france24--2020-10-16--Week in Review: French cities under Covid curfew, reports from US swing states and the ‘Emily in Par

Week in Review: French cities under Covid curfew, reports from US swing states and the ‘Emily in Paris’ debate

Paris and other French cities prepared for a 9pm coronavirus curfew as French authorities announced a nationwide ban on weddings and other large events – a reality far from the romanticism of Darren Star ’ s new show “ Emily in Paris ” , which has prompted debate about French clichés and idealised American notions of the French capital .
Health workers in France go on strike as coronavirus cases surge Several hundred health workers took to the streets of Paris on Thursday afternoon to protest against conditions in French hospitals as the number of new coronavirus cases has surged @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its million zombie computers pose a threat to the US election ?
Tech giant Microsoft and the United States military intelligence are taking on Trickbot , deeming the botnet – one of the world 's largest networks of computers controlled remotely by cybercriminals – a potential threat to the US presidential election .
Darren Star gives Paris the ‘ Sex and the City ’ treatment with new show , ‘ Emily in Paris ’ When `` Sex and the City '' came out in 1998 , perhaps no one loved the show more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now its creator has turned his sights to Paris , and the French capital is abuzz .
Private festivities , weddings banned during during France ’ s Covid-19 state of emergency After French President Emmanuel Macron announced a nighttime curfew in Paris and eight other cities , the government detailed tough new measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 , including a nationwide ban on private festivities such as weddings .
French authorities search home of health minister , ex-PM in inquiry into handling of Covid-19 French police searched the homes of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ minister Edouard Philippe and other officials as part of an inquiry into the government 's handling of the coronavirus crisis .
France imposes curfew in Paris and other cities as Europe ramps up Covid-19 restrictions France is the latest European country to toughen anti-coronavirus measures , imposing a curfew in Paris and eight other cities set to begin on Saturday , while Germany and Ireland also ramped up restrictions .
Policing without consent : Why French police are ill-equipped to ‘ reconquer ’ Paris suburbs Brazen attacks on French police have highlighted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ France ’ s most deprived suburbs .
Analysts say bridging the chasm requires changing the entrenched culture of a police force that is answerable to the state , not the people .
REPORTS ON THE US ELECTION From the streets to the ballot box , America ’ s youngest voters are ready to be heard In key battleground states , Gen Z is ready to make its voice heard .
And for many among America ’ s most progressive generation , that means setting aside their misgivings about establishment politics to vote for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Dearborn , Michigan , Muslim Americans are mobilising to defeat Trump In Dearborn , a suburb of Detroit where a third of residents identify as Arab-American or are of Arab descent , Muslim voters lean decidedly towards the Democrats .
And while Joe Biden wasn ’ t the first choice for many here , widespread opposition to President Donald Trump is bringing voters into his camp .
‘ We are in serious trouble ’ : A close presidential race puts Michigan on edge Donald Trump ’ s upset victory in Michigan in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ White House .
This year , Joe Biden is counting on bringing the state back into the Democratic fold .
Travelling across the Midwestern battleground , FRANCE 24 met voters on both sides who are bracing for catastrophe if their candidate loses the election .
In Pennsylvania , fracking might not be the winning issue US presidential candidates think it is In the battle for the White House , Pennsylvania and fracking have become all but synonymous .
Yet in one of the state ’ s largest gas-producing counties , FRANCE 24 found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be far more vexed than the national debate suggests .
Aliyev spoke to FRANCE 24 from the country 's capital of Baku while the conflict between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh continued to escalate .
The president denied any deliberate attack on civilians from Azerbaijan ’ s side and described reports of Turkish military involvement on his country 's behalf as “ fake news ” .
Islamic State group on trial : mother of murdered reporter James Foley speaks out American journalist James Foley was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Islamic State group .
After a six-year-long wait , two of his alleged killers are facing trial in the US .
Both men have pleaded not guilty to torture and murder .
We speak to James 's mother , Diane Foley , days ahead of what would have been her son ’ s 47th birthday .
YOU ARE HERE The talented craftsmen who work for the French army The craftsmen who shape the accessories of France 's Republican Guard can not be replaced by machines .
Their best talent builds new musical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the Guard ’ s cavalry band .
And the craftsmen of the Paris Mint create the Military Medal , one of France ’ s highest honours .
FRANCE 24 takes a close look at these unique artisans .
‘ Uprooted ’ : The film that reclaims the true history of jazz dance When we think of jazz dance , we may think of Broadway , the West End , Liza Minelli or West Side Story .
The illuminating film “ Uprooted ” takes us much further back to the roots of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of slavery and entangled with the African American experience through hip hop and beyond .
Film show : Iranian reality TV that decides if you live or die We take a look at “ Yalda : A Night for Forgiveness ” , a prize-winning Iranian drama inspired by a reality TV show , and “ The Trial of the Chicago 7 ” , screenwriter Aaron Sorkin ’ s second directorial turn after 2017 ’ s “ Molly 's Game ” with Jessica Chastain .
As the fashion world mourned the death of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played host to real-life catwalk shows .
Under the leadership of creative director Felipe Oliveira Baptista , Kenzo sounded the alarm over the destruction of global bee populations .
Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize used his show to celebrate his queer identity , and at Dior , Maria Grazia Chiuri explored the way clothes exist in the private sphere .
‘ 2020 has felt like an apocalyptic year for many US startups ’ : When politics hit expasion plans American startups looking to expand globally are facing challenges from the coronavirus pandemic to Brexit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McIntyre about the decisions they ’ re making .
We also looked at the growing debt mountain facing developing countries , and , from Australia , our correspondents reported that a shortage of sheep shearers is causing headaches in that country 's multibillion-dollar wool industry .

WEEK IN REVIEW
Paris and other French cities prepared for a 9pm coronavirus curfew as French authorities announced a nationwide ban on weddings and other large events – a reality far from the romanticism of Darren Star’s new show “Emily in Paris”, which has prompted debate about French clichés and idealised American notions of the French capital.
Advertising Read more
ARTICLES
Health workers in France go on strike as coronavirus cases surge
Several hundred health workers took to the streets of Paris on Thursday afternoon to protest against conditions in French hospitals as the number of new coronavirus cases has surged across the country.
Health workers protest on the Place Vauban in Paris on October 15, 2020. © Alain Jocard, AFP
Does Trickbot and its million zombie computers pose a threat to the US election?
Tech giant Microsoft and the United States military intelligence are taking on Trickbot, deeming the botnet – one of the world's largest networks of computers controlled remotely by cybercriminals – a potential threat to the US presidential election.
Darren Star gives Paris the ‘Sex and the City’ treatment with new show, ‘Emily in Paris’
When "Sex and the City" came out in 1998, perhaps no one loved the show more than the New Yorkers the series portrayed. Now its creator has turned his sights to Paris, and the French capital is abuzz.
"Emily in Paris" shows a sanitized view of Paris. © Thomas Samson, AFP
Private festivities, weddings banned during during France’s Covid-19 state of emergency
After French President Emmanuel Macron announced a nighttime curfew in Paris and eight other cities, the government detailed tough new measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, including a nationwide ban on private festivities such as weddings.
French authorities search home of health minister, ex-PM in inquiry into handling of Covid-19
French police searched the homes of Health Minister Olivier Véran, former prime minister Edouard Philippe and other officials as part of an inquiry into the government's handling of the coronavirus crisis.
France imposes curfew in Paris and other cities as Europe ramps up Covid-19 restrictions
France is the latest European country to toughen anti-coronavirus measures, imposing a curfew in Paris and eight other cities set to begin on Saturday, while Germany and Ireland also ramped up restrictions.
Cyclists ride past the Au Chat Noir bar, which was closed as part of stricter restrictions due to the spread of Covid-19, in Paris, France on October 13, 2020. © Charles Platiau, Reuters
Policing without consent: Why French police are ill-equipped to ‘reconquer’ Paris suburbs
Brazen attacks on French police have highlighted the divide between law enforcement and youths in France’s most deprived suburbs. Analysts say bridging the chasm requires changing the entrenched culture of a police force that is answerable to the state, not the people.
Sarkozy under formal investigation for ‘criminal association’ in Libyan funding scandal
French prosecutors placed former president Nicolas Sarkozy under formal investigation for "criminal association" related to allegations that he accepted campaign funding from former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy answers journalist's questions during a signing session of his new book "Le Temps des Tempêtes" inside Baleone shopping center in Ajaccio, on July 24, 2020, on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica. © Pascal Pochard-Casabianca, AFP
REPORTS ON THE US ELECTION
From the streets to the ballot box, America’s youngest voters are ready to be heard
In key battleground states, Gen Z is ready to make its voice heard. And for many among America’s most progressive generation, that means setting aside their misgivings about establishment politics to vote for the Democratic candidate, Joe Biden.
At the Cleveland Presidential Debate Protest for Black Lives and Climate Justice, September 29, 2020. © Colin Kinniburgh
In Dearborn, Michigan, Muslim Americans are mobilising to defeat Trump
In Dearborn, a suburb of Detroit where a third of residents identify as Arab-American or are of Arab descent, Muslim voters lean decidedly towards the Democrats. And while Joe Biden wasn’t the first choice for many here, widespread opposition to President Donald Trump is bringing voters into his camp.
‘We are in serious trouble’: A close presidential race puts Michigan on edge
Donald Trump’s upset victory in Michigan in 2016 was key to his winning the White House. This year, Joe Biden is counting on bringing the state back into the Democratic fold. Travelling across the Midwestern battleground, FRANCE 24 met voters on both sides who are bracing for catastrophe if their candidate loses the election.
In Pennsylvania, fracking might not be the winning issue US presidential candidates think it is
In the battle for the White House, Pennsylvania and fracking have become all but synonymous. Yet in one of the state’s largest gas-producing counties, FRANCE 24 found residents’ relationship with the industry to be far more vexed than the national debate suggests.
Lois Bower-Bjornson, southwestern Pennsylvania field organizer with Clean Air Council, points out a fracking well site just over the hill from her home in Scenery Hill, Pennsylvania. © Colin Kinniburgh
TV PROGRAMMES
THE INTERVIEW
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev: ‘We never deliberately attacked civilians’
Aliyev spoke to FRANCE 24 from the country's capital of Baku while the conflict between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh continued to escalate. The president denied any deliberate attack on civilians from Azerbaijan’s side and described reports of Turkish military involvement on his country's behalf as “fake news”.
THE INTERVIEW © FRANCE 24
MIDDLE EAST MATTERS
Islamic State group on trial: mother of murdered reporter James Foley speaks out
American journalist James Foley was one of the first Western hostages to be killed by the Islamic State group. After a six-year-long wait, two of his alleged killers are facing trial in the US. Both men have pleaded not guilty to torture and murder. We speak to James's mother, Diane Foley, days ahead of what would have been her son’s 47th birthday.
YOU ARE HERE
The talented craftsmen who work for the French army
The craftsmen who shape the accessories of France's Republican Guard cannot be replaced by machines. Their best talent builds new musical instruments, be they helicons or clarinets, for the Guard’s cavalry band. And the craftsmen of the Paris Mint create the Military Medal, one of France’s highest honours. FRANCE 24 takes a close look at these unique artisans.
ENCORE!
‘Uprooted’: The film that reclaims the true history of jazz dance
When we think of jazz dance, we may think of Broadway, the West End, Liza Minelli or West Side Story. The illuminating film “Uprooted” takes us much further back to the roots of this dance of African descent, born out of slavery and entangled with the African American experience through hip hop and beyond.
ENCORE! © France 24
Film show: Iranian reality TV that decides if you live or die
We take a look at “Yalda: A Night for Forgiveness”, a prize-winning Iranian drama inspired by a reality TV show, and “The Trial of the Chicago 7”, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin’s second directorial turn after 2017’s “Molly's Game” with Jessica Chastain.
FASHION
Ready-to-wear, summer 2021: Catwalk shows return to Paris Fashion Week
As the fashion world mourned the death of designer Kenzo Takada, Paris once again played host to real-life catwalk shows. Under the leadership of creative director Felipe Oliveira Baptista, Kenzo sounded the alarm over the destruction of global bee populations. Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize used his show to celebrate his queer identity, and at Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri explored the way clothes exist in the private sphere.
Kenneth Ize, styliste nigérian. © Pascal Mourier
PEOPLE & PROFIT
‘2020 has felt like an apocalyptic year for many US startups’: When politics hit expasion plans
American startups looking to expand globally are facing challenges from the coronavirus pandemic to Brexit. We spoke to tech executive-turned-investor Stephen McIntyre about the decisions they’re making. We also looked at the growing debt mountain facing developing countries, and, from Australia, our correspondents reported that a shortage of sheep shearers is causing headaches in that country's multibillion-dollar wool industry.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-10-16--Neymar misses PSG game after Brazil duty

