france24--2020-01-12--Labour's Abela set to succeed Malta's PM Muscat amid outrage over journalist's murder

Robert Abela ( L ) , a 42-year-old lawyer whom Labour Party voters elected as the party 's leader and Malta 's next prime minister , sits with fellow leadership candidate Chris Fearne ( R ) at outgoing Prime Minister and party leader Joseph Muscat 's final speech at the party 's Congress at the Corradino Sports Pavilion in Paola , Malta on January 10 , 2020 .
Outsider Robert Abela is set to become Malta 's new premier on Sunday after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat 's downfall over the murder of an investigative journalist .
Abela , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leader of the Labour Party , meaning he automatically takes the role of prime minister .
In the election run-up , Abela did not criticise Muscat , who announced in December he would quit following widespread anger over his perceived efforts to protect friends and allies from a probe into the 2017 slaying of blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia .
Prior to the election result , activist groups cast doubt on whether his successor would bring about real change in the Mediterranean country , which they say has been taken over by `` criminals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ WikiLeaks '' , Caruana Galizia exposed corruption at the highest levels .
She was killed by a car bomb on October 16 , 2017 in an attack that made world headlines .
Less than an hour before her death , she wrote on her blog : `` There are crooks everywhere you look .
The situation is desperate . ''
It was expected that some 17,500 Labour voters would vote for the party 's first mid-term prime minister in history .
Two candidates were vying to take over as Labour leader and prime @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Chris Fearne , a 56-year old surgeon , and 42-year-old lawyer Abela .
Fearne had the backing of most cabinet members but Abela had been closing the gap in the polls in the final week of the campaign , the Times of Malta said .
Neither referred to the Galizia killing in the run-up to the election .
Both have insisted they represent continuity , highlighting their determination to keep the economy on its stellar trajectory .
`` We have the reputation ( in Malta ) of being pirates .
The reason @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken over our government , '' Manuel Delia , a member of the activist group Repubblika , told AFP .
Martina Darmanin , a 24-year old academic , said the reporter 's killing had been `` a shock '' , and she had taken part in the regular demonstrations denouncing `` the mafia in power '' .
`` As a member of the EU we want and we deserve better than this : good governance , rule of law , '' she said , adding that she was `` fed up of hearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ country '' .
Repubblika plans to deliver a manifesto to the new prime minister calling for a clean-up of politics and the economy as well as a revamp of the constitution to guarantee a genuine separation of powers .
In an emotional farewell address Friday , Muscat said he was `` sorry '' about the killing , the investigation into which he has been accused of hampering .
`` I paid the highest price for this case to be solved under my watch , '' he said .
The opposition Nationalist Party slammed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pointing out that it was Caruana Galiza who had paid that price .
Muscat 's fall from power followed daily protests led by supporters of the Caruana Galizia family , who accuse him among other things of shielding his chief of staff and childhood friend Keith Schembri , who has been implicated in the murder .
The journalist 's family had called for Muscat to step down immediately , but support from his party and his own popularity -- linked to Malta 's booming economy -- bought him time until the party election @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allegedly detonating the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia , while a fourth -- powerful businessman Jorgen Fenech -- was charged as an accomplice after being detained as he tried to leave the country on his yacht .
Fenech 's arrest in November sparked the resignation of tourism minister Konrad Mizzi , who formerly served as energy minister , and Schembri .
The murder and probe , Malta Today wrote on Saturday , `` cast an indelible stain on Muscat and his administration '' .

Outsider Robert Abela is set to become Malta's new premier on Sunday after Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's downfall over the murder of an investigative journalist.
Robert Abela (L), a 42-year-old lawyer whom Labour Party voters elected as the party's leader and Malta's next prime minister, sits with fellow leadership candidate Chris Fearne (R) at outgoing Prime Minister and party leader Joseph Muscat's final speech at the party's Congress at the Corradino Sports Pavilion in Paola, Malta on January 10, 2020.
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Abela, who is seen as representing continuity, was elected leader of the Labour Party, meaning he automatically takes the role of prime minister.
In the election run-up, Abela did not criticise Muscat, who announced in December he would quit following widespread anger over his perceived efforts to protect friends and allies from a probe into the 2017 slaying of blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Muscat, 45, was set to resign Sunday.
Prior to the election result, activist groups cast doubt on whether his successor would bring about real change in the Mediterranean country, which they say has been taken over by "criminals".
01:21
Dubbed the "one woman WikiLeaks", Caruana Galizia exposed corruption at the highest levels. She was killed by a car bomb on October 16, 2017 in an attack that made world headlines.
Less than an hour before her death, she wrote on her blog: "There are crooks everywhere you look. The situation is desperate."
It was expected that some 17,500 Labour voters would vote for the party's first mid-term prime minister in history.
Two candidates were vying to take over as Labour leader and prime minister: deputy prime minister and health minister Chris Fearne, a 56-year old surgeon, and 42-year-old lawyer Abela.
Fearne had the backing of most cabinet members but Abela had been closing the gap in the polls in the final week of the campaign, the Times of Malta said.
Neither referred to the Galizia killing in the run-up to the election. Both have insisted they represent continuity, highlighting their determination to keep the economy on its stellar trajectory.
'Reputation as pirates'
"We have the reputation (in Malta) of being pirates. The reason is that a group of criminals have taken over our government," Manuel Delia, a member of the activist group Repubblika, told AFP.
"We need change."
Martina Darmanin, a 24-year old academic, said the reporter's killing had been "a shock", and she had taken part in the regular demonstrations denouncing "the mafia in power".
"As a member of the EU we want and we deserve better than this: good governance, rule of law," she said, adding that she was "fed up of hearing that I'm from a tax haven country".
Repubblika plans to deliver a manifesto to the new prime minister calling for a clean-up of politics and the economy as well as a revamp of the constitution to guarantee a genuine separation of powers.
In an emotional farewell address Friday, Muscat said he was "sorry" about the killing, the investigation into which he has been accused of hampering.
"I paid the highest price for this case to be solved under my watch," he said.
The opposition Nationalist Party slammed Muscat's "surreal" speech, pointing out that it was Caruana Galiza who had paid that price.
'Indelible stain'
Muscat's fall from power followed daily protests led by supporters of the Caruana Galizia family, who accuse him among other things of shielding his chief of staff and childhood friend Keith Schembri, who has been implicated in the murder.
The journalist's family had called for Muscat to step down immediately, but support from his party and his own popularity -- linked to Malta's booming economy -- bought him time until the party election.
Three men are on trial for allegedly detonating the bomb that killed Caruana Galizia, while a fourth -- powerful businessman Jorgen Fenech -- was charged as an accomplice after being detained as he tried to leave the country on his yacht.
Fenech's arrest in November sparked the resignation of tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, who formerly served as energy minister, and Schembri.
The murder and probe, Malta Today wrote on Saturday, "cast an indelible stain on Muscat and his administration".
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-12--French delivery man's death sparks debate over controversial police restraint technique

Cédric Chouviat , a 42-year-old French delivery man , died on January 5 from a heart attack that he suffered when he was arrested by police in Paris two days earlier .
Mobile phone videos released by his family ’ s lawyer during a press conference on January 7 show the police restraining him as he lies prone – a notoriously dangerous position .
An initial video shows part of the altercation that took place between Chouviat and several police officers .
The footage shows Chouviat filming the interaction .
A police source cited by French daily newspaper Le Parisien @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ aggressive ” .
He said that Chouviat was apprehended for using his mobile phone while on his scooter .
He was then arrested for contempt of a police officer .
The first tweet describes the first video shared by Chouviat ’ s lawyers , @ AA_Avocats , which shows Chouviat being interviewed some time ago .
The video shows how he was polite and cooperative during traffic stops , which he was accustomed to as a delivery man .
The second tweet refers to a second video shared by Chouviat ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday that led to his death .
You can see Chouviat filming the cops .
The Twitter user insists that there is no law against filming police officers .
The person who filmed these videos spoke to French media outlet Mediapart .
He said that one of the police officers “ went behind [ Chouviat ] and locked his arm around [ Chouviat ’ s ] neck .
Chouvait fell to the ground '' .
Two other mobile phone videos filmed by witnesses show officers restraining Chouviat while he lay on his stomach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first tweet in the image above , by the French human rights NGO Ligue de droits de l'homme ( 'Human Rights League ' ) , reads : `` Restraining someone while in prone position is a common technique though it has led to many deaths .
This technique is banned in many countries because it is so dangerous .
A proposal to ban this technique was put before legislators in early 2019 and rejected .
`` The second tweet in the image above says : `` After being restrained , Cédric died from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which led to cardiac arrest and brain death . ''
Police noticed when Chouviat ’ s face started turning blue – he had suffered a heart attack from lack of oxygen .
He was brought to the resuscitation unit at Georges-Pompidou Hospital , where he died two days later .
A controversial restraint technique There was already a debate in France about restraining people in a prone position after Adama Traoré died on July 19 , 2016 in Beaumont-sur-Oise .
Traoré died of asphyxiation after being trapped under the weight of three officers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Abolition of Torture ( Acat ) frequently call for this technique to be banned .
Both Belgian and Swiss police have already outlawed it .
During a press conference , the victim 's father Christian Chouviat said that his son had been “ assassinated ” .
On January 7 , the Paris Public Prosecutor opened a judicial inquiry for involuntary manslaughter .
Initial autopsy results revealed that Chouviat had suffered asphyxia and a “ fractured larynx ” .
The IPGN , the body that acts as the police of the police , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as well .
Article by Pierre Hamdi ( @ PierreHamdi ) .

