france24--2020-06-13--Brazil now second in Covid-19 deaths as WHO warns 'fight is not over'

A graffiti depicts a cleaner in protective gear spraying away viruses with the face of Brazil 's President Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro on June 12 , 2020 .
Brazil on Friday claimed the unenviable position of having the second-highest coronavirus death toll worldwide behind the United States , where several states have posted record daily case tallies , signaling the crisis is far from over .
Brazil 's health ministry recorded 909 deaths in the past 24 hours , putting the total at 41,828 — meaning the country of 212 million people has now surpassed Britain 's death @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of cases in Latin America 's biggest economy could be many times higher than the confirmed figure of 828,810 .
`` Some areas are at a critical stage '' in Brazil , with intensive care unit occupancy levels of more than 90 percent , World Health Organization emergencies director Mike Ryan told journalists in Geneva .
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro , who threatened last week to quit the WHO over `` ideological bias , '' has dismissed the virus as a `` little flu , '' and berated state officials for imposing lockdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the world 's battle with the novel coronavirus , which emerged in China late last year .
The region has recorded more than 1.5 million infections and 76,000 deaths , with no signs the virus is slowing .
In the US , which has confirmed the most Covid-19 deaths — over 114,000 — more than a dozen states , including two of the most populous , Texas and Florida , reported their highest-ever daily case totals this week .
`` It 's important that we remember that this situation is unprecedented .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' Robert Redfield , director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , told a media briefing on Friday .
Nevertheless , US President Donald Trump and many local officials remain determined to get the world 's biggest economy back on track .
The virus and resulting lockdowns have caused a spike in US unemployment — 44.2 million people have filed claims for jobless benefits since mid-March .
Worldwide , the pandemic has killed more than 425,000 people and infected more than 7.6 million .
Europe is pushing ahead with its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of countries preparing to reopen borders on a limited basis on Monday after the EU Commission urged a relaxation of restrictions .
France said it would gradually reopen its borders to non-Schengen countries from July 1 .
Greece said it would welcome tourists again , though Britons remain barred — and passengers from Italy , Spain and the Netherlands must undergo tests on arrival .
Germany said it would end land border checks on Monday .
And Italy said it would allow amateur contact sports — including team sports — from June 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the virus is far from contained .
`` The fight is not over , '' WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Thursday .
In evidence of the continued threat , eleven residential estates in the southern part of the Chinese capital were locked down due to a fresh cluster of coronavirus cases linked to a nearby meat market , officials said Saturday .
Seven cases have so far been linked to Xinfadi meat market , six of them confirmed on Saturday , officials added .
Nine nearby schools and kindergartens have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections under control , and the majority of cases in recent months have been among overseas nationals returning home .
In India , experts are warning the worst is far from over .
Deaths from coronavirus in New Delhi are almost twice as high as official figures show , a city leader said .
And in Russia , officials reported 8,706 new coronavirus cases on Saturday , raising the country 's cumulative tally above 520,000 .
With 520,129 cases , Russia has the third highest number in the world after the United States @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stands at 6,829 , many times lower than the figure seen in other countries with serious outbreaks .

Brazil on Friday claimed the unenviable position of having the second-highest coronavirus death toll worldwide behind the United States, where several states have posted record daily case tallies, signaling the crisis is far from over.
A graffiti depicts a cleaner in protective gear spraying away viruses with the face of Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro in Rio de Janeiro on June 12, 2020.
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Brazil's health ministry recorded 909 deaths in the past 24 hours, putting the total at 41,828 — meaning the country of 212 million people has now surpassed Britain's death toll.
Experts warn the actual number of cases in Latin America's biggest economy could be many times higher than the confirmed figure of 828,810.
"Some areas are at a critical stage" in Brazil, with intensive care unit occupancy levels of more than 90 percent, World Health Organization emergencies director Mike Ryan told journalists in Geneva.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who threatened last week to quit the WHO over "ideological bias," has dismissed the virus as a "little flu," and berated state officials for imposing lockdowns.
Latin America is the latest epicentre in the world's battle with the novel coronavirus, which emerged in China late last year.
The region has recorded more than 1.5 million infections and 76,000 deaths, with no signs the virus is slowing.
In the US, which has confirmed the most Covid-19 deaths — over 114,000 — more than a dozen states, including two of the most populous, Texas and Florida, reported their highest-ever daily case totals this week.
"It's important that we remember that this situation is unprecedented. And that the pandemic has not ended," Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told a media briefing on Friday.
Nevertheless, US President Donald Trump and many local officials remain determined to get the world's biggest economy back on track.
The virus and resulting lockdowns have caused a spike in US unemployment — 44.2 million people have filed claims for jobless benefits since mid-March.
Worldwide, the pandemic has killed more than 425,000 people and infected more than 7.6 million.
Europe's reopening
Europe is pushing ahead with its exit from lockdown, with a number of countries preparing to reopen borders on a limited basis on Monday after the EU Commission urged a relaxation of restrictions.
France said it would gradually reopen its borders to non-Schengen countries from July 1.
Greece said it would welcome tourists again, though Britons remain barred — and passengers from Italy, Spain and the Netherlands must undergo tests on arrival.
Germany said it would end land border checks on Monday.
And Italy said it would allow amateur contact sports — including team sports — from June 25.
Yet world health officials have warned that the virus is far from contained.
"The fight is not over," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said Thursday.
In evidence of the continued threat, eleven residential estates in the southern part of the Chinese capital were locked down due to a fresh cluster of coronavirus cases linked to a nearby meat market, officials said Saturday.
Seven cases have so far been linked to Xinfadi meat market, six of them confirmed on Saturday, officials added. Nine nearby schools and kindergartens have been closed.
China has largely brought domestic infections under control, and the majority of cases in recent months have been among overseas nationals returning home.
In India, experts are warning the worst is far from over.
Deaths from coronavirus in New Delhi are almost twice as high as official figures show, a city leader said.
And in Russia, officials reported 8,706 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, raising the country's cumulative tally above 520,000.
With 520,129 cases, Russia has the third highest number in the world after the United States and Brazil. Its official death toll stands at 6,829, many times lower than the figure seen in other countries with serious outbreaks.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-13--Far-right activists clash with police, Black Lives Matter protesters in London

Far-right activists clash with police as they gather against a Black Lives Matter demonstration following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody , in London , Britain , June 13 , 2020 .
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned “ racist thuggery ” after far-right protesters clashed in London on Saturday with anti-racist demonstrators and police trying to keep the two sides apart .
Fights broke out between groups outside London ’ s Waterloo station , with fireworks thrown before police cordoned off areas .
On a nearby bridge , stones were lobbed at police .
Sporadic skirmishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thuggery has no place on our streets , ” Johnson said in a tweet .
“ Anyone attacking our police will be met with the full force of the law.
” Earlier in the day , small bands of protesters jostled , tossed bottles and cans in Trafalgar Square .
Far-right groups shouted racial slurs at the anti-racism protesters , and some tried to use metal crash barriers to break through police lines .
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement they had arrested five people for offences including violent disorder and assault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffered minor injuries .
The ambulance service said it had treated 15 people .
“ It is clear that far-right groups are causing violence and disorder in central London , I urge people to stay away , ” Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter .
The police , who had already imposed a restriction calling for all demonstrations to end by 5 p.m. , urged people to disperse .
There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest .
In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days , after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests .
Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or from being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists .
In and around Parliament Square , hundreds of people wearing football shirts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ England , England ” gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial .
The far-right groups said they wanted to defend British culture , in particular historical monuments , after the toppling of the statue of a 17th century slave trader in the port city of Bristol last weekend sparked calls for others to come down .
“ Winston Churchill , he ’ s one of our own , ” they also chanted , near the statue of the World War Two leader , which last weekend was sprayed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racist ” .
“ My culture is under attack .
This is my culture and my English history : why should Churchill be boarded up ?
Why is the Cenotaph attacked ?
It is not right , ” said David Allen , one of the protesters .
While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany , some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy , noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views .
On Friday Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statue was at risk of attack .
“ Yes , he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today , but he was a hero , ” he said .
Protests took place in other countries on Saturday , including in several Australian cities , Taipei , Zurich and Paris .

