france24--2020-11-08--Usman, Rauf keep sloppy Zimbabwe down to 134-7 in second T20

Pakistan 's Haris Rauf unleashes a delivery against Zimbabwe during their second Twenty20 match in Rawalpindi .
Donald Tiripano is the backing-up Zimbabwe batsman Leg-spinner Usman Qadir and paceman Haris Rauf grabbed three wickets apiece as Pakistan kept Zimbabwe down to a paltry 134-7 in the second Twenty20 international in Rawalpindi on Sunday .
Trailing 1-0 after Saturday 's six-wicket defeat , Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals as Usman finished with figures of 3-23 and Rauf 3-31 after the tourists were sent in to bat .
Ryan Burl ( 32 not out ) and Wesley Madhevere ( 24 ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sending the last ball of the innings for a big six .
Rauf , who came into prominence with 20 wickets in last year 's Big Bash in Australia , removed Brendon Taylor ( three ) and skipper Chamu Chibhabha ( 15 ) in successive overs .
Donald Tiripano ( 15 ) added 30 for the seventh wicket with Burl before falling to Rauf in the 19th over .
Usman , son of the late legendary Pakistan spinner Abdul Qadir , chipped in with the wickets of Madhevere , Sikandar Raza ( seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to further derail Zimbabwe .
With this match , Pakistan 's Ahsan Raza became the first umpire to officiate in 50 Twenty20 internationals .

Rawalpindi (Pakistan) (AFP) –
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Leg-spinner Usman Qadir and paceman Haris Rauf grabbed three wickets apiece as Pakistan kept Zimbabwe down to a paltry 134-7 in the second Twenty20 international in Rawalpindi on Sunday.
Trailing 1-0 after Saturday's six-wicket defeat, Zimbabwe lost wickets at regular intervals as Usman finished with figures of 3-23 and Rauf 3-31 after the tourists were sent in to bat.
Ryan Burl (32 not out) and Wesley Madhevere (24) were the main scorers, with Burl sending the last ball of the innings for a big six.
Rauf, who came into prominence with 20 wickets in last year's Big Bash in Australia, removed Brendon Taylor (three) and skipper Chamu Chibhabha (15) in successive overs.
Donald Tiripano (15) added 30 for the seventh wicket with Burl before falling to Rauf in the 19th over.
Usman, son of the late legendary Pakistan spinner Abdul Qadir, chipped in with the wickets of Madhevere, Sikandar Raza (seven) and Elton Chigumbura (18) to further derail Zimbabwe.
With this match, Pakistan's Ahsan Raza became the first umpire to officiate in 50 Twenty20 internationals.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--UK banks on climate change to warm frosty Biden ties

Britain 's Prime Minister Boris Johnson may find climate action to be his trump card to salvage 'special ' relations with the US under the presidency of Joe Biden From his `` racist comments '' to populist image , Prime Minister Boris Johnson is viewed with disdain by some in Joe Biden 's camp .
But Britain hopes climate action could be a trump card to salvage its `` special relationship '' with the United States .
The Irish-American president-elect 's ambivalence towards the United Kingdom was illustrated in a viral video shared by a BBC reporter in Washington on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over Donald Trump .
`` The BBC ?
I 'm Irish ! ''
a smiling Biden retorted in the video from January , ignoring the British reporter 's plea to ask a question .
The tone was jocular but Biden 's discontent at Johnson is on record , after the prime minister introduced Brexit-related legislation that both Ireland and leading US Democrats fear could undermine peace in Northern Ireland .
In September , Biden warned Britain could forget about its hopes for a US trade deal after Brexit takes full effect on January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ casualty '' of the EU divorce .
Last December , as Johnson closed in on a general election victory , Biden showed his own disdain in describing the Conservative politician as a `` physical and emotional clone '' of Trump .
The prime minister has offered praise of Trump in the past and his long trail of provocative comments has come back to haunt him at a time when France and Germany are beating their own path to Biden 's door .
Biden was vice-president to Barack Obama when Johnson , in 2016 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to his `` part-Kenyan '' heritage and `` ancestral dislike of the British Empire '' .
Johnson is trying to make amends now and was among the first European leaders to post his congratulations via social media after US networks called the race for Biden .
`` The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities , from climate change to trade and security , '' he said .
Former Obama aide Tommy Vietor , however , was scornful in response to Johnson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weighs in , '' Vietor tweeted .
`` We will never forget your racist comments about Obama and slavish devotion to Trump but neat Instagram graphic . ''
Yet in policy terms , Britain remains far more aligned with Biden and with its European allies on climate change , Iran , Russia and collective defence under the NATO umbrella .
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab anticipated working with the Biden administration on issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic , as Britain prepares to take over the G7 presidency next year and to host the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , COP 26 .
Biden has vowed to rejoin the UN 's Paris Agreement on climate change `` on day one '' , after Trump abandoned it .
Ironically , the coronavirus pandemic may have done Johnson a diplomatic favour .
The COP 26 meeting was meant to be happening this week , in Glasgow , but has been pushed back to November 2021 .
So rather than dealing with a Trump-led , climate-denying US , Johnson can look forward to the possibility of Biden coming in person to Glasgow to strengthen the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ runaway temperature rises .
- More together than apart - Britain will inherit the G7 presidency from the United States and Senator Chris Coons , a close Biden ally from Delaware , believes `` it 's a chance to present a joint platform of our vision to the world about climate change '' .
`` The special relationship between the US and the UK has endured over decades , '' he told the BBC in an interview broadcast on Sunday .
`` We 've got more to do together than we could possibly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also said that he had personally found Johnson `` more agile , engaging , educated and forward-looking than perhaps the caricature of him in the American press might have suggested '' .
`` It 's my hope that president-elect Biden will have a similar experience . ''
The Biden campaign banned all contacts with foreign governments , a legacy of allegations surrounding Trump 's dealings with Russia , but Raab procured a meeting with Coons when he visited Washington in September .
Interviewed also on the BBC Sunday , the foreign secretary welcomed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ among the factors binding London to Biden , along with trade and the nations ' intelligence and security alliance .
`` Next year is a big year for the UK , '' Raab said .
`` There 's a huge amount of work to do and we 're looking forward to working with the US administration . ''

London (AFP) –
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From his "racist comments" to populist image, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is viewed with disdain by some in Joe Biden's camp. But Britain hopes climate action could be a trump card to salvage its "special relationship" with the United States.
The Irish-American president-elect's ambivalence towards the United Kingdom was illustrated in a viral video shared by a BBC reporter in Washington on Saturday, after the Democrat declared victory over Donald Trump.
"The BBC? I'm Irish!" a smiling Biden retorted in the video from January, ignoring the British reporter's plea to ask a question.
The tone was jocular but Biden's discontent at Johnson is on record, after the prime minister introduced Brexit-related legislation that both Ireland and leading US Democrats fear could undermine peace in Northern Ireland.
In September, Biden warned Britain could forget about its hopes for a US trade deal after Brexit takes full effect on January 1 if Northern Ireland becomes a "casualty" of the EU divorce.
Last December, as Johnson closed in on a general election victory, Biden showed his own disdain in describing the Conservative politician as a "physical and emotional clone" of Trump.
The prime minister has offered praise of Trump in the past and his long trail of provocative comments has come back to haunt him at a time when France and Germany are beating their own path to Biden's door.
Biden was vice-president to Barack Obama when Johnson, in 2016, wrote that Obama was anti-UK owing to his "part-Kenyan" heritage and "ancestral dislike of the British Empire".
- 'Shapeshifting creep' -
Johnson is trying to make amends now and was among the first European leaders to post his congratulations via social media after US networks called the race for Biden.
"The US is our most important ally and I look forward to working closely together on our shared priorities, from climate change to trade and security," he said.
Former Obama aide Tommy Vietor, however, was scornful in response to Johnson's words.
"This shapeshifting creep weighs in," Vietor tweeted. "We will never forget your racist comments about Obama and slavish devotion to Trump but neat Instagram graphic."
Yet in policy terms, Britain remains far more aligned with Biden and with its European allies on climate change, Iran, Russia and collective defence under the NATO umbrella.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab anticipated working with the Biden administration on issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, as Britain prepares to take over the G7 presidency next year and to host the UN's next global climate policy gathering, COP 26.
Biden has vowed to rejoin the UN's Paris Agreement on climate change "on day one", after Trump abandoned it.
Ironically, the coronavirus pandemic may have done Johnson a diplomatic favour. The COP 26 meeting was meant to be happening this week, in Glasgow, but has been pushed back to November 2021.
So rather than dealing with a Trump-led, climate-denying US, Johnson can look forward to the possibility of Biden coming in person to Glasgow to strengthen the Paris Agreement and avert the prospect of runaway temperature rises.
- More together than apart -
Britain will inherit the G7 presidency from the United States and Senator Chris Coons, a close Biden ally from Delaware, believes "it's a chance to present a joint platform of our vision to the world about climate change".
"The special relationship between the US and the UK has endured over decades," he told the BBC in an interview broadcast on Sunday. "We've got more to do together than we could possibly do apart."
The Democratic senator also said that he had personally found Johnson "more agile, engaging, educated and forward-looking than perhaps the caricature of him in the American press might have suggested".
"It's my hope that president-elect Biden will have a similar experience."
The Biden campaign banned all contacts with foreign governments, a legacy of allegations surrounding Trump's dealings with Russia, but Raab procured a meeting with Coons when he visited Washington in September.
Interviewed also on the BBC Sunday, the foreign secretary welcomed Coons' words and highlighted climate change among the factors binding London to Biden, along with trade and the nations' intelligence and security alliance.
"Next year is a big year for the UK," Raab said. "There's a huge amount of work to do and we're looking forward to working with the US administration."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Thai police use water cannon to stop pro-democracy march to palace

