france24--2020-01-15--‘I couldn’t breathe’: Bushfire smoke brings chaos to Australian Open

Smoke from bushfires has descended on Melbourne , causing problems for the Australian Open tennis tournament due to begin on Monday , January 20 .
Players collapsing on court and fans in face masks : the smoke from raging bushfires brought chaos to the early stages of the Australian Open this week but organisers are pressing on with the tournament , a move that has drawn criticism from participants and the public .
Toxic haze from the fires , which have burnt 10 million hectares of land has descended on Melbourne raising pollution air pollution to `` hazardous '' levels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start in the city on January 2 , but qualifying rounds have been taking place this week On Tuesday , Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic collapsed to her knees and was forced to retire after struggling to breathe amid the haze .
“ It was really scary , I could n't breathe , I did n't know what to do , I had a feeling like I 'm going to collapse on the court , ” Jakupovic said .
On Wednesday , play was delayed for the second day in a row with conditions deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches suspended .
Nevertheless , organisers plan to push on with the tournament as scheduled , saying they are closely monitoring air quality and health risks in order to suspend play when necessary .
But some players have criticised the decision to let play go ahead at all .
`` They 're just trying to shove us on the court because we 're qualifiers , ” said Canadian world number 103 Brayden Schnur , describing conditions as “ 100 percent not normal ” .

Players collapsing on court and fans in face masks: the smoke from raging bushfires brought chaos to the early stages of the Australian Open this week but organisers are pressing on with the tournament, a move that has drawn criticism from participants and the public.
Smoke from bushfires has descended on Melbourne, causing problems for the Australian Open tennis tournament due to begin on Monday, January 20.
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Toxic haze from the fires, which have burnt 10 million hectares of land has descended on Melbourne raising pollution air pollution to "hazardous" levels.
The Australian Open is due to start in the city on January 2, but qualifying rounds have been taking place this week
On Tuesday, Slovenian Dalila Jakupovic collapsed to her knees and was forced to retire after struggling to breathe amid the haze.
“It was really scary, I couldn't breathe, I didn't know what to do, I had a feeling like I'm going to collapse on the court,” Jakupovic said.
On Wednesday, play was delayed for the second day in a row with conditions deemed too dangerous, before a rainstorm saw matches suspended.
Nevertheless, organisers plan to push on with the tournament as scheduled, saying they are closely monitoring air quality and health risks in order to suspend play when necessary.
But some players have criticised the decision to let play go ahead at all.
"They're just trying to shove us on the court because we're qualifiers,” said Canadian world number 103 Brayden Schnur, describing conditions as “100 percent not normal”.
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france24--2020-01-15--The ‘Carlos Ghosn challenge’ spreading on Japanese social media

In this photo , a man tries to hide inside the case for his double bass – and wonders if it 's more comfortable than a crate .
In this one , a woman pushes herself into a cardboard box that was used to deliver a chair .
The tweet reads : ‘ The Japanese are excellent at this .
Stickers for large baggage leaving Japan .
`` Ghosn is not inside '' ’ Ghosn had been detained since November 2018 in Japan on charges of financial misconduct .
He managed to escape – in a manner reminiscent of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon on New Year ’ s Eve , much to the astonishment of the Japanese justice system and even his own legal team.Rumours spread online – according to the BBC , originally started by Lebanese broadcaster MTV Lebanon – that Ghosn had escaped by hiding in a musical instrument case and was smuggled out by a group of people masquerading as musicians .
The Wall Street Journal said that he had escaped in a trunk used for audio equipment .
His wife told news agency Reuters that that version of events was `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people online , though : TV hosts and radio commentators have also got in on the fun .
In this photo , the famous entertainment journalist Masaki Omura tests out the comfort factor of a trunk for equipment.The journalist Hisanori Yoshida also gives it a go during one of his shows.Other photos show trunks or cases sporting stickers making Carlos Ghosn jokes .
This one says : `` There ’ s no Carlos Ghosn inside . ''

JAPAN
Japanese Internet users have been posting photos of themselves imitating Carlos Ghosn’s daring escape from Japan. Photos from Twitter.
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There’s a new Internet challenge in Japan: people are squeezing themselves into musical instrument cases or hiding inside cardboard boxes, imitating former Renault-Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn’s escape from Japan. Over the last few days, Japanese Internet users have been posting photos of themselves contorting into guitar cases as part of the ‘Carlos Ghosn challenge’.
Ghosn had been detained since November 2018 in Japan on charges of financial misconduct. He managed to escape – in a manner reminiscent of a Hollywood caper – and turn up in Lebanon on New Year’s Eve, much to the astonishment of the Japanese justice system and even his own legal team.
Rumours spread online – according to the BBC, originally started by Lebanese broadcaster MTV Lebanon – that Ghosn had escaped by hiding in a musical instrument case and was smuggled out by a group of people masquerading as musicians. The Wall Street Journal said that he had escaped in a trunk used for audio equipment. His wife told news agency Reuters that that version of events was "fiction".
In this photo, a man tries to hide inside the case for his double bass – and wonders if it's more comfortable than a crate.
In this one, a woman pushes herself into a cardboard box that was used to deliver a chair.
It’s not just people online, though: TV hosts and radio commentators have also got in on the fun. In this photo, the famous entertainment journalist Masaki Omura tests out the comfort factor of a trunk for equipment.
The journalist Hisanori Yoshida also gives it a go during one of his shows.
Other photos show trunks or cases sporting stickers making Carlos Ghosn jokes. This one says: "There’s no Carlos Ghosn inside."
Détournement dans lequel excellent les Japonais.
Autocollants pour gros bagages au départ du Japon
"Ghosn n'est pas dedans" pic.twitter.com/eRK240aSZj Karyn NISHIMURA ???? (@karyn_nishi) January 12, 2020
The tweet reads: ‘The Japanese are excellent at this. Stickers for large baggage leaving Japan. "Ghosn is not inside"’
Article by Hermann Boko


france24--2020-01-15--Thousands of asylum seekers waiting in streets, makeshift camps around Paris

Thousands of asylum seekers waiting in streets , makeshift camps around Paris After an asylum seekers ’ camp in northern @ @ @ @ @ , France plans to continue to break up others across the country .
Although the @ @ @ @ @ has doubled , with over 108,000 beds available for asylum seekers , makeshift camps are @ @ @ @ @ 's ring road , where several thousand people are living in squalid conditions .
FRANCE @ @ @ @ @ .

Thousands of asylum seekers waiting in streets, makeshift camps around Paris
05:35 FOCUS © FRANCE 24
After an asylum seekers’ camp in northern Paris was cleared last November, France plans to continue to break up others across the country. Although the number of places in shelters has doubled, with over 108,000 beds available for asylum seekers, makeshift camps are still scattered around the capital's ring road, where several thousand people are living in squalid conditions. FRANCE 24’s team reports.


france24--2020-01-16--France's central bank says historic pension reform strike has stunted growth

A man walks on a platform at Gare du Nord railway station in Paris on the 42nd day of strikes on January 15 , 2020 .
France ’ s longest continuous transport strike has shaved up to 0.1 percentage points off fourth-quarter growth in 2019 , the central bank said Wednesday as the showdown over pension reforms entered its 42nd day .
The impact has been factored into the overall growth forecast of 0.2 percent for the final quarter , Banque de France governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau told a parliamentary finance committee .
An estimated 10 percent of businesses @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and transport industries have been affected by the stoppage , he said , but declined to comment on the disruptive labour action ’ s potential effect on the economy in 2020 .
De Galhau described the economic impact of the strike , which began on December 5 , as “ limited ” , but said this did not “ diminish in any way the real discomfort suffered by millions of our fellow citizens , employees and merchants.
” The effects would vary , he added , between companies , economic sectors , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the brunt of the strike led by train , metro and bus drivers protesting the loss of early retirement privileges under the pension overhaul .
> > Read more : France 's pension reform compromise : The light at the end of the metro tunnel ?
For weeks , the vast majority of Paris metro lines have been closed or virtually unusable , suburban train numbers slashed , and thousands of French people saw their December holiday plans dashed as regional and inter-city trains were cancelled .
Businesses complained of turnover losses of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport shortage kept clients away , especially damaging over the usually busy Christmas shopping season .
With about one in five train drivers still on strike by Wednesday , according to the SNCF rail agency , public transport in Paris has started to improve , although commuters are still confronted by overflowing buses and train carriages and many continue walking or cycling long distances instead .
The government wants to merge 42 existing pension plans into a single , points-based system it insists will be fairer and more transparent , but which unions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for smaller retirement payouts .
A sixth day of mass demonstrations against the reform has been called for Thursday , and on Wednesday strikers blocked a nuclear power station in the north of France and a waste treatment centre outside Paris to show they are not yet ready to budge .
Also taking part were workers at several ports , and at Marseille a thousand travellers in a ferry destined for Algiers were unable to depart .
Unions have also called for a further day of protests and strikes on January 24 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be discussed by the council of ministers .
Over the weekend , the government offered to drop the most contentious element of the overhaul : a “ pivot age ” of 64 until which people would work to qualify for a full pension—two years beyond the official retirement age .
On Wednesday , Prime Minister Edouard Philippe described the strike as a “ dead end ” and said it had gone on for too long .
The Banque de France last week forecast overall growth of 1.3 percent for the French economy for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent in 2020 .
An opinion poll Wednesday showed that 47 percent of people still support the strike , compared to 40 percent against it .

