france24--2020-07-28--Decision to honour legendary Egyptian singer in Israel angers right wing

There is perhaps no modern Egyptian cultural treasure more beloved than Umm Kulthoum .
Anyone who has visited the Arab world or been in the home of a member of the diaspora has likely heard the moving tones of her distinct , resonant voice .
The Israeli town of Haifa recently moved to honour her legacy –and stirred up controversy in the process .
“ The Star of the East , ” as Umm Kulthoum is often called , emerged on the cultural stage in Egypt in the 1920s and dominated the music scene in the Arab world until her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arab homes anywhere in the world in which her melancholy melodies have not been played .
In a nod to the roughly 10 percent of its 30,000 residents who are Arab , Haifa , the third-largest city in Israel , voted to name a street after the singer earlier this month .
Haifa town council head Einat Kalish-Rotem said that the decision is a reflection of the city ’ s representing “ a model of co-existence between Arabs and Jews ” .
That Kulthoum would be recognised in Haifa makes sense , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palestinian culture .
“ Haifa has always been a city with a tolerance , a respect for differences , ” she said .
“ When I say differences , I mean respect for the Palestinians.
” Kulthoum walked the streets of Haifa performing there , in Jaffa and in Jerusalem before the 1948 establishment of the state of Israel when those cities were still part of British Mandatory Palestine .
But her influence extended outside of the Middle East as well , where she is best remembered for her legendary 1967 concert at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Kulthoum ’ s contralto voice was praised by Bob Dylan and sampled by Beyoncé .
Led Zeppelin ’ s Robert Plant told the Independent newspaper that he was “ driven to distraction ” by her .
“ When I first heard the way she would dance down through the scale to land on a beautiful note that I couldn ’ t even imagine singing , it was huge : somebody had blown a hole in the wall of my understanding of vocals.
” And Jews who grew up listening to her in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as attached to her as any Arab .
For some , though , that ’ s where the agreement ends .
Kulthoum was fiercely pro-Palestinian and had condemned Israel , and her detractors in Israel think honouring the late singer is inappropriate .
After the decision was announced , Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’ s son Yair tweeted that the decision was “ shameful and crazy ” .
Right-wing lawmaker Ariel Kallner wrote in the local Kol Po newspaper that he was saddened that Haifa had decided to honour a woman who had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jewish state ” .
The newspaper published a black-and-white-picture of Kulthoum on its front page with some of her lyrics emblazoned over the image .
“ Now I have a gun , take me in Palestine , with you , ” she had crooned in a song dedicated to the Palestinians .
That wasn ’ t the only time Kulthoum jumped into the political fray .
During the Six-Day War between Egypt and Israel in 1967 , Kulthoum – sometimes called “ Egypt ’ s fourth pyramid ” – performed a song exhorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationalistic song , “ Walla Zaman Ya Selahy ” ( It ’ s Been a Long Time , Oh Weapon of Mine ) served as the Egyptian national anthem from 1960 until 1979 when , in a nod to peace negotiations with Israel , president Anwar Sadat replaced it with the more neutral , “ Bilady , Bilady , Bilady ” ( My Homeland ) , which remains the anthem today .
Kallner said he would fight Haifa ’ s attempts to change the street name .
But if he wants to diminish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work cut out for him : In 2011 a street was named after her in East Jerusalem and the city of Ramla is planning to do the same .
The controversy hasn ’ t garnered widespread attention outside of certain political circles .
Al-Imam said that some of her friends in Haifa hadn ’ t heard of the uproar .
In Kulthoum 's native Egypt , observers were more perplexed than anything .
“ Anyone looking objectively at it is going to find it to be a rather strange , performative act , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute ( RUSI ) in London and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington , DC .
“ Umm Kulthoum was a deeply patriotic Egyptian , who never saw an Egypt that had been in anything but a state of war with Israel .
Moreover , she was openly and deliberately a strong supporter of Palestinian rights against the Israelis – so , this all looks a bit odd .
”

There is perhaps no modern Egyptian cultural treasure more beloved than Umm Kulthoum. Anyone who has visited the Arab world or been in the home of a member of the diaspora has likely heard the moving tones of her distinct, resonant voice. The Israeli town of Haifa recently moved to honour her legacy –and stirred up controversy in the process.
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“The Star of the East,” as Umm Kulthoum is often called, emerged on the cultural stage in Egypt in the 1920s and dominated the music scene in the Arab world until her death in 1975. There are few Arab homes anywhere in the world in which her melancholy melodies have not been played. In a nod to the roughly 10 percent of its 30,000 residents who are Arab, Haifa, the third-largest city in Israel, voted to name a street after the singer earlier this month. Haifa town council head Einat Kalish-Rotem said that the decision is a reflection of the city’s representing “a model of co-existence between Arabs and Jews”.
That Kulthoum would be recognised in Haifa makes sense, said Huda al-Imam, a Jerusalem-based expert on Palestinian culture. “Haifa has always been a city with a tolerance, a respect for differences,” she said. “When I say differences, I mean respect for the Palestinians.”
Kulthoum walked the streets of Haifa performing there, in Jaffa and in Jerusalem before the 1948 establishment of the state of Israel when those cities were still part of British Mandatory Palestine. But her influence extended outside of the Middle East as well, where she is best remembered for her legendary 1967 concert at the Olympia in Paris.
Considered peerless, Kulthoum’s contralto voice was praised by Bob Dylan and sampled by Beyoncé. Led Zeppelin’s Robert Plant told the Independent newspaper that he was “driven to distraction” by her. “When I first heard the way she would dance down through the scale to land on a beautiful note that I couldn’t even imagine singing, it was huge: somebody had blown a hole in the wall of my understanding of vocals.”
And Jews who grew up listening to her in North Africa and the Middle East are as attached to her as any Arab. For some, though, that’s where the agreement ends. Kulthoum was fiercely pro-Palestinian and had condemned Israel, and her detractors in Israel think honouring the late singer is inappropriate.
After the decision was announced, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son Yair tweeted that the decision was “shameful and crazy”. Right-wing lawmaker Ariel Kallner wrote in the local Kol Po newspaper that he was saddened that Haifa had decided to honour a woman who had “called for the destruction of the Jewish state”.
The newspaper published a black-and-white-picture of Kulthoum on its front page with some of her lyrics emblazoned over the image. “Now I have a gun, take me in Palestine, with you,” she had crooned in a song dedicated to the Palestinians.
That wasn’t the only time Kulthoum jumped into the political fray. During the Six-Day War between Egypt and Israel in 1967, Kulthoum – sometimes called “Egypt’s fourth pyramid” – performed a song exhorting Egypt to crush its enemy.
Her nationalistic song, “Walla Zaman Ya Selahy” (It’s Been a Long Time, Oh Weapon of Mine) served as the Egyptian national anthem from 1960 until 1979 when, in a nod to peace negotiations with Israel, president Anwar Sadat replaced it with the more neutral, “Bilady, Bilady, Bilady” (My Homeland), which remains the anthem today.
Kallner said he would fight Haifa’s attempts to change the street name. But if he wants to diminish her legacy, he will have his work cut out for him: In 2011 a street was named after her in East Jerusalem and the city of Ramla is planning to do the same.
There's a street in East Jerusalem named after Umm Kulthum https://t.co/pL2EMyiK7q pic.twitter.com/9cvNzzwR7w — Oren Kessler (@OrenKessler) March 17, 2016
The controversy hasn’t garnered widespread attention outside of certain political circles. Al-Imam said that some of her friends in Haifa hadn’t heard of the uproar.
In Kulthoum's native Egypt, observers were more perplexed than anything. “Anyone looking objectively at it is going to find it to be a rather strange, performative act,” said Dr HA Hellyer, senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, DC.
“Umm Kulthoum was a deeply patriotic Egyptian, who never saw an Egypt that had been in anything but a state of war with Israel. Moreover, she was openly and deliberately a strong supporter of Palestinian rights against the Israelis – so, this all looks a bit odd.”
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france24--2020-07-28--Saudi Arabia gears up for downsized Hajj rituals due to Covid-19

