france24--2020-05-31--US cities order curfews amid mass protests over death of George Floyd

Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest near Lafayette Square Park on May 30 2020 .
Civil unrest flared and curfews were imposed in several major U.S. cities on Saturday as demonstrators took to the streets to vent outrage at the death of a black man shown on video gasping for breath as a white Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck .
From Los Angeles to Miami to Chicago , protests marked by chants of `` I ca n't breathe '' - a rallying cry echoing the dying words of George Floyd - began peacefully before turning unruly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clashed with riot police , some firing tear gas and plastic bullets in an effort to restore order .
The sight of protesters flooding streets fueled a sense of crisis in the United States after weeks of lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic , which has seen millions thrown out of work and has disproportionately affected minority communities .
In the nation 's capital , hundreds of demonstrators assembled near the Justice Department headquarters shouting , `` black lives matter . ''
Many later moved to the White House , where they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mounted on horseback .
President Donald Trump said on Saturday that if protesters who gathered the night before in Lafayette Square , across from the White House , had breached the fence , `` they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs , and most ominous weapons , I have ever seen . ''
The full Minnesota National Guard was activated for the first time since World War Two after four nights of arson , looting and vandalism in parts of Minneapolis , the state 's largest city , and its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Governor Tim Walz said the deployment was necessary because outside agitators were using protests over Floyd 's death to sow chaos , and that he expected Saturday night 's demonstrations to be the fiercest so far .
`` We are under assault , '' Walz , a first-term governor elected from Minnesota 's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party , told a briefing on Saturday .
`` Order needs to be restored . ''
Separately , U.S. Attorney General William Barr also pointed the finger at extremist instigators , though he and Walz - neither offering evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ends of the political fringe were to blame .
Civil rights activists said video of Floyd 's arrest on Monday - captured by an onlooker 's cellphone as he repeatedly groaned , `` please , I ca n't breathe '' before he died - triggered an outpouring of rage that has long simmered in Minneapolis and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the U.S. criminal justice system .
But the rapidly spreading protests - peaceful and lawless alike - also coincided with a deep-seated mood of national discontent over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coronavirus pandemic .
In a surreal moment for Miami on Saturday , police sirens and lights flooded downtown neighborhoods as fireworks began crackling and booming over Biscayne Bay to honor healthcare workers fighting the ongoing pandemic .
Hundreds of police in riot gear swarmed the area , threatening to arrest anyone , including media , who ventured onto the streets .
Curfews were imposed in several major cities rocked by civil disturbances in recent days , including Atlanta , Los Angeles , Philadelphia , Denver , Cincinnati , Portland , Oregon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flared on Saturday in Dallas , Chicago , Seattle , Salt Lake City and Cleveland .
In an extraordinary move , the Pentagon said it put military units on a four-hour alert to be ready if requested by the Minnesota governor to help keep the peace .
National Guard units also were mobilized by the governors of Ohio , Missouri , Wisconsin and Tennessee .
The streets of Minneapolis were largely quiet during the day on Saturday , as several armored National Guard vehicles were seen rolling through town .
But authorities later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Minneapolis-St. Paul .
At dusk , about a half hour after curfew , a line of police moved into an area occupied by about 500 protesters near a burned-out bank and opened fire with tear gas , pepper spray and plastic bullets , sending the crowd scurrying .
It marked the fifth night of such clashes , the second since Friday 's announcement that Derek Chauvin , the policeman seen kneeling on Floyd 's neck , had been arrested on murder charges in Floyd 's death .
Floyd , who had worked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspected of trying to pass counterfeit money to buy cigarettes on Monday evening .
Police said he was unarmed .
A store employee who had called for help had told a police dispatcher that the suspect appeared to be intoxicated .
Three other officers dismissed on Tuesday from the police department with Chauvin , who was known to have worked off-duty security at one of the same nightclubs as Floyd , are also under criminal investigation in the case , prosecutors said .
Thousands flooded Chicago streets for a second day of protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an overturned SUV , a patrol car on fire , a person burning the American flag and a skirmish between demonstrators and police .
In the Brooklyn borough of New York City , a police squad car drove into a crowd of protesters during a second day of violence after more than 200 arrests were made on Friday .
`` They could 've killed them , & we do n't know how many they injured , '' U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter , demanding that the NYPD officers be brought to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York Mayor Bill de Blasio suggested protesters were to blame .
`` The video was upsetting , and I wish the officers had n't done that , '' de Blasio said .
`` But I also understood that they did n't start the situation .
The situation was started by a group of protesters converging on a police vehicle , attacking that vehicle . ''
The mayor said flare-ups of violence were primarily instigated by small numbers of outsiders determined to goad police into confrontations , a phenomenon authorities said was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Los Angeles clashed with police in the city 's Fairfax district , where crowds tried to force their way into the CBS Television City studios but were repelled by law enforcement and security officers , the Los Angeles Times said .
Looters broke into stores at The Grove shopping center in Fairfax , local TV reported , including the Nordstrom department store , and Ray-Ban and Apple stores , as well as into shops along the famed Rodeo Drive of wealthy Beverly Hills .
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told reporters : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This is vandalism ... this is destruction . ''

Civil unrest flared and curfews were imposed in several major U.S. cities on Saturday as demonstrators took to the streets to vent outrage at the death of a black man shown on video gasping for breath as a white Minneapolis policeman knelt on his neck.
Police work to keep demonstrators back during a protest near Lafayette Square Park on May 30 2020.
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From Los Angeles to Miami to Chicago, protests marked by chants of "I can't breathe" - a rallying cry echoing the dying words of George Floyd - began peacefully before turning unruly as demonstrators blocked traffic, set fires and clashed with riot police, some firing tear gas and plastic bullets in an effort to restore order.
The sight of protesters flooding streets fueled a sense of crisis in the United States after weeks of lockdowns due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen millions thrown out of work and has disproportionately affected minority communities.
In the nation's capital, hundreds of demonstrators assembled near the Justice Department headquarters shouting, "black lives matter." Many later moved to the White House, where they faced off with shield-carrying police, some mounted on horseback.
02:53
President Donald Trump said on Saturday that if protesters who gathered the night before in Lafayette Square, across from the White House, had breached the fence, "they would have been greeted with the most vicious dogs, and most ominous weapons, I have ever seen."
The full Minnesota National Guard was activated for the first time since World War Two after four nights of arson, looting and vandalism in parts of Minneapolis, the state's largest city, and its adjacent capital, St. Paul.
The National Guard has been released in Minneapolis to do the job that the Democrat Mayor couldn’t do. Should have been used 2 days ago & there would not have been damage & Police Headquarters would not have been taken over & ruined. Great job by the National Guard. No games! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2020
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the deployment was necessary because outside agitators were using protests over Floyd's death to sow chaos, and that he expected Saturday night's demonstrations to be the fiercest so far.
"We are under assault," Walz, a first-term governor elected from Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, told a briefing on Saturday. "Order needs to be restored."
Separately, U.S. Attorney General William Barr also pointed the finger at extremist instigators, though he and Walz - neither offering evidence to support their assertions - suggested opposite ends of the political fringe were to blame.
National discontent reflected
Civil rights activists said video of Floyd's arrest on Monday - captured by an onlooker's cellphone as he repeatedly groaned, "please, I can't breathe" before he died - triggered an outpouring of rage that has long simmered in Minneapolis and cities across the country over persistent racial bias in the U.S. criminal justice system.
But the rapidly spreading protests - peaceful and lawless alike - also coincided with a deep-seated mood of national discontent over the social claustrophobia and economic carnage wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
01:01
In a surreal moment for Miami on Saturday, police sirens and lights flooded downtown neighborhoods as fireworks began crackling and booming over Biscayne Bay to honor healthcare workers fighting the ongoing pandemic. Hundreds of police in riot gear swarmed the area, threatening to arrest anyone, including media, who ventured onto the streets.
Curfews were imposed in several major cities rocked by civil disturbances in recent days, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, Cincinnati, Portland, Oregon, and Louisville, Kentucky. Protests also flared on Saturday in Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Cleveland.
Stay safe and stay home, Minnesotans. Tonight’s curfew begins at 8p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. on Sunday. If you are home, please stay there. If you are not, make a plan to get home now. For questions on the curfew, visit https://t.co/VMWzTGkmkt pic.twitter.com/A96LsDlwo0 — Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) May 31, 2020
In an extraordinary move, the Pentagon said it put military units on a four-hour alert to be ready if requested by the Minnesota governor to help keep the peace.
National Guard units also were mobilized by the governors of Ohio, Missouri, Wisconsin and Tennessee.
The streets of Minneapolis were largely quiet during the day on Saturday, as several armored National Guard vehicles were seen rolling through town. But authorities later closed major highways leading in and out of Minneapolis-St. Paul.
At dusk, about a half hour after curfew, a line of police moved into an area occupied by about 500 protesters near a burned-out bank and opened fire with tear gas, pepper spray and plastic bullets, sending the crowd scurrying.
It marked the fifth night of such clashes, the second since Friday's announcement that Derek Chauvin, the policeman seen kneeling on Floyd's neck, had been arrested on murder charges in Floyd's death.
Floyd, who had worked security for Minneapolis nightclubs, had been suspected of trying to pass counterfeit money to buy cigarettes on Monday evening. Police said he was unarmed. A store employee who had called for help had told a police dispatcher that the suspect appeared to be intoxicated.
Three other officers dismissed on Tuesday from the police department with Chauvin, who was known to have worked off-duty security at one of the same nightclubs as Floyd, are also under criminal investigation in the case, prosecutors said.
Widespread anger
Anger stoked by Floyd's death was widespread.
Thousands flooded Chicago streets for a second day of protests. Cellphone footage shared with Reuters showed an overturned SUV, a patrol car on fire, a person burning the American flag and a skirmish between demonstrators and police.
In the Brooklyn borough of New York City, a police squad car drove into a crowd of protesters during a second day of violence after more than 200 arrests were made on Friday.
"They could've killed them, & we don't know how many they injured," U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez wrote on Twitter, demanding that the NYPD officers be brought to justice.
NYPD officers just drove an SUV into a crowd of human beings. They could‘ve killed them, &we don’t know how many they injured.
NO ONE gets to slam an SUV through a crowd of human beings.@NYCMayor these officers need to be brought to justice, not dismissed w/“internal reviews.” https://t.co/oIaBShSC1S — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 31, 2020
At a late-night news conference, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio suggested protesters were to blame.
"The video was upsetting, and I wish the officers hadn't done that," de Blasio said. "But I also understood that they didn't start the situation. The situation was started by a group of protesters converging on a police vehicle, attacking that vehicle."
The mayor said flare-ups of violence were primarily instigated by small numbers of outsiders determined to goad police into confrontations, a phenomenon authorities said was playing out across the country.
Protesters in Los Angeles clashed with police in the city's Fairfax district, where crowds tried to force their way into the CBS Television City studios but were repelled by law enforcement and security officers, the Los Angeles Times said.
Looters broke into stores at The Grove shopping center in Fairfax, local TV reported, including the Nordstrom department store, and Ray-Ban and Apple stores, as well as into shops along the famed Rodeo Drive of wealthy Beverly Hills.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti told reporters: "This is no longer a protest. This is vandalism ... this is destruction."
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Joe Biden condemns violence of US race protests

Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden is seen at War Memorial Plaza during Memorial Day , @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , in New Castle , Delaware , U.S. May 25 @ @ @ @ @ candidate Joe Biden on Sunday condemned the violence of race protests that have erupted across @ @ @ @ @ Americans had a right to demonstrate .
`` Protesting such brutality is right and necessary @ @ @ @ @ American response , '' the Democratic White House hopeful said in a statement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ needless destruction is not .
Violence that endangers lives is not .
Violence that guts @ @ @ @ @ the community is not . ''
We are a nation in pain , but we @ @ @ @ @ to destroy us .
We are a nation enraged , but we can not allow @ @ @ @ @ .
Please stay safe .
Please take care of each other .
https : //t.co/Y224rANwUF @ @ @ @ @ JoeBiden ) May 31 , 2020

US presidential candidate Joe Biden on Sunday condemned the violence of race protests that have erupted across the United States but said Americans had a right to demonstrate.
Democratic U.S. presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden is seen at War Memorial Plaza during Memorial Day, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in New Castle, Delaware, U.S. May 25, 2020.
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"Protesting such brutality is right and necessary. It's an utterly American response," the Democratic White House hopeful said in a statement.
"But burning down communities and needless destruction is not. Violence that endangers lives is not. Violence that guts and shutters businesses that serve the community is not."
We are a nation in pain, but we must not allow this pain to destroy us. We are a nation enraged, but we cannot allow our rage to consume us. Please stay safe. Please take care of each other. https://t.co/Y224rANwUF — Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) May 31, 2020
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-31--Protesters gather worldwide to show solidarity with George Floyd

Protesters gather at the American embassy in Berlin to show support for George Floyd , May 30 2020 .
Miles from Minneapolis where George Floyd , 46 , was killed in police custody , thousands of protesters gathered in Berlin , London and Toronto on Saturday to demontrate against police brutality and racial injustice .
FRANCE 24 reports .
Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the American embassy in Berlin with banners sporting slogans like “ Black Lives Matter , ” “ No justice no peace ” and “ I can ’ t breathe ” .
“ I can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ George Floyd ’ s last words , heard in the footage of his death as policeman Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee on Floyd ’ s neck .
Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder .
The calls against racial injustice were also heard in the London borough of Peckham – partly to show solidarity with Floyd but also to point that the UK isn ’ t innocent when it comes to racism .
“ We ’ re doing this because we ’ re angry .
We feel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard , ” said one protester .
In Toronto , thousands of people marched peacefully against racism in protest at the death of a black woman who fell from her Toronto apartment balcony on Wednesday while alone with police officers who had been called to her home .
Click on the player above to watch the full video report .

Miles from Minneapolis where George Floyd, 46, was killed in police custody, thousands of protesters gathered in Berlin, London and Toronto on Saturday to demontrate against police brutality and racial injustice. FRANCE 24 reports.
Protesters gather at the American embassy in Berlin to show support for George Floyd, May 30 2020.
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Dozens of protesters gathered in front of the American embassy in Berlin with banners sporting slogans like “Black Lives Matter,” “No justice no peace” and “I can’t breathe”.
“I can’t breathe” were some of George Floyd’s last words, heard in the footage of his death as policeman Derek Chauvin pinned him to the ground with his knee on Floyd’s neck. Chauvin has since been charged with third-degree murder.
The calls against racial injustice were also heard in the London borough of Peckham – partly to show solidarity with Floyd but also to point that the UK isn’t innocent when it comes to racism.
“We’re doing this because we’re angry. We feel like our voices haven’t been heard,” said one protester.
In Toronto, thousands of people marched peacefully against racism in protest at the death of a black woman who fell from her Toronto apartment balcony on Wednesday while alone with police officers who had been called to her home.
Click on the player above to watch the full video report.
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france24--2020-05-31--Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque reopens after more than two months

A worshipper prays inside al-Aqsa mosque as it reopened to worshippers after a two-and-a-half month coronavirus closure , in Jerusalem 's Old City May 31 , 2020 .
Jerusalem 's Al-Aqsa mosque reopened to worshippers on Sunday after a two-and-a-half month coronavirus closure , but Muslim authorities imposed some precautions as health officials warn of an uptick in local infections .
The resumption of prayers at Islam 's third-holiest site caps a sombre period for Jerusalem 's Muslims , who this year marked the holy fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday without their usual daily visits to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rock .
`` After they opened the mosque , I feel like I can breathe again .
Thanks be to God , '' Jerusalem resident Umm Hisham said through a face mask , her eyes tearing up , after entering the compound for dawn prayers with hundreds of other Muslims .
The Council of Islamic Waqf cited the slowed local spread of COVID-19 in lifting entry restrictions and reopening the compound 's iconic shrines , which shut on March 15 .
Hundreds of Muslims chanted `` God is the greatest '' as they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ walled Old City early on Sunday for dawn prayers , a Reuters witness said .
Some got on their knees and kissed the ground as they entered .
But Muslim authorities imposed some measures to reduce the risk of contagion , as new cases in Israel spiked in recent days .
Worshippers must wear face masks and bring personal prayer rugs should they wish to pray inside the shrines or on the compound 's outdoor grounds , the council said in a statement .
The council did not say if there would be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed in the 35-acre compound , known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount .
Around 700 worshippers were present for dawn prayers .
Later in the morning , a group of Orthodox Jews , accompanied by Israeli police , entered the compound through a visitor entrance adjacent to Judaism 's holy Western Wall .
Muslims believe the site to be where the Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven .
Jews revere it as the site of the Jewish temples of antiquity .
There have been 17,000 coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and 386 cases and three deaths in the occupied West Bank .

Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque reopened to worshippers on Sunday after a two-and-a-half month coronavirus closure, but Muslim authorities imposed some precautions as health officials warn of an uptick in local infections.
A worshipper prays inside al-Aqsa mosque as it reopened to worshippers after a two-and-a-half month coronavirus closure, in Jerusalem's Old City May 31, 2020.
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The resumption of prayers at Islam's third-holiest site caps a sombre period for Jerusalem's Muslims, who this year marked the holy fasting month of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday without their usual daily visits to Al-Aqsa and the adjoining Dome of the Rock.
"After they opened the mosque, I feel like I can breathe again. Thanks be to God," Jerusalem resident Umm Hisham said through a face mask, her eyes tearing up, after entering the compound for dawn prayers with hundreds of other Muslims.
The Council of Islamic Waqf cited the slowed local spread of COVID-19 in lifting entry restrictions and reopening the compound's iconic shrines, which shut on March 15.
Hundreds of Muslims chanted "God is the greatest" as they packed into the compound in Jerusalem's walled Old City early on Sunday for dawn prayers, a Reuters witness said. Some got on their knees and kissed the ground as they entered.
As an implementation to safety procedures, the worshipers perform the first morning prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque after the closure of more than two months because of Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/4hqp18kQZO — Palestinian Eve 🇵🇸 (@Palestinian_Eve) May 31, 2020
But Muslim authorities imposed some measures to reduce the risk of contagion, as new cases in Israel spiked in recent days.
Worshippers must wear face masks and bring personal prayer rugs should they wish to pray inside the shrines or on the compound's outdoor grounds, the council said in a statement.
The council did not say if there would be a limit on the number of people allowed in the 35-acre compound, known to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount.
Around 700 worshippers were present for dawn prayers. Later in the morning, a group of Orthodox Jews, accompanied by Israeli police, entered the compound through a visitor entrance adjacent to Judaism's holy Western Wall.
Muslims believe the site to be where the Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven. Jews revere it as the site of the Jewish temples of antiquity.
There have been 17,000 coronavirus cases and 284 deaths in Israel, and 386 cases and three deaths in the occupied West Bank.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Trump postpones 'outdated' G7 summit, seeks to extend the invitation list

