france24--2020-06-06--Bolsonaro threatens to quit WHO as Covid-19 kills 'a Brazilian per minute'

A healthcare worker at a field hospital set up to treat patients suffering from coronavirus in Guarulhos , Sao Paulo state , Brazil , on May 12 , 2020 .
President Jair Bolsonaro threatened on Friday to pull Brazil out of the World Health Organization after the U.N. agency warned Latin American governments about the risk of lifting lockdowns before slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus throughout the region .
A new Brazilian record for daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed the county 's death toll past that of Italy late on Thursday , but Bolsonaro continues to argue for quickly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economic costs outweigh public health risks .
Latin America 's most populous nations , Brazil and Mexico , are seeing the highest rates of new infections , though the pandemic is also gathering pace in countries such as Peru , Colombia , Chile and Bolivia .
Overall , more than 1.1 million Latin Americans have been infected .
While most leaders have taken the pandemic more seriously than Bolsonaro , some politicians that backed strict lockdowns in March and April are pushing to open economies back up as hunger and poverty grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of newspaper Folha de S.Paulo 's front page , the Brazilian daily highlighted that just 100 days had passed since Bolsonaro described the virus now `` killing a Brazilian per minute '' as `` a little flu . ''
`` While you were reading this , another Brazilian died from the coronavirus , '' the newspaper said .
Brazil 's Health Ministry reported late on Thursday that confirmed cases in the country had climbed past 600,000 and 1,437 deaths had been registered within 24 hours , the third consecutive daily record .
With @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has killed more people in Brazil than anywhere outside of the United States and the United Kingdom .
Asked about efforts to loosen social distancing orders in Brazil despite rising daily death rates and diagnoses , World Health Organization ( WHO ) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said a key criteria for lifting lockdowns was slowing transmission .
`` The epidemic , the outbreak , in Latin America is deeply , deeply concerning , '' she told a news conference in Geneva .
Among six key criteria for easing quarantines , she said , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your transmission declining . ''
In comments to journalists later Friday , Bolsonaro said Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a `` partisan political organization . ''
President Donald Trump , an ideological ally of Bolsonaro , said last month that the United States would end its own relationship with the WHO , accusing it of becoming a puppet of China , where the coronavirus first emerged .
Bolsonaro 's dismissal of the coronavirus risks to public health and efforts to lift state quarantines have drawn criticism from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where some accuse him of using the crisis to undermine democratic institutions .
But many of those critics are divided about the safety and effectiveness of anti-government demonstrations in the middle of a pandemic , especially after one small protest was met with an overwhelming show of police force last weekend .
Alfonso Vallejos Parás , an epidemiologist and professor of public health at the National Autonomous University of Mexico , said infections are high in Latin America as the virus was slow to gain a foothold in the region .
`` It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of infection will come down , '' he said .

President Jair Bolsonaro threatened on Friday to pull Brazil out of the World Health Organization after the U.N. agency warned Latin American governments about the risk of lifting lockdowns before slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus throughout the region.
A healthcare worker at a field hospital set up to treat patients suffering from coronavirus in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, on May 12, 2020.
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A new Brazilian record for daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed the county's death toll past that of Italy late on Thursday, but Bolsonaro continues to argue for quickly lifting state isolation orders, arguing that the economic costs outweigh public health risks.
Latin America's most populous nations, Brazil and Mexico, are seeing the highest rates of new infections, though the pandemic is also gathering pace in countries such as Peru, Colombia, Chile and Bolivia.
Overall, more than 1.1 million Latin Americans have been infected. While most leaders have taken the pandemic more seriously than Bolsonaro, some politicians that backed strict lockdowns in March and April are pushing to open economies back up as hunger and poverty grow.
In an editorial running the length of newspaper Folha de S.Paulo's front page, the Brazilian daily highlighted that just 100 days had passed since Bolsonaro described the virus now "killing a Brazilian per minute" as "a little flu."
"While you were reading this, another Brazilian died from the coronavirus," the newspaper said.
Brazil's Health Ministry reported late on Thursday that confirmed cases in the country had climbed past 600,000 and 1,437 deaths had been registered within 24 hours, the third consecutive daily record.
Brazil reported another 1,005 deaths Friday night, while Mexico reported 625 additional deaths.
With more than 35,000 lives lost, the pandemic has killed more people in Brazil than anywhere outside of the United States and the United Kingdom.
Asked about efforts to loosen social distancing orders in Brazil despite rising daily death rates and diagnoses, World Health Organization (WHO) spokeswoman Margaret Harris said a key criteria for lifting lockdowns was slowing transmission.
"The epidemic, the outbreak, in Latin America is deeply, deeply concerning," she told a news conference in Geneva. Among six key criteria for easing quarantines, she said, "one of them is ideally having your transmission declining."
In comments to journalists later Friday, Bolsonaro said Brazil will consider leaving the WHO unless it ceases to be a "partisan political organization."
President Donald Trump, an ideological ally of Bolsonaro, said last month that the United States would end its own relationship with the WHO, accusing it of becoming a puppet of China, where the coronavirus first emerged.
Bolsonaro's dismissal of the coronavirus risks to public health and efforts to lift state quarantines have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum in Brazil, where some accuse him of using the crisis to undermine democratic institutions.
But many of those critics are divided about the safety and effectiveness of anti-government demonstrations in the middle of a pandemic, especially after one small protest was met with an overwhelming show of police force last weekend.
Alfonso Vallejos Parás, an epidemiologist and professor of public health at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said infections are high in Latin America as the virus was slow to gain a foothold in the region.
"It is hard to estimate when the pace of infection will come down," he said.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-06--Biden wins delegates needed to clinch 2020 US Democratic nomination

Former US Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Delaware State University ’ s student center in Dover , Delaware , on June 5 , 2020 .
Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden secured enough delegates to formally clinch the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday , setting the stage for a challenge to President Donald Trump in the November election .
A candidate needs at least 1,991 delegates to secure the nomination .
Biden crossed the threshold when results came late on Friday after seven states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries earlier in the week .
The achievement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presumptive nominee when his main rival , Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders , quit the race in April .
`` It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded — and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party , '' Biden said on Friday .
At one point , the field had more than 20 candidates , with contenders dropping out as their chances faded .
Biden had a slow start and recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of February .
After that , some other candidates seen as centrist or moderate dropped out before Super Tuesday votes on March 3 , when the highest number of delegates were up for grabs and Biden won key contests .
It then became a two-horse race with Sanders , who was seen as a progressive candidate challenging incumbent Democrats .
While Sanders was a front-runner after early races , Biden carried his Super Tuesday momentum into subsequent contests and increased his lead .
Sanders quit the race upon seeing no path @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outbreak made campaigning and outreach difficult .
A U.S. senator and then vice president under President Barack Obama , Biden has promised to choose a woman as his running mate , with several black candidates likely in the running .

Former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden secured enough delegates to formally clinch the Democratic presidential nomination on Friday, setting the stage for a challenge to President Donald Trump in the November election.
Former US Vice President Joe Biden speaks at Delaware State University’s student center in Dover, Delaware, on June 5, 2020.
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A candidate needs at least 1,991 delegates to secure the nomination. Biden crossed the threshold when results came late on Friday after seven states and the District of Columbia held presidential primaries earlier in the week.
The achievement was a formality after Biden became the presumptive nominee when his main rival, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, quit the race in April.
"It was an honor to compete alongside one of the most talented groups of candidates the Democratic party has ever fielded — and I am proud to say that we are going into this general election a united party," Biden said on Friday.
Folks, tonight we secured the 1,991 delegates needed to win the Democratic nomination. I'm going to spend every day fighting to earn your vote so that, together, we can win the battle for the soul of this nation. https://t.co/sl3wFGabpg — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 6, 2020
At one point, the field had more than 20 candidates, with contenders dropping out as their chances faded.
Biden had a slow start and recorded his first win in South Carolina at the end of February.
After that, some other candidates seen as centrist or moderate dropped out before Super Tuesday votes on March 3, when the highest number of delegates were up for grabs and Biden won key contests.
It then became a two-horse race with Sanders, who was seen as a progressive candidate challenging incumbent Democrats.
While Sanders was a front-runner after early races, Biden carried his Super Tuesday momentum into subsequent contests and increased his lead.
>> US presidential race: Is Joe Biden’s ideal running mate a woman?
Sanders quit the race upon seeing no path to the nomination as the novel coronavirus outbreak made campaigning and outreach difficult.
A U.S. senator and then vice president under President Barack Obama, Biden has promised to choose a woman as his running mate, with several black candidates likely in the running.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-06--G20 pledges more than $21 billion for coronavirus fight

The Group of 20 rich and emerging economies has pledged more than $ 21 billion to fight the coronavirus , the group said early on Saturday .
`` The G20 , with invited countries , has coordinated the global efforts to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic .
To date , G20 members and invited countries have pledged over US $ 21 billion to support funding in global health , '' the group said in a statement .
The pledges will be directed towards diagnostics , vaccines , therapeutics , and research and development , the statement added .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries , non-governmental organizations , philanthropies and the private sector to help close a financing gap estimated at over $ 8 billion to combat the COVID-19 pandemic .
Saudi Arabia , the current G20 chair has pledged $ 500 million to support global efforts to combat the pandemic .
It said then it would allocate $ 150 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation , $ 150 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations , and $ 200 million to other health organisations and programmes .
At least 391,108 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than 6.68 million people have been infected by the novel coronavirus that causes it , following an outbreak that started in Wuhan , China , in early December .