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned “racist thuggery” after far-right protesters clashed in London on Saturday with anti-racist demonstrators and police trying to keep the two sides apart.
Far-right activists clash with police as they gather against a Black Lives Matter demonstration following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody, in London, Britain, June 13, 2020.
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Fights broke out between groups outside London’s Waterloo station, with fireworks thrown before police cordoned off areas. On a nearby bridge, stones were lobbed at police. Sporadic skirmishes continued in central areas.
“Racist thuggery has no place on our streets,” Johnson said in a tweet. “Anyone attacking our police will be met with the full force of the law.”
Earlier in the day, small bands of protesters jostled, tossed bottles and cans in Trafalgar Square. Far-right groups shouted racial slurs at the anti-racism protesters, and some tried to use metal crash barriers to break through police lines.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement they had arrested five people for offences including violent disorder and assault on police and that six officers had suffered minor injuries. The ambulance service said it had treated 15 people.
“It is clear that far-right groups are causing violence and disorder in central London, I urge people to stay away,” Mayor Sadiq Khan said on Twitter.
This is totally unacceptable. We will not tolerate attacks on our police and perpetrators will feel the full force of the law.
It is clear that far right groups are causing violence and disorder in central London, I urge people to stay away. https://t.co/ZImnvmfWeL — Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 13, 2020
The police, who had already imposed a restriction calling for all demonstrations to end by 5 p.m., urged people to disperse.
There have been demonstrations around the world against racism and police abuses since the death of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. In British cities tens of thousands of people have marched peacefully during previous days of protest.
In London the demonstrators numbered fewer on Saturday than in recent days, after announcements by far-right groups that they would converge on the city centre prompted anti-racism activists to cancel a planned march and instead call for scattered protests.
Statues of historical figures including Winston Churchill were boarded up to prevent them from becoming flashpoints or from being defaced by protesters who say such monuments celebrate racists.
‘My culture under attack’
In and around Parliament Square, hundreds of people wearing football shirts, describing themselves as patriots and chanting “England, England” gathered alongside military veterans to guard the Cenotaph war memorial.
The far-right groups said they wanted to defend British culture, in particular historical monuments, after the toppling of the statue of a 17th century slave trader in the port city of Bristol last weekend sparked calls for others to come down.
“Winston Churchill, he’s one of our own,” they also chanted, near the statue of the World War Two leader, which last weekend was sprayed with graffiti reading: “Churchill was a racist”.
“My culture is under attack. This is my culture and my English history: why should Churchill be boarded up? Why is the Cenotaph attacked? It is not right,” said David Allen, one of the protesters.
While Churchill is admired by many for his role in defeating Nazi Germany, some in the anti-racism movement have called for more scrutiny of his overall legacy, noting he expressed racist and anti-Semitic views.
On Friday Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it “absurd and shameful” that the Churchill statue was at risk of attack. “Yes, he sometimes expressed opinions that were and are unacceptable to us today, but he was a hero,” he said.
Protests took place in other countries on Saturday, including in several Australian cities, Taipei, Zurich and Paris.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-13--Chile replaces health minister as Covid-19 deaths spike

Employees of a funeral parlour carry out the coffin of a Covid-19 victim in Valparaiso , Chile , June 12 , 2020 .
Chile President Sebastian Pinera on Saturday replaced Health Minister Jaime Manalich amid controversy over the country ’ s figures for deaths from the coronavirus outbreak .
Pinera said Manalich had spared “ no effort ” in carrying out his “ difficult and noble duty ” to protect Chileans ’ health .
He replaced him with Oscar Enrique Paris , an academic and medical doctor .
The sudden reshuffle comes as Chile faces its toughest monthin the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and deaths rates .
The country now has the highest number of confirmed cases per million people in Latin America , reporting 167,355 cases on Saturday and 3,101 deaths .
Manalich , a tough-talking kidney specialist who once ran one of Chile ’ s top hospitals , has won praise for an aggressive campaign to keep hospitals supplied with ventilators and protective equipment and leading detailed daily press conferences .
But there have been frequent reports of spats among health ministry officials , and Manalich has been criticised by opposition politicians , mayors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ refusing to release more detailed contagion data or apply lockdowns sooner and for successive changes in criteria for recording deaths and cases .
On Saturday , a Chilean investigative website , Ciper , reported that the health ministry had told the World Health Organisation that as many as 5,000 deaths in the country were linked to coronavirus .
The health ministry ’ s statistics department reported figures to the global body of people who had died after testing positive for coronavirus test but also deaths suspected to be linked to Covid-19 , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The new minister , Enrique Paris , is a former head of the Chilean College of Doctors ( Colmed ) and a university deacon .
José Miguel Bernucci , Colmed ’ s national secretary , welcomed the appointment , saying he was looking forward to a more consensual approach and a “ change in strategy to jointly confront the pandemic .
”

Chile President Sebastian Pinera on Saturday replaced Health Minister Jaime Manalich amid controversy over the country’s figures for deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.
Employees of a funeral parlour carry out the coffin of a Covid-19 victim in Valparaiso, Chile, June 12, 2020.
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Pinera said Manalich had spared “no effort” in carrying out his “difficult and noble duty” to protect Chileans’ health. He replaced him with Oscar Enrique Paris, an academic and medical doctor.
The sudden reshuffle comes as Chile faces its toughest monthin the pandemic so far, with spiraling active cases and deaths rates.
The country now has the highest number of confirmed cases per million people in Latin America, reporting 167,355 cases on Saturday and 3,101 deaths.
Manalich, a tough-talking kidney specialist who once ran one of Chile’s top hospitals, has won praise for an aggressive campaign to keep hospitals supplied with ventilators and protective equipment and leading detailed daily press conferences.
But there have been frequent reports of spats among health ministry officials, and Manalich has been criticised by opposition politicians, mayors, medical experts and social groups for refusing to release more detailed contagion data or apply lockdowns sooner and for successive changes in criteria for recording deaths and cases.
On Saturday, a Chilean investigative website, Ciper, reported that the health ministry had told the World Health Organisation that as many as 5,000 deaths in the country were linked to coronavirus.
The health ministry’s statistics department reported figures to the global body of people who had died after testing positive for coronavirus test but also deaths suspected to be linked to Covid-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The new minister, Enrique Paris, is a former head of the Chilean College of Doctors (Colmed) and a university deacon.
José Miguel Bernucci, Colmed’s national secretary, welcomed the appointment, saying he was looking forward to a more consensual approach and a “change in strategy to jointly confront the pandemic.”
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-13--Weapons used against Saudi Arabia were ‘of Iranian origin’, UN says

Fragments of cruise missiles and drones displayed at a press conference in Riyadh on September 18 , 2019 .
They were recovered from the site of the attack which targeted the facilities of Saudi Aramco .
Cruise missiles and drones used in attacks last year on Saudi Arabia were “ of Iranian origin , ” including components that had been made in Iran or exported there , according to a report by the UN Secretary-General .
The document , which covers the implementation of the 2015 UN nuclear accord with Iran and was seen by AFP on Friday , offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weapons used in the attacks .
The strikes targeted a Saudi oil facility in Afif in May , the international airport at Abha in June and August and state oil giant Aramco ’ s processing facilities in Khurais and Abqaiq in September .
“ The Secretariat assesses that the cruise missiles and/or parts thereof used in the four attacks are of Iranian origin , ” the report by UN chief Antonio Guterres said .
The document , submitted Thursday to the Security Council , added that the drones used in the May and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran .
The devastating multi-pronged strikes against Aramco caused extensive damage and briefly interrupted production of half of the country ’ s oil output .
France , Germany and Britain joined the United States in September last year in accusing Iran of carrying out the attacks .
Iran formally denied any involvement and Guterres cites several exchanges with Tehran rejecting the charges .
The report draws on weapons seized by the United States off the coast of Yemen in November 2019 and February of this year which were likely destined for the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or parts of them , were “ of Iranian origin , ” such as anti-tank missiles , or had been “ delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran , ” such as optical weapons sights , the report said .
Items may have been transferred “ in a manner inconsistent with resolution 2231 ” of 2015 , the secretary-general said , noting that some of the seized weapons were identical or similar to parts recovered from the 2019 missile and drone attacks .
In a letter addressed to Guterres from Iran ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Tehran said it had not been policy to export weapons “ in violation of relevant arms embargoes of the Security Council.
” But the letter also insisted that the 2015 resolution “ does not prohibit the transfer of arms from Iran.
” Iran rejected the finding on Friday , saying the UN report contained “ a number of serious flaws , inaccuracies and discrepancies.
” “ The UN Secretariat lacks the capacity , expertise and knowledge to conduct such a sophisticated and sensitive investigation , ” the Iranian delegation said .

