france24--2020-10-09--North Korea to defy coronavirus with huge parade

Saturday is expected to see thousands of goose-stepping soldiers packed into Pyongyang 's Kim Il Sung Square , named for North Korea 's founder , under the gaze of his grandson Kim Jong Un Nuclear-armed North Korea is expected to parade its latest and most advanced weapons through the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday , as the coronavirus-barricaded country celebrates the 75th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Un 's ruling party .
South Korea 's unification minister told parliament on Thursday that a `` large-scale parade '' was anticipated , and satellite imagery on the respected 38North website has also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The anniversary comes during a difficult year for North Korea as the coronavirus pandemic and recent storms add pressure to the heavily sanctioned country .
Pyongyang closed its borders eight months ago to try to protect itself from the virus -- which first emerged in neighbouring China -- and has still to confirm a single case of infection .
Last month , troops from the North shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who had drifted into its waters , apparently as a precaution against the disease , prompting fury in Seoul and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Saturday is expected to see thousands of goose-stepping soldiers packed into Pyongyang 's Kim Il Sung Square , named for North Korea 's founder , under the gaze of his grandson , the third member of the family to rule the country .
A procession of progressively larger armoured vehicles and tanks is likely to follow , culminating with whatever missiles Pyongyang wants to put on show .
The North is widely believed to have continued to develop its arsenal -- which it says it needs to protect itself from a US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , deadlocked since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi in February last year .
Now analysts expect a new submarine-launched ballistic missile ( SLBM ) or an intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM ) capable of reaching the US mainland to appear -- maybe even one with multiple re-entry vehicle capabilities that could allow it to evade US defence systems .
The anniversary of the Workers ' Party means North Korea `` has a political and strategic need to do something bigger '' , said Sung-yoon Lee , a Korean studies professor at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Showcasing its most advanced weapons `` will signal a big step forward in Pyongyang 's credible threat capabilities '' , he said .
But unlike on many previous occasions , no international media have been allowed in to watch the parade , and with many foreign embassies in Pyongyang closing their doors in the face of coronavirus restrictions , few outside observers will be present .
It is not clear whether state broadcaster KCTV will air the event live -- some past parades have not appeared on television until the following day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs that Kim is to give a speech at the parade , Yonhap News Agency reported Friday citing unnamed sources .
At the end of December , Kim threatened to demonstrate a `` new strategic weapon '' , but analysts say Pyongyang will still tread carefully to avoid jeopardising its chances with Washington ahead of next month 's presidential elections .
Showing off its strategic weapons in a military parade `` would be consistent with what Kim Jong Un promised '' , while `` not provoking the US as much as a test-launch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ former US government North Korea analyst Rachel Lee .
The messaging of the parade `` will be heavily domestic -- on party accomplishments , unity around the leader , and improving the economy before the Eighth Party Congress '' , she added , referring to a meeting of the Workers ' Party due to take place in January .
But Harry Kazianis of the Center for the National Interest warned that with thousands of people involved , it could turn into a `` deadly superspreader-like event '' unless `` extreme precautions '' were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak , and he added that such protective measures seemed `` pretty unlikely '' .

Seoul (AFP) –
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Nuclear-armed North Korea is expected to parade its latest and most advanced weapons through the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday, as the coronavirus-barricaded country celebrates the 75th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Un's ruling party.
South Korea's unification minister told parliament on Thursday that a "large-scale parade" was anticipated, and satellite imagery on the respected 38North website has also suggested the cavalcade could be huge.
The anniversary comes during a difficult year for North Korea as the coronavirus pandemic and recent storms add pressure to the heavily sanctioned country.
Pyongyang closed its borders eight months ago to try to protect itself from the virus -- which first emerged in neighbouring China -- and has still to confirm a single case of infection.
Last month, troops from the North shot dead a South Korean fisheries official who had drifted into its waters, apparently as a precaution against the disease, prompting fury in Seoul and a rare apology from Kim.
Nevertheless, Saturday is expected to see thousands of goose-stepping soldiers packed into Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung Square, named for North Korea's founder, under the gaze of his grandson, the third member of the family to rule the country.
A procession of progressively larger armoured vehicles and tanks is likely to follow, culminating with whatever missiles Pyongyang wants to put on show.
The North is widely believed to have continued to develop its arsenal -- which it says it needs to protect itself from a US invasion -- throughout nuclear negotiations with Washington, deadlocked since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi in February last year.
Now analysts expect a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland to appear -- maybe even one with multiple re-entry vehicle capabilities that could allow it to evade US defence systems.
The anniversary of the Workers' Party means North Korea "has a political and strategic need to do something bigger", said Sung-yoon Lee, a Korean studies professor at Tufts University in the United States.
Showcasing its most advanced weapons "will signal a big step forward in Pyongyang's credible threat capabilities", he said.
But unlike on many previous occasions, no international media have been allowed in to watch the parade, and with many foreign embassies in Pyongyang closing their doors in the face of coronavirus restrictions, few outside observers will be present.
It is not clear whether state broadcaster KCTV will air the event live -- some past parades have not appeared on television until the following day.
But the South's government has detected signs that Kim is to give a speech at the parade, Yonhap News Agency reported Friday citing unnamed sources.
- Masks and missiles? -
At the end of December, Kim threatened to demonstrate a "new strategic weapon", but analysts say Pyongyang will still tread carefully to avoid jeopardising its chances with Washington ahead of next month's presidential elections.
Showing off its strategic weapons in a military parade "would be consistent with what Kim Jong Un promised", while "not provoking the US as much as a test-launch of a strategic weapon", said former US government North Korea analyst Rachel Lee.
The messaging of the parade "will be heavily domestic -- on party accomplishments, unity around the leader, and improving the economy before the Eighth Party Congress", she added, referring to a meeting of the Workers' Party due to take place in January.
But Harry Kazianis of the Center for the National Interest warned that with thousands of people involved, it could turn into a "deadly superspreader-like event" unless "extreme precautions" were used.
The impoverished nation's crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak, and he added that such protective measures seemed "pretty unlikely".
"Clearly masks and missiles don't mix."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Moscow hosts Armenia-Azerbaijan talks as fighting continues over Nagorno-Karabakh

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov , centre , Armenia 's Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan , right , and Azerbaijan 's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov are shown during their meeting in Moscow , Russia , on October 9 , 2020 , in this photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service .
Armenia and Azerbaijan held their first high-level talks in Moscow on Friday after nearly two weeks of fierce clashes over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region , amid hopes that a ceasefire could be brokered .
The talks between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia continued for some six @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if the ministers would speak to reporters afterwards .
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova did not provide an immediate comment on the progress of the negotiations .
A spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry told reporters that fighting continued despite the talks in Moscow .
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev , who has repeatedly vowed to use his military to retake the breakaway province , said earlier in the day that the talks represented a historic opportunity for Armenia .
`` We are giving Armenia a chance to settle the conflict peacefully , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their last chance . ''
Armenia 's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his country was `` ready for the resumption of the peace process '' led by international brokers .
France , which along with Russia and the United States is part of a group mediating the two countries ' long conflict , said there was a chance of a breakthrough at the talks but it was far from certain .
`` We are moving towards a truce tonight or tomorrow but it 's still fragile , '' President Emmanuel Macron 's office @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenian and Azerbaijani defence officials said heavy clashes continued into Friday and reported further civilian deaths , after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the meeting in Moscow late Thursday and appealed for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds .
Shelling started again on Friday in Stepanakert , the provincial capital of Karabakh , where an AFP journalist heard several loud explosions and saw the remains of a rocket in a crater next to a cemetery for dead soldiers .
Waving flags of Nagorno-Karabakh , hundreds of demonstrators in an Armenian suburb of Lebanese capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ solidarity with the embattled enclave .
Renewed fighting over Karabakh -- an ethnic Armenian region of Azerbaijan that broke from Baku 's control in a devastating war in the early 1990s -- has claimed some 400 lives and forced thousands of people from their homes .
The heavy clashes erupted late last month , with both sides blaming the other for the biggest outbreak in violence since a 1994 ceasefire left the status of Karabakh in limbo .
The region 's declaration of independence has not been recognised by any country -- even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as part of Azerbaijan .
The Kremlin said late on Thursday that following a series of calls with Pashinyan and Aliyev , Putin had invited their foreign ministers to Moscow and called for an end to hostilities `` to exchange dead bodies and prisoners '' .
Putin 's announcement of the talks came shortly after international mediators from France , Russia and the United States launched their first efforts to resolve the fighting in Geneva .
The countries make up the `` Minsk Group '' that has sought a solution to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stop sporadic outbreaks of fighting .
The negotiations in Geneva went ahead without Armenia , which refused to participate while the fighting was ongoing , and there were no public statements following the closed-door talks .
During a visit to Armenian capital Yerevan , Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reiterated that Russia was prepared to help bring about peace alongside Minsk Group members .
`` It 's important to make sure that all hostilities are halted and to start a diplomatic settlement of the conflict , '' he said .
Since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have been displaced by the clashes .
Stepanakert is dotted with damaged buildings and unexploded ordnance following days of shelling .
AFP journalists have also witnessed destruction in villages in Azerbaijan near the front line .
Armenia accused Azerbaijan on Thursday of hitting the iconic Ghazanchetsots ( Holy Saviour ) Cathedral leaving a gaping hole in its roof and several journalists injured .
Armenia 's rights ombudsman Artak Beglaryan told AFP this week that the renewed fighting has displaced around half of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 90 percent of its women and children from their homes .
Dozens of civilians have been confirmed killed and the Armenian side has acknowledged 350 military deaths , while Azerbaijan has not admitted to any fatalities among its troops .
Turkey 's strong backing for Azerbaijan has sown fears in the West that the conflict could spiral into a full-blown war embroiling Ankara and Moscow , which has a military treaty with Armenia .
Putin and Macron are among the world leaders to denounce the reported deployment of pro-Turkish fighters from Syria and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ warned of `` terrorists '' who had joined the conflict from abroad .

