france24--2020-09-19--Man Utd stunned by Palace, Arsenal grab late winner

Manchester United suffered a miserable start to their Premier League campaign as Wilfried Zaha fired Crystal Palace to a shock 3-1 win at Old Trafford , while Arsenal struck late through substitute Eddie Nketiah to beat West Ham 2-1 .
On a day of high drama Leeds edged Fulham 4-3 to earn their first top-flight victory since 2004 on Saturday and Everton went top of the table as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 destruction of 10-man West Brom .
On the second weekend of the new campaign , United were playing for the first time after being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their involvement in the latter stages of last season 's Europa League .
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's lethargic side were well below their best and Palace took full advantage thanks to Andros Townsend 's seventh minute strike and Zaha 's double against his former club .
There was a hint of controversy about Zaha 's first goal as VAR ruled Victor Lindelof had handled Jordan Ayew 's shot even though the ball was hit with force at him from close quarters .
David De Gea saved Ayew 's spot-kick , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as United 's keeper had strayed off his line and this time Zaha converted from the spot .
United 's only close-season signing Donny van de Beek came off the bench and the former Ajax midfielder reduced the deficit with a debut goal in the 80th minute .
But Zaha , who endured a difficult spell at United before rejoining Palace , showed why the Eagles are so keen to keep him amid speculation over his future as the Ivory Coast winger lashed home in the 85th minute .
For the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in their opening league game .
It was a chastening start to the season for United , who have come under fire from fans frustrated at their relatively modest transfer outlay compared to their title rivals .
Arsenal capitalised on the chance to open up a six-point gap over United in the battle for a top-four finish despite a poor performance of their own .
Alexandre Lacazette headed the Gunners into a 25th minute lead from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang 's cross .
But Mikel Arteta 's men were largely outplayed by the Hammers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ home defeat to Newcastle on the opening weekend .
Michail Antonio levelled just before half-time and came close putting the visitors ' in front when his header came crashing back off the crossbar .
But Arsenal grabbed all three points five minutes from time when Dani Ceballos broke the West Ham offside trap and squared for Nketiah to tap home .
At Elland Road , promoted Leeds were involved in another eye-catching encounter in their first top-flight home match for 16 years .
After losing 4-3 at champions Liverpool on the opening weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ free-scoring side ahead in the fifth minute .
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic equalised from the penalty spot but Leeds soon retook the lead with a spot-kick of their own , converted by Mateusz Klich .
Patrick Bamford and Costa 's superb strike looked have Leeds cruising to their first win back in the top-flight by the hour mark .
But Fulham pulled one back in the 62nd minute through Bobby Decordova-Reid and Mitrovic 's towering header four minutes later set up a tense finale .
Leeds ' opening games have seen 14 goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top-flight side 's first two matches since Wolves in 1962-63 .
At Goodison Park , Everton 's early-season optimism was not curbed despite falling behind to Grady Diangana 's early goal .
Calvert-Lewin bundled home an equaliser before James Rodriguez put Everton ahead with his first Premier League goal and Albion imploded before the break .
Kieran Gibbs was dismissed for pushing James in the face in first half stoppage-time and then Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was sent to the stands after storming onto the pitch for a furious rant at referee Mike @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the interval , but Michael Keane restored Everton 's lead and Calvert-Lewin sealed the points with his second and third goals .
After a summer spending spree , Ancelotti is under pressure to deliver a big improvement on last season 's 12th place finish and the early signs are promising .
Having beaten Tottenham in their opening game last weekend , Everton have started a Premier League season with consecutive victories for the first time since 2012-13 .
`` I 'm satisfied in front , we have to do better at the @ @ @ @ @ @

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Manchester United suffered a miserable start to their Premier League campaign as Wilfried Zaha fired Crystal Palace to a shock 3-1 win at Old Trafford, while Arsenal struck late through substitute Eddie Nketiah to beat West Ham 2-1.
On a day of high drama Leeds edged Fulham 4-3 to earn their first top-flight victory since 2004 on Saturday and Everton went top of the table as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a hat-trick in a 5-2 destruction of 10-man West Brom.
On the second weekend of the new campaign, United were playing for the first time after being given an extra week of rest due to their involvement in the latter stages of last season's Europa League.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's lethargic side were well below their best and Palace took full advantage thanks to Andros Townsend's seventh minute strike and Zaha's double against his former club.
There was a hint of controversy about Zaha's first goal as VAR ruled Victor Lindelof had handled Jordan Ayew's shot even though the ball was hit with force at him from close quarters.
David De Gea saved Ayew's spot-kick, but VAR intervened again to order a retake as United's keeper had strayed off his line and this time Zaha converted from the spot.
United's only close-season signing Donny van de Beek came off the bench and the former Ajax midfielder reduced the deficit with a debut goal in the 80th minute.
But Zaha, who endured a difficult spell at United before rejoining Palace, showed why the Eagles are so keen to keep him amid speculation over his future as the Ivory Coast winger lashed home in the 85th minute.
For the first time in six years, United were beaten in their opening league game.
It was a chastening start to the season for United, who have come under fire from fans frustrated at their relatively modest transfer outlay compared to their title rivals.
Arsenal capitalised on the chance to open up a six-point gap over United in the battle for a top-four finish despite a poor performance of their own.
Alexandre Lacazette headed the Gunners into a 25th minute lead from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's cross.
But Mikel Arteta's men were largely outplayed by the Hammers, who faced stinging criticism after a 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle on the opening weekend.
Michail Antonio levelled just before half-time and came close putting the visitors' in front when his header came crashing back off the crossbar.
But Arsenal grabbed all three points five minutes from time when Dani Ceballos broke the West Ham offside trap and squared for Nketiah to tap home.
- Free-scoring Leeds -
At Elland Road, promoted Leeds were involved in another eye-catching encounter in their first top-flight home match for 16 years.
After losing 4-3 at champions Liverpool on the opening weekend, Helda Costa fired Marcelo Bielsa's free-scoring side ahead in the fifth minute.
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic equalised from the penalty spot but Leeds soon retook the lead with a spot-kick of their own, converted by Mateusz Klich.
Patrick Bamford and Costa's superb strike looked have Leeds cruising to their first win back in the top-flight by the hour mark.
But Fulham pulled one back in the 62nd minute through Bobby Decordova-Reid and Mitrovic's towering header four minutes later set up a tense finale.
Leeds' opening games have seen 14 goals, which is the most for a top-flight side's first two matches since Wolves in 1962-63.
At Goodison Park, Everton's early-season optimism was not curbed despite falling behind to Grady Diangana's early goal.
Calvert-Lewin bundled home an equaliser before James Rodriguez put Everton ahead with his first Premier League goal and Albion imploded before the break.
Kieran Gibbs was dismissed for pushing James in the face in first half stoppage-time and then Baggies boss Slaven Bilic was sent to the stands after storming onto the pitch for a furious rant at referee Mike Dean.
Matheus Pereira equalised for Albion after the interval, but Michael Keane restored Everton's lead and Calvert-Lewin sealed the points with his second and third goals.
After a summer spending spree, Ancelotti is under pressure to deliver a big improvement on last season's 12th place finish and the early signs are promising.
Having beaten Tottenham in their opening game last weekend, Everton have started a Premier League season with consecutive victories for the first time since 2012-13.
"I'm satisfied in front, we have to do better at the back," said Ancelotti.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-19--Pompeo bolsters South American alliance against Maduro

Colombian President Ivan Duque ( L ) and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo greeting each other with an elbow bump at Narino Presidential Palace in Bogota US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday wrapped up a three-day tour of Venezuela 's neighbors designed to heap pressure on President Nicolas Maduro , saying his malign influence in the region `` can not be tolerated . ''
Pompeo held talks in Bogota with Colombia 's right-wing President Ivan Duque , calling the US ally `` a true leader for the region '' and lauding his stance against Maduro .
Duque @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Juan Guaido '' and `` a sovereign Venezuela free of the malign influences of Cuba and Russia and Iran is incredibly valuable , '' the US official said .
Flanked by Pompeo after their talks at Bogota 's Casa de Narino presidential palace , Duque called on the international community to prosecute Maduro following a UN report that said the Venezuelan leader and his inner circle were responsible for probable crimes against humanity .
Duque said it showed `` that this is a regime behind violations of human rights that are systematic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a criminal against humanity and the international community must put an end to the situation . ''
Caracas has dismissed the 411-page UN Human Rights Council report as `` riddled with falsehoods . ''
The Colombian president spoke in Spanish , but the official English translation of his comments referred to Maduro as a `` war criminal . ''
Pompeo said the US would continue to support Colombia , adding that violence on the part of guerrilla groups like FARC dissidents , the ELN `` or any other terrorist or criminal group @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not be tolerated nor can the actions of regimes like Maduro 's which provides safe haven and a deep comfort to those terrorists , '' he said .
Pompeo arrived in Bogota late Friday after visiting a center for Venezuelan refugees in the Brazilian border town of Boa Vista , emphasizing the plight of nearly five million Venezuelans who had fled their country 's economic meltdown under Maduro .
`` Those people I talked to today are desperate to return home , '' he said of the refugees being processed at the center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have fled to Brazil .
Pompeo called Maduro `` a leader who 's destroyed his own country , a man-made disaster of massive proportions , '' as well as `` a drug trafficker '' -- referring to charges the US Justice Department filed against Maduro and his inner circle earlier this year .
The US top diplomat said on Friday that Maduro `` has to leave '' power .
That drew a furious accusation of `` war-mongering '' from the Venezuelan leader , who said Pompeo `` has failed in all his attempts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to organize themselves in a war against Venezuela . ''
The US and some 50 other countries view Maduro 's 2018 reelection as fraudulent and demand the restoration of democracy in the South American country .
However , Maduro has steadfastly refused to back down and retains the support of the armed forces , as well as key allies Russia and Iran .
Pompeo began his three-day South American trip on Thursday in Suriname and Guyana , small undeveloped countries on the northeastern shoulder of the continent where the discovery of oil has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fast-growing nations to pick US over Chinese firms to partner in their development .
Both countries are also being eagerly courted by China as they seek foreign investment to bring potentially massive oil wealth ashore .
`` We 've watched the Chinese Communist Party invest in countries , and it all seems great at the front end and then it all comes falling down when the political costs connected to that becomes clear , '' Pompeo said .
`` And we do our level best wherever I travel to make the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they 're getting into . ''
Pompeo flew out of Bogota on Saturday for the five-hour flight to Dallas , Texas , where he will conclude his trip with a stop at an Evangelical mega-church .