France’s longest continuous transport strike has shaved up to 0.1 percentage points off fourth-quarter growth in 2019, the central bank said Wednesday as the showdown over pension reforms entered its 42nd day.
A man walks on a platform at Gare du Nord railway station in Paris on the 42nd day of strikes on January 15, 2020.
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The impact has been factored into the overall growth forecast of 0.2 percent for the final quarter, Banque de France governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau told a parliamentary finance committee.
An estimated 10 percent of businesses, mainly in the hotel, restaurant and transport industries have been affected by the stoppage, he said, but declined to comment on the disruptive labour action’s potential effect on the economy in 2020.
This is tomorrow Jan16 protest route, all on the Left Bank.
Start 1:30pm at Montparnasse, march all afternoon to Place d'Italie 7pm
Red= main route
Orange= possible alternative route (through Denfert-Rochereau)
Best stay clear (big crowds, lots of police, possibly some tension) pic.twitter.com/mFYGhyctdJ — Elodie's Paris (@Paris_by_Elodie) January 15, 2020
De Galhau described the economic impact of the strike, which began on December 5, as “limited”, but said this did not “diminish in any way the real discomfort suffered by millions of our fellow citizens, employees and merchants.”
The effects would vary, he added, between companies, economic sectors, and even geographic regions.
Parisians have borne the brunt of the strike led by train, metro and bus drivers protesting the loss of early retirement privileges under the pension overhaul.
>> Read more: France's pension reform compromise: The light at the end of the metro tunnel?
For weeks, the vast majority of Paris metro lines have been closed or virtually unusable, suburban train numbers slashed, and thousands of French people saw their December holiday plans dashed as regional and inter-city trains were cancelled.
Businesses complained of turnover losses of as much as 50 percent as the transport shortage kept clients away, especially damaging over the usually busy Christmas shopping season.
[Mouvement Social]⚠ Pour le jeudi 16 janvier, la #RATP prévoit un trafic perturbé, en légère amélioration par rapport au mercredi 15 janvier sur les réseaux #Métro et #RER. Les prévisions ⬇ et sur https://t.co/OElUNYGYky pic.twitter.com/eSHI42p6EI — RATP Group (@RATPgroup) January 15, 2020
With about one in five train drivers still on strike by Wednesday, according to the SNCF rail agency, public transport in Paris has started to improve, although commuters are still confronted by overflowing buses and train carriages and many continue walking or cycling long distances instead.
‘Dead end’
The government wants to merge 42 existing pension plans into a single, points-based system it insists will be fairer and more transparent, but which unions claim will cause millions to work longer for smaller retirement payouts.
A sixth day of mass demonstrations against the reform has been called for Thursday, and on Wednesday strikers blocked a nuclear power station in the north of France and a waste treatment centre outside Paris to show they are not yet ready to budge.
>> ‘We won’t give up’: French protesters defiant on day 36 of pension strikes
Also taking part were workers at several ports, and at Marseille a thousand travellers in a ferry destined for Algiers were unable to depart.
Unions have also called for a further day of protests and strikes on January 24, when the draft law was scheduled to be discussed by the council of ministers.
Good morning from the bus depot in Ivry-sur-Seine, part of the Paris transit system. Day 43 of the strike over pension reform. 6th day of national protests. pic.twitter.com/fY58YlZG5y — Cole Stangler (@ColeStangler) January 16, 2020
Over the weekend, the government offered to drop the most contentious element of the overhaul: a “pivot age” of 64 until which people would work to qualify for a full pension—two years beyond the official retirement age.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe described the strike as a “dead end” and said it had gone on for too long.
The Banque de France last week forecast overall growth of 1.3 percent for the French economy for 2019, followed by a lower 1.1 percent in 2020.
An opinion poll Wednesday showed that 47 percent of people still support the strike, compared to 40 percent against it.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-16--Turkey's Erdogan says country sending troops to Libya

Turkey is beginning to send troops into Libya in support of the internationally recognised government in Tripoli , President Tayyip @ @ @ @ @ days before a summit in Berlin which will address the Libyan conflict .
Speaking in @ @ @ @ @ Turkey will continue to use all diplomatic and military means to ensure stability to its @ @ @ @ @ .
Erdogan is due to meet leaders of Germany , Russia , Britain and Italy @ @ @ @ @ conflict .
He also said Turkey would start granting licenses for exploration and drilling in @ @ @ @ @ , in accord with a maritime agreement with Libya .
He said Turkey ’ s @ @ @ @ @ seismic activities in the region .

Turkey is beginning to send troops into Libya in support of the internationally recognised government in Tripoli, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday, days before a summit in Berlin which will address the Libyan conflict.
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Last week, Turkey and Russia urged Libya’s warring parties to declare a ceasefire. However, despite talks in Moscow aimed at halting Khalifa Haftar’s months-long campaign to seize the Libyan capital, the two sides were unable to reach an agreement when Haftar failed to sign a binding truce on Monday.
Turkey, which backs Fayez al-Serraj’s Government of National Accord (GNA), has previously said that it sent a training and cooperation team which is now active in Libya.
On Thursday, Erdogan said Turkey was starting the deployment of its troops to Libya and that it would use all its diplomatic and military means to ensure stability to its south.
“In order for the legitimate government in Libya to remain standing and for stability to be established, we are now sending our soldiers to this country,” Erdogan told an event in Ankara.
Erdogan warned on Tuesday that Turkey will not refrain from “teaching a lesson” to Haftar’s eastern Libyan forces if their attacks against the GNA continue. The talks in Moscow were the latest attempt to stabilise Libya, which has been beset by turmoil since Muammer Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.
On Sunday, Germany will host a summit on Libya involving the rival camps, their main foreign backers and representatives from the United Nations, the United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, Turkey and Italy. Haftar and Serraj have also been invited, but it is unclear if they will attend.
Turkey and Libya signed two agreements in November, one on military cooperation and another on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean. Erdogan said on Thursday that Turkey will quickly start granting licenses for exploration and drilling in the region.
“In the areas that remain between Turkey and Libya, it is now legally impossible for there to be exploration and drilling activities or a pipeline without the approval of both sides,” he said.
“After these licensing efforts, our Oruc Reis seismic exploration ship will begin its seismic research operations in the region,” he added.
Greece, Cyprus and other regional actors have opposed this accord, calling it illegal. Turkey has rejected the accusations.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-16--Dozens killed in intense fighting in Syria's Idlib

A drone picture taken on January 15 , 2020 , shows members of the Syrian Civil Defence , also known as the White Helmets , searching through rubble at the site of a regime airstrike on Syria ’ s last major opposition bastion of Idlib .
Intense fighting between pro-government forces and jihadist-led fighters in Syria ’ s Idlib province killed at least 39 fighters overnight , a war monitor said Thursday .
The violence , which saw air strikes , shelling and ground combat , further buried a ceasefire announced by Russia on Sunday in Idlib , the last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government and allied forces took two villages in their advance towards the key town of Maaret al-Numan , the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said .
According to the Britain-based war monitor , the fighting flared late on Wednesday in areas south of Maaret al-Numan , the key target of the Syrian government ’ s latest military offensive .
At least 22 anti-government fighters were killed , most of them members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham , a group that includes fighters from the former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria .
Seventeen government troops and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighting , said Rami Abdel Rahman , the head of the Observatory .
He added that government forces were now just seven kilometres ( less than five miles ) from Maaret al-Numan , a town that was one of the bastions of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad ’ s rule .
Nearly nine years into the conflict , protests against the government are still held in some of the province ’ s towns .
In the city of Idlib itself , 18 civilians were killed in air strikes on Wednesday , shattering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backer Ankara .
The fighting has prompted hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee their homes in recent weeks , exposing them to a harsh winter .