Armenia and Azerbaijan held their first high-level talks in Moscow on Friday after nearly two weeks of fierce clashes over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, amid hopes that a ceasefire could be brokered.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, centre, Armenia's Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, right, and Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov are shown during their meeting in Moscow, Russia, on October 9, 2020, in this photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service.
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The talks between the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia continued for some six hours but it was not immediately clear if the ministers would speak to reporters afterwards.
Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova did not provide an immediate comment on the progress of the negotiations.
A spokesman for the Armenian defence ministry told reporters that fighting continued despite the talks in Moscow.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who has repeatedly vowed to use his military to retake the breakaway province, said earlier in the day that the talks represented a historic opportunity for Armenia.
"We are giving Armenia a chance to settle the conflict peacefully," he said. "This is their last chance."
Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said his country was "ready for the resumption of the peace process" led by international brokers.
France, which along with Russia and the United States is part of a group mediating the two countries' long conflict, said there was a chance of a breakthrough at the talks but it was far from certain.
"We are moving towards a truce tonight or tomorrow but it's still fragile," President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement to AFP.
Armenian and Azerbaijani defence officials said heavy clashes continued into Friday and reported further civilian deaths, after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the meeting in Moscow late Thursday and appealed for a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.
Shelling started again on Friday in Stepanakert, the provincial capital of Karabakh, where an AFP journalist heard several loud explosions and saw the remains of a rocket in a crater next to a cemetery for dead soldiers.
Waving flags of Nagorno-Karabakh, hundreds of demonstrators in an Armenian suburb of Lebanese capital Beirut took part in a show of solidarity with the embattled enclave.
Mediation efforts
Renewed fighting over Karabakh -- an ethnic Armenian region of Azerbaijan that broke from Baku's control in a devastating war in the early 1990s -- has claimed some 400 lives and forced thousands of people from their homes.
The heavy clashes erupted late last month, with both sides blaming the other for the biggest outbreak in violence since a 1994 ceasefire left the status of Karabakh in limbo.
The region's declaration of independence has not been recognised by any country -- even Armenia -- and the international community regards it as part of Azerbaijan.
The Kremlin said late on Thursday that following a series of calls with Pashinyan and Aliyev, Putin had invited their foreign ministers to Moscow and called for an end to hostilities "to exchange dead bodies and prisoners".
Putin's announcement of the talks came shortly after international mediators from France, Russia and the United States launched their first efforts to resolve the fighting in Geneva.
The countries make up the "Minsk Group" that has sought a solution to the Karabakh conflict for decades but have failed to stop sporadic outbreaks of fighting.
The negotiations in Geneva went ahead without Armenia, which refused to participate while the fighting was ongoing, and there were no public statements following the closed-door talks.
Mounting civilian toll
During a visit to Armenian capital Yerevan, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin reiterated that Russia was prepared to help bring about peace alongside Minsk Group members.
"It's important to make sure that all hostilities are halted and to start a diplomatic settlement of the conflict," he said.
Since the fighting restarted both sides have accused the other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have been displaced by the clashes.
Stepanakert is dotted with damaged buildings and unexploded ordnance following days of shelling. AFP journalists have also witnessed destruction in villages in Azerbaijan near the front line.
Armenia accused Azerbaijan on Thursday of hitting the iconic Ghazanchetsots (Holy Saviour) Cathedral leaving a gaping hole in its roof and several journalists injured.
Armenia's rights ombudsman Artak Beglaryan told AFP this week that the renewed fighting has displaced around half of Karabakh's 140,000 residents and forced some 90 percent of its women and children from their homes.
Dozens of civilians have been confirmed killed and the Armenian side has acknowledged 350 military deaths, while Azerbaijan has not admitted to any fatalities among its troops.
Turkey's strong backing for Azerbaijan has sown fears in the West that the conflict could spiral into a full-blown war embroiling Ankara and Moscow, which has a military treaty with Armenia.
Putin and Macron are among the world leaders to denounce the reported deployment of pro-Turkish fighters from Syria and Libya to Karabakh and Iran this week warned of "terrorists" who had joined the conflict from abroad.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-10-09--Yankees all-time wins leader Whitey Ford dead at age 91

New York Yankees all-time wins leader Whitey Ford , a six-time World Series champion and Hall of Fame pitcher , has died , the Major League Baseball team announced Friday .
He was 91 .
Ford died Thursday night surrounded by his family watching the Yankees in a playoff victory over Tampa Bay , the team said .
`` All of Major League Baseball mourns the loss of Whitey Ford , a New York City native who became a legend for his hometown team , '' MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said .
`` Whitey earned his status as the ace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our sport 's rich history . ''
The left-hander nicknamed `` Chairman of the Board '' went 236-106 with a 2.75 earned-run average over 16 seasons with the Yankees , taking the 1961 Cy Young Award as the American League 's top pitcher .
Ford , inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964 , has a .690 winning percentage , the highest of any modern-era pitcher with at least 150 triumphs .
`` Whitey 's name and accomplishments are forever stitched into the fabric of baseball 's rich history , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` He was a treasure and one of the greatest of Yankees to ever wear the pinstripes ...
In so many ways he encapsulated the spirit of the Yankees teams he played for and represented for nearly two decades . ''
Steinbrenner described Ford as `` New York tough '' with `` a genuine personality and charisma that showed throughout his life , '' calling his death `` a tremendous loss to the Yankees and the baseball community . ''
Born on October 21 , 1928 in New York , Edward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ camp as a first baseman but his strong throwing arm prompted a move to the mound and a $ 7,000 contract for the 1947 campaign .
`` I was a Yankee fan since I was five or six , '' Ford said upon his Hall of Fame induction .
`` To think when I was 21 years old I ’ d be playing with ( Joe ) DiMaggio and ( Yogi ) Berra against guys like Stan Musial and Roy Campanella , it 's just something I ca n't fathom .
It has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another famed Yankees southpaw hurler , nicknamed the blond-haired Ford `` Whitey '' while managing him on a minor-league squad before his 1950 MLB debut .
Ford went 9-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 20 games as a rookie .
He won the clinching game of the 1950 World Series over Philadelphia , allowing only two unearned runs over 8 2/3 innings , what Ford later called `` my first big thrill in baseball . ''
Ford missed the next two seasons while serving in the US Army during the Korean War @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He returned in 1953 to help the Yankees capture a fifth consecutive World Series crown .
Ford pitched in 11 World Series during his 16 seasons .
His 10 World Series victories remain the most of any pitcher in history .
Overall , Ford went 10-8 with a 2.71 ERA in a record 22 career World Series starts .
He also set World Series records with 94 strikeouts and 146 innings pitched .

New York (AFP) –
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New York Yankees all-time wins leader Whitey Ford, a six-time World Series champion and Hall of Fame pitcher, has died, the Major League Baseball team announced Friday. He was 91.
Ford died Thursday night surrounded by his family watching the Yankees in a playoff victory over Tampa Bay, the team said.
"All of Major League Baseball mourns the loss of Whitey Ford, a New York City native who became a legend for his hometown team," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said.
"Whitey earned his status as the ace of some of the most memorable teams in our sport's rich history."
The left-hander nicknamed "Chairman of the Board" went 236-106 with a 2.75 earned-run average over 16 seasons with the Yankees, taking the 1961 Cy Young Award as the American League's top pitcher.
Ford, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1964, has a .690 winning percentage, the highest of any modern-era pitcher with at least 150 triumphs.
"Whitey's name and accomplishments are forever stitched into the fabric of baseball's rich history," Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said.
"He was a treasure and one of the greatest of Yankees to ever wear the pinstripes... In so many ways he encapsulated the spirit of the Yankees teams he played for and represented for nearly two decades."
Steinbrenner described Ford as "New York tough" with "a genuine personality and charisma that showed throughout his life," calling his death "a tremendous loss to the Yankees and the baseball community."
Born on October 21, 1928 in New York, Edward Charles Ford attended a 1946 Yankees tryout camp as a first baseman but his strong throwing arm prompted a move to the mound and a $7,000 contract for the 1947 campaign.
"I was a Yankee fan since I was five or six," Ford said upon his Hall of Fame induction. "To think when I was 21 years old I’d be playing with (Joe) DiMaggio and (Yogi) Berra against guys like Stan Musial and Roy Campanella, it's just something I can't fathom. It has just been great."
Lefty Gomez, another famed Yankees southpaw hurler, nicknamed the blond-haired Ford "Whitey" while managing him on a minor-league squad before his 1950 MLB debut. Ford went 9-1 with a 2.81 ERA in 20 games as a rookie.
He won the clinching game of the 1950 World Series over Philadelphia, allowing only two unearned runs over 8 2/3 innings, what Ford later called "my first big thrill in baseball."
Ford missed the next two seasons while serving in the US Army during the Korean War, but was never sent overseas. He returned in 1953 to help the Yankees capture a fifth consecutive World Series crown.
Ford pitched in 11 World Series during his 16 seasons. His 10 World Series victories remain the most of any pitcher in history.
Overall, Ford went 10-8 with a 2.71 ERA in a record 22 career World Series starts. He also set World Series records with 94 strikeouts and 146 innings pitched.
Between 1960-62, Ford threw a record 33 2/3 consecutive scoreless World Series innings, breaking Babe Ruth's record of 29 2/3.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Djokovic to face Nadal in French Open final blockbuster

