france24--2020-12-20--Benzema stars as Real Madrid move level with Atletico at La Liga summit

Karim Benzema scored the opening goal and created two others as Real Madrid won 3-1 at Eibar on Sunday to move level on points with city rivals Atletico at the top of La Liga .
Benzema and Luka Modric scored inside the first 13 minutes in the Basque Country to put Zinedine Zidane 's men on their way to a fourth straight league win , with Lucas Vazquez scoring a late third after Garcia Kike pulled one back for Eibar .
Real sit behind Atletico on goal difference , but have the better head-to-head record , which is how level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the season .
Diego Simeone 's Atletico have two games in hand , though , after Saturday 's 3-1 success against Elche .
Fifth-placed Barcelona are eight points adrift of the Madrid pair following their 2-2 draw this weekend with Valencia .
Eibar started brightly , but fell behind in the sixth minute as Rodrygo fed Benzema to slot in his seventh league goal of the season .
Benzema , who was hailed by compatriot Zidane as the greatest ever French centre-forward earlier this week , created the second goal seven minutes later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who fired home right-footed .
The striker should have doubled his tally in the 16th minute , but he headed Modric 's cross past the post .
Real went close to a third goal again when home goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic kept out Rodrygo 's close-range effort , but Eibar got themselves back into the match in spectacular style before the half-hour mark .
Kike collected the ball outside the area before curling a fine finish past Thibaut Courtois .
Benzema thought he had restored the visitors ' two-goal lead before half-time , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with VAR upholding the linesman 's decision .
Eibar , sitting 14th in the table , wasted an excellent chance to equalise 11 minutes after the break , as Takashi Inui shot wide following a rare mistake from Real captain Sergio Ramos .
The reigning champions struggled to put the game to bed in the second half , with Marco Asensio striking a free-kick narrowly off target shortly after coming on as a substitute .
The capital giants survived a late scare when VAR decided not to award Eibar a penalty after the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wrapped up the points in injury time with a cool finish from a tight angle , having been played in by Benzema .
Earlier on Sunday , former Spain international Roberto Soldado scored twice as Granada moved into sixth with a 2-0 win over Real Betis , while Getafe beat Cadiz 2-0 and Celta Vigo made it four straight victories by seeing off Alaves by the same scoreline .

Madrid (AFP) –
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Karim Benzema scored the opening goal and created two others as Real Madrid won 3-1 at Eibar on Sunday to move level on points with city rivals Atletico at the top of La Liga.
Benzema and Luka Modric scored inside the first 13 minutes in the Basque Country to put Zinedine Zidane's men on their way to a fourth straight league win, with Lucas Vazquez scoring a late third after Garcia Kike pulled one back for Eibar.
Real sit behind Atletico on goal difference, but have the better head-to-head record, which is how level teams are split at the end of the season.
Diego Simeone's Atletico have two games in hand, though, after Saturday's 3-1 success against Elche.
Fifth-placed Barcelona are eight points adrift of the Madrid pair following their 2-2 draw this weekend with Valencia.
Eibar started brightly, but fell behind in the sixth minute as Rodrygo fed Benzema to slot in his seventh league goal of the season.
Benzema, who was hailed by compatriot Zidane as the greatest ever French centre-forward earlier this week, created the second goal seven minutes later, cutting inside and picking out Modric who fired home right-footed.
The striker should have doubled his tally in the 16th minute, but he headed Modric's cross past the post.
Real went close to a third goal again when home goalkeeper Marko Dmitrovic kept out Rodrygo's close-range effort, but Eibar got themselves back into the match in spectacular style before the half-hour mark.
Kike collected the ball outside the area before curling a fine finish past Thibaut Courtois.
Benzema thought he had restored the visitors' two-goal lead before half-time, but was flagged for a marginal offside, with VAR upholding the linesman's decision.
Eibar, sitting 14th in the table, wasted an excellent chance to equalise 11 minutes after the break, as Takashi Inui shot wide following a rare mistake from Real captain Sergio Ramos.
The reigning champions struggled to put the game to bed in the second half, with Marco Asensio striking a free-kick narrowly off target shortly after coming on as a substitute.
The capital giants survived a late scare when VAR decided not to award Eibar a penalty after the ball struck Ramos's arm.
Vazquez wrapped up the points in injury time with a cool finish from a tight angle, having been played in by Benzema.
Earlier on Sunday, former Spain international Roberto Soldado scored twice as Granada moved into sixth with a 2-0 win over Real Betis, while Getafe beat Cadiz 2-0 and Celta Vigo made it four straight victories by seeing off Alaves by the same scoreline.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-20--NHL brass approve 56-game season starting January 13

The National Hockey League has given its 31 teams the green light to play a 56-game season that will begin January 13 without any pre-season games .
The owners and the players ' union announced the deal on Sunday , but because of continuing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions there were still a lot of logistical issues to work out , including where the league 's seven Canadian teams will play .
Sunday 's agreement includes a 16-team post-season with a traditional four rounds of best-of-seven contests that will wrap up in the middle of July .
The seven teams that did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Play will be permitted to open their training camps as early as December 31 .
Formal training camps will begin on January 3 .
`` The National Hockey League looks forward to the opening of our 2020-21 season , especially since the Return to Play in 2019-20 was so successful in crowning a Stanley Cup champion , '' NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said .
`` While we are well aware of the challenges ahead , as was the case last spring and summer , we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which we live and play .
`` And , as was the case last spring and summer , I thank the NHLPA , particularly Executive Director Don Fehr , for working cooperatively with us to get our League back on the ice . ''
Bettman said they hope to return to their normal 80-game regular season in October 2021 .
The league will be divided up into four divisions , West , Central and East and one from Canada .
The Canadian teams will play every other team in the division nine or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ divisions will play every other team in its division eight times .
`` The Players are pleased to have finalized agreements for the upcoming season , which will be unique but also very exciting for the fans and Players alike , '' said Fehr .
`` During these troubled times , we hope that NHL games will provide fans with some much needed entertainment as the players return to the ice . ''
The league did not release any details on whether health officials in Canada were on board with a plan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ border with the pandemic-stricken United States which has seen over 315,000 deaths from Covid-19 .
One option would be to have the Canadian division compete solely in Canadian cities , but that would still mean bringing in players from outside the country and quarantining them before and after they arrive .
Canada is currently hosting the World Junior Championships in Edmonton next week and even before the tournament started exhibition games have been cancelled after Germany and Sweden suffered coronavirus outbreaks .
Because of Covid-19 restrictions , the NHL used hub cities in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Los Angeles (AFP) –
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The National Hockey League has given its 31 teams the green light to play a 56-game season that will begin January 13 without any pre-season games.
The owners and the players' union announced the deal on Sunday, but because of continuing Covid-19 pandemic restrictions there were still a lot of logistical issues to work out, including where the league's seven Canadian teams will play.
Sunday's agreement includes a 16-team post-season with a traditional four rounds of best-of-seven contests that will wrap up in the middle of July.
The seven teams that did not participate in the 2019-20 Return to Play will be permitted to open their training camps as early as December 31. Formal training camps will begin on January 3.
"The National Hockey League looks forward to the opening of our 2020-21 season, especially since the Return to Play in 2019-20 was so successful in crowning a Stanley Cup champion," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said.
"While we are well aware of the challenges ahead, as was the case last spring and summer, we are continuing to prioritize the health and safety of our participants and the communities in which we live and play.
"And, as was the case last spring and summer, I thank the NHLPA, particularly Executive Director Don Fehr, for working cooperatively with us to get our League back on the ice."
Bettman said they hope to return to their normal 80-game regular season in October 2021.
The league will be divided up into four divisions, West, Central and East and one from Canada.
The Canadian teams will play every other team in the division nine or 10 times, while the other three divisions will play every other team in its division eight times.
"The Players are pleased to have finalized agreements for the upcoming season, which will be unique but also very exciting for the fans and Players alike," said Fehr.
"During these troubled times, we hope that NHL games will provide fans with some much needed entertainment as the players return to the ice."
The league did not release any details on whether health officials in Canada were on board with a plan, especially since the Canadian government closed its border with the pandemic-stricken United States which has seen over 315,000 deaths from Covid-19.
One option would be to have the Canadian division compete solely in Canadian cities, but that would still mean bringing in players from outside the country and quarantining them before and after they arrive.
Canada is currently hosting the World Junior Championships in Edmonton next week and even before the tournament started exhibition games have been cancelled after Germany and Sweden suffered coronavirus outbreaks.
Because of Covid-19 restrictions, the NHL used hub cities in Canada to finish out the 2019-20 season.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-20--Three talking points from the Premier League