FRANCE
Before the police arrested him, Cédric Chouviat was filming them (photo at left). Chouviat was restrained in a prone position, which likely led to his death.
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Cédric Chouviat, a 42-year-old French delivery man, died on January 5 from a heart attack that he suffered when he was arrested by police in Paris two days earlier. Mobile phone videos released by his family’s lawyer during a press conference on January 7 show the police restraining him as he lies prone – a notoriously dangerous position.
An initial video shows part of the altercation that took place between Chouviat and several police officers. The footage shows Chouviat filming the interaction. A police source cited by French daily newspaper Le Parisien described Chouviat as “disrespectful” and “aggressive”. He said that Chouviat was apprehended for using his mobile phone while on his scooter. He was then arrested for contempt of a police officer.
Une deuxième vidéo montre #CédricChouviat lors du contrôle qui a conduit à sa mort, vendredi dernier. On le voit filmer les forces de l'ordre. Nous rappelons que rien interdit dans la loi de filmer les fonctionnaires de police. pic.twitter.com/udtMQK6QLX LDH France (@LDH_Fr) January 7, 2020
The first tweet describes the first video shared by Chouviat’s lawyers, @AA_Avocats, which shows Chouviat being interviewed some time ago. The video shows how he was polite and cooperative during traffic stops, which he was accustomed to as a delivery man.
The second tweet refers to a second video shared by Chouviat’s lawyers that shows the traffic stop last Friday that led to his death. You can see Chouviat filming the cops. The Twitter user insists that there is no law against filming police officers.
The person who filmed these videos spoke to French media outlet Mediapart. He said that one of the police officers “went behind [Chouviat] and locked his arm around [Chouviat’s] neck. Chouvait fell to the ground". Two other mobile phone videos filmed by witnesses show officers restraining Chouviat while he lay on his stomach. He was then handcuffed.
Suite à ce plaquage, Cédric est décédé d'une hypoxie (manque d'oxygène) qui a entrainé un arrêt cardiaque et une mort cérébrale. pic.twitter.com/kKopDKJj5M LDH France (@LDH_Fr) January 7, 2020
The first tweet in the image above, by the French human rights NGO Ligue de droits de l'homme ('Human Rights League'), reads: "Restraining someone while in prone position is a common technique though it has led to many deaths. This technique is banned in many countries because it is so dangerous. A proposal to ban this technique was put before legislators in early 2019 and rejected."
The second tweet in the image above says: "After being restrained, Cédric died from asphyxia (lack of oxygen), which led to cardiac arrest and brain death."
Police noticed when Chouviat’s face started turning blue – he had suffered a heart attack from lack of oxygen. He was brought to the resuscitation unit at Georges-Pompidou Hospital, where he died two days later.
A controversial restraint technique
There was already a debate in France about restraining people in a prone position after Adama Traoré died on July 19, 2016 in Beaumont-sur-Oise. Traoré died of asphyxiation after being trapped under the weight of three officers.
NGOs like the Christian Association for the Abolition of Torture (Acat) frequently call for this technique to be banned. Both Belgian and Swiss police have already outlawed it.
During a press conference, the victim's father Christian Chouviat said that his son had been “assassinated”. On January 7, the Paris Public Prosecutor opened a judicial inquiry for involuntary manslaughter. Initial autopsy results revealed that Chouviat had suffered asphyxia and a “fractured larynx”. The IPGN, the body that acts as the police of the police, opened an investigation into cause of death as well.
Article by Pierre Hamdi (@PierreHamdi).


france24--2020-01-12--Iran concedes de-escalation 'only solution' to end crisis with US

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a statement about Iran flanked by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper , Army Chief of Staff General James McConville , Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley and Vice President Mike Pence in the Grand Foyer at the White House in Washington , U.S. , January 8 , 2020 .
REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque Iran signalled Sunday it favours a de-escalation after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States during which both sides fired missiles and Tehran accidentally shot down a passenger aircraft .
Security was stepped up in Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for those killed in the air disaster turned into an angry protest and police temporarily arrested the British ambassador for being there .
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against harming demonstrators and against a repeat of a deadly crackdown against rallies in November sparked by a fuel price hike .
`` To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS , '' Trump tweeted in his occasional all-capitals style .
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper , however , said Trump was still willing to `` sit down and discuss without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran , although Tehran has steadfastly refused to hold talks with Washington unless it lifts sanctions first .
Tehran said it favoured an easing of tensions after its arch-enemy Washington on January 3 killed a revered Iranian general , Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani , in a Baghdad drone strike .
In a meeting between Iran 's President Hassan Rouhani and the visiting emir of Qatar , both sides agreed de-escalation is the `` only solution '' to the regional crisis , the emirate 's ruler said .
Qatar hosts the largest US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ enjoys strong ties with Iran , with which it shares the world 's largest gas field .
`` This visit comes at a critical time in the region , '' Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on what was believed to be his first official visit to the Islamic republic .
`` We agreed ... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue . ''
For his part , Rouhani said : `` We 've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also met with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi , whose country has offered to mediate between Tehran and US ally Riyadh .
In a briefing to parliament , Hossein Salami , commander of Iran 's Revolutionary Guards , said the missiles it fired last Wednesday on Iraqi bases hosting US troops were not aimed at killing American personnel .
`` Our aim was not really to kill enemy soldiers .
That was not important , '' he told parliament .
The US said no American personnel were harmed in the attacks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the military said rockets slammed on Sunday into Al-Balad , an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed , wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen .
The base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors , but a majority of these personnel had already been evacuated due to the tensions between the US and Iran , military sources told AFP .
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday 's rocket attacks .
The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tragic toll when Iran -- on hair-triggered alert just after attacking the Iraqi bases -- last Wednesday accidentally shot down the Ukraine International Airlines plane , killing all 176 people aboard .
After days of denial from Iran , Rouhani on Saturday admitted to `` human error '' in bringing down the Boeing 737 , and the Guards ' aerospace commander General Amirali Hajizadeh accepted full responsibility .
On Saturday evening , a memorial at Tehran 's Amir Kabir University in honour of those killed turned into a demonstration that AFP correspondents said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They shouted `` death to liars '' and demanded the resignation and prosecution of those responsible , Fars news agency reported , saying that police `` dispersed '' them .
Around the same time , police temporarily arrested the British ambassador , Rob Macaire , who had attended the vigil , sparking a fresh diplomatic crisis .
Macaire tweeted Sunday : `` I was n't taking part in any demonstrations !
Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of # PS752 tragedy .
`` Normal to want to pay respects @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I left after 5 mins , when some started chanting . ''
Fars said Macaire was summoned on Sunday to Iran 's foreign ministry for his `` presence in illegal gatherings '' .
Later on Sunday up to 200 protesters rallied outside the British diplomatic mission , chanting `` Death to Britain '' and burning a Union Jack.. Iran 's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday called for countries in the region to bolster ties to overcome turbulence caused by the presence of the US and its allies .
`` The current @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before -- strengthening of relations between countries in the region as well as avoiding influence of foreigners ' '' meddling , Khamenei was quoted as saying on his official Twitter account as he hosted Qatar 's emir .
Elsewhere in Tehran , tensions appeared to be mounting again , with a heavy police presence notably around the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre .
Riot police armed with water cannon and batons were seen at Amir Kabir , Sharif and Tehran universities as well as Enqelab Square .
Around 50 Basij militiamen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ protesters to authorities , were also seen near Amir Kabir .
On the diplomatic front , France , Germany and Britain on Sunday called on Iran to return to `` full respect '' of its commitments under Tehran 's 2015 nuclear accord with world powers , despite Washington having walked out of the deal .