The Group of 20 rich and emerging economies has pledged more than $21 billion to fight the coronavirus, the group said early on Saturday.
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"The G20, with invited countries, has coordinated the global efforts to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, G20 members and invited countries have pledged over US$21 billion to support funding in global health," the group said in a statement.
The pledges will be directed towards diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and research and development, the statement added.
In April the group called on all countries, non-governmental organizations, philanthropies and the private sector to help close a financing gap estimated at over $8 billion to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saudi Arabia, the current G20 chair has pledged $500 million to support global efforts to combat the pandemic. It said then it would allocate $150 million to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness and Innovation, $150 million to the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations, and $200 million to other health organisations and programmes.
At least 391,108 people have died globally from COVID-19 and more than 6.68 million people have been infected by the novel coronavirus that causes it, following an outbreak that started in Wuhan, China, in early December.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-06--NBA legend Michael Jordan pledges $100 million to social justice groups

Michael Jordan has pledged $ 100 million over 10 years to groups fighting for social justice and against racism .
Michael Jordan said Friday he is making a record $ 100 million donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States .
The NBA legend said in a statement his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organisations in a bid to stamp out `` ingrained racism . ''
The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's 2020 and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life , '' a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said .
`` Yet as much as things have changed the worst remains the same .
`` Black lives matter .
This is n't a controversial statement .
Until the ingrained racism that allows our country 's institutions to fail is completely eradicated , we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people , '' the statement added .
`` Today we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brand will be donating $ 100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality , social justice and greater access to education . ''
Jordan 's donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of an unarmed black man during an arrest in Minneapolis .
Large scale demonstrations have been held in all 50 states , with protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd 's death on May 25 .
Jordan , regarded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ history with an estimated net worth of $ 2.1 billion , had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd 's killing .
`` I am deeply saddened , truly pained and plain angry , '' Jordan , 57 , said last Sunday .
`` We have had enough . ''
Jordan 's donation and impassioned recent statements followed criticism during his playing career over his reluctance to take a more prominent role in activist causes .
In the recent `` The Last Dance '' documentary , he addressed his infamous quip that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Republicans buy sneakers too . ''
Jordan said the remark had been a flippant comment made as a joke .
Jordan added that he never saw himself as an activist athlete in the vein of former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali .
`` I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in , '' Jordan said .
`` But I never thought of myself as an activist .
I thought of myself as a basketball player . ''
Jordan acknowledged that his apolitical stance might be viewed as selfish @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't a politician when I was playing my sport .
I was focused on my craft , '' Jordan said .
`` Was that selfish ?
Probably .
But that was my energy .
That 's where my energy was . ''
Jordan said he had instead sought to set an example by his achievements as an athlete .
`` The way I go about my life is I set examples .
If it inspires you ?
Great , I will continue to do that .
If it does n't ?
Then maybe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be following . ''

Michael Jordan said Friday he is making a record $100 million donation to groups fighting for racial equality and social justice amid a wave of protests across the United States.
Michael Jordan has pledged $100 million over 10 years to groups fighting for social justice and against racism.
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The NBA legend said in a statement his Jordan Brand would distribute the money over 10 years to different organisations in a bid to stamp out "ingrained racism."
The pledge is believed to be the largest financial contribution to non-profit groups ever made by a figure from the sports world.
"It's 2020 and our family now includes anyone who aspires to our way of life," a joint statement from Jordan and his Jordan Brand said.
"Yet as much as things have changed the worst remains the same.
"Black lives matter. This isn't a controversial statement. Until the ingrained racism that allows our country's institutions to fail is completely eradicated, we will remain committed to protecting and improving the lives of Black people," the statement added.
"Today we are announcing that Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will be donating $100 million over the next 10 years to organisations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education."
Joint Statement from Michael Jordan & Jordan Brand regarding $100m donation. pic.twitter.com/yYXWh5eBZl — Estee Portnoy (@esteep) June 5, 2020
Jordan's donation comes after a week of unprecedented nationwide protests across the United States following the death of an unarmed black man during an arrest in Minneapolis.
Large scale demonstrations have been held in all 50 states, with protesters demanding an end to police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd's death on May 25.
'Saddened, angry'
Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest player in NBA history with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion, had already issued a passionate statement decrying Floyd's killing.
"I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry," Jordan, 57, said last Sunday. "We have had enough."
Jordan's donation and impassioned recent statements followed criticism during his playing career over his reluctance to take a more prominent role in activist causes.
In the recent "The Last Dance" documentary, he addressed his infamous quip that he had steered clear of politics because "Republicans buy sneakers too."
Jordan said the remark had been a flippant comment made as a joke.
Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand to donate $100M over the next 10 years to causes that ensure racial equality, social justice and greater access to education. @brkicks pic.twitter.com/1dw3fZqD2j — Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 5, 2020
Jordan added that he never saw himself as an activist athlete in the vein of former heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.
"I do commend Muhammad Ali for standing up for what he believed in," Jordan said. "But I never thought of myself as an activist. I thought of myself as a basketball player."
Jordan acknowledged that his apolitical stance might be viewed as selfish in some quarters.
"I wasn't a politician when I was playing my sport. I was focused on my craft," Jordan said. "Was that selfish? Probably. But that was my energy. That's where my energy was."
Jordan said he had instead sought to set an example by his achievements as an athlete.
"The way I go about my life is I set examples. If it inspires you? Great, I will continue to do that. If it doesn't? Then maybe I'm not the person you should be following."
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-05--France’s Versailles Palace re-opens after Covid-19 lockdown

A worker carries furniture in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles near Paris on June 5 , 2020 , on the eve of its re-opening after 82 days of closure due to the coronavirus outbreak .
France 's sumptuous Palace of Versailles , built in the 17th century by the `` Sun King '' Louis XIV , threw its doors open to the public again Saturday but with little certainty over when tourists will return as lockdown curbs are slowly eased .
Workers on Friday dusted the Hall of Mirrors and polished its gilded statues ahead of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ required to wear face masks and follow a one-way route through the opulent 2,300-room complex .
The coronavirus crisis has dealt a heavy financial blow to the palace and France 's other leading cultural attractions .
Ticket sales to the eight million people who passed through the palace gates in 2019 made up 75 % of revenues .
Four in every five visitors is foreign .
`` This financial model has been devastated .
We have to start again , '' Catherine Pegard , who runs the palace , told Reuters .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Louis XIV craved the palace as a symbol of France ’ s prominence as a European superpower and his perceived divine right to wield absolute power .
It remained the principle royal residence until the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy nearly eight decades after his death .
The palace is one of the most visited sites France , itself the world 's favourite tourist destination .
But as France emerges cautiously from lockdown - its borders remain closed to most outsiders - the palace anticipates only a fifth of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on peak days .
Tickets must be bought in advance .
A roped walkway will guide visitors through the famed Hall of Mirrors , where Germany and the Allied Nations signed the treaty ending World War One , and the ornate King 's Grand Apartment .
`` We 've cleaned the mirrors , dusted the chandeliers and the torches .
Conditions are exceptional , '' Pegard said .

France's Palace of Versailles, built in the 17th century by the "Sun King" Louis XIV, opened to the public again on Saturday but with little certainty over when tourists will return in force as France pursues a gradual easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures.
A worker carries furniture in the Hall of Mirrors of the Palace of Versailles near Paris on June 5, 2020, on the eve of its re-opening after 82 days of closure due to the coronavirus outbreak.
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Workers dusted the Hall of Mirrors and polished its gilded statues ahead of the reopening, which will see visitors required to purchase tickets in advance, wear face masks inside the palace and follow a one-way route through the opulent 2,300-room complex.
The coronavirus crisis has dealt a heavy financial blow to the palace and France's other leading cultural attractions. Ticket sales to the 8 million people who passed through the palace gates in 2019 made up 75% of revenues, with four of every five visitors arriving from abroad.
"This financial model has been devastated. We have to start again," Catherine Pegard, who runs the palace, told Reuters. "We're not the only ones."
Louis XIV made the palace a symbol of France’s prominence as a European superpower and his perceived divine right to wield absolute power. It remained the principle royal residence until the French Revolution and the overthrow of the monarchy in 1789.
The palace is one of the most visited sites in France, which is itself the world's premier tourist destination.
But as France emerges cautiously from lockdown – its borders remain closed to non-EU countries – the palace anticipates only a fifth of the 20,000 visitors it used to host on peak days.
A roped walkway will guide visitors through the famed Hall of Mirrors, where Germany and the Allied Nations signed the treaty ending World War I, and the ornate King's Grand Apartment.
"We've cleaned the mirrors, dusted the chandeliers and the torches. Conditions are exceptional," Pegard said.
But only a few people are around to enjoy them.
01:47
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-06--From ‘under control’ to ‘critical’: Four potential scenarios for Covid-19 in France