Bogota (AFP) –
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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Saturday wrapped up a three-day tour of Venezuela's neighbors designed to heap pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, saying his malign influence in the region "cannot be tolerated."
Pompeo held talks in Bogota with Colombia's right-wing President Ivan Duque, calling the US ally "a true leader for the region" and lauding his stance against Maduro.
Duque’s support "of Interim President Juan Guaido" and "a sovereign Venezuela free of the malign influences of Cuba and Russia and Iran is incredibly valuable," the US official said.
Flanked by Pompeo after their talks at Bogota's Casa de Narino presidential palace, Duque called on the international community to prosecute Maduro following a UN report that said the Venezuelan leader and his inner circle were responsible for probable crimes against humanity.
- Prosecute Maduro -
Duque said it showed "that this is a regime behind violations of human rights that are systematic, and that the head of this dictatorship is a criminal against humanity and the international community must put an end to the situation."
Caracas has dismissed the 411-page UN Human Rights Council report as "riddled with falsehoods."
The Colombian president spoke in Spanish, but the official English translation of his comments referred to Maduro as a "war criminal."
Pompeo said the US would continue to support Colombia, adding that violence on the part of guerrilla groups like FARC dissidents, the ELN "or any other terrorist or criminal group is unacceptable."
"It cannot be tolerated nor can the actions of regimes like Maduro's which provides safe haven and a deep comfort to those terrorists," he said.
- 'Desperate' refugees -
Pompeo arrived in Bogota late Friday after visiting a center for Venezuelan refugees in the Brazilian border town of Boa Vista, emphasizing the plight of nearly five million Venezuelans who had fled their country's economic meltdown under Maduro.
"Those people I talked to today are desperate to return home," he said of the refugees being processed at the center -- among the estimated 260,000 Venezuelans who have fled to Brazil.
Pompeo called Maduro "a leader who's destroyed his own country, a man-made disaster of massive proportions," as well as "a drug trafficker" -- referring to charges the US Justice Department filed against Maduro and his inner circle earlier this year.
The US top diplomat said on Friday that Maduro "has to leave" power.
That drew a furious accusation of "war-mongering" from the Venezuelan leader, who said Pompeo "has failed in all his attempts to get the governments of the continent to organize themselves in a war against Venezuela."
The US and some 50 other countries view Maduro's 2018 reelection as fraudulent and demand the restoration of democracy in the South American country.
However, Maduro has steadfastly refused to back down and retains the support of the armed forces, as well as key allies Russia and Iran.
Pompeo began his three-day South American trip on Thursday in Suriname and Guyana, small undeveloped countries on the northeastern shoulder of the continent where the discovery of oil has piqued sudden global interest.
He urged the fast-growing nations to pick US over Chinese firms to partner in their development.
Both countries are also being eagerly courted by China as they seek foreign investment to bring potentially massive oil wealth ashore.
"We've watched the Chinese Communist Party invest in countries, and it all seems great at the front end and then it all comes falling down when the political costs connected to that becomes clear," Pompeo said.
"And we do our level best wherever I travel to make the case for just making sure everybody understands what they're getting into."
Pompeo flew out of Bogota on Saturday for the five-hour flight to Dallas, Texas, where he will conclude his trip with a stop at an Evangelical mega-church.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-19--France reports record-breaking 13,500 new daily Covid-19 cases confirming sencond wave fears

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france24--2020-09-20--Drive up! Drive up! South Korea's drive-in, virus-proof circus

The annual circus - usually held in May - was pushed back twice this year because of the virus until organisers turned it into a drive-in event A clown juggled and acrobats launched themselves through the air above a stage in an open field in Seoul at the weekend as the audience watched from the safety of their cars , cocooned from the risk of coronavirus .
The annual circus -- usually held in May -- was pushed back twice this year because of the virus until organisers turned it into a drive-in event .
`` The performing arts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Cho Beong-hee , manager of the Seoul Street Art Creation Centre .
`` So we came up with different ideas in trying to make this event happen and the drive-in option was chosen as it was deemed the safest idea . ''
Each event allows 30 cars to park in front of the stage , while the event is also streamed online for free .
The lack of interaction with the audience posed new challenges for the performers .
`` I had to re-imagine and re-think new ways to go about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a performer at the circus .
The crowd clapped and honked car horns as acrobats swung above the giant stage , hoisted by a crane .
In the audience , Yu Hye-jin said she was satisfied with her seat .
`` I think watching performances in cars is great , '' she said , adding , `` I think it can be done in the future , with other performances like musicals . ''

Seoul (AFP) –
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A clown juggled and acrobats launched themselves through the air above a stage in an open field in Seoul at the weekend as the audience watched from the safety of their cars, cocooned from the risk of coronavirus.
The annual circus -- usually held in May -- was pushed back twice this year because of the virus until organisers turned it into a drive-in event.
"The performing arts are very important even during a pandemic," said Cho Beong-hee, manager of the Seoul Street Art Creation Centre.
"So we came up with different ideas in trying to make this event happen and the drive-in option was chosen as it was deemed the safest idea."
Each event allows 30 cars to park in front of the stage, while the event is also streamed online for free.
The lack of interaction with the audience posed new challenges for the performers.
"I had to re-imagine and re-think new ways to go about my performance," said Lee Sung-hyung, a performer at the circus.
The crowd clapped and honked car horns as acrobats swung above the giant stage, hoisted by a crane.
In the audience, Yu Hye-jin said she was satisfied with her seat.
"I think watching performances in cars is great," she said, adding, "I think it can be done in the future, with other performances like musicals."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Alli's Tottenham future in doubt after Southampton axe

Dele Alli 's Tottenham future is in doubt after he was dropped for their Premier League match at Southampton on Sunday as Jose Mourinho claimed he has `` too many players '' .
Alli was substituted at half-time of Tottenham 's defeat against Everton last weekend and was missing from the squad for their Europa League qualifier against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Thursday .
The England international was expected to return against Southampton , but Tottenham manager Mourinho did not include him in the matchday squad .
Alli has endured a difficult period over the last two years , with his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusing him of being `` lazy '' in training during the All or Nothing documentary that captured life behind the scenes at Tottenham last season .
Alli was linked with a move to Real Madrid as part of the deal that eventually saw Gareth Bale join Tottenham on loan on Saturday , while Manchester United are reported to be interested in the 24-year-old .
Asked if Alli had been left out for fitness reasons , Mourinho 's response suggested there was no guarantee he would get back in the team any time soon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ huge squad , a squad with numbers that are very difficult to manage , '' Mourinho told BT Sport .
`` I never had it , I do n't like to have it and it 's not easy for me .
I start with Son , with Lucas and with Harry Kane and on the bench I still have Moussa Sissoko , Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn .
`` We have too many players for some positions and some of them are paying the price for this . ''

Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) –
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Dele Alli's Tottenham future is in doubt after he was dropped for their Premier League match at Southampton on Sunday as Jose Mourinho claimed he has "too many players".
Alli was substituted at half-time of Tottenham's defeat against Everton last weekend and was missing from the squad for their Europa League qualifier against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Thursday.
The England international was expected to return against Southampton, but Tottenham manager Mourinho did not include him in the matchday squad.
Alli has endured a difficult period over the last two years, with his form dipping badly.
Mourinho was seen accusing him of being "lazy" in training during the All or Nothing documentary that captured life behind the scenes at Tottenham last season.
Alli was linked with a move to Real Madrid as part of the deal that eventually saw Gareth Bale join Tottenham on loan on Saturday, while Manchester United are reported to be interested in the 24-year-old.
Asked if Alli had been left out for fitness reasons, Mourinho's response suggested there was no guarantee he would get back in the team any time soon.
"No. We have a huge squad, a squad with numbers that are very difficult to manage," Mourinho told BT Sport.
"I never had it, I don't like to have it and it's not easy for me. I start with Son, with Lucas and with Harry Kane and on the bench I still have Moussa Sissoko, Erik Lamela and Steven Bergwijn.
"We have too many players for some positions and some of them are paying the price for this."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Two endangered Javan rhino calves spotted in Indonesian park