Seven up : Sadio Mane broke his goalscoring drought in Liverpool 's 7-0 thrashing of Crystal Palace Liverpool surged ahead at the top of the Premier League in record-setting fashion by thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0 , while the Manchester giants kept their title challenges afloat in contrasting fashion as City edged past Southampton and United demolished Leeds 6-2 .
At the other end of the table , Arsenal are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone after an eighth defeat in 12 league games at Everton .
Here , AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off what could be a seminal week in the title race by winning an away game in the top flight by seven goals for the first time at Selhurst Park .
Jurgen Klopp 's men had opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table thanks to Roberto Firmino 's last-minute winner against Tottenham in midweek and now enjoy a four-point advantage over Leicester , who inflicted another defeat on Spurs to move second .
Firmino 's lack of goals had been one of Liverpool 's early-season issues , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as did Mohamed Salah despite only coming off the bench for the final 35 minutes .
Sadio Mane also ended a nine-game goal drought as Klopp acknowledged his front three `` clicked '' into gear .
With West Brom , Newcastle and Southampton to come over the festive period , Liverpool could quickly pull away from the pack unless some of the other contenders quickly find some consistency .
Chelsea have also lost their last two games prior to hosting West Ham on Monday , while City again struggled to take their chances @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United win their game in hand , they would be Liverpool 's closest challengers as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's men climbed into third , five points off the top , after hitting Leeds for six .
Slow starts and poor home form have blighted United 's season so far , but both were quickly forgotten as Scott McTominay scored twice inside the first three minutes in the first league meeting between the Red Devils and Leeds for 16 years .
Solskjaer 's men have plenty of reason to want to reel in Liverpool @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tally of 20 English top-flight titles should they retain the Premier League .
Doubts remain over United 's consistency and defence as Leeds could have had plenty more than two goals to show for their trip to Old Trafford .
However , in Bruno Fernandes , Marcus Rashford , Anthony Martial , Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani they have the firepower to mount a title challenge and are the form team in the league over the past two months .
Since losing at home to Arsenal on November 1 , United have won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven league games with the only dropped points coming against City last weekend .
That victory at Old Trafford was Arsenal 's last in the league as their first full season under Mikel Arteta has spiralled from aiming to reach the Champions League to hoping to avoid the Championship next season .
The Gunners were undone in familiar fashion at Goodison Park as self-inflicted damage from Rob Holding 's own goal and an inability to create chances despite dominating possession saw Everton emerge 2-1 winners .
After winning the FA Cup win August @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coach to manager , affording him more control over recruitment .
But the Spaniard is now the favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked with Arsenal just four points above the relegation zone and facing Chelsea next on Boxing Day .

London (AFP) –
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Liverpool surged ahead at the top of the Premier League in record-setting fashion by thrashing Crystal Palace 7-0, while the Manchester giants kept their title challenges afloat in contrasting fashion as City edged past Southampton and United demolished Leeds 6-2.
At the other end of the table, Arsenal are looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone after an eighth defeat in 12 league games at Everton.
Here, AFP Sport looks at three talking points from the Premier League weekend.
Liverpool take control
The defending champions rounded off what could be a seminal week in the title race by winning an away game in the top flight by seven goals for the first time at Selhurst Park.
Jurgen Klopp's men had opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table thanks to Roberto Firmino's last-minute winner against Tottenham in midweek and now enjoy a four-point advantage over Leicester, who inflicted another defeat on Spurs to move second.
Firmino's lack of goals had been one of Liverpool's early-season issues, but the Brazilian scored twice at Selhurst Park, as did Mohamed Salah despite only coming off the bench for the final 35 minutes.
Sadio Mane also ended a nine-game goal drought as Klopp acknowledged his front three "clicked" into gear.
With West Brom, Newcastle and Southampton to come over the festive period, Liverpool could quickly pull away from the pack unless some of the other contenders quickly find some consistency.
Chelsea have also lost their last two games prior to hosting West Ham on Monday, while City again struggled to take their chances despite seeing off high-flying Southampton.
Are Man Utd title contenders?
Should United win their game in hand, they would be Liverpool's closest challengers as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men climbed into third, five points off the top, after hitting Leeds for six.
Slow starts and poor home form have blighted United's season so far, but both were quickly forgotten as Scott McTominay scored twice inside the first three minutes in the first league meeting between the Red Devils and Leeds for 16 years.
Solskjaer's men have plenty of reason to want to reel in Liverpool as they could equal United's record tally of 20 English top-flight titles should they retain the Premier League.
Doubts remain over United's consistency and defence as Leeds could have had plenty more than two goals to show for their trip to Old Trafford.
However, in Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Mason Greenwood and Edinson Cavani they have the firepower to mount a title challenge and are the form team in the league over the past two months.
Since losing at home to Arsenal on November 1, United have won six and drawn one of their last seven league games with the only dropped points coming against City last weekend.
Arsenal facing relegation battle
That victory at Old Trafford was Arsenal's last in the league as their first full season under Mikel Arteta has spiralled from aiming to reach the Champions League to hoping to avoid the Championship next season.
The Gunners were undone in familiar fashion at Goodison Park as self-inflicted damage from Rob Holding's own goal and an inability to create chances despite dominating possession saw Everton emerge 2-1 winners.
After winning the FA Cup win August, Arteta earned a promotion from first-team coach to manager, affording him more control over recruitment.
But the Spaniard is now the favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked with Arsenal just four points above the relegation zone and facing Chelsea next on Boxing Day.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-20--Brexit talks miss deadline as fisheries dispute threatens prospect of a deal

Norwegian liquified gas tanker Iduna is seen in the border port town of Warrenpoint , sitting beside Carlingford lough , with Northern Ireland on one side and the Irish Republic on the other , on December 15 , 2020 .
- A port hub humming with ferries and freight , Warrenpoint sits on the Irish border and was the site of the deadliest attack on British troops during `` The Troubles '' .
Since the 2016 vote to leave the EU , all those elements became shuffling pieces in the intractable puzzle of Britain 's bid to split with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ / AFP ) Britain insisted on Sunday that the European Union should shift position to open the way to a post-Brexit trade pact , drawing a swift response from the bloc 's negotiator defending the union 's right to protect its interests .
Negotiations are expected to continue on Monday , beyond a Sunday deadline set by the European Parliament , and a senior British government source described them as `` difficult '' because of the `` significant differences '' in position .
With less than two weeks before Britain leaves the EU @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the other to move to secure a deal and safeguard annual trade in goods from tariffs and quotas but so far , neither has budged far enough for a breakthrough .
Talks to reach a deal have been largely hamstrung over two issues - the bloc 's fishing rights in British waters and creating a so-called level playing field providing fair competition rules for both sides .
British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday morning the bloc should drop its `` unreasonable demands '' .
`` We want these talks to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I want a deal , I think everybody wants a deal , '' Hancock told Sky News .
`` Unfortunately , the EU have put in some unreasonable demands ...
I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side . ''
Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 and has been in a status-quo transition period since then .
That expires at the end of the year when Britain will leave the bloc 's customs union and single market .
EU negotiator Michel Barnier said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a `` crucial '' point on Sunday .
`` The EU remains committed to a fair , reciprocal and balanced agreement .
We respect the sovereignty of the UK .
And we expect the same , '' he said .
`` Both the EU and the UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters .
And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake . ''
The EU wants to be able to impose trade barriers in the event that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and undercuts the bloc 's market of 450 million consumers .
London wants to be able to set its own regulations and to have the right to respond if the other side changes its rules .
On fisheries , the bloc also wants the right to retaliate by curbing UK market access should Britain squeeze EU vessels out of its waters .
London says it will become an independent coastal state from 2021 with full control of its waters but is open to discussions on a possible transition period for EU boats .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ talks remain difficult and significant differences remain .
We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations '' .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson , the face of Britain 's 2016 campaign to leave the EU , has long said he can not accept any deal that does not respect the country 's sovereignty , a goal that was at the heart of his election last year .
But the EU is equally determined to protect its lucrative single market and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ considers to be the best of both worlds - preferential market access with the advantage of setting its rules .
There is little time left .
On Saturday , the European Parliament repeated its call for a deal to be reached no later than this weekend , to give it time to properly ratify the agreement .
The EU has long said it wants to safeguard the parliament 's right to exercise democratic oversight , but if an agreement arrived later than this weekend , the bloc 's 27 member states could still @ @ @ @ @ @

Britain insisted on Sunday that the European Union should shift position to open the way to a post-Brexit trade pact, drawing a swift response from the bloc's negotiator defending the union's right to protect its interests.
Norwegian liquified gas tanker Iduna is seen in the border port town of Warrenpoint, sitting beside Carlingford lough, with Northern Ireland on one side and the Irish Republic on the other, on December 15, 2020. - A port hub humming with ferries and freight, Warrenpoint sits on the Irish border and was the site of the deadliest attack on British troops during "The Troubles". Since the 2016 vote to leave the EU, all those elements became shuffling pieces in the intractable puzzle of Britain's bid to split with the bloc. (Photo by Paul Faith / AFP)
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Negotiations are expected to continue on Monday, beyond a Sunday deadline set by the European Parliament, and a senior British government source described them as "difficult" because of the "significant differences" in position.
With less than two weeks before Britain leaves the EU's orbit, both sides are calling on the other to move to secure a deal and safeguard annual trade in goods from tariffs and quotas but so far, neither has budged far enough for a breakthrough.
Talks to reach a deal have been largely hamstrung over two issues - the bloc's fishing rights in British waters and creating a so-called level playing field providing fair competition rules for both sides.
Both 🇪🇺&🇬🇧 must have the right to set their own laws & control their own waters. And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake. (2/2) — Michel Barnier (@MichelBarnier) December 20, 2020
British health minister Matt Hancock said on Sunday morning the bloc should drop its "unreasonable demands".
"We want these talks to reach a positive conclusion, of course I want a deal, I think everybody wants a deal," Hancock told Sky News. "Unfortunately, the EU have put in some unreasonable demands... I am sure a deal can be done but obviously it needs movement on the EU side."
Britain left the EU on Jan. 31 and has been in a status-quo transition period since then. That expires at the end of the year when Britain will leave the bloc's customs union and single market.
EU negotiator Michel Barnier said talks with UK counterpart David Frost were at a "crucial" point on Sunday.
"The EU remains committed to a fair, reciprocal and balanced agreement. We respect the sovereignty of the UK. And we expect the same," he said.
"Both the EU and the UK must have the right to set their own laws and control their own waters. And we should both be able to act when our interests are at stake."
The EU wants to be able to impose trade barriers in the event that Britain changes its regulations in the future and undercuts the bloc's market of 450 million consumers.
London wants to be able to set its own regulations and to have the right to respond if the other side changes its rules.
Access to fisheries
On fisheries, the bloc also wants the right to retaliate by curbing UK market access should Britain squeeze EU vessels out of its waters. London says it will become an independent coastal state from 2021 with full control of its waters but is open to discussions on a possible transition period for EU boats.
The British government source said the "talks remain difficult and significant differences remain. We continue to explore every route to a deal that is in line with the fundamental principles we brought into the negotiations".
EU diplomat says EU side are expecting a counter offer from UK on fish but "we expect it to fall short considerably".
Christmas is something of a geographical barrier here.
Resolution was expected this weekend - hard for Downing Street to juggle talks plus Covid-19 crisis. — Naomi O'Leary (@NaomiOhReally) December 20, 2020
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, the face of Britain's 2016 campaign to leave the EU, has long said he cannot accept any deal that does not respect the country's sovereignty, a goal that was at the heart of his election last year.
But the EU is equally determined to protect its lucrative single market and wants to prevent London securing what it considers to be the best of both worlds - preferential market access with the advantage of setting its rules.
There is little time left. On Saturday, the European Parliament repeated its call for a deal to be reached no later than this weekend, to give it time to properly ratify the agreement.
The EU has long said it wants to safeguard the parliament's right to exercise democratic oversight, but if an agreement arrived later than this weekend, the bloc's 27 member states could still endorse it on their own.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-12-20--'I was an immature boy,' says Pumas skipper Matera in racist tweet row