Thai police on Sunday fired water cannon on pro-democracy protesters who were trying to march to the royal palace to deliver demands for reform to the unassailable monarchy .
Student-led rallies have rocked the kingdom since July , with protesters calling for the removal of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha -- a former army chief who came into power through a 2014 coup -- and a rewrite to the military-scripted constitution .
The boldest in the leaderless movement have also demanded reforms to the monarchy -- a once-taboo issue -- sending shockwaves through Thailand 's arch-royalist establishment .
On Sunday , some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's historic Democracy Monument to the Grand Palace to deliver letters to King Maha Vajiralongkorn , as the police warned them to stop .
As the marchers got closer , police fired water cannon at them .
The protesters reacted angrily , shouting : `` Why did you use the water cannons against us ? ''
Authorities had warned earlier in the day that protesters were banned from breaching a 150-metre radius around the palace , and some 9,000 officials were deployed .
Sunday 's confrontation was the second time police used water @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a peaceful rally in downtown Bangkok saw protesters blasted with chemical-laced water as police bore down -- images that shocked many in Thailand .
Before the march to the Grand Palace on Sunday , the rally at the Democracy Monument was peaceful with protesters chanting `` Prayut , get out '' and holding up a three-finger salute -- a symbol of the movement .
They also threw flowers into a makeshift cardboard coffin carrying a life-sized mannequin with Prayut 's face .
Some scrawled messages on it , including `` go to hell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figures called on the king to open dialogue with the protesters .
`` We hope you will change your behaviour once and for all and become a King of all people , '' wrote lawyer Anon Numpa , one of the most recognisable faces in the movement .
`` I hope Your Majesty will open your mind and reach out to dialogue with us to solve the crises together . ''
The unprecedented demands to Thailand 's ultra-wealthy monarch have infuriated pro-royalist groups , and they have retaliated with counter-rallies .
On Sunday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's supporters came out to the Democracy Monument holding portraits of King Vajiralongkorn , but they left after they were outnumbered by the protesters .

Bangkok (AFP) –
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Thai police on Sunday fired water cannon on pro-democracy protesters who were trying to march to the royal palace to deliver demands for reform to the unassailable monarchy.
Student-led rallies have rocked the kingdom since July, with protesters calling for the removal of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha -- a former army chief who came into power through a 2014 coup -- and a rewrite to the military-scripted constitution.
The boldest in the leaderless movement have also demanded reforms to the monarchy -- a once-taboo issue -- sending shockwaves through Thailand's arch-royalist establishment.
On Sunday, some 5,000 protesters attempted to march from Bangkok's historic Democracy Monument to the Grand Palace to deliver letters to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, as the police warned them to stop.
As the marchers got closer, police fired water cannon at them. The protesters reacted angrily, shouting: "Why did you use the water cannons against us?"
Authorities had warned earlier in the day that protesters were banned from breaching a 150-metre radius around the palace, and some 9,000 officials were deployed.
Sunday's confrontation was the second time police used water cannon against protesters.
Last month, a peaceful rally in downtown Bangkok saw protesters blasted with chemical-laced water as police bore down -- images that shocked many in Thailand.
Before the march to the Grand Palace on Sunday, the rally at the Democracy Monument was peaceful with protesters chanting "Prayut, get out" and holding up a three-finger salute -- a symbol of the movement.
They also threw flowers into a makeshift cardboard coffin carrying a life-sized mannequin with Prayut's face. Some scrawled messages on it, including "go to hell".
Earlier Sunday, prominent pro-democracy figures called on the king to open dialogue with the protesters.
"We hope you will change your behaviour once and for all and become a King of all people," wrote lawyer Anon Numpa, one of the most recognisable faces in the movement.
"I hope Your Majesty will open your mind and reach out to dialogue with us to solve the crises together."
The unprecedented demands to Thailand's ultra-wealthy monarch have infuriated pro-royalist groups, and they have retaliated with counter-rallies.
On Sunday, a smaller group of the king's supporters came out to the Democracy Monument holding portraits of King Vajiralongkorn, but they left after they were outnumbered by the protesters.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Biden's victory a mighty relief in battle to save the planet

Joe Biden 's victory over President Donald Trump has brought hope to climate warriors who now see a better chance to save the planet through massive projects to limit global warming .
Activists and scientists feared further climate change destruction from another four years of Trump in denial in the White House .
His defeat totally changes the landscape .
The veteran Democrat leader has pledged to take the United States back in to the Paris climate agreement that Trump forced the country to leave , and which happened officially only on November 4 .
The Democrats have drawn up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ carbon neutral by 2050 .
`` Joe Biden 's historic election win is the first step towards avoiding climate catastrophe , '' tweeted Jennifer Morgan , executive director of Greenpeace International .
`` The American people are demanding a climate champion in president-elect Biden and in Kamala Harris , '' his vice-president , she added .
France 's former prime minister Laurent Fabius , who chaired the Paris agreement negotiations , cheered Biden 's success saying it `` raises new hopes in the indispensable fight against climate change '' .
`` Now is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and coordinated climate action '' ahead of next year 's COP15 conference on biodiversity and COP26 on climate , Fabius urged .
For Laurence Tubiana , one of the architects of the Paris accords , `` The Biden-Harris Administration has an historic opportunity to enact one of the world 's largest green stimulus efforts , to accelerate the US economy toward sustained emissions reductions while rebuilding and creating a fairer society . ''
To stay within the Paris deal 's 1.5C warming limit since pre-industrial times and cut the growing ferocity of wild @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be slashed almost 50 percent by 2030 , UN climate experts say .
That will require radical economic reform on a global scale , a challenge experts hope will be more within reach under a Biden presidency .
The Climate Action Tracker group put out a statement saying the election outcome could prove `` a tipping point '' that puts the Paris agreement 's 1.5C limit `` within striking distance '' .
That would however need the US to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and for Europe , China and Japan to also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockstrom , director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research : `` If the US adopts net-zero emissions by 2050 , we would have the four largest economic regions in the world aligning with science and showing the path towards a safe , clean and modern future '' .
Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann declared himself `` cautiously optimistic '' with Biden at the helm .
`` But make no mistake .
The sobering reality is that even if every country meets their commitments under the Paris agreement ( and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are currently falling at least a bit short ) , that gets us less than half way to where we need to be . ''
`` I.e .
on a path to limiting warming below 2C ( let alone the more stringent 1.5C many are now calling for ) , '' Rockstrom said .
Biden 's room for manoeuvre will depend greatly on his ability to push through ambitious climate legislation .
And for that he will need the US Senate , which may yet stay under a Republican majority .
With both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seats will be run-off in the state of Georgia on January 5 .
Without the Senate , Biden will have to count on the multitude of non-federal bodies from the states and cities to companies in the effort to meet previous Paris targets .
According to Climate Action Tracker that means by 2025 a 26-28 percent reduction in emissions from a 2005 base .
With the Paris agreement 's fifth anniversary next month , the green lobby is hoping at the very least for a return of American leadership to the climate front @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Day One , President-elect Biden can boost confidence in the international cooperation and begin to restore US standing the world , '' said World Resources Institute president Andrew Steer .
`` This is a new day for the climate , the environment and the American people ... a better tomorrow is possible , '' the think-tank head added .
However , Potsdam Institute co-director Ottmar Edenhofer warned : `` Generations to come can either remember the Biden-Harris Administration as one that failed great expectations -- or as one that really served the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Paris (AFP) –
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Joe Biden's victory over President Donald Trump has brought hope to climate warriors who now see a better chance to save the planet through massive projects to limit global warming.
Activists and scientists feared further climate change destruction from another four years of Trump in denial in the White House.
His defeat totally changes the landscape.
The veteran Democrat leader has pledged to take the United States back in to the Paris climate agreement that Trump forced the country to leave, and which happened officially only on November 4.
The Democrats have drawn up a 1.7-billion-dollar plan to turn the US carbon neutral by 2050.
"Joe Biden's historic election win is the first step towards avoiding climate catastrophe," tweeted Jennifer Morgan, executive director of Greenpeace International.
"The American people are demanding a climate champion in president-elect Biden and in Kamala Harris," his vice-president, she added.
France's former prime minister Laurent Fabius, who chaired the Paris agreement negotiations, cheered Biden's success saying it "raises new hopes in the indispensable fight against climate change".
"Now is the moment to relaunch global, concrete and coordinated climate action" ahead of next year's COP15 conference on biodiversity and COP26 on climate, Fabius urged.
- 'Tipping point' -
For Laurence Tubiana, one of the architects of the Paris accords, "The Biden-Harris Administration has an historic opportunity to enact one of the world's largest green stimulus efforts, to accelerate the US economy toward sustained emissions reductions while rebuilding and creating a fairer society."
To stay within the Paris deal's 1.5C warming limit since pre-industrial times and cut the growing ferocity of wild weather, greenhouse gas emissions need to be slashed almost 50 percent by 2030, UN climate experts say.
That will require radical economic reform on a global scale, a challenge experts hope will be more within reach under a Biden presidency.
The Climate Action Tracker group put out a statement saying the election outcome could prove "a tipping point" that puts the Paris agreement's 1.5C limit "within striking distance".
That would however need the US to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and for Europe, China and Japan to also keep their climate commitments.
Said Johan Rockstrom, director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research: "If the US adopts net-zero emissions by 2050, we would have the four largest economic regions in the world aligning with science and showing the path towards a safe, clean and modern future".
- 'Sobering reality' -
Pennsylvania State University climate scientist Michael Mann declared himself "cautiously optimistic" with Biden at the helm.
"But make no mistake. The sobering reality is that even if every country meets their commitments under the Paris agreement (and many, including the US and EU are currently falling at least a bit short), that gets us less than half way to where we need to be."
"I.e. on a path to limiting warming below 2C (let alone the more stringent 1.5C many are now calling for)," Rockstrom said.
Biden's room for manoeuvre will depend greatly on his ability to push through ambitious climate legislation.
And for that he will need the US Senate, which may yet stay under a Republican majority. With both parties equal on 48 senators, two seats will be run-off in the state of Georgia on January 5.
Without the Senate, Biden will have to count on the multitude of non-federal bodies from the states and cities to companies in the effort to meet previous Paris targets. According to Climate Action Tracker that means by 2025 a 26-28 percent reduction in emissions from a 2005 base.
With the Paris agreement's fifth anniversary next month, the green lobby is hoping at the very least for a return of American leadership to the climate front.
"By re-entering the Paris Agreement on Day One, President-elect Biden can boost confidence in the international cooperation and begin to restore US standing the world," said World Resources Institute president Andrew Steer.
"This is a new day for the climate, the environment and the American people... a better tomorrow is possible," the think-tank head added.
However, Potsdam Institute co-director Ottmar Edenhofer warned: "Generations to come can either remember the Biden-Harris Administration as one that failed great expectations -- or as one that really served the US people, and the world."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--US presidential election: Thousands dance in the streets across America to celebrate

