france24--2020-11-13--More Republicans urge Trump to allow Biden intelligence briefings

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden departs after spending the day at the theatre serving as his transition headquarters in Wilmington , Delaware , U.S. November 10 , 2020 .
More Republican lawmakers said on Thursday the Trump administration should allow Joe Biden to receive intelligence briefings , in a tacit acknowledgement the Democrat may soon occupy the White House despite the president 's refusal to concede .
Most Republican officials and lawmakers have publicly supported President Donald Trump 's effort to overturn the election results via a series of lawsuits filed in individual states , following the president 's unfounded claims @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meanwhile , has been moving ahead with the work of preparing to govern , and spoke with Pope Francis as his fellow Democrats in Congress blasted Republican election `` shenanigans '' and urged action on the coronavirus pandemic .
With a few states still counting ballots , Biden has won enough election battleground states to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed in the state-by-state Electoral College that determines the next president .
Biden is also winning the popular vote by more than 5.2 million votes , or 3.4 percentage points .
A growing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cornyn , Ron Johnson , James Lankford , Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham , urged Trump 's administration to allow Biden access to presidential daily intelligence briefings .
The president-elect traditionally receives such briefings from the intelligence community to learn of threats facing the United States before taking office .
`` I do n't see it as a high-risk proposition .
I just think it 's part of the transition .
And , uh , if in fact he does win in the end , I think they need to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told reporters .
He refused to say that Biden had won , however .
When reporters asked Graham , a vocal Trump defender , if the briefings should proceed , he responded , `` I think so , yeah . ''
`` He 's not president right now .
I do n't know if he 'll be president January 20th , '' McCarthy said , refusing to acknowledge Trump 's defeat .
The two top Democrats in Congress - House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer - on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to engage with Biden 's transition team .
The Democratic leaders also urged Republicans to join them in passing legislation to address the pandemic and buttress the battered economy .
`` The Republicans should stop their shenanigans about an election that President Trump has already lost and focus their attention on the immediate issue at hand - providing relief to a country living through the COVID health and economic crisis , '' Schumer said .
Biden , who is set to become the first Roman Catholic U.S. president since John Kennedy in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday , thanking him for his `` blessing and congratulations , '' his transition team said .
Biden told the pontiff he wanted to work together on issues including caring for the poor , addressing climate change , and welcoming immigrants and refugees , it said .
Biden has focused on planning his administration , with attention expected to shift to his selections for key Cabinet posts ahead of taking office .
His team said Biden was meeting with transition advisers on Thursday in Delaware .
He named longtime adviser Ron Klain on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , his first major appointment .
Klain is expected to take a leading role in Biden 's response to the intensifying pandemic that has killed more than 242,000 Americans , with a record 142,000 new COVID-19 cases registered on Wednesday .
Trump , who has flouted public-health recommendations on mask-wearing and social-distancing , was hospitalized with COVID-19 last month .
Many Trump associates have become infected , with close adviser Corey Lewandowski on Thursday becoming the latest .
On Thursday , Pennsylvania officials asked a federal judge to throw out a Trump lawsuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its results .
Biden leads Trump in the swing state by more than 53,000 votes .
The Trump campaign has filed multiple lawsuits challenging the vote counts in individual states .
Legal experts have said the litigation stands little chance of altering the outcome , and state election officials have said they saw no evidence of serious irregularities or fraud .
In a sign of weakening support for Trump 's efforts to claim widespread election fraud , Ohio 's Governor Mike DeWine , a Republican who endorsed Trump , on Thursday told CNN @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vice president as the president-elect . ''
The Las Vegas Review-Journal , owned by major Republican donor Sheldon Adelson , ran an editorial saying Trump `` seeks to delay the inevitable . ''
`` There is no evidence that fraud cost Mr. Trump the election , no matter how much the president tweets the opposite and his supporters wish it , '' the editorial said .
Karl Rove , White House deputy chief of staff to Republican former President George W. Bush , wrote in the Wall Street Journal that `` once his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president should do his part to unite the country by leading a peaceful transition and letting grievances go . ''

More Republican lawmakers said on Thursday the Trump administration should allow Joe Biden to receive intelligence briefings, in a tacit acknowledgement the Democrat may soon occupy the White House despite the president's refusal to concede.
U.S. President-elect Joe Biden departs after spending the day at the theatre serving as his transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. November 10, 2020.
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Most Republican officials and lawmakers have publicly supported President Donald Trump's effort to overturn the election results via a series of lawsuits filed in individual states, following the president's unfounded claims of widespread voting fraud.
Biden, meanwhile, has been moving ahead with the work of preparing to govern, and spoke with Pope Francis as his fellow Democrats in Congress blasted Republican election "shenanigans" and urged action on the coronavirus pandemic.
With a few states still counting ballots, Biden has won enough election battleground states to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed in the state-by-state Electoral College that determines the next president. Biden is also winning the popular vote by more than 5.2 million votes, or 3.4 percentage points.
A growing number of Republican senators, including John Cornyn, Ron Johnson, James Lankford, Chuck Grassley and Lindsey Graham, urged Trump's administration to allow Biden access to presidential daily intelligence briefings.
The president-elect traditionally receives such briefings from the intelligence community to learn of threats facing the United States before taking office.
"I don't see it as a high-risk proposition. I just think it's part of the transition. And, uh, if in fact he does win in the end, I think they need to be able to hit the ground running," Cornyn told reporters. He refused to say that Biden had won, however.
When reporters asked Graham, a vocal Trump defender, if the briefings should proceed, he responded, "I think so, yeah."
The top House Republican, Kevin McCarthy, opposed the idea.
"He's not president right now. I don't know if he'll be president January 20th," McCarthy said, refusing to acknowledge Trump's defeat.
The two top Democrats in Congress - House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer - on Thursday decried the Trump administration's refusal to engage with Biden's transition team.
The Democratic leaders also urged Republicans to join them in passing legislation to address the pandemic and buttress the battered economy.
"The Republicans should stop their shenanigans about an election that President Trump has already lost and focus their attention on the immediate issue at hand - providing relief to a country living through the COVID health and economic crisis," Schumer said.
Biden, who is set to become the first Roman Catholic U.S. president since John Kennedy in the 1960s, spoke with the pope on Thursday, thanking him for his "blessing and congratulations," his transition team said.
Biden told the pontiff he wanted to work together on issues including caring for the poor, addressing climate change, and welcoming immigrants and refugees, it said.
Pandemic in focus
Biden has focused on planning his administration, with attention expected to shift to his selections for key Cabinet posts ahead of taking office. His team said Biden was meeting with transition advisers on Thursday in Delaware.
He named longtime adviser Ron Klain on Wednesday as White House chief of staff, his first major appointment. Klain is expected to take a leading role in Biden's response to the intensifying pandemic that has killed more than 242,000 Americans, with a record 142,000 new COVID-19 cases registered on Wednesday.
Trump, who has flouted public-health recommendations on mask-wearing and social-distancing, was hospitalized with COVID-19 last month. Many Trump associates have become infected, with close adviser Corey Lewandowski on Thursday becoming the latest.
On Thursday, Pennsylvania officials asked a federal judge to throw out a Trump lawsuit seeking to block the state from certifying its results. Biden leads Trump in the swing state by more than 53,000 votes.
The Trump campaign has filed multiple lawsuits challenging the vote counts in individual states. Legal experts have said the litigation stands little chance of altering the outcome, and state election officials have said they saw no evidence of serious irregularities or fraud.
In a sign of weakening support for Trump's efforts to claim widespread election fraud, Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican who endorsed Trump, on Thursday told CNN "we need to consider the former vice president as the president-elect."
The Las Vegas Review-Journal, owned by major Republican donor Sheldon Adelson, ran an editorial saying Trump "seeks to delay the inevitable."
"There is no evidence that fraud cost Mr. Trump the election, no matter how much the president tweets the opposite and his supporters wish it," the editorial said.
Karl Rove, White House deputy chief of staff to Republican former President George W. Bush, wrote in the Wall Street Journal that "once his days in court are over, the president should do his part to unite the country by leading a peaceful transition and letting grievances go."
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-11-13--Australia, NZealand to play trans-Tasman Super Rugby

Australia and New Zealand will play a trans-Tasman tournament next year Australia and New Zealand will play a trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition next year with five teams from each country , they announced Friday after settling a bitter row over how the sport would look post-pandemic .
The event will see 26 games over six weeks from May 14 , kicking off after each country completes a domestic tournament in what was described as `` a truly historic day for rugby in the southern hemisphere '' .
It comes after the two nations were at loggerheads over how many Australian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rugby initially suggested two to four , but this angered Rugby Australia , which was adamant all five of its franchises must participate .
`` It 's been a testing time for rugby in both countries , but also a chance to reimagine the game in our part of the world for 2021 , '' said NZR chief Mark Robinson .
`` The result is an exciting and innovative new competition , which will benefit fans , players , broadcasters and Super clubs . ''
The decision to press ahead follows South Africa @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teams -- the Bulls , Lions , Sharks and Stormers -- to seek entry into an expanded PRO14 tournament in Europe .
Those franchises were part of the southern hemisphere tournament until the coronavirus pandemic this year ended the competition in its five-nation , 15-team format .
With borders closed , Australia and New Zealand instead held domestic events , which proved successful and will continue next year before the trans-Tasman finale .
`` This is a truly historic day for rugby in the southern hemisphere , with the first-ever Australian and New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ RA interim chief Rob Clarke .
`` This will generate enormous excitement across both countries . ''
There have been suggestions that the Australia-New Zealand competition could be expanded to 12 teams in 2022 to include Pacific franchises , but this remains to be seen .
With South Africa looking to Europe and Japan 's Sunwolves on the scrapheap , Argentina 's Jaguares have been left out in the cold , with their future unclear .
Australia 's domestic Super Rugby AU is due to kick-off on February 19 when Queensland Reds face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on defending champions ACT Brumbies before culminating in a grand final on May 8 .
New Zealand 's Super Rugby Aotearoa starts a week later when Otago Highlanders play defending champions Canterbury Crusaders ahead of its climax on May 8 .
The trans-Tasman event is scheduled to begin a week later with the final on June 19 between the top two on the ladder .