Workers clean around the area of the Kaaba at the Grand mosque on July 27 , 2020 .
Pilgrims were quarantined Tuesday in the Muslim holy city of Mecca ahead of the dramatically downsized hajj as Saudi authorities strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage .
Up to 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will participate in the annual ritual starting Wednesday , according to hajj officials , a tiny fraction of the 2.5 million international pilgrims that attended last year .
Those selected to take part in this year 's hajj were subject to temperature @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began trickling into Mecca at the weekend .
State media showed health workers sanitising their luggage , and some pilgrims reported being given electronic wristbands to allow authorities to monitor their whereabouts .
Workers , clutching brooms and disinfectant , were seen cleaning the area around the Kaaba , the structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque draped in gold-embroidered cloth towards which Muslims around the world pray .
Hajj authorities have cordoned the Kaaba this year , saying pilgrims will not be allowed to touch it , to limit the chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up multiple health facilities , mobile clinics and ambulances to cater to the pilgrims , who will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing .
`` There are no security-related concerns in this pilgrimage , but it is to protect pilgrims from the danger of the pandemic , '' Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi , Saudi Arabia 's director of public security , told reporters on Monday .
Some 70 percent of the pilgrims are foreigners residing in the kingdom , while the rest will be Saudi citizens .
All worshippers were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arriving in Mecca and will also have to quarantine after the pilgrimage as the number of cases in the kingdom nears 270,000 -- one of the largest outbreaks in the Middle East .
They were given elaborate amenity kits that include sterilised pebbles for a stoning ritual , disinfectants , masks , a prayer rug and the ihram , a seamless white garment worn by pilgrims , according to a hajj ministry programme document .
The foreign press are barred from this year 's hajj , usually a huge global media event , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Saudi authorities initially said only around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom would be permitted for the hajj but local media reports say as many as 10,000 will be allowed to take part .
The hajj ministry has fielded a deluge of anguished queries on Twitter from rejected applicants .
But Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten insisted the process was transparent , telling the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television that `` health determinants '' formed the basis of selection .
`` I did not expect , among millions of Muslims , to be blessed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said in a video released by the Saudi media ministry .
`` It is an indescribable feeling ... especially since it is my first pilgrimage . ''
The ministry said non-Saudi residents of the kingdom from around 160 countries competed in the online selection process .
But it did not explain how many applied , and some disappointed pilgrims have complained that the government-run lottery was not clearly outlined and say no reason was given for their rejection .
Despite the pandemic , many pilgrims consider it is safer to participate in this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crowds cramming into tiny religious sites , which make it a logistical nightmare and a health hazard .
Even in a regular year , the hajj leaves pilgrims exposed to a host of viral illnesses .
The government scaled back the pilgrimage as it could be a major source of contagion , but the move will deepen the kingdom 's economic slump , analysts say .
It comes as Saudi Arabia faces a sharp downturn in oil prices due to a collapse in global demand driven by national lockdowns , which triggered austerity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added tax and cuts to civil servants ' allowances .
The hajj and the year-round umrah pilgrimages together rake in some $ 12 billion ( 10.3 billion euros ) annually .

Pilgrims were quarantined Tuesday in the Muslim holy city of Mecca ahead of the dramatically downsized hajj as Saudi authorities strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage.
Workers clean around the area of the Kaaba at the Grand mosque on July 27, 2020.
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Up to 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will participate in the annual ritual starting Wednesday, according to hajj officials, a tiny fraction of the 2.5 million international pilgrims that attended last year.
Those selected to take part in this year's hajj were subject to temperature checks and placed in quarantine as they began trickling into Mecca at the weekend.
State media showed health workers sanitising their luggage, and some pilgrims reported being given electronic wristbands to allow authorities to monitor their whereabouts.
Workers, clutching brooms and disinfectant, were seen cleaning the area around the Kaaba, the structure at the centre of the Grand Mosque draped in gold-embroidered cloth towards which Muslims around the world pray.
Hajj authorities have cordoned the Kaaba this year, saying pilgrims will not be allowed to touch it, to limit the chances of infection.
They also reported setting up multiple health facilities, mobile clinics and ambulances to cater to the pilgrims, who will be required to wear masks and observe social distancing.
"There are no security-related concerns in this pilgrimage, but it is to protect pilgrims from the danger of the pandemic," Khalid bin Qarar Al-Harbi, Saudi Arabia's director of public security, told reporters on Monday.
Some 70 percent of the pilgrims are foreigners residing in the kingdom, while the rest will be Saudi citizens.
All worshippers were required to be tested for coronavirus before arriving in Mecca and will also have to quarantine after the pilgrimage as the number of cases in the kingdom nears 270,000 -- one of the largest outbreaks in the Middle East.
They were given elaborate amenity kits that include sterilised pebbles for a stoning ritual, disinfectants, masks, a prayer rug and the ihram, a seamless white garment worn by pilgrims, according to a hajj ministry programme document.
'Indescribable feeling'
The foreign press are barred from this year's hajj, usually a huge global media event, as the government tightens access to Mecca.
Saudi authorities initially said only around 1,000 pilgrims residing in the kingdom would be permitted for the hajj but local media reports say as many as 10,000 will be allowed to take part.
The hajj ministry has fielded a deluge of anguished queries on Twitter from rejected applicants.
But Hajj Minister Mohammad Benten insisted the process was transparent, telling the Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya television that "health determinants" formed the basis of selection.
"I did not expect, among millions of Muslims, to be blessed with approval," Emirati pilgrim Abdullah Al-Kathiri said in a video released by the Saudi media ministry.
"It is an indescribable feeling... especially since it is my first pilgrimage."
The ministry said non-Saudi residents of the kingdom from around 160 countries competed in the online selection process.
But it did not explain how many applied, and some disappointed pilgrims have complained that the government-run lottery was not clearly outlined and say no reason was given for their rejection.
Despite the pandemic, many pilgrims consider it is safer to participate in this year's ritual without the usual colossal crowds cramming into tiny religious sites, which make it a logistical nightmare and a health hazard.
Even in a regular year, the hajj leaves pilgrims exposed to a host of viral illnesses.
The government scaled back the pilgrimage as it could be a major source of contagion, but the move will deepen the kingdom's economic slump, analysts say.
It comes as Saudi Arabia faces a sharp downturn in oil prices due to a collapse in global demand driven by national lockdowns, which triggered austerity measures including the tripling of a value added tax and cuts to civil servants' allowances.
The hajj and the year-round umrah pilgrimages together rake in some $12 billion (10.3 billion euros) annually.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-28--Covid-19 cost tourism sector $320 billion in first five months of 2020, the UN says

A sunbather wears a mask on the Indonesian island of Bali on July 27 , 2020 .
Covid-19 fears cost the global tourism sector $ 320 billion in just the first five months of the year , the UN 's world tourism body said Tuesday .
Hopes that tourists would help revamp the French economy are also fading – it may be high season , but most of the capital 's tourist sites are deserted .
The coronavirus crisis cost the global tourism sector $ 320 billion in lost revenue during the first five months of 2020 , threatening the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ UN said on Tuesday .
The amount of revenue lost between January and May this year is `` more than three times the loss during the Global Financial Crisis of 2009 '' , the Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said in a statement .
International tourist arrivals fell by 300 million – or 56 percent – in that period as lockdown restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 went into effect .
`` This latest data makes clear the importance of restarting tourism as soon as it is safe to do so .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ millions of livelihoods at risk , '' said the UN tourism body 's secretary general , Zurab Pololikashvili .
While tourism is slowly returning in some destinations , the World Tourism Organization warned the sector still faces serious risks such as a resurgence of the virus that could trigger new lockdowns , additional travel restrictions and border closures .
The United States and China , both major sources of international tourists , are `` at standstill '' , the organization added .
The UN body forecast in May that international tourist arrivals could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2020 owing to the coronavirus .
International tourism arrivals rose by four percent in 2019 to 1.5 billion , with France the world 's most-visited country followed by Spain and the United States .
While European visitors have partly made up for the loss of visitors from the Americas and Asia , most of France 's hospitality businesses and cultural sites are still taking a hit , with visits to the Louvre museum down 60 percent .
The last time international tourism posted an annual global decline was in 2009 when the economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Covid-19 fears cost the global tourism sector $320 billion in just the first five months of the year, the UN's world tourism body said Tuesday. Hopes that tourists would help revamp the French economy are also fading – it may be high season, but most of the capital's tourist sites are deserted.
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The coronavirus crisis cost the global tourism sector $320 billion in lost revenue during the first five months of 2020, threatening the livelihoods of millions of people, the UN said on Tuesday.
The amount of revenue lost between January and May this year is "more than three times the loss during the Global Financial Crisis of 2009", the Madrid-based World Tourism Organization said in a statement.
International tourist arrivals fell by 300 million – or 56 percent – in that period as lockdown restrictions to control the spread of Covid-19 went into effect.
"This latest data makes clear the importance of restarting tourism as soon as it is safe to do so. The dramatic fall in international tourism places many millions of livelihoods at risk," said the UN tourism body's secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili.
While tourism is slowly returning in some destinations, the World Tourism Organization warned the sector still faces serious risks such as a resurgence of the virus that could trigger new lockdowns, additional travel restrictions and border closures.
The United States and China, both major sources of international tourists, are "at standstill", the organization added.
>> Watch French Connections: An unusual summer for France's struggling tourism sector
The UN body forecast in May that international tourist arrivals could plunge by 60 to 80 percent in 2020 owing to the coronavirus.
International tourism arrivals rose by four percent in 2019 to 1.5 billion, with France the world's most-visited country followed by Spain and the United States. While European visitors have partly made up for the loss of visitors from the Americas and Asia, most of France's hospitality businesses and cultural sites are still taking a hit, with visits to the Louvre museum down 60 percent.
The last time international tourism posted an annual global decline was in 2009 when the economic crisis led to a 4 percent drop.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-07-28--Malaysian ex-PM Najib sentenced to 12 years in 1MDB corruption case