Two extremely rare Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted in an Indonesian national park Two extremely rare Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted in an Indonesian national park , boosting hopes for the future of one of the world 's most endangered mammals .
The rhino calves -- a female named Helen and male called Luther -- were seen with their mothers in footage taken from nearly 100 camera traps installed in Ujung Kulon national park between March and August , authorities said in a statement on Sunday .
On the westernmost tip of Java in Banten province , Ujung @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Javan rhinos .
After years of population decline , the arrival of the new calves brings the total number of the rare mammals to 74 .
The sanctuary comprises some 5,100 hectares ( 12,600 acres ) of lush rainforest and freshwater streams .
The Indonesian government has been surveying other areas across Java and Sumatra islands to relocate the rhinos from the danger of Mount Krakatau , an active volcano not far from the national park .
`` These births bring a big hope for the continuation of the life of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Wiratno , a senior official at the environment ministry .
Javan rhinos have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armour plating .
They once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia , but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment on their habitats .

Jakarta (AFP) –
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Two extremely rare Javan rhinoceros calves have been spotted in an Indonesian national park, boosting hopes for the future of one of the world's most endangered mammals.
The rhino calves -- a female named Helen and male called Luther -- were seen with their mothers in footage taken from nearly 100 camera traps installed in Ujung Kulon national park between March and August, authorities said in a statement on Sunday.
On the westernmost tip of Java in Banten province, Ujung Kulon is the last remaining wild habitat for Javan rhinos.
After years of population decline, the arrival of the new calves brings the total number of the rare mammals to 74.
The sanctuary comprises some 5,100 hectares (12,600 acres) of lush rainforest and freshwater streams.
The Indonesian government has been surveying other areas across Java and Sumatra islands to relocate the rhinos from the danger of Mount Krakatau, an active volcano not far from the national park.
"These births bring a big hope for the continuation of the life of the critically endangered special Javan rhino," said Wiratno, a senior official at the environment ministry.
Javan rhinos have folds of loose skin giving them the appearance of wearing armour plating.
They once numbered in the thousands across Southeast Asia, but have been hard hit by rampant poaching and human encroachment on their habitats.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Van de Beek slams 'slow' Man Utd after Palace defeat

Donny van de Beek slammed Manchester United for playing too `` slowly '' in their `` really bad '' defeat against Crystal Palace .
Former Ajax midfielder Van de Beek came off the bench to score on his United debut , but his side were already trailing 2-0 by then and went on to lose 3-1 in a dismal start to their Premier League campaign .
The 23-year-old will not look back on his debut with any fondness after United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his team fell short of expectations at Old Trafford .
Van de Beek was surprised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ urgency , claiming they played too directly at times .
`` My first match for the club and then you want to win .
It does n't matter how you want to win , '' Van de Beek said .
`` I 'm really disappointed that we lose 3-1 at home .
I think it 's really bad .
`` Yeah ( we did not have as much match sharpness as Palace ) but last week in training we did really well .
`` We trained good , so my feeling was really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we played too slowly .
`` We went too long with the ball and I think against an opponent like Crystal Palace you need to speed up the game to create something .
That was not good enough . ''
Netherlands international Van de Beek took no consolation from his debut goal .
`` To play for all the fans in stadiums like this it 's more nice to score , '' he said .
`` But still I scored but we lose and this is the most important thing , that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's always really nice to play for a club like this .
`` I made my first game and I hope to help the team and next time that we win , for sure . ''
United have precious little time to recover as a trip to Championship outfit Luton awaits in the League Cup third round on Tuesday before next weekend 's Premier League match at Brighton .
`` I mean , next week we need to step up and we need to win , '' Van de Beek told MUTV .

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Donny van de Beek slammed Manchester United for playing too "slowly" in their "really bad" defeat against Crystal Palace.
Former Ajax midfielder Van de Beek came off the bench to score on his United debut, but his side were already trailing 2-0 by then and went on to lose 3-1 in a dismal start to their Premier League campaign.
The 23-year-old will not look back on his debut with any fondness after United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his team fell short of expectations at Old Trafford.
Van de Beek was surprised by United's lack of drive and urgency, claiming they played too directly at times.
"My first match for the club and then you want to win. It doesn't matter how you want to win," Van de Beek said.
"I'm really disappointed that we lose 3-1 at home. I think it's really bad.
"Yeah (we did not have as much match sharpness as Palace) but last week in training we did really well.
"We trained good, so my feeling was really positive. But, yeah, today we played too slowly.
"We went too long with the ball and I think against an opponent like Crystal Palace you need to speed up the game to create something. That was not good enough."
Netherlands international Van de Beek took no consolation from his debut goal.
"To play for all the fans in stadiums like this it's more nice to score," he said.
"But still I scored but we lose and this is the most important thing, that we win.
"We lose but it's always really nice to play for a club like this.
"I made my first game and I hope to help the team and next time that we win, for sure."
United have precious little time to recover as a trip to Championship outfit Luton awaits in the League Cup third round on Tuesday before next weekend's Premier League match at Brighton.
"I mean, next week we need to step up and we need to win," Van de Beek told MUTV.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Leicester sign Roma winger Under on loan

Leicester signed Turkey winger Cengiz Under on a season-long loan from Roma on Sunday .
The move is subject to Premier League and international clearance , with Leicester reported to have an option to buy Under when his loan expires .
The 23-year-old is due to join up with his new team-mates and manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of Sunday 's Premier League game against Burnley .
`` I ca n't wait to go to Leicester and start training .
I 've always wanted to play in England and this is a great opportunity to play in the Premier League , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Under made his debut for Turkey aged 19 and will now play alongside his international team-mate Caglar Soyuncu .
`` I will try to help my team-mates on the pitch and off the pitch and I believe that I can improve my performance every day , '' Under said .
`` I feel very good because my best friend plays for Leicester City .
I am very happy to be able to play with Caglar and I always watched Leicester 's games because of him . ''
Under began his senior career with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2016 and then making the switch to Italy a year later .
He has made 70 league appearances for Roma , scoring 13 goals .

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Leicester signed Turkey winger Cengiz Under on a season-long loan from Roma on Sunday.
The move is subject to Premier League and international clearance, with Leicester reported to have an option to buy Under when his loan expires.
The 23-year-old is due to join up with his new team-mates and manager Brendan Rodgers ahead of Sunday's Premier League game against Burnley.
"I can't wait to go to Leicester and start training. I've always wanted to play in England and this is a great opportunity to play in the Premier League," Under told Leicester's website.
Under made his debut for Turkey aged 19 and will now play alongside his international team-mate Caglar Soyuncu.
"I will try to help my team-mates on the pitch and off the pitch and I believe that I can improve my performance every day," Under said.
"I feel very good because my best friend plays for Leicester City. I am very happy to be able to play with Caglar and I always watched Leicester's games because of him."
Under began his senior career with Altinordu before moving to Istanbul Basaksehir in 2016 and then making the switch to Italy a year later.
He has made 70 league appearances for Roma, scoring 13 goals.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Toyota leads Le Mans pursued by Rebellions

Kazuki Nakajima drives his Toyota through the night in front of the empty stands at Le Mans Toyota was facing a challenge on Sunday morning as it chased a third straight victory in the elite class at the Le Mans 24 Hour race .
With just over four hours of racing left , the No .
8 Toyota of Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi , Japanese Kazuki Nakajima and New Zealander Brendon Hartley , led , but was being pursued by the two cars of the Rebellion team .
The No.8 won the last two years , although Hartley has replaced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a return to Formula One .
With four hours to go , the No .
8 Toyota had completed 322 laps and led the Rebellion of French trio Nathanael Berthon , Louis Deletraz and Romain Dumas by five laps .
The other Rebellion of American Gustavo Menezes , Norman Nato of France and Ayrton Senna 's nephew Bruno was also close despite having to pit at 8:30am ( 0630 GMT ) to repair mechanical damage .
The second Toyota , driven by Briton Mike Conway , Japanese Kamui Kobayashi and Argentine Jose-Maria Lopez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starting from pole position , but had to pit for a half hour during the night for a turbo change .
Kobayashi made his frustration clear as he climbed out of his car in the pits .
The Japanese driver has finished second at Le Mans in each of the last three years .
The Enzo of Tom Dillmann , Bruno Spengler and Oliver Webb retired after 97 laps leaving just four cars in elite LMP1 race .
Toyota has a power edge over Rebellion , an independent team competing at Le Mans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Balance of Performance ballast rules reduce that advantage .
The race took place in front of empty stands due to coronavirus .
In the other categories , United Autosports ' Oreca N.22 , driven by Filipe Albuquerque , Paul Di Resta and Philip Hanson , led in LMP2 .
The team is owned by American Zak Brown , who also owns the McLaren F1 team .
In Grand Touring , the Aston Martins and Ferraris were battling for the lead with the Porsches slowed by race accidents .
By 09:00am ( 0700 GMT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had retired .
The forecast rain had not yet materialised .
While the crowded tracks and the speed differences between the cars in the different categories , had caused some collisions , which brought out the safety car , there had been no serious crashes .
Instead of running from noon to noon , race started and ends at 2:30pm ( 1230 GMT ) , an adjustment in response to the shorter days .