People react as they watch a speech by Democratic 2020 US presidential nominee Joe Biden after news media announced that he had won the 2020 US presidential election , Times Square in New York City , USA , November 7 , 2020 .
Days of pent-up post-election anxiety gave way to spontaneous street celebrations as Joe Biden supporters on Saturday cheered news of his presidential win with a cacophony of banging pots and pans , honking horns and dance music in cities across the United States .
Rallies by hundreds of supporters of Republican President Donald Trump , who insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from over , '' were more muted in size and scope compared with the festive crowds that turned out by the thousands in some cities for Biden .
While there were some isolated confrontations between Trump and Biden supporters , as occurred between two opposing groups of about 100 each in Harrisburg , Pennsylvania , there were no immediate reports of violence or other unruly behavior .
After a nerve-wracking four-day wait for results after polls closed on Tuesday , the reaction to news that Pennsylvania and its 20 Electoral College votes had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instantaneous .
Minutes after major television networks called the race in the former vice president 's favor , throngs of people - most wearing masks to curb the spread of COVID-19 - streamed to the White House to rejoice outside a security fence as the sound of fireworks boomed in the distance .
`` I was on the bus and I jumped off the bus to come right down here to the White House , '' Washington resident Donna Thomas said .
`` It is something to celebrate .
We have been waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 52 , a teacher celebrating outside the Trump International Hotel , on Pennsylvania Avenue blocks from the White House , compared the moment to the lifting of an evil spell .
`` It 's like a pall fell over the country four years ago , and we 've been waiting years for it to end , '' he said .
In New York City , Biden supporters danced in the streets , cheered and banged on kitchenware from balconies , brownstone stoops and rooftops - hoisting Biden campaign signs and American flags in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manhattan 's Columbus Circle turned into a dance party celebrating the election 's result , while revelers at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village danced and splashed in the park 's fountain .
Similar scenes played out in cities coast to coast - Atlanta , New Orleans to San Francisco , among them - overwhelming what some backers of Trump had planned as a day of rallies in all 50 state capitals in support of baseless claims that Democrats were out to steal the election .
Hundreds of pro-Trump demonstrators gathered in several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battleground states like Pennsylvania , Michigan and Arizona to such Republican strongholds as Colorado Springs , Colorado .
But those rallies were generally smaller in number and in size compared with the crowds turning out to register their delight at the victory of Biden and his running mate , Kamala Harris .
In Los Angeles , protest marches organized in advance by labor unions and the political activist group Refuse Facism , demanding that Trump concede defeat , ended up merging with Biden victory celebrations , filling downtown with a crowd of thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Francisco 's Castro District in a carnival-like atmosphere of dancing , shouting , and music blaring from car stereos .
Some hoisted painted paper-mache likeness of Trump with the words `` lock him up '' scrawled on it , along with Biden campaign signs and American and rainbow flags .
Even a handful of city traffic control officers were seen joining in the revelry .
Enjoying unseasonably warm weather in Philadelphia , Biden supporters cheered , danced and hugged in the streets .
Jada Carter , 23 , and her younger sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Na-Na , Hey-Hey , Kiss Him Goodbye '' at Trump supporters huddled nearby .
Many supporters of Trump and his running mate , Vice President Mike Pence , demonstrated their own unwillingness to accept the election 's outcome .
Hundreds gathered on the steps of the state capitol building in Lansing , Michigan , waving Trump-Pence flags to shouts of `` This is not over '' and `` We will be here forever . ''
At the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix , tensions ran high as supporters of the president , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ won '' and `` We will win in court . ''
They blamed news media outlets for declaring Biden the winner .
`` The media is part of the coup ! ''
one shouted .

Days of pent-up post-election anxiety gave way to spontaneous street celebrations as Joe Biden supporters on Saturday cheered news of his presidential win with a cacophony of banging pots and pans, honking horns and dance music in cities across the United States.
People react as they watch a speech by Democratic 2020 US presidential nominee Joe Biden after news media announced that he had won the 2020 US presidential election, Times Square in New York City, USA, November 7, 2020.
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Rallies by hundreds of supporters of Republican President Donald Trump, who insisted on Saturday "this election is far from over," were more muted in size and scope compared with the festive crowds that turned out by the thousands in some cities for Biden.
While there were some isolated confrontations between Trump and Biden supporters, as occurred between two opposing groups of about 100 each in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, there were no immediate reports of violence or other unruly behavior.
New York City erupted with joy and life today. So happy to bring back the dancing. pic.twitter.com/rsLnjboOKT — Hannah Stark (@HannahStarkNYC) November 7, 2020
After a nerve-wracking four-day wait for results after polls closed on Tuesday, the reaction to news that Pennsylvania and its 20 Electoral College votes had carried Biden over the line was almost instantaneous.
Minutes after major television networks called the race in the former vice president's favor, throngs of people - most wearing masks to curb the spread of COVID-19 - streamed to the White House to rejoice outside a security fence as the sound of fireworks boomed in the distance.
"I was on the bus and I jumped off the bus to come right down here to the White House," Washington resident Donna Thomas said. "It is something to celebrate. We have been waiting so long."
Duane Fitzhugh, 52, a teacher celebrating outside the Trump International Hotel, on Pennsylvania Avenue blocks from the White House, compared the moment to the lifting of an evil spell.
"It's like a pall fell over the country four years ago, and we've been waiting years for it to end," he said.
In New York City, Biden supporters danced in the streets, cheered and banged on kitchenware from balconies, brownstone stoops and rooftops - hoisting Biden campaign signs and American flags in the air.
A planned demonstration in Manhattan's Columbus Circle turned into a dance party celebrating the election's result, while revelers at Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village danced and splashed in the park's fountain.
Jubilation vs anger
Similar scenes played out in cities coast to coast - Atlanta, New Orleans to San Francisco, among them - overwhelming what some backers of Trump had planned as a day of rallies in all 50 state capitals in support of baseless claims that Democrats were out to steal the election.
People are dancing coast to coast. Here’s the scene in my old neighborhood, Echo Park (Los Angeles). #BidenHarris2020 pic.twitter.com/PpHDza9t83 — Stephen Dudley (@NewYorkOrbit) November 7, 2020
Hundreds of pro-Trump demonstrators gathered in several cities - from state capitals in several battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Arizona to such Republican strongholds as Colorado Springs, Colorado.
But those rallies were generally smaller in number and in size compared with the crowds turning out to register their delight at the victory of Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris.
In Los Angeles, protest marches organized in advance by labor unions and the political activist group Refuse Facism, demanding that Trump concede defeat, ended up merging with Biden victory celebrations, filling downtown with a crowd of thousands.
At least 2,000 people massed in San Francisco's Castro District in a carnival-like atmosphere of dancing, shouting, and music blaring from car stereos.
Some hoisted painted paper-mache likeness of Trump with the words "lock him up" scrawled on it, along with Biden campaign signs and American and rainbow flags. Even a handful of city traffic control officers were seen joining in the revelry.
Enjoying unseasonably warm weather in Philadelphia, Biden supporters cheered, danced and hugged in the streets. Jada Carter, 23, and her younger sister, Nyla, 11, chanted, "Na-Na, Hey-Hey, Kiss Him Goodbye" at Trump supporters huddled nearby.
Many supporters of Trump and his running mate, Vice President Mike Pence, demonstrated their own unwillingness to accept the election's outcome.
Hundreds gathered on the steps of the state capitol building in Lansing, Michigan, waving Trump-Pence flags to shouts of "This is not over" and "We will be here forever."
At the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, tensions ran high as supporters of the president, some carrying firearms, chanted "Trump won" and "We will win in court." They blamed news media outlets for declaring Biden the winner. "The media is part of the coup!" one shouted.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-11-08--Raul Fernandez storms to maiden Moto3 victory