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in jail on corruption charges linked to the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal that led to the downfall of his government two years ago .
The ex-prime minister was also fined almost $ 50 million after being convicted on all seven charges in the first of several trials related to the looting of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad sovereign wealth fund .
The 67-year-old Malaysian politician said he would challenge the guilty verdict “ as soon as possible ” and that he had a “ solid case ” for his appeal .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ carrying out the jail sentence and the fine .
The landmark case has been widely seen as a test for the country ’ s efforts to stamp out corruption and could have big political implications for the Southeast Asian nation .
“ After considering all evidence in this trial , I find that the prosecution has successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt , ” Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said .
Billions of dollars were stolen from Malaysia 's main state investment vehicle and spent on everything @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Investment bank Goldman Sachs also became embroiled in the scandal and faces a series of hefty fines in both the US and Malaysia as a result .
Anger at the looting played a large part in the shock loss of Najib 's long-ruling coalition at elections in 2018 , and he was arrested and hit with dozens of charges following his defeat .
The verdict was welcomed as a boost for Malaysia 's rule of law and came despite Najib 's political allies returning to power earlier this year as part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whose father and uncle were both former Malaysian prime ministers , had vehemently denied any wrongdoing and looked calm as the verdict was handed down .
After finding him guilty on a range of charges including abuse of power , criminal breach of trust and money-laundering , the judge sentenced Najib to between 10 and 12 years on each .
The sentences will run concurrently , however , meaning he will remain behind bars for 12 years .
Addressing the court before sentence was passed , Najib read a Koranic verse and defended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ premier .
But prosecutor V. Sithambaram called for a heavy punishment , saying Najib was guilty of a `` gross betrayal of trust '' .
`` This case has tarnished the country as a kleptocracy , and the people of Malaysia do n't deserve that , '' he said .
Outside the court , hundreds of angry supporters chanted `` Long live Najib '' .
The former leader had insisted he was ignorant of the transactions from the 1MDB unit , SRC International .
The defence team portrayed him as a victim , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Taek Jho – a key figure in the scandal who has been charged in the US and Malaysia – as the mastermind .
Low , whose whereabouts are unknown , maintains his innocence .
Najib 's lawyers said he was tricked by Low into believing the money was a donation from Saudi royalty , but the judge dismissed the notion as `` far-fetched '' .
The return of Najib 's party to power after the collapse of a reformist administration that replaced him , was quickly followed by prosecutors dropping charges against his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ex-leader 's own cases would be influenced .
Riza allegedly also received huge sums from 1MDB , including to bankroll his Hollywood production company – which made `` The Wolf of Wall Street '' , starring Leonardo DiCaprio .
Analysts said the conviction would boost confidence in the new government headed by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin , whose legitimacy has been questioned since took power without an election .
He will be seen as `` putting country over politics , and gain support from those who wanted to see justice in case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expert from the University of Nottingham , told AFP .
The opposition alliance `` Pact of Hope '' led by political heavyweight Anwar Ibrahim – who ousted Najib at the 2018 polls and re-opened probes into 1MDB – declared the verdict `` a huge victory for Malaysians '' .
`` The judicial process would not have happened if the people had not risen up to hand the 'Pact of Hope ' victory '' at the polls , the alliance said in statement .
The political ramifications could be significant , however .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which has a razor-thin majority in parliament , if Najib and his backers withdraw support – potentially prompting a snap election .
The amounts involved in Najib 's first case are small compared to those in his second and most significant trial , which centres on allegations he illicitly obtained more than $ 500 million .
Malaysia had also charged Goldman Sachs , claiming large amounts were stolen when the bank arranged bond issues for 1MDB , but the two sides agreed to a $ 3.9 billion settlement last week .

Former Malaysian leader Najib Razak was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in jail on corruption charges linked to the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal that led to the downfall of his government two years ago.
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The ex-prime minister was also fined almost $50 million after being convicted on all seven charges in the first of several trials related to the looting of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad sovereign wealth fund.
The 67-year-old Malaysian politician said he would challenge the guilty verdict “as soon as possible” and that he had a “solid case” for his appeal.
The court granted Najib a delay in carrying out the jail sentence and the fine.
The landmark case has been widely seen as a test for the country’s efforts to stamp out corruption and could have big political implications for the Southeast Asian nation.
“After considering all evidence in this trial, I find that the prosecution has successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said.
02:19
A boost for Malaysia's rule of law
Billions of dollars were stolen from Malaysia's main state investment vehicle and spent on everything from high-end real estate to pricey art.
Investment bank Goldman Sachs also became embroiled in the scandal and faces a series of hefty fines in both the US and Malaysia as a result.
Anger at the looting played a large part in the shock loss of Najib's long-ruling coalition at elections in 2018, and he was arrested and hit with dozens of charges following his defeat.
The verdict was welcomed as a boost for Malaysia's rule of law and came despite Najib's political allies returning to power earlier this year as part of a coalition.
The blue-blood politician, whose father and uncle were both former Malaysian prime ministers, had vehemently denied any wrongdoing and looked calm as the verdict was handed down.
Malaysian ex-PM Najib speaking to other party leaders outside court just before he hears a verdict in the first trial he faces over 1MDB. pic.twitter.com/mEBv0m4S8i — Rozanna Latiff (@rozlatiff) July 28, 2020
'Kleptocracy'
After finding him guilty on a range of charges including abuse of power, criminal breach of trust and money-laundering, the judge sentenced Najib to between 10 and 12 years on each.
The sentences will run concurrently, however, meaning he will remain behind bars for 12 years.
Addressing the court before sentence was passed, Najib read a Koranic verse and defended his record during nine years as Malaysian premier.
But prosecutor V. Sithambaram called for a heavy punishment, saying Najib was guilty of a "gross betrayal of trust".
"This case has tarnished the country as a kleptocracy, and the people of Malaysia don't deserve that," he said.
Outside the court, hundreds of angry supporters chanted "Long live Najib".
The former leader had insisted he was ignorant of the transactions from the 1MDB unit, SRC International.
The defence team portrayed him as a victim, and instead sought to paint financier Low Taek Jho – a key figure in the scandal who has been charged in the US and Malaysia – as the mastermind.
Low, whose whereabouts are unknown, maintains his innocence.
Najib's lawyers said he was tricked by Low into believing the money was a donation from Saudi royalty, but the judge dismissed the notion as "far-fetched".
Political turbulence
The return of Najib's party to power after the collapse of a reformist administration that replaced him, was quickly followed by prosecutors dropping charges against his stepson Riza Aziz, and raised concerns the ex-leader's own cases would be influenced.
Riza allegedly also received huge sums from 1MDB, including to bankroll his Hollywood production company – which made "The Wolf of Wall Street", starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Analysts said the conviction would boost confidence in the new government headed by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, whose legitimacy has been questioned since took power without an election.
He will be seen as "putting country over politics, and gain support from those who wanted to see justice in case", Bridget Welsh, a Malaysia expert from the University of Nottingham, told AFP.
The opposition alliance "Pact of Hope" led by political heavyweight Anwar Ibrahim – who ousted Najib at the 2018 polls and re-opened probes into 1MDB – declared the verdict "a huge victory for Malaysians".
"The judicial process would not have happened if the people had not risen up to hand the 'Pact of Hope' victory" at the polls, the alliance said in statement.
The political ramifications could be significant, however.
The conviction could destabilise the ruling coalition, which has a razor-thin majority in parliament, if Najib and his backers withdraw support – potentially prompting a snap election.
The amounts involved in Najib's first case are small compared to those in his second and most significant trial, which centres on allegations he illicitly obtained more than $500 million.
Malaysia had also charged Goldman Sachs, claiming large amounts were stolen when the bank arranged bond issues for 1MDB, but the two sides agreed to a $3.9 billion settlement last week.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-28--Gold chalks up record highs amid fears over coronavirus spread

Gold bars at the Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant 'Oegussa ' in Vienna , Austria , on March 18 , 2016 .
Gold briefly chalked up another record Tuesday before easing later in the day as the dollar clawed back earlier losses , while equity markets struggled to hold on to gains with fears about the coronavirus pandemic mounting .
With worrying new spikes in infections in Asia and Europe—on top of the already-high new US cases—forcing governments to impose strict containment measures , the global economic outlook remains clouded , putting the brakes on a months-long stocks rally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ floors , combined with China-US tensions , sent gold soaring nearly 30 percent and on Tuesday it hit another record of $ 1,981.27 , smashing the previous day ’ s all-time high , but it later pared the advance to sit lower for the day .
But observers say $ 2,000 could be broken as early as this week , with focus on the Federal Reserve ’ s next policy meeting , which is tipped to see it unveil more easing measures to support the world ’ s top economy .
US second-quarter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week , and a disappointing reading on what is expected to be a historic contraction could fuel further dollar weakness .
“ Although little is expected on policy , ( bank boss Jerome ) Powell ’ s tone in the press conference will be key especially in light of the recent uptick in virus cases and the knock-on consequences , ” said AxiCorp ’ s Stephen Innes .
The rush for bullion has also dragged silver to a seven-year high above $ 26 an ounce before that also edged back .
“ There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US money supply to actually push gold higher , ” Fat Prophets analyst David Lennox said .
“ As COVID-19 continues to ravage the economy , there ’ s probably more stimulatory action to come .
As the US dollar weakens , obviously gold will improve , but it ’ s more a matter of the acceleration of US money supply , and that ’ s caused by governments obviously throwing money into the economy.
” There are hopes US lawmakers can hammer out a new economy-boosting stimulus programme as their previous multi-trillion-dollar @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an extended period of haggling with the White House , Republicans eventually unveiled a $ 1 trillion scheme that slashes unemployment benefits by two-thirds .
However , there are concerns bipartisanship could make the passage of any bill arduous , with Democrats proposing $ 3.5 trillion of spending , while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi branded the Republican offer “ pathetic ” and not enough to support the country .
All three main indexes on Wall Street ended higher .
Hong Kong and Shanghai ended up 0.7 percent , while Seoul jumped 1.8 percent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manila also put on more than one percent .
Taipei was marginally lower a day after hitting a record high , though market heavyweight chipmaker TSMC rose 10 percent for a second day , putting it among the top 10 biggest firms in the world briefly before it pared the gains .
Tokyo finished down 0.3 percent and Sydney shed 0.4 percent with Jakarta and Wellington also in the red .
London and Frankfurt started with gains though Paris dipped .
“ The economic data is absolutely disastrous and the profit outlook isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we ’ ve seen this big rebound in the markets , ” Terri Spath , at Sierra Investment Management , said .
“ The reality is that the Fed has proclaimed that they are going to keep the printing presses rolling , they will print money and it has created this all-you-can-eat buffet .
“ The data doesn ’ t support this and so expect volatility , expect drawdowns going forward .
The bottom may be in for the year , but we do expect volatility in the future .
”