Le Mans (France) (AFP) –
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Toyota was facing a challenge on Sunday morning as it chased a third straight victory in the elite class at the Le Mans 24 Hour race.
With just over four hours of racing left, the No. 8 Toyota of Swiss driver Sebastien Buemi, Japanese Kazuki Nakajima and New Zealander Brendon Hartley, led, but was being pursued by the two cars of the Rebellion team.
The No.8 won the last two years, although Hartley has replaced Fernando Alonso, who is preparing for a return to Formula One.
With four hours to go, the No. 8 Toyota had completed 322 laps and led the Rebellion of French trio Nathanael Berthon, Louis Deletraz and Romain Dumas by five laps.
The other Rebellion of American Gustavo Menezes, Norman Nato of France and Ayrton Senna's nephew Bruno was also close despite having to pit at 8:30am (0630 GMT) to repair mechanical damage.
The second Toyota, driven by Briton Mike Conway, Japanese Kamui Kobayashi and Argentine Jose-Maria Lopez, led to the halfway point after starting from pole position, but had to pit for a half hour during the night for a turbo change.
Kobayashi made his frustration clear as he climbed out of his car in the pits. The Japanese driver has finished second at Le Mans in each of the last three years.
The Enzo of Tom Dillmann, Bruno Spengler and Oliver Webb retired after 97 laps leaving just four cars in elite LMP1 race.
Toyota has a power edge over Rebellion, an independent team competing at Le Mans for the last time, but the Balance of Performance ballast rules reduce that advantage.
The race took place in front of empty stands due to coronavirus.
In the other categories, United Autosports' Oreca N.22, driven by Filipe Albuquerque, Paul Di Resta and Philip Hanson, led in LMP2. The team is owned by American Zak Brown, who also owns the McLaren F1 team.
In Grand Touring, the Aston Martins and Ferraris were battling for the lead with the Porsches slowed by race accidents.
By 09:00am (0700 GMT), 11 of the 59 cars had retired.
The forecast rain had not yet materialised. While the crowded tracks and the speed differences between the cars in the different categories, had caused some collisions, which brought out the safety car, there had been no serious crashes.
Instead of running from noon to noon, race started and ends at 2:30pm (1230 GMT), an adjustment in response to the shorter days.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Crowds flock to Notre-Dame as France holds its annual weekend of heritage celebration

Carpenters demonstrate the medieval techniques required to restore Paris 's Notre-Dame Cathedral during the weekend 's European heritage days , @ @ @ @ @ France 's annual weekend of heritage celebration is taking place , with the capital 's @ @ @ @ @ notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic .
Historic and cultural sites that are usually closed to the @ @ @ @ @ weekend .
FRANCE 24 's reporters were among the crowds at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris @ @ @ @ @ the medieval techniques that will be required to restore the cathedral after it was damaged @ @ @ @ @ , 2019 .
`` These are the techniques that were in use at Notre-Dame in @ @ @ @ @ which are still very much alive , '' says François Calame , founder of voluntary @ @ @ @ @ Carpenters without borders ) .
Click on the player above to watch the full report @

ON THE GROUND
France's annual weekend of heritage celebration is taking place, with the capital's Notre-Dame Cathedral a highlight, notwithstanding the coronavirus pandemic.
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Historic and cultural sites that are usually closed to the public opened their doors this weekend. FRANCE 24's reporters were among the crowds at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. They watched carpenters demonstrate the medieval techniques that will be required to restore the cathedral after it was damaged by fire on April 14, 2019.
"These are the techniques that were in use at Notre-Dame in the 13th century, but which are still very much alive," says François Calame, founder of voluntary group Charpentiers sans frontières (Carpenters without borders).
Click on the player above to watch the full report.
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france24--2020-09-20--England sets £10,000 fine for breaking Covid-19 self-isolation rules

People in England who break new rules requiring them to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 will face a fine of up to 10,000 pounds ( $ 12,914 ) , Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday .
The rules will apply from September 28 to anyone in England who tests positive for the virus or is notified by public health workers that they have been in contact with someone infectious .
`` People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines , '' Johnson said in a statement .
Fines will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offence , rising to 10,000 pounds for repeat offenders or cases where employers threaten to sack staff who self-isolate rather than go to work .
Some low-income workers who suffer a loss of earnings will receive a 500 pound support payment , on top of other benefits such as sick pay to which they may be entitled .
Current British government guidance tells people to stay at home for at least 10 days after they start to suffer COVID-19 symptoms , and for other people in their household not to leave the house @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive is also asked to provide details of people outside their household who they have been in close contact with , who may then also be told to self-isolate .
To date there has been little enforcement of self-isolation rules , except in some cases where people have returned from abroad .
However , Britain is now facing a rapid increase in cases , and the government said police would be involved in checking compliance in areas with the highest infection rates .
Johnson has also faced calls to reintroduce more wide-ranging lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Sunday Times reported he was poised to reject calls from scientific advisors for an immediate two-week nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the disease , and instead reconsider it when schools take a late-October break .

People in England who break new rules requiring them to self-isolate if they have been in contact with someone infected with COVID-19 will face a fine of up to 10,000 pounds ($12,914), Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday.
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The rules will apply from September 28 to anyone in England who tests positive for the virus or is notified by public health workers that they have been in contact with someone infectious.
"People who choose to ignore the rules will face significant fines," Johnson said in a statement.
Fines will start at 1,000 pounds for a first offence, rising to 10,000 pounds for repeat offenders or cases where employers threaten to sack staff who self-isolate rather than go to work.
Let me get this right. The party that refused to punish Dominic Cummings for breaking the Covid lockdown rules now proposes to fine ordinary folk £10,000 if they do the same as he did? pic.twitter.com/zH3syT0nN1 — John O’Brennan (@JohnOBrennan2) September 19, 2020
Some low-income workers who suffer a loss of earnings will receive a 500 pound support payment, on top of other benefits such as sick pay to which they may be entitled.
Current British government guidance tells people to stay at home for at least 10 days after they start to suffer COVID-19 symptoms, and for other people in their household not to leave the house for 14 days.
Anyone who tests positive is also asked to provide details of people outside their household who they have been in close contact with, who may then also be told to self-isolate.
To date there has been little enforcement of self-isolation rules, except in some cases where people have returned from abroad.
However, Britain is now facing a rapid increase in cases, and the government said police would be involved in checking compliance in areas with the highest infection rates.
Johnson has also faced calls to reintroduce more wide-ranging lockdown rules for the general public.
However, the Sunday Times reported he was poised to reject calls from scientific advisors for an immediate two-week nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the disease, and instead reconsider it when schools take a late-October break.
(REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-09-20--Celtics strike back with 117-106 win over Heat

The Boston Celtics hit back on Saturday , leading wire-to-wire in a 117-106 victory over the Miami Heat that cut the gap in the NBA Eastern Conference finals to two games to one .
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Celtics , who avoided falling into an 0-3 hole from which no NBA team has rallied to win a best-of-seven playoff series .
After their 17-point lead slipped away in a game-two loss on Thursday -- the second straight game they surrendered a double-digit lead in defeat -- Celtics players @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their locker room .
But they were all on the same page on Saturday , displaying a sense of purpose in the NBA 's quarantine bubble in Orlando , Florida , and maintaining their poise as the Heat narrowed a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to five with less than a minute to play .
Marcus Smart , a perfect 10-for-10 from the foul line , produced a string of clutch free throws and the Celtics hung on for the win .
`` Down 0-2 in the series , we played some games we thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brown said .
`` We wanted to make it an emphasis to come out tonight and play 48 minutes , and we did . ''
The Celtics were buoyed by the return from injury of playmaker Gordon Hayward , who played 30 minutes off the bench and scored six points with five rebounds and four assists in his first game in more than four weeks .
Center Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 27 points , 16 rebounds and three steals .
Rookie Tyler Herro scored 22 points for Miami and star forward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the floor in the closing minutes .
The Celtics will try to even the series in game four on Wednesday .

