
Rights groups and experts estimate that more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps .
`` France is closely following all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through human rights organisations , '' Foreign Affairs minister Jean-Yves le Drian told parliament .
`` According to information that we read or have , there are imprisonment camps for Uighurs , mass detentions , disappearances , forced labour , forced sterilisations , the destruction of Uighur heritage , '' Le Drian said .
`` All these actions are unacceptable .
We condemn them firmly , '' added Le Drian , prompting applause in parliament .
He said France wanted China to allow access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ West and China are rising over a new draconian security law in Hong Kong and mounting opposition to the use of products made by Chinese telecom giant Huawei .
Earlier this month , the US slapped sanctions on senior Chinese officials , demanding an end to the `` horrific '' abuse of Uighurs , and on Monday blacklisted 11 Chinese firms for alleged complicity in the repression .
Beijing denies any wrongdoing , saying Uighurs are attending vocational training centres , and has imposed retaliatory sanctions on three US senators .

Paris on Tuesday said the imprisonment of ethnic and religious minorities in China's western Xinjiang region is "unacceptable" and demanded that Beijing let independent human rights observers visit the area.
An ethnic Uighur woman looks through a security fence at the Grand Bazaar as Chinese soldiers watch in Urumqi, in China's far western region of Xinjiang on 9 July 2009.
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Rights groups and experts estimate that more than one million ethnic Uighurs and other Turkic-speaking minorities have been rounded up into a network of internment camps.
"France is closely following all the testimonies relayed by the press and through human rights organisations," Foreign Affairs minister Jean-Yves le Drian told parliament.
"According to information that we read or have, there are imprisonment camps for Uighurs, mass detentions, disappearances, forced labour, forced sterilisations, the destruction of Uighur heritage," Le Drian said.
"All these actions are unacceptable. We condemn them firmly," added Le Drian, prompting applause in parliament.
He said France wanted China to allow access to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
His comments come as tensions between the West and China are rising over a new draconian security law in Hong Kong and mounting opposition to the use of products made by Chinese telecom giant Huawei.
Earlier this month, the US slapped sanctions on senior Chinese officials, demanding an end to the "horrific" abuse of Uighurs, and on Monday blacklisted 11 Chinese firms for alleged complicity in the repression.
On Sunday, British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab accused Beijing of "gross, egregious human rights abuses".
Beijing denies any wrongdoing, saying Uighurs are attending vocational training centres, and has imposed retaliatory sanctions on three US senators.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-21--Despite Covid-19, ‘Car Wash’ parties continue in Haiti

Screengrab from a Car Wash party at the end of June 2020 shared with the Observers team .
Although religious activities are permitted to For now , there is not a Car Wash party planned this weekend .
But Niepce is sceptical that the government ’ s decree will have much effect in the long term .
“ We are facing a situation where the majority of decisions taken by the state are no longer respected.
” There are a total of Article by Sophie Stuber ( Although religious activities are permitted to resume in Haiti , and schools are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gatherings of 10 or more people are still officially banned in Haiti.For now , there is not a Car Wash party planned this weekend .
But Niepce is sceptical that the government ’ s decree will have much effect in the long term.
“ We are facing a situation where the majority of decisions taken by the state are no longer respected.
” There are a total of 7,100 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Haiti and 151 recorded deaths.Article by Sophie Stuber ( @ sophiestube Our Observer Niepce Zéphirin first reported this story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , people are gathering in large crowds , not wearing masks , and not respecting social distancing .

HAITI
People in Port-au-Prince gather at a recent DJ music festival, known as a "Car Wash" party
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At least one person was killed in Port-au-Prince when police officers clashed with participants at an outdoor street party on Sunday, July 19, and several were reported injured. This gathering, known as a “Car Wash" party, is a popular summer DJ festival for young people in Haiti’s capital, mainly on Rue de l'Enterrement. But due to the continued presence of Covid-19 in Haiti, the government outlawed these parties.
Last week, the Government Commissioner banned Car Wash parties. Under the decree, participants can be arrested for joining the outdoor music festival. Despite the decree, people still assembled this weekend, which led to the police’s intervention.
A participant told the Haiti Standard that the party was calm until Haiti’s National Police (PNH) opened fire on several hundred people participating in the party. Government Commissioner Jacques Lafontant contradicts this claim, saying that it was participants of the party who fired shots. He called for an investigation into the incident.
In this video, people in the crowd from the Car Wash party scream as shots are fired.
Video from social media channel Passion Info Plus.
“Haitians are living as if the pandemic does not exist.”
Our Observer Niepce Zéphirin first reported this story to the Observers team. Despite the pandemic, people are gathering in large crowds, not wearing masks, and not respecting social distancing.
Screengrab from a Car Wash party at the end of June 2020 shared with the Observers team.
About a year ago, this phenomenon appeared in the country: a debaucherous activity that attracts a large part of the Haitian youth. In this activity, young people entertain themselves by pouring water over each other to the rhythm of raboday music, a DJ animation with music connected to debauchery and alcohol. Opinions are divided about holding this weekly activity. For some, it is a means of relaxation and entertainment. For others, it is an immoral activity because young girls dance naked, which undermines modesty. A week after the announcement by the Haitian government to reopen all activities, the Car Wash party was revived with great fanfare [Editor’s note : gradual reopening began in Haiti on June 30].
This video shows a last weekend’s Car Wash party, featuring a DJ and large crowd.
Although religious activities are permitted to resume in Haiti, and schools are set to reopen on August 10, gatherings of 10 or more people are still officially banned in Haiti.
For now, there is not a Car Wash party planned this weekend. But Niepce is sceptical that the government’s decree will have much effect in the long term.
“We are facing a situation where the majority of decisions taken by the state are no longer respected.”
There are a total of 7,100 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Haiti and 151 recorded deaths.
Article by Sophie Stuber (@sophiestube)


france24--2020-07-22--US orders China to close consulate in Houston, Beijing vows retaliation