Argentina rugby captain Pablo Matera said he was just `` an immature boy '' when he posted tweets deemed to be racist and which saw him briefly suspended from the Pumas team earlier this month .
Matera , 27 , told Canal Plus on Sunday that he had `` grown up '' since the tweets of 2011 and 2013 .
`` I imagine there are a lot of people who have felt offended , hurt and I would like to ask their forgiveness , '' said Matera .
`` It was a really bad use of social media with my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want to let people know that I do n't believe any of these words , that they do not represent my values in any way . ''
The flanker was a key player for the Pumas team which shocked the All Blacks during the recent Rugby Championship in Australia where the furore erupted .
Matera , who plays in France with Stade Francais , Jaguares hooker Santiago Socino and Bordeaux lock Guido Petti , were all briefly suspended for what were described as `` discriminatory '' and `` xenophobic '' posts .
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials said the tweets were `` unacceptable '' the three were reinstated when it was reported other players would strike in support of their teammates .
`` At the time of these tweets , I was an immature boy , quite a rebellious boy , '' added Matera .
`` I was not an easy child to raise for my mother .
A lot of time has passed , and when I look back I see how much I have grown as a person . ''
Matera said his family had received a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a consequence of the row .
`` This is what made me suffer the most , to have involuntarily involved them in this horrible situation , '' he added .
`` The most important thing for me today is to know that I made a mistake .
Today , I just ask for forgiveness and move on . ''

Paris (AFP) –
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Argentina rugby captain Pablo Matera said he was just "an immature boy" when he posted tweets deemed to be racist and which saw him briefly suspended from the Pumas team earlier this month.
Matera, 27, told Canal Plus on Sunday that he had "grown up" since the tweets of 2011 and 2013.
"I imagine there are a lot of people who have felt offended, hurt and I would like to ask their forgiveness," said Matera.
"It was a really bad use of social media with my friends from high school. I just want to let people know that I don't believe any of these words, that they do not represent my values in any way."
The flanker was a key player for the Pumas team which shocked the All Blacks during the recent Rugby Championship in Australia where the furore erupted.
Matera, who plays in France with Stade Francais, Jaguares hooker Santiago Socino and Bordeaux lock Guido Petti, were all briefly suspended for what were described as "discriminatory" and "xenophobic" posts.
However, just two days after Argentine rugby officials said the tweets were "unacceptable" the three were reinstated when it was reported other players would strike in support of their teammates.
"At the time of these tweets, I was an immature boy, quite a rebellious boy," added Matera.
"I was not an easy child to raise for my mother. A lot of time has passed, and when I look back I see how much I have grown as a person."
Matera said his family had received a stream of "malicious messages" as a consequence of the row.
"This is what made me suffer the most, to have involuntarily involved them in this horrible situation," he added.
"The most important thing for me today is to know that I made a mistake. Today, I just ask for forgiveness and move on."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-20--Seven-try Racing thrash Harlequins, Bears edge Connacht on virus-hit weekend

Simon Zebo and Racing were on top throughout against Harlequins Racing 92 ran in seven tries as they thrashed Harlequins 49-7 on Sunday to stay with the Pool 2 pacesetters in the European Champions Cup .
Last season 's runners-up gained a bonus point to join two other French clubs , Lyon and Toulouse , at the top of the 12-team pool with 10 points after two of the four rounds of games .
Racing were in control from the third minute when fullback Teddy Thomas scored in the corner .
Prop Kevin Le Guen added a second after 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in a driving maul .
Maxime Machenaud converted both tries and kicked two penalties to put the visitors ahead 20-0 at the break but he missed three conversions in the second half .
The second half started like the first , when Racing 's Irish winger Simon Zebo crossed in the corner in the first minute .
Prop Georges-Henri Colombe secured the bonus point with a try in the 49th minute .
Scottish fly-half Finn Russell chipped over the defence for centre Donovan Taofifenua who spun through a tackle to score in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ replied for Quins but Racing responded with two late scores .
Teddy Baubigny , who had replaced Le Guen , smashed over in the 76th minute and Francois Trinh-Duc , who had come on for Russell , trotted over two minutes later .
Trinh-Duc also converted both late tries .
`` Our forwards had a lot of control in the match , '' Russell told British broadcaster BT .
`` Our driving mauls and our scrums , always on the front foot , we 're guaranteed to get good ball there .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that power and I would imagine for teams that are facing us , it 's quite daunting .
It 's a real strength . ''
In Sunday 's late game , Bristol recorded their first win with a battling 27-18 victory at Connacht .
The Bears , who were mauled 51-38 by Clermont in last weekend 's opening round , moved into sixth place in the pool , four points off the lead .
Former Leinster forward Bryan Byrne scored the only try of the opening half which ended with Bristol holding a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ O'Conor and Ioan Lloyd added further scores for the visitors after the interval .
Connacht , who fought gallantly in a narrow 26-22 loss to Racing last time out , are third from bottom of the pool with just a bonus point to their name .
Bristol gave a European debut to Fijian winger -- and British army soldier -- Ratu Naulago , who recently moved from Hull FC in rugby league to play union .
Wasps gained a hard-fought 33-14 win over Montpellier on Friday and Leinster beat Northampton Saints 35-19 on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , dominated by games that were not played .
Lyon , La Rochelle and Toulouse were awarded 28-0 victories against Glasgow Warriors , Bath and holders Exeter Chiefs after the three British clubs suffered coronavirus outbreaks .
But after Toulon refused to play at Scarlets on Friday , claiming Covid-19 `` sanitary conditions were not met '' , the Welsh team were awarded victory .
Toulon said on Saturday they were considering appealing the decision .

London (AFP) –
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Racing 92 ran in seven tries as they thrashed Harlequins 49-7 on Sunday to stay with the Pool 2 pacesetters in the European Champions Cup.
Last season's runners-up gained a bonus point to join two other French clubs, Lyon and Toulouse, at the top of the 12-team pool with 10 points after two of the four rounds of games.
Racing were in control from the third minute when fullback Teddy Thomas scored in the corner.
Prop Kevin Le Guen added a second after 19 minutes after the Racing pack drove Quins back in a driving maul.
Maxime Machenaud converted both tries and kicked two penalties to put the visitors ahead 20-0 at the break but he missed three conversions in the second half.
The second half started like the first, when Racing's Irish winger Simon Zebo crossed in the corner in the first minute.
Prop Georges-Henri Colombe secured the bonus point with a try in the 49th minute.
Scottish fly-half Finn Russell chipped over the defence for centre Donovan Taofifenua who spun through a tackle to score in the 61st minute.
Scrum-half Scott Steele replied for Quins but Racing responded with two late scores.
Teddy Baubigny, who had replaced Le Guen, smashed over in the 76th minute and Francois Trinh-Duc, who had come on for Russell, trotted over two minutes later.
Trinh-Duc also converted both late tries.
"Our forwards had a lot of control in the match," Russell told British broadcaster BT.
"Our driving mauls and our scrums, always on the front foot, we're guaranteed to get good ball there.
"The whole pack create that strength and that power and I would imagine for teams that are facing us, it's quite daunting. It's a real strength."
In Sunday's late game, Bristol recorded their first win with a battling 27-18 victory at Connacht.
The Bears, who were mauled 51-38 by Clermont in last weekend's opening round, moved into sixth place in the pool, four points off the lead.
Former Leinster forward Bryan Byrne scored the only try of the opening half which ended with Bristol holding a 5-3 edge.
Ed Holmes, Piers O'Conor and Ioan Lloyd added further scores for the visitors after the interval.
Connacht, who fought gallantly in a narrow 26-22 loss to Racing last time out, are third from bottom of the pool with just a bonus point to their name.
Bristol gave a European debut to Fijian winger -- and British army soldier -- Ratu Naulago, who recently moved from Hull FC in rugby league to play union.
Leinster and Wasps lead Pool A with 10 points.
Wasps gained a hard-fought 33-14 win over Montpellier on Friday and Leinster beat Northampton Saints 35-19 on Saturday.
The weekend was, however, dominated by games that were not played.
Lyon, La Rochelle and Toulouse were awarded 28-0 victories against Glasgow Warriors, Bath and holders Exeter Chiefs after the three British clubs suffered coronavirus outbreaks.
But after Toulon refused to play at Scarlets on Friday, claiming Covid-19 "sanitary conditions were not met", the Welsh team were awarded victory.
Toulon said on Saturday they were considering appealing the decision.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-20--Rockets hit near US embassy in Iraq as tensions flare