France ’ s national Scientific Council has envisioned four likely futures for the country ’ s Covid-19 epidemic , from a situation where the virus remains “ under control ” to a “ critical ” health crisis .
FRANCE 24 takes a look at the possible scenarios .
The Scientific Council , responsible for advising the French government on how to deal with health emergencies like the coronavirus crisis , set out its four potential scenarios on June 4 in an effort to “ anticipate the measures needed ” to avoid having to re-impose a lockdown .
France began lifting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progressively easing social-distancing measures .
The second and most recent stage in the process began on June 2 , when the country ’ s cherished restaurants , cafés and bars were allowed to reopen but for terrace-only service in the hardest-hit areas , including Paris .
Below are the four potential scenarios the Scientific Council has foreseen for the future of Covid-19 .
This is the most optimistic scenario of the four – and fortunately , the one that the French authorities say is unfolding as things stand .
On May 29 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there were “ no signs ” of a resurgence in Covid-19 despite the initial easing of lockdown measures that began on May 11 .
The head of the Scientific Council , Jean-François Delfraissy , said on June 5 that the virus remained “ under control ” .
If the key signs – such as the number of emergency hospital visits for Covid-19 , the number of patients in intensive care and the number of positive tests – are still encouraging after at least two months , “ without problematic clusters ” of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the situation remains under control , the council said .
Even so , the Council recommends that France maintains its current level of social distancing , the use of face masks and the continuation of the “ test , trace , isolate ” approach to stamping out the virus ’ s spread as famously pioneered by South Korea , with notable success in the early stages of the pandemic .
On the basis of what has happened in Germany and some Asian countries over recent weeks , the Scientific Council said this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the coming weeks ” .
In particular , it said public authorities should be vigilant about locating small “ critical clusters ” of contamination where the virus could spread “ very quickly ” .
In this scenario , the Council proposes an “ early , quick , massive response ” in any areas where Covid-19 is spreading .
Social-distancing measures should be reinforced , with a proactive approach to isolating vulnerable sections of the population such as the elderly .
The “ test , trace , isolate ” approach should be stepped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; testing “ can not be limited to people with symptoms within the clusters ” , the council said .
The overarching goal in this scenario would be to limit the number of cases coming out of particular clusters to prevent the coronavirus resurging nationwide .
France has already put in place particular policies for hard-hit parts of the country – for example , lockdown measures stayed in place longer in the Val d ’ Oise area near Paris because there was still a major cluster of Covid-19 cases there .
In the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Covid-19 would spread throughout a whole region of France or even the entire country .
The disease would spread through different local clusters , straining authorities ’ ability to monitor transmission chains .
The council said that this outcome might arise if people fail to heed social-distancing measures ; in particular , a significant amount of unnecessary travel between French regions threatens to encourage the virus ’ s spread .
If there is a major increase in the proportion of people testing positive , the council recommends strengthening existing measures such as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , trace , isolate ” programmes , increasing hospital capacity and implementing measures to protect those in nursing homes .
If those measures do not go far enough , the council said re-imposing a full-blown lockdown might be necessary .
This is the most pessimistic of all the scenarios put forward by the Scientific Council .
It would stem from the failure of the measures to contain Covid-19 in the event of the third scenario .
The government would have to consider a second lockdown to alleviate “ overwhelmed intensive care units ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ council noted , another period of confinement would be undesirable on “ social and economic ” grounds .
But it should be considered to prevent the severe strain on intensive care units that was seen in eastern France and the Paris region at the height of the epidemic .
If the government ’ s sole objective is to reduce the number of people dying from Covid-19 , it will “ always be preferable ” to introduce a lockdown “ early ” , the council said .
However , limiting rises in mortality caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ alternative objective ” .
The council emphasised the importance of tracking the virus ’ s spread to avoid the fourth scenario .
The government has a seven-part plan dealing with a potential uptick in cases over the coming weeks .
These measures must be “ drawn up now ” so that they can be put in place “ as quickly as possible ” if need be , the Scientific Council said .
This article was translated from the original in French .

France’s national Scientific Council has envisioned four likely futures for the country’s Covid-19 epidemic, from a situation where the virus remains “under control” to a “critical” health crisis. FRANCE 24 takes a look at the possible scenarios.
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The Scientific Council, responsible for advising the French government on how to deal with health emergencies like the coronavirus crisis, set out its four potential scenarios on June 4 in an effort to “anticipate the measures needed” to avoid having to re-impose a lockdown.
France began lifting its lockdown on May 11 and is progressively easing social-distancing measures. The second and most recent stage in the process began on June 2, when the country’s cherished restaurants, cafés and bars were allowed to reopen but for terrace-only service in the hardest-hit areas, including Paris.
Below are the four potential scenarios the Scientific Council has foreseen for the future of Covid-19.
An epidemic ‘under control’
This is the most optimistic scenario of the four – and fortunately, the one that the French authorities say is unfolding right now. On May 29, France’s Public Health agency stated that there were “no signs” of a resurgence in Covid-19 despite the initial easing of lockdown measures that began on May 11. The head of the Scientific Council, Jean-François Delfraissy, said on June 5 that the virus remained “under control”.
If the key signs – such as hospitalisations for Covid-19, the number of patients in intensive care and the number of positive tests – are still encouraging after at least two months, “without problematic clusters” of the virus re-emerging, France can declare that the situation remains under control, the council said.
Even so, the council recommends that France maintain its current level of social distancing, the use of face masks and the continuation of the “test, trace, isolate” approach to stamping out the virus’s spread as famously pioneered by South Korea, with notable success in the early stages of the pandemic.
‘Critical clusters’ in local areas
On the basis of what has happened in Germany and some Asian countries over recent weeks, the Scientific Council said this intermediate scenario is likely to arise “in the coming weeks”. In particular, it said public authorities should be vigilant about locating small “critical clusters” of contamination where the virus could spread “very quickly”.
In this scenario, the Council proposes an “early, quick, massive response” in any areas where Covid-19 is spreading. Social-distancing measures should be reinforced, with a proactive approach to isolating vulnerable sections of the population such as the elderly. The “test, trace, isolate” approach should be stepped up in such areas of rapid contamination; testing “cannot be limited to people with symptoms within the clusters”, the council said.
The overarching goal in this scenario would be to limit the number of cases coming out of particular clusters to prevent the coronavirus from resurging nationwide.
France has already put in place particular policies for hard-hit parts of the country – for example, lockdown measures stayed in place longer in the Val d’Oise area near Paris because there was still a cluster of Covid-19 cases there.
A ‘low-level’ epidemic
In the case of a “low-level epidemic”, Covid-19 would spread throughout a whole region of France or even the entire country. The disease would spread through different local clusters, straining authorities’ ability to monitor transmission chains.
The council said that this outcome might arise if people fail to heed social-distancing measures; in particular, a significant amount of unnecessary travel between French regions threatens to encourage the virus’s spread.
If there is a major increase in the proportion of people testing positive, the council recommends strengthening existing measures such as social distancing, ramping up “test, trace, isolate” programmes, increasing hospital capacity and implementing measures to protect those in nursing homes. If those measures do not go far enough, the council said re-imposing a full-blown lockdown might be necessary.
A ‘critical’ health situation
This is the most pessimistic of all the scenarios put forward by the Scientific Council. It would stem from the failure of the measures to contain Covid-19 at the third scenario. The government would have to consider a second lockdown to alleviate “overwhelmed intensive care units”.
The council noted that another lockdown would be undesirable on “social and economic” grounds. But it said it should be considered to prevent the severe strain on intensive care units that was seen in eastern France and the Paris region at the height of the epidemic.
If the government’s sole objective is to reduce the number of people dying from Covid-19, it will “always be preferable” to introduce a lockdown “early”, the council said. However, limiting rises in mortality caused by overstrained intensive care units is an “alternative objective”.
The council emphasised the importance of tracking the virus’s spread to avoid the fourth scenario.
The government has a seven-part plan dealing with a potential uptick in cases over the coming weeks. These measures must be “drawn up now” so that they can be put in place “as quickly as possible” if need be, the Scientific Council said.
This article was translated from the original in French.
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france24--2020-06-06--Black Lives Matter supporters flood Washington, D.C. on 12th day of US protests