Dozens of fighters and civilians were killed in Syria's Idlib province as the government pressed a deadly offensive Thursday towards a key town in the country's last rebel bastion.
A drone picture taken on January 15, 2020 shows members of the Syrian Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, searching through rubble at the site of a government airstrike on Syria’s last major opposition bastion of Idlib.
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The latest violence, which followed air strikes that left 19 civilians dead on Wednesday, buried a ceasefire deal announced by Russia and rebel backer Turkey that never really took hold.
"Clashes broke out around midnight on Wednesday south of the city of Maaret al-Numan, together with heavy bombardment despite the Russian-Turkish truce," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said.
According to the Britain-based war monitor, the fighting raged in areas south of Maaret al-Numan, the key target of the Syrian government's latest military offensive.
At least 26 anti-government fighters were killed, most of them members of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group that includes fighters from the former Al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria.
The Observatory said 29 government troops and allied militia were also killed in the fighting.
The Syrian state news agency SANA later reported deadly rocket fire on a residential area of the city of Aleppo under regime control.
"Six civilians were killed and 15 others injured in a rocket attack by terrorist groups," it said, using the regime description for all opposition forces.
Jihadist and rebel groups are present west of the northern city, on which they routinely launch rocket attacks.
Abdel Rahman said government forces were now just seven kilometres (less than five miles) from Maaret al-Numan, a town that was one of the bastions of the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad's rule.
Nearly nine years into the conflict, protests against the government are still held in some of the province's towns.
In the city of Idlib itself, 19 civilians were killed and several others wounded in Russian and Syrian air strikes on Wednesday, the Observatory said.
AFP reporters saw scenes of chaos after the strikes, which blew several buildings in an industrial zone to smithereens.
The bombardment engulfed several vehicles, leaving torched corpses of motorists trapped inside.
'Nowhere to go'
Mustafa, who runs a repair shop in the area, was lucky to escape with his life. He had just left the store to pick up some spare parts.
He told AFP he returned to find the shop destroyed and his four employees trapped under rubble. It was not immediately clear if they had survived.
"This is not the neighbourhood I left two minutes ago!" Mustafa said, tears rolling down his face.
The ceasefire announced by the Russian army on Sunday joins a long list of short-lived or still-born initiatives in Syria.
"We live here without knowing if there is really a truce or if it's just in the media. On the ground, there is no truce. People are afraid, the markets are empty," Sari Bitar, a 32-year-old engineer living in Idlib city told AFP on Thursday.
"Just like everybody else, I can't stay in an area on which the regime, Russian forces and Iranian militia will advance," he said.
"The only problem is that there is nowhere to go," Bitar said. "Syria is now limited to this geographical area, which is getting smaller day by day."
Assad has repeatedly pledged to pursue the reconquest that Russia's 2015 military intervention kickstarted until all Syrian territory has been reclaimed.
Idlib province is a dead end for people displaced from other formerly rebel-held parts of the country that government forces have retaken.
It has come under mounting bombardment in recent weeks, displacing tens of thousands of people in the northwestern province, which is home to some three million.
The United Nations' humanitarian coordination agency OCHA said that since December 1 alone, almost 350,000 people had fled their homes, mainly heading northwards from southern Idlib, which has borne the brunt of the air strikes.
"An additional 650,000 people, the majority of them women and children, could be forced to flee their homes if the violence continues," the International Rescue Committee warned in a statement.
The European Union expressed deep concern over the collapse of the fledgling Idlib ceasefire and also warned that further violence could trigger an unprecedented wave of refugees and displaced.
The winter conditions, with sub-zero temperatures interspersed by heavy rain, are putting thousands of lives at risk.
A UN resolution on cross-border aid to Syria maintained two key entry points for UN humanitarian aid into Idlib, where the number of people in extreme need keeps growing.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-15--US House delivers Trump impeachment articles to Senate

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi surrounded by the House impeachment managers and committee chairs as she signs the two articles of impeachment of US President Donald Trump , Washington , USA , January 15 , 2020 .
Democrats in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled a seven-member team of 'impeachment managers ' to prosecute President Donald Trump .
After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment , the managers made a landmark promenade to deliver the papers to the Senate .
House lawmakers on Wednesday voted 228 to 193 to give the Senate , controlled by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of putting him on trial on the two articles of impeachment , i.e .
1 ) abuse of power for asking Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden ; and 2 ) obstruction of Congress for blocking testimony and documents sought by Democratic lawmakers .
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi selected a team of seven `` impeachment managers '' , who will act in a prosecutorial role and present the pro-impeachment case before the Senate .
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff , a Trump nemesis who served as a federal prosecutor in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ selected to head the team of managers .
Minutes before signing Trump 's articles of impeachment , Pelosi gestured towards a portrait of George Washington above the House floor , saying , `` The president takes an oath that was taken by George Washington .
So sad , so tragic . ''
`` When the managers walk the hall , they will cross a threshold in history , delivering articles of impeachment against the president of the United States for abuse of power and obstruction of the House .
Today we will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10:27 GMT , 11:27pm Paris time ) , Pelosi formally signed the two articles of impeachment against Trump , a rare ritual called an `` engrossment ceremony '' .
In doing so , she rotated between a dozen-odd different pens .
Upon signing , she distributed the pens to the impeachment managers and other House members .
While many observers delighted in Pelosi 's gesture , others felt it was inappropriate to the occasion .
Immediately thereafter , the impeachment managers made the history-making walk across the marbled floors of the Capitol Building @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This was the first time since Bill Clinton 's impeachment proceedings 22 years ago that this momentous promenade had taken place .
Senate Majority Leader , Republican Mitch McConnell , said that the Senate would formally receive the articles Thursday January 16 at midday EST ( 6pm in Paris , 5pm GMT ) .
Formal opening arguments , both pro-and anti-impeachment , start on Tuesday January 21 .
Pelosi launched the impeachment inquiry in September after earlier resisting such a move centred on Trump 's actions to impede a federal investigation that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to boost his candidacy .
The trial will focus attention on Trump 's request that Ukraine investigate domestic political rival Joe Biden , just as the 2020 presidential campaign heats up .
A fight over witnesses remains unresolved .
Senate Democrats in the Republican-controlled chamber want four current and former Trump administration officials to testify , while many Republicans want a speedy trial without witness testimony .
Trump has at times said he wants to hear from witnesses , albeit not the same ones the Democrats want to testify .
Democrats need at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reach a majority of 51 senators to approve the subpoenas .
The 100-seat Senate is expected to acquit Trump , keeping him in office , as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him , a step that under the US Constitution would require a two-thirds majority .
Read our blog below to see how the day unfolded .

Democrats in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday unveiled a seven-member team of 'impeachment managers' to prosecute President Donald Trump. After House Speaker Nancy Pelosi signed the articles of impeachment, the managers made a landmark promenade to deliver the papers to the Senate.
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi surrounded by the House impeachment managers and committee chairs as she signs the two articles of impeachment of US President Donald Trump, Washington, USA, January 15, 2020.
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House lawmakers on Wednesday voted 228 to 193 to give the Senate, controlled by Trump's fellow Republicans, the task of putting him on trial on the two articles of impeachment, i.e. 1) abuse of power for asking Ukraine to investigate political rival Joe Biden; and 2) obstruction of Congress for blocking testimony and documents sought by Democratic lawmakers.
The magnificent seven
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi selected a team of seven "impeachment managers", who will act in a prosecutorial role and present the pro-impeachment case before the Senate.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, a Trump nemesis who served as a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles for six years, was selected to head the team of managers.
Minutes before signing Trump's articles of impeachment, Pelosi gestured towards a portrait of George Washington above the House floor, saying, "The president takes an oath that was taken by George Washington. So sad, so tragic."
"When the managers walk the hall, they will cross a threshold in history, delivering articles of impeachment against the president of the United States for abuse of power and obstruction of the House. Today we will make history."
"Engrossment"
At 5:27pm EST (10:27 GMT, 11:27pm Paris time), Pelosi formally signed the two articles of impeachment against Trump, a rare ritual called an "engrossment ceremony". In doing so, she rotated between a dozen-odd different pens. Upon signing, she distributed the pens to the impeachment managers and other House members.
The super cool thing to do today is get a photo of the PENS pic.twitter.com/ja8RNocu8F — Mike DeBonis (@mikedebonis) January 15, 2020
While many observers delighted in Pelosi's gesture, others felt it was inappropriate to the occasion.
Pelosi has handled the optics of impeachment well, right up until that signing ceremony, which was awkward. Handing out pens should have been done in private. This was not some celebratory moment. — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) January 15, 2020
Immediately thereafter, the impeachment managers made the history-making walk across the marbled floors of the Capitol Building and delivered the articles to the Senate. This was the first time since Bill Clinton's impeachment proceedings 22 years ago that this momentous promenade had taken place.
Senate Majority Leader, Republican Mitch McConnell, said that the Senate would formally receive the articles Thursday January 16 at midday EST (6pm in Paris, 5pm GMT). Formal opening arguments, both pro-and anti-impeachment, start on Tuesday January 21.
Pelosi launched the impeachment inquiry in September after earlier resisting such a move centred on Trump's actions to impede a federal investigation that documented Russian interference in the 2016 election to boost his candidacy.
Ball in the Senate's court
The trial will focus attention on Trump's request that Ukraine investigate domestic political rival Joe Biden, just as the 2020 presidential campaign heats up.
01:07
A fight over witnesses remains unresolved. Senate Democrats in the Republican-controlled chamber want four current and former Trump administration officials to testify, while many Republicans want a speedy trial without witness testimony. Trump has at times said he wants to hear from witnesses, albeit not the same ones the Democrats want to testify. Democrats need at least four Republicans to join them to reach a majority of 51 senators to approve the subpoenas.
The 100-seat Senate is expected to acquit Trump, keeping him in office, as none of its 53 Republicans has voiced support for removing him, a step that under the US Constitution would require a two-thirds majority.
Read our blog below to see how the day unfolded.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-15--Duma to review Putin PM appointee Mishustin on heels of Medvedev's resignation

