france24--2020-05-21--Singer Barbara Hendricks on sheltering in place: 'This is how refugees feel all the time'

Barbara Hendricks has used her voice mainly for two things : in the pursuit of a superlative musical career and as a staunch defender of human rights .
As a lifetime ambassador for the UN 's High Commissioner for Refugees , Hendricks is staging a concert from Stockholm ’ s Vasateatern to help this vulnerable sector of society , many of whom have found themselves in even more precarious circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic .
Taking inspiration from the words of civil rights leader Martin Luther King and the many anonymous women and men who brought about change and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , “ Road to Freedom ” .
As one of the rare lyrical artists to have graced the stages of the Paris Opéra , the Met in New York and La Scala in Milan , Barbara Hendricks has also headlined at the Montreux Jazz Festival and lent her talents to the world of musical theatre .
She tells us about being fluent in the “ two languages ” of jazz and classical music , and why art – be it socially distanced or in person – has the power to touch people wherever @ @ @ @ @ @

Barbara Hendricks has used her voice mainly for two things: in the pursuit of a superlative musical career and as a staunch defender of human rights.
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As a lifetime ambassador for the UN's High Commissioner for Refugees, Hendricks is staging a concert from Stockholm’s Vasateatern to help this vulnerable sector of society, many of whom have found themselves in even more precarious circumstances due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking inspiration from the words of civil rights leader Martin Luther King and the many anonymous women and men who brought about change and social justice, the performance is entitled, “Road to Freedom”.
As one of the rare lyrical artists to have graced the stages of the Paris Opéra, the Met in New York and La Scala in Milan, Barbara Hendricks has also headlined at the Montreux Jazz Festival and lent her talents to the world of musical theatre. She tells us about being fluent in the “two languages” of jazz and classical music, and why art – be it socially distanced or in person – has the power to touch people wherever they are in the world.
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france24--2020-05-21--French spy agency seeks 'geeks not Bond' to lead cybersecurity battle

The headquarters of France 's external intelligence agency , the General Directorate for External Security ( DGSE ) , in Paris .
The French secret service is looking to recruit geeks rather than budding young James Bonds as it adapts to new demands in the post-coronavirus world , its technical director Patrick Pailloux told AFP .
In rare public comments , Pailloux said there is a danger that many young tech-savvy French people simply do not consider themselves suitable for the stereotypes of France ’ s Directorate-General for External Security ( DGSE ) .
“ We need people who are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young people , ” said Pailloux .
“ We have to bring them into the DGSE , it ’ s essential.
” The DGSE has previously acknowledged it has seen a surge of interest in its work thanks to the hugely popular TV drama “ Le Bureau des Légendes ” ( known as “ Le Bureau ” outside France ) .
In the series , hard-bitten spies on dangerous missions around the world notably work closely with IT experts employed by the DGSE deep inside its Paris headquarters .
Young people “ have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their heads , ” said Pailloux .
“ They think : ‘ I am not Rambo , I am a geek ’ , and it does not occur to them to enter the DGSE.
” “ But it is not only supermen who are supercharged .
If you are supercharged in science then you can also serve your country.
” And this will be even more crucial in the changed world after the coronavirus where communication will be even more virtual and less in person .
“ Cybersecurity is the alpha and omega @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in , ” said Pailloux .
“ If we are not able to make our systems safe , then all other security is useless , ” said Pailloux .
He was speaking as 65,000 school pupils take part in an annual competition in France , with the backing of the DGSE , in decoding and cryptography .
For some it is hard to imagine the jump from decoding for fun to working for the secret services .
But Matthieu Lequesne of the National Research Institute for Digital Science and Technology ( INRIA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the competition said that “ behind the maths , logic , computer science , the stakes are political ” .
“ If we want to take advantage of artificial intelligence , for big data to work , it has to deal with tonnes of data that belong to individuals , ” he said .
“ And we have to make sure that the platforms that handle this data don ’ t learn anything about us .
So the way to respond is good cryptography .
”

The French secret service is looking to recruit geeks rather than budding young James Bonds as it adapts to new demands in the post-coronavirus world, its technical director Patrick Pailloux told AFP.
The headquarters of France's external intelligence agency, the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), in Paris.
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In rare public comments, Pailloux said there is a danger that many young tech-savvy French people simply do not consider themselves suitable for the stereotypes of France’s Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE).
“We need people who are very connected to new technologies — thus young people,” said Pailloux.
“We have to bring them into the DGSE, it’s essential.”
The DGSE has previously acknowledged it has seen a surge of interest in its work thanks to the hugely popular TV drama “Le Bureau des Légendes” (known as “Le Bureau” outside France).
In the series, hard-bitten spies on dangerous missions around the world notably work closely with IT experts employed by the DGSE deep inside its Paris headquarters.
Young people “have James Bond and the special forces in their heads,” said Pailloux.
“They think: ‘I am not Rambo, I am a geek’, and it does not occur to them to enter the DGSE.”
“But it is not only supermen who are supercharged. If you are supercharged in science then you can also serve your country.”
‘Alpha and omega of security’
And this will be even more crucial in the changed world after the coronavirus where communication will be even more virtual and less in person.
“Cybersecurity is the alpha and omega of global security in the world we live in,” said Pailloux.
“If we are not able to make our systems safe, then all other security is useless,” said Pailloux.
He was speaking as 65,000 school pupils take part in an annual competition in France, with the backing of the DGSE, in decoding and cryptography.
For some it is hard to imagine the jump from decoding for fun to working for the secret services.
But Matthieu Lequesne of the National Research Institute for Digital Science and Technology (INRIA) and one of the co-organisers of the competition said that “behind the maths, logic, computer science, the stakes are political”.
“If we want to take advantage of artificial intelligence, for big data to work, it has to deal with tonnes of data that belong to individuals,” he said.
“And we have to make sure that the platforms that handle this data don’t learn anything about us. So the way to respond is good cryptography.”
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-21--Covid-19 to weigh on relief efforts as experts predict busy Atlantic hurricane season