Demonstrators gather in front of the White House during a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd , in Washington , DC , June 6 , 2020 .
Thousands of protesters streamed into the US capital Saturday for what was expected to be the city ’ s largest demonstration yet against police brutality while George Floyd was remembered in his North Carolina hometown , where hundreds of mourners lined up to pay their respects .
Military vehicles and officers in fatigues closed off much of downtown Washington to traffic ahead @ @ @ @ @ @ @ estimated would attract up to 200,000 people outraged by Floyd ’ s death 12 days ago at the hands of police in Minneapolis .
Large protests also took place across the US and in major cities overseas , including London , Paris , Berlin and Sydney , Australia .
On a hot , humid day in Washington , throngs of protesters gathered at the Capitol , on the National Mall and in residential neighborhoods .
Many groups headed toward the White House , where President Donald Trump was .
The crowd erupted in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the portion of 16th Street that she renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza .
Art Lindy , a fifth-generation Washingtonian , shouted “ Vice President Bowser ” as the mayor strolled by .
He was referring to her defiant response to Trump ’ s taunts .
Bowser “ has done an incredible job standing up to the face of federal power , ” the 56-year-old construction manager said .
Washington has seen daily protests for the past week — largely peaceful .
The White House has been fortified with new fencing and extra security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could be heard Saturday from the executive mansion .
Trump had no public events on his daily schedule .
The protests extended to his golf resort in Doral , Florida , just outside Miami , where about 100 protesters gathered .
The demonstration was organized by Latinos for Black Lives Matter .
In Raeford , North Carolina , a small town near Floyd ’ s birthplace of Fayetteville , a long line of people formed outside a Free Will Baptist church , waiting to enter in small groups for a chance to look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ memorial service later in the day , mourners sang along with a choir .
On display at the front of the chapel was a large photo of Floyd and a portrait of him adorned with an angel ’ s wings and halo .
The line of people waiting to view the coffin included families with young children and teenagers .
One young woman wore a green and gold graduation cap and gown as she walked beside her parents .
Most people wore surgical masks or cloth face coverings .
When a hearse bearing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of “ Black Power , ” “ George Floyd ” and “ No justice , no peace , ” echoed from beneath the covered entrance .
“ It could have been me .
It could have been my brother , my father , any of my friends who are black , ” said a man in the crowd , Erik Carlos of Fayetteville .
“ It was a heavy hit , especially knowing that George Floyd was born near my hometown .
It made me feel very vulnerable at first.
” In general @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a calmer tenor in recent days after frequent episodes of violence in the early stages after Floyd ’ s death .
Protesters and their supporters in public office say they are determined to turn the extraordinary outpouring of anger and grief into change , notably in regard to policing policies .
College student Maiya Mack , 19 , who protested in Columbus , Ohio , said a key step would be effective discipline against police officers implicated in racist acts of violence .
“ Police who have performed misconduct , they should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can still be at home , you can still get paid , ” she said .
Theresa Bland , 68 , a retired teacher and realtor protesting at the Ohio Statehouse , had a broader agenda in mind .
“ I ’ m looking at affordable housing , political justice , prison reform , the whole ball of wax , ” she said .
“ The world is so askew right now ... with people dying from the virus and people dying in prisons and people dying because there ’ s not enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tangible steps .
In Minneapolis , city officials have agreed to ban chokeholds and neck restraints by police and to require officers to try to stop any other officers they see using improper force .
In California , Gov .
Gavin Newsom ordered the state ’ s police training program to stop teaching officers how to use a neck hold that blocks the flow of blood to the brain .
Democrats in Congress are preparing a sweeping package of police reforms , which are expected to included changes to police-accountability laws , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ database of police use-of-force incidents .
Revamped training requirements are planned , too , among them a ban on chokeholds .
The House is expected to vote by month ’ s end .
With Democrats in the majority , the bills will almost certainly pass the House .
The outcome in the Senate is less certain .
Republican Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said the chamber would look at the issues , but he has not endorsed any particular legislation .
Meanwhile in New York , two Buffalo police officers were charged with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shoving a 75-year-old protester , who fell backwards onto the pavement and was hospitalized .
Both pleaded not guilty to second-degree assault and were released without bail .
The two were suspended without pay Friday after a TV crew captured the confrontation .
In London , thousands of demonstrators endured cold rain to gather in Parliament Square , a traditional venue for protests .
They knelt in silence and chanted Floyd ’ s name before applauding his memory and then starting a march .
Some clashes between protesters and police broke out near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In Paris , hundreds of people gathered at the Place de la Concorde in defiance of a police ban on large protests .
Members of the multiracial crowd chanted the name of Adama Traore , a black man whose death while in police custody a few years ago has been likened by critics of French police to Floyd ’ s death in Minnesota .

Tens of thousands of peaceful protesters rallied for racial justice Saturday in cities across the United States following the death of George Floyd, as the movement triggered by his killing at police hands entered a second weekend.
Demonstrators gather in front of the White House during a protest against racial inequality in the aftermath of the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd, in Washington, D.C., on June 6, 2020.
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Protests took place from New York to Los Angeles but Washington was at the epicenter, as thousands of people -- black, white and brown -- flooded downtown streets surrounding the White House, which was barricaded with black metal fencing.
"This fight has been happening for many, many decades, hundreds of years, and at this point it's time for a change," said Washington native Christine Montgomery.
"I'm here so my son is not the next hashtag that is circulating worldwide," she added, indicating her 10-year-old child standing next to her.
On a sunny but oppressively hot day, many people wore masks because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Volunteers gave out water, hand sanitizer and other supplies as the area took on a block party vibe, with music, mural painting, food trucks, and vendors selling Black Lives Matter T-shirts.
Helicopters circled overhead as some protesters danced -- but the pain which drove many in to the streets was never far below the surface, as others yelled "This ain't no party!"
Military personnel as well as police watched over the gathering. But there appeared to be fewer than on previous days, and some gave the protesters small smiles and waves as they marched by.
On the National Mall, fencing and uniformed guards blocked protesters from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial where civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr famously delivered his "I have a dream" speech in 1963.
"Martin Luther King stood here, and after so many years we are back here with a new message of hope," said Deniece Laurent-Mantey, 31.
The protests were ignited by videos of a police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck for almost nine minutes as he pleaded for his life -- the latest unarmed black person to be killed by white law enforcement officers.
The officer, Derek Chauvin, has been charged with second-degree murder.
The rage since Floyd's death in Minneapolis on May 25 has exploded into the most serious civil unrest in America since King was assassinated in 1968.
Peaceful protests swelled Saturday in other US cities: tens of thousands rallied across New York City and Philadelphia; Chicago shut down the iconic Lake Shore Drive to facilitate protests; and demonstrators marched in Los Angeles.
'I can't go in'
But the demonstrations in Washington were the biggest since protests began in Minneapolis before spreading across the country and then abroad.
"Today, the pain is so raw it can be hard to keep faith," tweeted Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden.
He added: "But ours is a union worth fighting for, and we are all called to the cause."
I promised George Floyd's family that he wouldn’t just become another hashtag — and I intend to keep that promise.
We need justice. And we need real police reform to ensure this never occurs again. — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 6, 2020
A remembrance for Floyd was held Saturday in Raeford, North Carolina, the state where he was born, following a memorial service in Minneapolis on Thursday.
Hundreds waited to view his coffin, some holding umbrellas against the hot sun. Some sobbed and many held cell phones high as a hearse arrived with the casket.
Floyd's sisters LaTonya and Zsa-Zsa Floyd told reporters they would not go inside.
"I can't go in, see him laying in a coffin, it would drive me crazy forever," said LaTonya through tears.
She expressed her pain at watching the footage of her brother's agonizing death.
"It's very hard. Every time I look up I see him on the ground, face up, neck down, hollering please help me," she said, adding she wished the video could be taken down.
"I'll never hear his voice, I'll never hear his laughter, I'll never tell him again that I love him and likewise he'd tell me the same," said Zsa-Zsa.
But, she said, she felt like God "chose him for a reason."
"He called him up, so his death was not in vain."
'It's about time'
Around the world, protesters echoed the rage of American demonstrators.
"It is time to burn down institutional racism," one speaker shouted through a megaphone at a hooting crowd of thousands outside the parliament building in London.
Tens of thousands rallied in Australia and France, while in Tunis, hundreds chanted: "We want justice! We want to breathe!"
Back in Washington, many black protesters hailed the multiracial, multi-ethnic nature of the demonstrations, calling the change "invigorating."
Jackie Maddox, 59, who remembered her own parents marching in Washington for their rights decades ago, said she felt "relieved" that black people were no longer alone.
"It's about time that they are tired too," she said of other protesters -- though, she added, she hoped it would last.
White protester Megan Nadolski came to the rally with her husband and two young daughters.
When black protesters called out the first part of a chant, she said, "I always want to be a white person standing right next to them to answer, just make sure they know that they're safe, that their children can grow up safe and healthy and have the same opportunities my children do."
The days of demonstrations in the US -- which have included outbreaks of looting and violence -- have seen new police abuses, some captured on camera.
Two policemen in Buffalo, New York were charged with felony assault Saturday after they were filmed shoving a 75-year-old protester who fell, hit his head and began bleeding, in one of the most widely shared videos fuelling outrage.
But there were some changes to policing as well.
In Seattle, authorities announced a temporary ban on tear gas. In Denver, a federal judge forbade the use of chemical agents and projectiles like rubber bullets against peaceful protesters. And in Dallas, police marched in solidarity with protesters.
The unrest has handed US President Donald Trump -- the target of many a biting protest sign and chant -- one of the greatest challenges of his tumultuous presidency.
Much smaller crowd in D.C. than anticipated. National Guard, Secret Service, and D.C. Police have been doing a fantastic job. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 7, 2020
While condemning Floyd's death, he has adopted a tough stance toward protesters, calling them "thugs" or "terrorists" and threatening a military crackdown.
"LAW & ORDER!" the president tweeted as evening fell Saturday, adding later that the crowd in DC was "much smaller" than anticipated.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-06--French police under investigation for leaked racist comments