US President Trump speaks to reporters about postponing G7 summit aboard Air Force One , May 30 , 2020 .
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would postpone a Group of Seven summit he had hoped to hold next month until September or later and expand the list of invitees to include Australia , Russia , South Korea and India .
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his return to Washington from Cape Canaveral in Florida , Trump said the G7 , which groups the world 's most advanced economies , was a `` very outdated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ format .
`` I 'm postponing it because I do n't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what 's going on in the world , '' Trump said .
It was unclear whether Trump 's desire to invite the additional countries was a bid to permanently expand the G7 .
On several previous occasions , he suggested Russia be added , given what he called Moscow 's global strategic importance .
Russia was expelled from what was then the G8 in 2014 when Trump 's predecessor , Barack Obama , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crimea region from Ukraine .
Russia still holds the territory , and various G7 governments have rebuffed previous calls from Trump to readmit Moscow .
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said Trump wants the countries to discuss China at the summit .
Trump has attacked Beijing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic , which began in China , and on Friday he ordered his administration to begin the process of ending special U.S. treatment for Hong Kong in retaliation for China 's decision to impose a new security law on the former @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the G7 summit is a retreat for Trump , who had sought to host the group of major industrialized countries in Washington as a demonstration that the United States was returning to normal after the coronavirus epidemic , which has killed more than 103,000 Americans to date .
Trump had canceled an in-person G7 meeting scheduled for March as the virus spread , but had recently sought to revive it .
French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of an in-person meeting , according to the White House , but Canadian Prime Minister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ saying there were too many health-related questions .
This week , German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she could not attend .
South Korea is aware of Trump 's invitation and will discuss the matter with the United States , a government official in Seoul told Reuters on Sunday .
The G7 groups the United States , Britain , France , Japan , Germany , Italy and Canada , and the European Union also attends .

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he would postpone a Group of Seven summit he had hoped to hold next month until September or later and expand the list of invitees to include Australia, Russia, South Korea and India.
US President Trump speaks to reporters about postponing G7 summit aboard Air Force One, May 30, 2020.
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Speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his return to Washington from Cape Canaveral in Florida, Trump said the G7, which groups the world's most advanced economies, was a "very outdated group of countries" in its current format.
"I'm postponing it because I don't feel that as a G7 it properly represents what's going on in the world," Trump said.
It was unclear whether Trump's desire to invite the additional countries was a bid to permanently expand the G7. On several previous occasions, he suggested Russia be added, given what he called Moscow's global strategic importance.
Russia was expelled from what was then the G8 in 2014 when Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, was U.S. president, after Moscow annexed the Crimea region from Ukraine. Russia still holds the territory, and various G7 governments have rebuffed previous calls from Trump to readmit Moscow.
White House spokeswoman Alyssa Farah said Trump wants the countries to discuss China at the summit.
Trump has attacked Beijing over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, and on Friday he ordered his administration to begin the process of ending special U.S. treatment for Hong Kong in retaliation for China's decision to impose a new security law on the former British colony.
The decision to postpone the G7 summit is a retreat for Trump, who had sought to host the group of major industrialized countries in Washington as a demonstration that the United States was returning to normal after the coronavirus epidemic, which has killed more than 103,000 Americans to date.
Trump had canceled an in-person G7 meeting scheduled for March as the virus spread, but had recently sought to revive it.
French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea of an in-person meeting, according to the White House, but Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declined to endorse it, saying there were too many health-related questions. This week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she could not attend.
South Korea is aware of Trump's invitation and will discuss the matter with the United States, a government official in Seoul told Reuters on Sunday.
The G7 groups the United States, Britain, France, Japan, Germany, Italy and Canada, and the European Union also attends.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Covid-19 traps Senegalese truckers in desert on Morocco-Mauritania border

A 19 million euro emergency fund to help the diaspora On May 19 , the FRANCE 24 Observers spoke with Moïse Sarr , who works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Secretary of State in charge of Senegalese nationals abroad .
He said he was aware of the situation and denied accusations that his office had been unresponsive.Mor Sall Drame confirmed that his group had refused the offer to be repatriated .
On May 19 , he told our team that , over the past two months , he has only received 300 dirhams ( 27 euros ) @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on May 23 , Drame said that the Consulate had transferred him 784 dirhams ( 73 euros ) : `` The Consulate promised to send us 80 euros .
We just received this money .
But it wasn ’ t the sum promised.
” The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to Massamba Sarr , the Senegalese Consul General in Casablanca .
He said that “ Senegalese citizens in Morocco who have signed up online , including those trapped at the border , will each receive 50,000 CFA francs ( 75 euros ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and who were trapped in Morocco because their flights were cancelled will each get 350 euros in aide .
We are currently conducting diplomatic negotiations with the Mauritanian authorities .
As soon as our neighbors open up their borders , they will be able to go back to Senegal.
” Senegal has released emergency funds of 12.5 billion CFA francs ( more than 19 million euros ) to help those in the diaspora impacted by the pandemic , including 500 million CFA francs ( 760,000 euros ) for Senegalese nationals living in Morocco @ @ @ @ @ @ @ platform .
Around 13,000 people will receive this aid.Morocco is one of the main suppliers of goods to Senegal .
According to French daily Le Monde , the two countries traded more than 86 million euros worth of goods in 2017 .

MOROCCO
Dozens of Senegalese truck and van drivers were stranded in the province of Western Sahara when Morocco closed its borders with Mauritania March 18.
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The global Covid-19 pandemic has stranded a group of Senegalese truck and van drivers in the Western Sahara desert for the past two months, leaving them unable to cross the border between Morocco and Mauritania and continue their journey home to Senegal.
The Covid-19 pandemic has now spread to at least 230 countries, a majority of whom have taken the decision to shut their borders in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
Morocco – which, on May 25, had 7,495 cases of Covid-19, shut its border with Mauritania back on March 18, a week after Mauritania made the same decision. The decision, however, trapped dozens of drivers at the border, including many Senegalese traders who were transporting goods from Morocco to Senegal via the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott.
Our team received numerous videos showing these traders waving signs and denouncing the lack of support from the Senegalese government.
According to numbers released by the Senegalese consulate in Casablanca, around 105 people are currently stranded in Western Sahara, a disputed territory that is claimed by both Morocco and the Polisario Front, a separatist group. Thirty-two people are stuck in Bir Gandouz, while 62 are in Dakhla, which is 80 kilometres from the Mauritanian border.
“We don’t have any more money. Our merchandise went rotten under the sun”
Mor Sall Drame says he has become a sort of informal spokesperson for a group of about 16 Senegalese truck and van drivers trapped at the border. His says his group was luckier than most because they eventually got assistance from the Moroccan authorities.
We are really exhausted. The Senegalese government isn’t doing anything for us. I live in Senegal but, every month, I do a trip up to Morocco. I sell dried fish and I leave with lots of goods, including traditional soap, essential oils and djellabas (....). I arrived in Casablanca on March 3 and stayed there for a few days, just enough time to sell my wares and buy other goods to bring back to Senegal. When I left Casablanca on March 15, the borders weren’t yet closed. To get to Guerguerat, which is the Western Sahara border crossing that I was aiming for, you first have to go through the town of Dakhla, where the police give you an authorisation to show at the border. We ended up losing three days in Dakhla, while we waited for the pass. When we finally got to the border on March 19, they were already shut. A few Senegalese citizens were actually stuck in the No Man’s Land between Morocco and Mauritania. We held a protest so that the Senegalese authorities would intervene and escort our brothers back to Senegal. But our group was stuck on the Moroccan side, so we didn’t get the opportunity for safe passage back to Senegal. Instead, we had to go back to Dakhla. We called the Senegalese Embassy and the Consulate for help but didn’t have any success. "We slept in our vehicles" The other traders and I stayed in a hostel at first but, after a week, we ran out of money. We started sleeping in our vehicles. It was a really difficult situation. That lasted two weeks. At that point, local officials in Dakhla got us hotel rooms and started providing us with food. It wasn’t until then that the Senegalese Embassy sent a representative to take our names. They started providing housing to people who weren’t already being housed by the Moroccans. But they didn’t give the people they were housing any assistance in terms of food. This van belongs to our Observer, Mor Sall Drame. Photo: Mor Sall Drame There are more than 60 of us stuck here. The government abandoned us. We want to go home. We don’t have any money left. Our goods went rotten in the sun.
“They are being supported by the Senegalese government”
On May 19, the FRANCE 24 Observers spoke with Moïse Sarr, who works at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the Secretary of State in charge of Senegalese nationals abroad. He said he was aware of the situation and denied accusations that his office had been unresponsive.
When we heard about the situation, we worked with the Consul general in Casablanca to identify those in need of assistance and to provide help. Since March 22, Moroccan authorities have taken responsibility for one group, while the Senegalese Consulate General in Casablanca has taken care of others. The Senegalese government is taking care of their housing and food. They are each receiving a daily allowance of 1800 CFA francs Cfa (equivalent to less than 3 euros). We’ve also given them the option of being repatriated by plane, which is what we did on March 21 for Senegalese citizens in Casablanca. Since May 12, we’ve also been bringing Senegalese citizens home from France. But they declined the offer because they said they had their cars and their wares with them, so they wanted to travel home by road. That’s not possible for the time being because, to get to Senegal, you have to cross Mauritania, which is a sovereign country that decided to close its borders. However, we are taking care of their needs until we manage to reach an agreement with the Mauritanian authorities.
A 19 million euro emergency fund to help the diaspora
Mor Sall Drame confirmed that his group had refused the offer to be repatriated. On May 19, he told our team that, over the past two months, he has only received 300 dirhams (27 euros) from the Senegalese authorities. However, on May 23, Drame said that the Consulate had transferred him 784 dirhams (73 euros) : "The Consulate promised to send us 80 euros. We just received this money. But it wasn’t the sum promised.”
The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to Massamba Sarr, the Senegalese Consul General in Casablanca. He said that “Senegalese citizens in Morocco who have signed up online, including those trapped at the border, will each receive 50,000 CFA francs (75 euros). Senegalese citizens who were coming from Europe and who were trapped in Morocco because their flights were cancelled will each get 350 euros in aide. We are currently conducting diplomatic negotiations with the Mauritanian authorities. As soon as our neighbors open up their borders, they will be able to go back to Senegal.”
Senegal has released emergency funds of 12.5 billion CFA francs (more than 19 million euros) to help those in the diaspora impacted by the pandemic, including 500 million CFA francs (760,000 euros) for Senegalese nationals living in Morocco who signed up on a dedicated online platform. Around 13,000 people will receive this aid.
Morocco is one of the main suppliers of goods to Senegal. According to French daily Le Monde, the two countries traded more than 86 million euros worth of goods in 2017.
Article by Hermann Boko