A satellite image from September 2019 is seen of Tropical Storm Dorian US forecasters on Thursday predicted an “ above normal ” Atlantic hurricane season and emergency officials said they were factoring the coronavirus pandemic into potential relief efforts .
Neil Jacobs , acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) , said there was a 60 percent chance the season would be “ above normal , ” with the possibility of three to six major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher .
There was a 30 percent chance of a “ near normal ” season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ below normal ” season , Jacobs told reporters on a conference call .
“ NOAA ’ s analysis of current and seasonal atmospheric conditions reveals a recipe for an active Atlantic hurricane season this year , ” Jacobs said .
NOAA ’ s Climate Prediction Center forecast 13 to 19 named storms—those with winds of 39 miles per hour ( 63 kilometers per hour ) or higher .
Six to 10 storms could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph ( 119 kph ) or higher and three to six could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more with winds of 111 mph ( 179 kph ) or higher , NOAA said .
An average hurricane season has 12 named storms , of which six become hurricanes and three become major hurricanes .
The NOAA predictions relate to how many storms are expected to form , but do not make any forecasts about landfall .
The Atlantic hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to November 30 .
There has been one tropical storm already in the Atlantic , Tropical Storm Arthur , the first named storm of the season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean in each of the past four years and an unusually active 2020 season would be the fifth in a row .
Carlos Castillo , the acting deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency ( FEMA ) , said the Atlantic hurricane season could be particularly challenging this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and urged people living in coastal regions to be prepared .
But Castillo said FEMA was well-equipped to respond to multiple natural disasters at a time and was adjusting its shelter plans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
“ The number of spaces will necessarily be decreased because of social distancing , ” the FEMA official said .
“ If you are in an evacuation zone you should plan to go , maybe , to friends who are outside the evacuation zone.
” “ COVID-19 may impact the disaster preparedness plan you had in place , ” Castillo added .
“ Natural disasters won ’ t wait , so I encourage you to keep COVID-19 in mind when revising or making your plan for you and your loved ones.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5 strength at one point , was the most destructive storm of last year , causing major damage and dozens of deaths in the Bahamas .
In 2018 , Hurricanes Florence and Michael killed dozens of people and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage in North Carolina , South Carolina and Florida .
The previous year , 2017 , was particularly devastating , with hurricanes Harvey , Irma and Maria wreaking deadly havoc throughout the Caribbean and Atlantic region .

US forecasters on Thursday predicted an “above normal” Atlantic hurricane season and emergency officials said they were factoring the coronavirus pandemic into potential relief efforts.
A satellite image from September 2019 is seen of Tropical Storm Dorian
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Neil Jacobs, acting administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), said there was a 60 percent chance the season would be “above normal,” with the possibility of three to six major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
There was a 30 percent chance of a “near normal” season and only a 10 percent chance of a “below normal” season, Jacobs told reporters on a conference call.
“NOAA’s analysis of current and seasonal atmospheric conditions reveals a recipe for an active Atlantic hurricane season this year,” Jacobs said.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center forecast 13 to 19 named storms—those with winds of 39 miles per hour (63 kilometers per hour) or higher.
Six to 10 storms could become hurricanes with winds of 74 mph (119 kph) or higher and three to six could be major hurricanes of Category 3 or more with winds of 111 mph (179 kph) or higher, NOAA said.
An average hurricane season has 12 named storms, of which six become hurricanes and three become major hurricanes.
The NOAA predictions relate to how many storms are expected to form, but do not make any forecasts about landfall.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially extends from June 1 to November 30. There has been one tropical storm already in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the season.
There has been at least one Category 5 hurricane in the Atlantic Ocean in each of the past four years and an unusually active 2020 season would be the fifth in a row.
Make a plan
Carlos Castillo, the acting deputy administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), said the Atlantic hurricane season could be particularly challenging this year because of the coronavirus pandemic and urged people living in coastal regions to be prepared.
But Castillo said FEMA was well-equipped to respond to multiple natural disasters at a time and was adjusting its shelter plans, for example, to accommodate social distancing.
“The number of spaces will necessarily be decreased because of social distancing,” the FEMA official said. “If you are in an evacuation zone you should plan to go, maybe, to friends who are outside the evacuation zone.”
“COVID-19 may impact the disaster preparedness plan you had in place,” Castillo added.
“Natural disasters won’t wait, so I encourage you to keep COVID-19 in mind when revising or making your plan for you and your loved ones.”
Hurricane Dorian, which reached Category 5 strength at one point, was the most destructive storm of last year, causing major damage and dozens of deaths in the Bahamas.
In 2018, Hurricanes Florence and Michael killed dozens of people and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.
The previous year, 2017, was particularly devastating, with hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria wreaking deadly havoc throughout the Caribbean and Atlantic region.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-22--Passenger plane with more than 100 on board crashes in Karachi, Pakistani authorities say

In this file photo taken on February 08 , 2016 , a man looks on as a Pakistan International Airlines ( PIA ) plane taxis on the runway at the airport in Islamabad .
A passenger plane with more than 100 people believed to be on board crashed in the southern city of Karachi on May 22 , 2020 , the country 's aviation authority said .
A Pakistani passenger plane with more than 100 people on board has crashed near the southern city of Karachi on Friday , the country 's aviation authority said .
Images shown on national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had smashed into a residential area .
`` The plane crashed in Karachi .
We are trying to confirm the number of passengers but initially it is 99 passengers and eight crew members , '' said Abdul Sattar Khokhar , the spokesman for the country 's aviation authority .
Khokhar added that the aircraft was en route to Karachi from Lahore .
Witnesses said the Airbus A320 appeared to attempt to land two or three times before crashing in a residential area near Jinnah International Airport .
Images aired on national television showed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flight had smashed into a residential area , with clouds of thick black smoke billowing from the site .
The Pakistan military later tweeted that security forces had been deployed to the area and helicopters were being used to survey the damage and help ongoing rescue operations .
It comes just days after the country began allowing commercial flights to resume after planes were grounded during a lockdown over the coronavirus pandemic .
The crash comes as Pakistanis across the country are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan and the beginning of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their homes in cities and villages .

A Pakistan International Airlines Airbus jet with 99 people aboard crashed into the city of Karachi on Friday while approaching the airport.
The security services and the army search the site of a plane crash in Karachi on May 22, 2020.
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At least 56 people were confirmed to have died, hospital officials told Reuters, though other officials gave different figures and authorities did not release an estimate of casualties on the ground.
Two passengers survived, including Zafar Masood, president of the Bank of Punjab, a Sindh provincial government spokesman said. The bank said he had suffered fractures but was "conscious and responding well".
The other survivor, engineer Muhammad Zubair, told Geo News the pilot came down for one landing, briefly touched down, then took off again.
After around 10 more minutes of flying, the pilot announced to passengers he was going to go around for a second go, then crashed as he approached the runway, Zubair said from his bed in Civil Hospital Karachi.
"All I could see around was smoke and fire," he added. "I could hear screams from all directions. Kids and adults. All I could see was fire. I couldn’t see any people – just hear their screams.
"I opened my seat belt and saw some light – I went towards the light. I had to jump down about 10 feet to get to safety.”
#COAS condoles loss of precious lives in tragic PIA plane crash. Shares grief of bereaved families in this difficult time. COAS directed provision of full assistance to civil administration in rescue/ relief effort. — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) May 22, 2020
'We have lost engines'
Smoke billowed from the scene where flight PK 8303 came down at about 2:45 p.m. (0945 GMT). Twisted fuselage lay in the rubble of multi-storey buildings as ambulances rushed through chaotic crowds.
The crash happened on the eve of the Muslim festival of Eid, when Pakistanis travel to visit relatives.
"The aeroplane first hit a mobile tower and crashed over houses," witness Shakeel Ahmed said near the site, a few kilometres short of the airport.
The Airbus A320 was flying from the eastern city of Lahore to Karachi in the south with 91 passengers and eight crew, civil aviation authorities said, just as Pakistan was resuming domestic flights in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
A total of 56 bodies were brought to JPMC hospital and the Civil Hospital Karachi, officials from both institutions said. The airline's chief executive, Arshad Malik, told reporters he knew of 41 confirmed deaths.
Seconds before the crash, the pilot told air traffic controllers he had lost power from both engines, according to a recording posted on liveatc.net, a widely respected aviation monitoring website.
"We are returning back, sir, we have lost engines," a man was heard saying in a recording released by the website. The controller freed up both the airport's runways but moments later the man called "Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!".
'Immediate inquiry'
There was no further communication from the plane, according to the tape, which could not immediately be authenticated.
"The last we heard from the pilot was that he has some technical problem ... It is a very tragic incident," said the state carrier's spokesman, Abdullah H. Khan.
Another senior civil aviation official told Reuters it appeared the plane had been unable to lower its undercarriage for the first approach due to a technical fault, but it was too early to determine the cause.
Aviation safety experts say air crashes typically have multiple causes, and that it is too early to understand them within the first hours or days.
Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted: "Shocked & saddened by the PIA crash ... Immediate inquiry will be instituted. Prayers & condolences go to families of the deceased."
Airbus said the jet first flew in 2004 and was fitted with engines built by CFM International, co-owned by General Electric and France's Safran.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-22--France to hold final round of local elections on June 28 after Covid-19 delay