Iran signalled Sunday it favours a de-escalation after 10 days of heightened tensions with the United States during which both sides fired missiles and Tehran accidentally shot down a passenger aircraft.
U.S. President Donald Trump delivers a statement about Iran flanked by U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper, Army Chief of Staff General James McConville, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army General Mark Milley and Vice President Mike Pence in the Grand Foyer at the White House in Washington, U.S., January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
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Security was stepped up in Iran's capital after a vigil the previous night for those killed in the air disaster turned into an angry protest and police temporarily arrested the British ambassador for being there.
US President Donald Trump warned Iran against harming demonstrators and against a repeat of a deadly crackdown against rallies in November sparked by a fuel price hike.
"To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS," Trump tweeted in his occasional all-capitals style.
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, however, said Trump was still willing to "sit down and discuss without precondition a new way forward" with Iran, although Tehran has steadfastly refused to hold talks with Washington unless it lifts sanctions first.
Tehran said it favoured an easing of tensions after its arch-enemy Washington on January 3 killed a revered Iranian general, Quds Force chief Qasem Soleimani, in a Baghdad drone strike.
'A critical time'
In a meeting between Iran's President Hassan Rouhani and the visiting emir of Qatar, both sides agreed de-escalation is the "only solution" to the regional crisis, the emirate's ruler said.
Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the region but also enjoys strong ties with Iran, with which it shares the world's largest gas field.
"This visit comes at a critical time in the region," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said on what was believed to be his first official visit to the Islamic republic.
"We agreed... that the only solution to these crises is de-escalation from everyone and dialogue."
For his part, Rouhani said: "We've decided to have more consultations and cooperation for the security of the entire region."
Iran's president also met with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, whose country has offered to mediate between Tehran and US ally Riyadh.
In a briefing to parliament, Hossein Salami, commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, said the missiles it fired last Wednesday on Iraqi bases hosting US troops were not aimed at killing American personnel.
"Our aim was not really to kill enemy soldiers. That was not important," he told parliament.
The US said no American personnel were harmed in the attacks.
Across the border in Iraq, the military said rockets slammed on Sunday into Al-Balad, an Iraqi airbase where US forces have been stationed, wounding two Iraqi officers and two airmen.
The base had held a small US Air Force contingent as well as American contractors, but a majority of these personnel had already been evacuated due to the tensions between the US and Iran, military sources told AFP.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Sunday's rocket attacks. The US has previously blamed such attacks on Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
'Death to Britain'
The current crisis claimed a tragic toll when Iran -- on hair-triggered alert just after attacking the Iraqi bases -- last Wednesday accidentally shot down the Ukraine International Airlines plane, killing all 176 people aboard.
After days of denial from Iran, Rouhani on Saturday admitted to "human error" in bringing down the Boeing 737, and the Guards' aerospace commander General Amirali Hajizadeh accepted full responsibility.
On Saturday evening, a memorial at Tehran's Amir Kabir University in honour of those killed turned into a demonstration that AFP correspondents said was attended by hundreds of students.
They shouted "death to liars" and demanded the resignation and prosecution of those responsible, Fars news agency reported, saying that police "dispersed" them.
Around the same time, police temporarily arrested the British ambassador, Rob Macaire, who had attended the vigil, sparking a fresh diplomatic crisis.
Macaire tweeted Sunday: "I wasn't taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy.
"Normal to want to pay respects -- some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting."
Fars said Macaire was summoned on Sunday to Iran's foreign ministry for his "presence in illegal gatherings".
Later on Sunday up to 200 protesters rallied outside the British diplomatic mission, chanting "Death to Britain" and burning a Union Jack..
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday called for countries in the region to bolster ties to overcome turbulence caused by the presence of the US and its allies.
"The current situation... demands -- more than ever before -- strengthening of relations between countries in the region as well as avoiding influence of foreigners'" meddling, Khamenei was quoted as saying on his official Twitter account as he hosted Qatar's emir.
Elsewhere in Tehran, tensions appeared to be mounting again, with a heavy police presence notably around the iconic Azadi Square south of the centre.
Riot police armed with water cannon and batons were seen at Amir Kabir, Sharif and Tehran universities as well as Enqelab Square.
Around 50 Basij militiamen brandishing paintball guns, potentially to mark protesters to authorities, were also seen near Amir Kabir.
On the diplomatic front, France, Germany and Britain on Sunday called on Iran to return to "full respect" of its commitments under Tehran's 2015 nuclear accord with world powers, despite Washington having walked out of the deal.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-12--French PM calls on unions to take 'responsibility' as transport strike drags on

A crippling French transport strike dragged into its 39th day on Sunday despite the government 's offer to withdraw the most contested measure of the pension reform plans that sparked the protest .
Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Saturday he would drop plans to increase the official age for a full pension to 64 from 62 in an effort to end a strike which has paralysed Paris and its suburbs , with bus , train and metro services all badly disrupted .
Philippe late Sunday called on the unions to take `` responsibility '' .
`` Those who incite ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are leading them perhaps into a dead end ...
I think that they need to assume their responsibilities , '' Philippe said in a television interview .
The more reformist trade unions -- the FDT , Unsa and FRC -- welcomed the compromise announcement and said they were now ready to work with employers on the sustainable financing of the state pension system .
The Unsa union for national railway workers maintained its strike call on Sunday while recognising the government 's reconciliatory move .
The union `` remains on strike `` but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ secretary general Didier Mathis told AFP .
However , the more hardline CGT , FO and Solidaires unions were standing firm , calling for the strike and protests to continue , including a major demonstration on January 16 .
'Some want to return to work' French rail operator the SNCF said it expected services to improve on Monday .
Nine of 10 high-speed TGV trains would run on French and international routes , it said -- and commuters in and around Paris could expect seven out of 10 trains to operate .
CGT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the CFDT and Unsa 's readiness to resume negotiations , and spoke of internal splits within these groups .
`` We will see '' what these unions ' workers have to say on the issue , he said , reiterating his call for the government to withdraw the pension reforms completely which he described as `` the major requirement of a majority of unions representing a majority of employees '' .
However the financial hit is weakening the resolve of some strikers .
`` It is clear that some colleagues want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one disillusioned Paris Metro worker during demonstrations on Saturday .
`` It 's going to get tricky financially , '' he added .
Private sector workers have not followed the unions ' lead on the stoppage to turn the campaign into a true national strike .
The government was adamant that the strikers should now go back to work .
`` There is no longer any reason for this strike movement to continue , '' said Elisabeth Borne , minister in charge of transport .
'We 're still here' The government 's compromise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unions in a bid to end a strike that has frustrated Paris commuters , ruined December holiday travel plans , and hurt business .
Demonstrators in the capital on Saturday , some masked and hooded , broke shop windows along their protest route , set fires and threw projectiles at police in riot gear who responded with tear gas .
Several stores were ransacked as marchers brandished union flags and chanted defiantly : `` We are still here ! ''
and `` Macron resign ! ''
Protests were also held in Marseille , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other cities .
The interior ministry said 149,000 people had turned out throughout France .
The CGT put the figure at half a million , saying the 150,000 marched in Paris alone .
In one of Macron 's signature reforms , the government is seeking to rationalise 42 existing pension schemes into a single , points-based system it says will be fairer and more transparent .
Unions fear it will force millions to work longer for a smaller retirement payout .
Particularly controversial was the proposal to impose the 64 `` pivot age @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to in order to qualify for a full pension .
Union meetings Monday will decide on the future of the strikes on France 's local and national rail services .
The government , employers and unions are also keeping their eyes on the opinion polls .
The government has ruled out cutting pensions but insists that something must be done to boost funding as workers are living longer post-retirement .

A crippling French transport strike dragged into its 39th day on Sunday despite the government's offer to withdraw the most contested measure of the pension reform plans that sparked the protest.
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Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Saturday he would drop plans to increase the official age for a full pension to 64 from 62 in an effort to end a strike which has paralysed Paris and its suburbs, with bus, train and metro services all badly disrupted.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the change "a constructive and responsible compromise".
Philippe late Sunday called on the unions to take "responsibility".
"Those who incite (the strikers) to continue the strike are leading them perhaps into a dead end... I think that they need to assume their responsibilities," Philippe said in a television interview.
The more reformist trade unions -- the FDT, Unsa and FRC -- welcomed the compromise announcement and said they were now ready to work with employers on the sustainable financing of the state pension system.
The Unsa union for national railway workers maintained its strike call on Sunday while recognising the government's reconciliatory move.
The union "remains on strike " but will return to the negotiating table, secretary general Didier Mathis told AFP.
However, the more hardline CGT, FO and Solidaires unions were standing firm, calling for the strike and protests to continue, including a major demonstration on January 16.
'Some want to return to work'
French rail operator the SNCF said it expected services to improve on Monday.
Nine of 10 high-speed TGV trains would run on French and international routes, it said -- and commuters in and around Paris could expect seven out of 10 trains to operate.
CGT head Philippe Martinez played down the impact of the CFDT and Unsa's readiness to resume negotiations, and spoke of internal splits within these groups.
"We will see" what these unions' workers have to say on the issue, he said, reiterating his call for the government to withdraw the pension reforms completely which he described as "the major requirement of a majority of unions representing a majority of employees".
However the financial hit is weakening the resolve of some strikers.
"It is clear that some colleagues want to go back to work," said one disillusioned Paris Metro worker during demonstrations on Saturday.
"It's going to get tricky financially," he added.
Private sector workers have not followed the unions' lead on the stoppage to turn the campaign into a true national strike.
The government was adamant that the strikers should now go back to work.
"There is no longer any reason for this strike movement to continue," said Elisabeth Borne, minister in charge of transport.
'We're still here'
The government's compromise move came a day after meetings with unions in a bid to end a strike that has frustrated Paris commuters, ruined December holiday travel plans, and hurt business.
Demonstrators in the capital on Saturday, some masked and hooded, broke shop windows along their protest route, set fires and threw projectiles at police in riot gear who responded with tear gas.
Several stores were ransacked as marchers brandished union flags and chanted defiantly: "We are still here!" and "Macron resign!"
Protests were also held in Marseille, Toulouse, Lyon, Nantes and several other cities.
The interior ministry said 149,000 people had turned out throughout France.
The CGT put the figure at half a million, saying the 150,000 marched in Paris alone.
'Pivot age'
In one of Macron's signature reforms, the government is seeking to rationalise 42 existing pension schemes into a single, points-based system it says will be fairer and more transparent. Unions fear it will force millions to work longer for a smaller retirement payout.
Particularly controversial was the proposal to impose the 64 "pivot age" that people would have to work to in order to qualify for a full pension.
Union meetings Monday will decide on the future of the strikes on France's local and national rail services.
The government, employers and unions are also keeping their eyes on the opinion polls.
"Public opinion supports the strikers," Martinez insisted late Saturday.
The government has ruled out cutting pensions but insists that something must be done to boost funding as workers are living longer post-retirement.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-12--Iran briefly detains UK ambassador accused of taking part in 'illegal' rally