Spain 's Raul Fernandez took his maiden GP win on Sunday after Moto3 championship leader Albert Arenas was disqualified leaving @ @ @ @ @ European Grand Prix in Valencia .
With two races of the season left Japan 's @ @ @ @ @ the day to climb to second in the championship just three points adrift of Arenas @ @ @ @ @ is indescribable , I 'll remember it my whole life , '' said the KTM @ @ @ @ @ into the back of a rival causing an early crash , and was disqualified for @ @ @ @

Valencia (Spain) (AFP) –
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Spain's Raul Fernandez took his maiden GP win on Sunday after Moto3 championship leader Albert Arenas was disqualified leaving the 20-year-old to dominate the European Grand Prix in Valencia.
With two races of the season left Japan's Ai Ogura came third on the day to climb to second in the championship just three points adrift of Arenas.
"This first win is indescribable, I'll remember it my whole life," said the KTM rider Fernandez.
Arenas rode into the back of a rival causing an early crash, and was disqualified for causing the accident.
European GP
1. Raul Fernandez (ESP/KTM) 38mins 29.140sec, 2. Sergio Garcia (ESP/Honda) at 0.703sec, 3. Ai Ogura (JPN/Honda) 1.005, 4. Tony Arbolino (ITA/Honda) 1.037, 5. Darryn Binder (AFS/KTM) 13.392
Moto3 standings after 13 of 15 races:
1. Albert Arenas (ESP/KTM) 157pts, 2. Ai Ogura (JPN/Honda) 154, 3. Celestino Vietti (ITA/KTM) 137,4. Tony Arbolino (ITA/Honda) 134, 5. Jaume Masia (ESP/Honda) 133
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Bangladesh star out of Pakistan T20 league after failing virus test

Mahmudullah Riyad has been ruled out of the final stages of Pakistan 's Twenty20 league after testing positive for coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League playoffs after testing positive for the @ @ @ @ @ .
Mahmudullah was set to play in Pakistan 's domestic tournament , which restarts on @ @ @ @ @ since March because of the virus .
`` I was surprised by a positive result @ @ @ @ @ '' Mahmudullah told reporters before he was due to fly to Pakistan to join the @ @ @ @ @ did n't have fever or any other symptoms other than a bit of cold , @ @ @ @ @ I tested a second time and that also came out as positive . ''
Several @ @ @ @ @ skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and Test opener Saif Hasan -- have tested positive previously .
They @ @ @ @ @ has reported more than 400,000 virus infections and over 6,000 deaths since the epidemic erupted @

Dhaka (AFP) –
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Bangladesh Twenty20 skipper Mahmudullah Riyad has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League playoffs after testing positive for the coronavirus, he said Sunday.
Mahmudullah was set to play in Pakistan's domestic tournament, which restarts on next week after a break since March because of the virus.
"I was surprised by a positive result from my Covid-19 test," Mahmudullah told reporters before he was due to fly to Pakistan to join the Multan Sultans.
"I didn't have fever or any other symptoms other than a bit of cold," he said.
"I tested a second time and that also came out as positive."
Several Bangladesh cricketers -- including former skipper Mashrafe Mortaza and Test opener Saif Hasan -- have tested positive previously. They have since recovered.
Bangladesh has reported more than 400,000 virus infections and over 6,000 deaths since the epidemic erupted.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Azerbaijan says has taken key Karabakh town of Shusha

Rescuers carry the body of a woman killed by shelling in Karabakh capital Stepanakert on Friday .
Azerbaijan said Sunday its forces had captured the key town of Shusha from Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh , but Armenia insisted that fighting for the strategically vital area was ongoing .
The capture of Shusha would be a major victory for Azerbaijan six weeks after new fighting erupted over Nagorno-Karabakh , an ethnic Armenian enclave that broke away from Azerbaijan 's control in the 1990s .
The fortress town sits on cliffs around 15 kilometres ( nine miles ) from Nagorno-Karabakh 's main @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the region to the territory of Armenia , which backs the separatists .
Both sides have reported fierce clashes around the town in recent days , after Azerbaijani forces swept across the southern flank of Nagorno-Karabakh and pushed through its mountain passes .
In a televised address to the nation on Sunday , Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that the town had been captured .
`` With great pride and joy , I inform you that the town of Shusha has been liberated , '' said Aliyev , dressed in military fatigues @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flag .
He said November 8 would `` go down in the history of the Azerbaijani people '' as the day `` we returned to Shusha '' .
`` Our liberation march continues .
We will go to the end , until the complete liberation of the occupied territories , '' Aliyev said .
Flag-waving Azerbaijanis took to the streets of the capital Baku to celebrate after Aliyev 's announcement .
Armenian officials confirmed there were heavy clashes for the town but said the battle was far from over .
`` The fighting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in our army , '' Armenian defence ministry official Artsrun Hovhannisyan said , using the Armenian name for the town , shortly after Aliyev 's announcement .
Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said there was `` the most ferocious combat '' overnight for the town , while the Armenian government said taking Shusha was an `` unattainable pipe dream for Azerbaijan '' .
`` Despite heavy destruction , the fortress city withstands the blows of the adversary , '' it said .
The new clashes broke out in late September between Azerbaijan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Karabakh , which declared its independence nearly 30 years ago .
That declaration has not been recognised internationally , even by Armenia , and it remains a part of Azerbaijan under international law .
The recent flare-up has been the worst in decades , with more than 1,000 people confirmed dead including dozens of civilians , although the death toll is believed to be much higher .
Fighting has continued despite several attempts by Russia , France and the United States to help reach a lasting ceasefire .
The three countries make up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that helped broker a truce between the ex-Soviet rivals in 1994 but have failed to find a lasting solution to the long-simmering conflict .
Armenia and Azerbaijan have each accused the other of targeting civilian areas during the fighting and the United Nations this week decried indiscriminate attacks that could amount to `` war crimes '' .
The fighting has raised fears that both Russia , which has a military alliance with Armenia , and Azerbaijan 's ally Turkey could be further drawn into the conflict .

Baku (AFP) –
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Azerbaijan said Sunday its forces had captured the key town of Shusha from Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh, but Armenia insisted that fighting for the strategically vital area was ongoing.
The capture of Shusha would be a major victory for Azerbaijan six weeks after new fighting erupted over Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian enclave that broke away from Azerbaijan's control in the 1990s.
The fortress town sits on cliffs around 15 kilometres (nine miles) from Nagorno-Karabakh's main city Stepanakert and on the main road through the region to the territory of Armenia, which backs the separatists.
Both sides have reported fierce clashes around the town in recent days, after Azerbaijani forces swept across the southern flank of Nagorno-Karabakh and pushed through its mountain passes.
In a televised address to the nation on Sunday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced that the town had been captured.
"With great pride and joy, I inform you that the town of Shusha has been liberated," said Aliyev, dressed in military fatigues and standing in front of an Azerbaijani flag.
He said November 8 would "go down in the history of the Azerbaijani people" as the day "we returned to Shusha".
"Our liberation march continues. We will go to the end, until the complete liberation of the occupied territories," Aliyev said.
Flag-waving Azerbaijanis took to the streets of the capital Baku to celebrate after Aliyev's announcement.
Armenian officials confirmed there were heavy clashes for the town but said the battle was far from over.
"The fighting continues in Shushi, wait and believe in our army," Armenian defence ministry official Artsrun Hovhannisyan said, using the Armenian name for the town, shortly after Aliyev's announcement.
- 'The fortress city withstands' -
Armenian defence ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan said there was "the most ferocious combat" overnight for the town, while the Armenian government said taking Shusha was an "unattainable pipe dream for Azerbaijan".
"Despite heavy destruction, the fortress city withstands the blows of the adversary," it said.
The new clashes broke out in late September between Azerbaijan and the Armenia-backed separatists over control of Karabakh, which declared its independence nearly 30 years ago.
That declaration has not been recognised internationally, even by Armenia, and it remains a part of Azerbaijan under international law.
The recent flare-up has been the worst in decades, with more than 1,000 people confirmed dead including dozens of civilians, although the death toll is believed to be much higher.
Fighting has continued despite several attempts by Russia, France and the United States to help reach a lasting ceasefire.
The three countries make up the "Minsk Group" of mediators that helped broker a truce between the ex-Soviet rivals in 1994 but have failed to find a lasting solution to the long-simmering conflict.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have each accused the other of targeting civilian areas during the fighting and the United Nations this week decried indiscriminate attacks that could amount to "war crimes".
The fighting has raised fears that both Russia, which has a military alliance with Armenia, and Azerbaijan's ally Turkey could be further drawn into the conflict.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-08--Business Daily: What economic challenges for President-elect Biden?

The economy was the number one issue reported by most American voters ... and rebuilding it from the damage caused @ @ @ @ @ be an uphill battle .
Business Editor Kate Moody takes a look at some of @ @ @ @ @ President-elect Joe Biden .