Neymar will sit out Paris Saint-Germain 's Ligue 1 game away at Nimes on Friday , hot on the heels of his starring role on international duty for Brazil .
The world 's most expensive player scored a hat-trick for his country in a 4-2 win in Peru in 2022 World Cup qualifying .
That match in Lima did not finish until the early hours of Wednesday , European time , and the quick turnaround means he will play no part for his club this weekend .
Instead Paris coach Thomas Tuchel will keep the Brazilian fresh for the Champions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next Tuesday .
PSG are without a raft of players for the game at Nimes , where they are seeking a fifth straight win after starting the season with two straight losses .
Angel Di Maria and Marquinhos are suspended , while Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi are among those missing due to injury .
Midfielder Danilo Pereira must wait for his debut after arriving on loan from Porto -- he is isolating after coming into contact with Cristiano Ronaldo , who tested positive for Covid-19 , while on international duty with Portugal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Moise Kean could play , and Kylian Mbappe is in the squad despite playing for France in Croatia on Wednesday evening .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Neymar will sit out Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 game away at Nimes on Friday, hot on the heels of his starring role on international duty for Brazil.
The world's most expensive player scored a hat-trick for his country in a 4-2 win in Peru in 2022 World Cup qualifying.
That match in Lima did not finish until the early hours of Wednesday, European time, and the quick turnaround means he will play no part for his club this weekend.
Instead Paris coach Thomas Tuchel will keep the Brazilian fresh for the Champions League clash at home to Manchester United next Tuesday.
PSG are without a raft of players for the game at Nimes, where they are seeking a fifth straight win after starting the season with two straight losses.
Angel Di Maria and Marquinhos are suspended, while Marco Verratti and Mauro Icardi are among those missing due to injury.
Midfielder Danilo Pereira must wait for his debut after arriving on loan from Porto -- he is isolating after coming into contact with Cristiano Ronaldo, who tested positive for Covid-19, while on international duty with Portugal.
However, fellow new arrivals Rafinha and Moise Kean could play, and Kylian Mbappe is in the squad despite playing for France in Croatia on Wednesday evening.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Scores more freed on day two of Yemen prisoner swap

Freed Huthi prisoners arrive in the rebel-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Thursday as part of a landmark prisoner swap More than 350 prisoners were freed on Friday on the second day of a landmark exchange between the warring sides in Yemen , the International Committee of the Red Cross said .
The prisoner swap is a rare sign of progress in efforts to end the conflict in Yemen , where rebels still control the capital Sanaa and much of the north despite the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition in support of the internationally recognised government .
Aircraft arranged by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between Sanaa and Yemen 's second city Aden , seat of the Saudi-backed government , on Friday , ferrying released prisoners .
`` In cooperation with the Yemen ( Red ) Crescent , we facilitated the release and transfer of 352 former detainees between Aden and Sanaa , '' the ICRC said on Twitter .
The ICRC , which was tasked with the logistics of the complex two-day exchange , said that on Thursday it flew more than 700 freed detainees to cities in both Yemen and neighbouring Saudi Arabia .
Under the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of negotiations in Switzerland last month , the warring sides agreed to release a total of 1,081 prisoners over the two days .
The number is much the largest since the conflict erupted in 2014 .
Back in 2018 , the Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels resolved to swap some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the UN in Sweden .
The two sides have since undertaken sporadic prisoner exchanges , but this week 's swap is the first large-scale handover since the war began .
It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans held captive in Yemen , in an apparent swap for some 240 Huthi supporters who were allowed to return home after being stranded in neighbouring Oman .
The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American who died in captivity .
The fate of the 240 Yemenis , who had travelled to Oman for medical treatment in what was supposed to be a confidence-building move during the 2018 talks in Sweden , had become a major grievance for the rebels and a symbol of the deep distrust between the two @ @

Sanaa (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
More than 350 prisoners were freed on Friday on the second day of a landmark exchange between the warring sides in Yemen, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.
The prisoner swap is a rare sign of progress in efforts to end the conflict in Yemen, where rebels still control the capital Sanaa and much of the north despite the intervention of a Saudi-led coalition in support of the internationally recognised government.
Aircraft arranged by the International Committee of the Red Cross shuttled between Sanaa and Yemen's second city Aden, seat of the Saudi-backed government, on Friday, ferrying released prisoners.
"In cooperation with the Yemen (Red) Crescent, we facilitated the release and transfer of 352 former detainees between Aden and Sanaa," the ICRC said on Twitter.
The ICRC, which was tasked with the logistics of the complex two-day exchange, said that on Thursday it flew more than 700 freed detainees to cities in both Yemen and neighbouring Saudi Arabia.
Under the exchange agreement hammered out in a week of negotiations in Switzerland last month, the warring sides agreed to release a total of 1,081 prisoners over the two days.
The number is much the largest since the conflict erupted in 2014.
Back in 2018, the Yemeni government and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels resolved to swap some 15,000 detainees as part of a peace deal brokered by the UN in Sweden.
The two sides have since undertaken sporadic prisoner exchanges, but this week's swap is the first large-scale handover since the war began.
It comes after the release Wednesday of two Americans held captive in Yemen, in an apparent swap for some 240 Huthi supporters who were allowed to return home after being stranded in neighbouring Oman.
The rebels also sent back the remains of a third American who died in captivity.
The fate of the 240 Yemenis, who had travelled to Oman for medical treatment in what was supposed to be a confidence-building move during the 2018 talks in Sweden, had become a major grievance for the rebels and a symbol of the deep distrust between the two sides.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Sarkozy under formal investigation for ‘criminal association’ in Libyan funding scandal