Sydney (AFP) –
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Australia and New Zealand will play a trans-Tasman Super Rugby competition next year with five teams from each country, they announced Friday after settling a bitter row over how the sport would look post-pandemic.
The event will see 26 games over six weeks from May 14, kicking off after each country completes a domestic tournament in what was described as "a truly historic day for rugby in the southern hemisphere".
It comes after the two nations were at loggerheads over how many Australian teams would take part. New Zealand Rugby initially suggested two to four, but this angered Rugby Australia, which was adamant all five of its franchises must participate.
"It's been a testing time for rugby in both countries, but also a chance to reimagine the game in our part of the world for 2021," said NZR chief Mark Robinson.
"The result is an exciting and innovative new competition, which will benefit fans, players, broadcasters and Super clubs."
The decision to press ahead follows South Africa's move for its four Super Rugby teams -- the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers -- to seek entry into an expanded PRO14 tournament in Europe.
Those franchises were part of the southern hemisphere tournament until the coronavirus pandemic this year ended the competition in its five-nation, 15-team format.
With borders closed, Australia and New Zealand instead held domestic events, which proved successful and will continue next year before the trans-Tasman finale.
"This is a truly historic day for rugby in the southern hemisphere, with the first-ever Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby competition," said RA interim chief Rob Clarke.
"This will generate enormous excitement across both countries."
There have been suggestions that the Australia-New Zealand competition could be expanded to 12 teams in 2022 to include Pacific franchises, but this remains to be seen.
With South Africa looking to Europe and Japan's Sunwolves on the scrapheap, Argentina's Jaguares have been left out in the cold, with their future unclear.
Australia's domestic Super Rugby AU is due to kick-off on February 19 when Queensland Reds face the NSW Waratahs and Western Force take on defending champions ACT Brumbies before culminating in a grand final on May 8.
New Zealand's Super Rugby Aotearoa starts a week later when Otago Highlanders play defending champions Canterbury Crusaders ahead of its climax on May 8.
The trans-Tasman event is scheduled to begin a week later with the final on June 19 between the top two on the ladder.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Casey's sizzling 65 leads darkness-halted Masters

Paul Casey took full advantage of a three-hour storm delay , matching the lowest major round of his career with a seven-under par 65 Thursday to seize the lead at the Masters .
The Englishman awoke to heavy showers and was happy to wait before setting out on rain-soaked Augusta National .
`` I was not relishing the challenge ahead waking up in the rain this morning , '' Casey said .
`` That was a very good break I capitalized on because it was a glorious day for golf , really , after that . ''
There were 44 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday due to darkness because of the delay .
And that means Casey is unlikely to finish round two before sunset Friday .
But it was worth it .
Casey 's only other 65 in a major came in the final round of the 2018 Masters , but as he pondered a day with five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 second , the Englishman was bothered by shots he felt he left on the course .
`` It was a great round .
It was just very solid golf , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right things when I needed to .
`` You rarely walk off this golf course going , it could have been two or three better , but it kind of felt that way . ''
Casey is chasing his first major title at age 43 but had his best major finish , a runner-up spot , in August at the PGA Championship .
He has struggled with finding the electricity and inspiration playing without spectators since the return from the Covid-19 shutdown .
`` I did n't know how the fanless experience would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've not enjoyed it , and I 've felt the lack of energy for me , '' Casey said .
`` I 've had nothing or very little to draw from being out playing tournament golf . ''
Even without spectators this week , Casey said , the Masters packs enough energy to inspire him .
`` The Masters , though , this week it still has a buzz to it .
There 's an energy and a little bit of a vibe , '' Casey said .
`` Yes , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are used to , but there 's something about this place that still I felt excited to be here .
`` It 's quite a special experience this week . ''
Casey attributes the emotions to the legends and legacy of Augusta National .
`` The golf course itself is part of it , the history of this tournament , '' he said .
`` It always has been and always will be a real treat .
It 's not lost on me . ''
Another Englishman chasing his first major , 47-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three back .
`` Zero surprise to see Westy .
He 's so good .
He continues to be world class , '' Casey said .
`` He knows this place better than I do .
Very few guys know it better than I do , but he 's one of them . ''
Westwood has 19 top-10 major finishes without a victory , including 2010 and 2016 Masters runner-up showings .
`` It 's nice to see my name up there , '' Westwood said .
`` Any time you shoot 68 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ championship , you 're pleased .
You 've played yourself right into contention . ''
It does n't hurt that this is his 19th Masters appearance .
`` It 's the kind of golf course that gives the older guys a chance , '' he said .
`` Experience counts for a lot around here .
It 's long .
You do n't have to be a bomber to get round it .
It gives you chances if you hit good shots and keep it in play . ''
He tried not to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` You can be a little more aggressive , I thought , but that 's when Augusta sucks you in , is n't it ? ''
he said .
`` When you 're too aggressive and you still miss it in the wrong place , you can find trouble . ''

Augusta (United States) (AFP) –
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Paul Casey took full advantage of a three-hour storm delay, matching the lowest major round of his career with a seven-under par 65 Thursday to seize the lead at the Masters.
The Englishman awoke to heavy showers and was happy to wait before setting out on rain-soaked Augusta National.
"I was not relishing the challenge ahead waking up in the rain this morning," Casey said. "That was a very good break I capitalized on because it was a glorious day for golf, really, after that."
There were 44 players who must finish their first round Friday due to darkness because of the delay. And that means Casey is unlikely to finish round two before sunset Friday. But it was worth it.
Casey's only other 65 in a major came in the final round of the 2018 Masters, but as he pondered a day with five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 second, the Englishman was bothered by shots he felt he left on the course.
"It was a great round. It was just very solid golf," he said. "I did the right things when I needed to.
"You rarely walk off this golf course going, it could have been two or three better, but it kind of felt that way."
Casey is chasing his first major title at age 43 but had his best major finish, a runner-up spot, in August at the PGA Championship.
He has struggled with finding the electricity and inspiration playing without spectators since the return from the Covid-19 shutdown.
"I didn't know how the fanless experience would be. And so far, I've not enjoyed it, and I've felt the lack of energy for me," Casey said.
"I've had nothing or very little to draw from being out playing tournament golf."
Even without spectators this week, Casey said, the Masters packs enough energy to inspire him.
"The Masters, though, this week it still has a buzz to it. There's an energy and a little bit of a vibe," Casey said. "Yes, it's clearly a lot less than what we are used to, but there's something about this place that still I felt excited to be here.
"It's quite a special experience this week."
Casey attributes the emotions to the legends and legacy of Augusta National.
"The golf course itself is part of it, the history of this tournament," he said. "It always has been and always will be a real treat. It's not lost on me."
- Westwood on his heels -
Another Englishman chasing his first major, 47-year-old Lee Westwood, shot 68 to stand three back.
"Zero surprise to see Westy. He's so good. He continues to be world class," Casey said. "He knows this place better than I do. Very few guys know it better than I do, but he's one of them."
Westwood has 19 top-10 major finishes without a victory, including 2010 and 2016 Masters runner-up showings.
"It's nice to see my name up there," Westwood said. "Any time you shoot 68 in the first round of a major championship, you're pleased. You've played yourself right into contention."
It doesn't hurt that this is his 19th Masters appearance.
"It's the kind of golf course that gives the older guys a chance," he said. "Experience counts for a lot around here. It's long. You don't have to be a bomber to get round it. It gives you chances if you hit good shots and keep it in play."
He tried not to be fooled by soggy conditions in places.
"You can be a little more aggressive, I thought, but that's when Augusta sucks you in, isn't it?" he said. "When you're too aggressive and you still miss it in the wrong place, you can find trouble."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-12--Scotland qualify for Euro 2020 to end long wait as North Macedonia make history

Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall celebrates with his teammates after his penalty save against Serbia sealed their place at Euro 2020 Scotland 's long major tournament exile is over after a penalty shoot-out win over Serbia in Belgrade secured their place at Euro 2020 on Thursday , while minnows North Macedonia will make their finals debut following a tense play-off win in Georgia .
Hungary and Slovakia also won to secure spots at the tournament which was postponed earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now set for June and July of 2021 .
An extra year 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who had gone through 10 failed qualifying campaigns since their last major tournament , the 1998 World Cup , and nearly threw away their play-off final against Serbia .
Steve Clarke 's team led courtesy of Ryan Christie 's strike early in the second half in the rain in Belgrade , but Luka Jovic headed in to make it 1-1 in the 90th minute , forcing extra time .
There were no more goals , and Scotland triumphed 5-4 on penalties as goalkeeper David Marshall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic 's last spot kick , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ empty stadium .
Unbeaten in nine games , Scotland can look forward to a trip to Wembley to play England , and will also face the Czech Republic and Croatia in Glasgow in Group D at the finals .
`` The way the game went tonight , conceding that late equaliser and still digging in .
Then big 'Marsh ' comes up , amazing , unbelievable , '' said Celtic star Christie .
Struggling to hold back tears , he added : `` I 'm gone .
It 's for the whole nation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for everyone .
We knew coming into the game we could give a little something to the country and I hope everyone back home is having a party tonight .
`` We 've been through so many years and it 's the monkey off the back now . ''
There was no such joy for Northern Ireland , who went to Euro 2016 but will miss out on the next European Championship after losing 2-1 in extra time to Slovakia in Belfast .
Milan Skriniar 's late own goal gave Ian Baraclough 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Slovakia ahead , but Michal Duris won it for Slovakia in the 110th minute .
Slovakia , who beat the Republic of Ireland on penalties in the semi-finals , will go into Group E at the finals with Poland , Spain and Sweden .
Hungary came from behind to stun Iceland and secure their place , two late goals in Budapest giving them a 2-1 victory .
Iceland looked set to reach a third straight major tournament after Gylfi Sigurdsson 's early free-kick slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 88th minute when Loic Nego , a naturalised Hungarian born in France , pounced to score after Kari Arnason diverted the ball into his path in the box .
And the home side grabbed the winner as Dominik Szoboszlai 's fine low effort sealed a 2-1 victory in the second minute of injury time .
Twice World Cup runners-up , Hungary ended a 30-year major tournament absence when they went to Euro 2016 and reached the last 16 .
They will go into Group F at the Euro and will come @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germany and reigning European champions Portugal , with two group games at home in Budapest .
North Macedonia will make their tournament debut after veteran 37-year-old striker Goran Pandev scored their winner in the 56th minute in Tbilisi .
A member of the Inter Milan side that won the 2010 Champions League , Pandev is now with Genoa and is his country 's all-time top goal-scorer .
The Balkan nation , who sit 65th in FIFA 's world rankings , will go into Group C alongside the Netherlands , Austria and Ukraine .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ reaching a major tournament before but were given a chance after the new UEFA Nations League offered a route to Europe 's traditional minnows .
One qualifying place was set aside to a team from the bottom League D , and North Macedonia topped a group with Armenia , Gibraltar and Liechtenstein before beating neighbours Kosovo 2-1 in the play-off semi-finals last month .
The delayed , 24-team Euro is set to be played in 12 cities across the continent , with the semi-finals and final at Wembley in London .

Paris (AFP) –
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Scotland's long major tournament exile is over after a penalty shoot-out win over Serbia in Belgrade secured their place at Euro 2020 on Thursday, while minnows North Macedonia will make their finals debut following a tense play-off win in Georgia.
Hungary and Slovakia also won to secure spots at the tournament which was postponed earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and is now set for June and July of 2021.
An extra year's wait will not matter to Scotland, who had gone through 10 failed qualifying campaigns since their last major tournament, the 1998 World Cup, and nearly threw away their play-off final against Serbia.
Steve Clarke's team led courtesy of Ryan Christie's strike early in the second half in the rain in Belgrade, but Luka Jovic headed in to make it 1-1 in the 90th minute, forcing extra time.
There were no more goals, and Scotland triumphed 5-4 on penalties as goalkeeper David Marshall saved Aleksandar Mitrovic's last spot kick, sparking joyous scenes of celebration in an empty stadium.
Unbeaten in nine games, Scotland can look forward to a trip to Wembley to play England, and will also face the Czech Republic and Croatia in Glasgow in Group D at the finals.
"The way the game went tonight, conceding that late equaliser and still digging in. Then big 'Marsh' comes up, amazing, unbelievable," said Celtic star Christie.
Struggling to hold back tears, he added: "I'm gone. It's for the whole nation, it's been a horrible year for everyone. We knew coming into the game we could give a little something to the country and I hope everyone back home is having a party tonight.
"We've been through so many years and it's the monkey off the back now."
- Northern Ireland denied -
There was no such joy for Northern Ireland, who went to Euro 2016 but will miss out on the next European Championship after losing 2-1 in extra time to Slovakia in Belfast.
Milan Skriniar's late own goal gave Ian Baraclough's side a lifeline after Juraj Kucka put Slovakia ahead, but Michal Duris won it for Slovakia in the 110th minute.
Slovakia, who beat the Republic of Ireland on penalties in the semi-finals, will go into Group E at the finals with Poland, Spain and Sweden.
Hungary came from behind to stun Iceland and secure their place, two late goals in Budapest giving them a 2-1 victory.
Iceland looked set to reach a third straight major tournament after Gylfi Sigurdsson's early free-kick slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi in the 11th minute.
However, Hungary equalised in the 88th minute when Loic Nego, a naturalised Hungarian born in France, pounced to score after Kari Arnason diverted the ball into his path in the box.
And the home side grabbed the winner as Dominik Szoboszlai's fine low effort sealed a 2-1 victory in the second minute of injury time.
Twice World Cup runners-up, Hungary ended a 30-year major tournament absence when they went to Euro 2016 and reached the last 16.
They will go into Group F at the Euro and will come up against World Cup holders France, Germany and reigning European champions Portugal, with two group games at home in Budapest.
- Pandev strike sinks Georgia -
North Macedonia will make their tournament debut after veteran 37-year-old striker Goran Pandev scored their winner in the 56th minute in Tbilisi.
A member of the Inter Milan side that won the 2010 Champions League, Pandev is now with Genoa and is his country's all-time top goal-scorer.
The Balkan nation, who sit 65th in FIFA's world rankings, will go into Group C alongside the Netherlands, Austria and Ukraine.
North Macedonia had never come close to reaching a major tournament before but were given a chance after the new UEFA Nations League offered a route to Europe's traditional minnows.
One qualifying place was set aside to a team from the bottom League D, and North Macedonia topped a group with Armenia, Gibraltar and Liechtenstein before beating neighbours Kosovo 2-1 in the play-off semi-finals last month.
The delayed, 24-team Euro is set to be played in 12 cities across the continent, with the semi-finals and final at Wembley in London.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-12--England coach Jones warns Georgia will be 'no tea party'

England coach Eddie Jones insisted on Thursday his side 's Autumn Nations Cup opener against Georgia will be `` no tea party '' even though the Six Nations champions will be firm favourites to win at Twickenham on Saturday .
Georgia 's only two previous Tests against England ended in 84-6 and 41-10 defeats , at the 2003 and 2011 World Cups respectively .
But the Lelos are renowned for their scrummage power and Jones still has vivid memories of a brawl with the England pack during an Oxford training session in February of last year .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be hell bent on making the game difficult .
Hell bent on making it a physical wrestle , '' he said after naming his team .
`` If you have a physical wrestle then it 's hard to move the ball .
The game itself we know is going to be a big physical test .
We 've got memories of what happened in Oxford .
When the first scrum went down they kept going .
`` So this is going to be no tea party , this is going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we 're prepared for that .
We 've picked a side for that . ''
Jones has given a Test debut to `` flipping tough '' flanker Jack Willis as last year 's losing World Cup finalists look to increase their squad depth ahead of the 2023 edition in France .
Willis won both the players ' and the English Premiership 's player of the year award during a 2019/20 season where the 23-year-old 's turnover skill helped Wasps reach the Premiership final .
`` Jack has got a good nose for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He gets himself into good positions .
He 's got good natural strength and he 's flipping tough . ''
The former Australia coach added : `` He reminds me a bit of Matt Cockbain , who played for the Wallabies during their most successful period in the early 2000s .
`` In Australian slang we 'd call him ( Willis ) a knockabout bloke .
He just gets on with it .
Nothing fazes him too much . ''
Jones added : `` You 've got to have plenty of courage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when you consider you 've got 130 kg blokes ready to clean you out -- and he does that consistently and a lot .
`` The big thing for Jack will be learning discernment .
He has to understand that at international level , he 's probably not going to get the leniency that he 's had at club level in keeping his hands on the ball . ''

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England coach Eddie Jones insisted on Thursday his side's Autumn Nations Cup opener against Georgia will be "no tea party" even though the Six Nations champions will be firm favourites to win at Twickenham on Saturday.
Georgia's only two previous Tests against England ended in 84-6 and 41-10 defeats, at the 2003 and 2011 World Cups respectively.
But the Lelos are renowned for their scrummage power and Jones still has vivid memories of a brawl with the England pack during an Oxford training session in February of last year.
"We're playing against a team that's going to be hell bent on making the game difficult. Hell bent on making it a physical wrestle," he said after naming his team.
"If you have a physical wrestle then it's hard to move the ball. The game itself we know is going to be a big physical test. We've got memories of what happened in Oxford. When the first scrum went down they kept going.
"So this is going to be no tea party, this is going to be a hard, tough, physical game and we're prepared for that. We've picked a side for that."
- 'Knockabout Willis' -
Jones has given a Test debut to "flipping tough" flanker Jack Willis as last year's losing World Cup finalists look to increase their squad depth ahead of the 2023 edition in France.
Willis won both the players' and the English Premiership's player of the year award during a 2019/20 season where the 23-year-old's turnover skill helped Wasps reach the Premiership final.
"Jack has got a good nose for the ball," said Jones. "He gets himself into good positions. He's got good natural strength and he's flipping tough."
The former Australia coach added: "He reminds me a bit of Matt Cockbain, who played for the Wallabies during their most successful period in the early 2000s.
"In Australian slang we'd call him (Willis) a knockabout bloke. He just gets on with it. Nothing fazes him too much."
Jones added: "You've got to have plenty of courage to put your head over the ball when you consider you've got 130 kg blokes ready to clean you out -- and he does that consistently and a lot.
"The big thing for Jack will be learning discernment. He has to understand that at international level, he's probably not going to get the leniency that he's had at club level in keeping his hands on the ball."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-12--Casey leads as darkness halts opening round of Masters

England 's Paul Casey fired a seven-under par 65 to own a two-stroke clubhouse lead as darkness halted Thursday 's opening round of the 84th Masters .
Casey , chasing his first major title , matched the lowest major round of his career to seize the lead over Americans Webb Simpson and Xander Schauffele .
Also on the course at five-under through 10 holes was American Justin Thomas , who opened with four birdies in his first five holes and birdied the 10th before play was halted .
A thunderstorm struck only 35 minutes after competition began at Augusta National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nearly three hours , ending any chance of the late starters finishing before sunset .
That was even with the tournament sending threesomes off the first and 10th tees in a bid to make the most of reduced autumn daylight compared to its usual April date , Covid-19 having caused the postponement and forced a ban on spectators .
World number one Dustin Johnson and England 's Justin Rose were both three-under through nine holes .
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy , trying to complete a career Grand Slam with a Masters victory @ @ @ @ @ @ @ holes .
McIlroy would join Woods , Nicklaus , Gary Player , Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen as the only career Slam winners with a victory .
Johnson is trying to win his second major title and become the first top-ranked player to win the Masters since Woods in 2002 .