Business Daily: What economic challenges for President-elect Biden?
04:52
The economy was the number one issue reported by most American voters...and rebuilding it from the damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic will be an uphill battle. Business Editor Kate Moody takes a look at some of the biggest economic challenges facing President-elect Joe Biden.


france24--2020-11-09--Cash-strapped Rugby Australia signs Aus$100 million broadcast deal

Australia 's Wallabies take the field before a recent Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand .
Rugby Australia Monday announced a new Aus $ 100 million broadcast rights deal Rugby Australia announced a broadcast rights deal with Nine Entertainment Monday that the financially stricken body said would `` reboot the game at every level '' .
RA said the deal would deliver benefits worth Aus $ 100 million ( US $ 73 million ) over three years from 2021 , with the prospect of more funds if Nine exercises a two-year extension option .
`` This agreement ensures the future @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chapter enables Rugby Australia to dynamically grow the game from the grassroots up , '' RA chairman Hamish McLennan said .
The package values rugby 's broadcast rights significantly lower than the Aus $ 285 million over five years RA received under a deal with Foxtel , Channel 10 and BSkyB that expired last year .
But it will still come as a relief to RA , which had been without a long-term broadcast partner after an ill-timed push to secure more television cash coincided with the Covid-19 crisis throwing the sporting calendar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the issue was cited as one of the reasons former chief executive Raelene Castle quit in April .
RA was dealt a further financial blow in September , when Qantas Airways scrapped a long-running sponsorship deal reportedly worth Aus $ 5.0 million ( $ 3.6 million ) annually .
A broadcast deal will not only help RA stabilise its finances , it will also allow it to finalise negotiations on the future format of Super Rugby and , potentially , make it more attractive to private equity investors .
RA said the package @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the southern hemisphere 's SANZAAR governing body -- South Africa , New Zealand and Argentina .
Under the deal , Nine will show rugby on its free-to-air television network and its Stan streaming service , which has about two million subscribers .
Most games -- including the bulk of Super Rugby and home Tests for the Wallabies and other SANZAAR nations -- will be behind a paywall on Stan .
However , one Super Rugby AU match and the competition 's finals series will be available free-to-air on Nine , potentially bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sport that has suffered dwindling viewer numbers in recent years .
Nine said the package 's headline figure of Aus $ 100 million included both `` cash and contra '' , which is believed to include free advertising for the sport .
It did not give a breakdown of how much cash RA will receive .
The deal ends RA 's 25-year association with Foxtel , the pay-TV operator majority-owned by Rupert Murdoch 's News Corp. that helped usher the game into the professional era .
`` We have enjoyed great highs over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the position we are today without their support , '' RA interim chief executive Rob Clarke said .

Sydney (AFP) –
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Rugby Australia announced a broadcast rights deal with Nine Entertainment Monday that the financially stricken body said would "reboot the game at every level".
RA said the deal would deliver benefits worth Aus$100 million (US$73 million) over three years from 2021, with the prospect of more funds if Nine exercises a two-year extension option.
"This agreement ensures the future of our sport and this exciting new chapter enables Rugby Australia to dynamically grow the game from the grassroots up," RA chairman Hamish McLennan said.
The package values rugby's broadcast rights significantly lower than the Aus$285 million over five years RA received under a deal with Foxtel, Channel 10 and BSkyB that expired last year.
But it will still come as a relief to RA, which had been without a long-term broadcast partner after an ill-timed push to secure more television cash coincided with the Covid-19 crisis throwing the sporting calendar into turmoil.
The poor handling of the issue was cited as one of the reasons former chief executive Raelene Castle quit in April.
RA was dealt a further financial blow in September, when Qantas Airways scrapped a long-running sponsorship deal reportedly worth Aus$5.0 million ($3.6 million) annually.
A broadcast deal will not only help RA stabilise its finances, it will also allow it to finalise negotiations on the future format of Super Rugby and, potentially, make it more attractive to private equity investors.
- 'Cash and contra' -
RA said the package still needed final approval from its partners in the southern hemisphere's SANZAAR governing body -- South Africa, New Zealand and Argentina.
Under the deal, Nine will show rugby on its free-to-air television network and its Stan streaming service, which has about two million subscribers.
Most games -- including the bulk of Super Rugby and home Tests for the Wallabies and other SANZAAR nations -- will be behind a paywall on Stan.
However, one Super Rugby AU match and the competition's finals series will be available free-to-air on Nine, potentially bringing in a large new audience to a sport that has suffered dwindling viewer numbers in recent years.
Nine said the package's headline figure of Aus$100 million included both "cash and contra", which is believed to include free advertising for the sport.
It did not give a breakdown of how much cash RA will receive.
The deal ends RA's 25-year association with Foxtel, the pay-TV operator majority-owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. that helped usher the game into the professional era.
"We have enjoyed great highs over our 25-year partnership and would not be in the position we are today without their support," RA interim chief executive Rob Clarke said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-09--Biden win forces Mexico to rebuild complicated US ties

Trump sparked anger during his 2016 election campaign when he branded Mexican migrants `` rapists '' and drug dealers , and vowed to build a wall across the southern US border After years of close ties with Donald Trump , Mexico must now reshape its complex relations with the United States under Joe Biden , including on the key issues of trade and immigration .
The country 's awkward position was underscored by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador 's reluctance on Saturday to congratulate Biden while Trump is still mounting a slew of legal challenges .
The left-wing populist said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issues '' in the US presidential election to be resolved .
`` We do n't want to be imprudent .
We do n't want to act lightly , '' Lopez Obrador told a news conference .
`` We have a very good relationship with the two candidates , '' he added , as messages of congratulations for Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris poured in from other world leaders .
Trump sparked anger during his 2016 election campaign when he branded Mexican migrants `` rapists '' and drug dealers , and vowed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border .
Even so , Lopez Obrador maintained cordial relations with Trump , and experts say that a Biden presidency will bring a different set of challenges for Mexico .
`` Trump 's anti-Mexican rhetoric is very unpleasant , but in fact there were important agreements , '' said Miguel Angel Jimenez , analyst at the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations , told AFP .
`` The relationship with the Democrats has always been cold and Biden could keep more distance . ''
Mexico has previously gained more from Republican administrations , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reagan and the NAFTA free trade agreement negotiated under George H.W .
Bush , Jimenez said .
Lopez Obrador 's cautious reaction to Biden 's win reflects his close relationship with Trump and the fact that the Republican still has weeks left in office , he said .
`` It 's an unpleasant situation for the Mexican government , '' Jimenez added .
The Mexican leader chose to visit Trump in the United States in July on his first foreign trip since taking office .
Lopez Obrador 's close ties with Trump mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setback , '' said Gabriela Siller , an analyst at Banco Base .
`` Biden already omitted Mexico when congratulating Latin American countries celebrating their independence '' anniversaries in September , she noted .
While Biden is unlikely to make any radical policy announcements concerning Mexico , his victory could still have repercussions , particularly in trade , analysts said .
The renegotiation of the trade agreement between the United States , Canada and Mexico was the climax of a complicated relationship with Trump .
The future of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement ( USMCA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ July , replacing NAFTA , is a major concern for Mexican authorities as Biden prepares to move into the White House .
`` Trump already did what he wanted with Mexico , the risk with him would be less , '' said Siller .
Harris `` was an opponent of USMCA and they could put obstacles in its path , '' she added .
The Democrats are expected to demand punctual compliance with labor reform that they requested in return for approving the agreement with the key trading partner , Jimenez said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ tariffs on imports from Mexico if it did not stop a wave of Central American migrants heading overland to the United States .
Even if Biden cancels Trump 's planned construction of a border wall , strict restrictions against undocumented migration will continue , said Maria Dolores Paris Pombo , an expert at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana in northwest Mexico .
He may revive a program put in place by then-president Barack Obama in 2012 to regularize the immigration status of hundreds of thousands of young people , known @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrived illegally as children .
Biden has fiercely criticized Trump 's efforts to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ( DACA ) .
But previous Democratic administrations have also applied laws passed in the late 1990s criminalizing undocumented immigration , Paris Pombo noted .
`` Barack Obama 's administration was tougher in terms of the number of deportations , but without the media impact or levels of Trump 's cruelty , '' she said .

Mexico City (AFP) –
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After years of close ties with Donald Trump, Mexico must now reshape its complex relations with the United States under Joe Biden, including on the key issues of trade and immigration.
The country's awkward position was underscored by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's reluctance on Saturday to congratulate Biden while Trump is still mounting a slew of legal challenges.
The left-wing populist said he would wait for "all legal issues" in the US presidential election to be resolved.
"We don't want to be imprudent. We don't want to act lightly," Lopez Obrador told a news conference.
"We have a very good relationship with the two candidates," he added, as messages of congratulations for Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris poured in from other world leaders.
Trump sparked anger during his 2016 election campaign when he branded Mexican migrants "rapists" and drug dealers, and vowed to build a wall across the southern US border.
Even so, Lopez Obrador maintained cordial relations with Trump, and experts say that a Biden presidency will bring a different set of challenges for Mexico.
"Trump's anti-Mexican rhetoric is very unpleasant, but in fact there were important agreements," said Miguel Angel Jimenez, analyst at the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations, told AFP.
"The relationship with the Democrats has always been cold and Biden could keep more distance."
- 'Unpleasant situation' -
Mexico has previously gained more from Republican administrations, such as the immigration amnesty granted by Ronald Reagan and the NAFTA free trade agreement negotiated under George H.W. Bush, Jimenez said.
Lopez Obrador's cautious reaction to Biden's win reflects his close relationship with Trump and the fact that the Republican still has weeks left in office, he said.
"It's an unpleasant situation for the Mexican government," Jimenez added.
The Mexican leader chose to visit Trump in the United States in July on his first foreign trip since taking office.
Lopez Obrador's close ties with Trump mean his defeat "could be a political setback," said Gabriela Siller, an analyst at Banco Base.
"Biden already omitted Mexico when congratulating Latin American countries celebrating their independence" anniversaries in September, she noted.
While Biden is unlikely to make any radical policy announcements concerning Mexico, his victory could still have repercussions, particularly in trade, analysts said.
The renegotiation of the trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico was the climax of a complicated relationship with Trump.
- 'Obstacles in path' -
The future of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which entered into force in July, replacing NAFTA, is a major concern for Mexican authorities as Biden prepares to move into the White House.
"Trump already did what he wanted with Mexico, the risk with him would be less," said Siller.
Harris "was an opponent of USMCA and they could put obstacles in its path," she added.
The Democrats are expected to demand punctual compliance with labor reform that they requested in return for approving the agreement with the key trading partner, Jimenez said.
In 2019, Trump threatened to slap tariffs on imports from Mexico if it did not stop a wave of Central American migrants heading overland to the United States.
Even if Biden cancels Trump's planned construction of a border wall, strict restrictions against undocumented migration will continue, said Maria Dolores Paris Pombo, an expert at the Colegio de la Frontera Norte in Tijuana in northwest Mexico.
He may revive a program put in place by then-president Barack Obama in 2012 to regularize the immigration status of hundreds of thousands of young people, known as "Dreamers," who had arrived illegally as children.
Biden has fiercely criticized Trump's efforts to shut down the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
But previous Democratic administrations have also applied laws passed in the late 1990s criminalizing undocumented immigration, Paris Pombo noted.
"Barack Obama's administration was tougher in terms of the number of deportations, but without the media impact or levels of Trump's cruelty," she said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-09--For Cuba, any US president will be better than Trump