Russian lawmakers will begin reviewing President Vladimir Putin 's nomination of a little-known tax chief as the new prime minister Thursday after his announcement of a sweeping constitutional shake-up fuelled speculation about his future plans .
The overwhelmingly Kremlin-loyal State Duma lower parliament is likely to approve Mikhail Mishustin for the role , following the shock resignation of the government in the wake of Putin 's call for reforms to reshape Russia 's political system .
The series of bombshell announcements made during and after Putin 's state of the nation speech triggered speculation about his role past 2024 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Some suggested 67-year-old Putin , who is currently two years into his fourth presidential term and has steered the country since 1999 , could be laying the groundwork to assume a new post or remain in a powerful behind-the-scenes role .
It is also unclear whether Mishustin , a relatively obscure technocrat disengaged from political debate whose recent career revolved around Russia 's tax service , is a temporary figure or could be groomed as Putin 's successor .
The State Duma said on its website that Mishustin will hold `` consultations '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prior to the plenary session starting at 10am ( 07:00 GMT ) , during which his candidacy will be formally reviewed .
In his state of the nation speech , Putin said he wanted more authority transferred to parliament from the president , including the power to choose the prime minister and senior cabinet members .
Outlining the proposals , which would be the first significant changes to the country 's constitution since it was adopted in 1993 , Putin noted the `` demand for change '' among Russians .
Frustration has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen their incomes stagnate or decrease for five years , while a key reform hiking the pension age has led to anger and a fall in Putin 's ratings .
Dmitry Medvedev , prime minister since 2012 , announced the resignation of his government soon after Putin 's speech on Wednesday saying the constitutional proposals would make significant changes to the country 's balance of power .
He remains acting prime minister until a new head of government takes the reins .
Independent political analyst Maria Lipman said all of the announced changes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on as number one in the country , without any competitors '' .
She said he could be deliberately weakening the presidency before relinquishing the role .
Russia 's opposition also said the proposals indicate Putin 's desire to stay in power .
`` To remain the sole leader for life , who took over the whole country as his property ... is the only goal for Putin , '' tweeted opposition leader Alexei Navalny .
If 53-year-old Mishustin is appointed he would have a week to propose a new government and ministers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group trained as an engineer , has a PhD in economics and has led Russia 's Federal Tax Service since 2010 .
He also shares Putin 's love for hockey and has been seen at matches with security services officials , according to reports .
Former opposition lawmaker Gennadiy Gudkov called Mishustin `` a new faceless functionary without ambition '' who embodies a system that is `` detrimental for the economy '' .
Medvedev -- who also served as Russian president for four years from 2008 -- is expected to stay close to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role as deputy head of the country 's Security Council , which Putin chairs .
`` He remains what he 's always been : ( Putin 's ) alter ego , '' tweeted head of Carnegie Moscow Centre Dmitry Trenin , suggesting Medvedev could be being groomed as the next president .

Russian lawmakers will begin reviewing President Vladimir Putin's nomination of a little-known tax chief as the new prime minister Thursday after his announcement of a sweeping constitutional shake-up fuelled speculation about his future plans.
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The overwhelmingly Kremlin-loyal State Duma lower parliament is likely to approve Mikhail Mishustin for the role, following the shock resignation of the government in the wake of Putin's call for reforms to reshape Russia's political system.
The series of bombshell announcements made during and after Putin's state of the nation speech triggered speculation about his role past 2024, when his current presidential term expires.
01:00
Some suggested 67-year-old Putin, who is currently two years into his fourth presidential term and has steered the country since 1999, could be laying the groundwork to assume a new post or remain in a powerful behind-the-scenes role.
It is also unclear whether Mishustin, a relatively obscure technocrat disengaged from political debate whose recent career revolved around Russia's tax service, is a temporary figure or could be groomed as Putin's successor.
The State Duma said on its website that Mishustin will hold "consultations" with the four parties represented in parliament prior to the plenary session starting at 10am (07:00 GMT), during which his candidacy will be formally reviewed.
'Staying number one'?
In his state of the nation speech, Putin said he wanted more authority transferred to parliament from the president, including the power to choose the prime minister and senior cabinet members.
Outlining the proposals, which would be the first significant changes to the country's constitution since it was adopted in 1993, Putin noted the "demand for change" among Russians.
Frustration has been building in Russia where ordinary people have seen their incomes stagnate or decrease for five years, while a key reform hiking the pension age has led to anger and a fall in Putin's ratings.
Dmitry Medvedev, prime minister since 2012, announced the resignation of his government soon after Putin's speech on Wednesday saying the constitutional proposals would make significant changes to the country's balance of power.
He remains acting prime minister until a new head of government takes the reins.
Independent political analyst Maria Lipman said all of the announced changes indicate that Putin wants to "stay on as number one in the country, without any competitors".
She said he could be deliberately weakening the presidency before relinquishing the role.
Russia's opposition also said the proposals indicate Putin's desire to stay in power.
"To remain the sole leader for life, who took over the whole country as his property... is the only goal for Putin," tweeted opposition leader Alexei Navalny.
If 53-year-old Mishustin is appointed he would have a week to propose a new government and ministers.
The former head of an investment group trained as an engineer, has a PhD in economics and has led Russia's Federal Tax Service since 2010.
He also shares Putin's love for hockey and has been seen at matches with security services officials, according to reports.
Former opposition lawmaker Gennadiy Gudkov called Mishustin "a new faceless functionary without ambition" who embodies a system that is "detrimental for the economy".
Medvedev -- who also served as Russian president for four years from 2008 -- is expected to stay close to the Russian leader, transitioning to a role as deputy head of the country's Security Council, which Putin chairs.
"He remains what he's always been: (Putin's) alter ego," tweeted head of Carnegie Moscow Centre Dmitry Trenin, suggesting Medvedev could be being groomed as the next president.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-16--Lebanese security forces use tear gas on protesters in second night of riots

A man stands near a broken facade of a bank in Beirut , Lebanon , January 15 , 2020 .
Protests in Lebanon turned violent for a second night on Wednesday , with dozens injured after Lebanese security forces used batons and tear gas to forcefully break up demonstrations .
Lebanon has been swept by a wave of mostly peaceful protests aimed at the country 's elite that prompted Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri to resign on Oct. 29 , pushing the country deeper into economic crisis .
On Tuesday night , riots broke out in Beirut 's Hamra area , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at security forces , who fired back with tear gas .
The unrest continued on Wednesday when anti-government protesters hurled stones and fireworks at security forces outside a Beirut police station where some demonstrators were being detained from the night before .
Police dispersed the protests with batons and tear gas .
The Lebanese Red Cross said that 45 people had been injured , 35 of whom had been transferred to hospitals for treatment .
Security forces injured a Reuters video journalist who was treated in hospital and released .
Lebanese broadcasters Al @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a cameraman for each of them as well .
Lebanon 's internal security forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
In a statement caretaker interior minister Raya al-Hassan condemned the violence and called on demonstrators to remain peaceful .
`` We do not accept the attack of journalists which are doing their duty to cover events and developments , nor do we accept the attack of security forces which are maintaining security , '' Hassan said .
Since Hariri 's resignation the country has not come up with an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government .

Protests in Lebanon turned violent for a second night on Wednesday, with dozens injured after Lebanese security forces used batons and tear gas to forcefully break up demonstrations.
A man stands near a broken facade of a bank in Beirut, Lebanon, January 15, 2020.
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Lebanon has been swept by a wave of mostly peaceful protests aimed at the country's elite that prompted Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri to resign on Oct. 29, pushing the country deeper into economic crisis.
On Tuesday night, riots broke out in Beirut's Hamra area, with bank facades smashed and stones pelted at security forces, who fired back with tear gas.
The unrest continued on Wednesday when anti-government protesters hurled stones and fireworks at security forces outside a Beirut police station where some demonstrators were being detained from the night before.
Police dispersed the protests with batons and tear gas.
03:13
The Lebanese Red Cross said that 45 people had been injured, 35 of whom had been transferred to hospitals for treatment.
Security forces injured a Reuters video journalist who was treated in hospital and released. Lebanese broadcasters Al Jadeed and MTV said security forces injured a cameraman for each of them as well.
Lebanon's internal security forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In a statement caretaker interior minister Raya al-Hassan condemned the violence and called on demonstrators to remain peaceful.
"We do not accept the attack of journalists which are doing their duty to cover events and developments, nor do we accept the attack of security forces which are maintaining security," Hassan said.
Since Hariri's resignation the country has not come up with an economic rescue plan or agreed a new government.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-15--US and China sign ‘phase one’ trade deal, ending dramatic 18-month tit-for-tat