Iranian demonstrators hold placards bearing the images of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iran 's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in front of the British embassy in the capital Tehran on January 12 , 2020 , following the British ambassador 's arrest for allegedly attending an illegal demonstration .
( Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP ) Britain 's ambassador to Tehran denied Sunday that he took part in a demonstration that broke out at a memorial for the 176 people killed when a plane was shot down .
Students held a gathering at Tehran 's Amir Kabir University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hours after Iran admitted the Ukrainian airliner was downed by mistake .
Iran 's Mehr news agency said the ambassador , Rob Macaire , was arrested for his alleged `` involvement in provoking suspicious acts '' at the gathering in front of the university .
On Sunday , Iran confirmed his arrest as a foreigner at `` an illegal gathering '' , but said he was released soon after being identified .
`` Can confirm I was n't taking part in any demonstrations !
Went to an event advertised as a vigil for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Macaire said on Twitter , adding he had been detained half an hour after leaving the area .
`` Normal to want to pay respects -- some of victims were British .
I left after 5 mins , when some started chanting , '' he said .
`` Arresting diplomats is of course illegal , in all countries , '' he added .
Iran 's deputy foreign minister on Sunday confirmed Macaire had been arrested but said he was freed soon after being identified .
`` He was n't detained , but arrested @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Seyed Abbas Araghchi tweeted , adding Macaire was released 15 minutes after he called the British diplomat to confirm his identity .
The British government said Macaire was arrested and detained briefly in the Iranian capital in what it called a `` flagrant violation of international law '' .
Iran 's armed forces said on Saturday the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 was mistakenly shot down , after denying for days Western claims it was brought down by a missile .
Police dispersed students who chanted `` radical '' and `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those killed in the air disaster turned into an angry demonstration , Fars news agency reported .

Britain's ambassador to Tehran denied Sunday that he took part in a demonstration that broke out at a memorial for the 176 people killed when a plane was shot down.
Iranian demonstrators hold placards bearing the images of slain military commander Qasem Soleimani and Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in front of the British embassy in the capital Tehran on January 12, 2020, following the British ambassador's arrest for allegedly attending an illegal demonstration. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP)
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Students held a gathering at Tehran's Amir Kabir University on Saturday evening to honour those killed hours after Iran admitted the Ukrainian airliner was downed by mistake.
Iran's Mehr news agency said the ambassador, Rob Macaire, was arrested for his alleged "involvement in provoking suspicious acts" at the gathering in front of the university.
On Sunday, Iran confirmed his arrest as a foreigner at "an illegal gathering", but said he was released soon after being identified.
"Can confirm I wasn't taking part in any demonstrations! Went to an event advertised as a vigil for victims of #PS752 tragedy," Macaire said on Twitter, adding he had been detained half an hour after leaving the area.
"Normal to want to pay respects -- some of victims were British. I left after 5 mins, when some started chanting," he said.
"Arresting diplomats is of course illegal, in all countries," he added.
He wasn't detained, but arrested as unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering. When police informed me a man's arrested who claims to be UK Amb, I said IMPOSSIBLE! only after my phone conversation w him I identified, out of big surprise, that it's him. 15 min later he was free. pic.twitter.com/VjuZxN1oTN — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) January 12, 2020
Iran's deputy foreign minister on Sunday confirmed Macaire had been arrested but said he was freed soon after being identified.
"He wasn't detained, but arrested as unknown foreigner in an illegal gathering," Seyed Abbas Araghchi tweeted, adding Macaire was released 15 minutes after he called the British diplomat to confirm his identity.
The British government said Macaire was arrested and detained briefly in the Iranian capital in what it called a "flagrant violation of international law".
Iran's armed forces said on Saturday the Ukraine International Airlines Boeing 737 was mistakenly shot down, after denying for days Western claims it was brought down by a missile.
Police dispersed students who chanted "radical" and "destructive" slogans when the tribute to those killed in the air disaster turned into an angry demonstration, Fars news agency reported.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-01-12--As the Queen calls a crisis meeting over ‘Megxit’, what's next for the British royal family?

Britain 's Prince Charles , Camilla , Duchess of Cornwall , Queen Elizabeth , Meghan , Duchess of Sussex , Prince Harry , Prince William , Catherine , Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Anne stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as they watch an air display to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in central London , Britain July 10 , 2018 .
Ever since Prince Harry and his wife Meghan made a surprise announcement last week that they wanted to step back from the royal frontline , the British monarchy has been in turmoil .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Queen Elizabeth II has now scheduled emergency peace talks for Monday at her private home in Sandringham .
2019 was undoubtedly a tough year for the British royal family , capped when Prince Andrew was effectively forced into exile in the aftermath of an interview about his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein debacle .
2020 has started with another bombshell .
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the world with a revelation on their official Instagram account last Wednesday .
Harry and Meghan announced that they were becoming part-time royals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ # Megxit was born .
In this statement , the couple said they wanted to “ to carve out a progressive new role within this institution ” .
They said they intended “ to step back as ‘ senior ’ members of the Royal Family , and work to become financially independent , while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.
” It is widely believed that the royal family were blindsided by the statement .
Although they had been aware the pair felt increasingly isolated from the rest of the family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own way , the family indicated it needed more time to reflect on next steps .
Buckingham Palace issued a short and terse statement on Wednesday ; including the phrase , ‘ We understand their desire to take a different approach , but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.
’ Meghan flew back to Canada on Friday , to reunite with their 8-month-old son , Archie .
She left Harry behind to deal with his complicated family and the overwhelming British tabloid media .
Monday ’ s meeting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ royals have met in person to address the concerns raised by the young royals .
The Queen has summoned Harry ’ s father Prince Charles and Harry ’ s brother Prince William , along with Harry himself .
Meghan is expected to participate by telephone .
It looks set to be a tense family gathering .
In this week ’ s Sunday Times newspaper , Prince William was quoted as speaking to friends of his “ sadness ” at the broken bond with his brother and voiced sorrow that the royal family is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ I ’ ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can ’ t do that anymore ; we ’ re separate entities .
“ I ’ m sad about that .
All we can do , and all I can do , is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we ’ re all singing from the same page .
I want everyone to play on the team , ” he is quoted as saying .
This follows a television interview last October , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fallen out with his older brother , saying that they were now “ on different paths ” .
Referencing another major royal crisis , the abdication of Edward VIII , Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton said on Twitter , “ This has similar trajectory to the abdication .
Tight circle knew what was going on but news burst on to an unsuspecting public when abdication was a done deal .
Edward VIII hated what he called princing too.
” The British tabloids have for a long time mounted an aggressive campaign against Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by British friends even before she got married that the tabloids would destroy her life : for she is not an English rose , she is mixed race , she is a vocal feminist , she is a successful actress , she is not Kate .
The British press has now leapt upon the Sussexes ’ announcement with the zeal of hungry vultures .
They have described the decision variously as “ rogue ” , “ petulant ” and “ an atrocious lapse of judgment.
” They had already criticised many of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pregnancy , during the pregnancy and then , the worst offence , when the couple did not allow them to record the christening of baby Archie , a tradition amongst members of the family .
Relations between Harry and Meghan and the media fully unraveled when The Mail on Sunday published a private letter that Meghan had sent to her estranged father , Thomas Markle , in August 2018 .
She sued the paper for copyright infringement and invasion of privacy .
In a statement last October , Harry compared the treatment Meghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment that was inflicted on his mother , Diana , Princess of Wales .
“ I ’ ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person , ” Prince Harry wrote .
“ I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.
” Canada looks likely to be the new home for the Sussexes .
It is a part of the British Commonwealth , so they could officially remain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ couple have just spent a six-week Christmas holiday there , on Vancouver Island .
Harry is sixth in line for the crown , so it is unlikely he will ever receive the call to the throne .
This freedom from inheritance has lightened up the protocol he needs to follow .
One major issue , however , will be whether or not the couple can manage to financially separate themselves from the monarchy .
The British taxpayer may object to funding a life that does not include royal duties .
As for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanting to make it a smaller family unit of succession .
“ The royal family are slimming down .
Prince Charles has said for some time that his vision of the monarchy is of a close-knit unit , ” said royals commentator Tina Brown , speaking on CBS television .
“ It ’ s just about the heirs and their heirs.
’ Royal watchers always attempt to decode the photographs that are placed around the Queen when she delivers her Christmas message .
In 2018 , she was surrounded by pictures of Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the wedding of Harry ’ s cousin Princess Eugenie .
This year , there was a distinct absence of photographs of the queen ’ s newest grandson Archie .
Instead , she was framed by pictures of Prince Philip as well as Prince Charles and Camilla and William ’ s family , along with historic images of King George VI .
It indicated that the Queen was already on the same page as Charles about a newly redacted royal family .
Monday ’ s meeting will be the first time they have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in November .
The 93-year-old monarch will be keen to rule her family as much as her country .
But the Sussexes might just succeed in setting a precedence of independence for generations of royals to come .