Leaked contents from a private Facebook group for French police officers , published by the online media outlet StreetPress .
Leaked comments from a private Facebook group for police officers have fuelled outrage over racism among French law enforcement .
Even as Black Lives Matter protests have swelled in France , alongside those taking place around the world , online media outlet SteetPress on Thursday published contents from a private Facebook group reserved for police officers .
Members of the group repeatedly used racist and sexist terms , and mocked victims of police brutality .
“ If the facts are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are unacceptable and seriously damage the honour of the police , ” said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner .
Castaner pledged on Wednesday that “ every mistake , every excess , every word including racist expressions ” by police would be “ the subject of an investigation , a decision , a punishment ” .
In a separate case , a black police officer filed a complaint against six white colleagues in December 2019 after discovering an abundance of racist messages on the private Whatsapp group , often concerning him .
The officers involved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police chief Frédéric Veaux told AFP on Thursday .
`` The French police is n't racist , '' he said .
`` It suffers from behaviour which in no way corresponds to the republican values it defends . ''
Government officials say incidents of racism are the deplorable actions of individuals , whereas critics say there is a systemic problem .
Protesters gathered late Saturday afternoon near the Eiffel Tower in Paris using the slogans , `` Let us breathe '' and `` No justice , no peace '' , echoing the words @ @ @ @ @ @ @ demonstrations across the US .
French authorities had tried to ban an earlier demonstration against police brutality Saturday in front of the US embassy in Paris , citing a coronavirus restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people .
That demonstration went ahead despite the ban .
Police barricades kept protesters from approaching the embassy , however .
Calls for new demonstrations in France followed a tense 20,000-strong rally in Paris on Tuesday to commemorate the death of black 24-year-old Adama Traoré , who died in police custody in 2016 .
His death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critics of the French police .
His case contains sad parallels to the George Floyd case .
Traoré ran from the police during a dispute over an identity check before being apprehended .
He died after he was pinned to the ground with the combined body weight of three arresting officers , according to the testimony of one of them .
Last Friday , French medical experts said Traoré did not die of `` positional suffocation '' , ruling out the officers pinning him to the ground as the cause of his death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ probe commissioned by the Traoré family said his death was caused by the arrest technique used .
Several thousand youths dressed in black gathered in the eastern city of Strasbourg on Friday night to remember Floyd , an AFP journalist said .
`` The real virus is racism , '' they chanted , with many holding placards copying US slogans such as `` Black Lives Matter '' .
There have also been calls for demonstrations in Marseille , Bordeaux , Lille , Nantes and Metz on Saturday .

Leaked comments from a private Facebook group for police officers have fuelled outrage over racism among French law enforcement, prompting Paris prosecutors to open an investigation on Friday.
Leaked contents from a private Facebook group for French police officers, published by the online media outlet StreetPress.
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Even as Black Lives Matter protests have swelled in France along with those taking place around the world, online media outlet SteetPress published contents on Thursday from a private Facebook group reserved for police officers.
Members of the group repeatedly used racist and sexist terms, even mocking victims of police brutality.
“If the facts are proven to be true, these comments are unacceptable and seriously damage the honour of the police,” said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.
Castaner pledged on Wednesday that “every mistake, every excess, every word including racist expressions” by police would be “the subject of an investigation, a decision, a punishment”.
Paris prosecutors opened an investigation on Friday.
In a separate case, a black police officer filed a complaint against six white colleagues in December 2019 after discovering an abundance of racist messages on a private WhatsApp group, often concerning him.
The officers involved will face a disciplinary hearing, national police chief Frédéric Veaux told AFP on Thursday.
"The French police isn't racist," he said. "It suffers from behaviour which in no way corresponds to the republican values it defends."
Government officials say incidents of racism are the deplorable actions of individuals whereas critics say there is a systemic problem.
Protests banned
Protesters gathered late Saturday afternoon near the Eiffel Tower in Paris using the slogans, "Let us breathe" and "No justice, no peace", echoing the words used since George Floyd's May 25 death sparked demonstrations across the US.
video: Big crowd at Eiffel Tower for peaceful Paris march against racial discrimination and police violence
This chant: “police partout justice nulle part”= police everywhere, justice nowhere
Lots of #BlackLivesMatter and #JusticePourAdama placards pic.twitter.com/3cgOdtJ0fb — Catherine Nicholson (@ACatInParis) June 6, 2020
French authorities had tried to ban an earlier demonstration against police brutality Saturday in front of the US embassy in Paris, citing a coronavirus restriction on gatherings of more than 10 people. That demonstration went ahead despite the ban.
Calls for new demonstrations in France followed a tense 20,000-strong rally in Paris on Tuesday to commemorate the death of black 24-year-old Adama Traoré, who died in police custody in 2016. His death has long been a rallying cry for critics of the French police.
His case contains sad parallels to the George Floyd case. Traoré ran from the police during a dispute over an identity check before being apprehended. He died after he was pinned to the ground under the combined body weight of three arresting officers, according to the testimony of one of them.
Last Friday, French medical experts said Traoré did not die of "positional suffocation", ruling out that the officers pinning him to the ground were the cause of his death.
But on Tuesday, a new probe commissioned by the Traoré family said his death was caused by the arrest technique used.
Several thousand youths dressed in black gathered in the eastern city of Strasbourg on Friday night to remember Floyd, an AFP journalist said. "The real virus is racism," they chanted, with many holding placards copying US slogans such as "Black Lives Matter".
There have also been calls for demonstrations in Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes and Metz to go ahead on Saturday.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-06--Black Lives Matter movement gains momentum worldwide with fresh weekend of protests

People gather near the Eiffel Tower on Paris 's Champ de Mars to participate in worldwide 'Black Lives Matter ' protests against racism and police brutality , on June 6 , 2020 .
From Sydney to London to Washington , D.C. , protesters launched a weekend of action to support Black Lives Matter , in many cases defying bans on public gatherings .
In Paris , at least two protests went ahead despite a ban .
Taking a knee , chanting and ignoring social-distancing measures , outraged protesters kicked off a weekend of global rallies Saturday against racism and police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd , an unarmed black man arrested in the US state of Minnesota , has brought tens of thousands out onto the streets despite a pandemic that is ebbing in Asia and Europe but spreading rapidly in other parts of the world .
In Paris , riot police held back a crowd of several thousand who gathered outside the US embassy compound for an unsanctioned protest .
Another group also gathered at the Champs de Mars park facing the Eiffel Tower .
“ I find it scandalous that all these injustices go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Senegalese-Ivorian student , said amidst crowds holding up placards reading “ Being black is not a crime ” and “ Our police are assassins ” .
The French rallies spread to about a dozen cities , including Lyon , Bordeaux , Nice , Lille and Metz .
More than 23,000 people participated nationwide , according to the Interior Ministry , including 5,500 in Paris .
The fresh protests came as racist comments leaked from a private Facebook group for police officers added to outrage over racism among French law enforcement .
‘ This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also took to the streets across the Channel .
“ It is time to burn down institutional racism , ” one speaker shouted through a megaphone at a crowd of thousands outside the parliament building in London .
“ This is how we take care of each other , ” she added , after urging everyone to pull on a face mask .
“ This is how we stay alive.
” UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock spoke for many concerned officials as he tried to convince Britons not to gather for events involving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no matter the cause .
“ Like so many people , I am appalled by the death of George Floyd .
I understand why people are deeply upset , ” Hancock said on Friday .
“ But we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.
” Londoners nevertheless rallied outside parliament on Saturday and plan to hold another large demonstration in front of the US embassy on the opposite bank of the river Thames on Sunday .
Aboriginal protesters performed a traditional smoking ceremony at the start of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Sydney , which was sanctioned at the last minute after initially being banned on health grounds .
Tens of thousands of Australians defied government orders to stay home regardless , holding up signs and wearing face masks marked up “ I can ’ t breathe ” – the words Floyd kept repeating while handcuffed as a policeman knelt on his neck .
“ The fact that they have tried to push us all back and stop the protest , it makes people want to do it even more , ” said Jumikah @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up thinking the Sydney ban was still in place .
Thousands more dressed in black to mourn Floyd ’ s death protested in Melbourne and other Australian cities .
Floyd ’ s death came during the spread of a disease that has disproportionately affected black people and ethnic minorities in global centres such as London and New York .
It also came in the throes of a historic economic downturn that has statistically affected the poor and the marginalised the most .
This confluence , and accompanying outrage at US President Donald Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attention on the world ’ s racial divides like few other events since the 1960s .
The US embassy in London said it stood “ united with the British public in grief ” .
“ We welcome this exercise of free speech , which contributes to constructive dialogue , education and change , ” the embassy said of the London protests , adopting a more conciliatory tone than the one taken by Trump .
“ There remains much work to be done.
” Memorial events and peaceful tributes in Europe stretched from Warsaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to major US cities and Canada ’ s Montreal .
In Germany , football players from Bayern Munich were among those to voice support for the protests , warming up in jerseys that read “ Red card to racism # BlackLivesMatter ” .
“ White silence is violence , ” the chant went up in a crowd of 10,000 in Berlin .
“ How many more ?
” asked a poster held up in a crowd of thousands in Frankfurt .
In North Carolina , a long line of cars snaked its way @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a viewing and memorial service at a church not far from Floyd ’ s hometown .
And tens of thousands were again expected in Washington , D.C. , where Mayor Muriel Bowser renamed the area near the White House as “ Black Lives Matter Plaza ” .
With tensions soaring , several US police departments have launched investigations into officers who were recorded hitting , pushing or baton-charging protesters and some reporters – including foreign ones .
The protests have even resonated in war-scarred countries such as Iraq , where the “ American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We want to breathe , too ” hashtags are spreading on social media .
“ I think what the Americans are doing is brave and they should be angry , but rioting is not the solution , ” Yassin Alaa , a 20-year-old camped out in Iraq ’ s protest-hit Tahrir Square .