On top : Novak Djokovic was psyched up for his semi-final Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster French Open title showdown with Rafael Nadal on Friday after a dramatic five-set semi-final victory over Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas .
World number one Djokovic , the 2016 champion at Roland Garros , reached his fifth final in Paris , defeating fifth seed Tsitsipas 6-3 , 6-2 , 5-7 , 4-6 , 6-1 in a roller-coaster of a contest where he had held a match point in the third set .
Nadal , the 12-time champion , defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-3 , 6-3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a 13th final at the tournament .
On Sunday , Djokovic can win an 18th major and become the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice .
Nadal , the world number two , can equal Roger Federer 's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam title wins .
Djokovic is one of only two men to have defeated Nadal at Roland Garros in 15 years .
Sunday will be their 56th clash .
`` This is the house of Rafa , '' said Djokovic .
`` I will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beat him here in 2015 but this will be the biggest challenge - playing Nadal on clay . ''
Djokovic hailed Tsitsipas , who was appearing in the semi-final of a Slam for only the second time .
`` Stefanos is a big player but after four hours he was tired .
He gave me a lot of trouble .
I looked calm on the surface but it was a different story inside , '' added Djokovic who will be in his 27th Slam final .
Djokovic took a 5-1 career lead over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signs of the neck and shoulder injury which blighted his performance against Pablo Carreno Busta in the last eight , he secured the only break of the opener in the second game .
Crucially , he saved all five break points he faced .
That became seven from seven early in the second set and he made Tsitsipas pay , breaking for a 3-2 edge and backing it up with another for 5-2 .
The 22-year-old Greek , appearing in his first French Open semi-final , just could n't make Djokovic crack .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second game of the third set with Djokovic breaking for 5-4 .
Having saved two more break points , Djokovic was unable to convert a match point in the 10th game , picked up a time violation and , unsettled by the call as well as disturbances in the crowd , was broken at the 11th time of asking .
From the brink of a quick exit , Tsitsipas stayed alive , taking the third set 7-5 .
Djokovic squandered 10 break points in the fourth set as Tsitsipas , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his opening match against Jaume Munar , levelled the match .
However , in a final twist and as the clock ticked closer to the four-hour mark , Tsitsipas faded away in the decider , dropping serve twice to hand Djokovic a 4-1 lead .
He saved another match point but was powerless on the third as Djokovic fired a clean winner .
For 34-year-old Nadal , his win over Schwartzman was his 99th at Roland Garros .
He is into his 28th final at the majors and has not dropped a set @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's always incredible to play here and this is a very special moment , '' said Nadal after a 10th win in 11 matches against Schwartzman who had shocked him in Rome last month .
`` I played a couple of bad points in the third set but Diego is a very tough player .
He probably makes more breaks on the tour than others .
`` It was difficult until the end but it was a positive match for me . ''
Nadal fought off two break points in a marathon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for 2-0 but Schwartzman retrieved it immediately .
It was a brief respite for the 5ft 6in ( 1.68m ) player affectionately known as `` El Peque '' ( `` shorty '' ) , as the 28-year-old was broken again in the fourth game .
The Argentine saved a couple of set points but dumped the third one in the net and the opener was Nadal 's after 65 minutes on court .
Nadal was comfortably the stronger , breaking in the third and ninth games for a two sets lead .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ away , Schwartzman dropped serve again to go 3-1 down in the third .
But he rallied as Nadal slipped into passivity and by the 11th game he was on back on serve although he remonstrated with himself for squandering three break points that would have left him serving for the set .
That was his last chance as Nadal stormed through the tiebreaker .
The Argentine was left to regret his 48 unforced errors and converting just three of his 12 break points .
`` It 's different playing against Djokovic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Is not easy playing them five sets because you have to play your best tennis maybe for three , four hours , five hours .
Physically it 's very hard , '' he admitted .

Paris (AFP) –
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Novak Djokovic set up a blockbuster French Open title showdown with Rafael Nadal on Friday after a dramatic five-set semi-final victory over Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
World number one Djokovic, the 2016 champion at Roland Garros, reached his fifth final in Paris, defeating fifth seed Tsitsipas 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1 in a roller-coaster of a contest where he had held a match point in the third set.
Nadal, the 12-time champion, defeated Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7/0) to make a 13th final at the tournament.
On Sunday, Djokovic can win an 18th major and become the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice.
Nadal, the world number two, can equal Roger Federer's all-time record of 20 Grand Slam title wins.
Djokovic is one of only two men to have defeated Nadal at Roland Garros in 15 years. Sunday will be their 56th clash.
"This is the house of Rafa," said Djokovic. "I will have the motivation to win, I beat him here in 2015 but this will be the biggest challenge - playing Nadal on clay."
Djokovic hailed Tsitsipas, who was appearing in the semi-final of a Slam for only the second time.
"Stefanos is a big player but after four hours he was tired. He gave me a lot of trouble. I looked calm on the surface but it was a different story inside," added Djokovic who will be in his 27th Slam final.
Djokovic took a 5-1 career lead over Tsitsipas into the semi-final and showing no signs of the neck and shoulder injury which blighted his performance against Pablo Carreno Busta in the last eight, he secured the only break of the opener in the second game.
Crucially, he saved all five break points he faced.
That became seven from seven early in the second set and he made Tsitsipas pay, breaking for a 3-2 edge and backing it up with another for 5-2.
The 22-year-old Greek, appearing in his first French Open semi-final, just couldn't make Djokovic crack.
An eighth break point came and went in the second game of the third set with Djokovic breaking for 5-4.
- Nadal into 13th final -
Having saved two more break points, Djokovic was unable to convert a match point in the 10th game, picked up a time violation and, unsettled by the call as well as disturbances in the crowd, was broken at the 11th time of asking.
From the brink of a quick exit, Tsitsipas stayed alive, taking the third set 7-5.
Djokovic squandered 10 break points in the fourth set as Tsitsipas, who had also been two sets down in his opening match against Jaume Munar, levelled the match.
However, in a final twist and as the clock ticked closer to the four-hour mark, Tsitsipas faded away in the decider, dropping serve twice to hand Djokovic a 4-1 lead.
He saved another match point but was powerless on the third as Djokovic fired a clean winner.
For 34-year-old Nadal, his win over Schwartzman was his 99th at Roland Garros.
He is into his 28th final at the majors and has not dropped a set in the tournament this year.
"It's always incredible to play here and this is a very special moment," said Nadal after a 10th win in 11 matches against Schwartzman who had shocked him in Rome last month.
"I played a couple of bad points in the third set but Diego is a very tough player. He probably makes more breaks on the tour than others.
"It was difficult until the end but it was a positive match for me."
Nadal fought off two break points in a marathon 14-minute opening game. He then broke for 2-0 but Schwartzman retrieved it immediately.
It was a brief respite for the 5ft 6in (1.68m) player affectionately known as "El Peque" ("shorty"), as the 28-year-old was broken again in the fourth game.
The Argentine saved a couple of set points but dumped the third one in the net and the opener was Nadal's after 65 minutes on court.
Nadal was comfortably the stronger, breaking in the third and ninth games for a two sets lead.
With the match and his spirit seemingly drifting away, Schwartzman dropped serve again to go 3-1 down in the third.
But he rallied as Nadal slipped into passivity and by the 11th game he was on back on serve although he remonstrated with himself for squandering three break points that would have left him serving for the set.
That was his last chance as Nadal stormed through the tiebreaker.
The Argentine was left to regret his 48 unforced errors and converting just three of his 12 break points.
"It's different playing against Djokovic, Federer, Rafa, these guys. Is not easy playing them five sets because you have to play your best tennis maybe for three, four hours, five hours. Physically it's very hard," he admitted.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Two Islamic State 'Beatles' plead not guilty in US court

El Shafee Elsheikh ( L ) and Alexanda Kotey ( R ) , members of the Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the `` Beatles , '' pleaded not guilty in a US court Two members of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the `` Beatles '' pleaded not guilty in a US court on Friday to charges of conspiring to murder four American hostages .
El Shafee Elsheikh , 32 , and Alexanda Kotey , 36 , were flown to the US from Iraq on Wednesday to face trial for involvement in the murders of American journalists James Foley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kassig and Kayla Mueller .
Appearing from prison by videolink , they pleaded not guilty during a hearing in US District Court in Alexandria , Virginia before Judge TS Ellis and waived their right to a speedy trial .
Ellis described the case as `` complex and unusual '' and set the next hearing for January 15 .
The veteran judge said he wanted the trial to be held `` as soon as possible '' but `` time is required in order to achieve the ends of justice in this case . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Elsheikh and Kotey are also suspected of involvement in the killing of two Britons , Alan Henning and David Haines , and several other hostages including two Japanese nationals .
Kotey and Elsheikh 's four-member IS cell was dubbed the `` Beatles '' by their captives due to their British accents .
Britain stripped them of their UK nationality but their transfer to the United States was made possible only after the US authorities assured London they would not seek the death penalty .
Britain handed over evidence against the pair to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the assurance .
The two former British nationals had been in the custody of US forces in Iraq since October 2019 after being captured in January 2018 by Syrian Kurdish forces .
The eight-count US grand jury indictment charges them with various crimes including hostage-taking , conspiracy to commit murder and other offenses .
If convicted , they face a maximum sentence of life in prison .
According to the indictment , Kotey and Elsheikh were involved in abducting American , European and Japanese hostages in Syria from 2012 to 2015 along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beatles . ''
They allegedly tortured and killed their victims , including by beheading , and the IS released videos of the murders for propaganda purposes .
Alleged ringleader Mohamed Emwazi , known as `` Jihadi John , '' was killed in a US airstrike in Syria in November 2015 while the fourth `` Beatle , '' Aine Davis , is imprisoned in Turkey after being convicted on terrorism charges .
According to US authorities , the London-born Kotey and the Sudanese-born Elsheikh traveled to Syria from Britain in 2012 after being radicalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ detention facilities for hostages and allegedly coordinated ransom negotiations conducted by email , according to the US authorities .
The pair also engaged in a `` prolonged pattern of physical and psychological violence against hostages , '' they said .
`` The cell was infamous , even inside ISIS , for their cruel and harsh methods , '' Anne Speckhard and Ardian Shajkovci of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism in Washington said in a report .
`` There seemed to be no bounds to their sadistic methods , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with mock executions . ''
The families of Foley , Kassig , Sotloff and Mueller have welcomed the transfer of the two IS members to the United States to face justice .
`` James , Peter , Kayla and Steven were kidnapped , tortured , beaten , starved , and murdered by members of the Islamic State in Syria , '' the families said in a joint statement .
`` Now our families can pursue accountability for these crimes against our children in a US court . ''
`` We are hopeful that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to send the important message that if you harm Americans , you will never escape justice , '' they said .
`` And when you are caught , you will face the full power of American law . ''
The families had lobbied to have the pair brought to the United States to be tried in a court of law rather than transferred to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba , where other prisoners in the US `` war on terror '' have been held .

