france24--2020-08-19--F1 deal gets green light from all 10 teams on grid

Formula One announced Wednesday that all 10 teams on the grid had finally agreed to a binding five-year commercial deal from 2021 which ensures the sport 's `` sustainable '' future and will create closer racing .
`` The FIA ( F1 's governing body ) and Formula 1 can today confirm that all 10 teams have agreed to the new Concorde Agreement , '' a statement confirmed .
`` The agreement will secure the long-term sustainable future for Formula 1 , '' it noted , and will help usher in the top item in any F1 fans ' wishlist @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` All our fans want to see closer racing , wheel to wheel action and every team having a chance to get on the podium , '' said F1 boss Chase Carey .
`` The new Concorde agreement , in conjunction with the regulations for 2022 , will put in place the foundations to make this a reality and create an environment that is both financially fairer and closes the gaps between teams on the race track.
” FIA president Jean Todt said that in a time of `` unprecedented global challenges '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how the sport 's stakeholders had worked together .
Wednesday 's announcement did not look remotely possible earlier this month when world champions Mercedes said they were n't prepared to sign it .
It got the green light only after the German constructor executed a u-turn , announcing they were on board after changing their minds at last weekend 's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona .
Team chief Toto Wolff explained they had accepted that it was impossible for the teams to be united – and so a pragmatic and singular approach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to achieve some little deals outside .
There ’ s a blame culture in the media so we ’ ve decided to move forward with Liberty , '' Wolff said .
Eventual concord and the sport 's safe return under strict COVID-19 health protocols were testament to the whole sport , the F1 statement acknowledged .
`` Closer racing will attract more fans to the sport , benefitting every team , and continuing to increase the global growth of Formula 1 , '' it added .
Haas , one of the teams operating @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likes of Mercedes or Ferrari , reacted to the news on twitter : `` Concorde agreement - SIGNED .
We 've committed to five more years in @ F1 . ''
The agreement is named after the Place de la Concorde in Paris where the first deal between the teams , the sport and its ruling body was completed in 1981 .

Paris (AFP) –
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Formula One announced Wednesday that all 10 teams on the grid had finally agreed to a binding five-year commercial deal from 2021 which ensures the sport's "sustainable" future and will create closer racing.
"The FIA (F1's governing body) and Formula 1 can today confirm that all 10 teams have agreed to the new Concorde Agreement," a statement confirmed.
"The agreement will secure the long-term sustainable future for Formula 1," it noted, and will help usher in the top item in any F1 fans' wishlist - better action on the track.
"All our fans want to see closer racing, wheel to wheel action and every team having a chance to get on the podium," said F1 boss Chase Carey.
"The new Concorde agreement, in conjunction with the regulations for 2022, will put in place the foundations to make this a reality and create an environment that is both financially fairer and closes the gaps between teams on the race track.”
FIA president Jean Todt said that in a time of "unprecedented global challenges" from the coronavirus pandemic he was proud of how the sport's stakeholders had worked together.
Wednesday's announcement did not look remotely possible earlier this month when world champions Mercedes said they weren't prepared to sign it.
It got the green light only after the German constructor executed a u-turn, announcing they were on board after changing their minds at last weekend's Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Team chief Toto Wolff explained they had accepted that it was impossible for the teams to be united – and so a pragmatic and singular approach would be best.
"Everybody tries to achieve some little deals outside. There’s a blame culture in the media so we’ve decided to move forward with Liberty," Wolff said.
Eventual concord and the sport's safe return under strict COVID-19 health protocols were testament to the whole sport, the F1 statement acknowledged.
"Closer racing will attract more fans to the sport, benefitting every team, and continuing to increase the global growth of Formula 1," it added.
Haas, one of the teams operating on a far tighter budget than the likes of Mercedes or Ferrari, reacted to the news on twitter: "Concorde agreement - SIGNED. We've committed to five more years in @F1."
The agreement is named after the Place de la Concorde in Paris where the first deal between the teams, the sport and its ruling body was completed in 1981.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Man causes Berlin motorway crashes in suspected Islamist attack

The mangled black Opel Astra on Berlin 's Autobahn 100 after its driver caused three accidents A man has caused a series of motorway accidents in Berlin , injuring six people including three seriously in what German prosecutors Wednesday described as a suspected Islamist attack .
Berlin police said the man caused three accidents on the Autobahn 100 in the city 's Tempelhof-Schoeneberg district shortly before 7:00 pm ( 1700 GMT ) on Tuesday evening , before claiming that a box in his car contained a `` dangerous object '' .
Local media reported that the suspect was a 30-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' ( God is Greatest ) when coming out of his mangled black Opel Astra .
`` The possibility of an Islamist attack can not be ruled out , '' prosecutors said in a statement .
The driver had `` targeted motorcyclists in particular '' , they said .
`` Statements by the accused suggest a religious Islamist motivation '' for his actions .
`` There are also indications of psychological instability '' , they added .
The suspect has been arrested and will be brought before a judge for attempted murder .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the injured .
The suspect had published clues on social media that he was planning an attack , according to the DPA news agency .
He had posted photos of the car used for the attack on Facebook , along with religious slogans , the report said , citing a spokesman for the prosecution .
`` Nobody come any closer or you will all die , '' the Bild newspaper quoted the suspect as saying after he got out of his car and placed the metal box on the roof .
His @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after crashing into a motorbike .
However , when police opened the box using high-pressure water jets it was found to contain nothing but tools .
The motorway was closed for several hours , causing significant travel disruption , and drivers caught in traffic jams were asked to leave their vehicles as a precaution .
Investigators have not found any links to a terrorist organisation so far , prosecutors said .
People with ties to Islamic extremism have committed several violent attacks in Germany in recent years .
The deadliest was a truck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 2016 that killed 12 people .
The Tunisian attacker , a failed asylum seeker , was a supporter of the Islamic State jihadist group .
More recently , an Islamist and his wife were convicted of planning a biological bomb attack in Germany in 2018 with the deadly poison ricin .
The pair had ordered castor seeds , explosives and metal ball bearings on the internet to build the toxic bomb .
The man was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison while his wife received an eight-year sentence in June @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Islamists considered dangerous in Germany has increased fivefold to 680 , according to security services .

Berlin (AFP) –
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A man has caused a series of motorway accidents in Berlin, injuring six people including three seriously in what German prosecutors Wednesday described as a suspected Islamist attack.
Berlin police said the man caused three accidents on the Autobahn 100 in the city's Tempelhof-Schoeneberg district shortly before 7:00 pm (1700 GMT) on Tuesday evening, before claiming that a box in his car contained a "dangerous object".
Local media reported that the suspect was a 30-year-old Iraqi who had shouted "Allahu Akbar" (God is Greatest) when coming out of his mangled black Opel Astra.
"The possibility of an Islamist attack cannot be ruled out," prosecutors said in a statement.
The driver had "targeted motorcyclists in particular", they said.
"Statements by the accused suggest a religious Islamist motivation" for his actions. "There are also indications of psychological instability", they added.
The suspect has been arrested and will be brought before a judge for attempted murder.
German media reported that a motorcyclist was among the injured.
- Religious slogans -
The suspect had published clues on social media that he was planning an attack, according to the DPA news agency.
He had posted photos of the car used for the attack on Facebook, along with religious slogans, the report said, citing a spokesman for the prosecution.
"Nobody come any closer or you will all die," the Bild newspaper quoted the suspect as saying after he got out of his car and placed the metal box on the roof.
His vehicle was apparently brought to a halt after crashing into a motorbike.
However, when police opened the box using high-pressure water jets it was found to contain nothing but tools.
The motorway was closed for several hours, causing significant travel disruption, and drivers caught in traffic jams were asked to leave their vehicles as a precaution.
Investigators have not found any links to a terrorist organisation so far, prosecutors said.
- Violent attacks -
People with ties to Islamic extremism have committed several violent attacks in Germany in recent years.
The deadliest was a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016 that killed 12 people.
The Tunisian attacker, a failed asylum seeker, was a supporter of the Islamic State jihadist group.
More recently, an Islamist and his wife were convicted of planning a biological bomb attack in Germany in 2018 with the deadly poison ricin.
The pair had ordered castor seeds, explosives and metal ball bearings on the internet to build the toxic bomb.
The man was sentenced in March to 10 years in prison while his wife received an eight-year sentence in June.
Since 2013, the number of Islamists considered dangerous in Germany has increased fivefold to 680, according to security services.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Lawyer provided gun in slaying of US man in Pakistan court: police

A Pakistani lawyer has been arrested for allegedly giving a pistol to a teenager accused of gunning down a US citizen as he appeared in court on blasphemy charges , officials told AFP on Wednesday .
Last month 's killing of Tahir Ahmad Nasim in the northern city of Peshawar provoked outrage in the United States .
The US State Department has demanded action in his case and called for a reform of the controversial blasphemy laws under which he was being held .
Nasim , a member of the minority Ahmadiyya community , was under police escort when he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 29 .
Blasphemy accusations are highly inflammatory in deeply conservative Pakistan and have in the past sparked mob lynchings , vigilante murders and mass protests .
According to investigating officer Lalzada Khan , junior lawyer Tufail Khan was arrested on Tuesday for `` allegedly providing a pistol to the assassin to kill Nasim '' .
`` Tufail was produced before the judge in an anti-terrorist court .
He was remanded into police custody for three days , '' Khan told AFP .
Authorities say 17-year-old Faisal Khan has confessed to the killing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lawyers do n't typically undergo a pat-down on going into Pakistan courts , and officials said Tufail had discreetly handed the pistol over to Faisal .
Washington has said Nasim was lured from his home in Illinois to Pakistan in 2018 , when he was arrested on blasphemy charges .
The Ahmadiyya have long faced violence in Pakistan , which forbids community members from self-identifying as Muslims .
The sect , which is rooted in the subcontinent and shuns violence , is considered heretical by many orthodox Muslims for challenging the Islamic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's final messenger .
Up to 80 people are known to be imprisoned in Pakistan on blasphemy charges -- half of whom face life in prison or the death penalty -- according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom .
The US State Department has put Pakistan on a blacklist over religious freedom , pointing to the blasphemy cases .