france24--2020-05-31--Covid-19: 2.2 million high-risk people in UK allowed outdoors from Monday

Members of Extinction Rebellion hold placards during a protest , following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) , in Birmingham , Britain , May 30 , 2020 .
The more than 2 million people who have been `` shielding '' from COVID-19 in England because they are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable will be allowed to spend time outdoors from Monday for the first time in 10 weeks .
The government said on Saturday that the 2.2 million will be able to go outside with members of their household , while continuing to follow social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household .
`` I do not underestimate just how difficult it has been for you , staying at home for the last 10 weeks , and I want to pay tribute to your resilience , '' Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement released late on Saturday night .
Those shielding remain at risk however and the government said they should only leave the house once a day , not go to work or the shops and should avoid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distance .
Support provided to those with serious medical complications , such as the delivery of food , medicines and phone calls , will continue .

The more than 2 million people who have been "shielding" from COVID-19 in England because they are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable will be allowed to spend time outdoors from Monday for the first time in 10 weeks.
Members of Extinction Rebellion hold placards during a protest, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Birmingham, Britain, May 30, 2020.
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The government said on Saturday that the 2.2 million will be able to go outside with members of their household, while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines to protect them from infection. Those who live alone can meet outside with one other person from another household.
"I do not underestimate just how difficult it has been for you, staying at home for the last 10 weeks, and I want to pay tribute to your resilience," Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in a statement released late on Saturday night.
BREAKING: 2.2 million high risk people who’ve been shielding can go outside for first time on Monday.
Either with members of household, or if they live alone to meet 1 person.
This announcement has come out of the blue, even for disability orgs. I’ll be chasing details. — Frances Ryan (@DrFrancesRyan) May 30, 2020
Those shielding remain at risk however and the government said they should only leave the house once a day, not go to work or the shops and should avoid crowded places where they cannot social distance.
Support provided to those with serious medical complications, such as the delivery of food, medicines and phone calls, will continue.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-30--France's Covid-19 case numbers continue to decline

File photo of a nurse at the intensive care service of the Nantes CHU hospital , on May 19 , 2020 .
France 's coronavirus case numbers continue to decline , health officials said on Saturday , with 14,380 patients currently in hospital , down from 14,695 a day earlier .
The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care also fell to 1,325 from 1,361 , the health directorate said in a statement .
The hospital death toll from the virus rose by 57 to 18,444 in the 10th consecutive daily increase below 100 .
Numbers for nursing home deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the directorate said .
France is set for an easing of restrictions after Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Thursday announced details of the second phase in the gradual lifting of France ’ s strict coronavirus lockdown , which included a nationwide reopening of bars and restaurants from June 2 .
But in Paris , where the risk of Covid-19 infection remains higher than in the rest of the country , only outside terraces of cafés and restaurants can reopen .
On Friday , the Louvre , the world 's most visited museum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ June 6 as part of a phased re-opening .

France's coronavirus case numbers continue to decline, health officials said on Saturday, with 14,380 patients currently in hospital, down from 14,695 a day earlier.
File photo of a nurse at the intensive care service of the Nantes CHU hospital, on May 19, 2020.
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The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care also fell to 1,325 from 1,361, the health directorate said in a statement.
The hospital death toll from the virus rose by 57 to 18,444 in the 10th consecutive daily increase below 100.
Numbers for nursing home deaths will next be updated on June 2, the directorate said.
France is set for an easing of restrictions after Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Thursday announced details of the second phase in the gradual lifting of France’s strict coronavirus lockdown, which included a nationwide reopening of bars and restaurants from June 2.
But in Paris, where the risk of Covid-19 infection remains higher than in the rest of the country, only outside terraces of cafés and restaurants can reopen.
On Friday, the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, announced plans to welcome visitors on July 6 as part of a phased re-opening.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Protesters, footballers worldwide show solidarity, demand justice for George Floyd

Moenchengladbach 's French forward Marcus Thuram takes a knee in solidarity during a match in Moenchengladbach , Germany on May 31 , 2020 .
Protesters took the streets in a number of cities , including London and Copenhagen , while footballers in Germany displayed their solidarity with anti-racism demonstrations in the US over the death of George Floyd , a black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pressed his knee on his neck .
Thousands gathered in London on Sunday in a display of solidarity and support for US anti-racism demonstrators .
The protesters knelt in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , `` No justice !
No peace ! ''
and waving placards with the words “ How many more ?
” Police did n't stop them .
Ignoring the UK government ’ s rules banning crowds due to the Covid-19 pandemic , they marched past the Houses of Parliament before arriving outside the US Embassy , where a long line of police officers surrounded the building .
Several hundred milled around in the street and waved placards .
The Metropolitan police said they made five arrests outside the US Embassy , three for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two for assault on police .
Protesters in Denmark also converged on the US Embassy on Sunday .
Participants carried placards with messages such as “ Stop Killing Black People.
” Protests broke out for a second day in a row in the German capital when several hundred more people took to the streets in the Kreuzberg area , carrying signs with slogans like “ Silence is Violence , ” “ Hold Cops Accountable , ” and “ Who Do You Call When Police Murder ?
” No incidents were reported .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of protests on Saturday under the motto : “ Justice for George Floyd.
” Germany ’ s top-selling Bild newspaper on Sunday carried the sensational headline “ This killer-cop set America ablaze ” with an arrow pointing to a photo of now-fired police officer Derek Chauvin , who has been charged with third-degree murder in Floyd ’ s death , with his knee on Floyd ’ s neck .
The newspaper ’ s story reported “ scenes like out of a civil war . ''
Footballer Jadon Sancho joined symbolic demonstrations of protests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his jersey after scoring to reveal a T-shirt with the handwritten message “ Justice for George Floyd ” on the front .
Sancho was shown a yellow card for his gesture which came after he scored the second goal for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn on Sunday .
Earlier , Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring in Borussia Mönchengladbach ’ s win over Union Berlin .
The Gladbach forward scored in the first half and then dropped his left knee to the ground and rested his right arm on his right thigh as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He spent five seconds in this position before getting up again to continue .
“ No explanation needed , ” Gladbach said on Twitter with a picture of Thuram kneeling .
It evoked memories of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the American national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial inequality amid the Black Lives Matter movement .
The 22-year-old Thuram , who also scored Gladbach ’ s third goal , made no comment on his gesture after the game .
“ He got to the point @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He made a sign against racism , one we all completely support of course .
I believe that everyone fully supports it , that everyone has the same thoughts he does.
” Thuram is the son of French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram , an outspoken anti-racism campaigner .