Alexandria (United States) (AFP) –
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Two members of the notorious Islamic State kidnapping cell dubbed the "Beatles" pleaded not guilty in a US court on Friday to charges of conspiring to murder four American hostages.
El Shafee Elsheikh, 32, and Alexanda Kotey, 36, were flown to the US from Iraq on Wednesday to face trial for involvement in the murders of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and relief workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.
Appearing from prison by videolink, they pleaded not guilty during a hearing in US District Court in Alexandria, Virginia before Judge TS Ellis and waived their right to a speedy trial.
Ellis described the case as "complex and unusual" and set the next hearing for January 15.
The veteran judge said he wanted the trial to be held "as soon as possible" but "time is required in order to achieve the ends of justice in this case."
Besides the deaths of the four Americans, Elsheikh and Kotey are also suspected of involvement in the killing of two Britons, Alan Henning and David Haines, and several other hostages including two Japanese nationals.
Kotey and Elsheikh's four-member IS cell was dubbed the "Beatles" by their captives due to their British accents.
Britain stripped them of their UK nationality but their transfer to the United States was made possible only after the US authorities assured London they would not seek the death penalty.
Britain handed over evidence against the pair to the US authorities last month after receiving the assurance.
The two former British nationals had been in the custody of US forces in Iraq since October 2019 after being captured in January 2018 by Syrian Kurdish forces.
- 'Physical and psychological violence' -
The eight-count US grand jury indictment charges them with various crimes including hostage-taking, conspiracy to commit murder and other offenses.
If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
According to the indictment, Kotey and Elsheikh were involved in abducting American, European and Japanese hostages in Syria from 2012 to 2015 along with two other British members of the "Beatles."
They allegedly tortured and killed their victims, including by beheading, and the IS released videos of the murders for propaganda purposes.
Alleged ringleader Mohamed Emwazi, known as "Jihadi John," was killed in a US airstrike in Syria in November 2015 while the fourth "Beatle," Aine Davis, is imprisoned in Turkey after being convicted on terrorism charges.
According to US authorities, the London-born Kotey and the Sudanese-born Elsheikh traveled to Syria from Britain in 2012 after being radicalized in Britain.
Kotey and Elsheikh supervised detention facilities for hostages and allegedly coordinated ransom negotiations conducted by email, according to the US authorities.
The pair also engaged in a "prolonged pattern of physical and psychological violence against hostages," they said.
"The cell was infamous, even inside ISIS, for their cruel and harsh methods," Anne Speckhard and Ardian Shajkovci of the International Center for the Study of Violent Extremism in Washington said in a report.
"There seemed to be no bounds to their sadistic methods, including crucifixion, waterboarding and tormenting their hostages with mock executions."
The families of Foley, Kassig, Sotloff and Mueller have welcomed the transfer of the two IS members to the United States to face justice.
"James, Peter, Kayla and Steven were kidnapped, tortured, beaten, starved, and murdered by members of the Islamic State in Syria," the families said in a joint statement. "Now our families can pursue accountability for these crimes against our children in a US court."
"We are hopeful that the US government will finally be able to send the important message that if you harm Americans, you will never escape justice," they said. "And when you are caught, you will face the full power of American law."
The families had lobbied to have the pair brought to the United States to be tried in a court of law rather than transferred to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, where other prisoners in the US "war on terror" have been held.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--French Open at a glance - Day 13

French Open at a glance - Day 13

Rafael Nadal is 99-2 at Roland Garros heading into Sunday 's final French Open at a glance on Friday , the 13th day of the 2020 championship at Roland Garros : + Nadal and Djokovic to meet for fourth time in French Open final + Djokovic fends off Tsitsipas in five sets + Swiatek beaten in last four of doubles '' I remember I just played good tennis , but I do n't remember a lot actually because it was four years ago .
But tomorrow is going to be totally different story . ''
-- Iga Swiatek says her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French Open junior event will have no bearing on Saturday 's final '' I feel like I 'm ready .
I also feel like I do n't have to win .
I 'm pretty okay with both scenarios . ''
-- Win or lose , Swiatek says she will reflect fondly on a `` great run in singles '' '' It 's always incredible to play here and this is a very special moment . ''
`` The beginning in every single match I play against Rafa , it 's always , like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
-- Diego Schwartzman on the protracted struggle of facing the 12-time Roland Garros champion '' I 'm not going to say who is the better .
But I can say the most beautiful thing about these three guys is how different are these guys on court and outside the court .
They are really different . ''
-- Schwartzman on the contrasting styles of Nadal , Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer '' I ca n't predict the future , no ?
The only thing I know is to play against Novak @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
-- Nadal is n't convinced his past triumphs over Djokovic will play any factor in their latest showdown .
`` Honestly , play at 11:00 in the evening with that cold the other night is tough .
In some way little bit dangerous for the body , especially for an old body like my one . ''
-- Nadal alludes to the fact he is no longer the fresh-faced teenager who took the tournament by storm on his debut in 2005 '' Here , it 's obviously him ( Nadal ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the titles he 's won . ''
-- Novak Djokovic , when asked who is the favourite for the title '' I believe my body was not ready , physically I was n't there . ''
-- Stefanos Tsitsipas said an injury he sustained in Rome resurfaced in the fifth set

Paris (AFP) –
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French Open at a glance on Friday, the 13th day of the 2020 championship at Roland Garros:
Headlines
+ Nadal and Djokovic to meet for fourth time in French Open final
+ Djokovic fends off Tsitsipas in five sets
+ Nadal sweeps into 13th Paris final
+ Swiatek beaten in last four of doubles
Top results
Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) bt Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE x5) 6-3, 6-2, 5-7, 4-6, 6-1
Rafael Nadal (ESP x2) bt Diego Schwartzman (ARG x12) 6-3, 6-3, 7-6 (7/0)
Who's saying what
"I remember I just played good tennis, but I don't remember a lot actually because it was four years ago. But tomorrow is going to be totally different story."
-- Iga Swiatek says her win over Sofia Kenin at the 2016 French Open junior event will have no bearing on Saturday's final
"I feel like I'm ready. I also feel like I don't have to win. I'm pretty okay with both scenarios."
-- Win or lose, Swiatek says she will reflect fondly on a "great run in singles"
"It's always incredible to play here and this is a very special moment."
-- Rafael Nadal on reaching a 13th French Open final
"The beginning in every single match I play against Rafa, it's always, like, 25 minutes and it's 1-all."
-- Diego Schwartzman on the protracted struggle of facing the 12-time Roland Garros champion
"I'm not going to say who is the better. But I can say the most beautiful thing about these three guys is how different are these guys on court and outside the court. They are really different."
-- Schwartzman on the contrasting styles of Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer
"I can't predict the future, no? The only thing I know is to play against Novak, I need to play my best."
-- Nadal isn't convinced his past triumphs over Djokovic will play any factor in their latest showdown.
"Honestly, play at 11:00 in the evening with that cold the other night is tough. In some way little bit dangerous for the body, especially for an old body like my one."
-- Nadal alludes to the fact he is no longer the fresh-faced teenager who took the tournament by storm on his debut in 2005
"Here, it's obviously him (Nadal). It's his house with all the titles he's won."
-- Novak Djokovic, when asked who is the favourite for the title
"I believe my body was not ready, physically I wasn't there."
-- Stefanos Tsitsipas said an injury he sustained in Rome resurfaced in the fifth set
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-09--Brexit: EU and UK in choppy waters over fishing rights