Peshawar (Pakistan) (AFP) –
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A Pakistani lawyer has been arrested for allegedly giving a pistol to a teenager accused of gunning down a US citizen as he appeared in court on blasphemy charges, officials told AFP on Wednesday.
Last month's killing of Tahir Ahmad Nasim in the northern city of Peshawar provoked outrage in the United States.
The US State Department has demanded action in his case and called for a reform of the controversial blasphemy laws under which he was being held.
Nasim, a member of the minority Ahmadiyya community, was under police escort when he was fatally shot in court on July 29.
Blasphemy accusations are highly inflammatory in deeply conservative Pakistan and have in the past sparked mob lynchings, vigilante murders and mass protests.
According to investigating officer Lalzada Khan, junior lawyer Tufail Khan was arrested on Tuesday for "allegedly providing a pistol to the assassin to kill Nasim".
"Tufail was produced before the judge in an anti-terrorist court. He was remanded into police custody for three days," Khan told AFP.
Authorities say 17-year-old Faisal Khan has confessed to the killing, claiming Tufail provided him with the pistol.
Lawyers don't typically undergo a pat-down on going into Pakistan courts, and officials said Tufail had discreetly handed the pistol over to Faisal.
Washington has said Nasim was lured from his home in Illinois to Pakistan in 2018, when he was arrested on blasphemy charges.
The Ahmadiyya have long faced violence in Pakistan, which forbids community members from self-identifying as Muslims.
The sect, which is rooted in the subcontinent and shuns violence, is considered heretical by many orthodox Muslims for challenging the Islamic belief that the Prophet Mohammed was God's final messenger.
Up to 80 people are known to be imprisoned in Pakistan on blasphemy charges -- half of whom face life in prison or the death penalty -- according to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
The US State Department has put Pakistan on a blacklist over religious freedom, pointing to the blasphemy cases.
A senior police official told AFP that Nasim held dual Pakistan-US nationality.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Floods in Delhi as South Asia monsoon toll rises to nearly 1,300

Heavy monsoon rains lashed New Delhi Wednesday , inundating roads and piling on misery for commuters in the chaotic Indian capital , as the death toll from the annual deluge across South Asia rose to nearly 1,300 .
The monsoon is vital to the densely populated region , revitalising land and waterways amid scorching summers .
But it also causes widespread death and destruction .
In New Delhi , commuters battled through knee-deep waters and cars and buses were submerged as torrential rains added to traffic woes in the city of 20 million .
At a museum in Jaipur in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff told AFP how they were forced to smash open a glass display case containing a 2,300 year-old Egyptian mummy in order to save it from rainwater flooding the ground floor .
`` The workers broke the glass of the box and took the mummy out '' last Friday after water levels started rising , Albert Hall Museum 's superintendent Rakesh Cholak said .
`` The case of the coffin got a little wet but we 've put it out to dry too . ''
The torrid conditions in recent days also hit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Across India , 847 people have died this season , the home ministry said .
In the southwestern state of Kerala , the death toll from a single landslide rose to 61 on Wednesday , with nine people still missing , an official said .
In India 's poorest state Bihar , eight million people have been hit by the floods , with thousands of displaced people sleeping on embankments and highways amid a shortage of relief camps .
This year 's rains have also come in the wake of the economic devastation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the loss of crops across flood-affected areas a further blow to farmers and rural communities .
In Bangladesh , 226 people have died so far with 40 percent of the country underwater after torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks and inundate villages .
`` In terms of duration it was the second-worst floods in the country 's history , '' said Arifuzzaman Bhuyan , the head of Bangladesh 's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre .
More than six million people have had their homes damaged by the floods , and tens @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an official from Bangladesh 's disaster management ministry told AFP .
Others are sleeping in shanties built on roads on higher ground , unable to return home to their submerged homes .
In flood-hit Rupangar village outside the capital Dhaka , Shahanara Begum said she has been living on the road with her family for more than a month .
`` It seems like bad luck does n't leave us .
Wherever we go , floodwater follows us , '' the 50-year-old told AFP Wednesday .
`` It is very insecure to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't have a choice ... most of our food stocks and clothes are already ruined , '' added 70-year-old Maya Saha .
In Nepal , 218 people have died and 69 are missing from landslides and floods since mid-June when the monsoon began .
In the latest incident early Wednesday , six bodies were recovered and 11 people were missing after a flood swept away a remote settlement in a western district , an official said .
Nepal 's monsoon toll tops 200 for most years , but experts say this year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the continuing after-effects of the massive 2015 earthquakes and more road construction in the country 's Himalayan foothills .

New Delhi (AFP) –
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Heavy monsoon rains lashed New Delhi Wednesday, inundating roads and piling on misery for commuters in the chaotic Indian capital, as the death toll from the annual deluge across South Asia rose to nearly 1,300.
The monsoon is vital to the densely populated region, revitalising land and waterways amid scorching summers. But it also causes widespread death and destruction.
In New Delhi, commuters battled through knee-deep waters and cars and buses were submerged as torrential rains added to traffic woes in the city of 20 million.
At a museum in Jaipur in the mostly desert state of Rajasthan, staff told AFP how they were forced to smash open a glass display case containing a 2,300 year-old Egyptian mummy in order to save it from rainwater flooding the ground floor.
"The workers broke the glass of the box and took the mummy out" last Friday after water levels started rising, Albert Hall Museum's superintendent Rakesh Cholak said.
"The case of the coffin got a little wet but we've put it out to dry too."
The torrid conditions in recent days also hit India's northern and eastern states.
Across India, 847 people have died this season, the home ministry said.
In the southwestern state of Kerala, the death toll from a single landslide rose to 61 on Wednesday, with nine people still missing, an official said.
In India's poorest state Bihar, eight million people have been hit by the floods, with thousands of displaced people sleeping on embankments and highways amid a shortage of relief camps.
- Sleeping on roads -
This year's rains have also come in the wake of the economic devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, with the loss of crops across flood-affected areas a further blow to farmers and rural communities.
In Bangladesh, 226 people have died so far with 40 percent of the country underwater after torrential rain caused rivers to burst their banks and inundate villages.
"In terms of duration it was the second-worst floods in the country's history," said Arifuzzaman Bhuyan, the head of Bangladesh's Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre.
More than six million people have had their homes damaged by the floods, and tens of thousands of villagers remain in shelters, an official from Bangladesh's disaster management ministry told AFP.
Others are sleeping in shanties built on roads on higher ground, unable to return home to their submerged homes.
In flood-hit Rupangar village outside the capital Dhaka, Shahanara Begum said she has been living on the road with her family for more than a month.
"It seems like bad luck doesn't leave us. Wherever we go, floodwater follows us," the 50-year-old told AFP Wednesday.
"It is very insecure to live on the road but we don't have a choice... most of our food stocks and clothes are already ruined," added 70-year-old Maya Saha.
In Nepal, 218 people have died and 69 are missing from landslides and floods since mid-June when the monsoon began.
In the latest incident early Wednesday, six bodies were recovered and 11 people were missing after a flood swept away a remote settlement in a western district, an official said.
Nepal's monsoon toll tops 200 for most years, but experts say this year's landslips have been particularly deadly due to the continuing after-effects of the massive 2015 earthquakes and more road construction in the country's Himalayan foothills.
burs-grk/rma
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--'That's it?' Drained Lebanese shrug off Hariri verdict