Augusta (United States) (AFP) –
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England's Paul Casey fired a seven-under par 65 to own a two-stroke clubhouse lead as darkness halted Thursday's opening round of the 84th Masters.
Casey, chasing his first major title, matched the lowest major round of his career to seize the lead over Americans Webb Simpson and Xander Schauffele.
Also on the course at five-under through 10 holes was American Justin Thomas, who opened with four birdies in his first five holes and birdied the 10th before play was halted.
A thunderstorm struck only 35 minutes after competition began at Augusta National and idled the field of 92 for nearly three hours, ending any chance of the late starters finishing before sunset.
That was even with the tournament sending threesomes off the first and 10th tees in a bid to make the most of reduced autumn daylight compared to its usual April date, Covid-19 having caused the postponement and forced a ban on spectators.
World number one Dustin Johnson and England's Justin Rose were both three-under through nine holes.
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, trying to complete a career Grand Slam with a Masters victory, was on level par through nine holes.
McIlroy would join Woods, Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen as the only career Slam winners with a victory.
Johnson is trying to win his second major title and become the first top-ranked player to win the Masters since Woods in 2002.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-12--Scotland end 22-year wait with shootout win in Serbia

Scotland qualified for a first major international tournament in 22 years thanks to a 5-4 win on penalties over Serbia after a 1-1 draw in Belgrade to reach Euro 2020 .
The Scots ' demons of two decades without qualifying seemed set to reappear when Luka Jovic 's 90th-minute header sent the game into extra time .
Ryan Christie 's opener had deservedly put the visitors in front during what had been a fine performance from Steve Clarke 's men .
But just like in a semi-final shootout win over Israel , Scotland kept their cool with five perfect penalties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ David Marshall saved from Aleksandar Mitrovic .
The reward is a place alongside Croatia , Czech Republic and England in Group D with matches against the Czech and Croats on home soil at Hampden .
Scotland are now unbeaten in nine games stretching back 13 months and the confidence Clarke has instilled in his side showed as the visitors controlled the first 90 minutes .
The physical presence of Lyndon Dykes up front for Scotland caused the Serbian defence all sorts of problems and the Australian-born striker 's flick-on created the best chance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shot lacked the power to beat Predrag Rajkovic .
However , Scotland came out firing at the start of the second half .
Andy Robertson should have opened the scoring when the Liverpool left-back blazed over with just Rajkovic to beat after brilliant work from Dykes to tee up his captain .
Christie missed the play-off semi-final win over Israel and victories over Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the Nations League last month after he was categorised as a close contact of Stuart Armstrong , who tested positive for coronavirus after joining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it not been for an injury to Ryan Fraser , it is unlikely the Celtic midfielder would have started , but Christie produced the moment of quality his nation was crying out for on 52 minutes .
Christie collected Callum McGregor 's pass on the edge of the box then fired low , in off the post , on his favoured left foot .
Scotland continued to have the upper hand as McGregor and then Christie fired powerful shots inches wide .
In between times , Serbia nearly responded when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic rose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ header into the side-netting .
The Lazio midfielder , who scored twice in Serbia 's 2-1 playoff semi-final win over Norway last month , was then surprisingly sacrificed with Real Madrid striker Jovic thrown on by Ljubisa Tumbakovic to find an equaliser .
Jovic has struggled to make an impact in Spain since a 60 million euro ( $ 71 million ) move from Eintracht Frankfurt , but broke Tartan Army hearts as the game entered stoppage time .
Scotland had not conceded a goal in over 470 minutes but incredibly left Jovic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ area to head home a corner .
Serbia had all the momentum going into extra time with Clarke having withdrawn Dykes , Christie and McGinn towards the closing stages of normal time .
Marshall had to produce a brilliant save from Nemanja Gudelj a winner .
And the Derby goalkeeper was the hero in the shootout after Leigh Griffiths , McGregor , Scott McTominay , Oli McBurnie and Kenny McLean had found the net .

Belgrade (AFP) –
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Scotland qualified for a first major international tournament in 22 years thanks to a 5-4 win on penalties over Serbia after a 1-1 draw in Belgrade to reach Euro 2020.
The Scots' demons of two decades without qualifying seemed set to reappear when Luka Jovic's 90th-minute header sent the game into extra time.
Ryan Christie's opener had deservedly put the visitors in front during what had been a fine performance from Steve Clarke's men.
But just like in a semi-final shootout win over Israel, Scotland kept their cool with five perfect penalties and finally got over the line when David Marshall saved from Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The reward is a place alongside Croatia, Czech Republic and England in Group D with matches against the Czech and Croats on home soil at Hampden.
Scotland are now unbeaten in nine games stretching back 13 months and the confidence Clarke has instilled in his side showed as the visitors controlled the first 90 minutes.
The physical presence of Lyndon Dykes up front for Scotland caused the Serbian defence all sorts of problems and the Australian-born striker's flick-on created the best chance before the break when John McGinn's shot lacked the power to beat Predrag Rajkovic.
However, Scotland came out firing at the start of the second half.
Andy Robertson should have opened the scoring when the Liverpool left-back blazed over with just Rajkovic to beat after brilliant work from Dykes to tee up his captain.
Christie missed the play-off semi-final win over Israel and victories over Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the Nations League last month after he was categorised as a close contact of Stuart Armstrong, who tested positive for coronavirus after joining up with the Scotland squad.
- Christie's moment of quality -
Had it not been for an injury to Ryan Fraser, it is unlikely the Celtic midfielder would have started, but Christie produced the moment of quality his nation was crying out for on 52 minutes.
Christie collected Callum McGregor's pass on the edge of the box then fired low, in off the post, on his favoured left foot.
Scotland continued to have the upper hand as McGregor and then Christie fired powerful shots inches wide.
In between times, Serbia nearly responded when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic rose at the back post but powered his header into the side-netting.
The Lazio midfielder, who scored twice in Serbia's 2-1 playoff semi-final win over Norway last month, was then surprisingly sacrificed with Real Madrid striker Jovic thrown on by Ljubisa Tumbakovic to find an equaliser.
Jovic has struggled to make an impact in Spain since a 60 million euro ($71 million) move from Eintracht Frankfurt, but broke Tartan Army hearts as the game entered stoppage time.
Scotland had not conceded a goal in over 470 minutes but incredibly left Jovic all alone in the heart of the area to head home a corner.
Serbia had all the momentum going into extra time with Clarke having withdrawn Dykes, Christie and McGinn towards the closing stages of normal time.
Marshall had to produce a brilliant save from Nemanja Gudelj a winner.
And the Derby goalkeeper was the hero in the shootout after Leigh Griffiths, McGregor, Scott McTominay, Oli McBurnie and Kenny McLean had found the net.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Scotland fans ignore Covid rules to celebrate Euro 2020 qualification

Scotland players celebrate qualifying for a major international tournament for the first time since 1998 Scotland fans sang on the streets , played bagpipes and flouted strict Covid-19 pandemic restrictions by gathering in a group and climbing a statue in Glasgow after the national football team qualified for a first major international tournament since 1998 on Thursday by beating Serbia to reach Euro 2020 .
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was one of the first to react to Scotland 's 5-4 win on penalties in Belgrade , using her Twitter account to repost a video of herself celebrating the defeat of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's parliamentary elections in December last year .
`` Massive congratulations to ( manager ) Steve Clarke and the team , '' Sturgeon wrote after tweeting a string of Scottish flags .
`` After 22 years , @ ScotlandNT men are off to a major tournament .
What a lift for the country .
Well done ! ''
Ryan Christie put Scotland in front early in the second half in the rain in Belgrade , but Luka Jovic 's 90th-minute header sent the match into extra time and , with no more goals @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Scots kept their cool , however , with five perfect penalties and their celebrations started when goalkeeper David Marshall saved from Aleksandar Mitrovic .
In the town centre of Falkirk in central Scotland , where indoor gatherings between households are prohibited due to Covid-19 restrictions , fans cheered and sang the unofficial national anthem `` Flower of Scotland '' on the streets until the early hours of Friday .
In Glasgow , a group of around 50 fans were filmed celebrating the win by climbing a statue in George Square in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ video , published by newspaper The Herald , showed people embracing and singing songs such as `` We 'll be coming down the road '' and `` We 've got Steve Clarke '' , in reference to Scotland 's manager .
`` I understand that they 're young and want to celebrate Scotland qualifying for their first major tournament in 22 years -- but we need to adhere to the guidelines , '' a witness told the newspaper .
In Edinburgh , the Scottish Sun newspaper showed a video of shirtless men dancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of them playing the bagpipes .
Meanwhile in the north of Scotland , where Covid-19 restrictions are less strict , groups were allowed to gather in pubs to watch the game but had to clear out before the 10:30 pm ( 2230 GMT ) cut-off , which was just five minutes after the penalty shootout .
The police in the city of Aberdeen had to disperse a group at the Draft Project pub at 10:00 pm ( 2200 GMT ) .
`` We are aware of footage circulating on social media following @ @ @ @ @ @ @ night , '' Police Scotland chief inspector David Howieson said .
`` Officers were on patrol within the city centre throughout the evening and in attendance at the premises in question where they supported staff who ejected a number of patrons following a spontaneous reaction to the first Scotland goal . ''
Susan Webb , director of public health for the Grampian region , said while she understood the desire to celebrate , the risks of coronavirus infection were still too high .
`` I am aware of footage being shared on social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Aberdeen during last night 's Scotland match , '' she said .
`` While I can not comment on these specific circumstances , I can say this -- this virus does not rest . ''

