france24--2020-04-21--Cameroon admits soldiers took part in February killing of civilians

In this photo from November 15 , 2017 , soldiers patrol in Bafut in the northwest English-speaking region of Cameroon after the roof of a school 's dormitory was set on fire overnight .
Cameroon admitted on Tuesday that militants acting with three soldiers killed 13 civilians including 10 children in an anglophone region in the west of the country in February .
The government had previously denied any role in the massacre in the region , where English-speaking separatists have been fighting government forces for the past two years .
According to the United Nations , the death toll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February 13 left 23 civilians dead including 15 children in the village of Ntumbo .
It said nine of the children were under age five and that two of the victims were pregnant women .
In a statement read over state radio on Tuesday , the president 's office said three soldiers and a vigilante group stormed a separatist base , killing five , before `` discovering that three women and 10 children were killed '' in the firefight .
`` Overcome with panic , the three soldiers helped by some members of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident by setting fires , '' the statement said .
The army initially claimed that the deaths were an accident after fuel supplies exploded into flames during a gun battle with separatists .
Rights groups have accused both sides of atrocities in the conflict , which has left more than 3,000 dead , closed schools and clinics and forced 700,000 people to flee their homes .

Cameroon admitted on Tuesday that militants acting with three soldiers killed 13 civilians including 10 children in an anglophone region in the west of the country in February.
In this photo from November 15, 2017, soldiers patrol in Bafut in the northwest English-speaking region of Cameroon after the roof of a school's dormitory was set on fire overnight.
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The government had previously denied any role in the massacre in the region, where English-speaking separatists have been fighting government forces for the past two years.
According to the United Nations, the death toll in the massacre on the night of February 13 left 23 civilians dead including 15 children in the village of Ntumbo.
It said nine of the children were under age five and that two of the victims were pregnant women.
In a statement read over state radio on Tuesday, the president's office said three soldiers and a vigilante group stormed a separatist base, killing five, before "discovering that three women and 10 children were killed" in the firefight.
"Overcome with panic, the three soldiers helped by some members of the self-defence group tried to hide the incident by setting fires," the statement said.
The army initially claimed that the deaths were an accident after fuel supplies exploded into flames during a gun battle with separatists.
Rights groups have accused both sides of atrocities in the conflict, which has left more than 3,000 dead, closed schools and clinics and forced 700,000 people to flee their homes.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-21--French lawmakers to vote on controversial Covid-19 smartphone-tracing app

Singapore 's government used a phone-tracking app in its fight to halt the coronavirus spread , a measure now being considered in France .
The French government has decided to allow lawmakers to vote on its plan to launch a contact tracing app to fight the coronavirus outbreak , lawmakers and the prime minister ’ s office said on Tuesday .
The government ’ s U-turn came after mounting criticism from members of parliament , including MPs from President Emmanuel Macron ’ s party .
It initially planned to hold a debate on April 28-29 without a vote .
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its mind , it ’ s a good decision for democracy , ” lawmaker Matthieu Orphelin tweeted .
The planned smartphone app would warn users if they come into contact with anyone infected with the coronavirus to help to contain the epidemic as France looks to emerge from lockdown .
For all the espoused benefits of such apps , the issue has proved somewhat divisive in Europe , with deep misgivings expressed over the potential for data abuse and privacy violations .
Lawmakers from Macron ’ s party told Reuters earlier this week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would undermine the app ’ s democratic legitimacy .
The opposition Socialist party had also urged the government to hold a vote .
Separately , a government official said Apple was refusing to change the privacy settings of its phones to make them compatible with the French government ’ s app , confirming an earlier report by newspaper Les Echos .
In a hearing behind closed doors on Monday , digital affairs minister Cedric O told members of the Senate that Apple was so far resisting French demands to make the future app @ @ @ @ @ @ @ active .
The minister told the Senate that if Apple lifted its technical barriers to the development of the application , he was hopeful it could be launched on May 11 , Cedric O ’ s office told Reuters on Tuesday .
Two competing app projects have emerged in recent weeks .
A German-led initiative , called Pan-European Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing ( PEPP-PT ) , is backed by the French government .
The other is a decentralised contact tracing protocol called DP-3T , pioneered by Swiss researchers , that is aligned with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @

The French government has decided to allow lawmakers to vote on its plan to launch a contact tracing app to fight the coronavirus outbreak, lawmakers and the prime minister’s office said on Tuesday.
Singapore's government used a phone-tracking app in its fight to halt the coronavirus spread, a measure now being considered in France.
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The government’s U-turn came after mounting criticism from members of parliament, including MPs from President Emmanuel Macron’s party. It initially planned to hold a debate on April 28-29 without a vote.
”Thanks to the government for finally changing its mind, it’s a good decision for democracy,” lawmaker Matthieu Orphelin tweeted.
The planned smartphone app would warn users if they come into contact with anyone infected with the coronavirus to help to contain the epidemic as France looks to emerge from lockdown.
For all the espoused benefits of such apps, the issue has proved somewhat divisive in Europe, with deep misgivings expressed over the potential for data abuse and privacy violations.
Lawmakers from Macron’s party told Reuters earlier this week the decision not to allow a vote would undermine the app’s democratic legitimacy. The opposition Socialist party had also urged the government to hold a vote.
Separately, a government official said Apple was refusing to change the privacy settings of its phones to make them compatible with the French government’s app, confirming an earlier report by newspaper Les Echos.
In a hearing behind closed doors on Monday, digital affairs minister Cedric O told members of the Senate that Apple was so far resisting French demands to make the future app detectable via bluetooth even when its not active.
The minister told the Senate that if Apple lifted its technical barriers to the development of the application, he was hopeful it could be launched on May 11, Cedric O’s office told Reuters on Tuesday.
Apple declined to comment.
Two competing app projects have emerged in recent weeks. A German-led initiative, called Pan-European Privacy-Preserving Proximity Tracing (PEPP-PT), is backed by the French government.
The other is a decentralised contact tracing protocol called DP-3T, pioneered by Swiss researchers, that is aligned with a technology alliance between Apple and Google.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-21--Special programme: Turkey becomes biggest Covid-19 hotspot in Middle East

This week , Middle East Matters takes you to Istanbul , where most of Turkey 's coronavirus cases are located .
The country has now surpassed Iran with the highest number of patients in the region , but even several weeks into the epidemic , the official death count remains low .
Our correspondents Shona Bhattacharyya and Ludovic De Foucaud spoke to the head of Istanbul 's Medical Chamber to find out why .
We also head to Israel , where the ultra-Orthodox community is the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country .
Its members are also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the strict social distancing measures introduced by the Israeli government .
The health minister is a member of the ultra-Orthodox community , and he himself has tested positive for the virus .
Our correspondents Cécile Galluccio , Antoine Mariotti and Irris Makler report .
Finally , the spread of the coronavirus is especially worrisome in Syria .
After years of war , the country 's health infrastructure has been all but destroyed , and millions live in camps with no access to water , soap or housing conditions that can allow them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Center told us what conditions are like in the north-east of the country , where a Turkish military operation took place last October .

This week, Middle East Matters takes you to Istanbul, where most of Turkey's coronavirus cases are located. The country has now surpassed Iran with the highest number of patients in the region, but even several weeks into the epidemic, the official death count remains low. Our correspondents Shona Bhattacharyya and Ludovic de Foucaud spoke to the head of Istanbul's Medical Chamber to find out why.
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We also head to Israel, where the ultra-Orthodox community is the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Its members are also among the least likely to adhere to the strict social distancing measures introduced by the Israeli government. The health minister is a member of the ultra-Orthodox community, and he himself has tested positive for the virus. Our correspondents Cécile Galluccio, Antoine Mariotti and Irris Makler report.
Finally, the spread of the coronavirus is especially worrisome in Syria. After years of war, the country's health infrastructure has been all but destroyed, and millions live in camps with no access to water, soap or housing conditions that can allow them to practice social distancing. The Rojava Information Center told us what conditions are like in the north-east of the country, where a Turkish military operation took place last October.
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france24--2020-04-21--Work and leisure return to Wuhan as Covid-19 fears and economic fallout linger