A Lebanese man watches the final verdict session of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon ( STL ) on former premier Rafic Hariri 's assassination in 2005 at a coffee shop in the northern port city of Tripoli Worn down by economic crisis and traumatised by Beirut 's monster blast , the Rafic Hariri murder verdict after a 15-year wait for `` the truth '' came as an anti-climax for despondent Lebanese .
The Netherlands-based special court set up to investigate and try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Hariri issued a ruling Tuesday that fell short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspects presumed members of the Shiite movement Hezbollah , fears had been high that pro-Hariri and Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon could erupt , whichever way the verdict went .
The UN-mandated Special Tribunal for Lebanon ( STL ) ended up finding one suspect guilty and acquitting three others , recognising that Hariri 's death was politically motivated but stopping short of working far up the chain of responsibility .
All four suspects were tried in absentia .
The judges said they could not establish a direct link with the Hezbollah leadership or Syria @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ex-premier had been campaigning just before his death .
`` It was all useless ... For 15 years they have taken money for nothing , '' Saad al-Ferikh , a young resident of Tariq al-Jdideh , the main Hariri bastion in Beirut , said moments after the verdict was broadcast on live television .
With Lebanon sinking ever deeper into economic crisis and poverty , many argued that the STL 's huge budget , which exceeded that of the Lebanese justice ministry , was not money well spent .
Estimates of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 600 million to one billion .
`` While few actually expected anyone to be apprehended , some argue that the trial itself sets a precedent in international law , said Faysal Itani , a deputy director at the Center for Global Policy .
`` I 'm not sure this precedent was worth all the time , money and political instability , '' he said .
Also in Tariq al-Jdideh , another resident , Rayan , argued that people had expected more of a foreign-based court , especially at a time when calls are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ August 4 blast at Beirut port that devastated the capital and cost more than 180 lives .
`` After 15 years , they chose one person they want us to believe is responsible for this entire issue .
It 's a joke , '' said the young woman , surrounded by dozens of Rafic Hariri posters .
Karim Emile Bitar , a political science professor in France and Lebanon , also said the verdict was a letdown after widespread public demands over the years for the truth behind Hariri 's murder .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has brought forth a mouse , '' he said .
Newspaper commentaries Wednesday diverged according to their stance on Hezbollah , but most agreed the protracted and costly experiment in international justice was inconclusive .
The pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar daily ran a picture of the STL courtroom covering its entire front page with a red stamp across it that read : `` Past sell-by date . ''
`` The different parties in Lebanon will interpret the STL ruling to their liking , '' said Nadim Houry , executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ verdict against one Hezbollah suspect , Salim Ayyash , who has gone underground , while others chose to highlight the acquittals , he said .
`` Ultimately , it is a deeply unsatisfactory outcome because the basic questions are left unanswered and will continue to divide the Lebanese , '' Houry added .
None of the feared political tension spilled onto the street , however , and Bitar argued that may have been the only silver lining of an otherwise disappointing verdict .
`` It was a very paradoxical verdict ... but perhaps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon , which can really do without more social tension at the moment , '' he said .
Lebanon is still licking its wounds from this month 's blast , its worst peacetime tragedy , which came as it was already grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic .
`` So many catastrophes have happened since '' Rafic Hariri 's assassination , he said .
`` It is n't quite a non-event , but this verdict did not have the impact it could have had . ''

Beirut (AFP) –
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Worn down by economic crisis and traumatised by Beirut's monster blast, the Rafic Hariri murder verdict after a 15-year wait for "the truth" came as an anti-climax for despondent Lebanese.
The Netherlands-based special court set up to investigate and try suspects in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Hariri issued a ruling Tuesday that fell short of many expectations.
With all four suspects presumed members of the Shiite movement Hezbollah, fears had been high that pro-Hariri and Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon could erupt, whichever way the verdict went.
The UN-mandated Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) ended up finding one suspect guilty and acquitting three others, recognising that Hariri's death was politically motivated but stopping short of working far up the chain of responsibility.
All four suspects were tried in absentia.
The judges said they could not establish a direct link with the Hezbollah leadership or Syria, against whose military occupation of Lebanon the ex-premier had been campaigning just before his death.
"It was all useless... For 15 years they have taken money for nothing," Saad al-Ferikh, a young resident of Tariq al-Jdideh, the main Hariri bastion in Beirut, said moments after the verdict was broadcast on live television.
With Lebanon sinking ever deeper into economic crisis and poverty, many argued that the STL's huge budget, which exceeded that of the Lebanese justice ministry, was not money well spent.
Estimates of the tribunal's total cost range from $600 million to one billion.
- 'A joke' -
"While few actually expected anyone to be apprehended, some argue that the trial itself sets a precedent in international law, said Faysal Itani, a deputy director at the Center for Global Policy.
"I'm not sure this precedent was worth all the time, money and political instability," he said.
Also in Tariq al-Jdideh, another resident, Rayan, argued that people had expected more of a foreign-based court, especially at a time when calls are growing for an international investigation into the August 4 blast at Beirut port that devastated the capital and cost more than 180 lives.
"After 15 years, they chose one person they want us to believe is responsible for this entire issue. It's a joke," said the young woman, surrounded by dozens of Rafic Hariri posters.
Karim Emile Bitar, a political science professor in France and Lebanon, also said the verdict was a letdown after widespread public demands over the years for the truth behind Hariri's murder.
"There's a feeling that the mountain has brought forth a mouse," he said.
Newspaper commentaries Wednesday diverged according to their stance on Hezbollah, but most agreed the protracted and costly experiment in international justice was inconclusive.
The pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar daily ran a picture of the STL courtroom covering its entire front page with a red stamp across it that read: "Past sell-by date."
"The different parties in Lebanon will interpret the STL ruling to their liking," said Nadim Houry, executive director of the Arab Reform Initiative.
Some felt vindicated by the guilty verdict against one Hezbollah suspect, Salim Ayyash, who has gone underground, while others chose to highlight the acquittals, he said.
"Ultimately, it is a deeply unsatisfactory outcome because the basic questions are left unanswered and will continue to divide the Lebanese," Houry added.
None of the feared political tension spilled onto the street, however, and Bitar argued that may have been the only silver lining of an otherwise disappointing verdict.
"It was a very paradoxical verdict... but perhaps it was good for social peace in Lebanon, which can really do without more social tension at the moment," he said.
Lebanon is still licking its wounds from this month's blast, its worst peacetime tragedy, which came as it was already grappling with an unprecedented economic crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.
"So many catastrophes have happened since" Rafic Hariri's assassination, he said. "It isn't quite a non-event, but this verdict did not have the impact it could have had."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--'Return of a legend' - Koeman officially named new Barcelona coach

Crisis-hit Barcelona hailed the `` return of a legend '' as the Spanish giants on Wednesday officially named Ronald Koeman as their new coach through until 2022 Crisis-hit Barcelona hailed the `` return of a legend '' as the Spanish giants on Wednesday officially named Ronald Koeman as their new coach through until 2022 .
`` FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement for the Dutchman to take over as first team coach until 30 June 2022 , '' the club said in a statement .
Former Barca star Koeman , who has been in charge of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Setien , who was sacked after the Catalans were humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday .
The 57-year-old , who becomes the fifth Dutchman to coach Barcelona after Rinus Michels , Johan Cruyff , Louis Van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard , will hold a press conference later Wednesday at 1600 GMT .
`` More than 30 years after his arrival as a player , Koeman arrives once again as coach at the club that he helped win their very first European Cup back in 1992 , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Return of a Barca legend '' .
`` Koeman , the hero of Wembley , is back , '' the club added , a day after president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the Dutchman would take over .
That night back in 1992 , Koeman secured his place in Barca history , scoring the winning goal to claim the Catalan club 's first ever success in Europe 's top club competition .
As a player , Koeman arrived in Barcelona in 1989 , at the time the second most expensive signing in the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his six seasons as a Barca player Koeman made 264 official appearances , scoring 88 goals as he shone in Cruyff 's 'Dream Team ' , winning four consecutive La Liga titles between 1991-94 .
Koeman 's coaching career , however , has been mixed and he arrives with the Catalans in crisis .
Setien was fired on Monday after the embarrassment against Bayern which meant Barca finish the season trophy-less for the first time since 2007 .
Earlier on Tuesday sporting director Eric Abidal was axed , paying the price for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place during a league season that saw them surrender the La Liga title to Real Madrid .
Koeman will leave his role as coach of the Netherlands to his assistant Dwight Lodeweges , while the national federation searches for a full-time replacement .
The Oranje take on Poland on September 4 and Italy three days later , in Amsterdam as part of the UEFA Nations League .
`` It was an honour to be the national coach of the Netherlands , '' said Koeman , who would have been in charge for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a year because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` For the past two-and-a-half years I have done everything I can to achieve successes with the Oranje .
`` I look back with pride on what we have achieved together in that period .
The Dutch national team has a bright future , I am convinced of that . ''
Koeman said that `` everyone knows Barcelona is my dream club '' .
`` It feels very special to me to be able to become a manager there . ''