Glasgow (AFP) –
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Scotland fans sang on the streets, played bagpipes and flouted strict Covid-19 pandemic restrictions by gathering in a group and climbing a statue in Glasgow after the national football team qualified for a first major international tournament since 1998 on Thursday by beating Serbia to reach Euro 2020.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was one of the first to react to Scotland's 5-4 win on penalties in Belgrade, using her Twitter account to repost a video of herself celebrating the defeat of a political rival in the United Kingdom's parliamentary elections in December last year.
"Massive congratulations to (manager) Steve Clarke and the team," Sturgeon wrote after tweeting a string of Scottish flags. "After 22 years, @ScotlandNT men are off to a major tournament. What a lift for the country. Well done!"
Ryan Christie put Scotland in front early in the second half in the rain in Belgrade, but Luka Jovic's 90th-minute header sent the match into extra time and, with no more goals scored, a shoot-out was required.
The Scots kept their cool, however, with five perfect penalties and their celebrations started when goalkeeper David Marshall saved from Aleksandar Mitrovic.
In the town centre of Falkirk in central Scotland, where indoor gatherings between households are prohibited due to Covid-19 restrictions, fans cheered and sang the unofficial national anthem "Flower of Scotland" on the streets until the early hours of Friday.
In Glasgow, a group of around 50 fans were filmed celebrating the win by climbing a statue in George Square in the city centre shortly before midnight.
The video, published by newspaper The Herald, showed people embracing and singing songs such as "We'll be coming down the road" and "We've got Steve Clarke", in reference to Scotland's manager.
- 'Virus does not rest' -
"I understand that they're young and want to celebrate Scotland qualifying for their first major tournament in 22 years -- but we need to adhere to the guidelines," a witness told the newspaper.
In Edinburgh, the Scottish Sun newspaper showed a video of shirtless men dancing and singing on a rooftop, with one of them playing the bagpipes.
Meanwhile in the north of Scotland, where Covid-19 restrictions are less strict, groups were allowed to gather in pubs to watch the game but had to clear out before the 10:30 pm (2230 GMT) cut-off, which was just five minutes after the penalty shootout.
The police in the city of Aberdeen had to disperse a group at the Draft Project pub at 10:00 pm (2200 GMT).
"We are aware of footage circulating on social media following the Scotland game last (Thursday) night," Police Scotland chief inspector David Howieson said.
"Officers were on patrol within the city centre throughout the evening and in attendance at the premises in question where they supported staff who ejected a number of patrons following a spontaneous reaction to the first Scotland goal."
Susan Webb, director of public health for the Grampian region, said while she understood the desire to celebrate, the risks of coronavirus infection were still too high.
"I am aware of footage being shared on social media, apparently shot in licensed premises in Aberdeen during last night's Scotland match," she said.
"While I cannot comment on these specific circumstances, I can say this -- this virus does not rest."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Israel seals deal for four million Covid-19 vaccines

Pfizer says it plans to produce 1.3 billion doses of its Covid-19 vaccine next year Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that his government has clinched a deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to buy four million doses of its potentially game-changing coronavirus vaccine .
The vaccine , which developers Pfizer and BioNTech plan to begin rolling out within weeks , offers hope of escape from the cycle of lockdowns and new waves of sickness and death that have gripped the world this year .
`` We have signed a deal with Pfizer to buy four million vaccines for Israel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tel Aviv .
`` It 's a big day for Israel and a big day on the path to victory over corona , '' he said , adding that the first doses could be made available from January , if the vaccine receives the necessary final approvals in Israel and the United States .
The results of phase 3 clinical trials showed that the mRNA vaccine was 90 percent effective in preventing Covid-19 symptoms and did not produce adverse side effects among thousands of volunteers .
At the cost of $ 40 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shots , richer nations have rushed to order tens of millions of doses .
But it is less clear what poorer nations can expect .
Israel has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic , with its per capita infection rate topping the world in September , before a second nationwide lockdown brought daily infections back down to triple figures .
Confirmed cases now number more than 320,000 in Israel 's population of nine million , of whom 2,707 have died .

Jerusalem (AFP) –
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that his government has clinched a deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer to buy four million doses of its potentially game-changing coronavirus vaccine.
The vaccine, which developers Pfizer and BioNTech plan to begin rolling out within weeks, offers hope of escape from the cycle of lockdowns and new waves of sickness and death that have gripped the world this year.
"We have signed a deal with Pfizer to buy four million vaccines for Israel" Netanyahu told a news conference in Tel Aviv.
"It's a big day for Israel and a big day on the path to victory over corona," he said, adding that the first doses could be made available from January, if the vaccine receives the necessary final approvals in Israel and the United States.
The results of phase 3 clinical trials showed that the mRNA vaccine was 90 percent effective in preventing Covid-19 symptoms and did not produce adverse side effects among thousands of volunteers.
At the cost of $40 per treatment, which consists of two separate shots, richer nations have rushed to order tens of millions of doses. But it is less clear what poorer nations can expect.
Israel has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic, with its per capita infection rate topping the world in September, before a second nationwide lockdown brought daily infections back down to triple figures.
Confirmed cases now number more than 320,000 in Israel's population of nine million, of whom 2,707 have died.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Stonehenge road tunnel approved despite protests

The ring of stones is one of Britain 's most popular tourist attractions , with 1.6 million visitors last year .
Britain has approved a controversial plan to build a road tunnel close to the prehistoric site of Stonehenge to relieve congestion , despite strong opposition from archaeologists and druids .
The 5,000-year-old ring of stones in Wiltshire in southwest England is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Britain 's most popular tourist attractions , with 1.6 million visitors last year .
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Thursday approved a plan to bore a tunnel to replace a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the stones , allowing drivers to see the site but making it a noisy experience for visitors .
Tom Holland , the head of the Stonehenge Alliance which includes archaeologists and non-governmental organisations , condemned what he called a `` shocking and shameful decision '' .
The writer said the tunnel would `` inject a great gash of concrete and tarmac into Britain 's most precious prehistoric landscape '' .
Opponents criticise the fact that while the tunnel wo n't go directly under the stones , its entrances will be built within @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damage prehistoric areas .
They say that if built , the tunnel should be much longer .
Druids have held protests against the tunnel at a site they consider sacred and where they celebrate the summer and winter solstice -- the longest and shortest days of the year .
But English Heritage , the charity that manages the Neolithic site , hailed a `` landmark '' decision , tweeting that `` Stonehenge will finally be reconnected with the prehistoric landscape in which it sits '' without a noisy road nearby .
Officials say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the current level of traffic , with the government roads agency , Highways England , calling it a `` daily struggle for many . ''
The tunnel will be around two miles ( 3.2 kilometres ) long .
At its closest point , it will be 200 metres from Stonehenge , slightly further than the current road , Highways England said .
The government first approved the plan in 2017 .
Its budget is now given as £1.7 billion ( 1.9 billion euros , $ 2.2 billion ) .
Stonehenge is currently closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England .
Work is expected to start next year , Highways England said .
It said it had appointed archaeology specialists to excavate the site and preserve any finds .

London (AFP) –
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Britain has approved a controversial plan to build a road tunnel close to the prehistoric site of Stonehenge to relieve congestion, despite strong opposition from archaeologists and druids.
The 5,000-year-old ring of stones in Wiltshire in southwest England is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions, with 1.6 million visitors last year.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Thursday approved a plan to bore a tunnel to replace a busy road that passes within 165 metres of the stones, allowing drivers to see the site but making it a noisy experience for visitors.
Tom Holland, the head of the Stonehenge Alliance which includes archaeologists and non-governmental organisations, condemned what he called a "shocking and shameful decision".
The writer said the tunnel would "inject a great gash of concrete and tarmac into Britain's most precious prehistoric landscape".
Opponents criticise the fact that while the tunnel won't go directly under the stones, its entrances will be built within the broader World Heritage Site which could damage prehistoric areas.
They say that if built, the tunnel should be much longer.
Druids have held protests against the tunnel at a site they consider sacred and where they celebrate the summer and winter solstice -- the longest and shortest days of the year.
But English Heritage, the charity that manages the Neolithic site, hailed a "landmark" decision, tweeting that "Stonehenge will finally be reconnected with the prehistoric landscape in which it sits" without a noisy road nearby.
Officials say the existing road is too narrow for the current level of traffic, with the government roads agency, Highways England, calling it a "daily struggle for many."
The tunnel will be around two miles (3.2 kilometres) long. At its closest point, it will be 200 metres from Stonehenge, slightly further than the current road, Highways England said.
The government first approved the plan in 2017. Its budget is now given as £1.7 billion (1.9 billion euros, $2.2 billion).
Stonehenge is currently closed to visitors due to coronavirus restrictions across England.
Work is expected to start next year, Highways England said. It said it had appointed archaeology specialists to excavate the site and preserve any finds.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Sudan declares amnesty except for war crime suspects

Sudan 's ruling sovereign council chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan ( C ) at a ceremony in the capital Khartoum on October 8 after the signing of peace accords with rebels Sudan has declared an amnesty for the tens of thousands who fought in its civil conflicts excluding those faced with charges of genocide or war crimes .
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan , head of Sudan 's ruling sovereign council , signed an amnesty decree Thursday for `` all those who carried arms or took part in military operations or war '' , state news agency SUNA reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` excludes those with arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court or ... those wanted for genocide or crimes against humanity '' , it said .
Rebel forces total about 50,000 , including 15,000 whose groups have yet to join Sudan 's peace accords signed on October 5 in Juba , according to a former rebel chief .
The amnesty follows the landmark deals signed by Sudan 's new government with rebels who have been active in Darfur as well as the southern states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vast Darfur region of western Sudan killed 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million .
Ousted president Omar al-Bashir , jailed in Khartoum , is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur .
Militia leader Ali Kushayb , a top commander of the government-backed Janjaweed forces accused of carrying out some of the worst atrocities in Darfur , surrendered to the ICC in June .