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe arrives to attend a meeting with leaders of political parties as the country began a gradual end to the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown at the Hotel Matignon in Paris on May 20 , 2020 .
The French government announced Friday that it will hold a final round of mayoral elections on June 28 after suspending voting due to the coronavirus , French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe said Friday , adding that the plans would go ahead providing there were minimal Covid-19 health risks .
Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced the schedule @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statement on Friday after a lengthy government debate over the risks posed by the coronavirus .
Of France 's 35,000 cities , towns and villages , about 30,000 already elected their mayors in the first round on March 15 .
But many large cities are among those remaining , including Paris , Lyon and Marseille .
France 's Scientific Council has urged caution , recommending that a new assessment of coronavirus cases be carried out 15 days before a new polling date .
To the bewilderment of many , the first round was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a nationwide lockdown on March 17 , as Philippe announced the vote would go ahead even as he declared that cafes , bars , cinemas and all non-essential shops must shut until further notice .
France , which ranks fourth globally in the number of coronavirus deaths , began easing its strict lockdown measures on May 11 .

France will hold a final round of mayoral elections on June 28 after suspending voting due to the coronavirus, French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe said Friday, adding that the plans would go ahead providing there were minimal Covid-19 health risks and that voters must wear masks.
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Prime Minister Édouard Philippe and Interior Minister Christophe Castaner announced the schedule for the next round in a joint statement on Friday after a lengthy government debate over the risks posed by the coronavirus.
Castaner said that all voters must wear a mask.
Of France's 35,000 cities, towns and villages, about 30,000 already elected their mayors in the first round on March 15. But many large cities are among those remaining, including Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
France's Scientific Council has urged caution, recommending that a new assessment of coronavirus cases be carried out 15 days before a new polling date.
To the bewilderment of many, the first round was held just two days before the start of a nationwide lockdown on March 17, as Philippe announced the vote would go ahead even as he declared that cafes, bars, cinemas and all non-essential shops must shut until further notice.
France, which ranks fourth globally in the number of coronavirus deaths, began easing its strict lockdown measures on May 11.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-22--China drops GDP goal as parliament opens amid Covid-19 hit on economy

Chinese President Xi Jinping ( L ) and Premier Li Keqiang arrive at the opening session of the National People 's Congress ( NPC ) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing , China on May 22 , 2020 .
China dropped its annual growth target for the first time on Friday and pledged more government spending as the COVID-19 pandemic hammers the world 's second-biggest economy , setting a sombre tone to this year 's meeting of parliament .
The omission from Premier Li Keqiang 's work report marks the first time China has not set a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) since the government began publishing such goals in 1990 .
The economy shrank 6.8 % in the first quarter , the first contraction in decades , hit by the outbreak of the new coronavirus , which started in the central Chinese city of Wuhan .
`` We have not set a specific target for economic growth for the year , mainly because the global epidemic situation and economic and trade situation are very uncertain , and China 's development is facing some unpredictable factors , '' Li said at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exports are falling , and the pressure on employment is rising significantly , while financial risks are mounting , he warned .
China has set a target to create over 9 million urban jobs this year , according to Li 's report , down from a goal of at least 11 million in 2019 and the lowest since 2013 .
Ahead of the National People 's Congress , the week-long meeting of the largely rubber-stamp parliament , China 's top leaders have promised to boost stimulus to bolster the economy amid rising worries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Beijing is also planning security legislation for Hong Kong , which Li said will provide a `` sound '' legal system and enforcement mechanisms but which critics say could curb autonomy in the city .
The move drew warnings from the United States , falls on Asian stock markets and calls among Hong Kong activists for protests in the former British colony .
China is targeting a 2020 budget deficit of at least 3.6 % of GDP , above last year 's 2.8 % , and fixed the quota on local-government special bond @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 527 billion ) , up from 2.15 trillion yuan , according to Li .
The government will issue 1 trillion yuan in special treasury bonds this year , the first such issuance .
It will transfer 2 trillion yuan raised from the bigger 2020 budget deficit and special anti-coronavirus treasury bonds to local governments , Li said .
Local government bonds could be used to fund infrastructure projects , while special treasury bonds could be used to support firms and regions hit by the outbreak .
`` The annual budget points to fiscal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with that following the global financial crisis , '' Julian Evans-Pritchard , senior China economist at Capital Economics , wrote in a note .
But Nie Wen , economist at Shanghai-based Hwabao Trust , said Li 's report indicates China will `` not resort to mass stimulus that some market players have been betting on . ''
Nie expects GDP growth to slow sharply this year to around 2 % or 3 % from last year 's 6.1 % .
`` This year 's economic growth needs to reach around 3 % to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Nie said , adding that the size of the fiscal stimulus announced by Li is about 4 trillion yuan .
In line with the slower economy , China will raise defence spending by 6.6 % this year , the slowest in three decades , while the budget for environmental protection will increase a modest 4 % .
Monetary policy will be more flexible , Li said , adding that growth in M2 - a broad gauge of money supply - and total social financing will be significantly higher this year .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) will guide its benchmark lending rate lower , he said .
The central bank has cut the Loan Prime Rate ( LPR ) by 46 basis points since August 2019 , when it replaced the previous benchmark lending rate .
The one-year LPR rate is now 3.85 % .
The PBOC has cut reserve requirement ratios 10 times since early 2018 , including three cuts this year .
Small and midsize companies can delay paying loans and interest by a further nine months , through March 2021 , and lending to SMEs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ than 40 % , Li said .
The tax and fee burden shouldered by companies will be cut by 2.5 trillion yuan this year , Li said .