Cruise missiles and drones used in attacks last year on Saudi Arabia were “of Iranian origin,” including components that had been made in Iran or exported there, according to a report by the UN Secretary-General.
Fragments of cruise missiles and drones displayed at a press conference in Riyadh on September 18, 2019. They were recovered from the site of the attack which targeted the facilities of Saudi Aramco.
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The document, which covers the implementation of the 2015 UN nuclear accord with Iran and was seen by AFP on Friday, offers a detailed examination of debris from the weapons used in the attacks.
The strikes targeted a Saudi oil facility in Afif in May, the international airport at Abha in June and August and state oil giant Aramco’s processing facilities in Khurais and Abqaiq in September.
“The Secretariat assesses that the cruise missiles and/or parts thereof used in the four attacks are of Iranian origin,” the report by UN chief Antonio Guterres said.
The document, submitted Thursday to the Security Council, added that the drones used in the May and September attacks were entirely or partially from Iran.
The devastating multi-pronged strikes against Aramco caused extensive damage and briefly interrupted production of half of the country’s oil output.
France, Germany and Britain joined the United States in September last year in accusing Iran of carrying out the attacks.
Iran formally denied any involvement and Guterres cites several exchanges with Tehran rejecting the charges.
The report draws on weapons seized by the United States off the coast of Yemen in November 2019 and February of this year which were likely destined for the country’s Houthi rebels.
Those weapons, or parts of them, were “of Iranian origin,” such as anti-tank missiles, or had been “delivered to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” such as optical weapons sights, the report said.
Items may have been transferred “in a manner inconsistent with resolution 2231” of 2015, the secretary-general said, noting that some of the seized weapons were identical or similar to parts recovered from the 2019 missile and drone attacks.
In a letter addressed to Guterres from Iran’s UN delegation and dated May 22, Tehran said it had not been policy to export weapons “in violation of relevant arms embargoes of the Security Council.”
But the letter also insisted that the 2015 resolution “does not prohibit the transfer of arms from Iran.”
Iran rejected the finding on Friday, saying the UN report contained “a number of serious flaws, inaccuracies and discrepancies.”
“The UN Secretariat lacks the capacity, expertise and knowledge to conduct such a sophisticated and sensitive investigation,” the Iranian delegation said.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-14--France’s Macron aims to chart path out of crisis in televised address to nation

The French president has seen his ratings slide amid criticism of his response to the coronavirus pandemic .
French President Emmanuel Macron will give a televised national address on Sunday night , his fourth since the start of the coronavirus crisis , seeking fresh momentum for the final two years of his term .
Macron has seen his poll ratings slide amid criticism of his government ’ s handling of the pandemic , which saw France ’ s cherished healthcare system stretched to the limit .
On top of a biting recession triggered by the coronavirus lockdown , the French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new protest movement against police racism and brutality inspired by the George Floyd rallies in the US .
> > ‘ Black and treated as such ’ : France ’ s anti-racism protests expose myth of colour-blind Republic The president ’ s prime-time address comes two weeks ahead of delayed local elections in which his ruling party faces a severe beating , according to opinion polls .
Macron 's La République en Marche ( LREM ) party lost its absolute majority in parliament last month after several MPs defected to form independent groups @ @ @ @ @ @ @ humiliating setback in the second round of municipal elections on June 28 , with opinion polls showing its candidates are unlikely to capture any major city , including Paris .
Even Prime Minister Édouard Philippe is facing a tough battle to recover his seat as mayor of the northern port city of Le Havre .
Speculation has mounted that a cabinet shuffle is in the works as Macron seeks fresh momentum for the final two years of his five-year term .
No plans to step down The coronavirus outbreak has effectively stalled his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pensions overhaul that sparked a huge strike last winter .
Earlier this week , Macron ’ s office was forced to deny a media report that the president planned to step down to prompt a snap election .
The Figaro newspaper said Macron had made the shock announcement while speaking via videoconference to a handful of the largest donors to his centrist party .
The goal would have been to reinforce his legitimacy as France emerges from its coronavirus lockdown and to destabilise his opponents , the newspaper claimed .
But Macron 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report .
The president never suggested his resignation .
( ... ) He never took part in a videoconference with donors . ''
The Figaro report also cited an unnamed Elysée Palace official , who said : `` We 're entering a phase of reflection and consultations , where everything is being considered . ''
The official added that Macron 's decision could come `` in the coming weeks or months '' .

French President Emmanuel Macron will give a televised national address on Sunday night, his fourth since the start of the coronavirus crisis, seeking fresh momentum for the final two years of his term.
The French president has seen his ratings slide amid criticism of his response to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Watch Macron's address live on FRANCE 24 at 8pm Paris time (GMT+2)
Macron has seen his poll ratings slide amid criticism of his government’s handling of the pandemic, which saw France’s cherished healthcare system stretched to the limit.
On top of a biting recession triggered by the coronavirus lockdown, the French leader is now grappling with a potent new protest movement against police racism and brutality inspired by the George Floyd rallies in the US.
>> ‘Black and treated as such’: France’s anti-racism protests expose myth of colour-blind Republic
The president’s prime-time address comes two weeks ahead of delayed local elections in which his ruling party faces a severe beating, according to opinion polls.
Macron's La République en Marche (LREM) party lost its absolute majority in parliament last month after several MPs defected to form independent groups.
It is now bracing for a humiliating setback in the second round of municipal elections on June 28, with opinion polls showing its candidates are unlikely to capture any major city, including Paris.
Even Prime Minister Édouard Philippe is facing a tough battle to recover his seat as mayor of the northern port city of Le Havre.
Speculation has mounted that a cabinet shuffle is in the works as Macron seeks fresh momentum for the final two years of his five-year term.
No plans to step down
The coronavirus outbreak has effectively stalled his ambitious policy reforms, including the controversial pensions overhaul that sparked a huge strike last winter.
Earlier this week, Macron’s office was forced to deny a media report that the president planned to step down to prompt a snap election.
The Figaro newspaper said Macron had made the shock announcement while speaking via videoconference to a handful of the largest donors to his centrist party.
The goal would have been to reinforce his legitimacy as France emerges from its coronavirus lockdown and to destabilise his opponents, the newspaper claimed.
But Macron's office said: "We deny this report. The president never suggested his resignation. (...) He never took part in a videoconference with donors."
The Figaro report also cited an unnamed Elysée Palace official, who said: "We're entering a phase of reflection and consultations, where everything is being considered."
The official added that Macron's decision could come "in the coming weeks or months".
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-14--China reports highest number of new Covid-19 cases in two months

Chinese police guard the entrance to the closed Xinfadi market in Beijing , the centre of the latest virus outbreak , on June 13 , 2020 .
China on Sunday reported 57 new confirmed Covid-19 cases for June 13 , the highest since April 13 , stoking fears of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic as curbs are eased around the world .
China 's National Health Commission said in a statement that 38 of the new confirmed cases were locally transmitted , with 36 of them in Beijing .
This is the highest daily infection count for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Beijing recorded a jump in new confirmed cases , up from six a day earlier , after it started doing mass-testing at the Xinfadi market in the city 's southwestern Fengtai district .
The district has put itself on a `` wartime '' footing and the capital banned tourism and sports events on Saturday , sparking fears of a new wave of Covid-19 .
Nineteen of the new confirmed cases were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas , with 17 of them arriving in Guangdong .
China also reported nine asymptomatic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ no new deaths from Covid-19 for June 13 .
The total number of Covid-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,132 , while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634 .
China does not count asymptomatic patients , who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms , as confirmed cases .
At least 429,000 people worldwide have died from the respiratory illness , nearly halfway through a year in which countless lives have already been upended as the pandemic ravages the global economy .
The total number of confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ slightly over a month and the disease is now spreading most rapidly in Latin America , where it is threatening healthcare systems and sparking political turmoil .
Brazil now has the second-highest number of virus deaths after the United States , surpassing Britain 's toll , and the Chilean health minister resigned on Saturday amid a furore over the country 's true number of fatalities .

China on Sunday reported 57 new confirmed Covid-19 cases for June 13, the highest since April 13, stoking fears of a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic as curbs are eased around the world.
Chinese police guard the entrance to the closed Xinfadi market in Beijing, the centre of the latest virus outbreak, on June 13, 2020.
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China's National Health Commission said in a statement that 38 of the new confirmed cases were locally transmitted, with 36 of them in Beijing. This is the highest daily infection count for the Chinese capital since authorities started releasing data.
Beijing recorded a jump in new confirmed cases, up from six a day earlier, after it started doing mass-testing at the Xinfadi market in the city's southwestern Fengtai district.
The district has put itself on a "wartime" footing and the capital banned tourism and sports events on Saturday, sparking fears of a new wave of Covid-19.
02:37
Nineteen of the new confirmed cases were so-called imported cases involving travellers from overseas, with 17 of them arriving in Guangdong.
China also reported nine asymptomatic cases, one new suspected case and no new deaths from Covid-19 for June 13.
The total number of Covid-19 cases in mainland China now stands at 83,132, while the death toll remained unchanged at 4,634. China does not count asymptomatic patients, who are infected with the virus but do not display symptoms, as confirmed cases.
Chile's health minister resigns
At least 429,000 people worldwide have died from the respiratory illness, nearly halfway through a year in which countless lives have already been upended as the pandemic ravages the global economy.
The total number of confirmed cases has doubled to 7.7 million in slightly over a month and the disease is now spreading most rapidly in Latin America, where it is threatening healthcare systems and sparking political turmoil.
Brazil now has the second-highest number of virus deaths after the United States, surpassing Britain's toll, and the Chilean health minister resigned on Saturday amid a furore over the country's true number of fatalities.
(FRANCE 24 with REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-14--Atlanta police chief resigns after shooting death sparks new protests

A Wendy 's restaurant was set alight by protesters following the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta , Georgia , on June 13 , 2020 .
The police chief in the US city of Atlanta resigned after an officer fatally shot a black man during an arrest , the mayor said Saturday , with the new killing injecting fresh anger into protests against racism and police brutality .
Demonstrators blocked an interstate highway and set alight the Wendy 's where 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was killed late Saturday , local media reported .
This came hours after Mayor Keisha Lance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden — announced the resignation of Chief Erika Shields .
Brooks had been asleep in his car at a Wendy 's fast food restaurant drive-through late Friday , and employees called police to complain he was blocking other customers , an official report said .
He failed a sobriety test and resisted when police tried to arrest him , the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said .
Surveillance video showed `` that during a physical struggle with officers , Brooks obtained one of the officer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scene , '' the report continued .
`` Officers pursued Brooks on foot and during the chase , Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer .
The officer fired his weapon , striking Brooks , '' it stated .
Brooks was taken to a hospital but died after surgery , it said , adding that one officer was injured .
The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks , police spokesman Carlos Campos confirmed late on Saturday .
Another officer involved in the incident was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes as the US faces a historic reckoning on systemic racism , with mass civil unrest ignited by the May 25 killing of another African American man , George Floyd , while in police custody .
Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes .
Protests which spread first around the country then the globe in the weeks since , have forced a conversation on the legacies of slavery , colonialism and white violence against people of color , as well as the militarization of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Atlanta 's police department for more than two decades .
`` Because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should look like across this country , Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief , '' the mayor said in televised comments .
Bottoms also called for the officer who shot Brooks to be fired .