People wearing face masks are seen in a main shopping area less than a week after the lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 was lifted in Wuhan , China on April 14 , 2020 .
After 76 days under lockdown , China 's Wuhan city is gradually returning to a new normal .
But while Covid-19 infection rates have fallen , social distancing measures are still in place and the economic repercussions for the industrial hub are also becoming clear .
A bride in a long gown poses by Wuhan 's East Lake with her groom , face masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ photos .
At a nearby park in the central Chinese city , a grandfather swings his tiny grandson in a hammock strung between trees while families with tents and picnic blankets make the most of a sunny afternoon .
Signs of life unimaginable during the recent lockdown at the coronavirus pandemic 's ground zero have appeared in recent days as Wuhan returns to work and play days after lifting quarantine on April 8 .
Wuhan 's malls and convenience stores reopened in late March , initially requiring visitors to submit to strict temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ special app that assigns each person a colour-based rating depending on their level of infection risk .
Some smaller stores are now allowing customers in without temperature checks while boutiques at the Hanjie outdoor shopping mall had stopped checking health ratings .
Even traffic jams have returned , with cars slowing to a crawl on the way to the Wuhan train station and in tunnels under the Yangtze during rush hour last week .
Final-year high school students in the city and the surrounding Hubei province will return to school from May 6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ workers have already returned to their offices .
`` It may take a while , but things are moving in a good direction , '' Bai Xue , a 24-year-old Wuhan resident , told AFP .
But while new infections in the city have fallen , fears of asymptomatic carriers and cases imported from overseas have stopped Wuhan from fully letting down its guard .
Commuters are urged to scan QR codes on subway trains to register the exact car they take while residential communities continue to monitor people entering and leaving compounds @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this metropolis of 11 million people .
Wuhan has reason to be fearful .
After emerging in a live animal market late last year , the virus spread like wildfire across the city , infecting more than 50,000 and killing more than 3,800 – a toll revised upward last week after authorities admitted to errors in counting victims .
The industrial city also faces great economic uncertainty , with businesses ranging from wholesalers to cafes saying that losses incurred during the lockdown have made rents unaffordable while continued restrictions on movement within the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have very , very few customers , '' said Han , the 27-year-old owner of a soy drink stall in central Wuhan .
`` Everyone is worried about asymptomatic infected people , '' she said .
`` Business is just not as good as before . ''
Authorities are trying to boost spending , releasing nearly $ 71 million of `` consumption coupons '' offering discounts at supermarkets , malls , restaurants and bars across the city .
But many restaurants have not reopened , and those operating are only allowed to offer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ celebrations nearly impossible .
After dark , Wuhan remains a shadow of its former self .
Most nightclubs and bars are still forbidden from operating , with authorities warning against the reopening of `` self-contained entertainment venues '' .
The American-themed establishment Hot & Crazy Sugar Daddy by the Yangtze river was the only one open in its neighbourhood Friday night – and completely devoid of customers .
In the area near Wuhan University , streets were empty on Saturday as roadside eateries popular with students remained closed .
The Huquan night market @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residents said they were wary of celebrating too much , too soon .
`` My life is n't good , '' said Li Xiongjie , a 30-year-old local who said the epidemic had left him unemployed .
`` Just staying alive is a victory , staying alive is the most important thing . ''

After 76 days under lockdown, China's Wuhan city is gradually returning to a new normal. But while Covid-19 infection rates have fallen, social distancing measures are still in place and the economic repercussions for the industrial hub are also becoming clear.
People wearing face masks are seen in a main shopping area less than a week after the lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19 was lifted in Wuhan, China on April 14, 2020.
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A bride in a long gown poses by Wuhan's East Lake with her groom, face masks off momentarily as a photographer snaps pre-wedding photos.
At a nearby park in the central Chinese city, a grandfather swings his tiny grandson in a hammock strung between trees while families with tents and picnic blankets make the most of a sunny afternoon.
Signs of life unimaginable during the recent lockdown at the coronavirus pandemic's ground zero have appeared in recent days as Wuhan returns to work and play days after lifting quarantine on April 8.
Wuhan's malls and convenience stores reopened in late March, initially requiring visitors to submit to strict temperature checks and show a code on a special app that assigns each person a colour-based rating depending on their level of infection risk.
Some smaller stores are now allowing customers in without temperature checks while boutiques at the Hanjie outdoor shopping mall had stopped checking health ratings.
Even traffic jams have returned, with cars slowing to a crawl on the way to the Wuhan train station and in tunnels under the Yangtze during rush hour last week.
Final-year high school students in the city and the surrounding Hubei province will return to school from May 6, officials said Monday, while many workers have already returned to their offices.
"It may take a while, but things are moving in a good direction," Bai Xue, a 24-year-old Wuhan resident, told AFP.
Uncertain future
But while new infections in the city have fallen, fears of asymptomatic carriers and cases imported from overseas have stopped Wuhan from fully letting down its guard.
Commuters are urged to scan QR codes on subway trains to register the exact car they take while residential communities continue to monitor people entering and leaving compounds and barricades remain on many streets in this metropolis of 11 million people.
Wuhan has reason to be fearful. After emerging in a live animal market late last year, the virus spread like wildfire across the city, infecting more than 50,000 and killing more than 3,800 – a toll revised upward last week after authorities admitted to errors in counting victims.
The industrial city also faces great economic uncertainty, with businesses ranging from wholesalers to cafes saying that losses incurred during the lockdown have made rents unaffordable while continued restrictions on movement within the city are hurting sales.
"We have very, very few customers," said Han, the 27-year-old owner of a soy drink stall in central Wuhan.
"Everyone is worried about asymptomatic infected people," she said. "Business is just not as good as before."
Authorities are trying to boost spending, releasing nearly $71 million of "consumption coupons" offering discounts at supermarkets, malls, restaurants and bars across the city.
But many restaurants have not reopened, and those operating are only allowed to offer outdoor seating or takeout – making post-lockdown celebrations nearly impossible.
'Staying alive'
After dark, Wuhan remains a shadow of its former self.
Most nightclubs and bars are still forbidden from operating, with authorities warning against the reopening of "self-contained entertainment venues".
The American-themed establishment Hot & Crazy Sugar Daddy by the Yangtze river was the only one open in its neighbourhood Friday night – and completely devoid of customers.
In the area near Wuhan University, streets were empty on Saturday as roadside eateries popular with students remained closed. The Huquan night market lay silent behind plastic barricades.
Wuhan residents said they were wary of celebrating too much, too soon.
"My life isn't good," said Li Xiongjie, a 30-year-old local who said the epidemic had left him unemployed.
"Just staying alive is a victory, staying alive is the most important thing."
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-04-21--France halts almost all flights from outside Schengen zone

Air France , Swiss and EasyJet airlines aircraft are pictured at Cointrin Airport in Geneva , Switzerland on March 13 @ @ @ @ @ flights to France from outside the Schengen zone have been suspended , French Transport and @ @ @ @ @ on Tuesday .
`` There are no more international flights outside the Schengen zone – @ @ @ @ @ told French RTL radio .
She added that flights bringing French people home were continuing @ @ @ @ @ European leaders called for a ban on all non-essential travel into the continent in mid-March @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic French President Emmanuel Macron described the battle against Covid-19 as a `` @ @ @ @ @ 16 address in which he announced that “ all trips between non-European countries and EU @ @ @ @ @ 30 days '' .
Borne ’ s announcement comes just days after that initial 30-day @ @ @ @ @ President Ursula von der Leyen has also said the bloc 's Schengen zone should suspend @ @ @ @

Almost all flights to France from outside the Schengen zone have been suspended, French Transport and Environment Minister Elisabeth Borne said on Tuesday.
Air France, Swiss and EasyJet airlines aircraft are pictured at Cointrin Airport in Geneva, Switzerland on March 13, 2020.
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"There are no more international flights outside the Schengen zone – almost none", Borne told French RTL radio. She added that flights bringing French people home were continuing but were nearly complete.
European leaders called for a ban on all non-essential travel into the continent in mid-March in an attempt to curb the coronavirus pandemic
French President Emmanuel Macron described the battle against Covid-19 as a "war" in a March 16 address in which he announced that “all trips between non-European countries and EU countries will be suspended for 30 days".
Borne’s announcement comes just days after that initial 30-day period expired.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also said the bloc's Schengen zone should suspend all non-essential travel.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-21--French gender equality minister on helping victims of domestic violence during lockdown

In an interview with FRANCE 24 , Marlène Schiappa , France 's minister for gender equality , discussed the rise in domestic violence during the country 's Covid-19 lockdown and the measures taken by the French government in response .
French people have now lived in lockdown for five weeks as part of the fight against Covid-19 and domestic violence has significantly increased during this period .
French Gender Equality Minister Marlène Schiappa discussed the alert system put in place by the government in a bid to help women .
`` When a woman is in lockdown with her violent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it more difficult for them to call for help , '' Schiappa told FRANCE 24 .
She added that the government has created `` multiple possibilities '' for victims of domestic violence to sound the alarm .
`` You can send a text to the 114 emergency number - there 's no need to talk - you can also alert your pharmacist during an errand ( ... ) We have also set up facilities where abused women can find assistance and a sympathetic ear in shopping centres that are still in operation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Domestic violence on the rise : Global surge since coronavirus lockdown