NBA legend Michael Jordan on Sunday joined other international sports stars to protest the “ingrained racism” demonstrated in the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died after a white police officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes.
Moenchengladbach's French forward Marcus Thuram takes a knee in solidarity during a match in Moenchengladbach, Germany on May 31, 2020.
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“I am deeply saddened, truly pained and plain angry,” Jordan said as protests over Floyd’s death on May 25 spawned violence and looting across the US. ”I stand with those who are calling out the ingrained racism and violence toward people of color in our country.
”We have had enough,” added Jordan, who was famously reluctant to comment on social issues during his basketball playing career.
Floyd died after now-former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
”We need to continue peaceful expressions against injustice and demand accountability,” Jordan said.
Jordan joined a chorus of voices from the NBA, NFL and other US sports demanding change for black Americans, but the demands went far beyond America.
Protesters in London, Britain, May 31, 2020 REUTERS - JOHN SIBLEY
European footballers seek 'Justice for George Floyd'
English footballer Jadon Sancho joined symbolic demonstrations of protests across German pitches on Sunday by lifting his jersey after scoring to reveal a T-shirt with the handwritten message “Justice for George Floyd” on the front.
Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho displays a "Justice for George Floyd" shirt on May 31, 2020. © Lars Baron POOL/AFP
Sancho was shown a yellow card for his gesture, which came after he scored the second goal for Borussia Dortmund against Paderborn on Sunday.
Earlier, Marcus Thuram took a knee after scoring in Borussia Mönchengladbach’s win over Union Berlin. The Gladbach forward scored in the first half and then dropped his left knee to the ground and rested his right arm on his right thigh as he bowed his head in reflection. He spent five seconds in this position before getting up again to continue.
“No explanation needed,” Gladbach said on Twitter with a picture of Thuram kneeling.
It evoked memories of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the American national anthem before games to protest police brutality and racial inequality amid the Black Lives Matter movement.
The 22-year-old Thuram, who also scored Gladbach’s third goal, made no comment on his gesture after the game.
“He got to the point,” Gladbach coach Marco Rose said. “He made a sign against racism, one we all completely support of course. I believe that everyone fully supports it, that everyone has the same thoughts he does.”
Thuram is the son of French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram, an outspoken anti-racism campaigner.
(FRANCE 24 with AP, AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Truck speeds into crowd of George Floyd protestors in Minneapolis

Police stand near a shirtless man , the driver of a truck that was driven into a rally against the @ @ @ @ @ of George Floyd on the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis , U.S. , May 31 , @ @ @ @ @ drove into protesters on interstate highway 35 West in Minneapolis , but none of the @ @ @ @ @ to a Reuters Witness .
The driver then got out of the truck and was @ @ @ @ @ Reuters witness said .
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety tweeted that the truck driver @ @ @ @ @ peaceful protesters .
The driver was taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries and @ @ @ @ @ other reported injuries .
Very disturbing actions by a truck driver on I-35W , inciting @ @ @ @ @ .
The truck driver was injured & taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries @ @ @ @ @ .
It doesn ’ t appear any protesters were hit by the truck .
# @ @ @ @ @ MnDPS_DPS ) May 31 , 2020

A tanker truck drove into a throng of protesters on a closed interstate near Minneapolis on Sunday, with the driver pulled from his rig and beaten, as major US cities imposed curfews in fear of another night of demonstrations against police brutality descending into violence.
Police stand near a shirtless man, the driver of a truck that was driven into a rally against the death in Minneapolis police custody of George Floyd on the I-35W bridge in Minneapolis, U.S., May 31, 2020.
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It did not appear that any marchers were struck by the truck as it moved through the crowd on the westbound lanes of Interstate 35, honking. The freeway was closed to traffic at the time.
A Reuters witness said the truck driver was dragged out of the cab of his tractor-trailer rig and beaten by protesters before he was taken into custody by Minneapolis police. A Reuters photo showed him shirtless and covering his face as he stood next to a police officer.
"Very disturbing actions by a truck driver on I-35W, inciting a crowd of peaceful demonstrators," the Minneapolis Department of Public Safety said on Twitter. "The truck driver was injured & taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is under arrest. It doesn’t appear any protesters were hit by the truck."
Very disturbing actions by a truck driver on I-35W, inciting a crowd of peaceful demonstrators. The truck driver was injured & taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. He is under arrest. It doesn’t appear any protesters were hit by the truck. #MACCMN — MnDPS_DPS (@MnDPS_DPS) May 31, 2020
The incident marked the latest outburst of violence following what began as peaceful demonstrations over the death of George Floyd.
Floyd, an unarmed black man, died last Monday after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, sparking outrage that has swept across a politically and racially divided nation.
Protesters have flooded streets after weeks of lockdowns during the coronavirus pandemic that threw millions out of work and hit minority communities especially hard.
As demonstrators broke windows and set fires on Saturday night, police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds in many cities. In some cases, bystanders and members of the media were targeted.
In one video from Minneapolis on Saturday, a National Guard Humvee rolled down a residential street followed by what appeared to be police officers wearing tactical gear. An officer ordered residents to go inside, then yelled: "Light 'em up" before shooting projectiles at a group of people on their front porch. The city's curfew does not apply to residents outside on their private property.
In New York City, police arrested about 350 people overnight and 30 officers suffered minor injuries. Mayor Bill de Blasio said police conduct was being investigated, including widely shared videos showing a police sport utility vehicle in Brooklyn lurching into a crowd of protesters who were pelting it with debris.
De Blasio said he had not seen a separate video showing an officer pulling down the mask of a black protester who had his hands in the air, then spraying a substance in his face.
Covid-19 fears
The closely packed crowds and demonstrators not wearing masks sparked fears of a resurgence of Covid-19, which has killed more than 100,000 Americans.
Violence spread overnight despite curfews in several major cities rocked by civil unrest in recent days, including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Denver, Cincinnati, Portland, Oregon, and Louisville, Kentucky.
Philadelphia on Sunday moved the city's curfew earlier, to 6pm (2200 GMT) from 8pm, and ordered all businesses to close as local TXF-TV showed images of groups of protesters attacking police cars, setting one on fire. Other people went into nearby stores and came out with armfuls of merchandise.
The District of Columbia imposed an 11pm. curfew after two nights of clashes between police and protesters near the White House.
Protests also flared in Chicago, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Cleveland and Dallas, where rioters were seen on video beating a store owner who chased them with a large machete or sword. Police said on Sunday he was in stable condition.
The clashes in Minneapolis marked the fifth night of arson, looting and vandalism in parts of the state's largest city, and its adjacent capital, St. Paul. The state's governor said on Saturday that he was activating the full Minnesota National Guard for the first time since World War Two.
Thousands of people gathered peacefully on Sunday afternoon for a rally in St. Paul as state troopers surrounded the state capitol building. About 170 stores in the city have been looted, its mayor told CNN.
"There is no real one answer but the beginning is we have to learn to be honest with each other," said 66-year-old community activist Philip Holmes as he stood among demonstrators holding "Black Lives Matter" signs.
In Santa Monica, California, on Sunday, hundreds of protesters marched peacefully down Ocean Avenue, parallel to the city's famed beaches. A line of police officers stood at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier, local KTLA-TV said.
Several hundred demonstrators marching through downtown Miami stopped between the federal courthouse, FBI offices and the federal detention centre chanting: "No justice, no peace." Inmates could be seen in the narrow windows waving shirts.
While covering the protests in Minneapolis on Saturday night, two members of a Reuters TV crew were hit by rubber bullets and a Reuters photographer's camera was smashed as attacks against journalists covering civil unrest in US cities intensified.
In response to the protests, Target Corp announced it was temporarily closing 100 stores, about 30 of them in Minnesota.
The administration of President Donald Trump, who has called protesters "thugs", will not federalise and take control of the National Guard for now, national security adviser Robert O'Brien said on Sunday.
Trump said on Sunday that the US government would designate anti-fascist group Antifa as a terrorist organisation. It was not clear how many of the protesters participating in demonstrations are from Antifa.
"Get tough Democrat Mayors and Governors," Trump said on Twitter on Sunday afternoon. "These people are ANARCHISTS. Call in our National Guard NOW. The World is watching and laughing at you and Sleepy Joe. Is this what America wants? NO!!!"
"Sleepy Joe" is Trump's nickname for Democrat Joe Biden, his presumptive rival for the presidency in the November election.
The arrest of Derek Chauvin, the police officer seen kneeling on Floyd's neck, has failed to satisfy protesters. Three officers who stood by as Floyd died have yet to be charged.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Artist Christo dies aged 84, L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped still on track

File photo taken in June 2016 of Bulgarian artist Christo near the monumental `` Mastaba '' art work in Saint-Paul-de-Vence @ @ @ @ @ known as Christo , who made his name transforming landmarks such as Germany 's Reichstag @ @ @ @ @ of cloth , died on Sunday aged 84 , his official Facebook page announced .
@ @ @ @ @ natural causes at his home in New York City , the statement said .
The @ @ @ @ @ with his wife Jeanne-Claude until her death in 2009 .
`` Christo lived his life @ @ @ @ @ only dreaming up what seemed impossible but realizing it , '' said a statement from @ @ @ @ @ and Jeanne-Claude 's artwork brought people together in shared experiences across the globe , and @ @ @ @ @ our hearts and memories . ''
In accordance with Christo 's wishes , the statement @ @ @ @ @ progress , `` l'Arc de Triomphe , Wrapped '' , would be completed .
The @ @ @ @ @ be shown from September 18 in 2021 .