U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He during a signing ceremony for `` phase one '' of the U.S.-China trade agreement in the East Room of the White House in Washington , U.S. , January 15 , 2020 .
The United States and China signed an initial trade deal on Wednesday that will roll back some tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of U.S. products , defusing an 18-month row between the world 's two largest economies but leaving a number of sore spots unresolved .
Beijing and Washington touted the `` Phase 1 '' agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ start-and-stop talks , and investors greeted the news with relief .
Even so , there was skepticism the U.S.-China trade relationship was now firmly on the mend .
The deal fails to address structural economic issues that led to the trade conflict , does not fully eliminate the tariffs that have slowed the global economy , and sets hard-to-achieve purchase targets , analysts and industry leaders said .
While acknowledging the need for further negotiations with China to solve a host of other problems , President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ administration 's trade policies .
`` Together , we are righting the wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for American workers , farmers and families , '' Trump said in rambling remarks at the White House alongside U.S. and Chinese officials .
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He read a letter from President Xi Jinping in which the Chinese leader praised the deal as a sign the two countries could resolve their differences with dialogue .
The centerpiece of the deal is a pledge by China to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ billion worth of U.S. farm products and other goods and services over two years , above a baseline of $ 186 billion in purchases in 2017 , the White House said .
Commitments include $ 54 billion in additional energy purchases , $ 78 billion in additional manufacturing purchases , $ 32 billion more in farm products , and $ 38 billion in services , according to a deal document released by the White House .
Liu said Chinese companies would buy $ 40 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually over the next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Beijing had balked at committing to buy set amounts of U.S. farm goods earlier , and has inked new soybean contracts with Brazil since the trade war started .
Key world stock market indexes climbed to record highs on hopes the deal would reduce tensions , before closing below those highs , while oil prices slid on doubts the pact will spur world economic growth and boost crude demand .
Soybean futures , which traded 0.4 % lower throughout much of the deal signing ceremony , sank even further after Liu @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and traders were dubious about the purchase goals .
The deal does not end retaliatory tariffs on American farm exports , makes farmers `` increasingly reliant '' on Chinese state-controlled purchases , and does not address `` big structural changes , '' Michelle Erickson-Jones , a wheat farmer and spokeswoman for Farmers for Free Trade , said in a statement .
Trump and his economic advisers had pledged to attack Beijing 's long-standing practice of propping up state-owned companies and flooding international markets with low-priced goods as the trade war heated up .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to U.S. farmers , automakers and heavy equipment manufacturers , some analysts question China 's ability to divert imports from other trading partners to the United States .
`` I find a radical shift in Chinese spending unlikely .
I have low expectations for meeting stated goals , '' said Jim Paulsen , chief investment strategist at Leuthold Group in Minneapolis .
`` But I do think the whole negotiation has moved the football forward for both the U.S. and China . ''
Trump , who has embraced an `` America First '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ favor of U.S. companies and workers , said China had pledged action to confront the problem of pirated or counterfeited goods and said the deal included strong protection of intellectual property rights .
U.S. Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi said Trump 's China strategy had `` inflicted deep , long-term damage to American agriculture and rattled our economy in exchange for more of the promises that Beijing has been breaking for years , '' in a statement .
Earlier , top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Fox News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to U.S. gross domestic product growth in both 2020 and 2021 .
Aviation industry sources said Boeing Co was expected to win a major order for wide-body jets from China , including its 787 or 777-9 models , or a mixture of both .
Such a deal could ease pressure on the 787 Dreamliner , which has suffered from a broad downturn in demand for large jets , forcing the planemaker to trim production late last year .
CCTV , China 's state-run television outlet , said the deal would satisfy China 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dairy , poultry , beef , pork , and processed meat from the United States .

The United States and China signed an initial trade deal on Wednesday that will roll back some tariffs and boost Chinese purchases of U.S. products, defusing an 18-month row between the world's two largest economies but leaving a number of sore spots unresolved.
U.S. President Donald Trump shakes hands with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He during a signing ceremony for "phase one" of the U.S.-China trade agreement in the East Room of the White House in Washington, U.S., January 15, 2020.
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Beijing and Washington touted the "Phase 1" agreement as a step forward after months of start-and-stop talks, and investors greeted the news with relief. Even so, there was skepticism the U.S.-China trade relationship was now firmly on the mend.
The deal fails to address structural economic issues that led to the trade conflict, does not fully eliminate the tariffs that have slowed the global economy, and sets hard-to-achieve purchase targets, analysts and industry leaders said.
While acknowledging the need for further negotiations with China to solve a host of other problems, President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a win for the U.S. economy and his administration's trade policies.
"Together, we are righting the wrongs of the past and delivering a future of economic justice and security for American workers, farmers and families," Trump said in rambling remarks at the White House alongside U.S. and Chinese officials.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He read a letter from President Xi Jinping in which the Chinese leader praised the deal as a sign the two countries could resolve their differences with dialogue.
The centerpiece of the deal is a pledge by China to purchase at least an additional $200 billion worth of U.S. farm products and other goods and services over two years, above a baseline of $186 billion in purchases in 2017, the White House said.
Commitments include $54 billion in additional energy purchases, $78 billion in additional manufacturing purchases, $32 billion more in farm products, and $38 billion in services, according to a deal document released by the White House.
Liu said Chinese companies would buy $40 billion in U.S. agricultural products annually over the next two years "based on market conditions." Beijing had balked at committing to buy set amounts of U.S. farm goods earlier, and has inked new soybean contracts with Brazil since the trade war started.
Key world stock market indexes climbed to record highs on hopes the deal would reduce tensions, before closing below those highs, while oil prices slid on doubts the pact will spur world economic growth and boost crude demand.
Soybean futures, which traded 0.4% lower throughout much of the deal signing ceremony, sank even further after Liu's remarks, a sign that farmers and traders were dubious about the purchase goals.
The deal does not end retaliatory tariffs on American farm exports, makes farmers "increasingly reliant" on Chinese state-controlled purchases, and does not address "big structural changes," Michelle Erickson-Jones, a wheat farmer and spokeswoman for Farmers for Free Trade, said in a statement.
Trump and his economic advisers had pledged to attack Beijing's long-standing practice of propping up state-owned companies and flooding international markets with low-priced goods as the trade war heated up.
Although the deal could be a boost to U.S. farmers, automakers and heavy equipment manufacturers, some analysts question China's ability to divert imports from other trading partners to the United States.
"I find a radical shift in Chinese spending unlikely. I have low expectations for meeting stated goals," said Jim Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Leuthold Group in Minneapolis. "But I do think the whole negotiation has moved the football forward for both the U.S. and China."
Trump, who has embraced an "America First" policy aimed at rebalancing global trade in favor of U.S. companies and workers, said China had pledged action to confront the problem of pirated or counterfeited goods and said the deal included strong protection of intellectual property rights.
U.S. Speaker of the House of Representative Nancy Pelosi said Trump's China strategy had "inflicted deep, long-term damage to American agriculture and rattled our economy in exchange for more of the promises that Beijing has been breaking for years," in a statement.
Earlier, top White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow told Fox News the agreement would add 0.5 percentage point to U.S. gross domestic product growth in both 2020 and 2021.
Aviation industry sources said Boeing Co was expected to win a major order for wide-body jets from China, including its 787 or 777-9 models, or a mixture of both. Such a deal could ease pressure on the 787 Dreamliner, which has suffered from a broad downturn in demand for large jets, forcing the planemaker to trim production late last year.
CCTV, China's state-run television outlet, said the deal would satisfy China's increasingly demanding consumers by supplying products like dairy, poultry, beef, pork, and processed meat from the United States.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-16--Guatemalan president says Mexico 'will do everything in its power' to halt migrant caravan

Hondurans climb onto a truck to continue their journey towards the United States while taking part in a new caravan of migrants , in Cucuyagua , Honduras , January 15 , 2020 .
Guatemala 's new president on Wednesday faced an early test of his ability to manage migration as a caravan of hundreds of people left Honduras for the United States , and said Mexico would halt its progress .
President Alejandro Giammattei inherited a contentious deal that his predecessor 's government struck with Washington designed to make migrants from Honduras and El Salvador seek asylum in Guatemala rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard early on Wednesday , and later told reporters that Mexico was determined to halt the caravan 's advance .
`` The Mexican government told us that they wo n't let it pass , '' said Giammattei , `` that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing . ''
Mexico 's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Giammattei 's remarks .
Earlier , Ebrard said on Twitter that Mexico and Guatemala will hold bilateral talks on migration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ familiar with `` the situation . ''
In accordance with a freedom of movement agreement between northern Central America countries , Giammattei said he would allow the caravan to enter Guatemala provided its members had the required paperwork .
Still , tensions flared when a group of about 300 migrants approached the Guatemala border at Corinto from Honduras .
According to Honduran security ministry spokesman Jair Meza , Honduran police fired tear gas when a group of people tried to cross without passing through migration controls .
Some reached the Guatemalan side , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ authorities and sent back , Meza said .
Giammattei , a conservative who has already discussed migration with top U.S. officials , is scheduled to speak by phone with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday .
Giammattei has yet to detail how he will treat the U.S. migration agreement , instead focusing on economic development .
`` Physical walls are n't going to stop migration ... the only things that stop migration are walls of prosperity , '' Giammattei told Mexican broadcaster Televisa .
Before dawn , the caravan of several hundred @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in northern Honduras , about 25 miles ( 40 km ) from the Guatemala border .
`` Here there 's no work , there 's nothing .
That 's why we are fleeing to the United States , '' a young man traveling with his wife and two children told Honduran television .
San Pedro Sula , one of Central America 's most violent cities , also was the departure point for a large caravan in 2018 that angered Trump , prompting him to press governments in the region to do more to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jimmy Morales last July agreed with the U.S. government to implement measures aimed at reducing U.S. asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador , averting Trump 's threat of economic sanctions .
Giammattei said a top priority would be reviewing the text of migration agreements made with the United States .