Gold briefly chalked up another record Tuesday before easing later in the day as the dollar clawed back earlier losses, while equity markets struggled to hold on to gains with fears about the coronavirus pandemic mounting.
Gold bars at the Austrian Gold and Silver Separating Plant 'Oegussa' in Vienna, Austria, on March 18, 2016.
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With worrying new spikes in infections in Asia and Europe—on top of the already-high new US cases—forcing governments to impose strict containment measures, the global economic outlook remains clouded, putting the brakes on a months-long stocks rally.
The virus uncertainty descending on trading floors, combined with China-US tensions, sent gold soaring nearly 30 percent and on Tuesday it hit another record of $1,981.27, smashing the previous day’s all-time high, but it later pared the advance to sit lower for the day.
But observers say $2,000 could be broken as early as this week, with focus on the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting, which is tipped to see it unveil more easing measures to support the world’s top economy.
US second-quarter economic growth data is also due this week, and a disappointing reading on what is expected to be a historic contraction could fuel further dollar weakness.
“Although little is expected on policy, (bank boss Jerome) Powell’s tone in the press conference will be key especially in light of the recent uptick in virus cases and the knock-on consequences,” said AxiCorp’s Stephen Innes.
The unfailing barometer of bad economic times to come - a high and rising gold price. pic.twitter.com/gMRs9eAggU — Peter Hitchens (@ClarkeMicah) July 28, 2020
The rush for bullion has also dragged silver to a seven-year high above $26 an ounce before that also edged back.
“There seems to be enough momentum in the US money supply to actually push gold higher,” Fat Prophets analyst David Lennox said.
“As COVID-19 continues to ravage the economy, there’s probably more stimulatory action to come. As the US dollar weakens, obviously gold will improve, but it’s more a matter of the acceleration of US money supply, and that’s caused by governments obviously throwing money into the economy.”
‘Pathetic’ proposal
There are hopes US lawmakers can hammer out a new economy-boosting stimulus programme as their previous multi-trillion-dollar package begins to dry up.
After an extended period of haggling with the White House, Republicans eventually unveiled a $1 trillion scheme that slashes unemployment benefits by two-thirds.
However, there are concerns bipartisanship could make the passage of any bill arduous, with Democrats proposing $3.5 trillion of spending, while House Speaker Nancy Pelosi branded the Republican offer “pathetic” and not enough to support the country.
All three main indexes on Wall Street ended higher.
Hong Kong and Shanghai ended up 0.7 percent, while Seoul jumped 1.8 percent and Mumbai put on 0.9 percent.
Manila also put on more than one percent.
Taipei was marginally lower a day after hitting a record high, though market heavyweight chipmaker TSMC rose 10 percent for a second day, putting it among the top 10 biggest firms in the world briefly before it pared the gains.
Tokyo finished down 0.3 percent and Sydney shed 0.4 percent with Jakarta and Wellington also in the red.
London and Frankfurt started with gains though Paris dipped.
“The economic data is absolutely disastrous and the profit outlook isn’t so great either and yet we’ve seen this big rebound in the markets,” Terri Spath, at Sierra Investment Management, said.
“The reality is that the Fed has proclaimed that they are going to keep the printing presses rolling, they will print money and it has created this all-you-can-eat buffet.
“The data doesn’t support this and so expect volatility, expect drawdowns going forward. The bottom may be in for the year, but we do expect volatility in the future.”
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-29--French health minister says observing social distancing 'vital' to avoid new lockdown

French Health Minister Olivier Veran attends the closing session of a general meeting on the country 's health system at the French Health Ministry in Paris on July 21 , 2020 .
France 's health minister urged the country on Wednesday not to drop its guard against COVID-19 , saying it faced a long battle and that observing social distancing rules was vital to avoiding a new national lockdown .
France reported 14 new deaths from the novel coronavirus on Tuesday , a figure twice as high as the daily average increase of seven seen over the previous week .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ died of COVID-19 in France , health authorities said .
`` We are not facing a second wave , the epidemic is continuing ...
Some people do not respect the rules .
We must not let down our guard , '' Health Minister Olivier Véran told LCI television .
`` We do not want to resort to another lockdown , we are examining the situation on a case-by-case basis .
The war is not over ... People must understand that we are going to live with this virus for a fairly long time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would advise against going on holiday in the Brittany resort of Quiberon after a COVID-19 cluster was reported there last week and local authorities ordered a night curfew for beaches .
`` On Quiberon , there is a cluster of about 50 people .
We are looking at the situation .
It will depend on the spread of the virus .
If we need to take other measures , we will take them , '' he said .
The Quiberon prefecture later said there were now 72 confirmed cases , mostly people aged @ @ @ @

France's health minister urged the country on Wednesday not to drop its guard against COVID-19, saying it faced a long battle and that observing social distancing rules was vital to avoiding a new national lockdown.
French Health Minister Olivier Veran attends the closing session of a general meeting on the country's health system at the French Health Ministry in Paris on July 21, 2020.
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France reported 14 new deaths from the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, a figure twice as high as the daily average increase of seven seen over the previous week. A total of 30,223 people have now died of COVID-19 in France, health authorities said.
"We are not facing a second wave, the epidemic is continuing... Some people do not respect the rules. We must not let down our guard," Health Minister Olivier Véran told LCI television.
"We do not want to resort to another lockdown, we are examining the situation on a case-by-case basis. The war is not over... People must understand that we are going to live with this virus for a fairly long time."
Véran was asked whether he would advise against going on holiday in the Brittany resort of Quiberon after a COVID-19 cluster was reported there last week and local authorities ordered a night curfew for beaches.
"On Quiberon, there is a cluster of about 50 people. We are looking at the situation. It will depend on the spread of the virus. If we need to take other measures, we will take them," he said.
The Quiberon prefecture later said there were now 72 confirmed cases, mostly people aged 18 to 25.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-29--French police use 'legitimate violence', says new interior minister

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin speaks during a session of Questions to the government , on July 28 , 2020 at the National Assembly in Paris .
France 's recently installed interior minister dismissed on Tuesday the term `` police violence '' and told lawmakers the police exercise `` legitimate violence '' .
`` When I hear the term 'police violence ' , personally I choke , '' said Gérard Darmanin , whose predecessor lost his job three weeks ago after becoming embroiled in a controversy over police use of a restraint method known as a chokehold .
Deaths in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in separate incidents sparked widespread fury and led Darmanin 's predecessor Christophe Castaner to ban police use of the chokehold .
But Castaner had to backtrack in the face of protests by the police and was later replaced .
`` The police do exercise violence , but legitimate violence , '' Darmanin told a committee in the National Assembly .
`` They must do it in a proportional way , they must do it in a controlled way .
If a few people do it outside the rules of professional ethics , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's appointment earlier this month outraged feminist campaigners as he is facing a renewed investigation into a 2009 rape allegation -- which he denies .
His use of the word `` choke '' concerning police violence was widely criticised by his opponents on social media .
Darmanin and President Emmanuel Macron visited two police units in Paris earlier and announced a 10 million euros ( $ 11.7 million ) funding boost in a move designed to show solidarity with the force , according to the presidency .
Police in France have been contending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vests '' , groups opposing pension reforms and those angry at perceived racism in France generally and among the police in particular .
Macron has promised a night work allowance for France 's police force , after officers demanded greater government backing in the face of protests over claims of brutality and racism in their ranks .
On the surprise late-night visit to two specialised police units in the French capital overnight Monday to Tuesday , Macron promised a budget of 10 million euros ( $ 11.7 million ) for officers who work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

France's recently installed interior minister dismissed on Tuesday the term "police violence" and told lawmakers the police exercise "legitimate violence".
French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin speaks during a session of Questions to the government, on July 28, 2020 at the National Assembly in Paris.
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"When I hear the term 'police violence', personally I choke," said Gérard Darmanin, whose predecessor lost his job three weeks ago after becoming embroiled in a controversy over police use of a restraint method known as a chokehold.
Deaths in custody of two men of African origin in separate incidents sparked widespread fury and led Darmanin's predecessor Christophe Castaner to ban police use of the chokehold.
But Castaner had to backtrack in the face of protests by the police and was later replaced.
"The police do exercise violence, but legitimate violence," Darmanin told a committee in the National Assembly.
"They must do it in a proportional way, they must do it in a controlled way. If a few people do it outside the rules of professional ethics, the punishment must be immediate."
Darmanin's appointment earlier this month outraged feminist campaigners as he is facing a renewed investigation into a 2009 rape allegation -- which he denies.
His use of the word "choke" concerning police violence was widely criticised by his opponents on social media.
Darmanin and President Emmanuel Macron visited two police units in Paris earlier and announced a 10 million euros ($11.7 million) funding boost in a move designed to show solidarity with the force, according to the presidency.
Police in France have been contending with regular demonstrations by anti-government "yellow vests", groups opposing pension reforms and those angry at perceived racism in France generally and among the police in particular.
Macron has promised a night work allowance for France's police force, after officers demanded greater government backing in the face of protests over claims of brutality and racism in their ranks.
On the surprise late-night visit to two specialised police units in the French capital overnight Monday to Tuesday, Macron promised a budget of 10 million euros ($11.7 million) for officers who work at night, the interior ministry announced.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-29--Turkey passes controversial law regulating social media