Gulls surround a fishing trawler as it works in the North Sea , off the coast of northeast England on January 21 , 2020 .
Fishing rights have been one of the main sticking points in Brexit negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom since March .
Yet neither side appears ready to concede , despite mounting fears within the fishing industry over the consequences of a “ no-deal ” exit .
With less than a week to go before a decisive European Council meeting on the future of EU-UK relations , it looks as though ongoing tensions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an eventual agreement .
“ If we want a deal , we need to reach an agreement on fishing .
We need a compromise that we could float to the United Kingdom as part of a total agreement , ” Michel Barnier , the EU ’ s chief Brexit negotiator , said on Wednesday .
The issue is of particular importance to a handful of EU member states , including France , the Netherlands , Belgium , Ireland and Denmark .
The EU initially hoped to maintain access to British waters — which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transition , which ends on December 31 , 2020 .
But the United Kingdom wants to limit access and renegotiate fishing rights every year , a point the EU has refused to cede .
Although the fishing industry represents just 0.1 percent of the United Kingdom ’ s GDP , the British government has used it as leverage in negotiations , holding it up as a symbol of the possible effects of Brexit .
Fishermen in the northern French town of Boulogne-sur-Mer are particularly worried about the deal .
Home to France ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on everyone ’ s mind there .
“ I spent all of last week in English waters .
If there ’ s a ‘ no deal ’ , I won ’ t be able to go there anymore , ” fisherman Pierre Leprêtre told AFP .
Leprêtre explained that 70 to 80 percent of his income comes from fish caught in British waters .
“ If we can ’ t go fishing [ there ] , we might as well close up shop , ” he said .
“ The entire French coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fish grow , they head out to sea , which is why we fish in British waters : we want to catch adult fish , ” Leprêtre said .
The scientific community has largely agreed with Leprêtre ’ s assessment of the situation , explaining that it is a common phenomenon in the North Sea , a shallow stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the British isles and mainland Europe .
“ The south of the sea is not very deep , but very sandy , therefore many fish have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eggs in the central or nothern waters , the eggs are then carried to the south of the North Sea and settle along the coast from France to as far as Denmark , ” Clara Ulrich , deputy head of science at the French Institute for Ocean Science ( Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer or Ifremer ) , told AFP .
“ When fish reach adulthood , they leave for the deeper , colder , more populated and oxygenated waters of the north .
It also allows them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , that way the eggs can be transported to the friendlier southern waters of the North Sea , ” she added .
According to Ulrich , it is a natural cycle that shows no sign of changing in the future .
“ For some species , climate change and overfishing have only accentuated this phenomenon , ” she said .
Such is the case for cod and flounder , two of the most common fish species in the North Sea .
“ Other species , however , such as sole — which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ haddock and pollock — which are more common in the north — appear less imbalanced , ” Ulrich said .
Ulrich ’ s comments echoed the fears of many fishermen in France .
“ If access to British waters is closed , everyone ’ s going to wind up on the French side , and there will be a major cohabitation problem , ” Leprêtre said .
To avoid “ overexploiting resources ” , Leprêtre ’ s uncle , Olivier , who is director of a fishing committee in the northern Hauts-de-France region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another solution can be found .
“ [ In the event of a no-deal Brexit ] , I think it ’ s only fair that everyone sticks to their own waters until future relations can be negotiated , ” Olivier Leprêtre said .
“ That means , French waters for the French , Belgian waters for the Belgians , etc.
” In Boulogne-sur-Mer , there are already concerns over the growing appetite of Dutch fishermen , whom Pierre Leprêtre described as the “ undertakers ” of natural resources because of their obsession with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The Dutch feel more at home than we do in Boulogne , ” said one of Leprêtre ’ s deckhands , Christopher ( who declined to give his last name ) .
“ Once they ’ ve fished everything in the Channel , then they ’ ll go somewhere else.
” In comparison , relations between French fishermen and their British peers have been relatively smooth .
“ It works well on the whole .
Well , we make sure that things work , ” Leprêtre said .
“ We have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , so they can tell us where their fishing spots are.
” That way , the French know which areas they should avoid , and where they are free to fish .
Fishing rights have long been a longstanding source of tension between Europe and the United Kingdom .
The issue first emerged as a stumbling block nearly 50 years ago , when the UK entered talks to join what was then known as the European Community ( EC ) .
“ Only eight hours after accession talks had begun on 30 June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ surprise : the six EC members had agreed to have a common fisheries policy ( CFP ) , hammering out a speedy deal that had eluded them for 12 years just as fish-rich Britain , Ireland , Denmark and Norway were knocking at the door , ” the Guardian reported in a recent article on fishing rights .
Norway even went so far as to refuse entry into the bloc over fishing rights .
“ The question of fisheries was economic peanuts , but political dynamite , ” the late Sir Con O @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negotiator at the time , wrote of the negotiations .
Nearly half a century later , it would appear little has changed .
This article was translated from the original in French by Rachel Holman .

Fishing rights have been one of the main sticking points in Brexit negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom since March. Yet neither side appears ready to concede, despite mounting fears within the fishing industry over the consequences of a “no-deal” exit.
Gulls surround a fishing trawler as it works in the North Sea, off the coast of northeast England on January 21, 2020.
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With less than a week to go before a decisive European Council meeting on the future of EU-UK relations, it looks as though ongoing tensions over fishing rights could threaten to scupper an eventual agreement.
“If we want a deal, we need to reach an agreement on fishing. We need a compromise that we could float to the United Kingdom as part of a total agreement,” Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, said on Wednesday.
The issue is of particular importance to a handful of EU member states, including France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and Denmark.
The EU initially hoped to maintain access to British waters — which have an abundance of fish — post-Brexit transition, which ends on December 31, 2020. But the United Kingdom wants to limit access and renegotiate fishing rights every year, a point the EU has refused to cede.
Although the fishing industry represents just 0.1 percent of the United Kingdom’s GDP, the British government has used it as leverage in negotiations, holding it up as a symbol of the possible effects of Brexit.
An uncertain future
Fishermen in the northern French town of Boulogne-sur-Mer are particularly worried about the deal. Home to France’s largest fishing port, Brexit is on everyone’s mind there.
“I spent all of last week in English waters. If there’s a ‘no deal’, I won’t be able to go there anymore,” fisherman Pierre Leprêtre told AFP.
Leprêtre explained that 70 to 80 percent of his income comes from fish caught in British waters. “If we can’t go fishing [there], we might as well close up shop,” he said.
“The entire French coast is a fish nursery area. As the fish grow, they head out to sea, which is why we fish in British waters: we want to catch adult fish,” Leprêtre said.
The scientific community has largely agreed with Leprêtre’s assessment of the situation, explaining that it is a common phenomenon in the North Sea, a shallow stretch of the Atlantic Ocean that separates the British isles and mainland Europe.
“The south of the sea is not very deep, but very sandy, therefore many fish have the following cycle: the adults lay their eggs in the central or nothern waters, the eggs are then carried to the south of the North Sea and settle along the coast from France to as far as Denmark,” Clara Ulrich, deputy head of science at the French Institute for Ocean Science (Institut français de recherche pour l'exploitation de la mer or Ifremer), told AFP.
“When fish reach adulthood, they leave for the deeper, colder, more populated and oxygenated waters of the north. It also allows them to lay their eggs upstream of the current, that way the eggs can be transported to the friendlier southern waters of the North Sea,” she added.
According to Ulrich, it is a natural cycle that shows no sign of changing in the future. “For some species, climate change and overfishing have only accentuated this phenomenon,” she said.
Such is the case for cod and flounder, two of the most common fish species in the North Sea.
“Other species, however, such as sole — which is more common in southern waters — or haddock and pollock — which are more common in the north — appear less imbalanced,” Ulrich said.
Fears of ‘overexploiting resources’
Ulrich’s comments echoed the fears of many fishermen in France.
“If access to British waters is closed, everyone’s going to wind up on the French side, and there will be a major cohabitation problem,” Leprêtre said.
To avoid “overexploiting resources”, Leprêtre’s uncle, Olivier, who is director of a fishing committee in the northern Hauts-de-France region, suggested divvying up international waters until another solution can be found.
“[In the event of a no-deal Brexit], I think it’s only fair that everyone sticks to their own waters until future relations can be negotiated,” Olivier Leprêtre said. “That means, French waters for the French, Belgian waters for the Belgians, etc.”
In Boulogne-sur-Mer, there are already concerns over the growing appetite of Dutch fishermen, whom Pierre Leprêtre described as the “undertakers” of natural resources because of their obsession with “numbers, numbers and numbers”.
“The Dutch feel more at home than we do in Boulogne,” said one of Leprêtre’s deckhands, Christopher (who declined to give his last name). “Once they’ve fished everything in the Channel, then they’ll go somewhere else.”
In comparison, relations between French fishermen and their British peers have been relatively smooth.
“It works well on the whole. Well, we make sure that things work,” Leprêtre said. “We have WhatsApp groups [with the British], so they can tell us where their fishing spots are.”
That way, the French know which areas they should avoid, and where they are free to fish.
Longstanding ‘political dynamite’
Fishing rights have long been a longstanding source of tension between Europe and the United Kingdom. The issue first emerged as a stumbling block nearly 50 years ago, when the UK entered talks to join what was then known as the European Community (EC).
“Only eight hours after accession talks had begun on 30 June 1970, the British got an unwelcome surprise: the six EC members had agreed to have a common fisheries policy (CFP), hammering out a speedy deal that had eluded them for 12 years just as fish-rich Britain, Ireland, Denmark and Norway were knocking at the door,” the Guardian reported in a recent article on fishing rights.
Norway even went so far as to refuse entry into the bloc over fishing rights.
“The question of fisheries was economic peanuts, but political dynamite,” the late Sir Con O’Neill, UK’s chief negotiator at the time, wrote of the negotiations.
Nearly half a century later, it would appear little has changed.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
This article was translated from the original in French by Rachel Holman.
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france24--2020-10-10--Rosberg warns Wolff exit may mark downturn for Mercedes and Hamilton

Nico Rosberg has warned that if Toto Wolff quits as Mercedes chief it could have an effect on Lewis Hamilton 's future and mark a downturn for the team .
Wolff has guided Mercedes to six consecutive constructors ' titles , but the Austrian has hinted that he is ready to move on .
Rosberg , who won the 2016 drivers ' world championship with Mercedes and is the only driver to have interrupted the Hamilton 's run of supremacy since 2014 , believes Wolff 's uncertain future is a reason for Hamilton 's reluctance to sign a new contract @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Eifel Grand Prix , he said : `` I do think it matters because Lewis is very convinced that Toto is an integral part of the success of that team , which is true , because Toto absolutely is .
`` And it 's not guaranteed that if Toto goes and there is a new leader that the stability remains .
`` Also , if Toto goes , it could potentially have a spiralling effect so that many of the team leaders in leading positions say 'ok , it 's the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I loved to work with him , now let 's also move on to something new ' .
`` That could be a really bad turn of events for the team . ''
Hamilton 's future has been surrounded by speculation while Wolff has declined to confirm he will remain as team boss at Mercedes next year .
Rosberg also suggested that fellow-German and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel will have a good opportunity to rebuild his career and reputation at Aston Martin next year after losing confidence in a car that did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These cars are much more nervous than we 've ever seen , '' he explained .
`` The rear sometimes just snaps and you ca n't feel it -- and that takes confidence from drivers . ''
`` I think he 's gone into a big negative spiral .
Things start small , one big mistake when you 're in the lead at Hockenheim , another one here , another one there and then it starts to become an avalanche .
`` It spirals negatively and the more negative you are mentally , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the more mistakes you do .
`` The team also has ( Charles ) Leclerc as their God and he 's ( Vettel ) not the God anymore .
That 's also a big spiral downwards and a big shock ... '' Aston Martin is a huge opportunity for him .
He 's going to be God again in that team .
The car is fast and he can have success and a positive mental spiral .