In an interview with FRANCE 24, Marlène Schiappa, France's minister for gender equality, discussed the rise in domestic violence during the country's Covid-19 lockdown and the measures taken by the French government in response.
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French people have now lived in lockdown for five weeks as part of the fight against Covid-19 and domestic violence has significantly increased during this period. French Gender Equality Minister Marlène Schiappa discussed the alert system put in place by the government in a bid to help women.
"When a woman is in lockdown with her violent spouse or partner, (this) makes it more difficult for them to call for help," Schiappa told FRANCE 24. She added that the government has created "multiple possibilities" for victims of domestic violence to sound the alarm.
"You can send a text to the 114 emergency number - there's no need to talk - you can also alert your pharmacist during an errand (...) We have also set up facilities where abused women can find assistance and a sympathetic ear in shopping centres that are still in operation," she explained.
>> Domestic violence on the rise: Global surge since coronavirus lockdown
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france24--2020-04-22--UN warns of 'biblical' famine due to Covid-19 pandemic

Women carry sacks of food airdropped by the World Food Programme and distributed by the NGO Oxfam in Padding , near Lankien , Jonglei , South Sudan , on July 3 , 2017 .
The head of the U.N. food agency warned Tuesday that , as the world is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic , it is also “ on the brink of a hunger pandemic ” that could lead to “ multiple famines of biblical proportions ” within a few months if immediate action isn ’ t taken .
World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley told the U.N. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an issue , he was telling world leaders that “ 2020 would be facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.
” That ’ s because of wars in Syria , Yemen and elsewhere , locust swarms in Africa , frequent natural disasters and economic crises including in Lebanon , Congo , Sudan and Ethiopia , he said .
Beasley said today 821 million people go to bed hungry every night all over the world , a further 135 million people are facing “ crisis levels of hunger or worse , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shows that as a result of COVID-19 an additional 130 million people “ could be pushed to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020.
” He said in the video briefing that WFP is providing food to nearly 100 million people on any given day , including “ about 30 million people who literally depend on us to stay alive.
” Beasley , who is recovering from COVID-19 , said if those 30 million people can ’ t be reached , “ our analysis shows that 300,000 people could starve to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ period ” — and that doesn ’ t include increased starvation due to the coronavirus .
“ In a worst-case scenario , we could be looking at famine in about three dozen countries , and in fact , in 10 of these countries we already have more than one million people per country who are on the verge of starvation , ” he said .
According to WFP , the 10 countries with the worst food crises in 2019 were Yemen , Congo , Afghanistan , Venezuela , Ethiopia , South Sudan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Beasley said in many countries the food crisis is the result of conflict .
But he said he raised the prospect of “ a hunger pandemic ” because “ there is also a real danger that more people could potentially die from the economic impact of COVID-19 than from the virus itself.
” The WFP chief said lockdowns and economic recession are expected to lead to major income losses for the working poor .
He pointed to a sharp drop in overseas remittances that will hurt countries such as Haiti , Nepal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ revenue which , for example , will damage Ethiopia where it accounts for 47 percent of total exports ; and the collapse of oil prices which will have a significant impact in lower-income countries like South Sudan where oil accounts for almost 99 percent of total exports .
As the U.N. ’ s logistics backbone , Beasley said WFP has played a major role in tackling COVID-19 by delivering millions of pieces of protective equipment , testing kits and face masks to 78 countries on behalf of the World Health Organization and by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , nurses and humanitarian staff into countries that need help .
He urged greater humanitarian access , coordinated action to deliver aid , an end to trade disruptions , and accelerated and increased funding including $ 350 million to set up a network of logistics hubs and transport systems to keep supply chains running worldwide .
“ The truth is , we do not have time on our side , so let ’ s act wisely — and let ’ s act fast , '' Beasley said .
“ I do believe that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can bring together the teams and the programs necessary to make certain the COVID-19 pandemic does not become a humanitarian and food crisis catastrophe . ''

The head of the U.N. food agency warned Tuesday that, as the world is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it is also “on the brink of a hunger pandemic” that could lead to “multiple famines of biblical proportions” within a few months if immediate action isn’t taken.
Women carry sacks of food airdropped by the World Food Programme and distributed by the NGO Oxfam in Padding, near Lankien, Jonglei, South Sudan, on July 3, 2017.
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World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley told the U.N. Security Council that even before COVID-19 became an issue, he was telling world leaders that “2020 would be facing the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.” That’s because of wars in Syria, Yemen and elsewhere, locust swarms in Africa, frequent natural disasters and economic crises including in Lebanon, Congo, Sudan and Ethiopia, he said.
Beasley said today 821 million people go to bed hungry every night all over the world, a further 135 million people are facing “crisis levels of hunger or worse,” and a new World Food Program analysis shows that as a result of COVID-19 an additional 130 million people “could be pushed to the brink of starvation by the end of 2020.”
He said in the video briefing that WFP is providing food to nearly 100 million people on any given day, including “about 30 million people who literally depend on us to stay alive.”
Beasley, who is recovering from COVID-19, said if those 30 million people can’t be reached, “our analysis shows that 300,000 people could starve to death every single day over a three-month period” — and that doesn’t include increased starvation due to the coronavirus.
“In a worst-case scenario, we could be looking at famine in about three dozen countries, and in fact, in 10 of these countries we already have more than one million people per country who are on the verge of starvation,” he said.
According to WFP, the 10 countries with the worst food crises in 2019 were Yemen, Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Syria, Sudan, Nigeria and Haiti.
Beasley said in many countries the food crisis is the result of conflict.
But he said he raised the prospect of “a hunger pandemic” because “there is also a real danger that more people could potentially die from the economic impact of COVID-19 than from the virus itself.”
The WFP chief said lockdowns and economic recession are expected to lead to major income losses for the working poor.
He pointed to a sharp drop in overseas remittances that will hurt countries such as Haiti, Nepal and Somalia; a loss of tourism revenue which, for example, will damage Ethiopia where it accounts for 47 percent of total exports; and the collapse of oil prices which will have a significant impact in lower-income countries like South Sudan where oil accounts for almost 99 percent of total exports.
As the U.N.’s logistics backbone, Beasley said WFP has played a major role in tackling COVID-19 by delivering millions of pieces of protective equipment, testing kits and face masks to 78 countries on behalf of the World Health Organization and by running humanitarian air services to get doctors, nurses and humanitarian staff into countries that need help.
He urged greater humanitarian access, coordinated action to deliver aid, an end to trade disruptions, and accelerated and increased funding including $350 million to set up a network of logistics hubs and transport systems to keep supply chains running worldwide.
“The truth is, we do not have time on our side, so let’s act wisely — and let’s act fast," Beasley said. “I do believe that with our expertise and partnerships, we can bring together the teams and the programs necessary to make certain the COVID-19 pandemic does not become a humanitarian and food crisis catastrophe."
(AP)
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france24--2020-04-22--Covid-19 deaths rise in Spain for second day

Medical emergency workers transfer a suspected COVID-19 patient on a stretcher from her home to a hospital in Madrid on April 19 , 2020 .
Spain said Wednesday another 435 people died in the past 24 hours , a slight increase in the figures for a second day running and bringing the overall death toll to 21,717 .
Spain has suffered the third-highest number of deaths in the world after the United States and Italy , with infections now hitting 208,000 cases , health ministry figures showed .
Monday 's figure of 399 deaths was the lowest in four weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rose to 430 with officials explaining the numbers tend to go up slightly on Tuesdays following delays in receiving regional data on weekend deaths .
The March 14 lockdown has been twice extended with parliament on Wednesday expected to prolong it until May 9 .
But from Sunday , the conditions are to be eased for youngsters in Spain , who have not been allowed out of the house for nearly six weeks under one of the most restrictive lockdowns in the world .
From April 26 , those under 14 will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of their parents or accompany them on trips out to buy food , medicine or go to the bank .
Addressing MPs at Wednesday 's parliamentary session , Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said moves to ease the lockdown would likely begin in the second half of May , warning they would be `` slow and gradual '' and carried out with extreme caution .
`` The second half of May offers the prospect of a scaling-back ( of the lockdown ) , of phase two of the fight '' when the restrictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
But the lockdown `` will not be lifted until we are prepared for it because we are not going to take any risks , '' he said , insisting that `` any optimism must be tempered by prudence '' .
`` We must be incredibly careful in this phase , '' he said .
`` The scaling-back period will be slow and gradual , precisely because it has to be safe . ''
Spanish health officials believe the epidemic peaked on April 2 when 950 people died over 24 hours , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide lockdown , effectively confining almost 47 million citizens to their homes to slow the spread of the virus .