The artist known as Christo, who made his name transforming landmarks such as Germany's Reichstag by covering them with reams of cloth, died on Sunday aged 84, his official Facebook page announced.
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Christo Vladimirov Javacheff died of natural causes at his home in New York City, the statement said.
Christo passed away today, on May 31, 2020, at his home in New York City. Christo and Jeanne-Claude have always made clear that their artworks in progress be continued after their deaths. L'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped (Project for Paris) is still on track for Sept. 18–Oct. 3, 2021. pic.twitter.com/xHPURw60w2 — Christo and Jeanne-Claude (@ChristoandJC) May 31, 2020
The Bulgarian-born artist worked in collaboration with his wife Jeanne-Claude until her death in 2009.
"Christo lived his life to the fullest, not only dreaming up what seemed impossible but realizing it," said a statement from his office.
"Christo and Jeanne-Claude's artwork brought people together in shared experiences across the globe, and their work lives on in our hearts and memories."
In accordance with Christo's wishes, the statement added, a work in progress, "l'Arc de Triomphe, Wrapped", would be completed. The event is on schedule to be shown from September 18 in 2021.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-05-31--SpaceX Dragon capsule delivers NASA astronauts to International Space Station

NASA video frame grab image shows astronauts Douglas Hurley ( R ) and Robert Behnken ( 2ndR ) at the International Space Station posing with other astronauts on May 31 , 2020 .
NASA astronauts entered the International Space Station on Sunday after a landmark 19-hour journey on the first crewed US spacecraft in nearly a decade , a triumph for SpaceX and private enterprise .
The hatch opened shortly after 1pm Eastern Time as NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley carried out final close out procedures , crossing the International Space Station threshold about 20 minutes later .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Behnken entered first , followed by Hurley .
They were greeted by fellow US astronaut Chris Cassidy , as well as cosmonauts Anatoli Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner , all in the blue jumpsuits of the space station , which was launched in 1998 and first inhabited in 2000 .
`` It 's been a real honour to be just a small part of this nine-year endeavor since the last time a United States spaceship has docked with the International Space Station , '' Hurley said upon a successful `` soft-docking . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ crew from mission control in Houston .
`` Welcome to Bob and Doug , '' said Bridenstine .
`` I will tell you the whole world saw this mission , and we are so so proud of everything you have done for our country . ''
`` It 's great to get the United States back in the crewed launch business and we 're just really glad to be on board this magnificent complex , '' replied Hurley , who commanded the Crew Dragon capsule called `` Endeavor . ''
During their stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more checks on Endeavor in order to sign-off on its readiness .
They will also provide support to the three other crew members on board the ISS .
Hurley added that he hoped the mission would inspire Americans at a time when the world is beset by the coronavirus pandemic .
`` This was just one effort that we can show for the ages in this dark time that we 've had over the past several months to kind of inspire , especially the young people in the United States , to reach @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Asked by a lawmaker how the Crew Dragon 's handling compared to that of the Space Shuttle , which was shuttered in 2011 , Behknen indicated the new ship was a rougher ride .
`` Dragon was huffing and puffing all the way into orbit , and we were definitely driving or riding a dragon all the way up , '' he said .
`` And so it was not quite the same ride , the smooth ride as the Space Shuttle was . ''

NASA astronauts entered the International Space Station on Sunday after a landmark 19-hour journey on the first crewed US spacecraft in nearly a decade, a triumph for SpaceX and private enterprise.
NASA photo shows astronauts Douglas Hurley (right) and Robert Behnken (second right) at the International Space Station posing with other astronauts on May 31, 2020.
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The hatch opened shortly after 1pm Eastern Time as NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley carried out final close out procedures, crossing the International Space Station (ISS) threshold about 20 minutes later.
Wearing black polo shirts and khaki pants, Behnken entered first, followed by Hurley.
They were greeted by fellow US astronaut Chris Cassidy, as well as cosmonauts Anatoli Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner, all in the blue jumpsuits of the space station, which was launched in 1998 and first inhabited in 2000.
This is the first time in human history @NASA_Astronauts have entered the @Space_Station from a commercially-made spacecraft. @AstroBehnken and @Astro_Doug have finally arrived to the orbiting laboratory in @SpaceX's Dragon Endeavour spacecraft. pic.twitter.com/3t9Ogtpik4 — NASA (@NASA) May 31, 2020
"It's been a real honour to be just a small part of this nine-year endeavor since the last time a United States spaceship has docked with the International Space Station," Hurley said upon a successful "soft-docking".
NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine spoke to the crew from mission control in Houston.
"Welcome to Bob and Doug," said Bridenstine. "I will tell you the whole world saw this mission, and we are so so proud of everything you have done for our country."
"It's great to get the United States back in the crewed launch business and we're just really glad to be on board this magnificent complex," replied Hurley, who commanded the Crew Dragon capsule called "Endeavor."
'Dragon was huffing and puffing'
During their stay Behnken and Hurley will continue to perform more checks on Endeavor in order to sign-off on its readiness.
They will also provide support to the three other crew members on board the ISS.
Hurley added that he hoped the mission would inspire Americans at a time when the world is beset by the coronavirus pandemic.
"This was just one effort that we can show for the ages in this dark time that we've had over the past several months to kind of inspire, especially the young people in the United States, to reach for these lofty goals," he said.
Asked by a lawmaker how the Crew Dragon's handling compared to that of the Space Shuttle, which was shuttered in 2011, Behknen indicated the new ship was a rougher ride.
"Dragon was huffing and puffing all the way into orbit, and we were definitely driving or riding a dragon all the way up," he said.
"And so it was not quite the same ride, the smooth ride as the Space Shuttle was."
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--France’s Renault highlights obstacles to reshoring industries

French leftist party La France Insoumise 's local MP Mathilde Panot ( L ) gather with unionists outside French carmaker Renault 's plant of Choisy-le-Roi , near Paris , on May 29 , 2020 , after the group announced nearly 15 000 job losses worldwide , including 4600 in France in a two-billion-euro cost-cutting plan over three years .
The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the Western world 's dependence on Asian countries for manufactured goods .
But trying to reshore industries is difficult to put into practice – as shown by the case of French carmaker Renault , which is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ speech at the end of March as the coronavirus crisis raged , French President Emmanuel Macron argued that the pandemic calls for economic sovereignty : “ We must produce more in France , on our soil ” and “ rebuild our national and European sovereignty.
” This chimes with the centrist ’ s rhetoric before the crisis about a “ Europe that protects ” , tempering the effects of globalisation through the barrier of the EU single market .
Like many other world leaders , Macron has unleashed massive state intervention in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced plans to quickly ramp up production of face masks and ventilators to address shortfalls , while his government has disbursed billions of euros to businesses affected by the virus – warning that it “ won ’ t tolerate ” such companies rewarding shareholders with dividends this year – and responded to the threat of food shortages by exhorting supermarkets to “ stock French products ” .
The French government has also been embarrassed by revelations in French daily Le Monde in early May that France was self-sufficienct in medical supplies in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 2010s , leading to drastic shortfalls at the start of the coronavirus pandemic .
France has been notably dependent on Chinese supplies of face masks .
For its part , France ’ s employers ’ union Medef has given Macron ’ s approach its seal of approval .
In the recovery plan it presented on May 28 , the organisation advocated “ targeted relocation of strategic sectors in France and Europe , with healthcare a priority ” .
The French government has tried to implement this agenda with carmaker Renault , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stake .
In return for a €5 billion bailout for the company , Macron asked for a “ strong commitment ” to “ relocating value-added production ” to France .
But contrary to the government ’ s wishes , Renault announced on May 29 that it would cut 4,600 jobs in France , out of 48,000 posts , as part of a savings plan .
Industries like car manufacturing may pose limitations to what government reshoring agendas can do .
Automotive firms are struggling ; production in Europe and North America is estimated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it was a year ago , as employees were asked to stay at home during lockdowns and people are buying fewer cars amid the economic crisis .
As The Economist headlined in April : “ The car industry is facing a short-term crisis and long-term decline . ''
Concerns over climate change herald the looming death of its speciality – the internal combustion engine – and innovators like Tesla threaten creative destruction by mastering new , green technologies .
While stocks in companies like Amazon – seen as more than capable of weathering @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prospects – have continued to rise during the Covid-19 pandemic , Renault ’ s share price has more than halved since the start of the year .
Its current price to book value ( the total worth of its assets ) ratio is a paltry 0.17 percent – suggesting that investors have low expectations for its performance over the long run .
Nevertheless , there are things the government can do in the all-important healthcare sector , argued Nathalie Coutinet , a professor of economics at Paris 13 University : “ Before talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to preserve the existing industrial fabric first , ” she said , pointing to the Famar factory in Lyon , which manufactures drugs currently being tested for use against Covid-19 .
The factory has been in receivership since June 2019 , and is still awaiting a buyer .
In the context of Covid-19 , “ we ’ ve got to take into account public utility as well as shareholder value , ” Coutinet said .
“ Relocations must be thought of on a case-by-case basis , ” Louis Gallois , president of French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Industrie and president of French car manufacturer PSA – which owns Peugeot , Citroen and Opel brands – told French media network BFM TV .
There are possibilities for it to happen in the strategic health , food and digital sectors , Gallois continued .
But it ’ s not possible in some sectors such as car manufacturing , he argued , noting that export markets often require local production in exchange for access .
“ A complete relocation of production processes at a national or regional level raises the problems of rising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skills , ” the French credit insurer Coface said in a memo .
“ Even if these two problems are resolved , this new local production process would still be dependent on the supply of raw materials , which remains constrained by their location.
” But these signs show that – however unrealistic a prospect it may be – reshoring is popular in France .
A recent survey found that 89 percent are in favour of relocating industries – including 47 percent for doing so completely – even if it pushes prices up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the original in French .