Ever since Prince Harry and his wife Meghan made a surprise announcement last week that they wanted to step back from the royal frontline, the British monarchy has been in turmoil. In order to avoid an internal civil war, Queen Elizabeth II has now scheduled emergency peace talks for Monday at her private home in Sandringham.
Britain's Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Prince William, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Anne stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace as they watch an air display to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force in central London, Britain July 10, 2018.
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2019 was undoubtedly a tough year for the British royal family, capped when Prince Andrew was effectively forced into exile in the aftermath of an interview about his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein debacle. 2020 has started with another bombshell.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex shocked the world with a revelation on their official Instagram account last Wednesday. Harry and Meghan announced that they were becoming part-time royals and moving away from England. The term #Megxit was born.
In this statement, the couple said they wanted to “to carve out a progressive new role within this institution”. They said they intended “to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family, and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”
It is widely believed that the royal family were blindsided by the statement. Although they had been aware the pair felt increasingly isolated from the rest of the family and wanted to do things in their own way, the family indicated it needed more time to reflect on next steps.
Buckingham Palace issued a short and terse statement on Wednesday; including the phrase, ‘We understand their desire to take a different approach, but these are complicated issues that will take time to work through.’
A statement from Buckingham Palace regarding The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. https://t.co/1qtTEHiIq6 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) January 8, 2020
Meghan flew back to Canada on Friday, to reunite with their 8-month-old son, Archie. She left Harry behind to deal with his complicated family and the overwhelming British tabloid media.
Monday’s meeting will be the first time the senior royals have met in person to address the concerns raised by the young royals. The Queen has summoned Harry’s father Prince Charles and Harry’s brother Prince William, along with Harry himself. Meghan is expected to participate by telephone.
It looks set to be a tense family gathering. In this week’s Sunday Times newspaper, Prince William was quoted as speaking to friends of his “sadness” at the broken bond with his brother and voiced sorrow that the royal family is no longer a “team”.
“I’ve put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can’t do that anymore; we’re separate entities. “I’m sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we’re all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team,” he is quoted as saying.
This follows a television interview last October, when Harry himself admitted that he had fallen out with his older brother, saying that they were now “on different paths”.
Referencing another major royal crisis, the abdication of Edward VIII, Princess Diana biographer Andrew Morton said on Twitter, “This has similar trajectory to the abdication. Tight circle knew what was going on but news burst on to an unsuspecting public when abdication was a done deal. Edward VIII hated what he called princing too.”
This has similar trajectory to the abdication. Tight circle knew what was going on but news burst on to an unsuspecting public when abdication was a done deal. #Edward V111 hated what he called princing too. #meghanmarkle #princeharry #abdication https://t.co/nlydO1kGlQ — Andrew Morton (@andrewmortonUK) January 10, 2020
Tabloids hounding Meghan
The British tabloids have for a long time mounted an aggressive campaign against Meghan. She has admitted she was warned by British friends even before she got married that the tabloids would destroy her life: for she is not an English rose, she is mixed race, she is a vocal feminist, she is a successful actress, she is not Kate.
The British press has now leapt upon the Sussexes’ announcement with the zeal of hungry vultures. They have described the decision variously as “rogue”, “petulant” and “an atrocious lapse of judgment.”
They had already criticised many of the couple’s decisions; before the pregnancy, during the pregnancy and then, the worst offence, when the couple did not allow them to record the christening of baby Archie, a tradition amongst members of the family.
Relations between Harry and Meghan and the media fully unraveled when The Mail on Sunday published a private letter that Meghan had sent to her estranged father, Thomas Markle, in August 2018. She sued the paper for copyright infringement and invasion of privacy.
In a statement last October, Harry compared the treatment Meghan has received from the tabloids to the treatment that was inflicted on his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
“I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditised to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person,” Prince Harry wrote. “I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces.”
Newly ‘slimmed down’ royal family
Canada looks likely to be the new home for the Sussexes. It is a part of the British Commonwealth, so they could officially remain under the royal umbrella. And the couple have just spent a six-week Christmas holiday there, on Vancouver Island.
Harry is sixth in line for the crown, so it is unlikely he will ever receive the call to the throne. This freedom from inheritance has lightened up the protocol he needs to follow.
One major issue, however, will be whether or not the couple can manage to financially separate themselves from the monarchy. The British taxpayer may object to funding a life that does not include royal duties.
As for the Windsors, Charles has openly spoken about wanting to make it a smaller family unit of succession. “The royal family are slimming down. Prince Charles has said for some time that his vision of the monarchy is of a close-knit unit,” said royals commentator Tina Brown, speaking on CBS television. “It’s just about the heirs and their heirs.’
Royal watchers always attempt to decode the photographs that are placed around the Queen when she delivers her Christmas message. In 2018, she was surrounded by pictures of Harry and Meghan’s wedding and also the wedding of Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie. This year, there was a distinct absence of photographs of the queen’s newest grandson Archie.
Instead, she was framed by pictures of Prince Philip as well as Prince Charles and Camilla and William’s family, along with historic images of King George VI. It indicated that the Queen was already on the same page as Charles about a newly redacted royal family.
Monday’s meeting will be the first time they have all been together since the Remembrance Day weekend in November. The 93-year-old monarch will be keen to rule her family as much as her country. But the Sussexes might just succeed in setting a precedence of independence for generations of royals to come.
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france24--2020-01-12--Real Madrid beat Atletico Madrid on penalties to claim Spanish Super Cup

Atletico Madrid 's Argentine forward Angel Correa ( C ) dribbles past Real Madrid 's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos ( R ) during the Spanish Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on January 12 , 2020 , at the King Abdullah Sports City in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah .
( Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP ) Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in a penalty shootout to win the first edition of the revamped Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia following a goalless draw after extra time in a tense final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the decisive fourth penalty for Real Madrid after Dani Carvajal , Rodrygo Goes and Luka Modric had scored for his side while Saul Niguez and Thomas Partey failed to convert for Atletico , with Kieran Trippier scoring for them .
Atletico keeper Jan Oblak and Real counterpart Thibaut Courtois were the top performers in a cagey 90 minutes which forced extra time for the fifth consecutive final between the city rivals since 2013 .
Real had midfielder Federico Valverde sent off in the 115th minute for hauling down Alvaro Morata but Zinedine Zidane @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game and kept their nerve in the shootout .
It is the 11th time Real have won the Super Cup , which was the traditional season curtain-raiser between the league and Cup winners before the competition was expanded to four teams by the national federation and moved to Saudi Arabia in a three-year deal worth a reported 120 million euros ( $ 133 million ) .