Guatemala's new president on Wednesday faced an early test of his ability to manage migration as a caravan of hundreds of people left Honduras for the United States, and said Mexico would halt its progress.
Hondurans climb onto a truck to continue their journey towards the United States while taking part in a new caravan of migrants, in Cucuyagua, Honduras, January 15, 2020.
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President Alejandro Giammattei inherited a contentious deal that his predecessor's government struck with Washington designed to make migrants from Honduras and El Salvador seek asylum in Guatemala rather than the United States.
Giammattei met with Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard early on Wednesday, and later told reporters that Mexico was determined to halt the caravan's advance.
"The Mexican government told us that they won't let it pass," said Giammattei, "that they will do everything in their powers to stop it from passing."
Mexico's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Giammattei's remarks.
Earlier, Ebrard said on Twitter that Mexico and Guatemala will hold bilateral talks on migration once the new Guatemalan government has become familiar with "the situation."
In accordance with a freedom of movement agreement between northern Central America countries, Giammattei said he would allow the caravan to enter Guatemala provided its members had the required paperwork.
Still, tensions flared when a group of about 300 migrants approached the Guatemala border at Corinto from Honduras.
According to Honduran security ministry spokesman Jair Meza, Honduran police fired tear gas when a group of people tried to cross without passing through migration controls.
Some reached the Guatemalan side, where 15 people were detained by Guatemalan authorities and sent back, Meza said.
Giammattei, a conservative who has already discussed migration with top U.S. officials, is scheduled to speak by phone with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Giammattei has yet to detail how he will treat the U.S. migration agreement, instead focusing on economic development.
"Physical walls aren't going to stop migration... the only things that stop migration are walls of prosperity," Giammattei told Mexican broadcaster Televisa.
Before dawn, the caravan of several hundred people set off from San Pedro Sula in northern Honduras, about 25 miles (40 km) from the Guatemala border.
"Here there's no work, there's nothing. That's why we are fleeing to the United States," a young man traveling with his wife and two children told Honduran television.
San Pedro Sula, one of Central America's most violent cities, also was the departure point for a large caravan in 2018 that angered Trump, prompting him to press governments in the region to do more to contain migration.
Guatemala's former President Jimmy Morales last July agreed with the U.S. government to implement measures aimed at reducing U.S. asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador, averting Trump's threat of economic sanctions.
Giammattei said a top priority would be reviewing the text of migration agreements made with the United States.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-17--Ukraine PM offers resignation after recording suggests he criticised president

Ukraine ’ s Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk addresses lawmakers in the parliament in Kiev , Ukraine , on August 29 , 2019 .
Ukrainian Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk offered his resignation on Friday after an audio recording suggested he had criticised the president , but then appeared to indicate that he might keep his job .
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy would consider the resignation letter later on Friday , the president ’ s office said .
Speculation over Honcharuk ’ s position has grown this week after a recording of a man discussing Zelenskiy ’ s purported lack of knowledge of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparently at a meeting of the prime minister , finance minister and the National Bank of Ukraine ( NBU ) in December .
Zelenskiy is a former comic actor who had no political experience when he swept to power in an election last year on the back of public anger over high-level corruption .
Honcharuk said on Friday the recording had been doctored and was made up of different fragments of what had been said at government meetings .
“ Its contents artificially create the impression that my team and I do not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political leader , ” Honcharuk said on social media .
He did not say whether it was his voice heard in the recording .
Central bank officials and the finance minister have declined to comment on the recording .
Zelenskiy asked law enforcement agencies to determine who was involved in making the recording and how to prevent such incidents from occurring in future .
Contacted by Reuters shortly after his announcement and asked whether he indeed intended to step down , Honcharuk said : “ Do not jump to conclusions.
” Under Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s predecessor as prime minister , Volodymyr Groysman , also made threats to resign but ultimately stayed the course until last July ’ s parliamentary election which Zelenskiy ’ s party won .
Honcharuk , appointed by lawmakers last August , declined to say whether he was using his resignation letter as a way of testing the president ’ s confidence in him .
“ It doesn ’ t show the prime minister ’ s desire to resign , but rather it ’ s a way for him to fight to stay in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Kiev-based political analyst .
Honcharuk announced his resignation in a message on Facebook where he also praised Zelenskiy as “ a model of openness and decency ” .
“ However , in order to remove any doubts about our respect and trust in the President , I wrote a letter of resignation and handed it to the President with the right to submit it to Parliament , ” he said .
Honcharuk appeared in parliament later on Friday and reaffirmed his respect for the president , adding that Ukraine must remain united @ @ @ @ @ @ @ information attacks and manipulations .
He was given a standing ovation by a number of lawmakers , though some shouted “ shame on you ” .
Since taking office , Honcharuk has set out an ambitious reform agenda and secured provisional agreement from the IMF for a three-year-loan programme seen as key to maintaining investor confidence and economic stability .
Ukraine ’ s dollar bonds softened slightly after the news but later recovered .
“ Seems likely Zelenskiy will reject it , ” said Tim Ash of BlueBay Asset Management about the letter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Zelenskiy accepts it , would any credible reformer opt to sit in Honcharuk ’ s place when the said govt session with the NBU was leaked , and Honcharuk was only being honest , ” he wrote on Twitter .
Honcharuk ’ s government managed to secure a $ 5.5 billion IMF loan programme in December but this is still subject to Ukraine ’ s performance on reforms and tackling vested interests .
“ ( The resignation offer ) will not affect them , ” Honcharuk said in his comments to Reuters on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his government ’ s reforms and the IMF programme .

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday rejected an offer by Oleksiy Honcharuk to resign as prime minister after an audio recording suggested the latter had criticised Zelensky's knowledge of economics.
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In a video released by Zelensky’s office on Friday evening, the president said he decided to “give a chance” to Honcharuk and his cabinet, noting “now is not the time to shake the country economically and politically.”
Zelensky called the tape situation "unpleasant" but said he'd asked Honcharuk to present a report on the results of his work to parliament.
Speculation over Honcharuk’s future grew this week after a recording of a man discussing Zelensky’s purported lack of knowledge of economics was circulated on messaging channels, apparently at a meeting of the prime minister, finance minister and the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) in December.
Zelensky is a former comic actor who had no political experience when he swept to power in an election last year on the back of public anger over high-level corruption.
Honcharuk said on Friday the recording had been doctored and was made up of different fragments of what had been said at government meetings.
“Its contents artificially create the impression that my team and I do not respect the president, who is our political leader,” Honcharuk said on social media. He did not say whether it was his voice heard in the recording.
Дорогі українці! Останні 4 місяці команда Президента багато працювала над тим, щоб країна змінилась. Вже за цей... Publiée par Олексій Гончарук - Прем'єр-міністр України sur Jeudi 16 janvier 2020
Central bank officials and the finance minister have declined to comment on the recording.
Zelensky asked law enforcement agencies to determine who was involved in making the recording and how to prevent such incidents from occurring in future.
Under Ukraine’s previous president, Honcharuk’s predecessor as prime minister, Volodymyr Groysman, also made threats to resign but ultimately stayed the course until last July’s parliamentary election which Zelensky’s party won.
Honcharuk, appointed by lawmakers last August, declined to say whether his resignation letter was a test of the president’s confidence in him.
“It doesn’t show the prime minister’s desire to resign, but rather it’s a way for him to fight to stay in his position,” Volodymyr Fesenko, a Kiev-based political analyst.
‘Model of openness and decency’
Honcharuk announced his resignation in a message on Facebook where he also praised Zelensky as “a model of openness and decency”.
“However, in order to remove any doubts about our respect and trust in the President, I wrote a letter of resignation and handed it to the President with the right to submit it to Parliament,” he said.
Honcharuk appeared in parliament on Friday and reaffirmed his respect for the president, adding that Ukraine must remain united in the face of what he called information attacks and manipulations.
He was given a standing ovation by a number of lawmakers, though some shouted “shame on you”.
Since taking office, Honcharuk has set out an ambitious reform agenda and secured provisional agreement from the IMF for a three-year-loan programme seen as key to maintaining investor confidence and economic stability.
Honcharuk’s government managed to secure a $5.5 billion IMF loan programme in December but this is still subject to Ukraine’s performance on reforms and tackling vested interests.
(FRANCE 24 with AP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-17--Strike over France's pension reform forces shut Louvre museum

Striking workers block the entry at the glass Pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris as France faces its 44th consecutive day of strikes January 17 , 2020 .
The Louvre museum in Paris was closed Friday as dozens of protesters blocked the entrance to denounce the French government ’ s plans to overhaul the pension system .
The Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit marking the 500th anniversary of the Italian master ’ s death , which is displayed at the Louvre , was also closed as a result , the museum said .
Several dozen protesters , including some Louvre @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appeal from several hard-left trade unions against President Emmanuel Macron ’ s planned changes to the retirement system , which they said would “ lower everyone ’ s pensions ” .
Some protesters were singing “ Mona Lisa is on strike , Leonardo is on strike ” .
It is the first time since the protest movement began on December 5 that the Louvre and the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition were fully closed .
About 30,000 people visit the museum every day .
The unions are looking for a second wind as the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proportion of workers at national railway operator SNCF falling to 4.6 percent on Friday .
On Thursday , around 187,000 people took part in a sixth day of nationwide protests against the overhaul , according to the interior ministry , well below the 452,000 who turned out for similar demonstrations on January 10 .
The overhaul aims to forge a single pensions system from the country 's 42 separate regimes , which offer early retirement and other benefits to public-sector workers as well as lawyers , physical therapists and even Paris Opera employees @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of people to work longer for a smaller pension .
Visitors booing Some videos on social media showed angry visitors booing at protesters to express their disappointment .
The weeks of strikes and protests have hobbled public transportation and disrupted schools , hospitals , courthouses and even opera houses and the Eiffel Tower .
Major French retailers Fnac Darty and Casino said that business in France was badly affected by the strikes , especially during the holiday season .
Fnac Darty said the strikes cost it around €70 million ( $ 78 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cut its forecast for earnings growth in France , where it does more than half its business , to 5 percent in 2019 , from a previous 10 percent .
The company estimates that the strikes in December cost it about €80 million in lost revenue .
While the number of striking workers has diminished since the movement , the country ’ s trains and the Paris subway were still disrupted Friday .
The Louvre , which received 9.6 million visitors last year , was already forced to close some galleries last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday that ticket holders would be reimbursed , and that the doors could open again later in the day if the strikers disperse .
( FRANCE 24 with AP , AFP )