Khartoum (AFP) –
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Sudan has declared an amnesty for the tens of thousands who fought in its civil conflicts excluding those faced with charges of genocide or war crimes.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's ruling sovereign council, signed an amnesty decree Thursday for "all those who carried arms or took part in military operations or war", state news agency SUNA reported.
The amnesty, which takes immediate effect, "excludes those with arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court or... those wanted for genocide or crimes against humanity", it said.
Rebel forces total about 50,000, including 15,000 whose groups have yet to join Sudan's peace accords signed on October 5 in Juba, according to a former rebel chief.
The amnesty follows the landmark deals signed by Sudan's new government with rebels who have been active in Darfur as well as the southern states of Blue Nile and South Kordofan.
The United Nations says the conflict in the vast Darfur region of western Sudan killed 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million.
Ousted president Omar al-Bashir, jailed in Khartoum, is wanted by the ICC on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
Militia leader Ali Kushayb, a top commander of the government-backed Janjaweed forces accused of carrying out some of the worst atrocities in Darfur, surrendered to the ICC in June.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Thomas, McIlroy, No. 1 Johnson resume Masters title chase

Third-ranked Justin Thomas was set to challenge Amen Corner while top-ranked Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy sought a spark as the opening round of the 84th Masters resumed Friday .
Thomas , the 2017 PGA Championship winner , was 5-under through 10 holes when darkness halted the storm-hit first round at Augusta National with 44 golfers yet to finish 18 holes .
England 's Paul Casey owned the lead after a seven-under 65 , matching his lowest-ever major round , with Americans Webb Simpson and Xander Schauffele in the clubhouse on 67 level with 27-year-old compatriot Thomas .
Never firing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening rounds , Thomas has improved his finish each year at Augusta National , reaching 12th last year , and looked set to charge again on a rain-softened layout .
Thomas opened with three birdies , added another at the fifth and answered a bogey at the seventh with birdies at the par-5 eighth and 10th to set a date with Amen Corner -- the famed three-hole stretch starting at the 11th -- just after dawn .
`` I 'm playing well .
But it 's not like I was sticking it really @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I 'd love to continue the momentum .
`` I 've got a lot of golf left .
It 's a long day ( Friday ) .
I need to stay as patient as I possibly can . ''
Johnson and McIlroy , paired together , were looking for improved as they began the back nine , with PGA Player of the Year and Tour Championship winner Johnson on 3-under after nine thanks to an eagle at the par-5 second and birdie at the par-5 eighth .
`` It was pretty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I hit some really nice shots , had some good looks .
I 'm pretty pleased how it went so far . ''
Johnson could become the first world number one to win the Masters since Tiger Woods in 2002 .
McIlroy , on level par after his front nine after an opening bogey and a birdie at the eighth , would complete a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters , joining Woods , Jack Nicklaus , Ben Hogan , Gary Player and Gene Sarazen .
Defending champion Woods was in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opening 68 , the 15-time major winner and five-time Masters champion matching his best-ever start at Augusta National .
It was his first bogey-free round at Augusta National since 2008 and in any major since 2009 .
Woods , who turns 45 next month , could match the record six green jackets won by Jack Nicklaus and break the US PGA title record of 82 he shares with Sam Snead .
Australia 's Adam Scott , the 2013 Masters champion , was on 4-under through 10 with South Africa 's Dylan Frittelli 4-under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the US Open runner-up after placing fourth at the PGA Championship in his major debut -- at 4-under through 11 holes .

Augusta (United States) (AFP) –
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Third-ranked Justin Thomas was set to challenge Amen Corner while top-ranked Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy sought a spark as the opening round of the 84th Masters resumed Friday.
Thomas, the 2017 PGA Championship winner, was 5-under through 10 holes when darkness halted the storm-hit first round at Augusta National with 44 golfers yet to finish 18 holes.
England's Paul Casey owned the lead after a seven-under 65, matching his lowest-ever major round, with Americans Webb Simpson and Xander Schauffele in the clubhouse on 67 level with 27-year-old compatriot Thomas.
Never firing better than 73 in four prior Masters opening rounds, Thomas has improved his finish each year at Augusta National, reaching 12th last year, and looked set to charge again on a rain-softened layout.
Thomas opened with three birdies, added another at the fifth and answered a bogey at the seventh with birdies at the par-5 eighth and 10th to set a date with Amen Corner -- the famed three-hole stretch starting at the 11th -- just after dawn.
"I'm playing well. But it's not like I was sticking it really close or anything," Thomas said. "I'd love to continue the momentum.
"I've got a lot of golf left. It's a long day (Friday). I need to stay as patient as I possibly can."
Johnson and McIlroy, paired together, were looking for improved as they began the back nine, with PGA Player of the Year and Tour Championship winner Johnson on 3-under after nine thanks to an eagle at the par-5 second and birdie at the par-5 eighth.
"It was pretty good," Johnson said. "I hit some really nice shots, had some good looks. I'm pretty pleased how it went so far."
Johnson could become the first world number one to win the Masters since Tiger Woods in 2002.
McIlroy, on level par after his front nine after an opening bogey and a birdie at the eighth, would complete a career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, joining Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player and Gene Sarazen.
Defending champion Woods was in a pack sitting another stroke back after an opening 68, the 15-time major winner and five-time Masters champion matching his best-ever start at Augusta National.
It was his first bogey-free round at Augusta National since 2008 and in any major since 2009.
Woods, who turns 45 next month, could match the record six green jackets won by Jack Nicklaus and break the US PGA title record of 82 he shares with Sam Snead.
Australia's Adam Scott, the 2013 Masters champion, was on 4-under through 10 with South Africa's Dylan Frittelli 4-under after nine and American Matthew Wolff -- the US Open runner-up after placing fourth at the PGA Championship in his major debut -- at 4-under through 11 holes.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--At least six dead in fierce India-Pakistan clash

A bridge at the Line of Control between India and Pakistan , seen from Tithwal village in the Kupwara district Indian and Pakistani forces on Friday waged their biggest artillery battle in several months on their disputed Kashmir frontier , leaving at least six dead and many wounded , officials said .
Five clashes -- involving shelling and gunfire -- were reported along the 740-kilometre ( 460-mile ) long unofficial border that has separated the nuclear-armed rivals for the past seven decades .
The new peak in tensions came only five days after three Indian troops and three militants were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Line of Control ( LoC ) .
After Friday 's battle , India 's military accused Pakistan of an `` unprovoked '' violation of a two-decades-old ceasefire that is habitually breached several times a week .
`` Pakistan used mortars and other weapons '' and `` deliberately targeted civilian areas '' , said an Indian army statement .
Three Indian soldiers were killed and three wounded in the Keran sector of the frontier .
Kashmir police said three civilians were killed and at least three suffered serious injuries , with one man losing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were moved away because of the fighting .
Indian troops `` retaliated strongly causing substantial damage to the Pakistan army 's infrastructure and casualties , '' added the military statement .
Pakistani officials said there were casualties on its side of the LoC , but did not immediately give figures .
The two sides regularly stage artillery duels across the LoC , and invariably blame each other for the clashes .
Kashmir has been divided between the two countries since their angry separation in 1947 .
It has been a cause of two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Both countries claim the whole of the Himalayan region , where India is also fighting an insurgency that has left tens of thousands dead since 1989 .

Srinagar (India) (AFP) –
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Indian and Pakistani forces on Friday waged their biggest artillery battle in several months on their disputed Kashmir frontier, leaving at least six dead and many wounded, officials said.
Five clashes -- involving shelling and gunfire -- were reported along the 740-kilometre (460-mile) long unofficial border that has separated the nuclear-armed rivals for the past seven decades.
The new peak in tensions came only five days after three Indian troops and three militants were killed in an exchange along the so-called Line of Control (LoC).
After Friday's battle, India's military accused Pakistan of an "unprovoked" violation of a two-decades-old ceasefire that is habitually breached several times a week.
"Pakistan used mortars and other weapons" and "deliberately targeted civilian areas", said an Indian army statement.
Three Indian soldiers were killed and three wounded in the Keran sector of the frontier. Kashmir police said three civilians were killed and at least three suffered serious injuries, with one man losing both legs.
Inhabitants of several villages were moved away because of the fighting.
Indian troops "retaliated strongly causing substantial damage to the Pakistan army's infrastructure and casualties," added the military statement.
Pakistani officials said there were casualties on its side of the LoC, but did not immediately give figures.
The two sides regularly stage artillery duels across the LoC, and invariably blame each other for the clashes.
Kashmir has been divided between the two countries since their angry separation in 1947. It has been a cause of two of their three wars since then.
Both countries claim the whole of the Himalayan region, where India is also fighting an insurgency that has left tens of thousands dead since 1989.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Ireland's Browne tests positive for Covid-19 after England friendly

Positive test - Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne ( R ) in action against England on Thursday Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has tested positive for coronavirus following Thursday 's 3-0 friendly defeat by England , officials announced Friday .
Browne , who plays for English second-tier club Preston , took part in the full 90 minutes of international action at Wembley .
He has now been isolated from the rest of the Republic squad ahead of Sunday 's Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff .
`` The Football Association of Ireland can confirm Ireland midfielder Alan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' the FAI said in a statement .
`` The player has been isolated from the group as per Covid-19 protocols , and the HSE ( the Irish health service ) and UEFA have been informed of this development .
`` There are no close contacts of the player and the rest of the staff and squad tested negative ahead of Sunday 's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff . ''
Browne was the second player to produce a positive test this week , with West Brom striker Callum Robinson having @ @ @ @ @ @ @ result .
Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah were previously forced out of last month 's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final in Slovakia after being identified as close contacts of a member of staff who later tested positive on the flight to Bratislava .
Meanwhile four more players were withdrawn on the squad 's return to Dublin .