Social Network applications including Facebook , Instagram , Slack , Snapchat , Twitter , Skype , Viber , Teamsnap and Messenger , are on display on a smartphone on March 21 , 2018 in Washington DC .
Turkey 's parliament passed a law regulating social media on Wednesday , that critics said will increase censorship and help authorities silence dissent .
President Tayyip Erdogan 's ruling AK Party , which has a majority with an allied nationalist party , had backed the bill .
The assembly began debating the new legislation on Tuesday , and its passage was announced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ foreign social media sites to appoint Turkish-based representatives to address authorities ' concerns over content and includes deadlines for removal of material they take exception to .
Companies could face fines , the blocking of advertisements or have bandwidth slashed by up to 90 % , essentially blocking access , under the new regulations .
As a majority of Turkey 's mainstream media has come under government control over the past decade , Turks have taken to social media and smaller online news outlets for critical voices and independent news .
Turks are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many have been charged with insulting Erdogan or his ministers , or criticism related to foreign military incursions and the handling of the novel coronavirus .
Ahead of the bill 's passage , a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said the draft law `` would give the state powerful tools for asserting even more control over the media landscape '' .
Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the bill would not lead to censorship but would establish commercial and legal ties with the social media platforms .
Turkey was second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first six months of 2019 , according to the company , and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter .
Erdogan has repeatedly criticised social media and said a rise of `` immoral acts '' online in recent years was due to lack of regulations .

Turkey's parliament passed a law regulating social media on Wednesday, that critics said will increase censorship and help authorities silence dissent.
Social Network applications including Facebook, Instagram, Slack, Snapchat, Twitter, Skype, Viber , Teamsnap and Messenger, are on display on a smartphone on March 21, 2018 in Washington DC.
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President Tayyip Erdogan's ruling AK Party, which has a majority with an allied nationalist party, had backed the bill. The assembly began debating the new legislation on Tuesday, and its passage was announced by parliament on Twitter.
The law requires foreign social media sites to appoint Turkish-based representatives to address authorities' concerns over content and includes deadlines for removal of material they take exception to.
Companies could face fines, the blocking of advertisements or have bandwidth slashed by up to 90%, essentially blocking access, under the new regulations.
As a majority of Turkey's mainstream media has come under government control over the past decade, Turks have taken to social media and smaller online news outlets for critical voices and independent news.
Turks are already heavily policed on social media and many have been charged with insulting Erdogan or his ministers, or criticism related to foreign military incursions and the handling of the novel coronavirus.
Journalists in #Turkey already spend years behind bars for critical reporting & social media users tweet in fear.
Tmw, MPs will vote on a social media law that would increase the government’s powers to censor online content & prosecute social media usershttps://t.co/LxmmdEct9C — Stefan Simanowitz (@StefSimanowitz) July 28, 2020
Ahead of the bill's passage, a spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said the draft law "would give the state powerful tools for asserting even more control over the media landscape".
Presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said the bill would not lead to censorship but would establish commercial and legal ties with the social media platforms.
Turkey was second globally in Twitter-related court orders in the first six months of 2019, according to the company, and it had the highest number of other legal demands from Twitter.
Erdogan has repeatedly criticised social media and said a rise of "immoral acts" online in recent years was due to lack of regulations.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-29--Yemen separatists abandon self-rule in push for stalled peace deal

A southern separatist fighter watches as a military vehicle belonging to Yemen 's Saudi-backed government forces burns during clashes in Abyan province on May 11 Yemen ’ s leading separatist group will abandon its aspirations for self-rule to implement a stalled peace deal brokered by Saudi Arabia , it announced early Wednesday in a major step toward closing a dangerous rift between nominal allies in the chaotic proxy war .
Nizar Haitham , a spokesman for the separatists ’ Southern Transitional Council , an umbrella group of militias backed by the United Arab Emirates , said the separatists would give @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yemen to pursue the Riyadh agreement .
“ We have achieved our goals , ” said Haitham , noting that the announcement came under intense pressure from Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E .
“ We affirm the continuing and deepening of our strategic partnership with the Arab coalition.
” The power-sharing deal , signed in the Saudi capital of Riyadh last fall , sets the stage to end a long-running rivalry between Yemen ’ s Saudi-backed government and the Emirati-backed southern separatists .
The agreement was thrown into disarray earlier this year , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ southern port city of Aden , the interim seat of the internationally recognized government , igniting fierce clashes across southern Yemen and the Socotra archipelago .
Saudi Arabia declared early Wednesday that it had proposed a plan to “ accelerate ” the deal ’ s implementation , which calls for the creation of a new government within 30 days and the appointment of a new governor and security director for Aden , according to the official Saudi Press Agency .
Throughout the war , the two Sunni Arab states , Saudi Arabia and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a military coalition fighting to oust the Iran-allied Shiite Houthi rebels , who seized northern Yemen in 2014 .
The standoff between their respective Yemeni allies has frequently erupted into violent turmoil , threatening to shatter the Saudi-led coalition and complicating broader peace efforts to end the five-year conflict , which has killed over 112,000 people and set off the world ’ s worst humanitarian disaster .
The new Saudi proposal lays out commitments that have been obstacles for months , such as the formation of a government composed of 24 ministers with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including the separatists .
It also asks for the withdrawal of rival forces from Aden and the flashpoint southern province of Abyan .
The parties ’ commitment to a final deal remains unclear .
But the Southern Transitional Council ’ s breakthrough concession , which prompted outrage on social media from its hard-line supporters , suggests separatists had agreed in principle to the Saudi proposal .
The blueprint gives Yemen ’ s current prime minister , Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed , the mandate to form a government over the next month .
Yemen 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appointed security director and governor of Aden on Wednesday .
Yemen 's government spokesman Rajih Badi welcomed the Saudi initiative and expressed hope that the separatists would make good on their promise to implement the agreement “ out of necessary and urgent national interest.
” Khalid bin Salman , Saudi Arabia ’ s vice minister of defense , said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 's “ efforts have succeeded ” to implement the Riyadh deal “ and achieve lasting peace , security , and prosperity for Yemen.
” Millions pushed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates , the war 's main sponsors , have sought to inch away from their costly war with the Houthi rebels , which has pushed millions to the brink of famine and settled into a bloody stalemate .
Saudi Arabia announced a unilateral cease-fire earlier this year , which swiftly collapsed but more broadly reflected its growing unease with the war .
Last summer , the UAE announced it was ending its role in the conflict , although it continues to wield influence through its proxies , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deal seems unlikely to be a step toward lasting peace , even a vague prospect of a settlement was welcome , as Yemen 's devastated health sector grapples with a major coronavirus outbreak and the country faces a drastic shortfall of humanitarian aid that has forced 75 % of U.N. programs for the country to end or reduce operations .
On Tuesday , U.N. special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths painted a bleak picture of Yemen to the Security Council .
U.N.-mediated peace negotiations between the rebels and government have failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Houthi forces are pushing fiercely into the oil-rich province of Marib “ with profound humanitarian and economic consequences . ''
Airstrikes have killed multiple children across the northwest .
The economy is collapsing , food prices are surging , and , to make matters worse , an abandoned oil tanker moored off the coast loaded with more than 1 million barrels of crude oil is at risk of rupture or exploding .
“ I do not wish to sugarcoat things , ” said Griffiths , warning that the country could plunge at any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prolonged escalation , uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 , and economic decline .
”