Madrid (AFP) –
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Crisis-hit Barcelona hailed the "return of a legend" as the Spanish giants on Wednesday officially named Ronald Koeman as their new coach through until 2022.
"FC Barcelona and Ronald Koeman have reached an agreement for the Dutchman to take over as first team coach until 30 June 2022," the club said in a statement.
Former Barca star Koeman, who has been in charge of the Netherlands since 2018, will replace Quique Setien, who was sacked after the Catalans were humiliated 8-2 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals on Friday.
The 57-year-old, who becomes the fifth Dutchman to coach Barcelona after Rinus Michels, Johan Cruyff, Louis Van Gaal and Frank Rijkaard, will hold a press conference later Wednesday at 1600 GMT.
"More than 30 years after his arrival as a player, Koeman arrives once again as coach at the club that he helped win their very first European Cup back in 1992," Barcelona said in a statement headlined "Return of a Barca legend".
"Koeman, the hero of Wembley, is back," the club added, a day after president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed the Dutchman would take over.
That night back in 1992, Koeman secured his place in Barca history, scoring the winning goal to claim the Catalan club's first ever success in Europe's top club competition.
As a player, Koeman arrived in Barcelona in 1989, at the time the second most expensive signing in the club's history behind Diego Maradona.
In his six seasons as a Barca player Koeman made 264 official appearances, scoring 88 goals as he shone in Cruyff's 'Dream Team', winning four consecutive La Liga titles between 1991-94.
- Mixed coaching bag -
Koeman's coaching career, however, has been mixed and he arrives with the Catalans in crisis.
Setien was fired on Monday after the embarrassment against Bayern which meant Barca finish the season trophy-less for the first time since 2007.
Earlier on Tuesday sporting director Eric Abidal was axed, paying the price for the Bayern trouncing and internal conflict that took place during a league season that saw them surrender the La Liga title to Real Madrid.
Ex-France international Abidal was replaced Wednesday by Ramon Planes.
Koeman will leave his role as coach of the Netherlands to his assistant Dwight Lodeweges, while the national federation searches for a full-time replacement.
The Oranje take on Poland on September 4 and Italy three days later, in Amsterdam as part of the UEFA Nations League.
"It was an honour to be the national coach of the Netherlands," said Koeman, who would have been in charge for the 2020 European championships, now postponed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"For the past two-and-a-half years I have done everything I can to achieve successes with the Oranje.
"I look back with pride on what we have achieved together in that period. The Dutch national team has a bright future, I am convinced of that."
Koeman said that "everyone knows Barcelona is my dream club".
"It feels very special to me to be able to become a manager there."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Mali coup leaders 'from the highest ranks of the army'

Mali coup leaders 'from the highest ranks of the army' Tensions between the military and the government in Mali have @ @ @ @ @ may have been a factor in the military coup that saw President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita @ @ @ @ @ 24 takes a look at the indentity and motives of the coup 's military leaders @

Mali coup leaders 'from the highest ranks of the army'
01:59
Tensions between the military and the government in Mali have been brewing for decades and may have been a factor in the military coup that saw President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita ousted on Wednesday. France 24 takes a look at the indentity and motives of the coup's military leaders.


france24--2020-08-19--Mali wakes up to military rule after president forced out

Jubilant crowds cheered the rebels as they arrived in central Bamkako on Tuesday Mali awoke on Wednesday to a new chapter in its troubled history after rebel military leaders forced President Boubacar Keita from office , prompting its West African neighbours to threaten border closures and sanctions against the coup leaders .
Keita , embattled by months of protests over economic stagnation , corruption and a brutal Islamist insurgency , said he had resigned to avoid bloodshed .
There were few obvious traces of the previous day 's drama in the capital Bamako -- there were no troops on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night-time curfew .
The burnt-out home of the former justice minister after an attack by protesters was one of the few visible signs of the overthrow .
Jubilant crowds had cheered the rebels on Tuesday as they arrived in Bamako , where they detained Keita along with Prime Minister Boubou Cisse .
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres demanded the `` immediate and unconditional release '' of both men as diplomats in New York said the Security Council would hold emergency talks on Wednesday .
It was unclear whether Keita was still in custody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- a facility seized by the mutineers that was also the site of the 2012 coup that brought him to power .
The coup leaders appeared on television overnight to pledge a political transition and new elections within a `` reasonable time '' .
Malian Air Force deputy chief of staff Ismael Wague said he and his fellow officers had `` decided to take responsibility in front of the people and of history '' .
There were no reports of casualties during the military takeover but the coup leaders announced a curfew and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to condemn the mutiny , his office saying that he still supported mediation efforts by other West African states .
Mali is the cornerstone of French-led efforts to roll back jihadists in the Sahel , and its neighbours are anxious to avoid the country sliding into chaos .
Colonel Wague said `` all past agreements '' would be respected , including Mali 's support for anti-jihadist missions in the region .
`` MINUSMA ( the UN force in Mali ) , ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ G5 Sahel , Takuba ( a European special-forces initiative ) remain our partners , '' he said .
The coup leaders also remain `` committed to the Algiers process , '' a 2015 peace agreement between the Malian government and armed groups in the north of the country , he said .
Swathes of Mali 's territory are outside of the control of the central authorities .
Years of fighting have failed to brake an Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives since emerging in 2012 .
The failure fuelled frustrations with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April after the government held long-delayed parliamentary elections , the results of which are still disputed .
The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS ) last month suggested the formation of a unity government while offering continued support for Keita , but the compromise was slapped down by the opposition .
ECOWAS condemned the coup in a statement , pledging to close land and air borders to Mali and push for sanctions against `` all the putschists and their partners and collaborators '' .
The 15-nation bloc -- which includes Mali @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country from its internal decision-making bodies .
Further afield , Morocco on Wednesday stressed the need for `` stability '' in Mali , calling for `` responsible dialogue , respect for constitutional order and the preservation of democratic gains . ''
The coup coincided with opposition plans to resume protests against Keita .
Its campaign veered into crisis last month when 11 people were killed during three days of unrest sparked by a demonstration .

Bamako (AFP) –
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Mali awoke on Wednesday to a new chapter in its troubled history after rebel military leaders forced President Boubacar Keita from office, prompting its West African neighbours to threaten border closures and sanctions against the coup leaders.
Keita, embattled by months of protests over economic stagnation, corruption and a brutal Islamist insurgency, said he had resigned to avoid bloodshed.
There were few obvious traces of the previous day's drama in the capital Bamako -- there were no troops on the streets despite the coup leaders announcing a night-time curfew.
The burnt-out home of the former justice minister after an attack by protesters was one of the few visible signs of the overthrow.
Jubilant crowds had cheered the rebels on Tuesday as they arrived in Bamako, where they detained Keita along with Prime Minister Boubou Cisse.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres demanded the "immediate and unconditional release" of both men as diplomats in New York said the Security Council would hold emergency talks on Wednesday.
It was unclear whether Keita was still in custody on Wednesday at the Kati military base -- a facility seized by the mutineers that was also the site of the 2012 coup that brought him to power.
The coup leaders appeared on television overnight to pledge a political transition and new elections within a "reasonable time".
Malian Air Force deputy chief of staff Ismael Wague said he and his fellow officers had "decided to take responsibility in front of the people and of history".
There were no reports of casualties during the military takeover but the coup leaders announced a curfew and border closures, in effect sealing off the country.
- Jihadist insurgency -
French President Emmanuel Macron was among the first to condemn the mutiny, his office saying that he still supported mediation efforts by other West African states.
Mali is the cornerstone of French-led efforts to roll back jihadists in the Sahel, and its neighbours are anxious to avoid the country sliding into chaos.
Colonel Wague said "all past agreements" would be respected, including Mali's support for anti-jihadist missions in the region.
"MINUSMA (the UN force in Mali), (France's) Barkhane force, the G5 Sahel, Takuba (a European special-forces initiative) remain our partners," he said.
The coup leaders also remain "committed to the Algiers process," a 2015 peace agreement between the Malian government and armed groups in the north of the country, he said.
Swathes of Mali's territory are outside of the control of the central authorities.
Years of fighting have failed to brake an Islamist insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives since emerging in 2012.
The failure fuelled frustrations with Keita's rule and tensions flared in April after the government held long-delayed parliamentary elections, the results of which are still disputed.
- Sanctions threat -
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last month suggested the formation of a unity government while offering continued support for Keita, but the compromise was slapped down by the opposition.
ECOWAS condemned the coup in a statement, pledging to close land and air borders to Mali and push for sanctions against "all the putschists and their partners and collaborators".
The 15-nation bloc -- which includes Mali -- also said that it would suspend the country from its internal decision-making bodies.
Further afield, Morocco on Wednesday stressed the need for "stability" in Mali, calling for "responsible dialogue, respect for constitutional order and the preservation of democratic gains."
The coup coincided with opposition plans to resume protests against Keita.
Its campaign veered into crisis last month when 11 people were killed during three days of unrest sparked by a demonstration.
burs-jxb/ri
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--UAE connects first Arab nuclear plant to power grid

The UAE has substantial oil and gas reserves but has made huge investments in developing alternatives , including solar energy and now the Barakah nuclear power plant The oil-rich United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday that it has connected its Barakah nuclear power plant to the national grid in a new first for the Arab world .
The milestone follows the successful start-up of the plant 's first reactor at the end of last month and launches the UAE on the road to meeting 25 percent of its electricity needs from nuclear power .
`` The safe and successful connection of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key moment when we begin to deliver on our mission to power the growth of the nation by supplying clean electricity , around the clock , '' said Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation CEO Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hammadi .
`` We are confident in our people and our technology to continue to progress to reach ... the completion of the remaining three units , with the goal to power up to 25 percent of the UAE 's electricity needs for at least the next 60 years . ''
The plant on the Gulf coast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to go online in late 2017 but faced a number of delays that officials attributed to safety and regulatory requirements .
The UAE has substantial oil and gas reserves , but with a power-hungry population of 10 million it has made huge investments in developing clean alternatives , including solar energy .
Barakah , which means `` blessing '' in Arabic , is a regional first .
Saudi Arabia , the world 's top oil exporter , has said it plans to build up to 16 nuclear reactors , but the project has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation at a cost of some $ 24.4 billion .
More than 950 kilometres ( nearly 600 miles ) of 400 kV overhead power lines had to be built to link the plant to the grid .
Barakah 's other three reactors are said to be almost ready for operation .
Construction work has already been completed on Unit 2 , and Units 3 and 4 are respectively 93 percent and 86 percent complete .
The UAE lies just across the Gulf from Iran @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own outside the coastal city of Bushehr , as well as a controversial uranium enrichment programme .
The UAE has repeatedly said its nuclear ambitions are for `` peaceful purposes '' and has ruled out developing any enrichment programme or nuclear reprocessing technologies .
It has also moved to dispel any concerns over safety , underlining that the plant has welcomed more than 40 international reviews and inspection missions .
Nearby Qatar , the target of a boycott by Saudi Arabia , the UAE and others since June 2017 , said last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flagrant threat to regional peace and environment '' .