London (AFP) –
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Republic of Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has tested positive for coronavirus following Thursday's 3-0 friendly defeat by England, officials announced Friday.
Browne, who plays for English second-tier club Preston, took part in the full 90 minutes of international action at Wembley.
He has now been isolated from the rest of the Republic squad ahead of Sunday's Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff.
"The Football Association of Ireland can confirm Ireland midfielder Alan Browne has tested positive for Covid-19," the FAI said in a statement.
"The player has been isolated from the group as per Covid-19 protocols, and the HSE (the Irish health service) and UEFA have been informed of this development.
"There are no close contacts of the player and the rest of the staff and squad tested negative ahead of Sunday's UEFA Nations League fixture against Wales in Cardiff."
Browne was the second player to produce a positive test this week, with West Brom striker Callum Robinson having to miss the England game following his result.
Aaron Connolly and Adam Idah were previously forced out of last month's Euro 2020 play-off semi-final in Slovakia after being identified as close contacts of a member of staff who later tested positive on the flight to Bratislava.
Meanwhile four more players were withdrawn on the squad's return to Dublin.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--UN warns of war crimes in spiralling Ethiopia conflict

Some militiamen are fighting alongside federal troops in the region The United Nations warned Friday of possible war crimes in Ethiopia 's northern region of Tigray , after 10 days of fighting that the country 's prime minister claimed had his enemy `` in the final throes of death '' .
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed , winner of last year 's Nobel Peace Prize , ordered military operations in Tigray last week , shocking the international community which fears the start of a long and bloody civil war .
Hundreds are reported to have been killed , some in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and thousands have fled fighting and air strikes in Tigray , whose leaders Abiy accuses of seeking to destabilise the country .
UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for a full investigation into the report of mass killings in the town of Mai-Kadra , where Amnesty said it had `` digitally verified gruesome photographs and videos of bodies strewn across the town or being carried away on stretchers . ''
`` If confirmed as having been deliberately carried out by a party to the current fighting , these killings of civilians would of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she said in a statement .
Amnesty said it had not been able to confirm who was responsible for the killings , however witnesses blamed forces backing the region 's ruling party , the Tigray People 's Liberation Front ( TPLF ) .
Witnesses also reported the identity cards of some victims indicated they were from the Amhara region , an area with a long history of tensions with Tigrayans , notably over land .
Thousands of Amhara militiamen have deployed to the Tigray border to fight alongside federal forces .
Tigrayan leader @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations were `` baseless '' .
Abiy says his military operation came in response to attacks on two federal military camps by the TPLF , which once dominated Ethiopian politics and claims it has been sidelined and targeted under Abiy .
The party denies carrying out the attacks .
Long-running tensions between Abiy and the TPLF hit a new low in September when Tigray pressed ahead with its own elections , insisting Abiy was an illegitimate leader after national polls were postponed due to the coronavirus .
On Friday Abiy addressed the region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to `` rise up '' and side with the national army .
`` This mischievous force is surrounded on all sides .
It is a force in its final throes of death .
Your children are suffering death and injuries on the frontline , '' he said in the Tigrinya language in a speech broadcast on Facebook .
`` Rise up against the clique or defect to the Ethiopian Defense Forces , use the opportunity given to you by your country in the next two or three days ... save yourself . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it difficult to verify competing claims on the ground , but Abiy has vowed to deliver a decisive win `` in a relatively short period of time '' .
`` This is a daydream , just a daydream , '' Debretsion said .
`` We are proud people who can defend ourselves .
This is a burial ground for invaders . ''
Bachelet warned that if the conflict continues `` there is a risk this situation will spiral totally out of control , leading to heavy casualties and destruction , as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ borders . ''
`` I am also extremely alarmed at reports of cuts to essential water and electricity supplies , in addition to the communications blackout and blocking of access by road and air . ''
There are mounting worries about how Tigray 's population is faring after intensified fighting and several rounds of air strikes that Abiy 's government says targeted fuel and weapons depots .
Thousands have already crossed the border into neighbouring Sudan , while Debretsion said hundreds of thousands had been displaced within Tigray .
He also said civilians @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the regional capital Mekele , and in the city of Adigrat close to the border with Eritrea .
`` People are running in every corner .
So the most important consequence of the conflict currently is displacement .
Of course there are casualties , but we do n't have the numbers .
This is too big to manage , '' Debretsion said .
Ethiopian state media reported that an arrest warrant had been issued for Debretsion and other TPLF leaders .
On Friday , an African Union official confirmed the body had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ethnic Tigrayan , after Ethiopia 's defence ministry complained he was `` assumed to be not honest '' and could jeopardise the relationship between Ethiopia and the AU , which is headquartered in the capital Addis Ababa .

Addis Ababa (AFP) –
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The United Nations warned Friday of possible war crimes in Ethiopia's northern region of Tigray, after 10 days of fighting that the country's prime minister claimed had his enemy "in the final throes of death".
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of last year's Nobel Peace Prize, ordered military operations in Tigray last week, shocking the international community which fears the start of a long and bloody civil war.
Hundreds are reported to have been killed, some in a gruesome massacre reported by Amnesty International, and thousands have fled fighting and air strikes in Tigray, whose leaders Abiy accuses of seeking to destabilise the country.
UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet called for a full investigation into the report of mass killings in the town of Mai-Kadra, where Amnesty said it had "digitally verified gruesome photographs and videos of bodies strewn across the town or being carried away on stretchers."
"If confirmed as having been deliberately carried out by a party to the current fighting, these killings of civilians would of course amount to war crimes," she said in a statement.
Amnesty said it had not been able to confirm who was responsible for the killings, however witnesses blamed forces backing the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
Witnesses also reported the identity cards of some victims indicated they were from the Amhara region, an area with a long history of tensions with Tigrayans, notably over land.
Thousands of Amhara militiamen have deployed to the Tigray border to fight alongside federal forces.
Tigrayan leader Debretsion Gebremichael told AFP on Friday the accusations were "baseless".
Abiy says his military operation came in response to attacks on two federal military camps by the TPLF, which once dominated Ethiopian politics and claims it has been sidelined and targeted under Abiy.
The party denies carrying out the attacks.
Long-running tensions between Abiy and the TPLF hit a new low in September when Tigray pressed ahead with its own elections, insisting Abiy was an illegitimate leader after national polls were postponed due to the coronavirus.
- 'Surrounded on all sides' -
On Friday Abiy addressed the region, especially its soldiers, urging them to "rise up" and side with the national army.
"This mischievous force is surrounded on all sides. It is a force in its final throes of death. Your children are suffering death and injuries on the frontline," he said in the Tigrinya language in a speech broadcast on Facebook.
"Rise up against the clique or defect to the Ethiopian Defense Forces, use the opportunity given to you by your country in the next two or three days... save yourself."
A communications blackout in Tigray has made it difficult to verify competing claims on the ground, but Abiy has vowed to deliver a decisive win "in a relatively short period of time".
"This is a daydream, just a daydream," Debretsion said. "We are proud people who can defend ourselves. This is a burial ground for invaders."
Bachelet warned that if the conflict continues "there is a risk this situation will spiral totally out of control, leading to heavy casualties and destruction, as well as mass displacement within Ethiopia itself and across borders."
"I am also extremely alarmed at reports of cuts to essential water and electricity supplies, in addition to the communications blackout and blocking of access by road and air."
- 'Too big to manage' -
There are mounting worries about how Tigray's population is faring after intensified fighting and several rounds of air strikes that Abiy's government says targeted fuel and weapons depots.
Thousands have already crossed the border into neighbouring Sudan, while Debretsion said hundreds of thousands had been displaced within Tigray.
He also said civilians had been killed in government air strikes in the regional capital Mekele, and in the city of Adigrat close to the border with Eritrea.
"People are running in every corner. So the most important consequence of the conflict currently is displacement. Of course there are casualties, but we don't have the numbers. This is too big to manage," Debretsion said.
Ethiopian state media reported that an arrest warrant had been issued for Debretsion and other TPLF leaders.
On Friday, an African Union official confirmed the body had replaced its head of security, an ethnic Tigrayan, after Ethiopia's defence ministry complained he was "assumed to be not honest" and could jeopardise the relationship between Ethiopia and the AU, which is headquartered in the capital Addis Ababa.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--Verstappen heads Albon in damp opening Turkey practice

Max Verstappen handled the challenging conditions best on a circuit not used for Formula One since 2011 Max Verstappen led the times ahead of team-mate Alex Albon as Red Bull slithered to top the times in Friday morning ’ s cold and damp opening practice for the Turkish Grand Prix .
The Dutchman produced a best lap in 1min 35.077sec to outpace the London-born Thai driver by 0.241sec in difficult conditions that saw nearly all of the drivers spinning and grumbling .
Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ran for only the final 30 minutes and contented himself with 15th place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seal his seventh drivers ’ world championship , equalling Michael Schumacher .
The Istanbul Park circuit has not hosted Formula One cars at a Grand Prix since 2011 and the ‘ skating rink ’ experience produced little to signal what may lie ahead .
Lap times were around 10 seconds slower than those recorded nine years ago at the track which has been resurfaced and washed ahead of this weekend ’ s event .
Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari ahead of Alpha Tauri ’ s Pierre Gasly and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the second Alpha Tauri .
Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo , Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes and Esteban Ocon of Renault .
On a morning with an air temperature of only 14 degrees Celsius and the track at 17 degrees , conditions were challenging .
“ It ’ s like driving on ice , ” declared Verstappen , as he wiggled his steering wheel in search of grip .
“ Worse than ice , ” retorted Norris , whose 21st birthday had started earlier with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The session was red-flagged after only seven minutes to recover an errant bollard as the drivers struggled for consistency and rhythm .
Verstappen established himself on top after 45 minutes and swapped fastest laps with Bottas and Leclerc before the Ferraris went fastest , but it was of little real significance as an indicator of form and performance .