The police chief in the US city of Atlanta resigned after an officer fatally shot a black man during an arrest, the mayor said Saturday, with the new killing injecting fresh anger into protests against racism and police brutality.
A Wendy's restaurant was set alight by protesters following the police shooting of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 13, 2020.
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Demonstrators blocked an interstate highway and set alight the Wendy's where 27-year-old Rayshard Brooks was killed late Saturday, local media reported.
This came hours after Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms — who has been touted as a potential running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden — announced the resignation of Chief Erika Shields.
00:24
Brooks had been asleep in his car at a Wendy's fast food restaurant drive-through late Friday, and employees called police to complain he was blocking other customers, an official report said.
He failed a sobriety test and resisted when police tried to arrest him, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said.
Surveillance video showed "that during a physical struggle with officers, Brooks obtained one of the officer's Tasers and began to flee from the scene," the report continued.
"Officers pursued Brooks on foot and during the chase, Brooks turned and pointed the Taser at the officer. The officer fired his weapon, striking Brooks," it stated.
Brooks was taken to a hospital but died after surgery, it said, adding that one officer was injured.
The police department has fired the officer who allegedly shot and killed Brooks, police spokesman Carlos Campos confirmed late on Saturday. Another officer involved in the incident was put on administrative leave.
The unrest comes as the US faces a historic reckoning on systemic racism, with mass civil unrest ignited by the May 25 killing of another African American man, George Floyd, while in police custody.
Floyd died after a white Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
Protests which spread first around the country then the globe in the weeks since, have forced a conversation on the legacies of slavery, colonialism and white violence against people of color, as well as the militarization of police in America.
Shields had worked for Atlanta's police department for more than two decades.
"Because of her desire that Atlanta be a model of what meaningful reform should look like across this country, Chief Shields has offered to immediately step aside as police chief," the mayor said in televised comments.
Bottoms also called for the officer who shot Brooks to be fired.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-14--‘Well done New Zealand’: Dan Carter joins the party as rugby fans reap rewards of virus fight

More than 43,000 packed the ground in the largest turnout at a Super Rugby match in New Zealand for 15 years .
The Auckland Blues , featuring their blue-chip signing Beauden Barrett for the first time , overran the Wellington Hurricanes 30-20 on Sunday as the return of live sport in New Zealand drew a full house — and All Blacks legend Dan Carter — to Auckland 's Eden Park .
More than 43,000 packed the ground in the largest turnout at a Super Rugby match in New Zealand for 15 years , as fans starved of professional sport for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ unfettered contest less than a week after the country declared itself free of Covid-19 .
The pre-match talking point was the maiden appearance for the Blues of former Hurricane stalwart Barrett , a two-time World Player of the year .
The Blues were further bolstered by the appearance of All Blacks and Canterbury Crusaders legend Dan Carter offering guidance from the sideline .
But the input from the two fly-halves was overshadowed by the performance of the Blues pack who bossed the Hurricanes in the fast-paced match , and the kicking of Otere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Barrett playing at fullback .
While Black scored 15 points off the boot , Barrett 's performance was noted for a missed tackle that let Dane Coles in for a try .
`` My eyes lit up when I saw him , '' Coles said while Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said it was Barrett 's `` composure '' that made a significant contribution to the victory .
The Blues , underperformers for several seasons , had a history of strong starts and poor finishes , but in the revamped New Zealand version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrett produced a new backbone .
The Hurricanes started strongest and were up 3-0 after a Jackson Garden-Bachop penalty in the ninth minute .
When the Blues responded with a try to Caleb Clarke , converted by Black , the Hurricanes immediately regained the lead with Coles , stationed on the wing , smashing through Barrett 's attempted tackle to score in the corner and celebrating by cheekily ruffling his former teammates ' hair .
A try to TJ Faiane converted by Black and one to the Hurricanes by Ben Lam saw the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Blues dominated the second half with an early try to Dalton Papalii while Black added a conversion and three penalties before Jamie Booth scored a consolation try for the Hurricanes just before fulltime .

The Auckland Blues, featuring their blue-chip signing Beauden Barrett for the first time, overran the Wellington Hurricanes 30-20 on Sunday as the return of live sport in New Zealand drew a full house — and All Blacks legend Dan Carter — to Auckland's Eden Park.
More than 43,000 packed the ground in the largest turnout at a Super Rugby match in New Zealand for 15 years.
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More than 43,000 packed the ground in the largest turnout at a Super Rugby match in New Zealand for 15 years, as fans starved of professional sport for three months celebrated the return of an unfettered contest less than a week after the country declared itself free of Covid-19.
The pre-match talking point was the maiden appearance for the Blues of former Hurricane stalwart Barrett, a two-time World Player of the year.
The Blues were further bolstered by the appearance of All Blacks and Canterbury Crusaders legend Dan Carter offering guidance from the sideline.
But more importantly how good was it seeing a sold out Eden Park stadium. Live professional sport with crowds back again. Well done New Zealand 👊 pic.twitter.com/9WCMfJmEzt — Dan Carter (@DanCarter) June 14, 2020
But the input from the two fly-halves was overshadowed by the performance of the Blues pack who bossed the Hurricanes in the fast-paced match, and the kicking of Otere Black who wore the coveted 10 jersey with Barrett playing at fullback.
While Black scored 15 points off the boot, Barrett's performance was noted for a missed tackle that let Dane Coles in for a try.
"My eyes lit up when I saw him," Coles said while Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said it was Barrett's "composure" that made a significant contribution to the victory.
The Blues, underperformers for several seasons, had a history of strong starts and poor finishes, but in the revamped New Zealand version of Super Rugby, the addition of Barrett produced a new backbone.
Day 2 of rugby’s return to New Zealand after the country’s elimination of #Covid19 and Auckland has managed to attract the biggest Super Rugby crowd for a Blues home game in 15 years - with 41,000 people at Eden Park#BLUvHUR #SuperRugbyAotearoa pic.twitter.com/ub1MNXa8nR — Ashleigh Stewart (@Ash_Stewart_) June 14, 2020
The Hurricanes started strongest and were up 3-0 after a Jackson Garden-Bachop penalty in the ninth minute.
When the Blues responded with a try to Caleb Clarke, converted by Black, the Hurricanes immediately regained the lead with Coles, stationed on the wing, smashing through Barrett's attempted tackle to score in the corner and celebrating by cheekily ruffling his former teammates' hair.
A try to TJ Faiane converted by Black and one to the Hurricanes by Ben Lam saw the Blues turn with a narrow 14-13 lead.
The Blues dominated the second half with an early try to Dalton Papalii while Black added a conversion and three penalties before Jamie Booth scored a consolation try for the Hurricanes just before fulltime.
(AFP)
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france24--2020-06-14--Messi on target as Barcelona return to action with thumping 4-0 win

A beardless Lionel Messi sported a new look in Barcelona 's first game in three months .
Lionel Messi scored and grabbed two assists as La Liga leaders Barcelona eased to a 4-0 win away to struggling Real Mallorca on Saturday , making the perfect return to action after Spanish football 's three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic .
The champions got off to a flying start when Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal scored with a diving header in the second minute , while Danish international Martin Braithwaite scored his first goal for Barca later in the first half .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Barca in the 79th minute after latching on to a through ball from Messi , who had also set up Braithwaite 's goal with a header .
The Argentine then completed the scoring with a deflected strike in stoppage time , netting 20 league goals for the 12th season in a row .
The win takes Barca on to 61 points after 28 games , five clear of nearest challengers Real Madrid , who host Eibar on Sunday in their first game back .
`` We controlled the game and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three months , '' goalscorer Alba said .
`` We now have 10 must-win games to go and we are really looking forward to them . ''
The game was played behind closed doors to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus , but a fan wearing an Argentina shirt somehow made it on to the pitch , only to be swiftly taken away by security guards .
Luis Suarez made his first appearance since injuring his knee six months ago , coming off the bench in the second half , while his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shortly before Alba struck .
Mallorca occupy the final relegation spot in La Liga but despite the heavy loss they gave a decent account of themselves , with 19-year-old Japanese playmaker Takefusa Kubo pulling the strings .
Kubo tested Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the first half while Ante Budimir , Lago Junior and Abdon Prats all flashed shots just wide of the target after the interval .