Dubai (AFP) –
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The oil-rich United Arab Emirates announced Wednesday that it has connected its Barakah nuclear power plant to the national grid in a new first for the Arab world.
The milestone follows the successful start-up of the plant's first reactor at the end of last month and launches the UAE on the road to meeting 25 percent of its electricity needs from nuclear power.
"The safe and successful connection of Unit 1 to the UAE grid marks the key moment when we begin to deliver on our mission to power the growth of the nation by supplying clean electricity, around the clock," said Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation CEO Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hammadi.
"We are confident in our people and our technology to continue to progress to reach... the completion of the remaining three units, with the goal to power up to 25 percent of the UAE's electricity needs for at least the next 60 years."
The plant on the Gulf coast west of Abu Dhabi had been due to go online in late 2017 but faced a number of delays that officials attributed to safety and regulatory requirements.
The UAE has substantial oil and gas reserves, but with a power-hungry population of 10 million it has made huge investments in developing clean alternatives, including solar energy.
Barakah, which means "blessing" in Arabic, is a regional first.
Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, has said it plans to build up to 16 nuclear reactors, but the project has yet to materialise.
Barakah was built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation at a cost of some $24.4 billion.
More than 950 kilometres (nearly 600 miles) of 400 kV overhead power lines had to be built to link the plant to the grid.
Barakah's other three reactors are said to be almost ready for operation.
Construction work has already been completed on Unit 2, and Units 3 and 4 are respectively 93 percent and 86 percent complete.
The UAE lies just across the Gulf from Iran which has a nuclear power plant of its own outside the coastal city of Bushehr, as well as a controversial uranium enrichment programme.
The UAE has repeatedly said its nuclear ambitions are for "peaceful purposes" and has ruled out developing any enrichment programme or nuclear reprocessing technologies.
It has also moved to dispel any concerns over safety, underlining that the plant has welcomed more than 40 international reviews and inspection missions.
Nearby Qatar, the target of a boycott by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others since June 2017, said last year the Barakah plant poses a "flagrant threat to regional peace and environment".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Germany probes possible terrorist motive in Berlin motorway crashes

Police officers investigate the scene of the car crashes on highway A100 in Berlin .
German authorities are investigating a series of apparently deliberate car crashes on a Berlin motorway on Tuesday evening as a potential Islamist attack , local media reported on Wednesday .
Six people were injured , three of them severely , when a man allegedly drove into several vehicles on Tuesday evening along a stretch of the German capital ’ s highway .
The series of crashes led to a complete closure of one of the main traffic arteries of Berlin .
`` According to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attack , '' a spokesman for the prosecutors ’ office was quoted as saying by Focus magazine .
He added that there were also indications that the 30-year-old suspect with Iraqi citizenship had psychological problems .
The Berlin-based Tagesspiegel newspaper cited a spokesman for the prosecutors as saying the sequence of events and the current results of the investigation suggested it could have been an attack .
Local media reported that the man later stopped on the highway and put a box on the roof of his car claiming it had explosives inside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only tools .
The man was detained by police , media reported .
Several media also reported that the man shouted “ Allahu Akbar ” or “ God is great ” as he got out of his car .
The incident led to long traffic jams Tuesday evening .
Some 300 people were stuck on the highway for hours and were getting support from the German Red Cross , the Berlin fire department tweeted Tuesday night .

German authorities are investigating a series of apparently deliberate car crashes on a Berlin motorway on Tuesday evening as a potential Islamist attack, local media reported on Wednesday.
Police officers investigate the scene of the car crashes on highway A100 in Berlin.
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Six people were injured, three of them severely, when a man allegedly drove into several vehicles on Tuesday evening along a stretch of the German capital’s highway. The series of crashes led to a complete closure of one of the main traffic arteries of Berlin.
"According to the current knowledge, it was an Islamist-motivated attack," a spokesman for the prosecutors’ office was quoted as saying by Focus magazine. He added that there were also indications that the 30-year-old suspect with Iraqi citizenship had psychological problems.
The Berlin-based Tagesspiegel newspaper cited a spokesman for the prosecutors as saying the sequence of events and the current results of the investigation suggested it could have been an attack.
Local media reported that the man later stopped on the highway and put a box on the roof of his car claiming it had explosives inside. Specialists opened the box and found only tools. The man was detained by police, media reported.
Several media also reported that the man shouted “Allahu Akbar” or “God is great” as he got out of his car.
The incident led to long traffic jams Tuesday evening. Some 300 people were stuck on the highway for hours and were getting support from the German Red Cross, the Berlin fire department tweeted Tuesday night.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS, AP)
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france24--2020-08-19--Mali military coup a ‘security dilemma for international community’

France 24 ’ s international affairs editor Armen Georgian takes a look at how the international community might respond to @ @ @ @ @ that has ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita .

Mali military coup a ‘security dilemma for international community’
03:23
France 24’s international affairs editor Armen Georgian takes a look at how the international community might respond to the military coup in Mali that has ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.


france24--2020-08-19--EU migrant crisis: "Migrants endure severe beating before being abandoned at sea"

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france24--2020-08-19--Belarus opposition urges EU to reject vote ahead of summit

Thousands rallied in central Minsk waving the red-and-white flags of the opposition and calling on Lukashenko to step down The exiled head of Belarus 's opposition urged European leaders to reject President Alexander Lukashenko 's `` fraudulent '' re-election ahead of an emergency EU summit on Wednesday .
The European Council was due to convene to discuss the fallout from the vote that saw security services in ex-Soviet Belarus brutally disperse peaceful demonstrators demanding that their authoritarian leader resign .
Protesters gathered for a 10th night of demonstrations on Tuesday , with thousands rallying in central Minsk waving the red-and-white @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lukashenko to step down .
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , a 37-year-old political novice who fled to neighbouring Lithuania after claiming victory in the vote , called on EU leaders `` not to recognise these fraudulent elections '' .
`` Lukashenko has lost all legitimacy in the eyes of our nation and the world , '' she said in the video appeal .
Ahead of the summit , European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Lukashenko 's close ally Russia to foster dialogue between authorities and the opposition .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up a list of targets for new sanctions and Germany has said even stronger penalties should be considered .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country could intervene in the crisis if necessary and this week warned against `` unacceptable '' foreign interference in Belarus or pressure on its leadership .
Yet Minsk 's ties with Moscow have cooled in recent years after Lukashenko resisted Putin 's efforts to integrate the two countries .
Ahead of the vote , the Belarusian leader accused the Kremlin of dispatching mercenaries to Minsk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's longest-serving leader , Lukashenko has resisted calls to resign or hold new elections .
On Tuesday , he said the opposition was planning to seize power and vowed to take `` adequate measures '' in response .
Tikhanovskaya , a trained English teacher who said she never planned to enter politics , contested the vote after her husband was jailed and barred from running against Lukashenko .
She has vowed to hold new elections and a Coordination Council which her allies created to oversee the transfer of power was due to convene @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European leaders , Tikhanovskaya said the council would lead the process of a `` peaceful transition of power via dialogue '' and call for `` new fair and democratic presidential elections with international supervision . ''
Nobel Prize-winning author and outspoken Lukashenko critic Svetlana Alexievich has been named a member of the group .
Lukashenko 's claim to victory in the August 9 elections with some 80 percent of the ballot sparked the largest demonstrations in Belarus since it gained independence with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union .
More than 100,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Minsk last weekend as frustration against the strongman 's claim to a sixth term reached a fever pitch .
A police crackdown on peaceful protesters in the days after the vote saw nearly 7,000 demonstrators detained and sparked allegations of abuse and torture at the hands of security services .
Lukashenko this week handed out awards to some 300 members his security services for `` impeccable service '' after rights groups and Western leaders denounced police violence .
`` People , who went out to defend their vote in the streets of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beaten , imprisoned and tortured by the regime desperately clinging onto power , '' Tikhanovskaya told EU leaders in her video appeal .
`` This is taking place right now in the middle of Europe . ''
Factory workers at state-run enterprises answered the opposition 's calls to strike in an unprecedented display of anger towards the Belarusian leader among a traditionally loyal segment of the population .
Yet authorities appear to be clamping down on employees at state factories walking off the job , with police intervening in a demonstration outside the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arresting two protesters .