The Covid-19 crisis has highlighted the Western world's dependence on Asian countries for manufactured goods. But trying to reshore industries is difficult to put into practice – as shown by the case of French carmaker Renault, which is cutting jobs at home.
French leftist party La France Insoumise's local MP Mathilde Panot (L) gather with unionists outside French carmaker Renault's plant of Choisy-le-Roi, near Paris, on May 29, 2020, after the group announced nearly 15 000 job losses worldwide, including 4600 in France in a two-billion-euro cost-cutting plan over three years.
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In a speech at the end of March as the coronavirus crisis raged, French President Emmanuel Macron argued that the pandemic calls for economic sovereignty: “We must produce more in France, on our soil” and “rebuild our national and European sovereignty.” This chimes with the centrist’s rhetoric before the crisis about a “Europe that protects”, tempering the effects of globalisation through the barrier of the EU single market.
Like many other world leaders, Macron has unleashed massive state intervention in the economy to manage the crisis. He announced plans to quickly ramp up production of face masks and ventilators to address shortfalls, while his government has disbursed billions of euros to businesses affected by the virus – warning that it “won’t tolerate” such companies rewarding shareholders with dividends this year – and responded to the threat of food shortages by exhorting supermarkets to “stock French products”.
The French government has also been embarrassed by revelations in French daily Le Monde in early May that France was self-sufficienct in medical supplies in the 2000s, only to dismantle that system in the 2010s, leading to drastic shortfalls at the start of the coronavirus pandemic. France has been notably dependent on Chinese supplies of face masks.
For its part, France’s employers’ union Medef has given Macron’s approach its seal of approval. In the recovery plan it presented on May 28, the organisation advocated “targeted relocation of strategic sectors in France and Europe, with healthcare a priority”.
Job cuts at Renault
The French government has tried to implement this agenda with carmaker Renault, in which it owns a 15 percent stake. In return for a €5 billion bailout for the company, Macron asked for a “strong commitment” to “relocating value-added production” to France.
But contrary to the government’s wishes, Renault announced on May 29 that it would cut 4,600 jobs in France, out of 48,000 posts, as part of a savings plan.
Industries like car manufacturing may pose limitations to what government reshoring agendas can do. Automotive firms are struggling; production in Europe and North America is estimated at 50 to 70 percent less than it was a year ago, as employees were asked to stay at home during lockdowns and people are buying fewer cars amid the economic crisis.
As The Economist headlined in April: “The car industry is facing a short-term crisis and long-term decline." Concerns over climate change herald the looming death of its speciality – the internal combustion engine – and innovators like Tesla threaten creative destruction by mastering new, green technologies.
While stocks in companies like Amazon – seen as more than capable of weathering the current economic storms with impressive long-term prospects – have continued to rise during the Covid-19 pandemic, Renault’s share price has more than halved since the start of the year. Its current price to book value (the total worth of its assets) ratio is a paltry 0.17 percent – suggesting that investors have low expectations for its performance over the long run.
‘Case-by-case’
Nevertheless, there are things the government can do in the all-important healthcare sector, argued Nathalie Coutinet, a professor of economics at Paris 13 University: “Before talking about relocation, let’s try to preserve the existing industrial fabric first,” she said, pointing to the Famar factory in Lyon, which manufactures drugs currently being tested for use against Covid-19. The factory has been in receivership since June 2019, and is still awaiting a buyer.
In the context of Covid-19, “we’ve got to take into account public utility as well as shareholder value,” Coutinet said.
“Relocations must be thought of on a case-by-case basis,” Louis Gallois, president of French business think-tank La Fabrique de l’Industrie and president of French car manufacturer PSA – which owns Peugeot, Citroen and Opel brands – told French media network BFM TV.
There are possibilities for it to happen in the strategic health, food and digital sectors, Gallois continued. But it’s not possible in some sectors such as car manufacturing, he argued, noting that export markets often require local production in exchange for access.
“A complete relocation of production processes at a national or regional level raises the problems of rising production costs and the lack of local skills,” the French credit insurer Coface said in a memo. “Even if these two problems are resolved, this new local production process would still be dependent on the supply of raw materials, which remains constrained by their location.”
But these signs show that – however unrealistic a prospect it may be – reshoring is popular in France. A recent survey found that 89 percent are in favour of relocating industries – including 47 percent for doing so completely – even if it pushes prices up for consumers.
This article was translated from the original in French.
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france24--2020-05-31--Covid-19: France records further decline in cases, hospitalisations

File photo of a health worker in the Covid-19 test department of the Broussais Hospital , Paris on May 11 , 2020 .
France 's coronavirus cases are continued to decline , health officials said on Sunday , with 14,322 patients currently in hospital , down from 14,380 a dayearlier .
The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care fell to 1,319 from 1,361 , the health directorate said in a statement .
The hospital death toll from the virus rose by 31 to 18,475 – the 11th consecutive daily increase below 100 .
Numbers for nursing home deaths will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ directorate said , following the long weekend since Monday is a public holiday in France .
The country has seen an easing of restrictions after Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Thursday announced details of the second phase in the gradual lifting of a strict nationwide coronavirus lockdown , which began on March 17 .
Bars and restaurants open from June 2 , but in Paris , where the risk of Covid-19 infection remains higher than in the rest of the country , only outside terraces of cafés and restaurants can reopen .
Parks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first time in over two months .
Visitors must maintain social distancing and are advised to wear face masks – although these are not obligatory .
Gatherings must also not exceed 10 people .
On Friday , the Louvre , the world 's most visited museum , announced plans to welcome visitors on June 6 as part of a phased re-opening .

France's coronavirus cases continued to decline, health officials said on Sunday, with 14,322 patients currently in hospital, down from 14,380 a day earlier.
A health worker in the Covid-19 test department of the Broussais Hospital, Paris on May 11, 2020.
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The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care fell to 1,319 from 1,361, the health directorate said in a statement.
The hospital death toll from the virus rose by 31 to 18,475 – the 11th consecutive daily increase below 100.
Numbers for nursing home deaths will next be updated on Tuesday, the directorate said, following the long weekend since Monday is a public holiday in France.
The country has seen an easing of restrictions after Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Thursday announced details of the second phase in the gradual lifting of a strict nationwide coronavirus lockdown, which began on March 17.
Bars and restaurants open from June 2, but in Paris, where the risk of Covid-19 infection remains higher than in the rest of the country, only outside terraces of cafés and restaurants can reopen.
Parks in the capital opened Saturday for the first time in over two months. Visitors must maintain social distancing and are advised to wear face masks – although these are not obligatory. Gatherings must also not exceed 10 people.
On Friday, the Louvre, the world's most visited museum, announced plans to welcome visitors on June 6 as part of a phased re-opening.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-05-31--Militants target Burkina Faso market, aid convoy in deadly attacks

File photo of government soldiers patrol near Gorgadji in Burkina Faso , in March 2019 .
Militants in Burkina Faso attacked a cattle market and a humanitarian convoy , killing at least 35 people , the government said on Sunday .
The latest violence underscores deep instability in parts of Burkina Faso , which has been battling armed groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State since 2017 .
Twenty-five people were killed and more wounded in the attack on the market in the eastern village of Kompienga , while five civilians and five military police were killed near @ @ @ @ @ @ @ government said in a statement .
Armed groups `` targeted a humanitarian convoy returning from Foube after delivering supplies '' , it said .
A further 20 people were wounded in the convoy attack , it said .
Hundreds have been killed in the past year in the Sahel nation , and moer than half a million people have fled their homes due to the violence , which has also fuelled ethnic and religious tensions .
The bloodshed follows the death of at least 15 people on Friday in an attack on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

Militants in Burkina Faso attacked a cattle market and a humanitarian convoy, killing at least 35 people, the government said on Sunday.
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The latest violence underscores deep instability in parts of Burkina Faso, which has been battling armed groups with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State since 2017.
Twenty-five people were killed and more wounded in the attack on the market in the eastern village of Kompienga, while five civilians and five military police were killed near the northern village of Foube, the government said in a statement.
Armed groups "targeted a humanitarian convoy returning from Foube after delivering supplies", it said.
A further 20 people were wounded in the convoy attack, it said.
No group has claimed responsibility.
Hundreds have been killed in the past year in the Sahel nation, and more than half a million people have fled their homes due to the violence, which has also fuelled ethnic and religious tensions.
The bloodshed follows the death of at least 15 people on Friday in an attack on a convoy transporting traders in northern Burkina Faso.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Masks, personal mats and no ablutions as Saudis reopen mosques

Muslims perform the Al-Fajr prayer amid strict regulations in the Al-Rajhi Mosque in Riyadh , Saudi Arabia May 31 , 2020 .
Mask-clad worshippers flocked to Saudi mosques that reopened nationwide – except in the holy city of Mecca – Sunday for the first time in more than two months as the kingdom eased restrictions imposed to combat the Covid-19 outbreak .
Worshippers kept a minimum of two metres apart in Saudi mosques amid strict regulations requiring use of face masks and personal prayer mats , avoiding handshakes and standing at least two metres apart .
The elderly , children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not permitted .
People must perform the ablution rite , the act of washing the face , arms and legs before prayer , at home .
`` Worshippers rushed to the home of God to perform their obligatory duty ( prayers ) after the reopening of mosques , '' the ministry of Islamic affairs said on Twitter .
Authorities have instructed mosques to avoid crowding and the distribution of food , drinks , incense and miswak twigs used to clean teeth , according to the ministry .
But some complained that worshippers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` I prayed , praise be to God , in the neighbourhood mosque ... and it was a beautiful feeling , '' said one Twitter user .
`` But I swear to God that some people do not care about anything .
No face mask .
No rug . ''
Saudi Arabia , home to Islam 's holiest sites , had shut down mosques nationwide for more than two months to limit the spread of the Covid-19 respiratory disease .
The kingdom , which has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a full nationwide curfew imposed during Eid al-Fitr , the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan .
Domestic air traffic also resumed on Sunday , with state media saying around 100 flights were scheduled .
The interior ministry intends to ease restrictions in a phased manner , with the curfew lifted nationwide – except in Mecca – between 6:00am and 8:00pm local time until June 20 .
With the exception of Mecca , the kingdom is set to lift the lockdown entirely from June 21 .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ curfew will be lifted between 6am and 3pm until June 20 , and thereafter the curfew will be shortened by a further five hours .
Saudi Arabia has reported more than 85,000 coronavirus infections and 503 deaths from Covid-19 .
In March , it suspended the year-round `` umrah '' pilgrimage over fears of the disease spreading in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina .
That suspension will remain in place until further notice , the interior ministry said .
Authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – but they have urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage .
Last year , some 2.5 million faithful travelled to Saudi Arabia from around the world to participate in the hajj , which Muslims are obliged to perform at least once during their lifetime .
Mecca 's Grand Mosque has been almost devoid of worshippers since March , with an eerie emptiness surrounding the sacred Kaaba , the large cube-shaped structure towards which Muslims around the world pray .
But mosque employees and security personnel have been allowed to @ @ @