Lionel Messi scored and grabbed two assists as La Liga leaders Barcelona eased to a 4-0 win away to struggling Real Mallorca on Saturday, making the perfect return to action after Spanish football's three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A beardless Lionel Messi sported a new look in Barcelona's first game in three months.
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The champions got off to a flying start when Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal scored with a diving header in the second minute, while Danish international Martin Braithwaite scored his first goal for Barca later in the first half.
Jordi Alba then added a third goal for Barca in the 79th minute after latching on to a through ball from Messi, who had also set up Braithwaite's goal with a header.
The Argentine then completed the scoring with a deflected strike in stoppage time, netting 20 league goals for the 12th season in a row.
The win takes Barca on to 61 points after 28 games, five clear of nearest challengers Real Madrid, who host Eibar on Sunday in their first game back.
"We controlled the game and it was a great performance after not competing for three months," goalscorer Alba said.
"We now have 10 must-win games to go and we are really looking forward to them."
It took 98 days and 90' + 3' , but for a #Messi goal, we'd wait an eternity. pic.twitter.com/toRk4iJSpS — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 13, 2020
The game was played behind closed doors to prevent further spread of the novel coronavirus, but a fan wearing an Argentina shirt somehow made it on to the pitch, only to be swiftly taken away by security guards.
Luis Suarez made his first appearance since injuring his knee six months ago, coming off the bench in the second half, while his fellow Uruguayan Ronald Araujo hit the post shortly before Alba struck.
Mallorca occupy the final relegation spot in La Liga but despite the heavy loss they gave a decent account of themselves, with 19-year-old Japanese playmaker Takefusa Kubo pulling the strings.
Kubo tested Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the first half while Ante Budimir, Lago Junior and Abdon Prats all flashed shots just wide of the target after the interval.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-14--Chile replaces health minister as Covid-19 deaths soar

Employees of a funeral parlour carry out the coffin of a Covid-19 victim in Valparaiso , Chile , June 12 , 2020 .
Chile President Sebastian Pinera on Saturday replaced Health Minister Jaime Manalich amid controversy over the country ’ s figures for deaths from the coronavirus outbreak .
Pinera said Manalich had spared “ no effort ” in carrying out his “ difficult and noble duty ” to protect Chileans ’ health .
He replaced him with Oscar Enrique Paris , an academic and medical doctor .
The sudden reshuffle comes as Chile faces its toughest month in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases and deaths rates .
The country now has the highest number of confirmed cases per million people in Latin America , reporting 167,355 cases on Saturday and 3,101 deaths .
Manalich , a tough-talking kidney specialist who once ran one of Chile ’ s top hospitals , has won praise for an aggressive campaign to keep hospitals supplied with ventilators and protective equipment and leading detailed daily press conferences .
But there have been frequent reports of spats among health ministry officials , and Manalich has been criticised by opposition politicians , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for refusing to release more detailed contagion data or apply lockdowns sooner and for successive changes in criteria for recording deaths and cases .
On Saturday , a Chilean investigative website , Ciper , reported that the health ministry had told the World Health Organisation that as many as 5,000 deaths in the country were linked to coronavirus .
The health ministry ’ s statistics department reported figures to the global body of people who had died after testing positive for coronavirus test but also deaths suspected to be linked to COVID-19 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
The new minister , Enrique Paris , is a former head of the Chilean College of Doctors ( Colmed ) and a university deacon .
José Miguel Bernucci , Colmed ’ s national secretary , welcomed the appointment , saying he was looking forward to a more consensual approach and a “ change in strategy to jointly confront the pandemic .
”

Chile President Sebastian Pinera on Saturday replaced Health Minister Jaime Manalich amid controversy over the country’s figures for deaths from the coronavirus outbreak.
Employees of a funeral parlour carry out the coffin of a Covid-19 victim in Valparaiso, Chile, June 12, 2020.
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Pinera said Manalich had spared “no effort” in carrying out his “difficult and noble duty” to protect Chileans’ health. He replaced him with Oscar Enrique Paris, an academic and medical doctor.
The sudden reshuffle comes as Chile faces its toughest month in the pandemic so far, with spiraling active cases and deaths rates.
The country now has the highest number of confirmed cases per million people in Latin America, reporting 167,355 cases on Saturday and 3,101 deaths.
Manalich, a tough-talking kidney specialist who once ran one of Chile’s top hospitals, has won praise for an aggressive campaign to keep hospitals supplied with ventilators and protective equipment and leading detailed daily press conferences.
But there have been frequent reports of spats among health ministry officials, and Manalich has been criticised by opposition politicians, mayors, medical experts and social groups for refusing to release more detailed contagion data or apply lockdowns sooner and for successive changes in criteria for recording deaths and cases.
On Saturday, a Chilean investigative website, Ciper, reported that the health ministry had told the World Health Organisation that as many as 5,000 deaths in the country were linked to coronavirus.
The health ministry’s statistics department reported figures to the global body of people who had died after testing positive for coronavirus test but also deaths suspected to be linked to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
The new minister, Enrique Paris, is a former head of the Chilean College of Doctors (Colmed) and a university deacon.
José Miguel Bernucci, Colmed’s national secretary, welcomed the appointment, saying he was looking forward to a more consensual approach and a “change in strategy to jointly confront the pandemic.”
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-14--France’s Macron accelerates lifting of lockdown after ‘first victory’ against Covid-19

French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that cafes and restaurants in the Paris region can fully open again starting Monday , June 15 .
Indoor seating in the capital has been remained banned even as lockdown measures have gradually lifted .
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday said he was accelerating plans to ease the country ’ s coronavirus lockdown to revive the euro zone ’ s second biggest economy more swiftly .
“ The fight against the epidemic is not finished but I am happy about this first victory against the virus , ” Macron said in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that all of mainland France , including Paris and its suburbs , would be classified as a “ green zone ” of a lower state of alert starting Monday , meaning that cafes and restaurants in the French capital can open in full and not just on terraces .
The announcement will be a relief for restaurants in Paris , after officials signalled last week that their reopening might not come before June 22 .
Only the overseas territories of Mayotte ( in the Indian Ocean ) and French Guiana ( in South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ orange ” alert level , with highs number of cases still posing a threat to strained hospital systems .
Macron also said that all French schools , except high schools , would fully reopen from June 22 , a move that will allow more parents to return to work and give students at least a few days with their teachers before the summer break .
Family visits will also be allowed from Monday at nursing homes , which have been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 outbreak that has killed more than 29,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of new infections has slowed markedly in recent days .
“ As soon as tomorrow we will be able to turn the page on this first chapter across all our territory , ” Macron said .
The president also confirmed that the second round of municipal elections originally set for March , when the government imposed the lockdown against the virus , would go ahead as planned on June 28 .
But mass gatherings will remain “ tightly controlled ” for now , since “ they are the main occasions for spreading the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promised that the cost of keeping companies afloat and people in jobs during the worst economic downturn since World War Two would not be passed to households through taxes .
Macron said the government had mobilised an “ unprecedented ” 500 billion euros ( $ 563 billion ) in financial aid and relief to prevent layoffs and support key sectors including aviation , automobiles , restaurants and tourism .
“ With this epidemic , the global economy has come to a virtual standstill .
Our first priority will be to rebuild an economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and united , ” he said .
The government expects the economy to shrink by 11 % in 2020 .
The coronavirus emergency had exposed France ’ s , and more broadly Europe ’ s , heavy reliance on global supply chains , from the car industry to smart phones and pharmaceuticals , that were paralysed when the epidemic first broke out in China .
“ The only answer is to build a new , stronger economic model , work and produce more , so as not to rely on others , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ racism , but statues to remain Macron also touched on the anti-racism protests that have spread to France in the wake of the death of African American George Floyd in the United States .
The global outpouring of anger has forced France to confront allegations from ethnic minorities and rights group of racism and brutality within France ’ s own law enforcement agencies .
Macron said skin colour too often reduced a person ’ s opportunities in France , promising to be “ uncompromising ” against all discrimination .
However , he insisted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of controversial , colonial-era figures as has happened in some other countries in the wake of George Floyd ’ s death in the United States and ensuing worldwide protests against racial injustice .
“ The Republic will not erase any trace or name from its history , ” Macron said .
“ Rather , we must look together lucidly , at all of our history , all of our memories , our relationship with Africa in particular , to build a present and a possible future … and under no circumstances revisit or @ @ @ @ @ @