The US embassy in the Iraqi capital Baghdad , pictured in 2007 A volley of rockets exploded near the US embassy in Baghdad Sunday , as tensions mount ahead of the anniversary of the US killing top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on Iraqi soil .
AFP reporters in the capital 's east heard at least five booms on Sunday night , followed by whistling sounds .
A few moments later , they heard thunderous rapid-fire sounds and saw streams of red flares in the dark sky , indicating the US embassy 's C-RAM rocket defence system had been activated .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying the attacks caused material damage , but no casualties .
A security source told AFP at least three rockets landed near the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone , while two others hit separate residential neighbourhoods .
An Iraqi man living across the street from the US diplomatic mission in a high-security residential compound told AFP that his building was hit .
`` Everyone is screaming and crying .
My wife is losing it from all the terrifying sounds , '' he said , preferring to speak anonymously .
A member @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been hit by a rocket fragment , likely caused by the C-RAM 's deflection or explosion of incoming rockets .
The US embassy and other foreign military and diplomatic sites have been targeted by dozens of rockets and roadside bomb attacks since the autumn of 2019 .
Western and Iraqi officials have blamed hardline groups , including the pro-Iran faction Kataeb Hezbollah .
In October , these groups agreed to an indefinite truce , but Sunday 's attack is the third apparent violation .
The first , on November 17 , saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ US embassy and various parts of the Iraqi capital , killing one young woman .
On December 10 , two convoys transporting logistical equipment for the US-led coalition helping Iraqi troops fight jihadists were targeted with roadside bombs .
The attacks have been claimed by groups that both US and Iraqi officials have described as smokescreens for well-known Iran-aligned armed factions in Iraq .
But in an unusual move , several factions condemned Sunday 's attack .
Moqtada Sadr , a populist cleric and former militia leader , tweeted that `` no one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the state . ''
Even Kataeb Hezbollah , which has been blamed for other attacks , issued an online statement .
`` Bombing the ( US ) embassy of evil at this time is considered out of order , '' it said , while also condemning the US embassy 's use of the C-RAM system .
The statement could be an attempt to calm tensions ahead of the anniversary on January 3 of the US drone strike that killed Soleimani and leading Iraqi paramilitary figure Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis .
Western and Iraqi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is looking to maintain calm ahead of US President Donald Trump 's departure from the White House next month .
Trump has pursued a `` maximum pressure '' policy against Iran , an approach that has also squeezed its allies next door in Iraq .
Diplomats have feared a last-minute military action by the Trump administration on Iranian interests in Iraq , or a possible escalation by anti-US groups around Baghdad .
The US diplomatic mission has already partially withdrawn its staff due to security concerns , two senior Iraqi officials told AFP @ @ @ @ @ @ @ move as a `` minor drawdown based on security reservations from the US side , '' and said it was not a rupture of diplomatic ties .

Baghdad (AFP) –
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A volley of rockets exploded near the US embassy in Baghdad Sunday, as tensions mount ahead of the anniversary of the US killing top Iranian general Qasem Soleimani on Iraqi soil.
AFP reporters in the capital's east heard at least five booms on Sunday night, followed by whistling sounds.
A few moments later, they heard thunderous rapid-fire sounds and saw streams of red flares in the dark sky, indicating the US embassy's C-RAM rocket defence system had been activated.
Iraq's security forces issued a statement saying the attacks caused material damage, but no casualties.
A security source told AFP at least three rockets landed near the US embassy in the high-security Green Zone, while two others hit separate residential neighbourhoods.
An Iraqi man living across the street from the US diplomatic mission in a high-security residential compound told AFP that his building was hit.
"Everyone is screaming and crying. My wife is losing it from all the terrifying sounds," he said, preferring to speak anonymously.
A member of parliament told AFP that his home had been hit by a rocket fragment, likely caused by the C-RAM's deflection or explosion of incoming rockets.
The US embassy and other foreign military and diplomatic sites have been targeted by dozens of rockets and roadside bomb attacks since the autumn of 2019.
Western and Iraqi officials have blamed hardline groups, including the pro-Iran faction Kataeb Hezbollah.
In October, these groups agreed to an indefinite truce, but Sunday's attack is the third apparent violation.
The first, on November 17, saw a volley of rockets slam into the US embassy and various parts of the Iraqi capital, killing one young woman.
On December 10, two convoys transporting logistical equipment for the US-led coalition helping Iraqi troops fight jihadists were targeted with roadside bombs.
- 'Out of order' -
The attacks have been claimed by groups that both US and Iraqi officials have described as smokescreens for well-known Iran-aligned armed factions in Iraq.
But in an unusual move, several factions condemned Sunday's attack.
Moqtada Sadr, a populist cleric and former militia leader, tweeted that "no one has the right to use weapons outside of the state."
Even Kataeb Hezbollah, which has been blamed for other attacks, issued an online statement.
"Bombing the (US) embassy of evil at this time is considered out of order," it said, while also condemning the US embassy's use of the C-RAM system.
The statement could be an attempt to calm tensions ahead of the anniversary on January 3 of the US drone strike that killed Soleimani and leading Iraqi paramilitary figure Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis.
Western and Iraqi officials told AFP they believe that Iran is looking to maintain calm ahead of US President Donald Trump's departure from the White House next month.
Trump has pursued a "maximum pressure" policy against Iran, an approach that has also squeezed its allies next door in Iraq.
Diplomats have feared a last-minute military action by the Trump administration on Iranian interests in Iraq, or a possible escalation by anti-US groups around Baghdad.
The US diplomatic mission has already partially withdrawn its staff due to security concerns, two senior Iraqi officials told AFP earlier this month.
They described the move as a "minor drawdown based on security reservations from the US side," and said it was not a rupture of diplomatic ties.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--UK in crisis amid EU travel ban and mutated coronavirus rampaging unchecked

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in crisis talks Monday , amid an EU ban on UK travel and goods @ @ @ @ @ in Brexit talks .
The Channel Tunnel was shut for the first time in 12 @ @ @ @ @ 10,000 lorries carrying goods stranded , and British supermarkets concerned about panic-buying .
Britain ’ @ @ @ @ @ 36,000 on Sunday , almost double the previous week , with reported deaths now at @ @ @ @ @ Benedicte Paviot reports the latest .

UK in crisis amid EU travel ban and mutated coronavirus rampaging unchecked
03:47
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was in crisis talks Monday, amid an EU ban on UK travel and goods, and the continued breakdown in Brexit talks. The Channel Tunnel was shut for the first time in 12 years, leaving up to 10,000 lorries carrying goods stranded, and British supermarkets concerned about panic-buying. Britain’s daily Coronavirus cases neared 36,000 on Sunday, almost double the previous week, with reported deaths now at 67,500. FRANCE 24 correspondent Benedicte Paviot reports the latest.


france24--2020-12-21--Fiat Chrysler and PSA win EU approval for $38 billion merger

A worker at a SEVEL car factory in Atessa , south of Pescara , a 50-50 joint venture between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles ( FCA ) and France 's PSA Group .
Fiat Chrysler and French rival PSA gained EU antitrust approval on Monday for their $ 38 billion merger to create the world 's No.4 carmaker after pledging to boost Japanese rival Toyota Motor .
The two carmakers are looking to the deal to help them tackle the industry 's dual challenges of funding cleaner vehicles and the global pandemic .
The European Commission said PSA will extend its small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ capacity for Toyota and cutting transfer prices for the vehicles , spare parts and accessories to address EU competition concerns , confirming a Reuters story in October .
`` Access to a competitive market for small commercial vans is important for many self-employed and small and medium companies throughout Europe , '' European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement .
Fiat and PSA will also allow rivals to access their repair and maintenance networks for vans to help new entrants expand in the market , the EU competition enforcer said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ would own brands such as Fiat , Jeep , Dodge , Ram and Maserati as well as Peugeot , Opel and DS .
`` FCA and Groupe PSA warmly welcome the European Commission ’ s clearance authorizing the merger and the creation of Stellantis , a world leader in new mobility , '' the companies said , adding that the shareholders of both companies will meet separately on Jan 4 to approve the transaction .
`` The closing of the merger is expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is Exor , the holding company of Italy 's Agnelli family while PSA 's investors are the Peugeot family , the French government and China 's Dongfeng .