Miami (AFP) –
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The Boston Celtics hit back on Saturday, leading wire-to-wire in a 117-106 victory over the Miami Heat that cut the gap in the NBA Eastern Conference finals to two games to one.
Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Jayson Tatum added 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Celtics, who avoided falling into an 0-3 hole from which no NBA team has rallied to win a best-of-seven playoff series.
After their 17-point lead slipped away in a game-two loss on Thursday -- the second straight game they surrendered a double-digit lead in defeat -- Celtics players could be heard exchanging heated words in their locker room.
But they were all on the same page on Saturday, displaying a sense of purpose in the NBA's quarantine bubble in Orlando, Florida, and maintaining their poise as the Heat narrowed a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to five with less than a minute to play.
Marcus Smart, a perfect 10-for-10 from the foul line, produced a string of clutch free throws and the Celtics hung on for the win.
"Down 0-2 in the series, we played some games we thought we should have played better," Brown said. "We wanted to make it an emphasis to come out tonight and play 48 minutes, and we did."
The Celtics were buoyed by the return from injury of playmaker Gordon Hayward, who played 30 minutes off the bench and scored six points with five rebounds and four assists in his first game in more than four weeks.
Center Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 27 points, 16 rebounds and three steals. Rookie Tyler Herro scored 22 points for Miami and star forward Jimmy Butler scored 17 but was not on the floor in the closing minutes.
The Celtics will try to even the series in game four on Wednesday.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--China's rich seek bodyguards schooled in digital dark arts

Students in matching black business suits toil from dawn until midnight at the bodyguard school in the eastern Chinese city of Tianjin At the `` Genghis Security Academy '' , which bills itself as China 's only dedicated bodyguard school , students learn that the threats to the country 's newly-rich in the tech age are more likely to emerge from a hacker than a gunman .
Each day students in matching black business suits toil from dawn until midnight at the school in the eastern city of Tianjin , where digital defences are given equal pegging to the traditional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and high-speed driving .
Around a thousand graduate each year , hoping to land jobs as guards to China 's burgeoning ranks of rich and famous , positions which can be worth up to $ 70,000 -- several times more than an annual office wage .
But the school says it ca n't meet demand as China 's rapid growth mints millionaires -- 4.4 million according to a Credit Suisse 2019 report , more than in the US .
The course fees are up to $ 3,000 a student ; and while they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June because of the coronavirus pandemic , it has not dampened demand .
Only the best make the cut , says founder Chen Yongqing , insisting his disciplinarian standards are stricter than in the army .
`` I 'm quick-tempered and very demanding , '' the army veteran from China 's northern Inner Mongolia region told AFP .
`` Only by being strict can we cultivate every good sword .
If you do n't forge it well , it will break itself . ''
About half of the students are ex-military , Chen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a large , shabby sports hall , holding blue plastic guns ahead of them with a steady stare -- before practising hustling their clients safely into a black Audi with smashed windows .
Other sessions are held in a classroom or gym , where they box in matching red T-shirts .
Mobile phones are confiscated throughout , while meals are taken in silence in a large dining hall presided over by pictures of acclaimed graduates , who have protected everyone from China 's second richest man Jack Ma to visiting French presidents .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Chinese bodyguards , '' instructor Ji Pengfei told AFP .
In one class , students in pairs work through a scenario protecting a `` client '' from an intruder .
`` Danger ! ''
shouts Ji , prompting the guard to quickly throw their `` boss '' behind them and pull out a gun in the same move .
Those who fail to do it in two seconds are assigned 50 push-ups .
The guns at the Tianjin school are fake -- China outlaws possession of firearms .
For live firearms training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Southeast Asia .
But in a highly surveilled country with a low rate of street crime , the modern minder needs an up-to-date skillset , against state monitoring or professional hackers .
`` Chinese bosses do n't need you to fight , '' Chen tells his students of a client base which includes the country 's biggest real estate and tech firms .
Repelling hacks on mobile phones , network security , spotting eavesdroppers and wiping data are all required tools in the bodyguard 's armoury .
`` What would you do if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ file immediately ? ''
Chen asks a class .
Even so , old-school threats still exist in China -- earlier this year billionaire He Xiangjian , founder of Midea and one of the country 's richest men , was kidnapped at his home .
According to Chinese media , He 's son escaped by jumping into a river and was able to call the police , who said they arrested five suspects at the scene .
Student Zhu Peipei , a 33-year-old army veteran from northern Shanxi province , hopes becoming a bodyguard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or academic qualifications .
`` And of course , it 's cool , '' he added .
But the alumni of the Genghis Academy also provide humdrum services , like accompanying children of the rich and famous to school -- for a fee of 180,000 yuan ( $ 26,000 ) a year .
That in itself is far more than the base salary in private companies of around 53,000 yuan .
Students must also navigate the quirks of their wealthy clients , says trainer Ji .
Some only trust bodyguards whose Chinese zodiac @ @ @ @ @ @ @ while one , from a Fortune 500 company , only wanted to hire from his hometown .
Another demanded a prospective bodyguard tell him what books he liked to read -- he was hired after saying he liked military novels .
The best can command as much as 500,000 yuan a year inside China , but some set their sights on a posting overseas , potentially working with foreign clients .
`` I want to work in the Philippines or Myanmar , '' one student said , requesting anonymity .
`` Then I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be more challenging and I can earn more . ''

Tianjin (China) (AFP) –
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At the "Genghis Security Academy", which bills itself as China's only dedicated bodyguard school, students learn that the threats to the country's newly-rich in the tech age are more likely to emerge from a hacker than a gunman.
Each day students in matching black business suits toil from dawn until midnight at the school in the eastern city of Tianjin, where digital defences are given equal pegging to the traditional close-protection skillset of combat, weapons training and high-speed driving.
Around a thousand graduate each year, hoping to land jobs as guards to China's burgeoning ranks of rich and famous, positions which can be worth up to $70,000 -- several times more than an annual office wage.
But the school says it can't meet demand as China's rapid growth mints millionaires -- 4.4 million according to a Credit Suisse 2019 report, more than in the US.
The course fees are up to $3,000 a student; and while they had to cancel training between February and June because of the coronavirus pandemic, it has not dampened demand.
Only the best make the cut, says founder Chen Yongqing, insisting his disciplinarian standards are stricter than in the army.
"I'm quick-tempered and very demanding," the army veteran from China's northern Inner Mongolia region told AFP.
"Only by being strict can we cultivate every good sword. If you don't forge it well, it will break itself."
About half of the students are ex-military, Chen says.
They train in rows in a large, shabby sports hall, holding blue plastic guns ahead of them with a steady stare -- before practising hustling their clients safely into a black Audi with smashed windows.
Other sessions are held in a classroom or gym, where they box in matching red T-shirts.
Mobile phones are confiscated throughout, while meals are taken in silence in a large dining hall presided over by pictures of acclaimed graduates, who have protected everyone from China's second richest man Jack Ma to visiting French presidents.
"We have been defining the standard of Chinese bodyguards," instructor Ji Pengfei told AFP.
In one class, students in pairs work through a scenario protecting a "client" from an intruder.
"Danger!" shouts Ji, prompting the guard to quickly throw their "boss" behind them and pull out a gun in the same move.
Those who fail to do it in two seconds are assigned 50 push-ups.
The guns at the Tianjin school are fake -- China outlaws possession of firearms. For live firearms training, students are taken to Laos in Southeast Asia.
- Wiping data, blocking hacks -
But in a highly surveilled country with a low rate of street crime, the modern minder needs an up-to-date skillset, against state monitoring or professional hackers.
"Chinese bosses don't need you to fight," Chen tells his students of a client base which includes the country's biggest real estate and tech firms.
Repelling hacks on mobile phones, network security, spotting eavesdroppers and wiping data are all required tools in the bodyguard's armoury.
"What would you do if the boss wants to destroy a video file immediately?" Chen asks a class.
Even so, old-school threats still exist in China -- earlier this year billionaire He Xiangjian, founder of Midea and one of the country's richest men, was kidnapped at his home.
According to Chinese media, He's son escaped by jumping into a river and was able to call the police, who said they arrested five suspects at the scene.
Student Zhu Peipei, a 33-year-old army veteran from northern Shanxi province, hopes becoming a bodyguard could offset his lack of professional skills or academic qualifications.
"And of course, it's cool," he added.
But the alumni of the Genghis Academy also provide humdrum services, like accompanying children of the rich and famous to school -- for a fee of 180,000 yuan ($26,000) a year.
That in itself is far more than the base salary in private companies of around 53,000 yuan.
Students must also navigate the quirks of their wealthy clients, says trainer Ji.
Some only trust bodyguards whose Chinese zodiac sign matches theirs, he explains -- while one, from a Fortune 500 company, only wanted to hire from his hometown.
Another demanded a prospective bodyguard tell him what books he liked to read -- he was hired after saying he liked military novels.
The best can command as much as 500,000 yuan a year inside China, but some set their sights on a posting overseas, potentially working with foreign clients.
"I want to work in the Philippines or Myanmar," one student said, requesting anonymity.
"Then I can carry a gun... it will be more challenging and I can earn more."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Shut UK nightclubs worry about not seeing light of day