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday said he was accelerating plans to ease the country’s coronavirus lockdown to revive the euro zone’s second biggest economy more swiftly.
In this file photo taken on September 4, 2017, Pupils arrive at a primary school on the first day of the new school year, in La Rochelle, western France.
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“The fight against the epidemic is not finished but I am happy about this first victory against the virus,” Macron said in an address to the nation.
He said that all of mainland France, including Paris and its suburbs, would be classified as a “green zone” of a lower state of alert starting Monday, meaning that cafes and restaurants in the French capital can open in full and not just on terraces.
The announcement will be a relief for restaurants in Paris, after officials signalled last week that their reopening might not come before June 22.
Only the overseas territories of Mayotte (in the Indian Ocean) and French Guiana (in South America) will remain at the “orange” alert level, with highs number of cases still posing a threat to strained hospital systems.
Macron also said that all French schools, except high schools, would fully reopen from June 22, a move that will allow more parents to return to work and give students at least a few days with their teachers before the summer break.
Family visits will also be allowed from Monday at nursing homes, which have been hit especially hard by the Covid-19 outbreak that has killed more than 29,000 people in France, though the number of new infections has slowed markedly in recent days.
“As soon as tomorrow we will be able to turn the page on this first chapter across all our territory,” Macron said.
The president also confirmed that the second round of municipal elections originally set for March, when the government imposed the lockdown against the virus, would go ahead as planned on June 28.
But mass gatherings will remain “tightly controlled” for now, since “they are the main occasions for spreading the virus,” he said.
‘A new, stronger economic model’
Macron promised that the cost of keeping companies afloat and people in jobs during the worst economic downturn since World War Two would not be passed to households through taxes.
Macron said the government had mobilised an “unprecedented” 500 billion euros ($563 billion) in financial aid and relief to prevent layoffs and support key sectors including aviation, automobiles, restaurants and tourism.
“With this epidemic, the global economy has come to a virtual standstill. Our first priority will be to rebuild an economy that is strong, ecological, sovereign and united,” he said.
The government expects the economy to shrink by 11% in 2020.
The coronavirus emergency had exposed France’s, and more broadly Europe’s, heavy reliance on global supply chains, from the car industry to smart phones and pharmaceuticals, that were paralysed when the epidemic first broke out in China.
“The only answer is to build a new, stronger economic model, work and produce more, so as not to rely on others,” Macron said.
‘Uncompromising’ against racism, but statues to remain
Macron also touched on the anti-racism protests that have spread to France in the wake of the death of African American George Floyd in the United States.
The global outpouring of anger has forced France to confront allegations from ethnic minorities and rights group of racism and brutality within France’s own law enforcement agencies.
Macron said skin colour too often reduced a person’s opportunities in France, promising to be“uncompromising” against all discrimination.
However, he insisted that France will not take down statues of controversial, colonial-era figures as has happened in some other countries in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the United States and ensuing worldwide protests against racial injustice.
“The Republic will not erase any trace or name from its history,” Macron said. “Rather, we must look together lucidly, at all of our history, all of our memories, our relationship with Africa in particular, to build a present and a possible future … and under no circumstances revisit or deny what we are.”
(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-15--Turkish jets drop bombs on Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq

Turkish warplanes struck Kurdish militant targets in various regions of northern Iraq on Sunday night in response to an increase in militant attacks on Turkish army bases , the Defence Ministry said .
`` The Claw-Eagle Operation has started .
Our planes are bringing the caves down on the terrorists ' heads , '' the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter .
Turkey regularly targets Kurdistan Workers Party ( PKK ) militants , both in Turkey 's mainly Kurdish southeast and in northern Iraq , where the group is based .
A security source told Reuters the warplanes took off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ notably in the southeastern cities of Diyarbakir and Malatya .
The defence ministry subsequently said the air operation targeted the PKK in the region of its stronghold at Qandil , near the Iranian border , as well as the areas of Sinjar , Zap , Avasin-Basyan and Hakurk .
`` The PKK and other terrorist elements are threatening the security of our people and borders with attacks increasing every day on the areas of our outposts and bases , '' it said .
The PKK , designated as a terrorist group by Turkey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984 .
More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict , focused in southeast Turkey .
While Turkish warplanes frequently target PKK targets in northern Iraq , Turkey has also warned in recent years of a potential ground offensive targeting the PKK bases in the Qandil mountains .

Turkish warplanes struck Kurdish militant targets in various regions of northern Iraq on Sunday night in response to an increase in militant attacks on Turkish army bases, the Defence Ministry said.
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"The Claw-Eagle Operation has started. Our planes are bringing the caves down on the terrorists' heads," the Turkish Defence Ministry said on Twitter.
Turkey regularly targets Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants, both in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast and in northern Iraq, where the group is based.
A security source told Reuters the warplanes took off from various air bases in Turkey, notably in the southeastern cities of Diyarbakir and Malatya.
The defence ministry subsequently said the air operation targeted the PKK in the region of its stronghold at Qandil, near the Iranian border, as well as the areas of Sinjar, Zap, Avasin-Basyan and Hakurk.
"The PKK and other terrorist elements are threatening the security of our people and borders with attacks increasing every day on the areas of our outposts and bases," it said.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist group by Turkey, the United States and European Union, took up arms against the Turkish state in 1984. More than 40,000 people have been killed in the conflict, focused in southeast Turkey.
While Turkish warplanes frequently target PKK targets in northern Iraq, Turkey has also warned in recent years of a potential ground offensive targeting the PKK bases in the Qandil mountains.
(REUTERS)
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france24--2020-06-14--‘Extraordinary’ trial expected as Covid-19 victims take French state to court

As France ’ s coronavirus epidemic abates , for now at least , legal proceedings against public authorities are being filed across the country as people argue that the illness or grief they suffered could have been avoided .
More than a hundred criminal complaints have been filed across France for “ involuntary homicide or injury ” , “ endangering the lives of others ” or “ voluntary abstention from fighting a disaster ” , coming from the families of deceased loved ones , mayors , unions and patients ’ associations .
“ The phone just keeps on ringing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a group representing Covid-19 victims in the country .
“ We ’ ve collected dozens of testimonies from victims over the past few days ” – about 60 , in total .
“ And we ’ ve only just started !
” In response to this influx of criminal complaints , Paris prosecutor Rémy Heitz announced on June 8 the opening of a vast investigation into the much criticised handling of Covid-19 in France that will supplement MPs ’ investigations in a parliamentary commission tasked with getting to the bottom of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a “ historic situation ” , Heitz noted that it is the “ first time that lawsuits have been filed while the crisis is still in full swing ” , unlike in previous public health cases such as those over asbestos and contaminated blood , when “ justice was served well after the fact ” .
The consequent trial promises to be “ extraordinary ” , added Hervé Banbanaste , the lawyer for the Association of Covid-19 Victims for Help and Compensation ( Avaic19 ) .
This trial could take “ between five @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Di Vizio , a lawyer representing coronavirus victims ’ groups the C19 Collective and AVCCD France .
“ But it ’ s important that the trial takes a long time , because we ’ ve got to understand the responsibilities of each actor in the health sector .
It ’ s painstaking work , but it ’ s the price we pay for getting to the truth ” .
Numerous complaints have been directed at Jérôme Salomon , France ’ s Director General of Health and a prominent figure in the media over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French Chamber of Pharmacists and government bodies such as Public Health France , Regional Health Agencies and the prison administration are also targets .
But France ’ s nursing homes were the first to be singled out – unsurprisingly , seeing as over 9,700 of their residents succumbed to the coronavirus , more than a third of the French death toll .
As the number of criminal complaints snowballed , families formed an association called Collectif 9,471 , with the number referring to the death toll in nursing homes on May 5 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ created .
Relatives of health workers who died of Covid-19 are among the complainants .
These include the widow of Ali Djemoui , a GP who worked in the Paris suburb of Champigny-sur-Marne .
The 59-year-old died on April 2 after seeing nearly 1,400 patients in one month , at the rate of 60 a day , six days a week .
“ At the end of February the government claimed that GPs were not in contact with Covid-19 patients , but in fact Dr Djemoui had to work with patients who were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Between late February and mid-March , GPs were denied the face masks they needed , ” Di Vizio continued .
He also decried the fact that the Chamber of Pharmacists did not give instructions to import face masks at the time to deal with severe shortfalls .
Djemoui ’ s widow wants to bring to justice those she sees as responsible for her husband ’ s death : the French state , the General Directorate of Health , Regional Health Authorities and the Council of Pharmacists .
“ I ’ m waiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state ’ s responsibility for failing to protect my husband , ” she said .
“ I ’ m doing it to honour his memory and his profession , which he adored.
” France ’ s professional association for doctors estimates that around thirty of the country ’ s GPs have died of the coronavirus .
GPs have accused Health Minister Olivier Véran of betraying his promise to equip them with the high-grade FFP2 masks , which experts recommend for workers on the frontline .
Consequently , some thirty doctors in the C19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Court of Justice .
They question whether the authorities ever ordered protective equipment supplies for frontline workers and are demanding proof .
Police unions have also filed complaints arguing that the authorities did not do enough to protect officers in contact with the public .
Others have brought legal proceedings against the government for holding the first round of France ’ s local elections on March 15 , despite it being clear that the virus was surging through the country by that point .
Chafia Zehmoul , an independent candidate for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first elected official to have filed a complaint against the government over its handling of the coronavirus .
“ I was totally in the zone , campaigning all-out – shaking hands , kissing people , ” she said .
“ The day after the election , I didn ’ t hear back from some of the members of my campaign team .
I found out that they were in hospital .
Two of them died ; two of their family members also died .
I was shocked.
” Since then , Zehmoul @ @ @ @ @ @ @ these complaints are political , ” Di Vizio said .
“ It ’ s just a matter of finding out the truth and protecting the rights of victims.
” This article was translated from the original in French .