Spain said Wednesday another 435 people died in the past 24 hours, a slight increase in the figures for a second day running and bringing the overall death toll to 21,717.
Medical emergency workers transfer a suspected COVID-19 patient on a stretcher from her home to a hospital in Madrid on April 19, 2020.
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Spain has suffered the third-highest number of deaths in the world after the United States and Italy, with infections now hitting 208,000 cases, health ministry figures showed.
Monday's figure of 399 deaths was the lowest in four weeks, but a day later, it rose to 430 with officials explaining the numbers tend to go up slightly on Tuesdays following delays in receiving regional data on weekend deaths.
The March 14 lockdown has been twice extended with parliament on Wednesday expected to prolong it until May 9.
But from Sunday, the conditions are to be eased for youngsters in Spain, who have not been allowed out of the house for nearly six weeks under one of the most restrictive lockdowns in the world.
From April 26, those under 14 will be allowed to go for a walk with one of their parents or accompany them on trips out to buy food, medicine or go to the bank.
Addressing MPs at Wednesday's parliamentary session, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said moves to ease the lockdown would likely begin in the second half of May, warning they would be "slow and gradual" and carried out with extreme caution.
"The second half of May offers the prospect of a scaling-back (of the lockdown), of phase two of the fight" when the restrictions "will be modified", he said.
But the lockdown "will not be lifted until we are prepared for it because we are not going to take any risks," he said, insisting that "any optimism must be tempered by prudence".
"We must be incredibly careful in this phase," he said.
"The scaling-back period will be slow and gradual, precisely because it has to be safe."
Spanish health officials believe the epidemic peaked on April 2 when 950 people died over 24 hours, nearly three weeks after the government imposed a nationwide lockdown, effectively confining almost 47 million citizens to their homes to slow the spread of the virus.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-22--Covid-19: Half of France’s private sector workers now unemployed

More than 10 million private sector workers have signed up for temporary unemployment in France due to the coronavirus crisis .
More than 10 million employees in France -- one out of every two in the private sector -- have been laid off during the coronavirus lockdown and are now benefiting from an extended indemnity programme to weather the crisis , the government said Wednesday .
`` Today in France there are 10.2 million employees whose salaries are being paid by the state , '' Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud told BFM television .
Around 820,000 employers , or more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a social security programme that grants 84 percent of net pay for workers temporarily laid off because of a drop in business , a number that is increasing `` day after day , '' '' she said .
`` It 's a considerable number , we 've never done anything like it in our country , '' she said .
President Emmanuel Macron vowed that `` no company would be abandoned to the risk of bankruptcy '' when announcing the widespread business closures and stay-at-home orders implemented on March 17 .
His government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 110 billion euros ( $ 120 billion ) and extended the temporary layoffs programme to individuals who employ nannies or cleaners who can no longer come to work .
Penicaud said entire sectors of the economy have effectively been shut down , with nine out of ten workers in hotels and restaurants as well as in construction now unemployed .
`` We see how big a task it will be getting back to work after the confinement , '' which the government plans to start lifting on May 11 , Penicaud said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the harder it 's going to be afterward . ''
Also on Wednesday , the head of the state investment bank BPIFrance said nearly 40 billion euros in government-backed , low-rate emergency loans had been extended to businesses amid the coronavirus crisis -- an average of 140,000 euros to some 251,000 businesses .
`` It 's practically certain that we 're going to go beyond 100 billion euros , '' Nicolas Dufourcq told RTL radio .
But business groups have warned that even with the loans and financial relief such as delayed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , thousands of small and midsize companies could be facing bankruptcy this year .

More than 10 million employees in France -- one out of every two in the private sector -- have been laid off during the coronavirus lockdown and are now benefiting from an extended indemnity programme to weather the crisis, the government said Wednesday.
More than 10 million private sector workers have signed up for temporary unemployment in France due to the coronavirus crisis.
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"Today in France there are 10.2 million employees whose salaries are being paid by the state," Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud told BFM television.
Around 820,000 employers, or more than six in ten, have applied for a social security programme that grants 84 percent of net pay for workers temporarily laid off because of a drop in business, a number that is increasing "day after day,"" she said.
"It's a considerable number, we've never done anything like it in our country," she said.
President Emmanuel Macron vowed that "no company would be abandoned to the risk of bankruptcy" when announcing the widespread business closures and stay-at-home orders implemented on March 17.
His government last week raised its economic relief package to 110 billion euros ($120 billion) and extended the temporary layoffs programme to individuals who employ nannies or cleaners who can no longer come to work.
Penicaud said entire sectors of the economy have effectively been shut down, with nine out of ten workers in hotels and restaurants as well as in construction now unemployed.
"We see how big a task it will be getting back to work after the confinement," which the government plans to start lifting on May 11, Penicaud said.
"The longer this crisis lasts, the harder it's going to be afterward."
Also on Wednesday, the head of the state investment bank BPIFrance said nearly 40 billion euros in government-backed, low-rate emergency loans had been extended to businesses amid the coronavirus crisis -- an average of 140,000 euros to some 251,000 businesses.
"It's practically certain that we're going to go beyond 100 billion euros," Nicolas Dufourcq told RTL radio.
But business groups have warned that even with the loans and financial relief such as delayed payment of payroll taxes and other charges, thousands of small and midsize companies could be facing bankruptcy this year.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-22--Iran says it launched military satellite into orbit

Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guards announced they had successfully launched the country ’ s first military satellite on Wednesday , at a time of fresh tensions with US forces in the Gulf .
The United States alleges Iran ’ s satellite programme is a cover for its development of missiles , while the Islamic republic has previously insisted its aerospace activities comply with its international obligations .
Tensions between the arch foes escalated last week with the US Department of Defense accusing Iranian vessels of harassing its ships in the Gulf .
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hailed the surprise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” .
“ The first satellite of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been successfully launched into orbit by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps , ” said the Guards ’ Sepahnews website .
It said the satellite—dubbed the Nour—had been launched from the Qassed two-stage launcher from the Markazi desert , a vast expanse in Iran ’ s central plateau .
The satellite “ orbited the earth at 425 kilometres ( 264 miles ) , ” said the website .
“ This action will be a great success and a new development in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” it added .
The operation comes more than two months after Iran launched but failed to put into orbit another satellite that it said had no military purpose .
The attempted launch on February 9 of the Zafar— “ Victory ” in Persian—came days before the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution .
Arch enemies Iran and the United States have appeared to be on the brink of an all-out confrontation twice in the past year .
Long-standing acrimony between Tehran and Washington was exacerbated in 2018 when US President Donald @ @ @ @ @ @ @ froze Iran ’ s nuclear programme , before issuing new demands that Tehran curtail its development of ballistic missiles .
Tensions have escalated since the US killed Major General Qasem Soleimani , head of the Guards ’ foreign operations arm , the Quds Force , in a drone strike in January .
Washington has also raised concerns in the past about Tehran ’ s satellite programme , saying the launch of a carrier rocket in January 2019 amounted to a violation of limits on its ballistic missiles .
Iran maintains it has no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says its aerospace activities are peaceful and comply with a UN Security Council resolution .
The Islamic republic , whose novel coronavirus outbreak is one of the world ’ s deadliest , accuses the US of “ economic terrorism ” over the sanctions .
It says the punitive measures have denied it access to the medicines and medical equipment it needs to fight the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease .
Iran says the virus has claimed the lives of nearly 5,300 people and infected almost 85,000 since the outbreak emerged on February @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and sickened by the virus is widely thought to be much higher , however .

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced they had successfully launched the country’s first military satellite on Wednesday, at a time of fresh tensions with US forces in the Gulf.
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The United States alleges Iran’s satellite programme is a cover for its development of missiles, while the Islamic republic has previously insisted its aerospace activities comply with its international obligations.
Tensions between the arch foes escalated last week with the US Department of Defense accusing Iranian vessels of harassing its ships in the Gulf.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hailed the surprise satellite launch as a “great success”.
“The first satellite of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been successfully launched into orbit by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps,” said the Guards’ Sepahnews website.
It said the satellite—dubbed the Nour—had been launched from the Qassed two-stage launcher from the Markazi desert, a vast expanse in Iran’s central plateau.
The satellite “orbited the earth at 425 kilometres (264 miles),” said the website.
“This action will be a great success and a new development in the field of space for Islamic Iran,” it added.
The operation comes more than two months after Iran launched but failed to put into orbit another satellite that it said had no military purpose.
Acrimony
The attempted launch on February 9 of the Zafar—“Victory” in Persian—came days before the 41st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution.
Arch enemies Iran and the United States have appeared to be on the brink of an all-out confrontation twice in the past year.
Long-standing acrimony between Tehran and Washington was exacerbated in 2018 when US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from a deal that froze Iran’s nuclear programme, before issuing new demands that Tehran curtail its development of ballistic missiles.
Tensions have escalated since the US killed Major General Qasem Soleimani, head of the Guards’ foreign operations arm, the Quds Force, in a drone strike in January.
Washington has also raised concerns in the past about Tehran’s satellite programme, saying the launch of a carrier rocket in January 2019 amounted to a violation of limits on its ballistic missiles.
Iran maintains it has no intention of acquiring nuclear weapons, and says its aerospace activities are peaceful and comply with a UN Security Council resolution.
The Islamic republic, whose novel coronavirus outbreak is one of the world’s deadliest, accuses the US of “economic terrorism” over the sanctions.
It says the punitive measures have denied it access to the medicines and medical equipment it needs to fight the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease.
Iran says the virus has claimed the lives of nearly 5,300 people and infected almost 85,000 since the outbreak emerged on February 19.
The number of Iranians killed and sickened by the virus is widely thought to be much higher, however.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-22--World marks 50th anniversary of Earth Day amid ‘green’ Covid-19 lockdown