Minsk (AFP) –
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The exiled head of Belarus's opposition urged European leaders to reject President Alexander Lukashenko's "fraudulent" re-election ahead of an emergency EU summit on Wednesday.
The European Council was due to convene to discuss the fallout from the vote that saw security services in ex-Soviet Belarus brutally disperse peaceful demonstrators demanding that their authoritarian leader resign.
Protesters gathered for a 10th night of demonstrations on Tuesday, with thousands rallying in central Minsk waving the red-and-white flags of the opposition and calling on Lukashenko to step down.
Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, a 37-year-old political novice who fled to neighbouring Lithuania after claiming victory in the vote, called on EU leaders "not to recognise these fraudulent elections".
"Lukashenko has lost all legitimacy in the eyes of our nation and the world," she said in the video appeal.
Ahead of the summit, European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Lukashenko's close ally Russia to foster dialogue between authorities and the opposition.
EU ministers agreed last week to draw up a list of targets for new sanctions and Germany has said even stronger penalties should be considered.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that his country could intervene in the crisis if necessary and this week warned against "unacceptable" foreign interference in Belarus or pressure on its leadership.
Yet Minsk's ties with Moscow have cooled in recent years after Lukashenko resisted Putin's efforts to integrate the two countries. Ahead of the vote, the Belarusian leader accused the Kremlin of dispatching mercenaries to Minsk to stir unrest with the opposition.
Europe's longest-serving leader, Lukashenko has resisted calls to resign or hold new elections. On Tuesday, he said the opposition was planning to seize power and vowed to take "adequate measures" in response.
- 'International supervision' -
Tikhanovskaya, a trained English teacher who said she never planned to enter politics, contested the vote after her husband was jailed and barred from running against Lukashenko.
She has vowed to hold new elections and a Coordination Council which her allies created to oversee the transfer of power was due to convene on Wednesday.
In her video to European leaders, Tikhanovskaya said the council would lead the process of a "peaceful transition of power via dialogue" and call for "new fair and democratic presidential elections with international supervision."
Nobel Prize-winning author and outspoken Lukashenko critic Svetlana Alexievich has been named a member of the group.
Lukashenko's claim to victory in the August 9 elections with some 80 percent of the ballot sparked the largest demonstrations in Belarus since it gained independence with the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union.
More than 100,000 demonstrators flooded the streets of the capital Minsk last weekend as frustration against the strongman's claim to a sixth term reached a fever pitch.
A police crackdown on peaceful protesters in the days after the vote saw nearly 7,000 demonstrators detained and sparked allegations of abuse and torture at the hands of security services.
Lukashenko this week handed out awards to some 300 members his security services for "impeccable service" after rights groups and Western leaders denounced police violence.
- Lukashenko 'clinging to power' -
"People, who went out to defend their vote in the streets of their cities all across Belarus, were brutally beaten, imprisoned and tortured by the regime desperately clinging onto power," Tikhanovskaya told EU leaders in her video appeal.
"This is taking place right now in the middle of Europe."
Factory workers at state-run enterprises answered the opposition's calls to strike in an unprecedented display of anger towards the Belarusian leader among a traditionally loyal segment of the population.
Yet authorities appear to be clamping down on employees at state factories walking off the job, with police intervening in a demonstration outside the Minsk Tractor Works on Wednesday morning and arresting two protesters.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--Australia white-ball skipper Finch eyes finale at 2023 World Cup

Australia 's white-ball skipper Aaron Finch says the coronavirus shutdown has helped crystallise a decision to retire after the 2023 World Cup in India .
The 33-year-old , who captains the one-day and Twenty20 sides , said he had emerged from the near six-month hiatus refreshed and convinced he still has three more years at the top .
`` My end date at this stage is the World Cup final of the 2023 World Cup in India .
That 's my goal and I 'm sticking to it , '' he told Melbourne radio station SEN Wednesday .
`` That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a fair way out but I think this period has just confirmed it .
That will see me through to ( age ) 36 , obviously with form and injury permitting . ''
Finch has not played since the pandemic brought Australian cricket to a halt in March , but he will pad up again on the tour of England .
Australia leave on Sunday for six matches -- three one-day and three Twenty20 internationals .
The opener said the enforced break had given him time to take stock .
`` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are travelling non-stop and playing 10 or 11 months of the year , it 's been that mental freshen-up that people needed that have n't had the opportunity to do so , '' he said .
`` If I thought that I was going to be pushing it to get to that date ( 2023 ) , this break has definitely confirmed that I 'll be ready to go right through to that period . ''
Finch 's plans would see him lead Australia in three more major tournaments -- the T20 World @ @ @ @ @ @ @ India and Australia respectively , and then the 50-over showpiece a year later .
His long-time opening partner David Warner , also 33 , has also expressed a desire to keep going until at least the 2023 tournament , calling it `` the ultimate goal '' .
Pat Cummins is Finch 's vice-captain for the England tour and is seen as a leading candidate to replace him , although he will be 30 when the 2023 World Cup rolls around .

Sydney (AFP) –
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Australia's white-ball skipper Aaron Finch says the coronavirus shutdown has helped crystallise a decision to retire after the 2023 World Cup in India.
The 33-year-old, who captains the one-day and Twenty20 sides, said he had emerged from the near six-month hiatus refreshed and convinced he still has three more years at the top.
"My end date at this stage is the World Cup final of the 2023 World Cup in India. That's my goal and I'm sticking to it," he told Melbourne radio station SEN Wednesday.
"That's what I had my mind set on a fair way out but I think this period has just confirmed it. That will see me through to (age) 36, obviously with form and injury permitting."
Finch has not played since the pandemic brought Australian cricket to a halt in March, but he will pad up again on the tour of England. Australia leave on Sunday for six matches -- three one-day and three Twenty20 internationals.
The opener said the enforced break had given him time to take stock.
"I think for athletes, especially ones that are travelling non-stop and playing 10 or 11 months of the year, it's been that mental freshen-up that people needed that haven't had the opportunity to do so," he said.
"If I thought that I was going to be pushing it to get to that date (2023), this break has definitely confirmed that I'll be ready to go right through to that period."
Finch's plans would see him lead Australia in three more major tournaments -- the T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022, in India and Australia respectively, and then the 50-over showpiece a year later.
His long-time opening partner David Warner, also 33, has also expressed a desire to keep going until at least the 2023 tournament, calling it "the ultimate goal".
Pat Cummins is Finch's vice-captain for the England tour and is seen as a leading candidate to replace him, although he will be 30 when the 2023 World Cup rolls around.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--Facebook boots QAnon groups for ties to violence

Facebook on Wednesday said it has removed hundreds of groups tied to the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory and imposed restrictions on nearly 2,000 more as part of a crackdown on stoking violence .
The moves , which were made across both Facebook and Instagram , were against accounts tied to `` offline anarchist groups that support violent acts amidst protests , US-based militia organizations and QAnon , '' the social media platform said in a blog post .
More than 790 groups , 100 pages , and 1,500 ads tied to QAnon were pulled from Facebook and more than 300 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Instagram , according to the post .
In addition , restrictions were placed on more than 1,950 groups and 440 pages on Facebook and more than 10,000 Instagram accounts , the social network said .
During a press briefing Wednesday US President Donald Trump told reporters : `` I do n't know much about the movement .
I understand they like me very much , which I appreciate . ''
`` I 've heard these are people that love our country , '' he added .
Facebook said it has also removed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ related to militia organizations and `` those encouraging riots . ''
Facebook additionally announced it was expanding rules against groups and movements that it said `` have demonstrated significant risks to public safety but do not meet the rigorous criteria to be designated as a dangerous organization and banned from having any presence on our platform . ''
The social network already bans content calling for violence and organizations that proclaim violent missions .
The platform has seen growth in movements that celebrate violence or weapons and hint at using them but stop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facebook said .
Under the updated policy , Facebook aims to limit the spread of violating content and remove pages , groups and accounts hosting discussion of potential violence , even if veiled language and symbols are used to do so .
`` These movements and groups evolve quickly , and our teams will follow them closely and consult with outside experts so we can continue to enforce our policies against them , '' Facebook said .
Twitter in July cracked down on QAnon as the loose-knit group increased its reach into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anonymous 2017 posting claiming bizarre child exploitation and deep state plots , the headless and bodiless movement has earned a place in Trump 's Twitter stream .
Twitter 's decision to shut down some 7,000 accounts pushing QAnon material came amid rising concerns that the movement could spawn violence .
The FBI last year said in a report that QAnon was one of several movements that could drive `` both groups and individual extremists to carry out criminal or violent acts . ''

San Francisco (AFP) –
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Facebook on Wednesday said it has removed hundreds of groups tied to the far-right QAnon conspiracy theory and imposed restrictions on nearly 2,000 more as part of a crackdown on stoking violence.
The moves, which were made across both Facebook and Instagram, were against accounts tied to "offline anarchist groups that support violent acts amidst protests, US-based militia organizations and QAnon," the social media platform said in a blog post.
More than 790 groups, 100 pages, and 1,500 ads tied to QAnon were pulled from Facebook and more than 300 hashtags were blocked across the social network and Instagram, according to the post.
In addition, restrictions were placed on more than 1,950 groups and 440 pages on Facebook and more than 10,000 Instagram accounts, the social network said.
During a press briefing Wednesday US President Donald Trump told reporters: "I don't know much about the movement. I understand they like me very much, which I appreciate."
"I've heard these are people that love our country," he added.
Facebook said it has also removed more than 980 groups and restricted hashtags related to militia organizations and "those encouraging riots."
Facebook additionally announced it was expanding rules against groups and movements that it said "have demonstrated significant risks to public safety but do not meet the rigorous criteria to be designated as a dangerous organization and banned from having any presence on our platform."
The social network already bans content calling for violence and organizations that proclaim violent missions.
The platform has seen growth in movements that celebrate violence or weapons and hint at using them but stop short of directly organizing any action, Facebook said.
Under the updated policy, Facebook aims to limit the spread of violating content and remove pages, groups and accounts hosting discussion of potential violence, even if veiled language and symbols are used to do so.
"These movements and groups evolve quickly, and our teams will follow them closely and consult with outside experts so we can continue to enforce our policies against them," Facebook said.
Twitter in July cracked down on QAnon as the loose-knit group increased its reach into the mainstream of US politics.
From an anonymous 2017 posting claiming bizarre child exploitation and deep state plots, the headless and bodiless movement has earned a place in Trump's Twitter stream.
Twitter's decision to shut down some 7,000 accounts pushing QAnon material came amid rising concerns that the movement could spawn violence.
The FBI last year said in a report that QAnon was one of several movements that could drive "both groups and individual extremists to carry out criminal or violent acts."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-20--Hurricane Genevieve loses strength off Mexico