China dropped its annual growth target for the first time on Friday and pledged more government spending as the COVID-19 pandemic hammers the world's second-biggest economy, setting a sombre tone to this year's meeting of parliament.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) and Premier Li Keqiang arrive at the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on May 22, 2020.
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The omission from Premier Li Keqiang's work report marks the first time China has not set a target for gross domestic product (GDP) since the government began publishing such goals in 1990.
The economy shrank 6.8% in the first quarter, the first contraction in decades, hit by the outbreak of the new coronavirus, which started in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.
"We have not set a specific target for economic growth for the year, mainly because the global epidemic situation and economic and trade situation are very uncertain, and China's development is facing some unpredictable factors," Li said at the start of parliament.
03:58
Domestic consumption, investment and exports are falling, and the pressure on employment is rising significantly, while financial risks are mounting, he warned.
China has set a target to create over 9 million urban jobs this year, according to Li's report, down from a goal of at least 11 million in 2019 and the lowest since 2013.
Hong Kong security legislation on agenda
Ahead of the National People's Congress, the week-long meeting of the largely rubber-stamp parliament, China's top leaders have promised to boost stimulus to bolster the economy amid rising worries job losses could threaten social stability.
03:58
Beijing is also planning security legislation for Hong Kong, which Li said will provide a "sound" legal system and enforcement mechanisms but which critics say could curb autonomy in the city.
The move drew warnings from the United States, falls on Asian stock markets and calls among Hong Kong activists for protests in the former British colony.
China is targeting a 2020 budget deficit of at least 3.6% of GDP, above last year's 2.8%, and fixed the quota on local-government special bond issuance at 3.75 trillion yuan ($527 billion), up from 2.15 trillion yuan, according to Li.
Anti-coronavirus treasury bonds
The government will issue 1 trillion yuan in special treasury bonds this year, the first such issuance. It will transfer 2 trillion yuan raised from the bigger 2020 budget deficit and special anti-coronavirus treasury bonds to local governments, Li said.
Local government bonds could be used to fund infrastructure projects, while special treasury bonds could be used to support firms and regions hit by the outbreak.
"The annual budget points to fiscal stimulus this year at least on par with that following the global financial crisis," Julian Evans-Pritchard, senior China economist at Capital Economics, wrote in a note.
But Nie Wen, economist at Shanghai-based Hwabao Trust, said Li's report indicates China will "not resort to mass stimulus that some market players have been betting on."
Nie expects GDP growth to slow sharply this year to around 2% or 3% from last year's 6.1%.
"This year's economic growth needs to reach around 3% to create 9 million new urban jobs," Nie said, adding that the size of the fiscal stimulus announced by Li is about 4 trillion yuan.
Defence spending to rise by 6.6 percent
In line with the slower economy, China will raise defence spending by 6.6% this year, the slowest in three decades, while the budget for environmental protection will increase a modest 4%.
Monetary policy will be more flexible, Li said, adding that growth in M2 - a broad gauge of money supply - and total social financing will be significantly higher this year.
The People's Bank of China (PBOC) will guide its benchmark lending rate lower, he said.
The central bank has cut the Loan Prime Rate (LPR) by 46 basis points since August 2019, when it replaced the previous benchmark lending rate. The one-year LPR rate is now 3.85%.
The PBOC has cut reserve requirement ratios 10 times since early 2018, including three cuts this year.
Small and midsize companies can delay paying loans and interest by a further nine months, through March 2021, and lending to SMEs by big commercial banks should grow more than 40%, Li said.
The tax and fee burden shouldered by companies will be cut by 2.5 trillion yuan this year, Li said.
($1 = 7.1138 Chinese yuan renminbi)
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-22--Recovery begins after deadly Cyclone Amphan ravages India, Bangladesh

Men cut branches of an uprooted tree in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan in South 24 Parganas district in the eastern state of West Bengal , India on May 22 , 2020 .
Indian authorities on Friday began assessing damage and clearing roads in the wake of Cyclone Amphan , which killed at least 95 people and left millions displaced after barreling through the coastal communities of eastern India and neighbouring Bangladesh .
In West Bengal state , which bore the brunt of the storm that caused extensive flooding in its capital Kolkata , police and teams from India ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trees and other debris , repaired communication lines and started getting hundreds of thousands of people out of shelters .
Amphan hit land Wednesday as the most powerful storm in the region in more than a decade , dumping heavy rain amid a battering storm surge .
India 's Prime Minister Narendra Modi left New Delhi to conduct an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas of West Bengal and Odisha states .
It was Modi ’ s first trip outside the national capital after a coronavirus lockdown was imposed in late March .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will be left unturned in helping the affected ” .
In an initial assessment , officials in Bangladesh said the cyclone caused about $ 130 million in damage to infrastructure , housing , fisheries , livestock , water resources and agriculture .
The full extent of the damage along India 's eastern coast was not immediately known .
At least 95 people were killed .
West Bengal reported 72 deaths -- including 15 in Kolkata -- with state premier Mamata Banerjee saying : `` I have n't seen a disaster of this magnitude @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's impact as `` worse than coronavirus '' .
Twenty-three people have died in Bangladesh , according to the official death toll .
The United Nations office in Bangladesh estimates 10 million people were affected , and some 500,000 people may have lost their homes .
But the death toll was far lower than the many thousands killed in previous cyclones -- a result of improved weather forecasting and better response plans .
Improved weather forecasting meant Bangladesh was able to move some 2.4 million people into shelters or out of the storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some 650,000 .
The disaster has raised fears , however , that overcrowding in storm shelters will exacerbate the spread of Covid-19 .
`` The coronavirus has already taken a toll on people .
Now the cyclone has made them paupers , '' Bhabotosh Kumar Mondal , a local councillor in West Bengal , told AFP .
In 1999 , a super cyclone that hit the area left nearly 10,000 dead in India 's Odisha state , eight years after a typhoon , tornadoes and flooding killed 139,000 in Bangladesh .

Indian authorities on Friday began assessing damage and clearing roads in the wake of Cyclone Amphan, which killed at least 95 people and left millions displaced after barreling through the coastal communities of eastern India and neighbouring Bangladesh.
Men cut branches of an uprooted tree in the aftermath of Cyclone Amphan in South 24 Parganas district in the eastern state of West Bengal, India on May 22, 2020.
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In West Bengal state, which bore the brunt of the storm that caused extensive flooding in its capital Kolkata, police and teams from India’s national disaster response force removed fallen trees and other debris, repaired communication lines and started getting hundreds of thousands of people out of shelters.
Amphan hit land Wednesday as the most powerful storm in the region in more than a decade, dumping heavy rain amid a battering storm surge.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi left New Delhi to conduct an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas of West Bengal and Odisha states. It was Modi’s first trip outside the national capital after a coronavirus lockdown was imposed in late March.
Modi promised Thursday that “no stone will be left unturned in helping the affected”.
In an initial assessment, officials in Bangladesh said the cyclone caused about $130 million in damage to infrastructure, housing, fisheries, livestock, water resources and agriculture. The full extent of the damage along India's eastern coast was not immediately known.
'Worse than coronavirus'
At least 95 people were killed. West Bengal reported 72 deaths -- including 15 in Kolkata -- with state premier Mamata Banerjee saying: "I haven't seen a disaster of this magnitude."
Banerjee earlier described the cyclone's impact as "worse than coronavirus".
Twenty-three people have died in Bangladesh, according to the official death toll.
The United Nations office in Bangladesh estimates 10 million people were affected, and some 500,000 people may have lost their homes.
But the death toll was far lower than the many thousands killed in previous cyclones -- a result of improved weather forecasting and better response plans.
Improved weather forecasting meant Bangladesh was able to move some 2.4 million people into shelters or out of the storm's direct path, while India evacuated some 650,000.
The disaster has raised fears, however, that overcrowding in storm shelters will exacerbate the spread of Covid-19.
"The coronavirus has already taken a toll on people. Now the cyclone has made them paupers," Bhabotosh Kumar Mondal, a local councillor in West Bengal, told AFP.
In 1999, a super cyclone that hit the area left nearly 10,000 dead in India's Odisha state, eight years after a typhoon, tornadoes and flooding killed 139,000 in Bangladesh.
(FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP)
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france24--2020-05-22--Brazil's Covid-19 death toll surpasses 20,000 mark