From Sydney to London to Washington, D.C., protesters launched a weekend of action to support Black Lives Matter, in many cases defying bans on public gatherings. In Paris, at least two protests went ahead despite a ban.
People gather near the Eiffel Tower on Paris's Champ de Mars to participate in worldwide 'Black Lives Matter' protests against racism and police brutality, on June 6, 2020.
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Taking a knee, chanting and ignoring social-distancing measures, outraged protesters kicked off a weekend of global rallies Saturday against racism and police brutality.
The May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man arrested in the US state of Minnesota, has brought tens of thousands out onto the streets despite a pandemic that is ebbing in Asia and Europe but spreading rapidly in other parts of the world.
In Paris, riot police held back a crowd of several thousand who gathered outside the US embassy compound for an unsanctioned protest. Another group also gathered at the Champs de Mars park facing the Eiffel Tower.
“I find it scandalous that all these injustices go unpunished,” Dior, a 21-year-old Senegalese-Ivorian student, said amidst crowds holding up placards reading “Being black is not a crime” and “Our police are assassins”.
The French rallies spread to about a dozen cities, including Lyon, Bordeaux, Nice, Lille and Metz. More than 23,000 people participated nationwide, according to the Interior Ministry, including 5,500 in Paris. The fresh protests came as racist comments leaked from a private Facebook group for police officers added to outrage over racism among French law enforcement.
‘This is how we stay alive’
Protesters also took to the streets across the Channel.
“It is time to burn down institutional racism,” one speaker shouted through a megaphone at a crowd of thousands outside the parliament building in London.
“This is how we take care of each other,” she added, after urging everyone to pull on a face mask.
“This is how we stay alive.”
A demonstrator wears a protective face mask holds a placard during a Black Lives Matter protest in Watford, following the death of George Floyd who died in police custody in Minneapolis, Watford, Britain, June 6, 2020. © Paul Childs, Reuters
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock spoke for many concerned officials as he tried to convince Britons not to gather for events involving more than six people this weekend, no matter the cause.
“Like so many people, I am appalled by the death of George Floyd. I understand why people are deeply upset,” Hancock said on Friday.
“But we are still facing a health crisis and coronavirus remains a real threat.”
Londoners nevertheless rallied outside parliament on Saturday and plan to hold another large demonstration in front of the US embassy on the opposite bank of the river Thames on Sunday.
Thousands defy bans
Aboriginal protesters performed a traditional smoking ceremony at the start of a “Black Lives Matter” protest in Sydney, which was sanctioned at the last minute after initially being banned on health grounds.
Tens of thousands of Australians defied government orders to stay home regardless, holding up signs and wearing face masks marked up “I can’t breathe” – the words Floyd kept repeating while handcuffed as a policeman knelt on his neck.
“The fact that they have tried to push us all back and stop the protest, it makes people want to do it even more,” said Jumikah Donovan, one of thousands who turned up thinking the Sydney ban was still in place.
Thousands gathered today at Town Hall Sydney for the deaths of Aboriginal people in custody in the wake of US protests against the murder of George Floyd. 432 deaths in custody since 1991 in Australia. International resistance begets an awakening in Australia #BLMprotest pic.twitter.com/V5B8s6veiv — Alison Francis (@AlisonllFrancis) June 6, 2020
Thousands more dressed in black to mourn Floyd’s death protested in Melbourne and other Australian cities.
Floyd’s death came during the spread of a disease that has disproportionately affected black people and ethnic minorities in global centres such as London and New York.
It also came in the throes of a historic economic downturn that has statistically affected the poor and the marginalised the most.
This confluence, and accompanying outrage at US President Donald Trump’s partisan response, has refocused attention on the world’s racial divides like few other events since the 1960s.
The US embassy in London said it stood “united with the British public in grief”.
“We welcome this exercise of free speech, which contributes to constructive dialogue, education and change,” the embassy said of the London protests, adopting a more conciliatory tone than the one taken by Trump.
“There remains much work to be done.”
‘Red card to racism’
Memorial events and peaceful tributes in Europe stretched from Warsaw to Lisbon on Saturday, before shifting to major US cities and Canada’s Montreal.
In Germany, football players from Bayern Munich were among those to voice support for the protests, warming up in jerseys that read “Red card to racism #BlackLivesMatter”.
Bayern Munich wore #BlackLivesMatter armbands and Rot Gegen Rassismus (red card against racism) warm-up shirts,
Strong statements @FCBayernUS 🙏 pic.twitter.com/nG5zP78ZIF — Soccer Laduma (@Soccer_Laduma) June 6, 2020
“White silence is violence,” the chant went up in a crowd of 10,000 in Berlin.
“How many more?” asked a poster held up in a crowd of thousands in Frankfurt.
In North Carolina, a long line of cars snaked its way down a highway as mourners arrived for a viewing and memorial service at a church not far from Floyd’s hometown.
And tens of thousands were again expected in Washington, D.C., where Mayor Muriel Bowser renamed the area near the White House as “Black Lives Matter Plaza”.
With tensions soaring, several US police departments have launched investigations into officers who were recorded hitting, pushing or baton-charging protesters and some reporters – including foreign ones.
The protests have even resonated in war-scarred countries such as Iraq, where the “American Revolts” and the Arabic phrase for “We want to breathe, too” hashtags are spreading on social media.
“I think what the Americans are doing is brave and they should be angry, but rioting is not the solution,” Yassin Alaa, a 20-year-old camped out in Iraq’s protest-hit Tahrir Square.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-06--Tense anti-government protests resume in Lebanon after Covid-19 lockdown lifted

A Lebanese protester throws back a tear gas canister amid clashes with riot police following a demonstration in central Beirut , on June 6 , 2020 .
Protesters poured into the streets of the Lebanese capital Saturday to decry the collapse of the economy , as clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah .
Hundreds filled the streets in and around the protest hub of Martyrs Square in the centre of Beirut , with skirmishes also between protesters and security forces , who fired tear gas .
Forty-eight were wounded in the violence , 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rest were treated at the scene , the Lebanese Red Cross said .
It was the first major anti-government rally attracting demonstrators from across the country since authorities relaxed a lockdown imposed in mid-March to fight the spread of the coronavirus .
“ We came on the streets to demand our rights , call for medical care , education , jobs and the basic rights that human beings need to stay alive , ” said 21-year-old student Christina .
Many protesters wore face-masks as part of hygiene measures imposed to fight the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis , the worst since the debt burdened country ’ s 1975-1990 civil war .
But Saturday ’ s protest turned violent as supporters of Hezbollah clashed with some demonstrators who were demanding that the group disarm .
Hezbollah is the only group to have kept its weapons since the end of the Lebanese civil war , deeply dividing Lebanon along political lines .
“ No to Hezbollah , no to its weapons , ” said a sign held up by Sana , a female protester from Nabatiyeh , a city in southern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Weapons should be only in the hands of the army , ” said the 57-year-old .
Supporters and opponents of Hebzollah threw stones at each other prompting the army to intervene by forming a human chain to separate them , an AFP photographer said .
Supporters of Hezbollah , which is also represented in the government and parliament , chanted : “ Shiite , Shiite.
” Security forces fired tear gas near a street leading into the parliament building behind Martyrs Square , after some demonstrators pelted them with stones and ransacked shops @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire to garbage bins as anti-riot police advanced towards them .
Lebanon has been rocked by a series of political crises in recent years , before an economic crunch helped trigger unprecedented cross-sectarian mass protests in October .
The demonstrations forced the government to resign and a new one headed by Prime Minister Hassan Diab was approved by parliament in February , tasked with launching reforms and combatting corruption .
But many Lebanese say the new administration has failed to find solutions to the country ’ s manifold problems , including a grinding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ currency has lost more than half of its value on the black market in recent months , falling from the official rate of 1,507 to more than 4,000 pounds to the dollar .
Banks have gradually stopped all dollar withdrawals .
A sign held aloft by protesters on Saturday called for “ a government that eliminates corruption , not one that protects corruption ” .
More than 35 percent of Lebanese are unemployed , while poverty has soared to engulf more than 45 percent of the population , according to official estimates .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s most indebted countries with a debt equivalent to more than 170 percent of its GDP .
The country defaulted on its external borrowing for the first time in March .
Diab ’ s government adopted an economic recovery plan in April and has begun negotiations with the International Monetary Fund , in a bid to unlock billions of dollars in aid .