A man wearing a cap with a US flag design walks along a street of Havana , on November 3 , 2020 , the day of the American presidential election Most Cubans do n't know Joe Biden , or what policies he will pursue toward the Communist island , but they are crystal clear on one thing : any US president will be better than Donald Trump .
In the presidential election , Trump owed his big win in the US state of Florida in large part to his strident denunciation of leftist governments in Latin America , which resonated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Miami who loathe the communist government in Havana .
But for people living in Cuba , which has been under Communist leadership for six decades , Trump 's accusations of Biden 's leftist leanings make them smile disbelievingly .
`` I 'm not the type to trust an American president , but given the situation , I prefer the other one over Trump , '' Pablo Zalvidar , a 57-year-old parking attendant , told AFP .
After a historic rapprochement at the end of 2014 and the policy of openness led by Barack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House was like a cold shower for Cuba .
His reelection would have been `` a disaster or an apocalyptic threat '' for Cuba , said political expert Jorge Gomez Barata .
In four years , Trump 's administration enacted 130 measures to reinforce the US embargo on Cuba , many of which affected the population and the fledgling private sector : restricting on sending money to family in Cuba , suspending US cruises and most direct flights from the US , closing the US consulate in Havana ... - 'Ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Trump , I ca n't stand the sight of him ! ''
said Aidelvis Blanco , an employee at The Mandarin restaurant , adding that hopefully a Biden victory will `` make us feel better . ''
For Oniel Diaz , head of the Auge consulting firm , it 's `` really good news for the entrepreneur community in Cuba .
The private sector was one of the hardest hit by the Trump administration 's Cuban policy . ''
But Cubans have n't forgotten : since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 12 US presidents -- and Democrats have historically enacted the toughest policies .
The Bay of Pigs invasion , the embargo going into force in 1962 and the missile crisis ?
All the work of John F. Kennedy ( 1961-1963 ) .
The Helms-Burton law that reinforced the embargo came under Bill Clinton ( 1993-2001 ) .
Biden , though , has a point in his favor : even if he remains unknown on the island , as Obama 's vice president , he encouraged collaboration between the two countries in a number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Cuba and the Cuban diaspora .
His election `` marks a return to the balance in foreign policy that was the principle of Obama 's policy , in which the commitment to support democracy is compatible with political dialogue , the end of isolation and fluidity of relations between the two countries , '' said Manuel Cuesta Morua , a prominent member of the Cuban opposition .
On Sunday , Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel struck a tactful tone when he congratulated Biden on his victory , hailing `` the new direction '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he believes in `` the possibility of having a constructive bilateral relation while respecting our differences . ''
In an interview with online opposition news outlet Cibercuba , Biden promised that , once elected , he would eliminate Trump 's restrictions on remittances and travel , which he said have harmed Cubans and separated families .
But he warned he will demand the release of all political prisoners -- estimated at 100 by NGOs -- and defend human rights in Cuba .
According to Jorge Duany , the head of the Cuban Research @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wo n't insist on lifting the embargo .
Instead , Duany predicted , his objective will be to free the Cuban people and promote democracy on the island .
Duany added , however , that it is not yet clear what commitments or concessions Biden will demand from the government in order to improve relations between Cuba and the US .
But Biden is `` an opportunity that must be seized , '' said Gomez Barata , the political specialist , referring to the need for economic reforms .
Consultant Diaz agrees : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ House , combined with recent economic measures from the Cuban government to give more space to the private sector , could potentially create a very beneficial situation , '' he said .

Havana (AFP) –
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Most Cubans don't know Joe Biden, or what policies he will pursue toward the Communist island, but they are crystal clear on one thing: any US president will be better than Donald Trump.
In the presidential election, Trump owed his big win in the US state of Florida in large part to his strident denunciation of leftist governments in Latin America, which resonated loudly and clearly with conservative Cuban-Americans in Miami who loathe the communist government in Havana.
But for people living in Cuba, which has been under Communist leadership for six decades, Trump's accusations of Biden's leftist leanings make them smile disbelievingly.
"I'm not the type to trust an American president, but given the situation, I prefer the other one over Trump," Pablo Zalvidar, a 57-year-old parking attendant, told AFP.
After a historic rapprochement at the end of 2014 and the policy of openness led by Barack Obama, Trump's arrival in the White House was like a cold shower for Cuba.
His reelection would have been "a disaster or an apocalyptic threat" for Cuba, said political expert Jorge Gomez Barata.
In four years, Trump's administration enacted 130 measures to reinforce the US embargo on Cuba, many of which affected the population and the fledgling private sector: restricting on sending money to family in Cuba, suspending US cruises and most direct flights from the US, closing the US consulate in Havana...
- 'Can't stand the sight' of Trump -
"Trump, I can't stand the sight of him!" said Aidelvis Blanco, an employee at The Mandarin restaurant, adding that hopefully a Biden victory will "make us feel better."
For Oniel Diaz, head of the Auge consulting firm, it's "really good news for the entrepreneur community in Cuba. The private sector was one of the hardest hit by the Trump administration's Cuban policy."
But Cubans haven't forgotten: since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro, the island has gone through 12 US presidents -- and Democrats have historically enacted the toughest policies.
The Bay of Pigs invasion, the embargo going into force in 1962 and the missile crisis? All the work of John F. Kennedy (1961-1963).
The Helms-Burton law that reinforced the embargo came under Bill Clinton (1993-2001).
Biden, though, has a point in his favor: even if he remains unknown on the island, as Obama's vice president, he encouraged collaboration between the two countries in a number of sectors and contributed to family reunification between Cuba and the Cuban diaspora.
His election "marks a return to the balance in foreign policy that was the principle of Obama's policy, in which the commitment to support democracy is compatible with political dialogue, the end of isolation and fluidity of relations between the two countries," said Manuel Cuesta Morua, a prominent member of the Cuban opposition.
- Biden is 'an opportunity' -
On Sunday, Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel struck a tactful tone when he congratulated Biden on his victory, hailing "the new direction" taken by the American people and saying he believes in "the possibility of having a constructive bilateral relation while respecting our differences."
In an interview with online opposition news outlet Cibercuba, Biden promised that, once elected, he would eliminate Trump's restrictions on remittances and travel, which he said have harmed Cubans and separated families.
But he warned he will demand the release of all political prisoners -- estimated at 100 by NGOs -- and defend human rights in Cuba.
According to Jorge Duany, the head of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University, Biden won't insist on lifting the embargo. Instead, Duany predicted, his objective will be to free the Cuban people and promote democracy on the island.
Duany added, however, that it is not yet clear what commitments or concessions Biden will demand from the government in order to improve relations between Cuba and the US.
But Biden is "an opportunity that must be seized," said Gomez Barata, the political specialist, referring to the need for economic reforms.
Consultant Diaz agrees: "Biden's arrival in the White House, combined with recent economic measures from the Cuban government to give more space to the private sector, could potentially create a very beneficial situation," he said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-09--Ex-Kosovo president Thaci set for first war crimes hearing

The bitter conflict killed ethnic Albanian Kosovars for the most part , and only ended when a NATO air campaign forced Serb forces to withdraw from what was then one of the country 's provinces Ex-Kosovo president Hashim Thaci is to appear Monday before a war crimes court in The Hague to face charges stemming from the 1990s conflict between Kosovo and Serbia .
Thaci , 52 , resigned as president Thursday and flew to the Netherlands where he was placed in the detention centre of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers ( KSC ) , a Kosovo court located in The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff are drawn from the international community .
Thaci and three other defendants have been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity , including murder , torture , illegal detention , enforced disappearances and persecution , committed between March 1998 and September 1999 , the court said Friday in a statement .
Thaci has pledged to cooperate with the tribunal , which has scheduled his first hearing for 3:00 pm ( 1400 GMT ) Monday .
He was political chief of the rebel Kosovo Liberation Army ( KLA ) , which fought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern province in a conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives .
He claims the international system of justice is `` rewriting history '' and said Thursday he was stepping down as president to `` protect the integrity '' of the office .
`` I believe in truth , reconciliation and the future of our country and society , '' he added .
The bitter conflict killed ethnic Albanian Kosovars for the most part , and only ended when a NATO air campaign forced Serb forces to withdraw from what was then one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serbian military and police officials were later convicted of war crimes in other international courts .
But rebel leaders of the KLA -- many of whom have gone on to dominate politics in Kosovo -- have also been accused of revenge attacks on Serbs , Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war .
On Monday , a judge will first ensure `` that the rights of the accused , including the right to legal representation , are respected , and that the accused understands the charges , '' the court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ temporary court tasked with trying suspects linked to crimes allegedly committed by the KLA .
Before serving as president , Thaci was also prime minister of Kosovo , but he had pledged to step down and face charges if they were confirmed in a formal indictment .
His three co-defendants are former KLA spokesman Jakup Krasniqi , Thaci 's closest political ally Kadri Veseli , and key KLA figure Rexhep Selimi .
In June , KSC prosecutors accused Thaci and others of being `` criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders '' in addition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ proclaimed his innocence in a war that most Kosovars consider a just liberation struggle against Serbian oppression .