Liliane Tavares de Moura , 44 , pastoral agent member of the Nossa Senhora do Perpetuo Socorro Parish of the Catholic Church , is seen in Educandos slum in Manaus on May 19 , 2020 , amid the spread of Covid-19 in Brazil .
The novel coronavirus death toll in Brazil surpassed 20,000 on Thursday , after a record number of fatalities in a 24-hour period , the health ministry said .
The country is the epicenter of the outbreak in Latin America , and its highest one-day toll of 1,188 pushed the overall death tally to 20,047 .
Brazil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with experts saying a lack of testing means the real figures are probably much higher .
With its curve of infections and deaths rising sharply , the country of 210 million ranks third in the world in terms of total cases , behind the United States and Russia .
The death toll -- the sixth highest in the world -- has doubled in just 11 days , according to ministry data .
Despite the worrying spread of the disease , far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday continued his calls to scrap lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But almost all of the country 's 27 states are under some sort of lockdown order , though Brazilians are wearying of the restrictions in place since the end of March .
Sao Paulo state , the economic and cultural capital of Brazil , is by far the most affected , with about a quarter of the country 's deaths and infections .
Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria , who has clashed often with the president over containment measures , has said the country has to fight both coronavirus and `` Bolsonarovirus .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a conciliatory note Thursday as they held a video conference on coordinating the response to the pandemic .
The president called it `` a great victory for the Brazilian people . ''
`` Brazil needs to be united .
If we 're at war , we all face defeat .
Let 's go together in peace , Mr President , together for Brazil , '' he said .
Hospitals in Sao Paulo , Rio de Janeiro and various states across northern and northeastern Brazil are near collapse .
The authorities have been racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ beds , but are struggling to build them fast enough .
Bolsonaro , who has famously compared the virus to a `` little flu , '' appears to have pinned his hopes on the anti-malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to stop it .
He has gone through two health ministers since the pandemic began , and the crucial ministry is now in the hands of an interim , army general Eduardo Pazuello .
The last health minister , Nelson Teich , resigned last week after less than a month on the job , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ president 's insistence on widespread chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine use .
The drugs have shown inconclusive results against coronavirus , and scientists say further studies are needed to determine whether they are safe and effective for COVID-19 .
But like his US counterpart Donald Trump , to whom he is often compared , Bolsonaro sees them as potential wonder drugs .
No sooner was Teich out the door than Bolsonaro 's government recommended Wednesday that all COVID-19 patients receive one of the drugs as soon as they show symptoms .
`` There is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) is being monitored and used in Brazil and around the world , '' Bolsonaro tweeted afterward .

The novel coronavirus death toll in Brazil surpassed 20,000 on Thursday, after a record number of fatalities in a 24-hour period, the health ministry said.
Liliane Tavares de Moura, 44, pastoral agent member of the Nossa Senhora do Perpetuo Socorro Parish of the Catholic Church, is seen in Educandos slum in Manaus on May 19, 2020, amid the spread of Covid-19 in Brazil.
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The country is the epicenter of the outbreak in Latin America, and its highest one-day toll of 1,188 pushed the overall death tally to 20,047.
Brazil has now recorded more than 310,000 cases, with experts saying a lack of testing means the real figures are probably much higher.
With its curve of infections and deaths rising sharply, the country of 210 million ranks third in the world in terms of total cases, behind the United States and Russia.
The death toll -- the sixth highest in the world -- has doubled in just 11 days, according to ministry data.
Despite the worrying spread of the disease, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on Thursday continued his calls to scrap lockdown measures to revive a flagging economy.
But almost all of the country's 27 states are under some sort of lockdown order, though Brazilians are wearying of the restrictions in place since the end of March.
'Bolsonarovirus'
Sao Paulo state, the economic and cultural capital of Brazil, is by far the most affected, with about a quarter of the country's deaths and infections.
Sao Paulo Governor Joao Doria, who has clashed often with the president over containment measures, has said the country has to fight both coronavirus and "Bolsonarovirus."
But Bolsonaro and the governors sounded a conciliatory note Thursday as they held a video conference on coordinating the response to the pandemic.
The president called it "a great victory for the Brazilian people."
Doria, for his part, urged unity.
"Brazil needs to be united. If we're at war, we all face defeat. Let's go together in peace, Mr President, together for Brazil," he said.
Hospitals in Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and various states across northern and northeastern Brazil are near collapse.
The authorities have been racing to set up field hospitals with more beds, but are struggling to build them fast enough.
'At war'
Bolsonaro, who has famously compared the virus to a "little flu," appears to have pinned his hopes on the anti-malaria drugs chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine to stop it.
He has gone through two health ministers since the pandemic began, and the crucial ministry is now in the hands of an interim, army general Eduardo Pazuello.
The last health minister, Nelson Teich, resigned last week after less than a month on the job, reportedly after clashing with Bolsonaro over the president's insistence on widespread chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine use.
The drugs have shown inconclusive results against coronavirus, and scientists say further studies are needed to determine whether they are safe and effective for COVID-19.
But like his US counterpart Donald Trump, to whom he is often compared, Bolsonaro sees them as potential wonder drugs.
No sooner was Teich out the door than Bolsonaro's government recommended Wednesday that all COVID-19 patients receive one of the drugs as soon as they show symptoms.
"There is still no scientific proof, but (chloroquine) is being monitored and used in Brazil and around the world," Bolsonaro tweeted afterward.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-22--Hong Kong activists call for protest after China vows stronger security enforcement