Fiat Chrysler and French rival PSA gained EU antitrust approval on Monday for their $38 billion merger to create the world's No.4 carmaker after pledging to boost Japanese rival Toyota Motor.
A worker at a SEVEL car factory in Atessa, south of Pescara, a 50-50 joint venture between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and France's PSA Group.
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The two carmakers are looking to the deal to help them tackle the industry's dual challenges of funding cleaner vehicles and the global pandemic.
The European Commission said PSA will extend its small van agreement with Toyota Motor by increasing capacity for Toyota and cutting transfer prices for the vehicles, spare parts and accessories to address EU competition concerns, confirming a Reuters story in October.
"Access to a competitive market for small commercial vans is important for many self-employed and small and medium companies throughout Europe," European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.
Fiat and PSA will also allow rivals to access their repair and maintenance networks for vans to help new entrants expand in the market, the EU competition enforcer said.
The merged entity to be called Stellantis would own brands such as Fiat, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Maserati as well as Peugeot, Opel and DS.
"FCA and Groupe PSA warmly welcome the European Commission’s clearance authorizing the merger and the creation of Stellantis, a world leader in new mobility," the companies said, adding that the shareholders of both companies will meet separately on Jan 4 to approve the transaction.
"The closing of the merger is expected to occur by the end of the first quarter of 2021".
FCA's controlling shareholder is Exor, the holding company of Italy's Agnelli family while PSA's investors are the Peugeot family, the French government and China's Dongfeng.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-12-21--Jupiter and Saturn cheek-to-cheek in rare celestial dance

The solar system 's two biggest planets , Jupiter and Saturn , are set to come within planetary kissing range in Monday 's evening sky , an intimacy that will not occur again until 2080 .
This `` great conjunction '' , as it is known to astronomers , occurs fortuitously on the winter solstice for those in the Northern Hemisphere , and the beginning of summer in the global south .
The two planets will , in fact , be more than 730 million kilometres ( 400 million miles ) apart .
But because of their alignment in relation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be closer to each other than at any time in almost 400 years .
Optimal `` conjunction '' is set to take place at 1822 GMT .
Looking with a telescope or even a good pair of binoculars , the two gas giants will be separated by no more than a fifth of the diameter of a full moon .
With the naked eye , they will merge into a `` highly luminous '' double planet , said Florent Deleflie from the Paris Observatory .
The last time Jupiter and Saturn nuzzled up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weather conditions in regions where the reunion could be seen blocked the view .
Visibility was apparently better the time before that during the Middle Ages , on March 4 , 1226 to be precise .
The best viewing conditions on Monday will be in clear skies and close to the Equator .
People in Western Europe and along a vast swathe of Africa will have to train their sight to the southwest .
`` The Grand Conjunction refers to the period when two planets have relatively similar positions in relation to Earth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is the larger planet , takes 12 years to revolve around the sun , while Saturn takes 29 years .
Every 20 years or so , they appear to observers on Earth to come closer to each other .
`` With a small instrument -- even a small pair of binoculars -- people can see Jupiter 's equatorial bands and its main satellites and Saturn 's rings , '' Deleflie said .

Paris (AFP) –
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The solar system's two biggest planets, Jupiter and Saturn, are set to come within planetary kissing range in Monday's evening sky, an intimacy that will not occur again until 2080.
This "great conjunction", as it is known to astronomers, occurs fortuitously on the winter solstice for those in the Northern Hemisphere, and the beginning of summer in the global south.
The two planets will, in fact, be more than 730 million kilometres (400 million miles) apart.
But because of their alignment in relation to Earth, they will appear to be closer to each other than at any time in almost 400 years.
Optimal "conjunction" is set to take place at 1822 GMT.
Looking with a telescope or even a good pair of binoculars, the two gas giants will be separated by no more than a fifth of the diameter of a full moon.
With the naked eye, they will merge into a "highly luminous" double planet, said Florent Deleflie from the Paris Observatory.
The last time Jupiter and Saturn nuzzled up this close was in 1623, but weather conditions in regions where the reunion could be seen blocked the view.
Visibility was apparently better the time before that during the Middle Ages, on March 4, 1226 to be precise.
The best viewing conditions on Monday will be in clear skies and close to the Equator.
People in Western Europe and along a vast swathe of Africa will have to train their sight to the southwest.
"The Grand Conjunction refers to the period when two planets have relatively similar positions in relation to Earth," said Deleflie.
Jupiter, which is the larger planet, takes 12 years to revolve around the sun, while Saturn takes 29 years.
Every 20 years or so, they appear to observers on Earth to come closer to each other.
"With a small instrument -- even a small pair of binoculars -- people can see Jupiter's equatorial bands and its main satellites and Saturn's rings," Deleflie said.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Not too late to contain new strain: virus mutation tracker

Molecular epidemiologist Emma Hodcroft says 'we can never stop the virus mutating' It is not too late for Europe to contain the new variant of Covid-19 exploding in southeast England , a top coronavirus mutation tracker told AFP .
However , there is a fair chance that the strain is already circulating under the radar in other countries , said Emma Hodcroft .
The US-British molecular epidemiologist , based at the University of Bern , is a co-developer on the Nextstrain project , analysing SARS-CoV-2 sequences from around the world to monitor variations that emerge .
The expert has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mutations .
- Is it too late to contain the new mutation ?
- Hodcroft : `` On a European level , I do n't think so .
`` There 's a fair chance that there are more cases of this variant across Europe that we just have n't detected yet .
`` Low levels of this variant might still be containable .
If it 's in a few people and those people are doing a good job , following the guidelines , wearing a mask , then it might not spread further @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep the number of people with this variant down , because that does help us to contain it through other measures .
`` If this variant has increased transmissibility , as scientists in Britain seem to really think it does , the best way to counter that is , unfortunately , with the same measures that we take now . ''
- Can it be contained in Britain ?
- '' Within the UK it 's tougher because it 's much harder to draw the lines .
`` Belgium can say things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' .
In Britain , it 's not really possible to say , 'everyone in London , we 're closing the roads , you can not leave ' .
`` I 'm not saying that it 's not still worth trying , but it is going to be hard to keep it contained just in southeast England , particularly with Christmas around the corner . ''
- Should travel from Britain be stopped ?
- '' Countries should be making careful considerations and really thinking hard over the next few days about what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to impose on British travel .
`` I would hope everyone 's thinking about it , whatever decision they come to . ''
- How does travel impact on spreading variants ?
- '' Unfortunately , from what we know about , for example , the Spanish variant spreading through the European summer , we know that travel and holiday activities can really transmit the virus or variants of the virus incredibly effectively .
`` It becomes a question of how long do you wait ... trying to keep that balance of not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you wait too late , you might have missed the chance to contain the spread . ''
- Did the mutation start in Britain ?
- '' The UK is the world leader in sequencing .
So if there 's a variant and it gets to the UK , it has a good chance of being detected there .
`` By chance , if you were pulling sequences from Europe out of a hat , with the most probability you 'd pick a UK sequence .
`` Even though we may not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started in the UK , it does look like it expanded there . ''
- How does stopping the virus spreading affect mutation ?
- '' We can never stop the virus mutating .
But we can put the odds in our favour when we keep those case numbers down .
`` The less virus there is circulating , the less chance it has of getting into different people with different immune systems , with different vaccination history .
`` And so we reduce the chance that it ends up somewhere where it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maybe are bad news for humans . ''
- What can sequencing tell us ?
- '' The most reliable way to detect the presence of this variant is through sequencing .
`` It 's through sequencing that we can see something start to behave differently .
`` The main thing is tracking these different variants and trying to identify are any of these variants indicative of something worrying , like increased transmission or resistance to a vaccine or worse clinical outcomes ?
`` This is almost certainly not going to be the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knowing where it is and how it 's travelling . ''

Geneva (AFP) –
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It is not too late for Europe to contain the new variant of Covid-19 exploding in southeast England, a top coronavirus mutation tracker told AFP.
However, there is a fair chance that the strain is already circulating under the radar in other countries, said Emma Hodcroft.
The US-British molecular epidemiologist, based at the University of Bern, is a co-developer on the Nextstrain project, analysing SARS-CoV-2 sequences from around the world to monitor variations that emerge.
The expert has been tracking the current British and South African mutations.
- Is it too late to contain the new mutation? -
Hodcroft: "On a European level, I don't think so.
"There's a fair chance that there are more cases of this variant across Europe that we just haven't detected yet.
"Low levels of this variant might still be containable. If it's in a few people and those people are doing a good job, following the guidelines, wearing a mask, then it might not spread further.
"So it is worth trying to keep the number of people with this variant down, because that does help us to contain it through other measures.
"If this variant has increased transmissibility, as scientists in Britain seem to really think it does, the best way to counter that is, unfortunately, with the same measures that we take now."
- Can it be contained in Britain? -
"Within the UK it's tougher because it's much harder to draw the lines.
"Belgium can say things like 'No British flights can land here'. In Britain, it's not really possible to say, 'everyone in London, we're closing the roads, you cannot leave'.
"I'm not saying that it's not still worth trying, but it is going to be hard to keep it contained just in southeast England, particularly with Christmas around the corner."
- Should travel from Britain be stopped? -
"Countries should be making careful considerations and really thinking hard over the next few days about what measures, if any, they want to impose on British travel.
"I would hope everyone's thinking about it, whatever decision they come to."
- How does travel impact on spreading variants? -
"Unfortunately, from what we know about, for example, the Spanish variant spreading through the European summer, we know that travel and holiday activities can really transmit the virus or variants of the virus incredibly effectively.
"It becomes a question of how long do you wait... trying to keep that balance of not acting to early but knowing that if you wait too late, you might have missed the chance to contain the spread."
- Did the mutation start in Britain? -
"The UK is the world leader in sequencing. So if there's a variant and it gets to the UK, it has a good chance of being detected there.
"By chance, if you were pulling sequences from Europe out of a hat, with the most probability you'd pick a UK sequence.
"Even though we may not be able to say for sure that it started in the UK, it does look like it expanded there."
- How does stopping the virus spreading affect mutation? -
"We can never stop the virus mutating. But we can put the odds in our favour when we keep those case numbers down.
"The less virus there is circulating, the less chance it has of getting into different people with different immune systems, with different vaccination history.
"And so we reduce the chance that it ends up somewhere where it's able to get some mutations that maybe are bad news for humans."
- What can sequencing tell us? -
"The most reliable way to detect the presence of this variant is through sequencing.
"It's through sequencing that we can see something start to behave differently.
"The main thing is tracking these different variants and trying to identify are any of these variants indicative of something worrying, like increased transmission or resistance to a vaccine or worse clinical outcomes?
"This is almost certainly not going to be the last variant that we're interesting in knowing where it is and how it's travelling."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Iran nuclear deal parties eye US return to accord