Yemen’s leading separatist group will abandon its aspirations for self-rule to implement a stalled peace deal brokered by Saudi Arabia, it announced early Wednesday in a major step toward closing a dangerous rift between nominal allies in the chaotic proxy war.
A southern separatist fighter watches as a military vehicle belonging to Yemen's Saudi-backed government forces burns during clashes in Abyan province on May 11
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Nizar Haitham, a spokesman for the separatists’ Southern Transitional Council, an umbrella group of militias backed by the United Arab Emirates, said the separatists would give up their dreams of autonomy over southern Yemen to pursue the Riyadh agreement.
“We have achieved our goals,” said Haitham, noting that the announcement came under intense pressure from Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E. “We affirm the continuing and deepening of our strategic partnership with the Arab coalition.”
The power-sharing deal, signed in the Saudi capital of Riyadh last fall, sets the stage to end a long-running rivalry between Yemen’s Saudi-backed government and the Emirati-backed southern separatists. The agreement was thrown into disarray earlier this year, when the separatists seized control of the southern port city of Aden, the interim seat of the internationally recognized government, igniting fierce clashes across southern Yemen and the Socotra archipelago.
Saudi Arabia declared early Wednesday that it had proposed a plan to “accelerate” the deal’s implementation, which calls for the creation of a new government within 30 days and the appointment of a new governor and security director for Aden, according to the official Saudi Press Agency.
Throughout the war, the two Sunni Arab states, Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E., have been partners in a military coalition fighting to oust the Iran-allied Shiite Houthi rebels, who seized northern Yemen in 2014.
World's worst humanitarian disaster
The standoff between their respective Yemeni allies has frequently erupted into violent turmoil, threatening to shatter the Saudi-led coalition and complicating broader peace efforts to end the five-year conflict, which has killed over 112,000 people and set off the world’s worst humanitarian disaster.
We
Cannot
Close
Our eyes
To the suffering
In #Yemen.
There are so many reasons why, but we gave you a few ⬇
Please don't turn your eyes away. pic.twitter.com/UXhjngJadE — UNHCR Yemen (@UNHCRYemen) July 28, 2020
The new Saudi proposal lays out commitments that have been obstacles for months, such as the formation of a government composed of 24 ministers with equal representation for northerners and southerners, including the separatists. It also asks for the withdrawal of rival forces from Aden and the flashpoint southern province of Abyan.
The parties’ commitment to a final deal remains unclear. But the Southern Transitional Council’s breakthrough concession, which prompted outrage on social media from its hard-line supporters, suggests separatists had agreed in principle to the Saudi proposal.
The blueprint gives Yemen’s current prime minister, Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed, the mandate to form a government over the next month. Yemen's state-run SABA news agency named the newly appointed security director and governor of Aden on Wednesday.
Yemen's government spokesman Rajih Badi welcomed the Saudi initiative and expressed hope that the separatists would make good on their promise to implement the agreement “out of necessary and urgent national interest.”
Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s vice minister of defense, said that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's “efforts have succeeded” to implement the Riyadh deal “and achieve lasting peace, security, and prosperity for Yemen.”
Millions pushed to the brink of famine
The rapprochement comes as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the war's main sponsors, have sought to inch away from their costly war with the Houthi rebels, which has pushed millions to the brink of famine and settled into a bloody stalemate.
Saudi Arabia announced a unilateral cease-fire earlier this year, which swiftly collapsed but more broadly reflected its growing unease with the war. Last summer, the UAE announced it was ending its role in the conflict, although it continues to wield influence through its proxies, such as the separatist group.
Although the deal seems unlikely to be a step toward lasting peace, even a vague prospect of a settlement was welcome, as Yemen's devastated health sector grapples with a major coronavirus outbreak and the country faces a drastic shortfall of humanitarian aid that has forced 75% of U.N. programs for the country to end or reduce operations.
On Tuesday, U.N. special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths painted a bleak picture of Yemen to the Security Council.
U.N.-mediated peace negotiations between the rebels and government have failed to produce an agreement, he said. Houthi forces are pushing fiercely into the oil-rich province of Marib “with profound humanitarian and economic consequences." Airstrikes have killed multiple children across the northwest. The economy is collapsing, food prices are surging, and, to make matters worse, an abandoned oil tanker moored off the coast loaded with more than 1 million barrels of crude oil is at risk of rupture or exploding.
“I do not wish to sugarcoat things,” said Griffiths, warning that the country could plunge at any moment into “a new phase of prolonged escalation, uncontrolled spread of COVID-19, and economic decline.”
(AP)
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france24--2020-07-29--Taliban announce three-day ceasefire in Afghanistan for Eid al-Adha

In recent months violence has soared in Afghanistan , with the Taliban carrying out near-daily attacks against security forces Afghanistan 's Islamist Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha , starting Friday , offering some respite from weeks of increasing violence .
Disagreements over a prisoner exchange and the violence have delayed peace talks between an Afghan government-mandated committee and the Taliban , as envisaged in an agreement signed between the United States and the militant group in Doha in February .
`` In order for our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Eid in confidence and happiness , all fighters are instructed not to carry out any operations , '' Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted .
However , he added that if Taliban fighters come under attack from government forces , they will retaliate .
The Afghan president 's spokesman , Sediq Sediqqi , said the government welcomed the ceasefire announcement but added that Afghans wanted enduring peace and the start of direct peace negotiations .
Since the U.S.-Taliban agreement , 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants , President @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday .
The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan ( UNAMA ) said in a report on Monday that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year , mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and the Taliban .
The U.S. State Department said last week that U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad would travel to the region to push for an agreement on prisoner exchanges and a reduction in violence .

Afghanistan's Islamist Taliban militants announced on Tuesday that they will observe a three-day ceasefire for the Muslim religious holiday of Eid al-Adha, starting Friday, offering some respite from weeks of increasing violence.
In recent months violence has soared in Afghanistan, with the Taliban carrying out near-daily attacks against security forces
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Disagreements over a prisoner exchange and the violence have delayed peace talks between an Afghan government-mandated committee and the Taliban, as envisaged in an agreement signed between the United States and the militant group in Doha in February.
"In order for our people to spend the three days of Eid in confidence and happiness, all fighters are instructed not to carry out any operations," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tweeted.
However, he added that if Taliban fighters come under attack from government forces, they will retaliate.
The Afghan president's spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, said the government welcomed the ceasefire announcement but added that Afghans wanted enduring peace and the start of direct peace negotiations.
Since the U.S.-Taliban agreement, 3,560 Afghan security forces personnel have been killed in attacks by militants, President Ashraf Ghani said in a speech on Tuesday.
The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a report on Monday that more than 1,280 Afghan civilians had been killed in the first six months of the year, mainly as a result of fighting between Afghan government forces and the Taliban.
The U.S. State Department said last week that U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad would travel to the region to push for an agreement on prisoner exchanges and a reduction in violence.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-29--Five US states report one-day records for Covid-19 deaths

Intensive care unit at CommonSpirit 's Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center , in Los Angeles , California , U.S. , May 18 , 2020 .
Five U.S. states in the South and West reported one-day records for coronavirus deaths on Tuesday and cases in Texas passed the 400,000 mark as California health officials said Latinos made up more than half its cases .
Arkansas , Florida , Montana and Oregon each reported record spikes in fatalities .
In California deaths rose by 171 , the state 's largest increase of the pandemic .
The United States confirmed that nationwide @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tuesday , the biggest one-day increase since May , according to a Reuters tally .
California health officials said Latinos , who make up just over a third of the most populous U.S. state , account for 56 % of Covid-19 infections and 46 % of deaths .
Cases are soaring in the Central Valley agricultural region , with its heavily Latino population , overwhelming hospitals .
Florida saw 191 coronavirus deaths in the prior 24 hours , its highest single-day rise yet , the state health department said .
Texas added more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pushing its total to 401,477 , according to a Reuters tally .
Only three other states - California , Florida and New York - have more than 400,000 total cases .
The four are the most populous U.S. states .
California and Texas both reported decreases in overall hospitalisations as Dr. Anthony Fauci , a top U.S. infectious diseases expert , saw signs the surge could be peaking in the South and West while other areas were on the cusp of new outbreaks .
Fauci said early indications showed the percentage of positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tennessee and Kentucky .
The rise in U.S. deaths and infections has dampened early hopes the country was past the worst of an economic crisis that has decimated businesses and put millions of Americans out of work .
The trend has fueled a bitter debate over the reopening of schools in the coming weeks .
President Donald Trump and members of his administration have pushed for students to return to class , while some teachers and local officials have called for online learning .
`` We will fight on all fronts for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Randi Weingarten , president of the American Federation of Teachers , said during the union 's virtual convention on Tuesday .
`` It 's the 11th hour ; we need the resources now . ''
In Texas , the Texas Education Agency , the state overseer of public education , said it would deny funding to schools that delay in-person classes because of orders by local health authorities related to the pandemic .
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance that health authorities can not impose `` blanket '' school closures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is up to school officials , he said .
Local health leaders in the biggest metropolitan areas in Texas , including Houston and Dallas , have recently ordered the postponement of in-person classes .
In Washington , some Republicans in the U.S. Senate pushed back against their own party ’ s $ 1 trillion coronavirus relief proposal the day after it was unveiled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell , weighing on U.S. stocks .
`` I 'm not for borrowing another trillion dollars , '' Republican Senator Rand Paul told reporters .
Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compared with their $ 3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May .
Some Republicans called it too expensive .
Trump said on Tuesday he did not support everything in the Senate Republican coronavirus relief legislation but would not elaborate .
`` There are also things that I very much support , '' he told a White House briefing .
`` But we 'll be negotiating . ''
Trump also groused about Fauci 's high approval ratings and joked `` nobody likes me '' as he struggles to improve his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It can only be my personality , '' said Trump .