The Hague (AFP) –
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Ex-Kosovo president Hashim Thaci is to appear Monday before a war crimes court in The Hague to face charges stemming from the 1990s conflict between Kosovo and Serbia.
Thaci, 52, resigned as president Thursday and flew to the Netherlands where he was placed in the detention centre of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC), a Kosovo court located in The Hague.
Judges, specialist prosecutor and staff are drawn from the international community.
Thaci and three other defendants have been charged with war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, illegal detention, enforced disappearances and persecution, committed between March 1998 and September 1999, the court said Friday in a statement.
Thaci has pledged to cooperate with the tribunal, which has scheduled his first hearing for 3:00 pm (1400 GMT) Monday.
He was political chief of the rebel Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which fought Serb forces for the independence of the southern province in a conflict that claimed more than 13,000 lives.
He claims the international system of justice is "rewriting history" and said Thursday he was stepping down as president to "protect the integrity" of the office.
"I believe in truth, reconciliation and the future of our country and society," he added.
The bitter conflict killed ethnic Albanian Kosovars for the most part, and only ended when a NATO air campaign forced Serb forces to withdraw from what was then one of the country's provinces.
Top Serbian military and police officials were later convicted of war crimes in other international courts.
But rebel leaders of the KLA -- many of whom have gone on to dominate politics in Kosovo -- have also been accused of revenge attacks on Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war.
- First step -
On Monday, a judge will first ensure "that the rights of the accused, including the right to legal representation, are respected, and that the accused understands the charges," the court statement said.
The KSC is a temporary court tasked with trying suspects linked to crimes allegedly committed by the KLA.
Before serving as president, Thaci was also prime minister of Kosovo, but he had pledged to step down and face charges if they were confirmed in a formal indictment.
His three co-defendants are former KLA spokesman Jakup Krasniqi, Thaci's closest political ally Kadri Veseli, and key KLA figure Rexhep Selimi.
In June, KSC prosecutors accused Thaci and others of being "criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders" in addition to other crimes.
Thaci has repeatedly proclaimed his innocence in a war that most Kosovars consider a just liberation struggle against Serbian oppression.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-09--Iraq's pro-Iran factions see smoother sailing with Biden at helm

A girl carries a sign reading in Arabic `` remaining in Iraq is playing with fire '' , a message directed at the US military , during a demonstration outside the the Iraqi capital 's highly-fortified Green Zone on Saturday Iraq 's pro-Tehran factions have welcomed Joe Biden 's election as US president , alarming officials and activists in Baghdad who fear a US-Iran deescalation could empower hardliners in their own country .
Baghdad has long been caught in a tug-of-war for influence between its two main allies Washington and Tehran , made even more tense by outgoing US President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ campaign against Iran since 2018 .
Iraqi factions supported by Tehran are hoping Biden could roll back Trump 's policies , which included bombing hardline groups and slapping sanctions on pro-Iran figures .
`` Trump 's era was a very negative one , a period of demolition , '' said Mohammad Mohyi , spokesman for Kataeb Hezbollah , a hardline pro-Iran faction in Iraq .
`` We hope the new administration will resolve this , by ending the crisis and withdrawing its troops , '' he told AFP .
He slammed Trump for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : killing Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and top Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis , who had a key role in founding Kataeb Hezbollah , in a drone strike on Baghdad .
Outraged by that targeted attack , Iraq 's parliament voted to oust all foreign troops from the country .
Trump fired back with threats of crippling sanctions on Iraq .
Many hope there could be change .
`` Perhaps choosing someone who relies on a policy of coordination could pave the way for cooperation among countries , '' said Nasr al-Shammary , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Khamees al-Khanjar , an influential Sunni leader who aligned with Iran in the 2018 elections , agreed .
`` Biden 's win is a new opportunity with the world , to turn a new page towards stability and dialogue , '' he said .
Youssif , an Iraqi blogger who preferred not to give his full name , appeared disturbed by those reactions .
`` Those politicians , who called the US 'evil ' and raised the phrase 'Death to America , ' congratulated Biden for winning the presidential election -- as if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he told AFP .
Tensions between Iraq and the US flared earlier this year , as rocket attacks against the US embassy multiplied .
Mustafa al-Kadhemi , who took the reins as prime minister in May , has tried to repair ties and met Trump and top administration officials in Washington in August .
During the visit , Kadhemi also met Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi , which his advisers told AFP was a way to `` open the door '' in case of a Biden win .
Little is known about Biden @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he has a legacy as one of the most senior Democrats to vote in favour of the 2003 Iraq invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein .
In 2006 , he co-authored a controversial op-ed calling for `` three largely autonomous regions '' for Iraq 's main ethno-sectarian communities : Shiites , Sunnis and Kurds .
He has personal ties with some of Iraq 's current leaders , including President Barham Saleh , who , in congratulating Biden on his victory , called him `` a friend and trusted partner '' .
Kadhemi congratulated the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told AFP there were worries pro-Iran factions could be `` emboldened by a Biden presidency , '' spoiling the prime minister 's plans to rein them in .
Some feared Biden would extend a diplomatic olive branch to Iran , reviving the nuclear deal agreed under ex-US President Barack Obama -- when Biden was vice president .
They characterise that period as one in which Iran was able to expand its influence across the region .
`` We do n't want Obama 's policies to return to our country once again , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of parliament 's foreign relations committee .
But some expect Iraq will not feature among the incoming president 's priorities , given pressing domestic crises in the US itself .
Like many foreign networks , Iraqi television channels offered days of round-the-clock coverage of the tight US presidential race -- but reactions on the streets have been muted .
In Baghdad 's Tahrir Square , the epicentre of anti-government protests that erupted in October last year , people gathered for a planned rally and seemed unmoved by Biden 's win .
`` As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stays in power , '' said 74-year-old Abu Saad .
But more broadly , he told AFP , `` Iraqis do n't see that a change in leaders will lead to a change in policy . ''
Zainab , 43 , said she had more pressing concerns .
`` We hope help comes to Iraq , which is going through an economic and political crisis and will hold its own elections , '' set for June 2021 , she said .
But with more than two months to go until Biden is sworn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much of a wild card as ever .
`` Trump acts in an unpredictable way , and he might use this transitional period to target our leadership , '' Kataeb Hezbollah 's Mohyi said .
Two Iraqi officials said they expected the outgoing administration to release a `` bucket list of sanctions '' against Iranian interests in Iraq before handing over the White House .
`` Trump 's going to up the ante , '' one of them said .
`` I doubt there could be military action , but I would @ @ @ @ @ @