The killing of top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has heightened tensions in the region The remaining parties to the ailing 2015 Iran nuclear deal said Monday that they were preparing for the possible return of the US to the pact as President-elect Joe Biden readies to take office next month .
Biden , who takes office on January 20 , has signalled Washington would rejoin the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action ( JCPOA ) that was aimed at limiting Iran 's nuclear programme .
The deal has been unravelling ever since outgoing President Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic sanctions on Tehran .
`` Ministers acknowledged the prospect of a return of the US to the JCPOA and underlined their readiness to positively address this in a joint effort , '' a statement on behalf of ministers from Iran , China , Russia , Germany , France and the UK said after Monday morning 's online meeting .
Tehran has retaliated to US sanctions by progressively abandoning limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the deal .
Most recently Iran announced it planning to install advanced centrifuges at Iran 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a plan condemned by France , Germany and Britain -- collectively known as the `` E3 '' -- as `` deeply worrying '' .
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the change of administration in the US meant that there was `` a last window '' for progress that `` should n't be wasted '' .
`` There can be no more tactical manoeuvres of the kind we have seen all too often recently , '' Maas warned at a press conference , adding that such actions `` would only further undermine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dominic Raab said that at the meeting he had `` made it absolutely clear Iran must not implement the recently announced expansions to its nuclear programme '' .
`` To do so would undermine the opportunities for progress we hope to see in 2021 , '' Raab added in a tweet .
The assassination last month of prominent Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has heightened tensions in the region , with Iran blaming the killing on Israel .
In the wake of Fakhrizadeh 's death , Iranian MPs passed a bill calling for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and an end to inspections of nuclear facilities by the UN watchdog , the International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) .
The Iranian foreign ministry said it did not agree with the bill and President Hassan Rouhani has suggested he will not sign it into law .
The end of IAEA inspections in Iran would probably mark a fatal blow to the accord 's chances of survival .
The statement issued after Monday 's meeting `` stressed the importance of continued good faith cooperation with the IAEA '' .

Vienna (AFP) –
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The remaining parties to the ailing 2015 Iran nuclear deal said Monday that they were preparing for the possible return of the US to the pact as President-elect Joe Biden readies to take office next month.
Biden, who takes office on January 20, has signalled Washington would rejoin the so-called Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) that was aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear programme.
The deal has been unravelling ever since outgoing President Donald Trump dramatically withdrew from it in May 2018 and imposed crippling economic sanctions on Tehran.
"Ministers acknowledged the prospect of a return of the US to the JCPOA and underlined their readiness to positively address this in a joint effort," a statement on behalf of ministers from Iran, China, Russia, Germany, France and the UK said after Monday morning's online meeting.
Tehran has retaliated to US sanctions by progressively abandoning limits on its nuclear activity laid down in the deal.
Most recently Iran announced it planning to install advanced centrifuges at Iran's main nuclear enrichment plant in Natanz, a plan condemned by France, Germany and Britain -- collectively known as the "E3" -- as "deeply worrying".
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said that the change of administration in the US meant that there was "a last window" for progress that "shouldn't be wasted".
"There can be no more tactical manoeuvres of the kind we have seen all too often recently," Maas warned at a press conference, adding that such actions "would only further undermine the agreement".
His British counterpart Dominic Raab said that at the meeting he had "made it absolutely clear Iran must not implement the recently announced expansions to its nuclear programme".
"To do so would undermine the opportunities for progress we hope to see in 2021," Raab added in a tweet.
The assassination last month of prominent Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh has heightened tensions in the region, with Iran blaming the killing on Israel.
In the wake of Fakhrizadeh's death, Iranian MPs passed a bill calling for further expansion to Iran's nuclear programme and an end to inspections of nuclear facilities by the UN watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Iranian foreign ministry said it did not agree with the bill and President Hassan Rouhani has suggested he will not sign it into law.
The end of IAEA inspections in Iran would probably mark a fatal blow to the accord's chances of survival.
The statement issued after Monday's meeting "stressed the importance of continued good faith cooperation with the IAEA".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Thai PM blames migrant workers for market coronavirus outbreak

People waiting to get tested for coronavirus at a seafood market in Samut Sakhon Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Monday blamed a coronavirus outbreak linked to the kingdom 's largest seafood market on low-paid migrant workers employed in the country 's lucrative shrimp industry .
Thailand has been on high alert since Thursday when a 67-year-old prawn seller from Mahachai market tested positive for coronavirus .
Contact tracing and mass testing found more than 800 cases so far linked to the site -- a major outbreak for a country which previously had just 4,000 confirmed infections .
The majority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Myanmar , who toil on shrimping boats and in processing factories linked to the multi-billion-dollar Thai seafood industry .
On Monday Prayut blamed the outbreak on factories employing illegal migrant workers , who he accused of illegally crossing the porous Myanmar-Thailand border .
`` They snuck out and came back in , '' he said .
Thailand shares a 2,400-kilometre ( 1,500-mile ) border with Myanmar -- which has seen an alarming spike since August and still registers some 1,000 new cases a day .
`` I have told authorities there must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said , adding that he was hopeful the situation would improve in a week .
Health officials said the infection rate at Mahachai market is `` about 42 percent '' .
The market and its vicinity have been on lockdown since Saturday with the thousands living there barred from leaving .
On Monday the market was ringed by barbed wire and authorities distributed food to workers quarantined inside .
Myanmar shrimp transporter Min Min Tun said it was `` unfair and one-sided '' that Thais were blaming them without evidence .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about who has tested positive , causing fear in the worker community .
`` We could all be infected since we do n't have the information who to avoid and where not to go , '' he said .
Thailand 's economy is highly reliant on millions of low-wage labourers from neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia who keep the kingdom 's seafood , manufacturing , construction and service sectors humming .
But the migrant workforce faces widespread discrimination , and the outbreak has ignited anti-Myanmar sentiment among Thais -- including for those who live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mahachai .
`` I would not get close to them under any circumstances , '' said food vendor Maneerat Jekpan working outside the market , admitting she was `` anti-Burmese '' .
Despite her animosity , she still brought food to the quarantined workers because she was `` worried they wouldn ’ t have anything to eat '' .

Samut Sakhon (Thailand) (AFP) –
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Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Monday blamed a coronavirus outbreak linked to the kingdom's largest seafood market on low-paid migrant workers employed in the country's lucrative shrimp industry.
Thailand has been on high alert since Thursday when a 67-year-old prawn seller from Mahachai market tested positive for coronavirus.
Contact tracing and mass testing found more than 800 cases so far linked to the site -- a major outbreak for a country which previously had just 4,000 confirmed infections.
The majority of the new cases are workers from Myanmar, who toil on shrimping boats and in processing factories linked to the multi-billion-dollar Thai seafood industry.
On Monday Prayut blamed the outbreak on factories employing illegal migrant workers, who he accused of illegally crossing the porous Myanmar-Thailand border.
"They snuck out and came back in," he said.
Thailand shares a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) border with Myanmar -- which has seen an alarming spike since August and still registers some 1,000 new cases a day.
"I have told authorities there must be a system to trace workers," he said, adding that he was hopeful the situation would improve in a week.
Health officials said the infection rate at Mahachai market is "about 42 percent".
The market and its vicinity have been on lockdown since Saturday with the thousands living there barred from leaving.
On Monday the market was ringed by barbed wire and authorities distributed food to workers quarantined inside.
Myanmar shrimp transporter Min Min Tun said it was "unfair and one-sided" that Thais were blaming them without evidence.
He added that no information has been provided about who has tested positive, causing fear in the worker community.
"We could all be infected since we don't have the information who to avoid and where not to go," he said.
Thailand's economy is highly reliant on millions of low-wage labourers from neighbouring Myanmar and Cambodia who keep the kingdom's seafood, manufacturing, construction and service sectors humming.
But the migrant workforce faces widespread discrimination, and the outbreak has ignited anti-Myanmar sentiment among Thais -- including for those who live and work among the Myanmar community in Mahachai.
"I would not get close to them under any circumstances," said food vendor Maneerat Jekpan working outside the market, admitting she was "anti-Burmese".
Despite her animosity, she still brought food to the quarantined workers because she was "worried they wouldn’t have anything to eat".
burs-dhc/pdw/fox
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Tense atmosphere for UK passengers held at German airports