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng , wearing face masks , attend the opening session of the National People 's Congress ( NPC ) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing , China on May 22 , 2020 .
Hong Kong activists called for a protest march on Friday against Beijing 's plans to impose national security legislation in the semiautonomous city , raising concerns over its freedoms and its status as a global financial hub .
The move also hit financial markets , with Hong Kong stocks selling off as China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the new laws .
While it was unclear whether the unauthorised march , proposed to start at noon near the central financial district and end at China 's Liaison Office , will materialise , it was a sign that Hong Kong could soon plunge into renewed unrest .
The legislation could be a historical turning point for Hong Kong and heighten geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington , whose relationship is already weakened by trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over the coronavirus pandemic .
`` It is starting to look like a U.S.-China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Stephen Innes , chief global market strategist at AxiCorp .
Hong Kong stocks fell 3.2 % , leading falls in Asia and the Hong Kong dollar dropped slightly against the U.S. greenback .
Speaking on Friday in his annual report to the Chinese parliament , Premier Li Keqiang said China will establish a `` sound '' legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau , its other semi-autonomous city .
A previous attempt to adopt similar legislation in 2003 was met with a protest that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the streets and was eventually shelved .
China 's action comes after the large scale and often violent pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019 , the biggest crisis the former British colony has faced since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997 .
Pro-democracy activists and politicians have for years opposed the idea of national security laws , arguing they could erode the city 's high degree of autonomy , guaranteed under the `` one country , two systems '' handover agreement , which China says is undermined by protesters .
Local pro-democracy lawmakers denounced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of Hong Kong '' .
`` Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers ’ critical voices with force and fear , '' pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong tweeted .
`` Deep down protesters know , we insist not because we are strong , but because we have no other choice . ''
The introduction of Hong Kong security laws on the agenda of the Chinese parliament , which begins its annual session on Friday after a months-long delay due to the coronavirus , drew a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The U.S. State Department also warned China , saying a high-degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory 's special status in U.S. law , which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre .
Taiwan 's Mainland Affairs Council urged Beijing on Friday not to lead Hong Kong into `` bigger turmoil '' due to wrong policy decisions .
An editorial in the state-backed China Daily newspaper late on Thursday said the proposed legislation will `` better safeguard Hong Kong 's development @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rioters and their foreign backers , who see such legislation as a thorn in their side , only testifies to the pertinence of the decision and the urgent need for such legislation , '' it said .

Hong Kong activists called for a protest march on Friday against Beijing's plans to impose national security legislation in the semiautonomous territory, raising concerns over its freedoms and its status as a global financial hub.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (right) and Macau Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng wearing face masks following the coronavirus disease outbreak attend the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, May 22, 2020.
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The move also hit financial markets, with Hong Kong stocks selling off as China's parliament sat on Friday to discuss the new laws.
While it was unclear whether the unauthorised march, proposed to start at noon near the central financial district and end at China's Liaison Office, will materialise, it was a sign that Hong Kong could soon plunge into renewed unrest.
The legislation could be a historical turning point for Hong Kong and heighten geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, whose relationship is already weakened by trade disputes and reciprocal accusations over the coronavirus pandemic.
03:05
"It is starting to look like a US-China summer of discontent in the making," said Stephen Innes, chief global market strategist at AxiCorp.
Hong Kong stocks fell 3.2 percdnt, leading falls in Asia, and the Hong Kong dollar dropped slightly against the US greenback.
Similar legislation was shelved in 2003
Speaking on Friday in his annual report to the Chinese parliament, Premier Li Keqiang said China will establish a "sound" legal system and enforcement mechanisms to ensure national security in Hong Kong and Macau, its other semi-autonomous territory.
A previous attempt to adopt similar legislation in 2003 was met with a protest that drew around half a million people onto the streets and was eventually shelved.
China's action comes after the large scale and often violent pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019, the biggest crisis the former British colony has faced since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Pro-democracy activists and politicians have for years opposed the idea of national security laws, arguing they could erode the territory's high degree of autonomy, guaranteed under the "one country, two systems" handover agreement, which China says is undermined by protesters.
Local pro-democracy lawmakers denounced the plans on Thursday night as "the end of Hong Kong".
"Beijing is attempting to silence Hong Kongers’ critical voices with force and fear," pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong tweeted. "Deep down protesters know, we insist not because we are strong, but because we have no other choice."
5/ Beijing’s move is a direct retaliation on #hongkongers’ efforts to arouse awareness over the past one year. Beijing is attempting to silence #Hongkongers’ critical voices with force and fear. — Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 😷 (@joshuawongcf) May 21, 2020
The introduction of Hong Kong security laws on the agenda of the Chinese parliament, which begins its annual session on Friday after a months-long delay due to the coronavirus, drew a warning from US President Donald Trump that Washington would react "very strongly".
The US State Department also warned China, saying a high-degree of autonomy and respect for human rights were key to preserving the territory's special status in US law, which has helped it maintain its position as a world financial centre.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the move, saying, “The decision to bypass Hong Kong’s well-established legislative processes and ignore the will of the people of Hong Kong would be a death knell for the high degree of autonomy Beijing promised.”
Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council urged Beijing on Friday not to lead Hong Kong into "bigger turmoil" due to wrong policy decisions.
An editorial in the state-backed China Daily newspaper late on Thursday said the proposed legislation will "better safeguard Hong Kong's development".
"The overreaction of those rioters and their foreign backers, who see such legislation as a thorn in their side, only testifies to the pertinence of the decision and the urgent need for such legislation," it said.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-22--Sons of murdered Saudi journalist Khashoggi 'forgive' killers, setting up possible clemency

The family of slain Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi announced Friday they have forgiven his Saudi killers , giving legal reprieve to the five government agents who 'd been sentenced to death for an operation that cast a cloud of suspicion over the kingdom 's crown prince .
“ We , the sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi , announce that we forgive those who killed our father as we seek reward from God Almighty , ” wrote one of his sons , Salah Khashoggi , on Twitter .
Salah Khashoggi , who lives in Saudi Arabia and has received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his father 's killing , explained that forgiveness was extended to the killers during the last nights of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in line with Islamic tradition to offer pardons in cases allowed by Islamic law .
The announcement was largely expected because the trial in Saudi Arabia left the door open for reprieve by ruling in December that the killing was not premeditated .
That finding was in line with the government ’ s official explanation of Khashoggi 's slaying that he was killed accidentally in a brawl by agents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Arabia .
Prior to his killing , Khashoggi had written critically of Saudi Arabia 's crown prince in columns for the Washington Post .
He 'd been living in exile in the United States for about a year as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman oversaw a crackdown in Saudi Arabia on human rights activists , writers and critics of his devastating war in Yemen .
In October 2017 , a team of 15 Saudi agents was dispatched to Turkey to meet Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul for what he thought was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to wed his Turkish fiance .
The group included a forensic doctor , intelligence and security officers and individuals who worked for the crown prince ’ s office .
Turkish officials allege Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw .
The body has not been found .
Turkey , a rival of Saudi Arabia , apparently had the Saudi Consulate bugged and has shared audio of the killing with the CIA , among others .
The grisly killing , which took place as his Turkish fiance waited for him outside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Prince Mohammed .
> > The Interview : Khashoggi 's fiancée Hatice Cengiz : ' I want to know who gave the order to kill Jamal' The 34-year-old prince , who has the support of his father King Salman , denies any involvement .
U.S. intelligence agencies , however , say an operation like this could not have happened without his knowledge and the Senate has blamed the crown prince for the murder .
After initially offering shifting accounts of what transpired , and under intense international and Turkish pressure , Saudi prosecutors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been killed by Saudi agents in an operation masterminded by two of the crown prince ’ s top aides at the time .
Neither was found guilty in trial , however .
In addition to the five who had been sentenced to execution , the Saudi trial concluded last year that three other people were found guilty of covering up the crime and were sentenced to a combined 24 years in prison .
In all , 11 people were put on trial in Saudi Arabia for the killing .
Saudi media outlet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the announcement made by Khashoggi ’ s sons may spare the convicted killers from execution , but does not mean they will go unpunished .
In an interview in September with CBS ’ “ 60 Minutes , ” Prince Mohammed said he takes “ full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia.
” But he insisted that he had no knowledge of the operation , saying he can not keep close track of the country ’ s millions of employees .