Nightclubs are fighting for their survival , said London 's Printworks club co-founder Simeon Aldred Inside a former London newspaper printing factory turned nightclub , a roaming urban fox has replaced throngs of dancers shut out by the coronavirus pandemic .
Six months after Covid-19 turned off the music and lights at London 's Printworks and similar dance venues across Britain , there is no knowing when they will reopen .
The UK government on Friday warned that a second nationwide lockdown could be imminent as virus cases surge once more .
Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths from the virus .
Numbers of new cases are meanwhile reaching levels not seen since April , with some attributed to illegal raves .
`` We 're fighting for our survival , '' Printworks ' co-founder Simeon Aldred told AFP , from the nightclub that just a few months ago welcomed up to 5,000 clubbers an evening .
Aldred is unsure whether he and business partner Bradley Thompson will have to let go 400 staff working across all their venues or plan for reopenings , possibly early next year .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) resources , '' he said , while deploring what he sees as a lack of government visibility .
`` It wo n't go back exactly the way it was but I think people will still want to come together , eat together , pray together ( and ) dance together . ''
Peter Marks , the chief executive of Deltic , one of Britain 's largest nightclub groups with 53 venues , fears bankruptcy .
`` We 've come from a very successful healthy company to one brought to its knees , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closures are still costing it millions of pounds in rent and other fixed costs .
This is despite government support with paying staff wages and thanks to tax cuts during the pandemic .
According to the Night Time Industries Association , UK nightclubs together with bars , pubs , restaurants and theatres generate £66 billion ( 71 billion euros , $ 84 billion ) annually and employ about 1.3 million people .
While the British government has been paying the bulk of wages for millions of workers during the pandemic , its furlough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with analysts forecasting a surge in unemployment as a result .
`` We know this is an incredibly difficult time for nightclubs , but they will need to remain closed for now in line with current scientific advice to control the virus , '' said a government statement .
`` We continue to engage with industry representatives and listen to their concerns . ''
While acknowledging the risks , Marks believes the clubs can reopen safely .
`` We dont want to cause a spike ( in virus cases ) but we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ come back with protocols to reduce the risks , '' he said .
Britain is meanwhile not alone in shutting nightclubs , with Berlin 's famous Berghain venue transforming into a sound exhibition .
In the UK , for artists like DJ and music producer Nabihah Iqbal , the pandemic has had a `` catastrophic effect '' .
`` Normally I 'm really busy touring and playing all around and now everything has stopped , '' Iqbal said from her home as she mixed tunes for radio inspired by music from around the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a bar for the first time since March but fears the return could be short-lived given the current virus spike in Britain .
DJ Shosh and her group 24H Garage Girls meanwhile lament at missing out on the chance to perform at the famous Glastonbury music festival .
`` It 's been heartbreaking .
The morale among the team is very low , '' she said .
`` We 've been working every weekend ( for the ) past few years .
Now we do n't even see each other . ''

London (AFP) –
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Inside a former London newspaper printing factory turned nightclub, a roaming urban fox has replaced throngs of dancers shut out by the coronavirus pandemic.
Six months after Covid-19 turned off the music and lights at London's Printworks and similar dance venues across Britain, there is no knowing when they will reopen.
The UK government on Friday warned that a second nationwide lockdown could be imminent as virus cases surge once more.
Britain has been the worst-hit country in Europe by the pandemic, with nearly 42,000 deaths from the virus.
Numbers of new cases are meanwhile reaching levels not seen since April, with some attributed to illegal raves.
"We're fighting for our survival," Printworks' co-founder Simeon Aldred told AFP, from the nightclub that just a few months ago welcomed up to 5,000 clubbers an evening.
- 'Burning cash' -
Aldred is unsure whether he and business partner Bradley Thompson will have to let go 400 staff working across all their venues or plan for reopenings, possibly early next year.
"We've been burning our own (cash) resources," he said, while deploring what he sees as a lack of government visibility.
"It won't go back exactly the way it was but I think people will still want to come together, eat together, pray together (and) dance together."
Peter Marks, the chief executive of Deltic, one of Britain's largest nightclub groups with 53 venues, fears bankruptcy.
"We've come from a very successful healthy company to one brought to its knees," he told AFP, noting the closures are still costing it millions of pounds in rent and other fixed costs.
This is despite government support with paying staff wages and thanks to tax cuts during the pandemic.
According to the Night Time Industries Association, UK nightclubs together with bars, pubs, restaurants and theatres generate £66 billion (71 billion euros, $84 billion) annually and employ about 1.3 million people.
While the British government has been paying the bulk of wages for millions of workers during the pandemic, its furlough scheme is set to end in October, with analysts forecasting a surge in unemployment as a result.
"We know this is an incredibly difficult time for nightclubs, but they will need to remain closed for now in line with current scientific advice to control the virus," said a government statement.
"We continue to engage with industry representatives and listen to their concerns."
While acknowledging the risks, Marks believes the clubs can reopen safely.
"We dont want to cause a spike (in virus cases) but we think we can have a way to come back with protocols to reduce the risks," he said.
Britain is meanwhile not alone in shutting nightclubs, with Berlin's famous Berghain venue transforming into a sound exhibition.
- DJs on mute -
In the UK, for artists like DJ and music producer Nabihah Iqbal, the pandemic has had a "catastrophic effect".
"Normally I'm really busy touring and playing all around and now everything has stopped," Iqbal said from her home as she mixed tunes for radio inspired by music from around the world.
Last week, she performed in a bar for the first time since March but fears the return could be short-lived given the current virus spike in Britain.
DJ Shosh and her group 24H Garage Girls meanwhile lament at missing out on the chance to perform at the famous Glastonbury music festival.
"It's been heartbreaking. The morale among the team is very low," she said.
"We've been working every weekend (for the) past few years. Now we don't even see each other."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--German bakery helps deaf Chinese earn their daily bread

Bach 's Bakery in the central Chinese city of Changsha employs mainly hearing-impaired staff The oven 's warm glow and aroma of fresh bread signal the morning rush at Bach 's Bakery in the central Chinese city of Changsha , but although the baking staff chatter excitedly , you could hear a pin drop .
Bach 's employs mainly hearing-impaired staff , whose banter over trays of pumpkin bread , Danish sausage rolls and apple turnovers is done entirely in sign language .
The operation , owned and operated by German national Uwe Brutzer , provides work opportunities that are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ employees .
Despite growing awareness of disabled needs , life remains a challenge for China 's hearing impaired , officially estimated at between 20 and 30 million .
It 's difficult to `` make good money and get an education , '' said Wan Ting , a 28-year-old employed by Bach 's since 2017 after a previous unsuccessful stint in advertising design .
`` It 's hard ( to find work ) in other places .
You need to know someone to be able to find good work .
If not , you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , hearing-impaired since birth and speaking via sign language translated by Brutzer .
With their communication challenges , the hearing-impaired are often steered into work requiring skilful use of the hands , said the 50-year-old Brutzer , making the bakery a nice fit .
Bach and his wife Dorothee first came to Changsha in 2002 with a German charity to help hearing-impaired children .
He took over the bakery in 2011 and has since trained around 20 bakers .
Most go on to work in other bakeries , restaurants or hotels .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hiring , working with suppliers , talking to customers –- pose major challenges to opening their own bake shops .
`` Two of our very experienced bakers ( have tried ) , but they both closed their shops later again .
It was too much hassle for them , '' he said .
The bright and compact bakery has had a devoted local clientele for years in the city -- known more for its peppery Hunan cuisine -- despite being hidden in a non-descript residential side alley .
Bakery margins are thin , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said Brutzer .
But things are looking up , despite China 's traumatic coronavirus lockdowns earlier this year .
Moving to no-touch take-out service during the epidemic kept volumes humming , and Bach 's went viral this summer thanks to a spate of feel-good Chinese media coverage .
Today , a loud creak from the front door announces a new customer every few minutes and business is up five-fold from last year , said Brutzer .
The challenge now is meeting demand .
`` But that will slow down , I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can pay better salaries and people will be happier , '' he said .

Changsha (China) (AFP) –
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The oven's warm glow and aroma of fresh bread signal the morning rush at Bach's Bakery in the central Chinese city of Changsha, but although the baking staff chatter excitedly, you could hear a pin drop.
Bach's employs mainly hearing-impaired staff, whose banter over trays of pumpkin bread, Danish sausage rolls and apple turnovers is done entirely in sign language.
The operation, owned and operated by German national Uwe Brutzer, provides work opportunities that are often hard to come by for his employees.
Despite growing awareness of disabled needs, life remains a challenge for China's hearing impaired, officially estimated at between 20 and 30 million.
It's difficult to "make good money and get an education," said Wan Ting, a 28-year-old employed by Bach's since 2017 after a previous unsuccessful stint in advertising design.
"It's hard (to find work) in other places. You need to know someone to be able to find good work. If not, you have few options," added Wan, hearing-impaired since birth and speaking via sign language translated by Brutzer.
With their communication challenges, the hearing-impaired are often steered into work requiring skilful use of the hands, said the 50-year-old Brutzer, making the bakery a nice fit.
Bach and his wife Dorothee first came to Changsha in 2002 with a German charity to help hearing-impaired children.
He took over the bakery in 2011 and has since trained around 20 bakers.
Most go on to work in other bakeries, restaurants or hotels.
But other aspects of running a business -– hiring, working with suppliers, talking to customers –- pose major challenges to opening their own bake shops.
"Two of our very experienced bakers (have tried), but they both closed their shops later again. It was too much hassle for them," he said.
The bright and compact bakery has had a devoted local clientele for years in the city -- known more for its peppery Hunan cuisine -- despite being hidden in a non-descript residential side alley.
Bakery margins are thin, however, and Bach's has struggled, said Brutzer.
But things are looking up, despite China's traumatic coronavirus lockdowns earlier this year.
Moving to no-touch take-out service during the epidemic kept volumes humming, and Bach's went viral this summer thanks to a spate of feel-good Chinese media coverage.
Today, a loud creak from the front door announces a new customer every few minutes and business is up five-fold from last year, said Brutzer. The challenge now is meeting demand.
"But that will slow down, I hope, to a good level where we can pay better salaries and people will be happier," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Italy's 'Black Roosters' fight back as virus hit wine sales