Five U.S. states in the South and West reported one-day records for coronavirus deaths on Tuesday and cases in Texas passed the 400,000 mark as California health officials said Latinos made up more than half its cases.
Intensive care unit at CommonSpirit's Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., May 18, 2020.
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Arkansas, Florida, Montana and Oregon each reported record spikes in fatalities. In California deaths rose by 171, the state's largest increase of the pandemic.
The United States confirmed that nationwide more than 1,200 lives were lost on Tuesday, the biggest one-day increase since May, according to a Reuters tally.
California health officials said Latinos, who make up just over a third of the most populous U.S. state, account for 56% of Covid-19 infections and 46% of deaths. Cases are soaring in the Central Valley agricultural region, with its heavily Latino population, overwhelming hospitals.
Florida saw 191 coronavirus deaths in the prior 24 hours, its highest single-day rise yet, the state health department said.
Texas added more than 6,000 new cases on Monday, pushing its total to 401,477, according to a Reuters tally. Only three other states - California, Florida and New York - have more than 400,000 total cases. The four are the most populous U.S. states.
California and Texas both reported decreases in overall hospitalisations as Dr. Anthony Fauci, a top U.S. infectious diseases expert, saw signs the surge could be peaking in the South and West while other areas were on the cusp of new outbreaks.
Fauci said early indications showed the percentage of positive coronavirus tests rising in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Teachers' union fights
The rise in U.S. deaths and infections has dampened early hopes the country was past the worst of an economic crisis that has decimated businesses and put millions of Americans out of work.
The trend has fueled a bitter debate over the reopening of schools in the coming weeks. President Donald Trump and members of his administration have pushed for students to return to class, while some teachers and local officials have called for online learning.
"We will fight on all fronts for the safety of students and their educators," Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said during the union's virtual convention on Tuesday. "It's the 11th hour; we need the resources now."
In Texas, the Texas Education Agency, the state overseer of public education, said it would deny funding to schools that delay in-person classes because of orders by local health authorities related to the pandemic.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued guidance that health authorities cannot impose "blanket" school closures for coronavirus prevention. Any such decision is up to school officials, he said.
Local health leaders in the biggest metropolitan areas in Texas, including Houston and Dallas, have recently ordered the postponement of in-person classes.
In Washington, some Republicans in the U.S. Senate pushed back against their own party’s $1 trillion coronavirus relief proposal the day after it was unveiled by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, weighing on U.S. stocks.
"I'm not for borrowing another trillion dollars," Republican Senator Rand Paul told reporters.
Democrats have rejected the plan as too limited compared with their $3 trillion proposal that passed the House of Representatives in May. Some Republicans called it too expensive.
Trump said on Tuesday he did not support everything in the Senate Republican coronavirus relief legislation but would not elaborate.
"There are also things that I very much support," he told a White House briefing. "But we'll be negotiating."
Trump also groused about Fauci's high approval ratings and joked "nobody likes me" as he struggles to improve his standing with voters over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
"It can only be my personality," said Trump.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-29--Doctor in viral video retweeted by Trump believes US government run by 'reptilians'

In this July 27 , 2020 , file photo President Donald Trump waves as he walks towards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington .
A Houston physician who praised hydroxychloroquine as a miracle coronavirus cure in a viral video retweeted by President Donald Trump blames gynecological problems on sex with evil spirits and believes the US government is run by `` reptilians '' .
Stella Immanuel 's viral speech has drawn attention to a little-known group calling themselves `` America 's Frontline Doctors '' who appear to exist to promote the common antimalarial drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nobody needs to get sick .
This virus has a cure -- it is called hydroxychloroquine , '' Immanuel exclaimed Monday as she stood on the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington at a so-called `` White Coat Summit '' of likeminded physicians .
Early on in the pandemic , scientists were eager to find out whether hydroxychloroquine 's antiviral properties would make it effective in real-world patients with SARS-CoV-2 .
So far , though , all the major clinical trials that have reported their findings on this question have found no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have moved to restrict its use because of potential cardiac harm .
Nonetheless the family doctor said all 350 patients she had treated with the medicine -- including those with serious pre-existing conditions -- had survived , and that hydroxychloroquine was so potent it made mask-wearing and lockdowns unnecessary .
The clip was shared by Trump and described as a `` must watch '' by his son Donald Trump Jr , but has since been deleted by Facebook , Twitter and YouTube for promoting misinformation .
Asked later by a reporter about his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I thought her voice was an important voice , but I know nothing about her . ''
The debate over hydroxychloroquine has become supercharged politically with leaders like Trump and some fellow US conservatives cheerleading heavily in its favor .
And the curious case of Immanuel and colleagues -- first reported in depth by The Daily Beast -- underscores just how far the drug 's advocates are willing to go .
The website for `` America 's Frontline Doctors '' was registered just 11 days ago , a web domain age checker revealed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Tuesday afternoon .
`` Tea Party Patriots , '' a right-wing political group backed by wealthy Republicans , said on its website it was responsible for organizing the Washington summit .
Further research on Immanuel 's web page , now accessible only via an archived website viewer , as well as her YouTube account , reveal a long list of bizarre and unscientific beliefs .
These include that `` tormenting spirits '' routinely have `` astral sex '' with women , which in turn causes `` gynecological problems , marital distress , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2015 video , Immanuel , who leads a religious group called Fire Power Ministries , said : `` There are people ruling this nation that are not even human , '' describing them as `` reptilian spirits '' who are `` half human , half ET . ''
In the same video she rails against the use of `` alien DNA '' to treat sick people , which she said had resulted in human beings mixing with demons .
Other targets of her anger include gay marriage , which she said would result @ @ @ @ @ @ @ born in 1965 , received her medical degree at the University of Calabar in Nigeria , and has a valid physician 's license , according to the website of the Texas Medical Board .
After Facebook took down the clip , Immanuel warned that the company 's servers would start crashing until it was restored .
`` If my page is not back up facebook will be down in Jesus name , '' she tweeted .

A Houston physician who praised hydroxychloroquine as a miracle coronavirus cure in a viral video retweeted by President Donald Trump blames gynecological problems on sex with evil spirits and believes the US government is run by "reptilians".
In this July 27, 2020, file photo President Donald Trump waves as he walks towards Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington.
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Stella Immanuel's viral speech has drawn attention to a little-known group calling themselves "America's Frontline Doctors" who appear to exist to promote the common antimalarial drug in the fight against COVID-19.
"Nobody needs to get sick. This virus has a cure -- it is called hydroxychloroquine," Immanuel exclaimed Monday as she stood on the steps of the Supreme Court in Washington at a so-called "White Coat Summit" of likeminded physicians.
Big Tech is censoring Experts and suppressing the CURE.
I will not be silenced. #HCQWorks pic.twitter.com/fenaM9FDHV — Stella Immanuel MD (@stella_immanuel) July 28, 2020
Early on in the pandemic, scientists were eager to find out whether hydroxychloroquine's antiviral properties would make it effective in real-world patients with SARS-CoV-2.
So far, though, all the major clinical trials that have reported their findings on this question have found no benefit, and leading national health authorities have moved to restrict its use because of potential cardiac harm.
Nonetheless the family doctor said all 350 patients she had treated with the medicine -- including those with serious pre-existing conditions -- had survived, and that hydroxychloroquine was so potent it made mask-wearing and lockdowns unnecessary.
The clip was shared by Trump and described as a "must watch" by his son Donald Trump Jr, but has since been deleted by Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for promoting misinformation.
Asked later by a reporter about his retweet, the president said: "I thought her voice was an important voice, but I know nothing about her."
The debate over hydroxychloroquine has become supercharged politically with leaders like Trump and some fellow US conservatives cheerleading heavily in its favor.
And the curious case of Immanuel and colleagues -- first reported in depth by The Daily Beast -- underscores just how far the drug's advocates are willing to go.
Right-wing political group
The website for "America's Frontline Doctors" was registered just 11 days ago, a web domain age checker revealed -- and the site was taken down by Tuesday afternoon.
"Tea Party Patriots," a right-wing political group backed by wealthy Republicans, said on its website it was responsible for organizing the Washington summit.
Further research on Immanuel's web page, now accessible only via an archived website viewer, as well as her YouTube account, reveal a long list of bizarre and unscientific beliefs.
These include that "tormenting spirits" routinely have "astral sex" with women, which in turn causes "gynecological problems, marital distress, miscarriages" and more.
In a 2015 video, Immanuel, who leads a religious group called Fire Power Ministries, said: "There are people ruling this nation that are not even human," describing them as "reptilian spirits" who are "half human, half ET."
In the same video she rails against the use of "alien DNA" to treat sick people, which she said had resulted in human beings mixing with demons.
Other targets of her anger include gay marriage, which she said would result in adults marrying children.
Immanuel was born in 1965, received her medical degree at the University of Calabar in Nigeria, and has a valid physician's license, according to the website of the Texas Medical Board.
After Facebook took down the clip, Immanuel warned that the company's servers would start crashing until it was restored.
"If my page is not back up facebook will be down in Jesus name," she tweeted.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-07-29--Trump defends use of hydroxychloroquine to ward off Covid-19, contradicting health officials

U.S. President Donald Trump points to a reporter as he answers questions during a coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) task force news briefing at the White House in Washington , U.S. , July 28 , 2020 .
President Donald Trump groused on Tuesday about medical expert Anthony Fauci 's high approval ratings and joked that `` nobody likes me '' as he struggles to improve his standing with voters for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It can only be my personality , '' said Trump .
Fauci , an infectious disease expert who is on Trump 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the most trusted people in government and many Americans listen to his advice diligently on how to protect themselves from infection .
Trump , on the other hand , has drawn criticism over his handling of the pandemic , putting him in jeopardy of losing the Nov. 3 presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden .
The subject of Fauci came up at a news conference where Trump defended his support for malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a hedge against the virus .
Trump said he felt the drug worked `` in the early stages @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hydroxychloroquine should not be used to treat the coronavirus because it could lead to heart and other problems .
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month revoked its emergency-use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 after several studies cast doubt on its effectiveness .
Trump said he and others in his administration deserved plaudits for their handling of the virus , not just Fauci and another prominent member of the task force , Deborah Birx .
`` He 's working with our administration and for the most part we have done pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Birx and others , who are terrific , recommended .
And he 's got this high approval rating .
So why do n't I have a high approval rating and the administration with respect to the virus ?
We should have a very high ( approval rating ) , '' Trump said .
`` So it sort of is curious , a man works for us , and yet they 're highly thought of and nobody likes me .
It can only be my personality , '' he said .
The recent rise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ early hopes that the country was past the worst of a crisis that has decimated businesses and put millions of Americans out of work .
Four U.S. states in the South and West reported one-day records of coronavirus deaths on Tuesday .
The national death toll is almost 150,000 .
Fauci has been a subject of debate within the White House for months because he is quite frank in saying where he agrees and disagrees with the president .
Trump has said repeatedly that Fauci advised him he did not have to close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak originated , early this year when the scope of the pandemic was not yet clear , and that he did not accept the advice .
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows publicly chided Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro for writing an opinion article attacking Fauci .