France 's former president Nicolas Sarkozy answers questions during a signing session of his book , `` Le Temps des Tempêtes '' , inside a shopping center in Ajaccio on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica on July 24 , 2020 .
French prosecutors placed former president Nicolas Sarkozy under formal investigation for `` criminal association '' on Friday related to allegations that he accepted campaign funding from former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi .
Prosecutors are investigating allegations that former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi secretly gave Sarkozy €50 million for his inaugural presidential campaign in 2007 .
The allegations were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dictator ’ s sons , Saif al-Islam , in 2011 .
The new accusations of membership in a criminal conspiracy add to charges leveled in 2018 of `` passive corruption '' , `` benefitting from embezzled public funds '' and `` illegal campaign financing '' .
Being placed under `` formal investigation '' in France indicates that magistrates have found sufficient evidence of wrongdoing so that the investigation can go forward , possibly to trial .
The case drew heightened scrutiny in November 2016 when Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine said he delivered three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's former chief of staff and campaign director , Claude Guéant , between 2006 and 2007 .
In January , British police detained French businessman Alexandre Djouhri at Heathrow Airport as part of the long-running investigation into the suspected Libyan financing .
A spokesman for London 's Metropolitan Police confirmed Djouhri 's arrest was executed `` under a European arrest warrant '' for fraud and money laundering .
Sarkozy has always denied the allegations .
Responding to the latest charges on his Facebook page , Sarkozy said he was `` stupefied '' by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest step `` in a long list of injustices '' .
> > Read more : Gaddafi relations haunt Sarkozy in 2007 campaign financing case The former president had a complex relationship with Gaddafi .
Soon after his election to the presidency , he controversially invited the Libyan leader to Paris for a state visit and welcomed him with high honours .
But Sarkozy then put France at the forefront of the NATO-led airstrikes against Gaddafi 's troops that helped a hodgepodge of rebel fighters topple his regime in 2011 .
The Libyan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probes that have dogged the former head of state since he left power .
In 2018 Sarkozy lost an appeal against the decision to send him to trial over charges of illegal campaign financing in a case known as the `` Bygmalion Affair '' .
The scandal centres on claims that Sarkozy ’ s party , then known as the UMP ( now called Les Républicains ) , connived with a friendly PR company to hide the true cost of his 2012 presidential election campaign .
France sets limits on campaign spending , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ invoiced Sarkozy ’ s party rather than the campaign , allowing the UMP to spend almost double the amount permitted .
The party allegedly told the communications agency to produce fake invoices to cover up vast over-spending during the failed 2012 campaign .

French prosecutors placed former president Nicolas Sarkozy under formal investigation for "criminal association" on Friday related to allegations that he accepted campaign funding from former Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi.
France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy answers questions during a signing session of his book, "Le Temps des Tempêtes", inside a shopping center in Ajaccio on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica on July 24, 2020.
Advertising Read more
Prosecutors are investigating allegations that former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi secretly gave Sarkozy €50 million for his inaugural presidential campaign in 2007. The allegations were first made by one of the late dictator’s sons, Saif al-Islam, in 2011.
The new accusations of membership in a criminal conspiracy add to charges leveled in 2018 of "passive corruption", "benefitting from embezzled public funds" and "illegal campaign financing".
Being placed under "formal investigation" in France indicates that magistrates have found sufficient evidence of wrongdoing so that the investigation can go forward, possibly to trial.
The case drew heightened scrutiny in November 2016 when Franco-Lebanese businessman Ziad Takieddine said he delivered three suitcases stuffed with Libyan cash to Sarkozy's former chief of staff and campaign director, Claude Guéant, between 2006 and 2007.
In January, British police detained French businessman Alexandre Djouhri at Heathrow Airport as part of the long-running investigation into the suspected Libyan financing. A spokesman for London's Metropolitan Police confirmed Djouhri's arrest was executed "under a European arrest warrant" for fraud and money laundering.
Sarkozy has always denied the allegations. Responding to the latest charges on his Facebook page, Sarkozy said he was "stupefied" by the latest accusations, calling them the latest step "in a long list of injustices".
Video: The many legal woes dogging Nicolas Sarkozy
>> Read more: Gaddafi relations haunt Sarkozy in 2007 campaign financing case
The former president had a complex relationship with Gaddafi. Soon after his election to the presidency, he controversially invited the Libyan leader to Paris for a state visit and welcomed him with high honours. But Sarkozy then put France at the forefront of the NATO-led airstrikes against Gaddafi's troops that helped a hodgepodge of rebel fighters topple his regime in 2011.
The Libyan investigation is just one of several legal probes that have dogged the former head of state since he left power. In 2018 Sarkozy lost an appeal against the decision to send him to trial over charges of illegal campaign financing in a case known as the "Bygmalion Affair".
The scandal centres on claims that Sarkozy’s party, then known as the UMP (now called Les Républicains), connived with a friendly PR company to hide the true cost of his 2012 presidential election campaign.
France sets limits on campaign spending, and it is alleged the firm Bygmalion invoiced Sarkozy’s party rather than the campaign, allowing the UMP to spend almost double the amount permitted. The party allegedly told the communications agency to produce fake invoices to cover up vast over-spending during the failed 2012 campaign.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, REUTERS)
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning Subscribe


france24--2020-10-16--Karthik hands over IPL captaincy to England's Morgan

Dinesh Karthik , pictured in 2019 , steps down as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik stepped down Friday as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders , handing over to England 's Eoin Morgan for the rest of the Indian Premier League tournament .
Hours before Kolkata were to take on the Mumbai Indians in the Twenty20 tournament , the franchise said that Karthik , 35 , wanted to `` focus on his batting and contributing more to the team 's cause '' .
`` We are fortunate to have leaders such as DK , who has always @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a lot of courage for someone like him to take a decision such as this , '' CEO Venky Mysore said in the statement posted on Twitter .
`` While we were surprised by his decision , we are respectful of his wishes . ''
Midway into the closely-fought tournament , KKR are placed fourth with four wins and three losses .
Karthik has scored 108 runs from seven outings so far , with 58 being his highest score .
Morgan , England 's World Cup winning skipper , was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has aggregated 175 runs from seven games .
The IPL was moved out to the United Arab Emirates this year owing to soaring coronavirus cases in India .

Dubai (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik stepped down Friday as captain of Kolkata Knight Riders, handing over to England's Eoin Morgan for the rest of the Indian Premier League tournament.
Hours before Kolkata were to take on the Mumbai Indians in the Twenty20 tournament, the franchise said that Karthik, 35, wanted to "focus on his batting and contributing more to the team's cause".
"We are fortunate to have leaders such as DK, who has always put the team first. It takes a lot of courage for someone like him to take a decision such as this," CEO Venky Mysore said in the statement posted on Twitter.
"While we were surprised by his decision, we are respectful of his wishes."
Midway into the closely-fought tournament, KKR are placed fourth with four wins and three losses.
Karthik has scored 108 runs from seven outings so far, with 58 being his highest score.
Morgan, England's World Cup winning skipper, was one of the top buys at the IPL auction and has aggregated 175 runs from seven games.
The IPL was moved out to the United Arab Emirates this year owing to soaring coronavirus cases in India.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Malaysian police probe Anwar over bid to become PM

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says he has enough support from MPs to become prime minister but refused to hand over the list of lawmakers to police Malaysian police questioned Anwar Ibrahim on Friday over his push to topple the government and become prime minister , with the opposition leader slamming the investigation as `` political harassment '' .
The veteran politician announced last month he had garnered enough support from MPs to seize power from a shaky , seven-month-old coalition led by Muhyiddin Yassin .
He met the king , who appoints the prime minister , this week to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dismissed his challenge and others have raised doubts about whether he has the backing .
Anwar had been seen as the country 's prime minister-in-waiting until a reformist government , of which he was a leading member , collapsed in February amid bitter infighting .
Police called Anwar in for questioning following complaints from lawmakers whose names were included in a list that circulated online of those supposedly backing him .
Anwar said police had asked him to hand over the list of MPs but he refused on the grounds that only the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` What is mind-boggling is that they want the list , '' the 73-year-old told reporters .
`` This is an attempt by the political masters to oppress me -- this is malicious , it is political harassment . ''
Officials are investigating Anwar under two laws -- one against remarks that are intended to cause public alarm , and another against sharing offensive content .
Anwar has claimed more than 120 MPs back him to become premier and that the king will meet political leaders to assess his claim .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least half the MPs in Malaysia 's 222-seat parliament .
If Anwar manages to seize power , it would mark the end of a two-decade quest for the premiership .
He spent years in jail on dubious sodomy charges but was released in 2018 after his opposition alliance , which was headed by Mahathir Mohamad , stormed to victory against a long-ruling regime .
After their government unravelled , Muhyiddin seized power without an election , but his administration has only a two-seat majority in parliament and is highly unstable .

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Malaysian police questioned Anwar Ibrahim on Friday over his push to topple the government and become prime minister, with the opposition leader slamming the investigation as "political harassment".
The veteran politician announced last month he had garnered enough support from MPs to seize power from a shaky, seven-month-old coalition led by Muhyiddin Yassin.
He met the king, who appoints the prime minister, this week to make his case, although Muhyiddin has dismissed his challenge and others have raised doubts about whether he has the backing.
Anwar had been seen as the country's prime minister-in-waiting until a reformist government, of which he was a leading member, collapsed in February amid bitter infighting.
Police called Anwar in for questioning following complaints from lawmakers whose names were included in a list that circulated online of those supposedly backing him.
Anwar said police had asked him to hand over the list of MPs but he refused on the grounds that only the king has a right to see it.
"What is mind-boggling is that they want the list," the 73-year-old told reporters.
"This is an attempt by the political masters to oppress me -- this is malicious, it is political harassment."
Officials are investigating Anwar under two laws -- one against remarks that are intended to cause public alarm, and another against sharing offensive content.
Anwar has claimed more than 120 MPs back him to become premier and that the king will meet political leaders to assess his claim.
A prime minister must command the support of at least half the MPs in Malaysia's 222-seat parliament.
If Anwar manages to seize power, it would mark the end of a two-decade quest for the premiership.
He spent years in jail on dubious sodomy charges but was released in 2018 after his opposition alliance, which was headed by Mahathir Mohamad, stormed to victory against a long-ruling regime.
After their government unravelled, Muhyiddin seized power without an election, but his administration has only a two-seat majority in parliament and is highly unstable.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--'Perfect storm' forced Springboks out of Rugby Championship