Newly-hatched loggerhead and green turtles swim into the sea in the Mansouri reserve south of Beirut on August 29 , 2018 .
The world on Tuesday marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in an unprecedented lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis .
Confinement has led to a massive drop in emissions across the world and can help scientists understand exactly how much of climate change is man-made .
An unplanned grand experiment is changing Earth .
As people across the globe stay home to stop the spread of the new coronavirus , the air and seas have cleaned up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped choking New Delhi , one of the most polluted cities in the world , and India ’ s getting views of sights not visible in decades .
Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30 percent .
Rome air pollution levels from mid-March to mid-April were down 49 percent from a year ago .
Stars seems more visible at night .
People are also noticing animals in places and at times they don ’ t usually .
Coyotes have meandered along downtown Chicago ’ s Michigan Avenue and near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A puma roamed the streets of Santiago , Chile .
Goats took over a town in Wales .
In India , already daring wildlife has become bolder with hungry monkeys entering homes and opening refrigerators to look for food .
As much of the world has spent weeks , if not months , in lockdown in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day , Earth has become both cleaner and wilder .
“ It is giving us this quite extraordinary insight into just how much of a mess we humans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” conservation scientist Stuart Pimm of Duke University said .
“ This is giving us an opportunity to magically see how much better it can be.
” Chris Field , director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment , assembled scientists to assess the ecological changes happening with so much of humanity housebound .
Scientists , stuck at home like the rest of us , say they are eager to explore unexpected changes in weeds , insects , weather patterns , noise and light pollution .
Italy ’ s government is working @ @ @ @ @ @ @ changes from the lack of people .
“ In many ways we kind of whacked the Earth system with a sledgehammer and now we see what Earth ’ s response is , ” Field says .
How much of it is manmade ?
Researchers are tracking dramatic drops in traditional air pollutants , such as nitrogen dioxide , smog and tiny particles .
These types of pollution kill up to 7 million people a year worldwide , according to the Health Effects Institute .
Compared to the previous five years , March air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 35 percent in Bengaluru , India , 38 percent in Sydney , 29 percent in Los Angeles , 26 percent in Rio de Janeiro and 9 percent in Durban , South Africa , NASA measurements show .
`` The sudden drop in emissions , like other drops in the past , will allow us to figure out how fast the planet can recover , '' Edson Ramirez , a glaciologist at the University of San Andres in La Paz , where the lockdown has resulted in a 90 percent drop in road @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is important to know , because the numbers can allow the scientific community to understand how much of an effect human activity can have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions .
“ We ’ re getting a glimpse of what might happen if we start switching to non-polluting cars , ” NASA atmospheric scientist Barry Lefer said .
For some environmentalists , the reduction in road , air and maritime traffic is a sign that fighting climate change is far more possible than what many world leaders have previously let on .
`` What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a matter of days in light of the Covid-19 has really demonstrated that there is a lot more capacity for society to change very quickly and right now we need society to change quickly and positively to tackle the climate crisis , ” said climate activist and cyclist Mike Elm .
In a message for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day , UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged governments worldwide to use their economic responses to the coronavirus pandemic to tackle the “ even deeper emergency ” of climate change .
So far , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United States , China and European governments in light of the coronavirus have focused mainly on staunching the damage to existing industries and staving off the threat of a global depression .
Nevertheless , in the past week , ministers from Germany , France and other EU members have signalled their support for subsequent interventions to align with climate goals .
In an early example of governments linking post-virus rescue packages to climate goals , Austrian environment minister Leonore Gewessler said last week that state aid for Austrian Airlines should support climate policy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reduction in short-haul flights , the use of eco-friendly jet fuel and adjustments to the flight tax , a ministry spokesman said .
Guterres said governments should use their fiscal firepower to drive a shift from “ the grey to green ” economy .
” Where taxpayers ’ money is used to rescue businesses , it needs to be tied to achieving green jobs and sustainable growth , ” Guterres said .
” Public funds should be used to invest in the future , not the past , and flow to sustainable sectors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the climate.
” Cleaner air on the back of the lockdowns has been most noticeable in India and China .
On April 3 , residents of Jalandhar , a city in north India ’ s Punjab , woke up to a view not seen for decades : snow-capped Himalayan peaks more than 100 miles away .
The greenhouse gases that trap heat and cause climate change stay in the atmosphere for 100 years or more , so the pandemic shutdown is unlikely to affect global warming , says Breakthrough Institute climate scientist Zeke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rising , but not as fast as last year .
Aerosol pollution , which doesn ’ t stay airborne long , is also dropping .
But aerosols cool the planet so NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt is investigating whether their falling levels may be warming local temperatures for now .
In Adelaide , Australia , police shared a video of a kangaroo hoping around a mostly empty downtown , and a pack of jackals occupied an urban park in Tel Aviv , Israel .
For sea turtles across the globe , humans have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaches .
The turtles need to be undisturbed and emerging hatchlings get confused by beachfront lights , David Godfrey , executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy , said .
But with lights and people away , this year ’ s sea turtle nesting so far seems much better from India to Costa Rica to Florida , Godfrey says .
“ There ’ s some silver lining for wildlife in what otherwise is a fairly catastrophic time for humans , ” he says .

The world on Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day in an unprecedented lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis. Confinement has led to a massive drop in emissions across the world and can help scientists understand exactly how much of climate change is man-made.
Newly-hatched loggerhead and green turtles swim into the sea in the Mansouri reserve south of Beirut on August 29, 2018.
Advertising Read more
An unplanned grand experiment is changing Earth. As people across the globe stay home to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, the air and seas have cleaned up, at least temporarily. Smog has stopped choking New Delhi, one of the most polluted cities in the world, and India’s getting views of sights not visible in decades. Nitrogen dioxide pollution in the northeastern United States is down 30 percent. Rome air pollution levels from mid-March to mid-April were down 49 percent from a year ago. Stars seems more visible at night.
People are also noticing animals in places and at times they don’t usually. Coyotes have meandered along downtown Chicago’s Michigan Avenue and near San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. A puma roamed the streets of Santiago, Chile. Goats took over a town in Wales. In India, already daring wildlife has become bolder with hungry monkeys entering homes and opening refrigerators to look for food.
As much of the world has spent weeks, if not months, in lockdown in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, Earth has become both cleaner and wilder.
“It is giving us this quite extraordinary insight into just how much of a mess we humans are making of our beautiful planet,” conservation scientist Stuart Pimm of Duke University said. “This is giving us an opportunity to magically see how much better it can be.”
Chris Field, director of the Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, assembled scientists to assess the ecological changes happening with so much of humanity housebound. Scientists, stuck at home like the rest of us, say they are eager to explore unexpected changes in weeds, insects, weather patterns, noise and light pollution. Italy’s government is working on an ocean expedition to explore sea changes from the lack of people.
“In many ways we kind of whacked the Earth system with a sledgehammer and now we see what Earth’s response is,” Field says.
How much of it is manmade?
Researchers are tracking dramatic drops in traditional air pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide, smog and tiny particles. These types of pollution kill up to 7 million people a year worldwide, according to the Health Effects Institute.
Compared to the previous five years, March air pollution is down 46 percent in Paris, 35 percent in Bengaluru, India, 38 percent in Sydney, 29 percent in Los Angeles, 26 percent in Rio de Janeiro and 9 percent in Durban, South Africa, NASA measurements show.
"The sudden drop in emissions, like other drops in the past, will allow us to figure out how fast the planet can recover," Edson Ramirez, a glaciologist at the University of San Andres in La Paz, where the lockdown has resulted in a 90 percent drop in road traffic, told FRANCE 24. It is important to know, because the numbers can allow the scientific community to understand how much of an effect human activity can have in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“We’re getting a glimpse of what might happen if we start switching to non-polluting cars,” NASA atmospheric scientist Barry Lefer said.
‘Fight against climate change is possible’
For some environmentalists, the reduction in road, air and maritime traffic is a sign that fighting climate change is far more possible than what many world leaders have previously let on. "What's happened kind of overnight or in a matter of days in light of the Covid-19 has really demonstrated that there is a lot more capacity for society to change very quickly and right now we need society to change quickly and positively to tackle the climate crisis,” said climate activist and cyclist Mike Elm.
In a message for the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged governments worldwide to use their economic responses to the coronavirus pandemic to tackle the “even deeper emergency” of climate change.
So far, massive economic stimulus packages launched by the United States, China and European governments in light of the coronavirus have focused mainly on staunching the damage to existing industries and staving off the threat of a global depression.
Nevertheless, in the past week, ministers from Germany, France and other EU members have signalled their support for subsequent interventions to align with climate goals.
In an early example of governments linking post-virus rescue packages to climate goals, Austrian environment minister Leonore Gewessler said last week that state aid for Austrian Airlines should support climate policy targets.
Conditions could include a significant reduction in short-haul flights, the use of eco-friendly jet fuel and adjustments to the flight tax, a ministry spokesman said.
Guterres said governments should use their fiscal firepower to drive a shift from “the grey to green” economy.
”Where taxpayers’ money is used to rescue businesses, it needs to be tied to achieving green jobs and sustainable growth,” Guterres said.
”Public funds should be used to invest in the future, not the past, and flow to sustainable sectors and projects that help the environment and the climate.”
Sea turtles nest
Cleaner air on the back of the lockdowns has been most noticeable in India and China. On April 3, residents of Jalandhar, a city in north India’s Punjab, woke up to a view not seen for decades: snow-capped Himalayan peaks more than 100 miles away.
The greenhouse gases that trap heat and cause climate change stay in the atmosphere for 100 years or more, so the pandemic shutdown is unlikely to affect global warming, says Breakthrough Institute climate scientist Zeke Hausfather. Carbon dioxide levels are still rising, but not as fast as last year.
Aerosol pollution, which doesn’t stay airborne long, is also dropping. But aerosols cool the planet so NASA climate scientist Gavin Schmidt is investigating whether their falling levels may be warming local temperatures for now.
In Adelaide, Australia, police shared a video of a kangaroo hoping around a mostly empty downtown, and a pack of jackals occupied an urban park in Tel Aviv, Israel.
For sea turtles across the globe, humans have made it difficult to nest on sandy beaches. The turtles need to be undisturbed and emerging hatchlings get confused by beachfront lights, David Godfrey, executive director of the Sea Turtle Conservancy, said.
But with lights and people away, this year’s sea turtle nesting so far seems much better from India to Costa Rica to Florida, Godfrey says.
“There’s some silver lining for wildlife in what otherwise is a fairly catastrophic time for humans,” he says.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-22--The underpaid foreign doctors battling France’s Covid-19 crisis