British travellers still flying into Germany on Sunday were prevented from leaving the airport German national Sabrina Dinkler-Stemme said she was treated like a `` criminal '' as she stepped off a flight from Britain and found herself blocked at Hanover airport .
`` I was completely encircled by the police .
I was outside in the rain .
We could not move because we were blocked with another 70 passengers , '' she recounted of her ordeal on Sunday evening .
Dinkler-Stemme had been on one of the last flights from Britain to arrive in Germany before a temporary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the United Kingdom after a new strain of coronavirus was detected there .
`` There was no information given to us except a police officer who told me : 'it 's your fault , you knew and you still took the flight ' , '' said Dinkler-Stemme .
British travellers still flying into Germany on Sunday were prevented from leaving the airport , with health officials and nurses -- some dressed in hazmat suits -- administering immediate Covid-19 tests .
The measures hit those arriving in Hanover from Britain , who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not allowed to leave until they received a negative test result on Monday morning .
The terminal 's officials set up camp beds to help passengers spend the night .
Among the stranded travellers , the atmosphere was tense .
`` We are at Hanover airport and we are held against our will , we were tested and were prohibited from leaving the premises while awaiting the results , '' said Manuela Thomys , in a video shared online by German daily Bild .
Groups of people including a nine-month-old baby can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help us leave ! ''
Thomys says .
`` We 're all exhausted , many people are crying .
Everyone 's talking to their family members .
It 's really an uncomfortable situation when all we want to do it to go home , '' said another passenger who only gave her name as Sophie .
Local authorities have apologised for the inconvenience caused ahead of Christmas .
`` Our aim is to prevent the new variant of the virus from entering the region , '' Hanover health official Andreas Kranz explained to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were finally allowed to leave on Monday morning as results came in , with one person testing positive , the city of Hanover said in a statement .
Further tests will be carried out to see if the positive test is of the new mutant strain .
The affected passenger and others who were accompaning the individual were taken to their residence where they are to be quarantined , the city added .
Similar scenes were unfolding in other German airports , including Frankfurt where 157 people arriving from Britain and South Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ virus has also been detected -- are blocked .
`` We took care of them by distributing camp beds , drinks and food , '' sai Christian Engel , a spokesman at the airport .
Around half of the group have been tested and are awaiting their results while tests are ongoing for the remaining passengers , said police .
Germany reported a record in daily new infections on Thursday , surpassing the 30,000 mark for the first time , and has recorded a total of 24,125 deaths .
Scientists first discovered the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they believe is 70 percent more transmissible -- in a patient in September .
Europe last week became the first region in the world to pass 500,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic began a year ago .
A spokeswoman for the World Health Organization told AFP that `` across Europe , where transmission is intense and widespread , countries need to redouble their control and prevention approaches . ''

Berlin (AFP) –
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German national Sabrina Dinkler-Stemme said she was treated like a "criminal" as she stepped off a flight from Britain and found herself blocked at Hanover airport.
"I was completely encircled by the police. I was outside in the rain. We could not move because we were blocked with another 70 passengers," she recounted of her ordeal on Sunday evening.
Dinkler-Stemme had been on one of the last flights from Britain to arrive in Germany before a temporary ban kicked in from midnight stopping arrivals from the United Kingdom after a new strain of coronavirus was detected there.
"There was no information given to us except a police officer who told me: 'it's your fault, you knew and you still took the flight'," said Dinkler-Stemme.
British travellers still flying into Germany on Sunday were prevented from leaving the airport, with health officials and nurses -- some dressed in hazmat suits -- administering immediate Covid-19 tests.
The measures hit those arriving in Hanover from Britain, who were kept overnight in the airport and were not allowed to leave until they received a negative test result on Monday morning.
The terminal's officials set up camp beds to help passengers spend the night.
Among the stranded travellers, the atmosphere was tense.
"We are at Hanover airport and we are held against our will, we were tested and were prohibited from leaving the premises while awaiting the results," said Manuela Thomys, in a video shared online by German daily Bild.
Groups of people including a nine-month-old baby can be seen in the clip. "Please help us leave!" Thomys says.
"We're all exhausted, many people are crying. Everyone's talking to their family members. It's really an uncomfortable situation when all we want to do it to go home," said another passenger who only gave her name as Sophie.
- 157 blocked in Frankfurt -
Local authorities have apologised for the inconvenience caused ahead of Christmas.
"Our aim is to prevent the new variant of the virus from entering the region," Hanover health official Andreas Kranz explained to German news wire DPA.
The passengers were finally allowed to leave on Monday morning as results came in, with one person testing positive, the city of Hanover said in a statement.
Further tests will be carried out to see if the positive test is of the new mutant strain.
The affected passenger and others who were accompaning the individual were taken to their residence where they are to be quarantined, the city added.
Similar scenes were unfolding in other German airports, including Frankfurt where 157 people arriving from Britain and South Africa -- where the mutant strain of the virus has also been detected -- are blocked.
"We took care of them by distributing camp beds, drinks and food," sai Christian Engel, a spokesman at the airport.
Around half of the group have been tested and are awaiting their results while tests are ongoing for the remaining passengers, said police.
Germany reported a record in daily new infections on Thursday, surpassing the 30,000 mark for the first time, and has recorded a total of 24,125 deaths.
Scientists first discovered the new strain of the virus -- which they believe is 70 percent more transmissible -- in a patient in September.
Europe last week became the first region in the world to pass 500,000 deaths from Covid-19 since the pandemic began a year ago.
A spokeswoman for the World Health Organization told AFP that "across Europe, where transmission is intense and widespread, countries need to redouble their control and prevention approaches."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--De Kock wants to safeguard future cricket tours to S.Africa

South African captain Quinton de Kock said on Monday he and his players felt a responsibility to ensure future tours of South Africa can take place by strictly adhering to Covid-19 protocols .
He said the South African team were remaining in quarantine in a 'bio-bubble ' facility outside Pretoria ahead of a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka that starts in nearby Centurion on Saturday .
The players were adhering to a strict regime of room service meals , social distancing and training in small groups pending a Covid test on Tuesday .
Both teams are staying in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said there was no direct contact .
`` We can see them but we have our own boundaries and we can ’ t mingle . ''
The teams will stay at the same venue for the Tests in Centurion and Johannesburg , with both Test grounds within easy driving distance .
It is South Africa ’ s second experience of life in a bio-secure ‘ bubble ’ following the ill-fated white-ball series against England which was called off early because of positive coronavirus tests , which were later found to be false positives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Africa last weekend for the Test matches , doubts have been expressed about Australia fulfilling a planned Test series in South Africa early next year .
The South Africans assembled on Saturday and were immediately tested for the virus .
All tests came back negative but De Kock said full training would only start after the results of Tuesday ’ s second round of tests were received .
`` Obviously we ’ ve got that bit of responsibility but it ’ s not much you can ’ t handle , '' said De @ @ @ @ @ @ @ small part we can play in ensuring future tours in bubble life and Covid times . ''
The South African squad was reduced from 19 to 17 players when two tested positive for Covid last week .
A team spokesperson said the names could not be released for medical and labour relations reasons but that a new squad list would be announced after the next round of Covid tests , which will enable deductions to be made about who is missing .
De Kock , South Africa ’ s regular white-ball captain , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ captain as a short-term measure for seven Test matches during the current season , “ until someone really puts up their hand .
The guys are looking for a long-term leadership role and I won ’ t be doing that.
” Although the original reason for De Kock not being made Test captain was an overload of responsibility on him as a leading batsman as well as wicketkeeper , he said he would continue as wicketkeeper in the forthcoming series .
De Kock said his objective for the Test season was to hasten @ @ @ @ @ @ @ South Africa needing to make up too much ground to be a factor in the world Test championship .
“ We doubt whether we ’ ll be playing in the final of the championship , ” he said .
“ We have young players who need to learn – and to learn fast .
I want the new guys to come in and start putting up their names . ''
De Kock said he expected the pitches in Centurion and Johannesburg to have pace and bounce .
He said South Africa wanted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an attempt to reverse a 2-0 series loss when Sri Lanka toured in 2018/19 .

Pretoria (AFP) –
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South African captain Quinton de Kock said on Monday he and his players felt a responsibility to ensure future tours of South Africa can take place by strictly adhering to Covid-19 protocols.
He said the South African team were remaining in quarantine in a 'bio-bubble' facility outside Pretoria ahead of a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka that starts in nearby Centurion on Saturday.
The players were adhering to a strict regime of room service meals, social distancing and training in small groups pending a Covid test on Tuesday.
Both teams are staying in the same country club facility but De Kock said there was no direct contact.
"We can see them but we have our own boundaries and we can’t mingle."
The teams will stay at the same venue for the Tests in Centurion and Johannesburg, with both Test grounds within easy driving distance.
It is South Africa’s second experience of life in a bio-secure ‘bubble’ following the ill-fated white-ball series against England which was called off early because of positive coronavirus tests, which were later found to be false positives.
Although Sri Lanka arrived in South Africa last weekend for the Test matches, doubts have been expressed about Australia fulfilling a planned Test series in South Africa early next year.
The South Africans assembled on Saturday and were immediately tested for the virus. All tests came back negative but De Kock said full training would only start after the results of Tuesday’s second round of tests were received.
"Obviously we’ve got that bit of responsibility but it’s not much you can’t handle," said De Kock.
"It's just a small part we can play in ensuring future tours in bubble life and Covid times."
The South African squad was reduced from 19 to 17 players when two tested positive for Covid last week. A team spokesperson said the names could not be released for medical and labour relations reasons but that a new squad list would be announced after the next round of Covid tests, which will enable deductions to be made about who is missing.
De Kock, South Africa’s regular white-ball captain, said he had agreed to be Test captain as a short-term measure for seven Test matches during the current season, “until someone really puts up their hand. The guys are looking for a long-term leadership role and I won’t be doing that.”
Although the original reason for De Kock not being made Test captain was an overload of responsibility on him as a leading batsman as well as wicketkeeper, he said he would continue as wicketkeeper in the forthcoming series.
De Kock said his objective for the Test season was to hasten the development of young players, with South Africa needing to make up too much ground to be a factor in the world Test championship.
“We doubt whether we’ll be playing in the final of the championship,” he said. “We have young players who need to learn – and to learn fast. I want the new guys to come in and start putting up their names."
De Kock said he expected the pitches in Centurion and Johannesburg to have pace and bounce. He said South Africa wanted to play clever, aggressive Test cricket in an attempt to reverse a 2-0 series loss when Sri Lanka toured in 2018/19.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Nationalists win vote in Bosnia's divided Mostar