President Donald Trump groused on Tuesday about medical expert Anthony Fauci's high approval ratings and joked that "nobody likes me" as he struggles to improve his standing with voters for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
U.S. President Donald Trump points to a reporter as he answers questions during a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) task force news briefing at the White House in Washington, U.S., July 28, 2020.
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"It can only be my personality," said Trump.
Fauci, an infectious disease expert who is on Trump's coronavirus task force, is one of the most trusted people in government and many Americans listen to his advice diligently on how to protect themselves from infection.
Trump, on the other hand, has drawn criticism over his handling of the pandemic, putting him in jeopardy of losing the Nov. 3 presidential election to Democrat Joe Biden.
The subject of Fauci came up at a news conference where Trump defended his support for malaria drug hydroxychloroquine as a hedge against the virus. Trump said he felt the drug worked "in the early stages."
Most public health experts say hydroxychloroquine should not be used to treat the coronavirus because it could lead to heart and other problems.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month revoked its emergency-use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to treat Covid-19 after several studies cast doubt on its effectiveness.
Trump said he and others in his administration deserved plaudits for their handling of the virus, not just Fauci and another prominent member of the task force, Deborah Birx.
"He's working with our administration and for the most part we have done pretty much what he and others, Dr. Birx and others, who are terrific, recommended. And he's got this high approval rating. So why don't I have a high approval rating and the administration with respect to the virus? We should have a very high (approval rating)," Trump said.
"So it sort of is curious, a man works for us, and yet they're highly thought of and nobody likes me. It can only be my personality," he said.
The recent rise in U.S. deaths and infections has dampened early hopes that the country was past the worst of a crisis that has decimated businesses and put millions of Americans out of work. Four U.S. states in the South and West reported one-day records of coronavirus deaths on Tuesday. The national death toll is almost 150,000.
Fauci has been a subject of debate within the White House for months because he is quite frank in saying where he agrees and disagrees with the president.
Trump has said repeatedly that Fauci advised him he did not have to close down travel with China, where the outbreak originated, early this year when the scope of the pandemic was not yet clear, and that he did not accept the advice.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows publicly chided Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro for writing an opinion article attacking Fauci.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-07-29--US to withdraw 11,900 troops from Germany, about half to be redeployed in Europe

The US military said on Wednesday it would move its headquarters out of Stuttgart , Germany to Belgium , as it outlined broader plans to shift around 12,000 US troops out of Germany on orders from President Donald Trump .
Trump announced plans last month to cut the number of US troops in Germany to 25,000 , faulting the close US ally for failing to meet NATO 's defence spending target and accusing it of taking advantage of America on trade .
Of the 34,500 US military personnel in Germany , some 6,400 will be sent home while nearly 5,600 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , US Defence Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday .
A key aim of the rotation is to reinforce NATO 's southeastern flank near the Black Sea , Esper said .
Some could also go to Poland and the Baltic states if Warsaw follows through on an agreement already sketched out by the two sides , Esper said .
US officials said some of the moves will begin in months and would likely send air and ground forces to countries that already have an American troop presence .
The announcement is closely tied @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troop presence in Poland , a shift long-desired by Warsaw and Polish President Andrzej Duda .
The moves are expected to cost “ billions ” of dollars , according to US officials , and require construction at bases in the US to accommodate the additional forces .
The officials said that in the future other troops would rotate in and out of Europe .
Members of Trump ’ s own political party have criticised the troop move as a gift to Russia and a threat to US national security .
Twenty-two Republicans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with a letter to Trump saying a reduced US commitment to Europe ’ s defence would encourage Russian aggression and opportunism .
It 's also unclear if the plan would survive if Trump is not re-elected in November .
Germany is a hub for US operations in the Middle East and Africa .
The decision to keep nearly half the forces in Europe is a clear move by the Pentagon to assuage allies by avoiding the complete withdrawal of 10,000 troops out of the region .
And by spreading forces into the East @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the US is not reducing its commitment to the region and remains ready to protect Eastern Europe from any Moscow aggression .
Shifting forces out of Germany had long been rumoured and is in line with Pentagon efforts to put more troops in the Indo-Pacific .
But Trump ’ s comments indicated the move was tied more directly to his anger over Germany ’ s failure to meet NATO defence spending goals .
Trump has branded Germany “ delinquent ” for failing to meet a NATO goal set in 2014 for members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spending at least two percent of gross national product on defence by 2024 .
And he asserted that the Germans had long shortchanged the United States on trade and defence , declaring that “ until they pay ” more for their own defence , he will reduce US troops .
At a White House event last month with Duda , Trump said that some of the troops from Germany would go to Poland and some would go to “ other places ” .
Under an agreement announced last year , the US already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops to Poland , and progress is being made , officials said , to lay the groundwork for those moves .
Based on that agreement , the US will add a division headquarters , a combat training centre , an unmanned aircraft squadron and structure to support an Army brigade that could rotate in and out of the country .
Overall , the US has about 47,000 troops and civilian personnel in Germany , spread out across a number of bases , headquarters and smaller installations .
Most of the 35,000 on active @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Army and Air Force bases including Ramstein Air Base , a hub in the region .
There also are 2,600 National Guard and Reserve forces in Germany , and almost 12,000 civilians working for the services or the Defense Department .
Several NATO defence ministers had expressed concern about the decision to pull thousands of troops out of Germany , particularly since Trump has talked repeatedly about bringing troops home and getting the US out of “ endless wars ” .

The US military said on Wednesday it would move its headquarters out of Stuttgart, Germany to Belgium, as it outlined broader plans to shift around 12,000 US troops out of Germany on orders from President Donald Trump.
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Trump announced plans last month to cut the number of US troops in Germany to 25,000, faulting the close US ally for failing to meet NATO's defence spending target and accusing it of taking advantage of America on trade.
Of the 34,500 US military personnel in Germany, some 6,400 will be sent home while nearly 5,600 others will be moved to other NATO countries, US Defence Secretary Mark Esper announced Wednesday.
A key aim of the rotation is to reinforce NATO's southeastern flank near the Black Sea, Esper said.
Some could also go to Poland and the Baltic states if Warsaw follows through on an agreement already sketched out by the two sides, Esper said.
US officials said some of the moves will begin in months and would likely send air and ground forces to countries that already have an American troop presence.
02:52
Shift to Poland
The announcement is closely tied to the plan to increase the US troop presence in Poland, a shift long-desired by Warsaw and Polish President Andrzej Duda.
The moves are expected to cost “billions” of dollars, according to US officials, and require construction at bases in the US to accommodate the additional forces. The officials said that in the future other troops would rotate in and out of Europe.
Members of Trump’s own political party have criticised the troop move as a gift to Russia and a threat to US national security. Twenty-two Republicans on the House Armed Services Committee fired back with a letter to Trump saying a reduced US commitment to Europe’s defence would encourage Russian aggression and opportunism.
It's also unclear if the plan would survive if Trump is not re-elected in November.
A message to Russia
Germany is a hub for US operations in the Middle East and Africa. The decision to keep nearly half the forces in Europe is a clear move by the Pentagon to assuage allies by avoiding the complete withdrawal of 10,000 troops out of the region. And by spreading forces into the East, it sends a message to Russia that the US is not reducing its commitment to the region and remains ready to protect Eastern Europe from any Moscow aggression.
Shifting forces out of Germany had long been rumoured and is in line with Pentagon efforts to put more troops in the Indo-Pacific. But Trump’s comments indicated the move was tied more directly to his anger over Germany’s failure to meet NATO defence spending goals.
Trump has branded Germany “delinquent” for failing to meet a NATO goal set in 2014 for members to halt budget cuts and move toward spending at least two percent of gross national product on defence by 2024. And he asserted that the Germans had long shortchanged the United States on trade and defence, declaring that “until they pay” more for their own defence, he will reduce US troops.
At a White House event last month with Duda, Trump said that some of the troops from Germany would go to Poland and some would go to “other places”.
Under an agreement announced last year, the US already said it was sending about 1,000 more troops to Poland, and progress is being made, officials said, to lay the groundwork for those moves. Based on that agreement, the US will add a division headquarters, a combat training centre, an unmanned aircraft squadron and structure to support an Army brigade that could rotate in and out of the country.
Overall, the US has about 47,000 troops and civilian personnel in Germany, spread out across a number of bases, headquarters and smaller installations. Most of the 35,000 on active duty are in a handful of larger Army and Air Force bases including Ramstein Air Base, a hub in the region. There also are 2,600 National Guard and Reserve forces in Germany, and almost 12,000 civilians working for the services or the Defense Department.
Several NATO defence ministers had expressed concern about the decision to pull thousands of troops out of Germany, particularly since Trump has talked repeatedly about bringing troops home and getting the US out of “endless wars”.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and REUTERS)
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