Baghdad (AFP) –
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Iraq's pro-Tehran factions have welcomed Joe Biden's election as US president, alarming officials and activists in Baghdad who fear a US-Iran deescalation could empower hardliners in their own country.
Baghdad has long been caught in a tug-of-war for influence between its two main allies Washington and Tehran, made even more tense by outgoing US President Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran since 2018.
Iraqi factions supported by Tehran are hoping Biden could roll back Trump's policies, which included bombing hardline groups and slapping sanctions on pro-Iran figures.
"Trump's era was a very negative one, a period of demolition," said Mohammad Mohyi, spokesman for Kataeb Hezbollah, a hardline pro-Iran faction in Iraq.
"We hope the new administration will resolve this, by ending the crisis and withdrawing its troops," he told AFP.
He slammed Trump for "the greatest crime" in January: killing Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani and top Iraqi commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who had a key role in founding Kataeb Hezbollah, in a drone strike on Baghdad.
Outraged by that targeted attack, Iraq's parliament voted to oust all foreign troops from the country. Trump fired back with threats of crippling sanctions on Iraq.
Many hope there could be change.
"Perhaps choosing someone who relies on a policy of coordination could pave the way for cooperation among countries," said Nasr al-Shammary, spokesman for the Iran-aligned Harakat al-Nujaba.
Khamees al-Khanjar, an influential Sunni leader who aligned with Iran in the 2018 elections, agreed.
"Biden's win is a new opportunity with the world, to turn a new page towards stability and dialogue," he said.
Youssif, an Iraqi blogger who preferred not to give his full name, appeared disturbed by those reactions.
"Those politicians, who called the US 'evil' and raised the phrase 'Death to America,' congratulated Biden for winning the presidential election -- as if an old friend has won," he told AFP.
- Factions 'emboldened' -
Tensions between Iraq and the US flared earlier this year, as rocket attacks against the US embassy multiplied.
Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who took the reins as prime minister in May, has tried to repair ties and met Trump and top administration officials in Washington in August.
During the visit, Kadhemi also met Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, which his advisers told AFP was a way to "open the door" in case of a Biden win.
Little is known about Biden's planned foreign policy agenda, although he has a legacy as one of the most senior Democrats to vote in favour of the 2003 Iraq invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.
In 2006, he co-authored a controversial op-ed calling for "three largely autonomous regions" for Iraq's main ethno-sectarian communities: Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds.
He has personal ties with some of Iraq's current leaders, including President Barham Saleh, who, in congratulating Biden on his victory, called him "a friend and trusted partner".
Kadhemi congratulated the president-elect too, but some Iraqi officials told AFP there were worries pro-Iran factions could be "emboldened by a Biden presidency," spoiling the prime minister's plans to rein them in.
Some feared Biden would extend a diplomatic olive branch to Iran, reviving the nuclear deal agreed under ex-US President Barack Obama -- when Biden was vice president.
They characterise that period as one in which Iran was able to expand its influence across the region.
"We don't want Obama's policies to return to our country once again," said lawmaker Dhafer al-Ani, deputy head of parliament's foreign relations committee.
But some expect Iraq will not feature among the incoming president's priorities, given pressing domestic crises in the US itself.
- 'Up the ante' -
Like many foreign networks, Iraqi television channels offered days of round-the-clock coverage of the tight US presidential race -- but reactions on the streets have been muted.
In Baghdad's Tahrir Square, the epicentre of anti-government protests that erupted in October last year, people gathered for a planned rally and seemed unmoved by Biden's win.
"As an Iraqi, I prefer that Trump stays in power," said 74-year-old Abu Saad.
But more broadly, he told AFP, "Iraqis don't see that a change in leaders will lead to a change in policy."
Zainab, 43, said she had more pressing concerns.
"We hope help comes to Iraq, which is going through an economic and political crisis and will hold its own elections," set for June 2021, she said.
But with more than two months to go until Biden is sworn in, some Iraqis say Trump remains as much of a wild card as ever.
"Trump acts in an unpredictable way, and he might use this transitional period to target our leadership," Kataeb Hezbollah's Mohyi said.
Two Iraqi officials said they expected the outgoing administration to release a "bucket list of sanctions" against Iranian interests in Iraq before handing over the White House.
"Trump's going to up the ante," one of them said.
"I doubt there could be military action, but I wouldn't be totally surprised."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-09--For Trump, a nightmarish weekend of defiance and defeat

US President Donald Trump returns to the White House after a golf round on November 7 , 2020 that came as TV networks were declaring Joe Biden the president-elect His brow furrowed , shoulders slightly slumped , Donald Trump seemed alone Saturday on his golf course near Washington .
It was the physical reflection of a nightmarish weekend marked by his clear electoral defeat to Joe Biden and by the resounding cheers from the Democrat 's supporters massed outside the White House .
-- 8:20 am Saturday : The day began with the wearying tension of a still unresolved race @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the fourth day of waiting for excruciatingly slow-arriving results , and Trump had railed on Twitter against the swelling projections of his defeat .
As he has often done , he started the day with a series of angry and defiant tweets , messages immediately flagged as `` misleading '' by the social media platform .
His last tweet before every major US network declared that he had lost to Biden : `` I WON THIS ELECTION , BY A LOT ! ''
-- At 10:00 am , the presidential motorcade left the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Trump 's first time out of the historic residence since election night , Tuesday .
In dark gray pants , a gray jacket and a white `` Make America Great Again '' hat , Trump soon arrived at his golf club across the Potomac River in Sterling , Virginia .
From the side of the road , as the motorcade passed , one person held a sign that might have been seen to augur ill : `` Good Riddance . ''
The decision to go golfing as America -- and the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ election outcome struck many as odd , to say the least .
Photographers were able to take pictures from a distance of the president -- a skilled golfer -- riding in one of two white golf carts .
Afterward , he returned to the clubhouse and posed for photos with a pair of surprised newlyweds .
But there were no pictures of the moment he learned that his defeat was being announced around the world .
Meantime , a statement from his campaign that was clearly prepared in advance insisted Trump had won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ falsely pose as the winner . ''
After just over four hours at the club in Virginia , Trump 's motorcade headed back -- but with a challenge : making its way through the crowds of exultant Washingtonians who had flocked to the streets around the White House to celebrate Biden 's victory , whooping , clapping and incessantly honking car horns .
The White House is in the heart of Washington , a Democratic bastion where Biden took an overwhelming 93 percent of the vote to just five percent for Trump .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' one poster read .
Some pedestrians flashed middle fingers as the motorcade moved past .
Outside a side entrance to the White House , Trump , his jaw clenched , acknowledged journalists with a wave of his hand .
On US television networks , Trump -- an inveterate TV watcher -- would have seen scenes of huge celebratory crowds pouring onto the streets of every big city in the country .
Meantime , only a block away on Black Lives Matter Plaza -- renamed by Washington officials to show solidarity against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ festive .
Later in the evening , Trump again turned to Twitter to channel his anger , saying , `` I WON THE ELECTION , GOT 71,000,000 LEGAL VOTES , '' before adding in a second tweet , `` The most EVER for a sitting president ! ''
But already his messages had lost some of their earlier resonance .
By Sunday morning , Trump had still not called his Democratic opponent to congratulate him -- a long-time tradition .
Instead , he repeated the same scenario as Saturday : a series of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fraud , and then back to Virginia for more golf .
En route there and back , Trump -- who has thrived on supporters ' adulation at the big political rallies he holds around the country -- again passed Biden fans brandishing hostile signs along the road .
With no word yet on a Trump concession , the White House has said nothing so far about the president 's plans for the long transition from now until January 20 , when Biden will be sworn in as the nation 's 46th president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowly narrowing circle of key supporters vocally backing him in his insistence on pursuing legal challenges to the election results -- challenges given little chance to succeed .
But one of his closest allies , Senator Lindsey Graham , was sticking with Trump , exhorting him early Sunday : `` Do not concede , Mr. President .

Washington (AFP) –
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His brow furrowed, shoulders slightly slumped, Donald Trump seemed alone Saturday on his golf course near Washington.
It was the physical reflection of a nightmarish weekend marked by his clear electoral defeat to Joe Biden and by the resounding cheers from the Democrat's supporters massed outside the White House.
--8:20 am Saturday: The day began with the wearying tension of a still unresolved race weighing on Americans nationwide. It was the fourth day of waiting for excruciatingly slow-arriving results, and Trump had railed on Twitter against the swelling projections of his defeat. As he has often done, he started the day with a series of angry and defiant tweets, messages immediately flagged as "misleading" by the social media platform.
His last tweet before every major US network declared that he had lost to Biden: "I WON THIS ELECTION, BY A LOT!"
- Clenched jaw -
--At 10:00 am, the presidential motorcade left the White House under a brilliant blue sky, Trump's first time out of the historic residence since election night, Tuesday.
In dark gray pants, a gray jacket and a white "Make America Great Again" hat, Trump soon arrived at his golf club across the Potomac River in Sterling, Virginia.
From the side of the road, as the motorcade passed, one person held a sign that might have been seen to augur ill: "Good Riddance."
The decision to go golfing as America -- and the world -- remained in agonizing suspense over the election outcome struck many as odd, to say the least.
Photographers were able to take pictures from a distance of the president -- a skilled golfer -- riding in one of two white golf carts. Afterward, he returned to the clubhouse and posed for photos with a pair of surprised newlyweds. But there were no pictures of the moment he learned that his defeat was being announced around the world.
Meantime, a statement from his campaign that was clearly prepared in advance insisted Trump had won and accused Biden of "rushing to falsely pose as the winner."
After just over four hours at the club in Virginia, Trump's motorcade headed back -- but with a challenge: making its way through the crowds of exultant Washingtonians who had flocked to the streets around the White House to celebrate Biden's victory, whooping, clapping and incessantly honking car horns. The White House is in the heart of Washington, a Democratic bastion where Biden took an overwhelming 93 percent of the vote to just five percent for Trump.
"Pack your bags and go home," one poster read. Some pedestrians flashed middle fingers as the motorcade moved past.
Outside a side entrance to the White House, Trump, his jaw clenched, acknowledged journalists with a wave of his hand.
On US television networks, Trump -- an inveterate TV watcher -- would have seen scenes of huge celebratory crowds pouring onto the streets of every big city in the country. Meantime, only a block away on Black Lives Matter Plaza -- renamed by Washington officials to show solidarity against police violence -- the atmosphere was equally festive.
Later in the evening, Trump again turned to Twitter to channel his anger, saying, "I WON THE ELECTION, GOT 71,000,000 LEGAL VOTES," before adding in a second tweet, "The most EVER for a sitting president!" But already his messages had lost some of their earlier resonance.
- Hostile posters -
By Sunday morning, Trump had still not called his Democratic opponent to congratulate him -- a long-time tradition.
Instead, he repeated the same scenario as Saturday: a series of angry tweets complaining without evidence of vote fraud, and then back to Virginia for more golf.
En route there and back, Trump -- who has thrived on supporters' adulation at the big political rallies he holds around the country -- again passed Biden fans brandishing hostile signs along the road.
With no word yet on a Trump concession, the White House has said nothing so far about the president's plans for the long transition from now until January 20, when Biden will be sworn in as the nation's 46th president.
The president now appears to have a slowly narrowing circle of key supporters vocally backing him in his insistence on pursuing legal challenges to the election results -- challenges given little chance to succeed.
But one of his closest allies, Senator Lindsey Graham, was sticking with Trump, exhorting him early Sunday: "Do not concede, Mr. President.
"Fight hard."
© 2020 AFP