Six months after the coronavirus shut down Italy and hammered wine sales , the `` Black Roosters '' -- -- the trademark for Chianti Classico -- are back Two days before the coronavirus pandemic shut down Italy for two months , shattering wine exports and sales , the owner of one of its most historic vineyards headed back into the country a worried man .
Six months later Francesco Ricasoli and his wine-making team are leading the charge by Italy 's `` Black Roosters '' -- the trademark for Chianti Classico -- to put the country 's most famous label @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are probably some of the most turbulent times in Italy , '' said Ricasoli , 64 , the 32nd Baron of Brolio whose family 's roots to Tuscany stretches back to 1141 .
`` We 've seen a strong decrease in wine sales -- particularly in restaurants and bars that specialise in the high end of the market , '' he told AFP at his winery with the same family name .
Hard hit by the virus that has killed more than 35,500 people in Italy , wine sales and consumption have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 30 years , Italy 's agricultural trade union Coldiretti said recently .
Exports too have slumped by 4.0 percent as the virus forced the closure of bars and restaurants in Italy -- which makes nearly a fifth of all the world 's wine -- and elsewhere , it said .
But `` instead of sitting in a heap and crying like some wineries , we saw an opportunity , '' Ricasoli said overlooking his vineyards , made famous by the landmark Castello di Brolio , a medieval red-bricked castle which has been family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We became active in other ways , '' he said .
The Ricasoli winery 's strategy saw an early and vigorous online campaign including overhauling its social media presence including posting a series of short and snappy videos about the estate , believed to be one of the oldest winemakers in Italy .
They feature Ricasoli explaining the creation of the `` recipe '' for Chianti Classico in 1872 by his ancestor and black-and-white film of a youthful Sophia Loren frolicking in the estate 's vineyards and helping to harvest grapes like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ famous wine 's blend .
Drones took footage of Tuscany 's breathtaking landscape around the castle , situated in the rolling foothills of the Chianti mountains outside Siena .
`` Our idea was instead of visitors coming to Brolio , we would take it to them , '' laughed Ricasoli .
Latest sales figures are not yet on hand , but Ricasoli 's technical director Massimiliano Biagi told AFP the estate hoped to see much of its annual production of around two million bottles consumed this year .
As Italy 's strict anti-coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so the flow of visitors arriving at Brolio Castle 's gates increased -- many of them local tourists .
`` In many ways , the coronavirus lockdown was a blessing in disguise , '' said Giovanni Manetti , president of the Chianti Classico consortium and winemaker at the nearby Fontodi estate .
`` Our vintners had nowhere to go , so since day one ( of the lockdown ) they concentrated all their efforts on their vineyards , '' he told AFP .
`` And the vineyards responded .
We probably have never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do this year , '' he said .
With the annual Italian ritual grape harvest , the `` vendemmia '' kicking off a week early because of good weather , `` we 're expecting a great vintage , '' Manetti said .
Formed in 1924 , the Chianti Classico consortium -- not to be confused with Chianti -- is the oldest in Italy and today boasts some 515 members or 97 percent of all the wine 's producers within its region .
Originally the historic symbol of the Chianti Military League , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ municipalities around Florence , the black rooster today still embodies the fighting spirit and solidarity of wine growers in the area .
Manetti said the consortium have put in place various measures to back local growers including signing deals with banks while also launching a project called `` Make Room at the table for a producer . ''
The project sees some 30 different evenings being held in Florence , Siena and in the Chianti region featuring specific winemakers giving tastings in conjunction with some of the best restaurants in the region -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch on across the country .
On Wednesday night patrons gathered for the latest meal at the Gallo Nero ( Black Rooster ) restaurant a short walk from the Siena 's scenic Piazza del Campo .
Back at the Ricasoli wine estate , production meanwhile is in full swing to harvest merlot grapes , the first wine to go into Chianti Classico blend which must have at least 80 percent Sangiovese .
`` Of course we are worried about Covid-19 , which will probably be with us for a while still , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past pulling load after load of crates .
`` Of more concern in the meantime , is how to stop these boars from eating my grapes , '' he said , pointing to some damage to his vineyards by the wild animals which freely roam around Tuscany 's forests .

Gaiole in Chianti (Italy) (AFP) –
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Two days before the coronavirus pandemic shut down Italy for two months, shattering wine exports and sales, the owner of one of its most historic vineyards headed back into the country a worried man.
Six months later Francesco Ricasoli and his wine-making team are leading the charge by Italy's "Black Roosters" -- the trademark for Chianti Classico -- to put the country's most famous label back on restaurant tables.
"These are probably some of the most turbulent times in Italy," said Ricasoli, 64, the 32nd Baron of Brolio whose family's roots to Tuscany stretches back to 1141.
"We've seen a strong decrease in wine sales -- particularly in restaurants and bars that specialise in the high end of the market," he told AFP at his winery with the same family name.
Hard hit by the virus that has killed more than 35,500 people in Italy, wine sales and consumption have been battered on a level not seen in 30 years, Italy's agricultural trade union Coldiretti said recently.
Exports too have slumped by 4.0 percent as the virus forced the closure of bars and restaurants in Italy -- which makes nearly a fifth of all the world's wine -- and elsewhere, it said.
But "instead of sitting in a heap and crying like some wineries, we saw an opportunity," Ricasoli said overlooking his vineyards, made famous by the landmark Castello di Brolio, a medieval red-bricked castle which has been family property for more than 800 years.
"We became active in other ways," he said.
- Touch of Tuscany -
The Ricasoli winery's strategy saw an early and vigorous online campaign including overhauling its social media presence including posting a series of short and snappy videos about the estate, believed to be one of the oldest winemakers in Italy.
They feature Ricasoli explaining the creation of the "recipe" for Chianti Classico in 1872 by his ancestor and black-and-white film of a youthful Sophia Loren frolicking in the estate's vineyards and helping to harvest grapes like Sangiovese, the main ingredient for the famous wine's blend.
Drones took footage of Tuscany's breathtaking landscape around the castle, situated in the rolling foothills of the Chianti mountains outside Siena.
"Our idea was instead of visitors coming to Brolio, we would take it to them," laughed Ricasoli.
Latest sales figures are not yet on hand, but Ricasoli's technical director Massimiliano Biagi told AFP the estate hoped to see much of its annual production of around two million bottles consumed this year.
As Italy's strict anti-coronavirus measures eased in July and August, so the flow of visitors arriving at Brolio Castle's gates increased -- many of them local tourists.
- 'Blessing in disguise' -
"In many ways, the coronavirus lockdown was a blessing in disguise," said Giovanni Manetti, president of the Chianti Classico consortium and winemaker at the nearby Fontodi estate.
"Our vintners had nowhere to go, so since day one (of the lockdown) they concentrated all their efforts on their vineyards," he told AFP.
"And the vineyards responded. We probably have never seen them look so good as they do this year," he said.
With the annual Italian ritual grape harvest, the "vendemmia" kicking off a week early because of good weather, "we're expecting a great vintage," Manetti said.
Formed in 1924, the Chianti Classico consortium -- not to be confused with Chianti -- is the oldest in Italy and today boasts some 515 members or 97 percent of all the wine's producers within its region.
Originally the historic symbol of the Chianti Military League, a 13th-century military-political institution set up to govern municipalities around Florence, the black rooster today still embodies the fighting spirit and solidarity of wine growers in the area.
Manetti said the consortium have put in place various measures to back local growers including signing deals with banks while also launching a project called "Make Room at the table for a producer."
The project sees some 30 different evenings being held in Florence, Siena and in the Chianti region featuring specific winemakers giving tastings in conjunction with some of the best restaurants in the region -- a concept which the consortium hoped will catch on across the country.
On Wednesday night patrons gathered for the latest meal at the Gallo Nero (Black Rooster) restaurant a short walk from the Siena's scenic Piazza del Campo.
Back at the Ricasoli wine estate, production meanwhile is in full swing to harvest merlot grapes, the first wine to go into Chianti Classico blend which must have at least 80 percent Sangiovese.
"Of course we are worried about Covid-19, which will probably be with us for a while still," Baron Ricasoli said as small tractors chugged past pulling load after load of crates.
"Of more concern in the meantime, is how to stop these boars from eating my grapes," he said, pointing to some damage to his vineyards by the wild animals which freely roam around Tuscany's forests.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-20--Envelope containing deadly poison ricin addressed to White House intercepted