The family of slain Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi announced Friday they have forgiven his Saudi killers, giving legal reprieve to the five government agents who'd been sentenced to death for an operation that cast a cloud of suspicion over the kingdom's crown prince.
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“We, the sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi, announce that we forgive those who killed our father as we seek reward from God Almighty,” wrote one of his sons, Salah Khashoggi, on Twitter.
Salah Khashoggi, who lives in Saudi Arabia and has received financial compensation from the royal court for his father's killing, explained that forgiveness was extended to the killers during the last nights of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in line with Islamic tradition to offer pardons in cases allowed by Islamic law.
The move was just another step in Saudi Arabia's "parody of justice", a UN expert said Friday.
"While shocking", the announcement "was anticipated", Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said in a statement, describing the move as "the final act in (Saudi Arabia's) well-rehearsed parody of justice in front of an international community far too ready to be deceived".
The announcement was largely expected because the trial in Saudi Arabia left the door open for reprieve by ruling in December that the killing was not premeditated. That finding was in line with the government’s official explanation of Khashoggi's slaying that he was killed accidentally in a brawl by agents trying to forcibly return him to Saudi Arabia.
Prior to his killing, Khashoggi had written critically of Saudi Arabia's crown prince in columns for the Washington Post. He'd been living in exile in the United States for about a year as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman oversaw a crackdown in Saudi Arabia on human rights activists, writers and critics of his devastating war in Yemen.
In October 2017, a team of 15 Saudi agents was dispatched to Turkey to meet Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul for what he thought was an appointment to pick up documents needed to wed his Turkish fiance. The group included a forensic doctor, intelligence and security officers, and individuals who worked for the crown prince’s office.
Turkish officials allege Khashoggi was killed and then dismembered with a bone saw. The body has not been found. Turkey, a rival of Saudi Arabia, apparently had the Saudi Consulate bugged and has shared audio of the killing with the CIA, among others.
The grisly killing, which took place as his Turkish fiance waited for him outside the building, drew international condemnation of Prince Mohammed.
>> The Interview: Khashoggi's fiancée Hatice Cengiz: 'I want to know who gave the order to kill Jamal'
Crown Prince denies involvement
The 34-year-old prince, who has the support of his father King Salman, denies any involvement. U.S. intelligence agencies, however, say an operation like this could not have happened without his knowledge and the Senate has blamed the crown prince for the murder.
After initially offering shifting accounts of what transpired, and under intense international and Turkish pressure, Saudi prosecutors eventually settled on the explanation that Khashoggi had been killed by Saudi agents in an operation masterminded by two of the crown prince’s top aides at the time. Neither was found guilty in trial, however.
In addition to the five who had been sentenced to execution, the Saudi trial concluded last year that three other people were found guilty of covering up the crime and were sentenced to a combined 24 years in prison. In all, 11 people were put on trial in Saudi Arabia for the killing.
Saudi media outlet Arab News sought to clarify Friday that the announcement made by Khashoggi’s sons may spare the convicted killers from execution, but does not mean they will go unpunished.
In an interview in September with CBS’s “60 Minutes", Prince Mohammed said he takes “full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia.” But he insisted that he had no knowledge of the operation, saying he cannot keep close track of the country’s millions of employees.
(AP)
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france24--2020-05-22--Ex-world champion boxer coaches French hospital workers amid Covid-19

Before he gets back in the ring , Hassam N ’ Dam , a former middleweight world champion boxer , @ @ @ @ @ to the hospital that saved his father-in-law ’ s life .
A former world champion @ @ @ @ @ the gym and into a coaching role for some workers at a hospital near Paris @ @ @ @ @ Before he gets back in the ring , Hassam N ’ Dam , a former @ @ @ @ @ to give something back to the hospital that saved his father-in-law ’ s life .
@ @ @ @ @ my father-in-law for seven weeks , so I ’ m giving them what they have @ @ @ @ @ said N ’ Dam , who plans to do more volunteering in hospitals after he @ @ @ @ @ .
Click on the video player above to watch FRANCE 24 's report .

A former world champion boxer has stepped out of the gym and into a coaching role for some workers at a hospital near Paris. FRANCE 24 reports.
Before he gets back in the ring, Hassam N’Dam, a former middleweight world champion boxer, decided to give something back to the hospital that saved his father-in-law’s life.
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Before he gets back in the ring, Hassam N’Dam, a former world champion boxer, decided to give something back to the hospital that saved his father-in-law’s life.
“This hospital looked after my father-in-law for seven weeks, so I’m giving them what they have us: life,” said N’Dam, who plans to do more volunteering in hospitals after he competes for another championship title.
Click on the video player above to watch FRANCE 24's report.
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france24--2020-05-21--NATO allies, other nations urge US not to withdraw from Open Skies accord

The Trump administration says the US is withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty because of Russian violations .
The United States announced its intention on Thursday to withdraw from the 35-nation Open Skies Treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries , the Trump administration ’ s latest move to pull the country out of a major global treaty .
The administration said Russia had repeatedly violated the pact 's terms .
Senior officials said the pullout would formally take place in six months , but President Donald Trump held out the possibility that Russia could come into compliance .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ good relationship with Russia .
But Russia did n't adhere to the treaty .
So until they adhere , we will pull out , '' Trump told reporters .
His decision deepens doubts about whether Washington will seek to extend the 2010 New START accord , which imposes the last remaining limits on US and Russian deployments of strategic nuclear arms to no more than 1,550 each .
It expires in February .
Trump has repeatedly called for China to join the United States and Russia in talks on an arms control accord @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated to have about 300 nuclear weapons , has repeatedly rejected Trump 's proposal .
White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox News Channel later on Thursday that he did not expect the United States to leave the New START accord .
NATO allies and other countries like Ukraine had pressed Washington not to leave the Open Skies Treaty , whose unarmed overflights are aimed at bolstering confidence among members and providing them forewarning of surprise military attacks .
In Moscow , RIA state news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not violated the treaty and nothing prevented the continuation of talks on technical issues that Washington calls violations .
The Open Skies decision followed a six-month review in which officials found multiple instances of Russian refusal to comply with the treaty .
Last year , the administration pulled the United States out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia .
A senior administration source said US officials had begun talks in recent days with Russian officials about a new round of nuclear arms negotiations to `` begin crafting the next generation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that US withdrawal could prompt Russian exit Trump 's arms control negotiator mounted a full-blown defence of the administration 's arms control policies , focusing on the president 's proposal that China join the United States and Russia on a replacement for New START .
`` We know how to win these races and we know how to spend the adversary into oblivion .
If we have to , we will , but we sure would like to avoid it , '' Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea told the Hudson @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a years-long effort by Russia to violate the terms , such as by restricting US overflights of Russia 's neighbor Georgia and the Russian military enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast .
In addition , they said Russia had been using its own overflights of American and European territory to identify critical US infrastructure for potential attack in time of war .
Some experts worry that a US exit from the treaty , which will halt Russian overflights of the United States , could prompt Moscow 's withdrawal , which would end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , weakening European security at a time that Russian-backed separatists are holding parts of Ukraine and Georgia .
Trump 's decision to leave the treaty is `` premature and irresponsible , '' said Daryl Kimball , head of the Washington-based Arms Control Association .
The Open Skies Treaty , proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955 , was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002 .