Real Madrid beat city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in a penalty shootout to win the first edition of the revamped Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia following a goalless draw after extra time in a tense final on Sunday.
Atletico Madrid's Argentine forward Angel Correa (C) dribbles past Real Madrid's Spanish defender Sergio Ramos (R) during the Spanish Super Cup final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid on January 12, 2020, at the King Abdullah Sports City in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP)
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Captain Sergio Ramos converted the decisive fourth penalty for Real Madrid after Dani Carvajal, Rodrygo Goes and Luka Modric had scored for his side while Saul Niguez and Thomas Partey failed to convert for Atletico, with Kieran Trippier scoring for them.
Atletico keeper Jan Oblak and Real counterpart Thibaut Courtois were the top performers in a cagey 90 minutes which forced extra time for the fifth consecutive final between the city rivals since 2013.
Real had midfielder Federico Valverde sent off in the 115th minute for hauling down Alvaro Morata but Zinedine Zidane's side survived the final stretch of the game and kept their nerve in the shootout.
It is the 11th time Real have won the Super Cup, which was the traditional season curtain-raiser between the league and Cup winners before the competition was expanded to four teams by the national federation and moved to Saudi Arabia in a three-year deal worth a reported 120 million euros ($133 million).
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-01-12--As Haitian immigrants in US face loss of protected status, community members push back

Gerald Michaud , a Haitian immigrant living in New York City , speaks at the martial arts center where he teaches at night .
About 50,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States face deportation next January due to the loss of Temporary Protected Status ( TPS ) , a government designation they received in the wake of the massive 2010 earthquake in Haiti .
But some community members are fighting back .
A resident of the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Flatbush , also known as New York City 's 'Little Haiti ' , Gerald Michaud works seven days a week to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He says that having Temporary Protected Status is critical for his livelihood .
`` The thing about TPS , is it 's all about security , '' he told FRANCE 24 outside LaGuardia Airport , where he works as a security guard .
`` The security to have a job .
To have accommodation .
To have money to send to your family , and for yourself . ''
New York City Council Member Mathieu Eugene , the first Haitian-born member of that governing body and whose district office is in Little Haiti @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michaud .
The neighborhood is home to some 5,200 Haitian immigrants who currently benefit from TPS .
Michaud also teaches martial arts at night .
His fighting spirit led him to get involved in a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration for its decision to end Temporary Protected Status .
Click on the player above to watch Jessica Le Masurier and Céline Bruneau 's report .

About 50,000 Haitian immigrants in the United States face deportation next January due to the loss of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), a government designation they received in the wake of the massive 2010 earthquake in Haiti. But some community members are fighting back.
Gerald Michaud, a Haitian immigrant living in New York City, speaks at the martial arts center where he teaches at night.
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A resident of the Brooklyn neighbourhood of Flatbush, also known as New York City's 'Little Haiti', Gerald Michaud works seven days a week to support his family members in Haiti. He says that having Temporary Protected Status is critical for his livelihood.
"The thing about TPS, is it's all about security," he told FRANCE 24 outside LaGuardia Airport, where he works as a security guard. "The security to have a job. To have accommodation. To have money to send to your family, and for yourself."
New York City Council Member Mathieu Eugene, the first Haitian-born member of that governing body and whose district office is in Little Haiti, is trying to help immigrants like Michaud. The neighborhood is home to some 5,200 Haitian immigrants who currently benefit from TPS.
Michaud also teaches martial arts at night. His fighting spirit led him to get involved in a lawsuit filed against the Trump administration for its decision to end Temporary Protected Status.
Click on the player above to watch Jessica Le Masurier and Céline Bruneau's report.
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france24--2020-01-12--Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announces bid for second term amid debate on her vision, record

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made her candidacy for a second term official on Saturday , January 11 , 2020 .
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will officially run for a second term as those who live and work in Paris view the environmentally oriented leader in different ways .
`` She 's a very divisive character , '' said Frédéric Dabi , deputy general manager at lfop , a polling firm in Paris .
`` She 's supported by the left and rejected by the right .
`` But generally when Parisians vote , they 're clearly voting on the main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ installment of bike lanes and lowering pollution in the air . ''
Indeed , Hidalgo is seen as having reduced the number of cars on the road , and making key side roads along the Seine pedestrian-friendly .
But some have noted the deterioration of cleanliness in Paris , and Hidalgo 's failure to properly coordinate the Vélib ' bike-sharing system .
Hidlago is facing two contenders from French President Emmanuel Macron 's Republic on the Move party , Cédric Villani and Benjamin Griveaux , and one from the political right , Rachida @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European Parliament who is currently mayor of Paris 's 7th arrondissement ( district ) .
Municipal elections in Paris take place in March .
Click on the player above to watch Yinka Oyetade and France 3 's full report .

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will officially run for a second term as those who live and work in Paris view the environmentally oriented leader in different ways.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo made her candidacy for a second term official on Saturday, January 11, 2020.
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"She's a very divisive character," said Frédéric Dabi, deputy general manager at lfop, a polling firm in Paris. "She's supported by the left and rejected by the right.
"But generally when Parisians vote, they're clearly voting on the main points of her policies, like the installment of bike lanes and lowering pollution in the air."
Indeed, Hidalgo is seen as having reduced the number of cars on the road, and making key side roads along the Seine pedestrian-friendly. But some have noted the deterioration of cleanliness in Paris, and Hidalgo's failure to properly coordinate the Vélib' bike-sharing system.
Hidlago is facing two contenders from French President Emmanuel Macron's Republic on the Move party, Cédric Villani and Benjamin Griveaux, and one from the political right, Rachida Dati, a former member of the European Parliament who is currently mayor of Paris's 7th arrondissement (district).
Municipal elections in Paris take place in March.
Click on the player above to watch Yinka Oyetade and France 3's full report.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-01-12--Djokovic triumphs over Nadal, leads Serbia to ATP Cup win

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their men 's singles match in the final of the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Sydney on January 12 , 2020 .
Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal and then went back on court within an hour and won the deciding doubles encounter to secure Serbia 's victory over Spain in the inaugural ATP Cup final .
Second-ranked Djokovic had a 6-2 , 7-6 ( 4 ) win over No .
1 Nadal on Sunday night to level the final after Roberto Bautista Agut had given Spain a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 6-1 in the first singles match .
After extending his lead to 29-26 in career head-to-heads with Nadal , and his supremacy over the Spaniard on hardcourts , Djokovic combined with Victor Troicki for a 6-3 , 6-4 win over Pablo Carreno Busta and Feliciano Lopez .
“ I ’ ll remember this experience for the rest of my life — it ’ s one of the nicest moments of my career , '' Djokovic said .
“ I ’ ve been very fortunately blessed , had an amazing career over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a team , playing for a country with some of my best friends is just — you can ’ t match that .
It ’ s too special . ''
He joked in an on-court TV interview that the team would fly home to Serbia to celebrate before the Australian Open , which starts a week from Monday , but decided the party should start in Sydney .
“ There ’ s a lot of Serbian people in Sydney , '' Djokovic said .
“ If you want to make a celebration , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who has n't beaten Djokovic on a hard surface since the 2013 U.S. Open final , withdrew from the doubles , citing fatigue , saying he had confidence in his teammate Lopez , a four-time Davis Cup champion .
“ I have been playing a lot of tennis the last couple of days .
My level of energy is a little bit lower than usual , because I played long yesterday , very long before yesterday , very long in ( Perth ) , '' Nadal said .
“ So is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our team .
That 's why we had success in the past . ''
After playing six singles matches and two doubles matches in 10 days — on both the west and east coasts of Australia — less than two months after guiding Spain to the Davis Cup title in Madrid , Nadal urged the International Tennis Federation and the ATP to negotiate to form one world team championship .
“ I think ( ATP CUP ) is a great competition , but at the same time — I ca n't change my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ month is not real .
So is not possible , '' he said .
“ So we need to find a way to fix it and we need to find a way to make a big deal with ITF and ATP to create a big World Team Cup competition , not two .
I think that 's a confusion for the spectators , and we need to be clear in our sport . ''
Spain 's early lead put extra pressure on Djokovic , who has won a record seven Australian Open men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lost a singles match at the new 24-team tournament , and started like losing was n't a consideration .
“ I started off the match , perfectly , really .
Everything worked for me , '' he said .
“ Serve got me out of trouble in the second set . ''
He broke Nadal 's serve in the opening game , which lasted eight minutes and included two requests from the umpire to the crowd to keep quiet during the service motion .
Djokovic held for a 2-0 lead , the game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't concede a point on serve for his next three games , closing the set in 39 minutes with three straight aces .
Nadal , meanwhile , was struggling to hold , with Djokovic typically relentless with his returns .
After Nadal was broken for the second time , in the seventh game , he went to the chair umpire in the changeover to complain about the noise during his service swing , and held his thumb up to the crowd as he walked back to his team zone .
The Spaniard found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ though , conceding just a point in each of his first three service games .
He had also had a huge opportunity to go up a break in the sixth game , but was unable to convert five chances as Djokovic rallied from 0-40 to hold .
Djokovic then had two breakpoints in the 11th game , which would have given him the chance to serve for the match , but Nadal rallied from 15-40 to hold .
Djokovic had a nervy start to the tiebreaker , serving a double-fault to fall behind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the net and landed in , he started to gain control .
From 4-4 , he won every point , starting the roll with a backhand winner down the line .
The 10,223-strong crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena was packed with Serbia supporters who waved their flags and chanted Serbia , Serbia , Serbia , and Djokovic 's nickname “ Nole ” throughout the final .
A little after 1 a.m. local time Monday , they were cheering for their champions .

Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal and then went back on court within an hour and won the deciding doubles encounter to secure Serbia's victory over Spain in the inaugural ATP Cup final.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after winning against Rafael Nadal of Spain in their men's singles match in the final of the ATP Cup tennis tournament in Sydney on January 12, 2020.
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Second-ranked Djokovic had a 6-2, 7-6 (4) win over No. 1 Nadal on Sunday night to level the final after Roberto Bautista Agut had given Spain a 1-0 lead by beating Dusan Lajovic 7-5, 6-1 in the first singles match.
After extending his lead to 29-26 in career head-to-heads with Nadal, and his supremacy over the Spaniard on hardcourts, Djokovic combined with Victor Troicki for a 6-3, 6-4 win over Pablo Carreno Busta and Feliciano Lopez.
“I’ll remember this experience for the rest of my life — it’s one of the nicest moments of my career," Djokovic said. “I’ve been very fortunately blessed, had an amazing career over the last 15 years, but playing for a team, playing for a country with some of my best friends is just — you can’t match that. It’s too special."
He joked in an on-court TV interview that the team would fly home to Serbia to celebrate before the Australian Open, which starts a week from Monday, but decided the party should start in Sydney.
“There’s a lot of Serbian people in Sydney," Djokovic said. “If you want to make a celebration, we’re ready."
Nadal, who hasn't beaten Djokovic on a hard surface since the 2013 U.S. Open final, withdrew from the doubles, citing fatigue, saying he had confidence in his teammate Lopez, a four-time Davis Cup champion.
“I have been playing a lot of tennis the last couple of days. My level of energy is a little bit lower than usual, because I played long yesterday, very long before yesterday, very long in (Perth)," Nadal said. “So is a team decision, and we believe in our team. That's why we had success in the past."
After playing six singles matches and two doubles matches in 10 days — on both the west and east coasts of Australia — less than two months after guiding Spain to the Davis Cup title in Madrid, Nadal urged the International Tennis Federation and the ATP to negotiate to form one world team championship.
“I think (ATP CUP) is a great competition, but at the same time — I can't change my mind that two World Cups in one month is not real. So is not possible," he said. “So we need to find a way to fix it and we need to find a way to make a big deal with ITF and ATP to create a big World Team Cup competition, not two. I think that's a confusion for the spectators, and we need to be clear in our sport."
Spain's early lead put extra pressure on Djokovic, who has won a record seven Australian Open men's singles titles. He hadn't lost a singles match at the new 24-team tournament, and started like losing wasn't a consideration.
“I started off the match, perfectly, really. Everything worked for me," he said. “Serve got me out of trouble in the second set."
He broke Nadal's serve in the opening game, which lasted eight minutes and included two requests from the umpire to the crowd to keep quiet during the service motion.
Djokovic held for a 2-0 lead, the game going to deuce, and then didn't concede a point on serve for his next three games, closing the set in 39 minutes with three straight aces.
Nadal, meanwhile, was struggling to hold, with Djokovic typically relentless with his returns. After Nadal was broken for the second time, in the seventh game, he went to the chair umpire in the changeover to complain about the noise during his service swing, and held his thumb up to the crowd as he walked back to his team zone.
The Spaniard found his range in the second set, though, conceding just a point in each of his first three service games. He had also had a huge opportunity to go up a break in the sixth game, but was unable to convert five chances as Djokovic rallied from 0-40 to hold.
Djokovic then had two breakpoints in the 11th game, which would have given him the chance to serve for the match, but Nadal rallied from 15-40 to hold.
Djokovic had a nervy start to the tiebreaker, serving a double-fault to fall behind 2-1, but after his forehand clipped the net and landed in, he started to gain control. From 4-4, he won every point, starting the roll with a backhand winner down the line.
The 10,223-strong crowd at Ken Rosewall Arena was packed with Serbia supporters who waved their flags and chanted Serbia, Serbia, Serbia, and Djokovic's nickname “Nole” throughout the final.
A little after 1 a.m. local time Monday, they were cheering for their champions.
(AP)
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france24--2020-01-12--Philippine volcano erupts, triggering mass evacuations

People take photos of a phreatic explosion from the Taal volcano as seen from the town of Tagaytay in Cavite province , southwest of Manila , on January 12 , 2020 .
A small volcano south of the Philippine capital that draws many tourists for its picturesque setting in a lake erupted with a massive plume of ash and steam Sunday , prompting thousands of people to flee and officials to shut Manila ’ s international airport .
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal Volcano in Batangas province south of Manila blasted steam , ash and pebbles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 6 to 9 miles ) into the sky in a dramatic escalation of its growing restiveness , which began last year .
The volcanology institute raised the danger level around Taal three notches on Sunday to level 4 , indicating “ a hazardous eruption may happen within hours or days , ” said Renato Solidum , who heads the volcanology institute .
Level 5 , the highest , means a hazardous eruption is underway and could affect a larger area .
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage , but authorities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from an island in the middle of a lake , where the volcano lies , and tens of thousands more from nearby coastal towns , officials said .
“ We have asked people in high-risk areas , including the volcano island , to evacuate now ahead of a possible hazardous eruption , ” Solidum said .
Renelyn Bautista , a 38-year-old housewife who was among thousands of residents who fled from Batangas province ’ s Laurel town , said she hitched a ride to safety from her home with her two children , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erupted and the ground shook mildly .
“ We hurriedly evacuated when the air turned muddy because of the ashfall and it started to smell like gunpowder , ” Bautista said by phone .
International and domestic flights were suspended Sunday night at Manila ’ s international airport “ due to volcanic ash in the vicinity of the airport ” and nearby air routes , the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said .
Taal lies more than 60 kilometers ( 37 miles ) south of Manila .
The institute reminded the public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies is a “ permanent danger zone , ” although fishing villages have existed there for years .
It asked nearby coastal communities “ to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lake water disturbances related to the ongoing unrest.
” Heavy to light ashfall was reported in towns and cities several kilometers ( miles ) from the volcano , and officials advised residents to stay indoors and don masks and goggles for safety .
Motorists were hampered by poor visibility , which was worsened by rainy weather .
Hotels , shopping @ @ @ @ @ @ @ along a ridge overlooking the lake and the volcano in Tagaytay city , a key tourism area that could be affected by a major eruption .
Authorities recorded a swarm of earthquakes , some of them felt with rumbling sounds , and a slight inflation of portions of the 1,020-foot ( 311-meter ) volcano ahead of Sunday ’ s steam-driven explosion , officials said .
Classes in a wide swath of towns and cities were suspended Monday , including in Manila , to avoid health risks posed by the ashfall .
One of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is among two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines , which lies along the so-called Pacific “ Ring of Fire , ” a seismically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions .
About 20 typhoons and other major storms each year also lash the Philippines , which lies between the Pacific and the South China Sea , making it one of the world ’ s most disaster-prone countries .

A small volcano south of the Philippine capital that draws many tourists for its picturesque setting in a lake erupted with a massive plume of ash and steam Sunday, prompting thousands of people to flee and officials to shut Manila’s international airport.
People take photos of a phreatic explosion from the Taal volcano as seen from the town of Tagaytay in Cavite province, southwest of Manila, on January 12, 2020.
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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Taal Volcano in Batangas province south of Manila blasted steam, ash and pebbles up to 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) into the sky in a dramatic escalation of its growing restiveness, which began last year.
The volcanology institute raised the danger level around Taal three notches on Sunday to level 4, indicating “a hazardous eruption may happen within hours or days,” said Renato Solidum, who heads the volcanology institute. Level 5, the highest, means a hazardous eruption is underway and could affect a larger area.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage, but authorities scrambled to evacuate more than 6,000 villagers from an island in the middle of a lake, where the volcano lies, and tens of thousands more from nearby coastal towns, officials said.
“We have asked people in high-risk areas, including the volcano island, to evacuate now ahead of a possible hazardous eruption,” Solidum said.
Renelyn Bautista, a 38-year-old housewife who was among thousands of residents who fled from Batangas province’s Laurel town, said she hitched a ride to safety from her home with her two children, including a 4-month-old baby, after Taal erupted and the ground shook mildly.
“We hurriedly evacuated when the air turned muddy because of the ashfall and it started to smell like gunpowder,” Bautista said by phone.
International and domestic flights were suspended Sunday night at Manila’s international airport “due to volcanic ash in the vicinity of the airport” and nearby air routes, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines said.
Taal lies more than 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of Manila.
The Philippines said there is an imminent threat of a hazardous eruption of the Taal Volcano & has recommended the total evacuation of the island.
Alert status raised to level 4 from 1 in less than 12 hours. 🌋#Philippines#Taal #Volcano#SundayThoughtspic.twitter.com/S5CdL5Owcj — ~Marietta (@MariettaDaviz) January 12, 2020
The institute reminded the public that the small island where the volcano lies is a “permanent danger zone,” although fishing villages have existed there for years. It asked nearby coastal communities “to take precautionary measures and be vigilant of possible lake water disturbances related to the ongoing unrest.”
Heavy to light ashfall was reported in towns and cities several kilometers (miles) from the volcano, and officials advised residents to stay indoors and don masks and goggles for safety. Motorists were hampered by poor visibility, which was worsened by rainy weather.
Ongoing phreatic explosion at the Main Crater of Taal Volcano. Photos taken from installed IP camera monitoring the activity of Taal Volcano. pic.twitter.com/9Qyd7aLvsJ — PHIVOLCS-DOST (@phivolcs_dost) January 12, 2020
Hotels, shopping malls and restaurants line an upland road along a ridge overlooking the lake and the volcano in Tagaytay city, a key tourism area that could be affected by a major eruption.
Authorities recorded a swarm of earthquakes, some of them felt with rumbling sounds, and a slight inflation of portions of the 1,020-foot (311-meter) volcano ahead of Sunday’s steam-driven explosion, officials said.
Classes in a wide swath of towns and cities were suspended Monday, including in Manila, to avoid health risks posed by the ashfall.
One of the world's smallest volcanoes, Taal is among two dozen active volcanoes in the Philippines, which lies along the so-called Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a seismically active region that is prone to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
About 20 typhoons and other major storms each year also lash the Philippines, which lies between the Pacific and the South China Sea, making it one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries.
(AP)
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france24--2020-01-13--Macron meets with African leaders to boost fight against jihadists in Sahel