Foreign doctors have become indispenable for France as the country deals with its coronavirus crisis .
Non-European doctors have become indispensable for France as the country ’ s healthcare system struggles to deal with the coronavirus crisis .
But with foreign university degrees , they are not seen as equals to their French counterparts , and are often both paid and respected less .
FRANCE 24 reports .
Nesrine Mahfoudhi works in a Covid-19 unit in a French hospital .
Like all of her coworkers , she has had to cope with the unprecedented spike in patients due to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apart : she earned her medical degree outside the EU , meaning she does not have the same professional status as European doctors .
`` We work more than our French co-workers , out of necessity .
We 're paid less than them .
My head of service trusts me .
He 's considered me as a real doctor since I started working here .
So I do n't see why the French government does n't consider us as doctors as well , '' she says .
She is not alone .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often in less secure jobs and with a lower pay , and many of them have become indispensable in dealing with the coronavirus crisis .
`` Many emergency departments would n't be able to function without doctors with foreign medical degrees .
These doctors have done so much for France , '' Mathias Wargon , head of the ER at the Delafontaine Hospital in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis .
Many now hope that a healthcare law passed by lawmakers last year will make it easier for foreign doctors to receive the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To watch the full report , please click on the player above .

Non-European doctors have become indispensable for France as the country’s healthcare system struggles to deal with the coronavirus crisis. But with foreign university degrees, they are not seen as equals to their French counterparts, and are often both paid and respected less. FRANCE 24 reports.
Foreign doctors have become indispenable for France as the country deals with its coronavirus crisis.
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Nesrine Mahfoudhi works in a Covid-19 unit in a French hospital. Like all of her coworkers, she has had to cope with the unprecedented spike in patients due to the coronavirus. But one thing sets her apart: she earned her medical degree outside the EU, meaning she does not have the same professional status as European doctors.
"We work more than our French co-workers, out of necessity. We're paid less than them. My head of service trusts me. He's considered me as a real doctor since I started working here. So I don't see why the French government doesn't consider us as doctors as well," she says.
She is not alone. Thousands of foreign doctors practice in France, often in less secure jobs and with a lower pay, and many of them have become indispensable in dealing with the coronavirus crisis.
"Many emergency departments wouldn't be able to function without doctors with foreign medical degrees. These doctors have done so much for France," Mathias Wargon, head of the ER at the Delafontaine Hospital in the northern Paris suburb of Saint-Denis.
Many now hope that a healthcare law passed by lawmakers last year will make it easier for foreign doctors to receive the same professional recognition as their French colleagues.
To watch the full report, please click on the player above.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-04-22--Trump says US green card suspension to last 60 days

U.S. President Donald Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin answer questions during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington , U.S. , April 21 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was suspending immigration for green card seekers for 60 days , arguing the controversial move would help Americans find work again after coronavirus caused a surge in unemployment .
Trump told reporters at the White House the suspension would come into force through an executive order that he would likely sign on Wednesday as he offered the first details about a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Twitter .
Addressing an issue key to his conservative base as the country is ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic , with more than 43,000 people dead in the US , Trump said his move would help Americans who have lost their jobs during the ongoing shutdown .
`` By pausing immigration , it will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens , '' Trump said at his daily pandemic briefing .
`` This pause will be in effect for 60 days , '' he told reporters , adding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or changes `` based on economic conditions at the time . ''
The Republican president said the order would `` only apply to individuals seeking a permanent residency -- in other words , those receiving green cards . ''
`` It will not apply to those entering on a temporary basis , '' he added .
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ) granted lawful permanent residence to around 577,000 individuals in 2019 .
Trump said there would be exemptions that his administration would detail before the order is signed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomorrow .
Being drawn now and tonight , and it 's something we have to have in this country , '' he added .
According to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Wall Street Journal before Trump spoke , the eventual executive order could include exceptions for farm and health care workers .
The US government issued 462,000 visas in fiscal 2019 , according to official data -- a major drop from the 617,000 visas granted in 2016 under Trump 's predecessor Barack Obama .
Any executive order on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reverse it , and has already raised hackles among Trump 's Democratic opponents .
Before Trump 's briefing , Texas lawmaker Joaquin Castro slammed what he called `` an attempt to divert attention away from Trump 's failure to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives . ''
In a tweet , Castro accused Trump of `` an authoritarian-like move to take advantage of a crisis and advance his anti-immigrant agenda . ''
The Supreme Court has in recent months offered several significant victories to the Trump administration in cases relating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the high court allowed the federal government to maintain a policy that will send more than 60,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico .
The `` Remain in Mexico '' policy unveiled in December 2018 and implemented a month later calls for non-Mexican asylum seekers who attempt to enter the US via that country to stay there while their cases are being decided .

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he was suspending immigration for green card seekers for 60 days, arguing the controversial move would help Americans find work again after coronavirus caused a surge in unemployment.
U.S. President Donald Trump listens to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin answer questions during the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 21, 2020.
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Trump told reporters at the White House the suspension would come into force through an executive order that he would likely sign on Wednesday as he offered the first details about a vague announcement he made Monday night on Twitter.
Addressing an issue key to his conservative base as the country is ravaged by the coronavirus pandemic, with more than 43,000 people dead in the US, Trump said his move would help Americans who have lost their jobs during the ongoing shutdown.
"By pausing immigration, it will help put unemployed Americans first in line for jobs as America reopens," Trump said at his daily pandemic briefing.
"This pause will be in effect for 60 days," he told reporters, adding that he would decide on any extension or changes "based on economic conditions at the time."
01:29
The Republican president said the order would "only apply to individuals seeking a permanent residency -- in other words, those receiving green cards."
"It will not apply to those entering on a temporary basis," he added.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) granted lawful permanent residence to around 577,000 individuals in 2019.
Trump said there would be exemptions that his administration would detail before the order is signed.
"We'll sign it most likely tomorrow. Being drawn now and tonight, and it's something we have to have in this country," he added.
According to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to The Wall Street Journal before Trump spoke, the eventual executive order could include exceptions for farm and health care workers.
The US government issued 462,000 visas in fiscal 2019, according to official data -- a major drop from the 617,000 visas granted in 2016 under Trump's predecessor Barack Obama.
Any executive order on immigration will likely spark court action to reverse it, and has already raised hackles among Trump's Democratic opponents.
Before Trump's briefing, Texas lawmaker Joaquin Castro slammed what he called "an attempt to divert attention away from Trump's failure to stop the spread of the coronavirus and save lives."
In a tweet, Castro accused Trump of "an authoritarian-like move to take advantage of a crisis and advance his anti-immigrant agenda."
The Supreme Court has in recent months offered several significant victories to the Trump administration in cases relating to immigration.
A month ago, the high court allowed the federal government to maintain a policy that will send more than 60,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico.
The "Remain in Mexico" policy unveiled in December 2018 and implemented a month later calls for non-Mexican asylum seekers who attempt to enter the US via that country to stay there while their cases are being decided.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-22--Ecuador prepares to reactivate economy after coronavirus quarantine