A coronavirus-induced `` perfect storm '' forced world champions South Africa to pull out of the 2020 Rugby Championship in Australia , SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said Friday .
He said factors had contributed to the withdrawal of the Springboks from the October 31-December 7 tournament included : -- Some local players would have flown to Australia having played just one competitive match instead of the five director of rugby Rassie Erasmus considered to be the bottom line .
-- Uncertainty over the availability of many Europe-based South Africans as England and France battle with spikes in Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Japan , including jet-heeled winger Makazole Mapimpi , have played no rugby recently because of the pandemic .
-- South African government regulations were unclear regarding whether home-based players could legally leave the country .
The Springbok-stacked Stormers , whose squad includes 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi , will play their first competitive match since March this Saturday .
Harsh lockdown conditions left South African rugby players far behind those in New Zealand and Australia , who resumed playing in mid year , when it came to game-time .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be on a hiding to nothing , not only against arch foes New Zealand but also resurgent Australia under new coach Dave Rennie .
`` Players in England , Ireland and France are subject to differing local regulations and travel protocols and potentially imminent renewed lockdowns , '' said Roux in a statement .
`` It was unclear when they would be able to become functioning members of the Springbok squad in Australia . ''
Erasmus , who coached South Africa to World Cup glory before returning to his director of rugby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` played no rugby at all '' .
Roux added : `` Public safety concerns come first and there is no way we could take short cuts to get them out of their host countries and into a Springbok bubble .
`` It seems impossible that the Springboks will not play a Test in 2020 , but public health and safety have been the primary concerns .
`` All we can do now is enjoy our domestic competitions and find ways to be ready for the arrival of the British and Irish Lions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a three-Test series against the Lions next July and August without playing a Test since November 2019 is the huge challenge facing SA Rugby .
The cash-strapped governing body will also suffer financially as they stood to earn a reported 300 million rand ( $ 18 million/15.5 million euros ) by competing in Australia .
A Lions tour will be a money-spinner , but only if locals and British and Irish visitors are allowed to attend .
Spectators are currently barred from attending sport in South Africa and Roux has admitted that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viable .
With the Springboks missing , the Rugby Championship will be contested by Australia , Argentina and New Zealand with one fixture on six consecutive Saturdays from October 31 .
South Africa won the 2019 edition , which was reduced to a single round because of the World Cup .

Johannesburg (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
A coronavirus-induced "perfect storm" forced world champions South Africa to pull out of the 2020 Rugby Championship in Australia, SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said Friday.
He said factors had contributed to the withdrawal of the Springboks from the October 31-December 7 tournament included:
-- Some local players would have flown to Australia having played just one competitive match instead of the five director of rugby Rassie Erasmus considered to be the bottom line.
-- Uncertainty over the availability of many Europe-based South Africans as England and France battle with spikes in Covid-19 cases.
-- The six Springboks based in Japan, including jet-heeled winger Makazole Mapimpi, have played no rugby recently because of the pandemic.
-- South African government regulations were unclear regarding whether home-based players could legally leave the country.
The Springbok-stacked Stormers, whose squad includes 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi, will play their first competitive match since March this Saturday.
Harsh lockdown conditions left South African rugby players far behind those in New Zealand and Australia, who resumed playing in mid year, when it came to game-time.
This raised fears that the rusty world champions could be on a hiding to nothing, not only against arch foes New Zealand but also resurgent Australia under new coach Dave Rennie.
"Players in England, Ireland and France are subject to differing local regulations and travel protocols and potentially imminent renewed lockdowns," said Roux in a statement.
- 'Played no rugby' -
"It was unclear when they would be able to become functioning members of the Springbok squad in Australia."
Erasmus, who coached South Africa to World Cup glory before returning to his director of rugby role, said the Japan-based Springboks had "played no rugby at all".
Roux added: "Public safety concerns come first and there is no way we could take short cuts to get them out of their host countries and into a Springbok bubble.
"It seems impossible that the Springboks will not play a Test in 2020, but public health and safety have been the primary concerns.
"All we can do now is enjoy our domestic competitions and find ways to be ready for the arrival of the British and Irish Lions in 2021."
Preparing the Springboks for a three-Test series against the Lions next July and August without playing a Test since November 2019 is the huge challenge facing SA Rugby.
The cash-strapped governing body will also suffer financially as they stood to earn a reported 300 million rand ($18 million/15.5 million euros) by competing in Australia.
A Lions tour will be a money-spinner, but only if locals and British and Irish visitors are allowed to attend.
Spectators are currently barred from attending sport in South Africa and Roux has admitted that a closed-doors tour would not be financially viable.
With the Springboks missing, the Rugby Championship will be contested by Australia, Argentina and New Zealand with one fixture on six consecutive Saturdays from October 31.
South Africa won the 2019 edition, which was reduced to a single round because of the World Cup.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Wimbledon set to return even without fans

Novak Djokovic won the men 's title Wimbledon in 2019 but the tournament was cancelled this year due to the @ @ @ @ @ to go ahead next year even if the Grand Slam tournament has to be staged @ @ @ @ @ announced on Friday .
The grasscourt championships were cancelled this year for the first time @ @ @ @ @ of the coronavirus pandemic .
The All England Club is planning for several scenarios for @ @ @ @ @ , reduced-capacity tournament or holding it with no fans present .
`` Staging the championships @ @ @ @ @ priority and we are actively engaged in scenario-planning in order to deliver on that priority @ @ @ @ @ Sally Bolton .
The 134th championships will be staged from June 28 to July 11 @ @ @

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Wimbledon is set to go ahead next year even if the Grand Slam tournament has to be staged behind closed doors, organisers announced on Friday.
The grasscourt championships were cancelled this year for the first time since World War II because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The All England Club is planning for several scenarios for 2021 -- a full-capacity event, reduced-capacity tournament or holding it with no fans present.
"Staging the championships in 2021 is our number-one priority and we are actively engaged in scenario-planning in order to deliver on that priority," said chief executive Sally Bolton.
The 134th championships will be staged from June 28 to July 11, 2021.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Maguire will bounce back after setbacks, says Man Utd boss Solskjaer

Manchester United 's Harry Maguire has endured a torrid season on and off the pitch Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Harry Maguire will `` bounce back '' after his torrid start to the season but could miss Saturday 's Premier League trip to Newcastle through injury .
The 27-year-old -- the world 's most expensive defender -- has struggled for Manchester United since his well-documented Greek court case in August .
On Wednesday he was sent off in the first half of England 's 1-0 loss to Denmark in the Nations League -- just days after helping Gareth Southgate 's team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry is part of the England team that beats number-one ranked Belgium , that 's just a normal day and then you get the headlines when you get the sending-off , '' said Solskjaer .
`` That 's just football for you .
There 's so many ups and downs that we have got to deal with it , individually and as a group .
`` Harry 's got great resilience .
I know he 'll bounce back .
I 'll know that he wants to play , he wants to just work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of games that he 's been criticised ( for ) . ''
The United boss said at his pre-match press conference that Maguire `` picked up a knock '' against Denmark and would have a fitness test on Friday .
United head to Newcastle looking to react to the 6-1 humbling at home to Tottenham before the international break .
`` It 's one of those things that you have to get over as soon as you can and move on , '' Solskjaer said .
`` We know any little chance from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ division .
`` I think Bruno ( Fernandes ) spoke really well the other day about how we are united , we have to stay together .
We ca n't listen to everyone outside .
We 've got to just get on with it . ''
Solskjaer , speaking for the first time since the club brought in Edinson Cavani , Facundo Pellistri and Alex Telles on transfer deadline day , said he was looking forward to integrating the new players .
Cavani is yet to join the squad because he is in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have got something different to what we have and they 'll definitely come in and help us , '' said the United boss .
`` I think the group , as well , are looking forward to having them join in . ''

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Harry Maguire will "bounce back" after his torrid start to the season but could miss Saturday's Premier League trip to Newcastle through injury.
The 27-year-old -- the world's most expensive defender -- has struggled for Manchester United since his well-documented Greek court case in August.
On Wednesday he was sent off in the first half of England's 1-0 loss to Denmark in the Nations League -- just days after helping Gareth Southgate's team to victory against Belgium.
"When Harry is part of the England team that beats number-one ranked Belgium, that's just a normal day and then you get the headlines when you get the sending-off," said Solskjaer.
"That's just football for you. There's so many ups and downs that we have got to deal with it, individually and as a group.
"Harry's got great resilience. I know he'll bounce back. I'll know that he wants to play, he wants to just work his way out of the last couple of games that he's been criticised (for)."
The United boss said at his pre-match press conference that Maguire "picked up a knock" against Denmark and would have a fitness test on Friday.
United head to Newcastle looking to react to the 6-1 humbling at home to Tottenham before the international break.
"It's one of those things that you have to get over as soon as you can and move on," Solskjaer said. "We know any little chance from outside... you want to create a division.
"I think Bruno (Fernandes) spoke really well the other day about how we are united, we have to stay together. We can't listen to everyone outside. We've got to just get on with it."
Solskjaer, speaking for the first time since the club brought in Edinson Cavani, Facundo Pellistri and Alex Telles on transfer deadline day, said he was looking forward to integrating the new players.
Cavani is yet to join the squad because he is in quarantine.
"All three of them have got something different to what we have and they'll definitely come in and help us," said the United boss.
"I think the group, as well, are looking forward to having them join in."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Gerrard backs international football despite spike of Covid cases