As France’s coronavirus epidemic abates, for now at least, legal proceedings against public authorities are being filed across the country as people argue that the illness or grief they suffered could have been avoided.
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More than a hundred criminal complaints have been filed across France for “involuntary homicide or injury”, “endangering the lives of others” or “voluntary abstention from fighting a disaster”, coming from the families of deceased loved ones, mayors, unions and patients’ associations.
“The phone just keeps on ringing,” said a spokesperson for AVCCD France, a group representing Covid-19 victims in the country. “We’ve collected dozens of testimonies from victims over the past few days” – about 60, in total. “And we’ve only just started!”
In response to this influx of criminal complaints, Paris prosecutor Rémy Heitz announced on June 8 the opening of a vast investigation into the much criticised handling of Covid-19 in France that will supplement MPs’ investigations in a parliamentary commission tasked with getting to the bottom of what mistakes were made. Describing it as a “historic situation”, Heitz noted that it is the “first time that lawsuits have been filed while the crisis is still in full swing”, unlike in previous public health cases such as those over asbestos and contaminated blood, when “justice was served well after the fact”.
The consequent trial promises to be “extraordinary”, added Hervé Banbanaste, the lawyer for the Association of Covid-19 Victims for Help and Compensation (Avaic19).
GPs ‘denied face masks’
This trial could take “between five and seven years”, said Fabrice Di Vizio, a lawyer representing coronavirus victims’ groups the C19 Collective and AVCCD France. “But it’s important that the trial takes a long time, because we’ve got to understand the responsibilities of each actor in the health sector. It’s painstaking work, but it’s the price we pay for getting to the truth”.
Numerous complaints have been directed at Jérôme Salomon, France’s Director General of Health and a prominent figure in the media over the course of the epidemic. The French Chamber of Pharmacists and government bodies such as Public Health France, Regional Health Agencies and the prison administration are also targets.
But France’s nursing homes were the first to be singled out – unsurprisingly, seeing as over 9,700 of their residents succumbed to the coronavirus, more than a third of the French death toll. As the number of criminal complaints snowballed, families formed an association called Collectif 9,471, with the number referring to the death toll in nursing homes on May 5, 2020, the day the association was created.
Relatives of health workers who died of Covid-19 are among the complainants.
These include the widow of Ali Djemoui, a GP who worked in the Paris suburb of Champigny-sur-Marne. The 59-year-old died on April 2 after seeing nearly 1,400 patients in one month, at the rate of 60 a day, six days a week. “At the end of February the government claimed that GPs were not in contact with Covid-19 patients, but in fact Dr Djemoui had to work with patients who were coughing,” Di Vizio said.
“Between late February and mid-March, GPs were denied the face masks they needed,” Di Vizio continued. He also decried the fact that the Chamber of Pharmacists did not give instructions to import face masks at the time to deal with severe shortfalls.
Anger over March local elections
Djemoui’s widow wants to bring to justice those she sees as responsible for her husband’s death: the French state, the General Directorate of Health, Regional Health Authorities and the Council of Pharmacists. “I’m waiting for the justice system to recognise the state’s responsibility for failing to protect my husband,” she said. “I’m doing it to honour his memory and his profession, which he adored.”
France’s professional association for doctors estimates that around thirty of the country’s GPs have died of the coronavirus. GPs have accused Health Minister Olivier Véran of betraying his promise to equip them with the high-grade FFP2 masks, which experts recommend for workers on the frontline. Consequently, some thirty doctors in the C19 Collective have filed complaints at France’s Court of Justice. They question whether the authorities ever ordered protective equipment supplies for frontline workers and are demanding proof. Police unions have also filed complaints arguing that the authorities did not do enough to protect officers in contact with the public.
Others have brought legal proceedings against the government for holding the first round of France’s local elections on March 15, despite it being clear that the virus was surging through the country by that point. Chafia Zehmoul, an independent candidate for a seat in the Lyon suburbs, is the first elected official to have filed a complaint against the government over its handling of the coronavirus. “I was totally in the zone, campaigning all-out – shaking hands, kissing people,” she said. “The day after the election, I didn’t hear back from some of the members of my campaign team. I found out that they were in hospital. Two of them died; two of their family members also died. I was shocked.” Since then, Zehmoul helped found Avaic19.
“None of these complaints are political,” Di Vizio said. “It’s just a matter of finding out the truth and protecting the rights of victims.”
This article was translated from the original in French.
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france24--2020-06-14--France won’t take down statues, ‘erase’ history: Macron on anti-racism protests

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Sunday to stand firm against racism but also praised police and insisted that France wouldn ’ t take down statues of controversial , colonial-era figures .
It was the first time Macron has spoken on the issues since George Floyd ’ s death in the United States unleashed protests around the world , including several in France , where demonstrators have expressed anger at racial injustice and police brutality , particularly toward minorities from France ’ s former colonies in Africa .
Unusually for a French leader , Macron acknowledged that someone ’ s “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” can reduce their chances at succeeding in French society , and called for a fight to ensure that everyone can “ find their place ” regardless of ethnic origin or religion .
He promised to be “ uncompromising in the face of racism , anti-Semitism and discrimination.
” However , he insisted that France will not take down statues of controversial , colonial-era figures as has happened in some other countries in recent weeks .
Amid calls for taking down statues tied to France ’ s slave trade or colonial wrongs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ erase any trace , or any name , from its history ... it will not take down any statue.
” “ We should look at all of our history together ” including relations with Africa , with a goal of “ truth ” instead of “ denying who we are , ” Macron said .
Macron also said that the fight against racism became distorted when it became exploited by what he described as “ separatists.
” “ It is necessary to unite around Republican patriotism .
We are a nation where everyone—whatever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” he said .
He didn ’ t address accusations of police violence but said forces of order deserve “ the nation ’ s recognition.
” > > As George Floyd outrage spreads , France confronts its own demons Like many governments around the world , Macron ’ s is facing growing pressure to confront racism and police violence .
At least 15,000 people demonstrated in Paris on Saturday , the latest in a string of French protests galvanized by George Floyd ’ s death in the United States and the Black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on France ’ s own tensions between police and minorities .
In response , the government banned police chokeholds and vowed to stamp out racism among police — but that has now angered police unions , who say they ’ re being unfairly painted as white supremacists and staged protests of their own .
Calls are also mounting to reassess France ’ s colonial legacy , causing division within Macron ’ s own camp .
Over the past two days , the culture minister denounced the decision to cancel a Paris showing of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a film long criticized as romanticizing slavery — as contrary to freedom of expression .
And he firmly condemned activists who tried to take a piece of African art from a Paris museum dedicated to artwork from former colonies .
But government minister Sibeth Ndiaye — a close Macron ally and the most prominent black figure in current French politics — wrote an unusually personal essay Saturday in Le Monde calling for France to rethink its colorblind doctrine , which aims at encouraging equality by ignoring race altogether .
“ We must not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that a skin color is not neutral , ” she wrote .
She called on the French to “ confront our memories ” about their history and find a “ shared narrative ” with former colonies .

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed Sunday to stand firm against racism but also praised police and insisted that France wouldn’t take down statues of controversial, colonial-era figures.
French President Emmanuel Macron speaking in a live address from the Elysée Palace on Sunday, June 14, 2020.
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It was the first time Macron has spoken on the issues since George Floyd’s death in the United States unleashed protests around the world, including several in France, where demonstrators have expressed anger at racial injustice and police brutality, particularly toward minorities from France’s former colonies in Africa.
Unusually for a French leader, Macron acknowledged that someone’s “address, name, color of skin” can reduce their chances at succeeding in French society, and called for a fight to ensure that everyone can “find their place” regardless of ethnic origin or religion. He promised to be “uncompromising in the face of racism, anti-Semitism and discrimination”.
However, he insisted that France will not take down statues of controversial, colonial-era figures as has happened in some other countries in recent weeks.
Amid calls for taking down statues tied to France’s slave trade or colonial wrongs, Macron said “the republic will not erase any trace, or any name, from its history ... it will not take down any statue”.
“We should look at all of our history together” including relations with Africa, with a goal of “truth” instead of “denying who we are”, Macron said.
Macron also said that the fight against racism became distorted when it became exploited by what he described as “separatists”.
“It is necessary to unite around Republican patriotism. We are a nation where everyone—whatever their origin and religion—can find their place,” he said.
>> As George Floyd outrage spreads, France confronts its own demons
Like many governments around the world, Macron’s is facing growing pressure to confront racism and police violence.
At least 15,000 people demonstrated in Paris on Saturday, the latest in a string of French protests galvanized by George Floyd’s death in the United States and the Black Lives Matter movement, but increasingly focused on France’s own tensions between police and minorities.
In response, the government banned police chokeholds and vowed to stamp out racism among police — but that has now angered police unions, who say they’re being unfairly painted as white supremacists and staged protests of their own.
During his address on Sunday night, Macron didn't address accusations of police violence but he defended France's under-fire police force, saying they "deserve public support and the recognition of the nation for their work".
"Without Republican order, there cannot be security or freedom," he said.
Police have protested against what they perceive as a lack of backing from the government and in particular Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.
Several hundred police staged a second night of demonstrations in Paris after the president's address.
"We are not at all reassured by the speech tonight, on the contrary," an officer demonstrating near the Eiffel Tower told AFP on Sunday.
The previous night, several dozen police officers parked their police cars by the Arc de Triomphe and flashed their lights.
Gone With the Wind
Calls are mounting in France to reassess the country's colonial legacy, causing division within Macron’s own camp.
Over the past two days, the culture minister denounced the decision to cancel a Paris showing of “Gone With the Wind” — a film long criticized as romanticizing slavery — as contrary to freedom of expression. And he firmly condemned activists who tried to take a piece of African art from a Paris museum dedicated to artwork from former colonies.
But government minister Sibeth Ndiaye — a close Macron ally and the most prominent black figure in current French politics — wrote an unusually personal essay Saturday in Le Monde calling for France to rethink its colour-blind doctrine, which aims at encouraging equality by ignoring race altogether.
“We must not hesitate to name things, to say that a skin color is not neutral,” she wrote. She called on the French to “confront our memories” about their history and find a “shared narrative” with former colonies.
(FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP)
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france24--2020-06-14--Spain to reopen EU borders on June 21, more than a week ahead of schedule