Nürburgring (Germany) (AFP) –
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Nico Rosberg has warned that if Toto Wolff quits as Mercedes chief it could have an effect on Lewis Hamilton's future and mark a downturn for the team.
Wolff has guided Mercedes to six consecutive constructors' titles, but the Austrian has hinted that he is ready to move on.
Rosberg, who won the 2016 drivers' world championship with Mercedes and is the only driver to have interrupted the Hamilton's run of supremacy since 2014, believes Wolff's uncertain future is a reason for Hamilton's reluctance to sign a new contract.
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 at the Eifel Grand Prix, he said: "I do think it matters because Lewis is very convinced that Toto is an integral part of the success of that team, which is true, because Toto absolutely is.
"And it's not guaranteed that if Toto goes and there is a new leader that the stability remains.
"Also, if Toto goes, it could potentially have a spiralling effect so that many of the team leaders in leading positions say 'ok, it's the end of an era...Toto's going, I loved to work with him, now let's also move on to something new'.
"That could be a really bad turn of events for the team."
Hamilton's future has been surrounded by speculation while Wolff has declined to confirm he will remain as team boss at Mercedes next year.
- Vettel rear end problem -
Rosberg also suggested that fellow-German and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel will have a good opportunity to rebuild his career and reputation at Aston Martin next year after losing confidence in a car that did not suit him at Ferrari.
"These cars are much more nervous than we've ever seen," he explained. "The rear sometimes just snaps and you can't feel it -- and that takes confidence from drivers."
"I think he's gone into a big negative spiral. Things start small, one big mistake when you're in the lead at Hockenheim, another one here, another one there and then it starts to become an avalanche.
"It spirals negatively and the more negative you are mentally, the more doubtful you are – and the more mistakes you do.
"The team also has (Charles) Leclerc as their God and he's (Vettel) not the God anymore. That's also a big spiral downwards and a big shock...
"Aston Martin is a huge opportunity for him. He's going to be God again in that team. The car is fast and he can have success and a positive mental spiral.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Tehran to impose fines for virus regulation breaches as caseload soars

Iran is to trial fines for breaches of coronavirus regulations in the capital after exhortation alone failed to deliver compliance Iran is to start imposing fines for breaches of health regulations in the capital , President Hassan Rouhani announced on Saturday , after daily coronavirus infections hit a record high this week .
Iran has previously held back from using fines to enforce mask wearing in public and other health protocols , but they will now be imposed in the capital Tehran , Rouhani told a televised meeting of the country 's coronavirus taskforce .
The police , the Basij @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers to impose the fines , and offenders will have two weeks to make payment into a health ministry account , Rouhani said in a televised speech during the weekly coronavirus taskforce meeting .
Breaches punishable by a fine include refusal to quarantine while sick and failure to wear a mask in a public space or require a customer to do so .
Fines range from 500,000 rials ( $ 1.60 ) for not wearing a mask to a maximum of 10 million ( $ 32.80 ) for businesses not observing health protocols @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sum for Iranians who have endured a deep recession since Washington reimposed crippling economic sanctions in 2018 .
The minimum monthly wage stands at around 18 million rials , worth less than $ 60 following a sharp fall in the value of the currency .
Iran 's daily death toll from the novel coronavirus hit a record high of 239 on Wednesday .
Daily infections reached a new high of 4,392 the following day .
The virus has now killed more than 28,000 people and infected more than 492,300 in Iran , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shut most public spaces and cancelled public events for a week last Saturday in a bid to contain the spread of the virus .
Those restrictions have been extended until Wednesday , governor Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey told state television .

Tehran (AFP) –
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Iran is to start imposing fines for breaches of health regulations in the capital, President Hassan Rouhani announced on Saturday, after daily coronavirus infections hit a record high this week.
Iran has previously held back from using fines to enforce mask wearing in public and other health protocols, but they will now be imposed in the capital Tehran, Rouhani told a televised meeting of the country's coronavirus taskforce.
The police, the Basij paramilitary force and health inspectors will have powers to impose the fines, and offenders will have two weeks to make payment into a health ministry account, Rouhani said in a televised speech during the weekly coronavirus taskforce meeting.
Breaches punishable by a fine include refusal to quarantine while sick and failure to wear a mask in a public space or require a customer to do so.
Fines range from 500,000 rials ($1.60) for not wearing a mask to a maximum of 10 million ($32.80) for businesses not observing health protocols.
The fines represent a not insignificant sum for Iranians who have endured a deep recession since Washington reimposed crippling economic sanctions in 2018.
The minimum monthly wage stands at around 18 million rials, worth less than $60 following a sharp fall in the value of the currency.
Iran's daily death toll from the novel coronavirus hit a record high of 239 on Wednesday. Daily infections reached a new high of 4,392 the following day.
The virus has now killed more than 28,000 people and infected more than 492,300 in Iran, according to health ministry figures.
Tehran authorities shut most public spaces and cancelled public events for a week last Saturday in a bid to contain the spread of the virus.
Those restrictions have been extended until Wednesday, governor Anoushirvan Mohseni-Bandpey told state television.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Chapter 56 as Djokovic and Nadal eye history in Roland Garros blockbuster

On the stretch : Novak Djokovic returns the ball to Stefanos Tsitsipas in their semi-final Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet for the 56th time on Sunday in a Roland Garros final blockbuster with history on the line for both men .
World number one Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title and a second French Open which would make him the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice .
Defending champion Nadal , the world number two , can win a 13th Roland Garros and 20th major which would tie the all-time men @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Victory on Sunday would also give the 34-year-old Spaniard a 100th match win in Paris against just two defeats in 15 years .
One of those losses came against Djokovic in the 2015 quarter-finals , the last time the pair clashed on the crushed red brick surface of Court Philippe Chatrier .
The Serb has won 37 matches in 2020 with his one defeat self-inflicted via his infamous default at the US Open .
Stefanos Tsitsipas , who pushed Djokovic to five sets in a breathless semi-final , sees few flaws in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has reached almost perfection , '' said the Greek .
The 22-year-old matched Djokovic when it came to all-out assault on Friday night but at the crunch moments , the Serbian wall stood firm as the world number one saved 11 of 15 break points he faced .
Djokovic , 33 , has a 29-26 edge over Nadal in their long-running rivalry .
He has won 14 of their last 18 meetings and the last three at the Slams .
However , the pair 's most recent three matches on clay have all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last victory on the dirt coming in the Rome quarter-finals four years ago .
At the French Open , Nadal has a 6-1 advantage , including wins in the 2012 and 2014 finals .
`` This is the house of Rafa , '' said Djokovic , describing facing the Spaniard on clay as the sport 's `` biggest challenge '' .
However , he insists that he has played far more significant finals and pointed to his first win over Nadal at a Slam at Wimbledon in 2011 .
`` I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have ever played in my life , '' he said .
`` In terms of importance , probably the first Wimbledon final that I actually played against him .
`` Wimbledon was always the one that I wanted to win as a kid and dreamed of winning .
That 's probably the one that stands out . ''
Djokovic also put his 2016 Paris final win over Andy Murray , which allowed him to celebrate a career Grand Slam , above Sunday 's latest instalment of his Nadal rivalry .
`` Every @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the match of my life before I actually won it . ''
Despite his high praise for his opponent , Djokovic sees an advantage for him with the tournament being played in the autumn than its traditional spring and early summer slot .
The weather is cooler , the conditions heavier .
`` The conditions are different than the ones that we are used to playing in May and June , '' said Djokovic .
`` I think that could be a better chance for me , obviously the ball is not bouncing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likes it usually . ''
Nadal thrives in the heat and bright sunshine and has been wary of the chill and the damp throughout the tournament , complaining that players are exposed to dangers as a result .
His run to a 13th final in Paris has been untroubled as he has yet to drop a set .
However , he has only faced one seed -- Argentine number 12 Diego Schwartzman in the semi-finals .
His other five opponents were all outside the top 70 ; two were ranked 213 and 236 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much into his smooth progress in Paris or his overall 17-7 clay court record over Djokovic .
`` Different circumstances , different kind of tournament and different situation , '' said Nadal ahead of their ninth clash in a Grand Slam final .
`` The only thing I know is to play against Novak , I need to play my best .
Without playing my best tennis , the situation is very difficult .
`` I know that this is a court where I have been playing well for such a long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is one of the toughest opponents possible . ''

Paris (AFP) –
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Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal meet for the 56th time on Sunday in a Roland Garros final blockbuster with history on the line for both men.
World number one Djokovic is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title and a second French Open which would make him the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice.
Defending champion Nadal, the world number two, can win a 13th Roland Garros and 20th major which would tie the all-time men's record held by Roger Federer.
Victory on Sunday would also give the 34-year-old Spaniard a 100th match win in Paris against just two defeats in 15 years.
One of those losses came against Djokovic in the 2015 quarter-finals, the last time the pair clashed on the crushed red brick surface of Court Philippe Chatrier.
The Serb has won 37 matches in 2020 with his one defeat self-inflicted via his infamous default at the US Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas, who pushed Djokovic to five sets in a breathless semi-final, sees few flaws in the top seed's game.
"He has reached almost perfection," said the Greek.
The 22-year-old matched Djokovic when it came to all-out assault on Friday night but at the crunch moments, the Serbian wall stood firm as the world number one saved 11 of 15 break points he faced.
Djokovic, 33, has a 29-26 edge over Nadal in their long-running rivalry.
He has won 14 of their last 18 meetings and the last three at the Slams.
However, the pair's most recent three matches on clay have all gone Nadal's way with Djokovic's last victory on the dirt coming in the Rome quarter-finals four years ago.
At the French Open, Nadal has a 6-1 advantage, including wins in the 2012 and 2014 finals.
- 'Not my biggest match' -
"This is the house of Rafa," said Djokovic, describing facing the Spaniard on clay as the sport's "biggest challenge".
However, he insists that he has played far more significant finals and pointed to his first win over Nadal at a Slam at Wimbledon in 2011.
"I don't think this is the biggest match that I have ever played in my life," he said.
"In terms of importance, probably the first Wimbledon final that I actually played against him.
"Wimbledon was always the one that I wanted to win as a kid and dreamed of winning. That's probably the one that stands out."
Djokovic also put his 2016 Paris final win over Andy Murray, which allowed him to celebrate a career Grand Slam, above Sunday's latest instalment of his Nadal rivalry.
"Every French Open final that I played was the match of my life before I actually won it."
Despite his high praise for his opponent, Djokovic sees an advantage for him with the tournament being played in the autumn than its traditional spring and early summer slot.
The weather is cooler, the conditions heavier.
"The conditions are different than the ones that we are used to playing in May and June," said Djokovic.
"I think that could be a better chance for me, obviously the ball is not bouncing as high over the shoulder as he likes it usually."
Nadal thrives in the heat and bright sunshine and has been wary of the chill and the damp throughout the tournament, complaining that players are exposed to dangers as a result.
His run to a 13th final in Paris has been untroubled as he has yet to drop a set.
However, he has only faced one seed -- Argentine number 12 Diego Schwartzman in the semi-finals.
His other five opponents were all outside the top 70; two were ranked 213 and 236.
Nadal is cautious of reading too much into his smooth progress in Paris or his overall 17-7 clay court record over Djokovic.
"Different circumstances, different kind of tournament and different situation," said Nadal ahead of their ninth clash in a Grand Slam final.
"The only thing I know is to play against Novak, I need to play my best. Without playing my best tennis, the situation is very difficult.
"I know that this is a court where I have been playing well for such a long time, so that helps.
"He is one of the toughest opponents possible."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Practice action begins, but sick Stroll is absent