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has not called for international football to be stopped during the coronavirus pandemic Rangers manager Steven Gerrard remains supportive of playing international football despite a huge rise in players who will be unavailable for their clubs this weekend after contracting Covid-19 on international duty .
Gerrard 's men travel to Celtic for the first Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday , but their cross-city rivals could be without four key players due to coronavirus restrictions .
Odsonne Edouard , Nir Bitton and Hatem ElHamed all tested positive when away with their national teams , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 14-day self-isolation period after being in close contact with Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong , who returned a positive test .
Gerrard has guided Rangers to the Europa League group stages for a third consecutive season and believes it would be hypocritical to call for the end to international matches during the pandemic , but continue to play European football .
`` Assuming that players can be safe I want international football to continue , '' said the former England captain .
`` We know it 's not perfect but two weeks ago we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so I ca n't sit here and say European and international football should be cancelled because it might suit my Rangers team here domestically . ''
Gerrard also compared Celtic 's losing four players to his side 's issues before the international break when Joe Aribo , Kemar Roofe and Ryan Jack were all sidelined by injury .
`` A lot of clubs are facing different challenges at the moment .
Celtic obviously of late but it 's pretty similar to the challenges we 've faced for the last month you know , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kemar Roofe , missing Ryan Jack for three weeks .
`` These things happen when you 're managing squads of players and that 's the reason why we try to build squads so we can cope in these situations . ''
Aribo and Roofe are unlikely to return for an Old Firm first as Glasgow 's two giants collide behind closed doors for the first time .
`` It is a huge ingredient that is going to be missing .
The electricity , the atmosphere , the rawness , the noise , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lennon .
`` I think it is very difficult for this generation of players to go through what they are going through without supporters . ''
Rangers lead their rivals by a point at the top of the table , but Celtic have a game in hand and are on an eight-game winning run in all competitions .
`` We are on a good run , we want to maintain that consistency , '' said Lennon .
`` I want to get all my players back fit because we have a real heavy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games , very exciting players for them to really thrive on and it is really unfortunate that there is going to be no supporters there to see it . ''

London (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard remains supportive of playing international football despite a huge rise in players who will be unavailable for their clubs this weekend after contracting Covid-19 on international duty.
Gerrard's men travel to Celtic for the first Old Firm derby of the season on Saturday, but their cross-city rivals could be without four key players due to coronavirus restrictions.
Odsonne Edouard, Nir Bitton and Hatem ElHamed all tested positive when away with their national teams, while Ryan Christie was forced into a 14-day self-isolation period after being in close contact with Southampton midfielder Stuart Armstrong, who returned a positive test.
Gerrard has guided Rangers to the Europa League group stages for a third consecutive season and believes it would be hypocritical to call for the end to international matches during the pandemic, but continue to play European football.
"Assuming that players can be safe I want international football to continue," said the former England captain.
"We know it's not perfect but two weeks ago we got a fantastic highlight qualifying against Galatasaray so I can't sit here and say European and international football should be cancelled because it might suit my Rangers team here domestically."
Gerrard also compared Celtic's losing four players to his side's issues before the international break when Joe Aribo, Kemar Roofe and Ryan Jack were all sidelined by injury.
"A lot of clubs are facing different challenges at the moment. Celtic obviously of late but it's pretty similar to the challenges we've faced for the last month you know, not having Joe Aribo, not having Kemar Roofe, missing Ryan Jack for three weeks.
"These things happen when you're managing squads of players and that's the reason why we try to build squads so we can cope in these situations."
Aribo and Roofe are unlikely to return for an Old Firm first as Glasgow's two giants collide behind closed doors for the first time.
"It is a huge ingredient that is going to be missing. The electricity, the atmosphere, the rawness, the noise, the colour," said Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
"I think it is very difficult for this generation of players to go through what they are going through without supporters."
Rangers lead their rivals by a point at the top of the table, but Celtic have a game in hand and are on an eight-game winning run in all competitions.
"We are on a good run, we want to maintain that consistency," said Lennon.
"I want to get all my players back fit because we have a real heavy block of games coming up, great games, very exciting players for them to really thrive on and it is really unfortunate that there is going to be no supporters there to see it."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Need a break from the news? Check out this skateboarding dog!

Need a break from the news ?
Check out this skateboarding dog !
The latest superstar skateboarder is a French @ @ @ @

Page not found
The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore.


france24--2020-10-16--Mud-brick palace is Yemen's latest heritage site facing disaster

Yemen 's Seiyun Palace is one of the world 's largest mud-brick structures Yemen 's Seiyun Palace , one of the world 's largest mud-brick structures , has become the war-torn country 's latest heritage site facing the risk of collapse as heavy rains and years of neglect take their toll .
The deterioration of the bright white building , reminiscent of a giant sandcastle with rounded turrets on its corners , reflects Yemen 's downward spiral since 2014 , when Iran-backed Huthi rebels began battling the government .
A Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of the government in 2015 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to maintain important sites such as the palace , now a museum , in the city of Seiyun in central Hadramawt province .
The building has fallen into disrepair , making it vulnerable to floods that have hit the country in recent months .
Abdullah Barmada , an engineer who specialises in the restoration of historical buildings , appealed for international assistance to save the structure .
`` It is dangerous and , if not quickly restored , it is at risk of collapsing , '' Barmada said .
`` There is damage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the walls , the roofs , and it needs to be fixed and then routinely maintained , '' he told AFP .
The floods have killed scores of people and damaged UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites including high-rise mud-brick `` skyscrapers '' further west in Shibam .
In Yemen 's third city of Taez , the newly restored National Museum was a major casualty last month , with parts of the former Ottoman palace reduced to rubble .
The Seiyun Palace , once home to the sultan of the Kathiris who ruled much of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 20th century , opened its doors to the public in 1984 .
Hussein Aidarous , head of the department of antiquities and museums in Hadramawt , said that even though the palace had sustained a lot of damage , it remained one of the few of its kind still standing .
`` This large building is considered one of the most important mud-brick buildings in Yemen and maybe even in the Arabian Peninsula , '' he told AFP .
The facade of the seven-story edifice still retains its original grandeur .
Its imposing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the highest denomination , worth around $ 4 .
With regular rows of windows that overlook a busy street , from outside the palace seems to be in solid condition .
But the interior shows clear signs of damage , with cracks in the walls and a partially collapsed roof .
It shut after the war broke out but partially reopened last year , receiving a steady stream of visitors , museum officials said .
Director Said Baychout said the museum showcases items excavated in the province , including tombstones that date @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dawn of civilisation in Yemen .
There are also Bronze Age statues , and pottery and ancient manuscripts from the pre-Islamic period .
But its most prized possessions , he said , are stashed away , for fear that one of Yemen 's warring groups could target them .
`` The museum was closed at the start of the conflict , when Al-Qaeda entered Hadramawt , and artefacts were hidden , over fears of looting , pillaging and damage , '' Baychout told AFP .
`` Until now , the important and rare @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

Seiyun (Yemen) (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Yemen's Seiyun Palace, one of the world's largest mud-brick structures, has become the war-torn country's latest heritage site facing the risk of collapse as heavy rains and years of neglect take their toll.
The deterioration of the bright white building, reminiscent of a giant sandcastle with rounded turrets on its corners, reflects Yemen's downward spiral since 2014, when Iran-backed Huthi rebels began battling the government.
A Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of the government in 2015.
Authorities have struggled to secure funds to maintain important sites such as the palace, now a museum, in the city of Seiyun in central Hadramawt province.
The building has fallen into disrepair, making it vulnerable to floods that have hit the country in recent months.
Abdullah Barmada, an engineer who specialises in the restoration of historical buildings, appealed for international assistance to save the structure.
"It is dangerous and, if not quickly restored, it is at risk of collapsing," Barmada said.
"There is damage to the base of the structure, the walls, the roofs, and it needs to be fixed and then routinely maintained," he told AFP.
The floods have killed scores of people and damaged UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites including high-rise mud-brick "skyscrapers" further west in Shibam.
In Yemen's third city of Taez, the newly restored National Museum was a major casualty last month, with parts of the former Ottoman palace reduced to rubble.
- 'Secret places' -
The Seiyun Palace, once home to the sultan of the Kathiris who ruled much of the region from the 1500s until the 20th century, opened its doors to the public in 1984.
Hussein Aidarous, head of the department of antiquities and museums in Hadramawt, said that even though the palace had sustained a lot of damage, it remained one of the few of its kind still standing.
"This large building is considered one of the most important mud-brick buildings in Yemen and maybe even in the Arabian Peninsula," he told AFP.
The facade of the seven-story edifice still retains its original grandeur.
Its imposing lines feature on Yemen's 1,000-riyal banknote, the highest denomination, worth around $4.
With regular rows of windows that overlook a busy street, from outside the palace seems to be in solid condition.
But the interior shows clear signs of damage, with cracks in the walls and a partially collapsed roof.
It shut after the war broke out but partially reopened last year, receiving a steady stream of visitors, museum officials said.
Director Said Baychout said the museum showcases items excavated in the province, including tombstones that date back to the Stone Age and the dawn of civilisation in Yemen.
There are also Bronze Age statues, and pottery and ancient manuscripts from the pre-Islamic period.
But its most prized possessions, he said, are stashed away, for fear that one of Yemen's warring groups could target them.
"The museum was closed at the start of the conflict, when Al-Qaeda entered Hadramawt, and artefacts were hidden, over fears of looting, pillaging and damage," Baychout told AFP.
"Until now, the important and rare artefacts are hidden in secret places."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Last night out for French cities ahead of virus curfew