US President Donald Trump speaks prior to signing the Abraham Accords at the White House in Washington , D.C. , USA , September 15 , 2020 .
An envelope addressed to the White House and intercepted by U.S. authorities contained a substance identified as ricin , a deadly poison that appeared to have been sent from Canada , the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ) said on Saturday .
An RCMP spokesman confirmed `` it has received a request for assistance from the FBI in connection with a suspicious letter sent to the White House . ''
The RCMP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the substance found in the envelope .
This report indicated the presence of ricin , a toxic substance . ''
RCMP said it working with the FBI but declined to discuss further details .
The envelope was intercepted at a government mail center before it arrived at the White House .
Asked about the reports , the FBI said the agency and `` U.S. Secret Service and U.S .
Postal Inspection Service partners are investigating a suspicious letter received at a U.S. government mail facility .
At this time , there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The White House and U.S. Secret Service declined to comment .
Ricin is found naturally in castor beans but it takes a deliberate act to convert it into a biological weapon .
Ricin can cause death within 36 to 72 hours from exposure to an amount as small as a pinhead .
No known antidote exists .
There have been numerous incidents involving envelopes mailed with ricin to U.S. officials .
In 2018 , a Utah man , William Clyde Allen III , was indicted for making ricin-related threats , including mailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials including FBI Director Christopher Wray , with all the letters `` containing castor bean material . ''
Allen remains in custody .
Two people were convicted in separate incidents of sending ricin-tainted letters to then-President Barack Obama .
In May 2014 , a Mississippi man , James Everett Dutschke , was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to sending letters with the deadly substance to Obama , as well as a U.S. senator and a state judge .
In July 2014 , a Texas actor was sentenced to 18 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Obama and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg .

An envelope addressed to the White House and intercepted by U.S. authorities contained a substance identified as ricin, a deadly poison that appeared to have been sent from Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on Saturday.
US President Donald Trump speaks prior to signing the Abraham Accords at the White House in Washington, D.C., USA, September 15, 2020.
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An RCMP spokesman confirmed "it has received a request for assistance from the FBI in connection with a suspicious letter sent to the White House."
The RCMP added "the FBI conducted an analysis on the substance found in the envelope. This report indicated the presence of ricin, a toxic substance." RCMP said it working with the FBI but declined to discuss further details.
The envelope was intercepted at a government mail center before it arrived at the White House.
Asked about the reports, the FBI said the agency and "U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service partners are investigating a suspicious letter received at a U.S. government mail facility. At this time, there is no known threat to public safety."
The White House and U.S. Secret Service declined to comment.
Ricin is found naturally in castor beans but it takes a deliberate act to convert it into a biological weapon. Ricin can cause death within 36 to 72 hours from exposure to an amount as small as a pinhead. No known antidote exists.
There have been numerous incidents involving envelopes mailed with ricin to U.S. officials.
In 2018, a Utah man, William Clyde Allen III, was indicted for making ricin-related threats, including mailing a threat against Trump and other federal officials including FBI Director Christopher Wray, with all the letters "containing castor bean material." Allen remains in custody.
Two people were convicted in separate incidents of sending ricin-tainted letters to then-President Barack Obama.
In May 2014, a Mississippi man, James Everett Dutschke, was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to sending letters with the deadly substance to Obama, as well as a U.S. senator and a state judge.
In July 2014, a Texas actor was sentenced to 18 years for mailing letters containing ricin to Obama and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-09-20--Strict mask, visor rules make Philippine commuters sweat

It is now compulsory to wear both face masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport in the Philippines In the sweltering heat and humidity , 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila .
`` It 's uncomfortable .
Combined with the long queues it means we get to work already tired and bathed in sweat , '' said Tojanes , whose commute involves three buses and takes several hours .
But she is resigned to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where it is now compulsory to wear both masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport to curb the spread of the coronavirus .
`` With Covid , it 's up to the people to maintain discipline , '' said Tojanes , who works as a store manager in the sprawling capital of 12 million where most of the country 's infections have been recorded .
`` People should not put the entire burden on the government .
We must practise self-discipline . ''
The latest measure comes as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak , recording the highest number of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia with more than 283,000 infections and over 4,900 deaths .
Six months after tough restrictions were introduced to curb the contagion -- including stay-at-home orders , travel bans and no talking on buses and trains -- infections are still rising by several thousand every day .
Some measures have been eased to help kickstart the devastated economy .
`` It 's a big adjustment having to wear a mask and a face shield and having to wash your hands with alcohol @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Jeff Langurayan , 31 , his voice slightly muffled by the layers of material and plastic over his face .
But he accepts the need for precautions .
`` A lot of people have died and you do not know what will hit you and what effect it would have on your body . ''

Manila (AFP) –
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In the sweltering heat and humidity, 31-year-old Caitlyn Tojanes grumbles about having to wear a face shield over her mask as she waits in line for her bus in the Philippine capital Manila.
"It's uncomfortable. Combined with the long queues it means we get to work already tired and bathed in sweat," said Tojanes, whose commute involves three buses and takes several hours.
But she is resigned to the new normal in the Philippines, where it is now compulsory to wear both masks and plastic shields in indoor public spaces and on public transport to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
"With Covid, it's up to the people to maintain discipline," said Tojanes, who works as a store manager in the sprawling capital of 12 million where most of the country's infections have been recorded.
"People should not put the entire burden on the government. We must practise self-discipline."
The latest measure comes as the country struggles to contain the virus outbreak, recording the highest number of confirmed cases in Southeast Asia with more than 283,000 infections and over 4,900 deaths.
Six months after tough restrictions were introduced to curb the contagion -- including stay-at-home orders, travel bans and no talking on buses and trains -- infections are still rising by several thousand every day.
Some measures have been eased to help kickstart the devastated economy.
"It's a big adjustment having to wear a mask and a face shield and having to wash your hands with alcohol each time you touch something," said Jeff Langurayan, 31, his voice slightly muffled by the layers of material and plastic over his face.
But he accepts the need for precautions.
"A lot of people have died and you do not know what will hit you and what effect it would have on your body."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-09-22--New York police officer charged with spying for China

US authorities have charged a Tibetan man serving as a New York police officer with espionage , accusing him of gathering information about the city 's Tibetan community for the Chinese government .
The officer , who worked at a station in the Queens section of the city , was directed by members of the Chinese consulate in New York , according to the indictment released Monday .
Through his contacts with the Tibetan community , the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community 's activities , as well as identified potential information sources .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is also an officer US army Reserve -- allowed members of the Chinese consulate to attend events organized by the New York Police Department .
The Chinese authorities allegedly paid him tens of thousands of dollars for his service .
The officer has been charged with four counts , including enlisting in the service of a foreign country on US soil , misrepresentation and obstructing the operation of a public service .
He was brought before a judge Monday and taken into custody , a spokesperson for the Brooklyn federal prosecutor told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is currently suspended without pay .
Born in China , the man was granted political asylum in the US , claiming he was tortured by Chinese authorities because of his Tibetan ethnicity .
The investigation revealed , however , that both of his parents were members of the Chinese Communist Party .
`` If confirmed by the courts , '' the espionage operation `` shows that the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in malign operations to suppress dissent , not only in Tibet ... but any place in the world , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an advocacy group that promotes Tibetans ' freedoms and rights .
After allowing Tibet to function autonomously from 1912-1950 , Beijing retook control of the territory in 1951 .
The Tibetan spiritual leader , the Dalai Lama , has lived in exile since 1959 .

New York (AFP) –
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US authorities have charged a Tibetan man serving as a New York police officer with espionage, accusing him of gathering information about the city's Tibetan community for the Chinese government.
The officer, who worked at a station in the Queens section of the city, was directed by members of the Chinese consulate in New York, according to the indictment released Monday.
Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources.
According to the indictment, the man -- who is also an officer US army Reserve -- allowed members of the Chinese consulate to attend events organized by the New York Police Department.
The Chinese authorities allegedly paid him tens of thousands of dollars for his service.
The officer has been charged with four counts, including enlisting in the service of a foreign country on US soil, misrepresentation and obstructing the operation of a public service.
He was brought before a judge Monday and taken into custody, a spokesperson for the Brooklyn federal prosecutor told AFP.
According to the NYPD, he is currently suspended without pay.
Born in China, the man was granted political asylum in the US, claiming he was tortured by Chinese authorities because of his Tibetan ethnicity.
The investigation revealed, however, that both of his parents were members of the Chinese Communist Party.
"If confirmed by the courts," the espionage operation "shows that the Chinese Communist Party is engaged in malign operations to suppress dissent, not only in Tibet... but any place in the world," said the International Campaign for Tibet, an advocacy group that promotes Tibetans' freedoms and rights.
After allowing Tibet to function autonomously from 1912-1950, Beijing retook control of the territory in 1951. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has lived in exile since 1959.
© 2020 AFP