File photo : Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wears a protective mask as he attends a plenary session amid the Covid-19 outbreak , at the Parliament in Madrid , Spain , May 20 , 2020 .
Spain , one of the world ’ s leading tourist destinations , will next Sunday re-establish free travel with fellow EU countries , Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced .
The land border with Portugal will however remain closed until July 1 .
Portugal has suffered a much lower death rate than Spain from the coronavirus epidemic .
Madrid had previously planned to restart full @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to lift “ border checks with all member countries on June 21 ” , Sanchez said in a televised speech on Sunday .
The new date coincides with the lifting of the state of emergency Spain imposed from mid-March to fight Covid-19 as fatalities soared .
Spain has recorded more than 27,000 deaths in the pandemic , one of the highest tolls around the world .
But by Monday , more than 70 percent of Spain ’ s 47 million population will be in the final stage of a phased rollback of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The European Commission has recommended that the 27 EU members fully reopen their frontiers with each other on June 15 and many countries are planning to do so .
Italy reopened its borders on June 3 , lifting all restrictions for travellers from within Europe .
Madrid has declared the virus under control but Sanchez alluded to fears that opening the borders could provoke a new surge , saying , “ It ’ s a critical moment but we are prepared ” .
Travellers who arrived in Spain after May 15 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the end of their period in isolation on June 21 , Sanchez added .

Spain, one of the world’s leading tourist destinations, will next Sunday re-establish free travel with fellow EU countries, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced.
File photo: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wears a protective mask as he attends a plenary session amid the Covid-19 outbreak, at the Parliament in Madrid, Spain, May 20, 2020.
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The land border with Portugal will however remain closed until July 1. Portugal has suffered a much lower death rate than Spain from the coronavirus epidemic.
Madrid had previously planned to restart full EU travel on July 1 but decided to lift “border checks with all member countries on June 21”, Sanchez said in a televised speech on Sunday.
The new date coincides with the lifting of the state of emergency Spain imposed from mid-March to fight Covid-19 as fatalities soared.
Spain has recorded more than 27,000 deaths in the pandemic, one of the highest tolls around the world.
But by Monday, more than 70 percent of Spain’s 47 million population will be in the final stage of a phased rollback of the lockdown that should finish by June 21.
The European Commission has recommended that the 27 EU members fully reopen their frontiers with each other on June 15 and many countries are planning to do so.
Italy reopened its borders on June 3, lifting all restrictions for travellers from within Europe.
Madrid has declared the virus under control but Sanchez alluded to fears that opening the borders could provoke a new surge, saying, “It’s a critical moment but we are prepared”.
Travellers who arrived in Spain after May 15 and had to go into quarantine will see the end of their period in isolation on June 21, Sanchez added.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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france24--2020-06-14--String of apparent jihadist attacks kills dozens in northeast Nigeria

File photo : Nigerian soldiers patrol on October 12 , 2019 , after gunmen suspected of belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province ( ISWAP ) group carried out a deadly attack in the village of Tungushe , Borno state .
Jihadists reported to be linked to the Islamic State group killed dozens of people in the latest of a spate of bloody attacks in northeast Nigeria , local sources said Sunday .
Inhabitants of remote Goni Usmanti village told AFP that fighters gunned down 38 people in a raid on Saturday and set a truck ablaze killing an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ security sources and residents said the death toll from a second attack Saturday on the town of Monguno , 60 kilometres ( 40 miles ) away , had risen to 15 , including nine soldiers .
The killings are the latest in a spike of assaults by fighters believed to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province ( ISWAP ) faction after they massacred 81 people at a village in the area on Tuesday .
Jihadists in pickup trucks on Saturday shot dead fleeing residents in Goni Usmanti after brief clashes with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sources said .
“ The insurgents killed 38 people , including six vigilantes who put up a fight before they were overpowered , ” local self-defence group leader Babakura Kolo said .
Resident Grema Nuwaisu gave the same toll and said the fighters had opened fire on a lorry loaded with traders , burning the vehicle and those inside .
“ We don ’ t know how many people were on the lorry which was full , ” Nuwaisu said .
“ It was completely burnt , making it difficult to identify bodies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truck and escaped.
” The same group of jihadists was then believed to have carried out an attack on the strategic garrison town of Monguno several hours later .
Security sources and residents on Sunday raised the death toll from that assault from six to 15 as more bodies were discovered .
“ The number of those killed is now 15 , including nine soldiers , a vigilante and five civilians , ” said government-backed militia member Bukar Ari .
He said several residents wounded by “ stray bullets and shrapnel ” were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an international charity .
Monguno—home to a key army base and tens of thousands of people displaced by the region ’ s decade-long insurgency—has been repeatedly targeted by jihadists .
Residents said the assailants torched a police station and government buildings before military jets launched air strikes against them .
The Nigerian military wrote on Twitter Sunday that the army and air force had “ successfully repelled ” the attack on Monguno and killed 20 jihadists .
It made no mention of any casualties among soldiers and civilians or of the attack on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northeast Nigeria has killed at least 36,000 people and forced two million from their homes .
The Nigerian authorities have repeatedly claimed the insurgency has been largely defeated .
ISWAP split from the Boko Haram jihadist group in 2016 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group .

Jihadists reported to be linked to the Islamic State group killed dozens of people in the latest of a spate of bloody attacks in northeast Nigeria, local sources said Sunday.
File photo: Nigerian soldiers patrol on October 12, 2019, after gunmen suspected of belonging to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group carried out a deadly attack in the village of Tungushe, Borno state.
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Inhabitants of remote Goni Usmanti village told AFP that fighters gunned down 38 people in a raid on Saturday and set a truck ablaze killing an unknown number of passengers.
Separately, security sources and residents said the death toll from a second attack Saturday on the town of Monguno, 60 kilometres (40 miles) away, had risen to 15, including nine soldiers.
The killings are the latest in a spike of assaults by fighters believed to be from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) faction after they massacred 81 people at a village in the area on Tuesday.
Jihadists in pickup trucks on Saturday shot dead fleeing residents in Goni Usmanti after brief clashes with members of a local government-backed militia, sources said.
“The insurgents killed 38 people, including six vigilantes who put up a fight before they were overpowered,” local self-defence group leader Babakura Kolo said.
Resident Grema Nuwaisu gave the same toll and said the fighters had opened fire on a lorry loaded with traders, burning the vehicle and those inside.
“We don’t know how many people were on the lorry which was full,” Nuwaisu said.
“It was completely burnt, making it difficult to identify bodies. Only two passengers jumped off the truck and escaped.”
The same group of jihadists was then believed to have carried out an attack on the strategic garrison town of Monguno several hours later.
Security sources and residents on Sunday raised the death toll from that assault from six to 15 as more bodies were discovered.
“The number of those killed is now 15, including nine soldiers, a vigilante and five civilians,” said government-backed militia member Bukar Ari.
He said several residents wounded by “stray bullets and shrapnel” were being treated at a clinic run by an international charity.
Monguno—home to a key army base and tens of thousands of people displaced by the region’s decade-long insurgency—has been repeatedly targeted by jihadists.
Residents said the assailants torched a police station and government buildings before military jets launched air strikes against them.
The Nigerian military wrote on Twitter Sunday that the army and air force had “successfully repelled” the attack on Monguno and killed 20 jihadists.
The Ground troops of Sector 3 and Air Task Force Operation LAFIYA DOLE successfully repelled attack on Monguno town & state of West Africa terrorists who attempted to breach Munguno Town in Borno State on Saturday, 13 June 2020. — DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DefenceInfoNG) June 14, 2020
It made no mention of any casualties among soldiers and civilians or of the attack on Goni Usmanti.
The 10-year conflict in northeast Nigeria has killed at least 36,000 people and forced two million from their homes.
The Nigerian authorities have repeatedly claimed the insurgency has been largely defeated.
ISWAP split from the Boko Haram jihadist group in 2016 and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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