Hurricane Genevieve moves towards the tip of Baja California on August 19 , 2020 Hurricane Genevieve weakened Wednesday to a @ @ @ @ @ 's Baja California peninsula , US forecasters said , after bringing rain and high waves @ @ @ @ @ coast .
On Tuesday two people , including a lifeguard , drowned in the resort @ @ @ @ @ teenager ignored warning flags and was swept away , Mexican authorities said .
The storm @ @ @ @ @ Category 4 on Tuesday , was expected to skirt Baja California without making landfall , @ @ @ @ @ said .
Genevieve 's maximum sustained winds had eased to 150 kilometers ( 90 miles @ @ @ @ @ said , downgrading it to the weakest of five categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale .
@ @ @ @ @ rains and `` life-threatening flooding '' were still a danger , the center warned .
@ @ @ @ @ 170 kilometers from Baja California 's southern tip , was expected to pass just west @ @ @ @ @ weakening , it said .

Mexico City (AFP) –
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Hurricane Genevieve weakened Wednesday to a Category 1 storm off Mexico's Baja California peninsula, US forecasters said, after bringing rain and high waves to the country's northwest coast.
On Tuesday two people, including a lifeguard, drowned in the resort of Los Cabos after a teenager ignored warning flags and was swept away, Mexican authorities said.
The storm, which turned into a Category 4 on Tuesday, was expected to skirt Baja California without making landfall, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said.
Genevieve's maximum sustained winds had eased to 150 kilometers (90 miles) per hour, it said, downgrading it to the weakest of five categories on the Saffir-Simpson scale.
But strong winds, heavy rains and "life-threatening flooding" were still a danger, the center warned.
The storm, located about 170 kilometers from Baja California's southern tip, was expected to pass just west of the peninsula while gradually weakening, it said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--What is 'snapback'? US' Iran sanctions move explained

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo , seen here in March 2020 , says the US can unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Iran The United States will initiate a controversial procedure called `` snapback '' at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday in a bid to unilaterally reimpose sanctions on Iran .
AFP answers key questions surrounding the unprecedented legal measure , which America 's European allies oppose and which threatens the Iranian nuclear deal .
- What 's the background to this ?
- In 2015 , after long negotiations , the permanent members of the Security Council ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France and Britain ) plus Germany signed a historic nuclear accord with Iran .
The agreement saw the UN lift international sanctions against Iran in exchange for Tehran agreeing not to develop nuclear weapons .
The deal , signed in Vienna and known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , was later unanimously ratified by the Security Council under resolution 2231 .
Under that resolution , a conventional arms embargo on Iran is due to expire on October 18 .
Last week , the US failed to extend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pursue the `` snapback '' route .
Then-president Barack Obama 's administration boasted of having obtained a clause in the agreement that would allow it to reimpose , or `` snapback , '' all sanctions if Iran failed to comply with the agreement .
The clause permitted a `` snapback '' without members being allowed to veto .
American officials worried at the time that China or Russia may veto any attempt to reimpose sanctions .
According to resolution 2231 , any state `` participating '' in the agreement can lodge a complaint @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another participant has significantly failed to respect the accord .
That notification starts a 30-day window where the Council must pass a new resolution that would officially lift the sanctions agreed to in resolution 2231 .
If the country -- in this case the US -- that issues the initial complaint wishes instead to reinstate the sanctions , then it can veto the new resolution , thus automatically triggering the `` snapback . ''
- Is the US still a 'participant ' ?
- The US and its European partners disagree over who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2018 , President Donald Trump pulled America out of the JCPOA , denouncing it as insufficient to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb .
Britain , France and Germany insist that the US gave up its right as a participant when it withdrew and therefore can not legally enforce the `` snapback . ''
The US argues that it can trigger a return to sanctions because it participated in the signing of the resolution , which is still technically in force .
- What happens next ?
- Now that US Secretary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the UN that America intends to restart international sanctions against Iran , the Security Council enters uncharted territory .
The mechanism has never been used before , so it 's difficult to predict what will happen .
It 's safe to say , however , that the US has never before been so isolated on the Security Council over Iran before .
Last week , only the Dominican Republic backed America 's call to extend the conventional arms embargo .
This month 's sitting president of the Council , Indonesia , is expected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ think the US has the right to activate `` snapback , '' according to UN expert Richard Gowan .
The answer will be a clear `` no , '' at which point , Gowan predicts , the president may decide to dismiss the complaint .
That could see the US adopt an even more brazen move -- tabling a draft resolution of its own to lift sanctions that it would then veto to confirm the `` snapback . ''
`` We will then enter a very strange period in which there will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of the International Crisis Group think-tank .
`` There will be a US universe in which sanctions have been fully restored on Iran .
And then there will be the universe that most other council members , and I think actually most members of the UN in general , will exist in , in which nothing of the sort has happened , '' he told a briefing .

Washington (AFP) –
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The United States will initiate a controversial procedure called "snapback" at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday in a bid to unilaterally reimpose sanctions on Iran.
AFP answers key questions surrounding the unprecedented legal measure, which America's European allies oppose and which threatens the Iranian nuclear deal.
- What's the background to this? -
In 2015, after long negotiations, the permanent members of the Security Council (the US, China, Russia, France and Britain) plus Germany signed a historic nuclear accord with Iran.
The agreement saw the UN lift international sanctions against Iran in exchange for Tehran agreeing not to develop nuclear weapons.
The deal, signed in Vienna and known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was later unanimously ratified by the Security Council under resolution 2231.
Under that resolution, a conventional arms embargo on Iran is due to expire on October 18. Last week, the US failed to extend that embargo indefinitely, leading it to pursue the "snapback" route.
- What's the 'snapback' clause? -
Then-president Barack Obama's administration boasted of having obtained a clause in the agreement that would allow it to reimpose, or "snapback," all sanctions if Iran failed to comply with the agreement.
The clause permitted a "snapback" without members being allowed to veto. American officials worried at the time that China or Russia may veto any attempt to reimpose sanctions.
According to resolution 2231, any state "participating" in the agreement can lodge a complaint with the Security Council if they deem another participant has significantly failed to respect the accord.
That notification starts a 30-day window where the Council must pass a new resolution that would officially lift the sanctions agreed to in resolution 2231.
If the country -- in this case the US -- that issues the initial complaint wishes instead to reinstate the sanctions, then it can veto the new resolution, thus automatically triggering the "snapback."
- Is the US still a 'participant'? -
The US and its European partners disagree over who is legally a participant.
In May 2018, President Donald Trump pulled America out of the JCPOA, denouncing it as insufficient to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
Britain, France and Germany insist that the US gave up its right as a participant when it withdrew and therefore cannot legally enforce the "snapback."
The US argues that it can trigger a return to sanctions because it participated in the signing of the resolution, which is still technically in force.
- What happens next? -
Now that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has formally informed the UN that America intends to restart international sanctions against Iran, the Security Council enters uncharted territory.
The mechanism has never been used before, so it's difficult to predict what will happen.
It's safe to say, however, that the US has never before been so isolated on the Security Council over Iran before. Last week, only the Dominican Republic backed America's call to extend the conventional arms embargo.
This month's sitting president of the Council, Indonesia, is expected to consult with members about whether they think the US has the right to activate "snapback," according to UN expert Richard Gowan.
The answer will be a clear "no," at which point, Gowan predicts, the president may decide to dismiss the complaint.
That could see the US adopt an even more brazen move -- tabling a draft resolution of its own to lift sanctions that it would then veto to confirm the "snapback."
"We will then enter a very strange period in which there will be two alternate universes," said Gowan, of the International Crisis Group think-tank.
"There will be a US universe in which sanctions have been fully restored on Iran. And then there will be the universe that most other council members, and I think actually most members of the UN in general, will exist in, in which nothing of the sort has happened," he told a briefing.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--US to trigger controversial 'snapback' of Iran sanctions at UN