A firetruck outside the Chinese consulate in Houston , Texas , on Wednesday , July 22 , 2020 , as authorities responded to a fire report on the premises .
The US on Wednesday confirmed that it ordered China to close its consulate in Houston “ to protect American intellectual property '' and the private information of Americans .
China had condemned the move and threatened retaliatory measures .
“ The United States will not tolerate [ China ’ s ] violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people , just as we have not tolerated ( its ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jobs , and other egregious behavior , ” said a brief statement attributed to State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus .
China condemned the move , the latest in a series of steps by the Trump administration as it ratchets up pressure on the world 's second-largest economy over trade , technology , human rights and security .
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called it “ an outrageous and unjustified move that will sabotage relations between the two countries.
” He warned of strong countermeasures if the US does not reverse its decision @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision on Tuesday and given three days to close , said Wang .
“ The unilateral closure of China ’ s consulate general in Houston within a short period of time is an unprecedented escalation of its recent actions against China , ” Wang said at a daily news briefing in Beijing .
China was considering closing the US consulate in the city of Wuhan , where the coronavirus outbreak began , an unnamed source told Reuters .
Besides its embassy in Beijing , the US has five consulates in mainland China , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Shanghai , Guangzhou , Chengdu , Wuhan and Shenyang .
On Tuesday night , Houston authorities responded to reports of a fire at the Chinese consulate .
Witnesses said that people were burning paper in what appeared to be trash cans , the Houston Chronicle reported , citing police .
Police were told that occupants were given until 4 pm Friday to leave the property , the Chronicle said .
Houston police said in a tweet that officers responded to “ a meet the firefighter ” call at the Chinese Consulate building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said that smoke was observed in an outdoor courtyard area , and that officers were not allowed to enter the building .
The news of the Chinese consulate closure ruffled financial markets with a bout of risk aversion in European stock trading .
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the coronavirus outbreak spread across the globe earlier this year .
The US and China have clashed recently over trade , technology , Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea and its human rights violations , including its treatment of ethnic Uighur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security law on Hong Kong .

The US on Wednesday confirmed that it ordered China to close its consulate in Houston “to protect American intellectual property" and the private information of Americans. China had condemned the move and threatened retaliatory measures.
A firetruck outside the Chinese consulate in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, July 22, 2020, as authorities responded to a fire report on the premises.
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“The United States will not tolerate [China’s] violations of our sovereignty and intimidation of our people, just as we have not tolerated (its) unfair trade practices, theft of American jobs, and other egregious behavior,” said a brief statement attributed to State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.
China condemned the move, the latest in a series of steps by the Trump administration as it ratchets up pressure on the world's second-largest economy over trade, technology, human rights and security.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called it “an outrageous and unjustified move that will sabotage relations between the two countries.”
He warned of strong countermeasures if the US does not reverse its decision. The consulate was informed of the decision on Tuesday and given three days to close, said Wang.
“The unilateral closure of China’s consulate general in Houston within a short period of time is an unprecedented escalation of its recent actions against China,” Wang said at a daily news briefing in Beijing.
China was considering closing the US consulate in the city of Wuhan, where the coronavirus outbreak began, an unnamed source told Reuters.
Besides its embassy in Beijing, the US has five consulates in mainland China, according to its website. They are in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan and Shenyang.
Officers respond to fire at consulate
On Tuesday night, Houston authorities responded to reports of a fire at the Chinese consulate. Witnesses said that people were burning paper in what appeared to be trash cans, the Houston Chronicle reported, citing police.
Paper being burned at Consulate General of China in Houston, police say https://t.co/IERsdjKMmv — Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) July 22, 2020
Police were told that occupants were given until 4 pm Friday to leave the property, the Chronicle said.
Houston police said in a tweet that officers responded to “a meet the firefighter” call at the Chinese Consulate building at 3417 Montrose Blvd. The tweet said that smoke was observed in an outdoor courtyard area, and that officers were not allowed to enter the building.
About 8:25 pm on Tuesday, our officers responded to a meet the firefighter call to the China Consulate General in Houston building at 3417 Montrose Blvd.
Smoke was observed in an outside courtyard area. Officers were not granted access to enter the building. 1/2 — Houston Police (@houstonpolice) July 22, 2020
The news of the Chinese consulate closure ruffled financial markets with a bout of risk aversion in European stock trading.
Relations between the two countries have deteriorated since the coronavirus outbreak spread across the globe earlier this year. The US and China have clashed recently over trade, technology, Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea and its human rights violations, including its treatment of ethnic Uighur Muslims and the imposition of a national security law on Hong Kong.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and REUTERS)
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