On-track action at this weekend ’ s Eifel Grand Prix finally began on Saturday morning , but with Lance Stroll of Racing Point absent due to an unspecified illness .
After both opening practice sessions were cancelled due to fog and rain on Friday , the Canadian driver was a notable absentee as the rest of the field made an effort to use the third and final practice hour as intensely as possible .
The Racing Point team confirmed that Stroll was unwell and not able to take part in the session , adding that a decision on their plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reviewed after the opening practice .
It was not made clear if Stroll had contracted Covid-19 .
His team-mate Sergio Perez was quarantined for two weeks after returning from Mexico and testing positive for the coronavirus ahead of the British Grand Prix in July .
The Mercedes team were hit this week by two positive test results in their travelling race team , resulting in six of the team going into isolation .
Six replacement staff were flown to Germany to replace them on Thursday .
Conditions at the Nurburgring remained cool with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a track temperature of 14 as the teams began a major ‘ catch up ’ process on F1 ’ s first return to the track since 2013 .
Series leader and six-time champion Lewis Hamilton was in the first bunch of cars to join the action with his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas , the pair lapping to gather data on the cold circuit .

Nürburgring (Germany) (AFP) –
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On-track action at this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix finally began on Saturday morning, but with Lance Stroll of Racing Point absent due to an unspecified illness.
After both opening practice sessions were cancelled due to fog and rain on Friday, the Canadian driver was a notable absentee as the rest of the field made an effort to use the third and final practice hour as intensely as possible.
The Racing Point team confirmed that Stroll was unwell and not able to take part in the session, adding that a decision on their plans for qualifying later on Saturday would be reviewed after the opening practice.
It was not made clear if Stroll had contracted Covid-19.
His team-mate Sergio Perez was quarantined for two weeks after returning from Mexico and testing positive for the coronavirus ahead of the British Grand Prix in July.
The Mercedes team were hit this week by two positive test results in their travelling race team, resulting in six of the team going into isolation. Six replacement staff were flown to Germany to replace them on Thursday.
Conditions at the Nurburgring remained cool with an air temperature of only eight degrees and a track temperature of 14 as the teams began a major ‘catch up’ process on F1’s first return to the track since 2013.
Series leader and six-time champion Lewis Hamilton was in the first bunch of cars to join the action with his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, the pair lapping to gather data on the cold circuit.
bur/dmc
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Armenia, Azerbaijan trade accusations of breaching Karabakh ceasefire

Thousands of people have had to flee their homes because of the fighting Armenia and Azerbaijan traded accusations of new attacks on Saturday in breach of a ceasefire deal to end nearly two weeks of heavy fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region .
The two sides agreed to implement the ceasefire from noon on Saturday , after 11 hours of talks in Moscow , but it took only minutes after the deadline for their forces to claim new attacks .
An ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan , Karabakh broke from the country 's control in a war in the 1990s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ separatist government is strongly backed by Armenia , which like Azerbaijan gained independence with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union .
The heaviest clashes since the war erupted on September 27 , with more than 450 people reported dead , thousands forced to flee their homes and fears the fighting could escalate into a devastating all-out conflict .
Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said that `` in disregard of the previously declared humanitarian ceasefire '' Azerbaijani forces launched an attack on the frontline at 12:05 pm ( 0805 GMT ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ had also carried out attacks on the frontline and were shelling two populated areas .
`` Armenia is blatantly violating the ceasefire regime , '' the ministry said in a statement .
The two sides had also accused each other of attacks just before the ceasefire deadline .
Karabakh 's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said missiles had been fired at the region 's main city Stepanakert while Azerbaijan said at least five populated districts were under heavy shelling .
An AFP journalist in Stepanakert reported hearing blasts in the city before the ceasefire took @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noon , with isolated explosions in the distance .
Some residents were venturing out of their homes after days of taking shelter from shelling , rocket fire and drone attacks .
The ceasefire had been announced after talks between the two countries ' top diplomats mediated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov .
He announced in the early hours of Saturday that the truce had been agreed `` on humanitarian grounds '' and would allow for exchanges of prisoners and bodies .
He also said that Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed `` substantive negotiations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with France , Russia and the United States continuing as longtime mediators .
The region 's declaration of independence has not been recognised by any country -- even Armenia -- and the international community regards it as part of Azerbaijan .
The return of fighting has stoked fears of a full-blown war embroiling Turkey , which strongly backs Azerbaijan , and Russia , which has a military treaty with Armenia .
Since the conflict restarted both sides have accused the other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is dotted with damaged buildings and unexploded ordnance following days of shelling .
AFP journalists have also witnessed destruction in villages in Azerbaijan near the front line .
Dozens of civilians have been confirmed killed and the Armenian side has acknowledged more than 400 military deaths , while Azerbaijan has not admitted to any fatalities among its troops .

Stepanakert (Azerbaijan) (AFP) –
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Armenia and Azerbaijan traded accusations of new attacks on Saturday in breach of a ceasefire deal to end nearly two weeks of heavy fighting over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.
The two sides agreed to implement the ceasefire from noon on Saturday, after 11 hours of talks in Moscow, but it took only minutes after the deadline for their forces to claim new attacks.
An ethnic Armenian enclave of Azerbaijan, Karabakh broke from the country's control in a war in the 1990s that killed some 30,000 people.
Its separatist government is strongly backed by Armenia, which like Azerbaijan gained independence with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
The heaviest clashes since the war erupted on September 27, with more than 450 people reported dead, thousands forced to flee their homes and fears the fighting could escalate into a devastating all-out conflict.
Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said that "in disregard of the previously declared humanitarian ceasefire" Azerbaijani forces launched an attack on the frontline at 12:05 pm (0805 GMT).
Azerbaijan's defence ministry said Armenian forces had also carried out attacks on the frontline and were shelling two populated areas.
"Armenia is blatantly violating the ceasefire regime," the ministry said in a statement.
The two sides had also accused each other of attacks just before the ceasefire deadline.
Karabakh's ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said missiles had been fired at the region's main city Stepanakert while Azerbaijan said at least five populated districts were under heavy shelling.
- Explosions in the distance -
An AFP journalist in Stepanakert reported hearing blasts in the city before the ceasefire took effect, but it was calmer after noon, with isolated explosions in the distance.
Some residents were venturing out of their homes after days of taking shelter from shelling, rocket fire and drone attacks.
The ceasefire had been announced after talks between the two countries' top diplomats mediated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
He announced in the early hours of Saturday that the truce had been agreed "on humanitarian grounds" and would allow for exchanges of prisoners and bodies.
He also said that Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed "substantive negotiations" on resolving the dispute over Karabakh, with France, Russia and the United States continuing as longtime mediators.
The region's declaration of independence has not been recognised by any country -- even Armenia -- and the international community regards it as part of Azerbaijan.
The return of fighting has stoked fears of a full-blown war embroiling Turkey, which strongly backs Azerbaijan, and Russia, which has a military treaty with Armenia.
Since the conflict restarted both sides have accused the other of shelling areas populated by civilians and thousands of people have been displaced by the clashes.
Stepanakert is dotted with damaged buildings and unexploded ordnance following days of shelling. AFP journalists have also witnessed destruction in villages in Azerbaijan near the front line.
Dozens of civilians have been confirmed killed and the Armenian side has acknowledged more than 400 military deaths, while Azerbaijan has not admitted to any fatalities among its troops.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Quartararo fastest in third free practice at Le Mans

Fabio Quartararo on his Yamaha at Le Mans Frenchman Fabio Quartararo returned to flying form in a tightly-contested third free @ @ @ @ @ circuit at Le Mans on Saturday , setting the fastest time ahead of qualifying .
@ @ @ @ @ of the world championships and considers the circuit his spiritual home .
Quartararo , who @ @ @ @ @ Friday , timed 0.13 faster combined than Portuguese KTM man Miguel Oliveira while another Yamaha @ @ @ @ @ was third at 0.157 .
The session was marred by a series of falls put @ @ @ @ @ tyre grip with Quartararo 's title rival the Spaniard Joan Mir hitting the tarmac .
@ @ @ @ @ as Alex Rins , Valentino Rossi ( Yamaha ) , Jack Miller ( Ducati-Pramac ) @ @ @ @ @ Alex Marquez and Stefan Bradl all took tumbles .
Quartararo leads Mir by a slender @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead of the only race to be held in France this season .
@ @ @ @ @ at the French MotoGP :