US President Donald Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of its `` maximum pressure '' campaign against the Iranian regime President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran , escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal .
Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the United Nations Security Council that the US is triggering the so-called `` snapback '' procedure , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does n't have the right to do .
`` It 's a snapback , not uncommon , '' Trump told reporters , despite the contested measure having never been used before .
The move comes after the United States suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council last week when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran .
`` Snapback '' aims to restore all international sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord with Tehran that sought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But it also threatens to torpedo the historic Iran nuclear deal that the US , China , Russia , France , Britain and Germany signed with Tehran in 2015 .
Trump withdrew the US from the agreement , known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) , in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of a `` maximum pressure '' campaign against the Iranian regime .
Despite pulling out of the deal , America claims that , as a `` participant '' of the original agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reimpose UN sanctions on Iran .
A 2015 UN Security Council resolution ratifying the agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama says participating states can unilaterally reinstall sanctions if Iran has failed to significantly comply with the accord .
The `` snapback '' procedure is supposed to lead to the re-establishment of sanctions after 30 days , without the possibility of Russia or China wielding their vetoes .
European countries on the Security Council contest the US ' legal argument and fear that the return of sanctions will sink the nuclear deal , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` This will be ( a ) fully valid enforceable UN Security Council resolution .
We have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other UN Security Council resolution that is in place , '' Pompeo said .
Last week , only the Dominican Republic joined the United States in backing its call to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran that expires on October 18 .
The embargo expires under the terms of JCPOA .
Although European countries had expressed concern about the 13-year embargo expiring , their main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The vote highlighted how isolated the US is over Iran at the UN .
Experts say the snapback threatens to plunge the Security Council into crisis .
`` Most of the council will reject the US argument that it retains the right to trigger snapback despite leaving the JCPOA .
They will write off this process as a sham , '' UN expert Richard Gowan told AFP .
`` The real winners in this process will be China and Russia , who will argue that they are defending the UN from US @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Washington , '' added Gowan , who works at the International Crisis Group think-tank .
Pompeo is scheduled to meet UN chief Antonio Guterres at the latter 's residence in New York around 2:00 pm ( 1800 GMT ) on Thursday when they will discuss Iran .

Washington (AFP) –
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President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will activate a controversial mechanism aimed at reimposing UN sanctions on Iran, escalating a row with European allies that has huge repercussions for the Iranian nuclear deal.
Pompeo will travel to New York on Thursday to notify the United Nations Security Council that the US is triggering the so-called "snapback" procedure, which Britain, France and Germany say it doesn't have the right to do.
"It's a snapback, not uncommon," Trump told reporters, despite the contested measure having never been used before.
The move comes after the United States suffered a humiliating defeat at the Security Council last week when it failed to muster support for a resolution to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran.
"Snapback" aims to restore all international sanctions against Iran that were lifted as part of the 2015 accord with Tehran that sought to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons.
But it also threatens to torpedo the historic Iran nuclear deal that the US, China, Russia, France, Britain and Germany signed with Tehran in 2015.
Trump withdrew the US from the agreement, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), in 2018 and introduced American sanctions on Iran as part of a "maximum pressure" campaign against the Iranian regime.
- Potential 'crisis' -
Despite pulling out of the deal, America claims that, as a "participant" of the original agreement, it has the power to unilaterally reimpose UN sanctions on Iran.
A 2015 UN Security Council resolution ratifying the agreement negotiated by former president Barack Obama says participating states can unilaterally reinstall sanctions if Iran has failed to significantly comply with the accord.
The "snapback" procedure is supposed to lead to the re-establishment of sanctions after 30 days, without the possibility of Russia or China wielding their vetoes.
European countries on the Security Council contest the US' legal argument and fear that the return of sanctions will sink the nuclear deal, which they are battling to save.
"This will be (a) fully valid enforceable UN Security Council resolution. We have every expectation that it will be enforced just like every other UN Security Council resolution that is in place," Pompeo said.
Last week, only the Dominican Republic joined the United States in backing its call to extend a conventional arms embargo on Iran that expires on October 18.
The embargo expires under the terms of JCPOA. Although European countries had expressed concern about the 13-year embargo expiring, their main focus is on preserving the nuclear accord.
The vote highlighted how isolated the US is over Iran at the UN.
Experts say the snapback threatens to plunge the Security Council into crisis.
"Most of the council will reject the US argument that it retains the right to trigger snapback despite leaving the JCPOA. They will write off this process as a sham," UN expert Richard Gowan told AFP.
"The real winners in this process will be China and Russia, who will argue that they are defending the UN from US unilateralism, while the Europeans distance themselves from Washington," added Gowan, who works at the International Crisis Group think-tank.
Pompeo is scheduled to meet UN chief Antonio Guterres at the latter's residence in New York around 2:00 pm (1800 GMT) on Thursday when they will discuss Iran.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Cher bid to aid US Postal Service foiled by local supervisor

Singer Cher has waded into the row surrounding the US Postal Service by offering herself as a volunteer worker -- only to be shot down by a local branch manager .
The legendary US pop star , seemingly concerned by President Donald Trump 's unprecedented attack on the USPS , called two post offices near to her Malibu home , one of which directed her to a supervisor .
`` I Said 'Hi This Is Cher , & I Would like to know If you ever take Volunteers , ' '' Cher tweeted Wednesday .
But the supervisor seemingly did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , informing the 100 million recording-selling artist that a background check would be required .
`` IS NO ONE GOING TO HELP ME WITH POST OFFICE '' Cher wrote earlier , adding that she was `` NO ( sic ) KIDDING ... COULD I VOLUNTEER AT MY POST OFFICE . ''
Representatives for Cher did not immediately respond to a request for comment .
A spokesman for the US Postal Service said it does not typically accept volunteers .
The service has been caught in a political firestorm after President Donald Trump -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the polls -- called into question the reliability of mail-in voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic .
Trump 's postmaster general ordered the removal of collection boxes and processing equipment as well as cutting overtime , which a union leader told AFP has slowed down delivery times nationwide .
But on Tuesday , Louis DeJoy said those changes would be put on hold until after the November election .
As well as her iconic musical career Cher , 74 , is known for her activism , embracing causes including animal rights .
She @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' who wants to `` make America straight and white , '' and suggested Biden would be an `` Honest , Smart , 'CIVIL ' '' president .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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Singer Cher has waded into the row surrounding the US Postal Service by offering herself as a volunteer worker -- only to be shot down by a local branch manager.
The legendary US pop star, seemingly concerned by President Donald Trump's unprecedented attack on the USPS, called two post offices near to her Malibu home, one of which directed her to a supervisor.
"I Said 'Hi This Is Cher, & I Would like to know If you ever take Volunteers,'" Cher tweeted Wednesday.
But the supervisor seemingly did not believe in such an unlikely savior, informing the 100 million recording-selling artist that a background check would be required.
"IS NO ONE GOING TO HELP ME WITH POST OFFICE" Cher wrote earlier, adding that she was "NO (sic) KIDDING...COULD I VOLUNTEER AT MY POST OFFICE."
Representatives for Cher did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesman for the US Postal Service said it does not typically accept volunteers.
The service has been caught in a political firestorm after President Donald Trump -- who is trailing Democratic challenger Joe Biden in the polls -- called into question the reliability of mail-in voting amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump's postmaster general ordered the removal of collection boxes and processing equipment as well as cutting overtime, which a union leader told AFP has slowed down delivery times nationwide.
But on Tuesday, Louis DeJoy said those changes would be put on hold until after the November election.
As well as her iconic musical career Cher, 74, is known for her activism, embracing causes including animal rights.
She has previously called Trump an "idiot" who wants to "make America straight and white," and suggested Biden would be an "Honest, Smart, 'CIVIL'" president.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-08-19--Two players in US Open bubble enter quarantine from tracing

Two players within the US Open bubble have been dropped from the ATP and WTA Western and Southern Open and sent into quarantine after contact with a COVID-19 positive individual .
Tournament officials announced the move Wednesday , a day after learning that a non-player within the controlled environment had tested positive for the deadly virus .
The person who tested positive is in isolation for 10 days but contract tracing showed two players , neither of whom was identified , had been in `` close and prolonged contact '' with the individual .
The players have not experienced any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US Open medical team and in consultation with the New York City Department of Health , they were removed from the Western and Southern Open and sent into quarantine .
The tournament , usually in Cincinnati , was moved to New York this year to serve as a tuneup for the US Open , which starts August 31 without spectators in a bubble setup at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows .
Women 's main draw play in the Western and Southern Open is set to begin Friday with men 's matches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that had shut down the ATP and WTA season caused a temporary hospital to be established on the tennis center grounds in April as New York battled a spike in cases .

New York (AFP) –
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Two players within the US Open bubble have been dropped from the ATP and WTA Western and Southern Open and sent into quarantine after contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.
Tournament officials announced the move Wednesday, a day after learning that a non-player within the controlled environment had tested positive for the deadly virus.
The person who tested positive is in isolation for 10 days but contract tracing showed two players, neither of whom was identified, had been in "close and prolonged contact" with the individual.
The players have not experienced any COVID-19 symptoms but after input from the US Open medical team and in consultation with the New York City Department of Health, they were removed from the Western and Southern Open and sent into quarantine.
The tournament, usually in Cincinnati, was moved to New York this year to serve as a tuneup for the US Open, which starts August 31 without spectators in a bubble setup at the National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows.
Women's main draw play in the Western and Southern Open is set to begin Friday with men's matches to start Saturday.
The COVID-19 outbreak that had shut down the ATP and WTA season caused a temporary hospital to be established on the tennis center grounds in April as New York battled a spike in cases.
© 2020 AFP