Mask-clad worshippers flocked to Saudi mosques that reopened nationwide – except in the holy city of Mecca – Sunday for the first time in more than two months as the kingdom eased restrictions imposed to combat the Covid-19 outbreak.
Muslims perform the Al-Fajr prayer amid strict regulations in the Al-Rajhi Mosque in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 31, 2020.
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Worshippers kept a minimum of two metres apart in Saudi mosques amid strict regulations requiring use of face masks and personal prayer mats, avoiding handshakes and standing at least two metres apart.
The elderly, children under 15 and people with chronic diseases are not permitted. People must perform the ablution rite, the act of washing the face, arms and legs before prayer, at home.
"Worshippers rushed to the home of God to perform their obligatory duty (prayers) after the reopening of mosques," the ministry of Islamic affairs said on Twitter.
For your safety when you go to the mosque, please adhere to these Precautionary measures. pic.twitter.com/9osPi15hg8 — Ministry of Islamic Affairs 🇸🇦 (@Saudi_MoiaEN) May 27, 2020
Authorities have instructed mosques to avoid crowding and the distribution of food, drinks, incense and miswak twigs used to clean teeth, according to the ministry.
But some complained that worshippers were not strictly complying with the rules.
"I prayed, praise be to God, in the neighbourhood mosque... and it was a beautiful feeling," said one Twitter user.
"But I swear to God that some people do not care about anything. No face mask. No rug."
Easing curbs
Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest sites, had shut down mosques nationwide for more than two months to limit the spread of the Covid-19 respiratory disease.
The kingdom, which has reported the highest number of coronavirus cases in the Gulf, is emerging from a full nationwide curfew imposed during Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
Domestic air traffic also resumed on Sunday, with state media saying around 100 flights were scheduled.
The interior ministry intends to ease restrictions in a phased manner, with the curfew lifted nationwide – except in Mecca – between 6:00am and 8:00pm local time until June 20.
With the exception of Mecca, the kingdom is set to lift the lockdown entirely from June 21.
Phased opening in Mecca
In Mecca, a virus hotspot, the curfew will be lifted between 6am and 3pm until June 20, and thereafter the curfew will be shortened by a further five hours.
Saudi Arabia has reported more than 85,000 coronavirus infections and 503 deaths from Covid-19.
In March, it suspended the year-round "umrah" pilgrimage over fears of the disease spreading in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
That suspension will remain in place until further notice, the interior ministry said.
Authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year's hajj – scheduled for late July – but they have urged Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage.
Last year, some 2.5 million faithful travelled to Saudi Arabia from around the world to participate in the hajj, which Muslims are obliged to perform at least once during their lifetime.
Mecca's Grand Mosque has been almost devoid of worshippers since March, with an eerie emptiness surrounding the sacred Kaaba, the large cube-shaped structure towards which Muslims around the world pray.
But mosque employees and security personnel have been allowed to attend prayers.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-05-31--Protesters rally in Minneapolis to say 'no to racism'

FRANCE 24 spends a day with the protestors in Minneapolis , May 30 2020 .
Hundreds of demonstrators rallied Saturday in Minneapolis for a fifth consecutive day to demand justice for George Floyd , an unarmed black man killed in police custody last week .
FRANCE 24 reports from Minneapolis .
Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Minneapolis Saturday in what started out as another peaceful day of protest to demand justice for George Floyd , an unarmed black man killed in police custody last week .
“ We don ’ t want to live in a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cos racism is still here and racism is large today , ” a young protester told FRANCE 24 .
“ They ’ re killing us for no reason .
They killed that man for no reason , ” said another .
Both the National Guard and police had strict orders to enforce the city-wide national curfew .
But this didn ’ t stop protesters from taking to the streets late into the night .
Law enforcement officials responded by cracking down on protesters and journalists alike with tear gas and rubber bullets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the video report in full .

Hundreds of demonstrators rallied Saturday in Minneapolis for a fifth consecutive day to demand justice for George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in police custody last week. FRANCE 24 reports from Minneapolis.
FRANCE 24 spends a day with the protestors in Minneapolis, May 30 2020.
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Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Minneapolis Saturday in what started out as another peaceful day of protest to demand justice for George Floyd, an unarmed black man killed in police custody last week.
“We don’t want to live in a country which pretends that racism is over, cos racism is still here and racism is large today,” a young protester told FRANCE 24.
“They’re killing us for no reason. They killed that man for no reason,” said another.
Both the National Guard and police had strict orders to enforce the city-wide national curfew.
But this didn’t stop protesters from taking to the streets late into the night.
Law enforcement officials responded by cracking down on protesters and journalists alike with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Click on the player above to watch the video report in full.
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france24--2020-05-31--‘The soul of our city’: Paris restaurants, cafés to reopen for outdoor service only

An essential part of life for a city renowned for its eating and drinking culture , Paris ’ s restaurants , cafés and bars will reopen on June 2 , but only for seating outside – on the grounds that Covid-19 is believed to spread more easily inside .
French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced on Thursday that cafés , bars and restaurants could reopen in Paris on June 2 in the second phase of easing the country ’ s lockdown .
Tables are expected to be much further apart than usual to allow for social distancing , while establishments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or drinking inside .
In a city with a similar population density to that of Mumbai , restaurants , cafés and bars have long been seen as an integral part of Parisian life , allowing people to escape the confines of sometimes cramped apartments .
But their reopening is even more of a relief for Paris ’ restaurateurs , who were hit hard by France ’ s two months of full-blown lockdown , which ended on May 11 .
They lost 90 percent of their turnover in April and around 70 percent in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a consultant and former CEO of the Frères Blanc restaurant group .
Brun noted , however , that life will not return to normal for restaurant owners anytime soon .
In light of social distancing requirements and the ban on serving people inside , proprietors will be able to “ reconnect with customers , but they won ’ t make any money ” , he told AFP .
“ We ’ re in a hurry ” to get things going again , said one restaurant manager in Paris ’ s central 2nd arrondissement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ name as Ludivine .
She told AFP that the restaurant ’ s losses during the lockdown amounted to “ tens of thousands of euros ” .
To ease the situation for restaurateurs , Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo ’ s office will allow establishments to extend their terraces beyond the usual area until September .
The city also plans to temporarily close streets in tourist hotspots to give them extra space , including the iconic Marais district and Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre .
To ensure that the local residents can still get peace @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fulfil a 10-point charter that will have to be displayed in their windows , including closure at 10pm and provisions to allow pedestrians to pass freely .
“ Paris has to stand in solidarity with our restaurants and bars , ” Hidalgo told local paper Le Parisien on Sunday .
“ They are the soul of our city .
”

An essential part of life for a city renowned for its eating and drinking culture, Paris’s restaurants, cafés and bars will reopen on June 2, but only for seating outside – on the grounds that Covid-19 is believed to spread more easily inside.
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French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced on Thursday that cafés, bars and restaurants could reopen in Paris on June 2 in the second phase of easing the country’s lockdown. Tables are expected to be much further apart than usual to allow for social distancing, while establishments are banned from serving customers for eating or drinking inside.
In a city with a similar population density to that of Mumbai, restaurants, cafés and bars have long been seen as an integral part of Parisian life, allowing people to escape the confines of sometimes cramped apartments.
But their reopening is even more of a relief for Paris’ restaurateurs, who were hit hard by France’s two months of full-blown lockdown, which ended on May 11. They lost 90 percent of their turnover in April and around 70 percent in May, according to Pascal Brun, a consultant and former CEO of the Frères Blanc restaurant group.
Brun noted, however, that life will not return to normal for restaurant owners anytime soon. In light of social distancing requirements and the ban on serving people inside, proprietors will be able to “reconnect with customers, but they won’t make any money”, he told AFP.
“We’re in a hurry” to get things going again, said one restaurant manager in Paris’s central 2nd arrondissement (district), who gave her name as Ludivine. She told AFP that the restaurant’s losses during the lockdown amounted to “tens of thousands of euros”.
To ease the situation for restaurateurs, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s office will allow establishments to extend their terraces beyond the usual area until September. The city also plans to temporarily close streets in tourist hotspots to give them extra space, including the iconic Marais district and Rue des Abbesses in Montmartre.
To ensure that the local residents can still get peace and quiet, establishments will have to fulfil a 10-point charter that will have to be displayed in their windows, including closure at 10pm and provisions to allow pedestrians to pass freely.
“Paris has to stand in solidarity with our restaurants and bars,” Hidalgo told local paper Le Parisien on Sunday. “They are the soul of our city.”
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