Le Mans (France) (AFP) –
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Frenchman Fabio Quartararo returned to flying form in a tightly-contested third free practice session at the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans on Saturday, setting the fastest time ahead of qualifying.
The 21-year-old Yamaha rider leads of the world championships and considers the circuit his spiritual home.
Quartararo, who was only 11th fastest on Friday, timed 0.13 faster combined than Portuguese KTM man Miguel Oliveira while another Yamaha man Italy's Franco Morbidelli was third at 0.157.
The session was marred by a series of falls put down to cool temperatures weakening tyre grip with Quartararo's title rival the Spaniard Joan Mir hitting the tarmac.
Mir was in good company as Alex Rins, Valentino Rossi (Yamaha), Jack Miller (Ducati-Pramac) and the two Honda men Alex Marquez and Stefan Bradl all took tumbles.
Quartararo leads Mir by a slender eight points with six races to go ahead of the only race to be held in France this season.
Times after the third practice at the French MotoGP:
1. Fabio Quartararo (FRA/Yamaha-SRT) 1min 32.319 sec, 2. Miguel Oliveira (POR/KTM-Tech3) at 0.130 sec, 3. Franco Morbidelli (ITA/Yamaha-SRT) 0.157, 4. Jack Miller (AUS/Ducati-Pramac) 0.184, 5. Cal Crutchlow (GBR/Honda-LCR) 0.239, 6. Johann Zarco (FRA/Ducati-Avintia) 0.312, 7. Valentino Rossi (ITA/Yamaha) 0.321, 8. Maverick Vinales (ESP/Yamaha) 0.329, 9. Pol Espargaro (ESP/KTM) 0.341,10. Andrea Dovizioso (ITA/Ducati) 0.367
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-10--Switzerland says citizen held hostage in Mali has been killed by captors

Malian army soldiers patrol the area next to the river of Djenne in central Mali on February 28 , 2020 .
Switzerland ’ s Foreign Ministry said Friday that a Swiss woman who was held hostage in Mali has been killed by an Islamist group .
The ministry said it was informed by French authorities that the hostage had been “ killed by kidnappers of the Islamist terrorist organization Jama ’ at Nusrat al-Islam Muslimeen about a month ago.
” The group , known as JNIM , is Mali ’ s branch of al-Qaida .
Switzerland ’ s foreign minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beatrice Stoeckli , whose release his country had quietly been trying to negotiate since she was kidnapped four years ago .
“ It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our fellow citizen , ” Ignazio Cassis said in a statement .
“ I condemn this cruel act and express my deepest sympathy to the relatives.
” Cassis said the exact circumstances of her killing were still unclear .
“ The information about the killing was obtained by the French authorities from the recently released French hostage , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sophie Petronin was released with Italians Rev .
Pierluigi Maccalli and Nicola Chiacchio , and prominent Malian politician Soumaila Cisse this week , days after the Malian government freed nearly 200 Islamic militants in an apparent prisoner exchange .
Stoeckli , a Christian missionary , and at least four further foreign hostages were also held by JNIM and its associates .
The fate of the others wasn ’ t immediately known .
The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it was trying to find out more about the circumstances of the killing and the whereabouts @ @ @ @

Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry said Friday that a Swiss woman who was held hostage in Mali has been killed by an Islamist group.
Malian army soldiers patrol the area next to the river of Djenne in central Mali on February 28, 2020.
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The ministry said it was informed by French authorities that the hostage had been “killed by kidnappers of the Islamist terrorist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam Muslimeen about a month ago.”
The group, known as JNIM, is Mali’s branch of al-Qaida.
Switzerland’s foreign minister condemned the killing of the hostage, Beatrice Stoeckli, whose release his country had quietly been trying to negotiate since she was kidnapped four years ago.
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of our fellow citizen,” Ignazio Cassis said in a statement. “I condemn this cruel act and express my deepest sympathy to the relatives.”
Cassis said the exact circumstances of her killing were still unclear.
“The information about the killing was obtained by the French authorities from the recently released French hostage,” the ministry said.
French aid worker Sophie Petronin was released with Italians Rev. Pierluigi Maccalli and Nicola Chiacchio, and prominent Malian politician Soumaila Cisse this week, days after the Malian government freed nearly 200 Islamic militants in an apparent prisoner exchange.
>> Mali: The behind-the-scenes negotiations to free Sophie Pétronin
Stoeckli, a Christian missionary, and at least four further foreign hostages were also held by JNIM and its associates. The fate of the others wasn’t immediately known.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it was trying to find out more about the circumstances of the killing and the whereabouts of her remains.
(AP)
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france24--2020-10-10--Dollar makes a comeback as Cuba readies currency devaluation

A sign outside a Havana grocery store reads `` CUC are not accepted '' in September 2020 The US dollar is making a comeback as the favored currency in communist-run Cuba as the country prepares to devalue the peso to relieve pressure on a battered economy .
Cuba has a unique system whereby two official currencies have existed side-by-side for nearly three decades , the Cuban peso and convertible peso , the CUC .
Long lines outside food stores are a common sight in Havana amid chronic shortages of basic goods , and with the government planning to call time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the currency , driving a rush to dollars for those who can get them .
`` CUC not accepted '' reads the sign at the entry to one Havana shop .
The island 's economy , buffeted by ever-tightening US sanctions , has been hammered by the coronavirus pandemic , which has left Cuba without much-needed foreign revenue provided by its Caribbean beach tourism .
The UN Economic Commission for Latin America forecasts GDP to plummet 8.0 percent this year .
In July , Havana opened dozens of state-run `` dollar stores '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currency .
The relatively well-stocked stores are a magnet for well-off Cubans and those with dollar remittances sent from US-based Cubans .
Customers first have to open a dollar-denominated bank account , then use a debit card to pay for the goods in the stores .
Economists warn of the creation of a two-tier economy -- for the haves who can afford to buy in dollars , and the have-nots in the normal domestic economy .
`` Of the 11 million inhabitants , if one million can buy in dollars , what about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have family abroad , to send dollars home , I do n't have that opportunity , '' said Aleskis Rodriguez , 31 , as he lined up to buy coffee at a Havana market still accepting CUC .
Economy Minister Alejandro Gil denied the move would herald `` economic apartheid '' in Cuba .
Instead , he said , it will satisfy the demands of people with the most purchasing power , and add to state coffers .
Economists like Pavel Vidal , a specialist on Cuba from Colombia 's Javeriana University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system is unwieldy , particularly for exporters .
Vidal says Cuba 's embrace of the dollar is an admission of failure by the authorities , a consequence of reforms that are `` incomplete and well below expectations . ''
The long-mooted monetary reform is coming `` at the worst possible moment , '' Vidal said .
`` Because this is monetary reform that implies a significant devaluation of the official currency against the dollar .
Something that has never been done . ''
The government in Havana has for years maintained the CUC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a shield for the vulnerable Cuban currency .
`` I spent $ 30.90 and look at what I bought !
Some packages of juice , five packages of spaghetti and five packets of tomato puree , really nothing , '' said Niurka Romera , 50 , outside a dollar store .
Whatever the currency , one thing is a constant in Cuban life : the long lines outside shops .
`` I 've been here since 5.15 in the morning .
It 's 11.30 now , but they 're already closing the shop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to buy my coffee , '' said Magalis , a 52-year-old teacher .
She said the government was not doing enough to limit the size of the lines during the pandemic .
`` If Commander Fidel Castro was still alive , he would have done something beautiful for the people . ''

Havana (AFP) –
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The US dollar is making a comeback as the favored currency in communist-run Cuba as the country prepares to devalue the peso to relieve pressure on a battered economy.
Cuba has a unique system whereby two official currencies have existed side-by-side for nearly three decades, the Cuban peso and convertible peso, the CUC.
Long lines outside food stores are a common sight in Havana amid chronic shortages of basic goods, and with the government planning to call time on the CUC shopkeepers are already rejecting the currency, driving a rush to dollars for those who can get them.
"CUC not accepted" reads the sign at the entry to one Havana shop.
The island's economy, buffeted by ever-tightening US sanctions, has been hammered by the coronavirus pandemic, which has left Cuba without much-needed foreign revenue provided by its Caribbean beach tourism.
The UN Economic Commission for Latin America forecasts GDP to plummet 8.0 percent this year.
In July, Havana opened dozens of state-run "dollar stores" in an effort to rake in foreign currency.
The relatively well-stocked stores are a magnet for well-off Cubans and those with dollar remittances sent from US-based Cubans.
- Dollar debit cards -
Customers first have to open a dollar-denominated bank account, then use a debit card to pay for the goods in the stores.
Economists warn of the creation of a two-tier economy -- for the haves who can afford to buy in dollars, and the have-nots in the normal domestic economy.
"Of the 11 million inhabitants, if one million can buy in dollars, what about the other 10? If I don't have family abroad, to send dollars home, I don't have that opportunity," said Aleskis Rodriguez, 31, as he lined up to buy coffee at a Havana market still accepting CUC.
Economy Minister Alejandro Gil denied the move would herald "economic apartheid" in Cuba. Instead, he said, it will satisfy the demands of people with the most purchasing power, and add to state coffers.
Economists like Pavel Vidal, a specialist on Cuba from Colombia's Javeriana University, have long argued that the dual-currency system is unwieldy, particularly for exporters.
- Muddled reform -
Vidal says Cuba's embrace of the dollar is an admission of failure by the authorities, a consequence of reforms that are "incomplete and well below expectations."
The long-mooted monetary reform is coming "at the worst possible moment," Vidal said.
"Because this is monetary reform that implies a significant devaluation of the official currency against the dollar. Something that has never been done."
The government in Havana has for years maintained the CUC artificially pegged to the dollar, as a shield for the vulnerable Cuban currency.
"I spent $30.90 and look at what I bought! Some packages of juice, five packages of spaghetti and five packets of tomato puree, really nothing," said Niurka Romera, 50, outside a dollar store.
Whatever the currency, one thing is a constant in Cuban life: the long lines outside shops.
"I've been here since 5.15 in the morning. It's 11.30 now, but they're already closing the shop and I have to come back tomorrow to buy my coffee," said Magalis, a 52-year-old teacher.
She said the government was not doing enough to limit the size of the lines during the pandemic.
"If Commander Fidel Castro was still alive, he would have done something beautiful for the people."
© 2020 AFP