People line up outside of a pharmacy amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , in Guayaquil , Ecaudor April 15 , 2020 .
Picture taken April 15 , 2020 .
Ecuador is readying a plan to restart its economy and authorise flights home for citizens stranded abroad , the government said on Tuesday , following a month of strict quarantine to curb the coronavirus pandemic .
With 520 deaths and 10,398 confirmed infections , the virus has devastated the economy of the oil-producing nation , while overwhelmed public health services in its outbreak epicentre of Guayaquil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ streets for hours .
Now , as it seeks urgent external financing and renegotiation of external debt , Ecuador wants productive and commercial sectors to gradually resume work , following protocols to limit contagion and conserve capacity at public hospitals .
`` It is an economic reopening plan that requires more discipline than the previous stage , '' Minister Maria Paula Romo told reporters .
`` Now we are going to have to organize ourselves to get out , any disorder in this next stage could provoke a spike in infections , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Despite the reopening plans , curbs on education , transport and large gatherings , among other measures , will continue during May , Romo added .
Ecuador plans to receive thousands more citizens on authorized flights , Romo said , in addition to the roughly 2,500 who have returned from overseas .
But they will have to complete a 14-day term of isolation in hotels or other government-designated spaces .
The pandemic cost Ecuador 's productive and commercial sectors about $ 4.7 billion in sales , production ministry data show .
The productive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its primary problem and has asked the government for resources to reactivate itself and avoid mass layoffs .
In addition to the virus tally , official data registered 902 deaths as probably caused by the respiratory disease .

Ecuador is readying a plan to restart its economy and authorise flights home for citizens stranded abroad, the government said on Tuesday, following a month of strict quarantine to curb the coronavirus pandemic.
People line up outside of a pharmacy amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Guayaquil, Ecaudor April 15, 2020. Picture taken April 15, 2020.
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With 520 deaths and 10,398 confirmed infections, the virus has devastated the economy of the oil-producing nation, while overwhelmed public health services in its outbreak epicentre of Guayaquil saw corpses left in homes or on streets for hours.
Now, as it seeks urgent external financing and renegotiation of external debt, Ecuador wants productive and commercial sectors to gradually resume work, following protocols to limit contagion and conserve capacity at public hospitals.
"It is an economic reopening plan that requires more discipline than the previous stage," Minister Maria Paula Romo told reporters.
"Now we are going to have to organize ourselves to get out, any disorder in this next stage could provoke a spike in infections," the minister added, without elaborating.
Despite the reopening plans, curbs on education, transport and large gatherings, among other measures, will continue during May, Romo added.
Ecuador plans to receive thousands more citizens on authorized flights, Romo said, in addition to the roughly 2,500 who have returned from overseas.
But they will have to complete a 14-day term of isolation in hotels or other government-designated spaces.
The pandemic cost Ecuador's productive and commercial sectors about $4.7 billion in sales, production ministry data show.
The productive sector has cited lack of liquidity as its primary problem and has asked the government for resources to reactivate itself and avoid mass layoffs.
In addition to the virus tally, official data registered 902 deaths as probably caused by the respiratory disease.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-04-22--N. Korean media silent on Kim Jong Un's health after surgery reports

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a pursuit assault plane group under the Air and Anti-Aircraft Division in the western area in this undated image released by North Korea 's Korean Central News Agency ( KCNA ) in Pyongyang on April 12 , 2020 .
North Korean state media on Wednesday made no mention of new appearances by leader Kim Jong Un , a day after intense international speculation over his health was sparked by media reports he was gravely ill after a cardiovascular procedure .
South Korean and Chinese officials and sources familiar with U.S. intelligence have cast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ media reports , while the White House said it was closely monitoring the matter .
U.S. President Donald Trump , who held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 in an attempt to persuade him to give up his nuclear weapons , said the reports had not been confirmed and he did not put much credence in them .
`` I just hope he 's doing fine , '' Trump told a White House news conference on Tuesday .
`` I 've had a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do well .
We 'll see how he does .
We do n't know if the reports are true . ''
Asked whether he would try to reach out to Kim to check on his condition , Trump said : `` Well I may , but I just hope he 's doing fine . ''
Speculation about Kim 's health first arose due to his absence from the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea 's founding father and Kim 's grandfather , Kim Il Sung , on April 15 .
On Wednesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pieces on sports equipment , mulberry picking , and a meeting in Bangladesh to study North Korea 's `` juche '' or self-reliance ideology .
Official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried articles on a self-sufficient economy and anti-coronavirus measures .
There was no mention of Kim 's whereabouts .
Daily NK , a Seoul-based website , reported late on Monday that Kim , who is believed to be about 36 , was hospitalised on April 12 , hours before the cardiovascular procedure .
It said his health had deteriorated since August due to heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one unnamed North Korean source it said Kim was now receiving treatment at a villa in the Mount Myohyang resort north of the capital Pyongyang .
On Tuesday , CNN reported an unnamed U.S. official saying that the United States was `` monitoring intelligence '' that Kim was in grave danger after surgery .
However , two South Korean government officials rejected the CNN report and South Korea 's presidential Blue House said there were no unusual signs from North Korea .
China , North Korea 's only major ally , also dismissed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ adviser , Robert O'Brien , told Fox News the White House was monitoring the reports `` very closely '' .
`` There 's lots of conjecture going around , '' a senior Trump administration official said on condition of anonymity late on Tuesday when asked if there was confirmation of the reports .
North Korea experts have cautioned that hard facts about Kim 's condition are elusive , but said his unprecedented absence from major celebrations for his grandfather 's birthday last week signals that something may have gone awry .
Kim is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Korea with an iron fist , coming to power after his father Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack .
Reporting from inside North Korea is notoriously difficult , especially on matters concerning its leadership , given tight controls on information .
There have been past false reports regarding its leaders , but the fact Kim has no clear successor means any instability could present a major international risk .
Trump said he had asked Kim about succession in the past but declined to elaborate .
`` The basic assumption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the family , '' said O'Brien .
`` But , again , it 's too early to talk about that because we just do n't know what condition Chairman Kim is in and we 'll have to see how it plays out . ''
With no details known about Kim 's young children , analysts said Kim 's sister and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over .
In recent years , Kim has launched a diplomatic offensive to promote himself as a world leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and five with Chinese President Xi Jinping .
Kim has sought to have international sanctions against his country eased , but has refused to dismantle his nuclear weapons programme , a steadfast demand by the United States .

North Korean state media on Wednesday made no mention of new appearances by leader Kim Jong Un, a day after intense international speculation over his health was sparked by media reports he was gravely ill after a cardiovascular procedure.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits a pursuit assault plane group under the Air and Anti-Aircraft Division in the western area in this undated image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on April 12, 2020.
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South Korean and Chinese officials and sources familiar with U.S. intelligence have cast doubt on the South Korean and U.S. media reports, while the White House said it was closely monitoring the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 in an attempt to persuade him to give up his nuclear weapons, said the reports had not been confirmed and he did not put much credence in them.
"I just hope he's doing fine," Trump told a White House news conference on Tuesday. "I've had a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un. And I'd like to see him do well. We'll see how he does. We don't know if the reports are true."
Asked whether he would try to reach out to Kim to check on his condition, Trump said: "Well I may, but I just hope he's doing fine."
Speculation about Kim's health first arose due to his absence from the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea's founding father and Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15.
On Wednesday, the main headlines from KCNA included pieces on sports equipment, mulberry picking, and a meeting in Bangladesh to study North Korea's "juche" or self-reliance ideology. Official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried articles on a self-sufficient economy and anti-coronavirus measures.
There was no mention of Kim's whereabouts.
Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported late on Monday that Kim, who is believed to be about 36, was hospitalised on April 12, hours before the cardiovascular procedure.
It said his health had deteriorated since August due to heavy smoking, obesity and overwork.
Citing one unnamed North Korean source it said Kim was now receiving treatment at a villa in the Mount Myohyang resort north of the capital Pyongyang.
On Tuesday, CNN reported an unnamed U.S. official saying that the United States was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in grave danger after surgery.
However, two South Korean government officials rejected the CNN report and South Korea's presidential Blue House said there were no unusual signs from North Korea. China, North Korea's only major ally, also dismissed the reports.
Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, told Fox News the White House was monitoring the reports "very closely".
"There's lots of conjecture going around," a senior Trump administration official said on condition of anonymity late on Tuesday when asked if there was confirmation of the reports.
North Korea experts have cautioned that hard facts about Kim's condition are elusive, but said his unprecedented absence from major celebrations for his grandfather's birthday last week signals that something may have gone awry.
Kim is a third-generation hereditary leader who rules North Korea with an iron fist, coming to power after his father Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack.
Reporting from inside North Korea is notoriously difficult, especially on matters concerning its leadership, given tight controls on information. There have been past false reports regarding its leaders, but the fact Kim has no clear successor means any instability could present a major international risk.
Trump said he had asked Kim about succession in the past but declined to elaborate.
"The basic assumption would be maybe it would be someone in the family," said O'Brien. "But, again, it's too early to talk about that because we just don't know what condition Chairman Kim is in and we'll have to see how it plays out."
With no details known about Kim's young children, analysts said Kim's sister and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over.
In recent years, Kim has launched a diplomatic offensive to promote himself as a world leader, holding three meetings with Trump, four with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and five with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Kim has sought to have international sanctions against his country eased, but has refused to dismantle his nuclear weapons programme, a steadfast demand by the United States.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-22--Police hunt for motive as Canada's worst mass shooting death toll rises