Hand sanitiser and client-registration tickets at a Paris restaurant this week , ahead of the new Covid-19 curfew .
Millions of French people prepared Friday to enjoy a last night of freedom before a Covid-19 curfew in Paris and other large cities , after officials warned that new efforts were needed to curb an alarming surge in new cases .
The curfew , which aims to keep some 20 million people home from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am , was unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron this week as the number of new infections and deaths raised the spectre of hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ April .
Health authorities reported Thursday a record 30,621 new cases in the past 24 hours and 88 deaths , and over 200 new Covid admissions to intensive care units .
While the curfew has broad public support -- a Harris Interactive poll after Macron 's announcement found 70 percent approval -- officials in several cities worried about the heavy social and economic costs of a measure set to last at least a month .
The new nighttime restrictions come into force for the first time at midnight on Friday ( 2200 GMT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ major regional cities .
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is pressing the government to ease the rules for theatres , cinemas and other cultural venues so that patrons can return home later , with details on the rules in the capital expected later Friday .
Restaurant owners have also complained bitterly about a measure they say makes little sense given the strict social distancing rules they have already applied , and noting that groups of less than six can still gather for lunch .
`` I 've never seen anything like this in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' said Stain Roman , manager of La Mere Buonavista restaurant in Marseille , another city facing the curfew .
She said she would close down entirely at night , as have hundreds of other restaurants across France .
`` What else can we do ?
Our employees have to be home by 9pm , '' she said .
Marseille 's Mayor Michele Rubirola -- herself a doctor -- contested a measure she said resulted from the government 's insufficent efforts to bolster hospital systems over the last few months .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the loss of their daily pleasures , their freedom , or through economic hardship , because the bar and restaurant industry is being hit extremely hard . ''
Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed Thursday that the curfew requires nearly all businesses would have to shut their doors , except for essential services , with `` everybody home from 9 to 6 . ''
A signed attestation or an electronic version downloaded to a phone will be needed for people walking their dogs or other exceptions , or risk a fine of 135 euros @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as during the two-month lockdown during the height of the pandemic .
That prompted the French cinemas federation to warn of `` extremely serious '' consequences for the sector , urging authorities to let people return later for films that end after 9:00 pm .
Officials have also outlawed wedding celebrations and other parties in public venues as well as student parties , and urged people to limit gatherings in private homes to six people as well .
`` We have to act .
We need to put a brake on the spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday , when he also put the entire country back under a health state of emergency .
The move notably requires all restaurants to require clients to provide contact details so that authorities can contact them if a coronavirus infection is reported .

Paris (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Millions of French people prepared Friday to enjoy a last night of freedom before a Covid-19 curfew in Paris and other large cities, after officials warned that new efforts were needed to curb an alarming surge in new cases.
The curfew, which aims to keep some 20 million people home from 9:00 pm to 6:00 am, was unveiled by President Emmanuel Macron this week as the number of new infections and deaths raised the spectre of hospital overloads like those seen in March and April.
Health authorities reported Thursday a record 30,621 new cases in the past 24 hours and 88 deaths, and over 200 new Covid admissions to intensive care units.
While the curfew has broad public support -- a Harris Interactive poll after Macron's announcement found 70 percent approval -- officials in several cities worried about the heavy social and economic costs of a measure set to last at least a month.
The new nighttime restrictions come into force for the first time at midnight on Friday (2200 GMT) in the capital and eight other major regional cities.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo is pressing the government to ease the rules for theatres, cinemas and other cultural venues so that patrons can return home later, with details on the rules in the capital expected later Friday.
Restaurant owners have also complained bitterly about a measure they say makes little sense given the strict social distancing rules they have already applied, and noting that groups of less than six can still gather for lunch.
"I've never seen anything like this in the 50 years I've been here," said Stain Roman, manager of La Mere Buonavista restaurant in Marseille, another city facing the curfew.
She said she would close down entirely at night, as have hundreds of other restaurants across France. "What else can we do? Our employees have to be home by 9pm," she said.
Marseille's Mayor Michele Rubirola -- herself a doctor -- contested a measure she said resulted from the government's insufficent efforts to bolster hospital systems over the last few months.
She said residents were paying the price "by the loss of their daily pleasures, their freedom, or through economic hardship, because the bar and restaurant industry is being hit extremely hard."
- 'Everybody home' -
Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed Thursday that the curfew requires nearly all businesses would have to shut their doors, except for essential services, with "everybody home from 9 to 6."
A signed attestation or an electronic version downloaded to a phone will be needed for people walking their dogs or other exceptions, or risk a fine of 135 euros ($160) -- the same as during the two-month lockdown during the height of the pandemic.
That prompted the French cinemas federation to warn of "extremely serious" consequences for the sector, urging authorities to let people return later for films that end after 9:00 pm.
Officials have also outlawed wedding celebrations and other parties in public venues as well as student parties, and urged people to limit gatherings in private homes to six people as well.
"We have to act. We need to put a brake on the spread of the virus," Macron said Wednesday, when he also put the entire country back under a health state of emergency.
The move notably requires all restaurants to require clients to provide contact details so that authorities can contact them if a coronavirus infection is reported.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--'Keep on fighting': detained Thai lawyer keeps up rallying cries

Human rights lawyer Anon Numpa ( C ) wrote on Facebook he had been forcibly taken by helicopter to Chiang Mai Rallying from behind bars in northern Thailand , Anon Numpa urged supporters Friday to keep fighting for democracy -- still defiant months after his fiery speeches fuelled a movement calling for reforms to the ultra-powerful monarchy .
Student leaders and activists have kept up relentless protests , demanding the government step down .
But this week tensions ratcheted sharply as activists dared to surround a royal motorcade carrying the queen .
The government issued an emergency decree in response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people and arresting around two dozen of the most prominent protesters , including human rights lawyer Anon .
He wrote on Facebook he had been forcibly taken by helicopter to Chiang Mai , where his lawyer confirmed he had been refused bail .
In a handwritten message posted online , Anon urged his supporters to `` keep on fighting '' .
`` My freedom is a very small issue compared to the entire struggle for democracy , '' he wrote .
`` Adhere to the ideology of non-violence and do not be afraid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spent his career defending those charged under Thailand 's draconian royal defamation laws , which can see people jailed for up to 15 years per charge .
But in August the 36-year-old stepped into the limelight by calling for frank discussions on the monarchy at a rally in Bangkok .
His speech sent a lightning bolt through Thailand 's royalist establishment , smashing a long-held taboo .
`` I had to come out and be on the frontlines , '' Anon told AFP in an interview last month , knowing the decision would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is not right for me -- an activist and a lawyer who deals with human rights and is watched by the media -- to hide behind the people on the ground . ''
Anon was born in 1984 in northeastern Roi Et province , where Bangkok 's military-aligned establishment is widely hated .
His disenchantment with the monarchy grew as he started defending those charged under the draconian lese majeste law , known as `` 112 '' .
The law shields the royal family from defamation and can be broadly interpreted to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 112 cases made me realise what the royal institution 's role was ... and how it is tied to Thai politics , '' Anon told AFP .
Critics also accuse authorities of deploying the law against anti-military activists , stamping out dissent under the guise of defending the royals .
Today 's youth-led movement is demanding the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha , the former military chief who led the 2014 coup and held on to power after last year 's disputed elections .
Prayut has warned Thailand would be `` engulfed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ too hard on demands for royal reform .
Anon acknowledged the fight for `` structural '' change will not be easy .
`` The people who surround the royal institution are still trying to hold on to the old power . ''
Under Thailand 's system of a constitutional monarchy , King Maha Vajiralongkorn is supposed to stay out of politics .
But his influence permeates every aspect of society , buttressed by the arch-royalist military and kingdom 's billionaire clans .
The ultra-wealthy monarch has made unprecedented changes since ascending the throne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the palace 's fortune -- worth an estimated $ 60 billion -- and moving two army units under his direct command .
Protesters are calling for the abolition of the royal defamation law , greater accounting of the palace 's finances and the monarch 's withdrawal from politics .
His previous arrests -- for which he was granted bail -- failed to silence the lawyer , earning him rock-star status in the movement .
With Thailand 's history of coups and state-sanctioned bloodshed , the fear of a violent crackdown looms .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the past months are worth it .
`` What we have done will not be in vain , '' he said .
`` We can use our wins as a way for the next generation to fight on . ''

Bangkok (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Rallying from behind bars in northern Thailand, Anon Numpa urged supporters Friday to keep fighting for democracy -- still defiant months after his fiery speeches fuelled a movement calling for reforms to the ultra-powerful monarchy.
Student leaders and activists have kept up relentless protests, demanding the government step down.
But this week tensions ratcheted sharply as activists dared to surround a royal motorcade carrying the queen.
The government issued an emergency decree in response, banning gatherings of more than four people and arresting around two dozen of the most prominent protesters, including human rights lawyer Anon.
He wrote on Facebook he had been forcibly taken by helicopter to Chiang Mai, where his lawyer confirmed he had been refused bail.
In a handwritten message posted online, Anon urged his supporters to "keep on fighting".
"My freedom is a very small issue compared to the entire struggle for democracy," he wrote.
"Adhere to the ideology of non-violence and do not be afraid of any obstacles."
Anon has spent his career defending those charged under Thailand's draconian royal defamation laws, which can see people jailed for up to 15 years per charge.
But in August the 36-year-old stepped into the limelight by calling for frank discussions on the monarchy at a rally in Bangkok.
His speech sent a lightning bolt through Thailand's royalist establishment, smashing a long-held taboo.
"I had to come out and be on the frontlines," Anon told AFP in an interview last month, knowing the decision would make him a prime target.
"It is not right for me -- an activist and a lawyer who deals with human rights and is watched by the media -- to hide behind the people on the ground."
- King and country -
Anon was born in 1984 in northeastern Roi Et province, where Bangkok's military-aligned establishment is widely hated.
His disenchantment with the monarchy grew as he started defending those charged under the draconian lese majeste law, known as "112".
The law shields the royal family from defamation and can be broadly interpreted to target criticism as well.
"Handling the 112 cases made me realise what the royal institution's role was... and how it is tied to Thai politics," Anon told AFP.
Critics also accuse authorities of deploying the law against anti-military activists, stamping out dissent under the guise of defending the royals.
Today's youth-led movement is demanding the resignation of Premier Prayut Chan-O-Cha, the former military chief who led the 2014 coup and held on to power after last year's disputed elections.
Prayut has warned Thailand would be "engulfed in flames" if the students push too hard on demands for royal reform.
Anon acknowledged the fight for "structural" change will not be easy.
"The people who surround the royal institution are still trying to hold on to the old power."
Under Thailand's system of a constitutional monarchy, King Maha Vajiralongkorn is supposed to stay out of politics.
But his influence permeates every aspect of society, buttressed by the arch-royalist military and kingdom's billionaire clans.
The ultra-wealthy monarch has made unprecedented changes since ascending the throne in 2016, taking personal control of the palace's fortune -- worth an estimated $60 billion -- and moving two army units under his direct command.
- 'The fight will continue' -
Protesters are calling for the abolition of the royal defamation law, greater accounting of the palace's finances and the monarch's withdrawal from politics.
His previous arrests -- for which he was granted bail -- failed to silence the lawyer, earning him rock-star status in the movement.
With Thailand's history of coups and state-sanctioned bloodshed, the fear of a violent crackdown looms.
But the lawyer told AFP the gains made in the past months are worth it.
"What we have done will not be in vain," he said.
"We can use our wins as a way for the next generation to fight on."
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-16--Aussies eye end to lockdown as virus numbers tumble