Contact between the two communities in Mostar -- which is known for its historic World Heritage Site Old Bridge -- are still minimal in what was once the former Yugoslavia 's most cosmopolitan city Nationalist parties have won a weekend election in Mostar , the Bosnian city that symbolises the communal splits and broken politics that have haunted the country since the 1990s war .
Sunday 's vote was the first local election in 12 years in Mostar , which remains divided on ethnic lines between predominately Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks .
The main Croat party the HDZ won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was also leading across Mostar , with more than 37 percent of the vote , according to preliminary results announced by the electoral commission on Monday .
The country 's main Bosniak coalition , led by the Muslim Party of Democratic Action ( SDA ) , was trailing behind with 29 percent .
The city of 100,000 people has not had a local vote since 2008 because the two parties could not agree on the legalities around organising an election .
Contact between the two communities in Mostar -- which is known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- are still minimal in what was once the former Yugoslavia 's most cosmopolitan city .
According to HDZ head Dragan Covic , the candidate who headed the party 's election list , Mostar doctor Mario Kordic will become mayor .
`` We want to transform Mostar into a European town , that is the message for all Mostar 's inhabitants , regardless of their nationality , '' Covic said Sunday .
The new mayor will be elected by the 35-seat municipal council that should be formed after the results are confirmed , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two nationalist parties have run the city together without interruption since the end of Bosnia 's 1992-1995 war which left 100,000 people dead .
Sunday 's vote took place after a Mostar resident sued Bosnia at the European Court of Human Rights , which ordered the state to organise municipal elections in the city .
But Irma Baralija 's court victory failed to transfer to the ballot box , where turnout on Sunday was only 55 percent .
And her Nasa Stranka ( Our Party ) , which was allied with another multi-ethnic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 11 percent .
`` I know it is not the end of nationalism or nationalists , but I am convinced it is the beginning of the end , '' said Nasa Stranka leader Pedja Kojovic .

Sarajevo (AFP) –
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Nationalist parties have won a weekend election in Mostar, the Bosnian city that symbolises the communal splits and broken politics that have haunted the country since the 1990s war.
Sunday's vote was the first local election in 12 years in Mostar, which remains divided on ethnic lines between predominately Catholic Croats and Muslim Bosniaks.
The main Croat party the HDZ won in the city's Croat zones and was also leading across Mostar, with more than 37 percent of the vote, according to preliminary results announced by the electoral commission on Monday.
The country's main Bosniak coalition, led by the Muslim Party of Democratic Action (SDA), was trailing behind with 29 percent.
The city of 100,000 people has not had a local vote since 2008 because the two parties could not agree on the legalities around organising an election.
Contact between the two communities in Mostar -- which is known for its historic World Heritage Site Old Bridge -- are still minimal in what was once the former Yugoslavia's most cosmopolitan city.
According to HDZ head Dragan Covic, the candidate who headed the party's election list, Mostar doctor Mario Kordic will become mayor.
"We want to transform Mostar into a European town, that is the message for all Mostar's inhabitants, regardless of their nationality," Covic said Sunday.
The new mayor will be elected by the 35-seat municipal council that should be formed after the results are confirmed, which could take several weeks.
The two nationalist parties have run the city together without interruption since the end of Bosnia's 1992-1995 war which left 100,000 people dead.
Sunday's vote took place after a Mostar resident sued Bosnia at the European Court of Human Rights, which ordered the state to organise municipal elections in the city.
But Irma Baralija's court victory failed to transfer to the ballot box, where turnout on Sunday was only 55 percent.
And her Nasa Stranka (Our Party), which was allied with another multi-ethnic grouping for the election, scored just 11 percent.
"I know it is not the end of nationalism or nationalists, but I am convinced it is the beginning of the end," said Nasa Stranka leader Pedja Kojovic.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--Turkish court sentences Kurdish ex-MP to 22 years

A Turkish court on Monday sentenced a prominent Kurdish former lawmaker who went on a months-long hunger strike to more than 22 years in jail on terror-related charges .
Leyla Guven , an opposition Peoples ' Democratic Party ( HDP ) deputy who was stripped of her parliamentary immunity in June , was convicted of membership of a terror group and disseminating terror propaganda for outlawed Kurdish militants , an AFP reporter said .
The 56-year-old gained international attention by launching a 200-day hunger strike in 2018 in a bid to end jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan 's isolation by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lawyers .
Ocalan 's Kurdistan Workers ' Party ( PKK ) , which is blacklisted by Ankara and its Western allies as a terror group , has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that has killed tens of thousands .
The government has jailed dozens of mayors and other HDP officials in the past year over the party 's suspected links to the PKK , which it strongly denies .
The crackdown has alarmed global human rights groups and further strained Turkey 's uneasy relations with the European Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nationalist policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan .
Guven was not present at Monday 's court hearing in the predominantly Kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir , and her whereabouts were not immediately clear .
Her legal team told AFP it would appeal the verdict .
The court ordered Guven 's immediate arrest .
Ocalan has been serving a life sentence for treason on a prison island off Istanbul since his 1999 capture in Kenya by the Turkish MIT intelligence service .
Despite his almost complete isolation , he remains a dominant , almost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the movement generally in Turkey , Syria and Iraq .
In May last year , Ocalan called for an end to hunger strikes by thousands of jailed supporters in Turkey , who were surviving by drinking only salty and sugary water .
Ocalan was allowed to meet his brother Mehmet for the first time in more than two years on January 12 last year , but details of the meeting have not been made public .
In May last year , he was granted permission to see his lawyers for the first time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody on separate charges when she launched her hunger strike .
She was freed under judicial control last year after serving a one-year term for labelling the Turkish military operation against a Syrian Kurdish militia an `` invasion '' .
`` I uttered a scream in the dark ...
I started by daring to die for this cause , '' Guven told AFP in an interview at her home last year when she was on the hunger strike .
Guven 's daughter Sabiha Temizkan said her mother was convicted for her work with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) , a civil society group which has not been banned by the Turkish state but remains under close scrutiny .
In a tweet , Temizkan called the Turkish government `` the enemy of the law '' .

Diyarbakir (Turkey) (AFP) –
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A Turkish court on Monday sentenced a prominent Kurdish former lawmaker who went on a months-long hunger strike to more than 22 years in jail on terror-related charges.
Leyla Guven, an opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) deputy who was stripped of her parliamentary immunity in June, was convicted of membership of a terror group and disseminating terror propaganda for outlawed Kurdish militants, an AFP reporter said.
The 56-year-old gained international attention by launching a 200-day hunger strike in 2018 in a bid to end jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan's isolation by securing him access to his family and lawyers.
Ocalan's Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is blacklisted by Ankara and its Western allies as a terror group, has been waging an insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984 that has killed tens of thousands.
The government has jailed dozens of mayors and other HDP officials in the past year over the party's suspected links to the PKK, which it strongly denies.
The crackdown has alarmed global human rights groups and further strained Turkey's uneasy relations with the European Union, which is increasingly concerned by the nationalist policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Guven was not present at Monday's court hearing in the predominantly Kurdish southeastern city of Diyarbakir, and her whereabouts were not immediately clear.
Her legal team told AFP it would appeal the verdict. The court ordered Guven's immediate arrest.
- 'Enemy of the law'-
Ocalan has been serving a life sentence for treason on a prison island off Istanbul since his 1999 capture in Kenya by the Turkish MIT intelligence service.
Despite his almost complete isolation, he remains a dominant, almost legendary figure of the Kurdish insurgency and the movement generally in Turkey, Syria and Iraq.
In May last year, Ocalan called for an end to hunger strikes by thousands of jailed supporters in Turkey, who were surviving by drinking only salty and sugary water.
Ocalan was allowed to meet his brother Mehmet for the first time in more than two years on January 12 last year, but details of the meeting have not been made public.
In May last year, he was granted permission to see his lawyers for the first time in eight years.
Guven was in custody on separate charges when she launched her hunger strike.
She was freed under judicial control last year after serving a one-year term for labelling the Turkish military operation against a Syrian Kurdish militia an "invasion".
"I uttered a scream in the dark... I started by daring to die for this cause," Guven told AFP in an interview at her home last year when she was on the hunger strike.
Guven's daughter Sabiha Temizkan said her mother was convicted for her work with the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Congress (DTK), a civil society group which has not been banned by the Turkish state but remains under close scrutiny.
In a tweet, Temizkan called the Turkish government "the enemy of the law".
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-12-21--EU fishers still hopeful of compromise on UK fishing rights

EU fishers still hopeful of compromise on UK fishing rights Denmark hopes the EU can reach a last-minute compromise on @ @ @ @ @ as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit scenario looms large .
Kenn Skau Fischer , @ @ @ @ @ Organisation , says nearly one-third of the country 's catch by value currently comes from @ @ @

EU fishers still hopeful of compromise on UK fishing rights
03:15
Denmark hopes the EU can reach a last-minute compromise on fishing in UK waters, as the prospect of a no-deal Brexit scenario looms large. Kenn Skau Fischer, CEO of the Danish Fishers Organisation, says nearly one-third of the country's catch by value currently comes from UK waters.