Canadian police had yet to determine a motive for the country 's worst mass shooting , as the death toll from the carnage in Nova Scotia over the weekend climbed to 23 from 19 , the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ( RCMP ) said on Tuesday .
The shooting rampage has rattled rural communities in the Atlantic province , as investigators seek answers to questions such as how the gunman obtained an authentic police uniform and secured a police look-alike cruiser , both of which aided his easy movement during his 13-hour spree .
Memorials cropped up all over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , featuring Canadian flags , flowers and illustrations of broken hearts .
The Canadian Broadcasting Corp said the death toll included the suspect .
The incident started at a home in Portapique , a rural seaside community of about 100 residents in the winter , increasing to some 250 residents in the summer .
The RCMP said in a statement it was investigating the 16 crime scenes that were part of the murder spree , several of which included burnt-out homes .
Police said there were also injuries in the attack , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would rise further .
The gunman , 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman , who worked as a denturist , began his rampage late on Saturday .
He was fatally shot by police at noon on Sunday at a service station .
The youngest among those confirmed killed so far was a 17-year-old , the RCMP said .
Some of the victims were known to the gunman but others were not .
A veteran police officer , a teacher and a nurse were among the dead .
Kristen Beaton , a nurse , was killed while @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up in her name .
Beaton 's husband , Nick , told CTV News he warned his wife about the presence of an active shooter just before she was killed .
She was pregnant with the couple 's second child .
`` We never got the chance to tell family , '' he said .
`` We were going to tell them this week , she was going on vacation . ''
The RCMP has been criticized for not alerting the public to the presence of an active shooter via the province 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its Twitter account , which had just under 91,000 followers at the time .
Nova Scotia RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather told reporters on Monday the force felt it was a `` superior way to communicate '' the threat in the community , but said [ the force would look into the matter .
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said the province had not received a request from police for an emergency alert to be sent out .
McNeil said the military was assisting in the RCMP 's investigation .
No details have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used by Wortman or how it was obtained .
Bringing in stricter gun control measures was an election promise of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 's Liberals in the October 2019 federal election , and he told reporters on Tuesday the legislation had been `` almost ready to go '' when the novel coronavirus crisis hit .
`` The tragedy in Nova Scotia simply reinforces and underlines how important it is for us to continue to move forward on strengthening gun control in this country , '' Trudeau said .
`` We will do @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Canadian police had yet to determine a motive for the country's worst mass shooting, as the death toll from the carnage in Nova Scotia over the weekend climbed to 23 from 19, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said on Tuesday.
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The shooting rampage has rattled rural communities in the Atlantic province, as investigators seek answers to questions such as how the gunman obtained an authentic police uniform and secured a police look-alike cruiser, both of which aided his easy movement during his 13-hour spree.
Memorials cropped up all over the province of fewer than a million people, featuring Canadian flags, flowers and illustrations of broken hearts. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp said the death toll included the suspect.
The incident started at a home in Portapique, a rural seaside community of about 100 residents in the winter, increasing to some 250 residents in the summer.
The RCMP said in a statement it was investigating the 16 crime scenes that were part of the murder spree, several of which included burnt-out homes. Police said there were also injuries in the attack, but did not say whether the death toll would rise further.
The gunman, 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who worked as a denturist, began his rampage late on Saturday. He was fatally shot by police at noon on Sunday at a service station.
The youngest among those confirmed killed so far was a 17-year-old, the RCMP said. Some of the victims were known to the gunman but others were not. A veteran police officer, a teacher and a nurse were among the dead.
Kristen Beaton, a nurse, was killed while working, according to a GoFundMe set up in her name. Beaton's husband, Nick, told CTV News he warned his wife about the presence of an active shooter just before she was killed.
She was pregnant with the couple's second child.
"We never got the chance to tell family," he said. "We were going to tell them this week, she was going on vacation."
'Twitter alerts'
The RCMP has been criticized for not alerting the public to the presence of an active shooter via the province's emergency alert system and instead relying on its Twitter account, which had just under 91,000 followers at the time.
Nova Scotia RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather told reporters on Monday the force felt it was a "superior way to communicate" the threat in the community, but said [the force would look into the matter.
Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil said the province had not received a request from police for an emergency alert to be sent out. McNeil said the military was assisting in the RCMP's investigation.
No details have been released about the type of gun used by Wortman or how it was obtained.
Bringing in stricter gun control measures was an election promise of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals in the October 2019 federal election, and he told reporters on Tuesday the legislation had been "almost ready to go" when the novel coronavirus crisis hit.
"The tragedy in Nova Scotia simply reinforces and underlines how important it is for us to continue to move forward on strengthening gun control in this country," Trudeau said. "We will do that at the appropriate time."
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-04-22--Trump signs executive order to suspend immigration to US for 60 days

U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington , U.S. , April 22 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an order to temporarily block some foreigners from permanent residence in the United States , saying he was doing so in order to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic .
The order is to last for 60 days and then will be reviewed and possibly extended .
Some critics saw Republican Trump 's announcement as a move to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis to implement a long-sought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Nov. 3 election .
`` In order to protect our great American workers I have just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States .
This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens , '' Trump said at his daily news conference about the coronavirus at the White House .
He also said it will `` preserve our healthcare resources for American patients '' afflicted by the coronavirus .
White House lawyers worked all day to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prompting some officials to say the signing might have to wait for Thursday .
But aides described Trump as eager to sign the document .
Trump won the White House in 2016 in part on a promise to crack down on immigration and has made the issue central to his presidency .
But many of his major moves trying to curb immigration have been challenged in court and legal experts said this executive order could also face lawsuits .
One U.S. Department of Homeland Security official who requested anonymity said the order would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ residence from outside the United States , not those already in the country seeking to adjust their status .
Trump said the order initially would last for 60 days and could be renewed for the same period or longer , and that a second immigration-focused order was under consideration .
A person familiar with the internal debate at the White House said Trump and his advisers had discussed the executive order over the weekend and that the move was directed at his electoral base .
`` He 's wanted this all along , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now under this pandemic he can absolutely do it . ''

President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an order to temporarily block some foreigners from permanent residence in the United States, saying he was doing so in order to protect American workers during the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the daily coronavirus task force briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., April 22, 2020.
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The order is to last for 60 days and then will be reviewed and possibly extended. Some critics saw Republican Trump's announcement as a move to take advantage of the coronavirus crisis to implement a long-sought policy goal of barring more immigrants ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
"In order to protect our great American workers I have just signed an executive order temporarily suspending immigration into the United States. This will ensure that unemployed Americans of all backgrounds will be first in line for jobs as our economy reopens," Trump said at his daily news conference about the coronavirus at the White House.
He also said it will "preserve our healthcare resources for American patients" afflicted by the coronavirus.
White House lawyers worked all day to craft the language for the order, prompting some officials to say the signing might have to wait for Thursday. But aides described Trump as eager to sign the document.
Trump won the White House in 2016 in part on a promise to crack down on immigration and has made the issue central to his presidency. But many of his major moves trying to curb immigration have been challenged in court and legal experts said this executive order could also face lawsuits.
One U.S. Department of Homeland Security official who requested anonymity said the order would only apply to people applying for permanent residence from outside the United States, not those already in the country seeking to adjust their status.
Trump said the order initially would last for 60 days and could be renewed for the same period or longer, and that a second immigration-focused order was under consideration.
A person familiar with the internal debate at the White House said Trump and his advisers had discussed the executive order over the weekend and that the move was directed at his electoral base.
"He's wanted this all along," the person said. "But now under this pandemic he can absolutely do it."
(REUTERS)
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