Protesters poured into the streets of the Lebanese capital Saturday to decry the collapse of the economy, as clashes erupted between supporters and opponents of the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah.
A Lebanese protester throws back a tear gas canister amid clashes with riot police following a demonstration in central Beirut, on June 6, 2020.
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Hundreds filled the streets in and around the protest hub of Martyrs Square in the centre of Beirut, with skirmishes also between protesters and security forces, who fired tear gas.
Forty-eight were wounded in the violence, 11 of whom were hospitalised, while the rest were treated at the scene, the Lebanese Red Cross said.
It was the first major anti-government rally attracting demonstrators from across the country since authorities relaxed a lockdown imposed in mid-March to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
“We came on the streets to demand our rights, call for medical care, education, jobs and the basic rights that human beings need to stay alive,” said 21-year-old student Christina.
Many protesters wore face-masks as part of hygiene measures imposed to fight the pandemic, which has severely exacerbated an economic crisis, the worst since the debt burdened country’s 1975-1990 civil war.
But Saturday’s protest turned violent as supporters of Hezbollah clashed with some demonstrators who were demanding that the group disarm.
Hezbollah is the only group to have kept its weapons since the end of the Lebanese civil war, deeply dividing Lebanon along political lines.
“No to Hezbollah, no to its weapons,” said a sign held up by Sana, a female protester from Nabatiyeh, a city in southern Lebanese, a Hezbollah stronghold.
“Weapons should be only in the hands of the army,” said the 57-year-old.
Supporters and opponents of Hebzollah threw stones at each other prompting the army to intervene by forming a human chain to separate them, an AFP photographer said.
Supporters of Hezbollah, which is also represented in the government and parliament, chanted: “Shiite, Shiite.”
01:06
‘Eliminate corruption’
Security forces fired tear gas near a street leading into the parliament building behind Martyrs Square, after some demonstrators pelted them with stones and ransacked shops in the area.
Some protesters set fire to garbage bins as anti-riot police advanced towards them.
Lebanon has been rocked by a series of political crises in recent years, before an economic crunch helped trigger unprecedented cross-sectarian mass protests in October.
The demonstrations forced the government to resign and a new one headed by Prime Minister Hassan Diab was approved by parliament in February, tasked with launching reforms and combatting corruption.
But many Lebanese say the new administration has failed to find solutions to the country’s manifold problems, including a grinding recession and spiralling inflation.
The local currency has lost more than half of its value on the black market in recent months, falling from the official rate of 1,507 to more than 4,000 pounds to the dollar. Banks have gradually stopped all dollar withdrawals.
A sign held aloft by protesters on Saturday called for “a government that eliminates corruption, not one that protects corruption”.
More than 35 percent of Lebanese are unemployed, while poverty has soared to engulf more than 45 percent of the population, according to official estimates.
Lebanon is also one of the world’s most indebted countries with a debt equivalent to more than 170 percent of its GDP. The country defaulted on its external borrowing for the first time in March.
Diab’s government adopted an economic recovery plan in April and has begun negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, in a bid to unlock billions of dollars in aid.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-06--At least two dozen killed in central Mali

Malian army soldiers patrol the area next to the river of Djenne in central Mali on February 28 , 2020 .
A week earlier Mali 's Prime Minister announced the dismantling of the security checkpoints organised by the traditional militia hunters Dan Na Ambassagou from Dogon country .
Mali on Saturday pledged to investigate claims that the army killed dozens of civilians in its conflict-riven centre , as complaints about the military ’ s conduct in the West African nation escalate .
Some 30 people were killed and a village burnt in the region , officials said , but it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violence .
Friday ’ s attack targeted a Fulani village named Binedama in the volatile Mopti region , said Aly Barry , an official from Tabital Pulaaku , a Fulani association .
The group released a statement later on Saturday saying that 29 people had died and called for an independent probe led by the United Nations .
Two other local officials confirmed the attack to AFP , but gave a lower death toll of 26 , adding that the village was torched and its chief killed .
An elected official from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named , said that “ men dressed in Malian army fatigues ” had carried out the raid .
He added that they had burned down buildings and killed the village chief .
The strike comes at a time of mounting insecurity in Mali , rising popular discontent with the government , and increasing reports of abuses committed by the country ’ s armed forces .
As is common with many attacks in volatile and remote Sahel regions , it was not immediately clear who the perpetrators were .
No group has yet claimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accused Malian soldiers of being responsible but AFP was unable to independently confirm this claim .
Malian Defence Minister Ibrahim Dahirou Dembele told AFP : “ At this stage I can neither confirm nor deny anything ” .
He added , however , that military investigators would investigate the claims from next week .
Mali , a poor nation of some 19 million people , has been in the grips of a jihadist insurgency since 2012 , when Islamist fighters commandeered an initially separatist rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs in the north .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ civilians to date—has since spread to central Mali , as well as to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger .
The ethnic mosaic of central Mali has become a flashpoint .
Jihadists regularly attack military targets in the region , where fighting has inflamed ethnic tensions .
The pastoralist Fulani people are often accused of being close to jihadists , a perception which has led to tit-for-tit massacres between them and other ethnic groups .
A local government official in Koro , a subdivision of the Mopti region , told AFP that the raid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a nine-year-old girl were among those killed , he said , speaking on condition of anonymity .
Without citing the source of his information , Tabital Pulaaku ’ s Aly Barry said that soldiers had entered Binedama village in pick-up trucks , entered a killing spree , and set buildings alight .
The organisation has complained about indiscriminate killings of civilians by local troops before , but says that it is usually ignored .
“ If nothing is done , the infernal spiral of violence will continue , ” it said Saturday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ undertrained Sahel-state armies have increased in the past few months .
In April , the UN ’ s peacekeeping mission in Mali said it had documented 101 extrajudicial killings committed by the army between January and March alone .
Such allegations are also increasingly weighing on the United Nations—whose Mali peacekeeping force is 13,00 strong—as well as former colonial power France , which has 5,100 troops stationed across the Sahel .
France said this week that its forces had killed the leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb , Abdelmalek Droukdel , in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against jihadists have been limited and insecurity is spiralling .
In a first for Mali , a prominent opposition figure and former prime minister , Soumaila Cisse , was kidnapped in the centre of the country on March 25 .
According to security sources , he is likely in the hands of jihadists .
Central Mali has also been riven by inter-ethnic violence for years .
In February , 31 Fulani civilians were butchered in the village of Ogossagou .
And in April , 12 people were also killed in an attack on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in central Mali , in an attack blamed on Fulani gunmen .
Frustrations over insecurity , and other problems such as economic decline among other things , have also spilled over into protests .
On Friday , tens of thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Bamako to demand that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resign .

Mali on Saturday pledged to investigate claims that the army killed dozens of civilians in its conflict-riven centre, as complaints about the military’s conduct in the West African nation escalate.
Malian army soldiers patrol the area next to the river of Djenne in central Mali on February 28, 2020. A week earlier Mali's Prime Minister announced the dismantling of the security checkpoints organised by the traditional militia hunters Dan Na Ambassagou from Dogon country.
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Some 30 people were killed and a village burnt in the region, officials said, but it was unclear who was behind the latest violence.
Friday’s attack targeted a Fulani village named Binedama in the volatile Mopti region, said Aly Barry, an official from Tabital Pulaaku, a Fulani association.
The group released a statement later on Saturday saying that 29 people had died and called for an independent probe led by the United Nations.
Two other local officials confirmed the attack to AFP, but gave a lower death toll of 26, adding that the village was torched and its chief killed.
An elected official from the area, who also declined to be named, said that “men dressed in Malian army fatigues” had carried out the raid.
He added that they had burned down buildings and killed the village chief.
The strike comes at a time of mounting insecurity in Mali, rising popular discontent with the government, and increasing reports of abuses committed by the country’s armed forces.
As is common with many attacks in volatile and remote Sahel regions, it was not immediately clear who the perpetrators were. No group has yet claimed responsibility.
Tabital Pulaaku, however, accused Malian soldiers of being responsible but AFP was unable to independently confirm this claim.
Ethnic tensions
Malian Defence Minister Ibrahim Dahirou Dembele told AFP: “At this stage I can neither confirm nor deny anything”.
He added, however, that military investigators would investigate the claims from next week.
Mali, a poor nation of some 19 million people, has been in the grips of a jihadist insurgency since 2012, when Islamist fighters commandeered an initially separatist rebellion by ethnic Tuaregs in the north.
The conflict—which has killed thousands of soldiers and civilians to date—has since spread to central Mali, as well as to neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger.
The ethnic mosaic of central Mali has become a flashpoint. Jihadists regularly attack military targets in the region, where fighting has inflamed ethnic tensions.
The pastoralist Fulani people are often accused of being close to jihadists, a perception which has led to tit-for-tit massacres between them and other ethnic groups.
A local government official in Koro, a subdivision of the Mopti region, told AFP that the raid occurred on Friday afternoon.
Two women and a nine-year-old girl were among those killed, he said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Insecurity, impunity
Without citing the source of his information, Tabital Pulaaku’s Aly Barry said that soldiers had entered Binedama village in pick-up trucks, entered a killing spree, and set buildings alight.
The organisation has complained about indiscriminate killings of civilians by local troops before, but says that it is usually ignored.
“If nothing is done, the infernal spiral of violence will continue,” it said Saturday.
Reports of abuses by underpaid and undertrained Sahel-state armies have increased in the past few months.
In April, the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Mali said it had documented 101 extrajudicial killings committed by the army between January and March alone.
Such allegations are also increasingly weighing on the United Nations—whose Mali peacekeeping force is 13,00 strong—as well as former colonial power France, which has 5,100 troops stationed across the Sahel.
France said this week that its forces had killed the leader of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Abdelmalek Droukdel, in Mali.
But elsewhere, military successes against jihadists have been limited and insecurity is spiralling.
In a first for Mali, a prominent opposition figure and former prime minister, Soumaila Cisse, was kidnapped in the centre of the country on March 25.
According to security sources, he is likely in the hands of jihadists.
Central Mali has also been riven by inter-ethnic violence for years.
In February, 31 Fulani civilians were butchered in the village of Ogossagou. And in April, 12 people were also killed in an attack on several villages near the town of Bandiagara in central Mali, in an attack blamed on Fulani gunmen.
Frustrations over insecurity, and other problems such as economic decline among other things, have also spilled over into protests.
On Friday, tens of thousands of people took to the streets of the capital Bamako to demand that President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita resign.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-06--Egypt announces new plan to end war in Libya as Haftar offensive loses ground