The United States announced its intention on Thursday to withdraw from the 35-nation Open Skies Treaty allowing unarmed surveillance flights over member countries, the Trump administration’s latest move to pull the country out of a major global treaty.
The Trump administration says the US is withdrawing from the Open Skies Treaty because of Russian violations.
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The administration said Russia had repeatedly violated the pact's terms. Senior officials said the pullout would formally take place in six months, but President Donald Trump held out the possibility that Russia could come into compliance.
"I think we have a very good relationship with Russia. But Russia didn't adhere to the treaty. So until they adhere, we will pull out," Trump told reporters.
His decision deepens doubts about whether Washington will seek to extend the 2010 New START accord, which imposes the last remaining limits on US and Russian deployments of strategic nuclear arms to no more than 1,550 each. It expires in February.
General Hayden sums up our withdrawal from Open Skies. https://t.co/oaiWKh9FsT — Tom Nichols (@RadioFreeTom) May 21, 2020
Trump has repeatedly called for China to join the United States and Russia in talks on an arms control accord to replace New START. China, estimated to have about 300 nuclear weapons, has repeatedly rejected Trump's proposal.
White House national security adviser Robert O'Brien told Fox News Channel later on Thursday that he did not expect the United States to leave the New START accord.
NATO allies and other countries like Ukraine had pressed Washington not to leave the Open Skies Treaty, whose unarmed overflights are aimed at bolstering confidence among members and providing them forewarning of surprise military attacks.
In Moscow, RIA state news agency quoted Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko as saying that Russia had not violated the treaty and nothing prevented the continuation of talks on technical issues that Washington calls violations.
The Open Skies decision followed a six-month review in which officials found multiple instances of Russian refusal to comply with the treaty.
Last year, the administration pulled the United States out of the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia.
A senior administration source said US officials had begun talks in recent days with Russian officials about a new round of nuclear arms negotiations to "begin crafting the next generation of nuclear arms control measures".
Concern that US withdrawal could prompt Russian exit
Trump's arms control negotiator mounted a full-blown defence of the administration's arms control policies, focusing on the president's proposal that China join the United States and Russia on a replacement for New START.
"We know how to win these races and we know how to spend the adversary into oblivion. If we have to, we will, but we sure would like to avoid it," Special Presidential Envoy for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea told the Hudson Institute think tank.
Administration officials cited a years-long effort by Russia to violate the terms, such as by restricting US overflights of Russia's neighbor Georgia and the Russian military enclave in Kaliningrad on the Baltic coast.
In addition, they said Russia had been using its own overflights of American and European territory to identify critical US infrastructure for potential attack in time of war.
Some experts worry that a US exit from the treaty, which will halt Russian overflights of the United States, could prompt Moscow's withdrawal, which would end overflights of Russia by the remaining members, weakening European security at a time that Russian-backed separatists are holding parts of Ukraine and Georgia.
Trump's decision to leave the treaty is "premature and irresponsible," said Daryl Kimball, head of the Washington-based Arms Control Association.
The Open Skies Treaty, proposed by US President Dwight Eisenhower in 1955, was signed in 1992 and took effect in 2002.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-21--French finance minister seeks commitments from Renault in exchange for €5 billion bailout

French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire at the Elysee presidential palace on April 24 , 2020 .
France 's Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said he has not signed off on a 5 billion euro ( $ 5.47 billion ) state-guaranteed loan to help Renault cope with the fallout from the coronavirus , and that discussions continued .
Le Maire told newspaper Le Figaro that the government was seeking commitments from carmakers in three areas in return for help : electric vehicles ; the fair treatment of sub-contractors ; and that they base hi-tech activities in France @ @ @ @ @ @ @ survival , '' Le Maire said in the interview published late on Thursday .
`` I have n't yet signed the loan . ''
Sources told Reuters on Monday that Renault had reached an agreement on the loan with banks and that it should be submitted to the board of directors soon , before being formally approved by the finance ministry .
Le Maire said France 's response to the worst depression since World War Two totalled 450 billion euros in aid and state guarantees - 20 % of France 's annual national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zone 's second-biggest economy will shrink at least 8 % this year .
Its budget deficit is set to hit a post-war record of 9 % of economic output this year .
The European Union has granted member countries all the fiscal leeway they need to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus , enabling governments to open the spending taps and wave aside EU budget rules that limit government borrowing .
There is no time limit set in the flexibility clause allowing this .
Nonetheless , Le Maire said he hoped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Nothing would be worse than reviving the economic machine while applying the brake on public spending , '' he said .

France's Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said he has not signed off on a 5 billion euro ($5.47 billion) state-guaranteed loan to help Renault cope with the fallout from the coronavirus, and that discussions continued.
French Minister of Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire at the Elysee presidential palace on April 24, 2020.
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Le Maire told newspaper Le Figaro that the government was seeking commitments from carmakers in three areas in return for help: electric vehicles; the fair treatment of sub-contractors; and that they base hi-tech activities in France.
"Renault is fighting for its survival," Le Maire said in the interview published late on Thursday. "I haven't yet signed the loan."
Sources told Reuters on Monday that Renault had reached an agreement on the loan with banks and that it should be submitted to the board of directors soon, before being formally approved by the finance ministry.
Le Maire said France's response to the worst depression since World War Two totalled 450 billion euros in aid and state guarantees - 20% of France's annual national output.
France forecasts at least 8 percent economic contraction
The government forecasts the euro zone's second-biggest economy will shrink at least 8% this year. Its budget deficit is set to hit a post-war record of 9% of economic output this year.
The European Union has granted member countries all the fiscal leeway they need to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus, enabling governments to open the spending taps and wave aside EU budget rules that limit government borrowing.
There is no time limit set in the flexibility clause allowing this. Nonetheless, Le Maire said he hoped the rules would remain suspended in 2021.
"Nothing would be worse than reviving the economic machine while applying the brake on public spending," he said.
(REUTERS)
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