The Louvre museum in Paris was closed Friday as dozens of protesters blocked the entrance to denounce the French government’s plans to overhaul the pension system.
Striking workers block the entry at the glass Pyramid of the Louvre museum in Paris as France faces its 44th consecutive day of strikes January 17, 2020.
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The Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit marking the 500th anniversary of the Italian master’s death, which is displayed at the Louvre, was also closed as a result, the museum said.
Several dozen protesters, including some Louvre employees, staged the demonstration after an appeal from several hard-left trade unions against President Emmanuel Macron’s planned changes to the retirement system, which they said would “lower everyone’s pensions”.
Some protesters were singing “Mona Lisa is on strike, Leonardo is on strike”.
It is the first time since the protest movement began on December 5 that the Louvre and the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition were fully closed. About 30,000 people visit the museum every day.
The unions are looking for a second wind as the movement starts to flag, with the proportion of workers at national railway operator SNCF falling to 4.6 percent on Friday.
On Thursday, around 187,000 people took part in a sixth day of nationwide protests against the overhaul, according to the interior ministry, well below the 452,000 who turned out for similar demonstrations on January 10.
The overhaul aims to forge a single pensions system from the country's 42 separate regimes, which offer early retirement and other benefits to public-sector workers as well as lawyers, physical therapists and even Paris Opera employees.
Critics say it will effectively force millions of people to work longer for a smaller pension.
00:33
Some videos on social media showed angry visitors booing at protesters to express their disappointment.The weeks of strikes and protests have hobbled public transportation and disrupted schools, hospitals, courthouses and even opera houses and the Eiffel Tower.
Major French retailers Fnac Darty and Casino said that business in France was badly affected by the strikes, especially during the holiday season.
Fnac Darty said the strikes cost it around €70 million ($78 million) in lost revenue.
Casino cut its forecast for earnings growth in France, where it does more than half its business, to 5 percent in 2019, from a previous 10 percent. The company estimates that the strikes in December cost it about €80 million in lost revenue .
While the number of striking workers has diminished since the movement, the country’s trains and the Paris subway were still disrupted Friday.
The Louvre, which received 9.6 million visitors last year, was already forced to close some galleries last month due to the strike.
Management said Friday that ticket holders would be reimbursed, and that the doors could open again later in the day if the strikers disperse.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP)
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france24--2020-01-17--Iran's supreme leader says Trump is a 'clown' who will betray Iranians

Iran ’ s supreme leader said President Donald Trump is a “ clown ” who only pretends to support the Iranian people but will “ push a poisonous dagger ” into their backs , as he struck a defiant tone in his first Friday sermon in Tehran in eight years .
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the mass funerals for Iran ’ s top general , who was killed in a US airstrike earlier this month , show that the Iranian people support the Islamic Republic despite its recent trials .
He said the “ cowardly ” killing of Soleimani had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the battle against the Islamic State group .
In response , Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles targeting US troops in Iraq , without causing serious injuries .
Khamenei said the strike had dealt a “ blow to America ’ s image ” as a superpower .
In part of the sermon delivered in Arabic , he said the “ real punishment ” would be in forcing the U.S. to withdraw from the Middle East .
As Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard braced for an American counterattack that never came , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after it took off from Tehran ’ s international airport , killing all 176 passengers on board , mostly Iranians .
Authorities concealed their role in the tragedy for three days , initially blaming the crash on a technical problem .
Their admission of responsibility triggered days of street protests , which security forces dispersed with live ammunition and tear gas .
Khamenei called the shootdown of the plane a “ bitter accident ” that saddened Iran as much as it made its enemies happy .
He said Iran ’ s enemies had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamic Republic , the Revolutionary Guard and the armed forces .
He also lashed out at Western countries , saying they are too weak to “ bring Iranians to their knees.
” He said Britain , France and Germany , which this week triggered a dispute mechanism to try and bring Iran back into compliance with the unraveling 2015 nuclear agreement , were “ contemptible ” governments and “ servants ” of the United States .
He said Iran was willing to negotiate , but not with the United States .
Khamenei has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ since 1989 and has the final say on all major decisions .
The 80-year-old leader openly wept at the funeral of Soleimani and vowed “ harsh retaliation ” against the United States .
Thousands of people attended the Friday prayers , occasionally interrupting his speech by chanting “ God is greatest !
” and “ Death to America !
” Tensions between Iran and the United States have steadily escalated since President Donald Trump withdrew the US from Iran ’ s 2015 nuclear deal with world powers , which had imposed restrictions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lifting of international sanctions .
The U.S. has since imposed crippling sanctions on Iran , including its vital oil and gas industry , pushing the country into an economic crisis that has ignited several waves of sporadic , leaderless protests .
Trump has openly encouraged the protesters - even tweeting in Farsi - hoping that the protests and the sanctions will bring about fundamental change in a longtime adversary .
After Soleimani was killed , Iran announced it would no longer be bound by the limitations in the nuclear agreement .
European countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deal responded earlier this week by invoking a dispute mechanism that could result in even more sanctions .
Khamenei was always skeptical of the nuclear agreement , arguing that the United States could not be trusted .
But he allowed President Hassan Rouhani , a relative moderate , to conclude the agreement with President Barack Obama .
Since Trump ’ s withdrawal , he has repeatedly said there can be no negotiations with the United States .
Khamenei last delivered a Friday sermon in February 2012 , when he called Israel a “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone confronting it .
He also warned against any US strikes on Iran over its nuclear program , saying the US would be damaged “ 10 times over .
”

Iran’s supreme leader said President Donald Trump is a “clown” who only pretends to support the Iranian people but will “push a poisonous dagger” into their backs, as he struck a defiant tone in his first Friday sermon in Tehran in eight years.
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the mass funerals for Iran’s top general, who was killed in a US airstrike earlier this month, show that the Iranian people support the Islamic Republic despite its recent trials. He said the “cowardly” killing of Qassem Soleimani had taken out the most effective commander in the battle against the Islamic State group.
US President Donald Trump hit back later on Twitter, writing that Khamenei should be careful of what he says.
"The so-called 'Supreme Leader' of Iran, who has not been so Supreme lately, had some nasty things to say about the United States and Europe. Their economy is crashing, and their people are suffering. He should be very careful with his words!" tweeted Trump.
Khamenei's address came amid a deepening crisis for Iran as it grapples with unrest at home and rising pressure from abroad.
Tension has steadily ratcheted higher since 2018, when the United States withdrew from Tehran's nuclear pact with world powers and reimposed sanctions that have hammered the economy.
The standoff erupted into tit-for-tat military strikes this month, when Washington killed top commander Qassem Soleimani in a drone strike on Jan. 3 and Iran launched missile strikes at US targets in Iraq on Jan. 8.
In the tense aftermath, a Ukrainian airliner was shot down by mistake. But it took days for thecountry's elite Revolutionary Guards to admit this and protesters directed their rage at the elite force and the clerical system it was set up to defend.
"Our enemies ... were happy that they found an excuse to undermine the Guards, the armed forces and our system," Khamenei said in his sermon, heaping praise on the Guards for protecting Iran and renewing a call for U.S. troops to leave the region.
Khamenei said Soleimani's work of projecting Iran's military influence abroad would continue and said the Quds Force he commanded "protects oppressed nations across the region."
He said Quds Force soldiers were "fighters without borders".
The US State Department's special representative for Iran, Brian Hook, said in Washington that Iranian threats risked further isolating the country.
But Russia lent Iran some support over the airliner disaster, saying it had been shot down when Tehran was spooked by reports of advanced US stealth fighters in the area.
"I'd like to underline the edginess that always accompanies such situations," Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
03:35
'Bitter tragedy'
Protests led by students erupted in Tehran and other cities for four days over the shooting down of Ukraine International Airlines flight 752, in which all 176 aboard were killed, mostly Iranians or dual nationals.
As the unrest picked up, Trump sent tweets in Farsi and English supporting the protesters, who were chanting "Death to Khamenei" and slogans against the Guards.
Khamenei said in his sermon: "These American clowns who lie and say they are with the Iranian people should see who the Iranian people are."
Khamenei said the shooting down of the plane was a "bitter tragedy that burned through our heart," but stopped short of offering a direct apology.
"Some tried to use it as an excuse to overshadow the martyrdom of our great commander Soleimani," he said, urging Iranians to unite and show solidarity by turning out in numbers for the February parliamentary election.
The funeral of Soleimani, long portrayed as a national hero in Iran but seen by the West as a ruthless adversary, had brought huge numbers of Iranian mourners to the streets.
On social media, some Iranians reacted angrily to Khamenei's sermon and his comments on the plane disaster. "Not a word of apology. Only arrogance," tweeted Mike Pouraryan.
Online footage during demonstrations had shown protesters being beaten and recordings of gunshots. Riot police were deployed in force on the streets, particularly outside universities, a focus for the unrest. Iran's police denied firing at protesters.
Two months earlier, police launched a bloody crackdown on protests that erupted over sharp fuel price hikes, which added to the suffering of Iranians already hurt by US sanctions.
In reaction to Washington's "maximum pressure" policy, Tehran has gradually scaled back on commitments to the nuclear deal, including lifting limits on its uranium enrichment.
Britain, France and Germany, which have been trying to salvage the pact, have subsequently launched the deal's dispute mechanism over Iran's violations, starting a diplomatic process that could lead to reimposing UN sanctions.
"These European countries cannot be trusted. Even their negotiations with Iran are full of deceit," Khamenei said.
(FRANCE 24 with AP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-17--Libya strongman Haftar in Greece for talks ahead of Berlin peace conference

Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar will hold talks in Athens on Friday , days ahead of a peace conference in Berlin which he and the head of Tripoli ’ s UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj are expected to attend .
The talks come as world powers step up efforts for a lasting ceasefire , nine months since an assault on Tripoli by Haftar ’ s forces sparked fighting that has killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters , displacing tens of thousands .
An interim truce that came into force Sunday has mostly held , despite accusations of violations from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tripoli-based Government of National Accord ( GNA ) .
Haftar flew to Athens by private plane on Thursday and was taken to a luxury Athens hotel where he was met by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias for an initial round of talks , TV footage showed .
He is scheduled to talk to Dendias again on Friday before meeting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis , sources working on the negotiations told AFP .
Greece has sought a more active role in Libya after the GNA in Tripoli signed a maritime and military cooperation memorandum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spheres of influence in the Mediterranean .
The Turkish deal claims much of the Mediterranean for energy exploration , conflicting with rival claims by Greece and Cyprus .
Greek premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said Athens will veto any agreement brought before the EU for approval unless the contentious agreement is dropped .
Haftar agreed “ in principle ” Thursday to attend a peace conference in Berlin after Sarraj signalled he would be present .
Haftar had walked away from ceasefire talks in Moscow on Monday , but German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday to persuade him to join the conference .
Haftar “ wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it , ” Maas tweeted , calling it “ the best chance in a long time ” for peace .
He added that Haftar “ has agreed to abide by the ongoing ceasefire ” .
But Sarraj , whose GNA did sign the Moscow deal , cast doubt over Haftar ’ s intentions .
Haftar “ has chosen not to sign the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he said , calling that “ an attempt to undermine the Berlin conference before it starts ” .
The oil-rich North African state has been in turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi , and multiple foreign powers have become embroiled .
The GNA is backed by Turkey and Qatar , while Haftar , who backs a rival administration in Libya ’ s east , has the support of neighbouring Egypt as well as Russia and the United Arab Emirates .
The United Nations said the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and division over Libya .
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will take part and voice support for truce efforts , the State Department said Thursday .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Wednesday for firm support for the peace talks and asked for a halt in the fighting .
In a report to the Security Council he urged all parties to “ engage constructively towards that end , including within the Berlin process ” .
Guterres also warned against “ external interference ” , saying it would “ deepen the ongoing conflict and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ international commitment to a peaceful resolution of the underlying crisis ” .
The conference will aim to agree six points including a permanent ceasefire , implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace , Guterres said .
Turkish troops have been deployed to support the GNA as per the November deal .
Russia , despite its denials , is suspected of supporting Haftar with weapons , money and mercenaries .
Some 11 countries and several international organisations are set to attend along with the Libyan parties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the swell of international pressure for a ceasefire during talks in Algiers on Thursday , officials said .
He met the Algerian prime minister and the president as part of “ efforts to circumscribe the conflict in Libya and bring a durable solution ” , an Algerian foreign ministry statement said .
The fighting has spurred a growing exodus of migrants , many embarking on rickety boats towards Italy .
Nearly 1,000 intercepted at sea have been forced to return to the war-ravaged country since January 1 , mostly ending up in detention @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Migration said Tuesday .

Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar will hold talks in Athens on Friday, days ahead of a peace conference in Berlin which he and the head of Tripoli’s UN-recognised government Fayez al-Sarraj are expected to attend.
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The talks come as world powers step up efforts for a lasting ceasefire, nine months since an assault on Tripoli by Haftar’s forces sparked fighting that has killed more than 280 civilians and 2,000 fighters, displacing tens of thousands.
An interim truce that came into force Sunday has mostly held, despite accusations of violations from Haftar’s forces and the rival Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA).
Haftar flew to Athens by private plane on Thursday and was taken to a luxury Athens hotel where he was met by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias for an initial round of talks, TV footage showed.
He is scheduled to talk to Dendias again on Friday before meeting Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, sources working on the negotiations told AFP.
Greece has sought a more active role in Libya after the GNA in Tripoli signed a maritime and military cooperation memorandum with Turkey in November carving out energy spheres of influence in the Mediterranean.
The Turkish deal claims much of the Mediterranean for energy exploration, conflicting with rival claims by Greece and Cyprus.
Greek premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said Athens will veto any agreement brought before the EU for approval unless the contentious agreement is dropped.
Haftar agreed “in principle” Thursday to attend a peace conference in Berlin after Sarraj signalled he would be present.
Haftar had walked away from ceasefire talks in Moscow on Monday, but German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas visited his eastern Libya stronghold of Benghazi on Thursday to persuade him to join the conference.
Foreign Minister @HeikoMaas after meetings in Benghazi:
General Haftar has signaled his readiness to contribute to the success of the Libya Conference in Berlin and is willing to participate. He has repeated his commitment to observe the existing ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/tP6KjeuBNO — GermanForeignOffice (@GermanyDiplo) January 16, 2020
Haftar “wants to contribute to the success of the Libyan conference in Berlin and is in principle ready to participate in it,” Maas tweeted, calling it “the best chance in a long time” for peace.
He added that Haftar “has agreed to abide by the ongoing ceasefire”.
But Sarraj, whose GNA did sign the Moscow deal, cast doubt over Haftar’s intentions.
Haftar “has chosen not to sign the agreement and asked for a delay”, he said, calling that “an attempt to undermine the Berlin conference before it starts”.
The oil-rich North African state has been in turmoil since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi, and multiple foreign powers have become embroiled.
The GNA is backed by Turkey and Qatar, while Haftar, who backs a rival administration in Libya’s east, has the support of neighbouring Egypt as well as Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
External interference
The United Nations said the Berlin talks aim to end foreign interference and division over Libya.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will take part and voice support for truce efforts, the State Department said Thursday.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Wednesday for firm support for the peace talks and asked for a halt in the fighting.
In a report to the Security Council he urged all parties to “engage constructively towards that end, including within the Berlin process”.
Guterres also warned against “external interference”, saying it would “deepen the ongoing conflict and further complicate efforts to reach a clear international commitment to a peaceful resolution of the underlying crisis”.
The conference will aim to agree six points including a permanent ceasefire, implementation of a much-violated UN arms embargo and a return to political efforts for peace, Guterres said.
Turkish troops have been deployed to support the GNA as per the November deal. Russia, despite its denials, is suspected of supporting Haftar with weapons, money and mercenaries.
Some 11 countries and several international organisations are set to attend along with the Libyan parties.
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte joined the swell of international pressure for a ceasefire during talks in Algiers on Thursday, officials said.
Appena arrivato ad Algeri, al lavoro per rafforzare i nostri rapporti bilaterali e per affrontare ancora il dossier libico in vista della conferenza di Berlino pic.twitter.com/HU9WgNBHgm — Giuseppe Conte (@GiuseppeConteIT) January 16, 2020
He met the Algerian prime minister and the president as part of “efforts to circumscribe the conflict in Libya and bring a durable solution”, an Algerian foreign ministry statement said.
The fighting has spurred a growing exodus of migrants, many embarking on rickety boats towards Italy.
Nearly 1,000 intercepted at sea have been forced to return to the war-ravaged country since January 1, mostly ending up in detention, the UN’s International Organization for Migration said Tuesday.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-17--France to deploy Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to support operations in Middle East

The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle , pictured off the coast of Toulon , France , on November 8 @ @ @ @ @ deploy the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group from January to April @ @ @ @ @ in the Middle East , Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday .
“ The aircraft carrier @ @ @ @ @ in the Middle East ) from January to April 2020 before deploying to the Atlantic @ @ @ @ @ ” , Macron said at a New Year speech to the French military .
The @ @ @ @ @ between Iran and the United States , and French concerns that the fight against Islamic @ @ @ @ @ within that context .

France will deploy the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and its battle group from January to April to support French military operations in the Middle East, Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday.
The French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, pictured off the coast of Toulon, France, on November 8, 2018.
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“The aircraft carrier will support Chammal operations (in the Middle East) from January to April 2020 before deploying to the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea”, Macron said at a New Year speech to the French military.
The deployment comes amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States, and French concerns that the fight against Islamic State militants may be weakened within that context.
(REUTERS)
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