Istanbul (AFP) –
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Max Verstappen led the times ahead of team-mate Alex Albon as Red Bull slithered to top the times in Friday morning’s cold and damp opening practice for the Turkish Grand Prix.
The Dutchman produced a best lap in 1min 35.077sec to outpace the London-born Thai driver by 0.241sec in difficult conditions that saw nearly all of the drivers spinning and grumbling.
Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton ran for only the final 30 minutes and contented himself with 15th place. He is bidding this weekend to seal his seventh drivers’ world championship, equalling Michael Schumacher.
The Istanbul Park circuit has not hosted Formula One cars at a Grand Prix since 2011 and the ‘skating rink’ experience produced little to signal what may lie ahead.
Lap times were around 10 seconds slower than those recorded nine years ago at the track which has been resurfaced and washed ahead of this weekend’s event.
Charles Leclerc was third for Ferrari ahead of Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat in the second Alpha Tauri.
Lando Norris was seventh for McLaren ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo, Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes and Esteban Ocon of Renault.
On a morning with an air temperature of only 14 degrees Celsius and the track at 17 degrees, conditions were challenging.
“It’s like driving on ice,” declared Verstappen, as he wiggled his steering wheel in search of grip. “Worse than ice,” retorted Norris, whose 21st birthday had started earlier with a celebration in the McLaren garage.
The session was red-flagged after only seven minutes to recover an errant bollard as the drivers struggled for consistency and rhythm.
Verstappen established himself on top after 45 minutes and swapped fastest laps with Bottas and Leclerc before the Ferraris went fastest, but it was of little real significance as an indicator of form and performance.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-11-13--German school finds DIY answer to anti-virus ventilation

The DIY ventilation system works like a kitchen extractor fan , says its inventor Frank Helleis Keeping the windows open to combat Covid-19 is easier said than done as winter approaches .
One German school believes it has found a cheap and simple solution with a DIY ventilation system designed by a teacher 's scientist husband .
`` It works like a kitchen extractor fan , '' said inventor Frank Helleis , standing in a classroom at the IGS Mainz-Bretzenheim secondary school .
Above every desk hangs a clear plastic funnel attached to a narrow pipe , with all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pipe leading to a fan that directs the air outside through a tilted window .
Warm breath exhaled by the pupils , potentially carrying virus-laden tiny particles known as aerosols , rises up overhead and is sucked through the tubes and pushed outside before it can spread through the room .
Another window is kept ajar to allow in fresh air .
Tests carried out by the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Chemistry , where Helleis works , have shown the system manages to remove over 90 percent of aerosols from the room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ air filtration units on the market .
The difference is that Helleis ' light-weight contraption can be built from materials from the do-it-yourself store for around 200 euros ( $ 235 ) .
A handful of volunteers put it together in half a day , he said , and the Max Planck Institute has shared the assembly instructions online for anyone who wants to copy the idea .
The timing could scarcely be better .
Germany 's coronavirus numbers have been climbing at an alarming rate and regularly airing out classrooms is considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the weather outside .
Sophia Wettig , 18 , keeps an extra jumper in her locker .
She said she finds it hard to concentrate in the cold and it was `` pretty cool '' her school had come up with a warmer solution .
`` It 's more pleasant being here than in other rooms , '' she told AFP from behind a face mask , which she and her classmates keep on during lessons .
Helleis has already received almost 3,000 inquiries about the ventilation system , and expects it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools .
The inspiration came from brainstorming with his colleagues about how they could help in the pandemic .
`` We figured the best thing to do was to carry out the trash , '' he said , referring to being rid of any virus-carrying aerosols .
Because his wife teaches at IGS Mainz-Bretzenheim , he reached out to headmaster Roland Wollowski who , as a scientist himself , was immediately on board .
His school in western Germany happens to be just a five-minute drive from another Mainz institution making headlines , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Covid-19 vaccine .
The official guidance from Germany 's federal environment agency is for schools to open windows for several minutes every 20 minutes to reduce the infection risk .
But not all of Germany 's roughly 40,000 schools have windows that fully open , and confusing advice about air purifying machines and other alternatives has left many educators scratching their heads , said Heinz-Peter Meidinger , president of the German Teachers ' Association .
The association has been `` overrun '' with offers from firms trying to sell their air filtration @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swinging from 1,500 to 6,000 euros per unit .
Politicians have been slow to address schools ' concerns about aerosols , probably because many options are `` too expensive '' , he told AFP .
Under Germany 's federal system , responsibility for schools lies with each of the country 's 16 states .
To date , just six state governments have pledged funding to address ventilation issues .
The regional government in wealthy Bavaria has committed 50 million euros , although Meidinger expects that will also be spent on low-cost tools like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's time to air a room .
Helleis says portable air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency filters can be useful in schools , but are more expensive , noisier and more energy-consuming than his prototype .
And unlike his invention , they do n't also remove CO2 from the room , which has been blamed for causing tiredness , giving schools a reason to keep his homemade system even after the pandemic .
Headmaster Wollowski plans to spend the next few weekends installing Helleis ' system in all the school 's classrooms , helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` Everyone is very motivated , '' he said .

Mainz-Bretzenheim (Germany) (AFP) –
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Keeping the windows open to combat Covid-19 is easier said than done as winter approaches. One German school believes it has found a cheap and simple solution with a DIY ventilation system designed by a teacher's scientist husband.
"It works like a kitchen extractor fan," said inventor Frank Helleis, standing in a classroom at the IGS Mainz-Bretzenheim secondary school.
Above every desk hangs a clear plastic funnel attached to a narrow pipe, with all the pipes in turn connected to one wide pipe leading to a fan that directs the air outside through a tilted window.
Warm breath exhaled by the pupils, potentially carrying virus-laden tiny particles known as aerosols, rises up overhead and is sucked through the tubes and pushed outside before it can spread through the room.
Another window is kept ajar to allow in fresh air.
Tests carried out by the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, where Helleis works, have shown the system manages to remove over 90 percent of aerosols from the room, on par with the most high-tech air filtration units on the market.
The difference is that Helleis' light-weight contraption can be built from materials from the do-it-yourself store for around 200 euros ($235).
A handful of volunteers put it together in half a day, he said, and the Max Planck Institute has shared the assembly instructions online for anyone who wants to copy the idea.
- Extra sweater -
The timing could scarcely be better.
Germany's coronavirus numbers have been climbing at an alarming rate and regularly airing out classrooms is considered key to keeping schools open -- regardless of the weather outside.
Sophia Wettig, 18, keeps an extra jumper in her locker. She said she finds it hard to concentrate in the cold and it was "pretty cool" her school had come up with a warmer solution.
"It's more pleasant being here than in other rooms," she told AFP from behind a face mask, which she and her classmates keep on during lessons.
Helleis has already received almost 3,000 inquiries about the ventilation system, and expects it will be rolled out in many more schools.
The inspiration came from brainstorming with his colleagues about how they could help in the pandemic.
"We figured the best thing to do was to carry out the trash," he said, referring to being rid of any virus-carrying aerosols.
Because his wife teaches at IGS Mainz-Bretzenheim, he reached out to headmaster Roland Wollowski who, as a scientist himself, was immediately on board.
His school in western Germany happens to be just a five-minute drive from another Mainz institution making headlines, the BioNTech company leading the race for a Covid-19 vaccine.
- Confusion -
The official guidance from Germany's federal environment agency is for schools to open windows for several minutes every 20 minutes to reduce the infection risk.
But not all of Germany's roughly 40,000 schools have windows that fully open, and confusing advice about air purifying machines and other alternatives has left many educators scratching their heads, said Heinz-Peter Meidinger, president of the German Teachers' Association.
The association has been "overrun" with offers from firms trying to sell their air filtration systems, he said, with prices swinging from 1,500 to 6,000 euros per unit.
Politicians have been slow to address schools' concerns about aerosols, probably because many options are "too expensive", he told AFP.
Under Germany's federal system, responsibility for schools lies with each of the country's 16 states.
To date, just six state governments have pledged funding to address ventilation issues.
The regional government in wealthy Bavaria has committed 50 million euros, although Meidinger expects that will also be spent on low-cost tools like CO2 readers that alert teachers when it's time to air a room.
Helleis says portable air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency filters can be useful in schools, but are more expensive, noisier and more energy-consuming than his prototype.
And unlike his invention, they don't also remove CO2 from the room, which has been blamed for causing tiredness, giving schools a reason to keep his homemade system even after the pandemic.
Headmaster Wollowski plans to spend the next few weekends installing Helleis' system in all the school's classrooms, helped by parents, teachers and pupils.
"Everyone is very motivated," he said.
© 2020 AFP