The state of Victoria recorded just two new coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours , signalling a major step toward reopening Melbourne , the country 's second biggest city , after months of lockdown Australians living under lockdown in the southeast of the country are eyeing a return of freedoms this weekend as coronavirus numbers reached a four-month low Friday .
The state of Victoria recorded just two new coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours , signalling a major step toward reopening Melbourne , the country 's second biggest city , after months of lockdown .
`` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday , '' Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told media in Melbourne .
But the next move out of lockdown would still be relatively conservative , he said , highlighting the need to keep social distancing measures in place to avoid another outbreak .
Australia was beginning to relax virus restrictions in June when a bungled hotel quarantine system in Melbourne leaked coronavirus into the community , sparking a second wave which infected thousands and killed more than 800 .
After months of restrictions that included an overnight curfew in Melbourne , bans on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's prime minister on Friday congratulated Victorians on suppressing the outbreak .
`` It 's time to ensure that we can now move forward and give Victorians and Melburnians the opportunity to build back , to recover what has been so terribly lost , '' Prime Minister Scott Morrison said .
He also announced an expansion of a quarantine hub in the country 's north to allow more Australians stranded overseas to return home .
Tight limits on the number of travellers allowed into the country left some 30,000 citizens stranded overseas .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Morrison welcomed the arrival in Sydney Friday of the first flights of a one-way travel bubble with New Zealand , which has been even more successful in stemming the virus spread .
There were emotional scenes at Sydney airport after the first flight arrived , reuniting friends and families who had been separated for months .
The long awaited fall in Victoria 's case numbers has raised hopes that domestic travel in Australia would open up ahead of the antipodean summer , supplying much needed tourism to regions that have struggled since the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would still be `` many , many months '' before broader international travel was allowed as Australia strives to protect its success in curbing the coronavirus epidemic that continues to flare in many countries .
Successes Down Under stand in stark contrast to the situation in Europe , where authorities from Spain to the UK have this week moved to implement tough new lockdown measures in the face of a continent-wide surge in infections .
The US , too , reached eight million confirmed cases on Thursday , with epidemiologists warning the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak ' in daily infections .
And in a sign of the ongoing threat of the virus even in Australia , a growing cluster of cases in Sydney 's southwest has forced officials to delay a further relaxing of restrictions in the city until next week .
The country has recorded over 27,000 cases of the virus and 904 deaths in a population of 25 million .

Sydney (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Australians living under lockdown in the southeast of the country are eyeing a return of freedoms this weekend as coronavirus numbers reached a four-month low Friday.
The state of Victoria recorded just two new coronavirus infections over the previous 24 hours, signalling a major step toward reopening Melbourne, the country's second biggest city, after months of lockdown.
"We are well-placed to take significant steps on Sunday," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told media in Melbourne.
"Today is a very positive day."
But the next move out of lockdown would still be relatively conservative, he said, highlighting the need to keep social distancing measures in place to avoid another outbreak.
Australia was beginning to relax virus restrictions in June when a bungled hotel quarantine system in Melbourne leaked coronavirus into the community, sparking a second wave which infected thousands and killed more than 800.
After months of restrictions that included an overnight curfew in Melbourne, bans on public gatherings and roadblocks, the nation's prime minister on Friday congratulated Victorians on suppressing the outbreak.
"It's time to ensure that we can now move forward and give Victorians and Melburnians the opportunity to build back, to recover what has been so terribly lost," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
He also announced an expansion of a quarantine hub in the country's north to allow more Australians stranded overseas to return home.
Tight limits on the number of travellers allowed into the country left some 30,000 citizens stranded overseas.
In another sliver of good news, Morrison welcomed the arrival in Sydney Friday of the first flights of a one-way travel bubble with New Zealand, which has been even more successful in stemming the virus spread.
There were emotional scenes at Sydney airport after the first flight arrived, reuniting friends and families who had been separated for months.
The long awaited fall in Victoria's case numbers has raised hopes that domestic travel in Australia would open up ahead of the antipodean summer, supplying much needed tourism to regions that have struggled since the pandemic began.
But Morrison said it would still be "many, many months" before broader international travel was allowed as Australia strives to protect its success in curbing the coronavirus epidemic that continues to flare in many countries.
Successes Down Under stand in stark contrast to the situation in Europe, where authorities from Spain to the UK have this week moved to implement tough new lockdown measures in the face of a continent-wide surge in infections.
The US, too, reached eight million confirmed cases on Thursday, with epidemiologists warning the country could be headed towards a feared 'third peak' in daily infections.
And in a sign of the ongoing threat of the virus even in Australia, a growing cluster of cases in Sydney's southwest has forced officials to delay a further relaxing of restrictions in the city until next week.
The country has recorded over 27,000 cases of the virus and 904 deaths in a population of 25 million.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-17--Brazil's Santos and Robinho part ways amid pressure over rape conviction

Brazilian footballer Robinho has been forced to part ways with his former club Santos amid pressure over his conviction for gang rape by an Italian court , a charge he denies Santos and veteran international striker Robinho said Friday they had agreed to part ways amid pressure brought to bear on the Brazilian soccer team over his conviction in Italy of having raped a young woman in 2013 when he played for Milan .
Once a rising star of the game , Robson de Souza , popularly known as Robinho , had just days ago signed a 36-month contract with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for before he signed on for Real Madrid , Manchester and Milan .
`` Santos Football Club and the player Robinho announce that by common agreement , they have decided to suspend his contract signed on October 10 so that the player can concentrate exclusively on his defense in the case that occurred in Italy , '' the club said in a statement posted to Twitter .
`` With great sadness in my heart , I am letting you know that I have taken the decision together with the president [ of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in this turbulent time in my life , '' said Robinho , 36 , in a video .
`` My goal was always to help Santos football club . ''
`` If my presence is in any way a disruption , it is better to leave and take care of my personal affairs , '' he said .
Since news broke of his contract with Santos , the club has been under increasing pressure from fans , the media and women 's groups to cut ties because of a nine-year jail term handed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a gang rape Robinho was found guilty of participating in four years earlier .
Robinho , who was once touted as a successor to Santos ' most famous player , Pele , is appealing the conviction , claiming he is innocent .
But sponsors of the club had threatened to pull out if he stayed at Santos .
And the television channel Globo Sports released excerpts of a recording Italian prosecutors used to secure their conviction , in which the player purportedly says , `` I 'm laughing because I do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She does n't even know what happened . ''
Robinho was found guilty of having taken part in the gang rape of a woman in her 20s together with a group of companions in a Milan nightclub .
Santos , which also incubated the contemporary star Neymar , had until now resisted pressure to part ways with Robinho , insisting that the court case was still underway .
Robinho started his career there 2002 and joined Real Madrid in 2005 , then went on to play for Manchester City and Milan .

Sao Paulo (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Santos and veteran international striker Robinho said Friday they had agreed to part ways amid pressure brought to bear on the Brazilian soccer team over his conviction in Italy of having raped a young woman in 2013 when he played for Milan.
Once a rising star of the game, Robson de Souza, popularly known as Robinho, had just days ago signed a 36-month contract with Santos, the side he had played for before he signed on for Real Madrid, Manchester and Milan.
"Santos Football Club and the player Robinho announce that by common agreement, they have decided to suspend his contract signed on October 10 so that the player can concentrate exclusively on his defense in the case that occurred in Italy," the club said in a statement posted to Twitter.
"With great sadness in my heart, I am letting you know that I have taken the decision together with the president [of the soccer club] to suspend my contract in this turbulent time in my life," said Robinho, 36, in a video. "My goal was always to help Santos football club."
"If my presence is in any way a disruption, it is better to leave and take care of my personal affairs," he said.
Since news broke of his contract with Santos, the club has been under increasing pressure from fans, the media and women's groups to cut ties because of a nine-year jail term handed down by an Italian court in 2017 for a gang rape Robinho was found guilty of participating in four years earlier.
Robinho, who was once touted as a successor to Santos' most famous player, Pele, is appealing the conviction, claiming he is innocent.
But sponsors of the club had threatened to pull out if he stayed at Santos. And the television channel Globo Sports released excerpts of a recording Italian prosecutors used to secure their conviction, in which the player purportedly says, "I'm laughing because I don't care. The woman was completely drunk. She doesn't even know what happened."
Robinho was found guilty of having taken part in the gang rape of a woman in her 20s together with a group of companions in a Milan nightclub.
Santos, which also incubated the contemporary star Neymar, had until now resisted pressure to part ways with Robinho, insisting that the court case was still underway.
Robinho started his career there 2002 and joined Real Madrid in 2005, then went on to play for Manchester City and Milan.
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-17--Schauffele rides hot start to three-shot lead at CJ Cup in Las Vegas