File photo : A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency on May 9 , 2019 shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meeting with Libyan military rebel commander Khalifa Haftar ( L ) at the Ittihadia presidential Palace in Cairo .
Egypt ’ s president Saturday announced a unilateral initiative to end the civil war in neighbouring Libya , a plan accepted by the commander of the eastern forces that have suffered heavy losses in recent weeks .
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi told a news conference in Cairo that his initiative includes a cease-fire starting Monday and is meant to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Libya .
He warned against continuing to look for a military solution to the country ’ s crisis .
“ There can be no stability in Libya unless peaceful means to the crisis are found that include the unity and integrity of the national institutions , ” el-Sisi said .
“ The initiative could be a new start in Libya.
” There was no immediate comment from the UN-supported government based in Tripoli , but a spokesman for the military forces allied with it said they would continue fighting to capture the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which Commander Khalifa Haftar ’ s east-based forces took in January .
Mohamed Gnono said Tripoli-allied forces Saturday took control of the town of al-Washka east of the important port city of Misrata .
“ We did not start this war , but it is we who will determine when and where it will end , ” he said .
The conference in Cairo was attended by Haftar and Aguila Saleh , speaker of the Tobruk-based House of Representatives .
Several foreign diplomats , including US , Russian , French and Italian envoys @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
There were no representatives of the Tripoli-based administration , or of its main backers , Turkey and Qatar , at the conference .
Egypt ’ s initiative comes on the heels of Haftar ’ s major losses in western Libya and failure to carry on with a major offensive to seize control of Tripoli that Haftar launched in April last year .
The future of the conflict in Libya appears to be open to one of two scenarios : either de-escalation or a full-blown proxy war with major regional and international powers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet to be seen whether the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord will continue to press eastward to seize control of the vital oil installations , terminals and fields that tribes allied with Haftar shut down earlier this year .
The shut-down paralyzed the country ’ s major source of income .
El-Sisi ’ s plan also comes amid the backdrop of US warnings against Russia ’ s “ fanning the flames ” of the conflict , saying that it could deploy its own forces in Tunisia to deter the Russians from destabilizing North @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen what will happen if the GNA turns down Egypt ’ s olive branch .
Heavier involvement by Turkey in Libya could propel Egypt to act defensively by getting more involved militarily in Libya .
El-Sisi , who has backed Haftar in the war , said the initiative included the formation of a presidential council in which Libya ’ s three regions would be represented .
That council would rule the country during a 1 ½-year transition period followed by elections .
The plan also includes the unification of all Libyan financial and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ militias , so that the so-called Libyan National Army and other security agencies can “ carry out their responsibilities , ” el-Sisi said , without elaborating .
The Egyptian leader called for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters in Libya .
Thousands of mercenaries , mostly form the war-torn Syria , have been fighting on both sides of the war .
Haftar said Saturday that Turkish intervention would increase regional and international polarization over Libya and “ prolong the conflict.
” He urged his host , el-Sisi , to work to force Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it has sent .
“ Turkey is sponsoring terrorism in front of the world and is transferring terrorists from one place to another within the Middle East and North Africa , ” Haftar said .
“ This will further complicate the solution of the Libyan crisis.
” The chaos in the oil-rich country has worsened in recent months as foreign backers increasingly intervene , despite pledges to the contrary at a high-profile peace summit in Berlin earlier this year .
Haftar ’ s offensive on Tripoli has deeply polarized the already divided country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peace conference more than a year ago .
The military tide has been reversed in recent weeks .
His forces lost almost all the territory they had gained since the beginning of the Tripoli offensive after Turkey increased its support to an array of militias loosely allied with the Tripoli-based government .
Haftar is are supported by France , Russia , Jordan , the United Arab Emirates and other key Arab countries .
Along with Turkey , the government in Tripoli is backed by Italy and Qatar .
Libya has been in turmoil @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi , who was later killed .
The country has split between rival administrations in the east and the west , each backed by armed groups and foreign governments .

Egypt’s president Saturday announced a unilateral initiative to end the civil war in neighbouring Libya, a plan accepted by the commander of the eastern forces that have suffered heavy losses in recent weeks.
File photo: A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency on May 9, 2019 shows Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meeting with Libyan military rebel commander Khalifa Haftar (L) at the Ittihadia presidential Palace in Cairo.
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President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi told a news conference in Cairo that his initiative includes a cease-fire starting Monday and is meant to pave the way for elections in oil-rich Libya.
He warned against continuing to look for a military solution to the country’s crisis.
“There can be no stability in Libya unless peaceful means to the crisis are found that include the unity and integrity of the national institutions,” el-Sisi said. “The initiative could be a new start in Libya.”
There was no immediate comment from the UN-supported government based in Tripoli, but a spokesman for the military forces allied with it said they would continue fighting to capture the city of Sirte, east of Tripoli, which Commander Khalifa Haftar’s east-based forces took in January.
Mohamed Gnono said Tripoli-allied forces Saturday took control of the town of al-Washka east of the important port city of Misrata. “We did not start this war, but it is we who will determine when and where it will end,” he said.
The conference in Cairo was attended by Haftar and Aguila Saleh, speaker of the Tobruk-based House of Representatives. Several foreign diplomats, including US, Russian, French and Italian envoys attended. Haftar and Saleh are allies.
There were no representatives of the Tripoli-based administration, or of its main backers, Turkey and Qatar, at the conference.
Egypt’s initiative comes on the heels of Haftar’s major losses in western Libya and failure to carry on with a major offensive to seize control of Tripoli that Haftar launched in April last year.
The future of the conflict in Libya appears to be open to one of two scenarios: either de-escalation or a full-blown proxy war with major regional and international powers involved in outright conflict.
It was yet to be seen whether the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord will continue to press eastward to seize control of the vital oil installations, terminals and fields that tribes allied with Haftar shut down earlier this year. The shut-down paralyzed the country’s major source of income.
El-Sisi’s plan also comes amid the backdrop of US warnings against Russia’s “fanning the flames” of the conflict, saying that it could deploy its own forces in Tunisia to deter the Russians from destabilizing North Africa.
It also remained to be seen what will happen if the GNA turns down Egypt’s olive branch. Heavier involvement by Turkey in Libya could propel Egypt to act defensively by getting more involved militarily in Libya.
El-Sisi, who has backed Haftar in the war, said the initiative included the formation of a presidential council in which Libya’s three regions would be represented. That council would rule the country during a 1 ½-year transition period followed by elections.
The plan also includes the unification of all Libyan financial and oil institutions, and the disbanding of militias, so that the so-called Libyan National Army and other security agencies can “carry out their responsibilities,” el-Sisi said, without elaborating.
The Egyptian leader called for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters in Libya. Thousands of mercenaries, mostly form the war-torn Syria, have been fighting on both sides of the war.
Haftar said Saturday that Turkish intervention would increase regional and international polarization over Libya and “prolong the conflict.” He urged his host, el-Sisi, to work to force Turkey to withdraw its forces and the mercenaries it has sent.
“Turkey is sponsoring terrorism in front of the world and is transferring terrorists from one place to another within the Middle East and North Africa,” Haftar said. “This will further complicate the solution of the Libyan crisis.”
The chaos in the oil-rich country has worsened in recent months as foreign backers increasingly intervene, despite pledges to the contrary at a high-profile peace summit in Berlin earlier this year. Haftar’s offensive on Tripoli has deeply polarized the already divided country and aborted UN efforts to hold a peace conference more than a year ago.
The military tide has been reversed in recent weeks. His forces lost almost all the territory they had gained since the beginning of the Tripoli offensive after Turkey increased its support to an array of militias loosely allied with the Tripoli-based government.
Haftar is are supported by France, Russia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and other key Arab countries. Along with Turkey, the government in Tripoli is backed by Italy and Qatar.
Libya has been in turmoil since 2011 when a civil war toppled long-time dictator Muammar Gaddafi, who was later killed. The country has split between rival administrations in the east and the west, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments.
(AP)
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