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Monday host counterparts from five Sahel countries seeking more backing in the fight against a murderous jihadist uprising even as France 's military role is being questioned .
Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in the southwestern city of Pau , to be attended also by the heads of the UN , African Union , and EU Council .
Macron insists his counterparts from Mali , Burkina Faso , Niger , Mauritania and Chad must use the occasion to express public support for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the largest foreign contribution to the fight against African jihadists aligned to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group .
Visiting the region last month , the French president complained of a lack of `` clear political condemnation of anti-French feelings '' on the ground .
`` I see opposition movements , groups , who denounce the French presence as a neo-colonial , imperialist , '' Macron said in Niamey , adding he was loath to send soldiers to countries where their presence was not `` clearly wanted '' .
Jihadist fighters have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and civilian targets , and earlier this month , UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that `` terrorist groups are gaining ground . ''
France has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane , supporting poorly-equipped , impoverished local armies that in 2017 launched a joint anti-jihadist G5 Sahel force .
On Friday , hundreds of people gathered in the Malian capital Bamako to protest the presence of foreign troops , carrying posters reading : `` Down with France , Barkhane must leave '' and `` France is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the French presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA in Mali , the conflict that erupted in the north of that country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours , especially Burkina Faso and Niger .
Thousands of civilians have been killed and more than a million displaced , with hundreds of troops dead , including dozens of French ones .
On Monday , Macron will gather Mali 's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita , Burkina Faso 's Roch Marc Christian Kabore , Niger 's Mahamadou Issoufou , Mauritania 's Mohamed Ould @ @ @ @ @ @ @ They will lay a wreath and observe a minute of silence for seven soldiers from Pau who died in action in Mali -- among 13 French troops killed in a helicopter crash while hunting jihadists last November .
The presidents will then gather for the summit Macron has said must clarify the `` political and strategic framework '' of the Sahel military campaign .
After the talks , for which three hours have been set aside , the leaders will regroup for a working dinner where they will be joined by Guterres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Union Commission President Moussa Faki .
Mali 's Keita has said the summit will be `` decisive '' and `` will allow us to put on the table all the questions , all the grievances , all the solutions '' .
But he insisted the G5 leaders would demand a `` respectable and respectful relationship '' with France .
Kabore of Burkina Faso has described Macron 's recent insistences as `` lacking in tact '' .
Issifou said the summit would `` launch an appeal for international solidarity so that the Sahel and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
The Pau meeting was postponed from December after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers .
And last Thursday another attack by jihadists left 89 Niger soldiers dead .
On Friday , French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said the summit would serve `` to remobilise and adapt ourselves to the new reality '' of the jihadist onslaught , which analysts say appears to have become bolder , more complex , and better armed .
Paris will also use the occasion to repeat its call on other Western @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Last year , only $ 300 million of $ 400 million pledged by the international community in cash and material support to the Sahel was delivered , according to the French presidency .
NGOs on Friday urged that civilians caught in the crossfire not be forgotten at Monday 's talks .
`` The military response in the Sahel is part of the problem , '' said Maureen Magee of the Norwegian Refugee Council .
`` Last year , military operations in Mali have pushed more than 80,000 people to flee .
Engagement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the populations at the heart of the response . ''

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting counterparts from five Sahel countries on Monday, seeking more backing in the fight against a murderous jihadist uprising even as France's military role is being questioned.
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Recent tensions between France and Sahel governments could make for a tricky exchange at the six-way talks in the southwestern city of Pau, attended also by the heads of the UN, African Union, and EU Council.
Macron insists his counterparts from Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania and Chad must use the occasion to express public support for France's military presence – by far the largest foreign contribution to the fight against African jihadists aligned to al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
Visiting the region last month, the French president complained of a lack of "clear political condemnation of anti-French feelings" on the ground.
"I see opposition movements, groups, who denounce the French presence as a neo-colonial, imperialist," Macron said in Niamey, adding he was loath to send soldiers to countries where their presence was not "clearly wanted".
Jihadist fighters have recently stepped up their campaign against military and civilian targets, and earlier this month, UN chief Antonio Guterres warned that "terrorist groups are gaining ground".
France has 4,500 soldiers stationed in the Europe-sized region as part of Operation Barkhane, supporting poorly-equipped, impoverished local armies that in 2017 launched a joint anti-jihadist G5 Sahel force.
Despite the French presence and a 13,000-strong UN peacekeeping force dubbed MINUSMA in Mali, the conflict that erupted in the north of that country in 2012 has since spread to its neighbours, especially Burkina Faso and Niger.
The Pau meeting was postponed from December after a jihadist attack claimed the lives of 71 Niger soldiers. And last Thursday another attack by jihadists left 89 Niger soldiers dead.
‘Respectful relationship’
On Monday, Macron was joined by Mali's Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Burkina Faso's Roch Marc Christian Kabore, Niger's Mahamadou Issoufou, Mauritania's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and Chad's Idriss Deby.
They laid a wreath and observed a minute of silence for seven soldiers from Pau who died in action in Mali – among 13 French troops killed in a helicopter crash while hunting jihadists last November.
The presidents then gathered for talks, which Macron said must clarify the "political and strategic framework" of the Sahel military campaign.
Speaking ahead of the summit, Mali's Keita said the talks would “allow us to put on the table all the questions, all the grievances, all the solutions".
But he insisted the G5 leaders would demand a "respectable and respectful relationship" with France. Kabore of Burkina Faso has described Macron's recent insistences as "lacking in tact".
Issifou said the summit would "launch an appeal for international solidarity so that the Sahel and France are not alone in this fight".
US withdrawal?
Paris planned to use the summit to repeat its call on other Western nations to help step up the fight.
Last year, only $300 million of $400 million pledged by the international community in cash and material support to the Sahel was delivered, according to the French presidency.
In a worrying sign for Paris, Washington’s top military commander said the United States planned to reduce its military presence in Africa.
General Mark Milley, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, said resources "could be reduced and then shifted, either to increase readiness of the force in the continental US or shifted to" the Pacific.
Milley said no decisions had been made yet and insisted Washington was not pulling out of Africa completely.
"We're developing options for the secretary to consider, and we are developing those options in coordination with our allies and partners," Milley said, adding that "economy of forces does not mean zero”.
Washington has some 7,000 special forces on rotation in Africa carrying out joint operations with national forces against jihadists, particularly in Somalia.
Another 2,000 soldiers conduct training missions in some 40 African countries and take part in cooperative operations, in particular with France's Operation Barkhane in Mali, to which they provide mainly logistical assistance.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-01-13--Exclusive: ‘We cannot afford instability in our part of the world’, King Abdullah II of Jordan tells

Exclusive: ‘We cannot afford instability in our part of the world’, King Abdullah II of Jordan tells FRANCE 24

King Abdullah II of Jordan sat down for an exclusive interview Sunday with FRANCE 24 's Marc Perelman to discuss @ @ @ @ @ the escalating tensions between Iran and the US , the stalled peace process in Israel @ @ @ @ @ Syria .
“ Obviously on the forefront of people ’ s minds is what is @ @ @ @ @ US .
So far it looks like de-escalation '' , King Abdullah II told France @ @ @ @ @ We hope that continues to be the trend , we can not afford any instability @ @ @ @ @ world .
An instability in our part of the world affects Europe and the rest @ @ @ @ @ on the video player above to watch our exclusive interview .

King Abdullah II of Jordan sat down for an exclusive interview Sunday with FRANCE 24's Marc Perelman to discuss a number of issues including the escalating tensions between Iran and the US, the stalled peace process in Israel and the ongoing conflict in Syria.
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“Obviously on the forefront of people’s minds is what is happening between Iran and the US. So far it looks like de-escalation", King Abdullah II told France 24 in Amman. "We hope that continues to be the trend, we cannot afford any instability in our part of the world. An instability in our part of the world affects Europe and the rest of the globe.”
Click on the video player above to watch our exclusive interview.
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