Xander Schauffele rolled in six straight birdies en route to an eight-under par 64 and a three-shot lead after the second round of the US PGA Tour 's CJ Cup in Las Vegas on Friday .
Schauffele 's 14-under total of 130 saw him vault over first-round leader Tyrrell Hatton , who finished the day in second on 11-under at Shadow Creek .
Schauffele , coming off a fifth-place finish at the US Open , started on No .
10 and shot 29 on his front nine , stringing together six birdies from the 13th through the 18th .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ finished with a bogey-free round .
`` I got off to a hot start and kind of slowed down .
But I am just happy I made that par putt on the last , '' said Schauffele .
`` Got a little bit stale there on the other side .
The pace of play slowed down a lot .
It was kind of hot and easy to let the mind wander .
I am upset I did n't make more birdies , but pleased I did n't make any bogeys . ''
England @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a European Tour win last weekend , shot 66 for 133 .
American Russell Henley was alone in third after shooting a 68 for 134 and Talor Gooch sits fourth following a 65 for a nine-under 135 .
Schauffele led by five at the turn .
He had birdied his second hole , the 11th , and after a par at the 12th launched his run .
On the par-three 13th , he landed his 212-yard tee shot just two feet from the hole .
He then drained back-to-back long bombs , making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a 37-footer on the par-four 15th .
On his final hole on the front , Schauffele landed his 98-yard approach 13 feet from the cup .
He would make the putt for his sixth straight birdie .
It was one of the best birdie runs of his career , and just behind the seven straight he made at this event in 2018 when it was played in its typical location South Korea .
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the CJ Cup to be played in the United States this year .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there , two long putts .
Some of those holes you 're not really trying to birdie them , you 're kind of just trying to leave yourself an uphill 35-footer and fortunately I made a couple of them , '' he said .
Hatton had a mixed round of seven birdies , three bogeys and eight pars on Friday , but managed to close out his round with two straight birdies .
`` It was an inconsistent day .
Obviously I was disappointed with bogeys , '' Hatton said .
`` Finishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ take a bit of momentum going into the weekend . ''
Defending champion Justin Thomas , who won the event last year on Jeju Island , shot a 66 and was tied for eighth with four others at six-under 138

Los Angeles (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
Xander Schauffele rolled in six straight birdies en route to an eight-under par 64 and a three-shot lead after the second round of the US PGA Tour's CJ Cup in Las Vegas on Friday.
Schauffele's 14-under total of 130 saw him vault over first-round leader Tyrrell Hatton, who finished the day in second on 11-under at Shadow Creek.
Schauffele, coming off a fifth-place finish at the US Open, started on No. 10 and shot 29 on his front nine, stringing together six birdies from the 13th through the 18th.
He then cooled coming in, but still finished with a bogey-free round.
"I got off to a hot start and kind of slowed down. But I am just happy I made that par putt on the last," said Schauffele.
"Got a little bit stale there on the other side. The pace of play slowed down a lot. It was kind of hot and easy to let the mind wander. I am upset I didn't make more birdies, but pleased I didn't make any bogeys."
England's Hatton, who is coming off a European Tour win last weekend, shot 66 for 133.
American Russell Henley was alone in third after shooting a 68 for 134 and Talor Gooch sits fourth following a 65 for a nine-under 135.
Schauffele led by five at the turn.
He had birdied his second hole, the 11th, and after a par at the 12th launched his run.
On the par-three 13th, he landed his 212-yard tee shot just two feet from the hole.
He then drained back-to-back long bombs, making a 26-foot putt on the par-four 14th and a 37-footer on the par-four 15th.
On his final hole on the front, Schauffele landed his 98-yard approach 13 feet from the cup. He would make the putt for his sixth straight birdie.
It was one of the best birdie runs of his career, and just behind the seven straight he made at this event in 2018 when it was played in its typical location South Korea.
The COVID-19 pandemic prompted the CJ Cup to be played in the United States this year.
"It was nice. I had a chip-in there, two long putts. Some of those holes you're not really trying to birdie them, you're kind of just trying to leave yourself an uphill 35-footer and fortunately I made a couple of them," he said.
Hatton had a mixed round of seven birdies, three bogeys and eight pars on Friday, but managed to close out his round with two straight birdies.
"It was an inconsistent day. Obviously I was disappointed with bogeys," Hatton said. "Finishing birdie-birdie was nice and hopefully I can take a bit of momentum going into the weekend."
Defending champion Justin Thomas, who won the event last year on Jeju Island, shot a 66 and was tied for eighth with four others at six-under 138
© 2020 AFP


france24--2020-10-17--Missile strikes on Azerbaijan cities after separatist capital shelled

The decades-long conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh re-erupted on September 27 A missile strike levelled several homes in Azerbaijan 's second city of Ganja on Saturday , with one resident telling AFP he saw seven victims pulled out of the rubble .
The strike , which came hours after a shelling attack on the Nagorno-Karabakh capital Stepanakert , marked a new escalation in the three-week conflict between ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis over the separatist region .
An AFP team in Ganja saw a block of buildings turned to rubble , with people fleeing the scene in tears , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and many still in their house slippers .
Dozens of rescuers in red helmets struggled to find survivors with their bare hands in the dark as clouds of dust lifted from the site .
A few hours into their search , one team brought black bags containing body parts into an ambulance , including a head and an arm .
The missile struck in the early hours of Saturday while most residents were asleep .
Hikmat Hajiyev , an assistant to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev , tweeted that according to `` initial information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' .
Another residential district of Ganja was hit by a missile that killed 10 civilians last Sunday .
The rescuers called for silence so that they could detect sounds of survivors , and pulled out passports , unopened delivery packages , and items of clothing from the debris .
One witness sad he he saw a small child , two women and four men pulled from the rubble , although their condition was not immediately clear .
`` One woman was missing her feet .
Someone else was missing an arm at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 26 .
AFP later saw three more people carried away on stretchers , although it was no clear if they were dead or alive .
`` My wife was there , my wife was there , '' one man cried inconsolably while being walked toward an ambulance by a paramedic .
At around the same time in the city of Mingecevir , an hour 's drive north of Ganja , AFP heard the impact of a huge blast that shook buildings .
Mingecevir is protected by a missile defence system because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and it was not immediately clear if the missile was destroyed in the air or had made impact .
The defence ministry said Mingecevir had come `` under fire '' , but provided no other immediate details .
An Azerbaijani official said that a second missile hit a separate , industrial district of Ganja at around the same time .
No immediate details about that second attack were known .
The decades-long Nagorno-Karabakh conflict re-erupted on September 27 in hotly disputed circumstances , threatening to draw in regional powers Russia and Turkey .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ remained under separatist ethnic Armenian control since a 1994 ceasefire ended a brutal six-year war that killed 30,000 .
The current escalation is the deadliest and longest since that war .
The shelling of Stepanakert and the strikes on Ganja followed a joint call from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday to `` end the bloodshed as soon as possible . ''

Ganja (Azerbaijan) (AFP) –
Advertising Read more
A missile strike levelled several homes in Azerbaijan's second city of Ganja on Saturday, with one resident telling AFP he saw seven victims pulled out of the rubble.
The strike, which came hours after a shelling attack on the Nagorno-Karabakh capital Stepanakert, marked a new escalation in the three-week conflict between ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis over the separatist region.
An AFP team in Ganja saw a block of buildings turned to rubble, with people fleeing the scene in tears, some wearing bathroom robes and pajamas, and many still in their house slippers.
Dozens of rescuers in red helmets struggled to find survivors with their bare hands in the dark as clouds of dust lifted from the site.
A few hours into their search, one team brought black bags containing body parts into an ambulance, including a head and an arm.
The missile struck in the early hours of Saturday while most residents were asleep.
Hikmat Hajiyev, an assistant to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, tweeted that according to "initial information, more than 20 houses were destroyed".
Another residential district of Ganja was hit by a missile that killed 10 civilians last Sunday.
- Calls for silence -
The rescuers called for silence so that they could detect sounds of survivors, and pulled out passports, unopened delivery packages, and items of clothing from the debris.
One witness sad he he saw a small child, two women and four men pulled from the rubble, although their condition was not immediately clear.
"One woman was missing her feet. Someone else was missing an arm at the elbow," said Elmir Shirinzaday, 26.
AFP later saw three more people carried away on stretchers, although it was no clear if they were dead or alive.
"My wife was there, my wife was there," one man cried inconsolably while being walked toward an ambulance by a paramedic.
At around the same time in the city of Mingecevir, an hour's drive north of Ganja, AFP heard the impact of a huge blast that shook buildings.
Mingecevir is protected by a missile defence system because it is home to a strategic dam, and it was not immediately clear if the missile was destroyed in the air or had made impact.
The defence ministry said Mingecevir had come "under fire", but provided no other immediate details.
An Azerbaijani official said that a second missile hit a separate, industrial district of Ganja at around the same time.
No immediate details about that second attack were known.
The decades-long Nagorno-Karabakh conflict re-erupted on September 27 in hotly disputed circumstances, threatening to draw in regional powers Russia and Turkey.
The mountainous western region of Azerbaijan has remained under separatist ethnic Armenian control since a 1994 ceasefire ended a brutal six-year war that killed 30,000.
The current escalation is the deadliest and longest since that war.
The shelling of Stepanakert and the strikes on Ganja followed a joint call from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday to "end the bloodshed as soon as possible."
© 2020 AFP